A hepatoprotective Lindera obtusiloba extract suppresses growth and attenuates insulin like growth factor-1 receptor signaling and NF-kappaB activity in human liver cancer cell lines

Lindera obtusiloba Blume Alleviates Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Promoted by Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major issue because it is closely associated with metabolic diseases. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are implicated as risk factors for steatosis during NAFLD progression. AGEs influence NAFLD progression through a receptor-independent pathway involving AGE cross-link formation and a receptor-dependent pathway that binds to receptors like receptors for advanced glycation end products (RAGE). The objectives of this study are to examine the effect of Lindera obtusiloba Blume (LO) on NAFLD promoted by Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML), one of the most common dietary AGEs. The anti-glycation effects of LO were evaluated by inhibiting the AGEs formation and AGEs-collagen cross-links breaking. The efficacy of LO against NAFLD promoted by CML was assessed using both in vitro and in vivo models. NAFLD was induced in mice by feeding a high-fat diet and orally administering CML over a period of 12 weeks, and the effects of LO on lipid metabolism and its regulatory mechanisms were investigated. LO showed the effect of inhibited AGEs formation and breakage, and collagen cross-linking. Fed a high-fat diet with administered CML by gavage, LO administration resulted in a reduction in body weight, fat mass, serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. LO reduced hepatic CML accumulation and RAGE expression in mice fed a high-fat diet and orally administered CML. LO alleviated hepatic steatosis accompanied by lipid accumulation and histological damage by suppressing the expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c, carbohydrate response element binding protein, fatty acid synthase, stearoyl-CoA desaturase1, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β. LO alleviated the MAPK/NF-κB expression by attenuating CML and RAGE expression. Taken together, our results demonstrate that LO alleviates the progression of NAFLD by lowering the levels of AGEs by downregulating CML/RAGE expression.

Potential use of wood metabolites for cancer treatment

The study of medicinal plants for cancer treatment has gained attention due to an increasing incidence of cancer worldwide and antineoplastics-related undesirable secondary effects. Most of the natural products of medicinal plants that have been evaluated for cytotoxic activity, are derived from leaves, bark, roots and flowers. However, natural products derived from wood have demonstrated a cytotoxic effect with promising results. Moreover, some fractions and compounds have been isolated of wood in order to increase the effect. This review presents in vitro experimental evidence of cytotoxic effect of natural products from wood against cancer cell lines. It also provides considerations and recommendations to obtain herbal medicines over time.

Mitigating Effect of Lindera obtusiloba Blume Extract on Neuroinflammation in Microglial Cells and Scopolamine-Induced Amnesia in Mice

Lindera obtusiloba Blume (family, Lauraceae), native to Northeast Asia, has been used traditionally in the treatment of trauma and neuralgia. In this study, we investigated the neuroinflammatory effect of methanol extract of L. obtusiloba stem (LOS-ME) in a scopolamine-induced amnesia model and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglia cells. LOS-ME downregulated the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, inflammatory cytokines, and inhibited the phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-ĸB) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. Male C57/BL6 mice were orally administered 20 and 200 mg/kg of LOS-ME for one week, and 2 mg/kg of scopolamine was administered intraperitoneally on the 8th day. In vivo behavioral experiments (Y-maze and Morris water maze test) confirmed that LOS-ME alleviated cognitive impairments induced by scopolamine and the amount of iNOS expression decreased in the hippocampus of the mouse brain. Microglial hyper-activation was also reduced by LOS-ME pretreatment. These findings suggest that LOS-ME might have potential in the treatment for cognitive improvement by regulating neuroinflammation.

Therapeutic Potential of Lindera obtusiloba: Focus on Antioxidative and Pharmacological Properties

Lindera obtusiloba (LO) BLUME from the genus Lindera (Lauraceae) is a medicinal herb traditionally used in Southeast Asian countries. Indigenously, extracts of different parts of the plant have been used to improve blood circulation and treat allergy, inflammation, rheumatism, and liver diseases. LO is a rich source of therapeutically beneficial antioxidative phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, butenolides, lignans and neolignans. Moreover, recent studies have unravelled the pharmacological properties of several newly found active constituents of LO, such as anti-inflammatory antioxidants (+)-syringaresinol, linderin A, anti-atherosclerotic antioxidant (+)-episesamin, anti-melanogenic antioxidants quercitrin and afzelin, cytotoxic 2-(1-methoxy-11-dodecenyl)-penta-2,4-dien-4-olide, (2Z,3S,4S)-2-(11-dodecenylidene)-3-hydroxy-4-methyl butanolide, anti-allergic koaburaside, (6-hydroxyphenyl)-1-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside and 2,6-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl-1-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside and the antiplatelet-activity compound Secolincomolide A. These findings demonstrate that LO can be a potential source of antioxidants and other prospective therapeutically active constituents that can lead to the development of oxidative stress-mediated diseases, such as cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, allergies, inflammation, hepatotoxicity, and cancer. Here, the antioxidant properties of different species of Lindera genus are discussed briefly. The traditional use, phytochemistry, antioxidative and pharmacological properties of LO are also considered to help researchers screen potential lead compounds and design and develop future therapeutic agents to treat oxidative stress-mediated disorders.

Antiviral Effects of Lindera obtusiloba Leaf Extract on Murine Norovirus-1 (MNV-1), a Human Norovirus Surrogate, and Potential Application to Model Foods

Noroviruses are the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis and food poisoning worldwide. In this study, we investigated the anti-noroviral activity of Lindera obtusiloba leaf extract (LOLE) using murine norovirus (MNV-1), a surrogate of human norovirus. Preincubation of MNV-1 with LOLE at 4, 8, or 12 mg/mL for 1 h at 25 °C significantly reduced viral infectivity, by 51.8%, 64.1%, and 71.2%, respectively. Among LOLE single compounds, β-pinene (49.7%), α-phellandrene (26.2%), and (+)-limonene (17.0%) demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on viral infectivity after pretreatment with MNV-1, suggesting that the anti-noroviral effects of LOLE may be due to the synergetic activity of several compounds, with β-pinene as a key molecule. The inhibitory effect of LOLE was tested on the edible surfaces of lettuce, cabbage, and oysters, as well as on stainless steel. After one hour of incubation at 25°C, LOLE (12 mg/mL) pretreatment significantly reduced MNV-1 plaque formation on lettuce (76.4%), cabbage (60.0%), oyster (38.2%), and stainless-steel (62.8%). These results suggest that LOLE effectively inhibits norovirus on food and metal surfaces. In summary, LOLE, including β-pinene, may inactivate norovirus and could be used as a natural agent promoting food safety and hygiene.

Lindera obtusiloba Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Airway Inflammation in a Murine Model of Ovalbumin-Challenged Asthma

Lindera obtusiloba is widespread in northeast Asia and used for treatment of improvement of blood circulation and anti-inflammation. In this study, we investigated anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of the methanolic extract of L. obtusiloba leaves (LOL) in an ovalbumin (OVA)-challenged allergic asthma model and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-stimulated NCI-H292 cell. Female BALB/c mice were sensitized with OVA by intraperitoneal injection on days 0 and 14, and airway-challenged with OVA from days 21 to 23. Mice were administered 50 and 100 mg/kg of LOL by oral gavage 1 h before the challenge. LOL treatment effectively decreased airway hyper-responsiveness and inhibited inflammatory cell recruitment, Th2 cytokines, mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in OVA-challenged mice, which were accompanied by marked suppression of airway inflammation and mucus production in the lung tissue. LOL pretreatment inhibited the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) with suppression of activator protein (AP)-1 and MUC5AC in the lung tissue. LOL also down-regulated expression of inflammatory cytokines, and inhibited the activation of NF-κB in TNF-α-stimulated NCI-H292 cells. LOL elevated the translocation of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf-2) into nucleus concurrent with increase of heme oxyngenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H quinine oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). Moreover, LOL treatment exhibited a marked increase in the anti-oxidant enzymes activities, whereas effectively suppressed the production of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide, as well as lipid peroxidation in lung tissue of OVA-challenged mice and TNF-α-stimulated NCI-H292 cells. These findings suggest that LOL might serve as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of allergic asthma.

Dual Effects of Chinese Herbal Medicines on Angiogenesis in Cancer and Ischemic Stroke Treatments: Role of HIF-1 Network

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1)–induced angiogenesis has been involved in numerous pathological conditions, and it may be harmful or beneficial depending on the types of diseases. Exploration on angiogenesis has sparked hopes in providing novel therapeutic approaches on multiple diseases with high mortality rates, such as cancer and ischemic stroke. The HIF-1 pathway is considered to be a major regulator of angiogenesis. HIF-1 seems to be involved in the vascular formation process by synergistic correlations with other proangiogenic factors in cancer and cerebrovascular disease. The regulation of HIF-1–dependent angiogenesis is related to the modulation of HIF-1 bioactivity by regulating HIF-1α transcription or protein translation, HIF-1α DNA binding, HIF-1α and HIF-1α dimerization, and HIF-1 degradation. Traditional Chinese herbal medicines have a long history of clinical use in both cancer and stroke treatments in Asia. Growing evidence has demonstrated potential proangiogenic benefits of Chinese herbal medicines in ischemic stroke, whereas tumor angiogenesis could be inhibited by the active components in Chinese herbal medicines. The objective of this review is to provide comprehensive insight on the effects of Chinese herbal medicines on angiogenesis by regulating HIF-1 pathways in both cancer and ischemic stroke.

Inhibition of the signaling pathway of syndecan-1 by synstatin: A promising anti-integrin inhibitor of angiogenesis and proliferation in HCC in rats

AIM OF WORK

The study was conducted for evaluation of the antitumor activity of SSTN_92-119 against HCC induced by thioacetamide in rats.

METHODS

Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into four equal groups: Control, SSTN_92-119, HCC, and HCC + SSTN_92-119. Liver function tests were measured in serum. Liver homogenate was used for determination of: i) integrinαѴβ3 (ITGαѴβ3), insulin like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels by ELISA, ii) syndecan-1 (CD-138), IGF-1R and VEGF genes expressions by qRT-PCR, iii) MDA, NO, GSH concentrations and SOD activity. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examination of liver tissue was performed.

RESULTS

SSTN_92-119 decreased HCC-induced elevation in ALT, AST, ALP and GGT activities and reversed HCC-induced reduction in total protein and albumin concentrations significantly. SSTN_92-119 significantly elevated hepatic SOD and GSH and reduced both NO and MDA levels. Protein levels of ITGαѴβ3, IGF-1R, VEGF, FGF-2 and AFP were decreased in HCC- SSTN_92-119 group as well as gene expression of CD-138, IGF-1R and VEGF compared with HCC group.

CONCLUSIONS

SSTN_92-119 down regulates ITGαѴβ3 receptor and subsequently reduces the activation of angiogenic growth factors VEGF and FGF-2. Therefore, SSTN_92-119 is becoming a promising anti-integrin αѴβ3 that inhibits angiogenesis and proliferation in HCC.

Modulation of the Tumor Metastatic Microenvironment and Multiple Signal Pathways by Prunella vulgaris in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Prunella vulgaris (PV) is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used clinically for centuries in Asian countries to treat herpetic keratitis. In previous studies, PV was shown to suppress TPA-induced activation of MMP-9 and inhibit cell invasion and migration in hepatoma cell lines. However, the detailed molecular mechanism underlying these effects is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying PV-mediated inhibition of 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced cell invasion and inhibition of secreted and cytosolic MMP-9 production in human hepatoma cells (Huh-7 and HA22T). PV suppressed VEGF and MMP-9 transcription by inhibiting activator protein (AP)-1 and nuclear factor-[Formula: see text]B (NF-[Formula: see text]B) activity. PV suppressed TPA-induced AP-1 activity by inhibiting phosphorylation of the extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK), downregulating p38 signaling pathways, and suppressing TPA-induced inhibition of NF-[Formula: see text]B nuclear translocation through I[Formula: see text]B. PV suppressed TPA-induced activation of ERK/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt upstream of NF-[Formula: see text]B and AP-1. These data suggest that PV modifies the metastatic microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by inhibiting multiple signal transduction pathways. PV thus may have the therapeutic potential to inhibit the migration and invasion of HCC and act as potential agent for systemic therapies.

Antidepressant-Like Effects of Lindera obtusiloba Extracts on the Immobility Behavior of Rats in the Forced Swim Test

Lindera obtusiloba extracts are commonly used as an alternative medicine due to its numerous health benefits in Korea. However, the antidepressant-like effects of L. obtusiloba extracts have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we aimed to determine whether L. obtusiloba extracts exhibited antidepressant-like activity in rats subjected to forced swim test (FST)-induced depression. Acute treatment of rats with L. obtusiloba extracts (200 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced immobility time and increased swimming time without any significant change in climbing. Rats treated with L. obtusiloba extracts also exhibited a decrease in the limbic hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response to the FST, as indicated by attenuation of the corticosterone response and decreased c-Fos immunoreactivity in the hippocampus CA3 region. In addition, L. obtusiloba extracts, at concentrations that were not affected by cell viability, significantly decreased luciferase activity in response to cortisol in a concentration-dependent manner by the glucocorticoid binding assay in HeLa cells. Our findings suggested that the antidepressant-like effects of L. obtusiloba extracts were likely mediated via the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential of L. obtusiloba extracts as an alternative therapeutic approach for the treatment of depression.

Facing the enigma of the vascular network in hepatocellular carcinomas in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic livers

AIMS

In this paper we aimed to analyse the typology and the phenotype of the different vascular modifications in human hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) with a new immunomorphological and gene expression approach. We also attempted to correlate these modifications with the histological parameters of tumour aggressiveness and the surrounding liver parenchyma.

METHODS

Ninety-six HCCs (from 80 patients) were retrospectively enrolled, 46 occurring in non-cirrhotic livers, and 50 in livers transplanted for cirrhosis. Histopathological analysis, immunohistochemistry for CD34, Nestin and WT1 and RT-PCR for Nestin, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1R) mRNA were performed in all nodules.

RESULTS

By correlating the CD34 and Nestin immunoreactivity in HCC vasculature with the tumorous architecture, we identified four vascular patterns (named from 'a' to 'd'). Each of them was characterised by different expressions of TGFβ1 and IGF1R mRNA. Pattern a showed CD34-positive/Nestin-negative sinusoids, and was prevalent in microtrabecular lesions. Pattern b showed similar morphology and architecture as pattern a, but with Nestin-positive sinusoids and a significant 'boost' in IGF1R and TGFβ1 mRNAs. In patterns c and d a progressive sinusoid loss and a gain of newly formed arterioles were seen. Notably, HCCs with pattern a arose more frequently in cirrhosis (p=0.024), and showed lower incidence of microvascular invasion (p=0.002) and infiltration (p=0.005) compared with HCCs with other patterns.

CONCLUSIONS

Although future studies are surely required, the identification of different vascular profiles in HCCs from cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic livers may help clarify the relationship between HCC progression and aggressiveness.

A Lindera obtusiloba Extract Blocks Calcium-/Phosphate-Induced Transdifferentiation and Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Interferes with Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 and Metalloproteinase-9 and NF-κB

Vascular calcifications bear the risk for cardiovascular complications and have a high prevalence among patients with chronic kidney disease. Central mediators of vascular calcifications are vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). They transdifferentiate into a synthetic/osteoblast-like phenotype, which is induced, for example, by elevated levels of calcium and phosphate (Ca/P) due to a disturbed mineral balance. An aqueous extract from Lindera obtusiloba (LOE) is known to exert antifibrotic and antitumor effects or to interfere with the differentiation of preadipocytes. Using murine and rat VSMC cell lines, we here investigated whether LOE also protects VSMC from Ca/P-induced calcification. Indeed, LOE effectively blocked Ca/P-induced calcification of VSMC as shown by decreased VSMC mineralization and secretion of alkaline phosphatase. In parallel, mRNA expression of the calcification markers osterix and osteocalcin was reduced. Vice versa, the Ca/P-induced loss of the VSMC differentiation markers alpha smooth muscle actin and smooth muscle protein 22-alpha was rescued by LOE. Further, LOE blocked Ca/P-induced mRNA expressions and secretions of matrix metalloproteinases-2/-9 and activation of NF-κB, which are known contributors to vascular calcification. In conclusion, LOE interferes with the Ca/P-induced transdifferentiation/calcification of VSMC. Thus, LOE should be further analysed regarding a potential complementary treatment option for cardiovascular diseases including vascular calcifications.

Naringenin suppresses TPA-induced tumor invasion by suppressing multiple signal transduction pathways in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Naringenin, a common dietary flavonoid abundantly present in fruits and vegetables, is believed to possess strong anti-proliferative properties and the ability to induce apoptosis in hepatoma cell lines. However, there are no reports describing its effects on the invasion and metastasis of hepatoma cell lines, and the detailed molecular mechanisms of its effects are still unclear. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying naringenin-mediated inhibition of 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced cell invasion and inhibition of secreted and cytosolic MMP-9 production in human hepatoma cells (HepG2, Huh-7, and HA22T) and murine embryonic liver cells (BNL CL2). Naringenin suppressed MMP-9 transcription by inhibiting activator protein (AP)-1 and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity. It suppressed TPA-induced AP-1 activity through inhibiting the phosphorylation of the extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathways, and it suppressed TPA-induced inhibition of NF-κB nuclear translocation through IκB. Additionally, it suppressed TPA-induced activation of ERK/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt upstream of NF-κB and AP-1. These data suggest that naringenin suppresses the invasiveness and metastatic potential of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by inhibiting multiple signal transduction pathways.

MicroRNA-145 suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting IRS1 and its downstream Akt signaling

Accumulating evidences have proved that dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) is involved in cancer initiation and progression. In this study, we showed that miRNA-145 level was significantly decreased in hepatocellular cancer (HCC) tissues and cell lines, and its low expression was inversely associated with the abundance of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1), a key mediator in oncogenic insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling. We verified IRS1 as a direct target of miR-145 using Western blotting and luciferase reporter assay. Further, the restoration of miR-145 in HCC cell lines suppressed cancer cell growth, owing to down-regulated IRS1 expression and its downstream Akt/FOXO1 signaling. Our results demonstrated that miR-145 could inhibit HCC through targeting IRS1 and its downstream signaling, implicating the loss of miR-145 regulation may be a potential molecular mechanism causing aberrant oncogenic signaling in HCC.

Overexpression of insulin-like growth factor-I receptor as a pertinent biomarker for hepatocytes malignant transformation

AIM

To investigate the dynamic features of insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) expression in rat hepatocarcinogenesis, and the relationship between IGF-IR and hepatocytes malignant transformation at mRNA or protein level.

METHODS

Hepatoma models were made by inducing with 2-fluorenylacetamide (2-FAA) on male Sprague-Dawley rats. Morphological changes of hepatocytes were observed by pathological Hematoxylin and eosin staining, the dynamic expressions of liver and serum IGF-IR were quantitatively analyzed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The distribution of hepatic IGF-IR was located by immunohistochemistry. The fragments of IGF-IR gene were amplified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and confirmed by sequencing.

RESULTS

Rat hepatocytes after induced by 2-FAA were changed dynamically from granule-like degeneration, precancerous to hepatoma formation with the progressing increasing of hepatic mRNA or IGF-IR expression. The incidences of liver IGF-IR, IGF-IR mRNA, specific IGF-IR concentration (ng/mg wet liver), and serum IGF-IR level (ng/mL) were 0.0%, 0.0%, 0.63 ± 0.17, and 1.33 ± 0.47 in the control; 50.0%, 61.1%, 0.65 ± 0.2, and 1.51 ± 0.46 in the degeneration; 88.9%, 100%, 0.66 ± 0.14, and 1.92 ± 0.29 in the precancerosis; and 100%, 100%, 0.96 ± 0.09, and 2.43 ± 0.57 in the cancerous group, respectively. IGF-IR expression in the cancerous group was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than that in any of other groups at mRNA or protein level. The closely positive IGF-IR relationship was found between livers and sera (r = 0.91, t = 14.222, P < 0.01), respectively.

CONCLUSION

IGF-IR expression may participate in rat hepatocarcinogenesis and its abnormality should be an early marker for hepatocytes malignant transformation.

Abnormal expression of insulin-like growth factor-I receptor in hepatoma tissue and its inhibition to promote apoptosis of tumor cells

Abnormal signaling of insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGF-IR) is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate IGF-IR's role as a signaling molecule, its pathological alteration in hepatoma tissues, and its effect on hepatoma cell proliferation when inhibited. As measured by immunohistochemical analysis, the incidence of hepatic IGF-IR expression in cancerous tissue was 80.0 % (24 of 30), which was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than 43.3 % (13 of 30) occurrence in the surrounding tissue and the nondetectable (0 of 30) frequency in the distal cancerous tissue. Hepatoma IGF-IR expression was correlated to the differentiation degree and not to the number or size of tumors, HBV infection, and AFP level. The in vitro IGF-IR expression in hepatoma cells was down-regulated significantly by picropodophyllin, a specific kinase inhibitor, in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Cell proliferation was inhibited through typical mechanisms of promoting apoptosis and cell cycle arrest (G2/M phase). Up-regulation of IGF-IR in hepatocarcinogenesis suggests that the down-regulation of IGF-IR expression could be a specific molecular target for hepatoma cell proliferation.

Genistein inhibits tumor invasion by suppressing multiple signal transduction pathways in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

BACKGROUND

Genistein (Gen) exhibits anti-mutagenic and anti-metastatic activities in hepatoma cell lines. Gen has suppressive effects on tumor growth and angiogenesis in nude mice. Gen suppresses the enzymatic activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9; however, the mechanism underlying its anti-invasive activity on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells is unclear.

METHODS

In this study, the possible mechanisms underlying Gen-mediated reduction of 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced cell invasion and inhibition of secreted and cytosolic MMP-9 production in human hepatoma cells (HepG2, Huh-7, and HA22T) and murine embryonic liver cells (BNL CL2) were investigated.

RESULTS

Gen suppressed MMP-9 transcription by inhibiting activator protein (AP)-1 and nuclear factor-κ B (NF-κB) activity. Gen suppressed TPA-induced AP-1 activity through inhibitory phosphorylation of extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathways, and TPA-stimulated inhibition of NF-κB nuclear translocation through IκB inhibitory signaling pathways. Moreover, Gen suppressed TPA-induced activation of ERK/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt upstream of NF-κB and AP-1.

CONCLUSIONS

Gen and its inhibition of multiple signal transduction pathways can control the invasiveness and metastatic potential of HCC.

Overexpression of insulin-like growth factor-I receptor as a pertinent biomarker for hepatocytes malignant transformation

AIM: To investigate the dynamic features of insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) expression in rat hepatocarcinogenesis, and the relationship between IGF-IR and hepatocytes malignant transformation at mRNA or protein level.

METHODS: Hepatoma models were made by inducing with 2-fluorenylacetamide (2-FAA) on male Sprague-Dawley rats. Morphological changes of hepatocytes were observed by pathological Hematoxylin and eosin staining, the dynamic expressions of liver and serum IGF-IR were quantitatively analyzed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The distribution of hepatic IGF-IR was located by immunohistochemistry. The fragments of IGF-IR gene were amplified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and confirmed by sequencing.

RESULTS: Rat hepatocytes after induced by 2-FAA were changed dynamically from granule-like degeneration, precancerous to hepatoma formation with the progressing increasing of hepatic mRNA or IGF-IR expression. The incidences of liver IGF-IR, IGF-IR mRNA, specific IGF-IR concentration (ng/mg wet liver), and serum IGF-IR level (ng/mL) were 0.0%, 0.0%, 0.63 ± 0.17, and 1.33 ± 0.47 in the control; 50.0%, 61.1%, 0.65 ± 0.2, and 1.51 ± 0.46 in the degeneration; 88.9%, 100%, 0.66 ± 0.14, and 1.92 ± 0.29 in the precancerosis; and 100%, 100%, 0.96 ± 0.09, and 2.43 ± 0.57 in the cancerous group, respectively. IGF-IR expression in the cancerous group was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than that in any of other groups at mRNA or protein level. The closely positive IGF-IR relationship was found between livers and sera (r = 0.91, t = 14.222, P < 0.01), respectively.

CONCLUSION: IGF-IR expression may participate in rat hepatocarcinogenesis and its abnormality should be an early marker for hepatocytes malignant transformation.

Inhibitory effect of ARHI on pancreatic cancer cells and NF-κB activity

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aplasia ras homolog member I (ARHI) on proliferation, apoptosis and the cell cycle in the pancreatic cancer cell line PANC-1. The study also aimed to examine the effect of ARHI on the activity of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB and to determine whether ARHI acts as a tumor suppressor in the development of pancreatic cancer by inhibiting the activity of NF-κB. A pIRES2‑EGFP‑ARHI vector, constructed by reverse transcrition (RT)‑PCR, was transiently transfected into the PANC-1 cells and analyzed for the expression of the ARHI protein by western blotting. A MTT assay was used to quantify cell proliferation, and apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. The NF‑κB signaling pathway, specifically the pathway using the nuclear phosphorylated p65 isoform, was analyzed by western blotting. Expression of the ARHI protein was detected by western blotting subsequent to the PANC-1 cells being transiently transfected with the pIRES2‑EGFP‑ARHI construct. Cell proliferation was strongly inhibited in the PANC-1 cells transfected with pIRES2‑EGFP‑ARHI. The cell cycle assays indicated an increase in the number of cells at the G0/G1 phase and a decrease in the cells at the S phase, but the difference was not significant (P>0.05). Time course studies also indicated a marked increase in the apoptotic index following transient transfection, as well as a gradual decrease in the expression of the nuclear phosphorylated p65 protein. ARHI acts as a tumor suppressor by downregulating the NF‑κB signaling pathway, which results in the inhibition of cell proliferation, apoptosis and the cell cycle in the pancreatic tumor PANC-1 cell line.

Down-regulation of SENP1 expression increases apoptosis of Burkitt lymphoma cells

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of down-regulation of Sentrin/SUMO-specific protease 1 (SENP1) expression on the apoptosis of human Burkitt lymphoma cells (Daudi cells) and potential mechanisms.

METHODS

Short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting SENP1 was designed and synthesized and then cloned into a lentiviral vector. A lentiviral packaging plasmid was used to transfect Daudi cells (sh-SENP1-Daudi group). Daudi cells without transfection (Daudi group) and Daudi cells transfected with blank plasmid (sh-NC-Daudi group) served as control groups. Flow cytometry was performed to screen GFP positive cells and semiquantitative PCR and Western blot assays were employed to detect the inference efficiency. The morphology of cells was observed under a microscope before and after transfection. Fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot assays were conducted to measure the mRNA and protein expression of apoptosis related molecules (caspase-3, 8 and 9). After treatment with COCl2 for 24 h, the mRNA and protein expression of hypoxia inducible factor -1α (HIF-1α) was determined.

RESULTS

Sequencing showed the expression vectors of shRNA targeting SENP1 to be successfully constructed. Following screening of GFP positive cells by FCM, semiqualitative PCR showed the interference efficiency was 79.2±0.026%. At 48 h after transfection, the Daudi cells became shrunken, had irregular edges and presented apoptotic bodies. Western blot assay revealed increase in expression of caspase-3, 8 and 9 with prolongation of transfection (P<0.05). Following hypoxia treatment, mRNA expression of HIF-1α remained unchanged in three groups (P>0.05) but the protein expression of HIF-1α markedly increased (P<0.05). However, in the sh-SENP1-Daudi group, the protein expression of HIF-1α remained unchanged.

CONCLUSION

SENP1-shRNA can efficiently inhibit SENP1 expression in Daudi cells. SENP1 inhibition may promote cell apoptosis. These findings suggest that SENP1 may serve as an important target in the gene therapy of Burkitts lymphoma.

Association between expression of key insulin-like growth factor signaling molecules and malignant transformation of hepatocytes

AIM: To investigate the dynamic expression of key insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling IGF-Ⅱ and IGF-Ⅰreceptor (IGF-IR) during malignant transformation of rat hepatocytes.

METHODS: Hepatoma was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats with 2-fluorenylacetamide (2-FAA). Morphological changes of the liver were observed, and dynamic changes in the levels of IGF-Ⅱ and IGF-1R in the liver and serum were quantitatively analyzed. The expression and distribution of IGF-Ⅱ and IGF-1R proteins were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Serum IGF-1R and IGF-II levels were detected by ELISA. Expression of IGF-Ⅱ and IGF-IR mRNAs in the liver was detected by nested RT-PCR and confirmed by DNA sequencing.

RESULTS: After induction with 2-FAA, rat hepatocytes showed granule-like degeneration, atypical hyperplasia, and malignant transformation, and hepatic total RNA, IGF-1R, and IGF-Ⅱ levels significantly increased. The levels of IGF-Ⅱ in the liver (F = 48.1, P < 0.01) and serum (F = 13.2, P < 0.01) were significantly higher in the hepatoma group than in any of other groups. There was a positive relationship (r = 0.97, t = 5.97, P < 0.01) between liver IGF-II (nmol/mg wet liver) and serum IGF-Ⅱ (nmol/L). Similar results were also obtained for IGF-IR in the liver and serum, and IGF-IR expression in the hepatoma group was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than that in any of other groups.

CONCLUSION: IGF-1R and IGF-Ⅱ may participate in hepatocyte canceration. Overexpression of IGF-1R and IGF-Ⅱ might be useful molecular markers for early diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.