Modulatory effects of acetazolomide and dexamethasone on temozolomide mediated apoptosis in human glioblastoma T98G and U87MG cells

Acetazolomide (ACZ) and dexamethasone (DXM) alleviate vasogenic edema and inflammation in glioblastoma patients. Temozolomide (TMZ) is used for treating glioblastoma. We compared modulatory effects of ACZ and DXM on TMZ mediated apoptosis in human glioblastoma T98G and U87MG cells. Cells were treated with drug(s) for 6 h and then left in drug-free medium for 48 h. Although ACZ or DXM alone did not induce apoptosis, TMZ alone induced significant amount of apoptosis. Interestingly, ACZ pretreatment enhanced apoptosis while DXM pretreatment decreased apoptosis. These results suggest that combination chemotherapy with ACZ and TMZ may control inflammation and enhance apoptosis in glioblastoma.