Quinovic Acid Enhances the Cytotoxicity of KHYG-1 Cells by Modulating the Ras/MAPK Signalling Pathway and Interferon-Gamma Expression.

ABSTRACT: Quinovic acid is a key constituent of cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) extract and exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we investigated the potential of quinovic acid to enhance natural killer (NK) cell activity by using the KHYG-1 cell line. Our data indicated that quinovic acid increased the expression levels of cytolytic molecules, including perforin, granzymes A and B, Fas ligand, and granulysin, and induced the phosphorylation of the transcription factors CREB and STAT4, thereby enhancing cytotoxic activity against K562 cells. Furthermore, when KHYG-1 cells were cocultured with K562 cells in the presence of quinovic acid, we observed an increase in the expression of t-Bid, cleaved caspases 3, 8, and 9, and PARP, promoting apoptosis in K562 cells. Quinovi

SUBMITTER: Hsieh MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12648300 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature