When ER-α was blocked in liver cancer cells, fewer cells were in the DNA-copying phase of the cell cycle and more cells died through programmed cell death.
Scientific Claim
ER-α knockdown in Hep3B and HCCLM3 human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines caused a significant decrease in S-phase cell cycle distribution (P < 0.05) and increased apoptosis rates compared to control groups.
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
definitive
Can make definitive causal claims
Assessment Explanation
The study directly measured cell cycle and apoptosis effects in cell cultures with statistical significance. The claim accurately describes the observed cellular changes without overgeneralizing.
Source Excerpt
“Compared with cells in the other groups, cells infected with ER-α siRNA group showed a substantial decrease in S-phase (P < 0.05, resp.) (Figure 3(a)). We also carried out an Annexin V Apoptosis Assay to determine the apoptotic effect of ER-α siRNA on Hep3B and HCCLM3 cells. In time course experiment, silencing of ER-α significantly increased the percentage of apoptotic cells compared with the other groups (P < 0.05, resp.) (Figure 3(b)).”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting Evidence (1)
The study used flow cytometry to measure cell cycle distribution and apoptosis rates. The specific decrease in S-phase and increase in apoptosis were statistically significant (P < 0.05) compared to control groups in both cell lines.
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