Tianjin Medical Journal ›› 2026, Vol. 54 ›› Issue (1): 8-13.doi: 10.11958/20252757

• Cell and Molecular Biology • Previous Articles     Next Articles

The effect of andrographolide regulating STAT3/GPX4 pathway on proliferation and apoptosis of myeloma cells

ZHAO Lanjun1(), LI Lianghui1, MA Xin1, GONG Jiaojiao1, ZHENG Chenhui1, SHI Lin2,()   

  1. 1 The Second Ward of Hematology Department, the Third People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou 450044, China
    2 Hematology Department, Henan Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine
  • Received:2025-08-19 Revised:2025-09-25 Published:2026-01-15 Online:2026-01-19
  • Contact: E-mail:slin7085@163.com

Abstract:

Objective To investigate the effect of andrographolide (Andro) on the proliferation and apoptosis of myeloma cells by regulating the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) pathway. Methods Human multiple myeloma U266 cells were divided into the myeloma group, the Andro low-concentration group, the Andro medium-concentration group, the Andro high-concentration group, the Stattic (STAT3 inhibitor) group and the Andro high-concentration + Colivelin (STAT3 activator) group. Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay and clone formation assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Mitochondrial morphology was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The levels of mitochondrial membrane potential, ferrous ion (Fe2+), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in cells were detected. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells was detected by 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) fluorescent probe. Western blot assay was used to detect the proteins including proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)/Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), p-STAT3 and GPX4. Results Compared with the myeloma group, the mitochondria of U266 cells showed significant morphological changes in the Andro low-, medium- and high-concentration groups, the OD450 value, clone formation rate, mitochondrial membrane potential, GSH level, and the protein levels of PCNA, Bcl-2/Bax, SLC7A11, p-STAT3/STAT3 and GPX4 were decreased, the cell apoptosis rate, the levels of Fe2+, 4-HNE, MDA and ROS were increased (P<0.05). Compared with the myeloma group, the changes in the corresponding indexes of U266 cells showed the same trend as above in the Stattic group (P<0.05). Colivelin reversed the promoting effect of high-concentration Andro on ferroptosis and apoptosis of U266 cells, as well as the inhibitory effect on cell proliferation. Conclusion Andro may induce ferroptosis by inhibiting the STAT3/GPX4 pathway, thereby inhibiting the proliferation and promoting the apoptosis of multiple myeloma cells.

Key words: andrographolide, multiple myeloma, ferroptosis, cell proliferation, apoptosis, STAT3 transcription factor, phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase

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