Ethanol extract of Ilex hainanensis Merr. exhibits anti-melanoma activity by induction of G1/S cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis

Epigallocatechin gallate inhibits ovarian cancer cell growth and induces cell apoptosis via activation of FOXO3A

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a bioactive component in tea, displays broad anti-cancer effects. Our study was designed to evaluate the anti-cancer effects of EGCG on ovarian cancer and explored the underlying molecular mechanisms. To evaluate the in vitro inhibitory effects of EGCG against ovarian cancer, MTT assay, colony formation assay, apoptosis assay, and wound healing assay, were performed. Besides, the inhibitory effects of EGCG on tumor growth in the xenograft animal model were evaluated by measuring tumor volume and tumor weight. Moreover, Western blotting and qPCR were used to evaluate the levels of target genes and proteins. Treatment with EGCG inhibited cell migration and cell survival, and promoted cell apoptosis in A2780 and SKOV3 cells. Interestingly, treatment with EGCG inhibited the tumor growth in the xenograft animal model. The mechanistic study revealed that treatment with EGCG induced the activation of FOXO3A and suppressed the expression of c-Myc both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings demonstrate that EGCG suppress ovarian cancer cell growth, which may be due to its regulation on FOXO3A and c-Myc.

Utilization of the Hollies (Ilex L. spp.): A Review

The hollies (Ilex L., Aquifoliaceae) form a large (>669 spp.) genus of forest trees and shrubs, which is almost cosmopolitan in mesic environments but most diverse in subtropical China and montane South America. Throughout the range of the genus, Ilex species have been utilized as beverages, medicines, ornamentals, honey plants, timber, and for various other minor uses. Recent studies on the genomics, evolution, and biogeography of Ilex now make it possible to take a systematic approach to understanding and expanding the economic importance of the genus, but information on existing uses is scattered among numerous published and unpublished sources. We therefore review the existing literature on utilization of Ilex species, supplementing this with information from the grey literature and product websites. We show that, despite the number and diversity of known uses, most Ilex species are not known to be utilized at present, suggesting considerable unrealized potential. We highlight gaps in our knowledge and opportunities for expanded usage. Finally, we discuss how the availability of a new phylogeny and whole genome can assist screening of additional wild species for economic potential and facilitate breeding programs for species already under cultivation.

Plant Extracts as a Natural Source of Bioactive Compounds and Potential Remedy for the Treatment of Certain Skin Diseases

Skin ailments present a major health burden in both developed and undeveloped countries. Maintaining healthy skin is important for a healthy body. Medicinal plants have long provided reliable therapy in the treatment of skin diseases in humans through a diverse range of bioactive molecules. Skin diseases may have a various basis, or may be genetically determined; together, they constitute approximately 34% of all occupational diseases encountered in people of all ages. Of these, melanoma is one of the most dangerous forms, with very poor prognosis for patients if it is diagnosed too late. This review of the literature over the past five years examines the role and utilities of plant extracts in treating various skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, acne or melanoma with various potential mechanisms of action.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress mediated the xanthohumol induced murine melanoma B16-F10 cell death

Xanthohumol (XN) exerts a specific cytotoxicity in B16-F10 melanoma cells with cytoplasmic vacuoles formation. Further investigation showed XN inhibited cell proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent manner along with down-regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and up-regulation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress marker Bip, CHOP and protein ubiquitination, which was relieved by the ER-stress inhibitor 4-PBA. Whereas no early apoptosis characteristics was identified during XN induced cell death. [Formula: see text].

Mutation of Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 1 in Cholangiocarcinoma Impairs Tumor Progression by Inhibiting Isocitrate Metabolism

Aim: Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) is key enzyme involved in cellular metabolism and DNA repair. Mutations in IDH1 occur in up to 25% of cholangiocarcinomas. The present study aimed to explore the features of cellosaurus REB cells with mutant and wide-type IDH1. Methods: To compare the features of IDH1 knockout and mutation in cholangiocarcinoma, we firstly constructed the IDH1 knockout and IDH1 mutation cell lines. We then evaluated the viability of these cell lines using the cell count assay and MTT assay. Next, we determined cell migration and invasion using the Transwell assay. Additionally, to evaluate the effects of IDH1 on cellular metabolism, the levels of α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We then applied ChIPbase dataset to explore the genes that were regulated by IDH1. Results: High frequency of mutated IDH1 was observed in the cholangiocarcinoma and IDH1 R132C was presented in more than 80% of mutations. The results showed that IDH1 knockout decreased cell proliferation, migration and invasion, whereas the overexpression of IDH1 in IDH1 knockout cell line recovered its proliferation, migration and invasion capacities. Additionally, IDH1 mutation reduced the levels of NADPH and α-KG. Furthermore, investigation into the underlying mechanisms revealed that IDH1 overexpression induced the expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 thereby promoting cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Conclusion:IDH1 plays an important role in cholangiocarcinoma and its mutation impairs tumor progression in part by inhibition of isocitrate metabolism.

Ilex hainanensis Merr targets ITGAV to suppress the proliferation and metastasis of osteosarcoma cells

Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant bone tumor. Hence, there is an urgent need to identify effective and safe therapeutic agents against OS. It has been reported that Ilex hainanensis Merr (IME) possesses antitumor properties. Integrin subunit alpha V (ITGAV) is important for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of tumors.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to whether IME can play a role in the treatment of osteosarcoma by regulating ITGAV.

Methods: Western blot and real-time PCR were used to detect the expression of ITGAV in non-tumorous tissues, osteosarcoma tissues, and metastatic tumors. The expression of ITGAV in MG63, U2OS, and hFOB1. A total of 19 cells was determined through Western blotting and real-time PCR. The expression of ITGAV in OS cells treated with different concentrations of DDP was determined through Western blotting. Agter transfecting with control or si-ITGAV, and subsequently treated with control or 5 μmol/L DDP, MTT assay and transwell assay were used to detect the proliferaion and migration of cells. Western blot was used to detect the expression of ITGAV in cells treated with different concentrations of IME and MTT assay and transwell assay were used to detect the proliferaion and migration of cells. MG63 and U2OS cells were treated with control, 5 μmol/L DDP, 25 μmol/L IME, or 5 μmol/L DDP combined with 25 μmol/L IME, the expression of ITGAV was determined through Western blotting and real-time PCR. MTT assay and transwell assay were used to detect the proliferation and migration of cells. Inhibitory effect of IME on lung metastasis of osteosarcoma in vivo.

Results: ITGAV was highly expressed in tumors, with the highest expression found in metastatic tumors and higher in OS cells. A low concentration of DDP (5 μmol/L) inhibited the expression of ITGAV. However, ITGAV may be related to the development of resistance to DDP. Silencing of ITGAV downregulates the proliferation and migration of OS cells as the effect of low-concentration DDP (5 μmol/L). IME inhibited the proliferation and migration of MG63 and U2OS cells in a concentration-dependent manner and decreased the expression of ITGAV. MTT and Transwell assays showed that 25 μmol/L IME and 5 μmol/L DDP exhibited similar inhibitory effects on the proliferation and migration of OS cells. The combination of IME with DDP resulted in the amplification of these inhibitory effects. Both DDP and IME downregulated the expression of ITGAV, and the inhibition of ITGAV was amplified by the combination of IME with DDP. In-vivo studies have shown that IME and DDP, independently or in combination, may significantly inhibit the metastasis of OS to the lungs.

Conclusion: IME may reduce the resistance of OS cells to DDP to some extent.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Phenolics Ameliorate Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Stress and Cytotoxicity in Human Keratinocytes

Pomegranate phenolics have been reported to exert skin beneficial effects but their mechanisms of action remain unclear. Herein, we investigated a standardized commercial pomegranate extract (PE; Pomella®) and its phenolics including punicalagin (PA), ellagic acid (EA), and urolithin A (UA) for their protective effects against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative stress and cytotoxicity in human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. PE, PA, and EA reduced the production of H₂O₂-induced ROS in HaCaT cells by 1.03-, 1.37-, and 2.67-fold, respectively. PE, PA, and UA increased the viability of H₂O₂-stimulated HaCaT cells by 89.9, 94.9, and 90.0%, respectively. PE, PA, and UA reduced apoptotic cell populations by 3.39, 7.11, and 8.26%, respectively. In addition, PE, PA and UA decreased H₂O₂-stimulated caspase-3 level by 2.31-, 2.06-, and 2.68-fold, respectively. The ameliorative effects of this PE and its phenolics against the H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress and cytotoxicity in keratinocytes support their utilization as natural cosmeceuticals for skin health.
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Functional cardiac Na+ channels are expressed in human melanoma cells

Resting membrane potential (RMP) and intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration [(Ca²⁺)_i] are involved in tumorigenesis and metastasis. The present study investigated whether functional cardiac Na⁺ channels are expressed in human melanoma cells (WM 266-4) and its nonmalignant human melanocytes (HMC), as well as whether they participate in RMP maintenance and Ca²⁺ homeostasis. Confocal microscopy and western blot analysis were used to detect Na⁺ channels. The patch-clamp technique was employed to record Na⁺ currents and action potentials. Cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ was measured by loading Fluo-4. Cardiac (Na_v1.5) Na⁺ channels were expressed in HMCs and WM 266-4 cells. Tetrodotoxin (TTX) dose-dependently blocked Na⁺ currents in WM 266-4 while HMCs had no Na⁺ currents. Ultraviolet light induced similar action potentials in HMCs and WM 266-4 cells, which were abolished by transient receptor potential A1 channel-specific blocker, HC-030031. Compared with HMCs, RMP was substantially depolarized in WM 266-4. TTX hyperpolarized RMP in WM 266-4 cells at a concentration of 30 µM, which facilitated Ca²⁺ influx. Compared with HMCs, (Ca²⁺)_i was significantly higher in WM 266-4 cells and was elevated by 30 µM TTX. Collectively, Cardiac Na⁺ channels depolarize RMP and inhibit Ca²⁺ uptake in melanoma cells possibly contributing to tumorigenesis and metastasis. Na⁺ channel agonists may be developed to treat melanoma such as WM 266-4.