Lenalidomide alone or combined with bortezomib inhibits growth and induces apoptosis in KM3 cells

AIM: To investigate the effects of lenalidomide alone or combined with bortezomib on induction of apoptosis in multiple myeloma(MM) KM3 cells.METHODS: The KM3 cells were treated with lenalidomide alone or combined with bortezomib. The number of viable cells was determined by trypan blue exclusion. Apoptotic cells were simultaneously stained with annexin V-FITC and PI and determined by flow cytometry. RT-PCR was used to examine the level of p65 mRNA. Western blotting was used to examine the protein levels of P65, pP65, caspase-3,-8, -9, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). RESULTS: Lenalidomide-inhibited the cell growth and induced apoptosis of KM3 cells. The mechanism responsible for lenalidomide-mediated inhibition was via NF-κB and activation of caspase-mediated induction of apoptosis. A synergistic effect was observed when combination of lenalidomide with bortezomib was used. CONCLUSION: Lenalidomide inhibits the growth and induces apoptosis in KM3 cells. There is a synergistical effect when combination of lenalidomide with bortezomib is in use.