Guizhi Fuling capsule can induce apoptosis of myeloma cells through the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway

Objective To observe the effects of Guizhi Fuling capsule (GZFLC) on RPMI 8226 cells and explore the mechanisms. Methods Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays and flow cytometry were used to detect the viability and apoptosis levels of RPMI 8226 cells. The effects on mitochondria were examined by ROS and JC-1 assays. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bax, cleaved caspase-3, and Apoptotic protease-activating factor 1 (Apaf-1). Results GZFLC drug serum decreased the viability and increased the apoptosis of RPMI 8226 cells. In addition, this drug increased ROS levels and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Western blotting showed that the Bcl-2/Bax ratios were decreased in the GZFLC drug serum-treated groups, whereas the expression levels of cleaved caspase-3 and Apaf-1 were increased. Conclusion GZFLC promoted apoptosis of myeloma cells through the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.