Abstract Number: 2977 Baicalein-induced growth inhibition and secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor in human gastric cancer cells Jui-Yu Chen, Chia-Jung Lee, Hsing-Mei Lin, Chew-Wun Wu, Chin-Wen Chi. Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan Republic of China, Institute of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan Republic of China, Department of Medical Research and Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan Republic of China. Gastric cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in Taiwan. At present, surgery is the main treatment for patients with resectable tumor, effective chemotherapy for gastric cancer patients is still under clinical trial. Baicalein is a flavonoid derived from the Scutellaria baicalensis which is a Chinese herbal drug used often in anti-inflammatory and anticancer therapy. It is well known that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) binding to its receptor (VEGFR) regulates gastric cancer progression and metastasis. The objective of this study was to determine whether baicalein inhibits the in vitro growth of human gastric cancer cells and its relation to angiogenesis. We found that baicalein inhibited the growth of SC-M1 gastric cancer cells in a time and dose dependent manner. Trypan blue and propidium iodide exclusion assays showed that baicalein-induced cytostatic effect. Flowcytometric analysis showed that the baicalein-induced growth inhibition of SC-M1 was not cell cycle dependent. RT-PCR and ELISA analyses revealed that baicalein treatment of SC-M1 cells resulted in an increase of the synthesis and secretion of VEGF. These results together with our observation that SC-M1 cells had VEGFR suggest that although baicalein has potential in growth inhibition of SC-M1 gastric cancer cells but its induction of VEGF synthesis and secretion may stimulate angiogenesis and autocrine growth of cancer cells. AACR, 3/04 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.