Objective: To investigate the action mechanism of Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma combined with cisplatin (DDP) for hepatic cancer. Method: Human hepatocarcinoma cells HepG2 were transplanted into nude mice to establish models

and the modeled mice were randomly divided into 8 groups:model group

cisplatin (DDP) group (2 mg · kg-1

ip)

Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma high dose

middle dose and low dose groups (H

M

L

12

6

3 g · kg-1 · d-1

ig)

Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma high dose+cisplatin group (H+DDP)

middle dose+cisplatin group (M+DDP)

and low dose+cisplatin group (L+DDP)

n=8 in each group. The effects of Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma combined with cisplatin on apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells HepG2 were observed by TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL). The apoptosis related protein B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2) was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Expressions of microRNA(miR)-122a

miR-221 and miR-151 in transplanted tumor tissues were determined by Real-time PCR. Result: As compared with the model group

the apoptosis of tumor cells was obvious

the tumor cell nucleus was brown yellow under the microscope

tumor cell nucleus was highly condensed and some cells were detached from the nucleus in H

H+DDP

M+DDP

and L+DDP groups (P<0.05

P<0.01). The apoptosis was most significant in H+DDP group. ELISA results showed that the contents of Bcl-2 in H

M

M+DDP

H+DDP and L+DDP groups were significantly decreased as compared with the model group(P<0.01)

and the decrease extent was most significant in H+DDP group. The Real-time PCR results showed that the expressions of miR-122a could be significantly up-regulated in H

M

L

H+DDP

M+DDP

and L+DDP groups (P<0.01) and expressions of miR-221

miR-151 were significantly inhibited in H+DDP group (P<0.01) as compared with DDP group. Conclusion: Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma can significantly induce apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells HepG2 in positive correlation with dosage.The mechanism may be related to significantly down-regulating the expression of Bcl-2

up-regulating the expression of miR-122a and down-regulating the expression of miR-221 and miR-151.The combination of Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma and DDP showed synergistic effect.