Study data from Peking University, Department of Chemical Biology provide new insights into myelocytic leukemia prevention

11-13-2006

New investigation results, "Induction of human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cell differentiation into monocytes by arsenic sulphide: involvement of serine/threonine protein phosphatases," are detailed in a study published in Leukemia Research. According to recent research published in the journal Leukemia Research, "The clinical efficacy of arsenic sulfide (As(4)S(4)), also known as realgar, in the treatment of leukemia in China is prompting people to explore the underlying mechanism. We examined the realgar-induced differentiation in human promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60."

"Cells exhibited proliferation inhibition when treated with 0.10-1.5 microM of realgar, and underwent monocytic differentiation as indicated by morphological changes, NBT reduction assay, and cytofluorometric analyses of the cell surface antigens, CD11b and CD14. Accompanying the differentiation, the activity of serine/threonine protein phosphatase type 1 (PP1) and type 2A (PP2A) were enhanced, whereas the activity of PP2B remained virtually the same compared to the control. When cells were treated with realgar in the presence of an inhibitor of PP1 and 2A or an inhibitor of PP2B, the differentiation of the cells was partially suppressed as revealed by NBT reduction assay and the expression of CD14," wrote L.Y. Luo and colleagues, Peking University, Department of Chemical Biology.

The researchers concluded: "Our data demonstrate that realgar induces monocytic differentiation in HL-60 cells and that some serine/threonine protein phosphatases may be involved in the process."

Luo and colleagues published their study in Leukemia Research (Induction of human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cell differentiation into monocytes by arsenic sulphide: involvement of serine/threonine protein phosphatases. Leukemia Research, 2006;30(11):1399-405).

For additional information, contact L.Y. Luo, Peking University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dept. of Chemical Biology, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Beijing 100083, PR China.

The publisher's contact information for the journal Leukemia Research is: Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd., the Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, England.

Keywords: People's Republic of China, Beijing, Myelocytic Leukemia Prevention, Hematology, Myelocytic Leukemia, Oncology, Phosphatase.

This article was prepared by Hematology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Hematology Week via NewsRx.com.