Dual PPARalpha/gamma ligand TZD18 either alone or in combination with imatinib inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of human CML cell lines

Cell Cycle. 2006 Oct;5(19):2237-43. doi: 10.4161/cc.5.19.3259. Epub 2006 Oct 1.

Abstract

Despite progress in the treatment of early-stage chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), the accelerated and blastic phases of CML still remain a therapeutic challenge. Persistence of BCR-ABL-positive (bcr-abl(+)) cells or secondary resistance during imatinib therapy frequently occurs. In this study, we investigated the activity of a novel dual ligand specific for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha and gamma (PPARalpha/gamma) against CML blast crisis cell lines. Exposure of these cell lines (K562, KU812 and KCL22) to TZD18 resulted in a growth inhibition in a dose- and time-dependent manner. This effect may not be mediated through PPARgamma and PPARalpha activation, since antagonists of PPARgamma and/or PPARalpha could not reverse this inhibition. Western blotting analysis showed that expression of the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor (CDKI) p27(kip1) was enhanced, whereas levels of cyclin E, cyclin D2 and cyclin dependent kinase 2 (CDK-2) were decreased when these cells were treated with TZD18. Most interestingly, TZD18 synergistically enhanced the antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effect of imatinib. Overall, our findings strongly suggest that either TZD18, either alone or in combination with imatinib may be beneficial for the treatment of CML in myeloid blast crisis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / pharmacology*
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Benzamides
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Drug Synergism
  • Humans
  • Imatinib Mesylate
  • Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / drug therapy*
  • Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / pathology
  • PPAR alpha / agonists
  • PPAR gamma / agonists
  • Phenyl Ethers / pharmacology*
  • Piperazines / pharmacology*
  • Pyrimidines / pharmacology*
  • Thiazolidinediones / pharmacology*

Substances

  • 5-(3-(3-(4-phenoxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy)phenyl)-2,4-thiazolidinedione
  • Benzamides
  • PPAR alpha
  • PPAR gamma
  • Phenyl Ethers
  • Piperazines
  • Pyrimidines
  • Thiazolidinediones
  • Imatinib Mesylate