Sodium Salicylate Activates Caspases and Induces Apoptosis of Myeloid Leukemia Cell Lines

Interkingdom Hormonal Regulations between Plants and Animals Provide New Insight into Food Safety

Food safety has become an attractive topic among consumers. Raw material production for food is also a focus of social attention. As hormones are widely used in agriculture and human disease control, consumers' concerns about the safety of hormone agents have never disappeared. The present review focuses on the interkingdom regulations of exogenous animal hormones in plants and phytohormones in animals, including physiology and stress resistance. We summarize these interactions to give the public, researchers, and policymakers some guidance and suggestions. Accumulated evidence demonstrates comprehensive hormonal regulation across plants and animals. Animal hormones, interacting with phytohormones, help regulate plant development and enhance environmental resistance. Correspondingly, phytohormones may also cause damage to the reproductive and urinary systems of animals. Notably, the disease-resistant role of phytohormones is revealed against neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. These resistances derive from the control for abnormal cell cycle, energy balance, and activity of enzymes. Further exploration of these cross-kingdom mechanisms would surely be of greater benefit to human health and agriculture development.

Progress of Metal-Based Anticancer Chemotherapeutic Agents in Last two Decades and their Comprehensive Biological (DNA/RNA Binding, Cleavage and Cytotoxicity Activity) Studies

During last two decades, there has been an enormous growth in the discovery of innovative active inorganic anticancer complexes (exerting remarkable cytotoxicity at sub micro-molar levels) derived from myriad ligand scaffolds, mainly acting on cancerous vs healthy cells by either halting or inhibiting their uncontrolled growth. The phenomenal success of cisplatin to treat numerous forms of solid malignancies has placed metal-based drugs to the forefront of treatment strategies against cancers. More than 10,000 platinum anticancer complexes have been developed during the past 40 years, but only five drugs have been approved for usage in humans while ten more complexes are currently undergoing clinical trials. Most of the compounds have failed either at R&D stages or in preclinical trails. This has led to extensive investigations by researchers of medicinal chemistry, including our group to design and prepare tailored 3d-metallo-drugs and organotin(IV) compounds from some naturally occurring bioactive compounds, such as amino-acids, peptides, chromone derivatives and NSAID's etc. that were used either alone or in cocktail combination, capable of specifically targeting DNA, lnc RNAs and proteins. Furthermore, 3d-metal ions such as copper, cobalt and zinc etc. incorporated in these ligand framework are biocompatible and induce a unique multi-modal mechanism of cytotoxic action involving angiogenesis, ROS-induced DNA damage, apoptosis by p53 mitochondrial genes and caspases etc. The results observed a positive correlation between the binding affinity of complexes with DNA (as quantified by intrinsic binding constant values) and their cytotoxic behavior. Complexes with high DNA binding propensity were typically lethal against a diverse panel of malignant cell types compared to normal cells.

In vitro biological activity of copper(II) complexes with NSAIDs and nicotinamide: Characterization, DNA- and BSA-interaction study and anticancer activity

Through the reaction of copper(II) acetate with nicotinamide (pyridine-3-carboxylic acid amide, niacinamide) and some derivatives of N-phenylanthranilic acid (fenamates), seven new mixed-ligand copper(II) compounds were isolated: [Cu(tolf-O)(tolf-O,O')nia-N)₂(EtOH)] (1), [Cu(tolf-O)(tolf-O,O')(nia-N)₂(MeOH)] (2), [Cu(meclf-O)(meclf-O,O')(nia-N)₂(EtOH)] (3), [Cu(meclf-O)(meclf-O,O')(nia-N)₂(MeOH)] (4), [Cu(meclf-O)(meclf-O,O')(nia-N)₂(ACN)] (5), [Cu(mef-O)(mef-O,O')(nia-N)₂(EtOH)] (6) and [Cu(mef-O)(mef-O,O')(nia-N)₂(ACN)] (7) containing a molecule of relevant solvent as ligand in their primary crystal structure (tolf = tolfenamate, meclf = meclofenamate, mef = mefenamate, nia = nicotinamide, EtOH = ethanol, MeOH = methanol, ACN = acetonitrile). The structures of the complexes were determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis. The intermolecular interactions were studied by Hirshfeld surface analysis. The complexes were characterized by IR, UV-vis and EPR spectroscopy and their redox properties were determined by cyclic voltammetry. The interaction of the complexes with bovine serum albumin was studied by fluorescence emission spectroscopy and the albumin-binding constants of the compounds were calculated. The interaction of the complexes with calf-thymus DNA was monitored by diverse techniques (UV-vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, viscosity measurements) suggesting intercalation as the most possible mode of binding. DNA-competitive studies of the complexes with ethidium bromide were monitored by fluorescence emission spectroscopy. The cytotoxic effects of copper(II) complexes on lung carcinoma cells and healthy cells were determined by the MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] colorimetric technique.

Sepsis and Risk of Cancer Among Elderly Adults in the United States

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is an important cause of mortality among older adults in the United States. The association between sepsis and subsequent risk of cancer is poorly understood.

METHODS

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare linked database, we conducted a case-control study in US adults. We included 1801156 cases with a first cancer diagnosis in SEER during 1992-2013 (ages 66-115 years) and 200000 cancer-free controls from a 5% random sample of Medicare beneficiaries. Sepsis was identified using inpatient Medicare claims. Associations with sepsis were estimated using logistic regression.

RESULTS

After correction for multiple comparisons, sepsis was significantly associated with increased risk for cancers of the colon (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.12), rectum (1.13), liver (1.47), lung (1.17), and cervix (1.52), as well as acute myeloid leukemia (AML, 1.19), chronic myeloid leukemia (1.54), and myelodysplastic syndrome (1.30). Inverse associations were observed for cancers of the breast (aOR = 0.86), prostate (0.75), kidney (0.90), and thyroid (0.68) and for melanoma (0.83), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (0.89), and follicular lymphoma (0.65). Sepsis was significantly associated with the following 9 types of cancer in the period >5 years following sepsis diagnosis: thyroid, prostate, colon, rectum, lung, and liver and follicular lymphoma, melanoma, and AML.

CONCLUSIONS

Sepsis is associated with increased or decreased risks for a small group of cancers. Factors that may explain these associations include etiologic effects. Other associations may reflect the presence of precursor conditions or patterns in ascertainment of cancer and screening.

Synthesis, toxicity and antitumor activity of cobalt carbonyl complexes targeting hepatocellular carcinoma

Based on our previous research, a series of targeting hepatocellular carcinoma complexes, [R-Glycyrrhetinic acid-CH₂C₂H-[Co₂(CO)₆] (R = H, 1; R = NSAIDs-COOH, 2-4; R = Aromatic acid, 5-7; R = Amino acid, 8-10), were synthesized. The test showed they are slow CO releasers. Using HeLa, A549, HT-29, SMMC7721 and HepG2 cells as models, their activities against tumor cell proliferation were firstly evaluated. The resulting data show all the complexes displayed a good anti-proliferation activity against the HepG2 and SMMC-7721 liver cancer cells, and their IC₅₀ values were in the range of 10.07-66.06 µM; compared with cis-platin (DDP), their activities were comparable or even better under the same condition. Among them, complexes 3, 4, 6 and 9 exhibited higher anti-proliferation activities against HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cell lines than the other cell lines. To confirm further these complexes have selectivity to the liver cells, the uptakes of complexes 3, 4, 6 and 9 by HepG2, HT-29, A549 and SMMC7721 cell lines were studied. The results show the cell uptake rates of the complexes by HepG2 cells and SMMC7721 cells were much greater than by other cells under the same condition. In following tests, the tested complexes displayed higher activities in inhibiting NF-kB, COX-2 and iNOS; and they induced HepG2 cells apoptosis by mitochondrial pathway, which assessed by staining with different fluorescent reagent DAPI, PI, Mito-Tracker Green and DCFH-DA. Meanwhile, the tested complexes up-regulated the expression levels of caspase-3 and Bax, down-regulated the Bcl-2 expression. In addition, they had no effect on zebrafish embryo survival, embryo hatching, embryonic movement, zebrafish malformation and zebrafish movement at below 0.5 µM. This suggests the complexes are potential candidates to be used in clinic for liver cancers.

Light-stable polypyridine silver(i) complexes of 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA) and 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane-7-sulfide (PTA[double bond, length as m-dash]S): significant antiproliferative activity of representative examples in aqueous media

A series of novel silver(i) 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine (tpy), 4'-(4-methylphenyl)-2,2':6':2''-terpyridine (tpy-Ph-Me) and 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione (dione) derivatives containing PTA (1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane) or 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane-7-sulfide (PTA[double bond, length as m-dash]S) have been synthesized and fully characterized. Two types of complexes have been obtained, monocationic [Ag(tpy)(PTA)](NO₃) (1), [Ag(tpy-Ph-Me)(PTA)](NO₃) (2), [Ag(dione)(PTA[double bond, length as m-dash]S)](BF₄) (4) and [Ag(dione)₂](PF₆) (5) and neutral [Ag(dione)(PTA[double bond, length as m-dash]S)(NO₃)] (3). The solid-state structures of four complexes have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes 1 and 2 are luminescent at room temperature and 77 K while 5 shows emission only at 77 K. Compounds 3 and 4 are not emissive. Furthermore, representative light-stable and water-soluble 1 and 3 were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities on the normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cell line and their antitumor activity using the human lung carcinoma (A549), epithelioid cervix carcinoma (HeLa) and human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell lines. Interactions between the complexes and human serum albumin (HSA) using UV-Vis, fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopy (CD) were also investigated.

Investigating protein patterns in human leukemia cell line experiments: A Bayesian approach for extremely small sample sizes

Human cancer cell line experiments are valuable for investigating drug sensitivity biomarkers. The number of biomarkers measured in these experiments is typically on the order of several thousand, whereas the number of samples is often limited to one or at most three replicates for each experimental condition. We have developed an innovative Bayesian approach that efficiently identifies clusters of proteins that exhibit similar patterns of expression. Motivated by the availability of ion mobility mass spectrometry data on cell line experiments in myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia, our methodology can identify proteins that follow biologically meaningful trends of expression. Extensive simulation studies demonstrate good performance of the proposed method even in the presence of relatively small effects and sample sizes.

Synthesis, characterization, and in vitro effect of the Cu(II) complex with niflumic acid and 3-picoline on paraoxanase-I

Niflumic acid is used to treat inflammatory rheumatoid diseases, pain, and fever. The present study reports the experimental, spectroscopic, thermal, structural analyses, and biological activities of this complex. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug niflumic acid, 3-picoline, and copper(II) chloride were utilized to synthesize a new complex: [Cu₂ Cl ₂ (nif) ₂ (3-pic) ₄ ]. The crystal structure of [Cu ₂ Cl ₂ (nif) ₂ (3-pic) ₄ ] was determined by X-ray crystallography. The complex crystallizes in the triclinic space group P-1 and each Cu(II) center displayed six-coordinated distorted octahedral geometry. Two Cu(II) centers are connected by a chloro-bridge to form the binuclear metal core. Finally, the in vitro effects of the synthesized new complex and free niflumic acid were evaluated on the human serum paraoxonase 1 enzyme. At low doses, both the new complex and free niflumic acid showed very good inhibition activity with different inhibition mechanisms. In addition, the results showed that the new complex has more inhibition activity than free niflumic acid.

Aspirin induces cell death by directly modulating mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC)

Aspirin induces apoptotic cell death in various cancer cell lines. Here we showed that silencing of VDAC1 protected HeLa cells from aspirin-induced cell death. Compared to the wild type cells, VDAC1 knocked down cells showed lesser change of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψ_m), upon aspirin treatment. Aspirin augmented ATP and ionomycin-induced mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake which was abolished in VDAC1 knocked down cells. Aspirin dissociated bound hexokinase II (HK-II) from mitochondria. Further, aspirin promoted the closure of recombinant human VDAC1, reconstituted in planar lipid bilayer. Taken together, these results imply that VDAC1 serves as a novel target for aspirin. Modulation of VDAC1 is possibly associated with the cell death and anticancer effects of aspirin.

The apoptotic inducible effects of salicylic acid on hepatoma cell line: relationship with nitric oxide signaling

Clinical and experimental data suggest that salicylic acid (SA) is tumor preventive and NO has a multitude of effects on tumor biology. Therefore, firstly, the aim of our study is to explore the important role of SA in apoptotic induction of liver cancer cells. Secondly, we investigate whether SA mediates the anti-tumor effects by NO signaling pathway. The liver cancer cell line was treated with different concentrations of SA. Cell proliferation was tested using MTS assay and cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. NO content and NOS activities were measured by biochemical assay. The anti- or pro-apoptotic regulator gene expressions were analyzed by real-time PCR. Our data illustrated that high concentration of SA significantly inhibited liver cancer cell proliferation accompanied by apoptosis induction. In addition, SA led to the release of NO and the increase of NOS activities in above process. Importantly, SA up-regulated a series of apoptosis-related gene expression and reduced the mRNA level of HMGB1. Meanwhile, we also found that NOS inhibitor L-NAME and NO scavenger cPTIO attenuated the above SA-induced effects. Thus, we provided the evidence that SA exerted anti-tumor effects in liver cancer cell in part mediated by the NO pathway.

Structure and Stability of Long Rod-like Dodecyltrimethylammonium Chloride Micelles in Solutions of Hydroxybenzoates: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study

The relative position of the hydroxylic and carboxylic groups in the isomeric hydroxybenzoate (HB) anions is experimentally known to have a large impact on the thermodynamics of micellization of cationic surfactants, such as dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (DTAC), and on the structure of the resulting micelles. To understand the effect of the different isomers on the molecular level, we employed atomistic molecular dynamics simulations to study systems containing infinitely long cylindrical DTAC micelles in aqueous solutions of the sodium salts of all three isomers of HB at a temperature and a pressure of 298.15 K and 1 atm. In all studied systems, the number of DTAC unimers is identical to the number of HB anions. At this concentration, the initially cylindrical micelles remain stable, irrespective of the nature of the isomer, whereas micelles rapidly disintegrated in the absence of HB anions. The HB isomers decrease the line density of unimers along the micellar axis and its concomitant thickness in the order o-HB > m-HB > p-HB. It is further observed that o-HB anions penetrate more deeply into the micellar core, induce a more ordered internal structure of the micelle, and are oriented more strongly than the other two isomers. In addition, the ortho isomer shows two different preferential orientations with respect to the radial direction of the cylindrical micelle; it can either be incorporated almost completely into the micelle or it can be attached through hydrogen bonding to one of those o-HB anions that are already incorporated into the micelle, and thus stick out of the micellar surface.

Increasing the endogenous NO level causes catalase inactivation and reactivation of intercellular apoptosis signaling specifically in tumor cells

Tumor cells generate extracellular superoxide anions and are protected against intercellular apoptosis-inducing HOCl- and NO/peroxynitrite signaling through the expression of membrane-associated catalase. This enzyme decomposes H₂O₂ and thus prevents HOCl synthesis. It efficiently interferes with NO/peroxynitrite signaling through oxidation of NO and decomposition of peroxynitrite. The regulatory potential of catalase at the crosspoint of ROS and RNS chemical biology, as well as its high local concentration on the outside of the cell membrane of tumor cells, establish tight control of intercellular signaling and thus prevent tumor cell apoptosis. Therefore, inhibition of catalase or its inactivation by singlet oxygen reactivate intercellular apoptosis-inducing signaling. Nitric oxide and peroxynitrite are connected with catalase in multiple and meaningful ways, as (i) NO can be oxidated by compound I of catalase, (ii) NO can reversibly inhibit catalase, (iii) peroxynitrite can be decomposed by catalase and (iv) the interaction between peroxynitrite and H₂O₂ leads to the generation of singlet oxygen that inactivates catalase. Therefore, modulation of the concentration of free NO through addition of arginine, inhibition of arginase, induction of NOS expression or inhibition of NO dioxygenase triggers an autoamplificatory biochemical cascade that is based on initial formation of singlet oxygen, amplification of superoxide anion/H₂O₂ and NO generation through singlet oxygen dependent stimulation of the FAS receptor and caspase-8. Finally, singlet oxygen is generated at sufficiently high concentration to inactivate protective catalase and to reactivate intercellular apoptosis-inducing ROS signaling. This regulatory network allows to establish several pathways for synergistic interactions, like the combination of modulators of NO metabolism with enhancers of superoxide anion generation, modulators of NO metabolism that act at different targets and between modulators of NO metabolism and direct catalase inhibitors. The latter aspect is explicitely studied for the interaction between catalase inhibiting acetylsalicylic acid and an NO donor. It is also shown that hybrid molecules like NO-aspirin utilize this synergistic potential. Our data open novel approaches for rational tumor therapy based on specific ROS signaling and its control in tumor cells.

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Membrane-associated catalase protects tumor cells against ROS/RNS signaling.

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NO can be oxidated by catalase, but can also reversibly inhibit the enzyme.

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ONOO⁻ is decomposed by catalase but also drives its inactivation through singlet oxygen.

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Modulation of the NO level triggers singlet oxygen generation and catalase inactivation.

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This signaling network allows to establish synergistic antitumor effects.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications are cytostatic against human vestibular schwannomas

Vestibular schwannomas (VSs) are the most common tumors of the cerebellopontine angle. Significant clinical need exists for pharmacotherapies against VSs. Motivated by previous findings that immunohistochemical expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) correlates with VS growth rate, we investigated the role of COX-2 in VSs and tested COX-2 inhibiting salicylates against VSs. COX-2 was found to be aberrantly expressed in human VS and primary human VS cells in comparison with control human nerve specimens and primary Schwann cells (SCs), respectively. Furthermore, levels of prostaglandin E2, the downstream enzymatic product of COX-2, were correlated with primary VS culture proliferation rate. Because COX-2 inhibiting salicylates such as aspirin are well tolerated and frequently clinically used, we assessed their repurposing for VS. Changes in proliferation, cell death, and cell viability were analyzed in primary VS cultures treated with aspirin, sodium salicylate, or 5-aminosalicylic acid. These drugs neither increased VS cell death nor affected healthy SCs. The cytostatic effect of aspirin in vitro was in concurrence with our previous clinical finding that patients with VS taking aspirin demonstrate reduced tumor growth. Overall, this work suggests that COX-2 is a key modulator in VS cell proliferation and survival and highlights salicylates as promising pharmacotherapies against VS.

Sodium salicylate reduced insulin resistance in the retina of a type 2 diabetic rat model

Sodium salicylate has been reported to reduce markers of diabetic retinopathy in a type 1 rat model. Because rates of type 2 diabetes are on the rise, we wanted to determine whether salicylate could improve insulin resistance in a type 2 rat model, as well as improve retinal function. We treated lean and obese BBZDR/Wor type 2 diabetic rats with salicylate in their chow for 2 months. Prior to salicylate treatment, rats underwent an electroretinogram to measure retinal function. After 2 months of treatment, rats underwent an additional electroretinogram prior to sacrifice. In addition to the animal model, we also treated retinal endothelial cells (REC) and rat Müller cells with salicylate and performed the same analyses as done for the rat retinal lysates. To investigate the role of salicylate in insulin signaling, we measured TNFα and caspase 3 levels by ELISA, as well as performed Western blotting for insulin receptor substrate 1, insulin receptor, SOCS3, and pro- and anti-apoptotic markers. Data demonstrated that salicylate significantly improved retinal function, as well as reduced TNFα and SOCS3-induced insulin resistance in all samples. Overall, results suggest that salicylate is effective in reducing insulin resistance in the retina of type 2 diabetic rat models.

Spectroscopic and molecular docking evidence of aspirin and diflunisal binding to DNA: a comparative study

Deciphering the binding mode between aspirin/diflunisal with Ct-DNA.

Anti-inflammatory drugs interacting with Zn (II) metal ion based on thiocyanate and azide ligands: synthesis, spectroscopic studies, DFT calculations and antibacterial assays

Zinc (II) complexes with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) naproxen (nap) and ibuprofen (ibu) were synthesized in the presence of nitrogen donor ligands (thiocyanate or azide). The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, (1)H NMR and UV-Vis spectroscopes. The binding modes of the ligands in complexes were established by means of molecular modeling of the complexes, and calculation of their IR, NMR and absorption spectra at DFT (TDDFT)/B3LYP level were studied. The experimental and calculated data verified monodentate binding through the carboxylic oxygen atoms of anti-inflammatory drugs in the zinc complexes. The calculated (1)H, FT-IR and UV-Vis data are in better agreement with the experimental results, and confirm the predicted tetrahedral structures for the Zn (II) complexes. In addition to DFT calculations of complexes, natural bond orbital (NBO) was performed at B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) level of theory. Biological studies showed the antibacterial activity of zinc complexes against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains.

Ibuprofen enhances the anticancer activity of cisplatin in lung cancer cells by inhibiting the heat shock protein 70

Hsp70 is often overexpressed in cancer cells, and the selective cellular survival advantage that it confers may contribute to the process of tumour formation. Thus, the pharmacological manipulation of Hsp70 levels in cancer cells may be an effective means of preventing the progression of tumours. We found that the downregulation of Hsp70 by ibuprofen in vitro enhances the antitumoural activity of cisplatin in lung cancer. Ibuprofen prominently suppressed the expression of Hsp70 in A549 cells derived from lung adenocarcinoma and sensitized them to cisplatin in association with an increase in the mitochondrial apoptotic cascade, whereas ibuprofen alone did not induce cell death. The cisplatin-dependent events occurring up- and downstream of mitochondrial disruption were accelerated by treatment with ibuprofen. The increase in cisplatin-induced apoptosis caused by the depletion of Hsp70 by RNA interference is evidence that the increased apoptosis by ibuprofen is mediated by its effect on Hsp70. Our observations indicate that the suppression of Hsp70 by ibuprofen mediates the sensitivity to cisplatin by enhancing apoptosis at several stages of the mitochondrial cascade. Ibuprofen, therefore, is a potential therapeutic agent that might allow lowering the doses of cisplatin and limiting the many challenge associated with its toxicity and development of drug resistance.

Manganese(II) complexes with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug tolfenamic acid: structure and biological perspectives

Manganese(II) complexes with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug tolfenamic acid (Htolf) with the nitrogen-donor heterocyclic ligands 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), pyridine (py), or 2,2'-bipyridylamine (bipyam) and/or the oxygen-donor ligands H2O or N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) have been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structures of complexes [Mn(tolf-O)(tolf-O,O')(phen)(H2O)], [Mn2(μ2-tolf-O,O')2(tolf-O,O')2(bipyam)2], [Mn2(μ2-H2O)(μ2-tolf-O,O')2(tolf-O)2(py)4]·1.5MeOH·py, and [Mn(μ2-tolf-O,O')2(DMF)2]n have been determined by X-ray crystallography. The interaction of the complexes with serum albumin proteins was investigated, and relative high binding constant values were calculated. The ability of the compounds to scavenge 1,1-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), and hydroxyl radicals was evaluated, and [Mn(tolf)2(phen)(H2O)] was the most active scavenger among the compounds. The compounds have also exhibited noteworthy in vitro inhibitory activity against soybean lipoxygenase. UV titration studies of the interaction of the complexes with calf-thymus (CT) DNA have proved the binding to CT DNA with [Mn(μ2-tolf)2(DMF)2]n exhibiting the highest DNA-binding constant (Kb = 5.21 (±0.35) × 10(5) M(-1)). The complexes bind to CT DNA probably via intercalation as suggested by DNA-viscosity measurements and competitive studies with ethidium bromide (EB), which revealed the ability of the complexes to displace the DNA-bound EB.

The role of inflammation in leukaemia

Acute leukaemias are a group of malignancies characterised by the invasion of the bone marrow by immature haematopoietic precursors and differentiation arrest at various maturation steps. Multiplicity of intrinsic and extrinsic factors influences the transformation and progression of leukaemia. The intrinsic factors encompass genetic alterations of cellular pathways leading to the activation of, among others, inflammatory pathways (such as nuclear factor kappa B). The extrinsic components include, among others, the inflammatory pathways activated by the bone marrow microenvironment and include chemokines, cytokines and adhesion molecules. In this chapter, we review the role of inflammatory processes in the transformation, survival and proliferation of leukaemias, particularly the role of nuclear factor kappa B and its downstream signalling in leukaemias and the novel therapeutic strategies that exploit potentially unique properties of inflammatory signalling that offer interesting options for future therapeutic interventions.

Antioxidant capacity and DNA-interaction studies of zinc complexes with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, mefenamic acid

Zinc(II) complexes of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, mefenamic acid(=Hmef) in the absence or presence of the nitrogen donor heterocyclic ligands 2,2'-bipyridine(=bipy), 2,2'-bipyridylamine(=bipyam), 2,2'-dipyridylketone oxime(=Hpko) or 1,10-phenanthroline(=phen) have been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structures of [Zn(mef-O,O')2(bipy)], 2, [Zn(mef-O)2(Hpko-N,N')2]·EtOH, 4 and [Zn(mef-O)(mef-O,O')(phen)(H2O)], 5, have been determined by X-ray crystallography showing distinct binding modes of mefenamato carboxylato group, bidentate in 2, monodentate in 4 or both in 5. Interaction studies of the complexes with calf-thymus DNA (CT DNA) have shown that complexes can bind to CT DNA with [Zn(mef-O)2(Hpko)2] exhibiting the highest binding constant to CT DNA (Kb = 1.93(±0.04) × 10(7) M(-1)). The complexes can bind to CT DNA via intercalation as concluded by DNA solution viscosity measurements. Competitive studies with ethidium bromide (EB) have shown that the complexes can displace the DNA-bound EB. The complexes exhibit good binding affinity to serum albumin proteins with [Zn(mef-O)2(H2O)4], 1 exhibiting the highest quenching ability (kq = 1.46 × 10(15) M(-1) s(-1) for human and 5.55 × 10(15) M(-1) s(-1) for bovine serum albumin). All compounds have been tested for their antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity as well as for their in vitro inhibitory activity against soybean lipoxygenase. The scavenging activity is low to moderate against 1,1-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and high against hydroxyl and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS(+·)) radicals, with [Zn(mef-O)2(H2O)4], 1 (ABTS%, 0.1 mM: 94.75(±1.06)%; (·)OH%, 0.1mM: 96.69(±0.27)%; LOX: IC50 = 27.34(±0.90) μM) exhibiting the highest scavenging activity of the ABTS radical cation among the complexes. Additionally, the complexes exhibit higher scavenging and LOX inhibitory activity than free mefenamic acid (ABTS%, 0.1 mM: 66.32(±0.38)%; (·)OH%, 0.1 mM: 92.51(±0.44)%; LOX: IC50 = 48.52(±0.88) μM).

Copper(II) interacting with the non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug flufenamic acid: structure, antioxidant activity and binding to DNA and albumins

Copper(II) complexes with the non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug flufenamic acid (Hfluf) in the presence of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) or nitrogen donor heterocyclic ligands (2,2'-bipyridylamine (bipyam), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy) or pyridine (py)) have been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structures of [Cu2(fluf)4(DMF)2], 1, and [Cu(fluf)(bipyam)Cl], 2, have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Density functional theory (DFT) (CAM-B3LYP/LANL2DZ/6-31G**) was employed to determine the structure of complex 2 and its analogues (complexes [Cu(fluf)(phen)Cl], 3, [Cu(fluf)(bipy)Cl], 4 and [Cu(fluf)2(py)2], 5). Time-dependent DFT calculations of doublet-doublet transitions show that the lowest-energy band in the absorption spectrum of 2-5 has a mixed d-d/LMCT character. UV study of the interaction of the complexes with calf-thymus DNA (CT DNA) has shown that the complexes can bind to CT DNA with [Cu(fluf)(bipy)Cl] exhibiting the highest binding constant to CT DNA. The complexes can bind to CT DNA via intercalation as concluded by studying the cyclic voltammograms of the complexes in the presence of CT DNA solution and by DNA solution viscosity measurements. Competitive studies with ethidium bromide (EB) have shown that the complexes can displace the DNA-bound EB suggesting strong competition with EB. Flufenamic acid and its Cu(II) complexes exhibit good binding affinity to human or bovine serum albumin protein with high binding constant values. All compounds have been tested for their antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity as well as for their in vitro inhibitory activity against soybean lipoxygenase showing significant activity with [Cu(fluf)(phen)Cl] being the most active.

Implication of eIF2α kinase GCN2 in induction of apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress-responsive genes by sodium salicylate

OBJECTIVES

Sodium salicylate (NaSal) can disturb cell viability by affecting the activity of multiple cellular molecules. In this work, we investigated the involvement of stress-responsive kinase GCN2 in regulating cell death and expression of stress genes in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) upon exposure to NaSal.

METHODS

Cell viability was assayed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method, and apoptosis was evaluated by annexin V and propidium iodide staining. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array approach was used to analyse differential expression of a panel of 84 endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-associated genes. Gene reporter assays were carried out to determine activity of ER stress element (ERSE), and the protein levels of activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) were determined by western blot.

KEY FINDINGS

NaSal treatment resulted in reduction of cellular viability and induction of apoptosis in wild-type but not Gcn2(-/-) cells. Many genes with important functions in protein synthesis/degradation, transcriptional regulation and apoptosis were induced by NaSal and most of these were dependent on GCN2. The activation of ERSE within Ddit3 and the production of CHOP and ATF6 induced by NaSal required GCN2.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data provide evidence for the involvement of GCN2 in apoptosis and gene expression triggered by NaSal, and contributes to the understanding of molecular events occurring in NaSal-treated cells.

Selection of suitable reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR in apoptosis-induced MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Apoptosis is induced in MCF-7 breast cancer cells following treatment with salicylic acid (20 mM), either in the presence or absence of a heat shock (42°C for 30 min). In order to study the alterations of apoptotic genes with quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), suitable genes with unchanged expression following the treatments is required for normalizing the gene expression levels. In this study, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), β-actin (ACTB), Histone H2A (HIST), constitutively expressed heat shock protein 70 (HSC70) and tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/trytophan 5 monooxygenase activation protein, 14-3-3 (YWHAZ) were evaluated as appropriate reference genes. Analysis of gene expression data with one-way ANOVA, geNorm and NormFinder identified HIST and YWHAZ as the least affected during the induction of apoptosis by the different treatments, and is the most suitable gene-pair for normalization during qPCR analysis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells undergoing apoptosis following treatment with SA and/or HS.

Phase I trial of sodium salicylate in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myelogenous leukemia

Sodium salicylate is an inexpensive, readily available anti-inflammatory agent which inhibits NF-κB in in vitro models. We examined whether it was possible to safely achieve and maintain salicylate levels known to inhibit NF-κB in vitro in 11 patients with MDS or AML taking sodium salicylate. Most patients achieved the target blood salicylate level (20-30mg/dL) with acceptable toxicity, including reversible grade 1/2 elevations of hepatic transaminases (n=4) and ototoxicity (n=4). One patient had grade 3/4 elevations in AST/ALT. This study suggests that sodium salicylate may be safely combined with conventional chemotherapy regimens which are not associated with significant ototoxicity or hepatotoxicity.

Anti-MDR and antitumoral action of acetylsalicylic acid on leukaemic cells

ASA (acetylsalicylic acid) is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). ASA has gained attention as a potential chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent for several neoplasms. The aim of this study was to analyse the possible antitumoural effects of ASA in two erythroleukaemic cell lines, with or without the MDR (multidrug resistance) phenotype. The mechanism of action of different concentrations of ASA were compared in K562 (non-MDR) and Lucena (MDR) cells by analysing cell viability, apoptosis and necrosis, intracellular ROS (reactive oxygen species) formation and bcl-2, p53 and cox-2 gene expression. ASA inhibited the cellular proliferation or induced toxicity in K562 and Lucena cell lines, irrespective of the MDR phenotype. The ASA treatment provoked death by apoptosis and necrosis in K562 cells and only by necrosis in Lucena cells. ASA also showed antioxidant activity in both cell lines. The bcl-2, p53 and cox-2 genes in both cell lines treated with ASA seem to exhibit different patterns of expression. However, normal lymphocytes treated with the same ASA concentrations were more resistant than tumoral cells. The results of this work show that both cell lines responded to treatment with ASA, demonstrating a possible antitumoral and anti-MDR role for this drug.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and acetaminophen use and risk of adult myeloid leukemia

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the causes of adult leukemia. A few small studies have reported a reduced risk associated with regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID).

METHODS

In a population-based case-control study, we evaluated analgesic use among 670 newly diagnosed myeloid leukemia cases [including 420 acute myeloid leukemias (AML) and 186 chronic myeloid leukemias (CML)] and 701 controls aged 20 to 79 years. Prior use of aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, other NSAIDs, and COX-2 inhibitors was assessed and included frequency, duration, and quantity. ORs and 95% CIs were calculated using unconditional logistic regression adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Regular/extra strength aspirin use was inversely associated with myeloid leukemia in women (OR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.37-0.93) but not in men (OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.58-1.24). In contrast, acetaminophen use was associated with an increased risk of myeloid leukemia in women only (OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.04-2.47). These relationships were stronger with increasing dose and duration. When stratified by leukemia type, aspirin use was inversely associated with AML and CML in women. No significant overall associations were found with ibuprofen or COX-2 inhibitors for either sex; however, a decreased risk was observed with other anti-inflammatory analgesic use for women with AML or CML (OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.22-0.99; OR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.10-0.92, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide additional support for the chemopreventive benefits of NSAIDs, at least in women. Because leukemia ranks fifth in person-years of life lost due to malignancy, further investigation is warranted.

IMPACT

NSAIDs may reduce, whereas acetaminophen may increase, myeloid leukemia risk in women.