Sulindac inhibits proliferation of HT-29 colon adenocarcinoma cells: effects on cell cycle and apoptosis

Objective To investigate the effect of sulindac on the proliferation of the HT 29 cells and its antineoplastic mechanisms. Methods MTT colorimetric assay was used to examine the effect of sulindac on the proliferation of the HT 29 cells; flow cytometry was used for the cell cycle distribution; flow cytometry, transmission electron microscopy and DNA electrophoresis were used to determine whether or not sulindac induces cell apoptosis. Results Sulindac inhibited the cells proliferation, increased the proportion of cells in the G 0/G 1 phase, decreased the proportion of cells in the S phase and induced apoptosis of the HT 29 cell line. All the effects were in a time and dose dependent manner. Conclusion Colon adenocarcinoma HT 29 cell line can be inhibited by sulindac and the antitumor mechanism may be related to changing cell cycle distribution and inducing cell apoptosis.