Anagallis arvensis Induces Apoptosis in HL-60 Cells Through ROS-Mediated Mitochondrial Pathway

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Leukemia remains a significant health challenge, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
• Natural products are increasingly explored for their anticancer potential.
• Anagallis arvensis is a plant with traditional medicinal uses, but its anticancer mechanisms are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the apoptosis-inducing effects of the alcoholic extract of Anagallis arvensis (AAE) on HL-60 leukemia cells.
• To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of AAE-induced apoptosis.
• To evaluate the potential of AAE as an anticancer agent against leukemia.

Main Methods:

• HL-60 cells were treated with varying concentrations and durations of AAE.
• Cell viability was assessed using MTT assay.
• Apoptosis was evaluated through fluorescent staining, scanning electron microscopy, cell cycle analysis (Annexin V-FITC/PI staining), and DNA ladder assays.
• Changes in protein expression (Bcl-2), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial membrane potential, and caspase activation (Caspase-3, Caspase-9) were measured.

Main Results:

• AAE significantly reduced HL-60 cell viability in a time- and concentration-dependent manner.
• Morphological changes indicative of apoptosis, including chromatin condensation and nuclear fragmentation, were observed.
• AAE treatment led to an increased hypodiploid cell population, elevated ROS levels, and altered mitochondrial membrane potential with subsequent cytochrome c release.
• Downregulation of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and activation of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 were detected, alongside DNA ladder formation.

Conclusions:

• The alcoholic extract of Anagallis arvensis (AAE) effectively induces apoptosis in HL-60 leukemia cells through intrinsic and extrinsic pathways.
• AAE demonstrates significant anticancer potential by triggering key apoptotic events and modulating critical molecular targets.
• AAE holds promise as a potential natural-based therapeutic agent for the development of novel leukemia treatments.