Induction of apoptosis in human promyelocytic leukemia cells by a natural trachylobane diterpene
Block, S.; Gerkens, P.; Peulen, O.; Jolois, O.; Mingeot-Leclercq, M.P.; De Pauw-Gillet, M.Cl.; Quetin-Leclercq, J.
Anticancer Research 25(1a): 363-368
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0250-7005 PMID: 15816559 Document Number: 587125
Background: Trachylobane diterpenes are secondary metabolites, quite rare in nature, and their bioactivities are poorly understood. Recently, we have described the cytotoxic activity of ent-trachyloban-3 beta-ol isolated from the leaves of Croton zambesicus, a plant used in African folk medicine. Materials and Methods: Cell viability on several cell lines, cell morphology, DNA laddering, annexin V and caspase-3 activation experiments were undertaken in order to analyse the cytotoxicty of trachylobane diterpene and to determine if this compound is able to induce apoptosis. Results: ent-Trachyloban-3 beta-ol exerts a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect, which varies between cell lines. Induction of apoptosis in HL-60 cells could be detected at a concentration of 50 mu M after 24-h treatment. Conclusion: We show here, for the first time, that a trachylobane diterpene is able to induce apoptosis in human promyelocytic leukemia cells via caspase-3 activation in a concentration-dependent manner.