FTIR microspectroscopic study of biomacromolecular changes in As2O3 induced MGC803 cells apoptosis.

It is well-known that As2O3 has significant anticancer effects, however, little is known regarding its mechanism for treating gastric cancer. Thus, we investigated biomacromolecular (DNA, proteins and lipids) changes of human gastric cancer cell line MGC803 to further understand As2O3-induced apoptosis. Conventional methods showed the increase of the apoptosis rate, the decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the changes of apoptotic proteins, etc. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy sensitively recognized overall biomacromolecular changes caused by the above: Peak-area ratios indicated the content/structure changes in DNA, proteins and lipids. Principle component analysis (PCA) revealed significant changes in intracellular DNA concentration and structure. This study suggests that As2O3 may exert anti-gastric cancer effect by altering intracellular biomacromolecules especially DNA.