Objective  To determine whether sulfasalazine stimulates hepatic stellate cell (HSC-T6) apoptosis and its possible mechanism.   Methods  CCK-8 assay

acridine orange/ethidium bromide(AO/EB) and Annexin Ⅴ FITC/PI were used to determine cell growth and cell apoptosis. The expression of NF-κB P65

phospho-IKK and phospho-IκB was detected by Western blotting. The nuclear translocation of HSC-T6 P65 was observed with laser confocal microscopy.   Results  Sulfasalazine displayed a strong growth inhibition and promoting apoptosis effect on HSC-T6 cells in a dose and time-dependent manner. Sulfasalazine

but not 5-aminosalicylic acid or sulfapyridine

inhibited the activation of NF-κB by down-regulating the expressions of PIKK

P-IκB and the nuclear translocation of P65.   Conclusion  Sulfasalazine can inhibit NF-κB activity and promote apoptosis in HSC-T6 cells

where the Rel/NF-κB/IκB/IKK pathway plays an important role in HSC survival.