2-HBA is a potent inducer of NAD(P)H:quinone acceptor oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) which can also activate caspase-3 and caspase-10. IC50 & Target: NQO1, caspase-3, caspase-10^[1] In Vitro: When L1210 cells are exposed to 0.6 μM 2-HBA (bis(2-hydroxy-benzylidene)acetone), the specific activities of NQO1 and glutathione reductase increase by 6- and 1.5-fold, respectively. The total cellular glutathione content is also coordinately induced by 2.4-fold. In a more detailed study it is found that NQO1 is induced by 2-HBA in a concentration-dependent manner. Treatments with 2-HBA cause cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in both L1210 wild type cells and their Y8 drug-resistant counterparts in a concentration-dependent manner. 2-HBA can also activate caspase-3 and caspase-10^[1].