Induction of apoptosis and necrosis by zinc in human thyroid cancer cell lines

Abstract

Zinc at concentrations of 150 μM or higher induced necrosis as well as apoptosis in thyroid cancer cell lines. Necrosis was induced by zinc in a dose-dependent manner, whereas apoptosis did not increase at higher concentrations of zinc. The expression of the antiapoptotic protein phosphorylated Bad was markedly increased, whereas the expression of the proapoptotic proteins Bax and Bad decreased following Zn2+ exposure. Zn2+ induced rapid degradation of IκB, and an increase in the binding of nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB). These observations indicate that antiapoptotic pathways were activated in thyroid cancer cells following exposure to Zn2+. This may be a self-defence mechanism against apoptosis and may underlie the general resistance of thyroid cancer cells to apoptotic stimuli. Zinc may be a potential cytotoxic agent for the treatment of thyroid cancer.