Objective: To investigate the mechanism and effect of diallyl disulfide (DADS) on the bystander effect of herpes simplex virus kinase/ganciclovir (HSV-tk/GCV) suicide gene therapy system which was mediated by recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) in lens epithelial cells.
Methods: Immunohistochemistry method was used to determine the distribution of connexin 43 (Cx43) protein in cultured rabbit lens epithelial cells and rabbit lens epithelial cells transfected by HSV-tk suicide gene. Cx43 protein was measured and analyzed in cultured rabbit lens epithelial cells and rabbit lens epithelial cells transfected by HSV-tk suicide gene that was induced by various DADS. Cell survival was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide method.
Results: DADS increased the Cx43 protein expression in cultured rabbit lens epithelial cells and rabbit lens epithelial cells transfected by HSV-tk suicide gene, and especially in 50 μmol/L DADS. After combining with DADS, the bystander effect was significantly improved (P<0.05).
Conclusion: DADS can elevate the expression of Cx43 protein and enhance the bystander effect of HSV-tk/GCV suicide gene therapy system.