[The association of HeLa cell apoptosis induced by arsenic trioxide with the down-regulation of HPV18 E6 oncogene and inhibition of telomerase activity].
OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of As2O3 induction of HeLa cell apoptosis on HPV18 E6 expression and telomerase activity.


METHODS
HeLa cells were treated with As2O3 in various concentrations. The effect of As2O3 on HeLa cell survival and apoptosis was determined by MTT assay, light and electron microscopy, and flow cytometry. Telomerase activity in HeLa cells was determined by TRAP-ELISA and the expression of HPV18 E6 mRNA was assayed by RT-PCR.


RESULTS
After being treated with 2 micromol/L As2O3 for 48 h, the survival of HeLa cells decreased, and marked apoptosis was observed in a time- and dose-dependent manner. There was a good correlation between cell apoptosis and viral E6 gene expression and inhibition of telomerase activity following As2O3 treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The molecular mechanisms of As2O3 effect on HeLa cells may be related to down-regulation of HPV18 E6 oncogene expression and inhibition of telomerase activity.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yangzhou First People's Hospital, Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou 225001, China.
Xiu-ning
XN
Lu
Jie
J
Zheng
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D000077237:Arsenic Trioxide; D001152:Arsenicals / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D015536:Down-Regulation; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D009856:Oncogene Proteins, Viral / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D010087:Oxides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019098:Telomerase / Q000378:metabolism*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D001152:Arsenicals; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; C052603:E6 protein, Human papillomavirus type 18; D009856:Oncogene Proteins, Viral; D010087:Oxides; D019098:Telomerase; D000077237:Arsenic Trioxide