[beta-elemene induces apoptosis of K562 leukemia cells]

To investigate the apoptosis-inducing effect of beta-elemene on K562 leukemia cells.

Hoechst 33342 and PI fluorescence staining, DNA fragmentation, electron microscopy, flow cytometry, and immunocytochemistry were used to evaluate the effect of beta-elemene on K562 cells.

beta-elemene heatment induced the formation of apoptotic bodies and DNA ladder. The effect was dose- and time-dependent. The expression of bcl-2 was decreased in beta-elemene treated cells as compared with the untreated control cells.

beta-elemene exerts its cytotoxic effect on K562 leukemic cells by the induction of apoptosis.