Esculin-Induced Apoptosis and Suppression of Leukemia Surface Markers in HL-60 and THP-1 Cells: A Potential Selective Anticancer Agent

Abstract

Esculin, a natural coumarin compound primarily derived from Cortex fraxini, is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Leukemia, a type of hematological cancer, is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of white blood cells and has high mortality rates. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential anticancer effects of esculin (Esculetin-6-Glucoside) on leukemia cell lines, focusing on how this compound could be utilized in cancer treatment through apoptotic pathways. Our experiments used acute promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) and acute monocytic leukemia (THP-1) cell lines. Cancer cell counting and viability analyses were conducted using the MTS assay(5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4,5-dimethylthiazol)-3-(4-sulfophenyl) tetrazolium inner salt assay). Apoptosis was assessed using FITC-labeled Annexin V and propidium iodide. Caspase-3 activation, cytochrome C release, leukemia cell surface markers, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were analyzed via flow cytometry. Our results demonstrated that esculin can induce apoptosis in leukemia cell lines. Additionally, leukemia surface markers post-treatment were statistically significantly reduced post-treatment in both cell lines. HL-60 and THP-1 cells exhibited different cellular responses in terms of MMP, Caspase-3, and Cytochrome C activities; HL-60 cells were more resistant to esculin treatment, while THP-1 cells were more sensitive. These findings suggest that esculin could become a potential agent in cancer treatment by targeting apoptotic pathways. However, more in vivo studies and preclinical modeling are needed to understand the anticancer effects of esculin fully. Evaluating its efficacy against different cancer types could further expand the therapeutic potential of this compound.