Induction of programmed cell death (apoptosis) in human lymphoid leukemia cells by catechin compounds.

Abstract

The need for antitumor compounds with novel mechanisms of action is great. The exposure of human lymphoid leukemia Molt 4B cells to epigallocatechin (EGC), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and persimmon extract (PS) led to both growth inhibition and the induction of programmed cell death (apoptosis). The fragmentation of DNA to oligonucleosomal-sized fragments, characteristic of programmed cell death, was determined to be concentration- and time-dependent. These data provide the first evidence that catechin compounds and persimmon extract containing all these catechin compounds induce programmed cell death.