灵芝孢子油对H22荷瘤小鼠肿瘤生长及瘤细胞VEGF表达的影响

目的观察灵芝孢子油对荷H22瘤小鼠肿瘤生长及瘤细胞中血管内皮生长因子(vascular endothelial growth factor,VEGF)表达的影响,探讨该药抑制肿瘤的作用是否与抑制肿瘤血管生成有关。方法小鼠右腋皮下接种H22瘤细胞(浓度1×107/ml),0.2 ml/只,给药12天后,处死动物,剥离瘤块称重,计算肿瘤生长抑制率,用免疫组织化学法检测各组小鼠肿瘤组织中VEGF的表达程度。结果与模型组比较,灵芝孢子油对H22荷瘤小鼠肿瘤生长有明显抑制作用(P<0.05,P<0.01)。造模后各组小鼠VEGF均为阳性表达,灵芝孢子油各组可降低小鼠H22瘤组织中VEGF的阳性表达(P<0.05,P<0.01)。结论灵芝孢子油对H22移植性癌细胞生长有抑制作用,可降低瘤细胞中血管生成调控基因VEGF的表达。     

Cantharidin induces DNA damage and inhibits DNA repair‐associated protein levels in NCI‐H460 human lung cancer cells

Cantharidin is one of the major compounds from mylabris and it has cytotoxic effects in many different types of human cancer cells. Previously, we found that cantharidin induced cell death through cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction in human lung cancer NCI‐H460 cells. However, cantharidin‐affected DNA damage, repair, and associated protein levels in NCI‐H460 cells have not been examined. In this study, we determined whether cantharidin induced DNA damage and condensation and altered levels of proteins in NCI‐H460 cells in vitro. Incubation of NCI‐H460 cells with 0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 15 μM of cantharidin caused a longer DNA migration smear (comet tail). Cantharidin also increased DNA condensation. These effects were dose‐dependent. Cantharidin (5, 10, and 15 μM) treatment of NCI‐H460 cells reduced protein levels of ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM), breast cancer 1, early onset (BRCA‐1), 14‐3‐3 proteins sigma (14‐3‐3σ), DNA‐dependent serine/threonine protein kinase (DNA‐PK), O⁶‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), and mediator of DNA damage checkpoint protein 1 (MDC1). Protein translocation of p‐p53, p‐H2A.X (S140), and MDC1 from cytoplasm to nucleus was induced by cantharidin in NCI‐H460 cells. Taken together, this study showed that cantharidin caused DNA damage and inhibited levels of DNA repair‐associated proteins. These effects may contribute to cantharidin‐induced cell death in vitro. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 1135–1143, 2015.     

Bisdemethoxycurcumin induces DNA damage and inhibits DNA repair associated protein expressions in NCI‐H460 human lung cancer cells

Nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is a devastating primary lung tumor resistant to conventional therapies. Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) is one of curcumin derivate from Turmeric and has been shown to induce NSCLC cell death. Although there is one report to show BDMC induced DNA double strand breaks, however, no available information to show BDMC induced DNA damage action with inhibited DNA repair protein in lung cancer cells in detail. In this study, we tested BDMC‐induced DNA damage and condensation in NCI‐H460 cells by using Comet assay and DAPI staining examinations, respectively and we found BDMC induced DNA damage and condension. Western blotting was used to examine the effects of BDMC on protein expression associated with DNA damage and repair and results indicated that BDMC suppressed the protein levels associated with DNA damage and repair, such as 14‐3‐3σ (an important checkpoint keeper of DDR), O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase, DNA repair proteins breast cancer 1, early onset, mediator of DNA damage checkpoint 1 but activate phosphorylated p53 and p‐H2A.X (phospho Ser140) in NCI‐H460 cells. Confocal laser systems microscopy was used for examining the protein translocation and results show that BDMC increased the translocation of p‐p53 and p‐H2A.X (phospho Ser140) from cytosol to nuclei in NCI‐H460 cells. In conclusion, BDMC induced DNA damage and condension and affect DNA repair proteins in NCI‐H460 cells in vitro. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1859–1868, 2016.     

MiR‐146a regulates PM1‐induced inflammation via NF‐κB signaling pathway in BEAS‐2B cells

Exposure to particulate matter (PM) leads to kinds of cardiopulmonary diseases, such as asthma, COPD, arrhythmias, lung cancer, etc., which are related to PM‐induced inflammation. We have found that PM_2.5 (aerodynamics diameter <2.5 µm) exposure induces inflammatory response both in vivo and in vitro. Since the toxicity of PM is tightly associated with its size and components, PM₁ (aerodynamics diameter <1.0 µm) is supposed to be more toxic than PM_2.5. However, the mechanism of PM₁‐induced inflammation is not clear. Recently, emerging evidences prove that microRNAs play a vital role in regulating inflammation. Therefore, we studied the regulation of miR‐146a in PM₁‐induced inflammation in human lung bronchial epithelial BEAS‐2B cells. The results show that PM₁ induces the increase of IL‐6 and IL‐8 in BEAS‐2B cells and up‐regulates the miR‐146a expression by activating NF‐κB signaling pathway. Overexpressed miR‐146a prevents the nuclear translocation of p65 through inhibiting the IRAK1/TRAF6 expression, and downregulates the expression of IL‐6 and IL‐8. Taken together, these results demonstrate that miR‐146a can negatively feedback regulate PM₁‐induced inflammation via NF‐κB signaling pathway in BEAS‐2B cells.     

Wogonin attenuates endotoxin‐induced prostaglandin E2 and nitric oxide production via Src‐ERK1/2‐NFκB pathway in BV‐2 microglial cells

Microglia are the major component of intrinsic brain immune system in neuroinflammation. Although wogonin expresses anti‐inflammatory function in microglia, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of the protective effect of wogonin against microglia activation. The aim of this study was to evaluate how wogonin exerts its anti‐inflammatory function in BV2 microglial cells after LPS/INFγ administration. Wogonin not only inhibited LPS/ INFγ‐induced PGE2 and NO production without affecting cell viability but also exhibited parallel inhibition on LPS/INFγ‐induced expression of iNOS and COX‐2 in the same concentration range. While LPS/INFγ‐induced expression of P‐p65 and P‐IκB was inhibited by wogonin — only weak inhibition on P‐p38 and P‐JNK were observed, whereas it significantly attenuated the P‐ERK1/2 and its upstream activators P‐MEK1/2 and P‐Src in a parallel concentration‐dependent manner. These results indicated that the blockade of PGE2 and NO production by wogonin in LPS/INFγ‐stimulated BV2 cells is attributed mainly to interference in the Src‐MEK1/2‐ERK1/2‐NFκB‐signaling pathway. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 29: 1162–1170, 2014.     

Nonylphenol regulates cyclooxygenase‐2 expression via Ros‐activated NF‐κB pathway in sertoli TM4 cells

The aim of this study was to investigate the signaling pathways involved in the cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 regulation induced by nonylphenol (NP) in mouse testis Sertoli TM4 cells. Our results showed that treatment of TM4 cells with NP increased COX‐2 protein expression and interleukin‐6 (IL)‐6 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) secretion in a dose‐dependent manner. Pretreatment with reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), attenuated NP‐induced ROS production, COX‐2 expression, and IL‐6 and PGE2 release in TM4 cells. Exposure to NP stimulated activation of NF‐κB, whereas the NF‐κB inhibitor, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, attenuated NP‐enhanced COX‐2 expression and IL‐6 and PGE2 release in TM4 cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, NAC blocked NP‐induced activation of NF‐κB. In addition, inhibition of COX‐2 mitigated NP‐induced IL‐6 release. In conclusion, NP induced ROS generation, activation of NF‐κB pathway, COX‐2 upregulation, and IL‐6 and PGE2 secretion in TM4 cells. NP may regulate COX‐2 expression via ROS‐activated NF‐κB pathway in Sertoli TM4 cells. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 1144–1152, 2015.     

Bisdemethoxycurcumin‐induced S phase arrest through the inhibition of cyclin A and E and induction of apoptosis via endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondria‐dependent pathways in human lung cancer NCI H460 cells

Curcuminoids are the major natural phenolic compounds found in the rhizome of many Curcuma species. Curcuminoids consist of a mixture of curcumin, demethoxycurcumin (DMC), and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC). Although numerous studies have shown that curcumin induced cell apoptosis in many human cancer cells, however, mechanisms of BDMC‐inhibited cell growth and ‐induced apoptosis in human lung cancer cells still remain unclear. Herein, we investigated the effect of BDMC on the cell death via the cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis in NCI H460 human lung cancer cells. Flow cytometry assay was used to measure viable cells, cell cycle distribution, the productions of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca²⁺, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ_m) and caspase‐3, ‐8 and ‐9 activity. DNA damage and condension were assayed by Comet assay and DAPI staining, respectively. Western blotting was used to measure the changes of cell cycle and apoptosis associated protein expressions. Results indicated that BDMC significantly induced cell death through induced S phase arrest and induced apoptosis. Moreover, DMC induced DNA damage and condension, increased ROS and Ca²⁺ productions and decreased the levels of ΔΨ_m and promoted activities caspase‐3, ‐8, and ‐9. Western blotting results showed that BDMC inhibited Cdc25A, cyclin A and E for causing S phase arrest, furthermore, promoted the expression of AIF, Endo G and PARP and the levels of Fas ligand (Fas L) and Fas were also up‐regulated. Results also indicated that BDMC increased ER stress associated protein expression such as GRP78, GADD153, IRE1α, IRE1β, ATF‐6α, ATF‐6β, and caspase‐4. Taken together, we suggest that BDMC induced cell apoptosis through multiple signal pathways such as extrinsic, intrinsic and ES tress pathway. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1899–1908, 2016.     

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.     

In vitro inhibition of angiogenesis by hydroalcoholic extract of oak (Quercus infectoria) acorn shell via suppressing VEGF,MMP-2, and MMP-9 secretion

Context: Angiogenesis is an essential factor for cancer progression. Although more attention is paid in angiogenesis on its role in cancer biology, many other non-neoplastic diseases are also angiogenic-dependent. Recently, there is motivation to control cancer via inhibition of angiogenesis.

Objective: Quercus infectoria Olivier var (Fagaceae) (oak) is a plant whose different parts, such as its fruit shell, have been used extensively as a traditional drug in the west part of Iran. Although some biological properties of oak are determined, its effects on angiogenesis are unclear. So, we investigated the antiangiogenic effects of oak acorn shell.

Materials and methods: Fresh oak acorns were collected, and after authentication; hydroalcoholic extract of acorn shells (5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80, and 100 μg/ml) was used for evaluation of its cytotoxicity, antiproliferative, and antiangiogenic effects in vitro. Also, effects of the extract on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 secretion were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and gelatin zymography. Results: Treatment with hydroalcoholic extract in eight doses resulted in a significant decrease of endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis with an IC₅₀ value of ~20 μg/ml, without any toxic effect. At 40 μg/ml, the extract inhibited MMP-9 activity; however, a dose-dependent reduction (60–80 µg/ml) in MMP-2 activity was seen. VEGF secretion was decreased with increase in the concentration of the extract from 5 to 100 μg/ml.

Discussion and conclusion: This study indicated that hydroalcoholic extract of oak acorn shell acts as a potent antiangiogenic agent which exerts its inhibitory effect mainly through downregulation of essential mediators such as VEGF and MMPs.     

Expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and mediators induced by Bisphenol A via ERK‐NFκB and JAK1/2‐STAT3 pathways in macrophages

Macrophages not only play an important role in the innate immune response but also participate in many inflammatory and infectious diseases including asthma, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers. Bisphenol A (BPA) is the most commonly used component for plastic products. However, BPA is an endocrine disruptor for mammals and participates in several inflammatory and infectious diseases. Up until now, there are no researches demonstrated the potential role of BPA in macrophage activation and its relative mechanism. BPA promoted the generation of proinflammatory cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNFα in a concentration‐dependent manner (P < 0.05). BPA was identified to increase the expression of proinflammatory mediators NO and PGE2, and its upstream factors iNOS, COX2, and cPLA2 in a concentration‐dependent manner (P < 0.05). Phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF‐κB p65 were significantly induced by BPA via IκB degradation (P < 0.05). In addition, phosphorylation of ERK significantly induced by BPA at a concentration which was less than that for phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and JNK (P < 0.05). Furthermore, phosphorylation of STAT3 significantly induced by BPA at a concentration lower than that for phosphorylation of STAT1 (P < 0.05). Phosphorylation of JAK1 and JAK2 was also significantly induced by BPA in a concentration‐dependent manner (P < 0.05).     

Role of NF‐κB activation and Th1/Th2 imbalance in pulmonary toxicity induced by nano NiO

With the progress of nanotechnology, nano nickel oxide (NiO) has been extensively used as sensors, battery electrodes, catalysts, and cosmetics. Previous researches verified that nano NiO could exert pulmonary toxicity, but its mechanism was unclear. To shed light upon this, the role of nuclear factor‐κ B (NF‐κ B) activation and Th1/Th2 imbalance were to explore in pulmonary damage induced by nano NiO. Male Wistar rats were randomized into control group, nano NiO groups (0.015, 0.06, and 0.24 mg kg^?1) and micro NiO group (0.024 mg kg^?1) and treated by intratracheal instillation twice a week for 6 weeks. The results showed that the abnormal changes induced by nano NiO were found on indicators of nitrative stress (NO, TNOS, and iNOS), inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α , IL‐2, and IL‐10) and cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemoattractants (CINC‐1, CINC‐2αβ , and CINC‐3) in lung tissue. In addition, nano NiO instillation induced the upregulated mRNA and protein expression of NF‐κ B, inhibitor of κB kinase‐α (IKK‐α ) and nuclear factor‐inducing kinase (NIK). The protein content of GATA‐3 increased as well as T‐bet decreased in nano NiO groups, and the ratio of T‐bet/GATA‐3, as a key evaluation indicator of Th1/Th2 balance, was lower than the control group. The findings indicated that nano NiO could enhance the nitrative stress and inflammatory response in lung tissue, and its mechanism was related to the NF‐κ B activation and Th1/Th2 imbalance. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1354–1362, 2017.     

探讨VEGF和nm23-H1在非小细胞肺癌组织中的表达与淋巴结转移的关系

目的：探讨血管内皮细胞生长因子（VEGF）和肿瘤转移抑制基因（nm23‐H1）与非小细胞肺癌（NSCLC）淋巴结转移的关系。方法采用免疫组织化学染色法,检测40例非小细胞肺癌原发灶的石蜡切片标本中VEGF和nm23‐H1基因的蛋白表达,分析其与非小细胞肺癌淋巴结转移之间的关系。结果40例非小细胞肺癌组织中的VEGF和nm23‐H1阳性表达率分别为65％（26／40）和65％（26／40）;VEGF和nm23‐H1与淋巴结转移有相关性（P＜0．05）;VEGF和nm23‐H1与病理类型、细胞分化程度及临床分期无相关（P＞0．05）。结论 VEGF、nm23‐H1在非小细胞肺癌组织中的表达与淋巴结转移密切相关,检测VEGF、nm23‐H1的表达将有助于判断非小细胞肺癌的转移潜能及预后。     

小细胞肺癌中RECK基因的表达及与VEGF和MVD的关系

目的 探讨RECK基因与血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)表达、微血管密度(MVD)在小细胞肺癌(SCLC)的表达和相关性,及其与临床病理特征的联系.方法 采用免疫组化SP法检测43例肺癌组织和10例癌旁正常肺组织中RECK和VEGF、MVD的表达水平.结果 SCLC癌组织中RECK蛋白表达低于癌旁正常组织(P值为0.003),VEGF蛋白表达和MVD值高于癌旁正常组织(P值分别为0.011和0.001).三个指标在临床病理特征分析中数据差异未见统计学意义.RECK与VEGF表达无相关,RECK与MVD呈现负相关,且当VEGF表达高时两者负相关更加显著.结论 RECK基因与SCLC的侵袭和转移可能有一定关系.RECK、VEGF、MVD与患者的临床病理特征未见明显相关性.     

Celecoxib,a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor,inhibits retinal vascular endothelial growth factor expression and vascular leakage in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model

Overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is implicated in the development of vascular leakage and retinal neovascularization in diabetic subjects. The objective of this study was to determine whether celecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme inhibitor, reaches ocular tissues following oral administration and inhibits the retinal VEGF expression and vascular leakage in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. After administering a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) to Sprague-Dawley rats and ensuring the induction of diabetes at the end of 24 h, celecoxib was administered b.i.d. by oral gavage (50 mg/kg). On day 8, the animals were sacrificed and the retinal VEGF and cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA levels, ocular tissue celecoxib concentrations, and the vitreous/plasma protein ratio were determined. In diabetic rats, the retinal VEGF mRNA expression was 2.3-fold compared to controls, with a corresponding increase in cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA expression. Celecoxib treatment inhibited VEGF mRNA expression without any significant reduction in cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA. Furthermore, the retinal vascular leakage estimated as vitreous to plasma protein ratio increased in diabetic animals from 0.35+/-0.1 to 1.1+/-0.1 and celecoxib treatment significantly decreased this ratio to 0.4+/-0.1. Celecoxib levels were 24.8+/-6.6, 1.9+/-1, 1.7+/-0.8, and 6.9+/-0.9 ng/mg in the retina, vitreous, lens, and cornea, respectively. The plasma celecoxib levels were 85+/-24 ng/ml. Thus, celecoxib reaches the retina after oral administration and reduces diabetes-induced retinal VEGF mRNA expression and vascular leakage by inhibiting the activity of cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme.     

茶黄素双没食子酸酯对肺癌A549细胞生长及VEGF基因表达的影响

目的观察茶黄素双没食子酸酯(TFDG)对肺癌A549细胞株生长的抑制、促凋亡效应及对血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)基因表达的影响。方法四甲基偶氮唑蓝(MTT)法检测TFDG对肺癌A549细胞生长的抑制作用,通过流式细胞术检测TFDG对肺癌A549细胞凋亡的影响,RT-PCR法检测A549细胞VEGF mRNA的表达。实验数据用x±s表示,采用单样本方差分析进行统计分析。结果 TFDG显著抑制A549肺癌细胞生长,具有时间依赖性和浓度依赖性;同时TFDG使A549细胞出现凋亡,凋亡率17.8%(P<0.05);TFDG可降低A549细胞VEGF mRNA表达,且呈浓度依赖性(P<0.05)。结论 TFDG能抑制A549细胞生长,促进其凋亡,抑制VEGFmRNA的表达。     

Silencing of C3G increases cardiomyocyte survival inhibition and apoptosis via regulation of p‐ERK1/2 and Bax

Experimental studies have shown that overexpression of Rap guanine nucleotide exchange factor 1 (C3G) plays pro‐survival and anti‐apoptotic roles through molecule phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase1/2 (p‐ERK1/2) in cardiomyocytes. However, it is still unclear if silencing of C3G may increase cell survival inhibition and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes, and whether C3G silence induced injuries are reduced by the overexpression of C3G through regulation of p‐ERK1/2 and pro‐apoptotic molecule Bax. In this study, the rat ‐ derived H9C2 cardiomyocytes were infected with C3G small hairpin RNA interference recombinant lentiviruses, which silenced the endogenous C3G expression in the cardiomyocytes. Then, contrary experiments were conducted using C3G overexpression. The cell proliferation and apoptosis were analyzed in the cardiomyocytes which were treated with or without hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). Silencing of C3G leaded to significant increase in cell survival inhibition and apoptosis, combined with aggravated the injuries induced by H/R. Overexpression of C3G reduced the injuries induced by the silencing of C3G in the cardiomyocytes via regulation of p‐ERK1/2 and Bax. In conclusion, our results provide new experimental evidence that silencing of C3G can increase cell survival inhibition and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes via regulation of p‐ERK1/2 and Bax.