Objective: To investigate the effect of curcumol combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) on the proliferation

apoptosis and the changes in the expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)

B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) in colorectal carcinoma cell line LoVo. Method: LoVo cells were treated with curcumol (50 mg·L-1) and/or 5-Fu (2 mg·L-1). The proliferation of LoVo cells were detected by methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT)assay. The apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometer. The changes in PCNA and Bcl-2 expressions were detected by Western blot. Result: Curcumol

5-Fu and combination group could inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of LoVo cells. The rates of inhibition and apoptosis were significantly different from control group (P<0.05). And the expressions of PCNA and Bcl-2 were obviously decreased

with a significant difference from control group (P<0.05). After combined treatment

the promoting effect of apoptosis was more obvious than single treatment group (P<0.05)

and the expressions of PCNA and Bcl-2 protein were significantly decreased

with a significant difference from control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Curcumol combined with 5-Fu could effectively inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of LoVo cells. Compared with the single treatment group

the combination of curcumol and 5-Fu can increase the sensitivity of cancer cells and greatly promote the apoptosis of LoVo cells. These mechanisms may be related to the down-regulation of PCNA and Bcl-2 protein expressions.