The Effects of L-arginine on the Growth and Proliferation of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

Objective: To study the effects of L arginine on the growth and proliferation of human he patocellular carcinoma cell line QGY 7703. Methods: The QGY 7703 cells were treated with different concentrations of L arginine for variable durations. The cell growth and proliferation were assessed by MTT assays and morphological changes were observed with electron microscopy. Flow cytometry (FCM) was used to examine cell cycle and apoptosis. Results: (1) L arginine at concentrations under 4 mmol/L can gently promote the growth of QGY 7703 cells; On the other hand it can inhibit the growth and proliferation of hepatoma cells at high concentrations. The effects depended on concentration and treating time of L arginine. (2) L arginine can induce apoptosis of hepatoma cells, increase apoptosis rate and proliferous index at concentations of 16 mmol/L and 64 mmol/L (P0.05). Conclusion: L arginine can promote growth of hepatoma cells at low concentrations. But it inhibit growth and proliferation and induce apoptosis of hepatoma cells at high concentrations.