Artesunate Induces ROS-Mediated Apoptosis in Doxorubicin-Resistant T Leukemia Cells
2007

Artesunate Induces Apoptosis in Doxorubicin-Resistant T Leukemia Cells

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Efferth Thomas, Giaisi Marco, Merling Annette, Krammer Peter H., Li-Weber Min

Primary Institution: German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany

Hypothesis

Can artesunate overcome drug resistance in leukemia cells?

Conclusion

Artesunate can induce apoptosis in Doxorubicin-resistant leukemia cells through a different mechanism than Doxorubicin.

Supporting Evidence

  • Artesunate induces apoptosis in leukemic T cells through the mitochondrial pathway.
  • The antioxidant N-Acetyle-Cysteine completely blocks ROS generation and inhibits ART-induced apoptosis.
  • ART can synergize with Doxorubicin to enhance apoptotic cell death in leukemic T cells.

Takeaway

Artesunate is a medicine that can help kill cancer cells that are resistant to other treatments, like Doxorubicin.

Methodology

The study used various T-cell leukemia lines to test the effects of artesunate on apoptosis and drug resistance.

Limitations

The study primarily focused on in vitro models and may not fully represent in vivo conditions.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0001

Statistical Significance

p<0.0001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0000693

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication