Compound 48, a novel dual PPAR alpha/gamma ligand, inhibits the growth of human CML cell lines and enhances the anticancer-effects of imatinib

Abstract

Compound 48 (C48) is a novel dual ligand for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha and gamma (PPAR alpha/gamma). Culture of imatinib-sensitive and -resistant CML cell lines with C48 resulted in a strong growth inhibition which associated with G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. However, it showed no obvious toxicity to normal CD34(+) hematopoietic stem cells. Decrease of pSTATs and pAKT were noticed suggesting that interference of AKT and STATs signaling may be the mechanisms for the effects of PPAR alpha/gamma ligands. Of more clinical importance, this ligand strongly enhanced the anticancer-effects of imatinib. Overall, our data suggest that the PPAR alpha/gamma ligands may have potentials in the treatment of CML in an adjuvant setting either before or after the development of imatinib resistance.