Fig. 5

TFF3 decreased sensitivity of cervical cancer cells to etoposide by increasing P-gp functional activity (a) Cultures were stained with the live/dead stain. The cervical cancer cells were treated with 10 μmol/L etoposide for 24 h. Live cervical cancer cells with intact cell membranes stain fluorescent green, whereas cells with damaged membranes and dead cells stain fluorescent red (×200). b Total cell number assays of cervical cancer cells treated with etoposide (10 μmol/L) on 24 h. c The amount of Rho123 accumulated in cervical cancer cells was detected by flow cytometry to reflect P-gp function and Quantification analysis of Rho 123 positive cells. d The effect of TFF3 on expression of drug resistance-related protein, P-gp. Statistical significance was assessed by using an unpaired two-tailed Student’s t test (P < 0.05 was considered as significant) using SPSS 18.0. Columns are the mean of triplicate experiments; bars ±SD. **P < 0.001