Figure 4From: Induction of apoptosis in melanoma A375 cells by a chloroform fraction of Centratherum anthelminticum (L.) seeds involves NF-kappaB, p53 and Bcl-2-controlled mitochondrial signaling pathways Cell apoptosis upon CACF treatment. (A) A375 cells were treated with DMSO or with various concentrations of CACF for 24 h. Cells were then stained with FITC-Annexin V and PI to analyze early apoptotic (Annexin V+ PI-) and late apoptotic/dead (Annexin V+ PI+) cell fractions through flow cytometry. (B) Histogram shows the percentages of apoptotic cells for each treated sample at 24 h after CACF treatment. Data were mean ± SD from 2 independent experiments (*P<0.05). (C) Transmission electron microscopy images of A375 cells untreated or treated with 12.5 μg/ml of CACF for 12 h. (C-I) Representative image of untreated control cells. Intact cell membrane and abundant mitochondria were seen in the cytoplasm. (C-II-IV) Representative images of CACF (12.5 μg/mL)-treated cells. (C-II) Plasma membrane (PM) blebing and nuclear chromatin (CHR) condensation. (C-III) Increased numbers of clear vacuoles (V) with some lipid-filled vacuoles (LV). Reduced mitochondria copy number and disrupted cristae in the abnormally swollen mitochondria. (C-IV) Increased numbers of lysosome (LY) organelles.Back to article page