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Hour MJ, Tsai FJ, Lai IL, Tsao JW, Chiang JH, Chiu YJ, Lu HF, Juan YN, Yang JS, Tsai SC. Efficacy of HMJ-38, a new quinazolinone analogue, against the gemcitabine-resistant MIA-PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cells. Biomedicine (Taipei) 2023; 13:20-31. [PMID: 38532833 PMCID: PMC10962539 DOI: 10.37796/2211-8039.1423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Gemcitabine is frequently utilized to treat pancreatic cancer. The purpose of our study was to create a gemcitabine-resistant MIA-PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cell line (MIA-GR100) and to evaluate the anti-pancreatic cancer efficacy of HMJ-38, a new quinazolinone analogue. Compared to their parental counterparts, MIA-PaCa-2, established MIA-GR100 cells were less sensitive to gemcitabine. MIA-GR100 cell viability was not affected by 10, 50 and 100 nM gemcitabine concentrations. HMJ-38 reduced MIA-GR100 cell growth and induced autophagy and apoptosis. When stained with monodansylcadaverine (MDC), acridine orange (AO), and terminal deoxynucleotide transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), MIA-GR100 cells shrunk, punctured their membranes, and produced autophagy vacuoles and apoptotic bodies. Combining chloroquine (CQ) and 3-methyladenine (3-MA) with HMJ-38 dramatically reduced cell viability, indicating that autophagy function as a cytoprotective mechanism. MIA-GR100 cells treated with both z-VAD-FMK and HMJ-38 were much more viable than those treated with HMJ-38 alone. HMJ-38 promotes apoptosis in MIA-GR100 cells by activating caspases. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is one of HMJ-38's principal targets, as determined via in silico target screening with network prediction. HMJ-38 also inhibited EGFR kinase activity and EGFR-associated signaling in MIA-GR100 cells. HMJ-38 may be an effective chemotherapeutic adjuvant for gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cells, in which it induces an antitumor response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mann-Jen Hour
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, 406040,
Taiwan
| | - Fuu-Jen Tsai
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 404333,
Taiwan
- Human Genetics Center, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 404327,
Taiwan
- Department of Medical Genetics, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 404327,
Taiwan
| | - I-Lu Lai
- Cell Therapy Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 404327,
Taiwan
| | - Je-Wei Tsao
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, 406040,
Taiwan
| | - Jo-Hua Chiang
- Department of Nursing, Chung-Jen Junior College of Nursing, Health Sciences and Management, Chiayi, 62201,
Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jen Chiu
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 112201,
Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112304,
Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112304,
Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Fang Lu
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, 404327,
Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ning Juan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, 404327,
Taiwan
| | - Jai-Sing Yang
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, 404327,
Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chang Tsai
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, 406040,
Taiwan
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Fang CW, Yang JS, Chiang JH, Shieh PC, Tsai FJ, Tsai CW, Chang WS. Metformin induces autophagy of cisplatin-resistant human gastric cancer cells in addition to apoptosis. Biomedicine (Taipei) 2023; 13:14-23. [PMID: 37937302 PMCID: PMC10627204 DOI: 10.37796/2211-8039.1408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin has been used to treat cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and mounting studies have shown that metformin can act alone or in synergy with other anticancer agents to achieve anti-cancer efficacies on various types of tumors. However, the role of metformin in either inducing autophagy and cisplatin-resistance of human gastric cancer (GC) cells has never been examined. The study has established a cisplatin-resistant GC cell line and investigated the effects of metformin on inducing autophagy on it. The results demonstrated that treatment with metformin can concentration-dependently suppress the cell viability and cell confluence of cisplatin-resistant GC cells, while having no effects on human primary stomach epithelial cells (HPSEC). For the first time, we found that metformin can significantly increase the acidic vesicular organelles (AVO) level and decrease the acridine orange (AO) level spontaneously in the cisplatin-resistant GC cells. Thus, we further checked the other markers, Atg5, Atg12 and LC3-II, which showed that metformin indeed induced autophagy in the cisplatin-resistant GC cells. In addition, treatment of 3-Methyladenine (3-MA) can significantly rescue the metformin-induced autophagy. At the same time, metformin can induce the alterations of apoptosis-associated signal molecules, such as caspase-3 and caspase-7 activities. Overall, the pilot study provided evidence for metformin induced autophagy in addition to apoptosis, making it as an effective anticancer drug for the therapy of cisplatin-resistant GC. Killing the cisplatin-resistant GC cells with non-toxic metformin via both autophagy and apoptosis might extend its usefulness in our fighting with chemo-resistance of gastric cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Wun Fang
- Division of Pharmacy, Zuoying Branch of Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung,
Taiwan
| | - Jai-Sing Yang
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung,
Taiwan
| | - Jo-Hua Chiang
- Department of Nursing, Chung-Jen Junior College of Nursing, Health Sciences and Management, Chiayi,
Taiwan
| | - Po-Chuen Shieh
- Department of Pharmacy, Tajen University, Pingtung,
Taiwan
| | - Fuu-Jen Tsai
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung,
Taiwan
- China Medical University Children’s Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung,
Taiwan
| | - Chia-Wen Tsai
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung,
Taiwan
| | - Wen-Shin Chang
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung,
Taiwan
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Abe K, Oshima K, Chiang JH, Suwa H, Hisamatsu S. VARIATION IN RADIATION DOSE RATES FROM RADIONUCLIDES DISCHARGED BY THE SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL REPROCESSING PLANT IN ROKKASHO UNDER DIFFERENT YEARLY WEATHER CONDITIONS. Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2022; 198:938-942. [PMID: 36083741 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncac016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The radiation dose rate from radionuclides released by the spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant in Rokkasho, Japan, was assessed for a year specified in the safety review during which the weather conditions were not significantly different from those of the other 10 y. However, the actual year-by-year variation in annual radiation dose rate was not examined. A model system for evaluating the dose rate from the radionuclides released into the atmosphere was constructed. In this study, the radiation dose rate in the weather conditions of 24 weather bins was estimated for a standard year by the model. The annual maximum dose rate from 1959 to 2012 was estimated using a simplified method that integrated the dose rates of each weather bin in the standard year by estimating the annual frequency of the bin in the target year. We obtained ~1.3 as the maximum/minimum ratio of the annual maximum dose rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Abe
- Department of Radioecology, Institute for Environmental Sciences, 1-7 Ienomae, Obuchi, Rokkasho, Aomori 039-3212, Japan
| | - K Oshima
- Department of Radioecology, Institute for Environmental Sciences, 1-7 Ienomae, Obuchi, Rokkasho, Aomori 039-3212, Japan
- Faculty of Software and Information Technology, Aomori University, 2-3-1 Kobata, Aomori 030-0943, Japan
| | - J H Chiang
- Energy Consulting Department, Japan NUS Co. Ltd., Nishi-Shinjuku Kimuraya Building 5F, 7-5-25 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - H Suwa
- Energy Consulting Department, Japan NUS Co. Ltd., Nishi-Shinjuku Kimuraya Building 5F, 7-5-25 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - S Hisamatsu
- Department of Radioecology, Institute for Environmental Sciences, 1-7 Ienomae, Obuchi, Rokkasho, Aomori 039-3212, Japan
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Chiu YJ, Yang JS, Tsai FJ, Chiu HY, Juan YN, Lo YH, Chiang JH. Curcumin suppresses cell proliferation and triggers apoptosis in vemurafenib-resistant melanoma cells by downregulating the EGFR signaling pathway. Environ Toxicol 2022; 37:868-879. [PMID: 34994998 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma is a malignant tumor with aggressive behavior. Vemurafenib, a BRAF inhibitor, is clinically used in melanoma, but resistance to melanoma cytotoxic therapies is associated with BRAF mutations. Curcumin can effectively inhibit numerous types of cancers. However, there are no reports regarding the correlation between curcumin and vemurafenib-resistant melanoma cells. In this study, vemurafenib-resistant A375.S2 (A375.S2/VR) cells were established, and the functional mechanism of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), serine-threonine kinase (AKT), and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling induced by curcumin was investigated in A375.S2/VR cells in vitro. Our results indicated that A375.S2/VR cells had a higher IC50 concentration of vemurafenib than the parental A375.S2 cells. Moreover, curcumin reduced the viability and confluence of A375.S2/VR cells. Curcumin triggered apoptosis via reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and intrinsic signaling (caspase-9/-3-dependent) pathways in A375.S2/VR cells. Curcumin-induced apoptosis was also mediated by the EGFR signaling pathway. Combination treatment with curcumin and gefitinib (an EGFR inhibitor) synergistically potentiated the inhibitory effect of cell viability in A375.S2/VR cells. The present study provides new insights into the therapy of vemurafenib-resistant melanoma and suggests that curcumin might be an encouraging therapeutic candidate for its drug-resistant treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jen Chiu
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jai-Sing Yang
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Fuu-Jen Tsai
- Human Genetic Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Genetics, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Yi Chiu
- Department of Pharmacy, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- Holistic Education Center, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ning Juan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsiang Lo
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jo-Hua Chiang
- Department of Nursing, Chung-Jen Junior College of Nursing, Health Sciences and Management, Chiayi, Taiwan
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Chiang JH, Tsai FJ, Lin TH, Yang JS, Chiu YJ. Tremella fuciformis Inhibits Melanogenesis in B16F10 Cells and Promotes Migration of Human Fibroblasts and Keratinocytes. In Vivo 2022; 36:713-722. [PMID: 35241526 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.12757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Natural skin whiteners have been investigated for centuries. The development of preparations that safely achieve whitening of hyper-pigmented skin lesions is a challenge for the cosmetics industry. Furthermore, promoting rapid wound healing and minimizing inflammation in injured skin are key to prevent from abnormal pigmentation in scar tissue. Natural products, including the fungus Tremella fuciformis (TF), are attracting attention as potential sources of lead compounds for these applications. MATERIALS AND METHODS We investigated the in vitro effects of TF on melanogenesis in murine B16F10 cells. Melanin and tyrosinase levels were measured after treatment with TF. Wound healing in human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and fibroblasts (Detroit 551) was also determined via cell migration assay prior to TF exposure. RESULTS TF significantly decreased melanin content and tyrosinase expression in a concentration-dependent manner in B16F10 cells. Furthermore, TF promoted wound healing in human HaCaT keratinocytes and Detroit 551 fibroblasts. CONCLUSION TF proved effectively on inhibiting melanogenesis and promoting wound healing in vitro, demonstrating its potential as a novel skin-whitening agent. However, further clinical studies of safety and efficacy are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo-Hua Chiang
- Department of Nursing, Chung-Jen Junior College of Nursing, Health Sciences and Management, Chiayi, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Fuu-Jen Tsai
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Department of Medical Genetics, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Tsai-Hsiu Lin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Molecular Diagnosis, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jai-Sing Yang
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C.;
| | - Yu-Jen Chiu
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.; .,Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
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Ha HA, Chiang JH, Tsai FJ, Bau DT, Juan YN, Lo YH, Hour MJ, Yang JS. Novel quinazolinone MJ‑33 induces AKT/mTOR‑mediated autophagy‑associated apoptosis in 5FU‑resistant colorectal cancer cells. Oncol Rep 2020; 45:680-692. [PMID: 33416156 PMCID: PMC7757098 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel quinazolinone compounds have been studied in the field of drug discovery for a long time. Among their broad range of pharmacological effects, certain compounds effectively inhibit cancer cell proliferation. MJ‑33 is a quinazolinone derivative with proposed anticancer activities that was synthesized in our laboratory. The present study aimed to evaluate the anticancer activity of MJ‑33 in fluorouracil (5FU)‑resistant colorectal cancer cells (HT‑29/5FUR) and to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. The cell viability assay results indicated that HT‑29/5FUR cell viability was inhibited by MJ‑33 treatment in a concentration‑dependent manner compared with the control group. The cellular morphological alterations observed following MJ‑33 treatment indicated the occurrence of apoptosis and autophagy, as well as inhibition of cell proliferation in a time‑dependent manner compared with the control group. The acridine orange, LysoTracker Red and LC3‑green fluorescent protein staining results indicated that MJ‑33 treatment significantly induced autophagy compared with the control group. The DAPI/TUNEL dual staining results demonstrated increased nuclear fragmentation and condensation following MJ‑33 treatment compared with the control group. The Annexin V apoptosis assay and image cytometry analysis results demonstrated a significant increase in apoptotic cells following MJ‑33 treatment compared with the control group. The western blotting results demonstrated markedly decreased Bcl‑2, phosphorylated (p)‑BAD, pro‑caspase‑9 and pro‑caspase‑3 expression levels, and notably increased cytochrome c and apoptotic peptidase activating factor 1 expression levels following MJ‑33 treatment compared with the control group. Moreover, the expression levels of autophagy‑related proteins, including autophagy related (ATG)‑5, ATG‑7, ATG‑12, ATG‑16, p62 and LC3‑II, were increased following MJ‑33 treatment compared with the control group. Furthermore, MJ‑33‑treated HT‑29/5FUR cells displayed decreased expression levels of p‑AKT and p‑mTOR compared with control cells. The results suggested that MJ‑33‑induced apoptosis was mediated by AKT signaling, and subsequently modulated via the mitochondria‑dependent signaling pathway. Therefore, the results suggested that suppression of AKT/mTOR activity triggered autophagy in the HT‑29/5FUR cell line. In summary, the results indicated that MJ‑33 inhibited HT‑29/5FUR cell viability, and induced apoptosis and autophagy via the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. The present study may provide novel insight into the anticancer effects and mechanisms underlying MJ‑33 in 5FU‑resistant colorectal cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Anh Ha
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jo-Hua Chiang
- Department of Nursing, Chung‑Jen Junior College of Nursing, Health Sciences and Management, Chiayi 62241, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Fuu-Jen Tsai
- Human Genetics Center, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Da-Tian Bau
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yu-Ning Juan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yu-Hsiang Lo
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Mann-Jen Hour
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jai-Sing Yang
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan, R.O.C
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Yang JS, Chiang JH, Tsai S, Hsu YM, Bau DT, Lee KH, Tsai FJ. In Silico De Novo Curcuminoid Derivatives From the Compound Library of Natural Products Research Laboratories Inhibit COVID-19 3CLpro Activity. Nat Prod Commun 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x20953262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) outbreak caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCOV) is becoming increasingly serious. In March 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designated remdesivir for compassionate use to treat COVID-19. Thus, the development of novel antiviral agents, antibodies, and vaccines against COVID-19 is an urgent research subject. Many laboratories and research organizations are actively investing in the development of new compounds for COVID-19. Through in silico high-throughput virtual screening, we have recently identified compounds from the compound library of Natural Products Research Laboratories (NPRL) that can bind to COVID-19 3Lpro polyprotein and block COVID-19 3Lpro activity through in silico high-throughput virtual screening. Curcuminoid derivatives (including NPRL334, NPRL339, NPRL342, NPRL346, NPRL407, NPRL415, NPRL420, NPRL472, and NPRL473) display strong binding affinity to COVID-19 3Lpro polyprotein. The binding site of curcuminoid derivatives to COVID-19 3Lpro polyprotein is the same as that of the FDA-approved human immunodeficiency virus protease inhibitor (lopinavir) to COVID-19 3Lpro polyprotein. The binding affinity of curcuminoid derivatives to COVID-19 3Lpro is stronger than that of lopinavir and curcumin. Among curcuminoid derivatives, NPRL-334 revealed the strongest binding affinity to COVID-19 3Lpro polyprotein and is speculated to have an anti-COVID-19 effect. In vitro and in vivo ongoing experiments are currently underway to confirm the present findings. This study sheds light on the drug design for COVID-19 3Lpro polyprotein. Basing on lead compound development, we provide new insights on inhibiting COVID-19 attachment to cells, reducing COVID-19 infection rate and drug side effects, and increasing therapeutic success rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jai-Sing Yang
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jo-Hua Chiang
- Department of Nursing, Chung-Jen Junior College of Nursing, Health Sciences and Management, Chiayi County, Taiwan
| | - Shih‑Chang Tsai
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Man Hsu
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Da-Tian Bau
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Terry Fox Cancer Research Laboratory, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Hsiung Lee
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Natural Products Research Laboratories, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Chinese Medicinal Research and Development Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Fuu-Jen Tsai
- Department of Medical Research, Human Genetics Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Genetics, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Chiang JH, Tsai FJ, Hsu YM, Yin MC, Chiu HY, Yang JS. Sensitivity of allyl isothiocyanate to induce apoptosis via ER stress and the mitochondrial pathway upon ROS production in colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. Oncol Rep 2020; 44:1415-1424. [PMID: 32700751 PMCID: PMC7448487 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), a bioactive phytochemical compound that is a constituent of dietary cruciferous vegetables, possesses promising chemopreventive and anticancer effects. However, reports of AITC exerting antitumor effects on apoptosis induction of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells in vitro are not well elucidated. The present study focused on the functional mechanism of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-based apoptotic machinery induced by AITC in human colorectal cancer HT-29 cells. Our results indicated that AITC decreased cell growth and number, reduced viability, and facilitated morphological changes of apoptotic cell death. DNA analysis by flow cytometry showed G2/M phase arrest, and alterations in the modulated protein levels caused by AITC were detected via western blot analysis. AITC also triggered vital intrinsic apoptotic factors (caspase-9/caspase-3 activity), disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential, and stimulated mitochondrial-related apoptotic molecules (e.g., cytochrome c, apoptotic protease activating factor 1, apoptosis-inducing factor, and endonuclease G). Additionally, AITC prompted induced cytosolic Ca2+ release and Ca2+-dependent ER stress-related signals, such as calpain 1, activating transcription factor 6α, glucose-regulated proteins 78 and 94, growth arrest- and DNA damage-inducible protein 153 (GADD153), and caspase-4. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was found to induce the hallmark of ER stress GADD153, proapoptotic marker caspase-3, and calpain activity after AITC treatment. Our findings showed for the first time that AITC induced G2/M phase arrest and apoptotic death via ROS-based ER stress and the intrinsic pathway (mitochondrial-dependent) in HT-29 cells. Overall, AITC may exert an epigenetic effect and is a potential bioactive compound for CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo-Hua Chiang
- Department of Nursing, Chung‑Jen Junior College of Nursing, Health Sciences and Management, Chiayi County 62241, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Fuu-Jen Tsai
- Human Genetics Center, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yuan-Man Hsu
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Mei-Chin Yin
- Department of Food Nutrition and Health Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Hong-Yi Chiu
- Department of Pharmacy, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97002, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jai-Sing Yang
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40442, Taiwan, R.O.C
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Lu CC, Chiang JH, Tsai FJ, Hsu YM, Juan YN, Yang JS, Chiu HY. Metformin triggers the intrinsic apoptotic response in human AGS gastric adenocarcinoma cells by activating AMPK and suppressing mTOR/AKT signaling. Int J Oncol 2019; 54:1271-1281. [PMID: 30720062 PMCID: PMC6411354 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2019.4704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin is commonly used to treat patients with type 2 diabetes and is associated with a decreased risk of cancer. Previous studies have demonstrated that metformin can act alone or in synergy with certain anticancer agents to achieve anti-neoplastic effects on various types of tumors via adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling. However, the role of metformin in AMPK-mediated apoptosis of human gastric cancer cells is poorly understood. In the current study, metformin exhibited a potent anti-proliferative effect and induced apoptotic characteristics in human AGS gastric adenocarcinoma cells, as demonstrated by MTT assay, morphological observation method, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling and caspase-3/7 assay kits. Western blot analysis demonstrated that treatment with metformin increased the phosphorylation of AMPK, and decreased the phosphorylation of AKT, mTOR and p70S6k. Compound C (an AMPK inhibitor) suppressed AMPK phosphorylation and significantly abrogated the effects of metformin on AGS cell viability. Metformin also reduced the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (ERK, JNK and p38). Additionally, metformin significantly increased the cellular ROS level and included loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Metformin altered apoptosis-associated signaling to downregulate the BAD phosphorylation and Bcl-2, pro-caspase-9, pro-caspase-3 and pro-caspase-7 expression, and to upregulate BAD, cytochrome c, and Apaf-1 proteins levels in AGS cells. Furthermore, z-VAD-fmk (a pan-caspase inhibitor) was used to assess mitochondria-mediated caspase-dependent apoptosis in metformin-treated AGS cells. The findings demonstrated that metformin induced AMPK-mediated apoptosis, making it appealing for development as a novel anticancer drug for the treating gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Cheng Lu
- Department of Sport Performance, National Taiwan University of Sport, Taichung 40404, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jo-Hua Chiang
- Department of Nursing, Chung Jen Catholic Junior College, Chiayi 62241, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Fuu-Jen Tsai
- Human Genetics Center, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yuan-Man Hsu
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yu-Ning Juan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jai-Sing Yang
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Hong-Yi Chiu
- Department of Pharmacy, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien 97002, Taiwan, R.O.C
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10
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Wang YL, Horng CT, Hsieh MT, Chen HC, Huang YS, Yang JS, Wang GK, Chiang JH, Chen HH, Lu CC, Chen FA. Autophagy and apoptotic machinery caused by Polygonum cuspidatum extract in cisplatin‑resistant human oral cancer CAR cells. Oncol Rep 2019; 41:2549-2557. [PMID: 30720102 DOI: 10.3892/or.2019.6985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Polygonum cuspidatum (Hu Zhang) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has been revealed to exert anticancer, anti‑angiogenesis, anti‑human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), anti‑hepatitis B virus, anti‑microbial, anti‑inflammatory, and neuro‑protective bio‑activities. However, the effect of P. cuspidatum extract (PCE) on drug‑resistant human oral cancer cells regarding cell death is not fully understood yet. The present study was undertaken to explore the induction of autophagic and apoptotic cell death and to investigate their underlying molecular mechanisms in PCE‑treated cisplatin‑resistant human oral cancer CAR cells. Our results revealed that PCE was determined via HPLC analytic method, and it was revealed that resveratrol may be a major compound in PCE. The data also demonstrated that PCE reduced CAR cell viability in a concentration‑ and time‑dependent response via an MTT assay. PCE had an extremely low toxicity in human normal gingival fibroblasts (HGF). Autophagic and apoptotic cell death was found after PCE treatment by morphological determination. PCE was revealed to induce autophagy as determined using acridine orange (AO), LC3‑GFP, monodansylcadaverine (MDC) and LysoTracker Red staining in CAR cells. In addition, PCE was revealed to induce apoptosis in CAR cells via 4',6‑diamidino‑2‑phenylindole (DAPI)/terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‑end labeling (TUNEL) double staining. PCE significantly stimulated caspase‑9 and ‑3 activities as revealed using caspase activity assays. PCE markedly increased the protein levels of Atg5, Atg7, Atg12, Beclin‑1, LC3, Bax and cleaved caspase‑3, while it decreased the protein expression of Bcl‑2 in CAR cells as determined by western blotting. In conclusion, our findings are the first to suggest that PCE may be potentially efficacious for the treatment of cisplatin‑resistant human oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin-Lai Wang
- Department of Dentistry, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung 80284, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chi-Ting Horng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung 80284, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Min-Tsang Hsieh
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Hung-Che Chen
- Department of Pharmacy and Master Program, Tajen University, Pingtung 90741, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yu-Syuan Huang
- Department of Pharmacy and Master Program, Tajen University, Pingtung 90741, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jai-Sing Yang
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Guo-Kai Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Anhui Key Lab of Modern Chinese Materia Medica, Hefei, Anhui 230012, P.R. China
| | - Jo-Hua Chiang
- Department of Nursing, Chung Jen Catholic Junior College, Chiayi 62241, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Hul-Han Chen
- Division of Practice Advancement and Clinical Education, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 275297, USA
| | - Chi-Cheng Lu
- Department of Sport Performance, National Taiwan University of Sport, Taichung 40404, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Fu-An Chen
- Department of Pharmacy and Master Program, Tajen University, Pingtung 90741, Taiwan, R.O.C
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11
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Chen CF, Lu CC, Chiang JH, Chiu HY, Yang JS, Lee CY, Way TD, Huang HJ. Synergistic inhibitory effects of cetuximab and curcumin on human cisplatin-resistant oral cancer CAR cells through intrinsic apoptotic process. Oncol Lett 2018; 16:6323-6330. [PMID: 30333889 PMCID: PMC6176463 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.9418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cetuximab, an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeting monoclonal antibody (mAb), is a novel targeted therapy for the treatment of patients with oral cancer. Cetuximab can be used in combination with chemotherapeutic agents to prolong the overall survival rates of patients with oral cancer. Curcumin is a traditional Chinese medicine, and it has been demonstrated to have growth-inhibiting effects on oral cancer cells. However, information regarding the combination of cetuximab and curcumin in drug-resistant oral cancer cells is lacking, and its underlying mechanism remains unclear. The purpose of the present study was to explore the oral anticancer effects of cetuximab combined with curcumin on cisplatin-resistant oral cancer CAR cell apoptosis in vitro. The results demonstrated that combination treatment synergistically potentiated the effect of cetuximab and curcumin on the suppression of cell viability and induction of apoptosis in CAR cells. Cetuximab and curcumin combination induced apoptosis and dramatically increased caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities compared with singular treatment. Combination treatment also markedly suppressed the protein expression levels of EGFR and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling (phosphorylation of ERK, JNK and p38). The results demonstrated that co-treatment with cetuximab and curcumin exerts synergistic oral anticancer effects on CAR cells through the suppression of the EGFR signaling by regulation of the MAPK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Fu Chen
- Department of Life Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chi-Cheng Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien 970, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jo-Hua Chiang
- Department of Nursing, Chung Jen Catholic Junior College, Chiayi County 622, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Hong-Yi Chiu
- Department of Pharmacy, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien 970, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jai-Sing Yang
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chao-Ying Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Tzong-Der Way
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Hao-Jen Huang
- Department of Life Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Institute of Tropical Plant Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, R.O.C
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12
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Chen CF, Yang JS, Chen WK, Lu CC, Chiang JH, Chiu HY, Tsai SC, Juan YN, Huang HJ, Way TD. Ursolic acid elicits intrinsic apoptotic machinery by downregulating the phosphorylation of AKT/BAD signaling in human cisplatin‑resistant oral cancer CAR cells. Oncol Rep 2018; 40:1752-1760. [PMID: 29956797 DOI: 10.3892/or.2018.6530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a type of cancer with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide; it also demonstrates chemotherapeutic resistance. Triterpenoid ursolic acid has been shown to exhibit various biological activities and anticancer effects in several preclinical studies. In our previous study, human cisplatin‑resistant oral cancer CAR cells were established, and the present study aimed to further examine the effects of ursolic acid on CAR cells. The results revealed that ursolic acid inhibited CAR cell viability, as determined using a 3‑(4,5‑dimethylthiazol‑2‑yl)‑2,5‑diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Ursolic acid‑induced cell death was mediated through a caspase‑dependent pathway, determined with the pan‑caspase inhibitor, z‑VAD‑fmk. Ursolic acid also increased the activities of caspase‑3 and caspase‑9 in CAR cells, determined by a colorimetric assay. Specifically, the production of reactive oxygen species and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, detected by flow cytometry, were observed in the ursolic acid‑treated CAR cells. The apoptosis‑associated signaling showed that ursolic acid decreased the phosphorylation of AKT (Ser473) and B‑cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‑2)‑associated agonist of cell death (BAD; Ser136), and the protein levels of Bcl‑2 and Bcl‑extra large (Bcl‑xL), and increased the expression of BAD and Bcl‑2‑associated X (Bax) protein in CAR cells. In summary, the results supported the potential application of ursolic acid against drug‑resistant oral carcinoma and to improve oral anticancer efficacy in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Fu Chen
- Department of Life Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jai-Sing Yang
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wen-Kang Chen
- Department of Applied Cosmetology, National Tainan Junior College of Nursing, Tainan 70043, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chi-Cheng Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien 97002, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jo-Hua Chiang
- Department of Nursing, Chung Jen Catholic Junior College, Chiayi 62241, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Hong-Yi Chiu
- Department of Pharmacy, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien 97002, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Shih-Chang Tsai
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, College of Biopharmaceutical and Food Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yu-Ning Juan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Hao-Jen Huang
- Department of Life Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Tzong-Der Way
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, College of Biopharmaceutical and Food Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan, R.O.C
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13
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Wu HC, Horng CT, Tsai SC, Lee YL, Hsu SC, Tsai YJ, Tsai FJ, Chiang JH, Kuo DH, Yang JS. Relaxant and vasoprotective effects of ginger extracts on porcine coronary arteries. Int J Mol Med 2018; 41:2420-2428. [PMID: 29328426 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is a popular Chinese herbal medicine, which is considered to warm the stomach and dispel cold in traditional Chinese medicine. Ginger is widely used to treat stomach disorders, and it has been reported to exhibit antithrombotic activity via the inhibition of platelet aggregation and thromboxane B2 production in vitro. Cardiovascular disease is associated with the aberrant functioning of the heart and circulatory system; the relatively narrow vessels of the circulation are commonly affected and blocked by atherosclerosis, which may result in angina or heart attack. Numerous drugs and medicines are used to treat myocardial infarction; however, they are often associated with numerous side effects. Therefore, it is important to identify substitutive drugs with no unbearable side effects. In the present study, the relaxant effects of ginger crude extract (GCE) were determined on porcine coronary arteries. The DPPH radical scavenging assay, lucigenin‑enhanced chemiluminescence assay and western blot analysis were used to individually detect antioxidant assay of ginger extraction or superoxide anion produced by endothelial cells and molecular signaling. The results indicated that GCE induced relaxation of porcine coronary arteries in an endothelium‑dependent manner. GCE increased vasoprotection via the suppression of nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase. In addition, GCE possessed antioxidant ability, as determined using 1,1‑diphenyl‑2‑picrylhydrazyl and lucigenin‑enhanced chemiluminescence assays. Taken together, the present study demonstrated that GCE exerts marked vasoprotective effects and free radical‑scavenging activities in porcine coronary arteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsing-Chen Wu
- Department of Nutrition, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung 80284, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chi-Ting Horng
- Medical Education Center, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung 80284, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Shih-Chang Tsai
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - You-Li Lee
- Department of Nutrition, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung 80284, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Shou-Cheng Hsu
- Department of Pharmacy and Master Program, Tajen University, Pingtung 90741, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yi-Jen Tsai
- Department of Pharmacy and Master Program, Tajen University, Pingtung 90741, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Fuu-Jen Tsai
- School of Post‑Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jo-Hua Chiang
- Department of Nursing, Chung‑Jen Junior College of Nursing, Health Sciences and Management, Chiayi 62241, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Daih-Huang Kuo
- Department of Pharmacy and Master Program, Tajen University, Pingtung 90741, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jai-Sing Yang
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan, R.O.C
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14
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Chang HP, Lu CC, Chiang JH, Tsai FJ, Juan YN, Tsao JW, Chiu HY, Yang JS. Pterostilbene modulates the suppression of multidrug resistance protein 1 and triggers autophagic and apoptotic mechanisms in cisplatin-resistant human oral cancer CAR cells via AKT signaling. Int J Oncol 2018; 52:1504-1514. [PMID: 29512708 PMCID: PMC5873834 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Pterostilbene is a natural polyphenolic compound that is primarily found in fruits, such as blueberries and has a similar structure to resveratrol. Pterostilbene exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitumor activity but the effects of pterostilbene on drug-resistant oral cancer cells and its underlying mechanisms of action have not yet been explored. Therefore, the present study was performed to clarify the anticancer effects of pterostilbene on cisplatin-resistant human oral cancer CAR cells. The results demonstrated that CAR cells exhibited marked shrinkage, cell membrane breakage and autophagic vacuole formation following treatment with pterostilbene. Pterostilbene also effectively inhibited cell viability and suppressed cell confluence in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Probing with acridine orange, monodansylcadaverine and LysoTracker Red demonstrated that the number of acidic vesicular organelles was increased, indicating increased autophagy. Furthermore, Heochst 33342 staining determined that DNA condensation, a characteristic of apoptosis, was enhanced following treatment with pterostilbene. Furthermore, pterostilbene upregulated mRNA levels of LC3-II and Atg12, as well as the expression of Atgs/Beclin-1/LC3-associated signaling, suggesting that it enhances autophagy. The autophagy inhibitors 3-methyladenine and chloroquine were used to confirm that pterostilbene induces autophagy. It was also determined that pterostilbene triggered caspase-dependent apoptosis by directly testing DNA breakage and using the pan-caspase inhibitor carbobenzoxyvalyl-alanyl-aspartyl fluoromethyl ketone. The results demonstrated that pterostilbene mediates the apoptosis of CAR cells via the intrinsic apoptotic cascade. In addition, pterostilbene inhibited MDR1 expression and the phosphorylation of AKT on the Ser473 site in CAR cells. Therefore, pterostilbene may elicit an oral anticancer response in drug-resistant cells and may be used as a chemotherapeutic adjuvant to treat patients with oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Ping Chang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tainan Municipal Hospital (Managed by Show Chwan Medical Care Corporation), Tainan 701, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chi-Cheng Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien 970, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jo-Hua Chiang
- Department of Nursing, Chung Jen Catholic Junior College, Chiayi 622, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Fuu-Jen Tsai
- Human Genetics Center, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yu-Ning Juan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Je-Wei Tsao
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Hong-Yi Chiu
- Department of Pharmacy, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien 970, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jai-Sing Yang
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan, R.O.C
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15
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Tsai SC, Huang SF, Chiang JH, Chen YF, Huang CC, Tsai MH, Tsai FJ, Kao MC, Yang JS. The differential regulation of microRNAs is associated with oral cancer. Oncol Rep 2017; 38:1613-1620. [PMID: 28713923 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), is the most frequently occurring malignant head and neck tumor, generally it exhibits a poor prognosis, and metastasis is the main cause of death in these cancer patients. The discovery of reliable prognostic indicators for tumors progression would greatly improve clinical treatments. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in the degradation of mRNA and the inhibition of protein synthesis. The miRNAs function either as tumor suppressors or as oncogenes in tumorigenesis, and little is known about the clinical significance of miRNA expression profiles in oral cancers. In the present study, we investigated the expression profiles of miR-375, miR-204 and miR-196a in 39 healthy and tumor tissue pairs of oral cancer patients using TaqMan real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The predicted target genes for miR-375, miR-204 and miR-196a were confirmed using luciferase reporter-based assays and western blot analyses. In oral cancer tissue, the expression of miR-375 and miR-204 decreased, whereas the expression of miR-196a was significantly elevated. In OSCC, HOXB8 and p27 (CDKN1B) were the direct target genes of miR-196a, whereas HMGA2 was the direct target gene of miR-204. HOXB8 and p27 (CDKN1B) protein expression levels were inhibited by miR-196a, whereas the protein expression level of HMGA2 was inhibited by miR-204. Furthermore, the miR-196a inhibitor blocked cell proliferation. Our results indicate that the combined expression signatures of miR-375, miR-204 and miR-196a are promising biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Chang Tsai
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Sheng-Fong Huang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jo-Hua Chiang
- Department of Nursing, Chung-Jen Junior College of Nursing, Health Sciences and Management, Chiayi County, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yen-Fu Chen
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chia-Chang Huang
- Department of Otolaryngology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ming-Hsui Tsai
- Department of Otolaryngology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Fuu-Jen Tsai
- Human Genetic Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ming-Ching Kao
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jai-Sing Yang
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C
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16
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Yuan CH, Horng CT, Lee CF, Chiang NN, Tsai FJ, Lu CC, Chiang JH, Hsu YM, Yang JS, Chen FA. Epigallocatechin gallate sensitizes cisplatin-resistant oral cancer CAR cell apoptosis and autophagy through stimulating AKT/STAT3 pathway and suppressing multidrug resistance 1 signaling. Environ Toxicol 2017; 32:845-855. [PMID: 27200496 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/30/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a green tea polyphenol that presents anticancer activities in multiple cancer cells, but no available report was addressed for the underling molecular mechanism of cytotoxic impacts on drug-resistant oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. In the present study, the inhibitory effects of EGCG were experienced on cisplatin-resistant oral cancer CAR cells. EGCG inhibited cell viability in a time- and concentration-dependent manner by a sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. EGCG induced CAR cell apoptosis and autophagy by 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) dye, acridine orange (AO) staining and green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged LC3B assay, respectively. EGCG also significantly enhanced caspase-9 and caspase-3 activities by caspase activity assay. EGCG markedly increased the protein levels of Bax, cleaved caspase-9, cleaved caspase-3, Atg5, Atg7, Atg12, Beclin-1, and LC3B-II, as well as significantly decreased the expression of Bcl-2, phosphorylated AKT (Ser473) and phosphorylation of STAT3 on Tyr705 by western blotting in CAR cells. Importantly, the protein and gene expression of multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) were dose-dependently inhibited by EGCG. Overall, downregulation of MDR1 levels and alterations of AKT/STAT3 signaling contributed to EGCG-induced apoptosis and autophagy in CAR cells. Based on these results, EGCG has the potential for therapeutic effect on oral cancer and may be useful for long-term oral cancer prevention in the future. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 845-855, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Han Yuan
- Department of Otolaryngology, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ting Horng
- Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Medical Education Center, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University and Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chiu-Fang Lee
- Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital Pingtung Branch, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Ni-Na Chiang
- Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital Pingtung Branch, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Fuu-Jen Tsai
- Human Genetic Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Cheng Lu
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jo-Hua Chiang
- Department of Nursing, Chung-Jen Junior College of Nursing, Health Sciences and Management, Chiayi County, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Man Hsu
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jai-Sing Yang
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Fu-An Chen
- Department of Pharmacy and Master Program, Tajen University, Pingtung, Taiwan
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17
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Abstract
This systematic review aims to analyze molecular markers of cancer stem cells. Only studies that confirmed tumor-initiating capacity of this population by in vivo assay in immunodeficient mice were included. Final sample of papers that fully correspond with initial aim consists of 97 original studies. The results of their analysis reveal that markers commonly used for cancer stem cells deriving were as follows: CD133, СD44, ALDH, CD34, CD24 and EpCAM. The review also contains description of molecular features of some cancer stem cell markers, modern approaches to cancer treatment by targeting this population and brief assessment of cancer stem cell theory development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y S Kim
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| | - A M Kaidina
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| | - J H Chiang
- National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, Taiwan
| | - K N Yarygin
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| | - A Yu Lupatov
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
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18
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Hsu YC, Chiang JH, Yu CS, Hsia TC, Wu RSC, Lien JC, Lai KC, Yu FS, Chung JG. Antitumor effects of deguelin on H460 human lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo: Roles of apoptotic cell death and H460 tumor xenografts model. Environ Toxicol 2017; 32:84-98. [PMID: 26592500 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Revised: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/18/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Deguelin, a naturally occurring rotenoid of the flavonoid family, is known to be an Akt inhibitor, to have chemopreventive activities and anti-tumor effect on several cancers. In this study, investigation to elucidate the effect of deguelin on apoptotic pathways in human lung cancer cells and on the anti-tumor effect in lung cancer xenograft nu/nu mice was performed. In vitro studies, found that deguelin induced cell morphological changes, and decreased the percentage of viability through the induction of apoptosis in H460 lung cancer cells. Deguelin triggered apoptosis in H460 cells was also confirmed by DAPI staining, DNA gel electrophoresis, and Annexin V-FITC staining and these effects are dose-dependent manners. It was also found that deguelin promoted the Ca2+ production and activation of caspase-3 but decreased the level of ΔΨm in H460 cells. Western blots indicated that the protein levels of cytochrome c, AIF, and pro-apoptotic Bax and Bak protein were increased, but the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-x were decreased that may have led to apoptosis in H460 cells after exposure to deguelin. It was also confirmed by confocal laser microscope examination that deguelin promoted the release of AIF from mitochondria to cytosol. In vivo studies, found that in immunodeficient nu/nu mice bearing H460 tumor xenografts showed that the deguelin significantly suppressed tumor growth. Deguelin might be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of lung cancer in the future. This finding might fully support a critical event for deguelin via induction of apoptotic cell death and H460 tumor xenografts model against human lung cancer. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 84-98, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chieh Hsu
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Jo-Hua Chiang
- Department of Nursing, Chung-Jen Junior College of Nursing, Health Sciences and Management, Chiayi County, 62241, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Shu Yu
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Te-Chun Hsia
- Graduate Institute of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Rick Sai-Chuen Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Jin-Cherng Lien
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Chi Lai
- School of Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, China Medical University Beigang Hospital, Yunlin, 651, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Shun Yu
- School of Dentist, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Gung Chung
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, 413, Taiwan
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19
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Tsai YF, Huang CW, Chiang JH, Tsai FJ, Hsu YM, Lu CC, Hsiao CY, Yang JS. Gadolinium chloride elicits apoptosis in human osteosarcoma U-2 OS cells through extrinsic signaling, intrinsic pathway and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Oncol Rep 2016; 36:3421-3426. [PMID: 27748868 DOI: 10.3892/or.2016.5174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Gadolinium (Gd) compounds are important as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents, and are potential anticancer agents. However, no report has shown the effect of gadolinium chloride (GdCl3) on osteosarcoma in vitro. The present study investigated the apoptotic mechanism of GdCl3 on human osteosarcoma U-2 OS cells. Our results indicated that GdCl3 significantly reduced cell viability of U-2 OS cells in a concentration-dependent manner. GdCl3 led to apoptotic cell shrinkage and DNA fragmentation in U-2 OS cells as revealed by morphologic changes and TUNEL staining. Colorimetric assay analyses also showed that activities of caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9 and caspase-4 occurred in GdCl3-treated U-2 OS cells. Pretreatment of cells with pan-caspase inhibitor (Z-VAD-FMK) and specific inhibitors of caspase-3/-8/-9 significantly reduced cell death caused by GdCl3. The increase of cytoplasmic Ca2+ level, ROS production and the decrease of mitochondria membrane potential (ΔΨm) were observed by flow cytometric analysis in U-2 OS cells after GdCl3 exposure. Western blot analyses demonstrated that the levels of Fas, FasL, cytochrome c, Apaf-1, GADD153 and GRP78 were upregulated in GdCl3-treated U-2 OS cells. In conclusion, death receptor, mitochondria-dependent and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathways contribute to GdCl3-induced apoptosis in U-2 OS cells. GdCl3 might have potential to be used in treatment of osteosarcoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuh-Feng Tsai
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Shin-Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ching-Wen Huang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Shin-Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jo-Hua Chiang
- Department of Nursing, Chung-Jen Junior College of Nursing, Health Sciences and Management, Chiayi County, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Fuu-Jen Tsai
- Human Genetic Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yuan-Man Hsu
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chi-Cheng Lu
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chen-Yu Hsiao
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Shin-Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jai-Sing Yang
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C
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20
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Chiou SY, Lee RC, Chi KH, Chia-Hsien Cheng J, Chiang JH, Chang CY. The triple-phase CT image appearance of post-irradiated livers. Acta Radiol 2016; 42:526-31. [PMID: 11552892 DOI: 10.1080/028418501127347115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the sequential CT appearance of the liver after hepatic irradiation and to investigate the correlation between CT findings and radiation-induced hepatic injury. Material and Methods: The triple-phase CT images of 18 patients with hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) after hepatic irradiation were retrospectively reviewed (in total 41 CT studies). The high-dose region within the liver was defined as the area receiving more than 90% of the prescribed irradiation dose. The mean radiation dose was 55.5 Gy. Density changes and patterns of enhancement in the high-dose region were classified as three types: type I, constant low-density change in all phases; type II, low-density change in both pre-contrast and arterial phases, and iso-density change in the portal phase; type III, low- or iso-density change in the pre-contrast phase, low- or high-density change in the arterial phase, and persistent high-density change in the portal phase. The interval between completion of radiotherapy and the CT examinations ranged from 9 to 469 days, with a mean of 147 days. Results: Nine of the 41 CT studies presented with type I, 9 with type II, and 16 with type III CT findings. The mean interval between completion of radiotherapy and the appearance of types I, II, and III CT findings were 74, 183, and 220 days, respectively. The interval was significantly shorter for type I findings than for type II and type III. The difference in interval was not significant between type II and type III. A type I finding with constant low-density change in the high-dose region of the liver was the most common pattern of CT findings within the first 3 months after hepatic irradiation. Either types II or III findings were frequently seen after 3 months. Conclusion: The sequential CT appearance and the density changes may indicate correlation with the pathogenesis of veno-occlusive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Y Chiou
- Department of Radiology, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan
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21
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Wu CH, Bai LY, Tsai MH, Chu PC, Chiu CF, Chen MY, Chiu SJ, Chiang JH, Weng JR. Pharmacological exploitation of the phenothiazine antipsychotics to develop novel antitumor agents-A drug repurposing strategy. Sci Rep 2016; 6:27540. [PMID: 27277973 PMCID: PMC4899727 DOI: 10.1038/srep27540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Phenothiazines (PTZs) have been used for the antipsychotic drugs for centuries. However, some of these PTZs have been reported to exhibit antitumor effects by targeting various signaling pathways in vitro and in vivo. Thus, this study was aimed at exploiting trifluoperazine, one of PTZs, to develop potent antitumor agents. This effort culminated in A4 [10-(3-(piperazin-1-yl)propyl)-2-(trifluoromethyl)-10H-phenothiazine] which exhibited multi-fold higher apoptosis-inducing activity than the parent compound in oral cancer cells. Compared to trifluoperazine, A4 demonstrated similar regulation on the phosphorylation or expression of multiple molecular targets including Akt, p38, and ERK. In addition, A4 induced autophagy, as evidenced by increased expression of the autophagy biomarkers LC3B-II and Atg5, and autophagosomes formation. The antitumor activity of A4 also related to production of reactive oxygen species and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase. Importantly, the antitumor utility of A4 was extended in vivo as it, administrated at 10 and 20 mg/kg intraperitoneally, suppressed the growth of Ca922 xenograft tumors. In conclusion, the ability of A4 to target diverse aspects of cancer cell growth suggests its value in oral cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Hsien Wu
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Li-Yuan Bai
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan.,Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hsui Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Po-Chen Chu
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan.,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Fang Chiu
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan.,Cancer Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Michael Yuanchien Chen
- Department of Oral &Maxillofacial Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan.,School of Dentistry, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jiuan Chiu
- School of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Jo-Hua Chiang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Ru Weng
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
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22
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Abe K, Iyogi T, Kawabata H, Chiang JH, Suwa H, Hisamatsu S. Estimation of 85Kr dispersion from the spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant in Rokkasho, Japan, using an atmospheric dispersion model. Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2015; 167:331-335. [PMID: 25948824 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncv273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant of Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited (JNFL) located in Rokkasho, Japan, discharged small amounts of (85)Kr into the atmosphere during final tests of the plant with actual spent fuel from 31 March 2006 to October 2008. During this period, the gamma-ray dose rates due to discharged (85)Kr were higher than the background rates measured at the Institute for Environmental Sciences and at seven monitoring stations of the Aomori prefectural government and JNFL. The dispersion of (85)Kr was simulated by means of the fifth-generation Penn State/NCAR Mesoscale Model and the CG-MATHEW/ADPIC models (ver. 5.0) with a vertical terrain-following height coordinate. Although the simulated gamma-ray dose rates due to discharged (85)Kr agreed fairly well with measured rates, the agreement between the estimated monthly mean (85)Kr concentrations and the observed concentrations was poor. Improvement of the vertical flow of air may lead to better estimation of (85)Kr dispersion.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Abe
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, 1-7 Ienomae, Obuchi, Rokkasho, Aomori, Japan
| | - T Iyogi
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, 1-7 Ienomae, Obuchi, Rokkasho, Aomori, Japan
| | - H Kawabata
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, 1-7 Ienomae, Obuchi, Rokkasho, Aomori, Japan
| | - J H Chiang
- Japan NUS Co. Ltd., Nishi-Shinjuku Kimuraya Building 5F, 7-5-25 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - H Suwa
- Japan NUS Co. Ltd., Nishi-Shinjuku Kimuraya Building 5F, 7-5-25 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - S Hisamatsu
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, 1-7 Ienomae, Obuchi, Rokkasho, Aomori, Japan
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23
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Chen YL, Chueh FS, Yang JS, Hsueh SC, Lu CC, Chiang JH, Lee CS, Lu HF, Chung JG. Antitumor effects with apoptotic death in human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells and suppression of leukemia xenograft tumor growth by irinotecan HCl. Environ Toxicol 2015; 30:803-815. [PMID: 24474168 DOI: 10.1002/tox.21959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Accepted: 01/09/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Irinotecan HCl (CPT-11) is an anticancer prodrug, but there is no available information addressing CPT-11-inhibited leukemia cells in in vitro and in vivo studies. Therefore, we investigated the cytotoxic effects of CPT-11 in promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells and in vivo and tumor growth in a leukemia xenograft model. Effects of CPT-11 on HL-60 cells were determined using flow cytometry, immunofluorescence staining, comet assay, real-time PCR, and Western blotting. CPT-11 demonstrated a dose- and time-dependent inhibition of cell growth, induction of apoptosis, and cell-cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase in HL-60 cells. CPT-11 promoted the release of AIF from mitochondria and its translocation to the nucleus. Bid, Bax, Apaf-1, caspase-9, AIF, Endo G, caspase-12, ATF-6b, Grp78, CDK2, Chk2, and cyclin D were all significantly upregulated and Bcl-2 was down-regulated by CPT-11 in HL-60 cells. Induction of cell-cycle arrest by CPT-11 was associated with changes in expression of key cell-cycle regulators such as CDK2, Chk2, and cyclin D in HL-60 cells. To test whether CPT-11 could augment antitumor activity in vivo, athymic BALB/c(nu/nu) nude mice were inoculated with HL-60 cells, followed by treatment with either CPT-11. The treatments significantly inhibited tumor growth and reduced tumor weight and volume in the HL-60 xenograft mice. The present study demonstrates the schedule-dependent antileukemia effect of CPT-11 using both in vitro and in vivo models. CPT-11 could potentially be a promising agent for the treatment of promyelocytic leukemia and requires further investigation.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/therapeutic use
- Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/toxicity
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins/metabolism
- Camptothecin/analogs & derivatives
- Camptothecin/therapeutic use
- Camptothecin/toxicity
- Caspase 3/metabolism
- Cell Cycle Proteins/metabolism
- DNA Damage/drug effects
- Disease Models, Animal
- Endoplasmic Reticulum Chaperone BiP
- G1 Phase Cell Cycle Checkpoints/drug effects
- HL-60 Cells
- Humans
- Irinotecan
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/metabolism
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/pathology
- Male
- Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial/drug effects
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Nude
- Microscopy, Confocal
- Transplantation, Heterologous
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Liang Chen
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Yuanpei University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Shin Chueh
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Jai-Sing Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Ching Hsueh
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Cheng Lu
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Jo-Hua Chiang
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Sung Lee
- Department of Restaurant, Hotel and Institutional Management, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei 242, Taiwan
| | - Hsu-Feng Lu
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei 112, Taiwan
- Department of Restaurant, Hotel and Institutional Management, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei 242, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Gung Chung
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung 413, Taiwan
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24
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Lu CC, Yang JS, Chiang JH, Hour MJ, Lin KL, Lee TH, Chung JG. Cell death caused by quinazolinone HMJ-38 challenge in oral carcinoma CAL 27 cells: dissections of endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and tumor xenografts. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2014; 1840:2310-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2014.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Revised: 01/26/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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25
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Hsieh MT, Chen HP, Lu CC, Chiang JH, Wu TS, Kuo DH, Huang LJ, Kuo SC, Yang JS. The novel pterostilbene derivative ANK-199 induces autophagic cell death through regulating PI3 kinase class III/beclin 1/Atg‑related proteins in cisplatin‑resistant CAR human oral cancer cells. Int J Oncol 2014; 45:782-94. [PMID: 24889814 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2014.2478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Pterostilbene is an effective chemopreventive agent against multiple types of cancer cells. A novel pterostilbene derivative, ANK-199, was designed and synthesized by our group. Its antitumor activity and mechanism in cisplatin-resistant CAR human oral cancer cells were investigated in this study. Our results show that ANK-199 has an extremely low toxicity in normal oral cell lines. The formation of autophagic vacuoles and acidic vesicular organelles (AVOs) was observed in the ANK-199-treated CAR cells by monodansylcadaverine (MDC) and acridine orange (AO) staining, suggesting that ANK-199 is able to induce autophagic cell death in CAR cells. Neither DNA fragmentation nor DNA condensation was observed, which means that ANK-199-induced cell death is not triggered by apoptosis. In accordance with morphological observation, 3-MA, a specific inhibitor of PI3K kinase class III, can inhibit the autophagic vesicle formation induced by ANK-199. In addition, ANK-199 is also able to enhance the protein levels of autophagic proteins, Atg complex, beclin 1, PI3K class III and LC3-II, and mRNA expression of autophagic genes Atg7, Atg12, beclin 1 and LC3-II in the ANK-199-treated CAR cells. A molecular signaling pathway induced by ANK-199 was therefore summarized. Results presented in this study show that ANK-199 may become a novel therapeutic reagent for the treatment of oral cancer in the near future (patent pending).
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Tsang Hsieh
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Hao-Ping Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chi-Cheng Lu
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jo-Hua Chiang
- Department of Chemistry, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Tian-Shung Wu
- Department of Chemistry, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Daih-Huang Kuo
- Department of Pharmacy and Graduate Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Tajen University, Pingtung 907, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Li-Jiau Huang
- Graduate Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Sheng-Chu Kuo
- Graduate Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jai-Sing Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan, R.O.C
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26
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Yu FS, Yang JS, Yu CS, Chiang JH, Lu CC, Chung HK, Yu CC, Wu CC, Ho HC, Chung JG. Safrole suppresses murine myelomonocytic leukemia WEHI-3 cells in vivo, and stimulates macrophage phagocytosis and natural killer cell cytotoxicity in leukemic mice. Environ Toxicol 2013; 28:601-608. [PMID: 24150866 DOI: 10.1002/tox.20756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2011] [Revised: 06/07/2011] [Accepted: 06/20/2011] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Many anticancer drugs are obtained from phytochemicals and natural products. However, some phytochemicals have mutagenic effects. Safrole, a component of Piper betle inflorescence, has been reported to be a carcinogen. We have previously reported that safrole induced apoptosis in human oral cancer cells in vitro and inhibited the human oral tumor xenograft growth in vivo. Until now, there is no information addressing if safrole promotes immune responses in vivo. To evaluate whether safrole modulated immune function, BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally injected with murine myelomonocytic WEHI-3 leukemia cells to establish leukemia and then were treated with or without safrole at 4 and 16 mg/kg. Animals were sacrificed after 2 weeks post-treatment with safrole for examining the immune cell populations, phagocytosis of macrophages and the natural killer (NK) cells' cytotoxicity. Results indicated that safrole increased the body weight, and decreased the weights of spleen and liver in leukemic mice. Furthermore, safrole promoted the activities of macrophages phagocytosis and NK cells' cytotoxicity in leukemic mice when compared with untreated leukemic mice. After determining the cell marker population, we found that safrole promoted the levels of CD3 (T cells), CD19 (B cells) and Mac-3 (macrophages), but it did not affect CD11b (monocytes) in leukemic mice. In conclusion, safrole altered the immune modulation and inhibited the leukemia WEHI-3 cells in vivo.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, CD19/blood
- Apoptosis/immunology
- Biomarkers/blood
- CD11b Antigen/blood
- CD3 Complex/blood
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
- Killer Cells, Natural/drug effects
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/pathology
- Leukemia, Myeloid/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid/immunology
- Leukemia, Myeloid/pathology
- Liver/drug effects
- Liver/pathology
- Macrophages/drug effects
- Macrophages/immunology
- Macrophages/pathology
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Neoplasm Transplantation
- Phagocytosis/drug effects
- Safrole/pharmacology
- Safrole/therapeutic use
- Spleen/drug effects
- Spleen/immunology
- Spleen/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Shun Yu
- Department of Dental Hygiene, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
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27
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Lin CC, Lin JJ, Wu PP, Lu CC, Chiang JH, Kuo CL, Ji BC, Lee MH, Huang AC, Chung JG. Wogonin, a natural and biologically-active flavonoid, influences a murine WEHI-3 leukemia model in vivo through enhancing populations of T- and B-cells. In Vivo 2013; 27:733-738. [PMID: 24292576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Wogonin, a natural and biologically-active flavonoid found in plants, has been reported to exhibit anticancer effects on several cancer cell types. However, there is no available information regarding the responses to wogonin in leukemia mouse models. At concentrations of 10-200 μM, wogonin reduced the percentage of viable WEHI-3 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. In an in vivo study, WEHI-3 cells were intraperitoneally injected into normal BALB/c mice for establishing leukemic BALB/c mice to determine the anti-leukemia activity of wogonin. Wogonin increased the survival rate and the body weight of leukemic mice when compared to vehicle (olive oil)-treated groups. Furthermore, the results also revealed that wogonin increased the percentage of cluster of differentiation-3 CD3 (T-cell marker) and CD19 (B-cell marker) but reduced that of Mac-3 (macrophages) and CD11b (monocytes) cell surface markers in treated mice as compared with the untreated leukemia group. Based on these observations, wogonin might exhibit anti-leukemia effects on murine WEHI-3 cell line-induced leukemia in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Chung Lin
- China Medical University, No. 91, Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung 404, Taiwan. Tel: +886 422053366 ext 2161,
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28
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Liu KC, Ho HC, Huang AC, Ji BC, Lin HY, Chueh FS, Yang JS, Lu CC, Chiang JH, Meng M, Chung JG. Gallic acid provokes DNA damage and suppresses DNA repair gene expression in human prostate cancer PC-3 cells. Environ Toxicol 2013; 28:579-587. [PMID: 21887735 DOI: 10.1002/tox.20752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2011] [Revised: 05/25/2011] [Accepted: 06/04/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Our earlier studies have demonstrated that gallic acid (GA) induced cytotoxic effects including induction of apoptosis and DNA damage and inhibited the cell migration and invasion in human cancer cells. However, GA-affected DNA damage and repair gene expressions in human prostate cancer cells are still unclear. In this study, we investigated whether or not GA induces DNA damage and inhibits DNA repair gene expression in a human prostate cancer cell line (PC-3). The results from flow cytometric assay indicated that GA decreased the percentage of viable PC-3 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. PC-3 cells after exposure to different doses (50, 100, and 200 μM) of GA and various periods of time (12, 24, and 48 h) led to a longer DNA migration smear (comet tail) occurred based on the single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay). These observations indicated that GA-induced DNA damage in PC-3 cells, which also confirmed by 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride staining and DNA agarose gel electrophoresis. Alternatively, results from real-time polymerase chain reaction assay also indicated that GA inhibited ataxia telangiectasia mutated, ataxia-telangiectasia and Rad3-related, O⁶-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase, DNA-dependent serine/threonine protein kinase, and p53 mRNA expressions in PC-3 cells. Taken together, the present study showed that GA caused DNA damage and inhibited DNA repair genes as well as both effects may be the critical factors for GA-inhibited growth of PC-3 cells in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Ching Liu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
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29
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Wu KC, Yang ST, Hsu SC, Chiang JH, Hsia TC, Yang JS, Liu KC, Wu RSC, Chung JG. Propofol induces DNA damage in mouse leukemic monocyte macrophage RAW264.7 cells. Oncol Rep 2013; 30:2304-10. [PMID: 24008596 DOI: 10.3892/or.2013.2722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2013] [Accepted: 08/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Propofol is one of the most widely clinically used intravenous anesthetic, and it induces apoptosis in human and murine leukemia cell lines. Yet, whether propofol causes DNA damage and affects the mRNA expression of repair-associated genes in cancer cells remains undetermined. In the present study, we investigated the effects of propofol on DNA damage and associated mRNA gene expression in RAW264.7 cells. Comet assay and DNA gel electrophoresis were used to evaluate DNA damage in RAW264.7 cells and propofol-inhibited cell growth in vitro. The results revealed a longer DNA tail and DNA fragmentation. Real-time PCR assay was used to examine mRNA gene expression of DNA damage and DNA repair-associated genes. Following exposure to propofol for 48 h, a decrease in the mRNA expression of DNA-PK, BRCA1, MGMT and p53 was noted in the RAW264.7 cells. Results from the western blotting indicated that p53, MGMT, 14-3-3-σ, BRCA1 and MDC1 proteins were decreased while p-p53 and p-H2A.X(S140) were increased in the RAW264.7 cells following exposure to propofol. In conclusion, exposure to propofol caused DNA damage and inhibited mRNA expression and protein levels of repair-associated genes in RAW264.7 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- King-Chuen Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, E-DA Hospital/I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 824, Taiwan, R.O.C
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30
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Huang AC, Cheng HY, Lin TS, Chen WH, Lin JH, Lin JJ, Lu CC, Chiang JH, Hsu SC, Wu PP, Huang YP, Chung JG. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), influences a murine WEHI-3 leukemia model in vivo through enhancing phagocytosis of macrophages and populations of T- and B-cells. In Vivo 2013; 27:627-634. [PMID: 23988898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the major polyphenol in green tea, and has been reported to have anticancer effects on many types of cancer cells. However, there is no report to show its effects on the immune response in a murine leukemia mouse model. Thus, in the present study, we investigated the effects of EGCG on the immune responses of murine WEHI-3 leukemia cells in vivo. WEHI-3 cells were intraperitoneally injected into normal BALB/c mice to establish leukemic BALB/c mice, which were then oral-treated with or without EGCG at 5, 20 and 40 mg/kg for two weeks. The results indicated that EGCG did not change the weight of the animals, nor the liver or spleen when compared to vehicle (olive oil) -treated groups. Furthermore, EGCG increased the percentage of cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3) (T-cell), cluster of differentiation 19 (CD19) (B-cell) and Macrophage-3 antigen (Mac-3) (macrophage) but reduced the percentage of CD11b (monocyte) cell surface markers in EGCG-treated groups as compared with the untreated leukemia group. EGCG promoted the phagocytosis of macrophages from 5 mg/kg treatment and promoted natural killer cell activity at 40 mg/kg, increased T-cell proliferation at 40 mg/kg but promoted B-cell proliferation at all three doses. Based on these observations, it appears that EGCG might exhibit an immune response in the murine WEHI-3 cell line-induced leukemia in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- An-Cheng Huang
- Department of Nursing, St. Mary's Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Yilan, Taiwan, ROC
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Tsou MF, Tien N, Lu CC, Chiang JH, Yang JS, Lin JP, Fan MJ, Lu JJ, Yeh SP, Chung JG. Phenethyl isothiocyanate promotes immune responses in normal BALB/c mice, inhibits murine leukemia WEHI-3 cells, and stimulates immunomodulations in vivo. Environ Toxicol 2013; 28:127-136. [PMID: 21626647 DOI: 10.1002/tox.20705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2010] [Revised: 01/17/2011] [Accepted: 01/19/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Enhanced cruciferous vegetable consumption is associated with the reduction of cancer incidence as shown in epidemiological studies. Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), one of the important compounds in cruciferous vegetables, has been shown to induce apoptosis in many types of human cancer cell lines, but there is no available information addressing the effects on normal and leukemia mice in vivo. The purpose of this study is to focus on the in vivo effects of PEITC on immune responses of normal and WEHI-3 leukemia BALB/c mice in vivo. Influences of PEITC on BALB/c mice after intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection with WEHI-3 cells and normal mice were investigated. In normal BALB/c mice, PEITC did not affect the body weight when compared to the olive oil treated animals. Moreover, PEITC promoted phagocytosis by macrophages from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and peritoneal cavity, increased the levels of CD11b and Mac-3, decreased the level of CD19 and promoted natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxic activity, but it did not alter the level of CD3. Also, PEITC enhanced T cell proliferation after concanavalin A (Con A) stimulation. Otherwise, PEITC increased the body weight, but decreased the weight of liver and spleen as compared to the olive oil-treated WEHI-3 leukemia mice. PEITC also increased the level of CD19, decreased the levels of CD3 and Mac-3 rather than influence in the level of CD11b, suggesting that the differentiation of the precursor of macrophages and T cells was inhibited, but the differentiation of the precursor of B cells was promoted in leukemia mice. Furthermore, PEITC enhanced phagocytosis by monocytes and macrophages from PBMC and peritoneal cavity, and also promoted the NK cell cytotoxic activity in comparison with the group of leukemia mice. Based on these observations, the biological properties of PEITC can promote immune responses in normal and WEHI-3 leukemia mice in vivo. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2013.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- B-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- B-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Body Weight/drug effects
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Concanavalin A/pharmacology
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/drug effects
- Immunomodulation/drug effects
- Isothiocyanates/pharmacology
- Killer Cells, Natural/drug effects
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Leukemia, Experimental/blood
- Leukemia, Experimental/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Experimental/immunology
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/drug effects
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/immunology
- Liver/drug effects
- Liver/immunology
- Lymphocyte Activation/drug effects
- Macrophages/drug effects
- Macrophages/immunology
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Phagocytosis/drug effects
- Phagocytosis/immunology
- Spleen/drug effects
- Spleen/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Fen Tsou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan
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Lin CC, Chuang YJ, Yu CC, Yang JS, Lu CC, Chiang JH, Lin JP, Tang NY, Huang AC, Chung JG. Apigenin induces apoptosis through mitochondrial dysfunction in U-2 OS human osteosarcoma cells and inhibits osteosarcoma xenograft tumor growth in vivo. J Agric Food Chem 2012; 60:11395-11402. [PMID: 23066961 DOI: 10.1021/jf303446x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The cytostatic drug from natural products has acted as a chemotherapeutic agent used in treatment of a wide variety of cancers. Apigenin, a type of flavonoid, exhibits anticancer actions, but there is no report to show that apigenin induced apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of apigenin on U-2 OS human osteosarcoma cells and clarify that the apigenin-induced apoptosis-associated signals. The cytotoxic effects of apigenin were examined by culturing U-2 OS cells with or without apigenin. The percentage of viable cells via PI staining, apoptotic cells, productions of ROS and Ca²⁺, and the level of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) were assayed by flow cytometry. The levels of apoptosis-related proteins were measured by immunoblotting. Results indicated that apigenin significantly decreased cell viability. Apigenin effectively induced apoptosis through the activations of caspase-3, -8, -9, and BAX and promoted the release of AIF in U-2 OS cells. In nude mice bearing U-2 OS xenograft tumors, apigenin inhibited tumor growth. In conclusion, apigenin has anticancer properties for induction of cell apoptosis in U-2 OS cells and suppresses the xenograft tumor growth. These findings offer novel information that apigenin possibly possesses anticancer activity in human osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Chung Lin
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Fong-Yuan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, Taichung 420, Taiwan
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33
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Mattis VB, Svendsen SP, Ebert A, Svendsen CN, King AR, Casale M, Winokur ST, Batugedara G, Vawter M, Donovan PJ, Lock LF, Thompson LM, Zhu Y, Fossale E, Atwal RS, Gillis T, Mysore J, Li JH, Seong IS, Shen Y, Chen X, Wheeler VC, MacDonald ME, Gusella JF, Akimov S, Arbez N, Juopperi T, Ratovitski T, Chiang JH, Kim WR, Chighladze E, Watkin E, Zhong C, Makri G, Cole RN, Margolis RL, Song H, Ming G, Ross CA, Kaye JA, Daub A, Sharma P, Mason AR, Finkbeiner S, Yu J, Thomson JA, Rushton D, Brazier SP, Battersby AA, Redfern A, Tseng HE, Harrison AW, Kemp PJ, Allen ND, Onorati M, Castiglioni V, Cattaneo E, Arjomand J. A11 Induced pluripotent stem cells for basic and translational research on HD. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2012. [DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2012-303524.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Tsai SC, Yang JS, Peng SF, Lu CC, Chiang JH, Chung JG, Lin MW, Lin JK, Amagaya S, Wai-Shan Chung C, Tung TT, Huang WW, Tseng MT. Bufalin increases sensitivity to AKT/mTOR-induced autophagic cell death in SK-HEP-1 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Int J Oncol 2012; 41:1431-42. [PMID: 22858649 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2012.1579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2012] [Accepted: 07/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Bufalin is the major component of Chan-Su (a traditional Chinese medicine, TCM) extracts from the venom of Bufo bufo gargarizan. In the present study, we investigated the pharmacological mechanisms of cell cycle arrest and autophagic cell death induced by bufalin in SK-HEP-1 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro. Bufalin inhibited cell survival by MTT assay and increased cell death by trypan blue exclusion assay in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, bufalin induced G2/M phase arrest by reducing CDK1 activity. Bufalin triggered DNA fragmentation and apoptotic cell death in SK-HEP-1 cells by DNA gel electrophoresis, TUNEL and caspase-3 activity assay, while bufalin induced autophagic cell death by double-membrane vacuoles (transmission electron microscopy, TEM), acidic vesicular organelles (acridine orange staining) and cleavage of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3). Protein expression levels of cyclin A and B, CDK1, phospho-CDK1 (Thr161), Cdc25c, phospho-Cdc25c (Ser198), phospho-AKT (Thr308), phospho-AKT (Ser473), phospho‑mTOR (Ser2481) were downregulated. In contrast, protein expression levels of the Chk1, Wee1, LC3-II, Beclin-1, Atg 5, Atg 7 and Atg 12 were upregulated in SK-HEP-1 cells after bufalin treatment. Inhibition of autophagy by 3-methyladenine (an inhibitor of class III phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase; 3-MA) or bafilomycin A1 (an inhibitor of the vacuolar proton pump of lysosomes and endosomes) reduced the effect of bufalin on cell viability and enhanced the effect of bufalin on apoptosis. In conclusion, bufalin triggered autophagic cell death and G2/M phase arrest through the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in SK-HEP-1 cells. Our findings showed that bufalin may be potentially efficacious in the treatment of human hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Chang Tsai
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan, R.O.C
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Hour MJ, Tsai SC, Wu HC, Lin MW, Chung JG, Wu JB, Chiang JH, Tsuzuki M, Yang JS. Antitumor effects of the novel quinazolinone MJ-33: inhibition of metastasis through the MAPK, AKT, NF-κB and AP-1 signaling pathways in DU145 human prostate cancer cells. Int J Oncol 2012; 41:1513-9. [PMID: 22825655 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2012.1560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2012] [Accepted: 06/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Quinazolinone compounds have been shown to have antitumor activity in many human cancer cell lines. In the present study, we investigated the anti-metastatic activity of MJ-33 (2-(3-ethoxyphenyl)-6-pyrrolidinylquinazolinone), a novel quinazolinone derivate, and the signaling pathway of MJ-33 in human prostate cells. MJ-33 exhibited a growth inhibitory effect on DU145, LNCaP and PC-3 cells by MTT assay. DU145 cells showed greater sensitivity to the growth inhibition of MJ-33 than that of LNCaP and PC-3 cells. MJ-33 also had an inhibitory effect on the invasion, migration and adhesion of DU145 cells using Boyden chamber transwell assays, wound-healing and adhesion assay. In addition, MJ-33 inhibited cell metastasis through the reduction of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) enzyme activities and protein levels by gelatin zymography assay and western blot analysis, respectively. MJ-33 reduced the protein levels of p-JNK, p-p38, p-ERK, p-AKT and nuclear NF-κB (p65), c-fos and c-Jun protein levels by western blotting. Using electrophoretic mobility-shift assay (EMSA), we demonstrated that MJ-33 blocked the activation of transcription factor AP-1 (activator protein-1) and NF-κB, which led to the inhibition of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression. Collectively, our data showed that MJ-33 decreased protein levels of MAPKs (mitogen-activated protein kinases), AKT, AP-1 and NF-κB, resulting in the inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases. Downregulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 reduces the invasion, migration and adhesion activities of DU145 cells. MJ-33 may be a promising agent against prostate cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mann-Jen Hour
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan, R.O.C
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Lu CC, Yang JS, Chiang JH, Hour MJ, Amagaya S, Lu KW, Lin JP, Tang NY, Lee TH, Chung JG. Inhibition of invasion and migration by newly synthesized quinazolinone MJ-29 in human oral cancer CAL 27 cells through suppression of MMP-2/9 expression and combined down-regulation of MAPK and AKT signaling. Anticancer Res 2012; 32:2895-2903. [PMID: 22753753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Anti-metastasis by reducing cellular migration and invasion and by deregulating the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is a therapeutic approach for cancer treatment. The objective of this study focused on the effects of the novel compound 6-pyrrolidinyl-2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-4-quinazolinone (MJ-29) regarding anti-metastatic actions on human oral squamous cell carcinoma CAL 27 cells and on the verification of the underlying related molecular mechanisms of this event. MJ-29 concentration- and time-dependently caused a suppression of cell adhesive ability utilizing cell adhesion assay; it also inhibited the migration and invasion of CAL 27 cells using scratch wound closure and transwell invasion assays in a concentration-dependent response. Importantly, we confirmed that the applied concentration range of MJ-29 exhibited no dramatic influence of cytotoxicity on CAL 27 cells using the thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide assay. MJ-29 also attenuated the enzymatic activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Furthermore, we found that activation of their upstream protein kinases, by MJ-29, potentially exerted an inhibitory effect on the phosphorylated protein levels of extracellular regulated protein kinase 1/2, p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2, as well as serine/threonine kinase AKT by MJ-29 in CAL 27 cells. The expression of RAS and focal adhesion kinase was also down-regulated in MJ-29-treated CAL 27 cells. Collectively, these findings provide further evidence for the molecular signaling basis of the effects of MJ-29 on suppression of migration and invasion which might be useful as a therapeutic strategy to treat human oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Cheng Lu
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
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37
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Yu FS, Huang AC, Yang JS, Yu CS, Lu CC, Chiang JH, Chiu CF, Chung JG. Safrole induces cell death in human tongue squamous cancer SCC-4 cells through mitochondria-dependent caspase activation cascade apoptotic signaling pathways. Environ Toxicol 2012; 27:433-444. [PMID: 21591240 DOI: 10.1002/tox.20658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2010] [Accepted: 08/15/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Safrole is one of important food-borne phytotoxin that exhibits in many natural products such as oil of sassafras and spices such as anise, basil, nutmeg, and pepper. This study was performed to elucidate safrole-induced apoptosis in human tongue squamous carcinoma SCC-4 cells. The effect of safrole on apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry and DAPI staining and its regulatory molecules were studied by Western blotting analysis. Safrole-induced apoptosis was accompanied with up-regulation of the protein expression of Bax and Bid and down-regulation of the protein levels of Bcl-2 (up-regulation of the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2), resulting in cytochrome c release, promoted Apaf-1 level and sequential activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 in a time-dependent manner. We also used real-time PCR to show safrole promoted the mRNA expressions of caspase-3, -8, and -9 in SCC-4 cells. These findings indicate that safrole has a cytotoxic effect in human tongue squamous carcinoma SCC-4 cells by inducing apoptosis. The induction of apoptosis of SCC-4 cells by safrole is involved in mitochondria- and caspase-dependent signal pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Shun Yu
- Department of Dental Hygiene, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
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38
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Lin CC, Yu CS, Yang JS, Lu CC, Chiang JH, Lin JP, Kuo CL, Chung JG. Chrysin, a natural and biologically active flavonoid, influences a murine leukemia model in vivo through enhancing populations of T-and B-cells, and promoting macrophage phagocytosis and NK cell cytotoxicity. In Vivo 2012; 26:665-670. [PMID: 22773581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone), a natural and biologically active flavonoid found in plants, possesses many biological activities and anticancer effects. However, there is no available evidence regarding the antileukemia responses to chrysin in a mouse model. We hypothesized that chrysin affects murine WEHI-3 leukemia cells in vitro and in vivo. The present study showed that chrysin at concentrations of 5-50 μM reduced the cell viability in concentration- and time-dependent manners. In an in vivo study, WEHI-3 leukemic BALB/c mice were established in order to determine antileukemia activity of chrysin. Our results revealed that chrysin increased the percentage of CD3 (T-cell maker), CD19 (B-cell maker) and Mac-3 (macrophages) cell surface markers in treated mice as compared with the untreated leukemia group. However, chrysin did not significantly influence the level of CD11b (a monocyte maker) in treated mice. Moreover, there was a significant increase in phagocytosis by macrophages from peripheral blood mononuclear cells, but no effect in those from the peritoneal cavity in leukemic mice after chrysin treatment. Isolated splenocytes from chrysin-treated leukemic mice demonstrated an increase of natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity. Based on these observations, chrysin might exhibit antileukemia effects on a murine WEHI-3 cell line-induced leukemia in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Chung Lin
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Fong-Yuan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, and School of Medicine and Nursing, Hunkuang University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
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Tsai SC, Liang YH, Chiang JH, Liu FC, Lin WH, Chang SJ, Lin WY, Wu CH, Weng JR. Anti-inflammatory effects of Calophyllum inophyllum L. in RAW264.7 cells. Oncol Rep 2012; 28:1096-102. [PMID: 22735972 DOI: 10.3892/or.2012.1873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Calophyllum inophyllum L. has been used as folk medicine in the treatment of ocular burn and it has demonstrated potential to be an anti-inflammatory agent. The aim of this study was to explore the anti-inflammatory activities of an acetone extract of C. inophyllum L. leaves (CIL). The CIL extract was tested on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells to evaluate the effect of CIL extract on the expression of nitric oxide (NO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Results showed that the CIL extract markedly suppressed the LPS-induced production of nitric oxide, as well as the expression of iNOS, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) in a dose-dependent manner. LPS-induced microRNA (miR)-146a expression was inhibited by CIL extract, while miR-155 and miR-424 expression was not affected as demonstrated using quantitative RT-PCR analysis. Taken together, these observations show that CIL extract has anti-inflammatory effect, which extends the potential application for prevention of inflammatory diseases, and its mechanism may be partially associated with blocking COX-2 and iNOS of RAW 264.7 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Chang Tsai
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan, ROC
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40
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Lu CC, Yang JS, Chiang JH, Hour MJ, Lin KL, Lin JJ, Huang WW, Tsuzuki M, Lee TH, Chung JG. Novel quinazolinone MJ-29 triggers endoplasmic reticulum stress and intrinsic apoptosis in murine leukemia WEHI-3 cells and inhibits leukemic mice. PLoS One 2012; 7:e36831. [PMID: 22662126 PMCID: PMC3360742 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2011] [Accepted: 04/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study was to explore the biological responses of the newly compound, MJ-29 in murine myelomonocytic leukemia WEHI-3 cells in vitro and in vivo fates. We focused on the in vitro effects of MJ-29 on ER stress and mitochondria-dependent apoptotic death in WEHI-3 cells, and to hypothesize that MJ-29 might fully impair the orthotopic leukemic mice. Our results indicated that a concentration-dependent decrease of cell viability was shown in MJ-29-treated cells. DNA content was examined utilizing flow cytometry, whereas apoptotic populations were determined using annexin V/PI, DAPI staining and TUNEL assay. Increasing vital factors of mitochondrial dysfunction by MJ-29 were further investigated. Thus, MJ-29-provaked apoptosis of WEHI-3 cells is mediated through the intrinsic pathway. Importantly, intracellular Ca2+ release and ER stress-associated signaling also contributed to MJ-29-triggered cell apoptosis. We found that MJ-29 stimulated the protein levels of calpain 1, CHOP and p-eIF2α pathways in WEHI-3 cells. In in vivo experiments, intraperitoneal administration of MJ-29 significantly improved the total survival rate, enhanced body weight and attenuated enlarged spleen and liver tissues in leukemic mice. The infiltration of immature myeloblastic cells into splenic red pulp was reduced in MJ-29-treated leukemic mice. Moreover, MJ-29 increased the differentiations of T and B cells but decreased that of macrophages and monocytes. Additionally, MJ-29-stimulated immune responses might be involved in anti-leukemic activity in vivo. Based on these observations, MJ-29 suppresses WEHI-3 cells in vitro and in vivo, and it is proposed that this potent and selective agent could be a new chemotherapeutic candidate for anti-leukemia in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Cheng Lu
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jai-Sing Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jo-Hua Chiang
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Mann-Jen Hour
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kuei-Li Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Jyh Lin
- Graduate Institute of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Division of Cardiology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Wen Huang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Minoru Tsuzuki
- Department of Biochemistry, Nihon Pharmaceutical University, Saitama, Japan
- Tsuzuki Institute for Traditional Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Han Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (JGC); (THL)
| | - Jing-Gung Chung
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (JGC); (THL)
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Yeh RD, Chen JC, Lai TY, Yang JS, Yu CS, Chiang JH, Lu CC, Yang ST, Yu CC, Chang SJ, Lin HY, Chung JG. Gallic acid induces G₀/G₁ phase arrest and apoptosis in human leukemia HL-60 cells through inhibiting cyclin D and E, and activating mitochondria-dependent pathway. Anticancer Res 2011; 31:2821-2832. [PMID: 21868525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Gallic acid (GA) induces apoptosis in different types of cancer cell lines. In this study, we investigate the apoptotic effects induced by GA in human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells, and clarify the underlying mechanism. Our results showed that GA reduced the viability of HL-60 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. GA led to G(0)/G(1) phase arrest in HL-60 cells through promoting p21 and p27 and inhibiting the levels of cyclin D and cyclin E. GA caused DNA damage and fragmentation in HL-60 cells as assayed using DAPI staining and Comet assay. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that GA increased Ca(2+) levels and reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ(m)) in HL-60 cells. Apoptotic protein expressions were determined by Western blotting. The results indicated that GA-mediated apoptosis of HL-60 cells mainly depended on mitochondrial pathway, by promoting the release of cytochrome c, apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) and endonuclease G (Endo G) and by up-regulating the protein expression of Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX), caspase-4, caspase-9 and caspase-3. In addition, GA also activated the death receptor-dependent pathway by enhancing the protein expressions of fatty acid synthase (FAS), FAS ligand (FASL), caspase-8 and BCL-2 interacting domain (BID). We determined the mRNA expression of the gene levels of these proteins by real-time PCR. The results showed that GA-mediated apoptosis of HL-60 cells mainly depended on up-regulation of the mRNA of caspase-8, caspase-9, caspase-3, AIF and Endo G. In conclusion, GA-induced apoptosis occurs through the death receptor and mitochondria-mediated pathways. The evaluation of GA as a potential therapeutic agent for treatment of leukemia seems warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru-Duan Yeh
- The School of Chinese Medicine for Post-baccalaureate, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 824, Taiwan, ROC
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42
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Lin CC, Kuo CL, Lee MH, Hsu SC, Huang AC, Tang NY, Lin JP, Yang JS, Lu CC, Chiang JH, Chueh FS, Chung JG. Extract of Hedyotis diffusa Willd influences murine leukemia WEHI-3 cells in vivo as well as promoting T- and B-cell proliferation in leukemic mice. In Vivo 2011; 25:633-640. [PMID: 21709007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Medicinal plants and herbs are widely used in the treatment of various types of cancer in Taiwan, China and many other countries. Hedyotis diffusa Willd (HDW) has been known as a traditional Chinese medicine for a long time, and possesses various bioactivities and anticancer activity. There is no available information on the effects of HDW extracts in leukemic mice and on immune responses in vivo. In this study, we established murine WEHI-3 leukemia in BALB/c mice and hypothesized that an aqueous HDW extract might have antileukemia effects on leukemic animals in vivo. The major characteristic of leukemic mice was an enlarged spleen after intraperitoneal injection with WEHI-3 cells. HDW extract reduced the weights of spleen and liver, but had no significant effect on body weight in WEHI-3 leukemic mice. HDW extract increased the percentage of CD11b cell surface marker (monocytes), but it reduced the percentage of CD3 (T-cell) and CD19 (B-cell) markers. However, HDW extract did not affect the level of Mac-3 and there was no influence on phagocytosis by macrophages from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the peritoneal cavity in leukemic mice. The isolated splenocytes from HDW extract-treated leukemic mice demonstrated an increase of T- and B-cell proliferation in vivo. Based on these results, HDW extract would appear to have antileukemia activity in WEHI-3 cell-induced leukemia in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Chung Lin
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Fong-Yuan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, Taichung 420, Taiwan, ROC
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Lin CC, Kuo CL, Lee MH, Lai KC, Lin JP, Yang JS, Yu CS, Lu CC, Chiang JH, Chueh FS, Chung JG. Wogonin triggers apoptosis in human osteosarcoma U-2 OS cells through the endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and caspase-3-dependent signaling pathways. Int J Oncol 2011; 39:217-24. [PMID: 21573491 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2011.1027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2011] [Accepted: 03/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Wogonin (5,7-dihydroxy-8-methoxyflavone) is a flavone constituent of Scutellaria baicalensis with various beneficial biological activities and it has been shown to have tumor therapeutic potential in vitro and in vivo. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of wogonin in a human osteosarcoma cell line (U-2 OS). Results showed that a dose- and time-dependent reduction occurred in cell viability after exposure to wogonin in U-2 OS cells. Increasing the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca2+ but decreasing the levels of mitochondrial membrane potential (∆Ψm) were examined in wogonin-treated U-2 OS cells. Flow cytometric assay indicated that wogonin induced sub-G1 phase (apoptosis) and increased caspase-3 activity in examined cells. Wogonin-induced apoptosis in U-2 OS cells was also confirmed by 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining. Also, results from Western blotting indicated that wogonin increased the levels of Bad, Bax, cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-9, cleaved caspase-3, AIF, Endo G, Fas/CD95, caspase-8, GADD153, GRP78, ATF-6α, calpain 1, calpain 2 and caspase-4 then leading to cell apoptosis. In conclusion, wogonin induced ROS production and intracellular Ca2+, and altered the levels of anti- (Bcl-2) and pro- (Bad and Bax) apoptotic proteins. Wogonin-induced apoptosis in U-2 OS cells was through the activation of caspase-3. In conclusion, these are the first findings to show wogonin-induced cytotoxic effects through induction of apoptotic cell death and ER stress in U-2 OS cells. The potent in vitro antitumor activities suggest that wogonin could be developed for the treatment of human osteosarcoma in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Chung Lin
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Fong-Yuan Hospital, Executive Yuan, Taichung 420, Taiwan, ROC
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Chen YL, Lu HF, Hung FM, Huang AC, Hsueh SC, Liu CM, Yang JS, Yu CC, Chiang JH, Lu CC, Chiu TH, Chung JG. Danthron inhibits murine WEHI-3 cells in vivo, and enhances macrophage phagocytosis and natural killer cell cytotoxic activity in leukemic mice. In Vivo 2011; 25:393-398. [PMID: 21576413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Danthron has been shown to induce apoptotic cell death, and inhibit migration and invasion of human gastric or brain cancer cells in vitro. However, there is no report addressing whether danthron affects murine leukemia cells or immune responses in vivo. Herein, this study focused on the in-vivo effects of danthron on WEHI-3 leukemia in mice and immune responses in vivo. The results indicated that danthron reduced spleen weight and increased the percentage of cells with CD3 and CD19 markers, indicating that differentiation of the precursors of T- and B-cells was promoted in the leukemic mice. The results also showed that danthron promoted the activity of phagocytosis by macrophages isolated from the peritoneal cavity but had no effect on peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Danthron also promoted natural killer cell cytocytic activity at an effector and target cell ratio of 100:1 in comparison with leukemic animals in vivo. Taken together, these results demonstrated that application of danthron might affect WEHI-3 leukemia in mice and modulate immune responses in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Liang Chen
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Yuanpei University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan, ROC
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Liu KC, Huang AC, Wu PP, Lin HY, Chueh FS, Yang JS, Lu CC, Chiang JH, Meng M, Chung JG. Gallic acid suppresses the migration and invasion of PC-3 human prostate cancer cells via inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 signaling pathways. Oncol Rep 2011; 26:177-84. [PMID: 21503582 DOI: 10.3892/or.2011.1264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2011] [Accepted: 03/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that a natural diet or consumption of fruits or vegetables can decrease the risk of cancer development. Cancer cells can migrate to and invade other organs or tissues that cause more difficulty to treat them and this also results in the need for treatments targeting multiple cellular pathways. Gallic acid (GA) has been demonstrated to possess multiple biological activities including anticancer function. However, no report exist on GA inhibited invasion and migration of human prostate cancer cells. We investigated the effects of migration and invasion in GA-treated PC-3 human prostate cancer cells with a series of in vitro experiments. Boyden chamber transwell assay was used to examine the migration and invasion of PC-3 cells. Western blotting, real-time PCR and gelatin zymography were used for determining the protein levels, gene expression and enzyme activities of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and -9 in vitro. Results indicated that GA inhibited the invasion and migration of PC-3 cells and these effects are dose-dependent. GA inhibited the protein levels of MMP-2 and -9, son of sevenless homolog 1 (SOS1), growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (GRB2), protein kinase C (PKC) and nuclear factor-κ B (NF-κB) p65, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), p38, p-AKT (Thr308) and p-AKT (Ser473), but it promoted the levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and AKT in PC-3 cells. GA also reduced the enzyme activities of MMP-2 and -9 in the examined cells. Moreover, the down-regulation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Ras homolog gene family, member A (Rho A) mRNA expression levels, and up-regulation of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP1) gene levels occurred in GA-treated PC-3 cells after 24 h treatment. Based on these observations, we suggest that GA might modulate through blocking the p38, JNK, PKC and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways and reducing the NF-κB protein level, resulting in the inhibition of MMP-2 and -9 of PC-3 human prostate cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Ching Liu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan, ROC
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Huang WW, Ko SW, Tsai HY, Chung JG, Chiang JH, Chen KT, Chen YC, Chen HY, Chen YF, Yang JS. Cantharidin induces G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis in human colorectal cancer colo 205 cells through inhibition of CDK1 activity and caspase-dependent signaling pathways. Int J Oncol 2011; 38:1067-73. [PMID: 21271215 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2011.922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2010] [Accepted: 01/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cantharidin (CTD) is a traditional Chinese medicine and an effective component isolated from blister beetle, and it has been demonstrated to have anticancer, antibiotic, antivirus activities and immune-regulated functions. It has been reported that CTD induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in many cancer cell types. However, there are no reports showing that CTD would induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human colorectal cancer colo 205 cells. In this study, we studied colo 205 cells which were treated with CTD and demonstrated its molecular mechanisms in apoptosis. CTD induced growth inhibition, G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis in colo 205 cells. The IC50 is 20.53 µM in CTD-treated colo 205 cells. DAPI/TUNEL double staining and Annexin V assays were used to confirm the apoptotic cell death in colo 205 cells after CTD exposure. CTD caused G2/M arrest, down-regulated CDK1 activity, decreased Cyclin A, Cyclin B, CDK1 and increased CHK1 and p21 protein levels. Colorimetric assays also indicated that CTD triggered activities of casapse-8, -9 and -3 in colo 205 cells. Moreover, CTD increased ROS production and decreased the level of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) in colo 205 cells. Consequently, CTD-induced growth inhibition was significantly attenuated by N-acetylcysteine (NAC, a scavenger). CTD stimulated the protein levels of Fas/CD95, the caspase-3 active form, cytochrome c and Bax, but suppressed the protein levels of pro-caspase-8, pro-caspase-9 and Bcl-2, determined by Western blot analysis. Based on our observations, we suggest that CTD is able to induce G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis in colo 205 cells through inhibition of CDK1 activity and caspase-dependent signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Wen Huang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan, ROC
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Chiang JH, Yang JS, Ma CY, Yang MD, Huang HY, Hsia TC, Kuo HM, Wu PP, Lee TH, Chung JG. Danthron, an anthraquinone derivative, induces DNA damage and caspase cascades-mediated apoptosis in SNU-1 human gastric cancer cells through mitochondrial permeability transition pores and Bax-triggered pathways. Chem Res Toxicol 2010; 24:20-9. [PMID: 21126053 DOI: 10.1021/tx100248s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Anthraquinones have been shown to induce apoptosis in different types of tumor cells, but the mechanisms of danthron-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in human gastric cancer cells have not been adequately explored. This study investigated the roles of caspase cascades, ROS, DNA damage, mitochondrial disruption, and Bax and Bcl-2 proteins in danthron-induced apoptosis of SNU-1 human gastric cancer cells, a commonly used cell culture system for in vitro studies. Cells were incubated with different concentrations of danthron in a time- and/or dose-dependent manner. Cell morphological changes (shrinkage and rounding) were examined by a phase-contrast microscope, whereas cell viability and apoptotic populations were determined by flow cytometric analysis using propidium iodide (PI) and annexin V-FITC staining. The fluorescent DAPI nucleic acid stain and Comet assay were applied to detect danthron-induced chromatin condensation (an apoptotic characteristic) and DNA damage. Increasing the levels of caspase-3, -8, and -9 activities was involved in danthron-induced apoptosis, and they could be attenuated by inhibitors of specific caspases, indicating that danthron triggered the caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway. Further studies with flow cytometric analyses indicated that cellular levels of ROS, cytosolic Ca(2+), and mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) pore opening were increased, but the level of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ(m)) was decreased. Also, the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 levels and other proapoptotic proteins associated with modulating the ΔΨ(m) were up-regulated. Apoptotic signaling was also stimulated after exposure to danthron and determined by Western blotting and real-time PCR analyses. In summary, it is suggested that danthron-induced apoptotic cell death was involved in mitochondrial depolarization, which led to release of cytochrome c, apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), and endonuclease G (Endo G) and caused the activation of caspase-9 and -3 in SNU-1 human gastric cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo-Hua Chiang
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
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Lin SY, Sheen LY, Chiang BH, Yang JS, Pan JH, Chang YH, Hsu YM, Chiang JH, Lu CC, Wu CL, Chung JG. Dietary effect of Antrodia Camphorate extracts on immune responses in WEHI-3 leukemia BALB/c mice. Nutr Cancer 2010; 62:593-600. [PMID: 20574920 DOI: 10.1080/01635580903532341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Antrodia camphorata has been recognized to be a traditional Chinese medicine for abdominal pain, diarrhea, and to protect against hepatitis virus infection. Several ingredients derived from A. camphorata possess various pharmacological and biological activities such as antioxidant and anticancer. In this study, its ability to promote immune responses and to exhibited antileukemia activity in WEHI-3 leukemia BALB/c mice were investigated. The results indicated A. camphorata significantly prolonged the survival rate and prevented the body weight loss in leukemia mice. Four mg/kg of A. camphorata treatment significantly decreased the weight of the spleen. Both doses (2 and 4 mg/kg) of A. camphorata did not affect Mac-3 marker in leukocytes. However, the 4 mg/kg of A. camphorata decreased the levels of CD11b and both doses of treatment increased CD3 and CD19. With lipopolysaccharide stimulation, the 4 mg/kg of A. camphorata promoted the significant proliferation of leukocytes; but with concanavalin A stimulation, both doses promoted the significant proliferation of leukocytes. YAC-1 target cells were killed by NK cells from the mice after treatment with A. camphorata at 4 mg/kg in target cells at a ratio of 50:1. The percentage of macrophages with phagocyted at A. camphorata treatment increased, and these effects were in dose-dependent manners.
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Lai KC, Chiu YJ, Tang YJ, Lin KL, Chiang JH, Jiang YL, Jen HF, Kuo YH, Agamaya S, Chung JG, Yang JS. Houttuynia cordata Thunb extract inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis in human primary colorectal cancer cells. Anticancer Res 2010; 30:3549-3556. [PMID: 20944136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
It is reported that Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (HCT), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has many biological properties such as antiviral, antibacterial and antileukemic activities. However, the molecular mechanisms of cytotoxicity and apoptosis in human primary colorectal cancer cells are not clear. In this study, whether HCT induced cytotoxicity in primary colorectal cancer cells obtained from three patients was investigated. The results indicated that HCT inhibited growth of cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. After treatment with HCT (250 μg/ml) for 24 h, cells exhibited chromatin condensation (an apoptotic characteristic). HCT increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ(m)) in examined cells. Mitochondria-dependent apoptotic signaling pathway was shown to be involved as determined by increase in the levels of cytochrome c, Apaf-1, and caspase-3 and -9. The decrease in the level of ΔΨ(m) was associated with an increase in the BAX/BCL-2 ratio which led to activation of caspase-9 and -3. Based on our results, HCT induced apoptotic cell death in human primary colorectal cancer cells through a mitochondria-dependent signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuang-Chi Lai
- China Medical University, No 91, Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung 404, Taiwan, ROC
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Wu SH, Hang LW, Yang JS, Chen HY, Lin HY, Chiang JH, Lu CC, Yang JL, Lai TY, Ko YC, Chung JG. Curcumin induces apoptosis in human non-small cell lung cancer NCI-H460 cells through ER stress and caspase cascade- and mitochondria-dependent pathways. Anticancer Res 2010; 30:2125-2133. [PMID: 20651361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
It has been reported that curcumin inhibited various types of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. However, mechanisms of curcumin-inhibited cell growth and -induced apoptosis in human non-small cell lung cancer cells (NCI-H460) still remain unclear. In this study, NCI-H460 cells were treated with curcumin to determine its anticancer activity. Different concentrations of curcumin were used for different durations in NCI-H460 cells and the subsequent changes in the cell morphology, viability, cell cycle, mRNA and protein expressions were determined. Curcumin induced apoptotic morphologic changes in NCI-H460 cells in a dose-dependent manner. After curcumin treatment, BAX and BAD were up-regulated, BCL-2, BCL-X(L) and XIAP were down-regulated. In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS), intracellular Ca(2+) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress were increased in NCI-H460 cells after exposure to curcumin. These signals led to a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Delta Psi(m)) and culminated in caspase-3 activation. Curcumin-induced apoptosis was also stimulated through the FAS/caspase-8 (extrinsic) pathway and ER stress proteins, growth arrest- and DNA damage-inducible gene 153 (GADD153) and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) were activated in the NCI-H460 cells. Apoptotic cell death induced by curcumin was significantly reversed by pretreatment with ROS scavenger or caspase-8 inhibitor. Furthermore, the NCI-H460 cells tended to be arrested at the G(2)/M cell cycle stage after curcumin treatment and down-regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) may be involved. In summary, curcumin exerts its anticancer effects on lung cancer NCI-H460 cells through apoptosis or cell cycle arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Hwar Wu
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan, ROC
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