OBJECTIVESTo investigate the effects of paclitaxel loaded ultrasound contrast agents on cell cycles and ultrastructural features of HepG2 cells.

METHODSHepG2 cells were cultured, and divided into a blank control group, a paclitaxel group, an ultrasound contrast agents group, and a paclitaxel loaded ultrasound contrast agents group. Cell cycles of the four groups were detected by flow cytometry, and the ultrastructural changes of the cells were observed under a transmission electron microscope.

RESULTSPaclitaxel loaded ultrasound contrast agents blocked the HepG2 cells at their G2/M phases, and it also induced more apoptosis of the HepG2 cells.

CONCLUSIONSPaclitaxel loaded ultrasound contrast agents can block HepG2 cells at the G2/M phase and induce apoptosis of the cells.