Lyantagaye, Sylvester L.
Description:
Aim: Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were used to identify the most likely apoptotic
biochemical pathway induced by Methyl-α-D-glucopyranoside (MDG), D-fructofuranose- β(2→6)-methyl-α-D-glucopyranoside (DFMDG) and β-D-fructofuranosyl-(2→6)-α-D- glucopyranoside (DFDG) treatments isolated from wild garlic (Tulbaghia violacea).
Methodology: Assays, which detect different morphological and biochemical changes in
the CHO cells were used to examine the apoptosis induction by individual agents, paying
special attention to the mitochondria membrane potential (∆ψm) depolarization.
Results: The major events of apoptosis, namely, translocation of phosphatidylserine,
mitochondria membrane potential (∆ψm) depolarization and activation of caspase-3 in
CHO cells were initiated within 2 hours of treatments. The onset of the apoptosis induction
was indistinguishable among the MDG, DFMDG and DFDG, and similar to that of
staurosporine.
Conclusion: The study shows that CHO cells treated with MDG, DFMDG and DFDG
undergo apoptotic death through the mitochondrial (intrinsic) pathway.