Elemene induces apoptosis and regulates expression of bcl-2 protein in human leukemia K562 cells.

Abstract

AIM:

To study the antitumor action of elemene (Ele) and its mechanism.

METHODS:

Inhibition of proliferation was measured with a colorimetric 3-[4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Morphological assessment of apoptosis was performed with fluorescence microscope. DNA fragmentation was assessed by agarose gel electrophoresis and flow cytometry. The levels of bcl-2 protein was measured with flow cytometry.

RESULTS:

Exposure of exponentially growing K562 cells to Ele 65-520 mumol. L-1 for 48 h resulted in growth arrest. The values of IC50 and 95% confidence limits were 220 (152-319) mumol.L-1. After treatment of K562 cells with Ele 130 mumol.L-1, marked morphological changes including "Apo bodies" reduction in volume were observed with fluorescence microscope. Agarose gel electrophoresis of DNA from cells treated with Ele for 48 h revealed "ladder" pattern. The levels of bcl-2 protein in K562 cells treated with Ele for 48 h were obviously decreased.

CONCLUSION:

Ele induces apoptosis of K562 cells, which is related with the down-regulation of bcl-2 protein in K562 cells.

• Authors: J Yuan, Z L Gu, W H Chou, C Y Kwok
• Journal: Zhongguo yao li xue bao = Acta pharmacologica Sinica (Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao) Vol. 20 Issue 2 Pg. 103-6 (Feb 1999) ISSN: 0253-9756 [Print] China
• PMID: 10437153 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
• Oils, Volatile
• Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2
• Sesquiterpenes
• elemene

Topics

• Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic (pharmacology)
• Apoptosis (drug effects)
• Cell Division (drug effects)
• DNA Fragmentation
• Down-Regulation
• Humans
• K562 Cells (metabolism, pathology)
• Oils, Volatile (pharmacology)
• Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 (biosynthesis)
• Sesquiterpenes