Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
Neutrophil Isolation and Analysis to Determine their Role in Lymphoma Cell Sensitivity to Therapeutic Agents
Published on: March 25, 2016
[Study on the apoptosis of HL-60 human promyeloid leukaemia cells induced by SFPS]
Qian Liang1, Ji Cheng Li, Hua Fang Zhang
1Institute of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310031, China.
Abstract:
The inhibition effects of Sargassum fusiforme Polysaccharides (SFPS) on proliferation of human HL-60 promyeloid leukemia cells were measured by MTT assay. SFPS-induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells was observed by electron microscopy, flow cytometry and DNA electrophoresis. The results revealed that SFPS exhibited antiproliferative activity which depended on dosage and time. After incubation for 24, 36, 48 and 72 h, SFPS had growth inhibitory effect on HL-60 cells with IC50 of 390, 362, 402 and 421 mg/L. A ladder-like pattern of DNA fragmentation was demonstrated on agarose gel electrophoresis after HL-60 cells induced by SFPS at a dose of 300 mg/L and 500 mg/L. Morphological examination by electron microscopy showed cells with few microvilli on the surface, chromatin condensation and margination, cell shrinkage and the presence of "apoptosis bodies". The DNA content analysis of FCM showed pre-G1 cells and increased G2 period ratio, in addition, it demonstrated that apoptosis induced by SFPS was dose-and time-dependent. In conclusion, the antitumor effect of SFPS is relative to cell apoptosis and the blocking of G2/M period cells.
Insights
Sargassum fusiforme polysaccharides (SFPS) inhibit human leukemia cell growth by inducing apoptosis and blocking cell cycle progression. This natural compound shows promising antiproliferative activity against HL-60 cells.
Area of Science:
- Marine natural products
- Cancer biology
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Human HL-60 promyeloid leukemia cells are a model for studying leukemia.
- Sargassum fusiforme polysaccharides (SFPS) are bioactive compounds derived from marine algae.
- Investigating natural compounds for anticancer properties is crucial for drug discovery.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing effects of SFPS on human HL-60 leukemia cells.
- To elucidate the mechanism of SFPS-mediated cell death, including cell cycle arrest.
Summary:
- SFPS demonstrated significant dose- and time-dependent inhibition of HL-60 cell proliferation, with IC50 values ranging from 362 to 421 mg/L.
- Apoptosis induction was confirmed by DNA fragmentation, characteristic morphological changes (chromatin condensation, apoptosis bodies), and cell cycle analysis showing pre-G1 accumulation and G2/M phase arrest.
- Electron microscopy revealed cellular damage consistent with apoptosis, including reduced microvilli and nuclear alterations.
Impact:
- SFPS exhibits potential as a natural therapeutic agent against leukemia.
- The findings suggest that SFPS-induced apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle blockade are key mechanisms of its antitumor effect.
- This study contributes to understanding the anticancer potential of marine polysaccharides.
