MSCs modifies the proliferation of leukemia MOLT-4 cells and induces their apoptosis through up-regulating Bax, caspase-3, and-8, and down-regulating Bcl-2 expression

Currently, it has been suggested that human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), a well-known multipotent stem cells, could modify the biological process in leukemia cells. Therefore, we evaluated human MSCs’ possible effects on apoptosis and proliferation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) MOLT-4 cells. Accordingly, MOLT-4 cells were co-cultured with MSCs. Then, 24, 48, and 72 hours after treatment, the apoptosis percentages of co-cultured MOLT-4 cell apoptosis was estimated using flow cytometry analysis. Also, cells proliferation rates were measured by MTT assay after 24, 48, and 72 hours of treatment. Finally, the expression ratio of candidate genes, including Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3, and -8, were evaluated in MOLT-4 cells co-cultured with MSCs. Based on results, MSCs stimulated the apoptosis of MOLT-4 cells after 48 and 72 hours but not 24 hours of treatment compared with the control group (MOLT-4 cells). Also, MSCs induced robust a reduction in MOLT-4 cell proliferation rate compared with the control group. On the other hand, Real-Time PCR results indicated a decrease in Bcl-2 expression, and conversely a promotion in Bax, and caspase-3, and -8 expression at mRNA levels. In sum, results signified that MSCs could exert anti-leukemic effects on leukemia MOLT-4 cells through promoting Bax/Bcl-2 ration concomitant with up-regulating caspases expression.