Abstract: Objective To investigate effects of the proliferation and apoptosis of human leukemia ( HL60) cells by Livin antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ASODN)．Methods to detect expression of Livin protein on HL60 cells by immunohistochemistry. Specific phosphorothioate antisense oligodeoxynucleotides and missense oligodeoxynucleotides target Livin mRNA were synthesized and was transfected into HL60 cells following cationic liposome．The proliferation inhibitory rates of HL60 cells were assessed by MTT method. The expressions of Livin mRNA were detected by RT-PCR. Transmission electron microscope and TUNEL technology were used to detect the apoptosis level and morphologic changes. Results ASODN at a final concentration of 600 nmol／L could inhibit the HL60 cells proliferation and the expressions of Livin mRNA. The apoptosis rates detected by TUNEL was 38.48%±4.37%. cellar ultrastructure was markedly destroyed by Livin ASODN. There were significant differences compared with the control group (P<0.01).Conclusion Livin ASODN could suppress HL60 cell proliferation effectively, decline Livin gene expression, induce significant apoptosis of HL60, therefore Livin gene may become a new target for gene therapy of leukemia.

Key words: leukemia, Livin gene, Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides, Apoptosis