Effects of apigenin on the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of human diffuse large B-cell lymphoma OCI-LY3 cells.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effects of apigenin on the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of human diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) OCI-LY3 cells.

METHODS

OCI-LY3 cells were cultured in vitro and treated with varying concentrations of apigenin (20, 40, 80 µmol/L). The CCK-8 assay, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry were employed to detect the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptotic abilities of each cell group, respectively. Western blot was employed to measure the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins (Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3). BALB/c mice were used to establish xenograft tumor models via subcutaneous injection of OCI-LY3 cells. Mice were randomly divided into a vehicle group, an apigenin group (10 mg/kg), and a cyclophosphamide group (20 mg/kg) to evaluate the effects of apigenin on tumor growth in vivo. Additionally, Ki-67 expression (a marker for tumor proliferation) was assessed by immunohistochemistry in tumor tissues.

RESULTS

Compared to the DMSO group, apigenin at 20, 40, and 80 µmol/L greatly reduced cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and Bcl-2 expression while increasing apoptosis rates and the abundance levels of Bax and cleaved Caspase-3. Apigenin also suppressed the growth of xenograft tumors and reduced Ki-67 expression in tumor tissues.

CONCLUSION

Apigenin exerts anti-DLBCL effects both in vitro and in vivo, offering a novel therapeutic strategy for lymphoma treatment.