Calycosin induces apoptosis in adenocarcinoma HT29 cells by inducing cytotoxic autophagy mediated by SIRT1/AMPK‐induced inhibition of Akt/mTOR

Autophagy promotes cell survival or induces apoptosis in cancer cells. While SIRT1 and AMPK induce autophagy in both normal and cancer cells, Akt and mTOR can inhibit it. Calycosin, a methoxyisoflavone, protects against several types of solid tumours including colorectal cancer. However, the mechanisms behind the antitumour effect of Calycosin remain largely unknown. This study investigates if autophagy mediates the anti‐tumourigenesis effect afforded by Calycosin and examines if this effect involves activation of SIRT1 and/or AMPK. Human colorectal (HT29) carcinoma cells were cultured under normal conditions with Calycosin (50 μmol/L) in the presence or absence of chloroquine (10 μmol/L), EX‐527 (100 nmol/L, SIRT1 inhibitor), or IGF‐1 (100 ng/mL, Akt/mTOR activator) for 48 hours. Calycosin inhibited cell growth, proliferation and invasion and increased protein levels of Beclin‐1 and LC3II, markers of autophagy. It significantly increased protein levels of cleaved caspase‐3, Bax, and SIRT1, and activity of AMPK and reduced those of Bcl‐2. These effects were parallel with concomitant reduction in protein levels p‐src, integrin‐β1 and Cyclin‐D1 and activities of Akt and mTOR. Inhibition of autophagy by CQ reversed all these effects except cell invasion. Interestingly, co‐incubating the cells with either EX‐527 or IGF‐1 completely prevented Calycosin‐induced autophagy and all other associated effects and increased cell invasion. Also, blockade of SIRT‐1 prevented the activation of AMPK, Akt, and mTOR, suggesting it to be an upstream regulator of these markers. In conclusion, Calycosin stimulates CRC cell apoptosis and inhibits their invasion by acting as SIRT1 activator which induces activation of AMPK‐induced inhibition of Akt/mTOR axis.     

Drug resistance and cancer stem cells: the shared but distinct roles of hypoxia‐inducible factors HIF1α and HIF2α

Chemotherapy resistance is a major contributor to poor treatment responses and tumour relapse, the development of which has been strongly linked to the action of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Mounting evidence suggests that CSCs are reliant on low oxygen conditions and hypoxia‐inducible factors 1α and 2α (HIF1α and HIF2α) to maintain their stem cell features. Research in the last decade has begun to clarify the functional differences between the two HIFα subtypes (HIFαs). Here, we review and discuss these differences in relation to CSC‐associated drug resistance. Both HIFαs contribute to CSC survival but play different roles –HIF1α being more responsible for survival functions and HIF2α for stemness traits such as self‐renewal – and are sensitive to different degrees of hypoxia. Failure to account for physiologically relevant oxygen concentrations in many studies may influence the current understanding of the roles of HIFαs. We also discuss how hypoxia and HIFαs contribute to CSC drug resistance via promotion of ABC drug transporters Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), MDR1, and MRP1 and through maintenance of quiescence. Additionally, we explore the PI3K/AKT cell survival pathway that may support refractory cancer by promoting CSCs and activating both HIF1α and HIF2α. Accordingly, HIF1α and HIF2α inhibition, potentially via PI3K/AKT inhibitors, could reduce chemotherapy resistance and prevent cancer relapse.     

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of a Series of 2‐((1‐substituted‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methylthio)‐6‐(naphthalen‐1‐ylmethyl)pyrimidin‐4(3H)‐one As Potential HIV‐1 Inhibitors

A series of novel S‐DABO derivatives with the substituted 1,2,3‐triazole moiety on the C‐2 side chain were synthesized using the simple and efficient CuAAC reaction, and biologically evaluated as inhibitors of HIV‐1. Among them, the most active HIV‐1 inhibitor was compound 4‐((4‐((4‐(2,6‐dichlorobenzyl)‐5‐methyl‐6‐oxo‐1,6‐dihydropyrimidin‐2‐ylthio)methyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)methyl)benzenesulfonamide ( B5b7) , which exhibited similar HIV‐1 inhibitory potency (EC₅₀ = 3.22 μm ) compared with 3TC (EC₅₀ = 2.24 μm ). None of these compounds demonstrated inhibition against HIV‐2 replication. The preliminary structure–activity relationship (SAR) of these new derivatives was discussed briefly.     

全反式维甲酸抑制人肺腺癌A549细胞迁移的机制探讨

目的探讨全反式维甲酸(ATRA)对人肺腺癌细胞迁移的影响及其作用机制。方法细胞划痕实验检测ATRA对A549细胞迁移的影响;Western blot分析肌球蛋白轻链激酶(MLCK)的表达和肌球蛋白轻链(MLC)磷酸化程度;观察MLCK抑制剂ML-7是否影响A549细胞的迁移能力。结果 1 mg.L-1 ATRA处理的A549细胞和细胞对照以及溶剂对照细胞相比,细胞的迁移距离无明显变化,而10 mg.L-1ATRA可明显降低细胞的迁移距离(P<0.05)。Western blot分析结果表明10 mg.L-1 ATRA可明显降低A549细胞ML-CK的表达和MLC磷酸化(P<0.05);ML-7可明显降低A549细胞迁移(P<0.05)。结论 ATRA通过降低MLCK的表达和MLC磷酸化,抑制A549细胞的迁移。     

GRK2/β‐arrestin mediates arginine vasopressin‐induced cardiac fibroblast proliferation

Cardiac fibrosis is a pathological feature commonly found in hearts exposed to haemodynamic orneurohormonal stress. Elevated levels of arginine vasopressin (AVP) are closely associated with the progression of heart failure and could be an underlying cause of cardiac fibrosis. The aim of this study is to characterize the effect of AVP on neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts (NRCFs) and to illustrate its signalling mechanism. The proliferative effect of AVP was assessed by methylthiazolyldiphenyl‐tetrazolium assay and 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation assay, and the amounts of cellular signalling proteins α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2, MMP9, and phosphorylated ERK_1/2 were determined by western blotting. AVP, in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner, promoted NRCF proliferation and the expression of MMP2 and MMP9. Inhibition of G protein‐coupled receptor kinase2 (GRK2) by the inhibitory peptide GRK2‐Ct or knock‐down of GRK2 suppressed AVP‐induced BrdU incorporation and the expression of MMP2 and α‐SMA in NRCFs. Moreover, shRNA‐mediated silencing of β‐arrestin1 or β‐arrestin 2 abolished AVP‐induced BrdU incorporation and MMP2 expression. AVP‐induced NRCF proliferation depended on the phosphorylation of ERK_1/2, and inhibition of GRK2 or silencing of β‐arrestins blocked AVP‐induced ERK_1/2 phosphorylation. The effects of AVP on NRCF proliferation and α‐SMA expression were blocked by SR45059, a vasopressin receptor type1A (V_1AR) selective antagonist. In conclusion, AVP promotes NRCF proliferation through V_1AR‐mediated GRK2/β‐arrestin/ERK_1/2 signalling.     

8-羟基鸟嘌呤核苷酸酶抑制剂TH588诱导人肺腺癌细胞凋亡研究

目的探讨8-羟基鸟嘌呤核苷酸酶(8-oxoguanine nucleoside triphosphatase,MTH1)抑制剂TH588对肺腺癌细胞A549和H1975凋亡的影响。方法将细胞分为空白组(正常培养的肺腺癌细胞)和低、中、高剂量实验组(8,16,32μmol·L-1 TH588处理肺腺癌细胞)。使用细胞计数试剂盒-8(Cell Counting Kit-8,CCK-8)检测TH588对肺腺癌细胞A549和H1975增殖的影响。Transwell检测TH588对肺腺癌细胞A549和H1975的迁移能力的影响。AnixinⅤ-FITC/PI双染法检测TH588对肺腺癌细胞凋亡的影响。Western Blot检测TH588对肺腺癌细胞凋亡相关蛋白B淋巴细胞瘤-2(Bcl-2)、Bcl-2相关X蛋白(Bax)的影响。结果 TH588处理24 h后,A549和H1975细胞低、中、高剂量实验组存活率分别为(76.15±1.02)%,(70.63±4.16)%,(57.42±2.15)%;(78.05±2.06)%,(62.86±3.45)%,(58.47±2.70)%。TH588处理48 h后,A549和H1975低、中、高剂量实验组存活率分别为(62.26±3.84)%,(45.19±1.08)%,(36.03±2.95)%;(73.21±1.84)%,(57.96±3.18)%,(32.47±10.19)%。TH588处理72 h后,A549和H1975细胞低、中、高剂量实验组存活率分别为(59.16±1.15)%,(35.63±2.26)%,(28.56±3.60)%;(63.08±0.98)%,(50.27±2.15)%,(25.76±11.06)%。A549和H1975细胞对照组及低、中、高剂量实验组的相对迁移率分别为(100.00±2.15)%,(80.50±2.07)%,(65.25±3.83)%,(36.76±2.25)%;(100.00±4.05)%,(85.65±2.79)%,(72.48±2.96)%,(43.05±1.98)%。A549和H1975细胞对照组及低、中、高剂量实验组的凋亡率分别为(8.25±0.57)%,(23.17±3.40)%,(42.50±4.83)%,(49.02±8.15)%;(4.05±1.20)%,(6.46±1.85)%,(7.55±1.05)%,(14.87±4.46)%。A549和H1975细胞对照组及低、中、高剂量实验组Bcl-2/Bax值分别为1.18±0.01, 0.75±0.03, 0.68±0.03, 0.52±0.04;1.28±0.04, 1.05±0.04, 0.54±0.04,0.45±0.03。A549和H1975细胞低剂量组、中剂量组、高剂量组的细胞存活率、相对迁移率、凋亡率及Bcl-2/Bax值与对照组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 TH588显著促进了肺腺癌细胞A549和H1975的凋亡,其机制与调控Bcl-2和Bax的表达有关。     

Secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (SFRP1) gene methylation changes in the human lung adenocarcinoma cells treated with L-securinine

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. It is important to explore the biomarkers of diagnosis and prognosis in lung cancer. To evaluate the cytotoxicity of L-securinine and the expression and methylation of secreted frizzled-related proteins (SFRPs) genes in the human lung adenocarcinoma cells, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to assess the proliferation of lung adenocarcinoma cells treated with L-securinine. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and bisulfite sequencing PCR were used to detect the expression and the DNA methylation of SFRPs genes, respectively. L-securinine inhibited the proliferation of lung adenocarcinoma cells and induced the upregulation of SFRP1 gene expression and the methylation changes at CpG sites in the SFRP1 promoter region. L-securinine was a potential agent in the treatment of lung cancer by upregulation of SFRP1 gene expression and changing the SFRP1 gene methylation.     

CCND1‐BCL2 Gene Network: A direct target of Amifostine in human acute megakaryocytic leukemia cells

Amifostine, 2‐(3‐aminopropyl) aminoethyl phosphorothioate, is a broad‐spectrum cytoprotective agent used to treat nuclear radiation and chemical weapon injuries. Recently, amifostine has been shown to have a profound biological influence on tumor cells. To examine the effects and mechanisms underlying the effects of amifostine on human acute megakaryocytic leukemia, we evaluated the efficacy of amifostine against Dami cells and observed a cell cycle arrest in G₂/M phase. Amifostine treatment also induced cell apoptosis of Dami cells which corresponds to formal studies. Through whole‐genome microarray and bioinformatics analyses, we found that amifostine affected the gene expression of CCND1, BCL2, and CASP3 which revealed the mechanism amifostine acted on Dami cells. Thus, CCND1‐BCL2 Gene Network is predicted to be a direct target of amifostine treating human acute megakaryocytic leukemia, which may provide a novel potential target for the therapy of several subtypes of human AML.     

Design,Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of 1‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐9H‐pyrido[3,4‐b]indole Derivatives as Anti‐HIV‐1 Agents

A novel series of 1‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐9H‐pyrido [3,4‐b]indole derivatives were synthesized using DL‐tryptophan as starting material. All the compounds were characterized by spectral analysis such as ¹H NMR, Mass, IR, elemental analysis and evaluated for inhibitory potency against HIV‐1 replication. Among the reported analogues, compound 7g exhibited significant anti‐HIV activity with EC₅₀ 0.53 μm and selectivity index 483; compounds 7e , 7i , and 7o displayed moderate activity with EC₅₀ 3.8, 3.8, and 2.8 μm and selectivity index >105, >105, and 3.85, respectively. Interestingly, compound 7g inhibited p24 antigen expression in acute HIV‐1_IIIB infected cell line C8166 with EC₅₀ 1.1 μm . In this study, we also reported the Lipinski rule of 5 parameters, predicted toxicity profile, drug‐likeness, and drug score of the synthesized analogues.     

Case‐control pharmacogenetic study of HCN1/HCN2 variants and genetic generalized epilepsies

Epilepsy is a common complex neurological disorder, and some forms are resistant to drug treatment. The HCN1/HCN2 genes encode hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated channels, which play important roles in the electrophysiology of neurons. We investigated the association between HCN1/HCN2 variants and drug resistance or the risk of genetic generalized epilepsies (GGEs). We used matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry to assess nine variants of HCN1/HCN2 in 284 healthy participants and 483 GGEs (279 drug‐responsive, 204 drug‐resistant). Frequencies of HCN2 rs7255568 and rs3752158 G alleles differed in GGEs and in controls (P = .039, P = .027, respectively). The frequency of HCN2 haplotype (CAC) was higher in patients than controls (P = .046). The frequency of the HCN1 rs10462087 CC+CT genotype was lower in patients with childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) than controls (P = .047). Rs7255568 was associated with the risk of CAE (P = .028) and juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) (P = .02). Rs3752158 was associated with the risk of generalized tonic‐clonic seizures, JME, and febrile seizures (all P < .05). The frequency of the HCN2 haplotype (CAC) was higher in patients with JME (P = .015) and in those with febrile seizures (P = .024) than in controls. No significant association was found between HCN1/HCN2 alleles, genotypes or haplotypes, and drug resistance in patients. After Bonferroni's multiple comparisons correction, only the HCN2 rs3752158 C allele and GC+CC genotype frequencies in patients with JME were higher than those in controls (19.2% vs 11.6%, odds ratio (OR) = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.18‐2.32), P = .004 < 0.05/9; 36% vs 22.2%, OR = 1.62(1.18‐2.23), P = .003 < 0.05/9). Our study suggests that HCN2 rs3752158 is involved in the susceptibility to JME.     

Duchesnea indica extract suppresses the migration of human lung adenocarcinoma cells by inhibiting epithelial–mesenchymal transition

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process through which epithelial cells are transformed into mesenchymal cells; EMT diminishes cell polarity and cell–cell adhesion in cancer cells, leading to enhanced migratory and invasive properties. In this experiment, zymography, cell invasion, and migration assays were performed. Results indicated that Duchesnea indica extracts (DIE) inhibited highly metastatic A549 and H1299 cells by reducing the secretions of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and urokinase‐type plasminogen activator. Cell adhesion assay also demonstrated that DIE reduced the cell adhesion properties. Western blot analysis showed that DIE down‐regulated the expression of N‐cadherin, fibronectin, and vimentin, which are mesenchymal markers, and enhanced that of E‐cadherin, which is an epithelial marker. In vivo study showed that tumor growth was significantly reduced in BALB/c nude mouse xenograft model administered with oral gavage of DIE. Therefore, DIE could be exhibits potential as a phytochemical‐based platform for prevention and treatment of lung cancer. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 2053–2063, 2017.     

Silencing of hypoxia inducible factor‐1α by RNA interference inhibits growth of SK‐NEP‐1 Wilms tumour cells in vitro,and suppresses tumourigenesis and angiogenesis in vivo

Wilms tumour is the most common tumour of the pediatric kidney. Elevation of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) has been detected in 93% to 100% of human Wilms tumour specimens, suggesting a potential value of HIF‐1α as a therapeutic target for Wilms tumour. In the present study, a stable HIF‐1α‐silenced Wilms tumour cell strain was established by introducing HIF‐1α short‐hairpin RNA (shRNA) into SK‐NEP‐1 cells. Silencing of HIF‐1α significantly reduced single‐cell growth capacity, suppressed proliferation and arrested cell cycle of SK‐NEP‐1 cells. In addition, reduction of HIF‐1α expression induced apoptosis in SK‐NEP‐1 cells, which was accompanied by increased levels of cleaved caspase‐3, cleaved poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) and Bax as well as downregulation of Bcl‐2 in the cells. Furthermore, when inoculated subcutaneously in nude mice, HIF‐1α‐silenced SK‐NEP‐1 cells displayed retarded tumour growth and impaired tumour angiogenesis. In summary, the findings of this study suggest that HIF‐1α plays a critical role in the development of Wilms tumour, and it may serve as a candidate target of gene therapy for Wilms tumour.     

FoxM1 mediated resistance to gefitinib in non-smallcell lung cancer cells

Aim:

Gefitinib is effective in only approximately 20% of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. FoxM1 is upregulated in NSCLC and associated with a poor prognosis in NSCLC patients. In this study, we examined the possible role of FoxM1 in gefitinib resistance and the related mechanisms.

Methods:

Gefitinib resistant human lung adenocarcinoma cell line SPC-A-1 and gefitinib-sensitive human lung mucoepidermoid carcinoma cell line NCI-H292 were used. mRNA and protein expression of FoxM1 and other factors were tested with quantitative RT PCR and Western blot analysis. RNA interference was performed to suppress FoxM1 expression in SPC-A-1 cells, and lentiviral infection was used to overexpress FoxM1 in H292 cells. MTT assay and flow cytometry were used to examine the proliferation and apoptosis of the cells.

Results:

Treatment of SPC-A-1 cells with gefitinib (1 and 10 μmol/L) upregulated the expression of FoxM1 in time- and concentration-dependent manners, while gefitinib (1 μmol/L) downregulated in H292 cells. In SPC-A-1 cells treated with gefitinib (1 μmol/L), the expression of several downstream targets of FoxM1, including survivin, cyclin B1, SKP2, PLK1, Aurora B kinase and CDC25B, were significantly upregulated. Overexpression of FoxM1 increased the resistance in H292 cells, while attenuated FoxM1 expression restored the sensitivity to gefitinib in SPC-A-1 cells by inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that FoxM1 plays an important role in the resistance of NSCLC cells to gefitinib in vitro. FoxM1 could be used as a therapeutic target to overcome the resistance to gefitinib.     

Endotoxin‐induced acute lung injury in mice is protected by 5,7‐dihydroxy‐8‐methoxyflavone via inhibition of oxidative stress and HIF‐1α

Up to date, the morbidity and mortality rates of acute lung injury (ALI) still rank high among clinical illnesses. Endotoxin, also called lipopolysaccharide (LPS), induced sepsis is the major cause for ALI. Beneficial biological effects, such as antioxidation, anti‐inflammation, and neuroprotection was found to express by 5,7‐dihydroxy‐8‐methoxyflavone (DHMF). The purpose of present study was to investigate the potential protective effects of DHMF and the possibile mechanisms involved in LPS‐induced ALI. In our experimental model, ALI was induced in mice by intratracheal injection of LPS, and DHMF at various concentrations was injected intraperitoneally for 30 min prior to LPS administration. Pretreatment with DHMF inhibited not only the histolopatholgical changes occurred in lungs but also leukocytes infiltration in LPS‐induced ALI. Decreased activity of antioxidative enzymes (AOE) such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) caused by LPS was reversed by DHMF. LPS‐induced lipid peroxidation HIF‐1α accumulation, NF‐κB phosphorylation, and IκBα degradation were all inhibited by DHMF. In addition, LPS‐induced expression of proinflammatory mediators such as TNF‐α and IL‐1β were also inhibited by 5,7‐dihydroxy‐8‐methoxyflavone. These results suggested that the protective mechanisms of DHMF on endotoxin‐induced ALI might be via up‐regulation of antioxidative enzymes, inhibition of NFκB phosphorylation, and HIF‐1α accumulation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1700–1709, 2016.     

Andrographolide inhibits hypoxia‐induced hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α and endothelin 1 expression through the heme oxygenase 1/CO/cGMP/MKP‐5 pathways in EA.hy926 cells

Andrographolide is a potent anti‐inflammatory agent found in Andrographis paniculata. Endothelin 1 (ET‐1) is an endothelium‐derived vasoconstrictor with pro‐inflammatory properties secreted in response to hypoxia. Mitogen‐activated protein kinase phosphatase 5 (MKP‐5) is a dual‐specificity phosphatase that dephosphorylates threonine and tyrosine residues of MAPKs. We showed previously that hypoxia‐induced HIF‐1α expression and ET‐1 secretion are dependent on p38 MAPK in EA.hy926 cells. Here, we investigate what role MKP‐5 plays in andrographolide's inhibition of hypoxia‐induced expression of HIF‐1α and ET‐1. Hypoxic conditions were created using the hypoxia‐mimetic agent CoCl₂. Andrographolide enhanced HO‐1 and MKP‐5 expression and cellular cGMP content in addition to inhibiting hypoxia‐induced ROS generation. Concomitantly, the HO‐1 byproduct CO and the cGMP analogue 8‐bromoguanosine 3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphate (8‐Br‐cGMP) increased MKP‐5 expression, and pretreatment with CO and 8‐Br‐cGMP inhibited hypoxia‐induced HIF‐1α and ET‐1 expression. Transfection of HO‐1 siRNA or pretreatment with the HO‐1 inhibitor ZnPP‐9 or 1H‐[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3‐a]quinoxalin‐1‐one, a specific inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase, reduced andrographolide‐induced MKP‐5 expression. Moreover, silencing MKP‐5 or treatment with the phosphatase inhibitor vanadate abrogated andrographolide's suppressing hypoxia‐induced p38 MAPK activation and HIF‐1α expression. The inhibition of hypoxia‐induced HIF‐1α and ET‐1 expression by andrographolide is likely associated with HO‐1/CO/cGMP/MKP‐5 pathways, which is involved in inhibiting hypoxia‐induced p38 MAPK activation.