Hepatogastroenterology

BACKGROUND/AIMS: EMT plays an essential role in tumor progression and metastasis. Hyperthermia is a potent approach for cancers with low side effects. However, the effect of hyperthermia on EMT of cancer cells is unknown. METHODOLOGY: Cells were treated with TGF-β1 and epidermal growth factor for 96 h and then exposed to hyperthermia at 43°C for 0.5 h. Cell morphology was observed. Expressions of E-cadherin and vimentin were determined by Western blot. The protein and mRNA expressions of Snail were detected with Western blot and RT-PCR. Cell migratory capacity was evaluated. RESULTS: TGF-β1 induced EMT in HepG2 cells, which was evidenced by morphological, molecular and functional changes, including the…