Sulforaphane Exhibits Cytotoxic Effects against Primary Effusion Lymphoma Cells by Suppressing p38MAPK and AKT Phosphorylation.

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphoma and is caused by Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) in immunosuppressed patients. PEL is an aggressive lymphoma and is frequently resistant to conventional chemotherapies. Sulforaphane (SFN), a natural compound found in cruciferous vegetables and broccoli sprouts, modulates signaling pathways and epigenetic gene expression. However, the anti-proliferative effects of SFN on PEL cells and the underlying mechanisms have not been identified. Here, we found that SFN decreased the viability of KSHV-infected PEL cells compared to KSHV-uninfected B-lymphoma cells. The anti-proliferative effects of SFN on PEL cells were mediated by apoptosis with activating caspases. In addition, SFN inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and AKT in PEL cells. We also showed that p38MAPK and AKT inhibitors reduced PEL cell growth. The constitutive and/or transient activation of p38MAPK and AKT signaling are necessary for the survival and proliferation of PEL cells. Our data and previous literature indicate that SFN represses the phosphorylation of p38MAPK and AKT, which results in PEL cell apoptosis. Moreover, we investigated whether MG132 or sangivamycin (Sangi) in combination with SFN potentiated the cytotoxic effects of SFN on PEL cells. Compared to treatment with SFN alone, the addition of MG132 or Sangi enhanced the cytotoxic activity of SFN in a synergistic manner. In conclusion, the anti-proliferative effects of SFN indicate its potential as a new substance for the treatment of PEL.