Abstract: Objective To study the apoptosis of rheumatoid arthritis synoviocyte induced by arsenic trioxide.Methods Human rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes (HFLS-RA) were divided into control group and arsenic trioxide group. After 72 hours, pathology changes were observed and MTT tests were used to investigate apoptosis levels induced by arsenic trioxide.Results Arsenic trioxide can induce the apoptosis of rheumatoid arthritis synoviocyte, depending on time and dose.Conclusion Arsenic trioxide may induce apoptosis of rheumatoid arthritis synoviocyte.

Key words: arsenic trioxide, rheumatoid arthritis, fibroblast-like synoviocyte, apoptosis