Active fraction from Ganoderma lucidum with apoptosis activity on peripheral blood mononuclear cells from chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Aim of the studyB-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) is a neoplasia of the immune system due to an accumulation of clonal B lymphocytes resistant to apoptosis. B-cell abnormal infiltration impairs normal architecture of lymph nodes and other organs of the immune system and therefore the defense against infectious diseases. Single new therapeutic strategies are currently under investigation for triggering specific death of malignant B-CLL cells. Moreover, therapies including combination of several new antitumor agents more effective against tumor processes are being developed.MethodsWe used an active fraction obtained from Ganoderma lucidum fruiting bodies. This fraction was isolated by methanol extraction and column chromatography on silica gel using butanol:acetic acid:water for elution. This fraction was collected at an Rf of 0.74.ResultsIn this study, we show induction of cytotoxicity, DNA fragmentation and apoptosis on fresh human B-CLL cells by this active fraction from G. lucidum. Different dose-dependent cytotoxic effects were observed depending on the individual immunophenotypes. Even at low concentration, this fraction induced cell death with DNA fragmentation and changes in phosphatidylserine localization in cell membrane on B-cells from CLL patients. It is at low concentration where this active fraction shows a balance between the apoptotic effect and cell viability.ConclusionThe high cytotoxic effect observed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from B-CLL patients as compared with the effect on healthy donors' cells support its potential antileukemia role in combined therapeutic strategies.