Arsenic trioxide sensitivity is associated with low level of glutathione in cancer cells
1999
Arsenic Trioxide Sensitivity and Glutathione Levels in Cancer Cells
Sample size: 17
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Yang C-H, Kuo M-L, Chen J-C, Chen Y-C
Primary Institution: National Taiwan University Hospital
Hypothesis
The level of glutathione in cancer cells affects their sensitivity to arsenic trioxide.
Conclusion
Lower levels of glutathione in cancer cells are associated with increased sensitivity to arsenic trioxide.
Supporting Evidence
- Bladder cancer, acute promyelocytic leukaemia, and gastrointestinal cancer cells were the most sensitive to arsenic trioxide.
- Cancer cells with lower glutathione levels were more sensitive to arsenic.
- Depleting cellular glutathione increased arsenic sensitivity in cancer cells.
Takeaway
Cancer cells with less glutathione are more likely to be affected by arsenic, which is a type of medicine.
Methodology
Cytotoxic tests were conducted on a panel of 17 cancer cell lines to assess sensitivity to arsenic trioxide.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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