Planta Med 2006; 72(6): 501-506
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-931534
Original Paper
Pharmacology
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Matrine-Induced Apoptosis in Leukemia U937 Cells: Involvement of Caspases Activation and MAPK-Independent Pathways

Xiao-Shan Liu1 , Jikai Jiang1 , Xiao-Yang Jiao2 , Ying-E Wu2 , Jing-Hua Lin2
  • 1Center for Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Shantou University, Shantou, P. R. China
  • 2Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shantou University, Shantou, P. R. China
Further Information

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

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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