[Expression of PPAR-gamma in human hilar bile duct carcinoma cell line QBC939 and the effects of PPAR-Y activated by its ligand on the growth of QBC939].

Objective: To explore the expression of Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) in QBC939 and the effects of PPAR-gamma activated by its ligand pioglitazone on the growth of human bile duct carcinoma cell line.

Methods: QBC939 cells were cultured and treated with different concentration of pioglitazone; the expression of PPAR-gamma mRNA was detected by RT-PCR; the effects of PPAR-gamma activated by its ligand on cell proliferation were examined by cell count under light microscope; the influences of activated PPAR-gamma on cell cycle were examined by flow cytometry, and the apoptosis of cancer cells induced by PPAR-gamma ligand pioglitazone was detected by flow cytometry and TUNEL methods.

Results: PPAR-gamma was expressed in human hilar bile duct carcinoma cell line QBC939.