Investigate the co-culture effects of BM-mesenchymal stem cells on the promotion of apoptotic pathways of CD34+leukemic stem cells.

Abstract

Introduction: The potential clinical application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in cell-based treatment makes them particularly interesting. The use of MSC-engaged therapies in cancer treatment is becoming more and more promising. Although the specifics of their activity have not yet been conclusively established, a variety of growth factors released by these cells are known to provide such multifunctional qualities.

Methods: Through the measurement of cytokine levels, Annexin-V, and possible signaling pathways linked to apoptosis, we have assessed the impact of MSCs on CD34⁺leukemic stem cells (LSCs) enriched from the KG1-a cell line. Additionally, culture medium was taken from the experimental and control groups for the IL-2 and IL-4 measurement following a 7-day co-culture.

Results: Co-culture conditions were observed to promote early and late apoptosis, although this increase just was statistically significant in late apoptosis. The co-cultured conditioned media clearly showed a large amount of IL-2, but there was an insignificant rise in IL-4. Also, MSCs significantly increased the protein expression of P16, P21, and p-P38 and significantly decreased C-Myc, and TERC.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that the mentioned effects of IL-2 cytokine released from MSCs on CD34⁺LSCs maybe were applied by the components of P16, P21, and p-P38, C-Myc signaling pathways.