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BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

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Open Access 01-12-2012 | Research article

Curcumin induces the apoptosis of human monocytic leukemia THP-1 cells via the activation of JNK/ERK Pathways

Authors: Chu-Wen Yang, Chi-Lun Chang, Hsin-Chen Lee, Chin-Wen Chi, Jia-Ping Pan, Wen-Chin Yang

Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies | Issue 1/2012

Abstract

Background

Curcumin is a principal compound of turmeric, commonly used to treat tumors and other diseases. However, its anti-cancer activity in human acute monocytic leukemia THP-1 cells is not clear. This study aimed to study the anti-cancer effect and action of curcumin on THP-1 cells.

Methods

THP-1 parental cells and PMA-treated THP-1 cells, were used as in vitro models to evaluate the anti-cancer effect and mechanism of curcumin. Apoptosis and its mechanism were evaluated by WST-1, flow cytometry and Western blotting. MAPK inhibitors were used to further confirm the molecular mechanism of curcumin-induced THP-1 cell apoptosis.

Results

Curcumin induced cell apoptosis of THP-1 cells as shown by cell viability, cell cycle analysis and caspase activity. Curcumin significantly increased the phosphorylation of ERK, JNK and their downstream molecules (c-Jun and Jun B). Inhibitor of JNK and ERK reduced the pro-apoptotic effect of curcumin on THP-1 cells as evidenced by caspase activity and the activation of ERK/JNK/Jun cascades. On the contrary, the pro-apoptotic effect of curcumin was abolished in the differentiated THP-1 cells mediated by PMA.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that curcumin can induce the THP-1 cell apoptosis through the activation of JNK/ERK/AP1 pathways. Besides, our data suggest its novel use as an anti-tumor agent in acute monocytic leukemia.

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The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/12/22/prepub

Title: Curcumin induces the apoptosis of human monocytic leukemia THP-1 cells via the activation of JNK/ERK Pathways
Authors: Chu-Wen Yang
Chi-Lun Chang
Hsin-Chen Lee
Chin-Wen Chi
Jia-Ping Pan
Wen-Chin Yang
Publication date: 01-12-2012
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies / Issue 1/2012
Electronic ISSN: 2662-7671
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-12-22

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Curcumin induces the apoptosis of human monocytic leukemia THP-1 cells via the activation of JNK/ERK Pathways

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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