Size influences the cytotoxicity of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles

The aim of this study is to uncover the size influence of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles on their potential cytotoxicity. PLGA and TiO₂ nanoparticles of three different sizes were thoroughly characterized before in vitro cytotoxic tests which included viability, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial depolarization, integrity of plasma membrane, intracellular calcium influx and cytokine release. Size-dependent cytotoxic effect was observed in both RAW264.7 cells and BEAS-2B cells after cells were incubated with PLGA or TiO₂ nanoparticles for 24 h. Although PLGA nanoparticles did not trigger significantly lethal toxicity up to a concentration of 300 μg/ml, the TNF-α release after the stimulation of PLGA nanoparticles should not be ignored especially in clinical applications. Relatively more toxic TiO₂ nanoparticles triggered cell death, ROS generation, mitochondrial depolarization, plasma membrane damage, intracellular calcium concentration increase and size-dependent TNF-α release, especially at a concentration higher than 100 μg/ml. These cytotoxic effects could be due to the size-dependent interaction between nanoparticles and biomolecules, as smaller particles tend to adsorb more biomolecules. In summary, we demonstrated that the ability of protein adsorption could be an important paradigm to predict the in vitro cytotoxicity of nanoparticles, especially for low toxic nanomaterials such as PLGA and TiO₂ nanoparticles.     

Ellipticine induces apoptosis in human endometrial cancer cells: the potential involvement of reactive oxygen species and mitogen-activated protein kinases

Ellipticine, an alkaloid isolated from Apocyanaceae plants, has been shown to exhibit antitumor activity in several human malignant tissues including breast, thyroid, and ovarian cancers. The antitumor activity of ellipticine is thought to be primarily mediated by the induction of DNA damage through the inhibition of topoisomerase II and formation of DNA adducts. The human endometrium is known to express topoisomerase II. However, the apoptogenic activity of ellipticine and the mechanisms underlying its action have not been investigated in endometrial cancer cells. In the present study, exposure to ellipticine (1-10μM) was shown to induce apoptosis in RL95-2 human endometrial cancer cells. Ellipticine-induced cell death was associated with the accumulation of cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle and was accompanied by depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome c and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) from the mitochondrial membrane, and caspase activation. The production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was increased and sustained at high levels during ellipticine treatment. Subsequent to ROS accumulation, extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) were activated in ellipticine-treated cells. Release of AIF from the mitochondria appeared to be affected by caspases, ROS, and ERK. The present data show that the treatment of RL95-2 cells with ellipticine induces apoptosis, ellipticine-induced apoptosis is mediated by ROS and the activation of MAPKs, and release of AIF is involved in a caspase-independent pathway. These results demonstrate the potential of ellipticine as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of human endometrial cancers.     

Glaucocalyxin A induces apoptosis in human leukemia HL-60 cells through mitochondria-mediated death pathway

Glaucocalyxin A (GLA) is a biologically active ent-kauranoid diterpenoid isolated from Rabdosia japonica var. glaucocalyx, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, which has been shown to inhibit tumor cell proliferation. However, the mechanism underlying GLA-induced cytotoxicity remains unclear. In this study, we focused on the effect of GLA induction on apoptosis, the mitochondria-mediated death pathway and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human leukemia cells (HL-60). GLA could induce a dose-dependent apoptosis in HL-60 cells as characterized by cell morphology, DNA fragmentation, activation of caspase-3, -9 and an increased expression ratio of Bax/Bcl-2. The mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψ_m) loss and cytochrome c release from mitochondria to cytosol were observed during the induction. Moreover, GLA caused a time- and dose-dependent elevation of intracellular ROS level in HL-60 cells, and N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC, a well-known antioxidant) could block GLA-induced ROS generation and apoptosis. These data suggest that GLA induces apoptosis in HL-60 cells through ROS-dependent mitochondrial dysfunction pathway.     

Vitamin E protects against the mitochondrial damage caused by cyclosporin A in LLC-PK1 cells

Cyclosporin A (CsA) has nephrotoxic effects known to involve reactive oxygen species (ROS), since antioxidants prevent the kidney damage induced by this drug. Given that mitochondria are among the main sources of intracellular ROS, the aims of our study were to examine the mitochondrial effects of CsA in the porcine renal endothelial cell line LLC-PK1 and the influence of the antioxidant Vitamin E (Vit E).Following the treatment of LLC-PK1 cells with CsA, we assessed the mitochondrial synthesis of superoxide anion, permeability transition pore opening, mitochondrial membrane potential, cardiolipin peroxidation, cytochrome c release and cellular apoptosis, using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy procedures. Similar experiments were done after Vit E preincubation of cells.CsA treatment increased superoxide anion in a dose-dependent way. CsA opened the permeability transition pores, caused Bax migration to mitochondria, and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and cardiolipin content. Also CsA released cytochrome c into cytosol and provoked cellular apoptosis. Vit E pretreatment inhibited the effects that CsA induced on mitochondrial structure and function in LLC-PK1 cells and avoided apoptosis.CsA modifies mitochondrial LLC-PK1 cell physiology with loss of negative electrochemical gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane and increased lipid peroxidation. These features are related to apoptosis and can explain the cellular damage that CsA induces. As Vit E inhibited these effects, our results suggest that they were mediated by an increase in ROS production by mitochondria.     

Dioscin,a natural steroid saponin,induces apoptosis and DNA damage through reactive oxygen species: A potential new drug for treatment of glioblastoma multiforme

Dioscin, a natural product obtained from medicinal plants shows lipid-lowering, anti-cancer and hepatoprotective effects. However, the effect of it on glioblastoma is unclear. In this study, dioscin significantly inhibited proliferation of C6 glioma cells and caused reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and Ca²⁺ release. ROS accumulation affected levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, glutathione disulfide and glutathione, and caused cell apoptosis. In addition, ROS generation caused mitochondrial damage including structural changes, increased mitochondrial permeability transition and decreased mitochondria membrane potential, which led to the release of cytochrome C, nuclear translation of programmed cell death-5 and increased activities of caspase-3,9. Simultaneously, dioscin down-regulated protein expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, up-regulated expression of Bak, Bax, Bid and cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. Also, oxygen stress induced S-phase arrest of cancer cells by way of regulating expression of DNA Topo I, p53, CDK2 and Cyclin A and caused DNA damage. In a rat allograft model, dioscin significantly inhibited tumor size and extended the life cycle of the rats. In conclusion, dioscin shows noteworthy anti-cancer activity on glioblastoma cells by promoting ROS accumulation, inducing DNA damage and activating mitochondrial signal pathways. Ultimately, we believe dioscin has promise as a new therapy for the treatment of glioblastoma.     

Apigenin ameliorates hepatic lipid accumulation by activating the autophagy-mitochondria pathway

Apigenin, a flavonoid isolated from plants, provides protection against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, the mechanism by which apigenin decreases lipid accumulation in the liver is unclear. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism underlying the beneficial effect of apigenin on the hepatic deregulation of lipid metabolism. Oleic acid (OA)-induced lipid accumulation in human hepatoma cells (Huh7 cells) was used as an in vitro model. Western blot analysis was used for evaluating protein expression. Oil red O staining, Nile red staining, and conventional assay kits were used to assess the level of lipids. Immunocytochemistry was performed to observe mitochondrial morphology. Seahorse XF analyzer was used to measure mitochondrial bioenergetics. Treatment with OA induced lipid accumulation in Huh7 cells, which was attenuated by apigenin. Mechanistically, treatment with apigenin increased the expression of autophagy-related proteins including Beclin1, autophagy related gene 5 (ATG5), ATG7, and LC3II, and the formation of autophagolysosomes, leading to an increase in intracellular levels of fatty acids. Inhibition of autophagy by bafilomycin A1 or chloroquine abolished the protection of apigenin in OA-induced lipid accumulation. Apigenin up-regulated the protein expression related to the β-oxidation pathway including acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 1, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1α, acyl-CoA oxidase 1, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) α, and PPARγ coactivator 1-α. Moreover, apigenin increased the mitochondrial network structure and mitochondrial function by increasing the protein expression related to the process of mitochondria fusion and mitochondrial function. Collectively, our findings suggest that apigenin ameliorates hepatic lipid accumulation by activating the autophagy-mitochondrial pathway.     

γ-Tocotrienol induces apoptosis in human T cell lymphoma through activation of both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways

Tocotrienols are members of vitamin E family and possess broad biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects. In the present study, we examine the potential of α-tocotrienol (AT) and γ-tocotrienol (GT) in inhibiting the proliferation of human T cell lymphoma Jurkat cells and elucidate the pathways involved in anti tumor effects of GT. GT but not AT inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in Jurkat cells in a dose dependent manner. GT treatment resulted in elevated mitochondrial ROS production, activation of JNK and suppression of ERK and p38 MAPK. GT also induced calcium release, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome c release from the mitochondria. These changes were accompanied by increase in Bax expression with a concomitant decrease in Bcl-xl expression suggesting activation of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. GT induced increase in mitochondrial ROS was abrogated by catalase. Besides, GT also up-regulated surface expression of Fas and FasL on Jurkat cells. Further, caspase activation and PARP degradation were also seen in cells treated with GT. Inhibitors of caspase-8 and caspase-9 significantly abrogated GT mediated apoptosis. In contrast GT was not toxic to normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells suggesting differential cytotoxicity towards normal lymphocytes and transformed lymphoma cells. Cellular uptake studies with tocotrienols showed higher intracellular accumulation of GT as compared to AT which may be responsible for its better antitumor activity. Our results show antitumor effects of GT in human lymphoma cells via increased mitochondrial ROS generation and activation of both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways.     

Alterations of mitochondrial DNA in common diseases and disease states: aging, neurodegeneration, heart failure, diabetes, and cancer

It has long been considered that mitochondrial DNA disease is a rare genetic disorder causing neuromyopathy. However, alterations of mitochondrial DNA recently have been recognized to play an important role in the pathogenesis of so-called common diseases such as heart failure, diabetes, and cancer. Although some of these alterations are inherited, more and more attention is being focused on the accumulation of mitochondrial DNA mutations in somatic cells, particularly terminally differentiated cells such as cardiomyocytes and neurons that occurs with age. Mitochondrial DNA is more vulnerable to alteration than nuclear DNA, mainly for two reasons. First, mitochondria are a major source of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore mitochondrial DNA is under much stronger oxidative stress than is nuclear DNA. Second, mitochondria have a matrix-side negative membrane potential for oxidative phosphorylation. This membrane potential concentrates lipophilic cations inside mitochondria up to approximately 1,000-fold. Unfortunately, some therapeutic reagents are lipophilic cations, and such exogenously added chemicals are prone to damage mitochondria. AZT, an anti-HIV drug, causes mitochondrial myopathy as a side effect, which is a typical example of how chemotherapeutics adversely affect metabolism of mitochondrial DNA. In this review, we focus on ROS and chemical damage of mitochondrial DNA in common diseases.     

Ascorbic acid induces Ca~(2+)-dependent necrosis mediated by reactive oxygen species in colorectal cancer cells

OBJECTIVE Ascorbic acid(AA), commonly known as vitamin C, is a small molecular widely distributed in in food and traditional herbs. Recently, there are some literatures reported that high concentration AA could selectively kill the cancer cells but not the normal cells. This study was designed to explore the underlying mechanisms. METHODS Colorectal cancer line cells were cultured and treated with AA. The cytotoxic, intracellular ATP level, reactive oxygen species, calcium, were determined with commercial kits and fluorescent probes. RESULTS High concentration of AA induced cell death in HCT116 and HT29 colorectal cancer cells in concentration-and time-dependent manner. AA treatment induced ATP decrease, LDH release, cell swollen and loss of plasma membrane integrity. Pharmacological inhibitors for apoptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis and oncosis showed no effect on AA-induced cell death. Furthermore, ROS level increase and intracellular calcium(Ca~(2+) ) accumulation were observed after AA treatment. ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine(NAC), intracellular calcium chelator BAPTA-AM and intracellular calcium inhibitor 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate(2-APB) could attenuate the cell death induced by AA. NAC could attenuate both ROS increase and intracellular Ca~(2+) accumulation induced by AA, while BAPTA-AM could only attenuate intracellular Ca~(2+) accumulation. In addition, high concentration AA induced mitochondrial damage and mitochondrial ROS generation. CONCLUSION AA induces Ca~(2+) -dependent programed necrosis mediated by ROS. Our study provided new insights into high concentration AA induced cell death in human colon cancer cells.     

The protective effects of hydroxytyrosol against ortho-phenylphenol-induced DNA damage in HepG2 cells

Ortho-phenylphenol (OPP) has been found to cause carcinomas in the urinary tract of rats. Since OPP is a potent genotoxic compound, and used as fungicides and antibacterial agents in fruits and fruit products, search for newer, better agents for protection against toxicity of OPP is required. In this study, the chemoprotective effect of hydroxytyrosol (HT) against OPP-induced DNA damage in HepG2 cells was investigated. Comet assay was used to detect the DNA damage induced by OPP. To elucidate the possible mechanisms, we tested lysosomal membrane stability, mitochondrial membrane potential, intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and reduced glutathione (GSH). Results showed that HT significantly reduced the DNA strand breaks caused by OPP. Moreover, HT effectively suppressed OPP-induced ROS formation, and increased the GSH level. Lysosomal membrane and mitochondrial membrane were also protected when cells were pretreated with HT. These results suggested that the disruption of lysosomal membrane integrity and the oxidative stress, leading to DNA fragmentation, may be the mechanism of DNA damage induced by OPP. The antioxidant activity of HT may play an important part in attenuating the DNA damage of OPP.     

Protoapigenone,a natural derivative of apigenin,induces mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent apoptosis in human breast cancer cells associated with induction of oxidative stress and inhibition of glutathione S-transferase π

Protoapigenone, a natural derivative of the flavonoid apigenin, has been shown to exhibit potent antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo; the precise mechanism of action, however, is not fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated and compared the mechanisms by which protoapigenone and apigenin caused cell death in the human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that protoapigenone induced apoptosis with 10-fold greater potency than apigenin. Cancer cells treated with protoapigenone resulted in persistent activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) ERK, JNK, and p38, hyperphosphorylation of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). The MAPK inhibitors effectively prevented the loss of MMP and apoptosis induced by protoapigenone. Treatment of cells with protoapigenone led to increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased levels of intracellular glutathione. The thiol-antioxidant N-acetylcysteine abolished protoapigenone-induced MAPK activation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis. These results suggest that the induction of oxidative stress preceding the activation of MAPK is required to initiate the mitochondria-mediated apoptosis induced by protoapigenone. Additionally, protoapigenone-induced JNK activation was linked to thiol modification of glutathione S-transferase π (GSTpi), which impeded GSTpi inhibition of JNK. In contrast to protoapigenone, apigenin-induced apoptosis was neither dependent on ROS nor on MAPK. Structure-activity relationship studies suggested that the thiol reacting effect of protoapigenone might be associated with an α, β-unsaturated ketone moiety in the structure of ring B.     

The protective effects of hydroxytyrosol against ortho-phenylphenol-induced DNA damage in HepG2 cells

Ortho-phenylphenol (OPP) has been found to cause carcinomas in the urinary tract of rats. Since OPP is a potent genotoxic compound, and used as fungicides and antibacterial agents in fruits and fruit products, search for newer, better agents for protection against toxicity of OPP is required. In this study, the chemoprotective effect of hydroxytyrosol (HT) against OPP-induced DNA damage in HepG2 cells was investigated. Comet assay was used to detect the DNA damage induced by OPP. To elucidate the possible mechanisms, we tested lysosomal membrane stability, mitochondrial membrane potential, intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and reduced glutathione (GSH). Results showed that HT significantly reduced the DNA strand breaks caused by OPP. Moreover, HT effectively suppressed OPP-induced ROS formation, and increased the GSH level. Lysosomal membrane and mitochondrial membrane were also protected when cells were pretreated with HT. These results suggested that the disruption of lysosomal membrane integrity and the oxidative stress, leading to DNA fragmentation, may be the mechanism of DNA damage induced by OPP. The antioxidant activity of HT may play an important part in attenuating the DNA damage of OPP.     

DC-81-Indole conjugate agent induces mitochondria mediated apoptosis in human melanoma A375 cells

DC-81, an antitumor antibiotic produced by the Streptomyces species, belongs to pyrrolo[2,1-c] [1,4]benzodiazepine (PBD), which are potent inhibitors of nucleic acid synthesis. We previously reported an efficient synthesis of PBD hybrids linked with indole carboxylates. This is the first demonstration on the mechanism of the anticancer effect of PBD hybrid (IN6CPBD) agent on human melanoma A375 cells. IN6CPBD-treated cells exhibited higher cytotoxicity than DC-81 and displayed several features of apoptosis, including an increase in the sub-G1 population, a significantly increased annexin V binding, a degradation of caspase-3, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage. Because degradative changes associated with apoptosis are often preceded by the disruption of mitochondrial function, the assessment of mitochondrial function in IN6CPBD-treated cells is worthy of investigation. Our data revealed that treatment of A375 cells with IN6CPBD resulted in the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsimt), a decrease in intracellular pH (pHi), a reduction of ATP synthesis, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and cytochrome c release. Collectively, our studies indicate that IN6CPBD induces apoptosis in A375 cells through a mitochondrial dysfunction pathway, leading to caspase-3 substrate PARP cleavage and subsequent apoptotic cell death.     

Cinnamomum cassia essential oil and its major constituent cinnamaldehyde induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human oral squamous cell carcinoma HSC‐3 cells

Cinnamomum cassia essential oil (CC‐EO) has various functional properties, such as anti‐microbial, hypouricemic, anti‐tyrosinase and anti‐melanogenesis activities. The present study aimed to evaluate the anti‐cancer activities of CC‐EO and its major constituent, cinnamaldehyde, in human oral squamous cell carcinoma HSC‐3 cells. Determination of the cell viability, apoptotic characteristics, DNA damage, cell cycle analysis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial membrane potential, cytosolic Ca²⁺ level and intracellular redox status were performed. Our results demonstrated that CC‐EO and cinnamaldehyde significantly decreased cell viability and caused morphological changes. The cell cycle analysis revealed that CC‐EO and cinnamaldehyde induced G2/M cell cycle arrest in HSC‐3 cells. The apoptotic characteristics (DNA laddering and chromatin condensation) and DNA damage were observed in the CC‐EO‐treated and cinnamaldehyde‐treated HSC‐3 cells. Moreover, CC‐EO and cinnamaldehyde promoted an increase in cytosolic Ca²⁺ levels, induced mitochondrial dysfunction and activated cytochrome c release. The results of ROS production and intracellular redox status demonstrated that CC‐EO and cinnamaldehyde significantly increased the ROS production and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels, and the cellular glutathione content and glutathione peroxidase activity were significantly reduced in HSC‐3 cells. Our results suggest that CC‐EO and cinnamaldehyde may possess anti‐oral cancer activity in HSC‐3 cells. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 456–468, 2017.     

Mitochondria-targeted peptide prevents mitochondrial depolarization and apoptosis induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide in neuronal cell lines

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial oxidative damage have been implicated in aging and many common diseases. Mitochondria are a primary source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cell, and are particularly susceptible to oxidative damage. Oxidative damage to mitochondria results in mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT), mitochondrial depolarization, further ROS production, swelling, and release of cytochrome c (cyt c). Cytosolic cyt c triggers apoptosis by activating the caspase cascade. In the present work, we examined the ability of a novel cell-penetrating, mitochondria-targeted peptide antioxidant in protecting against oxidant-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in two neuronal cell lines. Treatment with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP) for 24 h resulted in lipid peroxidation and significant cell death via apoptosis in both N₂A and SH-SY5Y cells, with phosphatidylserine translocation, nuclear condensation and increased caspase activity. Cells treated with tBHP showed significant increase in intracellular ROS, mitochondrial depolarization and reduced mitochondrial viability. Concurrent treatment with <1 nM SS-31 (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂; Dmt = 2′,6′-dimethyltyrosine) significantly decreased intracellular ROS, increased mitochondrial potential, and prevented tBHP-induced apoptosis. The remarkable potency of SS-31 can be explained by its extensive cellular uptake and selective partitioning into mitochondria. Intracellular concentrations of [³H]SS-31 were 6-fold higher than extracellular concentrations. Studies using isolated mitochondria revealed that [³H]SS-31 was concentrated ∼5000-fold in the mitochondrial pellet. By concentrating in the inner mitochondrial membrane, SS-31 is localized to the site of ROS production, and can therefore protect against mitochondrial oxidative damage and further ROS production. SS-31 represents a novel platform of mitochondria-targeted antioxidants with broad therapeutic potential.     

Reactive oxygen species accumulation contributes to gambogic acid-induced apoptosis in human hepatoma SMMC-7721 cells

It is reported that gambogic acid (GA), the main active compound of gamboge which is a dry resin extracted from Garcinia hanburyi tree, has potent antitumor activity both in vivo and in vitro. Activation of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in cancer cells is one effective therapy for cancer treatment. In the present study, we focus on the effect of GA on induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and triggering the mitochondrial signaling pathway in human hepatoma SMMC-7721 cells. The results indicated that GA induced ROS accumulation and collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential in SMMC-7721 cells in a concentration-dependent manner and subsequently induced that release of Cytochrome c and apoptosis-inducing factor from mitochondria to cytosol, which inhibited ATP generation and induced apoptosis in the cells. Moreover, GA elevated the phosphorylation of c-Jun-N-terminal protein kinase (JNK) and p38, which was the downstream effect of ROS accumulation. Furthermore, N-acetylcysteine, a ROS production inhibitor, partly reversed the activation of JNK and p38 and the induction of apoptosis in GA-treated cells. Collectively, our study demonstrated that accumulation of ROS played an important role in GA-induced mitochondrial signaling pathway, which provided further theoretical support for the application of GA as a promising anticancer agent.     

Poly (lactide-co-glycolide) acid nanoencapsulation of a synthetic coumarin: cytotoxicity and bio-distribution in mice, in cancer cell line and interaction with calf thymus DNA as target

Several naturally occurring coumarin compounds, including scopoletin (7 hydroxy-6 methoxycoumarin), of plant origin have been reported to have anti-cancer potentials. A related but chemically synthesized coumarin, 4-methyl-7-hydroxy coumarin (SC), was also shown to have similar anti-cancer potentials. In the present study, to test if nano-encapsulated SC could be a more potent anti-cancer agent, we encapsulated SC with poly lactide-co-glycolide acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (Nano Coumarin; NC) and tested its potentials with a variety of protocols. NC demonstrated greater efficiency of drug uptake and showed anti-cancer potentials in melanoma cell line A375, as revealed from scanning electronic and atomic force microscopies. To test its possible interaction with target DNA, the combined data of circular dichroism spectra (CD) and melting temperature profile (T_m) of calf thymus DNA treated with NC were analyzed. Results indicated a concentration dependent interaction of NC with calf thymus DNA, bringing in effective change in structure and conformation, and forming a new complex that increased its stability. Particle size and morphology of NC determined through polydispersity index and zeta potential using dynamic light scattering qualified NC to be a more potent anti-cancer agent than SC. Further, SC and NC showed negligible cytotoxic effects on normal skin cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells of mice. Distribution assay of PLGA nanoparticles in different tissues like brain, heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, and spleen in mice revealed the presence of nanoparticles in different tissues including brain, indicating that the particles could cross the blood brain barrier, significant information for drug design.     

松果菊苷对TNFα诱导的SH-SY5Y细胞凋亡的保护作用

目的　探讨肉苁蓉提取物松果菊苷对TNFα诱导的SH SY5Y细胞凋亡的保护作用。方法　用MTT法检测细胞存活率,DNA琼脂糖凝胶电泳和流式细胞仪检测细胞凋亡的发生,以激光共聚焦显微镜荧光染色法检测细胞内活性氧的产生和线粒体膜电位的变化,并用荧光酶标仪测定caspase 3的活性。结果　100μg·L-1 TNFα处理细胞 36h显著降低细胞的存活率;诱导细胞发生凋亡,凋亡率达37%;细胞内活性氧水平及caspase 3的活性升高;而线粒体膜电位却明显降低,红 /绿荧光强度的比值由正常的 5 97降低为 0 35左右。而预先给予 1, 10或者 100mg·L-1浓度的松果菊苷处理细胞 2h,可提高细胞存活率;并可有效抑制DNAladder的发生;流式细胞仪检测凋亡率分别降低到25 9%, 18 3% 和 8 2%;激光共聚焦显微镜结果显示松果菊苷可明显抑制细胞内活性氧产生;并可逐渐恢复线粒体的高能量状态;caspase 3的活性不断降低,并呈现了一定的剂量依赖性。结论　松果菊苷能抑制TNFα诱导的SH SY5Y细胞凋亡,其神经细胞保护作用可能与降低细胞内活性氧水平,抑制caspase 3的活性和维持线粒体膜电位的高能状态有关。     

Glycyrrhizic acid modulates t-BHP induced apoptosis in primary rat hepatocytes

Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) is the main bioactive ingredient of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). The object of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of GA on tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) induced oxidative injury leading to apoptosis in cultured primary rat hepatocytes. Throughout the study silymarin was used as positive control. Molecular mechanisms involved in apoptotic pathways induced in hepatocytes by t-BHP at 250 μM were explored in detail. DNA fragmentation, activation of caspases and cytochrome c release were demonstrated. In addition, changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential and ROS generation were detected confirming involvement of mitochondrial pathway. Pre-treatment with GA (4 μg) protected the hepatocytes against t-BHP induced oxidative injury and the results were comparable to the pre-treatment with positive control, i.e. silymarin. The protective potential against cell death was achieved mainly by preventing intracellular GSH depletion, decrease in ROS formation as well as inhibition of mitochondrial membrane depolarization. GA was found to modulate critical end points of oxidative stress induced apoptosis and could be beneficial against liver diseases where oxidative stress is known to play a crucial role.