All multiple myeloma cell lines examined showed constitutively active I.kappa.B kinase (IKK), I.kappa.B.alpha. phosphorylation and constitutively active NF-.kappa.B. Curcumin, a chemopreventive agent, suppressed constitutive I.kappa.B.alpha. phosphorylation through inhibition of IKK activity and downregulated NF-.kappa.B. Curcumin also downregulated expression of NF-.kappa.B-regulated gene products such as I.kappa.B.alpha., Bcl-2, Bcl-x.sub.L, cyclin D1 and interleukin-6. Consequently, curcumin suppressed multiple myeloma cell proliferation and arrested cells at the G1/S phase of the cell cycle. Curcumin also induced apoptosis and chemosensitivity to vincristine. Overall, results presented herein provide a molecular basis for the treatment of multiple myeloma patients with this pharmacologically safe agent.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This non-provisional application claims benefit of provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 60/390,926, filed Jun. 24, 2002, now abandoned.
The present invention provides a method of reducing or inhibiting osteoclast development induced by the receptor for activation of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL), comprising the step of contacting said osteoclast, or a precursor of the osteoclast, with a pharmacologically effective dose of compounds such as diferuloylmethane, guggulsterone, 1'-Acetoxychavicol or analogues thereof.
