Myristica fragrans Houtt. methanolic extract induces apoptosis in a human leukemia cell line through SIRT1 mRNA downregulation.
BACKGROUND
Myristica fragrans Houtt. (nutmeg) contains antibacterial, antiviral and anti-cancer activities. However the mechanisms underlying those activities have not been clearly explained.


OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of Myristica fragrans Houtt. methanolic extract on Jurkat human leukemia T cell line.


METHODS
Methanol extract of Myristica fragrans Houtt. (Myristicaceae) was used to study the effect on Jurkat cell metabolic activity using an MTT assay and on apoptosis using annexin V staining. Expression of SIRT1 gene was determined by RT-PCR.


RESULTS
At the concentrations 50 and 100 ig/mL, the methanol extract of Myristica fragrans Houtt significantly inhibited Jurkat cell proliferation and induced apoptosis as detected by annexin V staining. Downregulation of SIRT1 mRNA expression in Jurkat cells was observed even when the amount of methanol extract was 10 microg/mL.


CONCLUSIONS
Methanol extract of Myristica fragrans Houtt induced apoptosis of Jurkat leukemia T cell line in a mechanisms involving SIRTI mRNA downregulation.
Chirathaworn
Chintana
C
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. chintana_chula@yahoo.co.th
Kongcharoensuntorn
Wisatre
W
Dechdoungchan
Thitiporn
T
Lowanitchapat
Alisa
A
Sa-nguanmoo
Pattaratida
P
Poovorawan
Yong
Y
D017304:Annexin A5; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D015536:Down-Regulation; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D026323:Myristica; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics; D056564:Sirtuin 1; D037761:Sirtuins / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics*; D017365:Spices
D017304:Annexin A5; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C447939:SIRT1 protein, human; D056564:Sirtuin 1; D037761:Sirtuins