BACKGROUNDMatrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is one of significant extracellular matrix catabolic enzymes, which is known to relate to the initiation, progression and growth of the tumor. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of MMP-9 antisense oligonucleotide (ASODN) on the apoptosis and metastasis of human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell.

METHODSMTT was used to analyze the effect of MMP-9 ASODN transfection on A549 cell growth. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the cell cycle and apoptosis. MTT chromometry and scratch migration were used to observe the capability of adhesion and immigration of the A549 cell.

RESULTSMMP-9 ASODN inhibited the survival rate of the A549 cell and the action was concentration-and time-dependent. The peak concentration of MMP-9 ASODN was 600 nmol/L at 48 hours after transfection. After transfection of MMP-9 ASODN to A549 cell, the percentage of A549 apoptosis cell was significantly higher than that of control group (P < 0.01), but the adhesion and migration cut down predominantly (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSMMP-9 ASODN can depress the adhesion and migration and inhibit proliferation of adenocarcinoma A549 cell effectively, and can promote apoptosis of the A549 cell.