Expression of bcl-2 and p53 in Induction of Esophageal Cancer Cell Apoptosis by ECRG2 in Combination with Cisplatin

Aim: To investigate the mechanisms of induction of apoptosis of esophageal cancer cells by esophagealcancer-related gene 2 (ECRG2) in combination with cisplatin (DDP).
Methods: Hoechest staining was performedto analyze the effects of single ECRG2 and ECRG2 in combination with DDP on apoptosis of EC9706 cells.The expression levels of p53 and bcl-2 mRNA and protein were determined by RT-PCR and Western blotting,respectively.
Results: The number of apoptotic cells after the treatment with ECRG2 in combination with DDPfor 24 hours was more than that after the treatment with single ECRG2. RT-PCR and Western blotting showedthat the expression levels of bcl-2 mRNA and protein were both down-regulated, while p53 mRNA and proteinwere both up-regulated in the cells treated with ECRG2 in combination with DDP compared with those givenECRG2 alone.
Conclusion: ECRG2 in combination with DDP can enhance the apoptosis of EC9706 cells, possiblyby down-regulating bcl-2 expression and up-regulating p53.