Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology (한국응용약물학회:학술대회논문집)

The Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology (한국응용약물학회)
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Compound K, Ginseng Saponin Metabolite, Induces Apoptosis in Human Monocytic Leukemia cells

  • Kang, Kyong-Ah (Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine Cheju National University) ;
  • Kim, Dong-Hyun (Department of Microbial Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, KyungHee University) ;
  • Hyun, Jin-Won (Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine Cheju National University)
  • Published : 2003.11.01
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Abstract

We report upon the cytotoxic activity of the ginseng saponin metabolite, Compound K (20-O-D-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol, IH90l) on various human leukemia cell lines. Compound K had most effect on U937, a human monocytic leukemia cell line, which on treatment showed; a exposure of phosphatidylserine from the inner cell membrane to the outer cell membrane, the formation of apoptotic bodies and DNA fragmentation, - characteristics of apoptosis. Compound K induced apoptosis by up-regulating Bax, disrupting the mitochondria membrane potential, and by activating caspase 9 and caspase 3. Therefore, we suggest that Compound K inhibit U937 cell growth by inducing apoptosis through the up-regulation of Bax and caspase activation.

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