Role of arsenic trioxide in the anti-bladder cancer and its mechanism

Abstract

Objective To observe the effects of arsenic trioxide (As2O3) on T24 bladder cancer cells growth, Caspase-3 gene expression, as well as the weight and volume changes of transplantation tumor of hairless mouse. Methods The cell proliferation inhibition was measured by MTT colorimetric assay. Morphological changes in the cell nucleus was measured by fluorescein stain. Morphologic cell apoptosis was analyzed by FCM. The espression of Caspase-3 was observed by immunocytochemistry staining. The weight and volume changes of transplantation tumor of hairless mouse were measured before and after As2 O3 was used. Results As2 O3 could significantly inhibit the growth of T24 cells, which depended on the reaction time and concentration of drug. With the extension of the time, the increase in the rate of apoptosis and expression of casepase-3 increased. The tumor size and tumor analysis of As2O3 group decreased than those of the control group(P＜0. 05). Conclusion As2O3 could significantly inhibit the growth of bladder cancer cells and its anti-cancer mechanisms may be related to increased Caspase-3 protein expression. Key words: Arsenic trioxide; Bladder neoplasms; Carcinoma