OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of quercetin on cell morphology and VEGF expression of acute myeloblastic leukemia cells NB4 in vitro.

METHODSThe cytomorphology of NB4 cells was assessed by Wright-stain, apoptosis rate by apoptotic marker Annexin V, and VEGF secretion level by ELISA.

RESULTSTypical apoptosis was found in NB4 cells after treatment with quercetin. Apoptotic marker Annexin V analysis showed that the apoptotic rate of NB4 cells was increased after treatment with quercetin. The secretion of VEGF of NB4 cells was significantly decreased after treatment with quercetin.

CONCLUSIONQuercetin can induce apoptosis and inhibit secretion of VEGF in NB4 leukemia cells.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; metabolism ; pathology ; Quercetin ; pharmacology ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; secretion