Effect and mechanism of action of cinnamic acid on the proliferation and apoptosis of leukaemia cells

This study aims to investigate the effect and mechanism of action of cinnamic acid (CA) on the proliferation and apoptosis of leukaemia K562 cells. Morphological changes in cells were observed in K562 cells treated by CA with different doses (1.5, 3.0, and 6.0 mg/mL). Cell proliferation capabilities were measured by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay. Cell cycle was determined by flow cytometry, and the rate of cell colony formation was calculated by colony test. CA treatment for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h significantly inhibited the growth of leukaemia cells. CA significantly affected the cell cycle after 48 h treatment, resulting in increased G0/G1 phase and extension of the cell cycle in the tumour cells. Moreover, the colony formation rate decreased significantly (P < 0. 05). CA can inhibit the growth of leukaemia cells by inducing cell apoptosis.