Apoptosis of human colon cancer cells induced by TRAIL combination with fluorouvacil in vitro

Objective: To investigate the effect of fluorouvacil(Fu) on recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand(TRAIL)-induced apoptosis in human colon cancer cells and the underlying mechanisms.Methods: The effect of Fu combined with rmhTRAIL on human colon cancer SW480 cell line was detected by MTT assay and IC50 was calculated.The apoptotic rate after treatment for 24 h was detected by flow cytometry.survivin mRNA and protein level in SW480 cells was examined by real time-PCR and Western blot 24 h before or after treatments.Results: The IC50 for Fu treatment alone or Fu combined with rmhTRAIL was 29.5 μmol/L or 6.4 μmol/L,respectively.The coefficient of drug in interaction in the high dosage group was 0.92.Compared with Fu or rmhTRAIL alone,the combination of Fu and rmhTRAIL could increase the apoptotic ratio significantly(P0.05).Real time-PCR and Western blot showed that the expression of survivin in the combined group was obviously less than that in the group of Fu or rmhTRAIL alone.Conclusion: Fu promotes TRAIL-induced apoptosis in human colon cancer cells,which is likely involved in the down-regulation of survivin expression.