[Radiosensitization of beta-elemene on VX2 carcinoma transplanted on kidney in rabbits in vivo].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the radiosensitization of beta-elemene on VX2 carcinoma transplanted on kidney in rabbits in vivo.


METHODS
The rabbits were all transplanted with VX2 carcinoma on kidney. The appropriate dose of beta-elemene infusion via renal artery for further study on radiosensitization was determined. Then fifty-five rabbits were divided into three groups: untreated group, radiation group and radiation plus beta-elemene-treated group. After corresponding intervention for each group, the tumor volume was measured by ultrasonography and spiral computed tomography. The sensitization enhancement ratio (SER) of beta-elemene was calculated. The pathological change of tumor tissue in kidney was observed by light microscopy and electron transmission microscopy. The apoptotic index was also examined by TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling method.


RESULTS
The most significant radiosensitivity was observed in the radiation plus beta-elemene-treated group with 6 Mev X-ray radiation dose of 3 Gy.Fx(-1).d(-1) x 5 d and beta-elemene dose of 10 mg.kg(-1).d(-1). The average time delayed for tumor growth was obviously longer in the radiation plus beta-elemene-treated group than those in the untreated group and radiation group. The SER of beta-elemene was 1.89. The apoptotic index of tumor cells in the radiation plus beta-elemene-treated group was also significantly higher than those in the untreated group and radiation group.


CONCLUSIONS
The beta-elemene can enhance the effects of irradiation on VX2 carcinoma transplanted to kidney in rabbits in vivo by inducing apoptosis of tumor cells.
She
Jun-Jun
JJ
Department of Urology, Second Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710004, China.
Wang
Zi-Ming
ZM
Che
Xiang-Ming
XM
Pan
Cheng-En
CE
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007668:Kidney; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011817:Rabbits; D012717:Sesquiterpenes / Q000494:pharmacology*
D010936:Plant Extracts; D012717:Sesquiterpenes; C445979:beta-elemene