Combinational effects of vitamin D3 and retinoic acid (all trans and 9 cis) on proliferation, differentiation, and programmed cell death in two small cell lung carcinoma cell lines

• Published in: Biochemical and biophysical research communications Vol. 249; no. 3; p. 735
• Main Authors: Guzey, M. (University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI.), Sattler, C, Deluca, H.F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 28.08.1998
• Subjects: APOPTOSE; APOPTOSIS; Apoptosis - drug effects; CARCINOMA; Carcinoma, Small Cell - drug therapy; Carcinoma, Small Cell - metabolism; Carcinoma, Small Cell - pathology; CARCINOME; Cell Differentiation - drug effects; Cell Division - drug effects; Cholecalciferol - administration & dosage; Drug Synergism; Drug Therapy, Combination; Humans; Lung Neoplasms - drug therapy; Lung Neoplasms - metabolism; Lung Neoplasms - pathology; Microscopy, Electron; RETINOL; Stereoisomerism; Thymidine - metabolism; Tretinoin - administration & dosage; Tumor Cells, Cultured; VITAMIN D; VITAMINA D; VITAMINE D
• ISSN: 0006-291X; 1090-2104
• DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.1998.9186

The effects of a combination of vitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] and retinoic acid (RA) on proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of the human small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) cell lines NCI-H82 and NCI-H209 were evaluated. Cell proliferation was inhibited by 1,25(OH)2D3 and RA alone. The combination of 1,25(OH)2D3 and the cis form of retinoic acid resulted in an additive decrease in cell proliferation and the induction of apoptosis in various concentrations. Moreover, 3H-thymidine incorporation was inhibited and the number of viable cells was decreased. The characteristics of the apoptotic cells were examined and confirmed by morphologic analysis, light and electron microscopy, and fluorescence detection. It was concluded that 1,25(OH)2D3 and RA exert additive effects on the inhibition of proliferation and the induction of apoptosis in both the NCI-H82 and the NCI-H209 SCLC cell lines. This finding has important implications for the use of retinoids and 1,25(OH)2D3 in cancer prevention and in the therapy of small cell lung carcinoma