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DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-931534
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
Matrine-Induced Apoptosis in Leukemia U937 Cells: Involvement of Caspases Activation and MAPK-Independent Pathways
Publication History
Received: August 26, 2005
Accepted: December 6, 2005
Publication Date:
28 April 2006 (online)
Abstract
It is reported that matrine, one of the major effective compounds isolated from the root of Sophora flavescens Ait., has anti-leukemia activity. In this study, we find that the treatment of leukemia U937 cells with matrine results in induction of apoptosis. Analysis of the mechanism underling this apoptotic event showed activation of caspases-9, -3, and -7, and release of cytochrome C from mitochondria to cytosol, and cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. Matrine did not alter the level of bcl-2 and bcl-xL as well as bax. In addition, no correlation was found between matrine administration and activation of the three major MAPK subfamilies (Erk1/2, p38, JNK/SAPK). The results indicate that matrine induces apoptosis in U937 cells via a cytochrome C-triggered caspase activation pathway.
Abbreviations
MAPK:mitogen activated protein kinase
JUN/SAPKs:c-Jun N-terminal kinases/stress-activated protein
kinases
Erk1/2:extracellular signal-related kinases
Key words
Sophora - Leguminosae - matrine - apoptosis - caspase - cytochrome C - MAPK
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Jikai Jiang
Center for Molecular Biology
School of Medicine
Shantou University
22 Xin Ling Rd
Shantou
Guangdong 515031
People's Republic of China
Phone: +86-754-890-0203
Fax: +86-754-890-0203
Email: jkjiang@stu.edu.cn