Standardized Extract of the Persian Gulf Sponge, Axinella Sinoxea Selectively Induces Apoptosis through Mitochondria in Human Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Cells

Sponges are important components of the Persian Gulf animal communities. The marine sponges of the genus Axinella sinoxea is are a genus of sponges in the family Axinellidae . Species of Axinella sinoxea occur in the India, Pacific Oceans and also Persian Gulf. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a disease characterized by the relentless accumulation of CD5 + B lymphocytes. CLL is the most common leukemia in adults, about 25–30% of all leukemias. In this study B lymphocytes mitochondria (both cancerous and non-cancerous) were isolated using differential centrifugation from peripheral blood samples and succinate dehydrogenase activity, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mitochondrial swelling and finally release of cytochrome C were examined following the addition of methanolic extract of Axinella sinoxea . Our results showed that only in mitochondria isolated from cancerous BUT NOT normal lymphocytes a significant (P < 0.05) increase in mitochondrial ROS formation, MMP collapse, mitochondrial swelling and cytochrome c release. These results showed that Axinella sinoxea extract has a selective toxicity on chronic lymphocytic leukemia lymphocytes and their mitochondria and hence may be considered as a promising anti CLL candidate for further studies needed as a supplement for cancer patients in the future