Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induced by oxaliplatin (L-OHP) on four human cancer cell lines.

BACKGROUND

The effects of oxaliplatin (L-OHP) on cell cycle and apoptosis were examined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The HT29, MCF7, Hela and A549 cell lines were treated and dual parameter flow cytometry BrdU/PI was then performed to monitor cell cycle modifications. Annexin V-FITC and PI probes were used for the detection of apoptosis.

RESULTS

The cells were treated for 3 h followed or not by 24 and 72 h of post-incubation. No changes were observed after 3 h of treatment, while after 24 h of post-incubation, all the cells except A549 were predominantly accumulated in the G2/M-phase; this accumulation was time-dependent. Apoptosis induction was late and moderate and was observed only after 12 h of treatment and 24 h of post-incubation.

CONCLUSION

L-OHP induced cell cycle arrest and moderate apoptosis; these two activities were time-dependent. These findings warrant further investigation into the potential antitumour activity of L-OHP in MCF7 and Hela cells and in lengthening the infusion duration in order to achieve the acquired cellular modifications.