Abstract
ObjectiveTo investigate the radio-sensitizing effect of salicylic acid (SA) on human cervical cancer cells and its potential molecular mechanism. MethodsCervical cancer cells were treated with SA and ionizing radiation. The expression of γ-H2AX was evaluated by immunofluorescence (IF) assay. Cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. Western blot was performed to detect the protein level of AMPK/TSC2/mTOR pathway. ResultsSA inhibited basal proliferation of cervical cancer cells in a dose and time dependent manner. In addition, SA increased radiation-induced DNA damage, promoted apoptosis, triggered a redistribution of cell cycle from G2-M phase to G1-S phase of cervical cancer cells, and hence increased cell sensitivity to radiation. Moreover, SA treatment elevated the expression levels of p-AMPKα(t = 3.996, P < 0.05) and p-TSC2(t = 5.308, P < 0.05), whereas the level of p-mTOR (t = 10.160, P < 0.05) was significantly decreased. ConclusionSA enhances the radiosensitivity of cervical cancer cells by targeting AMPK/TSC2/mTOR signaling pathway, and might serve as a promising therapeutic strategy to improve the efficacy of radiotherapy for cervical cancer.
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