Abstract
Background and Objectives
Drug resistance is one of the main challenges in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). In this study, with the aim of inducing apoptosis in K562 cell line (CML), this cell line was co-cultured with rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs). Then, the rate of apoptosis as well as cell surface markers expression of CD33 and CD34 in the K562 cells line was evaluated.
 
Materials and Methods
In this experimental study, after isolating rBMSCs, the multilineag differentiation capacity of rBMSCs as well as the mesenchymal stemness of these cells was identified by evaluation of CD90, CD105, CD45, and CD56 cell surface. Then, the K562 cells were subjected for evaluation of CD33 and CD34 cell surface markers and apoptosis using a flow cytometry technique.
 
Results
Immunophenotyping of the cells indicated positive expression of CD90 and CD105 and negative expression of CD45 and CD56. The expression of CD33 and CD34 cell markers in the K562 cell line was increased 45.2% and 76.5%, respectively. Also, induction of apoptosis in the K562 cell line significantly increased (56.6%) compared to the control (p < 0.05).
 
Conclusions 
Briefly, this study showed that the co-culturing of the K562 cells line with rBMSCs causes significant increase in the expression of CD33 and CD34 cell surface markers as well as induction of apoptosis in the K562 cells (p < 0.05). This effect can be through the secreted factors and cytokines of rBMSCs; however, better evaluation in terms of type of cytokines is recommended in the future studies.