In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrate that the inhibition of cell proliferation by EGCg may occur via the suppression of cell death‑inhibiting gene expression. Bcl‑xL mRNA expression levels decreased following EGCg administration in non‑small‑cell lung cancer A549 cells. The observations indicate that green tea may be useful as an antitumor agent to enhance the efficacy of cancer therapy. Although
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the balance between the expression levels of death‑inhibiting genes (Bcl‑xL and Bcl‑2) and death‑promoting genes (Bax and Bad) is critically important in the regulation of apoptosis, whether EGCg affects Bcl‑2, Bax or Bad gene expression is unclear at present. Thus, further studies investigating whether EGCg regulates the gene expression of Bcl‑2 family members other than Bcl‑xL are required.