Impacts of Acetaminophen treatment on HL-60 cell viability, differentiation, and apoptosis

Authors

• Emma Crenshaw, University of South CarolinaFollow
• Shannon Finney, University of South CarolinaFollow
• Todd Mount, University of South CarolinaFollow
• Gabriela M. Ramirez, University of South Carolina - ColumbiaFollow
• Harshita Negi, University of South CarolinaFollow
• Charles Andrew Schumpert, University of South CarolinaFollow

Abstract

Acetaminophen is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic, but its effects on cancer cell behavior remain unclear. This study examined the effects of low concentrations of acetaminophen on HL-60 leukemia cells, focusing on cell viability, apoptosis, and differentiation. HL-60 cells were treated with 33 nM and 66 nM acetaminophen for 1-hour and 24-hour periods. Cell viability and density were assessed using a Trypan Blue Viability Assay, apoptosis was measured using a Caspase-Glo 3/7 Assay, and morphological changes were analyzed by May-Grünwald Giemsa Staining. Results showed decreased cell viability and density with increased apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, with the stronger effects observed at higher concentrations and longer periods. Limited morphological changes were observed. These findings suggest that acetaminophen, even at low doses, can induce apoptosis and reduce viability in HL-60 cells, highlighting potential biological effects beyond its common clinical use.

Recommended Citation

Crenshaw, Emma; Finney, Shannon; Mount, Todd; Ramirez, Gabriela M.; Negi, Harshita; and Schumpert, Charles Andrew (2026) "Impacts of Acetaminophen treatment on HL-60 cell viability, differentiation, and apoptosis," Caroliniana Undergraduate Research Journal: Vol. 1: Iss. 2, Article 7.
Available at: https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/usc-curj/vol1/iss2/7