[Study on the synergic effect of all-trans retinoic acid combined with IFN-alpha on the proliferation and differentiation of HL-60 cells].

AIM

To investigate the synergic effect of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) combined with IFN-alpha on the proliferation and differentiation of HL-60 cells.

METHODS

HL-60 cell's differentiation and apoptosis were assessed by NBT reduction and TUNEL in situ apoptosis assay kit. CYP26 mRNA expression was detected by in situ hybridization assay kit. Metabolism of ATRA was measured by high performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

Either IFN-alpha or ATRA induced HL-60 cell differentiation and apoptosis, which was enhanced when combining ATRA with IFN-alpha. The level of ATRA and the expression of CYP26 were higher in HL-60 cells treated with both ATRA and IFN-alpha than in the cells treated with ATRA alone.

CONCLUSION

ATRA has remarkable synergic effect with IFN-alpha on HL-60 cells, probably because IFN-alpha inhibits CYP26 mRNA expression and thus reduces the metabolism of ATRA.