Effects of the Akt inhibitor Src-homology 5 on proliferation and apoptosis of the laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the Akt inhibitor Src-homology 5 (SH-5) on the proliferation and apoptosis of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells (LSCC; Hep-2 cells) and to elucidate the possible mechanisms of such effects.

Materials and Methods: Hep-2 cells were treated with different concentrations of the Akt inhibitor SH-5. The inhibitory effect of SH-5 on cell proliferation was examined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, whereas apoptosis was detected by flow cytometric based on Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) staining. In addition, the expression level of Akt protein was evaluated by Western blot analysis.

Results: MTT assay results revealed that SH-5 inhibited the proliferation of Hep-2 cells, with its greatest effect being observed at 2 μM. Apoptosis of Hep-2 cells increased following treatment with SH-5. Treatment of Hep-2 cells with SH-5 decreased the expression of Akt, and this effect was statistically significantly when compared with that in controls (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: SH-5 inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in the LSCC cell line Hep-2. These effects may be caused by inhibition of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt signaling pathway. We believe that our data will provide useful insights into LSCC target treatment and future researchn.