Nitric oxide and calcium ions in apoptotic esophageal carcinoma cells induced by arsenite

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Zhong-Ying Shen1, Wen-Ying Shen, Ming-Hua Chen

  • 1Department of Pathology, Medical College of Shantou University, 22 Xinling Road, Shantou 515031, Guandong Province, China. zhongyingshen@yahoo.com

World Journal of Gastroenterology
|February 8, 2002
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) induces apoptosis in esophageal carcinoma cells by increasing intracellular calcium (Ca2+) and nitric oxide (NO). Ca2+ acts as an initial messenger in this apoptotic pathway, offering new research directions.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Esophageal carcinoma is a significant global health concern.
  • Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) is a chemotherapeutic agent with known cytotoxic effects.
  • Understanding the molecular mechanisms of As2O3-induced apoptosis is crucial for treatment optimization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantitatively analyze the roles of nitric oxide (NO) and calcium ions (Ca2+) in As2O3-induced apoptosis of esophageal carcinoma cells.
  • To elucidate the signaling pathway involving Ca2+ and NO in As2O3-treated esophageal cancer cells.

Main Methods:

  • Cultured SHEEC1 esophageal carcinoma cells were treated with As2O3.
  • Nitric oxide (NO) production was measured using the Griess Colorimetric method.
  • Intracellular Ca2+ dynamics were assessed using the fluorescent dye Fluo3-AM and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).
  • Apoptosis was examined via electron microscopy.

Main Results:

  • As2O3 treatment led to a significant increase in intracellular Ca2+ levels.
  • A subsequent rise in NO production was observed in As2O3-treated cells.
  • Morphological changes indicative of apoptosis, including chromatin agglutination and mitochondrial swelling, were confirmed.

Conclusions:

  • Both Ca2+ and NO levels increase during As2O3-induced cell damage and apoptosis.
  • Ca2+ appears to function as an initial messenger in the apoptotic signaling pathway.
  • Investigating Ca2+ and NO offers a novel approach to understanding As2O3-mediated apoptosis in esophageal carcinoma.

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