Downregulation of cyclin D1 is associated with decreased levels of p38 MAP kinases,Akt/PKB and Pak1 during chemopreventive effects of resveratrol in liver cancer cells

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring phytoalexin with antioxidant activity. The chemopreventive effects of resveratrol against various types of cancer are well known, though the underlying molecular mechanisms of its action are still not identified. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a one of the most lethal malignancies and there is no effective treatment till date. It is known that cyclin D1 is overexpressed in liver cancers. Accordingly we have studied the chemopreventive effects of resveratrol on cyclin D1 expression and the signaling pathways that regulate cyclin D1 in HepG2 cells. Flow cytometry and PCNA western blot data showed that resveratrol inhibits proliferation of HepG2 cells. Also, resveratrol treatment downregulated cyclin D1 as well as p38 MAP kinase, Akt and Pak1 expression and activity in HepG2 cells, suggesting that growth inhibitory activity of resveratrol is associated with the downregulation of cell proliferation and survival pathways. Furthermore, resveratrol treated cells showed increase in ERK activity suggesting possible sensitization to apoptosis. Thus in the present study, we report a three-dimensional relationship between the growth inhibitory effects of resveratrol – decrease in the levels of cyclin D1 – and downregulation of cell proliferation and survival pathways in HepG2 cells leading to cellular degenerative changes. These observations suggest that resveratrol has good potential as effective chemopreventive agent against liver cancer and warrant further studies.     

Andrographolide derivatives inhibit guanine nucleotide exchange and abrogate oncogenic Ras function

Aberrant signaling by oncogenic mutant rat sarcoma (Ras) proteins occurs in ∼15% of all human tumors, yet direct inhibition of Ras by small molecules has remained elusive. Recently, several small-molecule ligands have been discovered that directly bind Ras and inhibit its function by interfering with exchange factor binding. However, it is unclear whether, or how, these ligands could lead to drugs that act against constitutively active oncogenic mutant Ras. Using a dynamics-based pocket identification scheme, ensemble docking, and innovative cell-based assays, here we show that andrographolide (AGP)—a bicyclic diterpenoid lactone isolated from Andrographis paniculata—and its benzylidene derivatives bind to transient pockets on Kirsten-Ras (K-Ras) and inhibit GDP–GTP exchange. As expected for inhibitors of exchange factor binding, AGP derivatives reduced GTP loading of wild-type K-Ras in response to acute EGF stimulation with a concomitant reduction in MAPK activation. Remarkably, however, prolonged treatment with AGP derivatives also reduced GTP loading of, and signal transmission by, oncogenic mutant K-RasG12V. In sum, the combined analysis of our computational and cell biology results show that AGP derivatives directly bind Ras, block GDP–GTP exchange, and inhibit both wild-type and oncogenic K-Ras signaling. Importantly, our findings not only show that nucleotide exchange factors are required for oncogenic Ras signaling but also demonstrate that inhibiting nucleotide exchange is a valid approach to abrogating the function of oncogenic mutant Ras.     

Hepatic alveolar hydatidosis — A malignant masquerade

A 43-year-old male presented with clinical features of obstructive jaundice. Biochemical tests and radiologic imaging were suggestive of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with hilar block. Multiple attempts to obtain tissue diagnosis in the form of USG-guided FNAC & tru-cut biopsy failed. Exploratory laparotomy and wedge biopsy confirmed E. multilocularis (alveolar hydatid disease). The patient was managed with albendazole therapy. At 8-month follow-up, the patient was clinically asymptomatic with near normalization of biochemical parameters and significant regression of the lesion as shown by computed tomography. E. Multilocularis infection of the liver is quite rare in the Indian subcontinent and poses a diagnostic dilemma. Nonetheless, despite its rarity, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis when a patient presents with clinical and radiological features of a space-occupying lesion of the liver while attempts to set pathological diagnosis by FNA/ tru-cut biopsy are inconclusive. Awareness of this emerging infectious disease could prevent a fatal outcome, particularly amongst patients who have been exposure to wild life.     

鼠双微体2与核糖体蛋白L23在胃癌组织中的表达及临床意义

目的:研究胃癌中鼠双微体2(murine double mimute 2,MDM2)与核糖体蛋白L23(ribosomal protein L23,RPL23)的表达及其临床相关性,初步探讨他们在胃癌发生发展中的生物学意义.方法:采用免疫组织化学染色方法检测90例胃癌组织和30例胃癌旁正常组织中MDM2和RPL23蛋白的表达;统计学分析他们表达的相关性及其与临床病理因素、患者生存时间的联系.结果:胃癌组织中MDM2表达阳性率与癌旁对照组比较显著性增高(62.2%vs 40.0%,P0.05),而RPL23蛋白表达显著性降低(30.0%vs 63.3%,P0.05).MDM2和RPL23在胃癌中的表达呈负相关(r=-0.23,P=0.029).多因素分析显示MDM2高表达和RPL23低表达、淋巴结转移、肿瘤入侵深度、肿瘤的大小对胃癌患者生存预后的影响有统计学意义.结论:MDM2、RPL23的表达与胃癌的发生发展具有一定的相关性,针对两者的信号通路或许可作为胃癌预后的标志和新型治疗靶标.