Oral administration of blueberry inhibits angiogenic tumor growth and enhances survival of mice with endothelial cell neoplasm

Euphorbia helioscopia L. exhibits promising therapeutic effects on hemangioendothelioma and melanoma through angiogenesis inhibition

BACKGROUND

Euphorbia helioscopia L (EHL), a widely used medicinal plant in traditional Chinese medicine, has shown promising effects on certain cancers. However, previous studies on EHL did not elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Herein, for the first time, we present the strong therapeutic potential of EHL extracts on malignant hemangioendothelioma, a rare type of vascular tumor.

PURPOSE

To investigate the potential anti-tumor mechanism of extracts of EHL on hemangioendothelioma and melanoma.

METHODS

The dried stems and leaves of EHL were extracted with Ethyl Acetate and n-Butyl alcohol, yielding two crude extracts Ethyl Acetate fraction (EA) and n-Butyl alcohol fraction (Bu). EA and Bu were prepared to assess the potential mechanism by assays for cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, colony formation, tube formation, cellular metabolic activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS), N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) antagonism, RNA expression and western blot. To further confirm the anti-tumor effect of EHL in vivo, we established hemangioendothelioma and melanoma tumor-bearing mouse model using node mice and administered with EA and Bu, tracked alterations in tumor volume and survival rate. Furthermore, tissue samples were obtained for histological, protein, and genetic investigations.

RESULTS

We demonstrate that the injection of EA and Bu, significantly inhibits tumor growth and prolongs the lifespan of tumor-bearing mice. Bu treatment exhibited a remarkable 33 % healing effect on the primary hemangioendothelioma tumor, bringing the survival rate to a level comparable to that of healthy mice. Mechanically, both EA and Bu impair respiratory chain complexes, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in DNA damage, cell apoptosis, and finally blocked angiogenesis. While EA demonstrates robust inhibitory effects on cancer cell growth and a broader impact on metabolism in vitro, the in vivo effect of Bu surpasses that of EA in terms of strength. EA and Bu also exhibit potent anti-tumor effects on a primary melanoma model by inhibiting angiogenesis. Importantly, when compared to other compounds used in the treatment of hemangioendothelioma, EA and Bu demonstrate more profound anti-tumor effects.

CONCLUSION

For the first time, our findings reveal that EHL extracts, especially the high polarity compounds, exhibit potent anti-tumor effects by targeting cellular metabolism, specifically through the inhibition of mitochondria-related metabolic activities. This leads to the accumulation of ROS and effectively suppresses abnormal angiogenesis.

Tissue nanotransfection causes tumor regression by its effect on nanovesicle cargo that alters microenvironmental macrophage state

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanovesicles released by all eukaryotic cells. This work reports the first nanoscale fluorescent visualization of tumor-originating vesicles bearing an angiogenic microRNA (miR)-126 cargo. In a validated experimental model of lethal murine vascular neoplasm, tumor-originating EV delivered its miR-126 cargo to tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Such delivery resulted in an angiogenic (LYVE+) change of state in TAM that supported tumor formation. Study of the trafficking of tumor-originating fluorescently tagged EV revealed colocalization with TAM demonstrating uptake by these cells. Ex vivo treatment of macrophages with tumor-derived EVs led to gain of tumorigenicity in these isolated cells. Single-cell RNA sequencing of macrophages revealed that EV-borne miR-126 characterized the angiogenic change of state. Unique gene expression signatures of specific macrophage clusters responsive to miR-126-enriched tumor-derived EVs were revealed. Topical tissue nanotransfection (TNT) delivery of an oligonucleotide comprising an anti-miR against miR-126 resulted in significant knockdown of miR-126 in the tumor tissue. miR-126 knockdown resulted in complete involution of the tumor and improved survival rate of tumor-affected mice. This work identifies a novel tumorigenic mechanism that relies on tumorigenic state change of TAM caused by tumor-originating EV-borne angiomiR. This disease process can be effectively targeted by topical TNT of superficial tumors.

Mitochondria as Target for Tumor Management of Hemangioendothelioma

Aims: Hemangioendothelioma (HE) may be benign or malignant. Mouse hemangioendothelioma endothelial (EOMA) cells are validated to study mechanisms in HE. This work demonstrates that EOMA cells heavily rely on mitochondria to thrive. Thus, a combination therapy, including weak X-ray therapy (XRT, 0.5 Gy) and a standardized natural berry extract (NBE) was tested. This NBE is known to be effective in managing experimental HE and has been awarded with the Food and Drug Administration Investigational New Drug (FDA-IND) number 140318 for clinical studies on infantile hemangioma. Results: NBE treatment alone selectively attenuated basal oxygen consumption rate of EOMA cells. NBE specifically sensitized EOMA, but not murine aortic endothelial cells to XRT-dependent attenuation of mitochondrial respiration and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. Combination treatment, selectively and potently, influenced mitochondrial dynamics in EOMA cells such that fission was augmented. This was achieved by lowering of mitochondrial sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) causing increased phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). A key role of SIRT3 in loss of EOMA cell viability caused by the combination therapy was evident when pyrroloquinoline quinone, an inducer of SIRT3, pretreatment rescued these cells. Innovation and Conclusion: Mitochondria-targeting NBE significantly extended survival of HE-affected mice. The beneficial effect of NBE in combination with weak X-ray therapy was, however, far more potent with threefold increase in murine survival. The observation that safe natural products may target tumor cell mitochondria and sharply lower radiation dosage required for tumor management warrants clinical testing.

Health Properties and Composition of Honeysuckle Berry Lonicera caerulea L. An Update on Recent Studies

Lonicera caerulea L., also known as haskap or honeysuckle berry, is a fruit commonly planted in eastern Europe, Canada and Asia. The fruit was registered as a traditional food from a third country under European Union regulations only on December 2018. It is resistant to cold, pests, various soil acidities and diseases. However, its attractiveness is associated mostly with its health properties. The fruit shows anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity-important factors in improving health. These features result from the diverse content of phytochemicals in honeysuckle berries with high concentrations of phytocompounds, mainly hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxybenzoic acids, flavanols, flavones, isoflavones, flavonols, flavanones and anthocyanins but also iridoids, present in the fruit in exceptional amounts. The content and health properties of the fruit were identified to be dependent on cultivar, genotype and the place of harvesting. Great potential benefits of this nutritious food are its ability to minimize the negative effects of UV radiation, diabetes mellitus and neurodegenerative diseases, and to exert hepato- and cardioprotective activity.

The Anti-Proliferative and Anti-Invasive Effect of Leaf Extracts of Blueberry Plants Treated with Methyl Jasmonate on Human Gastric Cancer In Vitro Is Related to Their Antioxidant Properties

Gastric cancer is the third main cause of cancerous tumors in humans in Chile. It is well-accepted that a diet rich in antioxidant plants could help in fighting cancer. Blueberry is a fruit crop with a high content of antioxidants. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is a phytohormone involved in plant defenses under stress conditions. The exogenous application of MeJA can improve the antioxidant properties in plants. We studied in vitro and in vivo anticancer action on human gastric cancer (cell line AGS) and the antioxidant properties of extracts from blueberry plants untreated and treated with MeJA. The results demonstrated that leaf extracts displayed a higher inhibition of cancer cell viability as well as greater antioxidant properties compared to fruit extracts. Besides, MeJA applications to plants improved the antioxidant properties of leaf extracts (mainly anthocyanins), increasing their inhibition levels on cell viability and migration. It is noteworthy that leaf extract from MeJA-treated plants significantly decreased cancer cell migration and expression of gastric cancer-related proteins, mainly related to the mitogen-activating protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Interestingly, in all cases the anticancer and antioxidant properties of leaf extracts were strongly related. Despite highlighted outcomes, in vivo results did not indicate significant differences in Helicobacter pylori colonization nor inflammation levels in Mongolian gerbils unfed and fed with blueberry leaf extract. Our findings demonstrated that MeJA increased antioxidant compounds, mainly anthocyanins, and decreased the viability and migration capacity of AGS cells. In addition, leaf extracts from MeJA-treated plants were also able to decrease the expression of gastric cancer-related proteins. Our outcomes also revealed that the anthocyanin-rich fraction of blueberry leaf extracts showed higher in vitro antiproliferative and anti-invasive effects than the crude leaf extracts. However, it is still uncertain whether the leaf extracts rich in anthocyanins of blueberry plants are capable of exerting a chemopreventive or chemoprotective effect against gastric cancer on an in vivo model.

EPC-derived exosomes promote osteoclastogenesis through LncRNA-MALAT1

Bone repair involves bone resorption through osteoclastogenesis and the stimulation of neovascularization and osteogenesis by endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). However, the role of EPCs in osteoclastogenesis is unclear. In this study, we assess the effects of EPC-derived exosomes on the migration and osteoclastic differentiation of primary mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) in vitro using immunofluorescence, western blotting, RT-PCR and Transwell assays. We also evaluated the effects of EPC-derived exosomes on the homing and osteoclastic differentiation of transplanted BMMs in a mouse bone fracture model in vivo. We found that EPCs cultured with BMMs secreted exosomes into the medium and, compared with EPCs, exosomes had a higher expression level of LncRNA-MALAT1. We confirmed that LncRNA-MALAT1 directly binds to miR-124 to negatively control miR-124 activity. Moreover, overexpression of miR-124 could reverse the migration and osteoclastic differentiation of BMMs induced by EPC-derived exosomes. A dual-luciferase reporter assay indicated that the integrin ITGB1 is the target of miR-124. Mice treated with EPC-derived exosome-BMM co-transplantations exhibited increased neovascularization at the fracture site and enhanced fracture healing compared with those treated with BMMs alone. Overall, our results suggest that EPC-derived exosomes can promote bone repair by enhancing recruitment and differentiation of osteoclast precursors through LncRNA-MALAT1.

Identification of Blueberry miRNAs and Their Targets Based on High-Throughput Sequencing and Degradome Analyses

miRNAs are important regulators of plant gene expression. To better characterize their functions, we applied high-throughput sequencing and degradome analyses to investigate three blueberry (Vaccinium ashei) tissues. A total of 127 known and 101 novel miRNAs were identified. Moreover, 141 targets for 42 known and 19 novel miRNAs were experimentally validated by degradome sequencing. A functional analysis of these miRNA targets revealed they were associated with diverse biological activities and several pathways, e.g., anthocyanin biosynthesis and cytokinin signal transduction. The data presented herein expand our understanding of the regulation of blueberry miRNAs during floral and fruit development stages. They may also provide new insights into the roles of miRNAs during anthocyanin biosynthesis in blueberry fruits.

Beyond Conventional Medicine - a Look at Blueberry, a Cancer-Fighting Superfruit

Nearly 40% of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. Thus, there is a rapidly growing need for novel therapies to combat this deadly disease. One such method is the consumption of blueberries. Long coveted for their powerful antioxidant properties, more recent studies have demonstrated that blueberries also exhibit inherent abilities to prevent carcinogenesis, inhibit the proliferation of neoplastic cells, and reduce the risks of recurrence in patients in remission. This review will focus on the specific activities of blueberry derivatives in cancer cells across many different forms of cancer. Ultimately, such research could be helpful in the development of new strategies to treat cancer.

Phytochemical Inhibition of Multidrug Resistance Protein-1 as a Therapeutic Strategy for Hemangioendothelioma

AIMS

Hemangiomas are endothelial cell tumors and the most common soft tissue tumors in infants. They frequently cause deformity and can cause death. Current pharmacologic therapies have high-risk side-effect profiles, which limit the number of children who receive treatment. The objectives of this work were to identify the mechanisms through which standardized berry extracts can inhibit endothelial cell tumor growth and test these findings in vivo.

RESULTS

EOMA cells are a validated model that generates endothelial cell tumors when injected subcutaneously into syngeneic (129P/3) mice. EOMA cells treated with a blend of powdered natural berry extracts (NBE) significantly inhibited activity of multidrug resistance protein-1 (MRP-1) compared to vehicle controls. This resulted in nuclear accumulation of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and apoptotic EOMA cell death. When NBE-treated EOMA cells were injected into mice, they generated smaller tumors and had a higher incidence of apoptotic cell death compared to vehicle-treated EOMA cells as demonstrated by immunocytochemistry. Kaplan-Meier survival curves for tumor-bearing mice showed that NBE treatment significantly prolonged survival compared to vehicle-treated controls.

INNOVATION

These are the first reported results to show that berry extracts can inhibit MRP-1 function that causes apoptotic tumor cell death by accumulation of GSSG in the nucleus of EOMA cells where NADPH oxidase is hyperactive and causes pathological angiogenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that berry extract inhibition of MRP-1 merits consideration and further investigation as a therapeutic intervention and may have application for other cancers with elevated MRP-1 activity. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 26, 1009-1019.

Blueberry inhibits invasion and angiogenesis in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced oral squamous cell carcinogenesis in hamsters via suppression of TGF-β and NF-κB signaling pathways

Aberrant activation of oncogenic signaling pathways plays a pivotal role in tumor initiation and progression. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the chemopreventive and therapeutic efficacy of blueberry in the hamster buccal pouch (HBP) carcinogenesis model based on its ability to target TGF-β, PI3K/Akt, MAPK and NF-κB signaling and its impact on invasion and angiogenesis. Squamous cell carcinomas were induced in the HBP by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA). The effect of blueberry on the oncogenic signaling pathways and downstream events was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR and immunoblotting. Experiments with the ECV304 cell line were performed to explore the mechanism by which blueberry regulates angiogenesis. Blueberry supplementation inhibited the development and progression of HBP carcinomas by abrogating TGF-β and PI3K/Akt pathways. Although blueberry failed to influence MAPK, it suppressed NF-κB activation by preventing nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. Blueberry also modulated the expression of the oncomiR miR-21 and the tumor suppressor let-7. Collectively, these changes induced a shift to an anti-invasive and anti-angiogenic phenotype as evidenced by downregulating matrix metalloproteinases and vascular endothelial growth factor. Blueberry also inhibited angiogenesis in ECV304 cells by suppressing migration and tube formation. The results of the present study suggest that targeting oncogenic signaling pathways that influence acquisition of cancer hallmarks is an effective strategy for chemointervention. Identification of modulatory effects on phosphorylation, intracellular localization of oncogenic transcription factors and microRNAs unraveled by the present study as key mechanisms of action of blueberry is critical from a therapeutic perspective.

Multidrug Resistance-associated Protein-1 (MRP-1)-dependent Glutathione Disulfide (GSSG) Efflux as a Critical Survival Factor for Oxidant-enriched Tumorigenic Endothelial Cells

Endothelial cell tumors are the most common soft tissue tumors in infants. Tumor-forming endothelial (EOMA) cells are able to escape cell death fate despite excessive nuclear oxidant burden. Our previous work recognized perinuclear Nox-4 as a key contributor to EOMA growth. The objective of this work was to characterize the mechanisms by which EOMA cells evade oxidant toxicity and thrive. In EOMA cells, compared with in the cytosol, the nuclear GSSG/GSH ratio was 5-fold higher. Compared to the ratio observed in healthy murine aortic endothelial (MAE) cells, GSSG/GSH was over twice as high in EOMA cells. Multidrug resistance-associated protein-1 (MRP-1), an active GSSG efflux mechanism, showed 2-fold increased activity in EOMA compared with MAE cells. Hyperactive YB-1 and Ape/Ref-1 were responsible for high MRP-1 expression in EOMA. Proximity ligand assay demonstrated MRP-1 and YB-1 binding. Such binding enabled the nuclear targeting of MRP-1 in EOMA in a leptomycin-B-sensitive manner. MRP-1 inhibition as well as knockdown trapped nuclear GSSG, causing cell death of EOMA. Disulfide loading of cells by inhibition of GSSG reductase (bischoloronitrosourea) or thioredoxin reductase (auranofin) was effective in causing EOMA death as well. In sum, EOMA cells survive a heavy oxidant burden by rapid efflux of GSSG, which is lethal if trapped within the cell. A hyperactive MRP-1 system for GSSG efflux acts as a critical survival factor for these cells, making it a potential target for EOMA therapeutics.

Grape skin extracts from winemaking by-products as a source of trapping agents for reactive carbonyl species

BACKGROUND

Clinical evidence supports the relationship between carbonyl stress and type II diabetes and its related pathologies. Methylglyoxal (MGO) is the major dicarbonyl compound involved in carbonyl stress. Efforts are therefore being made to find dietary compounds from natural sources that could exert an MGO trapping response.

RESULTS

The in vitro MGO trapping capacity of six red and seven white grape skin extracts (GSE) obtained from winemaking by-products was investigated. Methanolic GSE exhibited a promising MGO trapping capacity that was higher in red GSE (IC50 2.8 mg mL(-1)) when compared with white GSE (IC50 3.2 mg mL(-1)). The trapping ability for red GSE correlated significantly with total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. However, no correlations were observed for white GSE, which suggests that other compounds were involved in the trapping activity.

CONCLUSION

GSE may be considered a natural source of carbonyl stress inhibitors, thus opening up its possible utilization as a nutraceutical ingredient. Further investigations are required to understand the mechanism involved in the carbonyl trapping ability of red and white grape skin samples and their relationship with glycation.

Endothelial cell tumor growth is Ape/ref-1 dependent

Tumor-forming endothelial cells have highly elevated levels of Nox-4 that release H2O2 into the nucleus, which is generally not compatible with cell survival. We sought to identify compensatory mechanisms that enable tumor-forming endothelial cells to survive and proliferate under these conditions. Ape-1/ref-1 (Apex-1) is a multifunctional protein that promotes DNA binding of redox-sensitive transcription factors, such as AP-1, and repairs oxidative DNA damage. A validated mouse endothelial cell (EOMA) tumor model was used to demonstrate that Nox-4-derived H2O2 causes DNA oxidation that induces Apex-1 expression. Apex-1 functions as a chaperone to keep transcription factors in a reduced state. In EOMA cells Apex-1 enables AP-1 binding to the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (mcp-1) promoter and expression of that protein is required for endothelial cell tumor formation. Intraperitoneal injection of the small molecule inhibitor E3330, which specifically targets Apex-1 redox-sensitive functions, resulted in a 50% decrease in tumor volume compared with mice injected with vehicle control (n = 6 per group), indicating that endothelial cell tumor proliferation is dependent on Apex-1 expression. These are the first reported results to establish Nox-4 induction of Apex-1 as a mechanism promoting endothelial cell tumor formation.

The exposome concept in a human nutrigenomics study: evaluating the impact of exposure to a complex mixture of phytochemicals using transcriptomics signatures

The application of transcriptome analyses in molecular epidemiology studies has become a promising tool in order to evaluate the impact of environmental exposures. These analyses have a great value in establishing the exposome, the totality of human exposures, both by identifying the chemical nature of the exposures and the induced molecular responses. Transcriptomic signatures can be regarded as biomarker of exposure as well as markers of effect which reflect the interaction between individual genetic background and exposure levels. However, the biological interpretation of modulated gene expression profiles is a challenging task and translating affected molecular pathways into risk assessment, for instance in terms of cancer promoting or disease preventing responses, is a far from standardised process. Here, we describe the in-depth analyses of the gene expression responses in a human dietary intervention in which the interaction between genotype and exposure to a blueberry-apple juice containing a complex mixture of phytochemicals is investigated. We also describe how data on differences in genetic background combined with different effect markers can provide a better understanding of gene-environment interactions. Pathway analyses of differentially expressed genes in combination with gene were used to identify complex but strong changes in several biological processes like immune response, cell adhesion, lipid metabolism and apoptosis. These observed changes may lead to upgraded growth control, induced immunity, reduced platelet aggregation and activation, diminished production of reactive oxidative species by platelets, blood glucose homeostasis, regulation of blood lipid levels and increased apoptosis. Our findings demonstrate that applying transcriptomics to well-controlled human dietary intervention studies can provide insight into mechanistic pathways involved in disease prevention by dietary factors.

Changes in polyphenols and expression levels of related genes in 'Duke' blueberries stored under high CO2 levels

Blueberries are highly perishable fruits, and consequently, storage under high CO2 and low O2 levels is recommended to preserve the highly appreciated polyphenols. However, high CO2 levels might be detrimental for certain cultivars. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of storage conditions on various quality parameters, including polyphenol composition in 'Duke' berries. Results show that storage under 18 kPa CO2, coupled with 3 kPa O2, resulted in accelerated softening of berries, which was accompanied by lower levels compared to other conditions of hexosides and arabinosides of malvidin, petunidin, cyanidine, and delphinidin. However, this storage condition had no negative impact on chlorogenic acid levels. Expression data of key polyphenol-biosynthesis genes showed higher expression levels of all investigated genes at harvest time compared to all storage conditions. Of particular importance is the expression level of chalcone synthase (VcCHS), which is severely affected by storage at 18 kPa CO2.

Influence on longevity of blueberry, cinnamon, green and black tea, pomegranate, sesame, curcumin, morin, pycnogenol, quercetin, and taxifolin fed iso-calorically to long-lived, F1 hybrid mice

Phytonutrients reportedly extend the life span of Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila, and mice. We tested extracts of blueberry, pomegranate, green and black tea, cinnamon, sesame, and French maritime pine bark (Pycnogenol and taxifolin), as well as curcumin, morin, and quercetin for their effects on the life span of mice. While many of these phytonutrients reportedly extend the life span of model organisms, we found no significant effect on the life span of male F1 hybrid mice, even though the dosages used reportedly produce defined therapeutic end points in mice. The compounds were fed beginning at 12 months of age. The control and treatment groups were iso-caloric with respect to one another. A 40% calorically restricted and other groups not reported here did experience life span extension. Body weights were un-changed relative to controls for all but two supplemented groups, indicating most supplements did not change energy absorption or utilization. Tea extracts with morin decreased weight, whereas quercetin, taxifolin, and Pycnogenol together increased weight. These changes may be due to altered locomotion or fatty acid biosynthesis. Published reports of murine life span extension using curcumin or tea components may have resulted from induced caloric restriction. Together, our results do not support the idea that isolated phytonutrient anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatories are potential longevity therapeutics, even though consumption of whole fruits and vegetables is associated with enhanced health span and life span.

Dicer knockdown inhibits endothelial cell tumor growth via microRNA 21a-3p targeting of Nox-4

MicroRNAs (miR) are emerging as biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in tumor management. Endothelial cell tumors are the most common soft tissue tumors in infants, yet little is known about the significance of miR in regulating their growth. A validated mouse endothelial cell (EOMA) tumor model was used to demonstrate that post-transcriptional gene silencing of dicer, the enzyme that converts pre-miR to mature miR, can prevent tumor formation in vivo. Tumors were formed in eight of eight mice injected with EOMA cells transfected with control shRNA but formed in only four of ten mice injected with EOMA cells transfected with dicer shRNA. Tumors that formed in the dicer shRNA group were significantly smaller than tumors in the control group. This response to dicer knockdown was mediated by up-regulated miR 21a-3p activity targeting the nox-4 3'-UTR. EOMA cells were transfected with miR 21a-3p mimic and luciferase reporter plasmids containing either intact nox-4 3'-UTR or with mutation of the proposed 3'-UTR miR21a-3p binding sites. Mean luciferase activity was decreased by 85% in the intact compared with the site mutated vectors (p < 0.01). Attenuated Nox-4 activity resulted in decreased cellular hydrogen peroxide production and decreased production of oxidant-inducible monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, which we have previously shown to be critically required for endothelial cell tumor formation. These findings provide the first evidence establishing the significance of dicer and microRNA in promoting endothelial cell tumor growth in vivo.

Proapoptotic effect and the mechanism of action of pingyangmycin on cavernous hemangiomas

This study aimed to investigate the proapoptotic effects and the mechanism of action of pingyangmycin (PY) on cavernous hemangioma. The rat spleen was used as a model of cavernous hemangioma. PY was injected into the spleen and the pathological changes were observed at different time-points. Apoptosis was detected using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expression levels of the apoptosis-related protein, caspase-3, were determined using immunohistochemistry and image analysis. Rats injected with normal saline were the control group. Injection of normal saline did not damage rat spleens. On days 2 and 5 following PY injection, the spleens exhibited slight swelling. On days 8 and 14, atrophic changes were observed and the splenic sinus endothelial cells were damaged. At various time-points following PY injection, the apoptotic cells were observed by TEM. The TUNEL assay showed that apoptosis occurred widely among the splenic sinus endothelial cells and other splenic cells. The apoptotic rate and caspase-3 expression levels increased with prolonged PY exposure. PY induced apoptosis of splenic sinus endothelial cells through the caspase-3 activation pathway, and resulted in endothelial cell necrosis and fibroblast hyperplasia.

Chemopreventive effects of diverse dietary phytochemicals against DMBA-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis via the induction of Nrf2-mediated cytoprotective antioxidant, detoxification, and DNA repair enzymes

Identifying agents that activate nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor-2 (Nrf2), a key regulator of various cytoprotective antioxidant, and detoxifying enzymes has evolved as a promising strategy for cancer chemoprevention. In the present study, we investigated the effect of dietary supplementation of structurally diverse phytochemicals- astaxanthin, blueberry, chlorophyllin, ellagic acid, and theaphenon-E on Nrf2 signaling, and xenobiotic-metabolizing and antioxidant enzymes in the 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced hamster buccal pouch (HBP) carcinogenesis model. We observed that these phytochemicals induce nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 while downregulating its negative regulator, Keap-1. This was associated with reduced expression of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1, the cytochrome P450 isoforms involved in the activation of DMBA, and the oxidative stress marker 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine coupled with upregulation of the phase II detoxification enzymes glutathione S-transferases and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 and the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. In addition, these dietary phytochemicals also enhanced the DNA repair enzymes 8-oxoguanine glycosylase 1 (OGG1), xeroderma pigmentosum D (XPD), xeroderma pigmentosum G (XPG), and x-ray repair cross complementing group 1 (XRCC1). Our data provide substantial evidence that the dietary phytochemicals inhibit the development of HBP carcinomas through the activation of Nrf2/Keap-1 signaling and by upregulating cytoprotective enzymes. The extent of the chemopreventive effects of the phytochemicals was in the order: chlorophyllin > blueberry > ellagic acid > astaxanthin > theaphenon-E. Thus these dietary phytochemicals that function as potent activators of Nrf2 and its orchestrated response are novel candidates for cancer chemoprevention.

Reverse translation of phase I biomarker findings links the activity of angiotensin-(1-7) to repression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α in vascular sarcomas

Background

In a phase I study of angiotensin-(1–7) [Ang-(1–7)], clinical benefit was associated with reduction in plasma placental growth factor (PlGF) concentrations. The current study examines Ang-(1–7) induced changes in biomarkers according to cancer type and investigates mechanisms of action engaged in vitro.

Methods

Plasma biomarkers were measured prior to Ang-(1–7) administration as well as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 hours after treatment. Tests for interaction were performed to determine the impact of cancer type on angiogenic hormone levels. If a positive interaction was detected, treatment-induced biomarker changes for individual cancer types were assessed. To investigate mechanisms of action, in vitro growth assays were performed using a murine endothelioma cell line (EOMA). PCR arrays were performed to identify and statistically validate genes that were altered by Ang-(1–7) treatment in these cells.

Results

Tests for interaction controlled for dose cohort and clinical response indicated a significant impact of cancer type on post-treatment VEGF and PlGF levels. Following treatment, PlGF levels decreased over time in patients with sarcoma (P = .007). Treatment of EOMA cells with increasing doses of Ang-(1–7) led to significant growth suppression at doses as low as 100 nM. PCR arrays identified 18 genes that appeared to have altered expression after Ang-(1–7) treatment. Replicate analyses confirmed significant changes in 8 genes including reduction in PlGF (P = .04) and hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) expression (P < .001).

Conclusions

Ang-(1–7) has clinical and pre-clinical activity for vascular sarcomas that is linked to reduced HIF-1α and PlGF expression.

Phenolic composition and antioxidant properties of Polish blue-berried honeysuckle genotypes by HPLC-DAD-MS, HPLC postcolumn derivatization with ABTS or FC, and TLC with DPPH visualization

In this study, different Polish cultivars of blue-berried honeysuckles (Lonicera caerulea L.), wild and bog bilberry, were analyzed for bioactive compounds. The chemical properties verified included composition of anthocyanins and other polyphenols, antioxidant activity, and profiles of antioxidants by HPLC postcolumn derivatization or TLC. The antioxidant activities of different blue-berried honeysuckle cultivars were similar to that of wild-growing bilberries (ranging from 170 to 417 μmol TE/g dm in ABTS and from 93 to 166 μmol TE/g dm in DPPH and Folin-Ciocalteu tests). The major anthocyanin in the blue-berried honeysuckle was cyanidin-3-glucoside, which constituted 84-92% of the total anthocyanins. The TLC and HPLC postcolumn antioxidant profiles indicated that anthocyanins are the major antioxidants in all berries studied. Wild berries and the cultivars of the blue-berried honeysuckles are also a similar source of such minerals as K, Mg, and Ca.

Gene expression and metabolite profiling of developing highbush blueberry fruit indicates transcriptional regulation of flavonoid metabolism and activation of abscisic acid metabolism

Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) fruits contain substantial quantities of flavonoids, which are implicated in a wide range of health benefits. Although the flavonoid constituents of ripe blueberries are known, the molecular genetics underlying their biosynthesis, localization, and changes that occur during development have not been investigated. Two expressed sequence tag libraries from ripening blueberry fruit were constructed as a resource for gene identification and quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction primer design. Gene expression profiling by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction showed that flavonoid biosynthetic transcript abundance followed a tightly regulated biphasic pattern, and transcript profiles were consistent with the abundance of the three major classes of flavonoids. Proanthocyanidins (PAs) and corresponding biosynthetic transcripts encoding anthocyanidin reductase and leucoanthocyanidin reductase were most concentrated in young fruit and localized predominantly to the inner fruit tissue containing the seeds and placentae. Mean PA polymer length was seven to 8.5 subunits, linked predominantly via B-type linkages, and was relatively constant throughout development. Flavonol accumulation and localization patterns were similar to those of the PAs, and the B-ring hydroxylation pattern of both was correlated with flavonoid-3'-hydroxylase transcript abundance. By contrast, anthocyanins accumulated late in maturation, which coincided with a peak in flavonoid-3-O-glycosyltransferase and flavonoid-3'5'-hydroxylase transcripts. Transcripts of VcMYBPA1, which likely encodes an R2R3-MYB transcriptional regulator of PA synthesis, were prominent in both phases of development. Furthermore, the initiation of ripening was accompanied by a substantial rise in abscisic acid, a growth regulator that may be an important component of the ripening process and contribute to the regulation of blueberry flavonoid biosynthesis.

Treatment of childhood kaposiform hemangioendothelioma with sirolimus

Sirolimus (Rapamune), a mammalian target of Rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, which has been used extensively in children following solid organ transplantation, has been demonstrated to have anti-angiogenic activity in pre-clinical models. Limited experience suggests that it may have application to the treatment of vascular lesions. We describe our experience with a 1-year-old female with a kaposiform hemangioendothelioma and Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon who had rapid and dramatic response to sirolimus (0.1 mg/kg/day). This case provides further rationale for clinical trials of sirolimus in the treatment of vascular lesions.

Nox-4-dependent nuclear H2O2 drives DNA oxidation resulting in 8-OHdG as urinary biomarker and hemangioendothelioma formation

Hemangioendotheliomas are classified as endothelial cell tumors, which are the most common soft tissue tumors in infants. In a murine model of hemangioendothelioma, we previously showed that MCP-1 is required for its development and that the expression of MCP-1 in EOMA cells is redox sensitive. Here, we sought to identify the source of oxidants that drive hemangioendothelioma formation. Seven known isoforms exist of the catalytic subunit gp91. Only the nox-4 isoform of gp91 was present in EOMA cells, in contrast with non-tumor-forming murine endothelial cells that contained multiple forms of nox. Nox-4 knockdown markedly attenuated MCP-1 expression and hemangioendothelioma formation. We report that in EOMA cells, nox-4 is localized such that it delivers H2O2 to the nuclear compartment. Such delivery of H2O2 causes oxidative modification of DNA, which can be detected in the urine of tumor-bearing mice as 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine. Iron chelation by in vivo administration of deferoxamine improved tumor outcomes. The current state of information connects nox-4 to MCP-1 to form a major axis of control that regulates the fate of hemangioendothelioma development in vivo.

Blueberry phytochemicals inhibit growth and metastatic potential of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells through modulation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway

Dietary phytochemicals are known to exhibit a variety of anticarcinogenic properties. This study investigated the chemopreventive activity of blueberry extract in triple-negative breast cancer cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Blueberry decreased cell proliferation in HCC38, HCC1937, and MDA-MB-231 cells with no effect on the nontumorigenic MCF-10A cell line. Decreased metastatic potential of MDA-MB-231 cells by blueberry was shown through inhibition of cell motility using wound-healing assays and migration through a polyethylene terephthalate membrane. Blueberry treatment decreased the activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and the secretion of urokinase-type plasminogen activator while increasing tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 secretion in MDA-MB-231 conditioned medium as shown by Western blotting. Cell signaling pathways that control the expression/activation of these processes were investigated via Western blotting and reporter gene assay. Treatment with blueberry decreased phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT and NFkappaB activation in MDA-MB-231 cells, where protein kinase C and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) were not affected. In vivo, the efficacy of blueberry to inhibit triple-negative breast tumor growth was evaluated using the MDA-MB-231 xenograft model. Tumor weight and proliferation (Ki-67 expression) were decreased in blueberry-treated mice, where apoptosis (caspase-3 expression) was increased compared with controls. Immunohistochemical analysis of tumors from blueberry-fed mice showed decreased activation of AKT and p65 NFkappaB signaling proteins with no effect on the phosphorylation of ERK. These data illustrate the inhibitory effect of blueberry phytochemicals on the growth and metastatic potential of MDA-MB-231 cells through modulation of the PI3K/AKT/NFkappaB pathway.

Dietary modulation of inflammation-induced colorectal cancer through PPARγ

Mounting evidence suggests that the risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC) is dramatically increased for patients with chronic inflammatory diseases. For instance, patients with Crohn's Disease (CD) or Ulcerative Colitis (UC) have a 12-20% increased risk for developing CRC. Preventive strategies utilizing nontoxic natural compounds that modulate immune responses could be successful in the suppression of inflammation-driven colorectal cancer in high-risk groups. The increase of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) expression and its transcriptional activity has been identified as a target for anti-inflammatory efforts, and the suppression of inflammation-driven colon cancer. PPARγ down-modulates inflammation and elicits antiproliferative and proapoptotic actions in epithelial cells. All of which may decrease the risk for inflammation-induced CRC. This review will focus on the use of orally active, naturally occurring chemopreventive approaches against inflammation-induced CRC that target PPARγ and therefore down-modulate inflammation.