Synergistic Effect of Dexamethasone and Diclofenac on Viability of K562 Cells

Abstract

Background and Objective: Chronic myeloid leukemia is one of the most well-known types of leukemia. Inflammation is one of the leading causes of cancer; therefore, anti-inflammatory agents are used for reducing and suppressing the growth of cancer cells. Dexamethasone, a cortisol agonist, has anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and apoptotic effects. Diclofenac is a cyclooxygenase enzyme inhibitor with anti-inflammatory properties. This study was performed to determine the synergistic effect of diclofenac and dexamethasone on the growth of K562 cancer cells. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, K562 cell line was cultured in RPMI-1640 medium enriched with glutamine, penicillin, and streptomycin. The cytotoxic effects of dexamethasone, diclofenac and their combination (multi-target tracking) were evaluated using MTT assay. Hoechst staining and DNA electrophoresis were carried out to evaluate the occurrence of apoptosis. Results: Diclofenac, dexamethasone and their combination had cytotoxic effects on the cells at concentrations of 20, 40, 60, and 80 µmol/ml. A significant cytotoxic effect was observed after 72 hours of treatment with different concentrations of the drugs (P<0.05). Hoechst staining showed that DNA fragmentation was increased in the treated cells. DNA electrophoresis also showed induction of apoptosis by diclofenac, dexamethasone, and their combination. Conclusion: The combination of diclofenac and dexamethasone at concentration of 20 µmol/ml is more effective in inducing apoptosis in K562 cells compared with each drug alone.

Keywords

• chronic myeloid leukemia
• dexamethasone
• diclofenac
• apoptosis
• k562 cell line