the combination of genistein and imatinib has an increased effect on cell proliferation inhibition in philadelphia positive leukemia cell lines

background: this study investigated the possible role of genistein as a combination with imatinib in controlling leukemia cell line proliferation. methods: three cell lines, k562, kcl22, and ccrf, were cultured and analyzed for mtt, ldh, apoptosis, and cycle cell gene expression in the presence of different dosages of imatinib and genistein in combination or separately. results: data has shown a decrease in proliferation and an increase in apoptosis activity during combination treatment. ldh assay has shown no additional toxicity due to genistein consumption in combination therapy. analysis of the expression of responsible genes for cell cycle demonstrated both g1 (p53, p21 upregulation) and g2 (cdc25c downregulation) inhibitory effect in combination treatment. conclusion: altogether, this study suggests thatthe combination treatment of imatinib and genistein for leukemia cells resistant to imatinib can increase treatment efficiency.