Apoptotic mechanisms of the biotechnologically produced arylnaphtalene lignan justicidin B in the acute myeloid leukemia-derived cell line HL-60.

Background: The present study aimed at optimization of the biotechnological production of the lignan justicidin B by genetically transformed cultures of Linum leonii and the pharmacological evaluation of the pro-apoptotic effects of the compound in HL-60 cells.

Methods: A rapidly growing selected root line of L. leonii was grown in 2-L bioreactor for period of 40 days and the protocols for obtaining of the compound have been optimized.