Enhanced Anti-tumor Efficacy of Aspirin Combined with Triptolide in Cervical Cancer Cells

Background: The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is an inhibitor ofcyclooxygenase enzymes. Recent studies have shown that aspirin could be used as an anti-tumor drug. Triptolide,the major compound extracted from the Chinese herb Tripteryglum wilfordii Hook.f, has now been shown that itcan inhibit tumor growth. The aim of this study was to analyze the anti-tumor efficiency of aspirin and triptolidein cervical cancer cells.
Methods: Viability of cervical cancer cell lines was assessed by the MTT method atvarious concentrations of aspirin and triptolide. Siha and HeLa cell apoptotic analysis was performed by flowcytometry. Real time-PCR and Western Blotting were used to analyze the expression of Bcl-2/Bax, Cyclin D1 andp16.
Results: Viability in the combination group was significantly decreased as compared with either drug usedalone. Expression change of Bcl-2/Bax, CyclinD1 and p16 appeared to play an important role in the synergistickilling effect on cervical cancer cell apoptosis.
Conclusion: Aspirin and triptolide combination treatment mayhave synergistic anti-tumor effects on cervical cancer cells.