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Background: The cytotoxic effect of plants such as green tea and turmeric (curcumin) on B chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells has been established. The plant Artemisia has been used in China for anti-cancer and anti-malaria applications. In Israel, Artemisia absinthium ("the Chiba") is used to release abdominal pain. In attempts to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of this plant in CLL cells, we prepared a decoction of Artemisia leaves and after filtration used it as an inducer of apoptosis of B CLL cells., Methods: CLL cells were collected from 7 patients in different stages of the disease. Apoptosis was measured using an annexin based flow cytometry assay., Results: First a viability test showed that 100μl/106 cells was the most effective dilution for killing up to 70% cells after 48 hours of incubation. In these conditions Artemisia induced approximately 75% apoptosis in comparison to 32% in the cultures without Artemisia., Conclusions: We concluded that decoction of Artemisia absinthium is a potent inducer of in vitro apoptosis of CLL cells. Our results provide a laboratory basis for further clinical application.

B chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) cells exist in patients as slowly accumulating resting as well as proliferating B cells. In this study, we examined whether Rapamycin and Curcumin, two naturally occurring compounds shown to have apoptotic effects, could selectively induce apoptosis in resting B-CLL cells. Mononuclear cells isolated from patients with B-CLL were treated with these agents and analysed by AnnexinV/propidium iodide binding, caspase activity, and changes in bcl-2/Bax ratio. Rapamycin and curcumin significantly induced apoptosis in resting B-CLL cells obtained from patients with CLL. Furthermore, rapamycin and curcumin increased caspase 9, 3 and 7 activity, decreased anti-apoptotic bcl-2 levels, and increased the pro-apoptotic protein Bax. These data suggest rapamycin and curcumin may be an effective treatment for B-CLL and are of high clinical significance considering the growing population of patients and lack of efficient treatment for this malignant disease.

The article discusses a patient-centered phase I-II clinical protocol of milatuzumab combined with comfort care in elderly patients with refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), who were not eligible for any other form of treatment. Topics covered include patient characteristics and response to milatuzumab treatment, the most common significant adverse event, and the effect of milatuzumab on apoptosis.

CD74 is a cell-surface receptor for the cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor binding to CD74 induces its intramembrane cleavage and the release of its cytosolic intracellular domain (CD74-ICD), which regulates cell survival. In the present study, we characterized the transcriptional activity of CD74-ICD in chronic lymphocytic B cells. We show that following CD74 activation, CD74-ICD interacts with the transcription factors RUNX (Runt related transcription factor) and NF-κB and binds to proximal and distal regulatory sites enriched for genes involved in apoptosis, immune response, and cell migration. This process leads to regulation of expression of these genes. Our results suggest that identifying targets of CD74 will help in understanding of essential pathways regulating B-cell survival in health and disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the expression of interleukin-11 (IL-11) and interleukin-11Ralpha in B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). Activation of B-CLL cells by recombinant human IL-11; B-CLL apoptosis; Synthesis of IL-11 and IL-11Ralpha by B-CLL cells; Effect of dexamethasone on B-CLL cells pretreated with recombinant IL-11.

Abstract: S-allylthio-6-mercaptopurine and its ribose derivative were tested for anti-leukemic activity, using a human- mouse B-CLL model. The novel prodrugs contain two components, a purine analog, which interferes with DNA synthesis, and an S-allylthio, readily engaging in thiol-disulfide exchange reactions. The latter component targets the redox homeostasis which is more sensitive in leukemic cells, than in normal B-cells. Upon administration, the prodrug permeates cells, instantly reacts with free thiol, forming S-allyl mixed disulfides and releasing purine. Several cycles of thiol-disulfide exchange reactions occur, thus extending the duration of the prodrug effects. The concerted action of 2 components, as compared with purine alone, boosted in vitro apoptotis in B-CLL cells from 10% to 38%, and decreased in vivo engraftment of B-CLL from 30% to 0.7%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]