Suppression of AKT Potentiates Synergistic Cytotoxicity of Apigenin with TRAIL in Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma Cells

We studied the effect of apigenin in combination with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) on cell survival and the influence of AKT inhibition on the combined effect of apigenin with TRAIL in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) cells.The human 8505C and CAL62 ATC cell lines were used.Apigenin in combination with TRAIL, compared to apigenin alone, reduced cell viability and Bcl2 protein levels, elevated the percentage of dead cells, as well as the protein levels of cleaved PARP and phospho-ERK1/2. The protein levels of Bcl-xL, Bax, Bid, total ERK1/2, and total and phospho-AKT were unchanged. Administration of wortmannin further reduced cell viability, and elevated the percentage of dead cells, cytotoxic activity and cleaved PARP protein levels.Apigenin synergizes with TRAIL through regulation of Bcl2 family proteins in inducing cytotoxicity, and suppression of AKT potentiates synergistic cytotoxicity of apigenin with TRAIL in ATC cells.