UDCA targets S-phase and suppresses CDK2 and cyclin A expression: effects on colon cancer cell proliferation

Introduction: Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) treatment of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis appears to reduce the risk of colon cancer. UDCA prevents colon cancer in animal models; the mechanism of the chemopreventive action is still unknown. We investigated the effects of UDCA on proliferation of colon cancer cells in vitro. Methods: Six established human carcinoma cell lines were treated with UDCA (0–400µM) for 3 days (short-term) or 6 days (long-term). The short-term effect on proliferation was determined by MTT test and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation, and the long-term by cell count. The cell…