Induction of apoptosis by isoflavonoids from the leaves of Millettia taiwaniana in human leukemia HL-60 cells

Planta Med. 2006 Apr;72(5):424-9. doi: 10.1055/s-2005-916259.

Abstract

We have isolated two new isoflavonoids, millewanin-F (1) and furowanin-A (2), together with five known isoflavonoids from the leaves of Millettia taiwaniana Hayata (Leguminosae) and examined their effects on the growth of human leukemia HL-60 cells. Among the isolated isoflavonoids, furowanin-A (2), warangalone (3), isoerysenegalensein-E (4), and euchrenone b10 (6) showed significant cytotoxicity against HL-60 cells. After treatment with three of the cytotoxic isoflavonoids, furowanin-A (2), warangalone (3), and isoerysenegalensein-E (4), fluorescence microscopy with Hoechst 33,342 staining revealed that the percentage of apoptotic cells with fragmented nuclei and condensed chromatin increased in a time-dependent manner. In addition, the activities of caspase-9 and caspase-3 were also enhanced in a time-dependent manner upon treatment with the isoflavonoids 2, 3, and 4. Caspase-9 and caspase-3 inhibitors suppressed apoptosis induced by isoflavonoids 2, 3, and 4. These results suggest that the isoflavonoids induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells through activation of the caspase-9/caspase-3 pathway, which is triggered by mitochondrial dysfunction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / pharmacology*
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / therapeutic use
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • HL-60 Cells / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Isoflavones / administration & dosage
  • Isoflavones / pharmacology
  • Isoflavones / therapeutic use
  • Millettia*
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Plant Extracts / administration & dosage
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use
  • Plant Leaves

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Isoflavones
  • Plant Extracts