Differentiation of Human Leukemia Cell Line HL-60 by a Polyacetylenic Compound from Hedera Rhombea

A novel polyacetylenic compound, Compound 1, was isolated and purified using a SiO(2) column and ODS HPLC from an acetone extract of Japanese ivy (Hedera rhombea). The differentiation-inducing effects of Compound I were then determined using the human promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60, which is considered Useful for Studying cellular and molecular events involved in differentiation by chemical agents. The effects of Compound I on HL-60 cell viability and proliferation were determined at different treatment times using the MTT assay. The results showed a decrease in cell viability after 48 h of treatment, followed by an increase; however, morphological changes were also observed. Differentiation was assessed by specific and nonspecific esterase double staining. Microscopic observation showed that Compound 1 induced HL-60 cells to differentiate into granuocytes. In addition, the effects of Compound I on HL-60 cell cycle kinetics were detennined at different treatment times by flow cytometry. Compound I induced changes in cell cycle kinetics and induced GI phase arrest. We report on the HL-60 cell differentiation effect of the novel polyacetylenic compound, compound 1, from Japanese ivy (Hedera rhombea).