Induction of apoptosis by cooperative action of vitamins C and E

Millimolar concentrations of sodium ascorbate (vitamin C) induced apoptotic cell death in human promyelocytic leukemic HL-60 cells. The apoptotic cell s displayed a smaller cell volume, disappearance of cell surface microvilli , appearance of cytoplasmic vacuoles, chromatin condensation, nuclear fragm entation and production of apoptotic bodies. The apoptosis-inducing activit y of sodium ascorbate was significantly enhanced by noncytotoxic concentrat ions of CuCl2, but was almost completely eliminated by FeCl3. CuCl2 transie ntly stimulated the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production by sodium ascorbate , whereas FeCl3 slightly reduced the H2O2 production. alpha-Tocopherol (vit amin E) slightly enhanced the radical and H2O2 productions, and apoptosis i nduction by sodium ascorbate. The effect of alpha-tocopherol seems to be ra ther specific for ascorbic acid since alpha-tocopherol did not significantl y affect the cytotoxic activity of CuCl2 FeCl3 nor gallic acid. The present study demonstrated the cooperative action of vitamins C and E.