Objective: To explore the action mechanism of action of Qingyi Huaji Formula (QYHJ), whether its inhibition on the growth of the tumor is by way of down-regulating Ski expression.
Methods: SW1990 tumor cell with low Ski expression was created by lenti-virus mediated RNA interfering technique. Tumor cells with different levels of Ski expression were subcutaneously transplanted to nude mice, and the response of cancer cells to QYHJ treatment was detected.
Results: After QYHJ treatment, the tumor growth slowed-down significantly, with the Ski mRNA and protein expressions in tumor reduced by 39.6% and 41.3% of that in untreated tumor respectively (P < 0.05). Ski mRNA and protein expressions in the created high and low Ski expression tumor cells were 105%, 123% and 46%, 30% respectively of that in parental cells (P < 0.05). The tumor weight inhibitory rates of QYHJ on high Ski expression cells were 29.6% and 32.2%, while on low Ski expression cells, it was 16.0% to 17.8% (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Ski acts as an important therapeutic target of QYHJ in treating SW1990 pancreatic cancer, and its expression status mediates different response of tumor cells to QYHJ treatment.