Synergistic Effects of Taurine and Cisplatin on Lung Cancer Cells (A549)

Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that causes death. In this study, the effects of cisplatin, taurine, and a combination of these two compounds on the A549 cell line were examined. A549 cells were treated with different concentrations of taurine, cisplatin, and the combination of the two compounds. MTT assay, flow cytometry analysis of apoptosis, and flow cytometry analysis of the cell cycle were carried out. The expression of genes was examined by real-time PCR. Cisplatin and taurine reduced the viability of the A549 cell line, but this effect was greater in taurine and cisplatin combination. Cells that were in the G0/G1 stage increased in all treated groups and this inhibition was notable in the combination group. The expression of some genes, such as P53, Bax, caspase 3, caspase 9, and P14, increased. The studies also showed that the cisplatin and taurine combination was moderately synergic with Cl values ranging from X to Y for Fa 0.5. The combination of cisplatin and taurine may be effective in the cancer therapy and it can be a suitable choice for reduction of drug resistance problems and other side effects of cisplatin high dosage, but it is necessary to perform more researches in this field.