As2O3 toxicity in rat hepatocytes: manifestation of caspase-mediated apoptosis

In India, arsenic contamination in ground water is of immediate environmental concern affecting a large number of inhabitants in Kolkata. Arsenic is known to be one of the most toxic metalloids naturally occurring in the environment giving rise to severe toxic manifestations including cancer. Because arsenic is also used in chemotherapy of leukemia, it was considered worthwhile to concentrate on the mechanism of toxic action in normal hepatocytes which has not been addressed earlier. Rat hepatocytes were isolated and incubated in As2O3 at concentrations of 10, 20, and 40 mu M in a time-dependent manner (0, 15, 30 min and 1, 2, and 4 h). The expression of the common stress proteins HSP 70 and 90 throughout the experimental duration confirmed the magnitude of toxic effect imposed by arsenic. Microscopic observations showed clear apoptotic changes in hepatocytes, which were further characterized by DNA ladder formation in time- and concentration-dependent manners. Apoptosis was triggered by caspase activation and over expression of bax at 10 mu M As2O3 and at 20 and 40 mu M concentrations of As2O3, MAP kinases were found to mediate the apoptotic pathway. Co-treatment of cells with arsenic and caspase inhibitor (Ac-DEVD-Cho) led to over expression of bcl-2, suppression of bax, and cytosolic sequestration of Bid and Bad. It is therefore concluded that caspase activation has a direct role in arsenic-induced apoptosis mediated by mitochondrial factors at 10 mu M As2O3, and JUN N-terminal kinase (JNK) and P38 activation are the major mediators of apoptosis at the higher test concentrations (20 and 40 mu M) of As2O3. Toxicology and Industrial Health 2008; 24: 643-653.