Cucurbitacin B induces cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and autophagy associated with G actin reduction and persistent activation of cofilin in Jurkat cells.

Aim: The present study aimed to explore the antitumor effect and action mechanism of cucurbitacin B (CuB) on human T-cell leukemia Jurkat cells.

Methods: Cell proliferation was measured by the MTS assay. Cell cycle distribution, mitochondrial membrane potential and annexin V staining were analyzed using flow cytometry.

Histone deacetylase inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid exhibits anti-inflammatory activities through induction of mitochondrial damage and apoptosis in activated lymphocytes.

Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, has been proven to be an anti-cancer agent. Its anti-inflammatory activities have recently been observed both in in vitro and in vivo models. Yet its action on lymphocytes and the underlying mechanism are still not well known.