Resveratrol increases the sensitivity of multiple myeloma cells against bortezomib via Hedgehog signaling pathway

Purpose: To investigate the effect of resveratrol (RSV) on bortezomib (BTZ)-resistant multiple myeloma (MM) cells, and to elucidate the underlying mechanism of action. Methods: H929 cell lines were exposed to BTZ for 8 months to establish BTZ-resistant MM cell model. Cell proliferation was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Apoptosis was measured using annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) staining while cell cycle analysis was evaluated by flow cytometty. The expression of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling proteins (sonic hedgehog (SHH), smoothened (SMO), and glioma-associated oncogene homolog (GLI)) was analyzed by western blot. Results: H929R was confirmed as a MM cell line that is resistant to BTZ. RSV enhanced the sensitivity of H929R cells against BTZ via inhibition of cell viability and colony formation, induction of cell apoptosis and regulation of expression of apoptosis-related proteins. Furthermore, RSV inhibited the expression of Hh signaling proteins (p < 0.05. Conclusion: RSV enhances the sensitivity of MM cells to BTZ, partly via Hh signaling pathway. Thus, Hh pathway is a probable target for MM treatment, and RSV has potentials for use in the clinical management of MM.