Dietary bioflavonoids induce apoptosis in human leukemia cells

Leuk Res. 2005 May;29(5):573-81. doi: 10.1016/j.leukres.2004.11.015. Epub 2005 Jan 19.

Abstract

Dietary bioflavonoids are secondary metabolites of plants that are known to have a variety of bio-effects, including anti-cancer activity. In this study, we examined the effects of flavonoids on the growth of human leukemia cells and found that certain flavonoids induce apoptosis in a variety of human leukemia cells. The apoptosis induced by bioflavonoids was dose-dependent and was accompanied by a disruption of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential and the activation of caspase. Our data suggests that dietary bioflavonoids may be useful chemotherapeutic reagents for leukemia patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Annexin A5 / metabolism
  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • Caspases / metabolism
  • Diet*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Enzyme Activation / drug effects
  • Flavonoids / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Leukemia / metabolism
  • Leukemia / pathology*
  • Membrane Potentials / drug effects
  • Mitochondria / drug effects*
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured / drug effects

Substances

  • Annexin A5
  • Flavonoids
  • Caspases