Quercetin inhibited murine leukemia WEHI-3 cells in vivo and promoted immune response.
Enhanced flavonoid consumption is closely related with a reduced cancer incidence as shown in epidemiological studies. Quercetin (3,5,7,3',4'-pentahydroxylflavone) is one of the active components of flavonoids which exist in natural plants, particularly in onions and fruits. It was reported that quercetin induced apoptosis in human cancer cell lines, including human leukemia HL-60 cells, but there is no available information as to its effects on leukemia cells in vivo. The purpose of the present studies was to focus on the in vivo effects of quercetin on leukemia WEHI-3 cells. The effects of quercetin on WEHI-3 cells injected into BALB/c mice were examined. Quercetin decreased the percentage of Mac-3 and CD11b markers, suggesting that the differentiation of the precursors of macrophages and T cells was inhibited. There was no effect on CD3 levels but increased CD19 levels. Quercetin decreased the weight of the spleen and liver compared with the olive oil treated animals. Quercetin stimulated macrophage phagocytosis of cells isolated from peritoneum. Quercetin also promoted natural killer cell activity. Based on pathological examination, an effect of quercetin was observed in the spleen of mice previously injected with WEHI-3 cells. Apparently, quercetin affects WEHI-3 cells in vivo.
Yu
Chun-Shu
CS
Center of General Education, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan.
Lai
Kuang-Chi
KC
Yang
Jai-Sing
JS
Chiang
Jo-Hua
JH
Lu
Chi-Cheng
CC
Wu
Chang-Lin
CL
Lin
Jing-Pin
JP
Liao
Ching-Lung
CL
Tang
Nou-Ying
NY
Wood
W Gibson
WG
Chung
Jing-Gung
JG
D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D007942:Leukemia, Experimental / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D010587:Phagocytosis; D011794:Quercetin / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013154:Spleen / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology
D015415:Biomarkers; D011794:Quercetin