RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To study the anti-tumor effects of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) strain D817 on human colon carcinoma model in nude mice. METHODS: The nude mouse model of human colon carcinoma was established by subcutaneous inoculation of human colon cancer LOVO cells. The tumor-bearing mice were given PBS, 5-Fu, high-dose NDV D817, moderate-dose NDV D817 or low-dose NDV D817 via caudal vein injection. The tumor size and weight of mice were measured. The liver damages were examined by histopathology. Apoptosis and necrosis of tumor cells were detected by flow cytometry. The endotumoral content of TNF-alpha was detected using a mouse TNF-alpha ELISA kit. The live virus was detected by hemagglutination (HA) test. RESULTS: The moderate-dose NDV D817 inhibited the tumor growth more apparently than 5-Fu. The tumor growth inhibition rate reached to 48.1%. The liver damage and the weight change caused by NDV were less severe. NDV D817 made an increased apoptosis index and induced production of TNF-alpha. Live virus was not detected in important organs except in the tumor of nude mice by HA test. CONCLUSION: In the anti-tumor process in nude mice bearing xenografts of human colon carcinoma, a suitable dose of NDV D817 is more safe and effective.