The changes of COX-2 and apoptosis gene expression in the inhibition effect of docosahexaenoic acid on human pancreatic cancer cell in vitro.

Objective To study the changes of COX-2 and apoptosis gene Bcl-2,Bax expression in the inhibition effect of DHA on pancreatic cancer cell lin(ePatu8988)in vitro and investigate the mechanism. Method The inhibition of cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay. Cell apoptosis induction and COX-2, Bcl-2, Bax expression were evaluated by flowcytometry. Results DHA could inhabit the proliferation of pancreatic cell and induce cell apoptosis, both of which were time-dependent and dose-dependent(P0.01). DHA had no influence on human fibroblasts proliferation. According to the results of flowcytometry, the ratio of cells at G0-G1 phase was increased, whereas that of S phase was decreased significantly. After mixed with DHA for 24 h, the expressions of COX-2, Bcl-2, Bax protein in pancreatic cancer were decreased(P0.05). Conclusion The down regulation of COX-2, Bcl-2, Bax protein expression might be one of the molecular antitumor mechanisms of DHA in pancreatic cancer.