Evaluation of some genes and proteins involved in apoptosis on human chronic myeloid leukemia cells (K562 cells) by datura innoxia leaves aqueous extract

A novel LL-37@NH2@Fe3O4 inhibits the proliferation of the leukemia K562 cells: in-vitro study

LL-37 can inhibit the growth of K562 cancer cells when it is conjugated with iron oxide nanoparticles. In this study, Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized using the co-precipitation method and then modified with the LL-37 peptide through an NH2 bridge. The accuracy of the synthesis process was confirmed through various analytical tests, including FTIR, XRD, FESEM, and EDX. To assess the treatment's effectiveness, a viability test was carried out on K562 leukemia cells and normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In addition, flow cytometry and Hoechst staining were used to investigate the mechanism of action of the drug. The expression levels of the Bcl-2, Bax, and TP53 genes in the treated cells and the control group were measured using qRT-PCR. The results indicated that the size of the nanoparticles ranged between 34 and 40 nm. The NH2@LL-37@Fe3O4 nanoparticles more effectively inhibited the growth of cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner, as compared to Fe3O4 alone. Further analysis revealed that apoptosis occurred through increased expression of TP53 and Bax genes compared to the Bcl-2 gene. Therefore, induction of apoptosis and inhibition of growth in K562 cells was attributed to the impact of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles conjugated with the LL-37 peptide through the TP53/Bax/Bcl-2 pathway.

Isolation, identification, and characterization of α- asarone, from hydromethanolic leaf extract of Acorus calamus L. and its apoptosis-inducing mechanism in A549 cells

Due to the presence of several active secondary metabolites, the traditional Indian and Chinese medicinal herb Acorus calamus L. has been utilized for both medical and culinary purposes since ancient times. A recent report has underscored the promising cytotoxic effect of A. calamus leaves extract against non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells. Thus, we want to separate the bioactive substance from the hydromethanolic extract of A. calamus leaves in the current investigation. Thin-layer chromatography was used to separate the compounds and different spectroscopic methods (UV, FTIR, NMR, and LCMS/MS) were used for the structure prediction. α-asarone was found to be the main bioactive compound present and it was isolated from A. calamus leaves extract. It exerted a good cytotoxic effect with an IC50 value of 21.43 ± 1.27 μM against A549 cells and IC50 value of 324.12 ± 1.32 μM against WI-38 cells. The induction of apoptosis in A549 cells by α-asarone was reaffirmed by the diverse differential staining methods including DAPI, Acridine Orange/Ethidium Bromide, and Giemsa staining. Additionally, α-asarone induced mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) dissipation with a concomitant increase in the production of ROS. Furthermore, it also increased expressions of caspase-3, caspase-9, caspase-8, DR4, and DR5 genes in A549 cells. In conclusion, α-asarone-induced apoptotic cell death in non-small lung cancer cells (A549) as a result of loss of mitochondrial function, increased ROS production, subsequent activation of an internal and extrinsic caspase pathway, and altered expression of genes controlling apoptosis. As a whole, α-asarone is a plausible therapeutic agent for managing lung cancer. HIGHLIGHTSIsolation of bioactive compound from hydromethanolic leaves extract of Acorus calamus L. by thin layer chromatography.Structural elucidation of the bioactive compound was carried out using different methods like UV analysis, FTIR, NMR, and LC-MS/MS analysis.A plausible mode of action revealed that α-asarone can induce apoptosis in lung cancer cells (A549).Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Platelet microparticles influence gene expression and modulate biological activities of chronic myeloid leukemia cells (K562)

BACKGROUND

The current understanding emphasizes the intricate interplay between the Leukemic cell and its environment. Platelet-derived microparticles play a crucial role in facilitating intercellular communication and contribute to the complex landscape of cancer pathology. This study aimed to investigate the influence of platelet-derived microparticles on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and the expression of key genes, including P53, P21, Cyclin D1, Bax, and Bcl-2, within the context of a chronic myeloid leukemia cell line (K562).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Platelet-derived microparticles were obtained through centrifugation at various speeds, and their concentration was quantified using the BCA assay. To determine the size and immunophenotypic characteristics of the PMPs, both the DLS technique and flow cytometry were employed. Cell proliferation was assessed using the MTT assay and hemocytometer, and cell cycle analysis was conducted through DNA content evaluation. Real-time PCR was utilized for gene expression analysis of Bax, Bcl-2, Cyclin D1, P53, and P21. Flow cytometry was employed to examine cell apoptosis. The findings revealed that platelet-derived microparticles have the ability to decrease proliferation of the K562 cell line, while not exerting an impact on apoptosis and cell cycle progression. Analysis through real-time PCR indicated an upregulation in the gene expression of P53, P21, and Bcl-2, accompanied by a downregulation in Bax and Cyclin D1.

CONCLUSION

This investigation sheds light on the intricate relationship between chronic myeloid leukemia and its microenvironment, particularly the involvement of platelet-derived microparticles. The study underscores the potential of platelet-derived microparticles to influence cell behavior and gene expression, providing a deeper understanding of their role in CML and its therapeutic implications.

Effects of doxorubicin and apigenin on chronic myeloid leukemia cells (K562) in vitro: anti-proliferative and apoptosis induction assessments

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of the co-treatment with apigenin and doxorubicin (DOX) on K562 cells. Our results show that apigenin (0, 40, 60, 80 ,100 µM) and DOX (0-10 µM) as single therapy, could decrease K562 cell viability (after 24 h of treatment) in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, the co-treatment with apigenin (60, 80 µM) and 10 µM of DOX led to a greater reduction in cell growth (CI: 0.92 and 0.97) after 24 h of treatment compared to the single DOX treatment (p < 0.05). Consequently, apigenin and DOX, either as single or as co-treatment (24 h of treatment), were indicated to induce apoptosis in K562 cells through morphological studies, RT-qPCR, and western-blot analysis. Eventually, the expressions of Caspase 3, 6, 7, and 9 genes in the single treatment with DOX had higher alteration compared to the co-treatment with DOX and apigenin (p < 0.05).

The genus Datura L. (Solanaceae): A systematic review of botany, traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology

The genus Datura has been used as an important traditional medicine in China, as well as in other countries worldwide. This review summarizes the latest progress and perspective of the genus Datura, from the aspects of botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology. Up to May 2022, literatures were collected from online scientific databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, SciFinder, CNKI, ACS, and Web of Science, and information was also obtained from "Flora Republicae Populairs Sinicae", Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Chinese herbal classic books, and Ph.D. and M. Sc. dissertations. Studies on chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and toxicity are mainly focused on D. metel, D. stramonium, and D. inoxia. Furthermore, 496 compounds have been discovered from the genus Datura, including withanolides, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, steroids, amino acids, aromatics, and aliphatics. Among them, withanolides and alkaloids are two main active constituents. Pharmacological activities of extracts and compounds have been studied from the aspects of antitumor, antiinflammation, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, anticoagulant, analgesic, hypoglycemic and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities, as well as the effects on central nervous system and immune system. Modern pharmacological studies have provided more clues to elucidate the traditional usages. The toxicity of the genus Datura is noteworthy, especially the potential toxicity on organs. This review would provide a comprehensive and constructive overview for new drug development and utilization of the genus Datura.

Cytotoxic Activity, Cell Cycle Inhibition, and Apoptosis-Inducing Potential of Athyrium hohenackerianum (Lady Fern) with Its Phytochemical Profiling

In the present study, we investigated the cytotoxic effects of Athyrium hohenackerianum ethanolic extract (AHEE) on the proliferation of breast, lung, and colon cancer cells. The AHEE was tested for its effect on the progression of the cell cycle, followed by induction of apoptosis determination by flow cytometry. Real-time qRT-PCR was also utilized to observe the initiation of apoptosis. In addition, GC-MS was performed in order to identify the active phytochemicals present in the AHEE. A cytotoxic activity with an IC₅₀ value of 123.90 μg/mL against HCT-116 colon cancer cells was exhibited by AHEE. Following propidium iodide staining, annexin-V/PI, and clonogenic assays, AHEE treatment results in cell arrest in the S phase, causing an increase in the early and late phases of apoptosis and displaying antiproliferative potential, respectively. The morphological alterations were further monitored using acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining. When compared with the control cells, features of apoptotic cell death, including nuclear fragmentation, in the AHEE-treated cells were noticed. The apoptosis was also confirmed by detecting the increased expression of p53 and caspase-3 along with the downregulation of Bcl-2. GC-MS analysis revealed that trans-linalool oxide, loliolide, phytol, 4,8,12,16-tetramethylheptadecan-4-olide, and gamma-sitosterol were the major phytochemical constituents. Based on these findings, it can be suggested that AHEE causes cellular death via apoptosis, which should be further explored for the identification of active compounds responsible for these observed effects. Therefore, AHEE can be used in the pharmaceutical development of anticancer agents for cancer therapeutics.

Mitochondrial pathway of the lysine demethylase 5C inhibitor CPI-455 in the Eca-109 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell line

BACKGROUND

Esophageal cancer is a malignant tumor of the digestive tract that is difficult to diagnose early. CPI-455 has been reported to inhibit various cancers, but its role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is unknown.

AIM

To investigate the effects and mechanism of the lysine demethylase 5C inhibitor, CPI-455, on ESCC cells.

METHODS

A methyl tetrazolium assay was used to detect the inhibitory effect of CPI-455 on the proliferation of Eca-109 cells. Apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial membrane potential were assessed by flow cytometry. Laser confocal scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe changes in Eca-109 cell morphology. The protein expression of P53, Bax, lysine-specific demethylase 5C (KDM5C), cleaved Caspase-9, and cleaved Caspase-3 were assayed by western blotting.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, CPI-455 significantly inhibited Eca-109 cell proliferation. Gemcitabine inhibited Eca-109 cell proliferation in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. CPI-455 caused extensive alteration of the mitochondria, which appeared to have become atrophied. The cell membrane was weakly stained and the cytoplasmic structures were indistinct and disorganized, with serious cavitation when viewed by transmission electron microscopy. The flow cytometry and western blot results showed that, compared with the control group, the mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased and depolarized in Eca-109 cells treated with CPI-455. CPI-455 significantly upregulated the ROS content, P53, Bax, Caspase-9, and Caspase-3 protein expression in Eca-109 cells, whereas KDM5C expression was downregulated.

CONCLUSION

CPI-455 inhibited Eca-109 cell proliferation via mitochondrial apoptosis by regulating the expression of related genes.

In Vitro Cytotoxic Evaluation and Apoptotic Effects of Datura innoxia Grown in Saudi Arabia and Phytochemical Analysis

Datura innoxia is an important species of Solanaceae family with several purposes in folk medicine. This study intends to explore the cytotoxic effect of D. innoxia on various cancer cell proliferation. D. innoxia ethanolic extract’s effect on the progression of the cell cycle and the induction of apoptosis were investigated by flow cytometry. Further, real-time PCR was employed to confirm apoptosis initiation. In addition, active phytochemicals of D. innoxia was identified by gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). The cell viability study revealed that the ethanolic extract of D. innoxia demonstrated potent cytotoxicity, with an IC50 value of 10 μg/mL against LoVo colon cancer cells. Cell cycle staining with propidium iodide revealed that D. innoxia treatment leads to cell accumulation in the sub-G1 phase. Using the Annexin V-FITC/PI assay, the ethanolic extract was found to cause a dose-dependent increase in early and late apoptosis when compared to control cells. Apoptosis as the mode of cell death was also confirmed by the increased expression of p53, bax and caspase-8, -9, and -3 along with downregulation of Bcl-2. GC-MS analysis displayed that 3,5-Dihydroxybenzoic acid (16.53%), heneicosyl formate (14.14%), 2,3-dimethyl-3-pentanol (12.89%), 2-hydroxy-4-methyl pentanoic acid (5.19%) were the main phytoconstituents. These findings conclude that D. innoxia causes cell death through apoptosis, suggesting more attention should be paid to further exploration of the active components from D. innoxia responsible for the observed activities.