Effect of triptolide on proliferation and apoptosis,cycloxygenase-2 and survivin mRNA expression in squamous carcinoma cell line A431

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of triptolide on the proliferation,apoptosis,cycloxygenase-2(COX-2) and survivin mRNA expression in skin squamous carcinoma cell line A431 and to explore its anti-humor mechanism.MethodsHuman skin squamous carcinoma cell line A431 cultured in vitro was treated with various doses of triptolide,cell proliferation activity was determined by MTT assay.Cell morphological changes were observed under light microscope.The cell cycle and apoptosis rate were assessed by flow cytometry.COX-2 and survivin mRNA expressions were measured by RT-PCR.ResultsTriptolide significantly inhibited the proliferation of A431 cells with a dose-and time-dependent manner.Triptolide also induced cell apoptosis and changed the distribution of cell cycle phase in A431 cells.Compared with the control group,the G0/G1 phase A431 cell rate increased and the rate of S phase cells decreased in TP-treated group(P 0.05).In addition,triptolide down-regulated COX-2 and survivin mRNA expression(P 0.05).ConclusionTP could play an anti-skin tumor role by inducing cell apoptosis and inhibiting COX-2 and survivin mRNA expressions in A431 cells.