D-carvone induced ROS mediated apoptotic cell death in human leukemic cell lines (Molt-4)

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a significant cancer in children and adolescents, arising from immature lymphoid cells with chromosomal abnormalities.
• D-Carvone, a monocyclic monoterpene from plant essential oils, exhibits diverse biological activities.
• There is a need for novel therapeutic strategies against leukemia, particularly targeting cancer cell viability and apoptosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the anticancer potential of D-Carvone against human leukemic Molt-4 cells.
• To investigate the mechanisms underlying D-Carvone's cytotoxic effects, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial membrane potential, and apoptosis induction.

Main Methods:

• Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay to determine the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50).
• Oxidative stress markers (lipid peroxidation, antioxidants, intracellular ROS) were quantified.
• Apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and caspase activation (caspases-8, -9, -3) were analyzed using fluorescent staining techniques.

Main Results:

• D-Carvone significantly suppressed Molt-4 cell viability, with an IC50 of 20 µM/ml.
• Treatment with D-Carvone induced oxidative stress by increasing intracellular ROS and decreasing antioxidant levels.
• D-Carvone triggered apoptotic cell death, diminished MMP, and activated caspases in a time- and dose-dependent manner.

Conclusions:

• D-Carvone demonstrates significant anticancer activity against human leukemic Molt-4 cells.
• The mechanism involves the induction of oxidative stress and apoptosis via caspase activation.
• D-Carvone holds therapeutic potential for the future treatment of leukemia.