Inhibitory effect of propolis on proliferation of K562 cells in vitro

AIM: To study the effect of propolis on the proliferation of K562 cells.METHODS: K562 cells were cultured in vitro. Cell proliferation was measured by MTT method. The apoptotic rate was determined by flow cytometry. RT-PCR was applied to detect mRNA expression of Nup98. The protein level of Nup98 was determined by Western blotting. RESULTS: The inhibitory rates of proliferation induced by propolis at the concentrations of 2 mg/L, 20 mg/L and 200 mg/L were obviously higher than that in control cells in a time-and dose-dependent manner. The apoptotic rate was increased in a dose-dependent manner. High concentration of propolis down-regulated the expression of Nup98 at mRNA and protein levels. CONCLUSION: Propolis inhibits the proliferation and induces apoptosis in K562 cells. The mechanism may be related with down-regulation of Nup98.