Objective: To explore the expression of PXR (Pregnane X receptor) in several malignant hematological cell lines, and to investigate the reversal effect of Gambogic acid (GA) on multi-drug resistance (MDR) of K562/A02 cell line and its reversal mechanism.
Methods: Transcription of PXR was detected by real-time PCR in several malignant hematological cell lines. The growth inhibition rate of K562/A02 in different experimental groups was assayed by MTT method, and the expression of PXR protein was measured by Western blot.
Results: PXR gene transcription could be detected in several hematological malignancy cell lines, and it was significantly higher in K562/A02 cell line, compared with the other cell lines used in this experiment. Low-dose GA could enhance cell growth inhibition rate, increasing the effect of chemotherapy, which may be associated with down-regulation of PXR expression. PXR gene transcription and protein expression in GA and DNR+GA groups decreased as compared with control group and the DNR group, suggesting that low-dose GA can down-regulate PXR gene transcription and protein expression.
Conclusion: PXR gene transcription can be detected in several hematological malignancy cell line, which is significantly higher in K562/A02 cell line, as compared with the other cell lines used in this experiment. Low-dose GA can enhance cell growth inhibition rate, increasing the effect of chemotherapy, which may be associated with down-regulation of PXR expression.