Inhibitory effect of valproate on proliferation of human kidney carcinoma ACHN cells and its mechanism

Objective: To investigate the effects of VPA (valproate) on proliferation, cell cycle distribution and apoptosis of human kidney carcinoma ACHN cells and the possible underlying mechanisms. Methods: The effect of VPA on the proliferation of ACHN cells was examined by CCK-8 (cell counting kit-8) assay. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the cell cycle distribution and apoptosis of ACHN cells exposed to VPA. The mRNA expressions of cyclin E1, P21WAF1, Bcl-2 and Bax were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative-PCR. Results: Incubation with various concentrations of VPA for 48 h resulted in a significant inhibition of proliferation of ACHN cells with an IC50 (50% inhibitory concentration) value of 4.21 mmol/L. After treatment with VPA, the cell cycle was arrested obviously at G0/G1 phase and the apoptotic rate was significantly increased as compared with the control group. After treatment with 4 mmol/L VPA for 48 h, the levels of P21WAF1 and Bax mRNAs were both significantly increased, and at the same time, the levels of cyclin E1 and Bcl-2 mRNAs were obviously decreased. Conclusion: VPA can inhibit the proliferation of kidney carcinoma ACHN cells by inducing cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. DOI:10.3781/j.issn.1000-7431.2013.03.004