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Yin ZH, Tan WH, Jiang YL. Exploration of the Molecular Mechanism of Curcuma aromatica Salisb's Anticolorectal Cancer Activity via the Integrative Approach of Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:21426-21439. [PMID: 38764617 PMCID: PMC11097187 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c01759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Curcuma aromatica Salisb (Cur), a well-known herbal medicine, has a wide spectrum of anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, and antioxidant activities. However, the roles of its active compounds and potential mechanisms in colorectal cancer remain unknown. This research utilized network pharmacology and experimental validation to explore the possible mechanisms by which Cur protects against colorectal cancer. The active compounds of Cur and related genes for colorectal cancer were obtained from public databases. The DrugBank database was used to search for anticolorectal cancer drugs licensed through the FDA and their targets, and a "drug-component-target" relationship network was created using the Cytoscape program. The String database produced the PPI network. The ability of these active ingredients to bind to core targets was confirmed by molecular docking using AutoDock Vina. Cell and animal experiments were then carried out. A total of 274 targets were obtained from Cur, 49 of which were potential therapeutic targets. Four key targets, PTGS2, AKT1, TP53, and estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), were screened via the PPI network and the FDA drug-target network. Molecular docking results revealed that Cur had strong binding abilities to these targets. In vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that Cur suppressed the development of colorectal cancer by regulating its targets (PTGS2, AKT1, TP53, and ESR1), which play crucial roles in promoting apoptosis and suppressing cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Collectively, Cur protects against colorectal cancer by regulating the AKT1/PTGS2/ESR1 and P53 pathways, which lays the groundwork for further research and clinical applications of Cur in colorectal cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Hui Yin
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Anorectal, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Wei-Hua Tan
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Emergency Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Yi-Ling Jiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Oncology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
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Ma Y, Cui Q, Zhu W, Wang M, Zhai L, Hu W, Liu D, Liu M, Li Y, Li M, Han W. A Novel Tetramethylpyrazine Chalcone Hybrid- HCTMPPK, as a Potential Anti-Lung Cancer Agent by Downregulating MELK. Drug Des Devel Ther 2024; 18:1531-1546. [PMID: 38737331 PMCID: PMC11088378 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s449139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Lung adenocarcinoma currently ranks the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Many anti-inflammation herbs, like tetramethylpyrazine, have shown their anti-tumor potentials. Here, we evaluated the role of a novel chalcone derivative of tetramethylpyrazine ((E) -1- (E) -1- (2-hydroxy-5-chlorophenyl) -3- (3,5,6-trimethylpyrazin-2-yl) -2-propen-1, HCTMPPK) in lung adenocarcinoma. Methods The effects of HCTMPPK on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion were investigated by in-vitro assays, including CCK-8, colony formation assay, flow cytometry, transwell assay, and wound-healing assay. The therapeutic potential of HCTMPPK in vivo was evaluated in xenograft mice. To figure out the target molecules of HCTMPPK, a network pharmacology approach and molecular docking studies were employed, and subsequent experiments were conducted to confirm these candidate molecules. Results HCTMPPK effectively suppressed the proliferative activity and migration, as well as enhanced the apoptosis of A549 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Consistent with this, tumor growth was inhibited by HCTMPPK significantly in vivo. Regarding the mechanisms, HCTMPPK down-regulated Bcl-2 and MMP-9 and up-regulating Bax and cleaved-caspase-3. Subsequently, we identified 601 overlapping DEGs from LUAD patients in TCGA and GEO database. Then, 15 hub genes were identified by PPI network and CytoHubba. Finally, MELK was verified to be the HCTMPPK targeted site, through the molecular docking studies and validation experiments. Conclusion Overall, our study indicates HCTMPPK as a potential MELK inhibitor and may be a promising candidate for the therapy of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Ma
- Qingdao Key Laboratory of Common Diseases, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong, 260071, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qian Cui
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shenzhen Luohu People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, 518000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenjing Zhu
- Qingdao Key Laboratory of Common Diseases, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong, 260071, People’s Republic of China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Traditional Marine Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mei Wang
- Qingdao Key Laboratory of Common Diseases, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong, 260071, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Zhai
- Department of Pharmacy, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenmin Hu
- Qingdao Key Laboratory of Common Diseases, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong, 260071, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dongdong Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanting District People’s Hospital, Zaozhuang, 277200, People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongchun Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meng Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Han
- Qingdao Key Laboratory of Common Diseases, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong, 260071, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
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Ghorbanzadeh V, Hassan ALJAF KA, Wasman HM, Dariushnejad H. Crocin inhibit the metastasis of MDA-MB-231 cell line by suppressing epithelial to mesenchymal transition through WNT/β-catenin signalling pathway. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:1401-1407. [PMID: 38463069 PMCID: PMC10923327 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Triple-negative breast cancer has the poorest prognosis and survival rates compared to other breast cancer subtypes due to its invasive behaviours. This type of cancer does not respond to biological therapies and exhibits resistance to available treatment options. Therefore, it is imperative to discover new therapeutics to address this challenge. Methods In this study, a TNBC cell line was utilized to investigate the anti-metastatic effect of crocin on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Cell proliferation was assessed using the MTT assay, and the effects of crocin on migration were monitored through transwell and wound healing experiments. The expression of specific epithelial-mesenchymal transition marker genes was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction, and β-catenin expression was also examined through real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results The findings revealed that crocin significantly inhibits cell proliferation and migration of tumour cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, crocin decreased the expression of Vimentin, Snail, Zeb-1, and β-catenin. Additionally, crocin increased the expression of E-cadherin in the MDA-MB-231 cell line. Conclusions The results demonstrated an association between crocin and the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. In conclusion, this study establishes that crocin holds promise as a potential therapeutic option for triple-negative breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hunar Mustafa Wasman
- Medical Laboratory Science Department, University of Raparin, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Hassan Dariushnejad
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
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Bai H, Wu Y, Li H, Zhu Y, Che R, Wang F, Zhang C. Cerebral neurotoxicity of amino-modified polystyrene nanoplastics in mice and the protective effects of functional food Camellia pollen. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169511. [PMID: 38145676 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that nanoplastics contribute to an increased risk of brain damage, however, the precise underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we subjected mice to long-term exposure to amino-modified polystyrene nanoplastics (APS-NPs). These nanoplastics were detected in the mouse brain; coupled with the observed upregulation of Alzheimer's disease-associated genes (APP and MAPT). To further explore nanoplastic damage mechanisms and the corresponding protective strategies against these mechanisms in vitro, we used hCMEC/D3 and HT22 cells. Results showed that APS-NPs disrupted tight junction proteins (Occludin and ZO-1) via TLR2/MMP9 axis, resulting in blood-brain barrier permeation; this was significantly mitigated by functional food Camellia pollen treatment. APS-NPs initiated iNOS and nNOS upregulation within neurons resulting in Sirtuin 1 deacetylase inactivation and CBP acetyltransferase stimulation, ultimately leading to Ac-Tau formation. This process was attenuated by Camellia pollen, which also ameliorated the APS-NPs-induced neuronal apoptosis mediated by the p53/Bax/Bcl-2 axis. Network pharmacology analysis of Camellia pollen offered a further theoretical understanding of its potential applications in preventing and treating nervous system disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. This study established that Camellia pollen protects the brain against APS-NPs-mediated blood-brain barrier damage and alleviates neuronal apoptosis and Alzheimer's disease-like neurotoxicity. This study elucidates the mechanisms underlying polystyrene-induced brain damage and can be used to inform future prevention and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hangjia Bai
- Sino-Jan Joint Lab of Natural Health Products Research, School of Traditional Chinese Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yanliang Wu
- Sino-Jan Joint Lab of Natural Health Products Research, School of Traditional Chinese Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Haini Li
- Sino-Jan Joint Lab of Natural Health Products Research, School of Traditional Chinese Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yining Zhu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 21094, China
| | - Ruijie Che
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 21094, China
| | - Fenghe Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 21094, China.
| | - Chaofeng Zhang
- Sino-Jan Joint Lab of Natural Health Products Research, School of Traditional Chinese Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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Ferreira RC, do Nascimento YM, de Araújo Loureiro PB, Martins RX, de Souza Maia ME, Farias DF, Tavares JF, Gonçalves JCR, da Silva MS, Sobral MV. Chemical Composition, In Vitro Antitumor Effect, and Toxicity in Zebrafish of the Essential Oil from Conyza bonariensis (L.) Cronquist (Asteraceae). Biomolecules 2023; 13:1439. [PMID: 37892120 PMCID: PMC10604947 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The essential oil from Conyza bonariensis (Asteraceae) aerial parts (CBEO) was extracted by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus and was characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The antitumor potential was evaluated against human tumor cell lines (melanoma, cervical, colorectal, and leukemias), as well as non-tumor keratinocyte lines using the MTT assay. The effect of CBEO on the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) was evaluated by DCFH-DA assay, and a protection assay using the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) was also performed. Moreover, the CBEO toxicity in the zebrafish model was assessed. The majority of the CBEO compound was (Z)-2-lachnophyllum ester (57.24%). The CBEO exhibited selectivity towards SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells (half maximal inhibitory concentration, IC50 = 18.65 ± 1.16 µg/mL), and induced a significant increase in ROS production. In addition, the CBEO's cytotoxicity against SK-MEL-28 cells was reduced after pretreatment with NAC. Furthermore, after 96 h of exposure, 1.5 µg/mL CBEO induced death of all zebrafish embryos. Non-lethal effects were observed after exposure to 0.50-1.25 µg/mL CBEO. Additionally, significant alterations in the activity of enzymes associated with oxidative stress in zebrafish larvae were observed. These results provide evidence that CBEO has a significant in vitro antimelanoma effect by increasing ROS production and moderate embryotoxicity in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Carlos Ferreira
- Postgraduate Program in Natural Products and Bioactive Synthetics, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-970, PB, Brazil
| | - Yuri Mangueira do Nascimento
- Postgraduate Program in Natural Products and Bioactive Synthetics, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-970, PB, Brazil
| | - Paulo Bruno de Araújo Loureiro
- Postgraduate Program in Natural Products and Bioactive Synthetics, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-970, PB, Brazil
| | - Rafael Xavier Martins
- Laboratory of Risk Assessment for Novel Technologies (LabRisk), Department of Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-970, PB, Brazil
| | - Maria Eduarda de Souza Maia
- Laboratory of Risk Assessment for Novel Technologies (LabRisk), Department of Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-970, PB, Brazil
| | - Davi Felipe Farias
- Laboratory of Risk Assessment for Novel Technologies (LabRisk), Department of Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-970, PB, Brazil
| | - Josean Fechine Tavares
- Postgraduate Program in Natural Products and Bioactive Synthetics, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-970, PB, Brazil
| | - Juan Carlos Ramos Gonçalves
- Postgraduate Program in Natural Products and Bioactive Synthetics, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-970, PB, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Sobral da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Natural Products and Bioactive Synthetics, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-970, PB, Brazil
| | - Marianna Vieira Sobral
- Postgraduate Program in Natural Products and Bioactive Synthetics, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-970, PB, Brazil
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Umar U, Ahmed S, Iftikhar A, Iftikhar M, Majeed W, Liaqat A, Shahzad S, Abbas M, Mehmood T, Anwar F. Phenolics Extracted from Jasminum sambac Mitigates Diabetic Cardiomyopathy by Modulating Oxidative Stress, Apoptotic Mediators and the Nfr-2/HO-1 Pathway in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats. Molecules 2023; 28:5453. [PMID: 37513325 PMCID: PMC10383516 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28145453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder defined as hyperglycemia and pancreatic β-cell deterioration, leading to other complications such as cardiomyopathy. The current study assessed the therapeutic effects of phenolic acids extracted from Jasminum sambac phenols of leaves (JSP) against diabetes-induced cardiomyopathy in rats. The rats were divided into four groups, with each group consisting of 20 rats. The rats were given intraperitoneal injections of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg) to induce diabetes. The diabetes-induced groups (III and IV) received treatment for six weeks that included 250 and 500 mg/kg of JSP extract, respectively. In the treated rats, the results demonstrated that JSP extract restored fasting glucose, serum glucose, and hyperlipidemia. Alloxan induced cardiomyopathy, promoted oxidative stress, and altered cardiac function biomarkers, including cardiac troponin I, proBNP, CK-MB, LDH, and IMA. The JSP extract-treated rats showed improved cardiac function indicators, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. In diabetic rats, the mRNA expression of caspase-3, BAX, and Bcl-2 was significantly higher, while Bcl-2, Nrf-2, and HO-,1 was significantly lower. In the treated groups, the expression levels of the BAX, Nrf-2, HO-1, Caspase-3, and Bcl-2 genes were dramatically returned to normal level. According to our findings, the JSP extract prevented cardiomyopathy and heart failure in the hyperglycemic rats by improving cardiac biomarkers and lowering the levels of hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress, apoptosis, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urooj Umar
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Sibtain Ahmed
- Department of Biochemistry, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan
| | - Asra Iftikhar
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Maryam Iftikhar
- Institute of Home & Food Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Wafa Majeed
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Atika Liaqat
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Sana Shahzad
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Mateen Abbas
- Quality Operations Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Tahir Mehmood
- Centre for Applied Molecular Biology (CAMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore 53700, Pakistan
| | - Farooq Anwar
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Sargodha, Sargodha 40100, Pakistan
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Attenuation of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Enhances Carvacrol-Induced Apoptosis in Osteosarcoma Cell Lines. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13030744. [PMID: 36983900 PMCID: PMC10054369 DOI: 10.3390/life13030744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Carvacrol is a monoterpenoid phenol that has excellent antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory activities. It can also improve wound healing. However, few studies have explored its antitumor effect on osteosarcoma. In this report, we tried to determine the potential efficacy of carvacrol against osteosarcoma cell lines. Our data revealed that carvacrol exposure inhibited the proliferation of osteosarcoma HOS and U-2 OS cells. In addition, carvacrol exposure enhanced the levels of cleaved PARP and caspase 3 and increased annexin V-positive cells, indicating that carvacrol exposure triggers apoptosis in osteosarcoma cell lines. Furthermore, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were enhanced after carvacrol exposure and cotreatment with NAC, the ROS scavenger, decreased the levels of cleaved PARP and caspase 3, suggesting the involvement of ROS in carvacrol-induced apoptosis. Importantly, we found that carvacrol exposure triggered several protein expressions related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, including GRP78/Bip, IRE1a, PERK, and CHOP, in HOS and U-2 OS cells, indicating that carvacrol exposure could result in ER stress in these cell lines. Cotreatment with the ER stress inhibitor 4-PBA increased the levels of cleaved PARP and caspase 3 and further suppressed cellular proliferation in carvacrol-exposed osteosarcoma cell lines. Overall, the results indicate that induced ER stress can protect cells from apoptosis, but increased ROS contributes to apoptosis in carvacrol-treated cells. In this report, we first demonstrate the role of ER stress in carvacrol-induced apoptosis and suggest that ER stress could be targeted to enhance the antitumor activity of carvacrol in osteosarcoma cell lines.
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