Evaluation of BAX and BCL-2 Gene Expression Levels and Apoptosis in Resveratrol Affected Human Leukemic Cell Line: CCRF-CEM

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is considered one of the common types of cancers in childhood with an incidence of up to 25%. In addition, drug resistance is a phenomenon which reduces the chances of overcoming cancer. Further, a phytoalexin combination called resveratrol can sensitize the leukemic cells to apoptotic cell death. Due to the importance of the above-mentioned issues, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of resveratrol on BAX and BCL-2 expression levels and apoptosis induction. CCRF-CEM cultured cells were treated by resveratrol at doses of 15, 50, and 100 μM based on previous studies. Furthermore, RT Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was conducted to assess the BAX and BCL-2 gene expression. Moreover, the amount of apoptosis induction was analyzed by annexin V staining method. Based on the results, time and concentration were found to play a critical role in resveratrol-induced apoptosis. Additionally, BAX upregulation and BCL-2 downregulation excreted by resveratrol in CCRF-CEM cells resulted in predisposing these cells to apoptosis. In general, it was revealed that resveratrol could have a chemo-preventive activity by modifying the expression of BAX and BCL-2 genes. Finally, resveratrol was found to be a supplement drug in anti-leukemic therapy.