Figure 2

Effect of CQ in 5-FU-induced cell proliferation and growth inhibition. The effect of CQ-pretreatment on the inhibitory effect of 5-FU on the proliferative activity/cell growth of HT-29 cells was investigated by MTS assay/trypan blue exclusion staining. The y-axis represents the proliferation/growth rate, calculated as the ratio to control untreated cells. Values were given as mean ± SD. (A) 5-FU at 5 μM is reported to cause minimal adverse health effects to human beings. Pre-treatment of cells with CQ at 80 μM for 12 hours prior to exposure to 5-FU at 5 μM for 48 hours, resulted in potentiation of the inhibitory effect (33% vs. 67% inhibition for 5-FU alone and CQ + 5-FU, respectively). (*, p < 0.05 vs. control) (B) When cells were treated with CQ at 80 μM for 12 hours prior to exposure to 5-FU at 5 μM for 48 hours, the growth rate reduction was potentiated (60% vs 23% live cells for 5-FU alone and CQ + 5FU, respectively). (*, p < 0.05 vs. control)