Andrographolide Induces ROS-dependent Apoptosis and Suppresses STAT3 Phosphorylation in Primary Effusion Lymphoma Cells
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Itnarin Mongkon1,2, Ryusho Kariya1,3, Phorutai Pearngam1,4
1Division of Hematopoiesis, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection and Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.
Background/Aim:
Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) with poor prognosis due to resistance to conventional chemotherapy. Andrographolide (AG), a diterpenoid lactone extracted from Andrographis paniculata, has shown anti-tumor activity in several malignancies, but its effects on PEL are unknown.
Materials And Methods:
PEL cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. Apoptosis was evaluated via Annexin V/PI staining and caspase activation. ROS generation was measured by DCFH-DA staining. Protein expression changes were analyzed by Western blotting. To determine the roles of ROS and caspases, cells were co-treated with a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) or the pan-caspase inhibitor Q-VD-OPh. AG's in vivo effects were tested in a xenograft mouse model.
Results:
AG inhibited PEL cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Apoptosis was mediated via ROS production and caspase activation. STAT3 phosphorylation was suppressed in a ROS-dependent manner. In vivo, AG (500 mg/kg/day, oral gavage) significantly reduced tumor burden without observable toxicity.
Conclusion:
AG exerts anti-tumor effects against PEL by inducing ROS-dependent apoptosis and suppressing STAT3 signaling. These findings suggest that AG may serve as a promising therapeutic agent for PEL.
