Abstract
The effect of galangin, a flavonol component of India root spice and the 'herbal' medicine propolis, on HL-60 human leukaemia cell survival is characterised. Galangin (1-100 microM) exerted an antiproliferative effect that, with dose and exposure longevity, was progressively associated with an elevated hypodiploid DNA content and expression of the active form of caspase-3, principally prior to membrane damage. At >or=50 microM, plasmamembrane phosphatidylserine exposure was observed. There was no evidence for intracellular oxidative stress as an orchestrator of cytotoxicity and significant phagocyte-like differentiation was not detected. We discuss whether such cytotoxicity will be therapeutically exploitable or contribute to cancer prevention within a pharmacological or dietary context.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / pharmacology
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Caspase 3 / metabolism
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Cell Cycle / drug effects
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Cell Differentiation / drug effects
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Cell Membrane / drug effects
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Cell Membrane / metabolism
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Cell Proliferation / drug effects*
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Cell Size / drug effects
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Cell Survival / drug effects
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DNA Fragmentation / drug effects
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DNA, Neoplasm / genetics
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DNA, Neoplasm / metabolism
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Dimethyl Sulfoxide / pharmacology
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Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
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Etoposide / pharmacology
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Flavonoids / pharmacology*
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Flow Cytometry
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HL-60 Cells
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Humans
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Leukemia / metabolism
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Leukemia / pathology
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Mutagens / pharmacology
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Nucleosomes / drug effects
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Nucleosomes / genetics
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Nucleosomes / metabolism
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Phosphatidylserines / metabolism
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Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
Substances
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Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
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DNA, Neoplasm
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Flavonoids
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Mutagens
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Nucleosomes
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Phosphatidylserines
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Reactive Oxygen Species
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galangin
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Etoposide
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Caspase 3
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Dimethyl Sulfoxide