Induction of apoptosis in human promyelocytic leukaemia HL -60 cells by yomogin involves release of cytochrome c and activation of caspase

  • Jeong, Seoung-Hee (College of Pharmacy, Dept. of Food and Nutrtion, KyungHee University) ;
  • Koo, Sung-Ja (Korea Rearch Institute of Chemical Technolog) ;
  • Ryu, Shi-Yong (Dept, of Botanical Resources, SangJi University) ;
  • Park, Hee-Jun (Dept, of Botanical Resources, SangJi University) ;
  • Lee, Kyung-Tae (Dept, of Botanical Resources, SangJi University)
  • Published : 2002.10.01

Abstract

Yomogin. an eudesmane sesquiterpene isolated from Artemisia princeps, was found to induce apoptosis in human promyelocytic leukaemia, HL -60 cell with characteristic apoptotic features like nuclear condensation, apoptotic body formation, flipping of membrane phosphatidylserine, release of mitochondrial cytochrome c and caspase-8. -9. and -3 activation. Furthermore. early yomogin-induced cytochrome c release was not affected by the caspase inhibitor Z-VAd fmk and preceded loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. The results suggest that induction of apoptosis by yomogin may provide a pivotal mechanism for their cancer chemopreventive function.

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