Objective To explore the effects of sialidase inhibitor on the proliferation and apoptosis of endometrial cancer Ishikawa cells. Methods Ishikawa cells were cultured and divided into 2 groups: control group and sialidase inhibitor N-Acetyl-2,3-dehydro-2-deoxyneuraminic acid （DANA） treated group. After the sialidase activity was compared between the two groups, the expression level of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), apoptosis rate and proliferation ability were detected by immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry or MTT assay. Results With the treatment of DANA, the activity of sialidase in the cell culture supernatant was suppressed while MMPs expression levels and apoptosis rate of Ishikawa cells were decreased. The expression level of PCNA and cell proliferation showed no statistical differences in two groups. Conclusion Sialidase could affect the invasive ability and apoptosis rate of Ishikawa cells, but it seems no effect on cell proliferation.
