Abstract | BACKGROUND:
Sanguinarine is a benzophenanthridine alkaloid derived from the root of Sanguinaria canadensis, which induces apoptosis in human cancer cells, but the underlying action mechanisms are not completely understood. We investigated the mechanisms of sanguinarine on the induction of apoptosis using U937 leukemia cells. METHODS: Cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay. Apoptosis was detected using DAPI staining, agarose gel electrophoresis and flow cytometry. The protein levels were determined by Western blot analysis. Caspase-3 activity was measured using a colorimetric assay. RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated that the induction of apoptosis by sanguinarine in U937 cells was associated with altering the balance of Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression and activation of the caspase-3 pathway.
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Authors | Min Ho Han, Young Hyun Yoo, Yung Hyun Choi |
Journal | Chemotherapy
(Chemotherapy)
Vol. 54
Issue 3
Pg. 157-65
( 2008)
ISSN: 1421-9794 [Electronic] Switzerland |
PMID | 18560221
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Copyright | (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel. |
Chemical References |
- Benzophenanthridines
- Caspase Inhibitors
- Isoquinolines
- Protease Inhibitors
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2
- sanguinarine
- Caspase 3
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Topics |
- Apoptosis
(drug effects)
- Benzophenanthridines
(pharmacology)
- Caspase 3
(metabolism)
- Caspase Inhibitors
- Down-Regulation
(drug effects)
- Enzyme Activation
(drug effects)
- Humans
- Isoquinolines
(pharmacology)
- Protease Inhibitors
(pharmacology)
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2
(genetics, metabolism)
- U937 Cells
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