Objective: To observe the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin with proteasome inhibitor on osteosarcoma cells.
Methods: Cell survival was tested by MTT, apoptotic morphology was observed by electron microscopy, apoptotic rate was analyzed by flow cytometry, the transcription level of excision repair cross complementation-1 (ERCC-1) was tested by reverse transcription polymerase reaction.
Results: Compared with cells treated with cisplatin alone, cells treated with cisplatin and proteasome inhibitor showed a decreased survival rate, more typical apoptotic morphology, higher apoptotic rate [(14.37 +/-2.37)% vs. (50.93 +/-4.84)%, P<0.01)], and lower transcription level of excision repair cross complementation-1.
Conclusion: Proteasome inhibitor could increase the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin on osteosarcoma cells and promote cisplatin-induced osteosarcoma apoptosis. These effects may be associated with the decreased transcription of excision repair cross complementation-1.