5-azacytidine and butyrate inhibit in vitro invasion of human liver cancer cells / 中国普通外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective We have recently shown that 5-azacytidine and butyrate can trigger apoptosis in human liver cancer cells. The purpose of our present study was to determine the effects of 5-azacytidine and butyrate on the invasion of liver cancer cells and the changes of the protein expression in the liver cancer cells during the treatment with these agents. Method Human liver cancer cell lines HepG2 and Hep3B were treated with either 5-azacytidine or butyrate; in vitro cell invasion, adhesion and proliferation, as well as the expression of the cell cycle inhibitory proteins p21waf1, p27kip1 and p53 were observed.Results Our results demonstrated that the combination of 5-azacytidine and butyrate effectively blocked in vitro invasion of these two liver cancer cell lines. Both agents inhibited the adhesion and proliferation of the liver cancer cells. The expression of p21waf1 and p27kip1 protein in the liver cancer cells was increased by the treatment with either agent. These two proteins may contribute to the inhibition of the liver cancer cells invasion.Conclusion Our finding suggests that the agents that specifically target the cell cycle inhibitor genes may clinically useful in the adjuvant treatment of liver cancers.