Aspirin inhibits the biological behavior of gallbladder carcinoma cells by modulating vascular endothelial growth factor

Objective: To elucidate the effect of aspirin (ASP) on the biological behavior of gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) cells and its influence on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. Methods: Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was performed to determine the effects of ASP on GBC-SD cell proliferation. In addition, Transwell assay and flow cytometry were carried out to observe the role of ASP in GBC-SD cell migration, invasion and apoptosis, respectively. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kappa B), and VEGF concentrations in GBC-SD cells were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Results: ASP suppressed GBC-SD cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, and a concentration >= 2 mmol/L could significantly inhibit the migration and invasion of GBC-SD cells and induce apoptosis. In addition, the anticancer effect of ASP in GBC-SD cells may be linked to its inhibition of TNF-alpha, NF-kappa B, and VEGF levels. Conclusions: ASP may markedly inhibit GBC-SD cell growth by significantly reducing TNF-alpha, NF-kappa B and VEGF expression.