Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine ›› 2025, Vol. 45 ›› Issue (4): 720-729.DOI: 10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.2025.04.002

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Dujieqing decoction (毒结清复方) suppresses multiple myeloma growth by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway

XU Jiawei1, LU Haisong2, SHI Yushi1, LEI Yu2, LI Xueping2, CHENG Weimin2()   

  1. 1 Graduate School of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China
    2 Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China
  • Received:2024-06-12 Accepted:2024-11-18 Online:2025-08-15 Published:2025-07-25
  • Contact: CHENG Weimin
  • About author:Prof. CHENG Weimin, Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China. cheng5min@126.com,Telephone: +86-771-5848504
  • Supported by:
    National Science Foundation-Funded Project: based on the Connection Sclerostin with Wnt/β-catenin Pathway to Explored the Effect Mechanism of Dujieqing Oral Liquid on the Inhibit Tumor and Promote Bone Formation in Multiple Myeloma(81960839);Innovation Project of Guangxi Graduate Education-Funded Project: Sclerostin Regulates Wnt/β-catenin Pathway to Explore the Mechanism of Dujieqing Decoction in Inhibiting Tumor Growth and Promoting Osteogenesis of Multiple Myeloma(YCSW2021224);To Investigate the Effect and Mechanism of Dujiangqing Oral Liquid on Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Multiple Myeloma Mice based on Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway(YCSW2023386)

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic potential of the Dujieqing (DJQ) decoction (毒结清复方) for multiple myeloma (MM) and elucidate its mechanism of action.

METHODS: RPMI8226 cells were treated with DJQ-containing serum (DJQ-CS) and a Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitor, XAV-939. Cell counting kit-8 assay was used to examine cell viability, and flow cytometry was performed to examine apoptosis. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to evaluate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway family members in the cells. Subsequently, the RPMI8226 cells were subcutaneously injected into the left flank of none obesity disease and server combined immune-deficiency mice to replicate the xenograft tumor mouse models, which were treated with the DJQ decoction for 14 d. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to examine the pathological changes of the liver and kidney tissues, and to detect xenograft tumors. Wnt/β-catenin pathway family members were evaluated via Western blotting.

RESULTS: DJQ-CS significantly reduced the mRNA and protein expression levels of β-catenin, c-myc, cyclin D1, and lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1 (LEF1) while inhibiting the proliferation of RPMI8226 cells and inducing their apoptosis. Similar results were observed when the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was suppressed by inhibitors. Moreover, in the mouse model of xenograft tumors, DJQ decoction not only reduced the tumor volume but also inhibited the protein levels of β-catenin, c-myc, cyclin D1, and LEF1. The histopathology of the mice also showed increased apoptosis in tumor tissues, while the DJQ decoction treatment did not cause any pathological damage to the kidneys or liver.

CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the DJQ decoction suppresses tumor progression by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, offering a promising treatment approach for MM.

Key words: multiple myeloma, Wnt signaling pathway, beta Catenin, Dujieqing decoction

Cite this article

XU Jiawei, LU Haisong, SHI Yushi, LEI Yu, LI Xueping, CHENG Weimin. Dujieqing decoction (毒结清复方) suppresses multiple myeloma growth by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway[J]. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2025, 45(4): 720-729.