Antitumor effects of rafoxanide in diffuse large B cell lymphoma via the PTEN/PI3K/Akt and JNK/c-Jun pathways

Aims Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is one of the most aggressive lymphoid malignancies, which remains incurable, thus warranting the development of new therapies. Our previous study determined that rafoxanide is very effective in treating multiple myeloma (MM). In the present study, we tried to evaluate the effects of rafoxanide on DLBCL, as well as the potential underlying molecular mechanisms. Main methods We used CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry to assess cell viability and apoptosis. The proteins and pathways associated with apoptosis and proliferation were evaluated through western blot, and xenograft mice were used as the experimental animal model. We also used the TUNEL assay and immunofluorescence for further analyses. Key findings Treatment with different doses of rafoxanide significantly inhibited cell viability and apoptosis. Additionally, the compound induced cell cycle arrest, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), and stimulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation without the influence of normal peripheral blood monocytes (PBMCs). As expected, rafoxanide played a role in regulating these proteins and the PTEN/PI3K/AKT and JNK/c-Jun pathways. Furthermore, immunofluorescence and western blot results showed that rafoxanide upregulated H2AX phosphorylation and then inhibited DNA repair in DLBCL. In the xenograft mouse model, tumor volumes were reduced after intraperitoneal injection with rafoxanide. We also observed that TUNEL positive cells were remarkably increased in rafoxanide-treated tumor tissues. Significance These results collectively provide a novel choice to regular treatment for DLBCL patients with poor prognosis.