3-Hydroxyflavanone induces apoptosis in HeLa cells

Flavonoids and their derivatives exhibit many biological properties, including anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities. However, the antitumor action of 3′-hydroxyflavanone (3′-HF) is largely unknown. Antitumor efficacy of 3′-HF was assessed using cervical cancer (HeLa) cells. 3′-HF treatment resulted in a reduction in cell proliferation. A flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that 3′-HF deregulated cell cycle progression and triggered apoptosis. 3′-HF also increased the levels of p53 and p21, but decreased the level of cyclin D1. 3′-HF-induced apoptosis was accompanied by poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase cleavage. Together, these data indicate that 3′-HF possesses antitumor activity, which is mediated via the deregulation of cell cycle progression and induction of apoptosis.