Induction of apoptosis by the oolong tea polyphenol theasinensin A through cytochrome c release and activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 in human u937 cells

Min Hsiung Pan, Yu Chih Liang, Shoei Yn Lin-Shiau, Nan Qun Zhu, Chi Tang Ho, Jen Kun Lin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

102 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This study examined the growth inhibitory effects of theasinensin A (from oolong tea) and black tea polyphenols, including theaflavin (TF-1), a mixture (TF-2) of theaflavin-3-gallate (TF-2a) and theaflavin-3′-gallate (TF-2b), and theaflavin-3,3′-digallate (TF-3) in human cancer cells. Theasinensin A, TF-1, and TF-2 displayed strong growth inhibitory effects against human histolytic lymphoma U937, with estimated IC50 values of 12 μM, but were less effective against human acute T cell leukemia Jurkat, whereas TF-3 and (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) had lower activities. The molecular mechanisms of tea polyphenol-induced apoptosis as determined by annexin V apoptosis assay, DNA fragmentation, and caspase activation were further investigated. Loss of membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were also detected by flow cytometry. Treatment with tea polyphenols caused rapid induction of caspase-3, but not caspase-1, activity and stimulated proteolytic cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Pretreatment with a potent caspase-3 inhibitor, Z-Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-fluoromethyl ketone, inhibited theasinensin A induced DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, it was found that theasinensin A induced loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, elevation of ROS production, release of mitochondrial cytochrome c into the cytosol, and subsequent induction of caspase-9 activity. These results indicate that theasinensin A allows caspase-activated deoxyribonuclease to enter the nucleus and degrade chromosomal DNA and induces DFF-45 (DNA fragmentation factor) degradation. The results suggest that induction of apoptosis by theasinensin A may provide a pivotal mechanism for their cancer chemopreventive function.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)6337-6346
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
Volume48
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2000
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Apoptosis
  • Caspase
  • Oolong tea
  • Theasinensin A
  • U937 cells

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Agricultural and Biological Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • Food Science
  • Chemistry (miscellaneous)

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