The Anti-cancer effects of Celastrol on K562 cell line

The level of NF-κB factor expression (a transcriptional factor which increases the expression of inflammatory genes) is often increased in various human cancers. Therefore, NF-κB inhibitors such as Celastrol may prevent cancer development. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anticancer effects of Celastrol on K562 cells proliferation. First, the K562 cells were cultured and cytotoxicity effects of celastrol were determined by MTT assay. Hoechst staining and DNA electrophoresis are used to check apoptosis. Data analysis was performed using SPSS, version 16 and ANOVA test (P<0.05) Statistical analysis of MTT assay data showed that the growth of treated cells with different concentrations of the Celastrol significantly decreased (P<0.05) and inhibitory effect of Celastrol was time and concentration–dependent; so in higher concentrations (8 µM) and 72 hours, the maximum effect has occurred. The IC50 value of Celastrol was obtained 4 µM. Also, the results of Hoechst staining and DNA electrophoresis showed that Celastrol caused fragmentation of cell nucleus and DNA. Based on the results, Celastrol decreases cells viability (P<0.05) and induces apoptosis in K562 cells, its effect is time and dose-dependent. In conclusion, the agent may be applied as an anticancer drug for treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia.