Objective: To study the mechanism of docetaxel-induced apoptosis.
Methods: Morphological study, DNA gel electrophoresis, flow cytometry and fluorescin labeled Annexin V to detect apoptosis, RT-PCR to detect the gene related with apoptosis.
Results: Human lung cancer A549 cells treated with docetaxel induced cell cycle arrest at G2M phase, leading to apoptosis. The morphology of A549 showed nuclear chromatine condensation and fragmentation. Typical ladder pattern of DNA fragmentation was observed. Sub-G1 peak was found by flow cytometry. Transcription of Fas gene was enhanced, while no change in c-myc and bcl-2 genes. Annexin labeling results revealed the co-existence of cell apoptosis and necrosis in docetaxel-treated A549 cells.
Conclusion: Docetaxel induces apoptosis and necrosis of human lung cancer. The induction of apoptosis may be related to expression of Fas.