The effects of Zhiling capsule on the proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction in K562 cell line via caspase-3 pathway

Aim To investigate the effects of Zhiling capsule (ZLJN) on the proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction in K562 cell line.Methods According to the different components of ZLJN,K562 cells were treated respectively with tradtional Chinese medicine,Western medicine and ZLJN compound groups.The cell viability and colony formation were observed by MTT assay and colony formation assay respectively.Apoptotic cells were detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI staining and DNA fragmentation assay.Caspase-3 activity was detected by flow cytometry,and pro-caspase-3 was detected by Western blot.Results Treated with drug,K562 cell growth and cell colony formation were significantly inhibited.Apoptosis occurring in the early stage was identified by Annexin V-FITC/PI staining.Typical DNA ladder was seen from gel electrophoresis and apparent apoptotic peaks were observed by flow cytometer.The level of caspase-3 activity increased after the treatment,while the level of pro-caspase-3 decreased.Conclusion ZLJN can efficiently inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in K562 cells,which may be related with the up-regulation of caspase-3 activity.