Enhanced Cytotoxic Effects of Arenite in Combination with Active Bufadienolide Compounds against Human Glioblastoma Cell Line U-87.

The cytotoxicity of a trivalent arsenic derivative (arsenite, As) combined with arenobufagin or gamabufotalin was evaluated in human U-87 glioblastoma cells. Synergistic cytotoxicity with upregulated intracellular arsenic levels was observed, when treated with As combined with arenobufagin instead of gamabufotalin. Apoptosis and the activation of caspase-9/-8/-3 were induced by As and further strengthened by arenobufagin.

Speciation of arsenic trioxide metabolites in blood cells and plasma of a patient with acute promyelocytic leukemia.

Arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)) has been widely accepted as the second-best choice for the treatment of relapsed and refractory acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients. However, a few studies have been conducted on a detailed speciation of As(2)O(3) metabolites in blood samples of patients. To clarify the speciation of arsenic, the blood samples were collected at various time points from a patient with APL after remission induction therapy and during consolidation therapy.