Apoptosis of Human Pancreatic Carcinoma Cells Induced By All-Trans Retinoic Acid and Interferon

Objective: To investigate the apoptosis of human pancreatic carcinoma PC3 cells induced by the combination of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) with interferon alpha (IFN-α). Methods: PC3 cells were treated with ATRA and IFN-α. The inhibitory rate of PC3 cell proliferation was detected using MTT method. Cellular apoptosis was determined with flow cytometry. The percentage of PC3 cell apoptosis was assayed using TUNEL methods. Results: ATRA and IFN-α could inhibit cellular proliferation and induces cellular apoptosis of PC3 cells. The inhibitory effect was stronger when the ATRA and IFN-α were combined as a therapy. Conclusion: ATRA inhibits the proliferation of PC3 cells and induce the apoptosis of PC3 cells. The combination of IFN-α with ATRA may enhance these effects on PC3 cells.