Erythropoietin promotes the proliferation of Human Leukemia U937 cells

Abstract

We investigated effects of erythropoietin (EPO) on proliferation of Human leukemia cell line, U937. EPO treatment significantly increased cell numbers. The treatment of EPO and wortmannin (WT), phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, restrained the EPO-induced proliferation and Akt activation in comparison with EPO treatment. These results suggested that the cell proliferation depends on PI3K/Akt pathway. Hence, EPO may stimulate the proliferation of U937, leading to exacerbation of leukemia.