Effect on radiation sensitivity of uterine cervix cancer HeLa cells by inhibiting expression of NF-κB

OBJECTIVE:To explore effect on the radiation sensitivity of HeLa cells by inhibiting expression of NF-κB.METHODS: Inhibition of NF-κB activation in HeLa cells was performed by treatment with 100 μmol/L PDTC or 2 μmol/L PS-341 for 2 h.Cells were irradiated at 0,2,4 and 6 Gy with or without inhibitor of NF-κB.The expression of NF-κB in nuclear was determined by western blot,and apoptosis was evaluated using the TUNEL assay.Cell proliferation was evaluated using MTT assay.RESULTS: NF-κB activation was induced by radiation and inhibited by PDTC and PS-341.At 0 Gy,the apoptosis index of control group,PDTC group and PS-341 group was 3%,12% and 15% respectively;the AI in the experimental groups were higher than that of control group(P0.01).Meanwhile,the same result can be found at 6 Gy(P0.01).CONCLUTION: Inhibition of the expression of NF-κB increases radiation-induced apoptosis and enhances radiation sensitivity in uterine cervix cancer HeLa cells.