title: Induction of apoptosis by d-limonene is mediated by a caspase-dependent mitochondrial death pathway in human leukemia cells.
abstract: Using K562 and HL60 cell lines, we have investigated the anti-tumoral activity of d-limonene, a monocyclic monoterpene, in human leukemia cells. Apoptosis was evaluated by Hoechst staining and by the annexin V/propidium iodide binding assay. d-Limonene induced apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner in both cell lines. Our findings and data, demonstrating an increase in Bax protein expression, the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, and an increase in caspase-9 and cleaved caspase-3, but not caspase-8, after the treatment of d-limonene, all suggest that the mitochondrial death pathway is primarily involved in the development of d-limonene-induced apoptosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Central Laboratory, Dalian Municipal Central Hospital, Dalian, China.
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ji
authors.forename: Li
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Yuan-Yuan
authors.initials: YY
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Xiao-Yu
authors.initials: XY
authors.lastname: Zhu
authors.forename: Su-Qing
authors.initials: SQ
authors.lastname: Lv
authors.forename: Xi-Zuo
authors.initials: XZ
authors.lastname: Sun
mesh_terms: D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017209:Apoptosis; D020169:Caspases / Q000378:metabolism*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D002470:Cell Survival; D053138:Cyclohexenes / Q000494:pharmacology*; D045304:Cytochromes c / Q000378:metabolism; D053938:DNA Fragmentation; D018922:HL-60 Cells; D006801:Humans; D020014:K562 Cells; D007938:Leukemia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D000077222:Limonene; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D013729:Terpenes / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D053138:Cyclohexenes; D013729:Terpenes; D045304:Cytochromes c; D000077222:Limonene; D020169:Caspases