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.     

Curcumin-enhanced chemosensitivity of FDA-approved platinum (II)-based anti-cancer drugs involves downregulation of nuclear endonuclease G and NF-κB as well as induction of apoptosis and G2/M arrest

Curcumin, an active natural compound in turmeric and curry, has been reported to exhibit anti-cancer effect. Cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin are used to treat various types of cancers. However, acquired resistance and toxicities are observed. Here, the addition of curcumin significantly increased cytotoxicity of the anti-cancer drugs on human colorectal cancer HT-29 cells, producing synergistic (cisplatin and carboplatin) and additivity (oxaliplatin) effects. Treatments in combination with curcumin resulted in a significantly increased induction of apoptosis and occurrence of G2/M arrest. Nuclear apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), EndoG and NF-κB were elevated by anti-cancer drugs, suggesting the involvement of AIF and EndoG. The addition of curcumin suppressed nuclear AIF and EndoG and reversed anti-cancer drugs-induced NF-κB expression, suggesting the association of EndoG and NF-κB in curcumin-enhanced chemosensitivity. Therefore, the intake of foods rich in curcumin or curcumin-containing supplements should be taken into consideration for patients receiving chemotherapy to optimize the outcome of treatments.     

Oligonol,a Low Molecular Weight Polyphenol,Enhances Apoptotic Cell Death in Ovarian Cancer Cells via Suppressing NF-κB Activation

Background: Oligonol, a low molecular weight polyphenol derived from lychee fruit, not only has anti-inflammatory effects in various disease conditions but also has antitumor-promoting effects. We evaluate the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)-related anticancer effect of oligonol in ovarian cancer using SKOV-3 cells.

Methods: Cell viability was examined after oligonol treatment using MTT assay and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production measurement. Subsequently, apoptotic cell death was visualized by the TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) method. The effect of oligonol on the NF-κB signaling pathway was evaluated using western blot analysis and luciferase activity measurement of p65, an NF-κB subunit.

Results: Cell viability significantly decreased after oligonol treatment of 72?h. Apoptosis-related markers were highly expressed in oligonol-treated cells, and increased apoptosis after oligonol treatment was also confirmed using the TUNEL assay. Western blotting results showed the expression of NF-κB signaling pathway factors, p-ERK, TRAF2, and p-IκBα, increased following treatment with oligonol, whereas p65 and COX-2 expression decreased. Immunofluorescence imaging results showed p65 luciferase activity in the nucleus as well as a shift to cytoplasmic expression.

Conclusion: Oligonol treatment significantly enhances apoptotic cell death in SKOV-3 cells, with the suppression of NF-κB activation, which plays an essential role in this anticancer effect.     

Capsaicin Induces Apoptosis of Cisplatin-Resistant Stomach Cancer Cells by Causing Degradation of Cisplatin-Inducible Aurora-A Protein

Various chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin have been used to treat gastric cancer. However, a substantial number of patients acquire resistance to this treatment, and this is followed by rapid relapse of the disease. We investigated the anticancer effect of capsaicin, the active ingredient in red pepper, in the cisplatin-resistant Korean human gastric cancer cell line SNU-668. We found that treatment of SNU-668 cells with capsaicin in combination with cisplatin induced higher apoptotic cell death than that of treatment with either capsaicin orcisplatin alone. Furthermore, we discovered that Aurora-A protein increased in response to cisplatin and was degraded upon combined treatment with capsaicin with cisplatin, suggesting that the Aurora-A-mediated signaling pathway is responsible for the resistance to cisplatin in cisplatin-resistant gastric cancer cell lines. Combined treatment with capsaicin and cisplatin induced G1/S arrest, whereas cisplatin alone caused accumulation in G2/M. Combined treatment with capsaicin and cisplatin inhibited IκB phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that Aurora-A directly or indirectly regulates NF-κB translocation. We propose that combined administration of cisplatin and capsaicin may provide a strategy for overcoming cisplatin resistance.     

Capsaicin induces apoptosis of cisplatin-resistant stomach cancer cells by causing degradation of cisplatin-inducible Aurora-A protein

Various chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin have been used to treat gastric cancer. However, a substantial number of patients acquire resistance to this treatment, and this is followed by rapid relapse of the disease. We investigated the anticancer effect of capsaicin, the active ingredient in red pepper, in the cisplatin-resistant Korean human gastric cancer cell line SNU-668. We found that treatment of SNU-668 cells with capsaicin in combination with cisplatin induced higher apoptotic cell death than that of treatment with either capsaicin or cisplatin alone. Furthermore, we discovered that Aurora-A protein increased in response to cisplatin and was degraded upon combined treatment with capsaicin with cisplatin, suggesting that the Aurora-A-mediated signaling pathway is responsible for the resistance to cisplatin in cisplatin-resistant gastric cancer cell lines. Combined treatment with capsaicin and cisplatin induced G1/S arrest, whereas cisplatin alone caused accumulation in G2/M. Combined treatment with capsaicin and cisplatin inhibited IκB phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that Aurora-A directly or indirectly regulates NF-κB translocation. We propose that combined administration of cisplatin and capsaicin may provide a strategy for overcoming cisplatin resistance.     

核因子-κB对阿霉素肾病大鼠肾小球细胞凋亡的影响

目的探讨核转录因子κB（NF-κB）对阿霉素肾病大鼠肾小球细胞凋亡的影响。方法SD雄性大鼠分成两大组，A组（假手术组）6只，B组（硬化组）6只。采用右肾切除加尾静脉注射阿霉素制成肾小球硬化动物模型。分别在8周、9周两个不同时上间点，应用免疫组化检测肾组织Caspase-3、NF—κBp65的表达，TUNEL检测肾小球细胞凋亡指数。结果在不同的时间点，B组NF-κB阳性表达指数比A组明显增高（P〈0.05）；肾小球系膜细胞（MC）凋亡指数、Caspase-3的表达与NF-κB呈正相关关系。结论NF-κB参与肾小球系膜细胞凋亡的调控，促进肾小球硬化的进程。     

雌马酚通过抑制核转录因子-κB表达水平诱导人乳腺癌MDA-MB-231细胞凋亡

目的研究雌马酚对雌激素受体表达阴性的人乳腺癌细胞株MDA-MB-231的作用。方法用MTT法测定雌马酚干预对MDA-MB-231细胞活力的影响;光学显微镜观察雌马酚对细胞形态的影响;流式细胞术及免疫细胞化学法检测雌马酚对细胞凋亡的作用。结果雌马酚可以抑制MDA-MB-231细胞的活力(P<0.05)。雌马酚可抑制NF-κB的表达而诱导细胞凋亡。结论雌马酚可通过降低NF-κB的表达诱导MDA-MB-231凋亡。     

维生素E琥珀酸酯对人胃癌细胞中核因子及抗凋亡基因的影响

目的本研究以人胃癌SGC-7901细胞为肿瘤模型,在体外探讨维生素E琥珀酸酯(VES)在抑制肿瘤细胞生长、诱导细胞凋亡过程中对NF-κB组成性激活及抗凋亡基因在转录水平上的调控作用。方法采用MTT法和AnnexinV法分别检测不同浓度水平VES处理人胃癌SGC-7901细胞后细胞的生长和凋亡情况。采用细胞成分分离法获得细胞核总蛋白,然后以Westernblot法测定VES处理后核因子蛋白p65在细胞核总蛋白中的含量。用RT-PCR方法检测VES对SGC-7901细胞中抗凋亡基因c-IAP1、c-IAP-2、NAPI、survivin、XIAP的转录调节作用。结果12.5～50.0μmolVES作用24h后,SGC-7901细胞的生长被明显抑制。50μmolVES作用于细胞12h后可诱导细胞发生凋亡,且作用48h后其凋亡诱导作用更明显。Westernblot结果发现,VES处理SGC-7901细胞后使细胞核内NF-κBp65蛋白的含量下降,即抑制了NF-κBp65向细胞核内的迁移。RT-PCR结果提示,VES处理胃癌细胞后可以在基因水平上抑制抗凋亡基因NAIP和survivin转录,对其他IAPs家族成员-c-IAP1、c-IAP-2、XIAP的转录无下调作用。结论VES对SGC-7901细胞内NF-κB组成性激活的调控作用及对抗凋亡基因在转录水平上的抑制作用可能是其抑制SGC-7901细胞生长、诱导细胞发生凋亡的机制之一。     

Gallic acid inhibits cell viability and induces apoptosis in human monocytic cell line U937

In the present study, we investigated the effects of gallic acid (GA) (3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid), a polyhydroxyphenolic compound, isolated from Rhus chinensis, on the human monocytic lymphoma cell line U937. In vitro experiments showed that treating U937 cells with various amounts of GA inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. In order to understand the mechanism by which GA induces apoptosis, we examined the gene expression of p53, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), and inhibitor of NF-κB (I-κB) after treating the cells with GA and found that expression levels of the genes for p53 and NF-κB increased and that for I-κB decreased. The results obtained from western blotting with U937 cells showed up-regulation of NF-κB protein and down-regulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and I-κB protein. These results demonstrate that GA efficiently induces apoptosis in U937 cells and that GA is a potential chemotherapeutic agent against lymphoma.     

Maslinic acid derivatives induce significant apoptosis in b16f10 murine melanoma cells

Maslinic acid (2α,3β-dihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid), a natural dihydroxylated pentacyclic triterpene acid isolated from olive-pressing residues, has been investigated together with some of its derivatives regarding the induction of apoptosis in B16F10 melanoma cells. Some of the compounds tested are described in this work, but others come from previous studies. Ten of these derivatives induce over 80% of apoptosis, clearly promoting cell death in B16F10 melanoma. By contrast, the induction cell death through necrosis was very slightly significant with these compounds. These results indicate that maslinic acid derivatives are promising chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents.     

Wasabi-Derived 6-(Methylsulfinyl)Hexyl Isothiocyanate Induces Apoptosis in Human Breast Cancer by Possible Involvement of the NF-κB Pathways

6-(methylsulfinyl)hexyl isothiocyanate (6-MSITC) is a bioactive ingredient of wasabi (Wasabia japonica), which is a popular spice in Japan. 6-MSITC has been reported to inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer and melanoma cell lines. We inoculated 30 female Balb-nu/nu mice with MDA-MB-231 or -453 cells, and orally administered varying concentrations of 6-MSITC for 12 days following tumor growth. The tumor volumes and tumor weights from mice inoculated with MDA-MB-231 cells, and the tumor volumes of MDA-MB-453 cells were significantly inhibited by 6-MSITC on Days 9 and 11 after drug administration. DNA fragmentation, DNA ladder, and caspase 3/7 activity performed in vitro revealed that 6-MSITC induced apoptosis of MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-453, and MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) expression in the nuclei and phosphorylation of inhibitor κBα (IκBα) was downregulated by 6-MSITC in a concentration-dependent manner; however, this activity was not observed in MCF-7 cells. Moreover, this downregulation of phosphorylated IκBα by 6-MSITC in MDA-MB-231 and -453 cells supports its inhibitory effects on NF-κB activity. The expression of phosphorylated AKT (pAKT) reduced by 6-MSITC was confirmed in MDA-MB-231 cells. Thus, we conclude that 6-MITC promotes apoptosis of breast cancer cells by inhibiting NF-kB and therefore releasing its control of the PI3K/AKT pathway.     

Induction of cancer cell death by isoflavone: the role of multiple signaling pathways

Soy isoflavones have been documented as dietary nutrients broadly classified as "natural agents" which plays important roles in reducing the incidence of hormone-related cancers in Asian countries, and have shown inhibitory effects on cancer development and progression in vitro and in vivo, suggesting the cancer preventive or therapeutic activity of soy isoflavones against cancers. Emerging experimental evidence shows that isoflavones could induce cancer cell death by regulating multiple cellular signaling pathways including Akt, NF-κB, MAPK, Wnt, androgen receptor (AR), p53 and Notch signaling, all of which have been found to be deregulated in cancer cells. Therefore, homeostatic regulation of these important cellular signaling pathways by isoflavones could be useful for the activation of cell death signaling, which could result in the induction of apoptosis of both pre-cancerous and/or cancerous cells without affecting normal cells. In this article, we have attempted to summarize the current state-of-our-knowledge regarding the induction of cancer cell death pathways by isoflavones, which is believed to be mediated through the regulation of multiple cellular signaling pathways. The knowledge gained from this article will provide a comprehensive view on the molecular mechanism(s) by which soy isoflavones may exert their effects on the prevention of tumor progression and/or treatment of human malignancies, which would also aid in stimulating further in-depth mechanistic research and foster the initiation of novel clinical trials.