Inhibition of Centrosome Amplification in Human Osteosarcoma Cells (Saos2) by Antioxidants Glutathione and

Mustard gas has been used as a chemical weapon since 1917 during World War I. Since then, many reports have shown that survivors of attacks and those who make mustard gas exhibit a higher incidence of cancer than the normal population. We have recently shown that centrosomes may play a role in mustard gas-induced cancers since the mustard gas surrogate 2-chloroethyl ethylsulfide (2-CEES) increases centrosome amplification (more than two centrosomes per cell) in the Saos2 cell line (human osteosarcoma). To begin to delineate some of the mechanisms that might regulate 2-CEES-induced centrosome amplification, we exposed Saos2 cells to the antioxidants Trolox and glutathione (GSH) and 2-CEES in various combinations for 24 hours. We show that Trolox has a minimal effect on inhibiting centrosome amplification, whereas glutathione prevented 2-CEES-induced centrosome amplification below control levels. These data provide insight as to how 2-CEES can induce centrosome amplification, but whether or not that is more related to protein, lipid, or DNA damage is yet to be determined and should be investigated.