Radiosensitizing effect of apatinib on esophageal cancer cell line Kyse-150

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the radiosensitization effect of apatinib on esophageal cancer cell line Kyse-150, and to investigate the underlying mechanism. Methods Cells were divided into four groups: control group, apatinib treatment group, X-ray radiation group, and the combination group treated with X-rays plus apatinib. The effect of apatinib with different concentrations on the cell proliferative and radiosensitivity were evaluated by CCK-8 kit and colony formation assay. Flow cytometry method was adopted to detect the effect of apatinib on cell cycle progress and apoptosis induction. Results Apatinib inhibited the proliferation of Kyse-150 cells in time- and dose- dependent manners (r=0.89-0.96, P<0.05). With the increase of apatinib concentration, D0, Dq and SF2 value of Kyse-150 cells decreased and SERD0 value increased. Compared with control group, apatinib alone group, and radiation alone group, the cell apoptosis rate significantly increased in the combination group (t=12.36, 5.99, 15.47, P<0.05). Compared with control group, the percentages of cells in G2/M phase were all significantly increased in apatinib group, radiation group and combination group (t=8.81, 39.69, 20.61, P<0.05). Compared with radiation alone group and control group, the percentage of cells in S phase significantly increased in apatinib alone group and combination group(t=6.06, 3.82, 8.81, 6.24, P<0.05). Conclusions Apatinib can increase radiosensitivity of esophageal cancer cell line Kyse-150 possibly by inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing cell apoptosis and causing redistribution of cell cycle. Key words: Esophageal cancer; Radiosensitivity; Apatinib; Apoptosis; Cell cycle