Quercetin alleviates myocyte toxic and sensitizes anti-leukemic effect of adriamycin.

AbstractObjectivesDerived from plants, flavonoids have been proven to possess anti-cancer activities. Adriamycin (ADM), an anthracycline antibiotic, is widely applied in the chemotherapy for leukemia; however, it has a side effect of heart damage. This study aims to explore potential anti-leukemia effects of quercetin (Que) and the underlying mechanism.MethodsThe P388 xenograft mice models were first established and then treated with Que alone or in combination with ADM. Subsequently, we evaluated their effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis by observing the cell cycle and detecting the Caspase-3 level, respectively. The underlying pro-apoptotic mechanism was further investigated by detecting the expression levels of NF-κB, Bcl-2, and Bax. The cardiomyocyte ultrastructural changes of P388 leukemic mice after drug treatment were also observed. The protective effect of Que on cardiomyocyte was evaluated by detecting enzymatic activity changes of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and malondi...