NF-k? and MEK1/MEK2 expressions in parthenolide and cisplatin treated Leukemia cells

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to examine the effects of the NF-?? inhibitor parthenolide, the anti-carcinogenic drug cisplatin and their combinations on the NF-?? and MEK1/MEK2 expression levels and phosphorylation status in the human monocytic leukemia cell line (THP-1). Materials and methods: The human monocytic leukemia cells (THP-1 cell line) were treated for 48h with various doses of parthenolide (5, 10, 20 ?M), cisplatin (1, 3, 10 ?M ) and their combinations (1 ?M Cis + 10 ?M PTL and 3 ?M Cis + 10 ?M PTL). CD45, NF-??, MEK1/MEK2 expressions were analyzed by flow cytometry. The levels of NF-??, pNF-??, MEK1/MEK2, pMEK1/MEK2 proteins were detected by western blotting. Results: The antiproliferative effect of parthenolide (10 ?M) and cisplatin (1, 3 ?M) was significantly increased with combination therapy (1 ?M Cis + 10 ?M PTL and 3 ?M Cis + 10 ?M PTL). NF-k? expression level was significantly decreased at 5 ?M PTL, 10 ?M PTL groups and combination groups. Additionally, pNF-?? phosphorylation decreased at the combination groups. MEK1/MEK2 expression was significantly increased at 5 ?M PTL and 10 ?M PTL groups. Conclusion: The results show changes in expression of NF-k? and MEK1/MEK2 proteins in leukemia cells treated with parthenolide and cisplatin combination. NF-k? inhibitor parthenolide might be clinically useful, alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic agents, in particular with cisplatin for the treatment of hematological malignancies.