Pentamidine sensitizes leukemia K562 cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis / 中国癌症杂志

ABSTRACT

Background and purpose:Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand(TRAIL)is a successful clinical anti-tumor agent.However,not all tumor cells are sensitive to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis.In this study,we examined the TRAIL-induced apoptosis after pretreatment with pentamidine in K562 cells.Methods:When K562 cells were pretreated with pentamidine followed by TRAIL,apoptosis of cells was analyzed by cellular morphology via viewing live cells under a light microscope and annexin V-FITC/propidium iodine FACS.Western blot was performed to examine the cleavage of caspase-3,-8 and poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase(PARR)and protein levels of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein(XIAP).Results:Apoptotic cell death occurred and cleavage of caspase-3,-8 and PARR appeared when K562 cells were pretreated with 10?g/ml of pentamidine followed by 200 ng/ml of TRAIL.In addition,pentamidine decreased protein levels of XIAP.Conclusions:Combined treatment with pentamidine and TRAIL may become a new strategy for cancer therapy.