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Published on: February 14, 2017
[Effects of realgar on tissue factor expression of NB4 and MR2 cells]
1Department of Hematology, First Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shanxi, China. ZXA1112@163.com
Objective:
To investigate the effects of Realgar on procoagulant activity (PCA), tissue factor expression and tissue factor mRNA transcription in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cell lines NB4 and MR2 cells.
Method:
NB4 and MR2 cells were treated with 300 micrograms.L-1 Realgar PCA of the treated cells was detected using one-stage clotting assay. TF antigen was detected by ELISA and TFmRNA by semi-quantitive RT-PCR.
Result:
The PCA and TF antigen level in NB4 and MR2 cells were significantly higher than that in HL-60 and K562 cells. Realgar could down-regulate the membrane PCA, TF antigen and TF mRNA transcription of NB4 and MR2 cells in a time-dependent manner.
Conclusion:
Down-regulating TF expression and PCA of NB4 and MR2 cells by Realgar may be one of the mechanism of its improvement effect on DIC-related hemorrhage of APL patients.
Insights
Realgar reduces procoagulant activity (PCA) and tissue factor (TF) expression in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cells. This suggests Realgar may help manage disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) bleeding in APL patients.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Context:
- Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is associated with a high risk of bleeding due to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
- Tissue factor (TF) and procoagulant activity (PCA) play critical roles in the coagulation cascade and are implicated in APL-related coagulopathy.
- Realgar, a traditional Chinese medicine, has shown potential therapeutic effects, but its mechanisms in APL require elucidation.
Purpose:
- To investigate the effects of Realgar on TF expression, TF mRNA transcription, and PCA in NB4 and MR2 APL cell lines.
- To determine if Realgar modulates the key factors contributing to hypercoagulability in APL.
Summary:
- NB4 and MR2 APL cells exhibited higher baseline PCA and TF antigen levels compared to control cell lines (HL-60, K562).
- Treatment with Realgar led to a time-dependent downregulation of membrane-bound PCA, TF antigen, and TF mRNA levels in NB4 and MR2 cells.
- These findings demonstrate Realgar's inhibitory effect on key procoagulant factors in APL cells.
Impact:
- Realgar's ability to downregulate TF expression and PCA suggests a potential therapeutic mechanism for managing DIC-related hemorrhage in APL patients.
- This research provides a molecular basis for the traditional use of Realgar in treating APL complications.
- Further studies could explore Realgar as an adjunct therapy to improve outcomes for APL patients suffering from bleeding complications.

