A superoxide anion generator, pyrogallol, inhibits the growth of HeLa cells via cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.
We investigated the in vitro effects of pyrogallol on cell growth, cell cycle regulation, and apoptosis in HeLa cells. Pyrogallol inhibited the growth of HeLa cells with an IC(50) of approximately 45 microM. Pyrogallol induced arrest during all phases of the cell cycle and also very efficiently resulted in apoptosis in HeLa cells, as evidenced by flow cytometric detection of sub-G1 DNA content, annexin V binding assay, and DAPI staining. This apoptotic process was accompanied by the loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)), Bcl-2 decrease, caspase-3 activation, and PARP cleavage. Pan-caspase inhibitor (Z-VAD) could rescue some HeLa cells from pyrogallol-induced cell death, while caspase-8 and -9 inhibitors unexpectedly enhanced the apoptosis. When we examined the changes of the ROS, H(2)O(2) or O(2)(*-) in pyrogallol-treated cells, H(2)O(2) was slightly increased and O(2)(*-) significantly was increased. In addition, we detected a decreased GSH content in pyrogallol-treated cells. Only pan-caspase inhibitor showing recovery of GSH depletion and reduced intracellular O(2)(*-) level decreased PI staining in pyrogallol-treated HeLa cells, which indicates dead cells. In summary, we have demonstrated that pyrogallol as a generator of ROS, especially O(2) (*-), potently inhibited the growth of HeLa cells through arrests during all phases of the cell cycle and apoptosis.
Kim
Sang Wook
SW
Department of Internal Medicine, Research Institute of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, Chonbuk National University, JeonJu, Republic of Korea.
Han
Yong Whan
YW
Lee
Soo Teik
ST
Jeong
Hey Jin
HJ
Kim
Seong Hun
SH
Kim
In Hee
IH
Lee
Seung Ok
SO
Kim
Dae Ghon
DG
Kim
Suhn Hee
SH
Kim
Sung Zoo
SZ
Park
Woo Hyun
WH
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002453:Cell Cycle / Q000187:drug effects*; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects*; D015853:Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D005978:Glutathione / Q000378:metabolism; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000378:metabolism; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D011748:Pyrogallol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000378:metabolism; D013481:Superoxides / Q000378:metabolism*
D015853:Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors; D011748:Pyrogallol; D013481:Superoxides; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase; D005978:Glutathione