Leukemia apoptosis induced by dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin

07-12-2006

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

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.

Publisher contact information for the journal Leukemia is: Nature Publishing Group, Macmillan Building, 4 Crinan St., London N1 9XW, England.

Keywords: Kanagawa, Japan, Apoptosis, CLL, Chemotherapy, DHMEQ, Fludarabine, Leukemia, Gene Therapy, NF kappa B, Nuclear Factor, Dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

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