Suppression of the migration and invasion is mediated by triptolide in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells through the NF‐kappaB‐dependent pathway

Melanoma cancer is one of the major causes of death in humans worldwide. Triptolide is one of the active components of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, and has biological activities including induced cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis but its antimetastatic effects on murine melanoma cells have not yet been elucidated. Herein, we investigated the effect of triptolide on the inhibition of migration and invasion and possible associated signal pathways in B16F10 murine melanoma cancer cells. Wound healing assay and Matrigel Cell Migration Assay and Invasion System demonstrated that triptolide marked inhibiting the migration and invasion of B16F10 cells. Gelatin zymography assay demonstrated that triptolide significantly inhibited the activities of matrix metalloproteinases‐2 (MMP‐2). Western blotting showed that triptolide markedly reduced CXCR4, SOS1, GRB2, p‐ERK, FAK, p‐AKT, Rho A, p‐JNK, NF‐κB, MMP‐9, and MMP‐2 but increased PI3K and p‐p38 and COX2 after compared to the untreated (control) cells. Real time PCR indicated that triptolide inhibited the gene expression of MMP‐2, FAK, ROCK‐1, and NF‐κB but did not significantly affect TIMP‐1 and ‐2 gene expression in B16F10 cells in vitro. EMSA assay also showed that triptolide inhibited NF‐κB DNA binding in a dose‐dependent manner. Confocal laser microscopy examination also confirmed that triptolide inhibited the expression of NF‐κB in B16F10 cells. Taken together, we suggest that triptolide inhibited B16F10 cell migration and invasion via the inhibition of NF‐κB expression then led to suppress MMP‐2 and ‐9 expressions. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1974–1984, 2016.     

Tetrandrine inhibits human brain glioblastoma multiforme GBM 8401 cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro

Tetrandrine (TET) has been reported to induce anti‐cancer activity in many human cancer cells and also to inhibit cancer cell migration and invasion. However, there are no reports to show TET inhibits cell migration and invasion in human brain glioblastoma multiforme GBM 8401 cells. In this study, we investigated the anti‐metastasis effects of TET on GBM 8401 cells in vitro. Under sub‐lethal concentrations (from 1, 5 up to 10 μM), TET significantly inhibited cell mobility, migration and invasion of GBM 8401 cells that were assayed by wound healing and Transwell assays. Gelatin zymography assay showed that TET inhibited MMP‐2 activity in GBM 8401 cells. Western blotting results indicated that TET inhibited several key metastasis‐related proteins, such as p‐EGFR_(Tyr1068), SOS‐1, GRB2, Ras, p‐AKT_(Ser473) and p‐AKT_(Thr308), NF‐κB‐p65, Snail, E‐cadherin, N‐cadherin, NF‐κB, MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 that were significant reduction at 24 and 48 hours treatment by TET. TET reduced MAPK signaling associated proteins such as p‐JNK1/2 and p‐c‐Jun in GBM 8401 cells. The electrophoretic mobility shift (EMSA) assay was used to investigate NF‐κB and DNA binding was reduced by TET in a dose‐dependently. Based on these findings, we suggested that TET could be used in anti‐metastasis of human brain glioblastoma multiforme GBM 8401 cells in the future.     

AMPK‐dependent signaling modulates the suppression of invasion and migration by fenofibrate in CAL 27 oral cancer cells through NF‐κB pathway

Fenofibrate, a peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha (PPARα) agonist and lipid‐lowering agent, has been used worldwide for treatment of hyperlipidemia. The clinical trials demonstrate that fenofibrate possesses multiple pharmacological activities, including antitumor effects. However, the precise mechanisms in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the anticancer effects of fenofibrate on the migration and invasion of human oral cancer CAL 27 cells. Fenofibrate inhibited the cell migration and invasion of CAL 27 cells by the wound healing and Boyden chamber transwell assays, respectively. In addition, fenofibrate reduced the protein expressions of MMP‐1, MMP‐2, MMP‐7, and MMP‐9 by Western blotting and inhibited enzyme activities of MMP‐2/‐9 using gelatin zymography assay. Results from immunoblotting analysis showed that the proteins of p‐LKB1 (Ser428), LKB1, p‐AMPKα (Thr172), p‐AMPKα1/α2 (Ser425/Ser491), p‐AMPKβ1 (Ser108), and AMPKγ1 were upregulated by fenofibrate; the levels of p‐IKKα/β (Ser176) and p‐IκBα were reduced in fenofibrate‐treated cells. Also, fenofibrate suppressed the expressions of nuclear NF‐κB p65 and p50 by immunoblotting and NF‐κB DNA binding activity by EMSA assay. The anti‐invasive effect of fenofibrate was attenuated by compound C [an adenosine 5′‐monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor] or dominant negative form of AMPK (DN‐AMPKα1). Thus, fenofibrate considerably inhibited metastatic behaviors of CAL 27 cells might be mediated through blocking NF‐κB signaling, resulting in the inhibition of MMPs; these effects were AMPK‐dependent rather than PPARα signaling. Our findings provide a molecular rationale, whereby fenofibrate exerts anticancer effects and additional beneficial effects for the treatment of cancer patients. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 866–876, 2016.     

紫花牡荆素对人宫颈癌细胞凋亡和侵袭迁移的影响

目的 观察紫花牡荆素(CAT)对人宫颈癌HeLa和SiHa细胞凋亡和侵袭转移的影响。方法 不同浓度CAT作用于HeLa和SiHa细胞不同时间后,采用MTT法观察药物对细胞活力的影响,流式细胞仪检测凋亡率,划痕试验观察细胞迁移率,基质胶法测定细胞粘附百分率,Transwell试验检测侵袭细胞数,Western blotting分析CAT对SiHa细胞抑制转移蛋白nm23-H1和促转移蛋白MTA1表达的影响。结果 CAT显著抑制HeLa和SiHa细胞活力,增加细胞凋亡率;降低细胞迁移百分率和黏附百分率;减少侵袭细胞数;明显增加SiHa细胞nm23-H1蛋白表达,降低MTA1蛋白表达。结论 CAT显著诱导人宫颈癌HeLa和SiHa细胞凋亡,抑制其侵袭迁移,提示其具有潜在的抗宫颈癌作用。     

Chrysin inhibit human melanoma A375.S2 cell migration and invasion via affecting MAPK signaling and NF‐κB signaling pathway in vitro

Numerous evidences have shown that chrysin induced cytotoxic effects via induced cell cycle arrest and induction of cell apoptosis in human cancer cell lines, however, no information showed that chrysin inhibited skin cancer cell migration and invasion. In this study, we investigated anti‐metastasis mechanisms of chrysin in human melanoma cancer A375.S2 cells in vitro. Under sub‐lethal concentrations of chrysin (0, 5, 10, and 15 μM) which inhibits cell mobility, migration and invasion of A375.S2 cells that were assayed by wound healing and Transwell filter. That chrysin inhibited MMP‐2 activity in A375.S2 cells was investigated by gelatin zymography assay. Western blotting was used to examine protein expression and results indicated that chrysin inhibited the expression of GRB2, SOS‐1, PKC, p‐AKT (Thr308), NF‐κBp65, and NF‐κBp50 at 24 and 48 hours treatment, but only at 10‐15 μM of chrysin decreased Ras, PI3K, p‐c‐Jun, and Snail only at 48 hours treatment and only decrease p‐AKT(Ser473) at 24 hours treatment. Furthermore, chrysin (5‐15 μM) decreased the expression of uPA, N‐cadherin and MMP‐1 at 24 and 48 hours treatment but only decreased MMP‐2 and VEGF at 48 hours treatment at 10‐15 μM and 5‐15 μM of chrysin, respectively, however, increased E‐cadherin at 5‐15 μM treatment. Results of confocal laser microscopy systems indicated that chrysin inhibited expression of NF‐κBp65 in A375.S2 cells. Based on these observations, we suggest that chrysin can be used in anti‐metastasis of human melanoma cells in the future.     

Casticin induced apoptotic cell death and altered associated gene expression in human colon cancer colo 205 cells

Casticin, a polymethoxyflavone, derived from natural plant Fructus Viticis exhibits biological activities including anti‐cancer characteristics. The anti‐cancer and alter gene expression of casticin on human colon cancer cells and the underlying mechanisms were investigated. Flow cytometric assay was used to measure viable cell, cell cycle and sub‐G1 phase, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca²⁺ productions, level of mitochondria membrane potential (ΔΨ_m) and caspase activity. Western blotting assay was used to detect expression of protein level associated with cell death. Casticin induced cell morphological changes, decreased cell viability and induced G2/M phase arrest in colo 205 cells. Casticin increased ROS production but decreased the levels of ΔΨ_m, and Ca²⁺, increased caspase‐3, ‐8, and ‐9 activities. The cDNA microarray indicated that some of the cell cycle associated genes were down‐regulated such as cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (CDKN1A) (p21, Cip1) and p21 protein (Cdc42/Rac)‐activated kinase 3 (PAK3). TNF receptor‐associated protein 1 (TRAP1), CREB1 (cAMP responsive element binding protein 1) and cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (CDKN1B) (p27, Kip1) genes were increased but matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP‐2), toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), PRKAR2B (protein kinase, cAMP‐dependent, regulatory, type II, bet), and CaMK4 (calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase IV) genes were inhibited. Results suggest that casticin induced cell apoptosis via the activation of the caspase‐ and/or mitochondria‐dependent signaling cascade, the accumulation of ROS and altered associated gene expressions in colo 205 human colon cancer cells.     

Ouabain impairs cell migration,and invasion and alters gene expression of human osteosarcoma U‐2 OS cells

Ouabain, the specific Na⁺/K⁺‐ATPase blocker, has biological activity including anti‐proliferative and anti‐metastasis effects in cancer cell. There is no study to show ouabain inhibiting cell migration and invasion in human osteosarcoma U‐2 OS cells. Thus, we investigated the effect of ouabain on the cell migration and invasion of human osteosarcoma U‐2 OS cells. Results indicated that ouabain significantly decreased the percentage of viable cells at 2.5‐5.0 μM, thus, we selected 0.25‐1.0 μM for inhibiting studies. Ouabain inhibited cell migration, invasion and the enzymatic activities of MMP‐2, and also affected the expression of metastasis‐associated protein in U‐2 OS cells. The cDNA microarray assay indicated that CDH1, TGFBR3, SHC3 and MAP2K6 metastasis‐related genes were increased, but CCND1, JUN, CDKN1A, TGFB1, 2 and 3, SMAD4, MMP13, MMP2 and FN1 genes were decreased. These findings provide more information regarding ouabain inhibited cell migration and invasion and associated gene expressions in U‐2 OS cells after exposed to ouabain.     

Antiproliferative and anti-invasive effects of inorganic and organic arsenic compounds on human and murine melanoma cells in vitro

Objectives For patients with advanced melanoma, no treatment options are available at present that provide either sufficient response rates or a significant prolongation of overall survival. The present study examines the effects of two inorganic and six organic arsenic compounds on cell proliferation and cell invasion of melanoma cells in vitro. Methods The effects of arsenic compounds on proliferation of human melanoma A375 cells and murine melanoma B16F10 cells were examined by MTT assay and 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation assay, and the effects of the compounds on cell invasion were examined by the Boyden chamber invasion assay. The amounts of active matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 and pro‐MMP‐2 in the culture supernatant of A375 cells were determined by an MMP‐2 activity assay system. Key findings Arsenate and arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃) inhibited the proliferation of A375 and B16F10 cells significantly at concentration ranges of 0.1–20 µg/ml (P < 0.001), while the organic compounds arsenobetaine, arsenocholine, dimethylarsinic acid, methylarsonic acid, tetramethylarsonium and trimethylarsine oxide did not show any inhibitory effects even at 20 µg/ml. Cell invasion of A375 and B16F10 cells through a layer of collagen IV was significantly inhibited by 0.1–20 µg/ml of arsenate or As₂O₃ (P < 0.05), while the organic compounds did not inhibit cell invasion. Arsenate or As₂O₃ at 0.2–10 µg/ml significantly inhibited the amount of active MMP‐2 and pro‐MMP‐2 secreted into the A375 cell culture supernatant (P < 0.05). Conclusions Our findings show that the inorganic arsenic compounds arsenate and As₂O₃ inhibit cell proliferation and prevent the invasive properties of melanoma cells, possibly by decreasing MMP‐2 production from the cells.     

Inhibitory action of naphtho[1,2‐b]furan‐4,5‐dione on hepatocyte growth factor‐induced migration and invasion of MDA‐MB‐231 cells: Mechanisms of action

Naphtho[1,2‐b]furan‐4,5‐dione (NFD), a bioactive component of Avicennia marina, has been shown to exhibit anticancer activity. The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of NFD on hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)‐induced cell migration and invasion of MDA‐MB‐231 human breast cancer cells, as well as the underlying mechanism of action. Cell viability was determined using the 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2 thiazoyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide assay, western blot analysis was used to measure protein expression and cell migration and invasion were evaluated by the cell wound healing assay, Boyden chamber assay and gelatin zymography. When cells were treated with non‐toxic concentrations of NFD (1–3 μmol/L, 24 h), NFD concentration‐dependently inhibited HGF‐promoted cell migration and invasion. Simultaneously, NFD efficiently suppressed c‐Met phosphorylation and downstream activation of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) and Akt. In addition, NFD inhibited the phosphorylation of IκB kinases and IκBα and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor (NF)‐κB, as well as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 activity. Furthermore, the c‐Met inhibitor PHA665752 (10 μmol/L) inhibited HGF‐induced MMP‐9 expression, cell migration and invasion, as well as the activation of PI3K/Akt, suggesting that PI3K/Akt activation occur downstream of c‐Met activation. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that NFD inhibits HGF‐induced invasion and migration of MDA‐MB‐231 cells via HGF‐ and/or c‐Met‐mediated PI3K/Akt and NF‐κB signalling pathways, leading to downregulation of MMP‐9 expression and cell migration.     

Casticin impairs cell growth and induces cell apoptosis via cell cycle arrest in human oral cancer SCC‐4 cells

Casticin, a polymethoxyflavone, present in natural plants, has been shown to have biological activities including anti‐cancer activities. Herein, we investigated the anti‐oral cancer activity of casticin on SCC‐4 cells in vitro. Viable cells, cell cycle distribution, apoptotic cell death, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and Ca²⁺ production, levels of ΔΨ_m and caspase activity were measured by flow cytometric assay. Cell apoptosis associated protein expressions were examined by Western blotting and confocal laser microscopy. Results indicated that casticin induced cell morphological changes, DNA condensation and damage, decreased the total viable cells, induced G₂/M phase arrest in SCC‐4 cells. Casticin promoted ROS and Ca²⁺ productions, decreases the levels of ΔΨ_m, promoted caspase‐3, ‐8, and ‐9 activities in SCC‐4 cells. Western blotting assay demonstrated that casticin affect protein level associated with G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis. Confocal laser microscopy also confirmed that casticin increased the translocation of AIF and cytochrome c in SCC‐4 cells. In conclusion, casticin decreased cell number through G₂/M phase arrest and the induction of cell apoptosis through caspase‐ and mitochondria‐dependent pathways in SCC‐4 cells.     

Combinational treatment of 5‐fluorouracil and casticin induces apoptosis in mouse leukemia WEHI‐3 cells in vitro

Leukemia is one of the major diseases causing cancer‐related deaths in the young population, and its cure rate is unsatisfying with side effects on patients. Fluorouracil (5‐FU) is currently used as an anticancer drug for leukemia patients. Casticin, a natural polymethoxyflavone, exerts anticancer activity against many human cancer cell lines in vitro, but no other reports show 5‐FU combined with casticin increased the mouse leukemia cell apoptosis in vitro. Herein, the antileukemia activity of 5‐FU combined with casticin in WEHI‐3 mouse leukemia cells was investigated in vitro. Treatment of two‐drug combination had a higher decrease in cell viability and a higher increase in apoptotic cell death, the level of DNA condensation, and the length of comet tail than that of 5‐FU or casticin treatment alone in WEHI‐3 cells. In addition, the two‐drug combination has a greater production rate of reactive oxygen species but a lower level of Ca²⁺ release and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ_m) than that of 5‐FU alone. Combined drugs also induced higher caspase‐3 and caspase‐8 activities than that of casticin alone and higher caspase‐9 activity than that of 5‐FU or casticin alone at 48 hours treatment. Furthermore, 5‐FU combined with casticin has a higher expression of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD [Cu/Zn]) and lower catalase than that of 5‐FU or casticin treatment alone. The combined treatment has higher levels of Bax, Endo G, and cytochrome C of proapoptotic proteins than that of casticin alone and induced lower levels of B‐cell lymphoma 2 (BCL‐2) and BCL‐X of antiapoptotic proteins than that of 5‐FU or casticin only. Furthermore, the combined treatment had a higher expression of cleaved poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) than that of casticin only. Based on these findings, we may suggest that 5‐FU combined with casticin treatment increased apoptotic cell death in WEHI‐3 mouse leukemia cells that may undergo mitochondria and caspases signaling pathways in vitro.     

Antimetastatic potentials of salvianolic acid A on oral squamous cell carcinoma by targeting MMP‐2 and the c‐Raf/MEK/ERK pathway

The metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most important causes of cancer‐related deaths. Thus, various therapeutic strategies have been developed to prevent the metastasis of OSCC. Salvianolic acid A (SAA), a traditional Chinese medicine, has antithrombosis, antiplatelet, anti‐inflammation, and antitumor activities. Here, we provide molecular evidence indicating that SAA exerts its antimetastatic effects by markedly inhibiting the invasion and migration of oral squamous SCC‐9 and SCC‐25 cells. SCC‐9 and SCC‐25 cells were treated with various concentrations of SAA to further investigate the precise involvement of SAA in cancer metastasis. The results of zymography, and Western blotting indicated that SAA treatment may decrease matrix metallopoteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) expression. SAA also inhibited p‐c‐Raf, p‐MEK1/2, and p‐ERK1/2 protein expression. In addition, treating SCC‐9 cells with U0126, a MEK‐specific inhibitor, decreased MMP‐2 expression and concomitantly inhibited cell migration. Our findings suggested that SAA inhibits the invasion and migration of OSCC by inhibiting the c‐Raf/MEK/ERK pathways that control MMP‐2 expression. Our findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms that underlie the antimetastatic effect of SAA and are thus valuable for the development of treatment strategies for metastatic OSCC.     

羟喜树碱对黑素瘤B16F10细胞侵袭和凋亡的影响及作用机制

目的:观察羟喜树碱(hydroxycamptothecin,HCPT)对黑素瘤B16F10细胞侵袭能力以及凋亡相关蛋白p53和Bcl-2表达的影响,并探讨其抑制黑素瘤细胞的作用机制.方法:分别用5、10、20、50μmol/L的HCPT处理B16F10细胞24 h及48 h,采用Transwell实验评价细胞的侵袭能力...     

The crude extract of Corni Fructus inhibits the migration and invasion of U‐2 OS human osteosarcoma cells through the inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase‐2/‐9 by MAPK signaling

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignancy of the bone cancers. In the Chinese population, the crude extract of Corni Fructus (CECF) has been used as Traditional Chinese medicine to treat several different diseases for hundreds of years. In the present study, effects of CECF on inhibition of migration and invasion in U‐2 OS human osteosarcoma cells were examined. CECF significantly inhibited migration and invasion of U‐2 OS human osteosarcoma cells. We also found that CECF inhibited activities of matrix metalloproteinases‐2 (MMP‐2) and matrix metalloproteinases‐9 (MMP‐9). CECF decreased protein levels of FAK, PKC, SOS1, MKK7, MEKK3, GRB2, NF‐κB p65, COX‐2, HIF‐1α, PI3K, Rho A, ROCK‐1, IRE‐1α, p‐JNK1/2, p‐ERK1/2, p‐p38, Ras, p‐PERK, MMP‐2, MMP‐9, and VEGF in U‐2 OS cells. Results of this study indicate that CECF may have potential as a novel anticancer agent for the treatment of osteosarcoma by inhibiting migration and invasion of cancer cells © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 53–63, 2015.     

Daphnetin inhibits TNF‐α and VEGF‐induced angiogenesis through inhibition of the IKKs/IκBα/NF‐κB,Src/FAK/ERK1/2 and Akt signalling pathways

Coumarins, identified as plant secondary metabolites possess diverse biological activities including anti‐angiogenic properties. Daphnetin (DAP), a plant derived dihydroxylated derivative of coumarin has shown significant pharmacological properties such as anticancer, anti‐arthritic and anti‐inflammatory. The present study was performed to investigate the anti‐angiogenic potential of DAP, focusing on the mechanism of action. The in vivo anti‐angiogenic potential of DAP was evaluated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐induced rat aortic ring (RAR) assay and chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. For in vitro evaluation, wounding migration, transwell invasion, tube formation and apoptosis assays were performed on VEGF (8 ng/mL)‐induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The cellular mechanism of DAP was examined on TNFα (10 ng/mL) and VEGF‐induced HUVECs by extracting the mRNA and protein levels using RT‐qPCR and western blotting. Our data demonstrated that DAP inhibited the in vivo angiogenesis in the RAR and CAM assay. DAP also inhibited the different steps of angiogenesis, such as migration, invasion, and tube formation in HUVECs. DAP inhibited nuclear factor‐κB signalling together including TNF‐α induced IκBα degradation; phosphorylation of IκB kinase (IKKα/β) and translocation of the NF‐κB‐p65 protein. Furthermore, western blotting revealed that DAP significantly down‐regulated the VEGF‐induced signalling such as c‐Src, FAK, ERK1/2 and the related phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt) and VEGFR2 expressions. DAP reduced the elevated mRNA expression of iNOS, MMP2 and also, induced apoptosis in VEGF‐stimulated HUVECs by the caspase‐3 dependent pathway. Taken together, this study reveals that DAP may have novel prospective as a new multi‐targeted medication for the anti‐angiogenesis and cancer therapy.