Effect of Terpinen-4-ol on Proliferation and Apoptosis of Human Multiple Myeloma Cells U266

Objective  To investigate the effect of Terpinen-4-ol (T4O) on the apoptosis and proliferation of human multiple myeloma cells U266 and related mechanism.

Methods  U266 cells were incubated with different concentrations of T4O(5-80μmol/L) in vitro. Then cell proliferation inhibition rate was determined by cell counting kits(CCK-8) assay. The change of apoptosis morphology was observed by inverted microscope after AO/EB staining. Caspase-3 activities were measured with a colorimetric method. Apoptosis and cell cycles were analyzed by FCM, and mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP) were detected by JC-1 staining.

Results  T4O exhibited obvious inhibition effect on the proliferation of U266 cells in a time-dose-dependent manner(P < 0.05). Meanwhile, T4O induced the apoptosis of U266 cells in a dose-dependent manner(P < 0.05). The activity of Caspase-3 was enhanced in a dose-dependent manner(P < 0.05). MMP were reduced in a dose-dependent manner(P < 0.05). Cell cycles were arrested in G₂ phase.

Conclusion  T4O exhibits markedly effect of proliferation inhibition and apoptosis-inducing on U266 cells by activating the key enzyme Caspase-3 of apoptosis pathway. MMP are declined in a dose-dependent manner and cell cycles are arrested in G₂ phase as well, thus, to inhibit the proliferation and differentiation of tumors.