Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma is a tumor with aggressive biological behavior and limited response to chemotherapy. The present study investigated the effect of interferon (IFN)-alpha on growth and apoptosis of Merkel carcinoma cells in vitro. Proliferation of MCC-1 cell line was reduced dose-dependently by IFN-alpha and diminished when higher IFN-alpha concentrations were used. Additionally, IFN-alpha potently decreased DNA-synthesis and Ki67/MIB-1 proliferation index of MCC-1 cultures. Furthermore, IFN-alpha induced dose-dependently apoptosis of MCC-1 cells as shown by caspase-3 activation, and detection of apoptotic DNA strand breaks and fragmented nuclei. These findings suggest that IFN-alpha may have antitumor activity against Merkel cell carcinoma.
MeSH terms
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Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
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Apoptosis / drug effects*
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Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / metabolism
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Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / pathology*
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Caspase 3 / metabolism
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Cell Line, Tumor
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Cell Proliferation / drug effects*
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DNA Breaks
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DNA Replication / drug effects
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Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
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Enzyme Activation
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Humans
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Immunohistochemistry
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In Situ Nick-End Labeling
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Interferon alpha-2
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Interferon-alpha / metabolism
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Interferon-alpha / pharmacology*
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Ki-67 Antigen / metabolism
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Merkel Cells / drug effects*
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Merkel Cells / metabolism
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Merkel Cells / pathology
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Receptor, Interferon alpha-beta / drug effects
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Receptor, Interferon alpha-beta / metabolism
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Recombinant Proteins
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Skin Neoplasms / metabolism
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Skin Neoplasms / pathology*
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Time Factors
Substances
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Antineoplastic Agents
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Interferon alpha-2
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Interferon-alpha
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Ki-67 Antigen
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Recombinant Proteins
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Receptor, Interferon alpha-beta
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CASP3 protein, human
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Caspase 3