Apoptosis ( programmed cell death) is a process of fundamental biological
importance which is being increasingly recognized as playing a critical role in the
pathogenesis and treatment of many diseases. Agents that regulate apoptosis are the
subject of intense scrutiny. The present work was designed to evaluate the efficacy of
three natural compounds namely ascorbic acid, rutin and quercetin which are present
abundantly in our daily food on the apoptosis. Blood neutrophils were cultured in
vitro with and without these products for different periods ( 24,48,72 hours ).
Apoptosis was assessed morphologically by light microscope using Giemsa stain , by
fluorescence microscope using acridine orange stain and electron microscope. The
morphological results were confirmed by appearance of DNA fragmentation by
agarose gel electrophoresis. The cells exhibited apoptosis after 24 hr culture and the
percentage of apoptotic cells has been increased by time. Ascorbic acid and rutin
sti'mulated apoptosis in first 24 Ins and showed no additive effect after 48 and 72 hrs,
while quercetin stimulated apoptosis during all course of study this study suggests that
ascorbic acid, rutin and quercetin could be used as potential agents to accelerate
apoptosis which is the key for prevention and treatment of many diseases. |
