In vitro 6-hydroxydopamine-induced toxicity in striatal,cerebrocortical and hippocampal slices is attenuated by atorvastatin and MK-801

Parkinson's disease (PD) involves the loss of striatal dopaminergic neurons, although other neurotransmitters and brain areas are also involved in its pathophysiology. In rodent models to PD it has been shown statins improve cognitive and motor deficits and attenuate inflammatory responses evoked by PD-related toxins. Statins are the drugs most prescribed to hypercholesterolemia, but neuroprotective effects have also been attributed to statins treatment in humans and in animal models. This study aimed to establish an in vitro model of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced toxicity, used as an initial screening test to identify effective drugs against neural degeneration related to PD. The putative neuroprotective effect of atorvastatin against 6-OHDA-induced toxicity in rat striatal, cerebrocortical and hippocampal slices was also evaluated. 6-OHDA (100 μM) decreased cellular viability in slices obtained from rat cerebral cortex, hippocampus and striatum. 6-OHDA also induced an increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial dysfunction. Co-incubation of 6-OHDA with atorvastatin (10 μM) or MK-801 (50 μM) an N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, partially attenuated the cellular damage evoked by 6-OHDA in the three brain areas. Atorvastatin partially reduced ROS production in the hippocampus and striatum and disturbances of mitochondria membrane potential in cortex and striatum. 6-OHDA-induced toxicity in vitro displays differences among the brain structures, but it is also observed in cerebrocortical and hippocampal slices, besides striatum.     

Retracted: Larvicidal activity of 4-hydroxycoumarin derivatives against Aedes aegypti

Context: Apoptotic neuronal cell death plays an important role in Parkinson’s disease (PD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Luteolin, a flavonoid, has been shown to possess various pharmacological properties including strong antioxidant capacity.

Objective: This study investigated the neuroprotective effect of luteolin against cytotoxicity induced by 6-hydroxy-dopamine (6-OHDA) (250 µM) in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cell line.

Materials and methods: The neuroprotective effect of luteolin against 6-OHDA-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 was evaluated by using cell viability test, nuclear staining and flow cytometry. In addition, the apoptotic role of luteolin was unveiled by monitoring mRNA expression of proapoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes.

Results: Pretreatment with luteolin (3.13, 6.25, 12.5, 25 or 50 µM) could markedly attenuate 6-OHDA-induced PC12 cell viability loss in a concentration-dependent manner. Cell morphologic analysis and nuclear staining assays showed that luteolin (3.13, 12.5 or 50 µM) protected the cells from 6-OHDA-induced damage. As shown in the flow cytometry assay, the increased apoptotic rate induced by 6-OHDA could be significantly (p < 0.001) suppressed by luteolin (12.5 or 50 µM) pretreatment. The protection of luteolin (50 µM) against 6-OHDA-induced cell damage was shown to be through suppressing the over-expression of Bax gene (p < 0.01), inhibiting the reduction of Bcl-2 gene expression (p < 0.05) and markedly depressing the enhanced Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Luteolin also downregulated the gene expression level of p53.

Discussion and conclusion: Luteolin has protective effects against 6-OHDA-induced cell apoptosis and might be a potential nutritional supplement which could be used to prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as PD.     

Antioxidant and neuroprotector effect of Lepidium meyenii (maca) methanol leaf extract against 6-hydroxy dopamine (6-OHDA)-induced toxicity in PC12 cells

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are normally produced during cell metabolism, there is strong evidence to suggest that ROS produced in excess impair the cell and may be etiologically related to various neurodegenerative diseases. This study was undertaken to examine the effects of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) methanol leaf extract on neurotoxicity in PC12 cell exposed to 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Fresh samples of “maca” leaves were processed in order to obtain foliar extracts and to evaluate the neurobiological activity on PC12 cells, subjected to the cytotoxic effect of 6-OHDA through the determination of the capacity antioxidant, cell viability and cytotoxicity assays on PC12 cells. The results of the tests of antioxidant activity, showed maximum values of 2262.37 and 1305.36 expressed in Trolox equivalents (TEAC), for the methanolic and aqueous fractions respectively. Cell viability assays at a dose of 10?μg extract showed an increase of 31% and 60% at 6 and 12?h of pretreatment, respectively. Cytotoxicity assays at the same dose and exposure time showed a 31.4% and 47.8% reduction in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and an increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The results allow us to affirm that the methanolic foliar extract of “maca” presents in vitro neurobiological activity of antioxidant protection, increase in cell viability and reduction of cytotoxicity against oxidative stress generated by 6-OHDA. In conclusion, the present study shows a protective role for Lepidium meyenii leaf extract on 6-OHDA-induced toxicity by an antioxidant effect.     

Synergistic anticancer effects of andrographolide and paclitaxel against A549 NSCLC cells

Context: Paclitaxel (PTX) is widely used in chemotherapy for cancer treatment; however, it has some serious side effects. Andrographolide (Andro) is a potential cancer therapeutic agent isolated from Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees (Acanthaceae).

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of PTX combined with Andro against A549 cells.

Materials and methods: The effects of 24–48?h treatment with 0.48–60.75?nM PTX and 5.10–328.0?μM Andro on cellular proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined by sulphorhodamine B assay, Annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis detection, PI staining and ROS assay, respectively. Synergy was determined using combination index. The antitumour efficacy of 20?mg/kg PTX with 100?mg/kg Andro was studied in a xenograft murine model.

Results: IC₅₀ value of the PTX combined with Andro against A549 cells was 0.5–7.4?nM, which was significantly lower than that of PTX (15.9?nM). PTX with 10?μM Andro caused (1.22–1.27)-fold apoptosis and 1.7-fold ROS accumulation compared with PTX alone. N-Acetylcysteine, a ROS scavenger, blocked this synergy in vitro. In contrast, G2/M phase cell cycle arrest resulting from PTX was not potentiated by Andro. Moreover, PTX in combination with Andro inhibited the growth of A549 transplanted tumours by 98%.

Discussion and conclusion: The results indicate that the combination of PTX and Andro exert significant synergistic anticancer effect on A549 cells in vitro and in vivo. The synergy may be the result of the accumulation of ROS. The combination of Andro and PTX represents a potential strategy for the treatment of A549 cells.     

Quercetin stimulates mitochondrial apoptosis dependent on activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress in hepatic stellate cells

Context: Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a hallmark of liver fibrosis. Quercetin has benefits for liver fibrosis, but the mechanisms are unknown.

Objective: We investigated the quercetin effect on HSC survival and the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS).

Materials and methods: Rat HSCs and LO2 hepatocytes were treated with quercetin (0.5–120?μM) for 24?h. Quercetin (10–40?μM) effects on apoptosis for 24?h were analyzed by flow cytometry and TUNEL staining. Quercetin (10–40?μM) effects on the expression of Bcl-2, caspase-9, caspase-3, PARP-1, PERK, IRE1, ATF6, calnexin and CHOP for 24?h were analyzed by Western blot. Quercetin (10–40?μM) effects on mRNA expression of calnexin and CHOP for 24?h were analyzed by Real-time PCR.

Results: Quercetin at concentrations greater than 20?μM significantly inhibited HSC proliferation (IC₅₀ 27.2?μM), but did not affect hepatocyte growth until 80?μM (IC₅₀ 68.5?μM). Quercetin stimulated HSC apoptosis and the apoptotic rate reached 40% at a concentration of 40?μM (EC₅₀ 51.6?μM). Quercetin induced downregulation of Bcl-2 and upregulation of Bax, and increased cytochrome C in the cytoplasm in HSCs. The cleaved forms of caspase-9, caspase-3 and PARP-1 were also increased by quercetin. Furthermore, quercetin elevated mRNA and protein expression of calnexin and CHOP in HSCs but not in hepatocytes. Quercetin also increased phosphorylation of PERK and IRE1 and ATF6 cleavage. However, ERS inhibitor salubrinal significantly abrogated quercetin induction of HSC apoptosis.

Conclusion: Quercetin activated ERS pathway in HSCs leading to apoptosis. We characterized an ERS-mediated mechanism for quercetin as a promising antifibrotic agent.     

Development of novel application of 3,3′-diindolylmethane: sensitizing multidrug resistance human breast cancer cells to γ-irradiation

Context: Multidrug resistance (MDR) is known as a major obstacle to effective cancer therapy. The effects of irradiation on MDR in cancer cells had rarely been reported.

Objective: The effect of 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM) sensitizing MDR human breast carcinoma to γ-irradiation was investigated.

Materials and methods: MCF-7/ADR cells were exposed to different concentrations of DIM (0–30?μM) for 48 or 2?h before IR (γ-Co⁶⁰, 10?Gy, room temperature) then cultured for 48?h. Cell survival was determined by MTT assay. Intracellular reactive oxygen spices (ROS) induced by DIM (20 and 30?μM, 2?h before irradiation) was measured by flow cytometry. Propidium iodide staining assay was used for cell cycle distribution studies; cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy.

Results: DIM (20 and 30?μM, 2?h before irradiation) sensitized MCF-7/ADR cells to IR with survival rates decreased from 100% to 79% and 63%, respectively. DIM combined with γ-radiation demonstrated that the activity of G2/M phase cell cycle arresting with percentages enhanced from 9% to 49% and 52%. DIM can increase intracellular ROS generation by 1.45- and 1.55-times compared to control group. Significantly enhanced radiation-induced apoptosis by DIM was also observed.

Discussion and conclusion: These data provide a rationale for the use of DIM as a promising radio-sensitizer to MDR cancer cells.     

4-Nerolidylcatechol: apoptosis by mitochondrial mechanisms with reduction in cyclin D1 at G0/G1 stage of the chronic myelogenous K562 cell line

Context: 4-Nerolidylcatechol (4-NRC) has showed antitumor potential through apoptosis. However, its apoptotic mechanisms are still unclear, especially in leukemic cells.

Objectives: To evaluate the cytotoxic potential of 4-NRC and its cell death pathways in p53-null K562 leukemic cells.

Materials and methods: Cytotoxicity of 4-NRC (4.17–534.5?μM) over 24?h of exposure was evaluated by MTT assay. 4-NRC-induced apoptosis in K562 cells was investigated by phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization, cell cycle, sub-G1, mitochondrial evaluation, cytochrome c, cyclin D1 and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and caspase activity analysis.

Results: IC₅₀ values obtained were 11.40, 27.31, 15.93 and 15.70?μM for lymphocytes, K562, HL-60 and Jurkat cells, respectively. In K562 cells, 4-NRC (27?μM) promoted apoptosis as verified by cellular morphological changes, a significant increase in PS externalization and sub-G1 cells. Moreover, it significantly arrested the cells at the G0/G1 phase due to a reduction in cyclin D1 expression. These effects of 4-NRC also significantly promoted a reduction in mitochondrial activity and membrane depolarization, accumulation of cytosolic cytochrome c and ROS overproduction. Additionally, it triggered an increase in caspases -3/7, -8 and -9 activities. When the cells were pretreated with N-acetyl-l-cysteine ROS scavenger, 4-NRC-induced apoptosis was partially blocked, which suggests that it exerts cytotoxicity though not exclusively through ROS-mediated mechanisms.

Discussion and conclusion: 4-NRC has antileukemic properties, inducing apoptosis mediated by mitochondrial-dependent mechanisms with cyclin D1 inhibition. Given that emerging treatment concepts include novel combinations of well-known agents, 4-NRC could offer a promising alternative for chemotherapeutic combinations to maximize tumour suppression.     

Dopaminergic neurotoxicant 6-OHDA induces oxidative damage through proteolytic activation of PKCδ in cell culture and animal models of Parkinson's disease

The neurotoxicant 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) is used to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying selective degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease (PD). Oxidative stress and caspase activation contribute to the 6-OHDA-induced apoptotic cell death of dopaminergic neurons. In the present study, we sought to systematically characterize the key downstream signaling molecule involved in 6-OHDA-induced dopaminergic degeneration in cell culture and animal models of PD. Treatment of mesencephalic dopaminergic neuronal N27 cells with 6-OHDA (100 μM) for 24 h significantly reduced mitochondrial activity and increased cytosolic cytochrome c, followed by sequential activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3. Co-treatment with the free radical scavenger MnTBAP (10 μM) significantly attenuated 6-OHDA-induced caspase activities. Interestingly, 6-OHDA induced proteolytic cleavage and activation of protein kinase C delta (PKCδ) was completely suppressed by treatment with a caspase-3-specific inhibitor, Z-DEVD-FMK (50 μM). Furthermore, expression of caspase-3 cleavage site-resistant mutant PKCδ^D327A and kinase dead PKCδ^K376R or siRNA-mediated knockdown of PKCδ protected against 6-OHDA-induced neuronal cell death, suggesting that caspase-3-dependent PKCδ promotes oxidative stress-induced dopaminergic degeneration. Suppression of PKCδ expression by siRNA also effectively protected N27 cells from 6-OHDA-induced apoptotic cell death. PKCδ cleavage was also observed in the substantia nigra of 6-OHDA-injected C57 black mice but not in control animals. Viral-mediated delivery of PKCδ^D327A protein protected against 6-OHDA-induced PKCδ activation in mouse substantia nigra. Collectively, these results strongly suggest that proteolytic activation of PKCδ is a key downstream event in dopaminergic degeneration, and these results may have important translational value for development of novel treatment strategies for PD.     

A randomized,double-blind clinical study of the effects of Ankascin 568 plus on blood lipid regulation

Hyperlipidemia and inflammation play important roles in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is regarded as an inflammatory response of blood vessels to injury at the start of atherosclerotic plaque formation, which then leads to cardiovascular events. Edible fungi of the Monascus species have been used as traditional Chinese medicines in East Asia for several centuries. The fermented products of Monascus purpureus NTU 568 possess a number of functional secondary metabolites including the anti-inflammatory pigments monascin and ankaflavin. Compounds derived from M. purpureus have been shown to have hypolipidemic effects. We aimed to evaluate the effects of M. purpureus NTU 568 fermentation product an extract (Ankascin 568 plus) containing monascin and ankaflavin on blood lipids in volunteers with borderline high levels of total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by conducting a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, adaptive-design study. This study enrolled 40 subjects aged 18–65 years from a population of patients with TC and LDL-C levels of ≥180 mg/dL and 130–190 mg/dL, respectively. Measured endpoints included lipid profile, liver, kidney and thyroid function, electrolyte balance, creatinine phosphokinase, and fasting blood glucose. After 4 weeks of treatment (500 mg Ankascin 568 plus/day), the changes in the lipid levels showed that the active products had a more favorable effect than the placebo. Compared to the baseline, statistically significant decreases of 11.9% and 19.0% were observed in TC and LDL-C levels, respectively (p < 0.05 for all pairs). This study demonstrated that subjects administered one 500 mg capsule of Ankascin 568 plus for more than 4 weeks exhibited a significant reduction in serum TC and LDL-C levels. Therefore, Ankascin 568 plus may be a potentially useful agent for the regulation of blood lipids and the treatment of coronary artery diseases.     

SMND-309 promotes neuron survival through the activation of the PI3K/Akt/CREB-signalling pathway

Context In clinical practice, the promotion of neuron survival is necessary to recover neurological functions after the onset of stroke.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the post-ischaemic neuroprotective effect of SMND-309, a novel metabolite of salvianolic acid, on differentiated SH-SY5Y cells.

Materials and methods SH-SY5Y cells were differentiated by pre-treating with 5?μM all-trans-retinoic acid for 6 d. The differentiated SH-SY5Y cells were exposed to oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) for 2?h and reperfusion (R) for 24?h to induce OGD/R injury. After OGD injury, differentiated SH-SY5Y cells were treated with or without SMND-309 (5, 10, 20?μM) for another 24?h. Cell viability was detected through Cell counting kit-8 assay and lactate dehydrogenase leakage assay. Apoptosis was evaluated through flow cytometry, caspase-3 activity assay. Changes in protein levels were assessed through Western blot.

Results SMND-309 ameliorated the degree of injury in the differentiated SH-SY5Y cells by increasing cell viabilities (5?μM, 65.4%?±?4.1%; 10?μM, 69.8%?±?3.7%; 20?μM, 75.3%?±?5.1%) and by reducing LDH activity (20?μM, 2.5 fold) upon OGD/R stimulation. Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide staining results suggested that apoptotic rate of differentiated SH-SY5Y cells decreased from 43.8% induced by OGD/R injury to 19.2% when the cells were treated with 20?μM SMND-309. SMND-309 significantly increased the Bcl-2 level of the injured differentiated SH-SY5Y cells but decreased the caspase-3 activity of these cells by 1.6-fold. In contrast, SMND-309 did not affect the Bax level of these cells. SMND-309 evidently increased the protein expression of BDNF when Akt and CREB were activated. This function was antagonized by the addition of LY294002.

Conclusion SMND-309 can prevent neuronal cell death in vitro. This process may be related to the activation of the PI3K/Akt/CREB-signalling pathway.     

Protective properties of geniposide against UV-B-induced photooxidative stress in human dermal fibroblasts

Context: Geniposide (genipin-1-O-β-d-glucoside) is a major bioactive ingredient in the fruits of gardenia [Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis (Rubiaceae)], a traditional herbal medicine in Asian countries.

Objective: This work assesses the skin anti-photoaging potential of geniposide in human dermal fibroblasts under UV-B irradiation.

Materials and methods: The anti-photoaging property of geniposide, at varying concentrations (5, 12 and 30?μM) treated for 30?min prior to UV-B irradiation, was evaluated by analysing reactive oxygen species (ROS), promatrix metalloproteinase-2 (proMMP-2), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and cellular viability.

Results: Geniposide suppressed the ROS elevation under UV-B irradiation, which was revealed using three ROS-sensitive fluorescent dyes. The use of 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA), dihydroethidium (DHE) and dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR-123) elicited the IC₅₀ values of 10.5, 9.8 and 21.0?μM, respectively. Geniposide attenuated proMMP-2 at activity and protein levels that were elevated under UV-B-irradiation. Geniposide at 5, 12 and 30?μM augmented the UV-B-reduced total GSH content to 1.9?±?0.1-, 2.2?±?0.2- and 4.1?±?0.2-fold, respectively. Geniposide at 5, 12 and 30?μM upregulated total SOD activity to 2.3?±?0.1-, 2.5?±?0.3- and 3.3?±?0.3-fold, respectively, under UV-B irradiation. The UV-B-reduced Nrf2 levels were also upregulated by geniposide treatment. Geniposide, at the concentrations used, was unable to interfere with cellular viabilities under UV-B irradiation.

Discussion and conclusions: After the skin anti-photoaging potential of geniposide may be further verified, it can be utilized as a safer resource in the manufacture of effective anti-aging cosmetics.     

Dihydrotanshinone induces apoptosis of SGC7901 and MGC803 cells via activation of JNK and p38 signalling pathways

Context: Dihydrotanshinone (DHT), a natural compound from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Lamiaceae), showed higher cytotoxic potential compared with other tanshinones. Its effect and mechanism on gastric cancer have not been investigated.

Objective: This study evaluates the effects of DHT on cell proliferation and apoptosis on gastric cancer cells, and elucidates its molecular mechanisms.

Materials and methods: Human gastric cancer MGC803 and SGC7901 cells were treated with various concentrations of DHT (0–15?μM) for 24 and 48?h, and cell growth was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. Cell apoptosis was analysed by flow cytometry and DAPI staining. Western blots were performed to investigate changes in the level of apoptosis related genes in gastric cancer cell.

Results: DHT exhibited obvious inhibition of the survival of gastric cancer cells. The IC₅₀ values in SGC7901 and MGC803 cells were 9.14 and 5.39?μM for 24?h, respectively. Cells treated with 6?μM DHT resulted in 41.3% and 35.4% apoptotic cell fractions in SGC7901 and MGC803 cells, respectively, significantly higher than that of the control. Hallmarks of apoptosis were observed in gastric cancer cells after DHT exposure. DHT enhanced the expression levels of cleaved caspase-3, caspase-9 and poly-ADP-ribose polymerases. Furthermore, DHT increased the phosphorylation of JNK and p38 in SGC7901 and MGC803 cells.

Conclusion: DHT induced growth inhibition and apoptosis of gastric cancer cells, involving activation of caspase proteins and the JNK/p38 signaling pathway. The results indicated that DHT has a promising chemotherapeutic potential for human gastric cancer.     

硫化氢抑制葡萄糖调节蛋白78减轻6-OHDA诱导的PC12细胞损伤

目的：探讨硫化氢（H2S）是否通过改变葡萄糖调节蛋白78（GRP78）的表达参与其对抗6-羟基多巴胺（6-OHDA）诱导PC12细胞损伤的保护作用。方法应用具有神经毒性的6-OHDA损伤PC12细胞为帕金森病细胞模型,以硫氢化钠（NaHS）作为H2S的供体;应用CCK-8比色法检测细胞存活率;DFCH-DA染色检测细胞内活性氧（ROS）的水平;Rh123染色检测细胞线粒体膜电位（MMP）;Western blot检测GRP78的表达。结果200μmol/L的6-OHDA引起PC12细胞的存活率显著降低,ROS生成增加及MMP降低,且诱导了GRP78的高表达。应用25~400μmol/L的NaHS预处理30 min,呈浓度依赖性抑制6-OHDA引起的细胞存活率降低,其中400μmol/L的NaHS作用最明显,此浓度也可以显著减少6-OHDA引起的ROS增多,提高MMP,同时明显抑制6-OHDA诱导的GRP78高表达。结论 H2S具有抗6-OHDA氧化应激损伤的PC12细胞保护作用,抑制内质网应激分子GRP78的表达可能是其机制之一。     

IGF-1对6-OHDA诱导神经元氧化损伤的保护作用

目的 探讨胰岛素样生长因子-1（IGF-1）对6-羟基多巴胺（6-OHDA）诱导的PC12细胞氧化损伤的保护作用。方法 以25、50、100、150、200 μmol/L 的6-OHDA 处理PC12细胞,在12、24、48 h用MTT 法检测6-OHDA 对PC12细胞活性的影响,筛选最佳的实验浓度和观察时间。实验分为3组：对照组、6-OHDA组（150 μmol/L处理24 h）和IGF-1+6-OHDA组（IGF-1 100 nmol/L预处理2 h,后加入150 μmol/L 6-OHDA处理24 h）,MTT法检测各组细胞活性;免疫荧光染色法检测细胞活性氧（ROS）水平;Hoechst33342/PI双染法检测细胞凋亡。结果 随6-OHDA浓度的增加和作用时间的延长,PC12细胞的活性呈梯度降低,150 μmol/L 6-OHDA浓度和处理后24 h作为本研究的最佳的实验浓度和观察时间。与6-OHDA组比较,IGF-1+6-OHDA组PC12细胞活力增强、ROS水平下降、细胞凋亡减少。结论 IGF-1预处理能减少6-OHDA引起的PC12细胞氧化损伤及凋亡,增加细胞活性,为防治帕金森病提供了潜在的治疗策略。     

Annosquacin B induces mitochondrial apoptosis in multidrug resistant human breast cancer cell line MCF-7/ADR through selectively modulating MAPKs pathways

Context: Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major obstacle to efficient therapy of cancers. It is a prime concern for researchers to find compounds with anti-proliferative activity on MDR cell lines. In recent years, annonaceous acetogenins (ACGs) were reported to have anti-proliferative activity. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unknown.

Objective: This study determines the mechanisms of anti-proliferative activity induced by Annosquacin B (AB) against MCF-7/ADR cells.

Material and methods: The cytotoxicity of AB at varying concentrations (0.64, 1.6, 4, 10, 25, 62.5, 156.25?μM) on MCF-7/ADR cells was assessed using the MTT assay. Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide staining and Acrinidine orange and ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining were employed to investigate whether AB (14, 7, 3.5?μM) could induce apoptosis in MCF-7/ADR cells. Levels of caspase-3 and caspase-9, Bax, Bcl-2 and MAPKs kinases were evaluated by western blot assay following treatment with various concentrations of AB (3.5, 7, 14?μM) at different time points (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12?h).

Results and conclusion: MTT assay showed that AB significantly decreased cell viability on MCF-7/ADR (IC₅₀ of 14.69?μM). AB-induced apoptosis in MCF-7/ADR cells through mitochondrial apoptosis pathways. It induced typical apoptosis by morphologic changes; elevate levels of caspase-3, caspase-9 as well as the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2. In addition, AB increased the expression of p-p38 MAPK and decreased the expression of p-JNK, while whether ERK1/2 had an effect on the MCF-7/ADR apoptosis remains to be determined.     

Curcumin induced apoptosis via PI3K/Akt-signalling pathways in SKOV3 cells

Context Curcumin is widely used in China and India as a traditional herb but additional work is required to ascertain the folkloric claim of its antitumour and antioxidant activities.

Objective The present study determines the antitumour effect of curcumin against SKOV3 cell growth.

Materials and methods SKOV3 cells were incubated with curcumin (0, 20, 30 and 40?μM) for 72?h. The antiproliferative activity and the apoptosis rate were measured by MTT and flow cytometry. Expression of PI3K, T-Akt and p-Akt proteins was measured by western blotting.

Results The administration of curcumin (0, 20, 30 and 40?μM) inhibits SKOV3 cell growth (IC₅₀ value=_?24.8?μM) and increased apoptosis (32.5 and 85.7%). The activity of SKOV3 cell invasion (98.2 and 19.4%) was also decreased by curcumin administration (p?<?0.05). Results of western blot analysis confirmed that the expression of p-Akt protein was decreased by curcumin (p?<?0.05). It was also found that a high dose of curcumin (40?μM) can cause stronger antitumour activity (80.4%).

Conclusion Our results suggest that the curcumin induced SKOV3 apoptosis via modulation of the PI3K/Akt-signalling pathway.     

Effects of asarinin on dopamine biosynthesis and 6-hydroxydopamine-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells

This study investigated the effects of asarinin on dopamine biosynthesis and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced cytotoxicity in rat adrenal pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. Treatment with asarinin (25–50 μM) increased intracellular dopamine levels and enhanced L-DOPA-induced increases in dopamine levels. Asarinin (25 μM) induced cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) signaling, leading to increased cyclic AMP-response element binding protein (CREB) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) phosphorylation, which in turn stimulated dopamine production. Asarinin (25 μM) also activated transient phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and Bad phosphorylation at Ser 112, both of which have been shown to promote cell survival. In contrast, asarinin (25 μM) inhibited sustained ERK1/2, Bax, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK1/2) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) phosphorylation and caspase-3 activity, which were induced by 6-OHDA (100 μM). These results suggest that asarinin induces dopamine biosynthesis via activation of the PKA-CREB-TH system and protects against 6-OHDA-induced cytotoxicity by inhibiting the sustained activation of the ERK-p38MAPK-JNK1/2-caspase-3 system in PC12 cells.     

Effects of indirubin and isatin on cell viability,mutagenicity, genotoxicity and BAX/ERCC1 gene expression

Context: Indigofera suffruticosa Miller (Fabaceae) and I. truxillensis Kunth produce compounds, such as isatin (ISA) and indirubin (IRN), which possess antitumour properties. Their effects in mammalian cells are still not very well understood.

Objective: We evaluated the activities of ISA and/or IRN on cell viability and apoptosis in vitro, their genotoxic potentials in vitro and in vivo, and the IRN- and ISA-induced expression of ERCC1 or BAX genes.

Materials and methods: HeLa and/or CHO-K1 cell lines were tested (3 or 24?h) in the MTT, Trypan blue exclusion, acridine orange/ethidium bromide, cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus (CBMN) and comet (36, 24 and 72?h) tests after treatment with IRN (0.1 to 200?μM) or ISA (0.5 to 50?μM). Gene expression was measured by RT-qPCR in HeLa cells. Swiss albino mice received IRN (3, 4 or 24?h) by gavage (50, 100 and 150?mg/kg determined from the LD₅₀ – 1?g/kg b.w.) and submitted to comet assay in vivo.

Results: IRN reduced the viability of CHO-K1 (24?h; 5 to 200?μM) and HeLa cells (10 to 200?μM), and was antiproliferative in the CBMN test (CHO-K1: 0.5 to 10?μM; HeLa: 5 and 10?μM). The drug did not induce apoptosis, micronucleus neither altered gene expression. IRN and ISA were genotoxic for HeLa cells (3 and 24?h) at all doses tested. IRN (100 and 150?mg/kg) also induced genotoxicity in vivo (4?h).

Conclusion: IRN and ISA have properties that make them candidates as chemotherapeutics for further pharmacological investigations.     

Anti-inflammatory activity of Ternstroemia gymnanthera stem bark extracts in bacterial lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 murine macrophage cells

Context: Ternstroemia gymnanthera Sprague (Theaceae) possesses various known pharmacological properties. However, its anti-inflammatory activity has not been reported.

Objective: The anti-inflammatory activity of Ternstroemia gymnanthera stem bark aqueous extract (TGSBE) was evaluated using LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages.

Materials and methods: Cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assay after 24?h with TGSBE (25–200?μg/mL). Further testing used TGSBE at 100 and 200?μg/mL. Griess and ELISA methods after 24?h with TGSBE determined NO and cytokine levels, respectively; then, mRNA levels (iNOS &; cytokines) were analyzed by Quantitative-PCR after 12?h. NF-κB and MAPK were assessed by immunoblotting after TGSBE treatment for 12?h, followed by LPS for 30?min. Immunofluorescence assay was also performed for NF-κB. ROS and MMP, after 12?h with TGSBE, were determined by flow cytometry. The antioxidant potential of TGSBE was analyzed by ABTS assay. The Folin–Ciocalteu method determined the total phenolic content of TGSBE. LPS concentration was 0.5?μg/mL.

Results: TGSBE at 200?μg/mL showed about 96.2% viability while suppressing the production of NO (88.99%), TNFα (24.38%), IL-6 (61.70%) and IL-1β (55.12%) and gene expression by 67.88, 45.24, 65.84, and 70.48%, respectively. TGSBE decreased ROS (79.26%) and improved MMP (48.01%); it inhibited translocation of NF-κB and MAPK activation. Radical scavenging activity was 50% at 402.17?μg/mL (ascorbic acid standard: 88.8?μg/mL). Total phenolic content was 240.9?mg GAE/g.

Discussion and conclusion: TGSBE suppresses the inflammatory response by inhibiting the NF-κB and MAPK cascades exhibiting therapeutic potential to treat inflammatory diseases associated with increased activation of macrophages.     

Low concentration of formononetin stimulates the proliferation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line CNE2 by upregulating bcl-2 and p-ERK1/2 expression

Context Formononetin is a typical phytoestrogen, which is a bioactive component found in red clover plants. Previous studies have shown that formononetin inhibits the proliferation of several types of cancer cells, including prostate cancer and osteosarcoma. However, how formononetin affects the proliferation of CNE2 is not clear.

Objective The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of formononetin on nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells in vitro, along with the underlying mechanism.

Materials and methods CNE2 cells were incubated with various concentrations of formononetin (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 1?μM) for 48?h. Cell proliferation was measured by [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, while the rate of apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. Bcl-2 and bax mRNA expression levels were determined by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), while p-ERK1/2 and bcl-2 protein expression levels were quantified by Western blotting.

Results Formononetin promoted the proliferation of CNE2 cells at low concentrations (0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2 and 5?μM), OD values increased from 0.27?±?0.01 to 0.30?±?0.01, 0.30?±?0.01,0.36?±?0.01, 0.35?±?0.01, 0.34?±?0.01, 0.34?±?0.01 and 0.32?±?0.01, respectively. The percentage of late apoptosis declined from 6.77%?±?0.73% (0?μM group) to 6.2%?±?0.4% (0.1?μM group), 3.83%?±?0.71% (0.3?μM group) and 5.1%?±?0.52% (1M group). The mRNA levels of bax and bcl-2 were down- and upregulated, respectively, by formononetin. Bcl-2 and p-ERK1/2 protein levels were also upregulated.

Conclusions Formononetin stimulates CNE2 cell proliferation and has an inhibitory effect on CNE2 cells apoptosis, which is mediated by the activation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathways.