Anaerobic Glycolysis is the Main Pathway for Energy Generation in HL-60 Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Cells

Aim: In physiological conditions, normal cells use mainly the glycolytic aerobic pathway to provide energy. However, most cancer cells utilize anaerobic glycolytic way for energy generation. Aim of this study was to investigate the carbohydrate metabolic pathways of HL-60 acute promyelocytic leukemia cells for energy production. Material and Methods: Leukemia cells as well as normal leukocytes were incubated with radiolabelled glucose in aerobic and anaerobic conditions and glycogen consumptions and the ratios of radiolabelled glucose catabolized into CO2 or lactate, that is, the rates of aerobic or anaerobic glycolysis, were determined. Results: The glycogen consumption was significantly higher in aerobic leukemia cell culture than normal leukocyte culture (p<0.01). The rate of anaerobic glycolysis was 93.8% in leukemia cells in aerobic conditions and it increased to 96.6% while utilization of glycogen increased by 7.31% in anaerobic conditions. Conclusion: In conclusion, principally anaerobic glycolysis is effective for energy generation in HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cells. This result may be important for the development of new therapeutic approaches in the treatment of promyelocytic leukemia, requiring further comprehensive studies.