Activation of caspase-8 contributes to 3,3'-Diindolylmethane-induced apoptosis in colon cancer cells

3,3'-Diindolylmethane (DIM) is the major in vivo product of acid-catalyzed oligomerization of indole-3-carbinol, which is a promising anticancer agent present in cruciferous vegetables and has itself been reported to have anticarcinogenic properties. This study examined DIM-mediated regulation of apoptosis in the HCT116 (wild-type p53) and HT-29 (mutant p53) human colon cancer cell lines. DIM (0-30 micromol/L) substantially decreased the number of viable cells and induced apoptosis of HCT116 and HT-29 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Western-blot analyses of total cell lysates revealed that DIM increased the activation of caspase-3, -7, -8, and -9 and enhanced poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage in both HCT116 and HT-29 cells. In addition, DIM increased the translocation of cytochrome c and Smac/Diablo from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm. In concert with the caspase-8 activation by DIM, increased levels of Fas and truncated Bid were observed. DIM did not affect the protein levels of p53, Bcl-2, Bax, or Fas ligand (FasL) in HCT116 cells. In HT-29 cells, however, DIM decreased Bcl-2 levels, although the protein levels of Bax or FasL were not affected. The caspase-8 inhibitor Z-IETD-FMK attenuated the DIM-induced apoptosis, indicating that increased activation of this enzyme contributed to the increase in p53-independent apoptosis that was observed in colon cancer cells. We have demonstrated that DIM induces apoptosis in colon cancer cells, providing insights into the mechanisms underlying its antitumorigenic activities.     

Induction of apoptosis by a hexane extract of aged black garlic in the human leukemic U937 cells

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

In this study, the apoptogenic activity and mechanisms of cell death induced by hexane extract of aged black garlic (HEABG) were investigated in human leukemic U937 cells.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazoliumbromide) assay. Apoptosis was detected using 4,6-diamidino-2-phenyllindile (DAPI) staining, agarose gel electrophoresis and flow cytometry. The protein levels were determined by Western blot analysis. Caspase activity was measured using a colorimetric assay.

RESULTS

Exposure to HEABG was found to result in a concentration- and time-dependent growth inhibition by induction of apoptosis, which was associated with an up-regulation of death receptor 4 and Fas legend, and an increase in the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 protein expression. Apoptosis-inducing concentrations of HEABG induced the activation of caspase-9, an initiator caspase of the mitochodrial mediated intrinsic pathway, and caspase-3, accompanied by proteolytic degradation of poly(ADP-ribose)-polymerase. HEABG also induced apoptosis via a death receptor mediated extrinsic pathway by caspase-8 activation, resulting in the truncation of Bid, and suggesting the existence of cross-talk between the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. However, pre-treatment of U937 cells with the caspase-3 inhibitor, z-DEVD-fmk, significantly blocked the HEABG-induced apoptosis of these cells, and increased the survival rate of HEABG-treated cells, confirming that HEABG-induced apoptosis is mediated through activation of caspase cascade.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the overall results, we suggest that HEABG reduces leukemic cell growth by inducing caspase-dependent apoptosis through both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, implying its potential therapeutic value in the treatment of leukemia.     

Ascorbic acid enhances radiation-induced apoptosis in an HL60 human leukemia cell line

This study was conducted to examine the utility of the combined use of ascorbic acid (AsA) and radiation in clinical applications. We investigated cell survival, DNA fragmentation, and caspase activation after X-ray irradiation and AsA treatment of human leukemia HL60 cells. The number of living cells decreased after combined X-ray irradiation and AsA treatment (2 Gy + 5 mM) in comparison with that after X-ray irradiation (2 Gy) or AsA treatment (5 mM) alone. DNA fragmentation was more in the cells subjected to combined X-ray irradiation and AsA treatment than in those subjected to X-ray irradiation alone. Caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 were highly activated following combined X-ray irradiation and AsA treatment, but caspase-8 activity was not markedly increased after X-ray irradiation alone. Bax levels in the mitochondrial membrane fractions were increased after AsA treatment alone and after combined X-ray irradiation and AsA treatment. However, there was no apparent increase in the Bax levels after X-ray irradiation treatment alone. Thus, this study confirmed that supplementing X-ray irradiation with AsA treatment results in increased apoptosis in HL60 cells. With regard to the apoptosis-inducing factors, we hypothesized that Bax and caspase-8 were activated after combined X-ray irradiation and AsA treatment compared with either treatment alone.     

Specific blockage of caspase-1 activation by purple bamboo-salt prevents apoptosis of auditory cell line, HEI-OC1

Cisplatin is a highly effective chemotherapeutic agent but with significant ototoxic side effects. Apoptosis is an important mechanism of cochlear hair cell loss following exposure to an ototoxic level of cisplatin. The present study investigated the effects of purple bamboo-salt (BS) on cisplatin-induced apoptosis. We demonstrated that apoptosis induced by cisplatin was inhibited by treatment with BS in a dose-dependent manner. Activation of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 was observed within cisplatin-treated HEI-OC1 cells. BS inhibited activation of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9. BS also inhibited release of cytochrome c and translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor. BS inhibited cisplatin-induced reactive oxygen species production. Lastly, BS suppressed cisplatin-induced caspase-1 activation. In conclusion, these findings show that BS blockage of a critical step in apoptosis may be a useful strategy to prevent harmful side effects of cisplatin ototoxicity in patients undergoing chemotherapy.     

Selaginella tamariscina induces apoptosis via a caspase-3-mediated mechanism in human promyelocytic leukemia cells

Cell apoptosis is now known to play an important role in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and anticarcinogenesis. Selaginella tamariscina (ST) is a traditional medicinal plant for treatment of advanced cancer in the Orient. In the present study, the anticancer effect of ST was investigated by analyzing its potential to induce apoptosis in human leukemia HL-60 cells. ST-induced cytotoxicity of HL-60 cells was monitored by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The apoptosis was determined by microscopic examination of apoptotic morphology, determination of DNA fragmentation by electrophoresis, activation of caspase-3, and protein expression of procaspase-3, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage, Bcl-2, and Bax. ST was cytotoxic to HL-60 cells in a dose-dependent manner. However, ST-induced cytotoxicity was suppressed by reactive oxygen species scavengers, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. ST caused DNA fragmentation and nuclear condensation, all characteristics of apoptosis. ST-induced apoptosis is accompanied by the activation of caspase-3 and the specific proteolytic cleavage of PARP. Concomitantly, ST treatments led to an increase in the proapoptotic Bax levels, while Bcl-2 expression was decreased. Moreover, this effect was attenuated by SOD and catalase. These results suggest that oxidative stress may be involved in the cytotoxicity of ST, and that ST-induced apoptosis of HL-60 cells is primarily mediated by the caspase activation pathway.     

North American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) stimulates apoptotic pathways in DU145 human prostate cancer cells in vitro

Diets rich in fruits and vegetables have been shown to improve patient prognosis in a variety of cancers, a benefit partly derived from phytochemicals, many of which target cell death pathways in tumor cells. Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) are a phytochemical-rich fruit containing a variety of polyphenolic compounds. As flavonoids have been shown to induce apoptosis in human tumor cells, this study investigated the hypothesis that cranberry-mediated cytotoxicity in DU145 human prostate adenocarcinoma cells involves apoptosis. The results showed that induction of apoptosis in these cells occurred in response to treatment with whole cranberry extract and occurred through caspase-8 mediated cleavage of Bid protein to truncated Bid resulting in cytochrome-C release from the mitochondria. Subsequent activation of caspase-9 ultimately resulted in cell death as characterized by DNA fragmentation. Increased Par-4 protein expression was observed, and this is suggested to be at least partly responsible for caspase-8 activation. Proanthocyanidin-enriched and flavonol-enriched fractions of cranberry also increased caspase-8 and caspase-9 activity, suggesting that these compounds play a possible role in apoptosis induction. These findings indicate that cranberry phytochemicals can induce apoptosis in prostate cancer cells in vitro, and these findings further establish the potential value of cranberry phytochemicals as possible agents against prostate cancer.     

Deoxycholic acid can induce apoptosis in the human colon cancer cell line HCT116 in the absence of Bax

In the human colon cancer cells HCT116, deoxycholic acid (DCA) induces apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway by triggering the release of mitochondrial factors such as cytochrome c. To elucidate if Bax, a proapoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family known to trigger cytochrome c release in response to various types of apoptotic stimuli, is involved in DCA-induced apoptosis in HCT116 cells, we analyzed DCA-induced apoptosis in Bax-knockout (Bax(-/-)) HCT116 cells. Cytochrome c release and caspase-9 activation were detectable after 5 min in both Bax(-/-) and Bax(+/-) HCT116 cells. Caspase-3 and caspase-8 activation was observed after 15 and 30 min, respectively. Bax(-/-) cells were protected from apoptosis by treating them with ursodeoxycholic acid for 12 h prior to DCA treatment. These results are consistent with our previous observations that were obtained by using wild-type HCT116 cells and suggest that Bax is not indispensable for DCA-induced apoptosis in HCT116 cells.     

Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a tuberculosis DNA vaccine co-expressing pro-apoptotic caspase-3

DNA vaccination is a potent means for inducing strong cell-mediated immune responses and protective immunity against viral, bacterial and parasite pathogens in rodents. In an attempt to increase cross-presentation through apoptosis, the DNA-encoding caspase-2 prodomain followed by wild-type or catalytically inactive mutated caspase-3 was inserted into a plasmid encoding the 32 kDa mycolyl transferase (Ag85A) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Transient transfection showed that the mutated caspase induced slow apoptosis, normal protein expression and NF-kappaB activation while wild-type caspase induced rapid apoptosis, lower protein expression and no NF-kappaB activation. Ag85A specific antibody production was increased by co-expressing the mutated and decreased by co-expressing the wild-type caspase. Vaccination with pro-apoptotic plasmids triggered more Ag85A specific IFN-gamma producing spleen cells, and more efficient IL-2 and IFN-gamma producing memory cells in spleen and lungs after M. tuberculosis challenge. Compared to DNA-encoding secreted Ag85A, vaccination with DNA co-expressing wild-type caspase increased protection after infection with M. tuberculosis, while vaccination with plasmid co-expressing mutated caspase was not protective, possibly due to the stimulation of IL-6, IL-10 and IL-17A production.     

三氯乙烯诱导人角质形成细胞凋亡过程中caspase-8及caspase-9活力的变化

目的 观察三氯乙烯(TCE)致人原代角质形成细胞(KC)损伤过程中caspase-8、caspase-9活力及细胞凋亡率的变化,探讨TCE引起KC凋亡的可能机制.方法 体外培养的KC分别给予0.125、0.250、0.500、1.000和2.000mmol/L的TCE染毒4、8、12、24 h,以100μmol/L的caspase-9特异抑制剂Z-LEHD-FMK预处理细胞1 h,再用2.000mmol/LTCE染毒12 h.MTT法检测细胞活力变化,分光光度法检测caspase-8及caspase-9活力变化.流式细胞仪检测细胞凋亡率变化.结果 与空白对照相比,2.000和1.000 mmol/LTCE染毒组作用8 h后细胞活力降低.染毒超过12 h,各剂量组细胞活力均降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05或P<0.01).在不同的时间段,各剂量组的caspase-8活力与对照组比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).染毒8 h时,2.000mmol/LTCE组caspase-9活力明显高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);12和24h时,各剂量组caspase-9活力与对照组比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05或P<0.01).不同剂量的TCE染毒12 h后,2.000 mmol/L TCE染毒组细胞凋亡率升高至(80.43±4.21)%,空白对照组为(9.40±2.98)%,除0.125 mmol/LTCE组外,其他各染毒组的细胞凋亡率与对照组相比,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),剂量-效应关系明显.Caspase-9抑制剂预处理组caspase-9活力及细胞凋亡率较2.000mmol/L TCE染毒组明显降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01).结论 Caspase-9的活化在TCE诱导的体外培养的人KC的凋亡过程中发挥重要作用.     

Mechanism of activation of caspase cascade during beta-carotene-induced apoptosis in human tumor cells

In this study, we examined possible mechanisms of caspase activation during carotenoid-induced apoptosis in tumor cells. We found that beta-Carotene induces apoptosis by the activation of caspase-3 in human leukemia (HL-60), colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29) as well as melanoma (SK-MEL-2) cell lines. This activation is dose dependent and follows that of caspase-8 and caspase-9. Although caspase-8 cleavage is an early event, reaching its maximum activation at 3 h, caspase-9 reaches its maximum activation only at 6 h. The addition of IETD-CHO, a caspase-8-specific inhibitor, completely prevents beta-Carotene-induced apoptosis, whereas only a partial prevention was observed in the presence of LEHD-CHO, a caspase-9-specific inhibitor. beta-Carotene activates caspase-9 via cytochrome c release from mitochondria and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Dym). Concomitantly, a dose-dependent decrease in the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 and a dose-dependent increase in the cleaved form of BID (t-BID) are observed. Moreover, NF-kB activation is involved in beta-Carotene-induced caspase cascade. These results support a pharmacological role for beta-Carotene as a candidate antitumor agent and show a possible sequence of molecular events by which this molecule may induce apoptosis in tumor cells.     

Quercetin induces apoptosis via caspase activation, regulation of Bcl-2, and inhibition of PI-3-kinase/Akt and ERK pathways in a human hepatoma cell line (HepG2)

Dietary polyphenols have been associated with the reduced risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, but the precise underlying mechanism of protection remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of quercetin on the activation of the apoptotic pathway in a human hepatoma cell line (HepG2). Treatment of cells for 18 h with quercetin induced cell death in a dose-dependent manner; however, a shorter treatment (4 h) had no effect on cell viability. Incubation of HepG2 cells with quercetin for 18 h induced apoptosis by the activation of caspase-3 and -9, but not caspase-8. Moreover, this flavonoid decreased the Bcl-xL:Bcl-xS ratio and increased translocation of Bax to the mitochondrial membrane. A sustained inhibition of the major survival signals, Akt and extracellular regulated kinase (ERK), also occurred in quercetin-treated cells. These data suggest that quercetin may induce apoptosis by direct activation of caspase cascade (mitochondrial pathway) and by inhibiting survival signaling in HepG2.     

Protection by polaprezinc against radiation-induced apoptosis in rat jejunal crypt cells

Polaprezinc, an anti-ulcer drug, is a chelate compound consisting of zinc and L-carnosine. Polaprezinc has been shown to prevent gastric mucosal injury. The anti ulcer effects of polaprezinc have been ascribed to its antioxidative property. The effect of polaprezinc on ionizing radiation-induced apoptosis was studied in the jejunal epithelial crypt cells of rats. Seven-to eight week-old Wistar rats, which were treated with 100 mg/kg of polaprezinc orally 1h before irradiation or 2% carboxymethyl cellulose sodium in controls, were exposed to whole body X-ray irradiation at 2 Gy. The number of apoptotic cells per jejunum crypt was counted in haematoxylin and eosin stained sections at 0-6 h after irradiation. TUNEL positive cells and immunopositive cells for active caspase-3 per crypt were also counted. Accumulation of p53, p21(WAF1/CIP1) and Bax expression in the jejunum after irradiation were examined by Western blot analyses. Polaprezinc treatment given prior to radiation resulted in a significant reduction in numbers of apoptotic cells, TUNEL positive cells and active caspase-3 immunopositive cells in jejunal crypt cells. Polaprezinc treatment resulted in decreases of p53 accumulation, p21(WAF1/CIP1) and Bax expression after irradiation. Polaprezinc has a protective effect against ionizing radiation induced apoptosis in rat jejunal crypt cells.     

Bcl-2家族蛋白在维生素E琥珀酸酯诱导人胃癌细胞凋亡中的作用

目的:研究Bcl-2家族蛋白在维生素E琥珀酸酯(RRR-α-tocopheryl succinate,α-TOS;vitamin E succinate,VES)诱导人胃癌SGC-7901细胞凋亡线粒体途径中的作用。方法:采用噻唑蓝(MTT)法测定VES对SGC-7901细胞的半数抑制浓度(IC50值);吖啶橙/溴化乙啶(AO/EB)染色观察细胞凋亡;Mito Tracker Red CMXRos染色观察线粒体膜电位(ΔΨm)的改变;Western Blot法检测不同剂量VES对人胃癌SGC-7901细胞Bid、Bax、Bcl-2蛋白表达和细胞色素C(cytochrome C,Cyt C)蛋白表达与定位的影响。结果:VES对SGC-7901细胞的IC50值为101.45μg/ml;VES可引起SGC-7901细胞发生凋亡和线粒体膜电位下降;并引起Cyt C蛋白在细胞内重新定位、Bid蛋白剪切活化、Bax蛋白表达增加和Bcl-2蛋白表达减少。结论:VES可抑制SGC-7901细胞的生长,并通过线粒体途径诱导凋亡,其机制可能是通过剪切活化Bid蛋白、上调Bax/Bcl-2相对水平来实现的。     

(-)Epigallocatechin gallate and quercetin enhance survival signaling in response to oxidant-induced human endothelial apoptosis

We reported recently that (-)epigallocatechin gallate and quercetin inhibited H2O2-induced apoptosis through modulation of the expression of apoptosis-related Bcl-2 and Bax in endothelial cells. This study attempted to identify possible regulatory sites and mechanisms of antiapoptotic flavonoids, focusing on ROS-mediated signaling in HUVEC. The effects of apigenin on the signaling pathway downstream were compared. Submillimolar H2O2 caused >30% cell killing with intracellular oxidant generation. H2O2-induced oxidant generation markedly decreased total intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels. Micromolar (-)epigallocatechin gallate and quercetin partially eliminated the dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCF) and phospho-p53 staining, suggesting that these flavonoids inhibited the accumulation of intracellular oxidants and nuclear transactivation of p53 in H2O2-exposed cells. In contrast, cells treated with apigenin remained DCF and phospho-p53 staining positive in response to H2O2. (-)Epigallocatechin gallate significantly raised the total GSH level that had been depleted by H2O2. Caspase-3 activity was enhanced by H2O2, and this increase was inhibited by (-)epigallocatechin gallate and quercetin. Additionally, the upregulation of caspase-3 activation was reversed by these flavonoids at > or =10 micromol/L; these inhibitory effects were dose dependent. Western blot data revealed that H2O2 upregulated phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), which was rapidly reversed by quercetin within 30 min; H2O2 activation of c-Jun was downregulated. (-)Epigallocatechin gallate inhibited H2O2-induced phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAPK after 60 min. These results reveal that quercetin blocks JNK- and p38 MAPK-related signaling triggered by the oxidant and may regulate expression of apoptotic downstream genes, preventing apoptosis and promoting cell survival. (-)Epigallocatechin gallate may function as an antiapoptotic agent through other antiapoptotic pathways.     

Fas-independent apoptosis induced by UVC in p53-mutated human epithelial tumor A431 cells through activation of caspase-8 and JNK/SAPK

A431 cells/UVC-induced apoptosis/Caspase 8/Fas/JNK/PAPK. We previously observed that p53-mutated human epithelial tumor A431 cells underwent apoptosis after ultraviolet C (UVC) irradiation through the caspases-8 and -3 pathway. Fas/FasL is known to initiate apoptosis in several cell lines via caspase-8 activation. Then, to determine if Fas/FasL mediates apoptosis in A431. we investigated Fas expression and modulation in UVC-irradiated A431 cells. A431 constitutively expressed Fas, which gradually decreased after UVC-irradiation. Pretreatment with a neutralizing anti-Fas antibody, ZB4, did not abrogate the UVC-induced apoptosis. An agonistic anti-Fas antibody, CH11, very slowly induced apoptosis in A431. suggesting that the constitutively expressed Fas had a low functional potential. Hence, UVC-induced apoptosis in A431 seems to occur independent of the Fas signal. Interestingly, however, a pretreatment with CH11 remarkably potentiated UVC-induced apoptosis. An inhibitor of caspase-8, Ac-IETD-CHO, partially inhibited UVC-induced apoptosis. JNK was phosphorylated immediately after exposure to UVC. prior to apoptotic chromatin condensation. Our data suggest that the activation of caspase-8 occurs independent of Fas upregulation, and that JNK/ SAPK contributes to UVC-induced apoptosis in human epithelial A431 cells.     

二甲基甲酰胺致心肌细胞凋亡线粒体通路的体外实验研究

目的 探讨二甲基甲酰胺（dimethylformamide,DMF）致H9c2心肌细胞凋亡线粒体通路相关蛋白的影响。方法 采用蛋白免疫印迹法（western blot,WB）检测不同剂量DMF（0 mM、50 mM、100 mM、200 mM）染毒24 h后胞浆内活化的Caspase-3（cleaved caspase-3）、Bax、Bcl-2以及细胞色素C（Cyt-c）水平的改变。结果 不同剂量DMF（0 mM,50 mM,100 mM,200 mM）染毒24 h后胞浆Cleaved caspase-3、Bax和Cyt-c水平升高,Bcl-2水平降低,组间差异均有统计学意义（Cleaved caspase-3：F=23.33,P<0.001;Bax：F=60.31,P<0.001;Bcl-2：F=577.8,P<0.001;Cyt-c：F=104.0,P<0.001）。Cleaved caspase-3和Cyt-c水平在100 mM、200 mM染毒组较对照组升高,差异均有统计学意义（均有P<0.05）。Bax在50 mM、100 mM染毒组较对照组升高,差异均有统计学意义（均有P<0.05）,200 mM染毒组与对照组相比差异无统计学意义（P=1.000）。Bcl-2水平在50 mM、100 mM、200 mM染毒组较对照组均降低,差异均有统计学意义（均有P<0.05）。Bax/Bcl-2比值增加,100 mM,200 mM组较对照组差异均有统计学意义（均有P<0.05）。结论 DMF染毒后可上调H9c2心肌细胞Cleaved caspase-3、Cyt-c以及Bax/Bcl-2水平,下调Bcl-2水平。线粒体通路参与了DMF诱导的H9c2心肌细胞凋亡的过程。     

Deoxycholic Acid Can Induce Apoptosis in the Human Colon Cancer Cell Line HCT116 in the Absence of Bax

In the human colon cancer cells HCT116, deoxycholic acid (DCA) induces apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway by triggering the release of mitochondrial factors such as cytochrome c. To elucidate if Bax, a proapoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family known to trigger cytochrome c release in response to various types of apoptotic stimuli, is involved in DCA-induced apoptosis in HCT116 cells, we analyzed DCA-induced apoptosis in Bax-knockout (Bax^–/–) HCT116 cells. Cytochrome c release and caspase-9 activation were detectable after 5 min in both Bax^–/– and Bax^+/– HCT116 cells. Caspase-3 and caspase-8 activation was observed after 15 and 30 min, respectively. Bax^–/– cells were protected from apoptosis by treating them with ursodeoxycholic acid for 12 h prior to DCA treatment. These results are consistent with our previous observations that were obtained by using wild-type HCT116 cells and suggest that Bax is not indispensable for DCA-induced apoptosis in HCT116 cells.     

Effect of aged garlic extract on caspase-3 activity,in vitro

In neurodegeneration, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), apoptosis results in the loss of valuable neurons. A key mechanism in apoptosis is the activation of caspase-3. Caspase-3 activity first becomes detectable early in apoptosis, continues to increase as cells undergo apoptosis, and rapidly declines in late stages of apoptosis. Its activity is an early marker of cells undergoing apoptosis. Caspase-3 catalyzes the formation of beta-amyloid peptide, a hallmark of AD. The purpose of the study was to determine whether dietary aged garlic extract (AGE), with known antioxidant properties and neuroprotection against Alzheimer's beta-amyloid cytotoxicity, inhibits the caspase-3 activity in vitro. Caspase-3 activity was assayed according to the prescribed protocol and incubated overnight at ambient temperature. We report that AGE inhibits caspase-3 in dose dependent manner. Caspase-8 was not inhibited by AGE. As a caspase-3 inhibitor, AGE may be effective in reducing apoptotic death of neurons since caspase inhibitors have been shown to inhibit neuronal cell death. We propose a scheme for the ameliorative effect of AGE on deleterious effects of beta-amyloid and possibly uncontrolled caspase-3 activity.     

Role of caspase-8 activation in mediating vitamin E-induced apoptosis in murine mammary cancer cells

The vitamin E family of compounds is divided into two subgroups, tocopherols and tocotrienols. However, tocotrienols display more potent apoptotic activity in mammary cancer cells. Although the mechanism(s) mediating tocotrienol-induced apoptosis is presently unknown, apoptosis is carried out by activation of initiator caspases (caspase-8 or -9) that subsequently activate effector caspases (caspase-3, -6, or -7). Studies were conducted to determine whether tocotrienol-induced apoptosis is mediated by activation of the caspase-8 and/or caspase-9 pathway. Highly malignant +SA mouse mammary epithelial cells were grown in culture and maintained on serum-free media. Treatment with tocotrienol-rich-fraction of palm oil (TRF) and g-tocotrienol, but not a-tocopherol, induced a dose-dependent decrease in +SA cell viability. TRF- and g-tocotrienol-induced cell death resulted from apoptosis, as determined by DNA fragmentation and positive TUNEL assay staining. Additional studies showed that treatment with 50 mM TRF or 20 mM g-tocotrienol increased intracellular activity and levels of processed caspase-8 and -3 but not caspase-9. Furthermore, treatment with specific caspase-8 or -3 inhibitors, but not caspase-9 inhibitor, completely blocked the tocotrienol-induced apoptosis in +SA cells. These findings demonstrate that tocotrienol-induced apoptosis in +SA mammary cancer cells is mediated through activation of the caspase-8 signaling pathway and is independent of caspase-9 activation.     

Apoptosis of skeletal muscle on steroid-induced myopathy in rats

Apoptotic cell death of differentiated skeletal muscle has been reported in an experimental steroid-induced myopathy of rats. To investigate the underlying molecular changes in the apoptosis of skeletal muscle, in situ end labeling (ISEL), Fas expression, and Western blot analysis for apoptosis-related proteins in the soleus muscle of triamcinolone acetonide (TA)-induced myopathy of rats were studied. Proteins for Western blot analysis included Fas-associated death domain (FADD) and caspase 8 for extrinsic pathway, as well as Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, Bax, Bad, Bid, Akt, p-Akt, and caspase 9 for intrinsic pathway. ISEL-positive myonuclei in TA-treated rats were 1.8 +/- 1.2%, whereas Fas-positive muscle fibers were 4.5 +/- 2.0%. One-fourth of Fas-positive muscle fibers had ISEL-positive myonuclei. Levels of FADD, Bax, Bad, and Bid were substantially increased in the TA-induced myopathy group, whereas Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, Akt, p-Akt, and caspase 9 did not change between control and myopathy groups. Caspase 8 activity increased in the myopathy group. These findings indicate that apoptosis of skeletal muscle in TA-induced myopathy may be triggered by Fas-Fas ligand signals and promoted mainly by overexpression of the pro-apoptotic molecules of FADD and caspase 8 involving the extrinsic pathway. The apoptotic process presented in this study supports a direct, nongenomic effect of a glucocorticoid on cellular membranes leading to cellular apoptosis rather than genomic effector mechanism of steroid hormone mediated by cytosolic steroid receptors.