Effects of baicalein combined with 5-fluorouracil on proliferation and apoptosis in drug-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines

Objective To explore the effect of baicalein on proliferation and apoptosis of drug-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma cells treated with 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) chemotherapy. Methods Cell culture of drug-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Bel7402/5-Fu was performed. Cells were divided into control group, 5-Fu group, baicalein group, and baicalein plus 5-Fu group. The methyl thiazole tetrazolium assay was performed to detect the cell proliferation and Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide assay was used to investigate the apoptosis rate of the cells. Results Compared with 5-Fu alone, the viability was significantly decreased in baicalein (100 μmol/L) plus 5-Fu groups (enhanced about 3.87 times). Since Jin Zhengjun Q values were all more than 1.15, the combination efficacy was synergy. The baicalein induced a dose-dependent increase in apoptosis rate from (7.5±0.23)% to (35.6±3.58)% (P<0.01) and early apoptosis rate from (2.2±0.06)% to (21.8±2.31)% (P<0.05). Conclusion Baicalein combined with 5-fluorouracil can prominently inhibit the proliferation of drug-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma cells, promote their apoptosis, thus, reverse drug resistance to 5-Fu. Key words: Hepatocellular carcinoma; Baicalein; 5-fluorouracil