BACKGROUND: Because of the insensitivity of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) to both chemotherapy and radiotherapy, surgery remains the primary approach for anticancer treatment. However, patients who do not receive timely diagnoses may not be suitable for surgery, especially in the late phase of tumor development. Thus, the discovery of novel effective treatment is of great importance. Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) can inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis in many cancer cells. In this paper, we report on an in vitro study to determine the effect of AITC on proliferation and apoptosis of RCC line GRC-1.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: CCK8 assay was used to detect cell proliferation under gradient concentrations of AITC. Flow cytometry was employed to evaluate cell apoptosis. Real-time fluorescent polymerase chain reaction quantified mRNA levels of Bax and Bcl-2 genes. Western blotting was further employed for protein expression assay.

RESULTS: AITC inhibited GRC-1 cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner; it also elevated Bax while suppressing Bcl-2 gene expression at both mRNA and protein levels. In general, increasing concentration of AITC decreased Bcl-2/Bax ratio.

CONCLUSIONS: The inhibitory effect of AITC on GRC-1 cells is exerted via cell apoptosis, in which the imbalance of Bcl-2/Bax plays a significant role.

Keywords: Carcinoma, Renal Cell - pathology, Cell Proliferation - drug effects, Genes, bcl-2 - drug effects, Isothiocyanates - pharmacology, Kidney Neoplasms - pathology, Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 - genetics, bcl-2-Associated X Protein - genetics