Curcumin Induces Caspase Mediated Apoptosis in JURKAT Cells by Disrupting the Redox Balance

Background: Curcumin has has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation and anti-angiogenicactivity in various types of cancer. It has also been shown to induce apoptosis in leukemia cells. We aimed tounravel the role of the redox pathway in Curcumin mediated apoptosis with a panel of human leukemic cells.Materials and
Methods: In this study in vitro cytotoxicity of Curcumin was measured by MTT assay and apoptoticeffects were assessed by annexin V/PI, DAPI staining, cell cycle analysis, measurement of caspase activity andPARP cleavage. Effects of Curcumin on intracellular redox balance were assessed using fluorescent probes likeH2DCFDA, JC1 and an ApoGSH Glutathione Detection Kit respectively.
Results: Curcumin showed differentialanti-proliferative and apoptotic effects on different human leukemic cell lines in contrast to minimal effectson normal cells. Curcumin induced apoptosis was associated with the generation of intracellular ROS, loss ofmitochondrial membrane potential, intracellular GSH depletion, caspase activation.
Conclusions: As Curcumininduces programmed cell death specifically in leukemic cells it holds a great promise as a future therapeuticagent in the treatment of leukemia.