Abstract

Objectives: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is considered one of the common types of cancers in childhood with an incidence of up to 25. In addition, drug resistance is a phenomenon which reduces the chances of overcoming cancer. Further, a phytoalexin combination called resveratrol can sensitize the leukemic cells to apoptotic cell death. Due to the importance of the above-mentioned issues, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of resveratrol on BAX and BCL-2 expression levels and apoptosis induction. Materials and Methods: CCRF-CEM cultured cells were treated by resveratrol at doses of 15, 50, and 100 mu M based on previous studies. Furthermore, RT Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was conducted to assess the BAX and BCL-2 gene expression. Moreover, the amount of apoptosis induction was analyzed by annexin V staining method. Results: Based on the results, time and concentration were found to play a critical role in resveratrol-induced apoptosis. Additionally, BAX upregulation and BCL-2 downregulation excreted by resveratrol in CCRF-CEM cells resulted in predisposing these cells to apoptosis. Conclusions: In general, it was revealed that resveratrol could have a chemo-preventive activity by modifying the expression of BAX and BCL-2 genes. Finally, resveratrol was found to be a supplement drug in anti-leukemic therapy.