Abstract:Objective: To construct a replicating adenovirus vector CNHK600-p53 carrying p53 gene and investigate its effect on the chemosensitivity of hepatocarcinoma cell line. Methods: Chemotherapy of hepatocarcinoma cells BEL-7404 were carried out using Fluorouracil, Mitomycin, Epirubicin, CNHK600-p53, CNHK600-p53 + Fluorouracil, CNHK600-p53 + Mitomycin, and CNHK600-p53 + Epirubicin, separately. MTT assay was used to evaluate the killing effects after therapy. Resuits: The inhibition rate on BEL-7404 cells was(47±3)% when using 100 μg/ml 5-Fu, was (20±4)% when using 1 μg/ml MMC, and was (73±2)% when using 2.5 μg/ml EPI. The inhibition rates of BEL-740 cells in CNHK600-p53(MOI= 10) + Fluorouracil (100 μg/ml), CNHK600-p53(MOI=10) + Mitomycin (1 μg/ml), and CNHK600-p53 (MOI= 10)+ Epirubicin (2.5 μg/ml) groups were (59±4) %, (44±4) % and (86±2) %, respectively (P〈0.01). Conclusion: Adenovirus CNHK600- p53 carrying p53 gene can enhance chemosensitivity of BELT404 hepatocarcinoma cell line. Gene therapy using adenovirus CNHK600-p53 in combination with chemotherapy may be a new strategy for hepatocarcinoma treatment.