Opium induces apoptosis in Jurkat cells via promotion of pro-apoptotic and inhibition of anti-apoptotic molecules

Objective(s): The aim of this study was to determine the important molecules involved in apoptosis induction by opium in Jurkat cell line. Materials and Methods: Jurkat cells were incubated ۴۸ hrs with۲.۸۶×۱۰-۵ g/ml concentration of opium and apoptosis as well as expression levels of related molecules weremeasured. Results: Our results demonstrated that ۵۰.۳±۰.۲ percent of opium treated Jurkat cells were revealed apoptotic features. The levels of mRNA of several pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic molecules were increased and decreased, respectively, in the opium treated cells. The results also demonstrated that expression levels of BCL۲, DFFA and NOL۳ as anti-apoptotic molecules were increased in the opium treated cells.    Conclusion: It seems that opium induces apoptosis in Jurkat cells via both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Although opium induces apoptosis in the cells but increased expression of some anti-apoptotic molecules may be a normal resistance of the cell for death. 

Keywords:

Apoptosis , Jurkat cells , PCR array