Abstract
A variety of tannin and lignin-related compounds were compared for their ability to induce nucleosome-sized DNA fragmentation (a biochemical hallmark of apoptosis), using agarose gel electrophoresis and a fluorescence activated cell sorter. Monomeric, dimeric, trimeric and tetrameric hydrolysable tannins induced nucleosome-sized DNA fragmentation in HL-60 cells, more potently than condensed tannins. The highest activity was detected in gallic acid, a component unit of tannins. Natural lignified materials, except for caffeic acid and its dehydrogenation polymer, showed much weaker activity. Protein-bound polysaccharide (PSK) was inactive. Gallic acid induced DNA fragmentation in four human myelogenous leukaemic cell lines, but not in human T-cell leukaemia and erythroleukaemia cell lines. Ca2+ depletion from the culture medium slightly, but significantly, reduced the apoptosis-inducing activity of gallic acid, but did not significantly affect that of tannic acid or caffeic acid. After treatment with gallic acid, intracellular Ca2+ concentration was significantly elevated. The apoptosis-inducing activity of polyphenols may further emphasize their medicinal efficacy.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 2121-2128 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Anticancer research |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 5 B |
Publication status | Published - Dec 1 1995 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Apoptosis
- Calcium
- DNA fragmentation
- Lignin
- Tannin
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Oncology
- Cancer Research