Chemoprevention of cancer by isothiocyanates, modifiers of carcinogen metabolism

Substantial quantities of isothiocyanates are released upon consumption of normal amounts of a number of cruciferous vegetables. Some of these naturally occurring isothiocyanates such as phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) and sulforaphane are effective inhibitors of cancer induction in rodents treated with carcinogens. A large amount of data demonstrate that isothiocyanates act as cancer chemopreventive agents by favorably modifying carcinogen metabolism via inhibition of Phase 1 enzymes and/or induction of Phase 2 enzymes. These effects are quite specific, depending on the structure of the isothiocyanate and carcinogen. One of the most thoroughly studied examples of isothiocyanate inhibition of rodent carcinogenesis is inhibition of 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK)-induced lung tumorigenesis by PEITC. This occurs because PEITC blocks the metabolic activation of NNK, resulting in increased urinary excretion of detoxified metabolites. Similar effects on NNK metabolism have been observed in smokers who consumed watercress, a source of PEITC. On the basis of these observations and knowledge of the carcinogenic constituents of cigarette smoke, a strategy for chemoprevention of lung cancer can be developed.     

Proteomic analysis of covalent modifications of tubulins by isothiocyanates

Although isothiocyanates (ITC), which are found in cruciferous vegetables, have been shown to inhibit carcinogenesis in animal models and induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in tumor cells, the biochemical mechanisms of cell growth inhibition by these compounds are not fully understood. Studies have reported that ITC binding to intracellular proteins may be an important event for initiating apoptosis. Specific protein target(s) and molecular mechanisms for ITC have been investigated in human lung cancer A549 cells using proteomic tools. Cells were treated with various amounts (1-100 μmol/L) of radiolabeled phenethyl-ITC (PEITC) and sulforaphane (SFN) and the extracted proteins resolved using 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The results of mass spectrometric analyses suggested that tubulin may be an in vivo binding target for ITC. The binding of ITC to tubulin was associated with growth arrest. The proliferation of A549 cells was significantly reduced by ITC, with benzyl-ITC (BITC) having a greater relative activity than PEITC or SFN. Mitotic arrest and apoptosis as well as disruption of microtubule polymerization were induced in the order: BITC > PEITC > SFN. An analysis of tubulins isolated from BITC-treated A549 cells showed that Cys(347), a conserved cysteine in all α-tubulin isoforms, was covalently modified by BITC. Taken together, these results suggest that tubulin is a binding target of ITC and that this interaction can lead to growth inhibition and apoptosis.     

Benzyl isothiocyanate-induced DNA damage causes G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human pancreatic cancer cells

Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) has been shown to inhibit chemically induced pancreatic cancer in experimental animals. However, the mechanism responsible for the anticancer effects of BITC is not clearly understood. In this study, we tested whether BITC treatment would affect the growth of Capan-2 human pancreatic cancer cells. BITC (10 micromol/L) treatment caused marked phosphorylation of H2A.x (2.6-fold) and permanent damage to Capan-2 cells. BITC-mediated G2/M arrest was associated with up-regulation of cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor p21(Waf1/Cip1) and the activation of checkpoint kinase 2, whereas the expressions of other G2/M regulatory proteins, including CyclinB1, Cdc2, and cell division cycle 25C (Cdc25C), were down-regulated by 19, 51, and 70%, respectively, compared with control. These changes resulted in a 55% inhibition of Cdc2 kinase activity. In addition, the decline in the expression of Cdc25C was completely blocked when the cells were treated with lactacystin (proteasome inhibitor) prior to BITC treatment. However, G2/M arrest and apoptosis induced by BITC were partially blocked by pretreatment of cells with lactacystin. Taken together, the results of this study suggest the involvement of multiple signaling pathways targeted by BITC in mediating G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in Capan-2 cells and warrant further investigation.     

Isothiocyanates ameliorate the symptom of heart dysfunction and mortality in a murine AIDS model by inhibiting apoptosis in the left ventricle

Abstract Cardiac involvement has been reported in as many as 45-55% of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), and significant cardiac morbidity is reported in 6-7% of HIV patients. We investigated the inhibitory effects of isothiocyanates (ITCs) on heart dysfunction and mortality by regulating apoptosis in the left ventricle of the heart in a murine AIDS model. Mice were divided into six groups: an uninfected group, an untreated LP-BM5 retrovirus-infected group, and four LP-BM5 retrovirus-infected groups treated with one of four ITCs (sulforaphane [SUL], indolo[3,2-b]carbazole, benzyl isothiocyanate [BITC], or phenethyl isothiocyanate [PEITC]). After 16 weeks, the median survival time of the LP-BM5 retrovirus-infected mice was 87 days, whereas that of the uninfected control group and all ITC treatment groups was over 112 days. SUL, PEITC, and BITC significantly inhibited apoptosis in the left ventricle by increasing the Bcl-2/Bax ratio compared with LP-BM5-infected mice. In addition, SUL and PEITC suppressed inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression at both the mRNA and protein levels in the left ventricle of heart tissue infected with the LP-BM5 retrovirus by inactivating cytoplasmic nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). In conclusion, LP-BM5 retrovirus infection was related to survival of murine AIDS mice, and NF-κB-mediated iNOS expression may be an important mediator of left ventricle dysfunction of the heart. Furthermore, certain ITCs may have the potential to improve AIDS-related heart dysfunction due to their inhibition of apoptosis by decreasing iNOS and Bax expression through suppression of NF-κB.     

Effects of phenylethyl isothiocyanate and its metabolite on cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in LNCaP human prostate cancer cells

Abstract

Cruciferous vegetable consumption is associated with decreased risk of several cancers, including prostate cancer. Gluconasturtiin, one of the predominant glucosinolates in cruciferous vegetables, is hydrolyzed to yield phenylethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC). PEITC absorption and metabolism in humans involves glutathione conjugation followed by conversion via the mercapturic acid pathway to an N-acetylcysteine (NAC) conjugate that is excreted in the urine. We observed an inhibitory effect of PEITC and its metabolite, NAC-PEITC, on cancer cell proliferation, cell-cycle progression, and apoptosis in LNCaP human prostate cancer cells. PEITC and NAC?PEITC suppressed LNCaP cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, and exposure to 5 μM PEITC or NAC-PEITC reduced cell proliferation by 25% and 30%, respectively. Cell-cycle analysis revealed that cells treated with 5 μM PEITC or NAC-PEITC arrested at the G₂/M phase. In addition, the percentage of cells in the S phase decreased from 46% to 25% following 48 h of incubation with PEITC or NAC-PEITC. The G₂/M-phase cell-cycle arrest of LNCaP cells grown in the presence of PEITC or NAC-PEITC is correlated with the downregulation of Cdk1 and cyclin B₁ protein expression. Apoptosis was observed at the later stages of 24-h and 48-h treatments with 5 μM PEITC and NAC-PEITC. In conclusion, PEITC and NAC-PEITC are potential chemopreventive/chemotherapeutic agents against LNCaP human prostate cancer cells.     

Phenethyl Isothiocyanate Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in Pancreatic Cancer Cells In Vitro and in a MIAPaca2 Xenograft Animal Model

Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage and it has a poor prognosis that points to an increased need to develop effective chemoprevention strategies for this disease. We examined the ability of phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), a naturally occurring isothiocyanate found in cruciferous vegetables, to inhibit the growth of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in a MIAPaca2 xenograft animal model. Exposure to PEITC inhibited pancreatic cancer cell growth in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC₅₀ of approximately 7 μmol/L. PEITC treatment induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest, downregulated the antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL, upregulated the proapoptotic protein Bak, and suppressed Notch 1 and 2 levels. In addition, treatment with PEITC induced cleavage of poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase and led to increased cytoplasmic histone-associated DNA fragmentation and subdiploid (apoptotic) fraction in pancreatic cancer cells. Oral administration of PEITC suppressed the growth of pancreatic cancer cells in a MIAPaca2 xenograft animal model. Our data show that PEITC exerts its inhibitory effect on pancreatic cancer cells through several mechanisms, including G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis, and supports further investigation of PEITC as a chemopreventive agent for pancreatic cancer.     

Involvement of c-Jun N-terminal kinase in G2/M arrest and caspase-mediated apoptosis induced by sulforaphane in DU145 prostate cancer cells

Sulforaphane (SFN) is a major isothiocyanate compound in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. Preclinical animal models have recently shown that SFN and other isothiocyanates may be useful for prostrate cancer (PCa) chemoprevention. In this study we used a DU145 human PCa cell culture model to investigate the role of protein kinase signaling pathway(s) in SFN-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and whether another chemopreventive agent selenium enhances the apoptosis potency of SFN. The results showed that SFN exposure for 24 h or longer significantly decreased the number of viable DU145 cells in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 of asymptotically equal to 10 microM. The decreased cell number was associated with G2/M phase arrest and apoptotic cell death, with the latter being evidenced by caspase-mediated cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and increased release of histone-associated DNA fragments. A peptide inhibitor of caspase-8 completely blocked SFN-induced apoptosis and that for caspase-9 exerted a major protection; however, neither inhibitor attenuated SFN-induced G2/M arrest. Regarding potential mediators, SFN treatment induced a transient rise of reactive oxygen species (ROS) peaking within (1/2) h and the activation of JNK within 1 h but did not have any detectable effect on the phosphorylation of p38MAPK or ERK1/2 from 6 h to 24 h. Pretreatment of cells with N-acetylcysteine to enrich intracellular glutathione blocked SFN-induced ROS and apoptotic cell death. Inhibiting the JNK activity with a pharmacologic inhibitor SP600125 abolished the induction of G2/M arrest and apoptosis by SFN, whereas chemical inhibitors for p38MAPK and MEK1/2 did not have any modulating effect on SFN-induced apoptosis. Taken together, the data indicate that SFN decreased viable DU145 cell number in large part through the generation of ROS and JNK-mediated signaling to G2/M arrest and caspase-dependent apoptosis. Selenium in the form of inorganic sodium selenite salt or methylseleninic acid did not enhance SFN-induced apoptosis in this cell culture model.     

石英致MAPK/cyclinD1-CDK4信号转导通路的活化

目的探讨石英诱导的人胚肺成纤维细胞(HELF)中丝裂素活化蛋白激酶(MAPK)/细胞周期蛋白和细胞周期蛋白依赖激酶(cyclin D1-CDK4)信号转导通路的活化。方法两种处理方式:(1)石英刺激细胞2h后,收获细胞;(2)石英长时间(2个月)作用于细胞,使细胞具有部分转化细胞的特征(S-HELF),检测信号蛋白因子和细胞周期的变化。分别采用Western blot、免疫细胞化学和流式细胞术方法检测细胞内信号蛋白和细胞周期的改变。选用特异化学抑制剂或分子抑制剂抑制上游激酶,检测下游激酶的变化。结果HELF暴露于石英粉尘2 h后,可以导致MAPK家族中ERK1/2、p38和JNK1/2 3个亚家族的磷酸化水平升高。在S-HELF中,只有细胞外调节蛋白激酶(ERK)和C-Jun氨基末端激酶[JNK1(p46)]较未处理的HELF磷酸化水平增高,而JNK2(p54)的磷酸化水平没有变化,p38的磷酸化水平反而下降。cyclin D1和CDK4蛋白在S-HELF中较HELF中表达增多。抑制ERK和JNK活化或者抑制核转录因子活化蛋白1(AP- 1)的活化后,S-HELF中cyclin D1和CDK4蛋白过表达得到控制。而抑制p38的活性不能改变cyclin D1和CDK4蛋白过表达。结论石英刺激HELF2h后可诱导ERK、JNK和p38的活化,而S-HELF中ERK、JNK活化,p38没有被活化。S-HELF中,cyclin D1和CDK4蛋白质过表达与ERK、JNK和AP-1活化有关。     

ERK和JNK/活化蛋白-1通路在苯并(a)芘诱导人胚肺成纤维细胞周期改变中的作用

目的探讨丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(MAPK)/转录因子活化蛋白-1(AP-1)信号通路在调控苯并(a)芘[B(a)P]致人胚肺成纤维细胞(HELF)周期改变中的作用。方法用AP-1荧光素酶报告基因技术检测AP-1荧光素酶活力,流式细胞术测定细胞周期时相分布,免疫印迹法检测MAPK[包括细胞外调节蛋白激酶(ERK)、c-Jun氨基末端激酶(JNK)和p38激酶]总量及磷酸化水平,用MAPK显性失活突变体(DN)(DN-ERK2、DN-JNK1和DN-p38)证明通路的上下游关系。结果2μmol/L B(a)P分别处理细胞0、6、122、4 h,AP-1活力在12 h达峰值,是对照组的2.22倍,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);ERK1/2、JNK1/2和p38蛋白激酶的磷酸化水平明显提高,分别是对照组的2.5、14.0和2.1倍;B(a)P处理组S期细胞比例(50.2%±4.6%)与对照组(16.7%±8.1%)相比明显增加,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);ERK2和JNK1显性失活突变体的过表达均可明显降低B(a)P诱导的AP-1活力增强,并且明显降低B(a)P处理组S期细胞比例(分别为33.3%±1.7%,30.8%±3.9%),差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);p38显性失活突变体的过表达对B(a)P引起的AP-1活力增强及S期细胞比例增加无影响。AP-1化学抑制剂姜黄素(20μmol/L)可明显降低B(a)P引起的S期细胞比例增加(13.6%±2.9%),差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论ERK和JNK通过活化AP-1介导B(a)P诱导的细胞周期改变;而B(a)P诱导的AP-1活力增强及细胞周期改变与p38无关。     

石英诱导细胞cyclin D1-CDK4蛋白表达的降低及其影响因子

目的 探讨石英暴露的人胚肺成纤维细胞(human embryonic lung fibroblast,HELF)中细胞周期蛋白D1(cyclin D1)-细胞周期依赖蛋白依赖激酶4(CDK4)蛋白的表达水平,同时探讨细胞外调节蛋白激酶(ERK)、JNK、p38和核转录因子(AP-1)等信号蛋白在石英诱导eyelin D1-CDK4蛋白表达改变中的作用.方法 石英刺激HELF后,收获细胞,检测cyclin D1和CDK4蛋白表达.选用特异化学抑制剂或分子抑制剂抑制ERK、JNK、p38或AP-1的活性后,分别采用免疫细胞化学和免疫蛋白印迹方法检测HELF中cyclin D1和CDK4蛋白表达变化.结果 HELF暴露于石英粉尘2h后,cyclin D1和CDK4蛋白表达水平分别为(7.91±0.29)x103和(5.17±0.28)x104,均明显低于HELF组,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).用ERK的化学抑制剂或分子抑制剂抑制ERK的活力后,能够防止石英诱导的cyclin D1和CDK4蛋白表达降低.用SP600125抑制JNK的活力后,可以防止cyclin DI和CDK4蛋白表达降低.但是抑制p38的活力对石英诱导的cyclin D1和CDK4蛋白表达降低均没有作用.用姜黄素抑制AP-1的活性后,只能防止石英诱导的CDK4的表达降低,而对cyefin D1表达降低没有影响.结论 石英诱导HELF中cyclin D1和CDK4蛋白表达降低与ERK和JNK蛋白激酶有关.AP-1与石英诱导的CDK4蛋白表达降低有关.     

Sporoderm-Broken Spores of Ganoderma lucidum Inhibit the Growth of Lung Cancer: Involvement of the Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway

The sporoderm-broken spores of Ganoderma lucidum (SBGS) and their extracts exhibited a wide range of biological activities. In the present study, we prepare ethanol/ethanol extract (E/E-SBGS) and ethanol/aqueous extract (E/A-SBGS) from SBGS and examine their antitumor activities against human lung cancer. Our results showed that E/E-SBGS, not E/A-SBGS, inhibited the survival and migration of lung cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. E/E-SBGS arrested cell cycle at G2/M phase and triggered apoptosis by decreasing the expression and activity of cell cycle regulators, cyclin B1 and cdc2, as well as anti-apoptotic proteins, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl. Consequently, colony formation of lung cancer cells was markedly blocked by E/E-SBGS at subtoxic concentrations. Oral administration of both E/E-SBGS and SBGS significantly suppressed tumor volume and tumor weight without gross toxicity in mice. Mechanism study showed that E/E-SBGS dose-dependently suppressed the activation of Akt, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and their downstream molecules S6 kinase and 4E-BP1 in treated tumor cells. Taken together, these results indicate that the ethanol extract of sporoderm-broken spores of G. lucidum suppresses the growth of human lung cancer, at least in part, through inhibition of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, suggesting its potential role in cancer treatments.     

Potential anticancer activity of myricetin in human T24 bladder cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo

Myricetin, a naturally occurring phytochemical, has potent anticancer-promoting activity and contributes to the chemopreventive potential of several foods. In this preliminary study, we evaluate the chemopreventive potential of myricetin against bladder cancer and its mechanism of action. The results of a MTT assay showed that myricetin was able to inhibit the viability and proliferation of T24 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. It also promoted cell cycle arrest at G2/M in a dose-dependent manner and induced apoptosis detected by flow cytometry and DNA fragmentation analysis. Treatment with myricetin led to G2/M cell cycle arrest in T24 cells by downregulation of Cyclin B1 and cyclin-dependent kinase cdc2. Myricetin-induced apoptosis correlates with the modulation of Bcl-2 family proteins and activation of the caspase-3. Myricetin also inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt, whereas the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK was enhanced. Myricetin had a significantly reduced T24 cell migration that was accompanied by a decreasing MMP-9 expression in vitro. Furthermore, myricetin treatment significantly inhibited the tumor growth on T24 bladder cancer xenografts model. These findings suggest that myricetin has potential anticancer activity and could be an important chemoprevention agent for bladder cancer.     

Potential Anticancer Activity of Myricetin in Human T24 Bladder Cancer Cells Both In Vitro and In Vivo

Myricetin, a naturally occurring phytochemical, has potent anticancer-promoting activity and contributes to the chemopreventive potential of several foods. In this preliminary study, we evaluate the chemopreventive potential of myricetin against bladder cancer and its mechanism of action. The results of a MTT assay showed that myricetin was able to inhibit the viability and proliferation of T24 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. It also promoted cell cycle arrest at G2/M in a dose-dependent manner and induced apoptosis detected by flow cytometry and DNA fragmentation analysis. Treatment with myricetin led to G2/M cell cycle arrest in T24 cells by downregulation of Cyclin B1 and cyclin-dependent kinase cdc2. Myricetin-induced apoptosis correlates with the modulation of Bcl-2 family proteins and activation of the caspase-3. Myricetin also inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt, whereas the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK was enhanced. Myricetin had a significantly reduced T24 cell migration that was accompanied by a decreasing MMP-9 expression in vitro. Furthermore, myricetin treatment significantly inhibited the tumor growth on T24 bladder cancer xenografts model. These findings suggest that myricetin has potential anticancer activity and could be an important chemoprevention agent for bladder cancer.     

Induction of apoptosis signaling by glycoprotein of Capsosiphon fulvescens in human gastric cancer (AGS) cells

Capsosiphon fulvescens is a well-known green sea algae that has been touted in recent years as a potential anticancer drug. In this study, C. fulvescens glycoprotein (Cf-GP) showed proapoptotic signaling in AGS cells. An MTS assay indicated that Cf-GP inhibited the proliferation of AGS cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Cells were treated with Cf-GP and the expression of proteins associated with apoptosis was examined by Western blotting. Based on the Western blot, expression of Cf-GP-activated caspase-cascade and PARP, which is a substrate of caspase-3 and -8, and proteins of the Bcl-2 family was observed. Cf-GP treatment stimulated the release of cytochrome C and apoptotic protease activating factor-1 from mitochondria to the cytosol. Cf-GP inhibited the growth of AGS cells through induction of sub-G1 phase arrest. We confirmed that sub-G1-phase arrest was associated with a decrease in the expression of cyclin D, cyclin E, Cdk2, Cdk4, and Cdk6, and an increase in the protein levels of p21 and p27. As a result, the increased sub-G1 ratio appears to be inhibited by cell proliferation. Therefore, we can confirm apoptosis in the AGS cells. Our results suggest that Cf-GP could be a potential source of biofunctional material that shows anticancer effects in human gastrointestinal cancer.     

Zinc Sensitizes Lung Cancer Cells to Anoikis through Down-Regulation of Akt and Caveolin-1

Anoikis is a particular type of apoptosis induced by the loss of cell attachment from extracellular matrix. It has been shown to play a critical role in the inhibition of cancer metastasis. Herein, we report for the first time that zinc, an essential trace element, has anoikis sensitizing activity against lung cancer cells. An anoikis assay showed that zinc treatment at the concentrations of 0–50 µM enhanced the anoikis response in human lung cancer H460 cells with significant decreased cell viability and increased number of apoptosis cells detected with Hoechst 33342 and PI co-staining assay. Moreover, zinc significantly inhibited the growth of cancer cells in an anchorage-independent condition. This is mediated through the zinc-induced decrease in prosurvival active protein kinase B (Akt) and metastasis-regulating caveolin-1 (Cav-1) protein expression. Taken together, our results indicate that zinc sensitizes non-small cell lung cancer cells to anoikis and may play a role in the prevention of cancer metastasis.     

Induction of Apoptosis Signaling by Glycoprotein of Capsosiphon fulvescens in Human Gastric Cancer (AGS) Cells

Capsosiphon fulvescens is a well-known green sea algae that has been touted in recent years as a potential anticancer drug. In this study, C. fulvescens glycoprotein (Cf-GP) showed proapoptotic signaling in AGS cells. An MTS assay indicated that Cf-GP inhibited the proliferation of AGS cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Cells were treated with Cf-GP and the expression of proteins associated with apoptosis was examined by Western blotting. Based on the Western blot, expression of Cf-GP-activated caspase-cascade and PARP, which is a substrate of caspase-3 and -8, and proteins of the Bcl-2 family was observed. Cf-GP treatment stimulated the release of cytochrome C and apoptotic protease activating factor-1 from mitochondria to the cytosol. Cf-GP inhibited the growth of AGS cells through induction of sub-G1 phase arrest. We confirmed that sub-G1-phase arrest was associated with a decrease in the expression of cyclin D, cyclin E, Cdk2, Cdk4, and Cdk6, and an increase in the protein levels of p21 and p27. As a result, the increased sub-G1 ratio appears to be inhibited by cell proliferation. Therefore, we can confirm apoptosis in the AGS cells. Our results suggest that Cf-GP could be a potential source of biofunctional material that shows anticancer effects in human gastrointestinal cancer.     

Lycopene differentially induces quiescence and apoptosis in androgen-responsive and -independent prostate cancer cell lines

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Lycopene has been credited with a number of health benefits including a decrease in prostate cancer risk. Our study investigates the molecular mechanism underlying anti-cancer activity of lycopene-based products in androgen-responsive (LNCaP) and androgen-independent (PC3) cells. METHODS: The effect of lycopene-based agents on prostate cancer growth and survival were examined using proliferation assays, bromodeoxyuridine incorporation and flow cytometric analysis of cellular DNA content. Biochemical effects of lycopene treatment were investigated by immunoblotting for changes in the absolute levels and phosphorylation states of cell cycle regulatory and signalling proteins. RESULTS: LNCaP and PC3 cells treated with the lycopene-based agents undergo mitotic arrest, accumulating in G0/G1 phase. Immunoblot screening indicated that lycopene's antiproliferative effects are likely achieved through a block in G1/S transition mediated by decreased levels of cyclins D1 and E and cyclin dependent kinase 4 and suppressed Retinoblastoma phosphorylation. These responses correlated with decreased insulin-like growth factor-I receptor expression and activation, increased insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 expression and decreased AKT activation. Exposure to lycopene at doses as low as 10 nM for 48 h induced a profound apoptotic response in LNCaP cells. In contrast PC3 cells were resistant to apoptosis at doses up to 1 microM. CONCLUSIONS: Lycopene exposure can suppress phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent proliferative and survival signalling in androgen-responsive LNCaP and androgen-independent PC3 cells suggesting that the molecular mechanisms for the cytostatic and cytotoxic actions of lycopene involve induction of G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. This study supports further examination of lycopene as a potential agent for both the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer.     

Downregulation of the cyclin D1/Cdk4 complex occurs during resveratrol-induced cell cycle arrest in colon cancer cell lines

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenol with cancer chemopreventive properties. The objective of the current study was to investigate the effect of resveratrol on the human colonic adenocarcinoma cell line Caco-2. The compound inhibited cell growth and proliferation of Caco-2 cells in a dose-dependent manner (12.5-200 micromol/L) as assessed by crystal violet assay, [(3)H]thymidine and [(14)C]leucine incorporation. Furthermore, apoptosis was determined by measuring caspase-3 activity, which increased significantly after 24 and 48 h of treatment with 200 micromol/L resveratrol. Perturbed cell cycle progression from the S to G2 phase was observed for concentrations up to 50 micromol/L, whereas higher concentrations led to reversal of the S phase arrest. These effects were specific for resveratrol; they were not observed after incubation with the stilbene analogs stilbenemethanol and rhapontin. Levels of cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk) 4 proteins were decreased, as revealed by immunoblotting. In addition, resveratrol enhanced the expression of cyclin E and cyclin A. The protein levels of cdk2, cdk6 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen were unaffected. Similar results were obtained for the colon carcinoma cell line HCT-116, indicating that cell cycle inhibition by resveratrol is independent of cyclooxygenase inhibition. The phosphorylation state of the retinoblastoma protein in Caco-2 cells was shifted from hyperphosphorylated to hypophosphorylated at 200 micromol/L, which may account for reversal of the S phase block at concentrations exceeding 50 micromol/L. These findings suggest that resveratrol exerts chemopreventive effects on colonic cancer cells by inhibition of the cell cycle.