ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of reorganized-human growth hormone (r-hGH) on cycle kinetics and apoptosis of liver cancer cells or 7402 cells. METHODS: Liver cancer cells were cultured for 24 hours with r-hGH at different concentrations with or without cisplatin (DDP). Cells undergoing apoptosis and differentiation were determined by flow cytometry (FCM). RESULTS: Comparison of the results in culture with and without r-hGH showed that the percentage of cells in G0-G1 phase dropped (P<0.05), whereas in S phase increased (P<0.05). Adding of r-hGH and DDP to the culture medium increased the apoptosis of liver cancer cells more significantly than adding DDP only (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Liver cancer cells might express the hGH receptor. In vitro r-hGH might induce the differentiation of liver cancer cells, stimulate the combination of DNA, and reduce the cells in G0-G1 phases. These improve the sensibility of tumors to the special-staged chemical treatment. Chemotherapy together with r-hGH may increase the apoptosis of liver cancer cells.
