Abstract:

To explore the effects of Gefitinib in combination with Celecoxib on apoptosis and expressions of EGFR and COX2 in lung cancer A549 cells. MethodsCells were cultured in RPMI1640 and divided into four groups: the control group, the 5?μmol/L Gefitinib group, the 25?μmol/L Celecoxib group, and the 5?μmol/L Gefitinib+25?μmol/L Celecoxib group, which were subjected to drugs for 48 hours. The cell inhibitory rate was detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT), the apoptotic rate and cell cycle were measured by a flow cytometer and Hoechst33258 staining method, and expressions of EGFR, COX2 were determined by immunofluorescence. ResultsGefitinib and Celecoxib inhibited the growth of A549 cells in a dosedependent manner. Their combination produced greater growth inhibition than when either was used alone（P<0.01）. Gefitinib and Celecoxib both induced apoptosis of A549 cells, and their combination produced a higher apoptosis rate（P<0.01）. Gefitinib in combination with Celecoxib also induced G1 phase arrest and down regulated expressions of EGFR and COX2 in A549 cells（P<0.05）.　ConclusionsGefitinib in combination with Celecoxib can promote a cooperative effect and synergistic cell growth inhibition.

Key words: Gefitinib； Celecoxib; Cell Apoptosis; Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor; Cyclooxygenase2