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Published on: August 2, 2021
Pisosterol induces monocytic differentiation in HL-60 cells
Raquel Carvalho Montenegro1, Marne Carvalho de Vasconcellos, Franciglauber Silva Bezerra
1Laboratório de Oncologia Experimental, Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal do Ceará, P.O. Box 3157, 60430-270 Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
Summary
Pisosterol, a compound from Pisolithus tinctorius, induces monocytic cell differentiation in leukemia cells (HL-60). This cytotoxic triterpene shows potential for leukemia treatment with minimal effects on normal human cells (PBMC).
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cell Biology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Pisosterol is a cytotoxic triterpene isolated from the fungus Pisolithus tinctorius.
- Leukemia treatment often involves targeting cancer cell proliferation and inducing differentiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if the antiproliferative effects of pisosterol are linked to cell differentiation induction in HL-60 leukemia cells.
- To assess the impact of pisosterol on normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).
Main Methods:
- HL-60 cells and PBMC were treated with pisosterol.
- Cell viability, morphology, blue tetrazolium reduction, alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase activity, and DNA synthesis (BrdU incorporation) were analyzed.
- Apoptosis was assessed in treated cells.
Main Results:
- Pisosterol induced differentiation in HL-60 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, promoting a monocytic cell-like pathway.
- While HL-60 cells continued to proliferate slightly, apoptosis was observed in a dose-dependent manner.
- Pisosterol exhibited no cytotoxicity in PBMC, even at high concentrations, suggesting selectivity for tumor cells.
Conclusions:
- Pisosterol induces monocytic differentiation in leukemia cells, offering a potential mechanism for its antiproliferative effects.
- The compound's selectivity towards tumor cells and lack of toxicity in normal cells highlight its potential therapeutic value in leukemia management.
- Pisosterol may serve as a basis for developing novel pharmacological agents for leukemia with potentially reduced side effects.
