Objective: Cell senescence is an important anti-cancer mechanism and may contribute to cancer therapeutic outcome. The present study observed the effects of Tenglong Buzhong Decoction (TLBZD), a Chinese herbal formula, on senescence in human colon carcinoma LS-174-T cells.
Methods: LS-174-T cells were treated with TLBZD, and morphology change was observed under a microscope. Cell senescence was identified by senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining, and cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. Expressions of p53, p21(WAF1/CIP1), p16 and RB and RB phosphorylation were detected by Western blot.
Results: After being treated with TLBZD, LS-174-T cells became enlarged and flattened by morphology; SA-β-gal staining was positive and cell cycle was arrested in G₀/G₁. In addition, up-regulations of p21(WAF1/CIP1) and p16, as well as inhibition of RB phosphorylation were detected in response to TLBZD treatment. Expressions of p53 and RB were unchanged after TLBZD treatment.
Conclusion: TLBZD is effective in inducing cell senescence in human colon carcinoma LS-174-T cells, which may relate to up-regulations of p21(WAF1/CIP1) and p16 and inhibition of RB phosphorylation.