Role of recombinant human erythropoietin loading chitosan-tripolyphosphate nanoparticles in busulfan-induced genotoxicity: Analysis of DNA fragmentation via comet assay in cultured HepG2 cells

Characterization of hepatotoxic effects induced by pyraclostrobin in human HepG2 cells and zebrafish larvae

Pyraclostrobin is a highly effective and broad-spectrum strobilurin fungicide. With the widespread use of pyraclostrobin to prevent and control crop diseases, its environmental pressure and potential safety risks to humans have attracted much attention. Herein, the toxicological risks of pyraclostrobin toward HepG2 cells and the mechanisms of intoxication in vitro were investigated. The liver toxicity of pyraclostrobin in zebrafish larvae was also evaluated. It was found that pyraclostrobin induced DNA damage and reactive oxygen species generation in HepG2 cells, indicating the potential genotoxicity of pyraclostrobin. The results of fluorescent staining experiments and the expression of cytochrome c, Bcl-2 and Bax demonstrated that pyraclostrobin induced mitochondrial dysfunction, resulting in cell apoptosis. Monodansylcadaverine staining and autophagy marker-related proteins LC3, p62, Beclin-1 protein expression showed that pyraclostrobin promoted cell autophagy. Furthermore, immunoblotting analysis suggested that pyraclostrobin induced autophagy accompanied with activation of adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mTOR signaling pathway. Visualization of zebrafish liver and oil red staining indicated that pyraclostrobin could induce liver degeneration and liver steatosis in zebrafish. Collectively, these results help to better understand the hepatotoxicity of pyraclostrobin and provide a scientific basis for its safe applications and risk control.

Conversion of antibacterial quinolone drug levofloxacin to potent cytotoxic agents

Levofloxacin, the optical S-(-) isomer of ofloxacin, is a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent widely used to control various infections caused by Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. While the COOH group is necessary for antibacterial activity, its modification can offer anticancer activity to the fluoroquinolone framework. Therefore, several levofloxacin carboxamides 11a-j and 12 containing 5-substituted-1,3,4-thiadiazole residue were synthesized and screened in vitro for their anticancer activity. The in vitro MTT viability assay revealed that the most compounds had significant activity against cancer cells MCF-7, A549, and SKOV3. In particular, the 3-chloro- and 4-fluoro- benzyl derivatives (11b and 11h), with IC₅₀ values of 1.69-4.76 μM were as potent as or better than doxorubicin. It should be noted that the mother quinolone levofloxacin showed no activity on the tested cancer cell lines. The SAR analysis demonstrated that the 3-chloro or 4-fluoro substituent on the S-benzyl moiety had positive effect on the activity. Further in vitro evaluations of the most promising compounds 11b and 11h by flow cytometric analysis and comet test revealed the ability of compounds in the induction of apoptosis and blockage of the cell proliferation at the G1-phase by nuclear fragmentation and DNA degradation in cancer cells. The obtained results demonstrated that the alteration of 6-COOH functional group in the levofloxacin structure and conjugation with a proper heterocyclic pharmacophore is a good strategy to obtain new anticancer agents.

Mechanistic Approach for Protective Effect of ARA290, a Specific Ligand for the Erythropoietin/CD131 Heteroreceptor, against Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity, the Involvement of Apoptosis and Inflammation Pathways

ARA 290, an 11-amino acid linear nonhematopoietic peptide derived from the three-dimensional structure of helix B of the erythropoietin (EPO), interacts selectively with the innate repair receptor (IRR) that arbitrates tissue protection. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of ARA290 against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. For this purpose, HEK-293 and ACHN cells were treated with ARA290 (50-400 nM) and cisplatin (2.5 μM) in pretreatment condition. Then, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, oxidative stress parameters (ROS, GPx, SOD, and MDA), and inflammatory markers (TNFα, IL6, and IL1β) were evaluated. Furthermore, apoptotic cell death was assessed via caspase-3 activity and tunnel assay. To determine the molecular mechanisms of the possible nephroprotective effects of ARA290, gene and protein expressions of TNFα, IL1β, IL6, Caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl2 were evaluated by real-time PCR and western blot assay, respectively. The findings indicated that ARA290 significantly reduced the DNA damage parameters of comet assay and the frequency of micronuclei induced by cisplatin. Besides, ARA290 improved cisplatin-induced oxidative stress by reducing MDA/ROS levels and enhancing antioxidant enzyme levels. In addition, reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines indicated that cisplatin-induced renal inflammation was mitigated upon the treatment with ARA290. Besides, ARA290 ameliorates cisplatin-induced cell injury by antagonizing apoptosis. Furthermore, the molecular findings indicated that gene and protein levels of TNFα, IL1β, IL6, Caspase-3, and Bax were significantly decreased and gene and protein levels of Bcl2 significantly increased in the ARA290 plus cisplatin group compared with the cisplatin group. These findings revealed that ARA290 as a potent chemo-preventive agent exerted a protective effect on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity mostly through its anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant potentials and also suggested that ARA290 might be a new therapeutic approach for patients with acute kidney injury.

Genotoxicity study of 2-methoxyethanol and benzalkonium chloride through Comet assay using 3D cultured HepG2 cells

Though the key data in identifying carcinogenicity is experience in human, long-term carcinogenicity tests using experimental animals are more realistic. Because carcinogenicity tests require much time and cost, performing the test is minimized through pre-screening. Recently, as bioethics has been strengthened, it is required to minimize animal testing in screening tests as well as carcinogenicity tests. The replacement of the micronucleus assay in experimental animal is the beginning, and the ultimate goal is to replace the carcinogenicity test using experimental animals. The micronucleus assay and the comet assay in 3D culture system of human-derived cells is considered as the most applicable practical measures at this stage. This study was conducted to provide more diverse information in the evaluation of carcinogenicity by establishing the comet test method in a three-dimensional cell culture system. In this study, HepG2 cells were cultured for 4 days in hang-in drop method, and then cultured for 7 days on a low adhesion plate to prepare spheroids. The methods were confirmed by d-mannitol (negative control), ethylmethane sulfonate (positive control), and cyclophosphamide (positive control for metabolite). 2-methoxyethanol and benzalkonium chloride were selected as test substances. Though 2-methoxyethanol is positive in in vivo comet assay and in vitro mammalian chromosome aberration test, it is considered negative in the comprehensive genotoxicity evaluation based on negative in bacterial reverse mutation assay, in vitro mammalian cell gene mutation test and mammalian chromosome aberration test. Benzalkonium chloride has been questioned on carcinogenicity because it is a disinfectant ingredient that has become a social issue in Korea. As a result of the Comet assay for 2-methoxyethanol and benzalkonium chloride in the cultured HepG2 cell line, 2-methoxyethanol was evaluated as positive in the metabolic activation system, but benzalkonium chloride was evaluated as negative in both the presence and absence of the metabolic activation system. Therefore, in order to clarify the carcinogenic potential of 2-methoxyethanol, it is judged that additional studies based on mechanistic studies are needed.

Adverse Effect of Blue Light on DNA Integrity Is Accelerated by 5-Aminolevulinic Acid in HaCaT Human Keratinocyte Cells and B16F1 Murine Melanoma Cells

Several studies have suggested the potential benefits of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)-based photodynamic therapy (PDT). 5-ALA is a precursor of heme, which generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) following photoirradiation. Some reports indicate that blue light induces intracellular ROS production. In the present study, we elucidated the effects of blue light and 5-ALA on DNA integrity in B16F1 murine melanoma and human keratinocyte HaCaT cells using a variety of comet assay techniques. Co-treatment with blue light and 5-ALA significantly decreased cell viability in both cell lines. A neutral comet assay was performed to assess DNA double-strand break (DSB) formation and blue light and 5-ALA caused DSBs. We also performed an alkali comet assay to detect single-strand breaks (SSB) and alkali labile sites (ALS). The results indicated that 5-ALA accelerated blue light-induced SSB formation. In addition, modified comet assays were done using two types of enzymes to evaluate oxidative DNA damages. The results indicated that blue light and 5-ALA generated oxidized purine and pyrimidines in both cell lines. In summary, co-treatment with 5-ALA and photoirradiation may cause unexpected DNA damage in cells and tissues.

Antioxidant and genoprotective effects of osthole against cadmium-induced DNA damage: an in vitro study using comet assay

Background and purpose

Osthole, a plant-derived coumarin, has shown numerous pharmacological effects. However, its genoprotective effects against cadmium-induced DNA damage have not been determined yet. Therefore, this project aimed to assess the effectiveness of osthole against genotoxicity caused by cadmium.

Experimental approach

For this purpose, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were incubated with various concentrations of osthole (40, 60, 80, and 120 µM) 24 h before cadmium chloride (CdCl₂) treatment (40 µM), and then DNA damage was evaluated by comet assay. Furthermore, DPPH and free thiol group assays were applied to evaluate reactive oxygen species scavenger and antioxidant capacities of osthole.

Findings / Results

In the present study, all concentrations of osthole significantly decreased CdCl₂-induced DNA damage. Furthermore, the antioxidant properties of the osthole were confirmed by DPPH and free thiol assays.

Conclusion and implications

Overall, the findings of this project revealed that osthole could ameliorate cadmium-induced genotoxicity probably by its antioxidant activity.

Erythropoietin, as a biological macromolecule in modification of tissue engineered constructs: A review

In recent years, tissue engineering has emerged as a promising approach to address limitations of organ transplantation. The ultimate goal of tissue engineering is to provide scaffolds that closely mimic the physicochemical and biological cues of native tissues' extracellular matrix. In this endeavor, new generation of scaffolds have been designed that utilize the incorporation of signaling molecules in order to improve cell recruitment, enhance angiogenesis, exert healing activities, and increase the engraftment of the scaffolds. Among different signaling molecules, the role of erythropoietin (EPO) in regenerative medicine is increasingly being appreciated. It is a biological macromolecule which can prevent programed cell death, modulate inflammation, induce cell proliferation, and provide tissue protection in different disease models. In this review, we have outlined and critically analyzed different techniques of scaffolds' modification with EPO or EPO-loaded nanoparticles. We have also explored different strategies for the incorporation of EPO into scaffolds. Non-hematopoietic functions of EPO have also been discussed. Finalizing with detailed discussion surrounding the applications, challenges, and future perspectives of EPO-modified scaffolds in regenerative medicine.

Niosome-carvedilol protects DNA damage of supraphysiologic concentrations of insulin using comet assay: An in vitro study

Introduction: Hyperinsulinemia occurs in type 2 diabetic patients with insulin resistance. This increase in insulin levels in the blood increases reactive oxygen species production and oxidative stress, resulting in DNA damage. Carvedilol (CRV) is a non-selective beta-blocker, and research has shown that this compound and its metabolites have anti-oxidative properties. Carvedilol can, directly and indirectly, reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and has a protective effect on DNA damage from oxidative stress. Given the insolubility of CRV in water, finding new methods to increase its solubility can be an essential step in research. This study aimed to determine whether carvedilol could have a protective effect on insulin-induced genomic damage. Methods: We treated cells with insulin alone, amorphous-CRV alone, and amorphous-CRV and niosomal-CRV with insulin and DNA damage were investigated using the comet method to achieve this goal. Results: Our results showed that insulin in the studied concentration has a significant genotoxic effect and non-cytotoxic at higher concentrations. CRV, both in amorphous and niosome form, reduced insulin-induced DNA damage by reducing ROS production. The comet assay results demonstrate that treating HUVEC cells in pretreatment condition with amorphous-CRV and niosome-CRV significantly reduces DNA damage of insulin.

Synthesis and biological assessment of ciprofloxacin-derived 1,3,4-thiadiazoles as anticancer agents

The quinolone-3-carboxylic acid scaffold is essential structure for antibacterial activity of fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin. Modification of 3-carboxylic functionality in this structure can be used for switching its activity from antibacterial to anticancer. Accordingly, a series of C-3 modified ciprofloxacin derivatives containing N-(5-(benzylthio)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)-carboxamide moiety was synthesized as novel anticancer agents. Most of compounds showed significant activity against MCF-7, A549 and SKOV-3 cancer cells in the MTT assay. In particular, compounds 13a-e and 13g were found to be as potent as standard drug doxorubicin against MCF-7 cell line (IC₅₀s = 3.26-3.90 µM). Furthermore, the 4-fluorobenzyl derivatives 13h and 14b with IC₅₀ values of 3.58 and 2.79 µM exhibited the highest activity against SKOV-3 and A549 cells, being as potent as doxorubicin. Two promising compounds 13e and 13g were further tested for their apoptosis inducing activity and cell cycle arrest. Both compounds could significantly induce apoptosis in MCF-7 cells, while compound 13e was more potent apoptosis inducer resulting in an 18-fold increase in the proportion of apoptotic cells at the IC₅₀ concentration in MCF-7 cells. The cell cycle analysis revealed that compounds 13e and 13g could increase cell portions in the sub-G1 phase, inducing oligonucleosomal DNA fragmentation and apoptosis confirmed by comet assay.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN DIABETICS AND INTESTINAL CANCER WITH THE RISK OF MUTATION IN CD38 GENE IN IRANIAN POPULATION

BACKGROUND

Intestinal cancer often occurs in type 2 diabetic patients. The concept of increasing insulin levels and insulin-like growth factor in the blood with type 2 diabetes are stimulated with the growth and depletion of cloned cell walls, and the continuation of this process leads to the cellular deformation. This is the evidence for intestinal cancer in type 2 diabetes in population.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to find out the relationship between diabetics and intestinal cancer based on CD38 gene mutation.

METHODS

Samples were collected from 200 population including normal and case ones. PCR products related to rs 6449181 of CD38 gene was amplified with ARMS-PCR technique, and a 420-bp sharp banding was observed as well. According three ARMS-PCR techniques, three primers were designed by oligo7 software. Primers include F1, F2 and R (amplifying for normal, mutant and reverse primer respectively).

RESULTS

This band was observed using a primer F1 that carries the wild type nucleotide using a primer, and when it is used with the F2 primer, it brings the mutant primer to populations of patients with diabetes and diabetes-cancer. In addition, the clinical results including body mass index, blood glucose and insulin level were analyzed. The means ±SD and Tuckey's post hoc test were significant between the clinical characterization parameters between cases and healthy populations. The allelic gene frequencies and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium between nucleotides were evaluated, and the significant level between the alleles and gene frequencies was observed.

CONCLUSION

In general, the current study found that there is a relationship between diabetes and intestinal cancer among the studied populations.

An engineered non-erythropoietic erythropoietin-derived peptide, ARA290, attenuates doxorubicin induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress

Erythropoietin (EPO) applies anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidant and cytoprotective effects besides its hematopoietic action. A nonhematopoietic peptide engineered from EPO, ARA 290, interacts selectively with the innate repair receptor and has similar possessions. ARA290 mediates tissue protection without hematopoietic side-effects of EPO which limit its clinical application. Doxorubicin (DOX) is the broad-spectrum chemotherapeutic agent, but its use is limited by the development of nonspecific toxicity on noncancerous tissues especially in cardiac cells. Mechanisms behind the DOX-induced toxicities are enhanced level of oxidative damage, inflammation and apoptosis. In the present study, we have investigated whether ARA290 acts as a chemoprotective agent modulating the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and oxidative stress induced in vitro by DOX. The genoprotective effect of ARA290 on DOX-induced toxicity in three cell line (HepG2, HGF & Stem cell) were assessed. Cells were treated with ARA290 (50-400 nM) and DOX (1 μM) in pretreatment condition. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay, genoprotective effect of ARA290 were evaluated using the micronucleus test and comet assay. AR290 significantly reduced the percentage of DNA in tail and the frequency of micronuclei induced by DOX. Besides, DOX impaired anti-oxidant defense enzyme activities and induced inflammation and apoptotic cell death. ARA290 markedly attenuated DOX induced oxidative stress and protected against DOX induced inflammation and apoptotic cell death. This result proposes that ARA290 can act as a protective agent, reducing DOX-induced DNA damage and oxidative stress, and it is possible that this protection could also extend to cardiac cells.

Sgc8 aptamer targeted glutathione-responsive nanoassemblies containing Ara-C prodrug for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Cytarabine (Ara-C) is an essential medicine used in the clinical treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. However, Ara-C suffers from high hydrophilicity, rapid plasma degradation and significant side effects. Thus, herein, to eliminate the limitations of Ara-C in the treatment of leukemia, Sgc8 aptamer targeting and glutathione (GSH)-responsive polymeric micelles (PCL-ss-Ara@Sgc8-BSA) were prepared. The prodrug was synthesized via covalent bond formation between acryloyl chloride-terminal PCL-ss-PCL and Ara-C, and surface decoration with Sgc8-bovine serum albumin (Sgc8-BSA). The obtained PCL-ss-Ara@Sgc8-BSA exhibited good GSH-responsive drug release behavior, obvious targetability and sufficient antitumor effect to acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells (CCRF-CEM). A hemolysis test was further carried out to demonstrate that these polymeric micelles are safe to be administrated intravenously. Compared with free Ara-C, PCL-ss-Ara@Sgc8-BSA significantly enhanced tumor growth inhibition in mice bearing CCRF-CEM xenograft tumors, while causing little side effects, and improved the survival rate of CCRF-CEM tumor-bearing mice in vivo. Therefore, this new self-assembling small molecular prodrug equipped with Sgc8 targeting function is a potential treatment for the targeted therapy of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Cytoprotective Effect of Antioxidant Pentapeptides from the Protein Hydrolysate of Swim Bladders of Miiuy Croaker (Miichthys miiuy) against H2O2-Mediated Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cell (HUVEC) Injury

In our previous research, ten antioxidant pentapeptides including FYKWP, FTGMD, GFEPY, YLPYA, FPPYERRQ, GFYAA, FSGLR, FPYLRH, VPDDD, and GIEWA were identified from the hydrolysate of miiuy croaker (Miichthys miiuy) swim bladder. In this work, their protective function on H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was studied. Results indicated that there was no significant difference in the HUVEC viability between the normal group and the treated groups with the 10 pentapeptides at the concentration of 100 μM for 24 h (p < 0.05). Furthermore, FPYLRH of 100 μg/mL extremely significantly (p < 0.001) increased the viability (80.58% ± 5.01%) of HUVECs with H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage compared with that of the model group. The protective mechanism indicated that FPYLRH could extremely significantly (p < 0.001) increase the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) (211.36 ± 8.29 U/mg prot) and GSH-Px (53.06 ± 2.34 U/mg prot) and decrease the contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (139.1 ± 11.8% of control), malondialdehyde (MDA) (13.66 ± 0.71 nM/mg), and nitric oxide (NO) (4.36 ± 0.32 µM/L) at the concentration of 100 μM in HUVECs with H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage compared with those of the model group. In addition, FPYLRH dose-dependently protected DNA in oxidative damage HUVECs model. These results suggested that FPYLRH could significantly attenuate the H₂O₂-induced stress injury in HUVECs and might be used as a potential natural antioxidant in the functional food industries.

METALLOTHIONEIN-2A (RS1610216&RS28366003) GENE POLYMORPHISMS AND THE RISK OF STOMACH ADENOCARCINOMA

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer is the fourth most common cause of worldwide cancer. Also in contrast to the huge advances in curing, the chance of living is very low even in surgery cases. Having a genetic predisposition plays an important role in cancer development. The association between Metallothionein-2A gene polymorphisms and the risk of adenocarcinoma has been widely studied, yet there is only one study on stomach diseases. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between 2 (MT-2A) polymorphisms and adenocarcinoma. METHODS: This cross-sectional case control study was performed between Mach 2014 and January 2015 at the Tuba Hospital of Sari, Iran. Peripheral blood samples were collected in EDTA tube. DNA extraction was performed using the spin column procedure. The MT-2A polymorphisms MT-2A (rs1610216), (rs28366003) were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis in 95 a topic adenocarcinoma patients and 90 healthy individuals from Iranian population. RESULTS: The MT-2A rs1610216 polymorphism increased the risk of adeno carcinoma in our Iranian population [OR: 3.8533; 95%CI, 1.3155-11.2869; P=0.0139] and rs28366003 [OR: 4.0978; 95%CI, 1.2521-13.4108; P=0.0197]. CONCLUSION: The MT-2A gene polymorphism was associated with the risk of adenocarcinoma in the Iranian population.

CYTOTOXIC EFFECTS OF DULOXETINE ON MKN45 AND NIH3T3 CELL LINES AND GENOTOXIC EFFECTS ON HUMAN PERIPHERAL BLOOD LYMPHOCYTES

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death globally. Unfortunately, the survival rate of the gastric cancer patients who underwent chemotherapy following surgery has been less than a half. Besides, chemotherapy has many side effects. Current evidence suggests that some antidepressants like duloxetine have growth-inhibiting effects against a number of cancer cell lines. OBJECTIVE: Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of duloxetine on gastric cancer. METHODS: In this regard, the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of duloxetine were investigated in MKN45 and NIH3T3 cell lines by MTT assay and on peripheral blood lymphocytes by MN assay. For this purpose, cells were cultured in 96 wells plate. Stock solutions of duloxetine and cisplatin were prepared. After cell incubation with different concentrations of duloxetine (1, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 200 μL), MTT solution was added. For micronucleus assay fresh blood was added to RPMI culture medium 1640 supplemented, and different concentrations of duloxetine (1, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 200 μL) were added. RESULTS: The cytotoxicity of duloxetine on MKN45 cancer cell line and NIH3T3 normal cell line were studied followed by MTT assay. duloxetine exhibited higher IC50 in the MKN45 cells in comparison with the NIH3T3 cells. In addition, genotoxic effect of duloxetine was evaluated by micronucleus assay. The results revealed that duloxetine induced more DNA damage at 100 and 200 μM and no significant difference at 200 μM with respect to cisplatin, but it had less genotoxic effects at 100 and 50 μM concentrations. CONCLUSION: Although, in this study, duloxetine had less genotoxicity than cisplatin in concentrations under 200 μM and showed cytotoxic effects as well, due to its IC50, it cannot be considered as a better choice for gastric cancer therapies with respect to cisplatin as a common anticancer drug.

CYTOTOXIC EFFECTS OF ARIPIPRAZOLE ON MKN45 AND NIH3T3 CELL LINES AND GENOTOXIC EFFECTS ON HUMAN PERIPHERAL BLOOD LYMPHOCYTES

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer is known as the fourth most common cancer. Current treatments for cancer have damaged the sensitive tissues of the healthy body, and in many cases, cancer will be recurrent. Therefore, need for treatments that are more effective is well felt. Researchers have recently shifted their attention towards antipsychotic dopamine antagonists to treat cancer. The anticancer activities of aripiprazole remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of aripiprazole on gastric cancer and normal cell lines. METHODS: In this regard, the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of aripiprazole were investigated in MKN45 and NIH3T3 cell lines by methyl tetrazolium assay and on peripheral blood lymphocytes by micronucleus assay. For this purpose, cells were cultured in 96 wells plate. Stock solutions of aripiprazole and cisplatin were prepared. After cell incubation with different concentrations of aripiprazole (1, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 200 μL), methyl tetrazolium solution was added. For micronucleus assay fresh blood was added to RPMI culture medium 1640 supplemented, and different concentrations of aripiprazole (50, 100 and 200 μL) were added. RESULTS: The finding of present study showed that the IC50 of aripiprazole in the cancer cell line (21.36 μg/mL) was lower than that in the normal cell line (54.17 μg/mL). Moreover, the micronucleus assay showed that the frequency of micronuclei of aripiprazole at concentrations below 200 μM was much less than cisplatin. CONCLUSION: Aripiprazole can be a good cytotoxic compound and good candidate for further studies of cancer therapy.

SERUM CYTOKINE OF IL-2, IL-10 AND IL-12 LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH STOMACH ADENOCARCINOMA

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Gastric adenocarcinoma is the fourth most common cause of cancer-associated death worldwide. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the immunological status of patients with gastric cancer before surgery and circulating cytokines as potential diagnostic biomarkers for gastric cancer. METHODS: We included 90 healthy controls and 95 patients with distal Gastric adenocarcinoma in Mazandaran, Sari, Iran. We measured serum IL-2, IL-10 and IL-12 Levels by a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using the IBL international GMBH kit. RESULTS: The serum IL-10 levels in the patients with Gastric adenocarcinoma were significantly higher than those of the healthy controls (P=0.02). There were no significant differences in serum IL-2 and IL-12 levels between patients with gastric cancer and healthy controls. CONCLUSION: Increased levels of IL-10 might be useful as diagnostic biomarkers for Gastric adenocarcinoma; however, this needs to be confirmed with larger number of patients and with control groups other than blood donors, properly age paired. These results suggest that positive expression of IL-10 may be useful as a molecular marker to distinguish stage of gastric cancers which can be more readily controlled.

Natural pyrethrins induces apoptosis in human hepatocyte cells via Bax- and Bcl-2-mediated mitochondrial pathway

Natural pyrethrins have been widely used for pest control in organic farming and for residential indoor pest managements. Although the specific mechanisms underlying their activity are incompletely understood, natural pesticides are considered the safest based on their target specificity and rapid degradation in the environment. Here, we used in vitro bioassays to characterize the cytotoxic effects of natural pyrethrins and attempted to delineate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of their cytotoxicity against human hepatocytes. The results demonstrate that natural pyrethrins reduce cell viability and enhance apoptosis in HepG2 cells. In addition, the current data indicate that natural pyrethrins cause a reduction in the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), increase reactive oxygen species production, and up-regulate the Bax/Bcl-2 expression, leading to the release of cytochrome-c into the cytosol, activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 and cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Taken together, the results indicate that natural pyrethrins has potentially exert adverse effects on human health by inducing caspase-dependent apoptosis in hepatocytes through Bax- and Bcl-2-mediated mitochondrial pathway.