Induction of morphological and functional differentiation of human promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL-60) by Tubeimoside 1.

Two functional parameters evaluated by nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) dye reduction and zymosan particle phagocytosis and a morphological change assessed by the Wright-Giemsa stain of human promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL-60 cells) were used to determine the extent of HL-60 cell differentiation induced by tubeimoside 1. The results revealed that under the action of tubeimoside 1, HL-60 cells could be induced to differentiate to more mature cells with the functional characteristics of granulocytes. Therefore, tubeimoside 1 could be considered as a promising antileukemic agent for further animal trials.