Effect of arsenic trioxide on human hepatocarcinoma in nude mice

AIM: To study the effect of arsenic trioxide (As(2)0(3)) on human hepatoma cell line BEL-7402 in vivo. METHODS: Human hepatoma cell line BEL-7402 cultured in vitro was inoculated into nude mice and arsenic trioxide, 5-Fu and saline were injected into abdominal cavity of the nude mice respectively. The volumes of tumor and general conditions of the nude mice and structural changes of the liver and kidney were observed. Morphologic changes were studied under electron microscope. Expression of AFP was investigated by immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: As(2)O(3) could inhibit the growth of tumor. The tumor growth inhibitory rate in mice treated with 2.5 mg/kg As(2)O(3) was 53.42% on the tenth day. The tumor growth inhibitory rate in mice treated with 5 mg/kg As(2)O(3) was 79.28% on the fifth day and 96.58% on the tenth day respectively. As(2)O(3) did not damage the liver and kidney of nude mice, or affect the blood system. Typical apoptotic morphological changes were found under electron microscope, and the change of mitochondria was obvious. The expression rate of AFP declined after treatment. CONCLUSION: Arsenic trioxide can induce apoptosis of human hepatoma cells, and inhibit proliferation of tumor with no obvious side effects on liver and kidney.