Mechanisms Underlying Apoptosis of Gastric Cancer Cell Line Induced by Combination of 5-Fluorouracil and Matrine

Objective To study the mechanism of inducing the apoptosis of gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901 by the combined use of matrine and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Methods 1.0 mg/mL of matrine combined with 20 mg/L of 5-FU acted on gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901 for 48 h. Bcl-2, bax, Fas and Fas-L were detected by means of RT-PCR and caspase-3, bcl-2, bax, Fas and Fas-L of activity were detected by means of ELISA and Western blot. Results As compared with the control group, the group of combined drugs was not significantly different with low-regulation of bcl-2 and up-regulation of bax,and Fas (P0.05) with caspase-3 of active was significantly increased;compared with the control group it was significantly different (P0.01). Conclusion The combined use of matrine and 5-FU,with up-regulation of Bas and low-regalation of bcl-2/Fax significantly increased the expression of caspase-3 of activity, thereby inducing in coordination the apoptosis of gastric cell line SGC-7901.