Abstract: ObjectiveTo observe the effects of thalidomide, baicalein and both on the proliferation, apoptosis and expression of cereblon (CRBN) protein in human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells. MethodsHEL cells were treated with thalidomide, baicalein or both for 48 h. The proliferation inhibitory rate was measured by CCK8 method. The apoptotic rate was detected by flow cytometry. The level of CRBN protein was measured by Western blot. ResultsThalidomide, baicalein and both could inhibit the proliferation of HEL cells, which were positively correlated with drug concentrations (r=0.991, r=0.989, and r=0.993, P<0.01). The combined use of thalidomide and baicalein produced remarkably enhanced effects against proliferation and stronger proapoptotic effects than thalidomide or baicalein alone (P<0.05). The level of CRBN protein in HEL cells was decreased after treatment with thalidomid for 48 h, which was negatively correlated with drug concentration (r=-0.975, P<0.01). The level of CRBN protein in HEL cells was decreased after treatment with baicalein for 48 h, which was positively correlated with drug concentration (r=0.973, P<0.01). ConclusionsThe combined use of thalidomide and baicalein can inhibit the proliferation but induce the apoptosis of HEL cells in a dose-dependent manner compared with thalidomide or baicalein alone, which may be associated with the role of baicalein to up-regulate the expression of the CRBN protein and enhance the sensitivity of HEL cells towards thalidomide.