The Effect and Mechanism of Astragalus Polysaccharides on T Cells and Macrophages in Inhibiting Prostate Cancer

BACKGROUND

The impact and underlying mechanisms of astragalus polysaccharide (APS) on prostate cancer, particularly its role in immunomodulation, remain inadequately elucidated.

METHODS

This study employed the XTT assay for assessing proliferation in prostate cancer cells and macrophages. T cell proliferation was determined using the Carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester labeling assay. APS's effect on T cells and macrophages was scrutinized via flow cytometry, Western blot analysis, ELISA, quantitative PCR and cytokine membrane arrays. The effect of APS on interaction between PD-L1 and PD-1 was investigated by the PD-L1/PD-1 homogeneous assay. Additionally, the impact of conditioned medium from T cells and macrophages on PC-3 cell migration was explored through migration assays.

RESULTS

It was observed that APS at concentrations of 1 and 5 mg/mL enhanced the proliferation of CD8+ T cells. At a concentration of 5 mg/mL, APS activated both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, attenuated PD-L1 expression in prostate cancer cells stimulated with interferon gamma (IFN-γ) or oxaliplatin, and moderately decreased the population of PD-1+ CD4+ and PD-1+ CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, APS at this concentration impeded the interaction between PD-L1 and PD-1, inhibited the promotion of prostate cancer migration mediated by RAW 264.7 cells, THP-1 cells, CD4+ T cells, and CD8+ T cells, and initiated apoptosis in prostate cancer cells treated with conditioned medium from APS (5 mg/mL)-treated CD8+ T cells, RAW 264.7 cells, or THP-1 cells.

CONCLUSION

The findings indicate a potential role of 5 mg/mL APS in modulating the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway and influencing the immune response, encompassing T cells and macrophages. Consequently, further in vivo research is recommended to assess the efficacy of APS.

Hesperetin activates CISD2 to attenuate senescence in human keratinocytes from an older person and rejuvenates naturally aged skin in mice

BACKGROUND

CDGSH iron-sulfur domain-containing protein 2 (CISD2), a pro-longevity gene, mediates healthspan in mammals. CISD2 is down-regulated during aging. Furthermore, a persistently high level of CISD2 promotes longevity and ameliorates an age-related skin phenotype in transgenic mice. Here we translate the genetic evidence into a pharmaceutical application using a potent CISD2 activator, hesperetin, which enhances CISD2 expression in HEK001 human keratinocytes from an older person. We also treated naturally aged mice in order to study the activator's anti-aging efficacy.

METHODS

We studied the biological effects of hesperetin on aging skin using, firstly, a cell-based platform, namely a HEK001 human keratinocyte cell line established from an older person. Secondly, we used a mouse model, namely old mice at 21-month old. In the latter case, we investigate the anti-aging efficacy of hesperetin on ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced photoaging and naturally aged skin. Furthermore, to identify the underlying mechanisms and potential biological pathways involved in this process we carried out transcriptomic analysis. Finally, CISD2 knockdown HEK001 keratinocytes and Cisd2 knockout mice were used to study the Cisd2-dependent effects of hesperetin on skin aging.

RESULTS

Four findings are pinpointed. Firstly, in human skin, CISD2 is mainly expressed in proliferating keratinocytes from the epidermal basal layer and, furthermore, CISD2 is down-regulated in the sun-exposed epidermis. Secondly, in HEK001 human keratinocytes from an older person, hesperetin enhances mitochondrial function and protects against reactive oxygen species-induced oxidative stress via increased CISD2 expression; this enhancement is CISD2-dependent. Additionally, hesperetin alleviates UVB-induced damage and suppresses matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression, the latter being a major indicator of UVB-induced damage in keratinocytes. Thirdly, transcriptomic analysis revealed that hesperetin modulates a panel of differentially expressed genes that are associated with mitochondrial function, redox homeostasis, keratinocyte function, and inflammation in order to attenuate senescence. Intriguingly, hesperetin activates two known longevity-associated regulators, namely FOXO3a and FOXM1, in order to suppress the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Finally, in mouse skin, hesperetin enhances CISD2 expression to ameliorate UVB-induced photoaging and this occurs via a mechanism involving CISD2. Most strikingly, late-life treatment with hesperetin started at 21-month old and lasting for 5 months, is able to retard skin aging and rejuvenate naturally aged skin in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results reveal that a pharmacological elevation of CISD2 expression at a late-life stage using hesperetin treatment is a feasible approach to effectively mitigating both intrinsic and extrinsic skin aging and that hesperetin could act as a functional food or as a skincare product for fighting skin aging.

Identification of the perpetrator imperatorin in Xin-yi-san-theophylline interaction: observed and predicted herb-drug interaction in rats

OBJECTIVES

Theophylline is a bronchodilator with a narrow therapeutic index and primarily metabolised by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2. Xin-yi-san (XYS) is a herbal formula frequently used to ameliorate nasal inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the effects of XYS and its ingredient, imperatorin, on theophylline pharmacokinetics in rats.

METHODS

The kinetics of XYS- and imperatorin-mediated inhibition of theophylline oxidation were determined. Pharmacokinetics of theophylline were analysed. Comparisons were made with the CYP1A2 inhibitor, fluvoxamine.

KEY FINDINGS

XYS extract and its ingredient, imperatorin, non-competitively inhibited theophylline oxidation. Fluvoxamine (50 and 100 mg/kg) and XYS (0.5 and 0.9 g/kg) significantly prolonged the time to reach the maximum plasma concentration (tmax) of theophylline by 3-10 fold. In a dose-dependent manner, XYS and imperatorin (0.1-10 mg/kg) treatments significantly decreased theophylline clearance by 27-33% and 19-56%, respectively. XYS (0.9 g/kg) and imperatorin (10 mg/kg) significantly prolonged theophylline elimination half-life by 29% and 142%, respectively. Compared with the increase (51-112%) in the area under curve (AUC) of theophylline by fluvoxamine, the increase (27-57%) by XYS was moderate.

CONCLUSIONS

XYS decreased theophylline clearance primarily through imperatorin-suppressed theophylline oxidation. Further human studies are essential for the dose adjustment in the co-medication regimen.

Direct-Acting Antivirals Reduce the De Novo Development of Esophageal Varices in Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Related Liver Cirrhosis

The real-world benefits of direct-acting antiviral (DAA)-induced sustained virologic response (SVR) on the de novo occurrence and progression of esophageal varices (EV) remain unclear in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver cirrhosis (LC). This is a retrospective cohort study evaluating all patients with Child-Pugh class A HCV-related LC during 2013 to 2020 in the Chang Gung Medical System. A total of 215 patients fit the inclusion criteria and were enrolled. Of them, 132 (61.4%) patients achieved DAA induced-SVR and 83 (38.6%) did not receive anti-viral treatment. During a median follow-up of 18.4 (interquartile range, 10.1−30.9) months, the 2-year incidence of de novo EV occurrence was 8 (7.0%) in the SVR group and 7 (12.7%) in the treatment-naïve group. Compared to the treatment-naïve group, the SVR group was associated with a significantly lower incidence of EV occurrence (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 0.47, p = 0.030) and a significantly lower incidence of EV progression (aHR: 0.55, p = 0.033). The risk of EV progression was strongly correlated with the presence of baseline EV (p < 0.001). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that DAA-induced SVR is associated with decreased risk of de novo EV occurrence and progression in the real world.

Identification of Anhydrodebromoaplysiatoxin as a Dichotomic Autophagy Inhibitor

Dysfunctional autophagy is associated with various human diseases, e.g., cancer. The discovery of small molecules modulating autophagy with therapeutic potential could be significant. To this end, we screened the ability of a series of metabolites isolated from marine microorganisms to modulate autophagy. Anhydrodebromoaplysiatoxin (ADAT), a metabolite yielded by the marine red algae Gracilaria coronopifolia, inhibited autophagosome-lysosome fusion in mammalian cells, thereby inducing the accumulation of autophagosomes. Treatment of cells with ADAT alkalinized lysosomal pH. Interestingly, ADAT also activated the mTOR/p70S6K/FoxO3a signaling pathway, likely leading to the inhibition of autophagy induction. ADAT had little effect on apoptosis. Our results suggest that ADAT is a dichotomic autophagy inhibitor that inhibits both late-stage (autophagosome-lysosome fusion) and early-stage (autophagy induction) autophagy.

Hesperetin promotes longevity and delays aging via activation of Cisd2 in naturally aged mice

Background

The human CISD2 gene is located within a longevity region mapped on chromosome 4q. In mice, Cisd2 levels decrease during natural aging and genetic studies have shown that a high level of Cisd2 prolongs mouse lifespan and healthspan. Here, we evaluate the feasibility of using a Cisd2 activator as an effective way of delaying aging.

Methods

Hesperetin was identified as a promising Cisd2 activator by herb compound library screening. Hesperetin has no detectable toxicity based on in vitro and in vivo models. Naturally aged mice fed dietary hesperetin were used to investigate the effect of this Cisd2 activator on lifespan prolongation and the amelioration of age-related structural defects and functional decline. Tissue-specific Cisd2 knockout mice were used to study the Cisd2-dependent anti-aging effects of hesperetin. RNA sequencing was used to explore the biological effects of hesperetin on aging.

Results

Three discoveries are pinpointed. Firstly, hesperetin, a promising Cisd2 activator, when orally administered late in life, enhances Cisd2 expression and prolongs healthspan in old mice. Secondly, hesperetin functions mainly in a Cisd2-dependent manner to ameliorate age-related metabolic decline, body composition changes, glucose dysregulation, and organ senescence. Finally, a youthful transcriptome pattern is regained after hesperetin treatment during old age.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that a Cisd2 activator, hesperetin, represents a promising and broadly effective translational approach to slowing down aging and promoting longevity via the activation of Cisd2.

Prinsepiae Nux Extract Activates NRF2 Activity and Protects UVB-Induced Damage in Keratinocyte

Ultraviolet B (UVB) is one of the most important environmental factors that cause extrinsic aging through increasing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the skin. Due to its protective roles against oxidative stress, nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor (NRF2) has been traditionally considered as a target for skin aging prevention. Here, we identified the extract of Prinsepiae Nux, a top-grade drug listed in Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, as a potent NRF2 activator by high-throughput screening. A bioassay-guided fractionation experiment revealed that NRF2-activating components were concentrated in the 90% methanol (MP) fraction. MP fraction significantly increased the expression of NRF2 and HO-1 protein and upregulated HO-1 and NQO1 mRNA expression in HaCaT cells. Moreover, MP fraction pre-treatment dramatically reversed UVB-induced depletion of NRF2 and HO-1, accumulation of intracellular ROS, NF-κB activation, and the upregulation of pro-inflammatory genes. Finally, the qualitative analysis using UPLC-tandem mass spectroscopy revealed the most abundant ion peak in MP fraction was identified as α-linolenic acid, which was further proved to activate NRF2 signaling. Altogether, the molecular evidence suggested that MP fraction has the potential to be an excellent source for the discovery of natural medicine to treat/prevent UVB-induced skin damage.

Comparison of 8- versus 12-weeks of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir for Taiwanese patients with hepatitis C and compensated cirrhosis in a real-world setting

Real-world data on the effectiveness of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) for patients with HCV infection and compensated cirrhosis is limited, especially for the 8-week regimen and in an Asian population. This retrospective study enrolled 159 consecutive patients with HCV and compensated cirrhosis who were treated with GLE/PIB at a single center in Taiwan. Sustained virological response (SVR) and adverse events (AEs) were evaluated. Among the 159 patients, 91 and 68 were treated with GLE/PIB for 8 and 12 weeks, respectively. In the per protocol analysis, both the 8- and 12-week groups achieved 100% SVR (87/87 vs. 64/64); and in the evaluable population analysis, 95.6% (87/91) of the 8-week group and 94.1% (64/68) of the 12-week group achieved SVR. The most commonly reported AEs, which included pruritus (15.4% vs. 26.5%), abdominal discomfort (9.9% vs. 5.9%), and skin rash (5.5% vs. 5.9%), were mild for the 8- and 12-week groups. Two patients in the 8-week group exhibited total bilirubin elevation over three times the upper normal limit. One of these two patients discontinued GLE/PIB treatment after 2 weeks but still achieved SVR. Both 8- and 12-week GLE/PIB treatments are safe and effective for patients of Taiwanese ethnicity with HCV and compensated cirrhosis.

Fusobacterium nucleatum colonization is associated with decreased survival of helicobacter pylori-positive gastric cancer patients

BACKGROUND

An increased amount of Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) is frequently detected in the gastric cancer-associated microbiota of the Taiwanese population. F. nucleatum is known to exert cytotoxic effects and play a role in the progression of colorectal cancer, though the impact of F. nucleatum colonization on gastric cancer cells and patient prognosis has not yet been examined.

AIM

To identify F. nucleatum-dependent molecular pathways in gastric cancer cells and to determine the impact of F. nucleatum on survival in gastric cancer.

METHODS

Coculture of F. nucleatum with a gastric cancer cell line was performed, and changes in gene expression were investigated. Genes with significant changes in expression were identified by RNA sequencing. Pathway analysis was carried out to determine deregulated cellular functions. A cohort of gastric cancer patients undergoing gastrectomy was recruited, and nested polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect the presence of F. nucleatum in resected cancer tissues. Statistical analysis was performed to determine whether F. nucleatum colonization affects patient survival.

RESULTS

RNA sequencing and subsequent pathway analysis revealed a drastic interferon response induced by a high colonization load. This response peaked within 24 h and subsided after 72 h of incubation. In contrast, deregulation of actin and its regulators was observed during prolonged incubation under a low colonization load, likely altering the mobility of gastric cancer cells. According to the clinical specimen analysis, approximately one-third of the gastric cancer patients were positive for F. nucleatum, and statistical analysis indicated that the risk for colonization increases in late-stage cancer patients. Survival analysis demonstrated that F. nucleatum colonization was associated with poorer outcomes among patients also positive for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).

CONCLUSION

F. nucleatum colonization leads to deregulation of actin dynamics and likely changes cancer cell mobility. Cohort analysis demonstrated that F. nucleatum colonization leads to poorer prognosis in H. pylori-positive patients with late-stage gastric cancer. Hence, combined colonization of F. nucleatum and H. pylori is a predictive biomarker for poorer survival in late-stage gastric cancer patients treated with gastrectomy.

Pangenotypic direct-acting antiviral agents for mixed genotype hepatitis C infection: A real-world effectiveness analysis

BACKGROUND

Pangenotypic direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) and sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) are effective against all hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype infections. However, data on pangenotypic DAA treatment for mixed genotype HCV infection are sparse.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, single site cohort study analyzing all patients with mixed HCV genotype infections treated with GLE/PIB or SOF/VEL from August 2018 to August 2020 in Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan. The primary study endpoint was sustained virologic response (SVR) 12 weeks after treatment cessation. We also reported adverse events (AEs).

RESULTS

A total of 108 patients with mixed infections of any two or three genotypes of 1a, 1b, 2, 3, and 6 received pangenotypic DAAs during the study period. A total of 67 patients received GLE/PIB and 41 received SOF/VEL. The evaluable population analysis revealed SVR rates of 94% (63/67) and 95.1% (39/41) for GLE/PIB and SOF/VEL therapy, respectively, and the per-protocol analysis revealed an SVR of 100% for both regimens. Four patients in the GLE/PIB group and two patients in the SOF/VEL were lost to follow-up. The most common AEs for GLE/PIB versus SOF/VEL therapy included pruritus (14.9% vs 2.4%), fatigue (6.0% vs 7.3%), abdominal discomfort (4.5% vs 7.3%), and acid reflux (3.0% vs 4.9%). DAA-related significant laboratory abnormalities occurred in three patients with > 1.5 × elevated bilirubin level in the GLE/PIB group. None of the above AEs resulted in DAA discontinuation.

CONCLUSIONS

Pangenotypic DAAs are well tolerated by and yield high SVR rates in patients with mixed genotype HCV infection.

Gastrodiae rhizoma attenuates brain aging via promoting neuritogenesis and neurodifferentiation

BACKGROUND

Gastrodiae Rhizoma (Tianma), the dried tuber of Gastrodia elata Bl. (Orchidaceae), is listed as a top-grade herbal medicine in Shen-nong Ben-ts'ao Jing and has been used for treating headaches, dizziness, vertigo and convulsion. It has a neuroprotective effect and extends the lifespan in mouse models of Huntington's disease and Niemann-Pick type C disease. However, its effect on senescence remains unknown.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the anti-aging effects and the underlying mechanism of Gastrodiae Rhizoma.

METHODS

D-galactose (D-gal)- and BeSO₄-induced cellular senescence and senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity were evaluated in SH-SY5Y and PC12 cells. D-gal-induced aging mice were used as an in vivo model. Animal behaviors including nesting and burrowing and Morris water maze were conducted. Neurogenesis in the hippocampus was assessed by immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy, and the aging-related proteins were assessed by Western blot analysis. The potential neuritogenesis activity of the partially purified fraction of Gastrodiae Rhizoma (TM-2) and its major ingredients were investigated in PC12 cells.

RESULTS

TM-2 could improve D-gal-induced learning and memory impairement by inhibiting oxidative stress, increasing hippocampal neurogenesis and regulating the SH2B1-Akt pathway. Moreover, N⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl)adenine riboside (T1-11) and parishins A and B, three constituents of TM-2, had anti-aging activity, as did T1-11 and parishin A induced neuritogenesis.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggested that TM-2 slowed down D-gal-induced cellular and mouse brain aging. These results indicate that Gastrodiae Rhizoma has a beneficial effect on senescence. It may be used for neuroprotection and promoting neurogenesis.

Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir is an effective treatment for patients with hepatitis C and advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis in a real-world setting in Taiwan

INTRODUCTION

Real-world data regarding the impact of hepatic fibrosis on the effectiveness of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) treatment is limited in the Asian population.

METHODS

We analyzed data for all 823 patients with hepatitis C virus treated with SOF/VEL from June 2019 to September 2020 at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Chiayi, Taiwan. The degree of fibrosis was determined using the fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index, with advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis defined as a FIB-4 score of > 3.25. The primary treatment outcome was the rate of sustained virologic response 12 weeks after treatment cessation (SVR). Adverse events (AEs) were also evaluated.

RESULTS

SVR rates did not significantly differ (p > 0.05) between patients with FIB-4 scores of ≤ 3.25 and those with scores of > 3.25. In the per protocol analysis, 99.2% (593/598) of the FIB-4 ≤ 3.25 group and 100% (172/172) of the FIB-4 > 3.25 group achieved SVR; in the evaluable population analysis, 93.4% (593/635) of the FIB-4 ≤ 3.25 group and 91.5% (172/188) of the FIB-4 > 3.25 group achieved SVR. Five patients with FIB-4 scores of ≤ 3.25 did not attain SVR: two relapsed and three had no response. The most common AEs were comparable (p > 0.05) for the FIB-4 ≤ 3.25 group and the FIB-4 > 3.25 group and included abdominal discomfort (4.4% vs. 5.9%), fatigue (4.1% vs. 5.9%), and skin itching (3.6% vs. 3.2%). Laboratory abnormalities were more common in the FIB-4 > 3.25 group (p < 0.001). Six patients with FIB-4 scores of > 3.25 had total bilirubin elevation > 3 × the upper normal limit (UNL). Alanine transaminase elevation > 5 × the UNL was observed in two patients with FIB-4 scores of ≤ 3.25 and one patient with a FIB-4 score of > 3.25. No AEs resulted in treatment discontinuation.

CONCLUSIONS

SOF/VEL treatment is well tolerated and achieves high SVR rates for patients of Taiwanese ethnicity with HCV, regardless of cirrhosis status.

Effect of You-Gui-Wan on House Dust Mite-Induced Mouse Allergic Asthma via Regulating Amino Acid Metabolic Disorder and Gut Dysbiosis

Chinese herbal remedies have long been used for enhancing immunity and treating asthma. However, the evidence-based efficacy remains to be supported. This study aimed to explore the potential bio-signatures in allergic asthma and the effect of You-Gui-Wan (YGW), a traditional Chinese herbal prescription, on dust mite-induced mouse allergic asthma. Extract of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p), a dust mite, was intratracheally administered to induce allergic asthma in mice. Serum metabolomic and 16S rRNA-based microbiome profiling were used to analyze untargeted metabolites with levels significantly changed and gut microbiota composition, respectively. Results indicated that 10 metabolites (acetylcarnitine, carnitine, hypoxanthine, tryptophan, phenylalanine, norleucine, isoleucine, betaine, methionine, and valine), mainly associated with branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism, aromatic amino acid (AAA) biosynthesis, and phenylalanine metabolism were markedly elevated after Der p treatment. YGW administration reversed the levels for 7 of the 10 identified metabolites, chiefly affecting BCAA metabolism. On 16S DNA sequencing, disordered Der p-induced gut microbiota was significantly alleviated by YGW. Multiple correlation analysis showed a good correlation between gut microbiota composition and levels of selected metabolites. Our study showed YGW administration effectively alleviated BCAA metabolic disorder and improved gut dysbiosis. This study provides support for YGW administration with benefits for allergic asthma.

Real-world effectiveness of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir and ledipasvir/sofosbuvir for mixed genotype hepatitis C infection: A multicenter pooled analysis in Taiwan

Data on direct-acting antiviral agent (DAA) treatment for mixed genotype hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are scant. This study examined the effectiveness of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) and ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) for mixed HCV genotype infection in a real-world setting in Taiwan. We analysed the data from all patients with mixed HCV genotype infections treated with GLE/PIB or LDV/SOF from 2017 to 2019 in three Chang Gung Memorial Hospitals in Taiwan. The primary treatment outcome was sustained virologic response 12 weeks after treatment cessation (SVR12). Adverse events (AEs) were also evaluated. A total of 5190 HCV patients received DAA treatment during this time period. Among them, 116 patients (2.2%) had mixed infections of any 2 or 3 genotypes of 1a, 1b, 2, 3 and 6. Fifty-four patients received GLE/PIB and 62 received LDV/SOF. SVR12 rates for LDV/SOF vs GLE/PIB therapy were 96.6% (56/58) vs 100% (51/51) by the per-protocol analysis and 90.3% (56/62) vs 94.4% (51/54) by the evaluable population analysis. Two patients with 1b + 6 and 1b + 2 genotype infections in the LDV/SOF group had relapse. Evaluating the GLE/PIB vs LDV/SOF groups for the most common AEs revealed pruritus (16.7% vs 4.8%), abdominal discomfort (5.6% vs 8%) and fatigue (5.6% vs 4.8%). One patient with AE-related treatment discontinuation presented with liver decompensation after 4-week GLE/PIB therapy. DAA-related significant laboratory abnormalities occurred in two patients with >3× elevated bilirubin level in the GLE/PIB group. GLE/PIB and LDV/SOF are well tolerated and achieve high SVR12 rates for patients with mixed HCV genotype infection.

2,4-Diamino-Quinazoline, a Wnt Signaling Inhibitor, Suppresses Gastric Cancer Progression and Metastasis

Gastric cancer (GC) is among the most treatment-refractory epithelial malignancies. Aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin-signaling has been implicated in a variety of human cancers, including gastric cancer. Here we report that the elevated expression of lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1 (Lef1) is associated with the TNM (tumor- node-metastasis) stage of gastric cancer. Subsequently, 2,4-diamino-quinazoline (2,4-DAQ), a selective inhibitor of Lef1, was identified to suppress the expression of Wnt/β-catenin target genes such as AXIN2, MYC and LGR5 and result in the suppression of gastric cancer cell growth through the apoptotic pathway. The 2,4-DAQ also exhibited an inhibitory effect on the migration/invasion of gastric cancer cells. Importantly, the treatment of human gastric tumor xenograft with 2,4-DAQ suppressed tumor growth in a nude mouse model. Furthermore, 2,4-DAQ appears effective on patient-derived organoids (PDOs). Transcriptome sequencing analysis also revealed that 2,4-DAQ are more effective on the gastric cancers that exhibit higher expression levels of Wnt-signaling pathway-related genes than their adjacent normal gastric tissues.

1,2,3,4,6 penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose ameliorates high-fat diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and maintains the expression of genes involved in lipid homeostasis in mice

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently the most frequently occurring liver disorder in the world. However, a specific drug for the treatment of patients with NAFLD is not available. Therefore, the discovery of novel compounds for the treatment of NAFLD and elucidation of the underlying mechanisms of therapeutic drugs that can be used to treat this disease are urgently needed. 1,2,3,4,6 penta-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose (PGG) is known to exert anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and hepatoprotective effects. However, little is known about the therapeutic potential of PGG in NAFLD. In this study, we investigated the effects of PGG on a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced mouse model of NAFLD. PGG was co-administered along with an HFD to C57BL/6 mice. After eight weeks of treatment, serum biochemistry, liver steatosis, and lipid metabolism-related genes were examined. The results showed that PGG treatment significantly reduced HFD-induced gain in body weight, liver steatosis, and leukocyte infiltration in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, PGG treatment markedly reduced serum triglyceride and glucose levels in HFD mice. Moreover, alterations in the mRNA expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism, including Hmgcr, Acc1, Abca1, Mttp, and Cd36, observed in the livers of HFD-treated mice were significantly reversed by PGG treatment. PGG significantly reduced HFD-induced protein expression of CD36, which is associated with fatty acid uptake, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and increased hepatic steatosis, in the liver of HFD mice. These results suggest that PGG inhibits HFD-induced hepatic steatosis and reverses HFD-induced alterations of gene expression in lipid metabolism. PGG has been shown to be well tolerated; therefore, it has potential uses in NAFLD treatment.

Limited effects of antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with Child-Pugh class A/B cirrhosis and upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Current guidelines recommend antibiotic prophylaxis for all patients with various degrees of cirrhosis and upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding. This study assessed the need for antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with low Child–Pugh scores. We retrospectively screened all patients with cirrhosis who underwent upper endoscopies for UGI bleeding in a referral hospital in Taiwan between 2003 and 2014, from which 913 patients were enrolled after excluding patients with active bacterial infections, recent antibiotic use, early death, and Child–Pugh class C cirrhosis. Among them, 73 (8%) received prophylactic antibiotics, and 45 (4.9%) exhibited 14-day bacterial infection. Neither Child–Pugh score nor model for end stage liver disease score were optimal for predicting bacterial infection because their areas under the curves were 0.610 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.529–0.691) and 0.666 (95% CI: 0.591–0.742), respectively. Antibiotic prophylaxis did not reduce the risks of 14-day bacterial infection (relative risk [RR]: 0.932, 95% CI: 0.300–2.891, P = 0.902), 14-day rebleeding (RR: 0.791, 95% CI: 0.287–2.181, P = 0.650), or 42-day mortality (RR: 2.710, 95% CI: 0.769–9.524, P = 0.121). The results remained similar after propensity score adjustment. On-demand antibiotic treatment might suffice for patients with Child–Pugh class A/B cirrhosis and UGI bleeding.

Induction of GNMT by 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside through proteasome-independent MYC downregulation in hepatocellular carcinoma

Glycine-N-methyl transferase (GNMT) a tumor suppressor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) plays a crucial role in liver homeostasis. Its expression is downregulated in almost all the tumor tissues of HCC while the mechanism of this downregulation is not yet fully understood. Recently, we identified 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside (PGG) as a GNMT promoter enhancer compound in HCC. In this study, we aimed to delineate the mechanism by which PGG enhances GNMT expression and to investigate its effect on GNMT suppression in HCC. Microarray and pathway enrichment analysis revealed that MYC was a major target of PGG. PGG suppressed MYC mRNA and protein expression in Huh7 and Hep G2 cells in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. Furthermore, MYC expression was also reduced in xenograft tumors in PGG treated mice. Moreover, shRNA-mediated knocked-down or pharmacological inhibition of MYC resulted in a significant induction of GNMT promoter activity and endogenous GNMT mRNA expression in Huh7 cells. In contrast, overexpression of MYC significantly inhibited GNMT promoter activity and endogenous GNMT protein expression. In addition, antibodies against MYC effectively precipitated the human GNMT promoter in a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Lastly, GNMT expression was negatively correlated with MYC expression in human HCC samples. Interestingly, PGG not only inhibited MYC gene expression but also promoted MYC protein degradation through proteasome-independent pathways. This work reveals a novel anticancer mechanism of PGG via downregulation of MYC expression and establishes a therapeutic rationale for treatment of MYC overexpressing cancers using PGG. Our data also provide a novel mechanistic understanding of GNMT regulation through MYC in the pathogenesis of HCC.

Combined proteomic and metabolomic analyses of cerebrospinal fluid from mice with ischemic stroke reveals the effects of a Buyang Huanwu decoction in neurodegenerative disease

Ischemic stroke is one of the most common causes of death worldwide and is a major cause of acquired disability in adults. However, there is still a need for an effective drug for its treatment. Buyang Huanwu decoction (BHD), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, has long been used clinically to aid neurological recovery after stroke. To establish potential clinical indicators of BHD efficacy in stroke treatment and prognosis, we conducted a combined proteomic and metabolomic analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples in a mouse stroke model. CSF samples were obtained from male mice with acute ischemic stroke induced by middle cerebral ischemic/reperfusion (CI/R) injury, some of which were then treated with BHD. Label-free quantitative proteomics was conducted using nano-LC-MS/MS on an LTQ Orbitrap mass and metabolomic analysis was performed using nanoprobe NMR and UHPLC-QTOF-MS. The results showed that several proteins and metabolites were present at significantly different concentrations in the CSF samples from mice with CI/R alone and those treated with BHD. These belonged to pathways related to energy demand, inflammatory signaling, cytoskeletal regulation, Wnt signaling, and neuroprotection against neurodegenerative diseases. In conclusion, our in silico data suggest that BHD treatment is not only protective but can also ameliorate defects in pathways affected by neurological disorders. These data shed light on the mechanism whereby BHD may be effective in the treatment and prevention of stroke-related neurodegenerative disease.

Shenmai-Yin decreased the clearance of nifedipine in rats: The involvement of time-dependent inhibition of nifedipine oxidation

The traditional Chinese herbal formula Shenmai-Yin (SY) and nifedipine have both been used to treat patients with cardiovascular disorders. Nifedipine is primarily oxidized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A. The oxidation and pharmacokinetics of nifedipine were studied in rats in vitro and in vivo to illustrate the interaction of SY with nifedipine. Schisandrol A, schisandrin A and schisandrin B were identified as the main lignans in SY. In the study in vitro, the ethanolic extract of SY was used due to the solubility and the extract inhibited nifedipine oxidation (NFO) activity in a time-dependent manner. Among lignans, schisandrin B caused the most potent inhibition. According to the time-dependent inhibition behavior, rats were treated with SY 1 h before nifedipine administration. After oral treatment with 1.9 g/kg SY, nifedipine clearance decreased by 34% and half-life increased by 142%. SY treatment decreased hepatic NFO activity by 49%. Compared to the change caused by ketoconazole, the SY-mediated reduction of nifedipine clearance was moderate. These findings demonstrate that SY causes a time-dependent inhibition of NFO and schisandrin B contributes to the inhibition. The decreased nifedipine clearance by SY in rats warrants further human study to examine the clinical impact of this decrease.

Polyphenol-rich Avicennia marina leaf extracts induce apoptosis in human breast and liver cancer cells and in a nude mouse xenograft model

Avicennia marina is the most abundant and common mangrove species and has been used as a traditional medicine for skin diseases, rheumatism, ulcers, and smallpox. However, its anticancer activities and polyphenol contents remain poorly characterized. Thus, here we investigated anticancer activities of secondary A. marina metabolites that were purified by sequential soxhlet extraction in water, ethanol, methanol, and ethyl acetate (EtOAc). Experiments were performed in three human breast cancer cell lines (AU565, MDA-MB-231, and BT483), two human liver cancer cell lines (HepG2 and Huh7), and one normal cell line (NIH3T3). The chemotherapeutic potential of A. marina extracts was evaluated in a xenograft mouse model. The present data show that EtOAc extracts of A. marina leaves have the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents and anticancer activities and, following column chromatography, the EtOAc fractions F2-5, F3-2-9, and F3-2-10 showed higher cytotoxic effects than the other fractions. 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR profiles indicated that the F3-2-10 fraction contained avicennones D and E. EtOAc extracts of A. marina leaves also suppressed xenograft MDA-MB-231 tumor growth in nude mice, suggesting that EtOAc extracts of A. marina leaves may provide a useful treatment for breast cancer.

Life-Threatening Bleeding from the Pubic Branch of the Inferior Epigastric Artery after Pubic Ramus Fracture

Isolated pubic ramus fracture with concurrent life-threatening bleeding caused by injury to the inferior epigastric artery (IEA) or its branches has rarely been reported and can frequently be overlooked. This paper reports two cases of isolated pubic ramus fracture with concomitant injury to the pubic branch of the IEA, causing serious bleeding and hemodynamic instability. Pelvic angiography showed leakage of contrast from the pubic branch of the IEA. The complication in both cases was successfully treated with transcatheter arterial embolisation.

Identification of 7-(4'-Cyanophenyl)indoline-1-benzenesulfonamide as a mitotic inhibitor to induce apoptotic cell death and inhibit autophagy in human colorectal cancer cells

Targeting cellular mitosis in tumor cells is an attractive cancer treatment strategy. Here, we report that B220, a synthetic benzenesulfonamide compound, could represent a new mitotic inhibitor for the treatment of colorectal cancer. We examined the action mechanism of B220 in the colorectal carcinoma HCT116 cell line, and found that treatment of cells with B220 caused cells to accumulate in G2/M phase, with a concomitant induction of the mitotic phase markers, MPM2 and cyclin B1. After 48 h of B220 treatment, cells underwent apoptotic cell death via caspase-3 activation and poly(ADP ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage. In addition, B220 inhibits autophagy by blocking conversion of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3-I) to LC3-II and inhibiting autophagic flux. Notably, blockade of autophagy by pharmacological inhibition or using an Atg5-targeting shRNA reduced B220-induced cytotoxicity. Conversely, the autophagy inducer NVP-BEZ235 shows a synergistic interaction with B220 in HCT116 cells, indicating autophagy was required for the observed cell death. In summary, these results indicate B220 combined with the induction of autophagy using the dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, NVP-BEZ235, might be an attractive strategy for cancer therapy, and provides a framework for further development of B220 as a new therapeutic agent for colon cancer treatment.

Taxonomic assignment of the benthic toxigenic dinoflagellate Gambierdiscus sp. type 6 as Gambierdiscus balechii (Dinophyceae), including its distribution and ciguatoxicity

Recent molecular phylogenetic studies of Gambierdiscus species flagged several new species and genotypes, thus leading to revitalizing its systematics. The inter-relationships of clades revealed by the primary sequence information of nuclear ribosomal genes (rDNA), however, can sometimes be equivocal, and therefore, in this study, the taxonomic status of a ribotype, Gambierdiscus sp. type 6, was evaluated using specimens collected from the original locality, Marakei Island, Republic of Kiribati; and specimens found in Rawa Island, Peninsular Malaysia, were further used for comparison. Morphologically, the ribotype cells resembled G. scabrosus, G. belizeanus, G. balechii, G. cheloniae and G. lapillus in thecal ornamentation, where the thecal surfaces are reticulate-foveated, but differed from G. scabrosus by its hatchet-shaped Plate 2', and G. belizeanus by the asymmetrical Plate 3'. To identify the phylogenetic relationship of this ribotype, a large dataset of the large subunit (LSU) and small subunit (SSU) rDNAs were compiled, and performed comprehensive analyses, using Bayesian-inference, maximum-parsimony, and maximum-likelihood, for the latter two incorporating the sequence-structure information of the SSU rDNA. Both the LSU and SSU rDNA phylogenetic trees displayed an identical topology and supported the hypothesis that the relationship between Gambierdiscus sp. type 6 and G. balechii was monophyletic. As a result, the taxonomic status of Gambierdiscus sp. type 6 was revised, and assigned as Gambierdiscus balechii. Toxicity analysis using neuroblastoma N2A assay confirmed that the Central Pacific strains were toxic, ranging from 1.1 to 19.9 fg P-CTX-1 eq cell^-1, but no toxicity was detected in a Western Pacific strain. This suggested that the species might be one of the species contributing to the high incidence rate of ciguatera fish poisoning in Marakei Island.

Abstract 5753: Inhibition of CCAR1, a coactivator of β-catenin, suppresses the proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells

Given a current hypothesis that cancer arises from cancer stem cells (CSCs), targeting key signaling pathways that support CSC self-renewal appears to be a useful approach to cancer therapy. Derranged expression of Wnt signaling is among the major pathways implicated in regulating the stenmess properties of a variety of human cancers, including gastric cancer. Cell cycle and apoptosis regulator 1 (CCAR1) is a transcriptional coactivator which has been shown to be a component of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and plays an important role in transcriptional regulation by β-catenin. However, the function and clinical significance of CCAR1 in gastric cancer have not been elucidated. Here we show the elevated CCAR1 nuclear expression correlates with the occurrence of gastric cancer. In addition, RNAi-mediated CCAR1 reduction not only suppressed the cell growth and increased apoptosis in gastric cell lines AGS and MKN28, but also reduced the migration and invasion ability of these cells. Furthermore, In vivo xenograft assay revealed that the expression level of CCAR1 was critical for tumorigenesis. Our data demonstrates that CCAR1 contributes to carcinogenesis in gastric cancer and is required for the survival of gastric cancer cells. Moreover, CCAR1 may serve as a diagnostic marker and a potential therapeutic target.

Citation Format: Te-Sheng Chang, Chung-Kuang Lu, Kuo-Liang Wei, Yi-Hsing Chen, Ying-Tung Cheng, Shui-Yi Tung, Cheng-Shyong Wu, Ming-Ko Chiang. Inhibition of CCAR1, a coactivator of β-catenin, suppresses the proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5753. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-5753

Inhibition of CCAR1, a Coactivator of β-Catenin, Suppresses the Proliferation and Migration of Gastric Cancer Cells

The aberrant activation of Wnt signaling has been implicated in a variety of human cancers, including gastric cancer. Given the current hypothesis that cancer arises from cancer stem cells (CSCs), targeting the critical signaling pathways that support CSC self-renewal appears to be a useful approach for cancer therapy. Cell cycle and apoptosis regulator 1 (CCAR1) is a transcriptional coactivator which has been shown to be a component of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and which plays an important role in transcriptional regulation by β-catenin. However, the function and clinical significance of CCAR1 in gastric cancer have not been elucidated. Here, we show that elevated CCAR1 nuclear expression correlates with the occurrence of gastric cancer. In addition, RNAi-mediated CCAR1 reduction not only suppressed the cell growth and increased apoptosis in AGS and MKN28 cells, but also reduced the migration and invasion ability of these cells. Furthermore, an in vivo xenograft assay revealed that the expression level of CCAR1 was critical for tumorigenesis. Our data demonstrates that CCAR1 contributes to carcinogenesis in gastric cancer and is required for the survival of gastric cancer cells. Moreover, CCAR1 may serve as a diagnostic marker and a potential therapeutic target.

Potentiation of the anticoagulation effect of warfarin by the herbal remedy Shu-Jing-Hwo-Shiee-Tang in rats: The dosing regimen and pharmacokinetic interaction

The herbal remedy Shu-Jing-Hwo-Shiee-Tang (SJHST) has been used in traditional Chinese medical care for the treatment of osteoarthritis. This study aims to examine the influence of SJHST on the oxidation and anticoagulation effect of warfarin in male rats. In three SJHST preparations (S1-S3), hesperidin, gentiopicrin, and paeoniflorin were identified as chemical marker ingredients. The inhibition of liver microsomal warfarin 7-hydroxylation (WOH) activity by 50% methanolic extracts of SJHST was potentiated by β-glucosidase pretreatment, but not by NADPH-fortified microsomal preincubation. Among various ingredients and their β-glucosidase-hydrolyzed products, hesperetin caused the most potent inhibition of WOH. Oral administration of S2 to rats at 2 h after warfarin treatment (WS2_{2-h post}), but not co-treatment (WS2_co), decreased warfarin clearance and increased the maximal plasma concentration and the area under the curve (AUC_0-t, AUC_0-∞) of plasma concentration versus time of warfarin administration. S2 and S3 did not change the coagulation parameters. At 24 h after warfarin administration, the WS2_{2-h post} and WS3_{2-h post} groups had a prothrombin time longer than that of the warfarin group. These results demonstrate that a 2-h post-treatment of rats with SJHST caused pharmacokinetic interaction with warfarin, resulting in prothrombin time prolongation.

Aberrant JAK/STAT Signaling Suppresses TFF1 and TFF2 through Epigenetic Silencing of GATA6 in Gastric Cancer

Aberrant Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling is crucial to the development of gastric cancer. In this study, we examined the role of STAT3 in the expression and methylation of its targets in gastric cancer patients. Results from RNA sequencing identified an inverse correlation between the expression of STAT3 and GATA6 in 23 pairs of gastric cancer patient samples. We discovered that the expression of GATA6 is epigenetically silenced through promoter methylation in gastric cancer cell lines. Interestingly, the inhibition of STAT3 using a novel STAT3 inhibitor restored the expression of GATA6 and its targets, trefoil factors 1 and 2 (TFF1/2). Moreover, disruption of STAT3 binding to GATA6 promoter by small hairpin RNA restored GATA6 expression in AGS cells. A clinically significant correlation was also observed between the expression of GATA6 and TFF1/2 among tissue samples from 60 gastric cancer patients. Finally, bisulfite pyrosequencing revealed GATA6 methylation in 65% (39/60) of the patients, and those with higher GATA6 methylation tended to have shorter overall survival. In conclusion, we demonstrated that aberrant JAK/STAT signaling suppresses TFF1/2 partially through the epigenetic silencing of GATA6. Therapeutic intervention of STAT3 in reversing the epigenetic status of GATA6 could benefit the treatment of gastric cancer and is worthy of further investigation.

Identification of 1,2,3,4,6-Penta-O-galloyl-β-d-glucopyranoside as a Glycine N-Methyltransferase Enhancer by High-Throughput Screening of Natural Products Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT) expression is vastly downregulated in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). High rates of GNMT knockout mice developed HCC, while overexpression of GNMT prevented aflatoxin-induced carcinogenicity and inhibited liver cancer cell proliferation. Therefore, in this study, we aimed for the identification of a GNMT inducer for HCC therapy. We established a GNMT promoter-driven luciferase reporter assay as a drug screening platform. Screening of 324 pure compounds and 480 crude extracts from Chinese medicinal herbs resulted in the identification of Paeonia lactiflora Pall (PL) extract and the active component 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-β-d-glucopyranoside (PGG) as a GNMT inducer. Purified PL extract and PGG induced GNMT mRNA and protein expression in Huh7 human hepatoma cells and in xenograft tumors. PGG and PL extract had potent anti-HCC effects both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, PGG treatment induced apoptosis in Huh7 cells. Moreover, PGG treatment sensitized Huh7 cells to sorafenib treatment. Therefore, these results indicated that identifying a GNMT enhancer using the GNMT promoter-based assay might be a useful approach to find drugs for HCC. These data also suggested that PGG has therapeutic potential for the treatment of HCC.

Common and unique mechanisms of Chinese herbal remedies on ischemic stroke mice revealed by transcriptome analyses

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Four traditional Chinese herbal remedies (CHR) including Buyang Huanwu decoction (BHD), Xuefu Zhuyu decoction (XZD), Tianma Gouteng decoction (TGD) and Shengyu decoction (SYD) are popular used in treating brain-related dysfunction clinically with different syndrome/pattern based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principles, yet their neuroprotective mechanisms are still unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mice were subjected to an acute ischemic stroke to examine the efficacy and molecular mechanisms of action underlying these CHR.

RESULTS

CHR treatment significantly enhanced the survival rate of stroke mice, with BHD being the most effective CHR. All CHR were superior to recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) treatment in successfully ameliorating brain function, infarction, and neurological deficits in stroke mice that also paralleled to improvements in blood-brain barrier damage, inflammation, apoptosis, and neurogenesis. Transcriptome analyses reveals that a total of 774 ischemia-induced probe sets were significantly modulated by four CHR, including 52 commonly upregulated genes and 54 commonly downregulated ones. Among them, activation of neurogenesis-associated signaling pathways and down-regulating inflammation and apoptosis pathways are key common mechanisms in ischemic stroke protection by all CHR. Besides, levels of plasma CX3CL1 and S100a9 in patients could be used as biomarkers for therapeutic evaluation before functional recovery could be observed.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that using CHR, a combinatory cocktail therapy, is a better way than rt-PA for treating cerebral ischemic-associated diseases through modulating a common as well as a specific group of genes/pathways that may partially explain the syndrome differentiation and treatment principle in TCM.

Abstract 4556: Identification of novel agent for HCC treatment by GNMT-promoter orientated cell-based drug screening platform

Glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT) a tumor suppressor gene for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) plays very important role in liver detoxification and tumorigenisis. GNMT expression is highly down-regulated in HCC. Recent studies have shown that overexpression of GNMT reduce tumor growth and sensitize HuH-7 cells to rapamycin treatment in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, enhancing GNMT expression is an attractive approach for HCC therapy. In present study we developed a GNMT-promoter driven luciferase reporter assay as a drug screen platform for the identification of novel drugs for prevention and treatment of HCC. We identified crude extract 317 as highest activator of GNMT promoter activity from a Chinese medicine library containing 472 herbal extracts. Partial purified fraction “F2-6” was isolated by bioassay-guided fractionation from crude extract 317 and validated for enhancement of endogenous GNMT expression at both mRNA and protein levels. Fraction F2-6 inhibited growth of liver cancer cell lines in vitro. Moreover, orally administrated F2-6 can delay and reduce growth of HCC xenograft tumor in vivo. Next, we identified the active component in fraction F2-6 named as compound P. Furthermore, we demonstrated that combination of sorafenib with compound P led to additive toxicity on HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. The cDNA microarray and real time PCR analysis showed that compound P altered cell cycle-associated genes such as CDK6, CCND1, CDKN1C, MYC and PLK1. Finally, Compound P treatment induced apoptosis in huh7 cells were confirmed by increased sub-G1 population and caspase 3/7 activity. Collectively, our results suggest that compound P has potential to be a novel agent for prevention and treatment of HCC.

Citation Format: Rajni Kant, Lucas Tung, Chung-Kuang Lu, Yi-Ming Chen, Chia-Hung Yen. Identification of novel agent for HCC treatment by GNMT-promoter orientated cell-based drug screening platform. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 4556. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-4556

Abstract LB-156: Increased Notch1 expression suppressed the growth but promoted the stemness of gastric cancer cells

To explore if the Notch pathway were abnormally regulated during gastric tumorigenesis, abnormal DLL1 promoter methylation and inversely correlated mRNA expression were detected in cultured cell lines and patient samples. Elevated DLL1 expression was observed in gastric lesion like gastritis or erosion, but decreased DLL1 expression was detected in all four stages of gastric cancers (n = 44). To identify the effector genes and construct the possible Notch signaling network in gastric cancer, Myc-tagged Notch1 was overexpressed in gastric cancer cell line followed by the chromatin-immuno-precipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) analysis. In ChIP-seq analysis, antibodies against Notch1, Rbpjκ, and Myc were used to identify the Notch1 targets while antibodies against trimethylated histone 3 at lysine 4 (H3K4me3) or lysine 27 (H3K27me3) were used to detect the associated epigenetic states. We found that the Notch1-overexpression suppressed the gastric tumoral growth, and the target loci-associated H3K4me3 (active chromatin) were reduced while the association with H3K27me3 (suppressive chromatin) were increased. Overall, the H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 combined bivalent marks were increased after Notch1-overexpression, and this was correlated with promoted stemness as indicated by the increased Oct4 and CD44 (reported gastric cancer stem cell like marker) expression. EZH2, a Polycomb protein, was found to be associated with Rbpjκ which further links the Notch signaling together with the maintenance of cell stemness. Therefore, Notch signaling might be critical for tumor formation in gastric cancer. (Supported by: NSC-102-2320-B-194-003-MY3 and NSC-102-2314-B-371-003-MY3, MOST Taiwan)

Citation Format: Chia-Chen Chiu, Chien-Ju Lo, Chien-Heng Shen, Chung-Kuang Lu, Jian-Liang Chou, Pei-Yi Chu, Shu-Huei Hsiao, Min-Jen Tseng, Yu-Wei Leu, Chia-Chen Hsu. Increased Notch1 expression suppressed the growth but promoted the stemness of gastric cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-156. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-LB-156

Discovery of Potent Cysteine-Containing Dipeptide Inhibitors against Tyrosinase: A Comprehensive Investigation of 20 × 20 Dipeptides in Inhibiting Dopachrome Formation

Tyrosinase is an essential copper-containing enzyme required for melanin synthesis. The overproduction and abnormal accumulation of melanin cause hyperpigmentation and neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, tyrosinase is promising for use in medicine and cosmetics. Our previous study identified a natural product, A5, resembling the structure of the dipeptide WY and apparently inhibiting tyrosinase. Here, we comprehensively estimated the inhibitory capability of 20 × 20 dipeptides against mushroom tyrosinase. We found that cysteine-containing dipeptides, directly blocking the active site of tyrosinase, are highly potent in inhibition; in particular, N-terminal cysteine-containing dipeptides markedly outperform the C-terminal-containing ones. The cysteine-containing dipeptides, CE, CS, CY, and CW, show comparative bioactivities, and tyrosine-containing dipeptides are substrate-like inhibitors. The dipeptide PD attenuates 16.5% melanin content without any significant cytotoxicity. This study reveals the functional role of cysteine residue positional preference and the selectivity of specific amino acids in cysteine-containing dipeptides against tyrosinase, aiding in developing skin-whitening products.

Diterpene glycosides and polyketides from Xylotumulus gibbisporus

Four new tetracyclic diterpene glycosides, namely, sordarins C-F (1-4), and three new γ-lactone polyketides, namely, xylogiblactones A-C (5-7), along with sordarin were isolated from the ethyl acetate extracts of the fermented broths of Xylotumulus gibbisporus YMJ863. The structures of 1-7 were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data analyses. The configurations of 1-4 were deduced by NOESY, molecular modeling, and comparison with the literature. The relative configurations of 5-7 were deduced by X-ray crystallographic analysis of 5. Compounds 1-5 and sordarin were evaluated in an antifungal assay using Candida albicans ATCC 18804, C. albicans ATCC MYA-2876, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATCC 2345, and only sordarin exhibited significant antifungal activities against these fungal strains, with MIC values of 64.0, 32.0, and 32.0 μg/mL, respectively. The effect of compounds 1-7 and sordarin on the inhibition of NO production in lipopolysaccharide-activated murine macrophages was also evaluated. Compounds 2 and sordarin inhibited NO production with IC50 values of 327.2±46.6 and 157.1±24.1 μM, respectively.

Unique mechanisms of sheng yu decoction ( shèng yù tang) on ischemic stroke mice revealed by an integrated neurofunctional and transcriptome analysis

Sheng Yu Decoction ( Shèng Yù Tang; SYD) is a popular traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) remedy used in treating cardiovascular and brain-related dysfunction clinically; yet, its neuroprotective mechanisms are still unclear. Here, mice were subjected to an acute ischemic stroke to examine the efficacy and mechanisms of action of SYD by an integrated neurofunctional and transcriptome analysis. More than 80% of the mice died within 2 days after ischemic stroke with vehicle treatment. Treatments with SYD (1.0 g/kg, twice daily, orally or p.o.) and recombinant thrombolytic tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA; 10 mg/kg, once daily, intravenously or i.v.) both significantly extended the lifespan as compared to that of the vehicle-treated stroke group. SYD successfully restored brain function, ameliorated cerebral infarction and oxidative stress, and significantly improved neurological deficits in mice with stroke. Molecular impact of SYD by a genome-wide transcriptome analysis using brains from stroke mice showed a total of 162 out of 2081 ischemia-induced probe sets were significantly influenced by SYD. Mining the functional modules and genetic networks of these 162 genes revealed a significant upregulation of neuroprotective genes in Wnt receptor signaling pathway (3 genes) and regulation of cell communication (7 genes) and downregulation of destructive genes in response to stress (13 genes) and in the induction of inflammation (5 genes), cytokine production (4 genes), angiogenesis (3 genes), vasculature (6 genes) and blood vessel (5 genes) development, wound healing (7 genes), defense response (7 genes), chemotaxis (4 genes), immune response (7 genes), antigen processing and presenting (3 genes), and leukocyte-mediated cytotoxicity (2 genes) by SYD. Our results suggest that SYD could protect mice against ischemic stroke primarily through significantly downregulating the damaging genes involved in stress, inflammation, angiogenesis, blood vessel formation, immune responses, and wound healing, as well as upregulating the genes mediating neurogenesis and cell communication, which make SYD beneficial for treating ischemic stroke.

CCAR1 is required for Ngn3-mediated endocrine differentiation

Neurogenin3 (Ngn3) is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor that specifies pancreatic endocrine cell fates during pancreas development. It can also initiate a transdifferentiation program when expressed in pancreatic exocrine and ductal cells. However, how Ngn3 initiates a transcriptional cascade to achieve endocrine differentiation is still poorly understood. Here, we show that cell cycle and apoptosis regulator 1 (CCAR1), which is a transcriptional coactivator for nuclear receptors, also interacts with Ngn3. The association between Ngn3 and CCAR1 was verified by pull-down assays and co-immunoprecipitation analyses. Using gene reporter assays, we found that CCAR1 is essential for Ngn3 to activate the expression of the reporter genes containing the NeuroD promoter. Moreover, down-regulation of endogenous CCAR1 in the PANC-1 pancreatic ductal cell line inhibits the transdifferentiation program initiated by Ngn3. CCAR1 is, therefore, a novel partner of Ngn3 in mediating endocrine differentiation.

Deciphering the neuroprotective mechanisms of Bu-yang Huan-wu decoction by an integrative neurofunctional and genomic approach in ischemic stroke mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Bu-yang Huan-wu decoction (BHD) is a famous traditional Chinese medicine formula that has been used clinically in Asia to treat stroke-induced disability for centuries, but the underlying neuroprotective mechanisms are not fully understood.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, we aim to investigate the mechanisms of action using an integrative neurofunctional and broad genomics approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male ICR mice were subjected to an acute ischemic stroke by inducing a middle cerebral ischemic/reperfusion (CI/R) injury. To examine whether BHD could extend the lifespan of mice with a stroke, we used oral administration of BHD (0.5 and 1.0g/kg) twice daily starting from 2h after ischemia and compared this with vehicle control treatments, recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA, 10mg/kg, i.v.), and MK-801 (0.2mg/kg, i.p.). An integrative neurofunctional and genomic approach was performed to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of BHD.

RESULTS

More than 80% of the mice died within 2 days after stroke induction in the vehicle control treatment group. However, the survival rates and life-spans of mice treated with BHD, rt-PA and MK-801 were significantly enhanced as compared to the vehicle-treated CI/R group in all three cases. Mice treated with BHD (1.0g/kg) showed the greatest protective effect across all groups. BHD successfully restored brain function, ameliorated the cerebral infarction, and significantly improved the neurological deficits of the mice with a stroke. BHD also reduced inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, as well as improved neurogenesis. The molecular impacts of BHD were assessed by genome-wide transcriptome analysis using brains from the CI/R mice. The results showed a total of 377 ischemia-induced probe-sets that were significantly influenced by BHD including 93 probe-sets that were commonly more abundant in BHD-treated and sham mice, and another 284 ischemia-induced probe sets that were suppressed by BHD. Mining the functional modules and genetic networks of these 377 genes revealed a significant upregulation of neuroprotective genes associated with neurogenesis (6 genes) and nervous system development (9 genes), and a significant down-regulation of destructive genes associated with the induction of inflammation (14 genes), apoptosis (15 genes), angiogenesis (11 genes) and blood coagulation (7 genes) by BHD.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggested that BHD is able to protect mice against stroke and extend lifespan primarily through a significant down-regulation of genes involved in inflammation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and blood coagulation, as well as an up-regulation of genes mediating neurogenesis and nervous system development. The changes in expression after treatment with BHD are beneficial after ischemic stroke.

Antioxidative caffeoylquinic acids and flavonoids from Hemerocallis fulva flowers

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in HepG2 was used to screen hepatocyte protective compounds from the flowers of Hemerocallis fulva. Three new polyphenols, n-butyl 4-trans-O-caffeoylquinate (1), kaempferol 3-O-{α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→6)[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)]}-β-D-galactopyranoside (2), and chrysoeriol 7-O-[β-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1→2)(2-O-trans-feruloyl)-β-D-glucuronopyranoside (3), together with four caffeoylquinic acid derivatives (4-7), eight known flavones (8-15), one naphthalene glycoside, stelladerol (16), one tryptophan derivative (17), adenosine (18), and guanosine (19) were isolated from the bioactive fractions of the aqueous ethanol extract of H. fulva flowers. The structures of isolated compounds were characterized by means of spectroscopic data. Compounds 1-3 were described as first isolated natural products. Among the above-mentioned compounds, the caffeoylquinic acid derivatives are the major components with potent free radical scavenging activity in HepG2 cells and are for the first time isolated from H. fulva flowers. A convenient ultraperformance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method was also developed to simultaneously separate and identify caffeoylquinic acids and flavonoids promptly.

Sesquiterpene glycosides from Cosmospora joca

Five novel sesquiterpene glycosides, namely, cosmosporasides A-E (1-5), were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of the fermented broth of Cosmospora joca. The structures of 1-5 were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data analyses, monosaccharide composition analyses, and monosaccharide chirality analyses. The relative configuration of the sesquiterpene moiety of 3-5 was determined by J-based configuration analyses and supported by NOESY assignments. The inhibitory effects of 1-5 on the nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells were evaluated; all except 3 inhibited NO production at 100 μM. 4 was the most potent, with an average maximum inhibition and a median inhibitory concentration value of 71.70 ± 1.23% and 65.98 ± 0.53 μM, respectively.

Isolation and characterization of Taiwanese heterotrophic microalgae: screening of strains for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) production

Marine heterotrophic microalgal species which are potentially rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n-3) have been found in Taiwan; however, there was a lack of detailed analysis and characterization of these indigenous algae which is needed for the development of commercial applications. Hence, the objective of this study was to screen DHA-rich heterotrophic microalgae species indigenous to Taiwan for commercial purposes. Heterotrophic microalgae from a variety of marine habitats were isolated, cultivated, and then identified according to their 18S rRNA gene sequences and morphological characteristics. A comparison was made of their fatty acid profiles, fatty acid content, and amount of biomass. For the strain with highest DHA yield, the optimal growth conditions were determined in order to establish the best fermentation conditions for scale-up. In this study, 25 heterotrophic microalgal strains were successfully isolated from marine habitats around Taiwan. All of the isolated strains showed a close phylogenic relationship with the Thraustochytriaceae family according to their 18S rRNA gene sequences. GC/MS analysis discerned seven distinctive fatty acid profiles of these strains, with the production of eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n-3) ranging from 0.02 to 2.61 mg L(-1), and DHA ranging from 0.8 to 18.0 mg L(-1). An Aurantiochytrium strain BL10 with high DHA production was subsequently chosen for further manipulation. Under optimal growth conditions it could produce up to 59.0 g of dry biomass per liter of culture, with dry biomass containing 73% total fatty acid and 29% DHA, revealing BL10 as an excellent source of microbial DHA.