Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Neutrophil Lifespan Extension with CLON-G and an In Vitro Spontaneous Death Assay
Published on: May 12, 2023
Nitric oxide and caspase 3 mediated cytokine induced apoptosis in acute leukemia
Darin Siripin1, Suthat Fucharoen, Dalina I Tanyong
1Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Thailand.
Background:
Leukemia is characterized by the uncontrolled accumulation of white blood cells. Recently, cytokines have been used in immunotherapy, which is a new strategy for leukemia treatment.
Objective:
To investigate the effect of cytokines on induction of apoptosis in acute leukemic cell lines; HL-60, MV4-11, K-562 and Molt-4 and in addition, to study the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in apoptotic pathways.
Methods:
Leukemic cell lines were incubated with cytokines; interleukin-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interferon-gamma in various concentrations and for variable periods of time. The percent apoptosis and caspase 3 activation were examined by flow cytometry. Moreover, NO production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA were measured by using Griess method and Real-time PCR, respectively.
Results:
Cytokines caused a time and dose-dependent induction of apoptosis in leukemic cell lines. The highest cell apoptosis was found in K-562 treated with 40 U/ml interferon-gamma for 48 hours; this correlated with the result of cell growth inhibition and caspase 3 activation. NO and iNOS mRNA were increased in cytokines treated cells. Moreover, apoptosis was reduced by SMT, an iNOS inhibitor, which confirms the possible involvement of NO in the apoptotic pathway.
Conclusion:
Cytokines especially interferon-y induced apoptosis in acute leukemia via NO and caspase 3 pathway.
Related Concept Videos
Caspases
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
Apoptosis
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
