Differential effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on transactivation of AP-1 and NF-?B in mouse epidermal cl41 cells

Unraveling the mechanism of neuroprotection of curcumin in arsenic induced cholinergic dysfunctions in rats

Earlier, we found that arsenic induced cholinergic deficits in rat brain could be protected by curcumin. In continuation to this, the present study is focused to unravel the molecular mechanisms associated with the protective efficacy of curcumin in arsenic induced cholinergic deficits. Exposure to arsenic (20mg/kg body weight, p.o) for 28 days in rats resulted to decrease the expression of CHRM2 receptor gene associated with mitochondrial dysfunctions as evident by decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential, activity of mitochondrial complexes and enhanced apoptosis both in the frontal cortex and hippocampus in comparison to controls. The ultrastructural images of arsenic exposed rats, assessed by transmission electron microscope, exhibited loss of myelin sheath and distorted cristae in the mitochondria both in the frontal cortex and hippocampus as compared to controls. Simultaneous treatment with arsenic (20mg/kg body weight, p.o) and curcumin (100mg/kg body weight, p.o) for 28 days in rats was found to protect arsenic induced changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential and activity of mitochondrial complexes both in frontal cortex and hippocampus. Alterations in the expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins and ultrastructural damage in the frontal cortex and hippocampus following arsenic exposure were also protected in rats simultaneously treated with arsenic and curcumin. The data of the present study reveal that curcumin could protect arsenic induced cholinergic deficits by modulating the expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins in the brain. More interestingly, arsenic induced functional and ultrastructural changes in the brain mitochondria were also protected by curcumin.

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell activation during chronic dermatitis provoked by constitutively active aryl-hydrocarbon receptor driven by Keratin 14 promoter

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) activate aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Because PAHs are known as a risk factor for allergic diseases, PAH-induced AhR activation is expected to be involved in the development of the pathology. We previously generated transgenic mice expressing a constitutively active AhR (AhR-CA) under the control of Keratin 14 (K14) promoter (AhR-CA mouse). The mice develop chronic dermatitis with immune imbalance toward Th2 predominance, indicating that the AhR activation driven by K14 promoter provokes allergic response. Because hematopoietic cells actively participate in the development of allergic inflammation, it is important to understand the hematopoietic status under allergic conditions. To clarify how the K14 promoter-driven AhR activation influences hematopoiesis, we analyzed bone marrow and spleen of AhR-CA mice. We verified that AhR-CA was expressed in keratinocytes and thymic epithelial cells but not in hematopoietic cells. The AhR-CA mice with full-blown dermatitis exhibited leukocytosis and skewed differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells toward granulocyte-monocyte lineages. They also showed a significant expansion of short-term hematopoietic stem cells and multipotent progenitors and a subtle reduction in long-term hematopoietic stem cells (LT-HSCs). Their spleens were enlarged and abundantly accumulated hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. AhR-CA mice at the early stage of dermatitis did not show leukocytosis or splenomegaly but exhibited the granulocyte-monocyte skewing and the reduction in LT-HSCs. Thus, AhR activation driven by K14 promoter already alters the hematopoietic differentiation and reduces LT-HSCs at the initial stage of dermatitis development. These results suggest that nonhematopoietic exposure to PAHs triggers allergic response and concomitantly affects hematopoiesis.

Role and interaction of p53, BAX and the stress-activated protein kinases p38 and JNK in benzo(a)pyrene-diolepoxide induced apoptosis in human colon carcinoma cells

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are ubiquitous environmental pollutants formed during incomplete combustion of organic material. For example benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) is a constituent and contaminant of cigarette smoke, automobile exhaust, industrial waste and even food products. B[a]P is carcinogenic to rodents and humans. B[a]P induces its own metabolism, which generates different metabolites such as the highly reactive electrophilic genotoxin and ultimal carcinogen B[a]P-7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-epoxide (BPDE). BPDE can bind to nucleophilic macromolecules such as proteins and DNA and causes mutations. Multiple defence mechanisms have evolved to protect the cell from DNA damage. Specific signalling pathways operate to detect and repair different kinds of lesions. In case, the damage is poorly removed expansion of damaged cells can be counteracted, e.g., by the inhibition of proliferation or triggering apoptosis. Examples of damage sensors and transducers are stress-activated protein kinases (SAPKs) and the tumour suppressor protein p53. Here, we studied the role of p53 and the pro-apoptotic protein BAX in BPDE-induced cell death by using wild-type- or knock-out-human colon carcinoma cells. As reported previously, we could reconfirm a critical role of p53 in BPDE-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, induced levels of total p53 and its transcriptional target p21 declined at higher BPDE concentrations correlating with reduced rates of apoptosis. Interestingly, increased phosphorylation of p53 at serine 15 remained elevated at higher BPDE concentrations thus disconnecting p53 phosphorylation from downstream apoptosis. Hence, phosphorylation of p53 seems not only to be a more sensitive biomarker of BPDE exposure but might serve other functions unrelated to apoptosis. In addition, we identify BAX as a novel and essential factor to trigger the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis in response to BPDE. Furthermore, BPDE in parallel activates the SAPKs p38 and JNK, which are as well involved in apoptosis. Although several routes of mutual regulation of p53 and SAPK have been described, we present evidence that the SAPK pathway in response to genotoxic stress can unexpectedly operate independently of p53 and controls apoptosis by a novel mechanism possibly downstream of caspases.

Downregulation of Cdc2/CDK1 kinase activity induces the synthesis of noninfectious human papillomavirus type 31b virions in organotypic tissues exposed to benzo[a]pyrene

Epidemiological studies suggest that human papillomavirus (HPV)-infected women who smoke face an increased risk for developing cervical cancer. We have previously reported that exposure of HPV-positive organotypic cultures to benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a major carcinogen in cigarette smoke, resulted in enhanced viral titers. Since BaP is known to deregulate multiple pathways of cellular proliferation, enhanced virion synthesis could result from carcinogen/host cell interaction. Here, we report that BaP-mediated upregulation of virus synthesis is correlated to an altered balance between cell cycle-specific cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) activity profile compared with controls. Specifically, BaP treatment increased accumulation of hyperphosphorylated retinoblastoma protein (pRb) which coincided with increased cdc2/CDK1 kinase activity, but which further conflicted with the simultaneous upregulation of CDK inhibitors p16(INK4) and p27(KIP1), which normally mediate pRb hypophosphorylation. In contrast, p21(WAF1) and p53 levels remained unchanged. Under these conditions, CDK6 and CDK2 kinase activities were decreased, whereas CDK4 kinase activity remained unchanged. The addition of purvalanol A, a specific inhibitor of CDK1 kinase, to BaP-treated cultures, resulted in the production of noninfectious HPV type 31b (HPV31b) particles. In contrast, infectivity of control virus was unaffected by purvalanol A treatment. BaP targeting of CDK1 occurred independently of HPV status, since BaP treatment also increased CDK1 activity in tissues derived from primary keratinocytes. Our data indicate that HPV31b virions synthesized in the presence of BaP were dependent on BaP-mediated alteration in CDK1 kinase activity for maintaining their infectivity.

Temporal gene expression changes induced by a low concentration of benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide in a normal human cell line

(+ or -)-anti-Benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide (BPDE), which causes bulky-adduct DNA damage, is well-characterized as the ultimate carcinogen of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). In this study, we have employed Affymetrix HG-U133 Plus 2.0 microarray and quantitative real-time RT-PCR methods to investigate a temporal transcriptomic response triggered by a low concentration (0.05 microM) of BPDE at 1, 10, and 22 h after exposure in normal human cells. The differential gene expression profiles at the three time points varied greatly, and generally reflected a cellular responsive process from initiation to progression and to recovery after the BPDE-caused damage. The dynamic regulation of the genes related with cell cycle progression and cell fate exhibited a tendency from inhibition to survival, which was accordant with the cell cycle arrest and cytotoxicity data induced by the low-dose BPDE exposure. In silico comparison of the genomic data revealed that BPDE and ultraviolet induced a panel of common transcriptional responses, which might be related with a series of similar molecular processes elicited by these two DNA-damaging agents. In conclusion, this whole-genome time-course study has identified a dynamically regulated transcriptional signature after low-dose BPDE exposure, which may help to understand the complex mechanisms of mutagenesis and carcinogenesis induced by BPDE.

Dermal toxicity and environmental contamination: electron transfer, reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, cell signaling, and protection by antioxidants

Large numbers of chemicals are known to produce diverse types of skin injury, and these substances fit into a wide variety of both organic and inorganic chemical classes. Skin contact with toxins is difficult to avoid, because they are widely distributed, e.g., in industrial substances, agricultural chemicals, household products, and plants. Although various hypotheses have been advanced, there is no universal agreement as to how dermal toxins act to produce their effects. In this review, we provide evidence and numerous literature citations to support the view that oxidative stress (OS) and electron transfer (ET) comprise a portion of a key mechanism, and perhaps unifying theme that underlie the action of dermatotoxins. We apply the concept that ET and OS are key elements in the induction of dermatotoxic effects to all of the main classes of toxins, and to other toxins, as well. We believe it is not coincidental that the vast majority of dermatotoxic substances incorporate recurrent ET chemical functionalities (i.e., quinone, metal complexes, ArNO2, or conjugated iminium), either per se or as metabolites; such entities potentially give rise to reactive oxygen species (ROS) by redox cycling. However, in some categories, wherein agents cause dermal damage, e.g., peroxides and radiation, it appears that ROS are generated by non-ET routes. As expected, if ET and oxidative process do constitute the mechanistic framework by which most dermal toxins act, then antioxidants (AOs), if present, should prevent or mitigate effects. This is exactly what has been discovered to occur. Because ET and OS either cause or contribute to dermal toxicity, and AOs may offer protection therefrom, policy makers and researchers may be better positioned to prevent human dermatotoxicity.

Particulate matter disrupts human lung endothelial barrier integrity via ROS- and p38 MAPK-dependent pathways

Epidemiologic studies have linked exposure to airborne pollutant particulate matter (PM) with increased cardiopulmonary mortality and morbidity. The mechanisms of PM-mediated lung pathophysiology, however, remain unknown. We tested the hypothesis that PM, via enhanced oxidative stress, disrupts lung endothelial cell (EC) barrier integrity, thereby enhancing organ dysfunction. Using PM collected from Ft. McHenry Tunnel (Baltimore, MD), we assessed PM-mediated changes in transendothelial electrical resistance (TER) (a highly sensitive measure of barrier function), reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation in human pulmonary artery EC. PM induced significant dose (10-100 microg/ml)- and time (0-10 h)-dependent EC barrier disruption reflected by reduced TER values. Exposure of human lung EC to PM resulted in significant ROS generation, which was directly involved in PM-mediated EC barrier dysfunction, as N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC, 5 mM) pretreatment abolished both ROS production and barrier disruption induced by PM. Furthermore, PM induced p38 MAPK activation and HSP27 phosphorylation, events that were both attenuated by NAC. In addition, PM-induced EC barrier disruption was partially prevented by the p38 MAP kinase inhibitor SB203580 (10 microM) as well as by reduced expression of either p38 MAPK beta or HSP27 (siRNA). These results demonstrate that PM induces ROS generation in human lung endothelium, resulting in oxidative stress-mediated EC barrier disruption via p38 MAPK- and HSP27-dependent pathways. These findings support a novel mechanism for PM-induced lung dysfunction and adverse cardiopulmonary outcomes.

Benzo[a]pyrene induces expression of matrix metalloproteinases and cell migration and invasion of vascular smooth muscle cells

Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) has been shown to accelerate atherosclerosis development in animal models. However, the mechanisms that B[a]P induces atherogenesis are unclear. Abnormal migration and invasion of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a major contributor to the development of atherosclerotic lesions. In this article, we demonstrated that B[a]P promoted the migration and invasion of rat VSMCs. B[a]P increased the mRNA levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 1, 2, 3, and 9. The MMPs inhibitor GM6001 inhibited B[a]P-induced invasion of VSMCs. Among the MMPs mentioned above, MMP-3 had the maximal induction. Mechanistic studies indicate that B[a]P-induced transcriptional activation of MMP-3 is not mediated by AP-1, NF-kappaB. B[a]P-induced expression of MMPs was attenuated by alpha-naphthoflavone, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonist. In addition, alpha-naphthoflavone inhibited B[a]P-induced migration and invasion of VSMCs. These results suggest that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor plays an important role in B[a]P-induced expression of MMPs and migration and invasion of VSMC. Our findings may reveal a novel role of B[a]P in inducing atherogenesis.

Benzo(a)pyrene-caused increased G1-S transition requires the activation of c-Jun through p53-dependent PI-3K/Akt/ERK pathway in human embryo lung fibroblasts

Benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) is a potent lung carcinogen mainly derived from tobacco smoking and environmental contamination, however, the molecular mechanisms by which it accelerates the cell cycle progression and induces the abnormal cell proliferation are still far away from understood. Our current analysis of human embryo lung fibroblasts (HELF) showed that B(a)P exposure was able to promote cell cycle G(1)-S phase transition. This effect was correlated with c-Jun activation because inhibition of c-Jun by its dominant negative mutant (TAM67) reversed B(a)P action on cell cycle with the down-regulation of expression of cyclin D1, pRb and E2F1. Further study found that overexpression of dominant negative mutants of, PI-3K or Akt, dramatically reduced B(a)P-induced the activation of c-Jun and extracellular signaling regulated kinase (ERK), but not c-Jun NH2 terminal kinase (JNK). Inhibition of p53 by either its inhibitor pifithrin-alpha or p53 siRNA markedly increased B(a)P-induced the activation of c-Jun, Akt and ERK in this context. Take together, our results indicate that c-Jun activation by p53-dependent PI-3K/Akt/ERK pathway is responsible for B(a)P-induced cell cycle alternations in human embryo lung fibroblasts.

Interleukin-8 induction by the environmental contaminant benzo(a)pyrene is aryl hydrocarbon receptor-dependent and leads to lung inflammation

Benzo(a)pyrene (BP) is an environmental contaminant known to favor airway inflammation likely through up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The present study was designed to characterize its effects toward interleukin-8 (IL-8), a well-established pulmonary inflammatory cytokine. In primary human macrophages, BP was shown to induce IL-8 expression at both mRNA and secretion levels in a dose-dependent manner. Such an up-regulation was likely linked to aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-activation since BP-mediated IL-8 induction was reduced after AhR expression knock-down through RNA interference. Moreover, electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments showed BP-triggered binding of AhR to a consensus xenobiotic responsive element (XRE) found in the human IL-8 promoter. Finally, BP administration to mice led to over-expression of keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC), the murine functional homologue of IL-8, in lung. It also triggered the recruitment of neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids, which was however fully abolished in the presence of a chemical antagonist of the KC/IL-8 receptors CXCR1/CXCR2, thus supporting the functional and crucial involvement of KC in BP-induced lung inflammation. Overall, these data highlight an AhR-dependent regulation of IL-8 in response to BP that likely contributes to the airway inflammatory effects of this environmental chemical.

The cigarette smoke carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene enhances human papillomavirus synthesis

Epidemiological studies suggest that cigarette smoke carcinogens are cofactors which synergize with human papillomavirus (HPV) to increase the risk of cervical cancer progression. Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a major carcinogen in cigarette smoke, is detected in the cervical mucus and may interact with HPV. Exposure of cervical cells to high concentrations of BaP resulted in a 10-fold increase in HPV type 31 (HPV31) viral titers, whereas treatment with low concentrations of BaP resulted in an increased number of HPV genome copies but not an increase in virion morphogenesis. BaP exposure also increased HPV16 and HPV18 viral titers. Overall, BaP modulation of the HPV life cycle could potentially enhance viral persistence, host tissue carcinogenesis, and permissiveness for cancer progression.

Benzo[a]pyrene-dependent activation of transcription factors NF-κB and AP-1 related to tumor promotion in hepatoma cell cultures

The activation by the carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) benzo[a]pyrene (BP) of transcription factors NF-kappaB and AP-1 in hepatoma 27 and HepG2 cell cultures was studied. In contrast to the hepatoma HepG2 cells, cytochrome P450 isoforms and Ah-receptor are not expressed in the hepatoma 27 cells. The transcription factor NF-kappaB was activated only in the hepatoma 27 cells by BP treatment but not by its noncarcinogenic isomer benzo[e]pyrene (BeP). Conversely to NF-kappaB activation the transcription factor AP-1 was activated in the hepatoma HepG2 cells by cell treatment with BP but not in the hepatoma 27 cells. It is concluded that the NF-kappaB activation is caused by nonmetabolized BP molecule and not related to activation of the Ah-receptor. The transcription factor AP-1 seems to be activated as a result of the interaction of BP with the Ah-receptor. The realization of tumor promotion stage by carcinogenic PAHs treatment in dependence on the cytochrome P450 and Ah-receptor levels in the initiated cells is discussed.

Cyclooxygenase-2 induction by arsenite through the IKKbeta/NFkappaB pathway exerts an antiapoptotic effect in mouse epidermal Cl41 cells

BACKGROUND

Arsenic contamination has become a major public health concern worldwide. Epidemiologic data show that long-term arsenic exposure results in the risk of skin cancer. However, the mechanisms underlying carcinogenic effects of arsenite on skin remain to be studied.

OBJECTIVES

In the present study we evaluated cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression, the signaling pathways leading to COX-2 induction, and its antiapoptotic function in the response to arsenite exposure in mouse epidermal JB6 Cl41 cells.

METHODS

We used the luciferase reporter assay and Western blots to determine COX-2 induction by arsenite. We utilized dominant negative mutant, genetic knockout, gene knockdown, and gene overexpression approaches to elucidate the signaling pathway involved in COX-2 induction and its protective effect on cell apoptosis.

RESULTS

The induction of COX-2 by arsenite was inhibited in Cl41 cells transfected with IKKbeta-KM, a dominant mutant inhibitor of kbeta (Ikbeta) kinase (IKKbeta), and in IKKbeta-knockout (IKKbeta(-/-)) mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). IKKbeta/nuclear factor kappaB (NFkappaB) pathway-mediated COX-2 induction exerted an antiapoptotic effect on the cells exposed to arsenite because cell apoptosis was significantly enhanced in the Cl41 cells transfected with IKKbeta-KM or COX-2 small interference RNA (siCOX-2). In addition, IKKbeta(-/-) MEFs stably transfected with COX-2 showed more resistance to arsenite-induced apoptosis compared with the same control vector-transfected cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that arsenite exposure can induce COX-2 expression through the IKKbeta/NFkappaB pathway, which thereby exerts an antiapoptotic effect in response to arsenite. In light of the importance of apoptosis evasion during carcinogenesis, we anticipate that COX-2 induction may be at least partially responsible for the carcinogenic effect of arsenite on skin.

c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase-related Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1 activation controls hexokinase II expression in benzo(a)pyrene-induced apoptosis

Regulation of the balance between survival, proliferation, and apoptosis on carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure is still poorly understood and more particularly the role of physiologic variables, including intracellular pH (pH(i)). Although the involvement of the ubiquitous pH(i) regulator Na(+)/H(+) exchanger isoform 1 (NHE1) in tumorigenesis is well documented, less is known about its role and regulation during apoptosis. Our previous works have shown the primordial role of NHE1 in carcinogenic PAH-induced apoptosis. This alkalinizing transporter was activated by an early CYP1-dependent H(2)O(2) production, subsequently promoting mitochondrial dysfunction leading to apoptosis. The aim of this study was to further elucidate how NHE1 was activated by benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) and what the downstream events were in the context of apoptosis. Our results indicate that the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4/c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (MKK4/JNK) pathway was a link between BaP-induced H(2)O(2) production and NHE1 activation. This activation, in combination with BaP-induced phosphorylated p53, promoted mitochondrial superoxide anion production, supporting the existence of a common target for NHE1 and p53. Furthermore, we showed that the mitochondrial expression of glycolytic enzyme hexokinase II (HKII) was decreased following a combined action of NHE1 and p53 pathways, thereby enhancing the BaP-induced apoptosis. Taken together, our findings suggest that, on BaP exposure, MKK4/JNK targets NHE1 with consequences on HKII protein, which might thus be a key protein during carcinogenic PAH apoptosis.

Benzo[a]pyrene diol-epoxide (B[a]PDE) upregulates COX-2 expression through MAPKs/AP-1 and IKKbeta/NF-kappaB in mouse epidermal Cl41 cells

Benzo[alpha]pyrene-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide (B[a]PDE), the major metabolite of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), shows an ultimate complete carcinogen in various animals and is a causative agent for human cancers. However, its effects on the activation of signal pathways and the expression of genes involved in its carcinogenic effect remain largely unknown. In this study, the effects of B[a]PDE on induction of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and the signal pathways leading to the induction were investigated. Treatment of mouse epidermal Cl41 cells with B[a]PDE caused an increase in the expression of COX-2 at both transcription and protein levels, while its parental compound B[a]P did not show significant inductive effect. The COX-2 induction by B[a]PDE was dependent on the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK)s/activation protein (AP)-1 pathway, because inhibition of AP-1 by either overexpression of TAM67 (dominant negative mutant of c-jun), or pretreatment of cells with PD98059 (MEK1/2-ERKs pathway inhibitor) or SB202190 (p38K inhibitor), markedly inhibited B[a]PDE-induced COX-2 expression. In addition, impairment of NF-kappaB pathway by either NEMO-BDBP (an NF-kappaB specific inhibitor) or IkappaB kinase (IKK)beta-KM (dominant negative mutant of IKKbeta) also caused marked reduction of COX-2 induction by B[a]PDE. In contrast, inhibition of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) with FK506, did not show any effect on B[a]PDE-induced COX-2 expression. Collectively, these data indicate that exposure of Cl41 cells to B[a]PDE can induce COX-2 expression by increasing its transcription, which requires the activation of MAPKs/AP-1 and IKKbeta/NF-kappaB pathways, but not NFAT pathway. In view of the importance of COX-2 in carcinogenesis, we anticipate that the induction of COX-2 by B[a]PDE may coordinate its mutagenic effects to facilitate the development of skin cancer.

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor-dependent deregulation of cell cycle control induced by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in rat liver epithelial cells

Disruption of cell proliferation control by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) may contribute to their carcinogenicity. We investigated role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in disruption of contact inhibition in rat liver epithelial WB-F344 'stem-like' cells, induced by the weakly mutagenic benz[a]anthracene (BaA), benzo[b]fluoranthene (BbF) and by the strongly mutagenic benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). There were significant differences between the effects of BaA and BbF, and those of the strongly genotoxic BaP. Both BaA and BbF increased percentage of cells entering S-phase and cell numbers, associated with an increased expression of Cyclin A and Cyclin A/cdk2 complex activity. Their effects were significantly reduced in cells expressing a dominant-negative AhR mutant (dnAhR). Roscovitine, a chemical inhibitor of cdk2, abolished the induction of cell proliferation by BbF. However, neither BaA nor BbF modulated expression of the principal cdk inhibitor involved in maintenance of contact inhibition, p27(Kip1), or pRb phosphorylation. The strongly mutagenic BaP induced apoptosis, a decrease in total cell numbers and significantly higher percentage of cells entering S-phase than either BaA or BbF. Given that BaP induced high levels of Cyclin A/cdk2 activity, downregulation of p27(Kip1) and hyperphosphorylation of pRb, the accumulation of cells in S-phase was probably due to cell proliferation, although S-phase arrest due to blocked replication forks can not be excluded. Both types of effects of BaP were significantly attenuated in dnAhR cells. Transfection of WB-F344 cells with siRNA targeted against AhR decreased induction of Cyclin A induced by BbF or BaP, further supporting the role of AhR in proliferative effects of PAHs. This suggest that activation of AhR plays a significant role both in disruption of contact inhibition by weakly mutagenic PAHs and in genotoxic effects of BaP possibly leading to enhanced cell proliferation. Thus, PAHs may increase proliferative rate and the likelihood of fixation of mutations.

Molecular mechanisms involved in chemoprevention of black raspberry extracts: from transcription factors to their target genes

Berries have attracted attention for their chemopreventive activities in last a few years. Dietary freeze-dried blackberries have been shown to reduce esophagus and colon cancer development induced by chemical carcinogen in rodents. To elucidate molecular mechanisms involved in chemoprevention by berry extracts, we employed mouse epidermal Cl 41 cell line, a well-characterized in vitro model in tumor promotion studies. Pretreatment of Cl 41 cells with methanol-extracted blackberry fraction RO-ME resulted in a dramatical inhibition of B(a)PDE-induced activation of AP-1 and NFkB, and expression of VEGF and COX-2. The inhibitory effects of RO-ME on B(a)PDE-induced activation of AP-1 and NFkappaB appear to be mediated via inhibition of MAPKs and IkappaBalpha phosphorylation, respectively. In view of the important roles of AP-1, NFkappaB, VEGF and COX-2 in tumor promotion/progression, and VEGF and COX-2 are target of AP-1 and NFkappaB, we anticipate that the ability of black raspberries to inhibit tumor development may be mediated by impairing signal transduction pathways leading to activation of AP-1 and NFkappaB, subsequently resulting in down-regulation of VEGF and COX-2 expression. The RO-ME fraction appears to be the major fraction responsible for the inhibitory activity of black raspberries.

An environmental quinoid polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, acenaphthenequinone, modulates cyclooxygenase-2 expression through reactive oxygen species generation and nuclear factor kappa B activation in A549 cells

Diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) contain oxygen-containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) called quinoid PAHs. Some quinoid PAHs generate free radicals as they undergo enzymatic and nonenzymatic redox cycling with their corresponding semiquinone radicals. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by these reactions can cause severe oxidative stress connected with inflammatory processing. Although humans and animals are continuously exposed to these chemicals in the environment, little is known about which quinoid PAHs are active. In this study, we estimated the intracellular ROS production and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) translocation in A549 cells exposed to isomers of quinoid PAHs having two to four rings. We found that both acenaphthenequinone (AcQ) and 9,10-phenanthrenequinone (PQ) enhanced ROS generation and that AcQ translocated NF-kappaB from the cytosol to the nucleus. However, PQ, which has been reported to induce apoptosis, did not influence NF-kappaB activation. In addition, AcQ induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression which is a key enzyme in the inflammatory processing involved in the activation of NF-kappaB. Upregulation of NF-kappaB and COX-2 expression by AcQ treatment was suppressed by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC). These results provide that AcQ might play an important role in human lung inflammatory diseases as an air pollutant.

Coordination of JNK1 and JNK2 is critical for GADD45alpha induction and its mediated cell apoptosis in arsenite responses

Arsenite is a well documented environmental pathogen, whereas it has also been applied as medication to treat various neoplasmas. The pathogenic and therapeutic effects of arsenite are associated with cellular apoptotic responses. However, the molecular mechanisms of arsenite-induced apoptosis are not very well understood. Our previous study has shown that arsenite exposure is able to activate JNKs, which subsequently mediate the apoptotic outcome. The present study further revealed that the coordination of JNK1 and JNK2 was critical for the arsenite-induced expression of GADD45alpha (growth arrest and DNA damage 45alpha), which in turn mediated the cellular apoptosis. The arsenite-induced apoptosis and GADD45alpha expression were significantly impaired in mouse embryonic fibroblasts deficient in either jnk1 (JNK1-/-) or jnk2 (JNK2-/-). Knockdown of GADD45alpha by its specific small interfering RNA also dramatically reduced the apoptotic responses, and overexpression of GADD45alpha in either JNK1-/- or JNK2-/- mouse embryonic fibroblasts partially resensitized the cell death. Furthermore, it was found that the regulation of GADD45alpha by JNK1 and JNK2 was achieved through mediating the activation of c-Jun, since in the JNK1-/- and JNK2-/- cells the c-Jun activation was impaired, and overexpression of the dominant negative mutant of c-Jun (TAM67) in wild type cells could also block GADD45alpha induction as well as cellular apoptosis. Our results demonstrate that the coordination of JNK1 and JNK2 is critical for c-Jun/GADD45alpha-mediated cellular apoptosis induced by arsenite.

Cyclooxygenase-2 Induction by Arsenite Is through a Nuclear Factor of Activated T-cell-dependent Pathway and Plays an Antiapoptotic Role in Beas-2B Cells

Arsenite is a well known metalloid human carcinogen, and epidemiological evidence has demonstrated its association with the increased incidence of lung cancer. However, the mechanism involved in its lung carcinogenic effect remains obscure. The current study demonstrated that exposure of human bronchial epithelial cells (Beas-2B) to arsenite resulted in a marked induction of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, an important mediator for inflammation and tumor promotion. Exposure of the Beas-2B cells to arsenite also led to significant transactivation of nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT), but not activator protein-1 (AP-1) and NFkappaB, suggesting that NFAT, rather than AP-1 or NFkappaB, is implicated in the responses of Beas-2B cells to arsenite exposure. Furthermore, we found that inhibition of the NFAT pathway by either chemical inhibitors, dominant negative mutants of NFAT, or NFAT3 small interference RNA resulted in the impairment of COX-2 induction and caused cell apoptosis in Beas-2B cells exposed to arsenite. Site-directed mutation of two putative NFAT binding sites between-111 to +65 in the COX-2 promoter region eliminated the COX-2 transcriptional activity induced by arsenite, confirming that those two NFAT binding sites in the COX-2 promoter region are critical for COX-2 induction by arsenite. Moreover, knockdown of COX-2 expression by COX-2-specific small interference RNA also led to an increased cell apoptosis in Beas-2B cells upon arsenite exposure. Together, our results demonstrate that COX-2 induction by arsenite is through NFAT3-dependent and AP-1- or NFkappaB-independent pathways and plays a crucial role in antagonizing arsenite-induced cell apoptosis in human bronchial epithelial Beas-2B cells.

Identification of cyanidin glycosides as constituents of freeze-dried black raspberries which inhibit anti-benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide induced NFkappaB and AP-1 activity

Dietary freeze-dried black raspberries inhibit tumor induction by N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine in the rat esophagus, but the constituents responsible for this chemopreventive activity have not been identified. We fractionated freeze-dried black raspberries and used mouse epidermal JB6 Cl 41 cells stably transfected with either a nuclear factor kappa B (NFkappaB)- or an activator protein 1 (AP-1)-luciferase reporter, and treated with racemic anti-benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide (BPDE), to assess the inhibitory effects of the fractions. The ethanol and water extracts of the freeze-dried black raspberries had inhibitory activity and these extracts were fractionated by HPLC to give several bioactive fractions. Further HPLC analysis yielded multiple subfractions, some of which inhibited BPDE-induced NFkappaB activity. Major constituents of the most active subfractions were identified by their spectral properties and in comparison with standards as cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin 3-O-(2(G)-xylosylrutinoside) and cyanidin 3-O-rutinoside. Analysis of freeze-dried black raspberries indicated that these three components comprised approximately 3.4% of the material by dry weight. Consistent with these results, standard cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and cyanidin chloride were also good inhibitors of BPDE-induced NFkappaB activity. The results of this study demonstrate that cyanidin glycosides of freeze-dried black raspberries are bioactive compounds which could account for at least some of the chemopreventive activity observed in animal models.

Effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on vascular endothelial growth factor induction through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AP-1-dependent, HIF-1alpha-independent pathway

Previous studies have demonstrated that exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and its derivatives is associated with an increased risk of skin cancers, and the carcinogenic effect of PAHs is thought to involve both tumor initiation and promotion. Whereas PAH tumor initiation is well characterized, the mechanisms involved in the tumor promotion of PAHs remain elusive. In the present study, we investigated the effects of PAHs on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression by comparison of its induction between the active metabolite and its parent compound (B[a]PDE versus B[a]P) or between active compound and its relatively inactive analog (5-MCDE versus CDE). We found that exposure of cells to (+/-)-anti-benzo-[a]pyrene-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide (B[a]PDE) or (+/-)-anti-5-methylchrysene-1,2-diol-3,4-epoxide (5-MCDE) led to marked induction of VEGF in Cl41 cells, whereas benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) or chrysene-1,2-diol-3,4-epoxide (CDE) did not exhibit significant inductive effects. Exposure of cells to B[a]PDE and 5-MCDE did not induce HIF-1alpha activation, whereas AP-1 was significantly activated. Moreover, overexpression of TAM67 (a dominant-negative mutant c-Jun) dramatically blocked that VEGF induction. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that AP-1 was only able to specifically recognize and bind to its AP-1 potential binding site within -1136 and -1115 of the VEGF promoter region. Site-directed mutation of this AP-1 binding site eliminated the VEGF transcriptional activity induced by B[a]PDE, suggesting that the AP-1 binding site between -1136 and -1115 in the VEGF promoter region is critical for VEGF induction by B[a]PDE. In addition, overexpression of Deltap85 (a dominant-negative mutant PI-3K) impaired B[a]PDE- and 5-MCDE-induced VEGF induction. Considering our previous findings that PI-3K is an upstream mediator for c-Jun/AP-1 activation, we conclude that the VEGF induction by B[a]PDE and 5-MCDE is through PI-3K/AP-1-dependent and HIF-1alpha-independent pathways. These findings may help us to understand the mechanisms involved in PAH carcinogenic effects.

Use of a fluorescent phosphoprotein dye to characterize oxidative stress-induced signaling pathway components in macrophage and epithelial cultures exposed to diesel exhaust particle chemicals

A large body of evidence has shown that exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM) leads to asthma exacerbation through an excitation of allergic inflammation. Utilizing diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) as a model air pollutant, we and others have demonstrated that PM contains redox-active chemicals that generate inflammation through an oxidative stress mechanism. Recently, the strengths of proteomics have enabled us to demonstrate that organic DEP extracts induce a hierarchical expression pattern of oxidative stress-induced proteins in macrophages and epithelial cells. As a further extension of this work, we now employ a new phosphosensor fluorescent dye, Pro-Q Diamond, to elucidate the induction of phosphoproteins and intracellular signaling cascades that may play a role in DEP-induced inflammation. We demonstrate that DEPs induced the phosphorylation of several phosphoproteins that belong to a number of signaling pathways as well as other oxidative stress pathways. In combination with cytokine array, phosphoproteome analysis using Pro-Q Diamond allowed us to characterize the aromatic and polar chemicals of DEPs that are involved in the activation of three different mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling pathways.

Loss of Tumor Suppressor p53 Decreases PTEN Expression and Enhances Signaling Pathways Leading to Activation of Activator Protein 1 and Nuclear Factor κB Induced by UV Radiation

Transcription factor p53 and phosphatase PTEN are two tumor suppressors that play essential roles in suppression of carcinogenesis. However, the mechanisms by which p53 mediates anticancer activity and the relationship between p53 and PTEN are not well understood. In the present study, we found that pretreatment of mouse epidermal Cl41 cells with pifithrin-alpha, an inhibitor for p53-dependent transcriptional activation, resulted in a marked increase in UV-induced activation of activator protein 1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB). Consistent with activation of AP-1 and NF-kappaB, pifithrin-alpha was also able to enhance the UV-induced phosphorylation of c-Jun-NH2-kinases (JNK) and p38 kinase, whereas it did not show any effect on phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases. Furthermore, the UV-induced signal activation, including phosphorylation of JNK, p38 kinase, Akt, and p70S6K, was significantly enhanced in p53-deficient cells (p53-/-), which can be reversed by p53 reconstitution. In addition, knockdown of p53 expression by its small interfering RNA also caused the elevation of AP-1 activation and Akt phosphorylation induced by UV radiation. These results show that p53 has a suppressive activity on the cell signaling pathways leading to activation of AP-1 and NF-kappaB in cell response to UV radiation. More importantly, deficiency of p53 expression resulted in a decrease in PTEN protein expression, suggesting that p53 plays a critical role in the regulation of PTEN expression. In addition, overexpression of wild-type PTEN resulted in inhibition of UV-induced AP-1 activity. Because PTEN is a well-known phosphatase involved in the regulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3K)/Akt signaling pathway, taken together with the evidence that PI-3K/Akt plays an important role in the activation of AP-1 and NF-kappaB during tumor development, we anticipate that inhibition of AP-1 and NF-kappaB by tumor suppressor p53 seems to be mediated via PTEN, which may be a novel mechanism involved in anticancer activity of p53 protein.