Curcumin in combination with bortezomib synergistically induced apoptosis in human multiple myeloma U266 cells.
Growth of multiple myeloma cells is controlled by various factors derived from host bone marrow microenvironments. Interaction between multiple myeloma cells and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) plays an important role in the expression of adhesive molecules and secretion of growth factors involved in multiple myeloma (MM) cell growth, survival, and resistance to anticancer drugs. Recently, the possibility of developing novel anti-cancer therapeutic strategies targeting both MM cells and MM cell-BMSC interactions has been discussed. Here we present data showing that curcumin, a major constituent of turmeric compounds extracted from the rhizomes of the plant Curcuma longa, effectively reduced the growth of MM cells and BMSCs. Upon treatment with curcumin, IL-6/sIL-6R-induced STAT3 and Erk phosphorylation was dramatically reduced in the co-cultured cells. In addition, curcumin inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and VEGF, factors that are associated with the progression of multiple myeloma, from both MM cells and BMSCs. In a combination treatment with curcumin and bortezomib, IL-6/sIL-6R-induced STAT3 and Erk phosphorylation was effectively inhibited. Moreover, this combination treatment synergistically inhibited the growth of MM cells co-cultured with BMSCs as compared to controls. Taken together, these results indicate that curcumin potentiates the therapeutic efficacy of bortezomib in MM suggesting this combination therapy to be of value in the clinical management of MM.
Park
Juwon
J
Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Ayyappan
Vasudevan
V
Bae
Eun-Kyung
EK
Lee
Chansu
C
Kim
Byung-Su
BS
Kim
Byoung Kook
BK
Lee
Young-Yiul
YY
Ahn
Kwang-Sung
KS
Yoon
Sung-Soo
SS
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000494:pharmacology; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D001897:Boronic Acids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000069286:Bortezomib; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D018920:Coculture Techniques; D003474:Curcumin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D004357:Drug Synergism; D006801:Humans; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011719:Pyrazines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000166:cytology
D001897:Boronic Acids; D016207:Cytokines; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D011719:Pyrazines; D000069286:Bortezomib; D003474:Curcumin