Analytical chemistry links ZEA with leukaemic cell apoptosis

Apoptosis - the process by which cells self-destruct at the end of their usable life span - has been studied using analytical chemistry by a team at a number of Thai academic institutions.

The researchers, from Mahidol University, Chiang Mai University and Chulabhorn Research Institute, discuss their findings in an article published in the Journal of Hematology and Oncology.

Using an analytical chemistry process based around two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, they assessed the actions of zearalenone (ZEA) on human leukaemia cells.

ZEA is known as a phytoestrogen which arises from Fusarium, a genus of fungi which is filamentous in structure and contains a large number of different species.

The scientists found it to be capable of triggering apoptosis by subjecting leukaemic cells to unmanageable endoplasmic stress.

Articles published in the Journal of Hematology and Oncology are distributed on an open-access basis to raise understanding and awareness of issues relating to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.