Characterization of the Biochemical Pathway of Apoptosis Induced by D-glucopyranoside Derivatives from Tulbaghia violacea

Aim: Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were used to identify the most likely apoptotic biochemical pathway induced by Methyl-α-D-glucopyranoside (MDG), D-fructofuranose-β(2→6)-methyl-α-D-glucopyranoside (DFMDG) and β-D-fructofuranosyl-(2→6)-α-D-glucopyranoside (DFDG) treatments isolated from wild garlic (Tulbaghia violacea).
Methodology: Assays, which detect different morphological and biochemical changes in the CHO cells were used to examine the apoptosis induction by individual agents, paying special attention to the mitochondria membrane potential (∆ψm) depolarization.
Results: The major events of apoptosis, namely, translocation of phosphatidylserine, mitochondria membrane potential (∆ψm) depolarization and activation of caspase-3 in CHO cells were initiated within 2 hours of treatments. The onset of the apoptosis induction was indistinguishable among the MDG, DFMDG and DFDG, and similar to that of staurosporine.
Conclusion: The study shows that CHO cells treated with MDG, DFMDG and DFDG undergo apoptotic death through the mitochondrial (intrinsic) pathway.