DR4 and Fas are not involved in JFK-induced apoptosis in NCI-H1650 and NCI-H2228 cells. (A) The apoptotic cells were detected by flow cytometry, after JFK (0.054 mg/ml) treatment for 48 h in NCI-H1650 and NCI-H2228 cells. (B) Apoptosis rate was analyzed based on flow cytometry. Data were expressed as the mean ± SD (n=3), ***P<0.001. (C) mRNA levels were examined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Data were expressed as the mean ± SD (n=3), **P<0.01 and ***P<0.001. (D and E) DR4 and Fas-knockdown NCI-H2228 cells were treated with JFK (0.054 mg/ml) for 48 h, and then the percentage of apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. Data are expressed as the mean ± SD (n=3). (F) DR4 and Fas knockdown NCI-H2228 cells were treated with JFK (0.054 mg/ml) for 48 h, and then the mRNA levels were examined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Data are expressed as the mean ± SD (n=3). SD, standard deviation; DR4, death receptor 4; JFK, Jinfukang; siRNA, small interfering RNA; PI, propidium iodide; FITC, fluorescein isothiocyanate.