p53 dependent apoptosis and cell cycle delay induced by heteroleptic complexes in human cervical cancer cells

Mitochondria mediated inhibitory effect of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (L.) flower extract against breast adenocarcinoma and T-cell lymphoma: an in vitro and in vivo study

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The flowers of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (L.) heals mouth ulcers. Its tinctures promote gastric secretions, and improve lung expectoration when taken orally. It has traditionally been used to treats scabies and other skin problems. The leaves of NAT(L.) plant are used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat sciatica, chronic fever, rheumatism, internal worm infections, and as a laxative, diaphoretic, and diuretic. The bark used in treatment of snakebite and bronchitis. In addition to traditional uses, pharmacologically this plant has potent antimalarial, antiarthritic, anticancer and antidiabetic activity. However, the mechanistic antiproliferative potentials of NAT(L.) flower as anticancer therapeutics has not yet been explored.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The current study is based on a broad range of scientific literature that highlights the nutritional and therapeutic benefits of NAT (L.). Present investigation was carried out to determine the therapeutic efficacy of NAT (L.) against breast adenocarcinoma cells and T-cell lymphoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ethyl-acetate extract of NAT(L.) was tested against breast cancer cells to assess the anticancer potential. To evaluate Apoptosis, ROS levels and mitochondrial dynamics, fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry were employed. Additionally, cell cycle analysis and western blotting were also performed. Furthermore, in vivo antitumor efficacy of flower extracts was investigated in T-cell lymphoma-bearing BALB/c mice model.

RESULTS

Our present study revealed that NAT (L.) exert anticancer activity against breast cancer cells effectively at IC50 320 μg/ml while having less impact on normal cells with IC50 more than 480 μg/ml. Fluorescence imaging showed that NAT (L.) treatment elicits a concentration-dependent rise in the occurrence of apoptotic cell deaths with altered mitochondrial dynamics and was subsequently confirmed by flow cytometry. Further, flow cytometric analysis delineates ethyl acetate flower extract exposure promotes arrest of cells in S phase of the cell cycle. The differential expression of apoptotic proteins such as Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved PARP-1, cleaved caspase 3, Cytochrome-c, p53 and VEGF A were influenced by NAT (L.) treatment. The in vivo antitumor activity study delineates that NAT(L.) therapy significantly increased the life span of T-cell lymphoma bearing mice while reducing tumor load and belly size growth pattern without causing significant other distinct side effects as evident by histopathological studies.

CONCLUSION

Our current findings unveil that NAT(L.) ethyl acetate flower extract potentially induces mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis, promote cell cycle arrest, reduces tumor load of mice, enhances survivability and could be a promising agent against the triple negative breast cancer and lymphoma.

Hydroxychloroquine interaction with phosphoinositide 3-kinase modulates prostate cancer growth in bone microenvironment: In vitro and molecular dynamics based approach

Patients with advanced prostate cancer (PCa) are more likely to develop bone metastases. Tumor cells thrive in the bone microenvironment, interacting with osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Given the PI3K/AKT pathway's metastatic potential and signal integration's ability to modulate cell fates in PCa development, drugs targeting this system have great therapeutic promise. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is an anti-malarial medication commonly used to treat clinical conditions such as rheumatology and infectious disorders. We explored the anti-neoplastic effect of HCQ on PC3 and C4-2B cell lines in the bone microenvironment. Interestingly, HCQ treatment substantially decreases the viability, proliferation, and migration potential of PCa cells in the bone microenvironment. HCQ induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, even in the presence of osteoblast-secreted factors. Mechanistically, HCQ inhibited the activity of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which ultimately regulates the proliferation and migration of PCa cells in the bone. The binding energy for docking HCQ with PI3K was -6.7 kcal/mol, and the complex was stabilized by hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic forces, and van der Waals forces. Molecular simulations further validated the structural integrity of the HCQ-PI3K complex without altering PI3K's secondary structure. Our findings underscore the efficacy of HCQ as a potential therapeutic agent in treating PCa.

Comparative Study of Sonodynamic and Photoactivated Cancer Therapies with Re(I)-Tricarbonyl Complexes Comprising Phenanthroline Ligands

Herein, we have compared the effectivity of light-based photoactivated cancer therapy and ultrasound-based sonodynamic therapy with Re(I)-tricarbonyl complexes (Re1-Re3) against cancer cells. The observed photophysical and TD-DFT calculations indicated the potential of Re1-Re3 to act as good anticancer agents under visible light/ultrasound exposure. Re1 did not display any dark- or light- or ultrasound-triggered anticancer activity. However, Re2 and Re3 displayed concentration-dependent anticancer activity upon light and ultrasound exposure. Interestingly, Re3 produced 1O2 and OH• on light/ultrasound exposure. Moreover, Re3 induced NADH photo-oxidation in PBS and produced H2O2. To the best of our knowledge, NADH photo-oxidation has been achieved here with the Re(I) complex for the first time in PBS. Additionally, Re3 released CO upon light/ultrasound exposure. The cell death mechanism revealed that Re3 produced an apoptotic cell death response in HeLa cells via ROS generation. Interestingly, Re3 showed slightly better anticancer activity under light exposure compared to ultrasound exposure.

Density Functional Theory-Guided Photo-Triggered Anticancer Activity of Curcumin-Based Zinc(II) Complexes

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has evolved as a new therapeutic modality for cancer treatment with fewer side effects and drug resistance. Curcumin exhibits PDT activity, but its low bioavailability restricts its clinical application. Here, the bioavailability of curcumin was increased by its complex formation with the Zn(II) center. For a structure-activity relationship study, Zn(II)-based complexes (1-3) comprising N^N-based ligands (2,2'-bipyridine in 1 and 2 or 1,10-phenanthroline in 3) and O^O-based ligands (acetylacetone in 1, monoanionic curcumin in 2 and 3) were synthesized and thoroughly characterized. The X-ray structure of the control complex, 1, indicated a square pyramidal shape of the molecules. Photophysical and TD-DFT studies indicated the potential of 2 and 3 as good visible light type-II photosensitizers for PDT. Guided by the TD-DFT studies, the low-energy visible light-triggered singlet oxygen (1O2) generation efficacy of 2 and 3 was explored in solution and in cancer cells. As predicted by the TD-DFT calculations, these complexes produced 1O2 efficiently in the cytosol of MCF-7 cancer cells and ultimately displayed excellent apoptotic anticancer activity in the presence of light. Moreover, the molecular docking investigation showed that complexes 2 and 3 have very good binding affinities with caspase-9 and p-53 proteins and could activate them for cellular apoptosis. Further molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of 3 in the caspase-9 protein binding site.

Organic-inorganic hybrid nanoflowers as a new biomimetic platform for ROS-induced apoptosis by photodynamic therapy

We report here a newly and facile synthesis of the phospholipids@gold nanoflowers (AuNFs) from intact cells as a new biomimetic organic-inorganic hybrid. The most appealing feature of this nanostructure is its dual-absorbing peak in near infrared (NIR) and visible region of spectra, which makes them a potential light-sensitive agent for reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced apoptosis. Here, in contrast to previous studies, proposed nanostructures are synthesized in a one-pot reaction using phospholipids present in living cell membranes (as a donor cell) with detectable micro process of AuNF formation. The properties of the resulting AuNFs were evaluated through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), as well as FT-IR, 31P-NMR spectra and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Designed cell membrane-based nanostructure looks like an intact cell and would be able to interact with other cells (as a target cell) and also capable to produce cytotoxic singlet oxygen under NIR irradiation. Generated ROS act as a key player in initiation of programmed cell death (apoptosis) and progress of cancer photodynamic therapy (PDT). Cellular experiments on breast cancer MCF-7 cells demonstrated that they may be effective as photodynamic therapy agents.

AOP Report: Glutathione Conjugation Leading to Reproductive Dysfunction via Oxidative Stress

We propose an adverse outcome pathway (AOP) for reproductive dysfunction via oxidative stress (OS). The AOP was developed based on Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidance Document 184 and on the specific considerations of the OECD users' handbook supplement to the guidance document for developing and assessing AOPs (no. 233). According to the qualitative and quantitative experimental data evaluation, glutathione (GSH) conjugation is the first upstream key event (KE) of this AOP to reproductive dysfunction triggering OS. This event causes depletion of GSH basal levels (KE2 ). Consequently, this drop of free GSH induces an increase of reactive oxygen species (KE3 ) generated by the natural cellular metabolic processes (cellular respiration) of the organism. Increased levels of these reactive species, in turn, induce an increase of lipid peroxidation (KE4 ). This KE consequently leads to a rise in the amount of toxic substances, such as malondialdehyde and hydroxynonenal, which are associated with decreased quality and competence of gamete cell division, consequently impairing fertility (KE5 and adverse outcome). The overall assessment of the general biological plausibility, the empirical support, and the essentiality of KE relationships was considered as high for this AOP. We conclude that GSH conjugation is able to lead to reproductive disorder in fishes and mammals, via OS, but that the amount of stressor needed to trigger the AOP differs between stressors. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2519-2528. © 2023 SETAC.

Evaluation of methotrexate encapsulated polymeric nanocarrier for breast cancer treatment

Herein, Methotrexate-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (Meth-Cs-NPs) was formulated through single-step self-assembly by incorporating the ionic-gelation method. Chitosan was cross-linked with Methotrexate via a sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) where 49 % Methotrexate was loaded in the nanoparticles (∼143 nm) and zeta potential of 34 ± 3 mV with an entrapment efficiency of 87 %. The efficacy of nanoparticles was assessed for chemically induced breast cancer treatment in the Sprague Dawley rats model. These Meth-Cs-NPs followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model in-vitro release kinetics. Nanoparticles were further evaluated for in-vitro efficacy on triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cell lines. The MTT assay studies revealed that even slight exposure to Meth-Cs-NPs (IC₅₀ = 15 µg/mL) caused 50 % cell death in 24 h. Further, hemocompatibility studies of Meth-Cs-NPs were performed, deciphered that Meth-Cs-NPs were biocompatible (hemolysis < 2 %). Additional cellular uptake was evaluated by confocal imaging. Moreover, an in-vivo pharmacokinetic study of nanoparticles in rats displayed increased plasma concentration of the drug and retention time, whereas a decrease in cellular clearance compared to free Methotrexate. Further, anti-tumor efficacy studies revealed that nanoparticles could reduce tumor volume from 1414 mm³→385 mm³ compared to free Methotrexate (1414 mm³→855 mm³). The current study presents encouraging prospects of Meth-Cs-NPs to be used as a viable breast cancer treatment modality.

TPGS loaded triphenyltin (IV) micelles induced apoptosis by upregulating p53 in breast cancer cells and inhibit tumor progression in T-cell lymphoma bearing mice

AIMS

Currently, breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed and the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in women worldwide. Our present study aimed to investigate the major mechanistic effects of micelles (TSD-30-F, TSD-34-F) on breast cancer cells as well as their antitumor efficacy in in vivo DL bearing BALB/c mice.

METHODS

Apoptotic death by micelles was investigated by mitochondrial aggregation, membrane potential and DNA fragmentation assay in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Molecular mode of action of micelles were determined by RT-PCR and western blot analysis, drug-ligand interaction was analyzed by in silico methods, while, in vivo antitumor activity was investigated by Kaplen-Meier survival curve, T/C value, body weight and belly size of BALB/c mice.

KEY FINDINGS

TSD-30-F and TSD-34-F micelles displayed significant apoptotic induction. At molecular level, TSD-30 and TSD-34 micelles showed up-regulation of p53, Bax, Bak, Caspase-3 and down-regulation of Bcl-2 genes as well as proteins in tested breast cancer cells. In silico analysis revealed that TSD-30 and TSD-34 showed efficient binding affinity with p53, Caspase-3, Bax and Bcl-2 proteins. Significant in vivo antitumor efficacy was exhibited by the micelles formulations by increasing life span with reduced bodyweight and belly size growth pattern in BALB/c mice compared to DTX-F micelles.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our results suggest that triphenyltin (IV) micelles could be a very promising therapeutic candidate for treatment of breast cancer patients and occupy a new place in targeted breast cancer therapeutic.

Pyrene-based fluorescent Ru(II)-arene complexes for significant biological applications: catalytic potential, DNA/protein binding, two photon cell imaging and in vitro cytotoxicity

Ruthenium complexes are being studied extensively as anticancer drugs following the inclusion of NAMI-A and KP1019 in phase II clinical trials for the treatment of metastatic phase and primary tumors. Herein, we designed and synthesized four organometallic Ru(II)-arene complexes [Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)(L)Cl] (1), [Ru(η⁶-benzene)(L)Cl] (2), [Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)(L)N₃] (3) and [Ru(η⁶-benzene)(L)N₃] (4) [HL = (E)-N'-(pyren-1-ylmethylene)thiopene-2-carbohydrazide] that have anticancer, antimetastatic and two-photon cell imaging abilities. Moreover, in the transfer hydrogenation of NADH to NAD⁺, these compounds also display good catalytic activity. All the complexes, 1-4, are well characterized by spectroscopic techniques (NMR, mass, FTIR, UV-vis and fluorescence). The single crystal X-ray diffraction technique proved that the ligand L coordinates through an N,O-bidentate chelating fashion in the solid-state structures of complexes 1 and 2. The stability study of the complexes was performed through UV-visible spectroscopy. The cytotoxicities of all the complexes were screened through MTT assay and the results revealed that the complexes have potential anticancer activity against various cancerous cells (HeLa, MCF7 and A431). Studies with spectroscopic techniques revealed that complexes 1-4 exhibit strong interactions with biological molecules i.e. proteins (HSA and BSA) and CT-DNA. The density functional theory (DFT-D) method has been employed in the present study to know the interaction between DNA and complexes by calculating the HOMO and LUMO energy. A plausible mechanism for NADH oxidation has also been explored and the DFT calculations are found to be in accord with the experimental observation. Furthermore, we have investigated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation capabilities in the MCF7 breast cancer cell line. The Hoechst/PI dual staining method confirmed the apoptosis mode of cell death. Meanwhile, complexes 1-4 show capabilities to prevent the metastasis phase of cancer cells by inhibiting cell migration.

The pyroptosis-related gene signature predicts prognosis and indicates immune activity in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains one of the most common malignant tumors with poor survival. Pyroptosis is a kind of programmed cell death that can regulate the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of tumor cells. However, the expression levels of pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) in HCC and their relationship with prognosis are still unclear.

Methods

Our study identified 35 PRGs through bioinformatics analysis that were differentially expressed between tumor samples and nontumor samples. According to these differentially expressed genes, HCC patients could be divided into two groups, cluster 1 and cluster 2. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression method was performed to construct a 10-gene signature that classified HCC patients in the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database into low-risk and high-risk groups.

Results

The results showed that the survival rate of HCC patients in the low-risk group was significantly higher than that in the high-risk group (p < 0.001). The validation cohort, the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) cohort, was divided into two risk groups based on the median risk score calculated by the TCGA cohort. The overall survival (OS) of the low-risk group was significantly better than that of the high-risk group (p = 0.007). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that the risk score was an independent factor in predicting OS in HCC patients. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses showed that immune-related high-risk groups were rich in genes and had reduced immune status.

Conclusions

PRGs play a significant role in tumor immunity and have the potential capability to predict the prognosis of HCC patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s10020-022-00445-0.

Atractylenolide III induces apoptosis by regulating the Bax/Bcl-2 signaling pathway in human colorectal cancer HCT-116 Cells in vitro and in vivo

Atractylodes is the dry root of atractylodes macrocephala koidz and has been commonly used as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Atractylenolide III, a main component of atractylodes, has displayed significant effects on anti-inflammation and anticancer. However, the effects of atractylenolide III on growth inhibition and apoptosis induction in colon cancer remain unclear. The results showed that atractylenolide III significantly inhibited the cell growth and induce cellular apoptosis in HCT-116 cells in a concentration dependence manner in vitro. Mechanistic studies further showed that atractylenolide III could regulate the Bax/Bcl-2 apoptotic signaling pathway through promoting the expression of proapoptotic related gene/proteins Bax, caspase-9 and caspase-3 but inhibiting the expression of antiapoptotic related gene/protein Bcl-2 in HCT-116 cells. Furthermore, atractylenolide III also significantly inhibited the tumor growth of HCT-116 tumor xenografts bearing in nude mice through inducing apoptosis by upregulation of the expressions of Bax, cleaved caspase-3 and p53 but downregulation of the expressions of Bcl-2 in HCT-116 tumor tissues in vivo. The studies may provide the scientific rationale for the understanding of the anticancer effect of atractylenolide III. Therefore, atractylenolide III may have the potential to be developed as a promising novel anticancer agent for the treatment of colorectal cancer clinically.

Osmotic pressure modulates single cell cycle dynamics inducing reversible growth arrest and reactivation of human metastatic cells

Biophysical cues such as osmotic pressure modulate proliferation and growth arrest of bacteria, yeast cells and seeds. In tissues, osmotic regulation takes place through blood and lymphatic capillaries and, at a single cell level, water and osmoregulation play a critical role. However, the effect of osmotic pressure on single cell cycle dynamics remains poorly understood. Here, we investigate the effect of osmotic pressure on single cell cycle dynamics, nuclear growth, proliferation, migration and protein expression, by quantitative time-lapse imaging of single cells genetically modified with fluorescent ubiquitination-based cell cycle indicator 2 (FUCCI2). Single cell data reveals that under hyperosmotic stress, distinct cell subpopulations emerge with impaired nuclear growth, delayed or growth arrested cell cycle and reduced migration. This state is reversible for mild hyperosmotic stress, where cells return to regular cell cycle dynamics, proliferation and migration. Thus, osmotic pressure can modulate the reversible growth arrest and reactivation of human metastatic cells.

22β-hydroxytingenone induces apoptosis and suppresses invasiveness of melanoma cells by inhibiting MMP-9 activity and MAPK signaling

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

22β-hydroxytingenone (22-HTG) is a quinonemethide triterpene isolated from Salacia impressifolia (Miers) A. C. Smith (family Celastraceae), which has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of diseases, including dengue, renal infections, rheumatism and cancer. However, the anticancer effects of 22-HTG and the underlying molecular mechanisms in melanoma cells have not yet been elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study investigated apoptosis induction and antimetastatic potencial of 22-HTG in SK-MEL-28 human melanoma cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, the in vitro cytotoxic activity of 22-HTG in cultured cancer cells was evaluated. Then, cell viability was determined using the trypan blue assay in melanoma cells (SK-MEL-28), which was followed by cell cycle, annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide assays (Annexin/PI), as well as assays to evaluate mitochondrial membrane potential, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) using flow cytometry. Fluorescence microscopy using acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/BE) staining was also performed. RT-qPCR was carried out to evaluate the expression of BRAF, NRAS, and KRAS genes. The anti-invasiveness potential of 22-HTG was evaluated in a three-dimensional (3D) model of reconstructed human skin.

RESULTS

22-HTG reduced viability of SK-MEL-28 cells and caused morphological changes, as cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation, and nuclear fragmentation. Furthermore, 22-HTG caused apoptosis, which was demonstrated by increased staining with AO/BE and Annexin/PI. The apoptosis may have been caused by mitochondrial instability without the involvement of ROS production. The expression of BRAF, NRAS, and KRAS, which are important biomarkers in melanoma development, was reduced by the 22-HTG treatment. In the reconstructed skin model, 22-HTG was able to decrease the invasion capacity of melanoma cells in the dermis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that 22-HTG has anti-tumorigenic properties against melanoma cells through the induction of cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and inhibition of invasiveness potential, as observed in the 3D model. As such, the results provide new insights for future work on the utilization of 22-HTG in malignant melanoma treatment.

Therapeutic potential of p53 reactivation in cervical cancer

Cervical cancer (CC) is one of most common malignancies affecting women worldwide. To date, surgical resection is the only effective radical remedy for CC at its early stages, while the prognosis of metastatic or recurrent CC is very poor. Dysfunction of the tumor suppressor p53 due to aberrant expression, post-translational modification, mutations, SNPs, and LOH as well as sequestration by viral antigens and MDM2/HDM2-mediated degradation is closely associated with the therapeutic insensitivity and relapse of many malignancies, including CC. Accumulating studies have demonstrated that restoration of p53 activity can induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, eliminate radio- and chemotherapy resistance, and inhibit tumor growth in CC cells. Therefore, activation of wild-type p53 as well as restoration of p53 function seems appealing as a therapeutic strategy. In this review, we focus on the potential roles of p53 reactivation in CC treatment and their underlying molecular mechanisms towards the development of novel therapies.

Overexpression of MicroRNA-122 Resists Oxidative Stress-Induced Human Umbilical Vascular Endothelial Cell Injury by Inhibition of p53

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) constitutes a great threat to health worldwide. Endothelial cell injury and dysfunction comprise the critical contributor for the development of DVT. However, the mechanism behind it remains poorly elucidated. The study is aimed at investigating the role of microRNA-122 (miR-122) and oxidative stress on DVT. The results showed that miR-122 overexpression dampened H₂O₂-evoked cytotoxic injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by increasing cell viability, suppressing cell apoptosis and oxidative stress injury. Notably, miR-122 overexpression attenuated provasoconstriction factor endothelin-1 (ET-1) expression in HUVECs exposed to H₂O₂ but enhanced the productions of vasodilatation factor Prostaglandin F1α (PGF1α). Moreover, inhibition of miR-122 had the opposite results. miR-122 could inhibit the expression of p53. Low expression of p53 could enhance the protection of miR-122 on HUVEC injury. This study highlights that miR-122 overexpression may restore H₂O₂-induced HUVEC injury by regulating the expression of p53.

Treatment with Radix Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae Significantly Decreases the Expression of E6 and L1, and Increases the Expression of p53 and Rb in HPV18-infected Human Foreskin Keratinocytes

BACKGROUND

Radix Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae (REE) was recently reported to be significantly superior to vitamin A acid ointment in treating multiple plantar warts. However, the effects of REE on HPV18 remain unclear. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the effects of REE on the proliferation of HPV18, and explore possible molecular mechanisms underlying the effects.

METHODS

HFK and HFK-HPV18 were treated with water-extracted single or compound REE, ethanol-extracted single or compound REE, TNF-α and IFN for 3 days, respectively. In addition, the organotypic rafts containing HFK-HPV18 and HFK were treated with REE, IFN and TNF-α for 7 days, respectively. Cell proliferation rates were measured with Brdu. mRNA expression of E6, L1, p53 and Rb was detected by qPCR. Protein expression of p53, Rb and L1 was detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

Compared to HFK group, HFK-HPV18 group had significantly higher expression of E6 and L1. Compared to the control group, HFK-HPV18 treated with REE, TNF-α and IFN displayed significantly lower proliferation rates. The mRNA expression of E6 was markedly lower, and mRNA expression of p53 and Rb was significantly higher after treatment of REE in HFK-HPV18 or in organotypic rafts containing HFK-HPV18. Treatment with REE markedly increased the protein expression of p53 and Rb, and decreased the protein expression of L1 in HFK-HPV18 or in organotypic rafts containing HFK-HPV18. Among all formula of REE, the inhibition of proliferation rates and expression of E6 and L1, and the increase in expression of p53 and Rb in HFK-HPV18 was highest in ethanol-extracted compound REE group.

CONCLUSIONS

The proliferation rates are significantly lower in HFK-HPV18 treated with REE. The expression of E6 and L1 is markedly lower, and expression of p53 and Rb is significantly higher after REE treatment in HFK-HPV18 or organotypic rafts containing HFK-HPV18. Among all formula of REE, ethanol-extracted compound REE displays the highest protection against HPV18.

Heterobimetallic Ru(ii)/Fe(ii) complexes as potent anticancer agents against breast cancer cells, inducing apoptosis through multiple targets

Antimetastatic activity, high selectivity and cytotoxicity for human tumor cell lines make ruthenium(ii) complexes attractive for the development of new chemotherapeutic agents for cancer treatment. In this study, cytotoxic activities and the possible mechanism of cell death induced by three ruthenium complexes were evaluated, [Ru(MIm)(bipy)(dppf)]PF₆ (1), [RuCl(Im)(bipy)(dppf)]PF₆ (2) and [Ru(tzdt)(bipy)(dppf)]PF₆ (3). The results showed high cytotoxicity and selectivity indexes for the human triple-negative breast tumor cell line (MDA-MB-231) with IC₅₀ value and selectivity index for complex 1 (IC₅₀ = 0.33 ± 0.03 μM, SI = 4.48), complex 2 (IC₅₀ = 0.80 ± 0.06 μM, SI = 2.31) and complex 3 (IC₅₀ = 0.48 ± 0.02 μM, SI = 3.87). The mechanism of cell death induced in MDA-MB-231 cells, after treatment with complexes 1-3, indicated apoptosis of the cells as a consequence of the increase in the percentage of cells in the Sub-G1 phase in the cell cycle analysis, characteristic morphological changes and the presence of apoptotic cells labeled with Annexin-V. Multiple targets of action were identified for complexes 1 and 3 with an induction of DNA damage in cells treated with complexes 1 and 3, mitochondrial depolarization with a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential, an increase in reactive oxygen species levels and increased expression levels of caspase 3 and p53. In addition, antimetastatic activities for complexes 1 and 3 were observed by inhibition of cell migration by the wound healing assay and Boyden chamber assay, as well as inhibition of angiogenesis caused by MDA-MB-231 tumor cells in the CAM model.

Ruthenium Complex Induce Cell Death in G-415 Gallbladder Cancer Cells

PURPOSE

In this work, we present a recently developed ruthenium complex that shows anticancer activity in gallbladder cancer cells.

METHODS

After the synthesis of the new ruthenium complexes, the antiproliferative, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis activities were evaluated in vitro by the triple assay ApoTox-Glo. Then, the transcription levels of genes related to apoptosis were evaluated by real-time PCR (q-PCR).

RESULTS

The ruthenium complex, called Ru-UCN3, inhibits the proliferation of gallbladder cancer cells G-415 by means of apoptosis, which was demonstrated by the overexpression of the pro-apoptotic genes Puma, Diablo, and Caspasa-9 together with the repression of the anti-apoptotic genes Bcl-xL and Bcl-2. In addition, we found strong caspase 3/7 activity in the cells at 24 h of the Ru-UCN3 exposure, which was evaluated by the triple ApoTox-Glo assay.

CONCLUSION

The new ruthenium complexes evaluated had an inhibitory effect on G-415 cells. We think that Ru-UCN3 could be a promising anticancer agent, which should be explored with more in vitro and in vivo assays and probably with the chemical modulation of this molecule.

CoCl2 simulated hypoxia induce cell proliferation and alter the expression pattern of hypoxia associated genes involved in angiogenesis and apoptosis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Hypoxia microenvironment plays a crucial role during tumor progression and it tends to exhibit poor prognosis and make resistant to various conventional therapies. HIF-1α acts as an important transcriptional regulator directly or indirectly associated with genes involved in cell proliferation, angiogenesis, apoptosis and energy metabolism during tumor progression in hypoxic microenvironment. This study was aimed to investigate the expression pattern of the hypoxia associated genes and their association during breast cancer progression under hypoxic microenvironment in breast cancer cells.

METHODS

Cell proliferation in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines treated with different concentration of CoCl₂ was analyzed by MTT assay. Flow cytometry was performed to check cell cycle distribution, whereas cell morphology was examined by phase contrast microscopy in both the cells during hypoxia induction. Expression of hypoxia associated genes HIF-1α, VEGF, p53 and BAX were determined by semiquantitative RT-PCR and real-time PCR. Western blotting was performed to detect the expression at protein level.

RESULTS

Our study revealed that cell proliferation in CoCl₂ treated breast cancer cells were concentration dependent and varies with different cell types, further increase in CoCl₂ concentration leads to apoptotic cell death. Further, accumulation of p53 protein in response to hypoxia as compare to normoxia showed that induction of p53 in breast cancer cells is HIF-1α dependent. HIF-1α dependent BAX expression during hypoxia revealed that after certain extent of hypoxia induction, over expression of BAX conquers the effect of anti-apoptotic proteins and ultimately leads to apoptosis in breast cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion our results clearly indicate that CoCl₂ simulated hypoxia induce the accumulation of HIF-1α protein and alter the expression of hypoxia associated genes involved in angiogenesis and apoptosis.

Identification of Key Genes and Pathways in Cervical Cancer by Bioinformatics Analysis

Cervical cancer is a common malignant tumour of the female reproductive system that seriously threatens the health of women. The aims of this study were to identify key genes and pathways and to illuminate new molecular mechanisms underlying cervical cancer. Altogether, 1829 DEGs were identified, including 794 significantly down-regulated DEGs and 1035 significantly up-regulated DEGs. GO analysis suggested that the up-regulated DEGs were mainly enriched in mitotic cell cycle processes, including DNA replication, organelle fission, chromosome segregation and cell cycle phase transition, and that the down-regulated DEGs were primarily enriched in development and differentiation processes, such as tissue development, epidermis development, skin development, keratinocyte differentiation, epidermal cell differentiation and epithelial cell differentiation. KEGG pathway analysis showed that the DEGs were significantly enriched in cell cycle, DNA replication, the p53 signalling pathway, pathways in cancer and oocyte meiosis. The top 9 hub genes with a high degree of connectivity (over 72 in the PPI network) were down-regulated TSPO, CCND1, and FOS and up-regulated CDK1, TOP2A, CCNB1, PCNA, BIRC5 and MAD2L1. Module analysis indicated that the top 3 modules were significantly enriched in mitotic cell cycle, DNA replication and regulation of cell cycle (P < 0.01). The heat map based on TCGA database preliminarily demonstrated the expression change of the key genes in cervical cancer. GSEA results were basically coincident with the front enrichment analysis results. By comprehensive analysis, we confirmed that cell cycle was a key biological process and a critical driver in cervical cancer. In conclusion, this study identified DEGs and screened the key genes and pathways closely related to cervical cancer by bioinformatics analysis, simultaneously deepening our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the occurrence and progression of cervical cancer. These results might hold promise for finding potential therapeutic targets of cervical cancer.

Gold-Based Medicine: A Paradigm Shift in Anti-Cancer Therapy?

A new era of metal-based drugs started in the 1960s, heralded by the discovery of potent platinum-based complexes, commencing with cisplatin [(H₃N)₂PtCl₂], which are effective anti-cancer chemotherapeutic drugs. While clinical applications of gold-based drugs largely relate to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, attention has turned to the investigation of the efficacy of gold(I) and gold(III) compounds for anti-cancer applications. This review article provides an account of the latest research conducted during the last decade or so on the development of gold compounds and their potential activities against several cancers as well as a summary of possible mechanisms of action/biological targets. The promising activities and increasing knowledge of gold-based drug metabolism ensures that continued efforts will be made to develop gold-based anti-cancer agents.

MicroRNA-124 suppresses growth and aggressiveness of osteosarcoma and inhibits TGF-β-mediated AKT/GSK-3β/SNAIL-1 signaling

Osteosarcoma is one of the most common malignant tumors in adolescent populations and the prognosis remains incompletely understand. Previous reports have demonstrated that microRNA‑124 (miR‑124) has inhibitory effects on various human malignancies and is associated with tumor progression. However, the clinical significance and potential mechanisms of miR‑124 in the progression of osteosarcoma is not clearly understood. In this study, the potential molecular mechanism of miR‑124 in osteosarcoma tumorigenesis, growth and aggressiveness was investigated. The growth, proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells were investigated following miR‑124 transfection were determined by colony formation assay, western blotting, immunofluorescence, migration/invasion assays and reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In vivo anti‑cancer effects of miR‑124 were analyzed by a tumor growth assay, immunohistochemistry and survival rate observations. The results demonstrated that miR‑124 transfection significantly decreased integrin expression in osteosarcoma cells, and further inhibited growth, proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. Flow cytometry assays indicated that miR‑124 transfection attenuated apoptosis resistance of osteosarcoma to tunicamycin, potentially via the downregulation of P53 and Bcl‑2 apoptosis regulator expression. Mechanistic assays demonstrated that miR‑124 transfection suppressed TGF‑β expression in osteosarcoma. An animal study revealed that tumor growth was reduced in tumor cells transfected with miR‑124 compared with control cells, and the survival rate was prolonged in mice with miR‑124 transfected xenografts compared with control tumors. In conclusion, these results indicate that miR‑124 transection inhibits the growth and aggressive of osteosarcoma, potentially via suppression of TGF‑β‑mediated AKT/GSK‑3β/snail family transcriptional repressor 1 (SNAIL‑1) signaling, suggesting miR‑124 may be a potential anti‑cancer agent/target for osteosarcoma therapy.

A novel fluorinated thiosemicarbazone derivative- 2-(3,4-difluorobenzylidene) hydrazinecarbothioamide induces apoptosis in human A549 lung cancer cells via ROS-mediated mitochondria-dependent pathway

Thiosemicarbazone, a class of compounds with excellent biological activity, especially antitumor activity, have attracted wide attention. In this study, a novel fluorinated thiosemicarbazone derivative, 2-(3,4-difluorobenzylidene) hydrazinecarbothioamide (compound 1) was synthesized and its antitumor activities were further investigated on a non-small cell lung cancer cell line (A549) along with its underlying mechanisms. Compound 1 showed significant anti-proliferative activity on A549 cells, which was further proved by colony formation experiment. Compound 1 also inhibits the invasion of A549 cells in a trans-well culture system. Moreover, compound 1 markedly induced apoptosis on A549 cells, and the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax was decreased while the amount of p53, Cleaved-Caspase 3 and Cleaved-PARP expression were increased significantly. Compound 1 decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential, while the content of reactive oxygen was increased obviously. It is revealed that compound 1 mediated cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase by reducing G1 phase dependent proteins, CDK4 and Cyclin D1. As a result, it is indicated that compound 1 induced apoptosis on A549 cells was realized by regulating ROS-mediated mitochondria-dependent signaling pathway.