p53 and nitric oxide are involved in cytokine-induced apoptosis in Kasumi-1 and Molt-4 Leukemics cells

• Published in: Asian Pacific journal of allergy and immunology Vol. 32; no. 2; p. 133
• Main Authors: Maharath, Aishath, Fucharoen, Suthat, Tanyong, Dalina I
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Thailand 01-06-2014
• Subjects: Apoptosis - drug effects; Cell Line, Tumor; Cytokines - pharmacology; Humans; Leukemia - metabolism; Leukemia - pathology; Nitric Oxide - metabolism; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 - metabolism
• ISSN: 0125-877X
• DOI: 10.12932/AP0378.32.2.2013

Immunotherapy has been developed to treat cancers. There are many signaling pathways involved in cytokine induced apoptosis of many cancers but their role remains unclear in some cancers such as leukemia.
To investigate the involvement of the nitric oxide (NO) and p53 tumor suppressor gene in apoptotic pathways induced by cytokines in leukemic cell lines.
Leukemic cell lines, Kasumi-1 (AML-M2) and Molt- 4 (ALL) were treated with cytokines, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), interferon-γ (IFN-γ). The effect of cytokines on the induction cell apoptosis was analysed by flow cytometry. In addition, nitric oxide production and p53 protein levels were measured by using the Griess method and Western blot, respectively.
Upon cytokine treatment, there was a significant increase in the percentage of cell apoptosis in both leukemic cell lines. The highest apoptosis was shown in 40 U/ml IFN-γ treated cells. In addition, nitric oxide and p53 protein increased in IFN-γ treated cells. There was a reduction of apoptosis and p53 level after adding the inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, SMT.
p53 and nitric oxide are involved in the mediation of apoptosis induced by cytokines in Kasumi-1 and Molt-4 leukemic cell lines.