earticle

영어

Baicalein, one of the major flavonoid in Scutellaria baicalensis, has been known for its effects on proliferation andapoptosis of many tumor cell lines. Most biological effects of baicalein are thought to be from its antioxidant and prooxidantactivities. In this report, baicalein was found to induce apoptosis in HL60 human promyelocytic leukemia cell line. Baicaleintreatment induced DNA fragmentation and typical morphological features of apoptosis. To elucidate the mechanism ofbaicalein-induced apoptosis, the activities of the members of caspase family were measured. Interestingly caspase 2, 3, and 6were significantly activated whereas caspase 1, 8, and 9 were not activated, suggesting selective involvement of specificcaspases. Further, treatment with caspase inhibitors also supports the involvement of caspase 2 in apoptosis process. Althoughit has been reported that baicalein can induce apoptosis through many caspase pathways, the present study indicates thatcaspase 2 not caspase 9 pathway may be the important step in apoptosis on HL60 cell line.