Regulation of mitochondrial membrane permeabilization by BCL-2 family proteins and caspases

Ginsenosides Inhibit the Proliferation of Lung Cancer Cells and Suppress the Rate of Metastasis by Modulating EGFR/VEGF Signaling Pathways

Ginsenosides Rg3 and Rg5 obtained from Panax (ginseng) have shown significant anticancer activity via the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. This study evaluated the anticancer and antimetastatic effects of a combination of Rg3 and Rg5 on lung cancer cells. A combination of Rg3 and Rg5 was treated for lung cancer cell line A549 and human lung tumor xenograft mouse model, and anti-metastatic effects on Matrigel plug implantation in mice. The combination of Rg3 and Rg5 showed potent antiproliferative effects on A549 cells with IC50 values of 44.6 and 36.0 μM for Rg3 and Rg5 respectively. The combination of Rg3 and Rg5 (30 µM each) showed 48% cell viability as compared to Rg3 (72% viability) and Rg5 (64% viability) at 30 µM concentrations. The combination of Rg3 and Rg5 induced apoptosis in A549 cells characterized by activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 and cleavage of PARP, as well as suppression of the autophagic marker LC3A/B. The antitumoral potentials of the combination of Rg3 and Rg5 were ascertained in a lung tumor xenograft mouse model with high efficacy as compared to individual ginsenosides. The metastasislimiting properties of the combination of Rg3 and Rg5 were assessed in Matrigel plug implantation in mice which showed the potent efficacy of the combination as compared to individual ginsenoside. Mechanistically, the combination of Rg3 and Rg5 inhibited the expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and EGFR/VEGF signaling pathways in lung cancer cells. Results suggest that the combination of Rg3 and Rg5 suppressed the tumor cell proliferation in lung cancer cells and limited the rate of metastasis which further suggest that the combination has a significant effect as compared to the administration of single ginsenoside.

Alleviative effect of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate on lipopolysaccharide-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and cell apoptosis in Cyprinus carpio

In this study, the alleviative effects of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) in bioflocs on oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were evaluated. Common carp were irregularity divided into 5 groups and fed five diets with 0 % (CK), 2 %, 4 %, 6 % and 8 % PHB. After 8-week feeding trial, LPS challenge was executed. Results showed that appropriate level of PHB enhanced serum immune function by reversing LPS-induced the decrease of C3, C4, IgM, AKP, ACP and LZM in serum, alleviated LPS-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction by decreasing the levels of 5-HT, D-LA, ET-1 and DAO in serum, increasing ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-3 and Claudin-7 mRNA, improving intestinal morphology. Moreover, dietary PHB reversed LPS-induced the decrease of AST and ALT in hepatopancreas, while in serum exhibited the opposite trend. Suitable level of PHB reversed LPS-induced the reduction of GSH-PX, CAT, T-SOD and T-AOC in intestines and hepatopancreas, whereas MDA showed the opposite result. PHB alleviated LPS-induced the decrease of Nrf2, HO-1, CAT, SOD and GSH-PX mRNA, the increase of Keap1 mRNA. Appropriate level of PHB alleviated LPS-induced inflammation and apoptosis by up-regulating TGF-β, IL-10 and Bcl-2 mRNA, down-regulating NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-8 and Caspase-9 mRNA. Furthermore, PHB inhibited activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes by reducing the levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, ASC, IL-1β and IL-18 mRNA and protein. In addition, the increases of dietary PHB linearly and quadratically affected LPS-induced adverse effects on common carp. Summary, this study suggested that appropriate level of dietary PHB alleviated LPS-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in common carp. And the appropriate level of PHB in common carp diets was 4 %.

Transcriptome analysis reveals molecular mechanisms of lymphocystis formation caused by lymphocystis disease virus infection in flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

Lymphocystis disease is frequently prevalent and transmissible in various teleost species worldwide due to lymphocystis disease virus (LCDV) infection, causing unsightly growths of benign lymphocystis nodules in fish and resulting in huge economic losses to aquaculture industry. However, the molecular mechanism of lymphocystis formation is unclear. In this study, LCDV was firstly detected in naturally infected flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) by PCR, histopathological, and immunological techniques. To further understand lymphocystis formation, transcriptome sequencing of skin nodule tissue was performed by using healthy flounder skin as a control. In total, RNA-seq produced 99.36%-99.71% clean reads of raw reads, of which 91.11%-92.89% reads were successfully matched to the flounder genome. The transcriptome data showed good reproducibility between samples, with 3781 up-regulated and 2280 down-regulated differentially expressed genes. GSEA analysis revealed activation of Wnt signaling pathway, Hedgehog signaling pathway, Cell cycle, and Basal cell carcinoma associated with nodule formation. These pathways were analyzed to interact with multiple viral infection and tumor formation pathways. Heat map and protein interaction analysis revealed that these pathways regulated the expression of cell cycle-related genes such as ccnd1 and ccnd2 through key genes including ctnnb1, lef1, tcf3, gli2, and gli3 to promote cell proliferation. Additionally, cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, Calcium signaling pathway, ECM-receptor interaction, and Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction associated with nodule formation were significantly down-regulated. Among these pathways, tnfsf12, tnfrsf1a, and tnfrsf19, associated with pro-apoptosis, and vdac2, which promotes viral replication by inhibiting apoptosis, were significantly up-regulated. Visual analysis revealed significant down-regulation of cytc, which expresses the pro-apoptotic protein cytochrome C, as well as phb and phb2, which have anti-tumor activity, however, casp3 was significantly up-regulated. Moreover, bcl9, bcl11a, and bcl-xl, which promote cell proliferation and inhibit apoptosis, were significantly upregulated, as were fgfr1, fgfr2, and fgfr3, which are related to tumor formation. Furthermore, RNA-seq data were validated by qRT-PCR, and LCDV copy numbers and expression patterns of focused genes in various tissues were also investigated. These results clarified the pathways and differentially expressed genes associated with lymphocystis nodule development caused by LCDV infection in flounder for the first time, providing a new breakthrough in molecular mechanisms of lymphocystis formation in fish.

Lobetyolin inhibits cell proliferation and induces cell apoptosis by downregulating ASCT2 in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is a heterogeneous disease and is the fifth most common cancer worldwide. Lobetyolin, as a bioactive ingredient extracted from Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf., has been reported to exert anti-tumor effects in several cancer types. This study was aimed to investigate the role of lobetyolin in GC and the associated mechanism. MKN-45 and MKN-28 cells were incubated with concentrations of lobetyolin for 24 h. The viability and survival of GC cells were evaluated by performing MTT assay. Glutamine uptake, Adenosine Triphosphate, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and glutathione levels were measured by corresponding kits. Apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential of GC cells were determined by flow cytometry. Alanine, serine, cysteine-preferring transporter 2 (ASCT2) and the AKT/GSK3β/c-Myc pathway protein levels were examined by western blotting. Xenograft model and immunohistochemical staining were used to evaluate the pharmacological effects of lobetyolin in mice in vivo. We found that lobetyolin treatment suppressed the proliferative capacity of both MKN-45 and MKN-28 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Lobetyolin reduced the uptake of glutamine and downregulated the expression levels of ASCT2 in GC cells and xenograft tumors. Lobetyolin effectively restrained the growth of tumors in vivo. In addition, lobetyolin induced the accumulation of ROS to attenuate mitochondria-mediated apoptosis via downregulation of ASCT2 expression. Lobetyolin promoted the phosphorylation of c-Myc and suppressed the phosphorylation of GSK3β and AKT in both MKN-45 and MKN-28 cells. The level of total Nrf2 protein was reduced after lobetyolin treatment. Overall, lobetyolin exerts anti-cancer effects by repressing cell proliferation and inducing cell apoptosis via downregulation of ASCT2 in GC.

Differences in the ultrastructure of neurons in the spinal ganglion and dorsal rootlet between rats treated with cisplatin only versus co-administration with a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 2 agonist in attenuating neuropathy and allodynia

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic agent for many types of cancer. The neurotoxicity of cisplatin includes neuropathy and allodynia. We aimed to study structural changes by using CYM54-78, attenuating cisplatin-induced neuropathy and blocking the pathogenesis in neurons, and promoting axonal regeneration.

METHODS

TEM (transmission electron microscopy) was used to distinguish ultrastructural changes in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and dorsal rootlets (DR) between rats treated with cisplatin alone and rats co-treated with cisplatin and sphingosine -1-phosphate receptor2 (S1P2) agonist, CYM-5478.

RESULTS

In DRG of rats treated with cisplatin alone, TEM micrographs showed necrosis and apoptotic cells. Neuronal cytoplasm showed numerous vacuole (stage C) and swelling (stage B➔C) mitochondrial degeneration. Neurons in DRG from cisplatin+CYM-5478 group showed a higher percentage of healthy mitochondria (from 5.3% to 75.6%) than those treated with cisplatin alone. DR of cisplatin only group showed abnormal axoplasm, axolemma, and focal detached myelin sheaths, especially in Aδ (fast pain) and Aβ (touch) fibers, and revealed collateral branches that sprouted from Aβ fibers, which is characteristic of allodynia. Moreover, vasoconstriction was observed in DRG and DR. Rats in cisplatin+CYM-5478 group showed not only fewer abnormal structures than those in cisplatin only group, but also showed Bands of Büngner and onion bulb-like structures, which are characteristic of nerve regeneration.

INTERPRETATION

Together with our previous study, showed that CYM-5478 attenuated neuropathy and allodynia in a rat model of cisplatin-induced neuropathy, these results suggest S1P2 agonists as a potential approach the for treatment of cancer due to the reduction of side effects of cisplatin.

In Vivo and in vitro antitumor activity of tomatine in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background: There is abundant ethnopharmacological evidence the uses of regarding Solanum species as antitumor and anticancer agents. Glycoalkaloids are among the molecules with antiproliferative activity reported in these species.

Purpose: To evaluate the anticancer effect of the Solanum glycoalkaloid tomatine in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in vitro (HepG2 cells) and in vivo models.

Methods: The resazurin reduction assay was performed to detect the effect of tomatine on cell viability in human HepG2 cell lines. Programmed cell death was investigated by means of cellular apoptosis assays using Annexin V. The expression of cancer related proteins was detected by Western blotting (WB). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium were determined by 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate and Fluo-4, respectively. Intrahepatic HepG2 xenograft mouse model was used to elucidate the effect of tomatine on tumor growth in vivo.

Results and Discussion: Tomatine reduced HepG2 cell viability and induced the early apoptosis phase of cell death, consistently with caspase-3, -7, Bcl-2 family, and P53 proteins activation. Furthermore, tomatine increased intracellular ROS and cytosolic Ca⁺² levels. Moreover, the NSG mouse xenograft model showed that treating mice with tomatine inhibited HepG2 tumor growth.

Conclusion: Tomatine inhibits in vitro and in vivo HCC tumorigenesis in part via modulation of p53, Ca⁺², and ROS signalling. Thus, the results suggest the potential cancer therapeutic use of tomatine in HCC patients.

Effects of Metformin Combined With Antifolates on HepG2 Cell Metabolism and Cellular Proliferation

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most prevalent types of cancers worldwide, continues to maintain high levels of resistance to standard therapy. As clinical data revealed poor response rates, the need for developing new methods has increased to improve the overall wellbeing of patients with HCC. Furthermore, a growing body of evidence shows that cancer metabolic changes are a key feature of many types of human malignancies. Metabolic reprogramming refers to cancer cells’ ability to change their metabolism in order to meet the increased energy demand caused by continuous growth, rapid proliferation, and other neoplastic cell characteristics. For these reasons, metabolic pathways may become new therapeutic and chemopreventive targets. The aim of this study was to investigate the metabolic alterations associated with metformin (MET), an anti-diabetic agent when combined with two antifolate drugs: trimethoprim (TMP) or methotrexate (MTX), and how metabolic changes within the cancer cell may be used to increase cellular death. In this study, single drugs and combinations were investigated using in vitro assays including cytotoxicity assay (MTT), RT-qPCR, annexin V/PI apoptosis assay, scratch wound assay and Seahorse XF analysis, on a human HCC cell line, HepG2. The cytotoxicity assay showed that the IC₅₀ of MET as single therapy was 44.08 mM that was reduced to 22.73 mM and 29.29 mM when combined with TMP and MTX, respectively. The co-treatment of both drugs increased p53 and Bax apoptotic markers, while decreased the anti-apoptotic marker; Bcl-2. Both combinations increased the percentage of apoptotic cells and halted cancer cell migration when compared to MET alone. Furthermore, both combinations decreased the MET-induced increase in glycolysis, while also inducing mitochondrial damage, altering cancer cell bioenergetics. These findings provide an exciting insight into the anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of MET and anti-folates on HepG2 cells, and how in combination, may potentially combat the aggressiveness of HCC.

Effects of 2,2',4'‑trihydroxychalcone on the proliferation, metastasis and apoptosis of A549 human lung cancer cells

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antitumor effects of 2,2′,4′-trihydroxychalcone (7a) on the A549 human lung cancer cell line. A549 cells were treated with different concentrations of 7a for different time periods. Cells without 7a were used as the negative control group. Cell proliferation, invasion, vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formation, heterogeneous adhesion and apoptosis were measured using Cell Counting Kit-8, Transwell invasion, VM, adhesion and flow cytometric assays, respectively. In addition, the expression of related proteins was determined using western blot analysis or ELISA. The present study found that 7a had a significant inhibitory effect on the survival rate of the A549 lung cancer cells but almost no effect on BEAS-2B human lung epithelial cells or human venous endothelial cells. The migration rate, VM length, invasion rate and heterogeneous adhesion number of cells treated with 7a significantly decreased as the concentration increased, while the apoptosis rate increased. Western blot analysis showed that 7a treatment significantly increased the expression levels of E-cadherin, cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, Bax and caspase-3 and simultaneously decreased the expression levels of metalloproteinase-2/9, Bcl-2, phosphorylated (p)-PI3K, p-AKT, p-mTOR, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), E-selectin and N-cadherin. At the same time, the ELISA results showed that the level of the pro-angiogenic factor VEGF in the culture media was reduced in the presence of 7a. In addition, 7a could also reduce the nuclear NF-κB protein expression, which could inhibit the gene transcription of tumor apoptosis and metastasis-related proteins. Therefore, 7a may exert inhibitory effects on A549 cells by inhibiting cell proliferation, migration, VM formation and heterogeneous adhesion, as well as by inducing apoptosis through the suppression of the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway; these findings suggested that 7a may be a promising agent for the treatment of lung cancer.

Design, synthesis and evaluation of structurally diverse ortho-acylphenol-diindolylmethane hybrids as anticancer agents

A highly efficient synthesis of structurally diverse ortho-acylphenol–diindolylmethane hybrids 3 using carboxylic acid-activated chromones as versatile synthetic building blocks is reported here for the first time, through 1,4-nucleophilic addition and followed by a decarboxylation and pyrone ring opening reaction process.

Anti-tumor effect of polysaccharide from Pleurotus ostreatus on H22 mouse Hepatoma ascites in-vivo and hepatocellular carcinoma in-vitro model

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the leading causes of cancer-associated death across the globe. Malignant ascites are the major clinical attributes in cancer patients. Despite the advancements in HCC treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and hormonal therapy, researchers are pursuing novel natural edible compounds for the treatment of cancer to eliminate dreadful side effects. Pleurotus ostreatus is one of the most edible cuisines in Asia as well as all over the world. It has been a source of nutritious diet since it was classified as an edible mushroom with no or negligible side effects. The present study focused on the natural anti-cancerous and anti-ascites capabilities of polysaccharides extracted from Pleurotus ostreatus in-vivo as well as in-vitro. Administration of polysaccharide Pleurotus ostreatus showed a significant decrease in tumor cell metastasis while the increase in the survival period among mice models of H22 malignant ascites. Downregulation of regenerative genes Foxp3 and Stat3 and secretion of immunological factors such as IL-2, TNF α, and INF γ were observed after treating with the partially pure extracted polysaccharide. Twining with the hypothesis of tumor suppression in-vivo model polysaccharide showed a decrease in invasion and migration abilities and henceforth responsible for the gene regulation such Cytochrome C which supposedly induced the chain of gene regulation process resulting in apoptosis in HCC cell lines observed in-vitro experiments. Collective research findings manifested that polysaccharide extracted from Pleurotus ostreatus bears anti-proliferative activity and thus influence tumor suppression in-vivo and in-vitro against hepatocellular carcinoma and can be used for therapeutic purposes as a potential anti-cancerous source in the future.

Epigenetic Deregulation of Apoptosis in Cancers

Cancer cells possess the ability to evade apoptosis. Genetic alterations through mutations in key genes of the apoptotic signaling pathway represent a major adaptive mechanism of apoptosis evasion. In parallel, epigenetic changes via aberrant modifications of DNA and histones to regulate the expression of pro- and antiapoptotic signal mediators represent a major complementary mechanism in apoptosis regulation and therapy response. Most epigenetic changes are governed by the activity of chromatin modifying enzymes that add, remove, or recognize different marks on histones and DNA. Here, we discuss how apoptosis signaling components are deregulated at epigenetic levels, particularly focusing on the roles of chromatin-modifying enzymes in this process. We also review the advances in cancer therapies with epigenetic drugs such as DNMT, HMT, HDAC, and BET inhibitors, as well as their effects on apoptosis modulation in cancer cells. Rewiring the epigenome by drug interventions can provide therapeutic advantage for various cancers by reverting therapy resistance and leading cancer cells to undergo apoptotic cell death.

Lobetyolin inhibits the proliferation of breast cancer cells via ASCT2 down-regulation-induced apoptosis

This study aimed to investigate the anti-cancer effect of lobetyolin on breast cancer cells. Lobetyolin was incubated with MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells for 24 h. Glucose uptake and the mRNA expression of GLUT4 (SLC2A4), HK2 and PKM2 were detected to assess the effect of lobetyolin on glucose metabolism. Glutamine uptake and the mRNA expression of ASCT2 (SLC1A5), GLS1, GDH and GLUL were measured to assess the effect of lobetyolin on glutamine metabolism. Annexin V/PI double staining and Hoechst 33342 staining were used to investigate the effect of lobetyolin on cell apoptosis. Immunoblot was employed to estimate the effect of lobetyolin on the expression of proliferation-related markers and apoptosis-related markers. SLC1A5 knockdown with specific siRNA was performed to study the role of ASCT2 played in the anti-cancer effect of lobetyolin on MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells. C-MYC knockdown with specific siRNA was performed to study the role of c-Myc played in lobetyolin-induced ASCT2 down-regulation. Myr-AKT overexpression was performed to investigate the role of AKT/GSK3β signaling played in lobetyolin-induced down-regulation of c-Myc and ASCT2. The results showed that lobetyolin inhibited the proliferation of both MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells. Lobetyolin disrupted glutamine uptake via down-regulating ASCT2. SLC1A5 knockdown attenuated the anti-cancer effect of lobetyolin. C-MYC knockdown attenuated lobetyolin-caused down-regulation of ASCT2 and Myr-AKT overexpression reversed lobetyolin-caused down-regulation of both c-Myc and ASCT2. In conclusion, the present work suggested that lobetyolin exerted anti-cancer effect via ASCT2 down-regulation-induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells.

Pyrazole ring-containing isolongifolanone derivatives as potential CDK2 inhibitors: Evaluation of anticancer activity and investigation of action mechanism

Isolongifolanone is a high value-added sustainable natural product. Recent studies have demonstrated that isolongifolanone possesses anticancer activities. In this study, a series of novel pyrazole ring-containing isolongifolanone derivatives was designed, synthesized, and their anti-proliferative activities in three cancer cell lines were evaluated. Among them, compound 3b exhibited strongest antiproliferative ability on MCF-7 cancer cells and induced the generation of intracellular ROS and mitochondrial depolarization. More importantly, compound 3b still maintained antitumor activity in MCF-7 3D culture systems. The study on molecular mechanism suggested that compound 3b induced apoptosis via activation of caspase-3 and PARP, also via decreasing of Bcl-2 and increasing of Bax and p53. Moreover, compound 3b down-regulated the level of CDK2, a crucial cyclin-dependent kinase which is necessary for the progression of the cells out of the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Docking results showed that compound 3b could bind well with CDK2 by forming hydrogen bonds with amino acid residues (LYS89 and HIS84). These results suggested that compound 3b could be taken as a lead compound for anticancer agents.

Andrographolide Induces Noxa-Dependent Apoptosis by Transactivating ATF4 in Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells

Lung adenocarcinoma is the most common pathological type of lung cancer with poor patient outcomes; therefore, developing novel therapeutic agents is critically needed. Andrographolide (AD), a major active component derived from the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Andrographis paniculate, is a potential antitumor drug, but the role of AD in lung adenocarcinoma remains poorly understood. In the present study, we demonstrated that AD inhibited the proliferation of broad-spectrum lung cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, we found that a high dose of AD induced Noxa-dependent apoptosis in human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549 and H1299). Further studies revealed that Noxa was transcriptionally activated by activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) in AD-induced apoptosis. Knockdown of ATF4 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) significantly diminished the transactivation of Noxa as well as the apoptotic population induced by AD. These results of the present study indicated that AD induced apoptosis of human lung adenocarcinoma cells by activating the ATF4/Noxa axis and supporting the development of AD as a promising candidate for the new era of chemotherapy.

Novel CK2-Specific Pt(II) Compound Reverses Cisplatin-Induced Resistance by Inhibiting Cancer Cell Stemness and Suppressing DNA Damage Repair in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Treatments

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have a pivotal impact in drug resistance, tumor metastasis, and progression of various cancer entities, including in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A CK2 inhibitor HY1 was found to show potent CSC inhibitory effects in A549 cells. By taking advantage of inherent CK2 specificity and CSC inhibition of HY1, a Pt(II) agent (HY1-Pt) was developed by conjugation of HY1 with an active Pt(II) unit to reverse cisplatin-induced resistance in A549/cDDP cell treatment. In vitro biological studies indicated that HY1-Pt can target CK2, suppress DNA damage repair, reinforce cellular accumulation of platinum, and reverse resistance apart from effectively inhibiting CSCs through Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway in A549/cDDP cells. Significantly, HY1-Pt presented an acceptable pharmacokinetic behavior and exhibited higher tumor growth inhibitory efficacy than cisplatin either in A549 or A549/cDDP xenograft models with low toxicity. Overall, HY1-Pt is a promising drug candidate for NSCLC treatment.

Hypothemycin-Type Resorcylic Acid Lactones with Immunosuppressive Activities from a Podospora sp

Twelve new hypothemycin-type resorcylic acid lactones, three 10-membered (1-3) and nine 14-membered (4-12), together with seven known analogues (13-19), were obtained from the solid rice-based culture of Podospora sp. G214. Their structures were elucidated utilizing spectroscopic analysis, and the absolute configurations were determined by modified Mosher's method, Mo2(OAc)4-induced electronic circular dichroism experiments, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1, 5, 10, and 12-19 exhibited potent immunosuppressive activities against concanavalin A-induced T cell proliferation with IC50 values ranging from 6.0 to 25.1 μM and lipopolysaccharide-induced B cell proliferation with IC50 values ranging from 6.2 to 29.1 μM. Further studies revealed that 1 induced apoptosis in activated T cells through the JNK-mediated mitochondrial pathway.

Isobavachalcone inhibits acute myeloid leukemia: Potential role for ROS-dependent mitochondrial apoptosis and differentiation

Isobavachalcone (IBC) has been shown to induce apoptosis and differentiation of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Herein, IBC exhibited significant inhibition on the cell viability, proliferation, and the colony formation ability of AML cells. Moreover, IBC induced mitochondrial apoptosis evidenced by reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, increased Bax level, decreased Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Mcl-1 levels, elevated cytochrome c level in the cytosol and increased cleavage of caspase-9, caspase-3, and PARP. Furthermore, IBC obviously promoted the differentiation of AML cells, accompanied by the increase of the phosphorylation of MEK and ERK and the C/EBPα expression as well as the C/EBPβ LAP/LIP isoform ratio, which was significantly reversed by U0126, a specific inhibitor of MEK. Notably, IBC enhanced the intracellular ROS level. More importantly, IBC-induced apoptosis and differentiation of HL-60 cells were significantly mitigated by NAC. In addition, IBC also exhibited an obvious anti-AML effect in NOD/SCID mice with the engraftment of HL-60 cells. Together, our study suggests that the ROS-medicated signaling pathway is highly involved in IBC-induced apoptosis and differentiation of AML cells.

Overexpression of FADD and Bcl-XS proteins as novel prognostic biomarkers for surgically resected non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most widespread cancer with increasing morbidity and mortality. FAS-associated protein with death domain (FADD) is considered as an essential instrument in cell death, whereas Bcl-XS promotes apoptosis through inhibiting the activity of Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL.

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS

We detected the expression of FADD and Bcl-XS in resected NSCLC tissues by immunohistochemistry, and investigated their association with clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic significance of NSCLC patients.

RESULTS

Bcl-XS expression was significantly increased in well and moderate differentiated lung SCC (P= 0.004). Lung ADC patients with overexpression of FADD and lung SCC patients with low expression of Bcl-XS had importantly lower overall survival rates by Kaplan-Meier analysis (P= 0.033, P= 0.02, respectively). Multivariate analysis confirmed that elevated expression of FADD was an independent poor prognostic factor for patients with surgically resected lung ADC (P= 0.027) and increased expression of Bcl-XS was an independent good prognostic factor for patients with surgically resected lung SCC (P= 0.016)CONCLUSION: Elevated expression of FADD was identified as independent poor prognostic factor for patients with surgically resected lung ADC, however, increased expression of Bcl-XS was an independent good prognostic biomarker for patients with surgically resected lung SCC.

Sesquiterpene Alcohol Cedrol Chemosensitizes Human Cancer Cells and Suppresses Cell Proliferation by Destabilizing Plasma Membrane Lipid Rafts

Chemosensitization of cancer cells with small molecules may improve the therapeutic index of antitumoral agents by making tumor cells sensitive to the drug regimen and thus overcome the treatment resistance and side effects of single therapy. Cell membrane lipid rafts are known to transduce various signaling events in cell proliferation. Sensitizing cancer cells may cause modulation of membrane lipid rafts which may potentially be used in improving anticancer drug response. Cedrol, a natural sesquiterpene alcohol, was used to treat human leukemia K562 and colon cancer HT-29 cell lines, and effects were observed. Cedrol decreased the cell viability by inducing apoptosis in both cell lines by activation of pro-apoptosis protein BID and inhibition of anti-apoptosis proteins Bcl-X_L, Bcl-2, and XIAP. Cedrol activated the caspase-9-dependent mitochondrial intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Furthermore, cedrol inhibited the levels of pAKT, pERK, and pmTOR proteins as well as nuclear and cytoplasmic levels of the p65 subunit of NF-κB. Cedrol caused redistribution of cholesterol and sphingomyelin contents from membrane lipid raft, which was confirmed by a combined additive effect with methyl-β-cyclodextrin (lipid raft-disrupting agent). Lipid raft destabilization by cedrol led to the increased production of ceramides and inhibition of membrane-bound NADPH oxidase 2 enzyme activity. Cholesterol/sphingomyelin-redistributing abilities of cedrol appear as a novel mechanism of growth inhibition of cancer cells. Cedrol can be classified as a natural lipid raft-disrupting agent with possibilities to be used in general studies involving membrane lipid raft modifications.

Dietary Supplementation of Astaxanthin Improved the Growth Performance, Antioxidant Ability and Immune Response of Juvenile Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) Fed High-Fat Diet

High-fat diet (HFD) usually induces oxidative stress and astaxanthin is regarded as an excellent anti-oxidant. An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary astaxanthin supplementation on growth performance, lipid metabolism, antioxidant ability, and immune response of juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) fed HFD. Four diets were formulated: the control diet (10.87% lipid, C), high-fat diet (18.08% lipid, HF), and HF diet supplemented with 75 and 150 mg kg^-1 astaxanthin (HFA1 and HFA2, respectively). Dietary supplementation of astaxanthin improved the growth of fish fed HFD, also decreased hepatosomatic index and intraperitoneal fat ratio of fish fed HFD, while having no effect on body fat. Malondialdehyde content and superoxide dismutase activity were increased in fish fed HFD, astaxanthin supplementation in HFD decreased the oxidative stress of fish. The supplementation of astaxanthin in HFD also reduced the mRNA levels of Caspase 3, Caspase 9, BAD, and IL15. These results suggested that dietary astaxanthin supplementation in HFD improved the growth performance, antioxidant ability and immune response of largemouth bass.

Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) Bcl-xl: transcriptional regulation and anti-apoptosis analysis

Bcl-xl, Bax2, and NF-κB are well-known to be involved in anti-apoptosis response. Although Bcl-xl has been reported in fish, the NF-κB-mediated regulatory mechanism and anti-apoptotic function are still unclear. Here, we cloned and characterized the full-length cDNA sequence of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) Bcl-xl (CiBcl-xl) and its promoter region sequence. The full-length cDNA of CiBcl-xl is 2836 bp with an ORF of 627 bp encoding a polypeptide of 208 amino acids. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that CiBcl-xl shared high homology with Dario rerio Bcl-xl (DrBcl-xl). After stimulation with Poly I:C, the expression of CiBcl-xl in CIK cells and various tested tissues of grass carp were significantly upregulated. To further understand the transcriptional control of fish Bcl-xl induced by NF-κB, CiC-rel and Cip65 were expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 and purified by affinity chromatography with the Ni-NTA His-Bind resin. In vitro, gel mobility shift assays demonstrated the high affinity of CiC-rel and Cip65 with CiBcl-xl promoter. Dual-luciferase reporter assays showed that CiC-rel and Cip65 activated CiBcl-xl promoter. Also, knockdown of CiC-rel and Cip65 reduced the expression of Bcl-xl. Therefore, similar to those of mammals, fish C-rel and p65 can upregulate the transcription of Bcl-xl. In addition, we found that overexpression of CiBcl-xl in CIK cells increased the cell activity and inhibited cell apoptosis, while overexpression of Bax2 promoted cell apoptosis. Meanwhile, co-transfection of CiBcl-xl and CiBax2 into cells can ease up apoptotic rate. To further investigate the molecular basis of synergistic effect of Bcl-xl and Bax2, we showed that Bcl-xl and Bax2 interacted with each other. The results suggested that Bcl-xl executed its anti-apoptotic function by binding to and inhibiting the pro-apoptotic activity of Bax2.

Bcl-2 mediates coelomocytes apoptosis by suppressing cytochrome c release in Vibrio splendidus challenged Apostichopus japonicus

Apoptosis is an evolutionarily conserved immune response and plays a fundamental role in many physiological processes. In this study, the important apoptosis regulator of Bcl-2 homolog from economic marine animal Apostichopus japonicus (AjBcl-2) was cloned and its roles in V. splendidus infection explored. The AjBcl-2 gene contains 3263 nucleotides, with a 5' UTR of 519 bp, an ORF of 660 bp encoding 219 aa sequences, and a 3' UTR of 2084 bp. The AjBcl-2 protein shared a conserved Bcl domain and three Bcl-2 homology domains by SMART program. In healthy sea cucumbers, AjBcl-2 mRNA was expressed in all examined tissues with the peak expression in coelomocytes. The mRNA and protein levels of AjBcl-2 in coelomocytes were depressed at 12 h and 24 h, and induced at 48 h post V. splendidus challenge. In the same conditions, coelomocytes apoptosis rates were significantly increased at 24 h and decreased at 48 h. Moreover, siRNA-mediated AjBcl-2 knockdown significantly increased the coelomocytes apoptosis rates, which could be partially recovered by recombinant AjBcl-2 administration. Furthermore, there was an increase in the AjCyt c protein expression coupled with the downregulation expression of AjBcl-2 post AjBcl-2 silencing. Our results suggested that AjBcl-2 suppressed apoptosis by preventing the AjCyt c release in coelomocytes, and thus mediating V. splendidus infection in sea cucumbers.

Isoferulic acid inhibits human leukemia cell growth through induction of G2/M‑phase arrest and inhibition of Akt/mTOR signaling

Hematologic malignancy is a serious disease that develops quickly and aggressively, severely threatening human health owing to its high mortality. The current study aimed to evaluate the antitumor effects of isoferulic acid (IFA) on leukemia cells and investigate the possible molecular mechanisms. Hematologic cancer cell lines (Raji, K562 and Jurkat) were treated with IFA in a dose‑dependent manner and proliferation was measured by a cell proliferation assay. Cell cycle arrest was detected via flow cytometry using propidium iodide (PI) staining. Cell apoptosis and apoptosis‑associated signal pathways were analyzed via Annexin V/PI staining and western blot assays, respectively. IFA inhibited cell viability, induced cell apoptosis and triggered cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase in Raji, K562, and Jurkat cells in a dose‑dependent manner. In response to IFA treatment, the levels of cleaved poly(ADP‑ribose) polymerase and cleaved caspase‑3 were increased in Jurkat and K562 cells, which was associated with increased phosphorylation of Cdc2 and reduction of Cyclin B1 levels. IFA remarkably attenuated the phosphorylation of mTOR and Akt in Jurkat cells. Collectively, the present data suggested that IFA had therapeutic effects on Jurkat, K562, and Raji cells, indicating it as a promising candidate for the treatment of hematologic malignancy.

β-Caryophyllene in the Essential Oil from Chrysanthemum Boreale Induces G1 Phase Cell Cycle Arrest in Human Lung Cancer Cells

Chrysanthemum boreale is a plant widespread in East Asia, used in folk medicine to treat various disorders, such as pneumonia, colitis, stomatitis, and carbuncle. Whether the essential oil from C. boreale (ECB) and its active constituents have anti-proliferative activities in lung cancer is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the cytotoxic effects of ECB in A549 and NCI-H358 human lung cancer cells. Culture of A549 and NCI-H358 cells with ECB induced apoptotic cell death, as revealed by an increase in annexin V staining. ECB treatment reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), disrupted the balance between pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins, and activated caspase-8, -9, and -3, as assessed by western blot analysis. Interestingly, pretreatment with a broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor (z-VAD-fmk) significantly attenuated ECB-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis of ECB identified six compounds. Among them, β-caryophyllene exhibited a potent anti-proliferative effect, and thus was identified as the major active compound. β- Caryophyllene induced G₁ cell cycle arrest by downregulating cyclin D1, cyclin E, cyclin-dependent protein kinase (CDK) -2, -4, and -6, and RB phosphorylation, and by upregulating p21^CIP1/WAF1 and p27^KIP1. These results indicate that β-caryophyllene exerts cytotoxic activity in lung cancer cells through induction of cell cycle arrest.

miR‑28‑5p suppresses cell proliferation and weakens the progression of polycystic ovary syndrome by targeting prokineticin‑1

Prokineticin‑1 (PROK1) serves important roles in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); however, the association between microRNA (miR)‑28‑5p and PROK1 remains unclear. In the present study, the roles of miR‑28‑5p and PROK1, and their interaction in PCOS were investigated. Rat ovary granule cells were transfected with miR‑28‑5p mimics, and PROK1 expression levels were measured by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and western blotting. A dual‑luciferase reporter assay was performed to determine the association between miR‑28‑5p and PROK1. Additionally, pcDNA‑PROK1 was co‑transfected into rat ovary granule cells with miR‑28‑5p mimics. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle and the expression of signaling proteins were investigated using Cell Counting Kit‑8 assays, 5‑ethynyl‑2'‑deoxyuridine staining, flow cytometry and western blotting, respectively. PROK1 expression was suppressed in rat ovary granule cells by miR‑28‑5p mimics, but upregulated following transfection with miR‑28‑5p inhibitors. The dual‑luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR‑28‑5p binds to the 3'‑untranslated region of PROK1. Proliferation activity was increased in PROK1‑overexpressing cells; this effect was eliminated by co‑transfection with miR‑28‑5p mimics. PROK1‑overexpressing rat ovary granule cells exhibited significantly suppressed cell apoptosis and a decreased number of cells in G1; miR‑28‑5p mimics reversed these effects. Western blotting revealed that the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway was activated by PROK1. The present results suggested that miR‑28‑5p attenuated the progression of PCOS by targeting PROK1, which may promote the pathogenesis of PCOS via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, indicating that the miR‑28‑5p/PROK1 axis may be a potential therapeutic target for patients with PCOS.

Identification of Chaetocin as a Potent non-ROS-mediated Anticancer Drug Candidate for Gastric Cancer

Chaetocin, a natural product extracted from Chaetomium species, possesses anticancer effects in several kinds of tumors. However, it remains unclear whether the potential indication for chaetocin could also include human gastric cancer. We found here that chaetocin induced caspase-dependent and -independent apoptosis in human gastric cancer cell lines, which greatly depended on BID-mediated AIF translocation. Despite not increasing the intercellular ROS levels in gastric cancer cells, chaetocin did cause a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential probably through its regulation on the expression of Bcl-2 and BAX. Chaetocin could also induce autophagy in gastric cancer cells; blocking autophagy by chloroquine enhanced the cytotoxicity of chaetocin. Chaetocin was further found to suppress the growth of gastric cancer xenograft in nude mice. Therefore, our study provides first evidence that chaetocin has an anticancer efficacy against gastric cancer and the combined use of chaetocin with autophagy inhibitors may enhance the therapeutic effect for gastric cancer. As chronic and exorbitant ROS levels instigate drug resistance, chaetocin, which eradicates gastric cancer cells without increasing ROS levels, may initiate a new line of non-ROS-mediated anti-tumor strategy.

Morphological Stages of Mitochondrial Vacuolar Degeneration in Phenylephrine-Stressed Cardiac Myocytes and in Animal Models and Human Heart Failure

Background and objectives: Derangements in mitochondrial integrity and function constitute an important pathophysiological feature in the pathogenesis of heart failure (HF) and play an important role in myocardial remodeling and systolic dysfunction. In systolic HF, we and others have shown an imbalance in mitochondrial dynamics toward mitochondrial fission and fragmentation with evidence of mitophagy, mitochondrial vacuolar degeneration, and impairment in mitochondrial oxidative capacity. The morphological stages of mitochondrial vacuolar degeneration have not been defined. We sought to elucidate the progressive stages of mitochondrial vacuolar degeneration, which would serve as a measure to define, morphologically, the severity of mitochondrial damage. Materials and Methods: Transmission electron microscopy was used to study mitochondrial morphology and pathology in phenylephrine-stressed cardiac myocytes in vitro and in left ventricular myocardium from a rat model of pressure overload induced systolic dysfunction and from patients with systolic HF. Results: In phenylephrine-stressed cardiomyocytes for two hours, alterations in mitochondrial cristae morphology (Stage A) and loss and dissolution of mitochondrial cristae in one (Stage B) or multiple (early Stage B→C) mitochondrion area(s) were evident in the earliest stages of mitochondrial vacuolar degeneration. Mitochondrial swelling and progressive dissolution of mitochondrial cristae (advanced Stage B→C), followed by complete loss and dissolution of mitochondrial cristae and permeabilization and destruction of inner mitochondrial membrane (Stage C) then outer mitochondrial membrane rupture (Stage D) constituted advanced stages of mitochondrial vacuolar degeneration. Similar morphological changes in mitochondrial vacuolar degeneration were seen in vivo in animal models and in patients with systolic HF; where about 60-70% of the mitochondria are mainly observed in stages B→C and fewer in stages C and D. Conclusion: Mitochondrial vacuolar degeneration is a prominent mitochondrial morphological feature seen in HF. Defining the progressive stages of mitochondrial vacuolar degeneration would serve as a measure to assess morphologically the severity of mitochondrial damage.

Photodynamic therapy combined with temozolomide inhibits C6 glioma migration and invasion and promotes mitochondrial-associated apoptosis by inhibiting sodium-hydrogen exchanger isoform 1

OBJECTIVE

As a targeted therapeutic technique for glioma inhibition, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has gradually become a focus of basic research related to glioma treatment. The capacity of PDT to kill glioma cells involves varieties of pathways. In glioma cells, activated sodium-hydrogen exchanger isoform 1 (NHE1) can inhibit the cytotoxic effect of temozolomide (TMZ), promote cell migration and invasion, and inhibit cell apoptosis by changing the acid-base equilibrium. The purpose of our study was to explore if PDT combined with TMZ can effectively inhibit glioma cells by influencing NHE1 in vitro.

METHODS

We analyzed the expression levels of proteins such as NHE1, ezrin, vimentin, Bcl-2, and Bax by Western blot analysis, we assessed the migration and invasion of rat C6 glioma cells by Transwell assay, and we evaluated C6 cell apoptosis in vitro by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Western blot results indicated that NHE1, ezrin and vimentin were downregulated after cotreatment of C6 cells, and intracellular acidification was detected by a fluorometric intracellular pH assay. The migration and invasion capacities of C6 cells were significantly hindered after cotreatment, as shown by the Transwell assay. Experimental data also revealed a significant increase in cell apoptosis after cotreatment, as detected by flow cytometry; corresponding proapoptotic changes in Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3 were also observed in vitro.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that PDT combined with TMZ can inhibit C6 cell migration and invasion and promote mitochondrial-associated apoptosis by inhibiting NHE1. Therefore, this study provides supporting evidence for a potential method for the treatment of glioma.

Topotecan induces apoptosis via ASCT2 mediated oxidative stress in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Topotecan (TPT) is a Topo I inhibitor and shows obvious anti-cancer effects on gastric cancer. Cancer cells reprogram their metabolic pathways to increase nutrients uptake, which has already been a hallmark of cancer. But the effect of TPT on metabolism in gastric cancer remains unknown.

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of TPT on metabolism in gastric cancer.

METHODS

ATP production was measured by ATP Assay kit. Glucose and glutamine uptake were measured by Glucose (HK) Assay Kit and Glutamine/Glutamate Determination Kit respectively. To detect glutathione (GSH) concentration and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, GSH and GSSG Assay Kit and ROS Assay Kit were adopted. Apoptosis rates, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were determined by flow cytometry and protein levels were analyzed by immumohistochemical staining and western blotting.

RESULTS

TPT increased ATP production. TPT promoted glucose uptake possibly via up-regulation of hexokinase 2 (HK2) or glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) expression, while decreased glutamine uptake by down-regulation of ASCT2 expression. ASCT2 inhibitor GPNA and ASCT2 knockdown significantly suppressed the growth of gastric cancer cells. Inhibition of ASCT2 reduced glutamine uptake which led to decreased production of GSH and increased ROS level. ASCT2 knockdown induced apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway and weakened anti-cancer effect of TPT.

CONCLUSION

TPT inhibits glutamine uptake via down-regulation of ASCT2 which causes oxidative stress and induces apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway. Moreover, TPT inhibits proliferation partially via ASCT2. These observations reveal a previously undescribed mechanism of ASCT2 regulated gastric cancer proliferation and demonstrate ASCT2 is a potential anti-cancer target of TPT.

Crosstalk between Fisetin-induced Apoptosis and Autophagy in Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Fisetin (3,3-,4-,7-tetrahydroxyflavone), a naturally occurring flavonoid, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has a 5-year survival rate lower than that of most other carcinomas, and can create functional and aesthetic problems for the patient. New therapies for OSCC are necessary, and treatment using plant-derived natural substances has recently become a trend. It has been suggested that autophagy may play an important role in cancer therapy. Several studies demonstrated that autophagy inhibition enhances apoptotic cell death. Therefore, autophagy inhibition might be a promising therapeutic method against OSCC. Our results showed that fisetin induced apoptotic cell death in human tongue squamous cell line Ca9-22 could be enhanced by inhibition of autophagy. Thus, autophagy process in fisetin treated OSCC might presumed to play a role of pro-survival. The combination of fisetin and an effective autophagy inhibitor could be a potentially adjuvant and useful treatment for oral cancer.

Structural characterization of centipede oligopeptides and capability detection in human small cell lung carcinoma: inducing apoptosis

Lung cancer is the most frequent cause of cancer deaths in the world, and smoking is considered as one of the major causes. Small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) represents a highly malignant and particularly aggressive form, with properties of widespread metastases and poor prognosis. Herein, twenty-five Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans L. Koch Oligopeptides (SSMOs) were isolated and their structures were identified, and the anti-proliferative activity against lung cancer cell lines was evaluated. Results showed that SSMO-5 induced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) markedly in NCI-H446 cells. Furthermore, SSMO-5 decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and enhanced the mitochondria-related apoptosis. These results demonstrate that in NCI-H446 cells, the apoptotic and cytotoxic effects of SSMO-5 are mediated by the intrinsic mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathway, which in turn causes the activation of caspases and increases Bax expression, while decreases Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL expressions and regulates the interaction of p53/MDM2. In conclusion, a ROS-mediated mitochondrial pathway plays an important role in the process of SSMO-5-induced apoptosis against SCLC.

SSMO-5 mediated the lung cancer cells apoptosis by activating the caspases and regulating the interaction of p53/MDM2.

Anthocyanins Extracted from Aronia melanocarpa Protect SH-SY5Y Cells against Amyloid-beta (1-42)-Induced Apoptosis by Regulating Ca2+ Homeostasis and Inhibiting Mitochondrial Dysfunction

We investigated the cytoprotective effects of anthocyanins in Aronia melanocarpa against apoptosis induced by Aβ_1-42, a key mediator of AD pathophysiology. We measured intracellular calcium with a colorimetric kit, cellular apoptosis with DAPI, intracellular ROS with the fluorescent marker 2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, mitochondrial membrane potential with JC-1, and ATP with a colorimetric kit. Gene transcription and protein expression levels of calmodulin, cytochrome c, caspase-9, cleaved caspase-3, Bcl-2, and Bax were analyzed by RT-PCR and Western blotting. The results showed that pretreatment with anthocyanins significantly inhibited Aβ_1-42-induced apoptosis, decreased intracellular calcium and ROS, and increased ATP and mitochondrial membrane potential. RT-PCR and Western blotting revealed that anthocyanins upregulated the gene transcription and protein expression of calmodulin and Bcl-2 and downregulated those of cytochrome c, caspase-9, cleaved caspase-3, and Bax. A. melanocarpa anthocyanins protected SH-SY5Y cells against Aβ_1-42-induced apoptosis by regulating Ca²⁺ homeostasis and apoptosis-related genes and inhibiting mitochondrial dysfunction.

Cross Talk Between Cellular Redox State and the Antiapoptotic Protein Bcl-2

SIGNIFICANCE

B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) was discovered over three decades ago and is the prototype antiapoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family that comprises proteins with contrasting effects on cell fate. First identified as a consequence of chromosomal translocation (t 14:18) in human lymphoma, subsequent studies have revealed mutations and/or gene copy number alterations as well as post-translational modifications of Bcl-2 in a variety of human cancers. The canonical function of Bcl-2 is linked to its ability to inhibit mitochondrial membrane permeabilization, thereby regulating apoptosome assembly and activation by blocking the cytosolic translocation of death amplification factors. Of note, the identification of specific domains within the Bcl-2 family of proteins (Bcl-2 homology domains; BH domains) has not only provided a mechanistic insight into the various interactions between the member proteins but has also been the impetus behind the design and development of small molecule inhibitors and BH3 mimetics for clinical use. Recent Advances: Aside from its role in maintaining mitochondrial integrity, recent evidence provides testimony to a novel facet in the biology of Bcl-2 that involves an intricate cross talk with cellular redox state. Bcl-2 overexpression modulates mitochondrial redox metabolism to create a "pro-oxidant" milieu, conducive for cell survival. However, under states of oxidative stress, overexpression of Bcl-2 functions as a redox sink to prevent excessive buildup of reactive oxygen species, thereby inhibiting execution signals. Emerging evidence indicates various redox-dependent transcriptional changes and post-translational modifications with different functional outcomes.

CRITICAL ISSUES

Understanding the complex interplay between Bcl-2 and the cellular redox milieu from the standpoint of cell fate signaling remains vital for a better understanding of pathological states associated with altered redox metabolism and/or aberrant Bcl-2 expression.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Based on its canonical functions, Bcl-2 has emerged as a potential druggable target. Small molecule inhibitors of Bcl-2 and/or other family members with similar function, as well as BH3 mimetics, are showing promise in the clinic. The emerging evidence for the noncanonical activity linked to cellular redox metabolism provides a novel avenue for the design and development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies against cancers refractory to conventional chemotherapy by the overexpression of this prosurvival protein.

Smokeless tobacco extract inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis in oral mucous fibroblasts

The consumption of smokeless tobacco extract (STE) is growing rapidly, and it has been implicated in several human diseases including diabetes, inflammation and a number of types of cancer. The toxicity of STE requires evaluation, as it is known to induce numerous public health issues. To investigate whether STE serves a role in cultured human oral mucosa fibroblasts (hOMFs), the present study examined HOMF morphology with inverted microscopy and immunofluorescence staining. The cell viability was measured with MTT assays, which detected the cell apoptosis rate via flow cytometry. The activities of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were measured via flow cytometry and commercial kits, subsequent to exposing the cells to various concentrations of STE. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses were used to demonstrate that the mRNA and the protein expression levels of cell cycle-associated genes (cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1 and cyclin D1), apoptosis-associated genes [B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associatied X protein], tumor protein (p53), nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB)-transcription factor (p65) signaling pathways, NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H: quinoneoxidoreductase1 (NQO1). The results indicated that the hOMF cells were positive for cytokeratin staining. STE induced G1-S cell cycle progression and cell apoptosis by regulating the cell cycle or apoptosis-associated proteins. STE treatment increased the concentrations of ROS and MDA, and decreased the concentrations of SOD and CAT. STE unregulated phosphorylated-p53, NF-κB p65, Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1 expression levels in the hOMF cells. The present study demonstrated that STE appears to promote oral disease.

Exopolysaccharide from Marine Bacillus velezensis MHM3 Induces Apoptosis of Human Breast Cancer MCF-7 Cells through a Mitochondrial Pathway

Objective: The production of new natural pharmaceutical agents that increase the efficiency of chemotherapy without affecting the normal cells is the goal of all researchers. Therefore, the present study expects to evaluate the antioxidant and anticancer studies against MCF-7 cell lines of EPS produced by novel Egyptian marine bacterial strain. Methods: Marine bacterium was isolated, purified and identified by 16S rRNA gene amplification and sequence analyses. MHMEPS (the produced EPS) was analyzed by Fourier Transform Infra-red (FTIR), monosugars identification by HPLC, molecular weight estimation and sulfur content were determined. While, in-vitro antioxidants characters was determined using various methods and anticancer studies against MCF-7 cell lines. Results: Bacillus velezensis MHM3 produced 5.8 g/L of MHMEPS. The chemical analysis of MHMEPS showed 24% uronic acid and 18.19% sulfate and monosugars glucuronic acid, glucose, fructose and rhamnose with molar ratio of 4.00: 2.00: 1.00: 0.13, correspondingly, with an overall weight average molecular weight Mw of 1.145×104 g/mol and the number average of molecular weights Mn of 5.155 ×103 g/mol. The FTIR analysis and periodate oxidation indicate the existence of β-(1–4) linkage acidic polysaccharide. MHMEPS showed antioxidant scavenging activity against DPPH•, H2O2 and Metal chelating activity, respectively. So, reducing power method give high activity at 500 μg/ml. MHMEPS hinder the proliferation of MCF-7 cells at 5-80 μg/ml compared to the control group. Moreover, induced apoptosis was associated with activation of caspase-3. Also increased cytochrome C levels significantly in a dose-dependent manner compared with the control. The Caspase-3 activity was raised in MHMEPS treated MCF-7 cells compared with the control (p<0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, the result of DNA fragmentation was confirmed by DNA ladder assay. We presume that MHMEPS has high potential at its low concentration, as a novel restorative agent for the treatment of MCF-7 cells, with no cytotoxicity against normal cells.

Lactobacillus casei Variety rhamnosus Probiotic Preventively Attenuates 5-Fluorouracil/Oxaliplatin-Induced Intestinal Injury in a Syngeneic Colorectal Cancer Model

Adjuvant 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapy, including FOLFOX (5-FU, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin), is recommended for colorectal cancer. However, intestinal mucositis remains a common adverse effect for which no effective preventive strategies are available. To develop a convenient and novel way to alleviate mucositis, we investigated the effect of Lactobacillus casei variety rhamnosus (Lcr35) on FOLFOX-induced mucosal injury. BALB/c mice subcutaneously injected with syngeneic CT26 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells were orally administered Lcr35 daily before, during, and after 5-day injection of FOLFOX regimen, for 14 days. The following methods were used: diarrhea score for toxicity, ELISA for cytokine production, histopathology for intestinal injury, immunohistochemistry for apoptosis/proliferation and regulatory proteins, RT-PCR for cytokine mRNA expression, and DNA sequencing for fecal gut microbiota. FOLFOX administration to colorectal cancer-bearing mice significantly inhibited tumor growth and the accompanying marked diarrhea and intestinal injury histologically characterized by the shortening of villi and destruction of intestinal crypts. Preventive administration of Lcr35 dose-dependently reduced the severity of diarrhea and intestinal mucositis without affecting the anti-tumor effect of FOLFOX. The numbers of apoptotic, NF-κB-, and BAX-activated cells increased after FOLFOX, and these responses were mitigated by Lcr35. TNF-α and IL-6 upregulation by FOLFOX treatment was attenuated by Lcr35. The fecal gut microbiota composition of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes disturbed by FOLFOX was significantly reversed by Lcr35 toward a preferential profile. In conclusion, the oral probiotic Lcr35 prevented FOLFOX-induced intestinal mucositis in colorectal cancer-bearing mice. The putative mechanism might involve modulation of gut microbiota and proinflammatory responses with suppression of intrinsic apoptosis in intestinal injury.

Inhibitory effect of baicalein combined with gemcitabine in human pancreatic cancer cell lines

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive disease with a particularly poor prognosis contributing to a substantial percentage of cancer-associated mortality rates. In the present study, the combination treatment of baicalein (BAI) and gemcitabine (GEM) was investigated to examine whether it inhibited the growth of the human CFPAC-1 pancreatic cancer cell line in vitro and in vivo. The cytotoxic interactions between BAI and GEM in human pancreatic cancer cell lines were determined using MTT assays, and the effect of the two agents on apoptosis was detected using Hoechst 33258 staining and annexin V/7-AAD. The protein levels of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), caspase-3, poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) and survivin were detected using western blot analysis. Furthermore, the expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3 and survivin in tumor tissues were detected using immunohistochemistry. The results demonstrated that following GEM treatment, the growth of CFPAC-1 cells and xenografts in nude mice were inhibited, and the expression levels of Bcl-2 and survivin were downregulated, whilst the expression levels of Bax, caspase-3 and PARP were upregulated. These effects were enhanced with the use of BAI in combination with GEM. The mechanism underlying the anti-tumor effect of BAI combined with GEM may be associated with the induction of cell apoptosis and the inhibition of proliferation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first evidence of the efficacy of BAI against pancreatic cancer and may provide the potential clinical evidence for the use of this drug combination for the treatment of patients with pancreatic cancer.

Physakengose G induces apoptosis via EGFR/mTOR signaling and inhibits autophagic flux in human osteosarcoma cells

BACKGROUND

Physakengose G (PG) is a new compound first isolated from Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii, an anticarcinogenic traditional Chinese medicine. PG has shown promising anti-tumor effects, but its underlying mechanisms remain unknown.

PURPOSE

To investigate the anti-cancer effects of PG on human osteosarcoma cells and the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Apoptosis rates, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and acidic vesicular organelles (AVOs) formation were determined by flow cytometry. Protein levels were analyzed by immunofluorescence and western blotting.

RESULTS

PG inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in human osteosarcoma cells. PG treatment blocked EGFR phosphorylation and suppressed epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced activation of downstream signaling molecules, such as AKT and mTOR. PG treatment resulted in lysosome dysfunction by altering lysosome acidification and LAMP1 levels, which led to autophagosome accumulation and autophagic flux inhibition.

CONCLUSION

PG inhibits cell proliferation and EGFR/mTOR signaling in human osteosarcoma cells. Moreover, PG induces apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway and impedes autophagic flux via lysosome dysfunction. Our findings indicate that PG has the potential to play a significant role in the treatment of osteosarcoma.

Novel triterpenoids isolated from raisins exert potent antiproliferative activities by targeting mitochondrial and Ras/Raf/ERK signaling in human breast cancer cells

Raisins are produced in many regions of the world and may be eaten raw or used in cooking, baking and brewing. Bioactivity-guided fractionation of raisins was used to determine the chemical identity of bioactive constituents. Seven triterpenoids, including three novel triterpenoids, were isolated and identified. The novel triterpenoids were elucidated to be 3β,13β-dihydroxy-12,13-dihydrooleanolic acid (1), 3β,12β,13β-trihydroxy-12,13-dihydrooleanolic acid (2, TOA), and 3β,13β-dihydroxy-12,13-dihydroursolic acid (7), respectively. TOA showed the highest antiproliferative activity against MCF-7/DOX cells, with an EC50 value of 3.60 ± 0.55 μM. Compounds 1, 3 and 7 also exhibited potent antiproliferative activity against MCF-7/DOX cells, with an EC50 value of 7.10 ± 0.65, 10.22 ± 0.90 and 8.91 ± 1.12 μM. Compounds 1 and 2 also exhibited potent antioxidant activities. Moreover, the detailed cytotoxic mechanisms of TOA were investigated by targeting the mitochondrial and protein tyrosine kinase signaling (Ras/Raf/ERK). The results strongly demonstrated that the novel triterpenoids isolated from raisins could be promising candidates for therapy of breast cancer.

Development of novel synthesized phthalazinone-based PARP-1 inhibitors with apoptosis inducing mechanism in lung cancer

Herein we report the synthesis of two series of 4-phenylphthalazin-1-ones 11a-i and 4- benzylphthalazin-1-ones 16a-h as anti-lung adenocarcinoma agents with potential inhibitory activity against PARP-1. All the newly synthesized phthalazinones were evaluated for their anti-proliferative activity against A549 lung carcinoma cell line. Phthalazinones 11c-i and 16b, c showed significant cytotoxic activity against A549 cells at different concentrations (0.1, 1 and 10 μM) for two time intervals (24 h and 48 h). These nine phthalazinones were further examined for their inhibitory activity towards PARP-1. Compound 11c emerged as the most potent PARP-1 inhibitor with IC₅₀ value of 97 nM, compared to that of Olaparib (IC₅₀ = 139 nM). Furthermore, all these nine phthalazinones passed the filters of Lipinski and Veber rules, and predicted to have good pharmacokinetics properties in a theoretical kinetic study. On the other hand, western blotting in A549 cells revealed the enhanced expression of the cleaved PARP-1, alongside, with the reduced expression of pro-caspase-3 and phosphorylated AKT. In addition, ELISA assay confirmed the up-regulation of active caspase-3 and caspase-9 levels compared to the control, suggesting the activation of the apoptotic machinery in the A549 cells. Finally, molecular docking of 11c into PARP-1 active site (PDB: 5WRZ) was performed to explore the probable binding mode.

Glycyrrhetinic Acid Functionalized Graphene Oxide for Mitochondria Targeting and Cancer Treatment In Vivo

Mitochondria-mediated apoptosis (MMA) is a preferential option for cancer therapy due to the presence of cell-suicide factors in mitochondria, however, low permeability of mitochondria is a bottleneck for targeting drug delivery. In this paper, glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), a natural product from Glycyrrhiza glabra, is found to be a novel mitochondria targeting ligand, which can improve mitochondrial permeability and enhance the drug uptake of mitochondria. GA-functionalized graphene oxide (GO) is prepared and used as an effective carrier for targeted delivery of doxorubicin into mitochondria. The detailed in vitro and in vivo mechanism study shows that GA-functionalized GO causes a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and activates the MMA pathway. The GA-functionalized drug delivery system demonstrates highly improved apoptosis induction ability and anticancer efficacy compared to the non-GA-functionalized nanocarrier delivery system. The GA-functionalized nanocarrier also shows low toxicity, suggesting that it can be a useful tool for drug delivery.

Combination of sonodynamic with temozolomide inhibits C6 glioma migration and promotes mitochondrial pathway apoptosis via suppressing NHE-1 expression

Temozolomide (TMZ) was used for clinical postoperative or non-surgical chemotherapy patients. However, its effect remains unsatisfactory and gradually discovered that the presence of chemoresistance. To explore more effective therapy using TMZ, we investigate the effects of combination of application of TMZ together with Sonodynamic therapy (SDT), which is based on the ultrasonic activation of a sonosensitizer, with low toxicity, noninvasive, deeper penetrability and a promising approach for treating malignant glioma by inducing apoptosis on glioma cells in vitro. Sodium-hydrogen exchanger isoform 1 (NHE1), which enable glioblastoma cells to escape TMZ-mediated toxicity via increased H⁺ extrusion and affect the apoptosis effect on C6 glioma cells in vitro. The C6 cells survival rate and time point of TMZ resistance were tested by the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) viability assay. Western blot analysis results showed that the expression of NHE1 and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) protein obviously decreased by TMZ+SDT. Meanwhile, combined treatments enhanced the expression of mitochondrial pathway apoptosis proteins, as well as suppressed MMP-2 to weaken the migration ability in TMZ-resistant C6 cell line. These results provided the first evidence that the sensitivity of TMZ chemotherapy in resistant malignant glioma may be improved by SDT.

MicroRNA-10a suppresses breast cancer progression via PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway

Previous studies have demonstrated that microRNA-10a (miR-10a) regulates various opposing biological functions in breast cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the exact functions of miR-10a in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. miR-10a expression was initially detected in two human breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 and a normal human mammary epithelial cell line MCF-10A. The proliferation, migration and apoptosis of breast cancer cells were analyzed using MTT assays, Transwell assays and flow cytometry, respectively, following transfection of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells with an miR-10a mimic or anti-miR-10a. The expression of phosphorylated (p-)protein kinase B (Akt), p-mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), p-ribosomal protein S6 kinase β-1 (p-p70S6K), phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit α (PIK3CA), Cytochrome C (Cyt C), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), BCL-2 associated X, apoptosis regulator (Bax), and cleaved caspase-3 were analyzed by western blotting. The migration of MCF-7 cells pretreated with an mTOR inhibitor CCI-779, was detected using a Transwell assay. Relative miR-10a expression was significantly elevated in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and was at its highest levels in MCF-7 cells. Transfection with the miR-10a mimic significantly inhibited proliferation and migration, and promoted the apoptosis of breast cancer cells. Furthermore, upregulation of miR-10a markedly suppressed the levels of p-Akt, p-mTOR, p-p70S6K, and PIK3CA, and increased the expression of Cyt C, cleaved caspase-3, and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2. Anti-miR-10a had the opposite effects. In addition, CCI-779 reversed the effect of anti-miR-10a on the migration of MCF-7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, miR-10a is downregulated in high aggressive breast cancer cells. miR-10a inhibited the proliferation and migration, and promoted apoptosis of breast cancer cells via phosphoinositide/Akt/mTOR signaling, and the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.

Metformin incombination with curcumin inhibits the growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has poor prognosis due to the advanced disease stages by the time it is diagnosed, high recurrence rates and metastasis. In the present study, we investigated the effects of metformin (a safe anti-diabetic drug) and curcumin (a turmeric polyphenol extracted from rhizome of Curcuma longa Linn.) on proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis of HCC in vitro and in vivo. It was found that co-treatment of metformin and curcumin could not only induce tumor cells into apoptosis through activating the mitochondria pathways, but also suppress the invasion, metastasis of HCC cells and angiogenesis of HUVECs. These effects were associated with downregulation of the expression of MMP2/9, VEGF, and VEGFR-2, up-regulation of PTEN, P53 and suppression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR/NF-κB and EGFR/STAT3 signaling. Co-administration of metformin and curcumin significantly inhibited HCC tumor growth than administration with metformin or curcumin alone in a xenograft mouse model. Thus, metformin and curcumin in combination showed a better anti-tumor effects in hepatoma cells than either metformin or curcumin presence alone and might represent an effective therapeutic strategy for HCC treatment.

Mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization: a focus on the role of mitochondrial membrane structural organization

Apoptosis is important in regulating cell death turnover and is mediated by the intrinsic and death receptor-based extrinsic pathways which converge at the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) leading to mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP). MOMP results in the release of apoptotic proteins that further activate the downstream pathway of apoptosis. Thus, tight regulation of MOMP is crucial in controlling apoptosis, and a lack of control may lead to tissue and organ malformation and the development of cancers. Despite a growing number of studies focusing on the structure and activity of the proteins involved in mediating MOMP, such as the Bcl-2 family proteins, the mechanism of MOMP is not well understood. In particular, the crucial role of the various structural properties and changes in lipid components of the MOM in mediating the recruitment and activation of different Bcl-2 proteins remains poorly understood. Furthermore, the factors that control the changes in mitochondrial membrane integrity from the initiation to the final disruption of MOM have yet to be clearly defined. In this review, we provide an overview of studies that focus on the mitochondrial membrane with a biophysical analysis of the interactions of the Bcl-2 proteins with the mitochondrial membrane.

Cyperus amuricus induces G1 arrest and apoptosis through endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial signaling in human hepatocellular carcinoma Hep3B cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE

Cyperus amuricus (C. amuricus), belongs to the family Cyperaceae, was used to exert wound healing, diuretic, astringent and other intestinal problems in oriental medicine. However, only a few studies have reported its anticancer activities.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, we determined the activity of C. amuricus on ER stress-induced cell death and G1 cell cycle arrest in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) Hep3B cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The in vitro cell proliferation assay of C. amuricus was tested on Hep3B and human embryonic kidney HEK293 cells. Subsequently, the cell cycle distribution in the indicated stages using flow cytometric analysis, the expression of cell cycle-related proteins by western blot analysis and immunofluorescence detection of p21^CIP1/WAF1 were determined for the comprehensive identification of cell cycle arrest in Hep3B cells. The effect of C. amuricus on the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in Hep3B cells was also performed by western blot analysis. Furthermore, induction of the ER stress mediators in C. amuricus-treated Hep3B cells were observed by western blot analysis, intracellular Ca²⁺ mobilization assay and immunofluorescence detection of caspase-12.

RESULTS

C. amuricus strongly exhibited cytotoxic activity on Hep3B cells, but not on HEK293 cells. C. amuricus affected the phosphorylation levels of endoplasmic reticulum sensors and increased the expression of GRP78/BiP and CHOP, resulting in the accumulation of unfolded proteins in the ER and triggering the unfolded protein response. These changes occurred by the elevation of intracellular Ca²⁺ concentrations, which contributed to ER stress-induced apoptosis in C. amuricus-treated Hep3B cells. C. amuricus also coordinated the stimulation of ER chaperones, which initiated G1 cell cycle arrest through the induction of CDKIs and the inhibition of cyclins and CDKs. Furthermore, C. amuricus triggered apoptosis through the activation of mitochondrial-dependent pathway in Hep3B cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that C. amuricus is an effective apoptosis inducing agent for Hep3B cells via the G1 arrest, ER stress and mitochondrial mediated apoptotic pathways.

In vitro and in vivo assessments of two novel hydrazide compounds against breast cancer as well as mammary tumor cells

PURPOSE

The hydrazide backbone is a well-known structural core system found in a broad range of biologically activated compounds. Among which, the compounds with anticancer activity have been cited in a number of studies. With this object in mind, we focused on the in vitro and in vivo anticancer potential of two novel hydrazide derivatives bearing furan or thiophen substituents (compounds 1 and 2).

METHODS

The cytotoxic property was evaluated using MTT assay against MCF-7 human breast adenocarcinoma cell line, while the in vivo antitumor activity was investigated in BALB/c mice bearing 4T1 mammary carcinoma cells. Flow cytometry was used for cell cycle analysis, and detection of apoptosis was examined by Annexin-V-FLUOS/PI assay. Protein expression of Bax, Bcl-2 and procaspase-3 was estimated by Western blotting.

RESULTS

Compounds 1 and 2 were found to be cytotoxic towards breast cancer cells presenting IC₅₀ values of 0.7 and 0.18 µM, respectively, and selectivity over normal fibroblast cells. Our findings further indicated that 2 × IC₅₀ concentrations of both compounds induce early stage apoptosis and increase percentage of sub-G1 population in MCF-7 cells at 48 h. An elevation in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase-3 cleavage suggested that apoptosis induced by the two compounds is through a caspase- and mitochondrial-dependent pathway. In the in vivo study, compounds 1 and 2 at doses of 10 and 1 mg/Kg/day, respectively, significantly hindered the growth of tumor after 3 weeks of i.p. administration, when compared to vehicle-treated mice.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, the great potential exhibited by compound 2 could make it a promising chemotherapeutic candidate for human cancers, especially for breast cancer.

Selective toxicity of persian gulf sea cucumber holothuria parva on human chronic lymphocytic leukemia b lymphocytes by direct mitochondrial targeting

Natural products isolated from marine environment are well known for their pharmacodynamic potential in diversity of disease treatments such as cancer or inflammatory conditions. Sea cucumbers are one of the marine animals of the phylum Echinoderm. Many studies have shown that the sea cucumber contains antioxidants and anti-cancer compounds. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a disease characterized by the relentless accumulation of CD5⁺ B lymphocytes. CLL is the most common leukemia in adults, about 25-30% of all leukemias. In this study B lymphocytes and their mitochondria (cancerous and non-cancerous) were obtained from peripheral blood of human subjects and B lymphocyte cytotoxicity assay, and caspase 3 activation along with mitochondrial upstream events of apoptosis signaling including reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and mitochondrial swelling were determined following the addition of Holothuria parva extract to both cancerous and non-cancerous B lymphocytes and their mitochondria. Our in vitro finding showed that mitochondrial ROS formation, MMP collapse, and mitochondrial swelling and cytochrome c release were significantly (P < 0.05) increased after addition of different concentrations of H. parva only in cancerous BUT NOT normal non-cancerous mitochondria. Consistently, different concentrations of H. parva significantly (P < 0.05) increased cytotoxicity and caspase 3 activation only in cancerous BUT NOT normal non-cancerous B lymphocytes. These results showed that H. parva methanolic extract has a selective mitochondria mediated apoptotic effect on chronic lymphocytic leukemia B lymphocytes hence may be promising in the future anticancer drug development for treatment of CLL. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1158-1169, 2017.

Synthesis and in vitro anti-proliferative activity of some novel isatins conjugated with quinazoline/phthalazine hydrazines against triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells as apoptosis-inducing agents

Treatment of patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is challenging due to the absence of well- defined molecular targets and the heterogeneity of such disease. In our endeavor to develop potent isatin-based anti-proliferative agents, we utilized the hybrid-pharmacophore approach to synthesize three series of novel isatin-based hybrids 5a–h, 10a–h and 13a–c, with the prime goal of developing potent anti-proliferative agents toward TNBC MDA-MB-231 cell line. In particular, compounds 5e and 10g were the most active hybrids against MDA-MB-231 cells (IC₅₀ = 12.35 ± 0.12 and 12.00 ± 0.13 μM), with 2.37- and 2.44-fold increased activity than 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (IC₅₀ = 29.38 ± 1.24 μM). Compounds 5e and 10g induced the intrinsic apoptotic mitochondrial pathway in MDA-MB-231; evidenced by the reduced expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, the enhanced expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax and the up-regulated active caspase-9 and caspase-3 levels. Furthermore, 10g showed significant increase in the percent of annexin V-FITC positive apoptotic cells from 3.88 to 31.21% (8.4 folds compared to control).