Table 2.
Concentration (μmol/L) |
AFP protein expression (absorbance at 460 nm) |
Apoptosis (%) | ||
Antisense | Sense | Oligo-dT15 | ||
0 | 0.32 ± 0.04 | 0.32 ± 0.04 | 0.32 ± 0.04 | 7.3 ± 5.2 |
6.3 | 0.22 ± 0.03 (31.5)a | ND | ND | ND |
12.5 | 0.19 ± 0.05 (40.6)a | ND | ND | 26.7 ± 7.8a |
25.0 | 0.15 ± 0.02 (53.1)a | 0.31 ± 0.06 | 0.31 ± 0.02 | 47.9 ± 7.5a |
Cells were incubated with different S-ODNs for 48 h in vitro. AFP gene expression was determined by using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex immunocytochemical assay. Antisense S-ODNs specifically blocked AFP gene expression in the cells. The cells were also analyzed for apoptotic cell population with a fluorescence-activated cell sorter. AFP antisense S-ODNs induced apoptosis of the hepatoma cells. Values in parentheses: percent inhibition. Each value represents mean ± SD of 2 separate experiments.
P < 0.05 (One-way analysis of variance for protein expression and Student's t test for apoptosis) compared with 0 μmol/L. ND: Not done.