Doxycycline induces apoptosis in THP-1 cells

AIM: This study was designed to investigate the apoptotic effect of doxycycline in THP-1 cells.METHODS: After differentiated by PMA, THP-1 cells were treated with doxycycline at different concentrations ranging from zero to 80 mg/L. The morphological changes of THP-1 cells were observed under light microscope. MTT assay were used to examine the effects of doxycycline on proliferation of THP-1 cells. Apoptotic THP-1 cells were measured by Annexin-V flow cytometry analysis and TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay.RESULTS: Treated with a certain concentration of doxycycline, differentiated THP-1 cells contracted and turn round, a number of cells were dead. MTT assay and positive Annexin V-FITC on cell membrane and TUNEL assay showed that doxycycline induced apoptosis in THP-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner.CONCLUSION: Doxycycline induces apoptosis in THP-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner.