[Study on human leukemia cell apoptosis inducing effect of fraction C of Naja naja Actra Venom].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect and mechanism of fraction C isolated from Naja naja Actra Venom (FCNNAV) in inducing apoptosis of human leukemia cells. METHODS: Light microscope, transmission electron microscope, DNA electrophoresis, flow cytometry and RT-PCR assay were used to observe the changes of human leukemia cells in morphology and biochemistry, and Bcl-2/Bax expression after exposing to FCNNAV. RESULTS: FCNNAV could induce HL60 cells apoptosis demonstrated by the typical morphological and biochemical changes. Flow cytometry showed that J6-1, K562, HL60 and fresh leukemia cells apoptosis could be induced by FCNNAV, and the apoptosis rate was dose-dependent. RT-PCR detection showed the Bcl-2 gene expression of HL60 cells was down-regulated by FCNNAV, whereas the Bax expression was unaffected. CONCLUSION: FCNNAV could induce apoptosis of human leukemia cells and this effect is related to down-regulation of Bcl-2 gene expression level.