N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide-induced apoptosis triggered by reactive oxygen species is mediated by activation of MAPKs in head and neck squamous carcinoma cells

N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (4HPR), a synthetic retinoid effective in cancer chemoprevention and therapy, is thought to act via apoptosis induction resulting from increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. As ROS can activate MAP kinases and protein kinase C (PKC), we examined the role of such enzymes in 4HPR-induced apoptosis in HNSCC UMSCC22B cells. 4HPR increased ROS level within 1 h and induced activation of caspase 3 and PARP cleavage within 24 h. Activation of MKK3/6 and MKK4, JNK, p38 and ERK was detected between 6 and 12 h, increased up to 24 h and preceded apoptosis. 4HPR-induced activation of these kinases was abrogated by the antioxidants BHA and vitamin C. SP600125, a JNK inhibitor, suppressed 4HPR-induced c-Jun phosphorylation, cytochrome c release from mitochondria and apoptosis. Suppression of JNK1 and JNK2 using siRNA decreased, whereas overexpression of wild type-JNK1 enhanced 4HPR-induced apoptosis. PD169316, a p38, inhibitor suppressed phosphorylation of Hsp27 and apoptosis. PD98059, an MEK1/2 inhibitor, also suppressed ERK1/2 activation and apoptosis induced by 4HPR. Likewise, PKC inhibitor GF109203X suppressed ERK and p38 phosphorylation and PARP cleavage. These data indicate that 4HPR-induced apoptosis is triggered by ROS increase, leading to the activation of the mitogen-activated protein serine/threonine kinases JNK, p38, PKC and ERK, and subsequent apoptosis.     

Activation of mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway contributes to tumor cell survival in anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) frequently carries the t(2;5)(p23;q35) resulting in aberrant expression of chimeric nucleophosmin-ALK. Previously, nucleophosmin-ALK has been shown to activate phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and its downstream effector, the serine/threonine kinase AKT. In this study, we hypothesized that the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, which functions downstream of AKT, mediates the oncogenic effects of activated PI3K/AKT in ALK+ ALCL. Here, we provide evidence that mTOR signaling phosphoproteins, including mTOR, eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein-1, p70S6K, and ribosomal protein S6, are highly phosphorylated in ALK+ ALCL cell lines and tumors. We also show that AKT activation contributes to mTOR phosphorylation, at least in part, as forced expression of constitutively active AKT by myristoylated AKT adenovirus results in increased phosphorylation of mTOR and its downstream effectors. Conversely, inhibition of AKT expression or activity results in decreased mTOR phosphorylation. In addition, pharmacologic inhibition of PI3K/AKT down-regulates the activation of the mTOR signaling pathway. We also show that inhibition of mTOR with rapamycin, as well as silencing mTOR gene product expression using mTOR-specific small interfering RNA, decreased phosphorylation of mTOR signaling proteins and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in ALK+ ALCL cells. Cell cycle arrest was associated with modulation of G(1)-S-phase regulators, including the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p21(waf1) and p27(kip1). Apoptosis following inhibition of mTOR expression or function was associated with down-regulation of antiapoptotic proteins, including c-FLIP, MCL-1, and BCL-2. These findings suggest that the mTOR pathway contributes to nucleophosmin-ALK/PI3K/AKT-mediated tumorigenesis and that inhibition of mTOR represents a potential therapeutic strategy in ALK+ ALCL.     

The anaplastic lymphoma kinase controls cell shape and growth of anaplastic large cell lymphoma through Cdc42 activation

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that originates from T cells and frequently expresses oncogenic fusion proteins derived from chromosomal translocations or inversions of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene. The proliferation and survival of ALCL cells are determined by the ALK activity. Here we show that the kinase activity of the nucleophosmin (NPM)-ALK fusion regulated the shape of ALCL cells and F-actin filament assembly in a pattern similar to T-cell receptor-stimulated cells. NPM-ALK formed a complex with the guanine exchange factor VAV1, enhancing its activation through phosphorylation. VAV1 increased Cdc42 activity, and in turn, Cdc42 regulated the shape and migration of ALCL cells. In vitro knockdown of VAV1 or Cdc42 by short hairpin RNA, as well as pharmacologic inhibition of Cdc42 activity by secramine, resulted in a cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of ALCL cells. Importantly, the concomitant inhibition of Cdc42 and NPM-ALK kinase acted synergistically to induce apoptosis of ALCL cells. Finally, Cdc42 was necessary for the growth as well as for the maintenance of already established lymphomas in vivo. Thus, our data open perspectives for new therapeutic strategies by revealing a mechanism of regulation of ALCL cell growth through Cdc42.     

Genistein-induced apoptosis via Akt signaling pathway in anaplastic large-cell lymphoma

More than half of anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) are associated with chromosomal translocation t(2;5)(p23;q35) that leads to the expression of nucleophosmin-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (NPM-ALK) oncoprotein. NPM-ALK activates the antiapoptotic phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/Akt (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway, which plays a critical role in cell survival and apoptosis. Inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway has been considered as a therapeutic target for cancer where PI3K/Akt activation is a causative factor. Genistein, a natural isoflavonoid found in soy products, has been shown to inhibit cell growth and induce apoptosis in a wide variety of cell lines. Here, we demonstrated that treatment of two t(2;5) ALCL cell lines, SUDHL-1 and Karpas299, with genistein induced apoptosis in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Concurrently, these cells exhibited a decrease in Akt protein levels and subsequent downregulation of Akt activity (Akt phosphorylation). Furthermore, genistein treatment induced mitochondrial membrane potential change, caspase-3 activation and PARP cleavage. From these results, we conclude that inhibition of the Akt signaling pathway and induction of apoptosis by genistein could be used as a new treatment modality for the prevention and/or treatment of t(2;5) ALCL and other hematopoietic malignancies.Sung-Shin Park and Yong-Nyun Kim should be regarded as equal first authors.     

CD4 T-helper responses to the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) protein in patients with ALK-positive anaplastic large-cell lymphoma

We have previously shown both humoral and CTL responses to anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) in patients with ALK-positive anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL). However, because CD4(+) T-helper (Th) cells also play a vital role in developing and maintaining tumor immunity, we investigated the presence of a CD4(+) Th response in ALK-positive ALCL. Using an IFN-gamma ELISPOT assay, we identified two ALK-derived DRB1-restricted 24-mer promiscuous peptides, ALK1(278-301) and ALK2(233-256), as being immunogenic in six ALK-positive ALCL patients but not in two ALK-negative ALCL patients or five normal subjects. A significant interleukin-4 response to the ALK peptides was detected in only one ALK-positive patient. CD4(+) Th cell lines lysed ALK-positive ALCL cell lines in a MHC class II-restricted manner. This first report of a CD4(+) Th response to ALK provides valuable information for developing future immunotherapeutic options for ALK-positive ALCL patients who fail to respond well to conventional therapies.     

p53 gene mutations are uncommon but p53 is commonly expressed in anaplastic large-cell lymphoma.

Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL), as defined in the World Health Organization, is a heterogeneous category in which a subset of cases is associated with the t(2;5)(p23;q35) or variant translocations resulting in overexpression of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK). p53 has not been assessed in currently defined subsets of ALCL tumors. In this study, we assessed ALK+ and ALK- ALCL tumors for p53 gene alterations using PCR, single-strand conformation polymorphism and direct sequencing methods. We also immunohistochemically assessed ALCL tumors for p53 expression. Three of 36 (8%) ALCL tumors (1/14 ALK+, 2/22 ALK-) with adequate DNA showed p53 gene mutations. By contrast, p53 was overexpressed in 36 of 55 (65%) ALCL tumors (16 ALK+, 20 ALK-). p21, a target of p53, was expressed in 15 of 31 (48%) ALCL tumors including seven of 15 (47%) p53-positive tumors. p21 expression in a subset of ALCL suggests the presence of functional p53 protein. Apoptotic rate was significantly higher in p53-positive than p53-negative tumors (mean 2.78 vs 0.91%, P = 0.0003). We conclude that the p53 gene is rarely mutated in ALK+ and ALK- ALCL tumors. Nevertheless, wild-type p53 gene product is commonly overexpressed in ALCL and may be functional in a subset of these tumors.     

Long-term outcomes of adults with first-relapsed/refractory systemic anaplastic large-cell lymphoma in the pre-brentuximab vedotin era: A LYSA/SFGM-TC study

BackgroundLong-term outcomes of adults with first-relapsed/refractory (R/R) systemic anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) are not definitively established and should be evaluated.Patients and methodsWe previously published the long-term outcomes of adults with ALCL initially treated with polychemotherapy in LYmphoma Study Association (LYSA) prospective clinical trials conducted during the pre-brentuximab vedotin era. Herein, we report the long-term outcomes of those patients after the first-relapsed/refractory (R/R) events.ResultsAmong the 138 (64 (anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK(+)) and 74 ALK(−) ALCL) adults initially treated in clinical trials, 40 (14 ALK(+) and 26 ALK(−)) first-R/R ALCL patients and their long-term outcomes were analysed. Median follow-up from the first-R/R events was 12.5 years. For ALK(+) and ALK(−) patients, respectively, median [range] findings were as follows: age at first-R/R event: 35 [19–76] and 61 [34–81] years; time between inclusion in first-line clinical trials and first-R/R events was 6 [1.5–34] and 11.1 [1–67] months (P = 0.36); with median (95% confidence interval) progression-free survival after the first-R/R events: 3.8 (0.7–14.8) and 5.3 (2.4–8.4) months (P = 0.39); and overall survival: 13.6 (0.7–89) and 8.1 (3.3–25) months (P = 0.96). ALCL was the main cause of death.ConclusionMost adults with first-R/R ALCL have poor outcomes, with no significant differences between patients with ALK(+) or ALK(−) disease. These results could be used as reference for the evaluation of new drugs to treat R/R ALCL.     

Mechanism of 2-methoxyestradiol-induced apoptosis and growth arrest in human breast cancer cells

2-Methoxyestradiol, a well-known nonpolar endogenous metabolite of 17beta-estradiol, has been shown to selectively induce apoptosis in a number of cancer cell lines, but not in normal cells. The mechanism of 2-methoxyestradiol-induced apoptosis appears to vary considerably in different cell lines examined. In the present study, we systematically analyzed the mechanisms of 2-methoxyestradiol-induced apoptosis in the estrogen receptor-negative MDA-MB-435s human breast cancer cells. We found that 2-methoxyestradiol induced the activation of JNK, ERK, and p38 MAPKs. 2-methoxyestradiol-induced JNK activation was associated with the induction of apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathways as a result of increased phosphorylation (inactivation) of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL proteins. In comparison, 2-methoxyestradiol-induced activation of ERK and p38 in these cells was found to have a protective effect against 2-MeO-E(2)-induced apoptosis. Consistent with this observation, the presence of pharmacological inhibitor of ERK or p38 enhanced 2-methoxyestradiol-induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, inhibition of ERK and p38 activity was associated with activation of various caspases and PARP cleavage, and it also stabilized the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Bim, thereby preventing them from degradation during 2-methoxyestradiol treatment. These results suggest that ERK and p38 MAPKs may serve as viable targets for the sensitization of human breast cancer cells to 2-methoxyestradiol-induced apoptosis.     

Molecular characterization of PS-341 (bortezomib) resistance: implications for overcoming resistance using lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase (LPAAT)-beta inhibitors

PS-341 (bortezomib, Velcadetrade mark) is a promising novel agent for treatment of advanced multiple myeloma (MM); however, 65% of patients with relapsed refractory disease in a phase II study do not respond to PS-341. We have previously shown that lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase (LPAAT)-beta inhibitor CT-32615 triggers caspase-dependent apoptosis, and can overcome resistance to conventional therapeutics (i.e., dexamethasone, doxorubicin, melphalan) in MM cells. In this study, we therefore determined whether CT-32615 could also overcome resistance to PS-341. We first characterized molecular mechanisms of resistance to PS-341 in DHL-4 cells. DHL-4 cells express low levels of caspase-3 and caspase-8; furthermore, no cleavage in caspase-8, caspase-9, caspase-3, poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), or DNA fragmentation factor 45 was triggered by PS-341 treatment. We have previously shown that PS-341 treatment triggers phosphorylation of c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK), which subsequently induces caspase-dependent apoptosis; conversely, JNK inhibition blocks PS-341-induced apoptosis. We here show that phosphorylation of SEK-1, JNK, and c-Jun are not induced by PS-341 treatment, suggesting that PS-341 does not trigger a stress response in DHL-4 cells. Importantly, CT-32615 inhibits growth of DHL-4 cells in a time- and dose-dependent fashion: a transient G2/M cell cycle arrest induced by CT-32615 is mediated via downregulation of cdc25c and cdc2. CT-32615 triggered swelling and lysis of DHL-4 cells, without caspase/PARP cleavage or TUNEL-positivity, suggesting a necrotic response. Our studies therefore demonstrate that LPAAT-beta inhibitor CT-32615 triggers necrosis, even in PS-341-resistant DHL-4 cells, providing the framework for its evaluation to overcome clinical PS-341 resistance and improve patient outcome.     

The role of activated MEK-ERK pathway in quercetin-induced growth inhibition and apoptosis in A549 lung cancer cells

Dietary phytochemicals have been shown to be protective against various types of cancers. However, the precise underlying protective mechanisms are poorly understood. In the present study, we report that treatment of A549 cells with quercetin resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability and DNA synthesis with the rate of apoptosis equivalent to 1.2 +/- 0.8, 6.3 +/- 0.9, 16.5 +/- 1.5, 36.4 +/- 2.6 and 42.5 +/- 5.8% on treatment with 0.1% dimethylsulfoxide, 14.5, 29.0, 43.5 and 58.0 micro M quercetin, respectively. Concomitantly, quercetin treatments led to a 1.1-, 1.1-, 2.5- and 3.5-fold increase in Bax. Similar elevations were also observed in Bad, which increased 1.1-, 2.1-, 2.2- and 2.3-fold, respectively, as compared with control. While Bcl-2 was decreased by 30%, Bcl-x(L) was elevated in a dose-dependent fashion. Quercetin also induced the cleavage of caspase-3, caspase-7 and PARP (poly ADP-ribose polymerase). While Akt-1 and phosphorylated Akt-1 were inhibited, the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) was phosphorylated following quercetin treatment in a dose-dependent fashion. Phosphorylation of ERK and c-Jun occurred at 3 h and was sustained over 14 h. Phosphorylation of MEK1/2 was increased in concordance with ERK activation. Quercetin-induced phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and cleavage of caspase-3 occurred 6 h after quercetin exposure and before cleavage of caspase-7 and PARP was detected. Inhibition of MEK1/2 but not PI-3 kinase, p38 kinase or JNK abolished quercetin-induced phosphorylation of c-Jun, cleavage of caspase-3 and -7, cleavage of PARP and apoptosis. Inhibition of caspase activation completely blocked quercetin-induced apoptosis. Expression of constitutively activated MEK1 in A549 cells led to activation of caspase-3 and apoptosis. The results suggest that in addition to inactivation of Akt-1 and alteration in the expression of the Bcl-2 family of proteins, activation of MEK-ERK is required for quercetin-induced apoptosis in A549 lung carcinoma cells.     

HA14-1 sensitizes TNF-α-induced apoptosis via inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway: Involvement of reactive oxygen species and JNK

Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) attenuates the TNF-α-induced apoptosis pathway. Thus, blockage of NF-κB activity may improve the anti-cancer activity of TNF-α. HA14-1 induces apoptosis in various human cancer cells, and the molecular mechanisms of this action remain to be fully characterized. The present study evaluated the involvement of NF-κB, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in the effects of HA14-1 by examining the sensitization effect on TNF-α-induced apoptosis in human leukemia cells. Such sensitization is closely associated with the inhibitory effect of HA14-1 on TNF-α-mediated NF-κB activation. HA14-1 suppressed NF-κB activation through inhibition of phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα. This inhibition was correlated with suppression of NF-κB-dependent gene products (c-myc, cyclin D1, cox-2, and IAP-1). Additionally, the present findings provide evidence of a critical role of ROS accumulation induced by HA14-1 in TNF-α-induced apoptosis. Moreover, HA14-1 also markedly sustained TNF-α-mediated JNK activation. A specific JNK inhibitor abolished the sensitization effect of HA14-1 on TNF-α-induced apoptosis. Taken together, these results indicate that ROS and JNK represent important signals in HA14-1 sensitization in TNF-α-induced apoptosis.     

Photodynamic therapy with the phthalocyanine photosensitizer Pc 4 of SW480 human colon cancer xenografts in athymic mice.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using the silicon phthalocyanine photosensitizer Pc 4 [HOSiPcOSi(CH3)2(CH2)3N-(CH3)2] is an oxidative stress associated with induction of apoptosis in various cell types. We assessed the effectiveness of Pc 4-PDT on SW480 colon cancer xenografts grown in athymic nude mice. Animals bearing xenografts were treated with 1 mg/kg body weight Pc 4 and 48 h later were irradiated with 150 J/cm2 672-nm light from a diode laser delivered at 150 mW/cm2. Biochemical studies were performed in xenografts resected at various time points up to 26 h after Pc 4-PDT treatment, whereas tumor size was evaluated over a 4-week period in parallel experiments. In the tumors resected for biochemical studies, apoptosis was visualized by activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 and a gradual increase in the cleavage of the nuclear enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) to a maximum of approximately 60% of the total PARP present at approximately 26 h. At that time all Pc 4-PDT-treated tumors had regressed significantly. Two signaling responses that have previously been shown to be associated with Pc 4-PDT-induced apoptosis in cultured cells, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and p21/WAF1/Cip1, were examined. A marked increase in phosphorylation of p38 was observed within 1 h after Pc 4-PDT without changes in levels of the p38 protein. Levels of p21 were not altered in the xenografts in correspondence with the presence of mutant p53 in SW480 cells. Evaluation of tumor size showed that tumor growth resumed after a delay of 9-15 days. Our results suggest that: (a) Pc 4-PDT is effective in the treatment of SW480 human colon cancer xenografts independent of p53 status; (b) PARP cleavage may be mediated by caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation in the Pc 4-PDT-treated tumors; and (c) p38 phosphorylation may be a trigger of apoptosis in response to PDT in vivo in this tumor model.     

NPM-ALK signals through glycogen synthase kinase 3β to promote oncogenesis

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is the most common type of pediatric peripheral T-cell lymphoma. In 70-80% of cases, the chromosomal aberration t(2;5)(p23;q35) results in the juxtaposition of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) with nucleophosmin (NPM) and the subsequent expression of the NPM-ALK fusion protein. NPM-ALK is a chimeric tyrosine kinase, which induces numerous signaling pathways that drive proliferation and abrogate apoptosis. However, the mechanisms that lead to activation of downstream growth regulatory molecules have not been completely elucidated. Using a mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteomic screen, we identified GSK3β as a signaling mediator of NPM-ALK. Using a selective inhibitor of ALK, we demonstrated that the tyrosine kinase activity of ALK regulates the serine-9 phosphorylation of GSK3β. Expression of NPM-ALK in 293T cells led to an increase of pS(9)-GSK3β (glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta) compared with kinase-defective K210R mutant NPM-ALK, but did not affect total GSK3β levels. Phosphorylation of pS(9)-GSK3β by NPM-ALK was mediated by the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. ALK inhibition resulted in degradation of GSK3β substrates Mcl-1 and CDC25A, which was recovered upon chemical inhibition of the proteasome (MG132). Furthermore, the degradation of Mcl-1 was recoverable with inhibition of GSK3β. ALK inhibition also resulted in decreased cell viability, which was rescued by GSK3β inhibition. Furthermore, stable knockdown of GSK3β conferred resistance to the growth inhibitory effects of ALK inhibition using viability and colony formation assays. pS(9)-GSK3β and CDC25A were selectively expressed in neoplastic cells of ALK+ALCL tissue biopsies, and showed a significant correlation (P<0.001). Conversely, ALK-ALCL tissue biopsies did not show significant correlation of pS(9)-GSK3β and CDC25A expression (P<0.2). Our results demonstrate that NPM-ALK regulates the phosphorylation of S(9)-GSK3β by PI3K/AKT. The subsequent inhibition of GSK3β activity results in accumulation of CDC25A and Mcl-1, which confers the advantage of growth and protection from apoptosis. These findings provide support for the role of GSK3β as a mediator of NPM-ALK oncogenesis.     

The tyrosine phosphatase Shp2 interacts with NPM-ALK and regulates anaplastic lymphoma cell growth and migration

Anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCL) are mainly characterized by the reciprocal translocation t(2;5)(p23;q35) that involves the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene and generates the fusion protein NPM-ALK with intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity. NPM-ALK triggers several signaling cascades, leading to increased cell growth, resistance to apoptosis, and changes in morphology and migration of transformed cells. To search for new NPM-ALK interacting molecules, we developed a mass spectrometry-based proteomic approach in HEK293 cells expressing an inducible NPM-ALK and identified the tyrosine phosphatase Shp2 as a candidate substrate. We found that NPM-ALK was able to bind Shp2 in coprecipitation experiments and to induce its phosphorylation in the tyrosine residues Y542 and Y580 both in HEK293 cells and ALCL cell lines. In primary lymphomas, antibodies against the phosphorylated tyrosine Y542 of Shp2 mainly stained ALK-positive cells. In ALCL cell lines, Shp2-constitutive phosphorylation was dependent on NPM-ALK, as it significantly decreased after short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated NPM-ALK knock down. In addition, only the constitutively active NPM-ALK, but not the kinase dead NPM-ALK(K210R), formed a complex with Shp2, Gab2, and growth factor receptor binding protein 2 (Grb2), where Grb2 bound to the phosphorylated Shp2 through its SH2 domain. Shp2 knock down by specific shRNA decreased the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and of the tyrosine residue Y416 in the activation loop of Src, resulting in impaired ALCL cell proliferation and growth disadvantage. Finally, migration of ALCL cells was reduced by Shp2 shRNA. These findings show a direct involvement of Shp2 in NPM-ALK lymphomagenesis, highlighting its critical role in lymphoma cell proliferation and migration.     

三氧化二砷诱导人肝癌细胞株HepG2凋亡的机制研究

目的:探讨三氧化二砷(As2O3)诱导人肝癌细胞株HepG2凋亡的作用及机制。方法:采用MTT法观察不同浓度的As2O3对人类肝癌细胞株HepG2细胞生长的抑制作用;以流式细胞术观察细胞的凋亡率;以Western blot法检测JNK、p-JNK、Caspase-3及PARP蛋白在As2O3作用下及SP600125阻断JNK信号转导通路情况下的表达。结果:As2O3均对体外生长的肝癌细胞HepG2具有明显抑制作用,并可诱导细胞凋亡。Western Bloting结果显示,As2O3诱导肝癌细胞HepG2凋亡伴随着Caspase-3和PARP的活化:As2O3作用于HepG2细胞10min后p-JNK蛋白表达开始增加,20分钟达到高峰,30分钟开始减少,总JNK蛋白的含量无明显改变,JNK的激活早于细胞凋亡;用SP600125预处理HepG2细胞株后,可以明显减少Caspase-3和PARP的活化。结论:As2O3可以体外通过诱导细胞凋亡抑制肝癌细胞株HepG2的增殖,细胞凋亡通过Caspase-3途径实现。JNK信号转导通路参与了As2O3诱导的HepG2凋亡反应,并位于Caspase-3的上游。