Gamma Tocopherol Upregulates the Expression of 15-S-HETE and Induces Growth Arrest Through a PPAR Gamma-Dependent Mechanism in PC-3 Human Prostate Cancer Cells

Chronic inflammation and dietary fat consumption correlates with an increase in prostate cancer. Our previous studies in the colon have demonstrated that γ-tocopherol treatment could upregulate the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated preceptors (PPAR) γ, a nuclear receptor involved in fatty acid metabolism as well modulation of cell proliferation and differentiation. In this study, we explored the possibility that γ-tocopherol could induce growth arrest in PC-3 prostate cancer cells through the regulation of fatty acid metabolism. Growth arrest (40%) and PPAR γ mRNA and protein upregulation was achieved with γ-tocopherol within 6 h. γ-Tocopherol-mediated growth arrest was demonstrated to be PPAR γ dependent using the agonist GW9662 and a PPAR γ dominant negative vector. γ-tocopherol was shown not to be a direct PPAR γ ligand, but rather 15-S-HETE (an endogenous PPAR γ ligand) was upregulated by γ-tocopherol treatment. 15-Lipoxygenase-2, a tumor suppressor and the enzyme that converts arachidonic acid to 15-S-HETE, was upregulated at 3 h following γ-tocopherol treatment. Expression of proteins downstream of the PPAR γ pathway were examined. Cyclin D1, cyclin D3, bcl-2, and NFκ B proteins were found to be downregulated following γ-tocopherol treatment. These data demonstrate that the growth arrest mediated by γ-tocopherol follows a PPAR-γ-dependent mechanism.     

Fruit Peel Polyphenolic Extract-Induced Apoptosis in Human Breast Cancer Cells Is Associated with ROS Production and Modulation of p38MAPK/Erk1/2 and the Akt Signaling Pathway

Polyphenols represent a large group of natural substances with different biological properties. Currently, polyphenols are well studied due to their free radicals' scavenging and antioxidant activities. However, some studies indicate that polyphenols also exhibit pro-oxidant properties. In this study, the possible involvement of the pro-oxidant activities of fruit polyphenols was investigated in relation to apoptosis induction. To determine the type of cell death induced by fruit polyphenols (Flavine; F7), we assessed a series of assays, including measurements of caspase-7 activation, membrane mitochondrial potential changes, reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen species production, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes activities, and PARP cleavage. Moreover, the effect of F7 on selected pro- and antisurvival signaling pathways was determined. We demonstrated that fruit polyphenols induced caspase-dependent cell death associated with increased oxidative stress. We also showed fruit polyphenol-mediated release of mitochondrial pro- and antiapoptotic proteins of the Bcl-2 family and modulation activity of the Akt, p38 MAPK, and Erk 1/2 pathways as well as the signaling of ROS-mediated DNA damage. Our data demonstrated that fruit peel polyphenols suppressed breast cancer cell growth through increased intracellular oxidative stress and the activation of p38 MAPK and de-activation of the Erk 1/2 and Akt signaling pathways.     

Hesperetin Induces Apoptosis in Human Glioblastoma Cells via p38 MAPK Activation

Abstract

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive form of malignant brain tumor, with poor prognosis and a lack of effective treatment. Hesperetin, a natural product found in citrus fruits, displayed bioactivities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer, while its effects on GBM cells were largely unknown. Here, we explored the anticancer effect of hesperetin on human GBM cells in vitro, as well as the underlying signaling mechanisms. By CCK-8 assay and live/dead assay, hesperetin presented significant inhibitory effect on human GBM U-251 and U-87 cell viability. By DAPI staining and Annexin V-FITC/PI assay, apoptotic death was proved to contribute to the cell viability reduction, and it was verified by the increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in western blotting results. Furthermore, by cell cycle analysis and western blotting for cyclin B1, CDK1, and p21, hesperetin was found to induce cell-cycle arrest at G2/M phase. For signaling mechanism, the western blotting results showed elevated p38 MAPK activation, and the reduced Bcl-2 and enhanced Bax upon hesperetin treatment were partly reversed by p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580. In summary, we have discovered hesperetin as a natural product candidate for the treatment of GBM, and that it could induce GBM cell apoptosis via p38 MAPK activation.     

Resveratrol Induces Autophagy and Apoptosis in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells by Activating the NGFR-AMPK-mTOR Pathway

Resveratrol (RSV) has been reported to induce autophagy and apoptosis in non-small-cell lung cancer A549 cells, and the nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) regulates autophagy and apoptosis in many other cells. However, the effect of NGFR on autophagy and apoptosis induced by RSV in A549 cells remains unclear. Here, we found that RSV reduced the cell survival rate in time- and concentration-dependent manners, activating autophagy and apoptosis. Lethal autophagy was triggered by RSV higher than 55 μM. The relationship between autophagy and apoptosis depended on the type of autophagy. Specifically, mutual promotion was observed between apoptosis and lethal autophagy. Conversely, cytoprotective autophagy facilitated apoptosis but was unaffected by apoptosis. RSV enhanced NGFR by increasing mRNA expression and prolonging the lifespan of NGFR mRNA and proteins. RSV antagonized the enhanced autophagy and apoptosis caused by NGFR knockdown. As the downstream pathway of NGFR, AMPK-mTOR played a positive role in RSV-induced autophagy and apoptosis. Overall, RSV-induced autophagy and apoptosis in A549 cells are regulated by the NGFR-AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway.     

异黄酮类化合物对前列腺癌细胞PC-3增殖的抑制

[目的 ]通过观察金雀异黄素 (genistein ,GS)、大豆苷元 (daidzein ,DA)和大豆黄素 (glycitein ,GL)对前列腺癌细胞 (PC 3 )增殖的影响 ,探讨通过膳食干预途径预防前列腺癌发病的可行性。 [方法 ]将PC 3在PRMI 164 0培养液 (含10 %小牛血清 )中采用开放式单层贴壁培养。实验设溶剂对照组、顺铂阳性对照组及三种受试物各三个剂量组 (5× 10 -6mol/L ,2 5× 10 -6mol/L ,75× 10 -6mol/L) ,采用MTT法、3 H TdR掺入法及流式细胞术对PC 3的增殖情况进行分析。 [结果 ]与溶剂对照组相比 ,2 5 μmol/LGS、75 μmol/LDA和 75 μmol/LGL对PC 3处理 72h可抑制PC 3增殖 ,抑制率分别为42 %、5 0 %及 3 9%。三种受试物均可抑制细胞DNA合成并推进G0 /G1期细胞进入S期 ,降低细胞增殖指数。 [结论 ]大豆异黄酮类化合物GS、DA和GL均具有明显抑制前列腺癌细胞PC 3增殖效应 ,并呈现剂量 效应和时间 效应关系 ,提示通过膳食干预方式可预防前列腺癌的发生     

Ampelopsin Induces DR5-Mediated Apoptotic Cell Death in EBV-Infected Cells through the p38 Pathway

Abstract

Ampelopsin (AMP) is a well-known flavonoid that exerts a number of biological and pharmacological effects including anticancer effects against several cancer cell lines. In this study, we investigated the anticancer activity of AMP against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive cells and its mechanism of action. Our results showed that AMP dose-dependently inhibited cell viability and induced apoptotic cell death in EBV-positive cells without cytotoxicity in EBV-negative cells. In particular, AMP induced caspase-8 dependent apoptosis via upregulation of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and death receptor (DR5). Knockdown of DR5 by RNA interference blocked AMP-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, AMP dose-dependently activated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in EBV-positive cells. Additionally, SB203580 (a p38-MAPK inhibitor) effectively inhibited apoptotic cell death. These results demonstrate that treatment with AMP induces the apoptosis of EBV-positive cells through upregulation of TRAIL/DR5 and activation of p38 signaling. Therefore, these results provide experimental information for developing AMP as a new therapeutic drug against EBV-positive cancer.     

Origanum Vulgare Induces Apoptosis in Human Colon Cancer Caco2 Cells

Oregano spice is widely used in the Mediterranean diet, which is associated with a low risk for colon cancer. Although the medicinal benefits of oregano, such as the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities, are well known; nonetheless, only few data are available on its effect in cancer prevention, especially concerning the mechanism of action. Here, we investigated the effect of Origanum vulgare ethanolic extracts on redox balance, cell proliferation, and cell death in colon adenocarcinoma Caco2 cells. Oregano extract leads to growth arrest and cell death in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Changes in glutathione content, as well as the increase in its oxidized form, may be involved in oregano-triggered death. Both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways appear to be activated by spice extract. Our findings suggest that oregano amounts found in the Mediterranean diet can exert proapoptotic effects, which are selective for cancer cells. Moreover, whole extract, instead of a specific component, can be responsible for the observed cytotoxic effects.     

Antiproliferative Effects of Red and White Wine Extracts in PC-3 Prostate Cancer Cells

Experimental and epidemiological studies have shown that antioxidant polyphenols can act as chemopreventive agents against prostate cancer. Cabernet Sauvignon and Rombola wine were extracted in order to obtain fractions containing different classes of compounds. All extracts inhibited the androgen-insensitive human prostate cancer cells (PC-3) proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. The most potent compounds were selected to be further tested.Treatment of PC-3 cells with the selected wine extracts marginally increased the cell distribution in S phase, while producing a remarkable induction of autophagy. Finally, the levels of glutathione along with the concentration of hydrogen peroxide and nitrogen oxide were modulated in the treated cells. Herein, we show that red and wine extracts have direct effects on the proliferation, survival, oxidative status, and the induction of autophagy of PC-3 cells. Our data may have important implications for the design of a more effective adjuvant treatment for prostate cancer patients.     

Hydroxytyrosol Induces Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest and Suppresses Multiple Oncogenic Signaling Pathways in Prostate Cancer Cells

Scope: Hydroxytyrosol (HT), a polyphenol from olives, is a potential anticancer agent. This study was designed to evaluate the anticancer activity of HT against prostate cancer cells, and the mechanism thereof. Methods and Results: Treatment of LNCaP and C4-2 prostate cancer cells with HT resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of proliferation. This was in contrast to HT's ineffectiveness against normal prostate epithelial cells RWPE1 and PWLE2, suggesting cancer-cell-specific effect. HT induced G1/S cell cycle arrest, with inhibition of cyclins D1/E and cdk2/4 and induction of inhibitory p21/p27. HT also induced apoptosis, as confirmed by flow cytometry, caspase activation, PARP cleavage, and BAX/Bcl-2 ratio. It inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt/STAT3, and induced cytoplasmic retention of NF-κB, which may explain its observed effects. Finally, HT inhibited androgen receptor (AR) expression and the secretion of AR-responsive prostate-specific antigen. Conclusion: Castration-resistant prostate cancers retain AR signaling and are often marked by activated Akt, NF-κB, and STAT3 signaling. Our results establish a pleiotropic activity of HT against these oncogenic signaling pathways. Combined with its nontoxic effects against normal cells, our results support further testing of HT for prostate cancer therapy.     

2,4-bis (p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal (HPB242) Induces Apoptosis via Modulating E7 Expression and Inhibition of PI3K/Akt Pathway in SiHa Human Cervical Cancer Cells

The Maillard reaction is a chemical reaction occurring between an amino acid and a reducing sugar, usually requiring thermal processing. Maillard reaction products (MRPs) have antioxidant, antimutagenic, and antibacterial effects, and although 2,4-bis (p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal (HPB242), a fructose-tyrosine MRP, appears to inhibit proliferation of cancer cells, its mechanism of action has not been studied in detail. We found that HPB242 treatment modulated expression of cyclins and tumor suppressor genes in SiHa human cervical cancer cell lines: cyclins and phospho-pRB were downregulated, whereas the expression of CDK inhibitors and p53 was enhanced. HPB242 induced apoptosis dose-dependently by suppressing E7 expression and leading to sub-G1 cell-cycle arrest in SiHa cell lines; treatment also led to the proteolytic cleavage of caspase-3, -9, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. Moreover, HPB242 upregulated Fas expression, altered expressions of pro- and antiapoptotic factors, and also inhibited nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB and phosphorylation of IκB. HPB242 treatment decreased phosphatidyl inositol-3 kinase and p-Akt expression levels, demonstrating that this survival pathway may also be inhibited by HPB242. Cumulatively, HPB242 promotes apoptosis by influencing E7 expression, inducing cell-cycle arrest at sub-G1 phase, and promoting both intrinsic (mitochondrial) and extrinsic (Fas-dependent) apoptosis in SiHa human cervical cancer cells.     

Parkia javanica Extract Induces Apoptosis in S-180 Cells via the Intrinsic Pathway of Apoptosis

Parkia javanica is a leguminous tree, various parts of which are used as food and folklore medicine by the ethnic groups of northeastern India. The present study investigates the in vitro and in vivo anticancer effect of aqueous methanol extract of P. javanica fruit (PJE). HPLC analysis was done to establish the fingerprint chromatogram of PJE and its in vitro radical scavenging activity was measured. PJE caused significant cytotoxicity in sarcoma-180 (S-180), A549, AGS, and MDA-MB435S cancer cells in vitro. Exploration of the mechanistic details in S-180 cells suggested that the reduced cell viability was mediated by induction of apoptosis. Increased expression of proapoptotic proteins such as p53, p21, Bax/Bcl2, cytochrome c (Cyt c), caspase 9, and cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, and decrease in proliferative and antiapoptotic markers (Ki-67, Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen [PCNA], Bcl-2) validated the anticancer effect of PJE. A decline in the relative fluorescence emission upon staining S-180 cells with Rhodamine 123 (Rh 123), enhanced expression of cytosolic Cyt c and mitochondrial Bax, and inhibition of apoptosis in the presence of caspase-9 inhibitor in PJE-treated cells indicated intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Liver function test and hepatic antioxidant enzymes demonstrated non-toxicity of PJE. Finally, the detection of PJE in sera by HPLC confirmed its bioavailability.     

Terpenoids Isolated From the Shoot of Plectranthus hadiensis Induces Apoptosis in Human Colon Cancer Cells Via the Mitochondria-Dependent Pathway

The plant Plectranthus hadiensis is a rich source of many bioactive phytochemicals, especially terpenoids. The terpenoid fraction was isolated and phytochemical characterization was done using GC-MS. The aim of the present study was to find out the antiproliferative activity and the mechanism of cell death induction by the terpenoid fraction on human colon cancer cells (HCT-15). MTT assay was performed with different concentrations of the fraction (10, 20, and 50 µg/mL) to obtain IC50 value for 24 h to induce cell death. The induction of apoptosis were studied by Hoechst staining, acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining, Comet assay, DNA fragmentation, and caspase-3 activity assays. The mechanism of apoptosis induction was studied by expression analysis of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and proapoptotic Bax using RT-PCR and also by Western blot analysis of proteins involved in the apoptotic pathway. The terpenoid fraction induced significant morphological changes and DNA fragmentation in the cells. Positive Hoechst staining and acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining indicated apoptosis induction by the fraction. DNA fragmentation, which is a characteristic feature of apoptosis, was also observed. Upregulation of caspase-3 activity and proapoptotic Bax, and the downregulation of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and COX-2 confirmed that the apoptosis induction was via the mitochondria-dependent pathway.     

Unique Formosan Mushroom Antrodia camphorata Differentially Inhibits Androgen-Responsive LNCaP and -Independent PC-3 Prostate Cancer Cells

Antrodia camphorata (AC), a precious and unique folkloric medicinal mushroom enriched in polyphenolics, isoflavonoids, triterpenoids, and polysaccharides, has been diversely used in Formosa (Taiwan) since the 18th century. In this study, prostate cancer (PCa) cell lines PC-3 (androgen independent) and LNCaP (androgen responsive) were treated with AC crude extract (ACCE) at 50–200 μ g/mL, respectively, for 48 h. At the minimum effective dose 150 μ g/mL, LNCaP showed a G ₁ /S phase arrest with significant apoptosis. Such dose-dependent behavior of LNCaP cells in response to ACCE was confirmed to proceed as Akt → p53→ p21→ CDK4/cyclin D1→ G ₁ /S-phase arrest→ apoptosis, which involved inhibiting cyclin D1 activity and preventing pRb phosphorylation. In contrast, being without p53, PC-3 cells showed a G ₂ /M-phase arrest mediated through pathway p21→ cyclin B1/Cdc2→ G ₂ /M-phase arrest, however, with limited degree of apoptosis, implicating that ACCE is able to differentially inhibit the growth of different PCa cells by modulating different cell cycle signaling pathways. We conclude that this unique Formosan mushroom, A. camphorata, due to its nontoxicity, might be used as a good adjuvant anticancer therapy for prostate cancers despite its androgen-responsive behaviors, which has long been a serious drawback often encountered clinically in hormonal refractory cases treated by antihormonal therapies and chemotherapeutics.     

Fatty Acid Synthase Regulates Proliferation and Migration of Colorectal Cancer Cells Via HER2-PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway

Recent evidence suggests that fatty acid synthase mediating de novo fatty acid synthesis plays a crucial role in the carcinogenesis process of various cancers. Moreover, HER2 and related PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which links intimately with cellular metabolism, influence cancer biological behavior. However, it remains unknown whether malignant phenotype of colorectal cancer cells is regulated by the HER2-PI3K/Akt-FASN signaling pathway. In this study, Caco-2 cells were selected for functional characterization, and treated with ZSTK474, followed by RT-qPCR and Western blot assays examining PI3K, Akt, HER2, and FASN expression. The MTT and colony formation assays were used to assess proliferation. The migration was investigated by transwell, apoptosis, and cell-cycle analysis. We found that the blockade of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by ZSTK474 treatment led to downregulation of PI3K, Akt, HER2, and FASN expression. The proliferation was decreased upon treatment which was consistent with an increased percentage of G(1) arrested cells instead of apoptosis. The migration of Caco-2 cells was also impaired by ZSTK474 treatment. Inhibition of HER2-PI3K/Akt signaling pathway suppresses FASN expression of Caco-2 cells, and inhibition of FASN expression changes malignant phenotype of Caco-2 cells.     

铝致大鼠海马神经细胞凋亡及对Bcl-2和Bax表达的影响

[目的]探讨铝对大鼠海马神经细胞凋亡及Bcl-2、Bax表达的影响。[方法]健康雄性SD大鼠40只,按体重随机分为4组:生理盐水组(对照组)、Al3+2.5mg/kg组、Al3+5mg/kg组、Al3+10mg/kg组。AlCl3溶液腹腔注射染毒,60d后处死,用TUNEL法检测细胞凋亡,免疫组化法测Bcl-2、Bax的表达,并用图像分析系统进行结果分析。[结果]随着染铝剂量的增高,大鼠海马神经细胞凋亡指数升高,存在剂量-效应关系(P<0.05)。各染铝组Bcl-2表达下降,Bax表达显著升高,Bcl-2/Bax逐渐下降,存在剂量-效应关系(P<0.05);海马神经细胞凋亡指数与Bcl-2呈负相关(r=一0.924,P<0.01),与Bax呈正相关(r=0.804,P<0.01),与Bcl-2/Bax表达比值呈负相关(r=-0.872,P<0.01)。[结论]铝可以诱导大鼠海马神经细胞凋亡,其机制可能与Bcl-2表达下调,Bax表达上调以及Bcl-2/Bax表达比值下降有关。     

前列腺癌细胞DU145同步化诱导的DNA损伤反应通路和PI3K/Akt通路对凋亡抑制因子基因API2(BIRC3)mRNA表达的影响

目的探讨在前列腺癌细胞DU145同步化培养后引起的DNA损伤反应通路和PI3K/AKT通路对凋亡抑制因子(IAP)基因API2(BIRC3)mRNA表达的影响,同时分析API2基因所在染色体是否存在特异性的异常。方法采用无血清的饥饿培养法使细胞同步在G0期;分别用含羞草碱(mimosine)、胸腺嘧啶(thymidine)和噻氨酯哒唑(nocodazole)使细胞同步在G1期、S期和G2/M期并引起DNA损伤反应,同时加入PI3K的特异性抑制剂ly294002以阻止PI3K/AKT通路。通过RT-PCR半定量法检测API2 mRNA在各个细胞周期相的表达情况。通过细胞遗传学的常规G式显带法,分析凋亡抑制因子基因所在的染色体是否存在特异性的异常。结果 mimosine同步化的G0/G1期细胞达到了78.04%,thymidine同步化的S期细胞达到62.19%,nocodazole同步化的G2/M 60.5%。API2基因位于染色体11q22-q23,存在易位,如t(11;12)(q;q)。API2mRNA的表达,非同步化的ly294002组分别与同步化的mimosine+ly294002组、nocodazole+ly294002组和thymidine+ly294002组比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论前列腺癌细胞株DU145存在某些染色体的结构和数目异常,这些异常可能影响某些基因的表达。药物的同步化激活了DNA损伤反应通路和生存信号通路,再通过PI3K/Akt通路,而不是通过P53通路,在细胞周期的某个时相调控API2(BIRC3)mRNA的表达。     

乙醇对心肌细胞凋亡及凋亡相关基因Bcl-2和Bax表达的影响

目的 研究乙醇对心肌细胞凋亡及凋亡相关基因Bcl-2和Bax表达的影响.方法 将雄性昆明种小鼠随机分为4组,每组6只,分别给予10%,20%,30%的乙醇和生理盐水腹腔注射,每日1次,连续30 d,通过心肌细胞的核固红-结晶紫和免疫组织化学染色,分析细胞凋亡及凋亡相关Bcl-2）和Bcl相关蛋白（基因--B细胞淋巴瘤/白血病-2基因（B-cenlymphoma/leukemia-2,Bcl-associated xprotein,Bax）的表达.结果实验组部分心肌细胞核染色质凝集,染为蓝紫色;定量分析显示,实验组异常的心肌细胞核明显多于对照组（P＜0.01）.实验组心肌细胞中Bcl-2的表达弱于对照组（P＜0.01）,且分布不均;而实验组心肌细胞中Bax的表达明显增强（P＜0.01）,可见棕色粗大颗粒.结论 心肌细胞凋亡在乙醇对心肌影响的发生机制上发挥一定的作用;随着乙醇浓度的增加,心肌细胞的凋亡征象愈加明显;乙醇引起的心肌细胞凋亡与凋亡相关基因Bcl-2和Bax的异常表达有关.     

Allicin Purified From Fresh Garlic Cloves Induces Apoptosis in Colon Cancer Cells Via Nrf2

Allicin (diallyl thiosulfinate) is the best-known biologically active component in freshly crushed garlic extract. We developed a novel, simple method to isolate active allicin, which yielded a stable compound in aqueous solution amenable for use in in vitro and in vivo studies. We focused on the in vitro effects of allicin on cell proliferation of colon cancer cell lines HCT-116, LS174T, HT-29, and Caco-2 and assessed the underlying mechanisms. This allicin preparation exerted a time- and dose-dependent cytostatic effect on these cells at concentrations ranging from 6.2 to 310 μM. Treatment with allicin resulted in HCT-116 apoptotic cell death as demonstrated by enhanced hypodiploid DNA content, decreased levels of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), increased levels of bax and increased capability of releasing cytochrome c from mitochondria to the cytosol. Allicin also induced translocation of NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) to the nuclei of HCT-116 cells. Luciferase reporter gene assay showed that allicin induces Nrf2-mediated luciferase transactivation activity. SiRNA knock down of Nrf2 significantly affected the capacity of allicin to inhibit HCT-116 proliferation. These results suggest that Nrf2 mediates the allicin-induced apoptotic death of colon cancer cells.