Effects of Sodium Arsenite on Expression of Transcription Factor Nrf2 and Heme Oxygenase 1 in Chang Liver Cells

Objective To observe the effects of sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) on the expression of transcription factor nrf2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) in Chang liver cells, and to explore the possible mechanism by using buthionine sulfoximine ( BSO), a GSH synthesis inhibitor. Methods Chang liver cells were treated with NaAsO2 at the doses of 5, 10 and 20 μmol/L, alone, for 24 h, or pretreated with BSO (3 mmol/L, 12 h). Western blot assays were used to detect the protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1. Results The protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 significantly increased in 5, 10 and 20 μmol/L of NaAsO2 alone groups, and Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression was up-regulated even higher by BSO pretreatment (P0.01). Conclusion Inorganic arsenic can induce Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression, and the possible mechanism involves the roles of intracellular sulfhydryl group.