Combined therapeutic effects of cytotoxic agent and differentiation-inducer on human gastric carcinoma cell line SGC-7901

Objective:To study the combined therapeutic effects of cytotoxic agent and differentiation-inducer on human gas tric carcinoma celll line SGC-7901 in vitro. Methods: The combined therapeutic effects of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), interferon a (IFNa)and fluorouracil (5-Fu) on gastric carcinoma cell line ax 7901 were observed when one of the 3, the combination of any 2 of the 3 and combination of all the 3 were administered respectively. The morphological and functional changes of gastric carcinoma cells were studied with MTT assay, flow cytometry, image analysis and determination of CEA content in the culture medium of the cells. Results: The cytostatic rate was increased as shown by the decrease of the rate of colony formation of the cells on culture disc when one agent, the combination of 2 agents and the combination of the 3 were administered progressively. The cells were relatively accumulated in the phase of G0/G1 and synthesis of DNA in he cells was inhibited.The malignant phenotype of the cells disappeared gradually while the characteristics of matUre cells were in creased. Meanwhile, CEA Level in the culture medium was decreased progressively. Apoptosis of the cells was oborved and a large amount of apoptotic apoptotic were found. Conclusion: The administration of the 3 agents in combination result in signif icant inhibition on proliferation, inducing of differention and promotion of apoptosis of gastric caxcinoma cells. The combina tion of cytotoxic agent and differention-inducer exerts significant inhibition on gastric carcinoma cells in vitro.