ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the apoptotic induction effects of homoharringtonine (HHT) combined with imatinib (STI571) on human chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) KU812 cells. Methods:KU812 cells were treated with HHT or/and STI571. Total cell numbers were counted by using hemocytometer. Apoptotic cells were determined by using fluorescence microscope and FACS after staining with AO-EB and PI respectively. The cleavage of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) and the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins were determined by Western blot. Results:HHT could prompt the apoptotic induction of imatinib in KU812 cells, which was in a time and dose dependent manner. Apoptosis induced by HHT and imatinib was correlated with the down-regulation of Bcl-XL and the cleavage of PARP. Conclusion:HHT prompt apoptotic induction of imatinb in KU812 cells and the combination of HHT with imatinib will provide a more effective strategy for the clinical treatment of CML.