Effects of red orpiment on cell morphology and expression of PML mRNA and protein in NB4 and HL-60 cells

Chin Med J (Engl). 2003 Jan;116(1):148-50.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effects of red orpiment on cell morphology, expression of promyelocytic leukemia (PML) mRNA and its protein localization in NB4 and HL-60 cell lines.

Methods: Cell morphology was assayed by Wright's staining and fluorescence staining, while PML mRNA expression was determined by RT-PCR. PML protein localization by evaluated by immunofluorescence staining.

Results: The typical apoptosis was found in NB4 and HL-60 cells after treatment with red orpiment. The fusion protein was no longer observed in NB4 cells, PML protein was relocated, and then degraded. In HL-60 cells, PML protein underwent a similar progress. The expression of promyelocytic leukemia (PML) mRNA was not changed in the treated cells.

Conclusion: Red orpiment inhibits the proliferation of leukemia cells by inducing them to undergo apoptosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Arsenicals / pharmacology*
  • HL-60 Cells
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute / drug therapy*
  • Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute / metabolism
  • Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute / pathology
  • Medicine, Chinese Traditional*
  • Neoplasm Proteins / analysis
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics*
  • Nuclear Proteins*
  • Promyelocytic Leukemia Protein
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • Transcription Factors / analysis
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Arsenicals
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Promyelocytic Leukemia Protein
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Transcription Factors
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • PML protein, human