Effect of β-elemene on proliferation of human multiple myeloma cells RPMI-8226

Objective To investigate the effects of β-elemene on proliferation,cell cycle and apoptosis of human multiple myeloma RPMI-8226 cells.Methods The effect of β-elemene on the growth of human multiple myeloma RPMI-8226 cells was studied through MTT assay.The effects of β-elemene on the cell cycle and apoptosis of RPMI-8226 cells was studied by combined Annexin-V protein iodide staining.The morphological changes of RPMI-8226 cells was studied by combined Hoechst33342-PI staining after treatment with β-elemene.Results β-elemene inhibited the proliferation of RPMI-8226 cells in a time-and dose-dependent manner.Compared with the control cells,after the treatment with β-elemene,the proportions of the RPMI-8226 cells in the G0/G1 phase increased,and the proportions of the RPMI-8226 cells in the S and G2/M phases decreased.Treatment with β-elemene for 48 h induced apoptosis of RPMI-8226 cells in a dose-dependent manner.A lot of the typical cells with apoptosis were seen by combined Hoechst33342-PI staining after treatment with β-elemene.Conclusion β-elemene is able to inhibit the proliferation of RPMI-8226 cells by arresting the cell cycle and inducing the cell apoptosis.