藻蓝蛋白亚基脂质体光动力学抗乳腺癌细胞的实验研究

目的:研究PEG修饰的藻蓝蛋白亚基光敏剂长循环脂质体介导的光动力疗法抗乳腺癌的效果.方法:采用薄膜水合-超声分散法制备PEG修饰的藻蓝蛋白亚基脂质体(PEG-PCS-lip),MTT法检测藻蓝蛋白亚基脂质体对MCF-7(人乳腺癌细胞)、MA-782(鼠乳腺癌细胞)的光动力杀伤效果,流式细胞术(FCM)分析其对肿瘤细胞周期的影响,并对乳腺癌模型鼠做PDT治疗.结果:PEG-PCS-lip介导的PDT作用对乳腺癌细胞有良好的光动力疗效,对MCF-7及MA-782细胞IC_(50)(半数抑制浓度)分别为68 μg/mL、70 μg/mL;FCM的结果显示,当PEG-PCS-lip 浓度为50 μg/mL时,MCF-7凋亡率约为30.5 %; 用10 mg/kg PEG-PCS-lip静脉注射荷瘤小鼠,光照剂量为208.2 J/cm~2时,其抑瘤率可达到72 %;组织切片观察PDT作用后的肿瘤组织,瘤体中间以细胞凋亡为主,瘤体外周以细胞坏死为主,由血管损伤而形成的空腔增多.结论:PEG-PCS-lip在体外对乳腺癌细胞有良好的光动力杀伤效果,肿瘤细胞凋亡及瘤血管破坏是导致肿瘤细胞死亡的主要原因.     

Cancer cell:华人科学家发现氧化还原与肺癌新关系

<正>近日,来自中科院生化所和复旦大学的研究人员在国际学术期刊cancer cell在线发表了一项最新研究进展。LKB1基因能够编码丝氨酸/苏氨酸蛋白激酶LKB1,研究发现该激酶可以调节细胞能量代谢、抑制生长增殖和维持细胞极性,而这些都是该基因抑制肿瘤的重要机制。虽然LKB1能够调节细胞生长和能量代谢,但在非小细胞肺癌中,LKB1失活如何协调肿瘤进展与代谢之间的关系仍未可知。在该项研究中,研究人员利用KrasG 12D;Lkb1lox/lox小鼠模型进行了相关研究,发现在肺部恶性腺瘤和鳞状细胞癌中,活性氧(ROS)水平存     

Notch1在胆管癌细胞光动力疗法中的作用研究

目的:1、研究Photosan介导光动力疗法(Photodynamic Therapy,PDT)对胆管癌细胞的杀伤作用。2、探讨Notch1在胆管癌发生中的表达情况以及Notch1在PDT治疗胆管癌细胞中的作用。方法:1、体外培养人胆管癌QBC939细胞株,在细胞对数生长期用不同浓度Photosan处理,并用半导体激光治疗仪不同强度光照后,采用MTT法检测PDT对QBC939细胞的杀伤作用。观察不同的光敏剂孵育时间、光敏剂浓度及光照剂量对PDT效果的影响。2、采用免疫细胞化学方法和蛋白印迹法检测胆管癌细胞Notch1表达,经Photosan介导光动力作用胆管癌细胞后,检测胆管癌细胞内Notch1表达变化。结果:1、MTT结果显示Photosan介导的PDT对胆管癌细胞有杀伤作用(P0.05),而且这种杀伤作用在一定范围内随着光敏剂浓度增加、光敏剂孵育时间、光照剂量呈正相关。2、免疫细胞学检查发现Notch1在胆管癌细胞中高表达,其表达主要位于细胞膜及胞浆,并且经PDT处理后Notch1表达量较前减少(P0.05)。结论:Notch1与胆管癌细胞生长、增殖密切相关,且Notch1在PDT对胆管癌细胞产生的抑制、促凋亡和杀伤作用中有重要作用。     

C-erbB2与乳腺癌三苯氧胺耐药细胞生长关系的研究

目的:探讨获得性三苯氧胺(TAM)抵抗乳腺癌细胞的生长调节途径及三苯氧胺(TAM)获得性抵抗的发生机制。方法:TAM诱导野生型人乳腺癌细胞系MCF-7/WT构建TAM抵抗的细胞系MCF-7/TAMR,RT-PCR、Western blot及免疫细胞化学方法比较MCF-7/TAMR与MCF-7/WT细胞系中C-erbB2 mRNA、蛋白表达及其活化状态的不同,用C-erbB2单克隆抗体herceptin对两种细胞系进行干预,观察细胞生长变化。结果:与MCF-7/WT细胞相比,MCF-7/TAMR细胞中CerbB-2的mRNA增加3倍(P＜0．05)．蛋白增加1．5倍(P＜0．05)．Herceptin处理MCF-7/TAMR细胞,明显抑制了细胞的生长。结论:表皮生长因子受体特异性配体的自分泌释放作用可能通过CerbB-2/MAPK途径引起MCF-7/TAMR细胞的生长。     

脱氧核酶抑制Akt1基因对MCF-7乳腺癌细胞生长的影响

目的应用脱氧核酶抑制Akt1的表达,观察MCF-7乳腺癌细胞生长及凋亡情况。方法采用噻唑蓝比色法（MTT）检测脱氧核酶抑制MCF-7乳腺癌细胞增殖作用;DAPI染色法分析细胞凋亡形态学的变化;流式细胞术检测脱氧核酶对MCF-7乳腺癌细胞凋亡的影响;运用蛋白免疫印迹检测分析Akt1、pro—caspase-3、pro-caspase-9的变化。结果Aktl脱氧核酶对MCF-7乳腺癌细胞在体外的生长具有抑制作用;DRz1组的细胞早期凋亡率显著高于未处理组;荧光显微镜下可见典型的凋亡形态学变化;脱氧核酶作用后,免疫印迹检测Aktl蛋白表达降低,pro—caspase-3、9均被活化。结论AktlDRzl能有效下调MCF-7乳腺癌细胞Akt1的蛋白表达水平,抑制MCF-7细胞的生长,且凋亡途径可能依赖于caspase-3、9的相关的线粒体凋亡途径。     

布美他尼与光动力疗法联合应用对大鼠C6胶质瘤的治疗作用

目的：探讨布美他尼对PDT诱导加剧的大鼠C6胶质瘤瘤周水肿的治疗作用。方法：培养C6胶质瘤细胞,建立C6大鼠胶质瘤模型,分成：A：空白对照组,B：光动力治疗组,C：布美他尼治疗组,D：光动力和布美他尼联合治疗组。荷瘤21天后取材测量瘤重,瘤周水含量,微血管密度,NKCC-1和ZO-1的表达。另外MRI监测肿瘤生长,记录大鼠生存时间。结果：PDT能够抑制胶质瘤细胞生长增殖,杀伤肿瘤细胞,促使肿瘤细胞凋亡,下调紧密连接相关蛋白的表达来打开紧密连接,从而延长生存期,同时诱使NKCC-1过表达引起瘤周水肿加剧。结论：应用布美他尼联合治疗能抑制PDT单独应用引起的NKCC-1过表达,减轻PDT加重的瘤周水肿,增强PDT的杀肿瘤作用,而不减少ZO-1的表达。     

C—erbB2与乳腺癌三苯氧胺耐药细胞生长关系的研究

目的：探讨获得性三苯氧胺（TAM）抵抗乳腺癌细胞的生长调节途径及三苯氧胺（TAM）获得性抵抗的发生机制。方法：TAM诱导野生型人乳腺癌细胞系MCF-7/WT构建TAM抵抗的细胞系MCF-7／TAMR,RT—PCR、Westem blot及免疫细胞化学方法比较MCF-7／TAMR与MCF-7/WT细胞系中C—erbB2mRNA、蛋白表达及其活化状态的不同,用C—erbB2单克隆抗体herceptin对两种细胞系进行干预。观察细胞生长变化。结果：与MCF-7/WT细胞相比,MCF-7／TAMR细胞中cerbB-2的mRNA增加3倍（P〈0．05）,蛋白增加1．5倍（P〈0．05）。Herceptin处理MCF-7／TAMR细胞,明显抑制了细胞的生长。结论：表皮生长因子受体特异性配体的自分泌释放作用可能通过CerbB-2／MAPK途径引起MCF-7／TAMR细胞的生长。     

抑制PI3K信号通路促进TRAIL诱导人乳腺癌细胞MCF-7凋亡

肿瘤坏死因子相关凋亡诱导配体（tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, TRAIL）对癌细胞有独特的细胞毒性作用,而对正常细胞没有影响. 但乳腺癌细胞耐受TRAIL诱导凋亡.本研究探索磷脂酰肌醇-3激酶（phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase,PI3K）信号通路对人乳腺癌MCF-7细胞耐受TRAIL的影响. 采用MTT法、显微照相以及DAPI染色观察TRAIL对MCF-7细胞生长的抑制作用以及诱导细胞凋亡状况;流式细胞分析细胞凋亡的情况;激光共聚焦显微镜观察多聚ADP核糖多聚酶-1（poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase -1,PARP-1）的迁移和定位;Western印迹分析死亡受体、caspase-3/8、磷酸化的AKT［pAKT(Ser473)］、Src和PARP-1等蛋白质表达. 结果显示,小剂量TRAIL（< 80 nmol/L）和Ly294002（< 40μmol/L）对MCF-7细胞生长没有显著的抑制作用,但是大剂量TRAIL（160 nmol/L）和Ly294002（80 μmol/L）则能抑制MCF-7细胞生长;低剂量Ly294002协同TRAIL抑制MCF-7细胞生长,并诱导细胞凋亡;Ly294002和TRAIL共同作用能促进PARP-1从胞浆进入细胞核;蛋白质表达分析显示,MCF-7细胞均表达死亡受体DR4、DR5、诱骗受体DcR1和DcR2、以及caspase-8,但是不表达caspase-3;Ly294002和TRAIL共同作用也能抑制pAKT(Ser473)和Src的表达,并且导致PARP-1断裂. 本研究结果提示,抑制PI3K信号可增加MCF-7细胞对TRAIL诱导的敏感性;MCF-7细胞通过PI3K/AKT途径促进Src的表达耐受TRAIL的细胞毒性作用Ly294002联合TRAIL是一种新的药物组合方式治疗乳腺癌.     

光动力疗法对人肝癌细胞SSMC-7721凋亡及suivivin表达的影响

目的:探讨血卟啉衍生物(hematoporphyrin derivative,HPD)光动力作用(photodynamic therapy,PDT)诱导人肝癌细胞SMMC-7721凋亡的作用及其机制.方法:采用MTT法测定PDT对人肝癌细胞的相对抑制率,并筛选最佳实验参数.应用流式细胞术检测PDT后细胞凋亡率.并用细胞免疫组化法检测survivin及caspase-3蛋白表达水平.结果:当HPD浓度为4mg/L,光照剂量为10J/cm2时,实验效果最佳,PDT光动力组人肝癌细胞SMMC-7721相对抑制率为(64.28±2.73)%,凋亡率达(35.28±1.52)%,与对照组相比,差异有显著意义(P＜0.01);PDT后survivin蛋白表达水平显著低于对照组(P＜0.05),而caspase-3却高于对照组.结论:血卟啉衍生物光动力作用具有诱导人肝癌细胞SMMC-7721凋亡的生物学效应,其作用机制可能与光动力作用抑制凋亡调控蛋白survivin表达,并直接或间接促进caspase-3的表达,从而促进细胞凋亡.     

抑制PI3K信号通路促进TRAIL诱导人乳腺癌MCF-7细胞凋亡

肿瘤坏死因子相关凋亡诱导配体(tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand,TRAIL)对癌细胞有独特的细胞毒性作用,而对正常细胞没有影响.但乳腺癌细胞耐受TRAIL诱导凋亡.本研究探索磷脂酰肌醇-3激酶(phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase,PI3K)信号通路对人乳腺癌MCF-7细胞耐受TRAIL的影响.采用MTT法、显微照相以及DAPI染色观察TRAIL对MCF-7细胞生长的抑制作用以及诱导细胞凋亡状况;流式细胞分析细胞凋亡的情况;激光共聚焦显微镜观察多聚ADP核糖多聚酶-1(poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1,PARP-1)的迁移和定位;Western印迹分析死亡受体、caspase-3/8、磷酸化的AKT[pAKT(Ser473)]、Src和PARP-1等蛋白质表达.结果显示,小剂量TRAIL(80 nmol/L)和Ly294002(40μmol/L)对MCF-7细胞生长没有显著的抑制作用,但是大剂量TRAIL(160 nmol/L)和Ly294002(80μmol/L)则能抑制MCF-7细胞生长;低剂量Ly294002协同TRAIL抑制MCF-7细胞生长,并诱导细胞凋亡;Ly294002和TRAIL共同作用能促进PARP-1从胞浆进入细胞核;蛋白质表达分析显示,MCF-7细胞均表达死亡受体DR4、DR5、诱骗受体DcR1和DcR2、以及caspase-8,但是不表达caspase-3;Ly294002和TRAIL共同作用也能抑制pAKT(Ser473)和Src的表达,并且导致PARP-1断裂.本研究结果提示,抑制PI3K信号可增加MCF-7细胞对TRAIL诱导的敏感性;MCF-7细胞通过PI3K/AKT途径促进Src的表达耐受TRAIL的细胞毒性作用;Ly294002联合TRAIL是一种新的药物组合方式治疗乳腺癌.     

Modulating ALA-PDT efficacy of mutlidrug resistant MCF-7 breast cancer cells using ALA prodrug

Multi-drug resistance of breast cancer is a major obstacle in chemotherapy of cancer treatments. Recently it was suggested that photodynamic therapy (PDT) can overcome drug resistance of tumors. ALA-PDT is based on the administration of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), the natural precursor for the PpIX biosynthesis, which is a potent natural photosensitizer. In the present study we used the AlaAcBu, a multifunctional ALA-prodrug for photodynamic inactivation of drug resistant MCF-7/DOX breast cancer cells. Supplementation of low doses (0.2mM) of AlaAcBu to the cells significantly increased accumulation of PpIX in both MCF-7/WT and MCF-7/DOX cells in comparison to ALA, or ALA + butyric acid (BA). In addition, our results show that MCF-7/DOX cells are capable of producing higher levels of porphyrins than MCF-7/WT cells due to low expression of the enzyme ferrochelatase, which inserts iron into the tetra-pyrrol ring to form the end product heme. Light irradiation of the AlaAcBu treated cells activated efficient photodynamic killing of MCF-7/DOX cells similar to the parent MCF-7/WT cells, depicted by low mitochondrial enzymatic activity, LDH leakage and decreased cell survival following PDT. These results indicate that the pro-drug AlaAcBu is an effective ALA derivative for PDT treatments of multidrug resistant tumors.     

Photodynamic treatment with anionic nanoclays containing curcumin on human triple-negative breast cancer cells: Cellular and biochemical studies

Photodynamic treatment is a minimally invasive and clinically approved procedure for eliminating selected malignant cells with activation of a photosensitizer agent at a specific light. Little is known, however, about the phototoxic properties of curcumin, as a natural phenolic compound, against different types of cancers. It is generally accepted that cellular damage occurs during photo treatment. There is a limitation in using of curcumin as a drug due to its low solubility, but nanoparticles such as anionic nanoclays or layered double hydroxide (LDH) could overcome it. The aim of this study was to investigate cellular responses to curcumin-LDH nanoparticles after photodynamic treatment of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. For this purpose, the MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell line treated with curcumin-LDH nanoparticle and then irradiated (photodynamic treatment). After irradiation, lactate dehydrogenase assay, clonogenic cell survival, cell death mechanisms such as autophagy and apoptosis were determined. Cell cycle distribution after photodynamic therapy (PDT) and also intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were measured. The result showed that curcumin-LDH–PDT has a cytotoxic and antiprolifrative effect on MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. Curcumin-LDH–PDT induced autophagy, apoptosis, and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in human breast cancer cell line. Intracellular ROS increased in MDA-MB-231 cancer cell line after treatment with curcumin-LDH along with irradiation. The results suggest that curcumin-LDH nanoparticle could be considered as a novel approach in the photodynamic treatment of breast cancer.     

Effect of curcumin-nanoemulsion associated with photodynamic therapy in breast adenocarcinoma cell line

Curcumin, a natural compound has several antineoplastic activities and is a promising natural photosensitizer used in photodynamic therapy. However, its low solubility in physiological medium limit the clinical use of curcumin. This study aimed to analyze the action of curcumin-nanoemulsion, a new and well-designed Drug Delivery System (DDS+) molecule, used as a photosensitizing agent in photodynamic therapy in an in vitro breast cancer model, MCF-7 cells. The empty nanoemulsion fulfils all necessary requirements to be an excellent DDS. Furthermore, the use of curcumin-nanoemulsion in photodynamic therapy resulted in a high phototoxic effect after activation at 440?nm, decreasing to <10% viable tumor cells after two irradiations and increasing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The use of curcumin-nanoemulsion associated with photodynamic therapy resulted in an increase in the levels of caspase 3/7 activity for the studied MCF-7 cell model, indicating that this therapy triggers a cascade of events that lead to cell death, such as cellular apoptosis. In conclusion, curcumin-nanoemulsion proved to be efficient as a photosensitizing agent, had phototoxic effects, significantly decreased the proliferation of MCF-7 cells and stimulating the ROS production in combination with photodynamic therapy, so, this formulation has a great potential for use in treatment of breast cancer.     

Photodynamic cell-kill analysis of breast tumor cells with a tamoxifen-pyropheophorbide conjugate

We hypothesized that estrogen receptor (ER) in hormone-sensitive breast cancer cells could be targeted for selective photodynamic killing of tumor cell with antiestrogen-porphyrin conjugates by combining the over-expression of ER in hormone-sensitive breast cancer cells and tumor-retention property of porphyrin photosensitizers. In this study we describe that a tamoxifen (TAM)-pyropheophorbide conjugate that specifically binds to ER alpha, caused selective cell-kill in MCF-7 breast cancer cells upon light exposure. Therefore, it is a potential candidate for ER-targeted photodynamic therapy of cancers (PDT) of tissues and organs that respond to estrogens/antiestrogens.     

The presence of Estrogen Receptor β modulates the response of breast cancer cells to therapeutic agents

Breast cancer is a leading cause of death for women. The estrogen receptors (ERs) ratio is important in the maintenance of mitochondrial redox status, and higher levels of ERβ increases mitochondrial functionality, decreasing ROS production. Our aim was to determine the interaction between the ERα/ERβ ratio and the response to cytotoxic treatments such as cisplatin (CDDP), paclitaxel (PTX) and tamoxifen (TAM). Cell viability, apoptosis, autophagy, ROS production, mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial mass and mitochondrial functionality were analyzed in MCF-7 (high ERα/ERβ ratio) and T47D (low ERα/ERβ ratio) breast cancer cell lines. Cell viability decreased more in MCF-7 when treated with CDDP and PTX. Apoptosis was less activated after cytotoxic treatments in T47D than in MCF-7 cells. Nevertheless, autophagy was increased more in CDDP-treated MCF-7, but less in TAM-treated cells than in T47D. CDDP treatment produced a raise in mitochondrial mass in MCF-7, as well as the citochrome c oxidase (COX) and ATP synthase protein levels, however significantly reduced COX activity. In CDDP-treated cells, the overexpression of ERβ in MCF-7 caused a reduction in apoptosis, autophagy and ROS production, leading to higher cell survival; and the silencing of ERβ in T47D cells promoted the opposite effects. In TAM-treated cells, ERβ-overexpression led to less cell viability by an increment in autophagy; and the partial knockdown of ERβ in T47D triggered an increase in ROS production and apoptosis, leading to cell death. In conclusion, ERβ expression plays an important role in the response of cancer cells to cytotoxic agents, especially for cisplatin treatment.     

Combination of a Novel Photosensitizer DTPP with 650 nm Laser Results in Efficient Apoptosis and Cytoskeleton Collapse in Breast Cancer MCF-7 Cells

Luminal A type breast cancer was suitable for Photodynamic therapy (PDT) as its strong adhesion ability, low malignancy and easily being exposed to laser. To examine the novel photosensitizer agent 5-5-(4-N, N-diacetoxylphenyl-10, 15, 20-tetraphenylporphyrin)(DTPP) mediate PDT in breast cancer cell, Luminal A type breast cancer MCF-7 cells were used in this study, various concentrations of DTPP (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30 μg/mL) and different time intervals (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 min) of laser exposure at 650 nm wavelength (power of 20 mW) were tested in PDT. The survival rates of MCF-7 cells were measured using a sensitive cell proliferation assay (MTT) to establish optimal semilethal dose and optimal time exposure, a further study of effects on cytoskeleton and apoptosis were also performed. Cell cycle and apoptosis variation were assayed by flow cytometry. Microtubule, microfilament, and nuclei were observed using laser scanning confocal microscopy. Oncoproteins Bcl-2, beta-tubulin, and beta-catenin were detected by means of electrophoresis. The novel DTPP showed an efficient growth inhibition of MCF-7 during PDT, effective combinations in MCF-7 cells were shown to be 4 μg mL^?1 PS irradiated for 8 min at least or 15 μg mL^?1 irradiated for 2 min at least. Microtubule, microfilament, and nucleus staining demonstrated that cytoskeletal collapse occurs at 0.5 h after PDT. Bcl-2 and skeleton adhesion proteins beta-catenin were reduced in the level of expression; whereas, skeleton proteins beta-tubulin and actin maintained similar levels of expression 12 h after PDT. These results provided a better understanding of DTPP-PDT in MCF-7 cells.     

SB-431542抑制乳腺癌细胞BT-549的增殖和侵袭及其机理研究

肿瘤转移是导致肿瘤患者死亡的最主要原因,TGF-β超家族成员Nodal分子被证实参与肿瘤细胞的增殖和转移,因而基于Nodal信号为靶标开展抗肿瘤研究成为可能。该研究应用Western blot检测乳腺癌细胞株BT-549、T-47D、MCF-7、SK-BR-3和MDA—MB-231中的Nodal和基质金属蛋白酶-2（matrix metalloproteinase-2,MMP-2）的表达水平,发现它们在BT-549细胞中表达量最高。然后采用不同浓度_Nodal信号抑制剂SB．431542（1-50μmol／L）处理BT-549细胞48h,利用MTT法揭示20～50gmol／L的SB-431542抑制该细胞增殖。进一步利用细胞划痕和Transwell实验证明,10μmol／L的SB-431542可抑制乳腺癌细胞的迁移和侵袭。最后,通过明胶酶谱和Westernblot显示,10～30gmol／L的sB．431542可剂量依赖性地抑制MMP-2的表达和活性。上述结果说明,SB-431542通过阻断Nodal信号通路可效抑制乳腺癌细胞BT-549的增殖、迁移和侵袭,其作用机制可能与降低MMP-2的表达和活性有关。     

Withaferin A-induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells is mediated by reactive oxygen species

Withaferin A (WA), a promising anticancer constituent of Ayurvedic medicinal plant Withania somnifera, inhibits growth of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 human breast cancer cells in culture and MDA-MB-231 xenografts in vivo in association with apoptosis induction, but the mechanism of cell death is not fully understood. We now demonstrate, for the first time, that WA-induced apoptosis is mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) production due to inhibition of mitochondrial respiration. WA treatment caused ROS production in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells, but not in a normal human mammary epithelial cell line (HMEC). The HMEC was also resistant to WA-induced apoptosis. WA-mediated ROS production as well as apoptotic histone-associated DNA fragment release into the cytosol was significantly attenuated by ectopic expression of Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase in both MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. ROS production resulting from WA exposure was accompanied by inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation and inhibition of complex III activity. Mitochondrial DNA-deficient Rho-0 variants of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells were resistant to WA-induced ROS production, collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential, and apoptosis compared with respective wild-type cells. WA treatment resulted in activation of Bax and Bak in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells, and SV40 immortalized embryonic fibroblasts derived from Bax and Bak double knockout mouse were significantly more resistant to WA-induced apoptosis compared with fibroblasts derived from wild-type mouse. In conclusion, the present study provides novel insight into the molecular circuitry of WA-induced apoptosis involving ROS production and activation of Bax/Bak.