In vitro study on effect of As_2O_5 on NB4 cells proliferation and programmed cell death

Objective To study the effect of As2O5 on NB4 cell proliferation and programmed cell death. Methods NB4 cell proliferation, apoptosis and cancer gene expression were examined by cell growth curve, CFU-NB4 culture, flow cytometry, DNA electrophoresis, p53 and bcl-2 protein expression. Results As2O5 could significantly inhibit the proliferation of NB4 cell, induce programmed cell death and down-regulate p53, bcl-2 expression. Moreover, it could also inhibit CFU-GM and BFU-E in bone marrow cultures of normal human. Conclusion As2O5 could induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation on acute promyelocytic leukemia(APL) cell line NB4. As2O5 may be one of effective medicines in the treatment of APL.