Anti-angiogenic effect of the total flavonoids in Scutellaria barbata D. Don

BACKGROUND

Angiogenesis is closely related to the growth, invasion and metastasis of tumors, also considered as the key target of anticancer therapy. Scutellaria barbata D. Don (S. barbata), a traditional Chinese medicine, is being used to treat various diseases, including cancer. However, the antitumor molecular mechanism of S. barbata was still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of the total flavones in S. barbata (TF-SB) on angiogenesis.

METHODS

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with various concentrations of TF-SB. Cell viability was examined using the MTT assay. The scratch assay was used to detect the migration of HUVECs after treatment with TF-SB. The ability of HUVECs to form network structures in vitro was demonstrated using the tube formation assay. The chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay was performed to detect the in vivo anti-angiogenic effect. The expression of VEGF was measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent.

RESULTS

Results showed that TF-SB inhibited the proliferation and migration of HUVECs in a dose- dependent manner. Simultaneously, TF-SB significantly suppressed HUVEC angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, VEGF was downregulated in both HUVECs and MHCC97-H cells after TF-SB treatment.

CONCLUSION

TF-SB could suppress the process of angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. TF-SB potentially suppresses angiogenesis in HUVECs by regulating VEGF. These findings suggested that TF-SB may serve as a potent anti-angiogenic agent.

TLR2 and TLR4 in the brain injury caused by cerebral ischemia and reperfusion

Brain injury caused by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion is a complicated pathophysiological course, in which inflammation is thought to play an important role. Toll-like receptors are a type of transmembrane proteins, which can recognize either exogenous pathogen-associated molecular patterns or endogenous stress or damage-associated molecular patterns in the innate immune system and initiate inflammatory responses. Among Toll-like receptors, TLR2 and TLR4 are found to be more important than others in the pathological progression of cerebral injury due to ischemia and reperfusion. This review will focus on the biological characteristics and functions of TLR2 and TLR4 and their downstream signal pathways.

Teng-Long-Bu-Zhong-Tang, a Chinese herbal formula, enhances anticancer effects of 5--Fluorouracil in CT26 colon carcinoma

Background

Colorectal cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has played a positive role in colorectal cancer treatment. There is a great need to establish effective herbal formula for colorectal cancer treatment. Based on TCM principles and clinical practices, we have established an eight herbs composed formula for colorectal cancer treatment, which is Teng-Long-Bu-Zhong-Tang (TLBZT). We have demonstrated the anticancer effects of TLBZT against colorectal carcinoma in vitro. In present study, we evaluated the anticancer potential of TLBZT, used alone or in combination with low dose of 5-Fluorouracil (5-Fu), in CT26 colon carcinoma in vivo.

Methods

CT26 colon carcinoma was established in BALB/c mice and treated with TLBZT, 5-Fu, or TLBZT plus 5-Fu. The tumor volumes were observed. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay. Caspases activities were detected by colorimetric assay. Cell senescence was indentified by senescence β-galactosidase staining. Gene expression and angiogenesis was observed by immunohistochemistry or western blot.

Results

TLBZT significantly inhibited CT26 colon carcinoma growth. TLBZT elicited apoptosis in CT26 colon carcinoma, accompanied by Caspase-3, 8, and 9 activation and PARP cleavage, and downregulation of XIAP and Survivin. TLBZT also induced cell senescence in CT26 colon carcinoma, with concomitant upregulation of p16 and p21 and downregulation of RB phosphorylation. In addition, angiogenesis and VEGF expression in CT26 colon carcinoma was significantly inhibited by TLBZT treatment. Furthermore, TLBZT significantly enhanced anticancer effects of 5-Fu in CT26 colon carcinoma.

Conclusions

TLBZT exhibited significantly anticancer effect, and enhanced the effects of 5-Fu in CT26 colon carcinoma, which may correlate with induction of apoptosis and cell senescence, and angiogenesis inhibition. The present study provides new insight into TCM approaches for colon cancer treatment that are worth of further study.

Electroacupuncture ameliorates cognitive impairment through inhibition of NF-κB-mediated neuronal cell apoptosis in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injured rats

Cognitive impairment is a serious mental deficit following stroke that severely affects the quality of life of stroke survivors. Nuclear factor‑κB (NF-κB)-mediated neuronal cell apoptosis is involved in the development of post-stroke cognitive impairment; therefore, it has become a promising target for the treatment of impaired cognition. Acupuncture at the Baihui (DU20) and Shenting (DU24) acupoints is commonly used in China to clinically treat post‑stroke cognitive impairment; however, the precise mechanism of its action is largely unknown. In the present study, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of electroacupuncture against post-stroke cognitive impairment and investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms using a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Electroacupuncture at Baihui and Shenting was identified to significantly ameliorate neurological deficits and reduce cerebral infarct volume. Additionally, electroacupuncture improved learning and memory ability in cerebral I/R injured rats, demonstrating its therapeutic efficacy against post-stroke cognitive impairment. Furthermore, electroacupuncture significantly suppressed the I/R-induced activation of NF-κB signaling in ischemic cerebral tissues. The inhibitory effect of electroacupuncture on NF-κB activation led to the inhibition of cerebral cell apoptosis. Finally, electroacupuncture markedly downregulated the expression of pro-apoptotic Bax and Fas, two critical downstream target genes of the NF-κB pathway. Collectively, our findings suggest that inhibition of NF-κB‑mediated neuronal cell apoptosis may be one mechanism via which electroacupuncture at Baihui and Shenting exerts a therapeutic effect on post-stroke cognitive impairment.

Qianliening capsule treats benign prostatic hyperplasia via suppression of the EGF/STAT3 signaling pathway

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a pathological overgrowth of the human prostate. It may cause increased resistance to urine flow through the urethra and occasionally kidney damage, bladder stones and urinary tract infections, and therefore affect the quality of life. Qianliening capsule (QC) is a traditional Chinese formula that has been used clinically in China to treat BPH for a number of years. However, the mechanism of its anti-BPH effect remains largely unknown. We evaluated the therapeutic effect of QC in a rat model of BPH, established by the injection of testosterone following castration, and investigated the underlying molecular mechanism of action. We observed that QC treatment significantly and dose-dependently decreased the prostatic volume (PV) and prostatic index (PI; P<0.05 or P<0.01), and ameliorated the histological damage of the prostate tissue in the BPH rats. In addition, treatment with QC inhibited the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), as well as the expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), cyclin D1 and Bcl-2. Our results suggest that suppression of the EGF/STAT3 pathway may be one of the mechanisms by which QC treats BPH.

Chemical and preclinical studies on Hedyotis diffusa with anticancer potential

This paper presents the chemical and preclinical anticancer research on Hedyotis diffusa Willd. in detail, one of the most renowned herbs often prescribed in the polyherbal formulas for cancer treatment in traditional Chinese medicine. Anthraquinones, flavonoids, and terpenoids constitute the majority of the 69 compounds that have been isolated and identified from H. diffusa. The anticancer effects of the methanolic, ethanolic, and aqueous extracts in various preclinical cancer models have been described. This review also summarized the anticancer activity of constituents of the herb and the mechanisms of action. All the studies suggest that H. diffusa has enormous potential in the therapy of cancer and warrants further chemical and pharmacological investigation.

Tougu Xiaotong capsule inhibits the tidemark replication and cartilage degradation of papain-induced osteoarthritis by the regulation of chondrocyte autophagy

The tidemark is located between calcified and non-calcified cartilage matrices. Tidemark replication plays an important role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthrosis (OA). Autophagy, or cellular self-digestion, is an essential cellular homeostasis mechanism that was found to be deficient in osteoarthritic cartilage. This study evaluated the effects of Tougu Xiaotong capsule (TXC) on the tidemark replication and cartilage degradation, and also investigated LC3 I/II, which executes autophagy, the potential role of ULK1, an inducer of autophagy, and Beclin1, a regulator of autophagy, in the development of a papain-induced OA in rat knee joints. Using a papain-injected knee rat model, standard histological methods were used to validate our model as well as treatment with TXC or glucosamine (GlcN). After 12 weeks of treatment, the changes of cartilage structure were observed by digital radiography (DR), optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, and the LC3 I/II, ULK1 and Beclin1 levels were measured by western blotting. Cartilage degradation was evaluated by the Mankin score on paraffin-embedded sections stained with Safranin O-fast green. TXC was found to improve the arrangement of subchondral bone collagen fibers and calcium phosphate crystals, inhibit the tidemark replication and delay the cartilage degradation in the papain-induced OA. Our results also showed that LC3 I/II, ULK1 and Beclin1 levels in both the TXC+OA and GlcN+OA groups were significantly increased compared to those in the OA group. The results indicate that TXC could inhibit the tidemark replication and cartilage degradation by the regulation of chondrocyte autophagy.

Anti-inflammatory effects of total alkaloids from Rubus alceifolius Poir [corrected]. on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease through regulation of the NF-κB pathway

We aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory effects of total alkaloids inRubus alceifolius Poir [corrected]. (TARAP) on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and to investigate the possible molecular mechanisms. A rodent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) model was established by administration of a modified high-fat diet ad libitum for 8 weeks. Rats were treated with polyene phosphatidylcholine (PP), TARAP low‑dose (0.72 g/kg body weight/day) and TARAP high-dose (1.44 g/kg body weight/day). The model group and the control group received distilled water. After treatment for 4 weeks, the blood samples were obtained from the abdominal aorta, and the levels of serum ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, TG, TC, HDL-C and LDL-C were measured. Changes in liver tissue morphology were evaluated by H&E staining. The expression levels of nuclear factor (NF)-κB, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX‑2), interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in rat livers were assayed by reverse transcription‑polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. Both TARAP and PP attenuated hepatic steatosis induced by the high-fat diet. The modified high-fat diet caused a significant increase in ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, TG, TC, LDL-C levels and a decrease in HDL-C levels. TARAP and PP treatment abrogated the increase in the levels of liver enzymes and the levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, as well as suppressed the increase in HDL-C levels. The results of RT-PCR and immunohistochemical assay showed that PP and TARAP treatment decreased the expression of NF-κB, COX-2, IL-6 and TNF-α. In conclusion, these results suggest that TARAP may protect against NAFLD through regulation of the NF-κB pathway.

Scutellaria barbata D. Don induces G1/S arrest via modulation of p53 and Akt pathways in human colon carcinoma cells

Cancer cells are characterized by an uncontrolled increase in cell proliferation. G1 to S transition is one of the two main checkpoints used by cells to control the cell cycle progress and cell proliferation. G1/S progression is highly regulated by multiple intracellular signaling transduction cascades including Akt and p53 pathways, which therefore becomes a promising target for the development of novel anticancer therapy. Scutellaria barbata D. Don (SB) is a major component in many Chinese medicine formulas that have long been used in China to clinically treat various cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC). Recently, we reported that the ethanol extract of SB (EESB) is able to induce cancer cell apoptosis via activation of the mitochondrion-dependent pathway and inhibit tumor angiogenesis through suppression of Hedgehog signaling. To further elucidate the precise mechanisms of its antitumor activity, in the present study we evaluated the effect of EESB on the proliferation of human colon carcinoma HT-29 cells and investigated the underlying molecular mechanism. We found that EESB could inhibit the proliferation of HT-29 cells through blocking the G1/S cell cycle progression. In addition, EESB treatment profoundly promoted antiproliferative p21 expression, but inhibited the expression of pro-proliferative PCNA, cyclin D1 and CDK4 in HT-29 cells. Moreover, the phosphorylation/activation of Akt was significantly suppressed by EESB treatment, whereas that of p53 was enhanced. These results suggest that EESB could effectively induce G1/S arrest in human colon carcinoma cells via modulation of multiple cell cycle-related signaling pathways.

Downregulated microRNA-32 expression induced by high glucose inhibits cell cycle progression via PTEN upregulation and Akt inactivation in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells

MicroRNAs regulate a host of physiological and pathological processes in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), although no published studies describe changes in microRNA expression or function in MSCs under in vitro hyperglycemic conditions. By using a microRNA microarray approach, we have identified that miRNA-32-5p expression is significantly reduced under hyperglycemic conditions in rat bone marrow-derived MSCs. Expression of miRNA-32-5p targets the 3'-untranslated region of the mRNA encoding phosphatase and tensin homologs deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN), a negative regulator of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway. Exposure to high glucose levels reduced miR-32-5p expression, induced PTEN expression, and inhibited activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway of MSCs. Conversely, overexpression of miR-32-5p inhibited the expression of PTEN, ameliorated the inhibitory effect of high glucose levels on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and promoted cell cycle progression from G0/G1 to G2/M and S phases. Our study indicates that exposure of MSCs to hyperglycemic conditions reduces miR-32-5p expression and disturbs cell cycle progression through a PTEN-mediated inhibitory effect on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. In summary, MiR-32-5p is a potentially important therapeutic agent for preventing MSC dysfunction under hyperglycemic conditions.

Livistona chinensis seed suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma growth through promotion of mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis

The Livistona chinensis seed has been used for centuries to clinically treat various types of cancer. However, the precise mechanism of its anticancer activity remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of the ethanol extract of Livistona chinensis seed (EELC) against tumor growth using a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mouse xenograft model and an HCC cell line, HepG2, and investigated the molecular mechanisms mediating its biological activities. We found that EELC inhibited HCC growth both in vivo and in vitro, without apparent signs of toxicity. In addition, EELC treatment resulted in the induction of HCC cell apoptosis. Moreover, EELC-induced apoptosis was accompanied by the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3, and increase in the pro-apoptotic Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Our findings suggest that promotion of mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis in cancer cells may be one of the mechanisms by which the Livistona chinensis seed is effective in cancer treatment.

Hedyotis diffusa Willd extract suppresses Sonic hedgehog signaling leading to the inhibition of colorectal cancer angiogenesis

Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway promotes the process of angiogenesis, contributing to the growth and progression of many human malignancies including colorectal cancer (CRC), which therefore has become a promising target for cancer chemotherapy. Hedyotis diffusa Willd (HDW), as a well-known traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has long been used in China for the clinic treatment of various cancers. Recently, we reported that HDW can inhibit colorectal cancer growth in vivo and in vitro via suppression of the STAT3 pathway. In addition, we demonstrated the anti-angiogenic activity of HDW in vitro. To further elucidate the mechanism of the tumoricidal activity of HDW, by using a CRC mouse xenograft model we evaluated the in vivo effect of the ethanol extract of HDW (EEHDW) on tumor angiogenesis, and investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms. We found that EEHDW could significantly reduce intratumoral microvessel density (MVD), indicating its activity of antitumor angiogenesis in vivo. EEHDW suppressed the activation of SHH signaling in CRC xenograft tumors since it significantly decreased the expression of key mediators of SHH pathway. EEHDW treatment inhibited the expression of the critical SHH signaling target gene VEGF-A as well as its specific receptor VEGFR2. Taken together, we propose for the first time that Hedyotis diffusa Willd inhibits colorectal cancer growth in vivo via inhibition of SHH-mediated tumor angiogenesis.

Autophagy and apoptosis in tubular cells following unilateral ureteral obstruction are associated with mitochondrial oxidative stress

Tubular epithelial loss has been shown to be responsible for the formation of atubular glomeruli leading to nephron decomposition and interstitial fibrosis in obstructive uropathy. Cells undergoing apoptosis and autophagic cell death play an important role in this process, yet the mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether autophagy cooperating with apoptosis is associated with mitochondrial damage and whether oxidative stress plays an important role in the loss of tubular epithelium following unilateral ureteral obstruction. In this model, we demonstrated that there is coexistence of autophagy and apoptosis with tubular atrophy in obstructed proximal tubules. After unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), autophagy in proximal tubular cells was enhanced steadily up to 7 days in the obstructed kidney and declined thereafter, while apoptosis was induced in a time-dependent manner from 3 to 14 days. Mitochondrial structure and number also changed during UUO. Lipid peroxidation products, NOX4, and NADPH oxidase activity were also increased in the obstructed renal cortex, and peaked at 7 days. In vitro, we showed that H2O2 induced mitochondrial injury leading to autophagy and apoptosis through the Beclin 1 pathway and interference with Bcl-2 expression. Thus, our data demonstrate that oxidative stress leading to mitochondrial damage and driven autophagy-dependent cell death and apoptosis are important mechanisms of tubular decomposition in obstructive nephropathy.

Acupuncture therapy for stroke patients

Acupuncture is one of the most important parts of Traditional Chinese Medicine, has been used for more than 3000 years as prevention and treatment for various diseases in China as well as in adjacent regions, and is widely accepted in western countries in recent years. More and more clinical trials revealed that acupuncture shows positive effect in stroke, not only as a complementary and alternative medicine for poststroke rehabilitation but also as a preventive strategy which could induce cerebral ischemic tolerance, especially when combined with modern electrotherapy. Acupuncture has some unique characteristics, which include acupoint specificity and parameter-dependent effect. It also involves complicated mechanism to exert the beneficial effect on stroke. Series of clinical trials have shown that acupuncture primarily regulates the release of neurochemicals, hemorheology, cerebral microcirculation, metabolism, neuronal activity, and the function of specific brain region. Animal studies showed that the effects of acupuncture therapy on stroke were possibly via inhibition of postischemic inflammatory reaction, stimulation of neurogenesis and angiogenesis, and influence on neural plasticity. Mechanisms for its preconditioning effect include activity enhancement of antioxidant, regulation of the endocannabinoid system, and inhibition of apoptosis. Although being controversial, acupuncture is a promising preventive and treatment strategy for stroke, but further high-quality clinical trials would be needed to provide more confirmative evidence.

Jiedu Xiaozheng Yin, a Chinese herbal formula, inhibits tumor angiogenesis via downregulation of VEGF-A and VEGFR-2 expression in vivo and in vitro

Angiogenesis is crucial for cancer growth and metastasis and inhibition of angiogenesis has been recognized to be a promising strategy for the treatment of cancer. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used for thousands of years to treat cancer. Jiedu Xiaozheng Yin (JXY), a polyherbal formula of TCM, has been used to treat various tumors in China. However, the mechanism of its anticancer activity has yet to be fully elucidated. Using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and a hepatoma mouse xenograft model, we investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms of ethanol extract of Jiedu Xiaozheng Yin (EE-JXY). EE-JXY treatment significantly inhibited tumor cell growth both in vitro and in the mouse xenograft model (P<0.05). Moreover, EE-JXY reduced tube formation of HUVECs and angiogenesis in the CAM (P<0.01) and microvessel density (MVD) of tumor in vivo (P<0.05). Further studies showed that EE-JXY was able to suppress the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) in both HepG2 cells and HUVECs (P<0.01) and in tumor (P<0.01). Thus, JXY suppressed tumor growth at least by inhibiting angiogenesis.

Pien Tze Huang suppresses IL-6-inducible STAT3 activation in human colon carcinoma cells through induction of SOCS3

IL-6/STAT3 is one of the most critical cellular signal transduction pathways known to malfunction in colorectal cancer (CRC). As a target gene of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling, suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) can be quickly induced by interleukin-6 (IL-6) stimulation but it then strongly inhibits IL-6-mediated STAT3 activation, functioning as a negative feedback regulator of the IL-6/STAT3 pathway. Aberrant activation of STAT3 and/or reduced expression of SOCS are strongly correlated with carcinogenesis, which therefore becomes a promising target for the development of novel anticancer chemotherapies. Pien Tze Huang (PZH) is a well-known traditional Chinese formula that was first prescribed by a royal physician 450 years ago in the Ming Dynasty. It has been used in China and Southeast Asia for centuries as a folk remedy for various types of cancer including CRC. However, the precise mechanism of its antitumor activity remains largely unclear. In the present study, we found that PZH could significantly and dose-dependently inhibit IL-6-mediated increase of STAT3 phosphorylation levels and transcriptional activity in the human colon carcinoma HT-29 cells, resulting in the suppression of cell proliferation and the induction of apoptosis. In addition, PZH treatment profoundly inhibited IL-6-induced upregulation of cyclin D1 and Bcl-2, two key target genes of the STAT3 pathway. Moreover, PZH treatment increased the expression of SOCS3. These results suggest that PZH could effectively inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis of human colon carcinoma cells via modulation of the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway and its target genes.

Pien Tze Huang inhibits the proliferation of human colon carcinoma cells by arresting G1/S cell cycle progression

Pien Tze Huang (PZH), a well-known traditional Chinese formula prescribed 450 years ago in the Ming Dynasty, has been used in China and Southeast Asia for centuries as a folk remedy for various types of cancer, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Recently, we reported that PZH is capable of inhibiting colon cancer growth both in vivo and in vitro via the promotion of apoptosis and inhibition of tumor angiogenesis. To elucidate the mechanism of the tumoricidal activity of PZH, its effect on the proliferation of human colon carcinoma Caco-2 cells was evaluated and the underlying molecular mechanism was investigated. Results showed that PZH inhibited Caco-2 cell viability and survival in a dose- and/or time-dependent manner. In addition, PZH treatment was found to block the G1/S cell cycle progression. Moreover, PZH suppressed the mRNA and protein expression of pro-proliferative Cyclin D1 and CDK4. Findings of the present study suggest that inhibition of cell proliferation via the G1/S cell cycle arrest is a potential mechanism by which PZH can be effective in the treatment of cancer.

Oxidative stress and modification of renal vascular permeability are associated with acute kidney injury during P. berghei ANKA infection

Malaria associated-acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with 45% of mortality in adult patients hospitalized with severe form of the disease. However, the causes that lead to a framework of malaria-associated AKI are still poorly characterized. Some clinical studies speculate that oxidative stress products, a characteristic of Plasmodium infection, as well as proinflammatory response induced by the parasite are involved in its pathophysiology. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the development of malaria-associated AKI during infection by P. berghei ANKA, with special attention to the role played by the inflammatory response and the involvement of oxidative stress. For that, we took advantage of an experimental model of severe malaria that showed significant changes in the renal pathophysiology to investigate the role of malaria infection in the renal microvascular permeability and tissue injury. Therefore, BALB/c mice were infected with P. berghei ANKA. To assess renal function, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and ratio of proteinuria and creatininuria were evaluated. The products of oxidative stress, as well as cytokine profile were quantified in plasma and renal tissue. The change of renal microvascular permeability, tissue hypoxia and cellular apoptosis were also evaluated. Parasite infection resulted in renal dysfunction. Furthermore, we observed increased expression of adhesion molecule, proinflammatory cytokines and products of oxidative stress, associated with a decrease mRNA expression of HO-1 in kidney tissue of infected mice. The measurement of lipoprotein oxidizability also showed a significant increase in plasma of infected animals. Together, our findings support the idea that products of oxidative stress, as well as the immune response against the parasite are crucial to changes in kidney architecture and microvascular endothelial permeability of BALB/c mice infected with P. berghei ANKA.

Hedyotis diffusa Willd extract inhibits HT-29 cell proliferation via cell cycle arrest

Hedyotis diffusa Willd (HDW) has long been used as an important component in several Chinese medicine formulae to clinically treat various types of cancer, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Previously, we reported that HDW inhibits CRC growth via the induction of cancer cell apoptosis and the inhibition of tumor angiogenesis. In the present study, to further elucidate the mechanism of HDW-mediated antitumor activity, we investigated the effect of HDW ethanol extract (EEHDW) on the proliferation of HT-29 human colon carcinoma cells. We found that EEHDW reduced HT-29 cell viability and survival in a dose- and time-dependent manner. We also observed that EEHDW treatment blocked the cell cycle, preventing G1 to S progression, and reduced mRNA expression of pro-proliferative PCNA, Cyclin D1 and CDK4, but increased that of anti-proliferative p21. Our findings suggest that Hedyotis diffusa Willd may be an effective treatment for CRC via the suppression of cancer cell proliferation.

Aminotriazole attenuated carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative liver injury in mice

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) has been used extensively to study xenobiotic-induced oxidative liver injury. Catalase (CAT) is a major antioxidant enzyme while aminotriazole (ATZ) is commonly used as a CAT inhibitor. In the present study, the effects of ATZ on CCl(4)-induced liver injury were investigated. Our experimental data showed that pretreatment with ATZ significantly decreased CCl(4)-induced elevation of serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) and improved hepatic histopathological abnormality. ATZ dose-dependently inhibited the activity of CAT, but it reduced the content of H(2)O(2) and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver tissues. ATZ decreased plasma level of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and reduced hepatic levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO). In addition, posttreatment with ATZ also decreased the level of ALT and AST. These data indicated that ATZ effectively alleviated CCl(4)-induced oxidative liver damage. These findings suggested that ATZ might have potential value in preventing oxidative liver injury.

Effects of Pien Tze Huang on angiogenesis in vivo and in vitro

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the anti-angiogenic effects of Pien Tze Huang in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with 0 mg/mL, 0.25 mg/mL, 0.5 mg/mL, and 1 mg/mL of PZH for 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, respectively. Chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model was used to evaluate in vivo angiogenesis. An ECMatrix gel system was used to evaluate in vitro angiogenesis by examining the tube formation of HUVECs. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was performed to determine HUVEC viability. Cell density of HUVECs was observed by phase-contrast microscopy. HUVEC migration was determined by wound healing method. The mRNA and protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in both HUVEC and human colon adenocarcinoma cells (HT-29) was examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA), respectively.

RESULTS

PZH treatment significantly reduced the total number of blood vessels compared with the untreated control in the chicken embryos and resulted in a significant decrease in capillary tube formation and cell density of HUVECs (P<0.05). In addition, treatment with 0.25-1 mg/mL of PZH for 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h respectively reduced cell viability by 9%-52%, 24%-87% or 25%-87%, compared with the untreated control cells (P<0.05). Moreover, PZH treatment decreased the migration of HUVECs. Furthermore, PZH dose-dependently suppressed the expression of VEGF-A and bFGF on both mRNA and protein levels (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

PZH could inhibit angiogenesis in vivo in CAM model and in vitro on HUVECs, suggesting that inhibiting tumor angiogenesis might be one of the mechanisms by which PZH treats cancer.

Hedyotis diffusa Willd inhibits colorectal cancer growth in vivo via inhibition of STAT3 signaling pathway

Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3), a common oncogenic mediator, is constitutively activated in many types of human cancers; therefore it is a major focus in the development of novel anti-cancer agents. Hedyotis diffusa Willd has been used as a major component in several Chinese medicine formulas for the clinical treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the precise mechanism of its anti-tumor activity remains largely unclear. Using a CRC mouse xenograft model, in the present study we evaluated the effect of the ethanol extract of Hedyotis diffusa Willd (EEHDW) on tumor growth in vivo and investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms. We found that EEHDW reduced tumor volume and tumor weight, but had no effect on body weight gain in CRC mice, demonstrating that EEHDW can inhibit CRC growth in vivo without apparent adverse effect. In addition, EEHDW treatment suppressed STAT3 phosphorylation in tumor tissues, which in turn resulted in the promotion of cancer cell apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation. Moreover, EEHDW treatment altered the expression pattern of several important target genes of the STAT3 signaling pathway, i.e., decreased expression of Cyclin D1, CDK4 and Bcl-2 as well as up-regulated p21 and Bax. These results suggest that suppression of the STAT3 pathway might be one of the mechanisms by which EEHDW treats colorectal cancer.

Safety and Efficacy of Tien-Hsien Liquid Practical in Patients with Refractory Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group, Phase IIa Trial

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Tien-Hsien Liquid Practical (THL-P), a Chinese herbal mixture, in patients with refractory metastatic breast cancer, we performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, phase IIa pilot trial. Patients were randomly assigned to either receive THL-P or matching placebo and followed up every 4 weeks for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was changes in the global health status/quality of life (GHS/QOL) scale. The secondary endpoints were changes in functional and symptom scales, immunomodulating effects, and adverse events. Sixty-three patients were enrolled between June 2009 and June 2011. The intent-to-treat population included 28 patients in the THL-P group and 11 patients in the placebo group. Compared to the placebo group, the THL-P group had significant improvement from baseline to last visit in GHS/QOL (41.7 versus −33.3; P < 0.05), CD3, CD4/CD8, CD19, CD16+56 positive cells (P < 0.05), and higher levels of physical, role, emotional, and cognitive functioning, as well as decreased fatigue and systemic side effects. Treatment-related adverse events were mild constipation and localized itching, and no serious adverse events were reported. THL-P appears to be a safe alternative adjuvant treatment for patients with refractory metastatic breast cancer, as it effectively improves QOL and palliates cancer-related symptoms.

Pien Tze Huang induced apoptosis in human colon cancer HT-29 cells is associated with regulation of the Bcl-2 family and activation of caspase 3

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the cellular effects of Pien Tze Huang (PZH) in the HT-29 human colon carcinoma cell line.

METHODS

The viability of HT-29 cells was determined by MTT assay. A fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis with annexin-V/propidium iodide (PI) and JC-1 staining were performed to determine cell apoptosis and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, respectively. Activation of caspase 3 was evaluated by a colorimetric assay. The mRNA expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bax were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

PZH, in a dose- and time-dependent manner, reduced viability and induced apoptosis of HT-29 cells. Moreover, PZH treatment resulted in the collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential, activation of caspase 3, and an increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio.

CONCLUSION

PZH inhibits the growth of HT-29 cells by inducing cancer cell apoptosis via regulation of the Bcl-2 family and activation of caspase 3, which may, in part, explain its anticancer activity.

Experimental study on the suppression of sodium nitroprussiate-induced chondrocyte apoptosis by Tougu Xiaotong Capsule (透骨消痛胶囊)-containing serum

OBJECTIVE

To study the mechanism of action of Tougu Xiaotong Capsule (透骨消痛胶囊, TGXTC) ex vivo in suppressing chondrocyte (CD) apoptosis induced by sodium nitroprussiate (SNP).

METHODS

Thirty New Zealand rabbits, 2 months old, were randomized by lottery into five groups, six in each: the blank group treated with saline, the positive control group treated with Zhuanggu Guanjie Pill (壮骨关节丸, 70 mg/kg), and the three experimental groups, EGA, EGB, and EGC, treated with low dose (35 mg/kg), moderate dose (70 mg/kg), and high dose (140 mg/kg) of TGXTC, respectively. All treatments were administered via gastrogavage twice a day for 3 days. Arterial blood was collected from the abdominal aorta and drug or drug metabolites-containing serum was prepared. CDs obtained from knee joints of 16 four-week-old New Zealand rabbits were cultured to the third passage and confirmed by toluidine blue staining. SNP of various final concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mmol/L) was used to induce CD apoptosis, and the dosage-effect relationship of SNP in inducing CD apoptosis was determined. Serum samples from the blank, control, and three dosages of TGXTC-treated rabbits were tested in the CD culture in the presence of SNP. Cell apoptosis was determined by Hoechst 33342 staining, viability of CDs was quantified by MTT, CD apoptosis rate was determined by annexin V-FITC/PI staining, levels of p53 and Bcl-2 mRNA expression in CDs were determined with RT-PCR, and contents of caspase-3 and caspase-9 proteins were determined by colorimetry.

RESULTS

CD apoptosis was induced by SNP at all concentrations tested and in a dose-dependent manner. The SNP concentration of 1 mmol/L and treatment duration of 24 h appeared to be optimal and were selected for the study. Serum samples from the positive control rabbits and from the two higher doses of TGXTC-treated rabbits showed reduction of SNP-induced CD apoptosis, decrease in p53 mRNA expression, inhibition of catalytic activities of caspase-3 and caspase-9, and increase in Bcl-2 mRNA expression when compared with the serum from the blank group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

TGXTC-containing sera antagonized SNP-induced CD apoptosis and the molecular basis for the action was associated with up-regulation of Bcl-2, down-regulation of p53 expression, and inhibition of caspase-3 and caspase-9 catalytic activities.

Antitumor activity of total paeony glycoside against human chronic myelocytic leukemia K562 cell lines in vitro and in vivo

To explore the molecular mechanisms of human leukemia cells by total paeony glycoside (TPG), which is extracted from the root of Radix Paeoniae Rubra. The viability of K562 cells was assessed by MTT assay. Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis and cell cycle analysis. The changes in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration were determined by fluorescent dye Fluo-3, and mitochondrial membrane potential was determined by the retention of the dye Rh123. The cytoplasmic Bax, Bcl-xL, and Bcl-2 protein expressions were determined by western blot. The mRNA expression of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 was detected by RT-PCR. K562 cells were subcutaneously inoculated into nude mice to study the in vivo antitumor effects of TPG. The growth of K562 cells was inhibited and arrested in G0/G1 phase by TPG. TPG also caused apoptosis in K562 cells evidenced by cytosolic accumulation of cytochrome c, caspase-9, and caspase-3. TPG could down-regulate Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL and up-regulate Bax in K562 cells. TPG showed a significant decreased tumor volume and tumor weight in nude mice inoculated with K562 cells. TPG can be developed as a promising anti-chronic myeloid leukemia drug.