Quercetin potentiates the antitumor activity of rituximab in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma by inhibiting STAT3 pathway

Cell Biochem Biophys. 2014 Nov;70(2):1357-62. doi: 10.1007/s12013-014-0064-8.

Abstract

STAT3 pathway plays an important role in the growth of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cells. Here we investigated the antitumor activity of Quercetin, a flavonoid compound, in combination with rituximab in DLBCL cell lines in vitro. We found that Quercetin synergistically enhanced rituximab-induced growth inhibition and apoptosis in DLBCL cell lines. Moreover, we found Quercetin exerted inhibitory activity against STAT3 pathway and downregulated the expression of survival genes. These results suggest that combining the Quercetin with rituximab may present an attractive and potentially effective way for the treatment of DLBCL.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived / pharmacology*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Drug Synergism
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / pathology*
  • Quercetin / pharmacology*
  • Rituximab
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor
  • Rituximab
  • Quercetin