[In vitro study on arsenic trioxide-inducing apoptosis in primary acute promyelocytic leukemie cells].
OBJECTIVE
To illustrate mechanisms of arsenic trioxide(As2O3) in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).


METHODS
Cell-DNA content distribution, CD11b and CD33 antigens and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction were evaluated in fresh APL cells from six APL patients treated in vitro with As2O3.


RESULTS
As2O3 had double effects on the cells inducing apoptosis and inducing partial differentiation at higher and at lower drug concentrations, respectively. As2O3 (0.1 approximately 2.0 micromol/L) could rapidly modulate and degrade APL-specific marker molecule PML-RARalpha protein, which could play an important role in the effects of As2O3 on APL cells.


CONCLUSIONS
As2O3 had double effects (induction of apoptosis and partial differentiation) on APL cells through the modulation and degradation of PML-RARalpha proteins.
Tang
W
W
Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Second Medical University, Shanghai 200025.
Chen
G
G
Shen
Z
Z
Chen
L
L
Shi
X
X
Jia
P
P
Shi
G
G
Ni
J
J
Chen
S
S
Wang
Z
Z
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D000077237:Arsenic Trioxide; D001152:Arsenicals / Q000494:pharmacology*; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D015473:Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D015514:Oncogene Proteins, Fusion / Q000378:metabolism; D010087:Oxides / Q000494:pharmacology*
D001152:Arsenicals; D015514:Oncogene Proteins, Fusion; D010087:Oxides; C093476:promyelocytic leukemia-retinoic acid receptor alpha fusion oncoprotein; D000077237:Arsenic Trioxide