Objective:To compare the effect of histone deacetylase inhititor trichostatin A(TSA) on the proliferation and apotosis of different hepatoma cell lines and to investigate the effect of TSA on hepatitis B virus(HBV) replication. Methods:Human hepatoma cell lines HepG2

HepG2.2.15

QGY7701 and normal liver cell line L02 were treated with TSA

the effects on proliferation and apoptosis were examined by MTT assay and agarose gel electrophoresis of DNA; The viral proteins of hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)and e antigen(HBeAg) in culture medium were measured using the Abbott Microparticle Enzyme Immunoassay kits;The medium HBV DNA levels were quantified using HBV real-time PCR kit. Results:(a)TSA treatment repressed proliferation and induced apoptosis in hepatoma cell lines;(b)The normal repressed proliferation and induced apoptosis in hepatoma cell lines;(b) The normal liver cell line L02 was not sensitive to the treatment of TSA;(c)TSA stimulated HBV replication. Conclusions:TSA treatment could inhibit proliferation of different hepatoma lines

and the normal liver cell line L02 is not sensitive to TSA treatment. However

TSA stimulates HBV replication. Therefore

our results suggest that TSA might be a good chemotherapic candidate for hepatocellular carcinoma patients without HBV infection but may not be suited to treat hepatocellular cancer patients with HBV infection.