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Chen Y, Xia H, Zhong X. In Vitro evaluation of the anti-pancreatic cancer activity of epimedium herb. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1389221. [PMID: 39011503 PMCID: PMC11246921 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1389221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a particularly aggressive malignancy with limited therapeutic options. The search for innovative treatments has focused on traditional Chinese medicine, specifically epimedium. This research investigates epimedium's active ingredients, potential targets, and underlying mechanisms in treating PC. Methods: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to quantify the active components of epimedium and HPLC-Q-TOF-MS was employed for qualitative identification. Potential targets of epimedium's active ingredients were identified using the TCMSP, ETCM, CTD, and Swiss Target Prediction databases. Potential PC-related targets were sourced from DisGeNET, GeneCards, and OMIM databases. A Venn diagram was utilized to identify overlapping PC-related and epimedium targets. Core targets and pathways were elucidated through protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) assessments, and Reactome pathway enrichment analyses. Molecular docking techniques investigated interactions between active compounds and these targets. The expression and prognostic implications of target genes were evaluated using GEPIA2 and the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) databases. In vitro studies assessed the impact of epimedium extract (EPE) on Panc-1 cell viability, and Western blot analysis examined the expression levels of key targets. Results: Network pharmacological indicate that epimedium econtains active components such as baohuoside I, icariin, hyperoside, and epimedin B, which have potential therapeutic effects against PC. In vitro assays confirmed that EPE significantly reduced the viability of Panc-1 cells. Western blot analysis revealed a considerable decrease in the expression of key targets in EPE-treated cells, including AKT1, EGFR, p-EGFR, JUN, BCL2, IL6, and SRC. The R-HSA-1280215: Interleukin-4 and Interleukin-13 signaling pathways involving these genes were identified as potential therapeutic targets. Discussion: Epimedium holds promise as a candidate for treating PC. The modulation of interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 signaling pathways could be a pivotal mechanism by which epimedium impedes tumor development. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore the clinical applicability of epimedium in PC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangfeng Chen
- College of Horticulture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Han Xia
- Changsha Central Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaohong Zhong
- College of Horticulture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
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He Z, Xu Y, Ma Q, Zhou C, Yang L, Lin M, Deng P, Yang Z, Gong M, Zhang H, Lu M, Li Y, Gao P, Lu Y, He M, Zhang L, Pi H, Zhang K, Qin S, Yu Z, Zhou Z, Chen C. SOX2 modulated astrocytic process plasticity is involved in arsenic-induced metabolic disorders. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 435:128942. [PMID: 35468398 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic disorders induced by arsenic exposure have attracted great public concern. However, it remains unclear whether hypothalamus-based central regulation mechanisms are involved in this process. Here, we exposed mice to 100 μg/L arsenic in drinking water and established a chronic arsenic exposure model. Our study revealed that chronic arsenic exposure caused metabolic disorders in mice including impaired glucose metabolism and decreased energy expenditure. Arsenic exposure also impaired glucose sensing and the activation of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the hypothalamus. In particular, arsenic exposure damaged the plasticity of hypothalamic astrocytic process. Further research revealed that arsenic exposure inhibited the expression of sex-determining region Y-Box 2 (SOX2), which decreased the expression level of insulin receptors (INSRs) and the phosphorylation of AKT. The conditional deletion of astrocytic SOX2 exacerbated arsenic-induced effects on metabolic disorders, the impairment of hypothalamic astrocytic processes, and the inhibition of INSR/AKT signaling. Furthermore, the arsenic-induced impairment of astrocytic processes and inhibitory effects on INSR/AKT signaling were reversed by SOX2 overexpression in primary hypothalamic astrocytes. Together, we demonstrated here that chronic arsenic exposure caused metabolic disorders by impairing SOX2-modulated hypothalamic astrocytic process plasticity in mice. Our study provides evidence of novel central regulatory mechanisms underlying arsenic-induced metabolic disorders and emphasizes the crucial role of SOX2 in regulating the process plasticity of adult astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixin He
- Department of Occupational Health (Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Radiation Protection, Ministry of Education), Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yudong Xu
- Department of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, and Department of Emergency Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qinlong Ma
- Department of Occupational Health (Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Radiation Protection, Ministry of Education), Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Chao Zhou
- Department of Occupational Health (Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Radiation Protection, Ministry of Education), Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; Army 953 Hospital, Shigatse Branch of Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Shigatse 857099, China
| | - Lingling Yang
- Department of Occupational Health (Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Radiation Protection, Ministry of Education), Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Min Lin
- Department of Occupational Health (Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Radiation Protection, Ministry of Education), Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Ping Deng
- Department of Occupational Health (Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Radiation Protection, Ministry of Education), Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Zhiqi Yang
- Brain Research Center and State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns, and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Mingyue Gong
- Brain Research Center and State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns, and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Huijie Zhang
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Muxue Lu
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yanqi Li
- Department of Occupational Health (Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Radiation Protection, Ministry of Education), Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Peng Gao
- Department of Occupational Health (Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Radiation Protection, Ministry of Education), Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yonghui Lu
- Department of Occupational Health (Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Radiation Protection, Ministry of Education), Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Mindi He
- Department of Occupational Health (Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Radiation Protection, Ministry of Education), Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Occupational Health (Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Radiation Protection, Ministry of Education), Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Huifeng Pi
- Department of Occupational Health (Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Radiation Protection, Ministry of Education), Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Kuan Zhang
- Brain Research Center and State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns, and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Song Qin
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhengping Yu
- Department of Occupational Health (Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Radiation Protection, Ministry of Education), Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Zhou Zhou
- Department of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, and Department of Emergency Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Center for Neurointelligence, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China.
| | - Chunhai Chen
- Department of Occupational Health (Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Radiation Protection, Ministry of Education), Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
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Han Y, Zhao Y, Wang H, Zhang Y, Ding Q, Ma L. Identification of ceRNA and candidate genes related to fertility conversion of TCMS line YS3038 in wheat. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2021; 158:190-207. [PMID: 33214039 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2020.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have indicated that noncoding RNAs are important factors in gene functions. To explore the mechanism of male sterility of YS3038, the sterile genes were mapped, and based on previous work, the expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and their target genes was studied. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) and competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) analysis were further performed for differentially expressed noncoding RNAs and target genes. At last, the candidate genes were silenced by barley stripe mosaic virus-induced gene silencing (BSMV-VIGS) to prove their function. The sterile genes were mapped on chromosomes 1B and 6B based on chip mix pool analysis, and one major effect QTL (27.3190% variation) was found based on SSR primers. The WGCNA analysis revealed that the dark turquoise and steel blue modules were highly correlated with anther development and fertility conversion, respectively. The ceRNA analysis showed that a total of 184 RNAs interacted with each other, including 115 mRNAs, 55 microRNAs (miRNAs), eight circRNAs, and six lncRNAs. Finally, the seed setting rate of the plant was significantly decreased after fatty acyl-CoA reductase 5 silencing. This study provides breeders with a new option for the development of thermosensitive cytoplasmic male-sterile (TCMS) wheat lines, which will favor the sustainable development of two-line hybrid wheat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yucui Han
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Hairong Wang
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Yiyang Zhang
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Qin Ding
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
| | - Lingjian Ma
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
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Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β in Cancer Biology and Treatment. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061388. [PMID: 32503133 PMCID: PMC7349761 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)3β is a multifunctional serine/threonine protein kinase with more than 100 substrates and interacting molecules. GSK3β is normally active in cells and negative regulation of GSK3β activity via phosphorylation of its serine 9 residue is required for most normal cells to maintain homeostasis. Aberrant expression and activity of GSK3β contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of common recalcitrant diseases such as glucose intolerance, neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. Despite recognized roles against several proto-oncoproteins and mediators of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition, deregulated GSK3β also participates in tumor cell survival, evasion of apoptosis, proliferation and invasion, as well as sustaining cancer stemness and inducing therapy resistance. A therapeutic effect from GSK3β inhibition has been demonstrated in 25 different cancer types. Moreover, there is increasing evidence that GSK3β inhibition protects normal cells and tissues from the harmful effects associated with conventional cancer therapies. Here, we review the evidence supporting aberrant GSK3β as a hallmark property of cancer and highlight the beneficial effects of GSK3β inhibition on normal cells and tissues during cancer therapy. The biological rationale for targeting GSK3β in the treatment of cancer is also discussed at length.
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Fletcher NM, Awonuga AO, Abusamaan MS, Saed MG, Diamond MP, Saed GM. Adhesion phenotype manifests an altered metabolic profile favoring glycolysis. Fertil Steril 2016; 105:1628-1637.e1. [PMID: 26920255 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether metabolic markers are differentially expressed in normal and adhesion fibroblasts with and without hypoxia exposure. DESIGN Prospective experimental study. SETTING University research laboratory. PATIENT(S) Fibroblasts established from normal peritoneum and adhesion tissues from the same patients. INTERVENTION(S) In vitro experiments on normal peritoneal and adhesion fibroblasts under normal and hypoxic (2% O2) conditions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Expression of metabolic markers, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α, hexokinase 2 (HK2), lactose dehydrogenase A (LDHA), and pyruvate dehydrogenase alpha 1 (PDHA1) were measured using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; adenosine triphosphate (ATP), HIF-1α, and lactate levels were assessed with ELISAs. RESULT(S) Baseline mRNA levels of GAPDH and HIF-1α were increased, while GLUT1 and PDHA1 were decreased in adhesion as compared with in normal peritoneal fibroblasts. There was no change in baseline levels of HK2 or LDHA between the cell lines. Hypoxia increased protein levels of HIF-1α and mRNA levels of GAPDH, GLUT1, and HK2 and decreased levels of PDHA1 in both cell lines. Hypoxia increased LDHA mRNA levels in normal peritoneal fibroblasts. Baseline levels of lactate and ATP were lower in adhesion as compared with in normal peritoneal fibroblasts. In response to hypoxia, there was an increase in lactate in both cell lines and a decrease in ATP in normal fibroblasts. CONCLUSION(S) Adhesion fibroblasts manifested an altered metabolic profile, which favors the glycolytic pathway, and is further altered by hypoxia. Targeting these specific metabolic markers during surgery can be an important therapeutic intervention minimizing the development of postoperative adhesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Fletcher
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Awoniyi O Awonuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Mohammed S Abusamaan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Mohammed G Saed
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Michael P Diamond
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Ghassan M Saed
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan.
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De Souza A, Khawaja KI, Masud F, Saif MW. Metformin and pancreatic cancer: Is there a role? Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2016; 77:235-42. [PMID: 26740120 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-015-2948-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the USA, with a 5-year survival rate of 6 %. Anti-hyperglycemic treatments for type 2 diabetes mellitus that induce hyperinsulinemia (i.e., sulfonylureas) are thought to increase cancer risk, whereas treatments that lower insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia (i.e., metformin) are considered cancer prevention strategies. Metformin is a cornerstone in the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2. Retrospective studies have shown a survival benefit in diabetic patients with many solid tumors including pancreatic cancer that have been treated with metformin compared with patients treated with insulin or sulfonylureas. Metformin influences various cellular pathways, including activation of the LKB1/AMPK pathway, inhibition of cell division, promotion of apoptosis and autophagy, down-regulation of circulating insulin, and activation of the immune system. Ongoing research is redefining our understanding about how metformin modulates the molecular pathways implicated in pancreatic cancer. The authors review the topic critically and also give their opinion. Further studies investigating the effect of metformin in combination with chemotherapy, targeted agents, or radiation therapy are undergoing. In addition, the role of metabolic and other biomarkers is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre De Souza
- Section of GI Cancers and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Hematology and Oncology, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Cancer Center, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Khadija Irfan Khawaja
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Faisal Masud
- King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Wasif Saif
- Section of GI Cancers and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Hematology and Oncology, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Cancer Center, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
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Fletcher NM, Awonuga AO, Neubauer BR, Abusamaan MS, Saed MG, Diamond MP, Saed GM. Shifting anaerobic to aerobic metabolism stimulates apoptosis through modulation of redox balance: potential intervention in the pathogenesis of postoperative adhesions. Fertil Steril 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.06.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Shimasaki T, Kitano A, Motoo Y, Minamoto T. Aberrant glycogen synthase kinase 3β in the development of pancreatic cancer. J Carcinog 2012; 11:15. [PMID: 23230392 PMCID: PMC3516047 DOI: 10.4103/1477-3163.100866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Accepted: 07/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Development and progression of pancreatic cancer involves general metabolic disorder, local chronic inflammation, and multistep activation of distinct oncogenic molecular pathways. These pathologic processes result in a highly invasive and metastatic tumor phenotype that is a major obstacle to curative surgical intervention, infusional gemcitabine-based chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Many clinical trials with chemical compounds and therapeutic antibodies targeting growth factors, angiogenic factors, and matrix metalloproteinases have failed to demonstrate definitive therapeutic benefits to refractory pancreatic cancer patients. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), a serine/threonine protein kinase, has emerged as a therapeutic target in common chronic and progressive diseases, including cancer. Here we review accumulating evidence for a pathologic role of GSK3β in promoting tumor cell survival, proliferation, invasion, and resistance to chemotherapy and radiation in pancreatic cancer. We also discuss the putative involvement of GSK3β in mediating metabolic disorder, local inflammation, and molecular alteration leading to pancreatic cancer development. Taken together, we highlight potential therapeutic as well as preventive effects of GSK3β inhibition in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeo Shimasaki
- Department of Advanced Medicine, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University and Hospital, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan ; Division of Translational and Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute and Cancer Center, Kanazawa University and Hospital, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
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Saed GM, Fletcher NM, Jiang ZL, Abu-Soud HM, Diamond MP. Dichloroacetate induces apoptosis of epithelial ovarian cancer cells through a mechanism involving modulation of oxidative stress. Reprod Sci 2011; 18:1253-61. [PMID: 21701041 DOI: 10.1177/1933719111411731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells are under intrinsic oxidative stress, which alters metabolic activity and reduces apoptosis. Key oxidative stress enzymes, including myeloperoxidase (MPO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), are upregulated and colocalized in EOC cells. Oxidative stress is also regulated, in part, by superoxide dismutase (SOD) and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) 1a. Dichloroacetate (DCA) converts anaerobic to aerobic metabolism and thus was utilized to determine the effects on apoptosis, iNOS, MPO, extracellular SOD (SOD-3), and HIF-1a, in EOC cells. Protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of iNOS, MPO, SOD-3, and HIF-1a were evaluated by immunoprecipitation/Western blot and real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively, utilizing SKOV-3 and MDAH-2774 treated with DCA. Apoptosis was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and caspase 3 assays. Dichloroacetate induced apoptosis, reduced MPO, iNOS, and HIF-1a, whereas increased SOD, in both EOC cell lines. In conclusion, reduction of enhanced oxidative stress-induced apoptosis of EOC cells, which may serve as future therapeutic intervention for ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghassan M Saed
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The CS Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
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