Pretreatment with AT-101 enhances tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis of breast cancer cells by inducing death receptors 4 and 5 protein levels

Purpose

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a member of the TNF superfamily and has been shown to induce extrinsic pathway of apoptosis in many types of cancer cells. AT-101, an (?)-enantiomer of gossypol, is a potent anticancer agent that is shown to be an inhibitor of Bcl-2/Bcl-XL. In this study, we searched whether pretreatment with either of these drugs would result in the enhancement of apoptosis through induction of death receptors and activation of mitochondrial pathways within breast cancer cells.

Methods

Human breast cancer (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and normal breast cells (MCF-10A) were treated with drugs alone/in combination/sequentially. XTT cell viability assay was used to evaluate cytotoxicity. For showing apoptosis, both DNA Fragmentation and caspase 3/7 activity measurements were done. ELISA and Western blot analysis were done to assess DR4 and DR5 protein levels. The expression levels of apoptotic proteins were assessed by human apoptosis antibody array.

Results

The sequential treatment of AT-101 followed by TRAIL resulted in significant synergistic cytotoxicity and apoptosis. Moreover, pretreatment of breast cancer cells with AT-101 and then with TRAIL caused enhancement of the expression levels of DR4 and DR5 in both cancer cell lines, suggesting that these cells were under strong apoptotic stimuli.

Conclusions

These findings all together, strongly suggest that pretreatment with AT-101 enhances TRAIL-induced death-inducing signaling complex resulting in the engagement of the mitochondrial pathway to apoptosis in breast cancer cells. These promising, preliminary results make AT-101 and TRAIL a novel combination treatment candidate for breast cancer.     

Induction of costimulation of human CD4 T cells by tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand: possible role in T cell activation in systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE: Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has recently been shown to induce costimulation of mouse T cells in conjunction with signals from the T cell receptor. This study was undertaken to investigate TRAIL-induced costimulation of human T cells in order to determine the role of TRAIL-induced T cell activation in human systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: An in vitro T cell stimulation system with immobilized anti-CD3 and recombinant TRAIL receptor DR4-Fc proteins was used to activate human T cells purified from healthy individuals and from patients with SLE. The T cells were stimulated in vitro to assay their proliferation response by (3)H-thymidine incorporation, and their cytokine production by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Activation of p38 MAPK after TRAIL stimulation was detected with specific anti-phospho-p38 MAPK monoclonal antibodies in Western blots. RESULTS: Enhanced T cell proliferation and increased interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma (IFNgamma) production were demonstrated in human T cells after stimulation with immobilized DR4-Fc and anti-CD3 in vitro. TRAIL engagement selectively activated human CD4, rather than CD8, T cells and augmented IFNgamma production. Activation of p38 MAPK was detected after TRAIL-induced T cell activation. T cells isolated from patients with SLE demonstrated a stronger response to TRAIL-induced costimulation, in terms of proliferation and increased up-regulation of CD25 after activation, when compared with T cells from healthy subjects. CONCLUSION: TRAIL engagement induces costimulation of human CD4 T cells via a p38 MAPK-dependent pathway. The results suggest that enhanced reactivity of T cells to autoantigens as a result of TRAIL-induced costimulation may play a role in the development of human autoimmune diseases.     

Triptolide sensitizes AML cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis via decrease of XIAP and p53-mediated increase of DR5

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells are relatively resistant to tumor necrosis factor –related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). We previously reported that triptolide, a potent anticancer agent from a Chinese herb, decreases XIAP in leukemic cells. We evaluated the combination of triptolide and TRAIL and found synergistic promotion of apoptosis in AML cells. XIAP-overexpressing U937 cells (U937XIAP) were more resistant to TRAIL than U937neo cells, and inhibition of XIAP with the small-molecule inhibitor 1396-11 enhanced TRAIL-induced apoptosis, implying XIAP as a resistance factor in AML. Furthermore, triptolide increased DR5 levels in OCI-AML3, while the DR5 increase was blunted in p53-knockdown OCI-AML3 and p53-mutated U937 cells, confirming a role for p53 in the regulation of DR5. In support of this finding, disruption of MDM2-p53 binding with subsequent increase in p53 levels by nutlin3a increased DR5 levels and sensitized OCI-AML3 cells to TRAIL. The combination of 1396-11 plus nutlin3a plus TRAIL was more effective than either the 1396-11 and TRAIL or nutlin3a and TRAIL combinations in OCI-AML3 cells, further supporting the role of triptolide as a sensitizer to TRAILinduced apoptosis in part by independent modulation of XIAP expression and p53 signaling. Thus, the combination of triptolide and TRAIL may provide a novel strategy for treating AML by overcoming critical mechanisms of apoptosis resistance.     

蟾毒灵介导JNK信号通路诱导人胰腺癌细胞的凋亡

目的:研究蟾毒灵诱导人胰腺癌细胞凋亡以及凋亡相关基因表达的JNK信号转导通路,揭示其抗胰腺癌的部分机制.方法:MTT法观察蟾毒灵对人胰腺癌BxPC-3细胞的生长抑制作用;0.16、0.32、0.64mg/L蟾毒灵分别作用人胰腺癌BxPC-3细胞48h后,流式细胞仪(flow cytometry,FCM)检测细胞周期和细胞凋亡;Western印迹法检测蟾毒灵作用BxPC-3细胞后SAPK/JNK信号通路的激活情况,荧光定量PCR检测Survivin基因mRNA的表达水平;并比较阻断JNK信号通路后丹参酮ⅡA对胰腺癌细胞凋亡Survivin基因mRNA的表达.结果:MTT法测得蟾毒灵对人胰腺癌BxPC-3细胞具有显著的抑制作用,其作用效果与剂量和作用时间成正相关;0.16、0.32、0.64mg/L浓度蟾毒灵作用人胰腺癌细胞后的细胞凋亡率分别为19.36%±0.39%、40.69%±0.44%、59.63%±1.14%,与对照组2.24%±0.37%比较均有显著性差异(P<0.01);蟾毒灵作用人胰腺癌细胞1h后JNK信号通路被激活,2h达峰值;阻断JNK信号通路后,凋亡率明显降低(P<0.01);0.32mg/L蟾毒灵作用人胰腺癌细胞48h后Survivin mRNA的表达明显下降;阻断JNK信号通路后,蟾毒灵作用人胰腺癌细胞的Survivin mRNA的表达明显上升.结论:蟾毒灵通过JNK信号转导通路下调人胰腺癌BxPC-3细胞Survivin mRNA的表达,可能是其诱导胰腺癌细胞凋亡的机制.     

表皮生长因子协同上调不分型流感嗜血杆菌诱导的MUC5AC表达及其信号通路

目的 探索表皮生长因子(EGF)协同上调不分型流感嗜血杆菌(NTHi)诱导MUC5AC黏液素基因表达的细胞分子机制.方法 荧光定量PCR及Luciferase分析EGF协同上调NTHi诱导的MUCSAC表达.Western印迹法检测EGF及NTHi对P38有丝分裂原活化蛋白激酶(P38MAPK)、细胞外信号调节激酶(ERK)、P21激活激酶(PAK)4磷酸化的协同作用.采用P38MAPK或EGF特异性抑制剂,共转染P38MAPK、ERK显性失活质粒及PAK4 siRNA,判断对EGF协同上调NTHi诱导MUC5AC表达的影响,并研究PAK4显性失活质粒对EGF及NTHi所致的P38MAPK及ERK协同激活的影响.结果 在HM3、HeLa和HMEEC-1细胞mRNA及转录水平上,EGF协同上调NTHi诱导的MUC5AC基因表达.EGF及NTHi对P38MAPK、ERK、PAK4磷酸化有协同作用;P38MAPK、ERK特异性抑制剂或共转染P38MAPK、ERK显性失活质粒、PAK4siRNA,可显著抑制EGF对NTHi诱导的MUC5AC表达的协同作用,PAK4显性失活质粒抑制EGF和NTHi诱导的P38MAPK和ERK磷酸化的协同作用.结论 EGF通过PAK4依赖的P38MAPK及ERK细胞信号通路协同上调NTHi诱导的MUCSAC黏液素基因表达.     

5-FU增强TRAIL诱导的胃癌BGC823细胞凋亡的实验研究

目的 观察5-FU对TRAIL诱导的胃癌BGC823细胞凋亡的影响,明确死亡受体5(DR5)在5-FU和TRAIL诱导凋亡中的作用.方法 采用MTT法测定细胞活力、流式细胞仪检测细胞凋亡、免疫印迹检测蛋白表达.结果 TRAIL可导致BGC823细胞轻度的增殖抑制和少量的细胞凋亡.与单药TRAIL和5-FU相比,TRAIL联合5-FU对细胞的增殖抑制和诱导凋亡作用明显增强(P＜0.05).免疫印迹结果显示,TRAIL没有改变DR5的蛋白表达,而5-FU作用BGC823细胞48 h后,DR5蛋白表达上调(P＜0.05).TRAIL和5-FU联合作用后,DR5蛋白表达同样明显上调(P均＜0.05).结论 5-FU通过上调DR5蛋白表达提高了BGC823细胞对TRAIL的敏感性.     

Exendin-4 protects pancreatic beta cells from palmitate-induced apoptosis by interfering with GPR40 and the MKK4/7 stress kinase signalling pathway

Aims/hypothesis

The mechanisms of the protective effects of exendin-4 on NEFA-induced beta cell apoptosis were investigated.

Methods

The effects of exendin-4 and palmitate were evaluated in human and murine islets, rat insulin-secreting INS-1E cells and murine glucagon-secreting alpha-TC1-6 cells. mRNA and protein expression/phosphorylation were measured by real-time RT-PCR and immunoblotting or immunofluorescence, respectively. Small interfering (si)RNAs for Ib1 and Gpr40 were used. Cell apoptosis was quantified by two independent assays. Insulin release was assessed with an insulin ELISA.

Results

Exposure of human and murine primary islets and INS-1E cells, but not alpha-TC1-6 cells, to exendin-4 inhibited phosphorylation of the stress kinases, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and prevented apoptosis in response to palmitate. Exendin-4 increased the protein content of islet-brain 1 (IB1), an endogenous JNK blocker; however, siRNA-mediated reduction of IB1 did not impair the ability of exendin-4 to inhibit JNK and prevent apoptosis. Exendin-4 reduced G-protein-coupled receptor 40 (GPR40) expression and inhibited palmitate-induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated kinase kinase (MKK)4 and MKK7. The effects of exendin-4 were abrogated in the presence of the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitors, H89 and KT5720. Knockdown of GPR40, as well as use of a specific GPR40 antagonist, resulted in diminished palmitate-induced JNK and p38 MAPK phosphorylation and apoptosis. Furthermore, inhibition of JNK and p38 MAPK activity prevented palmitate-induced apoptosis.

Conclusions/interpretation

Exendin-4 counteracts the proapoptotic effects of palmitate in beta cells by reducing GPR40 expression and inhibiting MKK7- and MKK4-dependent phosphorylation of the stress kinases, JNK and p38 MAPK, in a PKA-dependent manner.     

Induction of costimulation of human CD4 T cells by tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis‐inducing ligand: Possible role in T cell activation in systemic lupus erythematosus

Objective

Tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) has recently been shown to induce costimulation of mouse T cells in conjunction with signals from the T cell receptor. This study was undertaken to investigate TRAIL‐induced costimulation of human T cells in order to determine the role of TRAIL‐induced T cell activation in human systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

An in vitro T cell stimulation system with immobilized anti‐CD3 and recombinant TRAIL receptor DR4‐Fc proteins was used to activate human T cells purified from healthy individuals and from patients with SLE. The T cells were stimulated in vitro to assay their proliferation response by ³H‐thymidine incorporation, and their cytokine production by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Activation of p38 MAPK after TRAIL stimulation was detected with specific anti–phospho‐p38 MAPK monoclonal antibodies in Western blots.

Results

Enhanced T cell proliferation and increased interleukin‐2 and interferon‐γ (IFNγ) production were demonstrated in human T cells after stimulation with immobilized DR4‐Fc and anti‐CD3 in vitro. TRAIL engagement selectively activated human CD4, rather than CD8, T cells and augmented IFNγ production. Activation of p38 MAPK was detected after TRAIL‐induced T cell activation. T cells isolated from patients with SLE demonstrated a stronger response to TRAIL‐induced costimulation, in terms of proliferation and increased up‐regulation of CD25 after activation, when compared with T cells from healthy subjects.

Conclusion

TRAIL engagement induces costimulation of human CD4 T cells via a p38 MAPK–dependent pathway. The results suggest that enhanced reactivity of T cells to autoantigens as a result of TRAIL‐induced costimulation may play a role in the development of human autoimmune diseases.

     

Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Toll-Like Receptor 4 Signaling in Cancer Cells Promotes Cell Survival and Proliferation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background

Recent studies have shown that toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is involved in hepatocarcinogenesis. However, the significance of TLR4 signaling in cancer development and progression remains unclear.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of TLR4 in cancer cell survival and proliferation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Fifty-three HCC and ten normal liver specimens were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, and three cell lines (HL-7702, PLC/PRF/5 and HepG2) were used for in vitro studies. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a specific ligand of TLR4, was used to activate TLR4 signaling. The effects of LPS-TLR4 signaling on cell survival, proliferation and invasion were examined. Specific inhibitors of NF-κB and MAPK (JNK, ERK and p38) signaling pathways were used to explore the role of each pathway in LPS-TLR4 signaling.

Results

TLR4 was overexpressed in HCC cell lines and in human HCC tissues, where it correlated with Ki-67 expression. LPS-induced activation of TLR4 signaling promoted cancer cell survival and proliferation. LPS-TLR4 signaling was associated with regulation on the activation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. LPS-TLR4-induced activation of ERK and JNK signaling promotes cell proliferation through regulating Bax translocation to mitochondria. Activation of NF-κB and p38 mediates cytotoxicity of LPS, and inhibition on these two pathways promotes cell proliferation in HCC cells.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that TLR4 signaling in cancer cells promotes cell survival and proliferation in HCC.     

Rheumatoid arthritis synovial fluid fibroblasts express TRAIL‐R2 (DR5) that is functionally active

Objective

To examine fibroblasts grown from the synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients for TRAIL‐R2 expression, and for susceptibility to apoptosis induced by an agonistic anti–TRAIL‐R2 monoclonal antibody (mAb).

Methods

The expression of TRAIL‐R2 (DR5) was determined by flow cytometry on fibroblasts grown from the synovial fluid of patients with RA, osteoarthritis (OA), seronegative arthritis, and unclassified monarthritis or oligoarthritis, and on fibroblasts from the synovial membrane of RA and OA patients. Susceptibility to apoptosis mediated by an agonistic anti–TRAIL‐R2 mAb was determined by alamar blue bioassay, fluorescence microscopy (annexin V/propidium iodide staining), and caspase activation.

Results

Fibroblasts grew from 35 of 50 RA synovial fluid samples, of which 26 were DR5+ (mean [±SD] fluorescence intensity [MFI] 18.74 ± 2.5). Fibroblasts also grew from 15 of 30 seronegative arthritis synovial fluid samples, 28 of 40 OA synovial fluid samples, and 8 of 20 unclassified monarthritis or oligoarthritis synovial fluid samples; all of these were DR5− (MFI 0.32 ± 0.02). All 10 of the fibroblast lines from joint replacement surgery or synovectomy specimens of RA patients were DR5+ (MFI 20.3 ± 3.2). All fibroblast lines from the synovium of 10 OA patients were DR5−, as were fibroblasts from the skin of 5 healthy subjects. DR5+ fibroblast cultures underwent apoptosis when treated in vitro with an agonistic anti‐DR5 antibody.

Conclusion

Fibroblasts grown from the synovial fluid and synovial membrane of RA patients express TRAIL‐R2 that is functionally active. An agonistic anti–TRAIL‐R2 antibody that does not induce hepatocyte toxicity may be an alternative strategy for treatment of RA.

     

Mechanisms of TRAIL-induced apoptosis in leukemic plasmacytoid dendritic cells

OBJECTIVE: Dendritic cells play a central role in regulating the innate and adaptive immune responses. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDC) represent a newly identified kind of DC with specialized functions aimed at fighting against viral infections. Recently, we have shown that CD4+CD56+ malignancies were leukemia arising from PDC, with a particularly aggressive clinical course. Hence, we asked whether these malignant PDC could be killed via TRAIL, a death-inducing ligand that belongs to a new class of anticancer drugs currently under development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study we used a PDC line (GEN2.2) we recently developed from leukemic PDC as a model. RESULTS: We show that GEN2.2 PDC are sensitive to TRAIL-induced apoptosis and can be killed in vitro by TRAIL-expressing NK cells. Our results suggest that TRAIL binds to Death Receptor 5 (DR5) expressed by GEN2.2 and induces apoptosis mainly via caspases 10, 8, and 3. Interestingly, during infection with influenza, DR5 decreases on GEN2.2 cell surface, which consequently become resistant to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Moreover, we confirmed the expression of DR5 or DR4 on half of LPDC tested, suggesting the possibility to kill these cells via TRAIL. Hopefully, normal PDC expressed neither DR4 nor DR5. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that TRAIL agonists represent a therapeutic alternative for the treatment of LPDC.     

Role of p38 and JNK in liver ischemia and reperfusion

Background/purpose

The signal transduction of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) has appeared to be an important mediator of ischemic-related events. Because of this, we analyzed the participation of p38 and JNK in liver ischemia and reperfusion, as two individual members of the MAPK family of proteins.

Methods

All papers referred to in PubMed for the past 15 years were analyzed to determine how and when these MAPKs were considered to be an intricate part of the ischemic event. References were cross-studied to ascertain whether other papers could be found in the literature.

Results

The role of p38 and JNK in liver ischemia was confirmed in the literature. The activation of these mediators was associated with the induction of apoptosis and necrosis. Inhibitors of p38 and JNK reduced the liver ischemia and reperfusion damage, probably through the mechanisms mentioned before.

Conclusions

The development of effective inhibitors of p38 and JNK protein mediators is important for minimizing the harmful effects associated with liver ischemia and reperfusion.     

Sphingosine kinase 1 enhances colon cancer cell proliferation and invasion by upregulating the production of MMP-2/9 and uPA via MAPK pathways

Purpose

Sphingosine kinase (SphK) 1 is an oncogenic enzyme promoting transformation, proliferation, and survival of a number of human tumor cells. However, its effect on colon cancer cell behavior has not been fully clarified.

Methods

SphK1 plasmid or SphK1 shRNA transfection and N,N-dimethylsphingosine (DMS) was used to regulate the expression and activity of SphK1 in colon cancer line LOVO. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and protein expression were detected by MTT, flow cytometry, transwell chambers model, and western blot. The levels of metalloproteinases-2/9 (MMP-2/9) and urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) were detected by ELISA.

Results

Overexpression of SphK1 after plasmid transfection markedly enhanced LOVO cell viability and invasiveness and reduced cell apoptosis. In contrast, inhibition of SphK1 by DMS and shRNA significantly suppressed cell viability and invasiveness but promoted cell apoptosis. SphK1 increased the constitutive expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) but reduced the constitutive expression of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Blocking ERK1/2 pathway inhibited the biological effects induced by overexpression of SphK1. Blocking p38 MAPK pathway reversed the effects of DMS and SphK1 shRNA. Moreover, SphK1 was required for the production of MMP-2/9 and uPA in tumor cells, which was suppressed by ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126, but enhanced by the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580.

Conclusions

SphK1 enhances colon cancer cell proliferation and invasiveness, meanwhile suppressing cell apoptosis. SphK1 promoting the secretion of MMP-2/9 and uPA via activation of ERK1/2 and suppression of p38 MAPK pathways maybe the molecular mechanisms for its regulation of the malignant behavior of colon cancer cell.     

美托洛尔下调CaMKIIδC-p38通路对异丙肾上腺素诱导心力衰竭的保护机制

目的研究美托洛尔下调CaMKIIδC—p38通路对异丙肾上腺素诱导心力衰竭的保护机制。方法40只SD大鼠随机分成四组，正常对照组（Control）、异丙肾上腺组（Iso）、异丙肾上腺＋美托洛尔组（Iso＋Meto）和美托洛尔组（Meto），每组10只，所有动物均自由进食进水。（1）Iso组大鼠背部皮下注射Iso5my／（kg·d），连续10d；对照组背部皮下注射相同体积的生理盐水；Iso＋Meto组大鼠背部皮下注射Iso5mg／（kg·d）．连续10d，在背部皮下注射Iso前1天开始Meto10mg／（kg·d）灌胃，连续4固；Meto组给予10mg／（kg·d），连续4周灌胃；（2）所有大鼠饲养4周后，采用MillarP-V Loop导管经颈动脉插管至左心室，使用Powerlab生理记录系统测量血流动力学相关指标；统计各组大鼠心脏重量和心脏重量／体重比值；（3）TUNEL法和Caspase-3活性检测心肌细胞凋亡；（4）ELISA分析CAMKII活性；（5）Westernblot检测CaMKIl8、p-CaMKIIδ、CaMKIIδC和MAPKs家族（p-38、JNK、ERK）、和凋亡相关基因Bcl-2／Bax的蛋白表达水平。结果40只sD大鼠实验过程精神状态好，进食进水正常，无呼吸困难及水肿。（1）Iso和Meto干预SD大鼠心脏重塑和血流动力学指标有显著改变，与Control组相比．Iso组心脏重量和心脏重量指数明显增加（P〈0．05）；而Iso＋Meto组心脏重量和心脏重量指数明显低于Iso组（P〈0．05）；大鼠体重、肝重和肺重四组间也无明显差异。大鼠血流动力学指标心率（HR）、平均动脉血压（MBP）和亢事舒张末压（LVEDP）Iso组明显高于Control组；但左室压力变化速率（LV±dp/dt max）Iso组明显低于Control组（P〈0．05）；而Iso＋Meto组HR、MBP和LVEDP明显低于Iso组（P〈0．05），但Iso＋Meto组±dp／dtmax明显高于Iso组（P〈0．05）；（2）Iso组SD大鼠心肌细胞TUNEL阳性细胞数和Caspase-3活性明显高于Control组（P〈0．05）；Western杂?     

Regulation of tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis in Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines

Tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a potent inducer of apoptosis in sensitive cells and may be suitable for novel anti-cancer therapies aimed at inducing apoptosis via the activation of TRAIL receptors on malignant cells. Here we have characterized the TRAIL sensitivity of a panel of Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) cell lines. Overall, 5/12 BL cell lines and 1/2 lymphoblastoid cell lines were sensitive to TRAIL-induced apoptosis, although only one BL cell line approached the sensitivity of Jurkat cells, a widely used model for TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Whereas, 4/5 of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-negative cell lines were TRAIL sensitive, only 1/7 EBV-positive BL cell lines were TRAIL sensitive. However, isogenic BL cell lines with different EBV status were not differently sensitive to TRAIL, indicating that EBV is not a major determinant of TRAIL sensitivity. All cell lines expressed the death receptor (DR)5 TRAIL receptor, whereas expression of DR4 was more variable. Differences in the expression of downstream signalling molecules [Fas-associated death domain protein (FADD), caspase 8] and inhibitors [decoy receptor 1 (DcR1), cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein (c-FLIP)] did not correlate with TRAIL sensitivity. Therefore, a subset of BL cell lines are sensitive to TRAIL-induced apoptosis, however, the molecular mechanism that determines responsiveness remains to be identified.     

The RhoA/ROCK pathway mediates high glucose‐induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis via oxidative stress,JNK, and p38MAPK pathways

Aims

To understand the roles of the RhoA/ROCK and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in high glucose (HG)‐induced apoptosis and oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes.

Materials and methods

Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium, supplemented with 5.5 or 30 mmol/L D‐glucose, in the presence or absence of fasudil (50 or 100 μM), SB203580, SP600125, or PD98059 (10 μM, respectively). The percentage of early apoptotic cardiomyocytes was evaluated using flow cytometry. The superoxide dismutase activity and malondialdehyde contents in the cellular supernatants were measured. The Bax and Bcl‐2 mRNA levels were determined by quantitative real‐time PCR. Phosphorylation of myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 (MYPT1), p38MAPK, JNK, and ERK as well as the protein levels of Bax, Bcl‐2, and cleaved caspase‐3 was analysed by Western blot.

Results

Fasudil, SB203580, and SP600125 effectively inhibited the HG‐induced early apoptosis increase and decreased Bax mRNA expression, the Bax/Bcl‐2 protein expression ratio, and cleaved caspase‐3 protein levels in the cardiomyocytes; this was accompanied by upregulation of the Bcl‐2 mRNA. Moreover, fasudil markedly increased the superoxide dismutase activity level and suppressed the elevation in HG‐induced malondialdehyde content and the phosphorylation of MYPT1, p38MAPK and JNK.

Conclusions

The RhoA/ROCK pathway mediates HG‐induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis via oxidative stress and activation of p38MAPK and JNK in neonatal rats in vitro. Fasudil effectively ameliorates HG‐induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by suppressing oxidative stress and the p38MAPK and JNK pathways.     

The effect of bevacizumab on serum soluble FAS/FASL and TRAIL and its receptors (DR4 and DR5) in metastatic colorectal cancer

Purpose

Bevacizumab-based chemotherapy has become the standard of care in metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC). We aimed to measure the levels of serum soluble FAS, FASL, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), and its death receptors DR4 and DR5 in MCRC patients and to define prognostic significance of these parameters in response to bevacizumab in these patients.

Patients and methods

The levels of these parameters in serum samples were quantified by a commercially available ELISA kit in 31 MCRC patients before and after 2 cycles of therapy and 25 healthy controls.

Results

Pretreatment sFAS levels in MCRC patients was significantly lower than the levels of controls (p = 0.043). There was no significant difference in sFAS and sFASL levels in MCRC patients before and after bevacizumab-based treatment. There was no significant difference in sFAS/sFASL ratio in MCRC patients before and after treatment and controls. Soluble DR5 levels were significantly higher in pretreatment serum samples compared with controls (p = 0.008). However, pretreatment sTRAIL and sDR4 levels were similar to the levels of controls. There was no significant difference in sTRAIL, sDR4, and sDR5 levels in MCRC patients before and after treatment. When patients were grouped according to treatment response (responders vs. non-responders), post-treatment sFAS/sFASL ratio was significantly lower in responding patients compared with non-responders (p = 0.029). Significant correlations were observed between post-treatment sFASL and sDR4, sFAS and sTRAIL, sTRAIL and sFAS/sFASL ratio, and sFASL and sDR5.

Conclusion

Non-significant changes in apoptotic markers with bevacizumab-based chemotherapy showed that they have no prognostic significance in MCRC patients. Significant change in sFAS/sFASL ratio according to treatment response could be an indicator of chemosensitivity.     

Designed tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand variants initiating apoptosis exclusively via the DR5 receptor

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a potential anticancer drug that selectively induces apoptosis in a variety of cancer cells by interacting with death receptors DR4 and DR5. TRAIL can also bind to decoy receptors (DcR1, DcR2, and osteoprotegerin receptor) that cannot induce apoptosis. The occurrence of DR5-responsive tumor cells indicates that a DR5 receptor-specific TRAIL variant will permit tumor-selective therapies. By using the automatic design algorithm FOLD-X, we successfully generated DR5-selective TRAIL variants. These variants do not induce apoptosis in DR4-responsive cell lines but show a large increase in biological activity in DR5-responsive cancer cell lines. Even wild-type TRAIL-insensitive ovarian cancer cell lines could be brought into apoptosis. In addition, our results demonstrate that there is no requirement for antibody-mediated cross-linking or membrane-bound TRAIL to induce apoptosis through DR5.     

Aortic valvular interstitial cells apoptosis and calcification are mediated by TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand

Background/Objectives

Calcific aortic valvular disease (CAVD) is an actively regulated process characterized by the activation of specific osteogenic signaling pathways and apoptosis. We evaluated the involvement in CAVD of the TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), an apoptotic molecule which induces apoptosis by interacting with the death receptor (DR)-4 and DR5, and whose activity is modulated by the decoy receptor (DcR)-1 and DcR2.

Methods

Sections of calcific and normal aortic valves, obtained at surgery time, were subjected to immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy for TRAIL immunostaining. Valvular interstitial cells (VICs) isolated from calcific (C-VICs) and normal (N-VICs) aortic valves were investigated for the gene and protein expression of TRAIL receptors. Cell viability was assayed by MTT. Von Kossa staining was performed to verify C-VIC ability to produce mineralized nodules. TRAIL serum levels were detected by ELISA.

Results

Higher levels of TRAIL were detected in calcific aortic valves and in sera from the same patients respect to controls. C-VICs express significantly higher mRNA and protein levels of DR4, DR5, DcR1, DcR2 and Runx2 compared to N-VICs. C-VICs and N-VICs, cultured in osteogenic medium, express significantly higher mRNA levels of DR4, Runx2 and Osteocalcin compared to baseline. C-VICs and N-VICs were sensitive to TRAIL-apoptotic effect at baseline and after osteogenic differentiation, as demonstrated by MTT assay and caspase-3 activation. TRAIL enhanced mineralized matrix nodule synthesis by C-VICs cultured in osteogenic medium.

Conclusions

TRAIL is characteristically present within calcific aortic valves, and mediates the calcification of aortic valve interstitial cells in culture through mechanism involving apoptosis.     

Free fatty acids sensitise hepatocytes to TRAIL mediated cytotoxicity

BACKGROUND: Elevated circulating free fatty acids (FFA) contribute to the development of hepatic steatosis and promote hepatocyte apoptosis by incompletely defined mechanisms. Although the death ligand TRAIL has been implicated in a variety of pathological liver diseases, the role of TRAIL in mediating apoptosis of FFA induced steatotic hepatocytes is unknown. AIM: We examined TRAIL cytotoxicity in an in vitro model of hepatocyte steatosis induced by FFA. METHODS: Hepatocytes (Huh 7 cells, HepG2 cells, and primary rat hepatocytes) were rendered steatotic by incubation with oleic acid. Apoptosis was assessed morphologically and biochemically by caspase activity. TRAIL receptor regulation was examined using immunoblot analysis and siRNA for targeted knockdown. c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibition was attained with SP600125. RESULTS: Oleic acid sensitised the cells to TRAIL but not TNF-alpha cytotoxicity. FFA sensitisation to TRAIL occurred at much lower concentrations than required for FFA mediated sensitisation to Fas, or FFA induced lipoapoptosis. Oleic acid treatment led to upregulation of the cognate TRAIL receptor death receptor 5 (DR5) but not death receptor 4 (DR4). The upregulation of DR5 was JNK dependent. siRNA targeted knockdown of either DR5 or DR4 demonstrated that DR5 was responsible for FFA sensitisation to TRAIL killing. DR5 expression was enhanced in steatotic human liver samples. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that FFA induced hepatocyte steatosis sensitises to TRAIL by a DR5 mediated JNK dependent mechanism.