Significance of Expressions of Caspase 3 and bcl-2 in As_2O_3-induced Apoptosis of SGC7901 Cell Line

Objective:To investigate the possible role of caspase 3 and bcl 2 in arsenic trioxide(As 2O 3) induced apoptosis of SGC7901 cell line. Methods:Cell apoptosis was assessed through agarose gel electrophoresis and the double staining of annexin V and propidium iodide (PI), of which fluorescent intensities were measured on flow cytometry. SGC7901 was treated with As 2O 3 and DEVD CHO, a selective inhibitor of caspase 3. Change in expressions of caspase 3 and bcl 2 was observed by means of flow cytometry. Results:As 2O 3 up regulated caspase 3 and down regulated bcl 2 protein. DEVD CHO inhibited the apoptosis induced by As 2O 3. Conclusion:As 2O 3 may selectively activate caspase 3 by down regulating the expression of bcl 2 protein, which causes SGC7901 cells apoptosis.