The effects of capsaicin in combination with 5-FU on QBC939 cells.

(A) Co-treatment with capsaicin and the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA enhanced the cytotoxic effect of 5-FU on QBC939 cells. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay after 48 h. Three drug combinations (RARA, 3-MA, and capsaicin) were compared to 5-FU at each treatment time, respectively. (B) Co-treatment with capsaicin increased 5-FU-induced apoptosis. Apoptosis was detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI staining after 48 h. 5-FU (40 μM), RARA (2 mM), 3-MA (1 mM), capsaicin (60 μM). (Capsaicin + 5-FU) vs. 5-FU. * P<0.05, ** P<0.01.