Effect of Icariin on apoptosis and expression of Fas, Fas ligand, B cell lymphoma, and Bcl-2-associated X protein in CD4+T lymphocytes from patients with ankylosing spondylitis

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of icariin on apoptosis and the expression of Fas, Fas ligand (FasL), B cell lymphoma (Bcl-2), and BcI-2-associated X protein (Bax) in CD4 + T lymphocytes from patients with ankylosing spondylitis. METHODS: Primary cultures of peripheral blood CD4+ T lymphocytes were established and treated with icariin at high, medium, and low doses (0.5, 0.25, and 0.125 mg/mL). Sulfasalazine treated and helthy cells were used as controls. Apoptosis of treated cells was determined by flow cytometry. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and. enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to determine the effects of icariin on the expression of Fas, FasL, Bcl-2, and Bax. The activity of caspase 8 and caspjse 3 was determined by a colorimetric assay. RESULTS: The mRNA and protein expression of Fas, and activity of caspase 8 and caspase 3 in CD4+ T lymphocytes were increased by icariin (P < 0.05). Conversely, the mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2 was decreased (P < 0.05). The expression of FasL and Bax were not significantly different between groups. The proapoptotic effects of icariin were dose-dependent. CONCLUSION: Icariin induces the apoptosis of CD4+ T cells from patients with AS comparing to normal control. Therefore, the induction of apoptosis may be the likely mechanism of action of icariin's antirheumatics activities. (C) 2017 JTCM. All rights reserved.