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URL http://www.rockymountainbmt.com/news/Dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin-DHMEQ-a-new-NF-kappa-B-inhibitor-could-induce-apoptosis-in-chronic-lymphocytic-leukemia-CLL-2479.html

Dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin (DHMEQ), a new NF-kappa B inhibitor, could induce apoptosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

08-10-2006

According to recent research from Japan, "CLL is a low-grade lymphoid malignancy incurable with conventional modalities of chemotherapy. Strong and constitutive nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) activation is a characteristic of CLL cells."

"We examined the effects of a new NF-kappa B inhibitor, DHMEQ, on CLL cells. Dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin completely abrogated constitutive NF-kappa B activity and induced apoptosis of CLL cells. Apoptosis induced by DHMEQ was accompanied by downregulation of NF-kappa B-dependent antiapoptotic genes: c-lAP, Bfl-1, Bcl-X-L and c-FLIP. Dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin also inhibited NF-kappa B induced by CD40 and enhanced fludarabine-mediated apoptosis of CLL cells," explained R. Horie and colleagues, Kitasato University.

The researchers concluded that results "of this study suggest that inhibition of constitutive and inducible NF-kappa B by DHMEQ in combination with fludarabine is a promising strategy for the treatment of CLL."

Horie and colleagues published their study in Leukemia (DHMEQ, a new NF-kappa B inhibitor, induces apoptosis and enhances fludarabine effects on chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells. Leukemia, 2006;20(5):800-806).

For additional information, contact R. Horie, Kitasato University, School of Medicine, Dept. Hematology, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 2288555, Japan.

This article was prepared by Cancer Vaccine Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Cancer Vaccine Week via NewsRx.com.