A double strand decoy DNA oligonucleotides for NF-κB induced apoptosis and sensitization of hepatic cancer cells to chemotherapy

Objective To study the sensitizing effects of a double stranded decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) with a specific affinity for NF κB on hepatic cancer cells to chemotherapy. Methods After HepG 2 cells resisting to adriamycin (HepG 2/ADR) were induced stepwise, FITC labeled decoy ODNs against NF κB activity were transfected into HepG 2/ADR cells with LipofectAMINETM 2000. The localization of decoy DNA was showed by inverse fluorescent microscopand confocel and EMSA was performed to investigate the affinity of NF κB introduction of double stranded ODNs into the nuclei of HepG 2 cells. ADM (0 1 mg/L) was administered. The proliferation was observed by MTT assay and the apoptosis of cells was observed by flow cytometry and TUNEL. Results HepG 2/ADR was confirmed being resistant to ADM. One hour after the decoy ODNs was transfected, FITC labeled decoy ODNs against NF κB was detected in the nuclei of HepG 2/ADM cells. EMSA showed the increase in NF κB binding to the nucleus. After incubation with ADM (0 1 mg/L), it showed significant inhibitory effect on the growth of HepG 2/ADM. The percentage of apoptosis was increased as compared with the control at 24 h. Conclusions Combined treatment with decoy ODNs for NF κB can be a novel and attractive strategy to improve therapeutic outcome of human hepatocellular carcinoma.