Effect of cryptotanshinone on apoptosis in K562 cell and its mechanism / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective: To investigate the apoptosis inducing effects of cryptotanshinone (CPT) in human chronic myeloid leukemia K562 cells and its molecular mechanisms. Methods: K562 cells were firstly treated with CPT at different concentration. Then, the inhibitory effect of CPT was detected by MTT assay; morphological changes of cells were observed by inverted microscope; cell apoptosis was detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. Western blotting was carried out to determine the expression of apoptosis-related proteins, including Caspase-3, Caspase-9, PARP, Bax, Bcl-2 and cytochrome C (Cyt C). The mitochondrial membrane potential was measured using JC-1 probe. Finally, the effects of CPT on the proliferation and apoptosis were detected in the absence or presence of inhibitors for mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP) and caspase-family. Results: CPT significantly inhibited the proliferation, induced apoptosis and morphological changes of K562 cells. Furthermore, CPT increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio obviously, decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential, and enhanced the Cyt C release. CPT also significantly increased the activities of pro-apoptotic proteins, such as Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and PARP. The inhibitors of PTP and caspase-family reduced the pharmacodynamics of CPT obviously. Conclusion: These results show that CPT could significantly induce the apoptosis of human chronic myeloid leukemia cells, in which its function is related with the mitochondrial pathway.