Abstract: ObjectiveTo examine the effects of a selective inhibitor of cox-2,celecoxib on growth and apoptosis in Hep G2 cells.MethodHep G2 cells were treated with various concentrations of celecoxib.Cell growth was measured by M TT,apoptosis was detected by DNA fragmentation assay,and cox-2 activity was measured by RIA;Expression of caspase-3 protein in Hep G2 cells was determined by western blot,and caspase-3 activity was measured using colorimetric assay.ResultsAfter Hep G2 cells were treated with different concentrations of celecoxib(12.5,25,50μmol/L),celecoxib could significantly suppress the growth of Hep G2 cells respectively compared with the control group(P<0.01),and celecoxib-treated Hep G2 cells produced a distinct oligosomal ladder,the characteristics of cells undergoing apoptosis;Meanwhile,The caspas-3 expression and activity of celecoxib treated Hep G2 cells were increased respectively as compared with the control groups(P<0.01).Furthermore,the level of cox-2 activity was reduced in celecoxib-treated Hep G2 cells respectively compared with the control group(P<0.01).ConclusionCelecoxib could inhibit the proliferation and increase apoptosis in Hep G2 cells by cox-2 and caspase3 pathways.