Diallyl disulfide induces ERK phosphorylation and alters gene expression profiles in human colon tumor cells

Diallyl disulfide (DADS), a compound found in processed garlic, has been shown to arrest unsynchronized human colon tumor cells (HCT-15) in the G(2)/M phase of the cell cycle. The present studies were designed to examine whether this cell cycle block related to alterations in protein kinase C (PKC), Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CAMK II) or extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity. Exposing double thymidine synchronized HCT-15 cells to DADS (25, 50 and 100 micromol/L) for 4 h increased the G(2)/M population by 30, 31 and 63%, respectively, compared with controls (P < 0.05). PKC and CAM KII activities were not influenced by increasing DADS exposure and thus did not correlate with the block of cells in the G(2)/M phase. Although ERK activity increased by 44 and 60% after treatment with 100 and 500 micromol/L DADS (P < 0.05), it was not influenced by exposure to 25 or 50 micromol/L DADS. Western blot analysis revealed that although DADS (25, 50, 100 and 500 micromol/L) did not influence the quantity of ERK protein expressed, it did increase its phosphorylation by 39, 52, 73 and 61%, respectively, compared with controls (P < 0.05). These studies provide evidence that early alterations in ERK pathway signaling may contribute to the G(2)/M arrest observed after DADS exposure. Preliminary data generated using the Clonetech Atlas Human Cancer cDNA Expression Array suggest that alterations in cell cycle, DNA repair and cellular adhesion factors accompany DADS exposure and may also be involved in mediating the block in G(2)/M progression.     

The Attenuation of Early Benzo(a)Pyrene-Induced Carcinogenic Insults by Diallyl Disulfide (DADS) in MCF-10A Cells

Diallyl disulfide (DADS), a garlic organosulfur compound, has been researched as a cancer prevention agent; however, the role of DADS in the suppression of cancer initiation in nonneoplastic cells has not been elucidated. To evaluate DADS inhibition of early carcinogenic events, MCF-10A cells were pretreated (PreTx) with DADS followed by the ubiquitous carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), or cotreated (CoTx) with DADS and BaP for up to 24 h. The cells were evaluated for changes in cell viability/proliferation, cell cycle, induction of peroxide formation, and DNA damage. BaP induced a statistically significant increase in cell proliferation at 6 h, which was attenuated with DADS CoTx. PreTx with 6 and 60 μM of DADS inhibited BaP-induced G2/M arrest by 68% and 78%, respectively. DADS, regardless of concentration or method, inhibited BaP-induced extracellular aqueous peroxide formation within 24 h. DADS attenuated BaP-induced DNA single-strand breaks at all time points through both DADS Pre- and CoTx, with significant inhibition for all treatments sustained after 6 h. DADS was effective in inhibiting BaP-induced cell proliferation, cell cycle transitions, reactive oxygen species, and DNA damage in a normal cell line, and thus may inhibit environmentally induced breast cancer initiation.     

In vitro folate deficiency induces apoptosis by a p53, Fas (Apo-1, CD95) independent, bcl-2 related mechanism in phytohaemagglutinin-stimulated human peripheral blood lymphocytes

In vitro folate deficiency is associated with S phase accumulation and apoptosis in various cell types. To investigate the role of p53 and two apoptosis-related molecules, bcl-2 and Fas antigen (Apo-1, CD95), in the mechanism whereby folate-deficient lymphocytes accumulate and undergo apoptosis in the S phase, normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes were cultured for 3-9 d in control medium or in specially ordered and formulated HAM's F-10 medium lacking folic acid, thymidine and hypoxanthine. Cells were stimulated with phytohaemagglutinin for the final 72 h prior to harvesting. The results indicate that p53 expression was downregulated in folate-deficient lymphocytes when compared with the control lymphocytes during the relevant period of S phase accumulation and apoptosis. In addition, folate deficiency was also found to downregulate IL-2, Fas antigen and bcl-2 expression, in terms of either mRNA or protein levels. The downregulation of Fas antigen suggests that folate deficiency-induced apoptosis probably does not occur via the Fas pathway. As IL-2 is a known inducer of bcl-2, and the downregulation of bcl-2 induces apoptosis, the downregulation of IL-2 and bcl-2 is suggested to play an important role in apoptosis. The complete rescue of folate-deficient lymphocytes from apoptosis was achieved by folic acid, thymidine or hypoxanthine alone or thymidine and hypoxanthine in combination. These results suggest that IL-2 depletion by folate deficiency in lymphocytes reduces the bcl-2 level, thereby triggering deoxynucleoside triphosphate pool imbalance and p53-independent apoptosis.     

Cr（VI）对人胚肺细胞p53及抑癌基因p21（WAF1）表达的影响

目的研究人类致癌物Ｃｒ（ＶＩ）对抑癌基因ｐ５３及其下游的抑癌基因ｐ２１（ＷＡＦ１）在多阶段致癌中的作用。方法采用Ｎｏｒｔｈｅｒｎ杂交技术，观察不同浓度Ｋ２Ｃｒ２Ｏ７对人胚肺细胞内ｐ５３及ＷＡＦ１表达的影响。结果Ｃｒ（ＶＩ）对ｐ５３表达的影响呈双相作用，０～１．２５０μｍｏｌ／Ｌ范围内Ｋ２Ｃｒ２Ｏ７抑制ｐ５３的表达；１．２５０～５．０００μｍｏｌ／ＬＫ２Ｃｒ２Ｏ７可刺激ｐ５３的表达。ＷＡＦ１的变化趋势与ｐ５３相一致，即１．２５０μｍｏｌ／ＬＫ２Ｃｒ２Ｏ７可明显抑制ＷＡＦ１的表达，而随着Ｋ２Ｃｒ２Ｏ７浓度的增加，ＷＡＦ１的表达也呈升高趋势。结论低剂量Ｋ２Ｃｒ２Ｏ７影响下的ｐ５３及ＷＡＦ１的低表达可能在Ｃｒ（ＶＩ）多阶段致癌中起重要作用。     

杂色曲霉素致人胚肺细胞p53及Ki-ras基因突变研究

为探讨中国恶性肿瘤高发区粮食中优势污染霉菌毒素－杂色曲霉素（Ｓｔｅｒｉｇｍａｔｏｃｙｓｉｎ,ＳＴ）的致癌作用,运用银染ＰＣＲ－ＳＳＣＰ方法分析了不同浓度的ＳＴ（１μｇ／ｍｌ和３μｇ／ｍｌ）对体外培养的人胚肺细胞恶性转化过程中抑癌基因ｐ５３第５、６、７、８显外子及癌基因Ｋｉ－ｒａｓ的突变情况。结果显示ＳＴ处理后第２２周,人胚肺成纤维细胞ｐ５３基因的第８外显子和Ｋｉ－ｒａｓ癌匀出现异常泳动带型,表明Ｓ     

Conjugated linoleic acid inhibits cell proliferation through a p53-dependent mechanism: effects on the expression of G1-restriction points in breast and colon cancer cells

Previous reports have documented the antiproliferative properties of a mixture of conjugated isomers (CLA) of linoleic acid [LA (18:2)]. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of CLA action on cell cycle progression in breast and colon cancer cells. Treatment with CLA inhibited cell proliferation in breast cancer MCF-7 cells containing wild-type p53 (p53(+/+)). At cytostatic concentrations, CLA elicited cell cycle arrest in G1 and induced the accumulation of the tumor suppressors p53, p27 and p21 protein. Conversely, CLA reduced the expression of factors required for G1 to S-phase transition including cyclins D1 and E, and hyperphoshorylated retinoblastoma Rb protein. In contrast, the overexpression of mutant p53 (175Arg to His) in MFC-7 cells prevented the CLA-dependent accumulation of p21 and the reduction of cyclin E levels suggesting that the expression of wild-type p53 is required for CLA-mediated activation of the G1 restriction point. To further elucidate the role of p53, the effects of CLA in colon cancer HCT116 cells (p53(+/+)) and p53-deficient (p53(-/-)) HCT116 cells (HCTKO) were examined. The treatment of HCT116 cells with CLA increased the levels of p53, p21, p27 and hypophosphorylated (pRb) protein and reduced the expression of cyclin E, whereas these effects were not seen in p53-deficient HCTKO cells. The t10,c12-CLA isomer was more effective than c9,t11-CLA in inhibiting cell proliferation of MCF-7 breast cancer cells and enhancing the accumulation of p53 and pRb. We conclude that the antiproliferative properties of CLA appear to be a function, at least in part, of the relative content of specific isomers and their ability to elicit a p53 response that leads to the accumulation of pRb and cell growth arrest.     

The ethanol extract from Artemisia princeps Pampanini induces p53-mediated G1 phase arrest in A172 human neuroblastoma cells

In the present study, the antiproliferative effects of the ethanol extract of Artemisia princeps Pampanini (EAPP) and the mechanism involved were investigated. Of the various cancer cells examined, human neuroblastoma A172 cells were most sensitive to EAPP, and their proliferation was dose- and time-dependently inhibited by EAPP. DNA flow cytometry analysis indicated that EAPP notably induced the G(1) phase arrest in A172 cells. Of the G(1) phase cycle-related proteins examined, the expressions of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 2, CDK4, and CDK6 and of cyclin D(1), D(2), and D(3) were found to be markedly reduced by EAPP, whereas cyclin E was unaffected. Moreover, the protein and mRNA levels of the CDK inhibitors p16(INK4a), p21(CIP1/WAF1), and p27(KIP1) were increased, and the activities of CDK2, CDK4, and CDK6 were reduced. Furthermore, the expressions of E2F-1 and of phosphorylated pRb were also decreased, and the protein levels of p53 and pp53 (Ser15) were increased. Up-regulation of p21(CIP1/WAF1) was found to be mediated by a p53-dependent pathway in EAPP-induced G(1)-arrested A172 cells. When these data are taken together, the EAPP was found to potently inhibit the proliferation of human neuroblastoma A172 cells via G(1) phase cell cycle arrest.     

Diallyl disulphide, a beneficial component of garlic oil, causes a redistribution of cell-cycle growth phases, induces apoptosis, and enhances butyrate-induced apoptosis in colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (HT-29)

Colon cancer is a leading and expanding cause of death worldwide. A major contributory factor to this disease is diet composition; some components are beneficial (e.g, dietary fiber), whereas others are detrimental (e.g., alcohol). Garlic oil is a prominent dietary constituent that prevents the development of colorectal cancer. This effect is believed to be mainly due to diallyl disulphide (DADS), which selectively induces redox stress in cancerous (rather than normal) cells that leads to apoptotic cell death. However, the detailed mechanism by which DADS causes apoptosis remains unclear. We show that DADS treatment of colonic adenocarcinoma cells (HT-29) initiates a cascade of molecular events characteristic of apoptosis. These include a decrease in cellular proliferation, translocation of phosphatidylserine to the plasma-membrane outer-layer, activation of caspase-3 and -9, genomic DNA fragmentation, and G(2)/M phase cell-cycle arrest. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly butyrate (abundantly produced in the gut by bacterial fermentation of dietary polysaccharides), enhance colonic cell integrity but, in contrast, inhibit colonic cancer cell growth. Combining DADS with butyrate augmented the apoptotic effect of butyrate on HT-29 cells. These results suggest that the anticancerous properties of DADS afford greater benefit when supplied with other favorable dietary factors (short chain fatty acids/polysaccharides) that likewise reduce colonic tumor development.     

苯并(a)芘引起静止期二倍体人胚肺成纤维细胞可逆的G1期阻滞

目的研究苯并（a）芘[B（a）P]对静止期的二倍体人胚肺成纤维细胞（HELF）细胞周期的影响。方法血清饥饿法使细胞同步化于G0期;20μmol／LB（a）P作用细胞4h后,采用流式细胞术分别检测遗传损伤发生后0、24、48h细胞周期分布的改变,并采用Western blotting分析0、5、10、20μmol／LB（a）P作用24h后及20μmol／LB（a）P作用4h后24h内细胞周期主要调节基因p53、p21和p16表达的改变。结果0．5％低血清培养48h能够较好的达到G0同步化效果,处于G0期细胞占78％;正常培养细胞持续进入细胞周期进行DNA合成,24h时S期细胞达43．9％,而20μmol／LB（a）P处理组细胞发生G1期阻滞;48h后对照组细胞完成一个细胞周期回到以G1期为主的状态,B（a）P处理组细胞则从G1期阻滞中恢复,继续进入细胞周期,S期细胞达到了26．5％,延迟约24h。不同浓度B（a）P作用后引起P53、P21蛋白表达明显增加,20μmol／LB（a）P处理后4h即可诱导蛋白表达增加。P53在12h后逐渐恢复,P21直至24h仍未下降。P16初始略有下降,24h恢复。结论B（a）P引起同步化于G0期的细胞发生可逆转的G。期阻滞,该阻滞和p53-p21途径相关。     

Transformation of human urothelial cells (UROtsa) by as and cd induces the expression of keratin 6a

BACKGROUND: Cadmium and arsenite can directly and malignantly transform the UROtsa cell line. The tumor heterotransplants produced from these transformed cells have histologic features consistent with human bladder cancer. Previous microarray analysis of total RNA from the parental and transformed cells suggested that keratin 6a was overexpressed as a result of cell transformation. OBJECTIVES: Our goals were to verify overexpression of keratin 6a in Cd(2+)- and As(3+)-transformed UROtsa cells, the corresponding tumor heterotransplants, and human bladder cancer biopsy specimens and to assess what factors may be involved in keratin 6a overexpression. METHODS: Expression was assessed with real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry. We used the effect of addition and deletion of potential growth factors in the cell culture growth medium to assess possible pathways used in keratin 6a overexpression. RESULTS: Cd(2+)- and As(3+)-transformed cells grown in serum-containing growth medium, as well as the derived tumor heterotransplants, overexpressed keratin 6a mRNA and protein compared with UROtsa cells grown in serum-containing growth medium. Immunostaining of keratin 6a in tumor heterotransplants showed focal staining of the tumor cells that was localized to the cytoplasm. Focal immunostaining of keratin 6a was also found in some but not all archival patient specimens of high-grade bladder cancer, confirming translation of the results to human bladder cancer. Studies on growth factor deletion and addition indicated that the level of keratin 6a expression was regulated by the presence of both insulin and epidermal growth factor (EGF). In contrast, growth factors had no effect on the elevated levels of keratin 6a expression found in transformed UROtsa cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our present studies suggest that keratin 6a expression may be a biomarker for malignant urothelial cells that possess an activated EGF and or insulin growth factor pathway.     

Safety and immunogenicity of ALVAC wild-type human p53 (vCP207) by the intravenous route in rhesus macaques

p53 is over-expressed in approximately 50% of human cancers, and transfer of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) against wild-type p53 protects mice against p53-over-expressing tumors, suggesting that p53 might be an attractive target for immunotherapy. Immunization of mice with a recombinant canarypox virus, ALVAC, expressing human wild-type p53 (vCP207) prevented growth of p53-over-expressing tumors. Since intravenous administration induced better immune responses in mice than other routes, we have proposed to use this route in cancer patients. However, because this vector has never been administered intravenously to humans, and because of the possibility of inducing auto-immunity to a self-antigen, we felt it was necessary to first evaluate safety in rhesus macaques. We found that three intravenous administrations of vCP207 at proportional doses up to 10x those proposed for humans produced no abnormalities in hematologic or clinical chemistry parameters. Serologic markers of autoimmunity and inflammation were unaffected, despite the >95% amino acid identity between human and rhesus p53. Pathological examination of numerous tissues yielded findings comparable to those in animals given placebo. Some animals showed anti-p53 antibody responses following vaccination, indicating that tolerance could be broken to some extent. However, with the exception of one animal with a possible delayed type hypersensitivity reaction to p53 protein, we did not see evidence for a cell-mediated response. The safety profile in monkeys with ALVAC-p53 provides encouragement for using such live, modified vectors via the intravenous route for human immunotherapy.     

Expression of the p53 tumor suppressor gene is up-regulated by depletion of intracellular zinc in HepG2 cells

Expression and activation of the p53 tumor suppressor protein are modulated by various cellular stimuli. The objective of this work was to examine the influence of zinc depletion on the expression of p53 in HepG2 cells. Two different low Zn (ZD) media, Zn-free Opti-MEM and a ZD medium containing Chelex-100 treated serum, were used to deplete cellular zinc over one passage. Cellular zinc levels of ZD cells were significantly lower than in their controls in both the Opti-MEM and Chelex studies. p53 mRNA abundance was 187% higher in ZD Opti-MEM cells and >100% higher in ZD Chelex cells compared with their respective controls. To examine whether the effects were specific to zinc depletion, a third, zinc-replenished group (ZDA) was included in the Opti-MEM study in which cells were cultured in ZD media for nearly one passage before a change was made to zinc-adequate (ZA) medium for the last 24 h. Zinc levels in the ZDA cells were significantly higher than in ZD cells, and p53 mRNA abundance was normalized to control levels. Nuclear p53 protein levels were >100% higher in the ZD Opti-MEM cells than in ZA cells. Interestingly, the ZDA Opti-MEM cells had significantly lower levels of nuclear p53 protein than both the ZA and ZD cells. These data suggest that expression of p53, a critical component in the maintenance of genomic stability, may be affected by reductions in cellular zinc.     

苯并(a)芘通过活化蛋白-1非依赖性通路诱导细胞中p53蛋白过表达及高磷酸化

目的探讨苯并(a)芘[B(a)P]诱导的人胚肺成纤维细胞(HELF)中p53蛋白、p53磷酸化水平及亚细胞分布和活化蛋白-1(AP-1)活性的改变,以及p53与AP-1的上下游关系。方法转染p53小干扰RNAp53 siRNA质粒(p53-H)、载体CMV的HELF细胞(HELF/CMV)和转染AP-1荧光报告质粒的HELF细胞(AP-H)无血清培养48h后,加入2μmol/L B(a)P作用24h,用Western blot及免疫荧光法检测细胞中p53蛋白及p53磷酸化的改变,利用细胞核、细胞浆分离技术观察其亚细胞定位,用荧光检测法检测AP-1的相对活性。用AP-1的化学抑制剂curcumin抑制其活性,用p53的化学抑制剂pifithrin-α(PFT)抑制其表达,观察了二者的上下游关系。结果2μmol/L B(a)P作用24h后细胞内p53蛋白及p53蛋白20位丝氨酸磷酸化水平增加,并且主要分布在细胞核内;AP-1的活性增加。抑制AP-1活性后,对B(a)P诱导的p53蛋白含量增加没有明显的影响;抑制p53表达后,对B(a)P诱导的AP-1活性的增加没有明显影响。结论B(a)P通过AP-1非依赖的信号通路引起人胚肺成纤维细胞p53蛋白含量的增加。     

Sodium butyrate inhibits cell growth and stimulates p21WAF1/CIP1 protein in human colonic adenocarcinoma cells independently of p53 status

Butyric acid, one of the short-chain fatty acids produced by microbial fermentation in the colon, exhibits antiproliferative activities in various cancer cell lines. The initial objective of the study was to assess whether the effect of sodium butyrate (NaB) on cell growth differed by p53 status of the cells. Four human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines were used: HT29 (p53 point mutation), Caco2 (p53 truncation), LS513 (p53 wild type), and Lovo (p53 wild type). NaB significantly inhibited cell growth in all four cell lines. NaB arrested HT29 and LS513 cells in G0/G1 and Caco2 and Lovo in G2-phase. A second objective was to determine whether NaB similarly affected the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, p21WAF1/CIP1. In all cell lines, p21 mRNA levels were immediately elevated after NaB exposure, and p21 protein levels were increased within 6 h. NaB increased p21 promoter activity in both Caco2 and Lovo, suggesting p53 independence. NaB did not influence p21 mRNA stability. Although three DNase I hypersensitivity sites were identified in the region of the p21 gene, induction of p21 mRNA by NaB was not accompanied by relaxation of the chromatin in the region of the p21 gene.     

镉诱导LLC-PK_1细胞凋亡与bcl-2、p53蛋白表达关系的研究

目的　探讨镉诱导LLC PK1 细胞凋亡及与bcl 2、p5 3(mtp5 3)蛋白表达的相互关系。方法　采用透射电镜观察凋亡小体、流式细胞仪分析凋亡率、琼脂糖凝胶DNA电泳方法确定镉对LLC PK1 细胞诱导的凋亡作用 ,以及流式细胞仪分别测定bcl 2和p5 3基因表达产物bcl 2蛋白、mtp5 3蛋白。结果　透射电镜观察发现 4 0 μmol LCdCl2 作用LLC PK1 细胞 12h后 ,出现典型的凋亡小体 ;流式细胞仪分析其凋亡率为 32 6 1% ,并高于对照组 (1 0 8% ) (P <0 0 1) ;琼脂糖凝胶DNA电泳呈明显梯形条带。 0、10、2 0、4 0 μmol LCdCl2 作用LLC PK1 细胞 4h、8h ,8h后 ,bcl 2基因表达逐渐下降 ,并呈良好的剂量 -反应关系 (r=- 0 910 ,P <0 0 5 ) ;作用 4h、8h后mtp5 3蛋白表达均明显下降 ,并有剂量 -反应关系 (r值分别为 - 0 716、- 0 972 ,P值均 <0 0 5 )。结论　镉诱导LLC PK1 细胞凋亡可能与镉抑制bcl 2、mtp5 3蛋白表达有关     

p53蛋白在苯并(a)芘诱导的p21、E2F-1表达及细胞周期改变中的作用

目的 探讨p53蛋白在苯并(a)芘[benzo(a)pyrene,B(a)P]诱导的人胚肺成纤维细胞(HELF)细胞周期改变中的作用及其与p21、E2F-1的关系.方法 转染p53 siRNA质粒(p53-H)和载体CMV的HELF细胞(HELF/CMV)无血清培养48 h后,加入2 μmol/L B(a)P作用24 h.用流式细胞仪检测细胞周期的变化.用Western blotting检测细胞中p53、p21蛋白含量的改变,利用细胞核、细胞浆分离技术观察其亚细胞定位.用免疫荧光法观察E2F-1蛋白含量及细胞核、细胞浆分布.利用p53 siRNA质粒和化学抑制剂pifithrin-α(PFT)抑制其表达,观察p53与p21、E2F-1的上下游关系以及其在B(a)P引起的细胞周期改变中的作用.结果 2 μmol/L B(a)P作用24 h后,G1期细胞比例由(71±5)%减少为(39±4)%;p53、p21以及E2F-1蛋白含量增加,并且主要分布在细胞核内.用p53 siRNA质粒和PFT抑制p53表达后,B(a)P诱导的p21高表达被抑制,细胞核内的含量明显减少;B(a)P诱导的E2F-1蛋白含量增加以及细胞周期的改变没有明显变化.结论 B(a)P通过p53非依赖的信号通路引起HELF细胞周期的改变;p53对p21的表达具有调节作用,而对E2F-1的表达不具有调节作用.     

Ethanol extract of Innotus obliquus (Chaga mushroom) induces G1 cell cycle arrest in HT-29 human colon cancer cells

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Inonotus obliquus (I. obliquus, Chaga mushroom) has long been used as a folk medicine to treat cancer. In the present study, we examined whether or not ethanol extract of I. obliquus (EEIO) inhibits cell cycle progression in HT-29 human colon cancer cells, in addition to its mechanism of action.

MATERIALS/METHODS

To examine the effects of Inonotus obliquus on the cell cycle progression and the molecular mechanism in colon cancer cells, HT-29 human colon cancer cells were cultured in the presence of 2.5 - 10 µg/mL of EEIO, and analyzed the cell cycle arrest by flow cytometry and the cell cycle controlling protein expression by Western blotting.

RESULTS

Treatment cells with 2.5 - 10 µg/mL of EEIO reduced viable HT-29 cell numbers and DNA synthesis, increased the percentage of cells in G₁ phase, decreased protein expression of CDK2, CDK4, and cyclin D1, increased expression of p21, p27, and p53, and inhibited phosphorylation of Rb and E2F1 expression. Among I. obliquus fractions, fraction 2 (fractionated by dichloromethane from EEIO) showed the same effect as EEIO treatment on cell proliferation and cell cycle-related protein levels.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that fraction 2 is the major fraction that induces G₁ arrest and inhibits cell proliferation, suggesting I. obliquus could be used as a natural anti-cancer ingredient in the food and/or pharmaceutical industry.