Bufalin induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation in chronic myeloid leukemia k562 cells

Objective:To study the effect of bufalin on human leukemia cells.Methods:K562 cells were treated with bufalin at different concentrations.The growth inhibition was analysed by MTT assay,cell apoptosis by light microscopy and agarose gel electrophoresis.Results:Treatment of K562 cells with bufalin remarkably inhibited the cell growth,the IC 50 value of bufalin for K562 cell was 0.0125μmol/L.Apoptosis of K562 cells could be efficiently induced by bufalin at concentration of 1μmol/L or higher.Bufalin induced apoptosis of K562 cells in dose and time-dependent manner.Conclusion:Bufalin could efficiently induce apoptosis of K562 cells.