Abstract: AIM: To investigate the apoptosis of K562 cells induced by resveratrol and the influence of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level.METHODS: MTT assay, light microscopy, DNA agarose gel electrophoresis and cell cycle analysis were used for examine apoptosis in K562 cells. Intracellular ROS level was measured with flow cytometry (FCM).RESULTS: Resveratrol inhibited growth of K562 cells. Agarose gel electrophoresis showed evident DNA fragmentation. Cell cycle analysis indicated increased S phase proportion, as well as apparent S/G2 phase arrest. After application of resveratrol, the level of the markedly increased of ROS.CONCLUSION: Resveratrol induces apoptosis in K562 cells may be through stimulating ROS production.

Key words: resveratrol, leukemia, K562, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS)