Effects of lithium chloride on the proliferation and apoptosis of K562 leukemia cells

Objective To investigate the effects of lithium chloride on the proliferation and apoptosis of human leukemia cell line (K562). Methods The effects of lithium chloride on the proliferation of K562 leukemia cells were evaluated by liquid culture assay, MTT assay,and colony formation assay. The effects of lithium chloride on the apoptosis of K562 leukemia cell were verified by cellular morphology and the agarose gel electrophoresis of DNA fragments. Results ①The proliferation of K562 leukemia cells was inhibited by lithium chloride (10～50 mmol/L) in a dose-dependent manner. ②With lithium chloride (30 mmol/L), the apoptosis cells could be observed in cellular morphology, and DNA ladder was also observed in agarose gel electrophoresis. Conclusion Lithium chloride can inhibit the proliferation of K562 cells and cause the apoptosis of K562 cells.