Tert-butyl-2(4,5-dihydrogen-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-3-O-1H-imidazole-3-cationic-1-oxyl-2-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic ester displays novel cytotoxicity through reactive oxygen species-mediated oxidative damage in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells

The cytotoxicity of a new nitroxyl nitroxide radical, tert-butyl-2 (4,5-dihydrogen-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-3-O-1H-imidazole-3-cationic-1-oxyl-2-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic ester (L-NNP) was examined in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. L-NNP treatment resulted in a significant growth inhibition in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Compared with control, 10, 30, and 50 μg/ml L-NNP treatments for 48 h induced significant cell and nuclei swelling, and organelle distension. The marked cell death was seen in a concentration- and time-dependant manner in L-NNP treated groups. The L-NNP treated group displayed a concentration-dependant increase in DNA double strand damage compared to the control and the 1 Gy γ-rays exposure groups. These results suggest that L-NNP could result in more lethal genotoxicity than 1 Gy γ-radiation. Based on mitochondrial alteration (membrane potential loss and SDH activity descend), DNA damage, an increase in MDA production, and GSH-PX inactivation, we predicate that L-NNP induces lipid oxidation and oxidative damage in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Since L-NNP initiated a significant increase in reactive oxygen species, which could largely be inhibited by NAC pretreatment, the overall data strongly suggest that the mechanism of cytotoxicity of L-NNP was its ability to act as a strong free radical, and significantly increase intracellular reactive oxygen species production. This led to intracellular oxidative damage, and antioxidant enzyme inactivation, resulting in cell death. We hypothesize that the greater cytotoxicity of L-NNP in MDA-MB-231 cells than in MCF-7 cells might be due to more ROS production in MDA-MB-231 cells, leading to more oxidative damage.     

1-(3′,4′,5′-Trimethoxyphenyl)-3-(3″,4″-dimethoxy-2″-hydroxyphenyl)-propane with microtubule-depolymerizing ability induces G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis in HepG2 cells

1-(3′,4′,5′-Trimethoxyphenyl)-3-(3″,4″-dimethoxy-2″-hydroxyphenyl)-propane (DP), a novel synthesized 1,3-diarylpropanes compound, showed growth inhibitory effect on human hepatoma HepG2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The growth inhibitory effect of DP on HepG2 cells was associated with microtubule depolymerization, G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis induction. The G2/M phase arrest induced by DP resulted from its microtubule-depolymerizing ability, and DP-treated HepG2 cells finally underwent caspase-dependent apoptosis. DP increased the levels of death receptor 4 (DR4), death receptor 5 (DR5) and pro-apoptotic protein Bax, but decreased the levels of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. Meanwhile, the decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria were observed in DP-treated HepG2 cells. DP increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HepG2 cells, and antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) completely blocked DP-induced ROS accumulation and the disruption of the balance between Bax and Bcl-2 proteins, and effectively blocked the decreased MMP and apoptosis, but had no effect on the activation of caspase-8 and the up-regulations of DR4 and DR5 induced by DP. These results suggest that DP induces G2/M phase arrest through interruption of microtubule network followed by the death receptor- and ROS-mediated apoptosis in HepG2 cells.     

Role of metabolism by the human intestinal microflora in arbutin-induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cell cultures

A possible role for metabolism by the human intestinal microflora in arbutin-induced cytotoxicity was investigated using human hepatoma HepG2 cells. When the cytotoxic effects of arbutin and hydroquinone (HQ), a deglycosylated metabolite of arbutin, were compared, HQ was more toxic than arbutin. Incubation of arbutin with a human fecal preparation could produce HQ. Following incubation of arbutin with a human fecal preparation for metabolic activation, the reaction mixture was filter-sterilized to test its toxic effects on HepG2 cells. The mixture induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, the mixture considerably inhibited expression of Bcl-2 together with an increase in Bax expression. Likewise, activation stimulated cleavage of caspase-3 and production of reactive oxygen species in HepG2 cell cultures. Furthermore, induction of apoptosis by the intestinal microflora reaction mixture was confirmed by the terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling assay. Taken together, these findings suggest that the human intestinal microflora is capable of metabolizing arbutin to HQ, which can induce apoptosis in mammalian cells.     

Clinical case report of patients with osteosarcoma and anticancer benefit of calycosin against human osteosarcoma cells

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a malignant neoplasia in bone, characterized with main occurrence in teenagers. Calycosin (CC), a bioactive compound, is found to play potent pharmacological effects against cancer. Our previous study indicates CC-exerted benefits for anti-OS effect. However, further molecular mechanism behind this action needs to be investigated. In this study, human OS samples and clinical data were collected and used for further test and analysis. In addition, human osteosarcoma cell line (143B) and tumor-xenograft nude mice were used to evaluate antineoplastic activities of CC through a series of biochemical methods and immunoassays, respectively. Compared with non-OS controls, human OS samples showed increased levels of neoplastic microRNA-223 (miR-223), and elevated expressions of NF-κBp65, IκBα proteins in tumor cells. In cell culture study, CC-treated 143B cells showed reduced cell growth, increased lactic dehydrogenase (LD) content, and downregulated cellular miR-223 level. Immunolabeled cells of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) in CC treatments were decreased dose-dependently, while caspase-3 positive cells were elevated. Further, protein expressions of NF-κBp65, IκBα in CC-treated cells were downregulated. In addition, tumor-xenograft nude mice followed by CC treatments exhibited reductions of tumor mass, miR-223 levels, and Bcl-2, PARP-positive cells, as well as downregulations of NF-κBp65, IκBα protein expressions in OS samples. Taken together, these experimental findings reveal that CC exhibits potential pharmacological activities against OS through inducing apoptosis and inhibiting miR-223-IκBα signaling pathway in neoplastic cells.     

Neuroprotective Effect of Crocin on Acrylamide-induced Cytotoxicity in PC12 cells

Acrylamide (ACR) is a potent neurotoxic in human and animal models. In this study, the effect of crocin, main constituent of Crocus sativus L. (Saffron) on ACR-induced cytotoxicity was evaluated using PC12 cells as a suitable in vitro model. The exposure of PC12 cells to ACR reduced cell viability, increased DNA fragmented cells and phosphatidylserine exposure, and elevated Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Results showed that ACR increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells and ROS played an important role in ACR cytotoxicity. The pretreatment of cells with 10–50 μM crocin before ACR treatment significantly attenuated ACR cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. Crocin inhibited the downregulation of Bcl-2 and the upregulation of Bax and decreased apoptosis in treated cells. Also, crocin inhibited ROS generation in cells exposed to ACR. In conclusion, our results indicated that pretreatment with crocin protected cells from ACR-induced apoptosis partly by inhibition of intracellular ROS production.     

7-ketocholesterol induces apoptosis in differentiated PC12 cells via reactive oxygen species-dependent activation of NF-κB and Akt pathways

Cholesterol oxidation products formed under the enhanced oxidative stress in the brain are suggested to induce neuronal cell death. However, it is still unknown whether oxysterol-induced apoptosis in neuronal cells is mediated by Akt and NF-κB pathways. We assessed the apoptotic effect of 7-ketocholesterol against differentiated PC12 cells in relation to activation of the reactive oxygen species-dependent nuclear factor (NF)-κB, which is mediated by the Akt pathway. 7-Ketocholesterol induced a decrease in cytosolic Bid and Bcl-2 levels, increase in cytosolic Bax levels, cytochrome c release, caspase-3 activation and upregulation of p53. 7-Ketocholesterol induced an increase in phosphorylated inhibitory κB-α, NF-κB p65 and NF-κB p50 levels, binding of NF-κB p65 to DNA, and activation of Akt. Treatment with Bay 11-7085 (an inhibitor of NF-κB activation) and oxidant scavengers, including N-acetylcysteine, prevented the 7-ketocholesterol-induced formation of reactive oxygen species, activation of NF-κB, Akt and apoptosis-related proteins, and cell death. Results from this study suggest that 7-ketocholesterol may exert an apoptotic effect against PC12 cells by inducing activation of the caspase-8-dependent pathway as well as activation of the mitochondria-mediated cell death pathway, leading to activation of caspases, via the reactive oxygen species-dependent activation of NF-κB, which is mediated by the Akt pathway.     

Shikonin inhibits the proliferation and induces the apoptosis of human HepG2 cells

This study investigated the potential of shikonin as an anticancer agent against liver cancer and an in vitro human hepatoma cancer model system. The HepG2 cell line was the hepatoma cancer model in the present study. The inhibitory effect of shikonin on the growth of HepG2 cells was measured by MTT assay. To explore the underlying mechanism of cell growth inhibition of shikonin, the cell cycle distribution, DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) disruption, and expression of Bax and Bcl-2 were measured in HepG2 cells. The activity of shikonin in inducing apoptosis was investigated through the detection of Annexin V signal and CD95 expression by flow cytometry and electron microscopy, respectively. Shikonin inhibited the growth of HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The IC50 value (inhibiting cell growth by 50%) was 4.30 mg/mL. Shikonin inhibited cell growth in a dose-dependent manner and blocked HepG2 cell cycle progression at the S phase. The changes in mitochondrial morphology, dose-dependently decreased in ΔΨm, were observed in different concentrations of the drug treatment group. Western blot analysis showed that cajanol inhibited Bcl-2 expression and induced Bax expression. Furthermore, we show that shikonin increases Annexin V signal and CD95 (Fas/APO) expression, resulting in apoptotic cell death of HepG2 cells. In addition, lump formation of intranuclear chromatin, pyknosis of cell nucleus, deletion of microvillus, vacuolar degeneration of mitochondria, reduction of rough endoplasmic reticulum, and resolution of free ribosome, etc., associated with apoptosis were discovered by electron microscopy in HepG2 cells after 48 h treatment. Shikonin inhibited HepG2 cells, possibly through the pathway of inducing early apoptosis, and was beneficial for restoring the apoptotic sensitivity of HepG2 cells by CD95, and should therefore be considered as a candidate agent for the prevention or treatment of human hepatoma.     

BBR induces apoptosis in HepG2 cell through an Akt‐ASK1‐ROS‐p38MAPKs‐linked cascade

Berberine (BBR) has indicated significant antimicrobial activity against a variety of organisms including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The mechanism by which BBR initiates apoptosis remains poorly understood. In the present study, we demonstrated that BBR exhibited significant cytotoxicity in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Herein, we investigated cytotoxicity mechanism of BBR in HepG2 cells. The results showed that the induction of apoptosis in HepG2 cells by BBR was characterized by DNA fragmentation, an increased percentage of annexin V, and the activation of caspase‐3. The expressions of Bcl‐2 protein and pro‐caspase‐3 were reduced by BBR in HepG2 cells. However, Bax protein was increased in the cells. BBR‐induced apoptosis was preceded by increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). NAC treatment, a scavenger of ROS, reversed BBR‐induced apoptosis effects via inhibition of Bax activation and Bcl‐2 inactivation. BBR‐induced, dose‐dependent induction of apoptosis was accompanied by sustained phosphorylation of MAP Kinases (JNK and p38 MAPK), ASK1, Akt, and p53. Furthermore, SB203580, p38 inhibitor, reduced the apoptotic effect of BBR, and blocks the generation of ROS and NO as well as activation of Bax. We found that the treatment of HepG2 cells with BBR triggers generation of ROS through Akt phosphorylation, resulting in dissociation of the ASK1‐mediated activation of JNK and p38 pathways. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 329–338, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

绞股蓝总皂苷对光老化人皮肤成纤维细胞凋亡及Caspase-3信号通路的影响

目的:探讨绞股蓝总皂苷(Gyp)对光老化人皮肤成纤维细胞(HSF细胞)凋亡以及Caspase-3信号通路的影响。方法:分别以80、160、320 mg/d剂量的Gyp生理盐水溶液灌胃大鼠7d后取血并分离血清,长波紫外线(UVA)照射方法(照射剂量36 J/cm3)构建光老化HSF细胞模型以得到低剂量组、中剂量组、高剂量组,同时以空白对照组(未照射细胞)、UVA模型组、正常组为对照。UVA诱导的细胞活性氧表达采用二氯荧光素(DCF)法测定,细胞凋亡情况采用TUNEL法测定,HSF细胞活性采用四甲基偶氮唑盐微量酶反应比色法(MTT法)测定,Bax、Bcl-2、Caspase-3基因和蛋白表达分别采用反转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)和Western-blotting方法进行测定。结果:与空白对照组比较,其余5组的OD值、HSF细胞凋亡数、活性氧(平均荧光强度)、活性氧水平、Bax、Bcl-2、Caspase-3 mRNA及蛋白表达水平差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);与UVA模型组和正常组比较,低、中、高剂量组OD值、HSF细胞凋亡数、活性氧(平均荧光强度)、活性氧水平、Bax、Bcl-2、Caspase-3 mRNA及蛋白表达水平差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);低、中、高剂量组随着剂量增加OD值、Bcl-2mRNA和蛋白表达水平逐渐升高,细胞凋亡数、活性氧(平均荧光强度)、活性氧水平、Bax、Caspase-3 mRNA和蛋白表达水平逐渐降低(P0.05)。结论:Gyp通过抑制细胞内活性氧的产生以及Bax的表达,以及激活Bcl-2、Caspase-3信号通路而逆转UVA诱导的HSF细胞凋亡,进而延缓HSF细胞的光老化现象。     

Rotenone-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in human liver HepG2 cells

Rotenone, a commonly used pesticide, is well documented to induce selective degeneration in dopaminergic neurons and motor dysfunction. Such rotenone-induced neurodegenration has been primarily suggested through mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. But the status of rotenone induced changes in liver, the major metabolic site is poorly investigated. Thus, the present investigation was aimed to study the oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity and apoptotic cell death in human liver cells-HepG2 receiving experimental exposure of rotenone (12.5–250 μM) for 24 h. Rotenone depicted a dose-dependent cytotoxic response in HepG2 cells. These cytotoxic responses were in concurrence with the markers associated with oxidative stress such as an increase in ROS generation and lipid peroxidation as well as a decrease in the glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase levels. The decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential also confirms the impaired mitochondrial activity. The events of cytotoxicity and oxidative stress were found to be associated with up-regulation in the expressions (mRNA and protein) of pro-apoptotic markers viz., p53, Bax, and caspase-3, and down-regulation of anti-apoptotic marker Bcl-2. The data obtain in this study indicate that rotenone-induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells via ROS-induced oxidative stress and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis involving p53, Bax/Bcl-2, and caspase-3.     

XPD could suppress growth of HepG2.2.15 and down-regulate the expression of hepatitis B virus x protein through P53 pathway

ObjectivesWe investigated the effects of xeroderma pigmentosum D (XPD) on the growth of hepatoma cells and the expressions of P21, Bax, Bcl-2 and Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx). In addition, we examined whether XPD affected the aforementioned genes via the P53 pathway.MethodsHuman hepatoma cells (HepG2.2.15) were transfected with XPD expression vector, followed by incubation with Pifithrin-α (P53 inhibitor). By using RT-PCR and Western blotting, the expression levels of XPD, P53, phospho-P53 (ser-15), P21, Bax, Bcl-2 and HBx were detected. The cell cycle and the apoptosis rate were examined with flow cytometry, and the cell viability was detected by MTT.ResultsOver-expression of XPD up-regulated the expressions of P53, phospho-P53 (ser-15), P21 and Bax but down-regulated the expressions of Bcl-2 and HBx. XPD inhibited the viability of HepG2.2.15 and exacerbated the apoptosis. However, the inhibition of P53 by Pifithrin-α abolished the above-mentioned effects of XPD.ConclusionXPD could suppress growth of hepatoma cells, up-regulate the expressions of P21 and Bax, and down-regulate the expressions of Bcl-2 and HBx through the P53 pathway. There may be mutual influences among XPD, P53 and HBx that co-regulate hepatocarcinogenesis.     

NF-κB Pathway Contributes to Cadmium-Induced Apoptosis of Porcine Granulosa Cells

To better understand the mechanism of cadmium (Cd)-induced apoptosis of porcine granulosa cells, we examined the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 subunits intracellular translocation and the expression of some downstream apoptotic-related genes. Apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in porcine granulosa cells exposed to cadmium chloride (CdCl₂) were determined by acridine orange/ethidium bromide double staining and 2,7-dichlorodihydro-fluorescein-diacetate oxidation staining, respectively. The results showed that the apoptosis of porcine granulosa cells induced by CdCl₂ significantly increased in a time- and dose-dependent manner along with the increasing of ROS production, and 10 μM parthenolide, an inhibitor NF-κB, can accelerate the process of apoptosis. Moreover, immunofluorescence and western blot results showed that CdCl₂ could stimulate the translocation of p65 into nucleus in porcine granulosa cells. Furthermore, CdCl₂ also significantly stimulate the expression of Bcl-2 proteins in porcine granulosa cells than that in the control. In contrast, we did not find any change of Bax expression in granulosa cells upon exposure of cadmium. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the activation of NF-κB pathway may play a crucial role in cadmium-induced apoptosis of porcine granulosa cells.     

Macelignan protects HepG2 cells against tert-butylhydroperoxide-induced oxidative damage

In this study, we investigated the protective effect of macelignan, isolated from Myristica fragrans Houtt. (nutmeg) against tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced cytotoxicity in a human hepatoma cell line, HepG2. The tetrazolium dye colorimetric test (MTT test) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay were used to monitor cell viability and necrosis, respectively. Lipid peroxidation [malondialdehyde (MDA) formation] was estimated by the fluorometric method. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation was measured using a fluorescent probe 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA), and DNA damage was detected using single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay). The results showed that macelignan significantly reduced the cell growth inhibition and necrosis caused by t-BHP. Furthermore, macelignan ameliorated lipid peroxidation as demonstrated by a reduction in MDA formation in a dose-dependent manner. It was also found that macelignan reduced intracellular ROS formation and DNA damaging effect caused by t-BHP. These results strongly suggest that macelignan has significant protective ability against oxidative damage caused by reactive intermediates.     

Involvement of NF-κB and Bcl2/Bax signaling pathways in the apoptosis of MCF7 cells induced by a xanthone compound Pyranocycloartobiloxanthone A

The plant Artocarpus obtusus is a tropical plant that belongs to the family Moraceae. In the present study a xanthone compound Pyranocycloartobiloxanthone A (PA) was isolated from this plant and the apoptosis mechanism was investigated. PA induced cytotoxicity was observed using MTT assay. High content screening (HCS) was used to observe the nuclear condensation, cell permeability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and cytochrome c release. Reactive oxygen species formation was investigated on treated cells by using fluorescent analysis. Human apoptosis proteome profiler assays were performed to investigate the mechanism of cell death. In addition mRNA levels of Bax and Bcl2 were also checked using RT-PCR. Caspase 3/7, 8 and 9 were measured for their induction while treatment. The involvement of NF-κB was analyzed using HCS assay. The results showed that PA possesses the characteristics of selectively inducing cell death of tumor cells as no inhibition was observed in non-tumorigenic cells even at 30μg/ml. Treatment of MCF7 cells with PA induced apoptosis with cell death-transducing signals, that regulate the MMP by down-regulation of Bcl2 and up-regulation of Bax, triggering the cytochrome c release from mitochondria to cytosol. The release of cytochrome c triggered the activation of caspases-9, then activates downstream executioner caspase-3/7 and consequently cleaved specific substrates leading to apoptotic changes. This form of apoptosis was found closely associated with the extrinsic pathway caspase (caspase-8) and inhibition of translocation of NF-κB from cytoplasm to nucleus. The results demonstrated that PA induced apoptosis of MCF7 cells through NF-κB and Bcl2/Bax signaling pathways with the involvement of caspases.     

5-烯丙基-7-二氟亚甲基白杨素（C19H14O4F2）诱导人卵巢癌CoC1细胞凋亡

目的 观察5-烯丙基-7-二氟亚甲基白杨素（ADFMChR）诱导人卵巢癌（CoCl）细胞凋亡的作用。方法 以体外培养的人卵巢癌CoCl为研究对象。采用软琼脂克隆测定ADFMChR对细胞集落的影响;流式细胞术（FCM）检测ADFMChR诱导细胞凋亡率;凝胶电泳观察ADFMChR诱导基因DNA梯形条带。Westernblot分析ADFMChR对CoCl细胞PPARγ,NF-κB,Bcl-2,Bax蛋白表达的影响。结果软琼脂克隆显示ADFMChR呈剂量依赖性抑制细胞集落形成;FCM分析发现ADFMChR呈剂量依赖性诱导细胞凋亡;ADFMChR（30μmol／L）孵育CoCl细胞48h后,DNA琼脂糖凝胶电泳呈现典型梯形条带。Westernblot分析结果表明ADFMChR以剂量依赖方式上调CoCl细胞PPARγ和Bax蛋白表达,下调NF-κB和Bcl-2蛋白表达。结论 ADFMChR诱导人卵巢癌CoCl细胞凋亡与其活化PPARγ,抑制NF-κB表达和提高Bax／Bcl-2比值有关。