Abstract: AIM: To observe the apoptosis of K562 cells induced by resveratrol and to explore its possible mechanisms.METHODS: MTT assay, light microscopy and electron microscopy were used to examine apoptosis in K562 cells.Expression levels of Bcl-2 and P53 antigens were mesured by FCM.Colorimetric assay was employed to detect the activation of Caspase-3.RESULTS: Resveratrol could inhibit growth of K562 cells.Typical morphological changes of apoptosis were observed through light microscopy and electron microcopy.Expression of Bcl-2 significantly decreased after application of resveratrol.Caspase-3 could also be activated by resveratrol. CONCLUSION: Resveratrol induces apoptosis in K562 cells by activating Caspase-3 via a Bcl-2-dependent pathway.

Key words: resveratrol, leukemia, apoptosis