ABSTRACT
Objective: To explore the inhibitory effect of N4-hydroxyphenyl retinode (4-HPR) used alone or in combination with DDP on xenografted human ovarian carcinoma in nude mice and its relationship with the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and urokinase type plasminogen activator (u-PA). Methods: Human SKOV3 ovarian carcinoma cells were inoculated into BALB/c nude mice. The tumor-bearing nude mice were randomly divided into four groups: control group, DDP group, 4-HPR group, and 4-HPR plus DDP group. The growth of xenografted tumors was observed every 3 days. The VEGF expression in xenograft tumors was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. The mRNA and protein expressions of VEGF and u-PA were analyzed by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Results: 4-HPR combined with DDP significantly inhibited the growth of xenografted ovarian carcinoma and down-regulated the mRNA and protein expressions of VEGF and u-PA. The inhibitory effect of combination therapy was superior to those treated with 4-HPR and DDP alone. Conclusion: 4-HPR plus DDP significantly inhibited the proliferation of xenografted ovarian carcinoma in nude mice. The effect was associated with the expressions of VEGF and u-PA.
