[Inhibiting effect of HPV16 E6 small interfering RNA on the growth of human cervical carcinoma xenotransplanted in nude mice].

Objective: To explore the inhibiting effect of human papillomavirus 16 E6-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) on cervical cancer transplanted in nude mice.

Methods: CaSki cells transfected with HPV16 E6 siRNA were transplanted into nude mice. HPV16 E6 siRNA was injected into the tumor, and the control group was treated with NS. Tumor growth was monitored once every other day. Terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) was performed to detect apoptosis. The expression of E6 and p53 protein was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The contents of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured and the liver and kidney were examined by histopathology.

Results: Inhibition of tumor growth was demounstrated after treatment with HPV16 E6 siRNA. The volume and weight of tumors were significantly decreased in comparison with those of control group (P < 0.05). Apoptosis occurred more frequently in the experiment group than in the control. The expression of E6 and p53 was down-regulated. The contents of ALT and AST underwent no significant changes, and the histopathology of liver and kidney showed no abnormal changes.

Conclusion: The growth ability of human cervical cancer xenograft tumors in nude mice can be inhibited by HPV16 E6-specific siRNA, with no toxic side effect on the liver. It may provide an useful method of gene-therapy against cervical cancer.