Influence of polyamine analogue DENSPM on cell growth of human SNB19 glioblastoma cells

Objective To investigate the influence of polyamine analogue DENSPM (N1, N11-diethylnorspermine) on cell growth of human SNB19 glioblastoma cells. Methods DENSPM was added into the culture medium of SNB19 cells. MTS assay was used to assess cell survival rate. The change of the cell cycle and the value of intracellular H2O2 were evaluated by flow cytometry. The level of polyamine was measured by HPLC. The expression of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), spermidine/spermine N(1)-acetyltransferase (SSAT), polyamine oxidase (PAO) mRNA was identified by quantitative RT-PCR. Results Cell survival rate of SNB19 cells decreased markedly after DENSPM treatment (F = 81.915, P = 0.001). DENSPM treatment led to the appearance of typical sub-G1 peak in flow cytometry assay. The levels of putrescine, spermidine and spermine reduced (P < 0.01), while the level of acetylspermidine and acetylspermine slightly increased (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, the mRNA expression of ODC decreased (P < 0.01). The level of SSAT and PAO increased (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively). However, the value of intracellular H2O2 was unchanged (P > 0.05). Conclusion The polyamine analogue DENSPM inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis of SNB19 glioblastoma cells. Reduction of polyamine in SNB19 cells is the possible mechanism of apoptosis. DENSPM may be a potential medication for glioblastoma. DOI：10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2011.06.006