Antrodia salmonea suppresses invasion and metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer cells by reversing EMT through the NF-κB and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Antrodia salonea (AS), a fungus that is indigenous to Taiwan has been well known for its anti-cancer properties. We investigated the anti-metastatic and anti-epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) properties of AS in TNBC cells. To determine their EMT and metastasis levels, in vitro wound healing, wound invasion, Western blotting, RT-PCR, luciferase activity and immunofluorescence assays were performed, while the in vivo anti-metastatic efficacy of AS was evaluated in BALB/c-nu mice through bioluminescence imaging, HE staining, and immunohistochemical staining. MDA-MB-231 cells, when treated with AS concentrations (25-100 μg/mL) resulted in significant reduction of invasion and migration as well as the downregulation of VEGF, uPAR, uPA and MMP-9 (inhibition of PI3K/AKT/NFκB pathways). AS treatment prevented morphological changes and reversed EMT through the upregulation of E-cadherin and the downregulation of N-cadherin, Slug, Twist, and Vimentin. Inhibition of Smad3 signaling pathway, downregulation of β-catenin pathway and upregulation of GSK3β expression were also observed while, suppression of metastasis and EMT in TGF-β1-stimulated non-tumorigenic MCF-10A cells was observed when treated with AS. Histological analysis confirmed that AS reduced tumor metastasis and upregulated E-cadherin expression in biopsied lung tissues. Our results indicated that AS exhibits anti-EMT and anti-metastatic activity, that could contribute to develop anticancer drugs against TNBC.

Antrodia camphorata inhibits epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by targeting multiple pathways in triple-negative breast cancers

Antrodia camphorata (AC) exhibits potential for engendering cell-cycle arrest as well as prompting apoptosis and metastasis inhibition in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. We performed the current study to explore the anti-epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) properties of fermented AC broth in TNBC cells. Our results illustrated that noncytotoxic concentrations of AC (20-60 μg/ml) reversed the morphological changes (fibroblastic-to-epithelial phenotype) as well as the EMT by upregulating the observed E-cadherin expression. Furthermore, we discovered treatment with AC substantially inhibit the Twist expression in human TNBC (MDA-MB-231) cells as well as in those that were transfected with Twist. In addition, we determined AC to decrease the observed Wnt/β-catenin nuclear translocation through a pathway determined to be dependent on GSK3β. Notably, AC treatment consistently inhibited the EMT by downregulating mesenchymal marker proteins like N-cadherin, vimentin, Snail, ZEB-1, and fibronectin; at that same time upregulating epithelial marker proteins like occludin and ZO-1. Bioluminescence imaging that was executed in vivo demonstrated AC substantially suppressed breast cancer metastasis to the lungs. Notably, we found that western blot analysis confirmed that AC decreased lung metastasis as demonstrated by upregulation of E-cadherin expression in biopsied lung tissue. Together with our results support the anti-EMT activity of AC, indicating AC as having the potential for acting as an anticancer agent for the treatment of human TNBC treatment.

Antrodia salmonea-induced oxidative stress abrogates HER-2 signaling cascade and enhanced apoptosis in ovarian carcinoma cells

Antrodia salmonea is well known in Taiwan as a traditional Chinese medicinal fungus and has demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. However, the anticancer activity of A. salmonea against human ovarian cancer is still elusive. Therefore, we investigated the antiovarian tumor activity of a fermented culture broth of A. salmonea and exhibits its underlying molecular mechanism. A. salmonea shows a significant effect on cell viability in human ovarian carcinoma (SKOV-3 or A2780) cell lines with an 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Increased terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling-positive cells and annexin V-propidium iodide stained cells indicate that A. salmonea induces late apoptosis in SKOV-3 cells. Notably, treatment with A. salmonea induced the following events: Apoptosis; caspase-3, -8, -9 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activation; first apoptosis signal (Fas) and Fas ligand activation; Bid cleavage; and Bax2-B-cell lymphoma 2 dysregulation. The results show that A. salmonea-induced apoptosis was mediated by both mitochondrial and death receptor pathways. An increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was also observed in A. salmonea-treated cells, whereas the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) prevented A. salmonea-induced cell death and DNA fragmentation, indicating that A. salmonea-induced apoptosis was mediated by ROS generation. Interestingly, A. salmonea-induced apoptosis is associated with the suppression of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2/neu) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (AKT) expression in HER-2/neu overexpressing SKOV-3 cells. NAC significantly prevented A. salmonea-induced HER-2/neu depletion and PI3K/AKT inactivation, indicating that A. salmonea-triggered apoptosis is mediated by ROS-inhibited HER-2/neu signaling cascades. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the anticancer activity of this potentially beneficial mushroom against human ovarian carcinoma.

Humic Acid Induces Expression of Tissue Factor by Cultured Endothelial Cells: Regulation by Cytosolic Calcium and Protein Kinase C

Blackfoot disease is a thrombotic peripheral vascular disease causally related to the fluorescent humic acid (HA) found in the drinking water of wells in endemic areas in Taiwan. In this study we examined the effect of HA on tissue factor (TF) expression by vascular endothelial cells.

Incubation of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) with HA isolated from endemic area drinking water or with a synthetic humic acid polymer (SHA), resulted in enhanced cell surface expression of TF activity by HUVEC. The intracellular calcium level ([Ca24]i) was measured using a calcium-specific fluorescent probe, fura 2. Changes in [Ca24]i level were followed and quantitatively analyzed by spectrofluorometric microscopy, after incubation of the fura 2-loaded HUVEC with HA or SHA in a medium containing 1.8 mM CaCl2. Both HA and SHA increased [Ca2+]i in the presence of extracellular calcium ions, but not in their absence, indicating that influx of extracellular Ca2+ occurred during incubation of HUVEC with HA or SHA. Verapamil, a potent calcium channel blocker, did not abolish the enhancement of [Ca24]i induced by HA or SHA, indicating that specific calcium channels may not be involved in the HA/SHA-induced elevation of [Ca24]i. The elevated [Ca24]i level induced by HA or SHA returned to basal level following removal of HA or SHA and incubation of the washed cells in medium containing 1.8 mM CaCl2. All these changes occurred in the absence of significant cytotoxic effects. The HA/SHA-induced enhancement of cell surface TF activity was inhibited by a specific inhibitor of protein kinase C, H7, suggesting that protein kinase C is involved in the process leading to the enhanced expression of TF activity induced by HA or SHA.

In conclusion, this study demonstrates that HA and SHA enhance cell surface expression of TF activity by permeabilization of the cell membrane to extracellular Ca24 ions, leading to elevation of [Ca2+]i that functions as a second messenger to activate protein kinase C, leading finally to enhanced cell surface TF expression. Enhancement of vascular endothelial cell surface TF activity by HA may play a role in the HA-induced thrombotic vascular disorders of Blackfoot disease.

Anti-apoptotic function of herpes simplex virus -2 latency-associated transcript RL1 sequence and screening of its encoded microRNAs

BACKGROUND

The latency-associated transcript (LAT) gene of herpes simplex virus (HSV)-2 is the only detectable viral gene expressed during latent infection in neurons. LAT inhibits apoptosis and maintains latency by promoting the survival of infected neurons. However, whether LAT functions during HSV-2 infection via its encoded RNAs or via its encoded proteins remain unknown. Increasing evidence has indicated that LAT is likely to functionally promote the establishment of latent infection via LAT-encoded microRNAs (miRNAs).

AIM

To explore whether the RL1 fragment of the five adjacent miRNAs has an effect on cell apoptosis, then provide supporting evidence to elucidate the potential role of these miRNAs and to aid screening of their cellular targets.

METHODS

A number of techniques, including MTT assay, flow cytometry and DNA ladder analysis, were used to verify the role of the RL1 fragment and the contribution of the individual miRNAs to the anti-apoptotic effect.

RESULTS

Five miRNAs (miR-H3, miR-H4-3p, miR-H4-5p, miR-H24 and miR-H19) were detected by quantitative PCR in PC12 cells stably expressing RL1 after pEGFP-RL1 plasmid transfection in vitro. The data indicated that expression of HSV-2 LAT RL1 seems to provide protection against apoptosis of PC12 cells induced by ActD. Antisense miRNAs specifically inhibiting these five miRNAs could efficiently reduce their expression. Transfection of antisense-miR-H3, antisense-miR-H4-5p and antisense-miR-H19 into PC12 cells stably expressing RL1 were able to partly reverse the anti-apoptotic effect of these miRNAs.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that the apoptotic role of the RL1 fragment is likely to be related to overexpression of miR-H3, miR-H4-5p and miR-H19 in PC12 cells.

Trans-cinnamic acid attenuates UVA-induced photoaging through inhibition of AP-1 activation and induction of Nrf2-mediated antioxidant genes in human skin fibroblasts

BACKGROUND

UVA irradiation-induced skin damage/photoaging is associated with redox imbalance and collagen degradation.

OBJECTIVE

Dermato-protective efficacies of trans-cinnamic acid (t-CA), a naturally occurring aromatic compound have been investigated against UVA irradiation, and elucidated underlying molecular mechanism.

METHODS

Human foreskin fibroblast-derived (Hs68) cells and nude mice were treated with t-CA prior to UVA exposure, and assayed the anti-photoaging effects of t-CA.

RESULTS

We found t-CA (20-100 μM) pretreatment substantially ameliorated UVA (3 J/cm²)-induced cytotoxicity, and inhibited intracellular ROS production in Hs68 cells. UVA-induced profound upregulation of metalloproteinase (MMP)-1/-3 and degradation of type I procollagen in dermal fibroblasts were remarkably reversed by t-CA, possibly through inhibition of AP-1 (c-Fos, but not c-Jun) translocation. The t-CA-mediated anti-photoaging properties are associated with increased nuclear translocation of Nrf2. Activation of Nrf2 signaling is accompanied with induction of HO-1 and γ-GCLC expressions in t-CA-treated fibroblasts. Furthermore t-CA-induced Nrf2 translocation is mediated through PKC, AMPK, CKII or ROS signaling cascades. This phenomenon was confirmed with respective pharmacological inhibitors, GF109203X, Compound C, CKII inhibitor or NAC, which blockade t-CA-induced Nrf2 activation. Silencing of Nrf2 signaling with siRNA showed no anti-photoaging effects of t-CA against UVA-induced ROS production, loss of HO-1 and type I collagen degradation in fibroblasts. In vivo evidence on nude mice revealed that t-CA pretreatment (20 or 100 mM/day) significantly suppressed MMP-1/-3 activation and maintained sufficient type I procollagen levels in biopsied skin tissue against UVA irradiation (3 J/cm²/day for 10-day).

CONCLUSION

t-CA treatment diminished UVA-induced photoaging/collagen degradation, and protected structural integrity of the skin.

Antihemolytic and antioxidant properties of pearl powder against 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride-induced hemolysis and oxidative damage to erythrocyte membrane lipids and proteins

Pearl powder, a well-known traditional mineral medicine, is reported to be used for well-being and to treat several diseases from centuries in Taiwan and China. We investigated the in vitro antihemolytic and antioxidant properties of pearl powder that could protect erythrocytes against 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced oxidative damage to membrane proteins/lipids. Human erythrocytes were incubated with different concentrations of pearl powder (50–200 μg/mL) for 30 minutes and then exposed to AAPH for 2–6 hours. We found that AAPH alone time dependently increased the oxidative hemolysis of erythrocytes, while pearl powder pretreatment substantially inhibited the hemolysis in a concentration-/time-dependent manner. AAPH-induced oxidative damage to erythrocyte membrane lipids was evidenced by the elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. However, pearl powder remarkably inhibited the malondialdehyde formation, and the 200 μg/mL concentration showed almost similar malondialdehyde values to the control. Furthermore, pearl powder suppressed the AAPH-induced high-molecular-weight protein formation and concomitantly increased the low-molecular-weight proteins in erythrocytes. Antioxidant potential that was measured as superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione content was significantly dropped by AAPH incubation, which suggests the vulnerability of erythrocytes to AAPH-induced oxidative stress. Noteworthy, erythrocytes pretreated with pearl powder showed restored superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione levels against AAPH-induced loss. Our findings conclude that pearl powder attenuate free radical-induced hemolysis and oxidative damage to erythrocyte membrane lipids/proteins. The potent antioxidant property of pearl powder may offer protection from free radical-related diseases.

Metformin reduces SATB2-mediated osteosarcoma stem cell-like phenotype and tumor growth via inhibition of N-cadherin/NF-kB signaling

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of SATB2 in stem cell-like properties of osteosarcoma and identify new strategies to eliminate cancer stem cells of osteosarcoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Osteosarcoma cancer stem cells were derived by sarcosphere generation or chemo drug enrichment. SATB2 and pluripotency-associated gene expression in osteosarcoma CSCs were analyzed using qRT-PCR and Western blotting. The sphere formation assay, cell counting kit-8 assay and anti-chemotherapy proteins were used to measure the effects of altered SATB2, N-cadherin expression or metformin treatment in CSCs. Nude mice were injected with SATB2-deficient U2OS/MTX cells to assess the role of SATB2 in osteosarcoma growth and chemoresistance in vivo. Bioinformatics analyses were performed to identify SATB2 downstream target genes and immunochemistry to determine the correlation between SATB2 expression and patient outcome. Western blotting and luciferase reporter assays were used to examine the effects of N-cadherin and SATB2 inhibition on the NF-kB pathway.

RESULTS

SATB2 was upregulated in osteosarcoma stem cells. Knockdown of SATB2 decreased sarcosphere formation, cell proliferation and stem cell-like gene expression in vitro, meanwhile reduced tumor growth and chemoresistance in vivo. High SATB2 expression in osteosarcoma patient samples was associated with poor clinical outcome. N-cadherin was one critical downstream target gene of SATB2 that mediated the stem cell-like phenotype. Reduction of SATB2 or N-cadherin resulted in NF-kB inactivation, which led to impaired osteosarcoma sphere formation and tumor cell proliferation. Metformin treatment of osteosarcoma cells enhanced the effects of chemotherapy via suppression of N-cadherin.

CONCLUSIONS

SATB2 plays an important role in regulating osteosarcoma stem cell-like properties and tumor growth. The combination of conventional chemotherapy and metformin may be a promising therapeutic strategy for osteosarcoma patients.

Retrospective analysis of 20 cases of refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma

We investigate the clinical characteristics, prognosis and treatment of relapsed and refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma. Twenty patients with relapsed and refractory Hodgkin lymphoma were treated by chemotherapy or autologous stem cell transplantation in our hospital from April 2006 to August 2012. The retrospective analysis of the records from the 20 patients reflected both 5-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The overall effectiveness was 80% for the 20 patients. The 5-year overall survival rate and 5-year progression-free survival rate were 73.5% and 62.7%, respectively. Therefore, comprehensive treatment should be actively utilized in the case of invalid second-line regimen for the refractory HL patients.

MZF-1/Elk-1/PKCα is Associated with Poor Prognosis in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background: Protein kinase C alpha (PKCα) is a key signaling molecule in human cancer development. As a therapeutic strategy, targeting PKCα is difficult because the molecule is ubiquitously expressed in non-malignant cells. PKCα is regulated by the cooperative interaction of the transcription factors myeloid zinc finger 1 (MZF-1) and Ets-like protein-1 (Elk-1) in human cancer cells.

Methods: By conducting tissue array analysis, herein, we determined the protein expression of MZF-1/Elk-1/PKCα in various cancers.

Results: The data show that the expression of MZF-1/Elk-1 is correlated with that of PKCα in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but not in bladder and lung cancers. In addition, the PKCα down-regulation by shRNA Elk-1 was only observed in the HCC SK-Hep-1 cells. Blocking the interaction between MZF-1 and Elk-1 through the transfection of their binding domain MZF-1_60-72 decreased PKCα expression. This step ultimately depressed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition potential of the HCC cells.

Conclusion: These findings could be used to develop an alternative therapeutic strategy against patients with the PKCα-derived HCC.

Toona sinensis Inhibits Murine Leukemia WEHI-3 Cells and Promotes Immune Response In Vivo

Toona sinensis (TS) is one of the most popular vegetarian dishes in Taiwan. It has been shown to exhibit antioxidant, antiangiogenic, antiatherosclerotic, and anticancer properties. In this study, we demonstrated the ability of aqueous leaf extracts from TS to promote immune responses in BALB/c mice and to exhibit anti-leukemia activity in murine WEHI-3 cells. BALB/c mice were injected intravenously with WEHI-3 cells and then treated orally with TS (50 mg/kg). In vivo study showed that TS treatment reduced liver and spleen enlargement in WEHI-3 bearing mice compared with the untreated group. Furthermore, TS also decreased white blood cells (WBC), indicating inhibition of differentiation of the precursor of macrophages in WEHI-3 bearing mice. Treatment of WEHI-3 cells with TS (0-75 μg/mL for 24 hours) significantly reduced cell viability. Furthermore, TS treatment-induced late apoptosis was confirmed by Annexin-V/PI staining. Western blot analyses revealed that treatment of WEHI-3 cells with TS statistically increased the protein expression level of cytochrome c in the cytoplasm and activates caspase-3. Notably, TS treatment caused a dramatic reduction in Bcl-2 and increase in Bax protein levels. TS may disturb the Bcl-2 and Bax protein ratio and induce apoptosis. This reports confirms the antitumor activity of this nutritious vegetable potentially against leukemia.

Antrodia camphorata inhibits metastasis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition via the modulation of claudin-1 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways in human colon cancer cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Antrodia camphorata (AC) is a well known traditional Chinese medicinal mushroom in Taiwan, has been used to treat various diseases including cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we investigated the anti-metastatic and anti-EMT properties of a fermented culture broth of AC in human colon SW480^claudin-1- and metastatic SW620^claudin-1+ cancer cells in vitro.

RESULTS

AC down-regulates claudin-1 and inhibits the proliferation and colony-formation abilities of both SW620^claudin-1+ and SW480^claudin-1- cells. In highly metastatic SW620^claudin-1+ cells, non-cytotoxic concentrations of AC significantly inhibited migration/invasion, accompanied by the down-regulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 proteins. AC decreased nuclear translocation of Wnt/β-catenin through a GSK3β-dependent pathway. AC consistently inhibited EMT by up-regulating the epithelial and downregulating the mesenchymal marker proteins. In SW480^claudin-1- cells, AC suppressed migration/invasion potentially through the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/NFκB signaling pathways without altering the expression levels of β-catenin and GSK3β proteins.

CONCLUSION

Altogether, this study demonstrates the anti-metastatic and anti-EMT activities of AC, which may contribute to the development of a chemopreventive agent for colon cancer.

Antitumor properties of Coenzyme Q0 against human ovarian carcinoma cells via induction of ROS-mediated apoptosis and cytoprotective autophagy

Coenzyme Q0 (CoQ0, 2,3-dimethoxy-5-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone) has been reported to exert anticancer properties against human breast/lung cancer cells. This study investigated the in vitro and in vivo anticancer properties of CoQ0 on human ovarian carcinoma (SKOV-3) cells and xenografted nude mice, and revealed the underlying molecular mechanism. CoQ0 induced G2/M arrest through downregulation of cyclin B1/A and CDK1/K2 expressions. CoQ0-induced autophagy as a survival mechanism was evidenced by increased accumulation of LC3-II, GFP-LC3 puncta, AVOs formation and Beclin-1/Bcl-2 dysregulation. Increased TUNEL-positive cells and Annexin-V/PI stained cells indicated CoQ0-induced late apoptosis. Both mitochondrial (caspase-3, PARP and Bax/Bcl-2 dysregulation) and ER stress (caspase-12 and Hsp70) signals are involved in execution of apoptosis. Interestingly, CoQ0-induced apoptosis/autophagy is associated with suppression of HER-2/neu and PI3K/AKT signalling cascades. CoQ0 triggered intracellular ROS production, whereas antioxidant N-acetylcysteine prevented CoQ0-induced apoptosis, but not autophagy. Inhibition of apoptosis by Z-VAD-FMK suppressed CoQ0-induced autophagy (diminished LC3-II/AVOs), indicates CoQ0-induced apoptosis led to evoke autophagy. Contrary, inhibition of autophagy by 3-MA/CQ potentiated CoQ0-induced apoptosis (increased DNA fragmentation/PARP cleavage). Furthermore, CoQ0 treatment to SKOV-3 xenografted nude mice reduced tumor incidence and burden. Histopathological analyses confirmed that CoQ0 modulated xenografted tumor progression by apoptosis induction. Our findings emphasize that CoQ0 triggered ROS-mediated apoptosis and cytoprotective autophagy.

Antrodia camphorata attenuates cigarette smoke-induced ROS production, DNA damage, apoptosis, and inflammation in vascular smooth muscle cells, and atherosclerosis in ApoE-deficient mice

Cigarette smoke exposure activates several cellular mechanisms predisposing to atherosclerosis, including oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, and vascular inflammation. Antrodia camphorata, a renowned medicinal mushroom in Taiwan, has been investigated for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiatherosclerotic properties in cigarette smoke extracts (CSE)-treated vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and ApoE-deficient mice. Fermented culture broth of Antrodia camphorata (AC, 200-800 µg/mL) possesses effective antioxidant activity against CSE-induced ROS production. Treatment of SMCs (A7r5) with AC (30-120 µg/mL) remarkably ameliorated CSE-induced morphological aberrations and cell death. Suppressed ROS levels by AC corroborate with substantial inhibition of CSE-induced DNA damage in AC-treated A7r5 cells. We found CSE-induced apoptosis through increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, was substantially inhibited by AC in A7r5 cells. Notably, upregulated SOD and catalase expressions in AC-treated A7r5 cells perhaps contributed to eradicate the CSE-induced ROS generation, and prevents DNA damage and apoptosis. Besides, AC suppressed AP-1 activity by inhibiting the c-Fos/c-Jun expressions, and NF-κB activation through inhibition of I-κBα degradation against CSE-stimulation. This anti-inflammatory property of AC was accompanied by suppressed CSE-induced VEGF, PDGF, and EGR-1 overexpressions in A7r5 cells. Furthermore, AC protects lung fibroblast (MRC-5) cells from CSE-induced cell death. In vivo data showed that AC oral administration (0.6 mg/d/8-wk) prevents CSE-accelerated atherosclerosis in ApoE-deficient mice. This antiatherosclerotic property was associated with increased serum total antioxidant status, and decreased total cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels. Thus, Antrodia camphorata may be useful for prevention of CSE-induced oxidative stress and diseases. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 2070-2084, 2017.

[Expression and prognostic significance of microenvironment related prognostic factors in patients with classical Hodgkin's lymphoma]

Objective: To observe the expression of three microenvironment related prognostic factors, i. e. programmed death 1 (PD-1), forkhead box protein 3(FOXP3) and colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor(CSF-1R) protein in classical Hodgkin's lymphoma (CHL) patients, and to explore the correlation between the protein expression and the prognosis of the patients. Methods: A total of 45 cases of CHL patients, who had been admitted to the Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital and Chinese PLA General Hospital from February 2005 to August 2010 were analyzed, including clinical features, prognostic factors, and treatment regimens. CHL patients' specimens were collected and the expression of PD-1, FOXP3, and CSF-1R proteins analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. Epstein-Barr virus encoded mRNA (EBER) was detected by in situ hybridization analysis. The relationship between the protein expression of PD-1, FOXP3 and CSF-1R and the patients' outcome was analyzed with clinical and follow-up data. Survival analysis was performed by Kaplan-Meier method, the Cox proportional hazard model was used to perform multivariate analysis. Results: In this cohort of 45 CHL patients, PD-1 positive was found in 7 cases (15.6%), FOXP3 high expression in 23 cases (51.1%), CSF-1R positive in 18 cases (40.0%). In the univariate analysis, the expression of FOXP3 and CSF-1R, International Prognostic Index (IPI) score, Ann Arbor stage and EBER were related with the patients' 5-year overall survival (OS); IPI score, the expression of FOXP3 and EBER were related with the patients' 5-year progress-free survival (PFS). Multivariate analysis indicated that CSF-1R protein expression was the independent prognostic factor affecting the patients' 5-year OS(HR: 8.918, P=0.020), and FOXP3 protein expression was the independent prognostic factor affecting the patients' 5-year PFS (HR: 0.122, P<0.001). And EBV was an independent prognostic factor of PFS and OS in the CHL patients. Conclusion: Microenvironment related prognostic factors FOXP3, CSF-1R and EBV may be independent prognostic factors of CHL and this study may provide novel strategies for targeted therapy of CHL.

[Clinical analysis of 9 cases with Anti-leucine-rich glioma inactivated 1 protein antibody associated limbic encephalitis]

Objective: This study was to describe the clinical characteristics of Anti-leucine-rich glioma inactivated 1 protein(LGI1) antibody associated limbic encephalitis. Methods: Clinical data including clinical features, laboratory and radiological findings, treatment and prognosis of the 9 patients were analyzed. Results: In all 9 cases, 6 cases experienced epileptic seizure, 5 cases had psychosis, 7 cases presented with memory impairment, 4 cases showed faciobrachial dystonic seizure, 2 had refractory hyponatremia. One case presented with typically acute Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). Anti-LGI1 antibody was detected in 6 cases in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples and 9 in serum samples. Seven cases out of 9 had brain imaging abnormalities. All 9 cases found no evidence of tumors. Eight cases were given immune therapy. During a 1-16 months follow-up, 1 case had complete recovery, 5cases had various degree of sequelae , among whom 4 had memory disturbance and 1 case had changed personality. 2cases were lost to follow-up. Conclusions: Limbic encephalitis is the most common manifestation of anti-LGI1 antibody associated encephalitis. Faciobrachial dystonic seizure (FBDS) is a specific symptom which favors an early diagnosis. Tumor is uncommon to see. The disease has a relatively favorable prognosis while impaired memory can be seen as a common sequelae.

[Misdiagnosis and associated costs of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo]

Objective: The aims of this study were to investigate the misdiagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and to estimate the associated costs. Methods: During October 2015 to December 2015, eighty patients were diagnosed with BPPV in the outpatient dizziness clinic of Shanghai Changzheng Hospital and the clinical data of all the 80 patients were collected including the demographic and clinical characteristics, the history of diagnosis, inappropriate diagnostic tests, costs of the medical tests, transportation and accommodation. All the data were investigated to estimate the misdiagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and the associated costs in Shanghai, China. Results: This study showed that the misdiagnosis rate of BPPV was 60.0% (48/80) and the common inappropriate diagnostic tests for BPPV included Cranial CT and MRI test, cervical MRI, cervical and cerebrovascular investigations et al. There was no significant difference between the misdiagnosis patients (48) and patients without misdiagnosis (32) in gender, age, duration of symptom, involved canal and type of BPPV.Complications were significantly more frequent in the misdiagnosis group than for those without[81.3%(39 /48) vs 34.4%(11 /32)]. The estimated costs for each misdiagnosed individual were 8 502.98 China Yuan (CNY) and one-year economic burden associated with the misdiagnosis of BPPV in Shanghai was 13.184 7-78.862 1 million CNY. Conclusions: Our study suggests that the misdiagnosis rate of BPPV is high and the financial impact on patients and society with this disease is huge. The cost-effective Dix-Hallpike or supine roll test maneuver should be used before applying other expensive medical tests in order to minimize misdiagnosis and the waste of health care resources.

Treatment of Ribbing disease with 5-year follow-up and literature review

Ribbing disease, or multiple diaphyseal sclerosis, is a rare diaphyseal sclerosis of unknown etiology. Patients with this pathology usually present with asymmetric pain limited to the lower extremities. Though all efforts are made to relieve the progressive pain associated with Ribbing disease, no medical or surgical treatments have been established yet. In this case report, we followed up a Ribbing case with sclerotic bone fenestration for 5 years. The radiological changes and the clinical effects are described, and the different Ribbing treatments are then briefly reviewed.

Antrodia salmonea induces G2 cell-cycle arrest in human triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cells and suppresses tumor growth in athymic nude mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Antrodia salmonea (AS), is a well-known folk medicinal mushroom in Taiwan, has been reported to exhibit anti-oxidant, anti-angiogenic, and anti-inflammatory effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present study, we examined the effects of AS on cell-cycle arrest in vitro in MDA-MB-231 cells and on tumor regression in vivo using an athymic nude mice model.

RESULTS

AS (0-200μg/mL) treatment significantly induced G₂ cell-cycle arrest in MDA-MB-231 cells by reducing the levels of cyclin B1, cyclin A, cyclin E, and CDC2 proteins. In addition, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) pretreatment prevented AS induced G₂ cell-cycle arrest, indicating that ROS accumulation and subsequent cell cycle arrest might be a major mechanism of AS-induced cytotoxicity. Further, AS treatment decreased COX-2 expression and induced PARP cleavage was significantly reversed by NAC pretreatment in MDA-MB-231 cells. The in vivo study results revealed that AS treatment was effective in terms of delaying the tumor incidence and reducing the tumor growth in MDA-MB-231-xenografted nude mice. TUNEL assay, immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting confirmed that AS significantly modulated the xenografted tumor progression as demonstrated by induction of apoptosis, autophagy, and cell-cycle arrest.

CONCLUSION

Our data strongly suggest that Antrodia salmonea could be an anti-cancer agent for human breast cancer.

Coenzyme Q0 Enhances Ultraviolet B-Induced Apoptosis in Human Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast (MCF-7) Cancer Cells

Coenzyme Q₀ (CoQ₀; 2,3-dimethoxy-5-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone), a major active constituent of Antrodia camphorata, has been shown to inhibit human triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cells through induction of apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest. Ecological studies have suggested a possible association between ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation and reduction in the risk of breast cancer. However, the underlying mechanism of the combination of CoQ₀ and UVB in human estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer (MCF-7) remains unclear. In this study, the possible effect of CoQ₀ on inducing apoptosis in MCF-7 cells under exposure to low-dose UVB (0.05 J/cm²) has been investigated. CoQ₀ treatment (0-35 µM, for 24-72 hours) inhibits moderately the growth of breast cancer MCF-7 cells, and the cell viability was significantly decreased when the cells were pretreated with UVB irradiation. It was noted that there was a remarkable accumulation of subploid cells, the so-called sub-G1 peak, in CoQ₀-treated cells by using flow cytometric analysis, which suggests that the viability reduction observed after treatment may result from apoptosis induction in MCF-7 cells. CoQ₀ caused an elevation of reactive oxygen species, as indicated by dichlorofluorescein fluorescence, and UVB pretreatment significantly increased CoQ₀-induced reactive oxygen species generation in MCF-7 cells. In addition, cells were exposed to CoQ₀, and the induction of DNA damage was evaluated by single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay). CoQ₀-induced DNA damage was remarkably enhanced by UVB pretreatment. Furthermore, CoQ₀ induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells, which was associated with PARP degradation, Bcl-2/Bax dysregulation, and p53 expression as shown by western blot. Collectively, these findings suggest that CoQ₀ might be an important supplemental agent for treating patients with breast cancer.

Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in liver cells induced by cobalt nanoparticles and ions

Objectives

The cytotoxicity induced by cobalt ions (Co²⁺) and cobalt nanoparticles (Co-NPs) which released following the insertion of a total hip prosthesis, has been reported. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms. In this study, we investigate the toxic effect of Co²⁺ and Co-NPs on liver cells, and explain further the potential mechanisms.

Methods

Co-NPs were characterised for size, shape, elemental analysis, and hydrodynamic diameter, and were assessed by Transmission Electron Microscope, Scanning Electron Microscope, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy and Dynamic Light Scattering. BRL-3A cells were used in this study. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT and lactate dehydrogenase release assay. In order to clarify the potential mechanisms, reactive oxygen species, Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA expression, IL-8 mRNA expression and DNA damage were assessed on BRL-3A cells after Co²⁺ or Co-NPs treatment.

Results

Results showed cytotoxic effects of Co²⁺ and Co-NPs were dependent upon time and dosage, and the cytotoxicity of Co-NPs was greater than that of Co²⁺. In addition, Co-NPs elicited a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in cell viability with a concomitant increase in lactic dehydrogenase release, reactive oxygen species generation, IL-8 mRNA expression, Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA expression and DNA damage after 24 hours of exposure.

Conclusion

Co-NPs induced greater cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in BRL-3A cells than Co²⁺. Cell membrane damage, oxidative stress, immune inflammation and DNA damage may play an important role in the effects of Co-NPs on liver cells.

Cite this article: Y. K. Liu, X. X. Deng, H.L. Yang. Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in liver cells induced by cobalt nanoparticles and ions. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:461–469. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.510.BJR-2016-0016.R1.