Effects of β-elemene on radiosensitivity of Colo320 cells transplanted tumor nude mice model in vivo

Objective: To explore the radiosensitivity of β-elemene on Colo320 cells transplanted tumor in nude mice and its molecular mechanisms. Methods: Colo320 cells transplanted tumor model was established by cell suspension inoculation in nude mice. Then the transplanted mice with 0.8-1.0 cm³ tumor were randomly divided into 4 groups: control, β-elemene (40 mg/kg), radiation (4 Gy), and β-elemene (40 mg/kg) + radiation (4 Gy) groups, with four to five mice in each. Tumor weight and morphology were observed in each group. In addition, the apoptosis of tumor cells was measured by TUNEL and the expression of Fas gene was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results: The nude mice transplanted tumor model was successfully established. Compared with that in control and simple radiation groups, tumor weight was significantly decreased in β-elemene combined with irradiation group (P <0.05). At the same time, the apoptosis rate and the expression of Fas gene in tumor cells were significantly increased (P <0.05) in β-elemene combined with irradiation group compared with control and simple radiation groups. Conclusion: β-elemene could enhance the radiosensitivity of Colo320 cells transplanted tumor in nude mice probably by inducing Fas-mediated apoptosis of tumor cells.