Effect of transforming growth factor-β in human lung cancer cell line A549 on on cell proliferation and its mechanism

Objective To investigate the effect of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in human lung cancer cell line A549 on cell proliferation and its mechanism. Methods TGF-β promoted proliferation of human lung cancer cell line A549 (50 cases), which was validated both in respect of inhibition and promotion. Cell proliferation rate was determined by methyl thiazol tetrazolium (MTT). The apotosis and proliferation were analyzed by flow cytometry in early and later stages of cells. Results Cell proliferation rate of A549 ceils was (91.8 ±2.3)%, which was significantly decreased after treatment with siTGF-βR2. On the contrary, the rate was (112. 8 ± 5. 6)%, which was significantly enhanced after treatment with rhTGF-β. Flow cytometry demonstrted that apotosis rate in control group, random interference siRNA group, rhTGF-β1 group, siTGF-βR2 group and LY294002 group was (6. 81 ± 0. 11 )%, (6. 75 ±0.12)%, (6.10±0.10)%, (7.77±0.09)%, and (7.82±0.14)% respectively. Conclusion TGF-β promotes proliferation of human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 through the PI3K/AKT pathway. Key words: TGF-β;  Lung carcinoma;  Proliferation;  Apotosis