Metformin triggers the intrinsic apoptotic response in human AGS gastric adenocarcinoma cells by activating AMPK and suppressing mTOR/AKT signaling

Metformin is commonly used to treat patients with type 2 diabetes and is associated with a decreased risk of cancer. Previous studies have demonstrated that metformin can act alone or in synergy with certain anticancer agents to achieve anti-neoplastic effects on various types of tumors via adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling. However, the role of metformin in AMPK-mediated apoptosis of human gastric cancer cells is poorly understood. In the current study, metformin exhibited a potent anti-proliferative effect and induced apoptotic characteristics in human AGS gastric adenocarcinoma cells, as demonstrated by MTT assay, morphological observation method, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling and caspase-3/7 assay kits. Western blot analysis demonstrated that treatment with metformin increased the phosphorylation of AMPK, and decreased the phosphorylation of AKT, mTOR and p70S6k. Compound C (an AMPK inhibitor) suppressed AMPK phosphorylation and significantly abrogated the effects of metformin on AGS cell viability. Metformin also reduced the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (ERK, JNK and p38). Additionally, metformin significantly increased the cellular ROS level and included loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Metformin altered apoptosis-associated signaling to downregulate the BAD phosphorylation and Bcl-2, pro-caspase-9, pro-caspase-3 and pro-caspase-7 expression, and to upregulate BAD, cytochrome c, and Apaf-1 proteins levels in AGS cells. Furthermore, z-VAD-fmk (a pan-caspase inhibitor) was used to assess mitochondria-mediated caspase-dependent apoptosis in metformin-treated AGS cells. The findings demonstrated that metformin induced AMPK-mediated apoptosis, making it appealing for development as a novel anticancer drug for the treating gastric cancer.

Autophagy and apoptotic machinery caused by Polygonum cuspidatum extract in cisplatin‑resistant human oral cancer CAR cells

Polygonum cuspidatum (Hu Zhang) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has been revealed to exert anticancer, anti‑angiogenesis, anti‑human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), anti‑hepatitis B virus, anti‑microbial, anti‑inflammatory, and neuro‑protective bio‑activities. However, the effect of P. cuspidatum extract (PCE) on drug‑resistant human oral cancer cells regarding cell death is not fully understood yet. The present study was undertaken to explore the induction of autophagic and apoptotic cell death and to investigate their underlying molecular mechanisms in PCE‑treated cisplatin‑resistant human oral cancer CAR cells. Our results revealed that PCE was determined via HPLC analytic method, and it was revealed that resveratrol may be a major compound in PCE. The data also demonstrated that PCE reduced CAR cell viability in a concentration‑ and time‑dependent response via an MTT assay. PCE had an extremely low toxicity in human normal gingival fibroblasts (HGF). Autophagic and apoptotic cell death was found after PCE treatment by morphological determination. PCE was revealed to induce autophagy as determined using acridine orange (AO), LC3‑GFP, monodansylcadaverine (MDC) and LysoTracker Red staining in CAR cells. In addition, PCE was revealed to induce apoptosis in CAR cells via 4',6‑diamidino‑2‑phenylindole (DAPI)/terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‑end labeling (TUNEL) double staining. PCE significantly stimulated caspase‑9 and ‑3 activities as revealed using caspase activity assays. PCE markedly increased the protein levels of Atg5, Atg7, Atg12, Beclin‑1, LC3, Bax and cleaved caspase‑3, while it decreased the protein expression of Bcl‑2 in CAR cells as determined by western blotting. In conclusion, our findings are the first to suggest that PCE may be potentially efficacious for the treatment of cisplatin‑resistant human oral cancer.

[Influenza vaccination and its influencing factors among clinical staff of the hospitals in 2016-2017 season, Xining, Qinghai province, China]

Objective: To investigate the influenza vaccination and its influencing factors among the clinical staff in Xining, Qinghai province, in the 2016-2017 influenza season, and to explore the promoting strategies to encourage the target population for influenza vaccination. Methods: Four sample hospitals were randomly selected from the total 11 tertiary hospitals in Xining city. Clinical staff that worked in the four hospitals and agreed to participate were recruited for investigation via a self-administered questionnaire. Results: During the 2016-2017 influenza season, the coverage rate of influenza vaccines among the clinical staff was 5.14% (95%CI: 4.80%-5.49%). Multivariate logistic regression showed that knowing the priority of vaccination, the frequency of vaccination, effect of vaccination, and possessing higher professional qualifications were major influencing factors for influenza vaccination. The intention on recommendation of seasonal influenza vaccine was higher in vaccinated group than that in the unvaccinated group (χ(2)=99.57, P<0.001). Conclusion: The lower coverage rate was primarily associated with the lack of knowledge about influenza vaccine among the clinical staff of the hospital. Tailored information should be provided to the clinical staff through effective methods to improve vaccination and the recommendation of influenza vaccine.

Caspase‑dependent apoptotic death by gadolinium chloride (GdCl3) via reactive oxygen species production and MAPK signaling in rat C6 glioma cells

Gadolinium (Gd) compounds serve as magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents and exert certain anticancer activities. Yet, the molecular signaling underlying the antitumor effect of Gd chloride (GdCl3) on glioma remains unclear. In the present study, we aimed to ascertain the apoptotic mechanisms of GdCl3 on rat glioma C6 cells. Our results demonstrated that GdCl3 significantly reduced cell viability and shrunk cell morphology of C6 cells in a concentration‑dependent manner. GdCl3 led to apoptotic C6 cell death as detected by TUNEL staining. An increase in cleaved caspase‑3, cleaved caspase‑8 and cleaved caspase‑9 occurred in GdCl3‑treated C6 cells as detected by immunoblotting analysis. The activities of caspase‑3, caspase‑8 and caspase‑9 were increased, and the specific inhibitors of caspase‑3/‑8/‑9 individually reversed cell viability, which caused apoptotic death in C6 cells prior to GdCl3 exposure. GdCl3 also caused an elevation in the cytoplasmic Ca2+ level and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, as well as the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) as shown by flow cytometric analysis in C6 cells. The results from the immunoblotting analysis demonstrated that there were upregulated protein levels of cytochrome c and Bax but a downregulated protein level of Bcl‑2 in C6 cells after GdCl3 treatment. Additionally, GdCl3 decreased the protein levels of phosphorylated‑extracellular signal‑regulated kinases, phosphorylated‑c‑Jun N‑terminal kinase and phosphorylated‑p38 mitogen‑activated protein kinases in C6 cells. In conclusion, ROS production and MAPKs signaling pathways contribute to GdCl3‑induced caspase cascade‑mediated apoptosis in C6 cells. Our findings provide a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of GdCl3 in rat glioma C6 cells.

Baicalin, Baicalein, and Lactobacillus Rhamnosus JB3 Alleviated Helicobacter pylori Infections in Vitro and in Vivo

Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer. The flavonoid compounds baicalin and baicalein found in many medicinal plants exhibit an anti-inflammatory effect. The administration of Lactobacillus strains reducing the risk of H. pylori infection is well accepted. In this study, the therapeutic effects against H. pylori infection of baicalin, baicalein, and L. rhamnosus JB3 (LR-JB3), isolated from a dairy product, were investigated. Compared to baicalin, baicalein exhibited stronger anti-H. pylori activity and cytotoxicity on human gastric cancer epithelial AGS cells. Baicalin and baicalein both suppressed the vacA gene expression of H. pylori and interfered with the adhesion and invasion ability of H. pylori to AGS cells, as well as decreased H. pylori-induced interleukin (IL)-8 expression. In the mice infection model, high dosages of baicalin and baicalein inhibited H. pylori growth in the mice stomachs. Serum IL-1β levels and H. pylori-specific serum IgM and IgA levels in mice treated with baicalin and baicalein were decreased. Moreover, a synergistic therapeutic effect of baicalein and LR-JB3 on eradicating H. pylori infections was observed. Thus, administrating baicalin, baicalein, or LR-JB3 for an H. pylori infection could offer similar therapeutic effects to administering antibiotics while not disturbing the balance of gut microbiota. This study revealed the effects of baicalin, baicalein, and LR-JB3 on attenuating the virulence of H. pylori. The synergistic effect with baicalein and LR-JB3 provides the experimental rationale for testing the reliability, safety, and efficacy of this approach in higher animals and perhaps ultimately in humans to eradicate H. pylori infections. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Baicalin and baicalein exert health promotion and avoidance of H. pylori infections by interfering with H. pylori growth and virulence. Lactobacillus rhamnosus JB3 was used to reduce the gastric inflammation caused by H. pylori infection.

Synergistic inhibitory effects of cetuximab and curcumin on human cisplatin-resistant oral cancer CAR cells through intrinsic apoptotic process

Cetuximab, an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeting monoclonal antibody (mAb), is a novel targeted therapy for the treatment of patients with oral cancer. Cetuximab can be used in combination with chemotherapeutic agents to prolong the overall survival rates of patients with oral cancer. Curcumin is a traditional Chinese medicine, and it has been demonstrated to have growth-inhibiting effects on oral cancer cells. However, information regarding the combination of cetuximab and curcumin in drug-resistant oral cancer cells is lacking, and its underlying mechanism remains unclear. The purpose of the present study was to explore the oral anticancer effects of cetuximab combined with curcumin on cisplatin-resistant oral cancer CAR cell apoptosis in vitro. The results demonstrated that combination treatment synergistically potentiated the effect of cetuximab and curcumin on the suppression of cell viability and induction of apoptosis in CAR cells. Cetuximab and curcumin combination induced apoptosis and dramatically increased caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities compared with singular treatment. Combination treatment also markedly suppressed the protein expression levels of EGFR and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling (phosphorylation of ERK, JNK and p38). The results demonstrated that co-treatment with cetuximab and curcumin exerts synergistic oral anticancer effects on CAR cells through the suppression of the EGFR signaling by regulation of the MAPK pathway.

Ursolic acid elicits intrinsic apoptotic machinery by downregulating the phosphorylation of AKT/BAD signaling in human cisplatin‑resistant oral cancer CAR cells

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a type of cancer with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide; it also demonstrates chemotherapeutic resistance. Triterpenoid ursolic acid has been shown to exhibit various biological activities and anticancer effects in several preclinical studies. In our previous study, human cisplatin‑resistant oral cancer CAR cells were established, and the present study aimed to further examine the effects of ursolic acid on CAR cells. The results revealed that ursolic acid inhibited CAR cell viability, as determined using a 3‑(4,5‑dimethylthiazol‑2‑yl)‑2,5‑diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Ursolic acid‑induced cell death was mediated through a caspase‑dependent pathway, determined with the pan‑caspase inhibitor, z‑VAD‑fmk. Ursolic acid also increased the activities of caspase‑3 and caspase‑9 in CAR cells, determined by a colorimetric assay. Specifically, the production of reactive oxygen species and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, detected by flow cytometry, were observed in the ursolic acid‑treated CAR cells. The apoptosis‑associated signaling showed that ursolic acid decreased the phosphorylation of AKT (Ser473) and B‑cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‑2)‑associated agonist of cell death (BAD; Ser136), and the protein levels of Bcl‑2 and Bcl‑extra large (Bcl‑xL), and increased the expression of BAD and Bcl‑2‑associated X (Bax) protein in CAR cells. In summary, the results supported the potential application of ursolic acid against drug‑resistant oral carcinoma and to improve oral anticancer efficacy in the near future.

Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) triggers mitochondria-mediated apoptotic machinery in human cisplatin-resistant oral cancer CAR cells

Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), a component of dietary food, possesses a powerful anticancer activity. Previous studies have shown that BITC produces a large number of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increases intracellular Ca²⁺ release from endoplasmic reticulum (ER), leading to the activation of the apoptotic mechanism in tumor cells. However, there is not much known regarding the inhibitory effect of BITC on cisplatin-resistant oral cancer cells. The purpose of this study was to examine the anticancer effect and molecular mechanism of BITC on human cisplatin-resistant oral cancer CAR cells. Our results demonstrated that BITC significantly reduced cell viability of CAR cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. BITC was found to cause apoptotic cell shrinkage and DNA fragmentation by morphologic observation and TUNEL/DAPI staining. Pretreatment of cells with a specific inhibitor of pan-caspase significantly reduced cell death caused by BITC. Colorimetric assay analyses also showed that the activities of caspase-3 and caspase-9 were elevated in BITC-treated CAR cells. An increase in ROS production and loss of mitochondria membrane potential (ΔΨm) occurred due to BITC exposure and was observed via flow cytometric analysis. Western blotting analyses demonstrated that the protein levels of Bax, Bad, cytochrome c, and cleaved caspase-3 were up-regulated, while those of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and pro-caspase-9 were down-regulated in CAR cells after BITC challenge. In sum, the mitochondria-dependent pathway might contribute to BITC-induced apoptosis in human cisplatin-resistant oral cancer CAR cells.

Hematopoietically expressed homeobox gene is associated with type 2 diabetes in KK Cg-Ay/J mice and a Taiwanese Han Chinese population

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease. The KK Cg-A^y/J (KK-A^y) mouse is an animal model to study type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) disease. The present study assessed the expression of hematopoietically expressed homeobox (HHEX) protein in liver tissues of different age groups of mice (6, 16 and 42 weeks) by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The results demonstrated a significant decrease in the percentage of HHEX-positive cells in KK-A^y mice as compared with that in KK-α/α control mice. Furthermore, in Taiwan's Han Chinese population, genotypic and allelic frequency distributions of the rs61862780 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the HHEX gene were investigated. The results demonstrated that in the rs61862780 SNP of the 3′-untranslated region (UTR) of HHEX, the frequency of the CC genotype was higher in patients (6.0%) than in controls (2.7%), while the TT genotype frequency was about equal. In the same SNP, the frequency of the C allele was higher in patients (21.0%) than in controls (17.3%), while the T allele frequency was about equal. These results may pave the road for exploring the KK-A^y mouse model and the HHEX SNP rs61862780, which was correlated with the susceptibility to T2D in a Chinese population. Based on these findings, an association of HHEX gene expression with pathological features of T2D was indicated.

[Comparing the immunogenicity and safety of sequential inoculation of sIPV followed by bOPV (Ⅰ+Ⅲ) in different dosage forms]

Objective: To compare the safety and immunogenicity of two different sequential schedules of inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine made from Sabin strain (sIPV) followed by typeⅠ+Ⅲ bivalent oral poliovirus vaccine (bOPV) in Drug Candy (DC) form or liquid dosage form). Methods: This randomized, blinded, single center, parallel-group controlled trial was done from September 2015 to June 2016 in Liuzhou, Guangxi province. Healthy infants aged ≥2 months were eligible for enrollment and divided into 1sIPV+2bOPV or 2sIPV+1bOPV sequential schedules. According to the bOPV dosage form each sequential schedules, the subjects again were divided into drug candy(DC) form or liquid dosage form group, being 1sIPV+bOPV (DC)/1sIPV+2bOPV(liquid)/2sIPV+1bOPV(DC)/2sIPV+1bOPV(liquid). According to 0, 28, 56 d immunization schedule, Each group were given 3 doses. We recorded adverse events during the clinical trial (399 participants who receive at least one dose). 28 days post-Dose 3, we receive a total of 350 blood samples (excluding the quitters or subjects against trial plan), using cell culture trace against polio virus neutralization test Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ neutralizing antibody (GMT), calculating the antibody positive rate.PolioⅠ,Ⅱand Ⅲ antibody titers were assessed by virus-neutralizing antibody assay and the seroconversion (4-fold increase in titer) from pre-Dose 1 to 28 days post-Dose 3 was calculated (total 350 samples) . Results: During the vaccination, the incidence of AEs in 1sIPV+2bOPV(DC), 1sIPV+2bOPV (liquid), 2sIPV+1bOPV(DC), 2sIPV+1bOPV (liquid) group were 79%, 76%, 80% and 74% (χ(2)=1.23, P=0.747) , respectively. The severe AEs in groups were 6%, 5%, 6% and 4% (χ(2)=0.57, P=0.903) , respectively, and none was considered to be vaccination related. 28 days after 3(rd) vaccination, the seroconversion rates in 1sIPV+2bOPV (DC), 1sIPV+2bOPV (liquid), 2sIPV+1bOPV (DC), 2sIPV+1bOPV (liquid) group, were 99%, 100%, 99% and 99% (χ(2)=0.94, P=0.815) , respectively, for type Ⅰ poliovirus; and 47%, 57%, 80%, 79% (χ(2)=31.56, P<0.001) , respectively, for type Ⅱ; and were 100%, 99%, 100%, 99% (χ(2)=2.02, P=0.568) , respectively, for type Ⅲ. In each group, the GMT of antibody against poliovirus typeⅠ were 4 539.68, 6 243.43, 6 819.53 and 7 916.29 (F=25.87, P<0.001) , respectively; Type Ⅱ were 12.98, 10.54, 63.75 and 84.21 (F=8.68, P=0.034) , respectively; Type Ⅲ were 1 172.55, 1 416.03, 2 648.89 and 3 250.75 (F=14.50, P=0.002) , respectively. Conclusion: On the same sequential schedules, there was no significant difference between the dosage forms, all of them showed good safety and immunogenicity. In the same dosage forms with different sequential schedules, the seroconversion rate was higher in 2 dose sIPV group than the 1 dose sIPV group, especially at the neutralizing antibody GMT level against polio type Ⅱ and Ⅲ after vaccination.

Relaxant and vasoprotective effects of ginger extracts on porcine coronary arteries

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is a popular Chinese herbal medicine, which is considered to warm the stomach and dispel cold in traditional Chinese medicine. Ginger is widely used to treat stomach disorders, and it has been reported to exhibit antithrombotic activity via the inhibition of platelet aggregation and thromboxane B2 production in vitro. Cardiovascular disease is associated with the aberrant functioning of the heart and circulatory system; the relatively narrow vessels of the circulation are commonly affected and blocked by atherosclerosis, which may result in angina or heart attack. Numerous drugs and medicines are used to treat myocardial infarction; however, they are often associated with numerous side effects. Therefore, it is important to identify substitutive drugs with no unbearable side effects. In the present study, the relaxant effects of ginger crude extract (GCE) were determined on porcine coronary arteries. The DPPH radical scavenging assay, lucigenin‑enhanced chemiluminescence assay and western blot analysis were used to individually detect antioxidant assay of ginger extraction or superoxide anion produced by endothelial cells and molecular signaling. The results indicated that GCE induced relaxation of porcine coronary arteries in an endothelium‑dependent manner. GCE increased vasoprotection via the suppression of nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase. In addition, GCE possessed antioxidant ability, as determined using 1,1‑diphenyl‑2‑picrylhydrazyl and lucigenin‑enhanced chemiluminescence assays. Taken together, the present study demonstrated that GCE exerts marked vasoprotective effects and free radical‑scavenging activities in porcine coronary arteries.

Disruption of IGF‑1R signaling by a novel quinazoline derivative, HMJ‑30, inhibits invasiveness and reverses epithelial-mesenchymal transition in osteosarcoma U‑2 OS cells

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignancy of the bone and is characterized by local invasion and distant metastasis. Over the past 20 years, long-term outcomes have reached a plateau even with aggressive therapy. Overexpression of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF‑1R) is associated with tumor proliferation, invasion and migration in osteosarcoma. In the present study, our group developed a novel quinazoline derivative, 6-fluoro‑2-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-(cyanoanilino)quinazoline (HMJ‑30), in order to disrupt IGF‑1R signaling and tumor invasiveness in osteosarcoma U‑2 OS cells. Molecular modeling, immune-precipitation, western blotting and phosphorylated protein kinase sandwich ELISA assays were used to confirm this hypothesis. The results demonstrated that HMJ‑30 selectively targeted the ATP-binding site of IGF‑1R and inhibited its downstream phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B, Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase, and IκK/nuclear factor-κB signaling pathways in U‑2 OS cells. HMJ‑30 inhibited U‑2 OS cell invasion and migration and downregulated protein levels and activities of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‑2 and MMP-9. An increase in protein levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‑1 and TIMP‑2 was also observed. Furthermore, HMJ‑30 caused U‑2 OS cells to aggregate and form tight clusters, and these cells were flattened, less elongated and displayed cobblestone-like shapes. There was an increase in epithelial markers and a decrease in mesenchymal markers, indicating that the cells underwent the reverse epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Overall, these results demonstrated the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of HMJ‑30 on invasiveness and EMT in U‑2 OS cells, suggesting that this compound deserves further investigation as a potential anti-osteosarcoma drug.

Kaempferol inhibits angiogenic ability by targeting VEGF receptor-2 and downregulating the PI3K/AKT, MEK and ERK pathways in VEGF-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Anti-angiogenesis is one of the most general clinical obstacles in cancer chemotherapy. Kaempferol is a flavonoid phytochemical found in many fruits and vegetables. Our previous study revealed that kaempferol triggered apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by ROS‑mediated p53/ATM/death receptor signaling. However, the anti‑angiogenic potential of kaempferol remains unclear and its underlying mechanism warranted further exploration in VEGF‑stimulated HUVECs. In the present study, kaempferol significantly reduced VEGF‑stimulated HUVEC viability. Kaempferol treatment also inhibited cell migration, invasion, and tube formation in VEGF‑stimulated HUVECs. VEGF receptor‑2 (VEGFR‑2), and its downstream signaling cascades (such as AKT, mTOR and MEK1/2‑ERK1/2) were reduced as determined by western blotting and kinase activity assay in VEGF‑stimulated HUVECs after treatment with kaempferol. The present study revealed that kaempferol may possess angiogenic inhibition through regulation of VEGF/VEGFR‑2 and its downstream signaling cascades (PI3K/AKT, MEK and ERK) in VEGF-stimulated endothelial cells.

Pterostilbene modulates the suppression of multidrug resistance protein 1 and triggers autophagic and apoptotic mechanisms in cisplatin-resistant human oral cancer CAR cells via AKT signaling

Pterostilbene is a natural polyphenolic compound that is primarily found in fruits, such as blueberries and has a similar structure to resveratrol. Pterostilbene exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitumor activity but the effects of pterostilbene on drug-resistant oral cancer cells and its underlying mechanisms of action have not yet been explored. Therefore, the present study was performed to clarify the anticancer effects of pterostilbene on cisplatin-resistant human oral cancer CAR cells. The results demonstrated that CAR cells exhibited marked shrinkage, cell membrane breakage and autophagic vacuole formation following treatment with pterostilbene. Pterostilbene also effectively inhibited cell viability and suppressed cell confluence in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Probing with acridine orange, monodansylcadaverine and LysoTracker Red demonstrated that the number of acidic vesicular organelles was increased, indicating increased autophagy. Furthermore, Heochst 33342 staining determined that DNA condensation, a characteristic of apoptosis, was enhanced following treatment with pterostilbene. Furthermore, pterostilbene upregulated mRNA levels of LC3-II and Atg12, as well as the expression of Atgs/Beclin-1/LC3-associated signaling, suggesting that it enhances autophagy. The autophagy inhibitors 3-methyladenine and chloroquine were used to confirm that pterostilbene induces autophagy. It was also determined that pterostilbene triggered caspase-dependent apoptosis by directly testing DNA breakage and using the pan-caspase inhibitor carbobenzoxyvalyl-alanyl-aspartyl fluoromethyl ketone. The results demonstrated that pterostilbene mediates the apoptosis of CAR cells via the intrinsic apoptotic cascade. In addition, pterostilbene inhibited MDR1 expression and the phosphorylation of AKT on the Ser473 site in CAR cells. Therefore, pterostilbene may elicit an oral anticancer response in drug-resistant cells and may be used as a chemotherapeutic adjuvant to treat patients with oral cancer.

Late onset of biliopleural fistula following percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage: a case report

Biliopleural fistula (BF) and formation of biliopleural effusion is a rare complication following percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD). It occurs when the pleura is traversed by the catheter before entering the bile duct. Biliopleural fistula should be suspected when right side pleural effusion develops following the PTBD procedure. The diagnosis of biliopleural fistula is made when greenish pleural fluid with high concentration of bilirubin is aspirated. Here we present a case where a patient develops a biliopleural fistula following PTBD due to obstructive jaundice caused by neuroendocrine tumor of pancreas. Biliopleural fistula was disclosed after a scheduled catheter replacement procedure. Treatments of biliopleural fistula include thoracentesis with drainage tube installation into pleural space. In addition, a drainage tube was installed through percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) to reduce the bile induced pressure. Surgical repair of fistula was performed after the conservative treatment was unsuccessful. The patient expired 5 days after surgery due to respiratory failure.

The molecular mechanism of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) and its link to in vitro studies on iodinated contrast media (CM)

Iodinated contrast media (iodinated CM) have increased ability to absorb x-rays and to visualize structures that normally are impossible to observe in a radiological examination. The use of iodinated CM may destory renal function, commonly known as contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), which can result in acute renal failure (ARF). This review article mainly focuses on the following areas: (1) classifications of iodinated CM: ionic or non-ionic, high-osmolarity contrast media (HOCM), low-osmolarity contrast media (LOCM) and iso-osmolarity contrast media (IOCM); (2) an introduction to the physical and chemical properties of the non-ionic iodinated CM; (3) the management of anaphylactic reaction by iodinated CM; (4) a suggested single injection of adult doses and maximum dose for non-ionic iodinated CM; (5) the molecular mechanism of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN); (6) In vitro studies on iodinated CM. Based on above information, this review article provide an insight for understanding the drug safety of iodinated CM.

Eudesmin attenuates Helicobacter pylori-induced epithelial autophagy and apoptosis and leads to eradication of H. pylori infection

Eudesmin has been proven to possess anti-inflammatory effects. In the present study, the effects of eudesmin on Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-mediated autophagy, apoptosis, immune response and inflammation were determined in human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cells in vitro and in C57BL/6 mice in vivo. Detection of the production of interleukin (IL)-8, IL-1β and immunoglobulin M (IgM) was performed using ELISA. Identification of the activation of apoptosis-associated caspase-3, -8 and -9 proteins, Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and BH3 interacting domain death agonist (Bid) protein, was determined through western blot analysis. Autophagy microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3, isoform B (LC-3B) expression was measured using immunostaining. The results of the present study demonstrated that eudesmin inhibited the growth of H. pylori, with increased inhibition activity against antibiotic resistant strains compared with the reference strain. In addition, H. pylori-induced IL-8 secretion, LC-3B expression and apoptosis-associated protein (caspase-3, -8 and -9, Bax and Bid) activation in AGS cells was suppressed by eudesmin. Furthermore, eudesmin suppressed IL-1β and IgM production in H. pylori-infected C57BL/6 mice in vivo. In conclusion, eudesmin may be developed as a promising therapeutic agent to prevent and/or treat H. pylori-associated gastric inflammation.

Adipose-derived stem cell conditioned medium attenuates cisplatin-triggered apoptosis in tongue squamous cell carcinoma

Autologous fat grafting procedures have noted a markedly increased frequency, not only for cosmetic purposes, but also for deformities after head and neck cancer and breast cancer surgery. Carcinogenesis is always a major concern in cell therapy-related issues. However, there is no literature discussing this issue in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients. To evaluate the interaction of tongue cancer cells and adipose-derived stem cells, we performed a series of in vitro experiments. Our results demonstrated that cisplatin significantly reduced the viabilities of SCC‑25 and CAL‑27 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, but it had low cytotoxicity in cisplatin-resistant CAL‑27 (CAR) cells. There was no significant difference in terms of viability among the SCC‑25, CAL‑27, and CAR cells in the adipose-derived stem cell conditioned medium and control groups. There was also no significant difference in terms of cell migration as determined by wound healing assay of SCC‑25, CAL‑27, and CAR cells between the adipose-derived stem cell conditioned medium treatment and control treatment. Importantly, the adipose-derived stem cell conditioned medium attenuated cisplatin-triggered cell death in the SCC‑25 and CAL‑27 cells. Moreover, adipose-derived stem cell conditioned medium markedly inhibited cisplatin-induced apoptotic cell death (sub‑G1 phase) in the CAL‑27 cells. Western blot analyses indicated that cisplatin-induced reductions in pro‑caspase‑3, pro‑caspase‑9, phospho-BAD, phospho-IGF-1R, phospho-AKT, and phospho-ERK in CAL‑27 cells were reversed by adipose-derived stem cell conditioned medium supplement. Taken together, we provide evidence that adipose-derived stem cell conditioned medium protects CAL‑27 cells from cisplatin-induced cell death, possibly through upregulation of the IGF-1R/AKT/ERK signaling pathway.

ITR‑284 modulates cell differentiation in human chronic myelogenous leukemia K562 cells

ITR‑284 is a carboxamide analog that can inhibit proliferation in human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells. To understand the effects and molecular mechanisms of ITR‑284 in human erythromyeloblastoid leukemia, we treated K562 cells with different concentrations of ITR‑284 (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 nM) and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5 and 10 µM) for 24 h. The IC50 of ITR‑284 was ~10 nM in K562 cells treated for 24 h as determined by MTT assay. May-Grünwald-Giemsa staining and nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) assays were used to determine cell morphology changes and differentiation after ITR‑284 and ATRA treatment. In addition, mRNA expression levels of hematopoietic factors, including GATA‑1, NF-E2 and GATA‑2, were elevated, while expression levels of BCR‑ABL were downregulated in K562 cells after 24 h of treatment with ITR‑284 as determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. In addition, western blot analyses showed that FOXM1, GLI 1 and c-MYC protein levels were decreased by ITR‑284. Taken together, our data show that ITR‑284 induced K562 cell differentiation, which led to decreased tumorigenesis. Our findings suggest that ITR‑284 could be a potential candidate for treating chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Effect of bis(hydroxymethyl) alkanoate curcuminoid derivative MTH-3 on cell cycle arrest, apoptotic and autophagic pathway in triple-negative breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells: An in vitro study

Curcumin has been shown to exert potential antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo involved in multiple signaling pathways. However, the application of curcumin is still limited because of its poor hydrophilicity and low bio-availability. In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of a novel and water soluble bis(hydroxymethyl) alkanoate curcuminoid derivative, MTH-3, on human breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells. This study investigated the effect of MTH-3 on cell viability, cell cycle and induction of autophagy and apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells. After 24-h treatment with MTH-3, a concentration-dependent decrease in MDA-MB-231 cell viability was observed, and the IC₅₀ value was 5.37±1.22 μM. MTH-3 significantly triggered G₂/M phase arrest and apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells. Within a 24-h treatment, MTH-3 decreased the CDK1 activity by decreasing CDK1 and cyclin B1 protein levels. MTH-3-induced apoptosis was further confirmed by morphological assessment and Annexin V/PI staining assay. Induction of apoptosis caused by MTH-3 was accompanied by an apparent increase of DR3, DR5 and FADD and, as well as a marked decrease of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL protein expression. MTH-3 also decreased the protein levels of Ero1, PDI, PERK and calnexin, as well as increased the expression of IRE1α, CHOP and Bip that consequently led to ER stress and MDA-MB-231 cell apoptosis. In addition, MTH-3-treated cells were involved in the autophagic process and cleavage of LC3B was observed. MTH-3 enhanced the protein levels of LC3B, Atg5, Atg7, Atg12, p62 and Beclin-1 in MDA-MB-231 cells. Finally, DNA microarray was carried out to investigate the level changes of gene expression modulated by MTH-3 in MDA-MB-231 cells. Taken together, our results suggest that MTH-3 might be a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer in the near future.

Effects of Lycium barbarum (goji berry) on dry eye disease in rats

Lycium barbarum (goji berry) has long been used as a food and traditional herbal medicine. This study aimed to investigate the beneficial effect of the goji berry on dry eye disease in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats with induced dry eye disease were randomly assigned to four groups: Vehicle (control), low-dose goji berry extract [GBE; 250 mg/kg/body weight (bw)], median-dose GBE (350 mg/kg/bw), and high-dose GBE (500 mg/kg/bw). Three methods, Schirmer's test, tear break-up time (BUT) measurement and keratoconjunctival fluorescein staining, were used to evaluate the effect of GBE on symptoms of dry eye disease experienced by the rats. The results of the present study revealed that both the Schirmer's test score and tear BUT significantly increased following 1 week of GBE administration. Furthermore, the severity of the keratoconjunctival staining decreased significantly. In addition, the results suggested that administration of GBE may ameliorate dry eye disease symptoms in a dose-dependent manner. There were no mortalities and no apparent abnormal histopathology changes in the liver or kidney tissues of rats administered GBE for 21 consecutive days. Polysaccharides and betaine present in GBE may have important effects in alleviating dry eye disease induced by oxidative stress and inflammation. In conclusion, the goji berry is a safe, functional food with beneficial effects in alleviating dry eye disease.

Class 1 integrons and plasmid-mediated multiple resistance genes of the Campylobacter species from pediatric patient of a university hospital in Taiwan

Background

The Campylobacter species usually causes infection between humans and livestock interaction via livestock breeding. The studies of the Campylobacter species thus far in all clinical isolates were to show the many kinds of antibiotic phenomenon that were produced. Their integrons cause the induction of antibiotic resistance between bacterial species in the Campylobacter species.

Results

The bacterial strains from the diarrhea of pediatric patient which isolated by China Medical University Hospital storage bank. These isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The anti-microbial susceptibility test showed that Campylobacter species resistant to cefepime, streptomycin, tobramycin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (all C. jejuni and C. coli isolates), ampicillin (89% of C. jejuni; 75% of C. coli), cefotaxime (78% of C. jejuni; 100% of C. coli), nalidixic acid (78% of C. jejuni; 100% of C. coli), tetracycline (89% of C. jejuni; 25% C. coli), ciprofloxacin (67% of C. jejuni; 50% C. coli), kanamycin (33% of C. jejuni; 75% C. coli) and the C. fetus isolate resisted to ampicillin, cefotaxime, nalidixic acid, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, kanamycin by disc-diffusion method. The effect for ciprofloxacin and tetracycline of the Campylobacter species was tested using an E-test. The tet, erm, and integron genes were detected by PCR assay. According to the sequencing analysis (type I: dfr12-gcuF-aadA2 genes and type II: dfrA7 gene), the cassette type was identified. The most common gene cassette type (type I: 9 C. jejuni and 2 C. coli isolates; type II: 1 C. coli isolates) was found in 12 class I integrase-positive isolates.

Conclusions

Our results suggested an important information in the latency of Campylobacter species with resistance genes, and irrational antimicrobial use should be concerned.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13099-017-0199-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Inhibitory effect of burdock leaves on elastase and tyrosinase activity

Burdock (Arctium lappa L.) leaves generate a considerable amount of waste following burdock root harvest in Taiwan. To increase the use of burdock leaves, the present study investigated the optimal methods for producing burdock leaf extract (BLE) with high antioxidant polyphenolic content, including drying methods and solvent extraction concentration. In addition, the elastase and tyrosinase inhibitory activity of BLE was examined. Burdock leaves were dried by four methods: Shadow drying, oven drying, sun drying and freeze-drying. The extract solution was then subjected to total polyphenol content analysis and the method that produced BLE with the highest amount of total antioxidant components was taken forward for further analysis. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-pycrylhydrazyl scavenging, antielastase and antityrosinase activity of the BLE were measured to enable the evaluation of the antioxidant and skin aging-associated enzyme inhibitory activities of BLE. The results indicated that the total polyphenolic content following extraction with ethanol (EtOH) was highest using the freeze-drying method, followed by the oven drying, shadow drying and sun drying methods. BLE yielded a higher polyphenol content and stronger antioxidant activity as the ratio of the aqueous content of the extraction solvent used increased. BLE possesses marked tyrosinase and elastase inhibitory activities, with its antielastase activity notably stronger compared with its antityrosinase activity. These results indicate that the concentration of the extraction solvent was associated with the antioxidant and skin aging-associated enzyme inhibitory activity of BLE. The reactive oxygen species scavenging theory of skin aging may explain the tyrosinase and elastase inhibitory activity of BLE. In conclusion, the optimal method for obtaining BLE with a high antioxidant polyphenolic content was freeze-drying followed by 30-50% EtOH extraction. In addition, the antielastase and antityrosinase activities of the BLE produced may be aid in the development of skincare products with antiwrinkle and skin-evening properties.