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Nalbuphine Suppresses Leukemia Stem Cells and Acts Synergistically with Chemotherapy Drugs via Inhibiting

Jinliang Xiao1, Weilian Wang1, Jiapeng Dan1

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China.

Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
|December 14, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Nalbuphine selectively targets acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells, including stem cells, by inhibiting the Ras signaling pathway. This opioid may enhance chemotherapy efficacy and benefit leukemia patients.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Opioids may influence cancer recurrence and metastasis.
  • Nalbuphine, used for cancer pain, has potential uncharacterized anti-cancer effects.
  • Understanding opioid effects on cancer is crucial for optimizing patient treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the biological effects of nalbuphine on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells, including differentiated and stem/progenitor CD34+ cells.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation of AML CD34+ cells.
  • Colony formation, growth, and apoptosis assays.
  • Biochemical and immunoblotting analyses of nalbuphine-exposed AML cells.

Main Results:

  • Nalbuphine demonstrated activity against AML cell lines and augmented chemotherapy efficacy.
  • Nalbuphine selectively reduced viability and colony formation in AML CD34+ cells, sparing normal hematopoietic cells.
  • Nalbuphine's anti-AML activity is mediated by Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway inhibition, independent of opioid receptors.

Conclusions:

  • Nalbuphine exhibits selective anti-AML activity by inhibiting Ras signaling.
  • Nalbuphine shows potential as a beneficial agent for leukemia patients.
Keywords:
AMLNalbuphineRaschemotherapyhematopoietic stem cellsopioids receptor

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