Inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis in K562 human leukemia cells by the derivative (3-NpC) from dihydro-pyranochromenes family

Leukemia is a particular type of cancer characterized by the failure of cell death or disability in differentiation of hematopoietic cells. Chronic myelogenus leukemia (CML) is the most studied kind of this cancer. In this study, anti-cancer effect of dihydro-pyranochromenes derivatives were investigated in the human leukemia K562 cells. These compounds were found to be active cell proliferation inhibitors using MTT assay. Among these compounds, 3-NpC was determined as stronger compound with IC50 value of 100 ± 3.1 µM and was chosen for further studies. Induction of apoptosis was analyzed by AO/EtBr staining, DNA fragmentation assay, Annexin V/PI double staining and cell cycle analysis. Furthermore, Western Blot analysis showed that treatment of the cells with 3-NpC led to up-regulation and activation of caspase-3. The results of this investigation clearly indicated that dihydro-pyranochromenes derivatives induce apoptosis in the K562 cell line. This information signalizes also that these compounds may prepare a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of leukemia.