Zhongguo Yi Xue Ke Xue Yuan Xue Bao. 2016 Apr 10;38(2):164-8. doi: 10.3881/j.issn.1000-503X.2016.02.007.

Human Umbilical Cord-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Secrete Interleukin-6 to Influence Differentiation of Leukemic Cells.

Fang C¹, Feng-Xia MA¹, Yang LI¹, Fang-Yun XU¹, Ying C¹, Shi-Hong LU¹, Zhong-Chao H¹.

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effect of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSC) on the differentiation of leukemic cells. Methods The co-culture system of UC-MSC with acute promyelocytic leukemic cell line NB4 cells was constructed in vitro,and the differentiation status of the leukemic cells was assessed by cell morphology,nitroblue tetrazolium reduction test,and cell surface differentiation marker CD11b. Results UC-MSC induced the granulocytic differentiation of NB4 cells. When UC-MSC and a small dose of all-trans retinoic acid were applied together,the differentiation-inducing effect was enhanced in an additive manner. Interleukin (IL)-6Ra neutralization attenuated differentiation and exogenous IL-6-induced differentiation of leukemic cells.Conclusion UC-MSC can promotd granulocytic differentiation of acute promyelocytic leukemia cells by way of IL-6 and presented additive effect when combined with a small dose of all-trans retinoic acid.