New lupane glycosides from Pulsatilla chinensis

Two new lupane glycosides along with five known triterpenoids were isolated from the roots of Pulsatilla chinensis (Ranunculaceae). The structures of the new glycosides were determined to be 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-23-hydroxybetulinic acid 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (pulsatilloside D, 6) and 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->4)][alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-23-hydroxybetulinic acid 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (pulsatilloside E, 7) by spectroscopic analysis and chemical methods. The compounds were evaluated for cytotoxic activities against K-562 human leukemia and HeLa cells.     

23-羟基桦木酸对B_(16)细胞系的诱导分化作用

目的评价 2 3 羟基桦木酸对黑色素瘤B16细胞的抑瘤作用。方法以MTT法测定细胞增殖的抑瘤率 ,并以B16细胞形态、黑色素含量、细胞周期变化及体内致瘤能力的测定作为观察指标。结果用 10～ 2 0 μg/ml的2 3 羟基桦木酸作用肿瘤细胞 ,见有不同程度的抑瘤作用 (P <0 .0 0 1)。表现为黑色素生成能力增加 ,细胞生长缓慢。可使B16细胞阻断在G1期 ,肿瘤体积明显缩小。结论 2 3 羟基桦木酸低剂量 (10～ 2 0 μg/ml)对B16细胞有明显的分化诱导作用 ,而对体内外黑色素瘤增殖有明显的抑制作用     

23-羟基白桦酸诱导LoVo细胞凋亡与线粒体膜电位的变化

目的探讨23-羟基白桦酸对人结肠癌细胞株LoVo细胞增殖和凋亡的影响。方法采用MTT法检测23-羟基白桦酸对LoVo细胞的增殖抑制作用。Hoechst染色、流式细胞仪检测细胞凋亡及线粒体膜电位的变化。结果23-羟基白桦酸能抑制LoVo细胞的增殖,其作用呈明显的时间和剂量依赖性。Hoechst33258染色显示细胞凋亡特征。23-羟基白桦酸25、50、100及200μmol·L-1作用LoVo细胞48h后,其凋亡率分别为11.32%±0.92%、19.23%±0.78%、24.51%±5.88%及42.22%±2.32%,显示一定的剂量依赖性关系。与空白组相比,23-羟基白桦酸可明显降低LoVo细胞线粒体膜电位(P<0.01)。结论23-羟基白桦酸可抑制LoVo细胞的增殖,其机制与降低线粒体膜电位继而诱导LoVo细胞凋亡有关。     

Apoptosis inducing activity of viscin, a lipophilic extract from Viscum album L

Detection of antiproliferative activity and bioactivity-guided fractionation of viscin, a lipophilic extract from Viscum album L., led to the isolation of betulinic acid, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid as active components. Viscin, betulinic acid, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid inhibited growth and induced apoptotic cell death in Molt4, K562 and U937 leukaemia cells. The growth inhibitory effect of viscin was more pronounced in Molt4 and U937 cells (IC50 (concentration that inhibited cell proliferation by 50%): 118 +/- 24 and 138 +/- 24 microg mL(-1)) than in K562 cells (IC50: 252 +/- 37 microg mL(-1)). Oleanolic acid was the least effective in all cell lines (7.5-45.5% inhibition at 10 microg mL(-1)) and ursolic acid the most active in Molt4 and U937 cells (81.8 and 97.8% inhibition, respectively, at 5 microg mL(-1)). A dose-dependent loss of membrane phospholipid asymmetry associated with apoptosis was induced in all cell lines as shown in flow cytometry by the externalization of phosphatidylserine and morphological changes in cell size and granularity. There were differences in individual cell lines' response towards the apoptosis-inducing effect of viscin, betulinic acid, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid. The triterpenoids beta-amyrin, beta-amyrinacetate, lupeol, lupeolacetate, beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol, and the fatty acids oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid were also present in the lipophilic extract.     

Evaluation of cell death caused by triterpene glycosides and phenolic substances from Cimicifuga racemosa extract in human MCF-7 breast cancer cells

We previously reported that the antiproliferative effect of an isopropanolic-aqueous extract of black cohosh (iCR) on MCF-7 estrogen-responsive breast cancer cell line was due to the induction of apoptosis. Here we address the question to what extent apoptosis induction can be ascribed to one of the two major fractions of iCR, the triterpene glycosides (TTG) or the cinnamic acid esters (CAE). Furthermore, as black cohosh is routinely administered orally, we studied whether its pharmacological effects would withstand simulated liver metabolism. The antiproliferative activity of TTG and CAE as well as of rat liver microsomal S9 fraction-pretreated iCR on MCF-7 cells were investigated by WST-1 assay. The features of cell death induced were tested for apoptosis by flow cytometry (light scatter characteristics, Annexin V binding). Irrespective of S9-pretreatment, 72 h iCR treatment induced a dose-dependent down regulation of cell proliferation with the same IC50 of 55.3 microg/ml dry residue which corresponds to 19.3 microg/ml TTG and 2.7 microg/ml CAE. The degree of apoptotic MCF-7 cells was also comparable. Both, isolated TTG and CAE fractions inhibited cell growth, the IC50 being 59.3 microg/ml and 26.1 microg/ml, respectively. Interestingly, whereas IC50 and apoptosis induction correspond well for the whole extract, TTG and CAE fractions induced apoptosis at concentrations (25 and 5 microg/ml) well below those required for significant growth inhibition. Observation of this study firstly showed that the cell death induced by iCR withstood a metabolic activation system. In addition, TTG and CAE compounds significantly contributed to its apoptotic effect, CAE being the more potent inhibitor of proliferation and apoptosis inducer.     

Induction of apoptosis by gallic acid in lung cancer cells

The apoptosis-inducing effect of gallic acid (3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid) was investigated in four human lung cancer cell lines, SBC-3 (small cell carcinoma), EBC-1 (squamous cell carcinoma), A549 (adenocarcinoma) and SBC-3/CDDP (cisplatin-resistant subclone of SBC-3). Gallic acid induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner as evidenced by analyses of DNA fragmentation, changes in cell morphology and loss of viability. Fifty percent inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of gallic acid on the cell viability of SBC-3, EBC-1 and A549 were around 10, 20 and 60 microg/ml, respectively. The IC50 value for SBC-3/CDDP cells was almost the same as that of SBC-3, suggesting that susceptibility of cells to gallic acid-induced apoptosis is not altered by the acquisition of cisplatin resistance. The apoptotic process was effectively triggered by 30 min exposure to gallic acid. A caspase inhibitor and alpha-tocopherol effectively prevented the gallic acid-induced apoptosis, indicating the involvememt of caspase activation and oxidative processes during the course of apoptosis in gallic acid-treated cancer cells. These findings suggest the possible applicability of gallic acid in lung cancer therapy, especially to circumvent resistance to anti-cancer drugs.     

Ammocidin, a new apoptosis inducer in Ras-dependent cells from Saccharothrix sp. I. Production, isolation and biological activity.

A new apoptosis inducer, ammocidin, was isolated from the culture broth of Saccharothrix sp. AJ9571. Ammocidin induced apoptotic cell death in Ras-dependent Ba/F3-V12 cells with an IC50 of 66 ng/ml. No cell death was observed in IL-3-dependent Ba/F3-V12 cells at less than 100 microg/ml of ammocidin. Ammocidin significantly reduced the phosphorylation level of MAPK and S6K that mediate the anti-apoptotic function of Ras.     

Two new lanostanoids from Ganoderma resinaceum

Two new lanostane triterpenoids, 3-epipachymic acid (3alpha-acetoxy-16alpha-hydroxy-24-methylene-5alpha-lanost-8-en-21-oic acid, 1) and 3alpha-(3-hydroxy-5-methoxy-3-methyl-1,5-dioxopentyloxy)-24-methylene-5alpha-lanost-8-en-21-oic acid (2), together with a known compound, 3-oxo-5alpha-lanosta-8,24-dien-21-oic acid (3), were isolated from the fruiting body of Ganoderma resinaceum. The structure elucidation was accomplished by spectroscopic methods, especially NMR experiments. Compound 2 showed significant cytotoxic activity with IC(50) value of 2.5 microg/ml in Hep-2 cell line.     

Bioactive triterpenoids from Symplocos chinensis

A new triterpenoid, 2beta,3beta,19alpha,24-tetrahydroxy-23-norurs-12-en-28-oic acid (4), together with three known triterpenoids 3-oxo-19alpha,23,24-trihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (1), 2alpha,3beta,19alpha,23-tetrahydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (2), 2alpha,3alpha,19alpha,23-tetrahydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (3), was isolated from the roots of Symplocos chinensis. The new triterpenoid shows significant cytotoxic activity against B16 and BGC-823 cells.     

Anti-tumor effect of Coriolus versicolor methanol extract against mouse B16 melanoma cells: in vitro and in vivo study.

Numerous studies have shown immunostimulatory and anti-tumor effects of water and standardized aqueous ethanol extracts derived from the medicinal mushroom, Coriolus versicolor, but the biological activity of methanol extracts has not been examined so far. In the present study we investigated the anti-tumor effect of C. versicolor methanol extract (which contains terpenoids and polyphenols) on B16 mouse melanoma cells both in vitro and in vivo.In vitro treatment of the cells with the methanol extract (25-1600 microg/ml) reduced melanoma cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, in the presence of the methanol extract (200 microg/ml, concentration IC(50)) the proliferation of B16 cells was arrested in the G(0)/G(1) phase of the cell cycle, followed by both apoptotic and secondary necrotic cell death. In vivo methanol extract treatment (i.p. 50 mg/kg, for 14 days) inhibited tumor growth in C57BL/6 mice inoculated with syngeneic B16 tumor cells. Moreover, peritoneal macrophages collected 21 days after tumor implantation from methanol extract-treated animals exerted stronger tumoristatic activity ex vivo than macrophages from control melanoma-bearing mice. Taken together, our results demonstrate that C. versicolor methanol extract exerts pronounced anti-melanoma activity, both directly through antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects on tumor cells and indirectly through promotion of macrophage anti-tumor activity.     

Betulinic acid induces apoptotic and autophagic cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma

Betulinic acid, a natural product, was extracted from a broad range of Chinese medicinal herbs. Subsequent researches show when subjected to betulinic acid, tumours derived from multiple tissues manifest apoptotic features. This study aims to investigate the role of betulinic acid in apoptosis and autophagy of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) as well as the crosstalk between betulinic acid-induced apoptotic and autophagic cell death. We employed luciferase-tagged hepatoma cell line MHCC97L to establish orthotopic HCC implanted mice. Hepatocellular carcinoma cells PLC/PRF/5 and MHCC97L were used as in vitro models. The apoptotic mechanism behind betulinic acid function was examined using flow cytometry, immunoblotting, and real-time PCR techniques. Autophagic regulation was monitored by transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and MTT assays. We found that betulinicacid induced targeted degradation of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins(IAPs) family(cIAP-1, cIAP-2, XIAP and survivin),which are generally overexpressed in tumours. Meanwhile, autophagy was modulated in betulinic acid-treated hepatoma cellsas evidenced by induction of autophagic flux. Administration of autophagy inhibitor had no significant influence on molecules associated with apoptosis(IAPs), but could reversebetulinic acid-induced hepatoma cell death. Above all, the mode of action underlying betulinic acid-induced anti-cancer efficacy in vitro and in vivo was due, at least in part, to autophagy activation as well as pro-apoptotic responses mediated by modulation of IAPs family.     

Synthesis, antiprotozoal and cytotoxic activities of new N-(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-1,2-naphthoquinone-4-amino derivatives

Three derivatives of N-(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-1,2-naphthoquinone-4-amino (1), a compound which exhibits significant activity against Trypanosoma cruzi and Plasmodium falciparum but with cytotoxicity toward murine L-6 cells, were synthesized with the aim of ameliorating its cytotoxicity. The in vitro antiprotozoal and cytotoxic activities of the synthesized compounds were evaluated against T. cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, P. falciparum and murine L-6 cells. The hydroxymethyl (2) and the oxime (3) derivatives were active against T. cruzi, with IC50 values in a range comparable to those of 1 (IC50: 0.65 microg/ml) and benznidazole (IC50: 0.56 microg/ml) while the carboxymethyloxime (4) was inactive. Compounds 2 and 3 were cytotoxic toward L-6 cells, with IC50 values identical to that of 1 (IC50: 0.50 microg/ml). The results did not support the suggestion that 2 and 3 may be used as prodrugs of 1.     

Betulinic acid derivatives as anticancer agents: structure activity relationship

Betulinic acid, a pentacyclic triterpene, is widely distributed throughout the tropics. It possesses several biological properties such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antiseptic, antimalarial, spermicidal, antimicrobial, antileshmanial, antihelmentic and antifeedent activities. However, betulinic acid was highly regarded for its anticancer and anti-HIV activities. Anticancer role of betulinic acid appeared by inducing apoptosis in cells irrespective of their p53 status. Due to high order safety in betulinic acid, a number of structural modifications carried out to improve its potency and efficacy. The C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-20 and C-28 positions are the diversity centers in betulinic acid, and the derivatives resulted on various structural modifications at these positions screened for their anticancer activity. This review presents the structure activity relationship carried out on C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-20, C-28, A-ring, D-ring and E-ring modified betulinic acid derivatives. We have compiled the most active betulinic acid derivatives along with their activity profile in each series. Structure activity relationship studies revealed that C-28 carboxylic acid was essential for the cytotoxicity. The halo substituent at C-2 position in betulinic acid enhanced the cytotoxicity. Though the relation of the cytotoxicity with the nature of substituents at C-3 position could not be generalized but the ester functionality appeared to be a better substituent for enhancing the cytotoxicity. An interesting observation is that the three rings skeleton (A, B and C rings) had played an important role in eliciting anticancer activity, which could be a new molecular skeleton to design new anticancer drugs.     

Camelliin B induced apoptosis in HeLa cell line.

Gordonia axillaris (Roxb.) Dietrich (Theaceae) is a native to Taiwan and the leaves have been used as an astringent folk medicine. Camelliin B (CB), a macrocyclic hydrolyzable tannin, was isolated from G. axillaris and showed cytotoxic effects in human carcinoma cells. Among the target cells (SKHep-1, Ha-22T, DU-145, AGS, and HeLa), the cervical carcinoma cell line, HeLa, was more sensitive to CB than were Chang normal liver cells and primary-cultured normal gingival and cervical fibroblasts. Furthermore, the cytotoxic effects of CB showed dose-dependency at 3.2-100.0 microg/ml in HeLa for 1,24,48, and 72 h and with an IC(50) value of 46.3 microg/ml for 48 h. However, the IC(50) value of CB in primary-cultured normal cervical fibroblasts was 108.0 microg/ml. Therefore, the selectivity shown by CB was ascribed to the difference in growth speed between normal and tumor cells. HeLa cells and primary-cultured normal cervical fibroblasts were treated with 50.0 and 100.0 microg/ml CB for 48 h, respectively, and exhibited chromatin condensation, indicating the occurrence of apoptosis. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated the presence of apoptotic cells with low DNA content, a decrease of cell population at the G(1) phase, and a concomitant increase of cell population at the G(2)/M phase. CB also caused DNA fragmentation and inhibited PARP degradation in HeLa cells. However, CB did not significantly inhibit Bcl-2 expression in HeLa cells at 50.0 microg/ml, only at 100.0 microg/ml for 48 h. These results suggest that CB induced apoptosis, without direct inhibition of Bcl-2 expression in HeLa cells.     

Resveratrol analog, 3,5,2′,4′-tetramethoxy-trans-stilbene, potentiates the inhibition of cell growth and induces apoptosis in human cancer cells

Resveratrol, a trihydroxystilbene found in grapes and several plants, has been shown to be active in inhibiting multistage carcinogenic process. Using resveratrol as the prototype, we synthesized several analogs and evaluated their growth inhibitory effect using cultured human cancer cells. In the present report we show that one of the resveratrol analogs, 3, 5,2',4'-tetramethoxy-trans-stilbene, potentiated the inhibition of cancer cell growth. Prompted by the strong growth inhibitory activity of the compound (IC50; 0.8 microg/ml) compared to resveratrol (IC50; 18.7 microg/ml) in cultured human colon cancer cells (Col2), we performed an action mechanism study using the compound. The compound induced the accumulation of cellular DNA contents in the sub-G0 phase DNA contents of the cell cycle by in a time-dependent manner. The morphological changes were also consistent with an apoptotic process. This result indicated that the compound induced apoptosis of cancer cells, and may be a candidate for use in the development of potential cancer chemotherapeutic or cancer chemopreventive agents.     

Effect of cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) on hematogenic lung metastatic model mice

We investigated the anti-metastatic effect of cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) on a hematogenic metastatic mouse model which was intravenously injected with B16-BL6 melanoma cells. A 3-hour exposure to various concentrations of cordycepin (0.3, 1 and 3 microg/ml) dose-dependently reduced the number of nodules formed in lung at 15 days after the tumor injection. To elucidate the mechanism of this anti-metastatic effect, we examined the effect of cordycepin on the invasiveness of B16-BL6 cells using a chemo-invasion chamber in vitro. The B16-BL6 cells pretreated with cordycepin (3 microg/ml) for 3 hours showed a significant decrease in invasiveness. Under the same conditions, however, cordycepin did not influence the growth curve of B16-BL6 cells at concentrations up to 3 microg/ml. These results suggest that cordycepin exerts an anti-metastatic action, in part, by inhibiting the invasiveness of mouse melanoma cells.     

Influence of a novel platinum compound--cis-dichloro (dimethylsulphoxide) (1-beta-D-rybofuranosyl-1,2,4-triazolo-3-arboxyamide) platinum (II)--"Pt-rib-1"--on cell cycle and apoptosis in ClS91 and B16 mouse melanoma in vitro

Cisplatin has a significant role in the treatment of selected human tumors including advanced melanoma, but new platinum compounds are still in focus of search for better properties. Modern drug design is often based on studies detecting the abilities of tested drug to induce apoptosis and disturb cell cycle. Aim of the study was to establish the influence of a platinum complex Pt-rib-1 on cell cycle and apoptosis occurrence in mouse melanoma B16 and ClS91 cells. Pt-rib-1 is a ribavirin derivative. previously characterized and described as cytotoxic to B16 and ClS91 mouse melanoma cells in vitro. The new platinum complex (Pt-rib-1); cis- dichloro (dimethylsulphoxide) (1- beta- D-ribofuranosyl- 1,2,4-triazolo -3- carboxyamide) platinum (II) was supplied. Cisdiaminodichloroplatinum (II), (cisplatin) was used in control groups. To detect apoptotic and necrotic cells, Annexin V- conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate (Annexin V-FITC, Immunotech) and propidium iodide (IP, Immunotech) were used. Apoptosis detection were done using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. The total DNA content within the cell indicated phase of the cell cycle. DNA content was measured using flow cytometry. Values given represent the mean from three determinations. Results were presented as mean +/- standard deviation (SD). Statistical analysis was done using t-Student test. There were 70.4% of apoptotic cells in the ClS91 culture after 24 h incubation with Pt-rib-1 at a concentration of 2.04 x 10(-3) M (4 x IC50). In B16 group, 83.2 per cent of apoptotic cells was found after 24h incubation with Pt-rib-1 at high concentration (2.30 x 10(-3) M). A 24-h experiment shows a threshold at a concentration higher than 3 x IC50 responsible for apoptosis induction in B16 and ClS91 cells. After 48 h incubation with Pt-rib-1 the per cent of apoptotic cells increased gradually with rising concentrations of Pt-rib-1 up to a final concentration of 2.04 x 10(-3) M and 0.92 x 10(-3) M in ClS91 and B16 groups, respectively. Cell accumulation was observed in S phase after 48 h incubation with Pt-rib-1. The per cent of cells in S phase increased from 31 to 51.1% and 38.8 to 50.0% in ClS91 and B16 culture, respectively. There were no B16 and ClS91 cells in G2/M phase after incubation with higher concentrations of Pt-rib-1 (from 0.2 to 2.0 x 10(-5) M/dm3). Pt-rib-1 partially exhibits action of cisplatin. which has no specific influence on cell cycle and ribavirin. probably responsible for DNA synthesis delay.     

Synthesis and antitumor activities of novel pyrimidine derivatives of 2,3-O,O-dibenzyl-6-deoxy-L-ascorbic acid and 4,5-didehydro-5,6- dideoxy-L-ascorbic acid

The new pyrimidine derivatives of 2,3-O, O-dibenzyl-6-deoxy-L-ascorbic acid (8-10) were synthesized by condensation of uracil and its 5-fluoro- and 5-trifluoromethyl-substituted derivatives with 4-(5,6-epoxypropyl)-2, 3-O,O-dibenzyl-L-ascorbic acid (7), while pyrimidine derivatives of 4,5-didehydro-5,6-dideoxy-L-ascorbic acid (14-17) with free C-2' and C-3' hydroxy groups in the lactone ring were obtained by debenzylation of 11-13 with boron trichloride. Z-Configuration of the C4'=C5' double bond and position of the benzyl group in the lactone ring of 14 were deduced from their (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra and connectivities in COSY, ROESY, and HMBC spectra. The exact stereostructure of 13 was confirmed by its X-ray crystal structure analysis. Of all the compounds in the series, compound 16 containing a 5-fluoro-substituted uracil ring showed the most significant antitumor activities against murine leukemia L1210/0 (IC(50) = 1.4 microg/mL), murine mammary carcinoma FM3A/0 (IC(50) = 0.78 microg/mL), and, to a lesser extent, human T-lymphocyte cells Molt4/C8 (IC(50) = 31.8 microg/mL) and CEM/0 cell lines (IC(50) = 20.9 microg/mL).