Conclusion
In conclusion, dihydroartemisinin demonstrates anti-tumor activities in human ALL cells via inhibition of cell survival and growth. Dihydroartemisinin augments the apoptotic effect of ABT-737 by inhibiting the expression of Mcl-1.
Methods
The cell growth and survival were tested by the cell proliferation and MTT assays, respectively. The mRNA levels of Bcl-2, Mcl-1, Bax and P21 were examined by qRT-PCR. Apoptosis were detected by Hoechst 33342 staining and caspase-3 activity assay.
Results
Our data showed that combination treatment with dihydroartemisinin and ABT-737 caused a significant decrease in the IC50 value and synergistically reduced the cell survival compared with dihydroartemisinin or ABT-737 alone. ABT-737 enhanced the Mcl-1 mRNA expression. Dihydroartemisinin also down-regulated the expression of Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 and enhanced the P21 and Bax expression. Moreover, dihydroartemisinin enhanced the apoptosis induced by ABT-737 in MOLT-4 and MOLT-17 cell lines.