Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is one of the most common malignancies among children,characterized by mass production of leukemic blasts. Chemotherapy is the first step in routine treatment, althoughit may evoke considerable side effects. Matrine, an alkaloid extracted from a Chinese herb, Sophora alopecuroidesflavescens Ait, may be protective. Several investigations have indicated pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative effects ina diverse range of cancer cells. Methods: Matrine’s anti-cancer effects and associated mechanisms were assessed inhuman ALL B-lymphocytes, focusing on parameters of inflammatory change and apoptosis. Results: Treatment ofALL B-lymphocytes with matrine augmented ROS generation, and caused mitochondrial swelling and a decline inmitochondrial membrane potential. Significant up-regulation of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax and down-regulation ofthe anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 were also noted. Conclusion: Our results suggest that matrine may be a potential anticanceragent. However, additional studies are needed to clarify involved mechanisms.
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