Dietary effects of bitter gourd oil on blood and liver lipids of rats.

Bitter gourd is widely used as an edible plant in Asia. In this study, we evaluated the effects of bitter gourd oil (BGO) on the blood and liver lipids of rats. Three groups of rats were given a basal diet (AIN-93G) containing 7% fat by weight. The dietary fat consisted of soybean oil (control), soybean oil + BGO (6.5:0.5, w/w; 0.5% BGO), or soybean oil + BGO (5:2, w/w; 2.0% BGO). This fat treatment gave 3.4 and 15.4% of cis(c)9,trans(t)11,t13-18:3 in the dietary fat of 0.5 and 2.0% BGO, respectively. Fatty acid analysis showed the occurrence of c9,t11-18:2 in the liver of rats fed BGO diets, whereas this conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomer was not detected in the liver of rats fed the control diet. Furthermore, dietary BGO decreased the concentration of 18:2n-6 and increased the concentration of 22:6n-3. The formation of the CLA isomer in the liver lipids of rats fed BGO diets could be explained by either of the following two metabolic pathways, namely, enzymatic biohydrogenation of c9,t11,t13-18:3 or enzymatic isomerization of c9,c12-18:2. The BGO diets had significantly reduced free cholesterol levels with a trend toward an increase in HDL cholesterol, but there was no significant change in the total cholesterol. The dietary BGO also affected the level of plasma hydroperoxides. A slight but significant increase in hydroperoxides was found in the rats fed 2.0% BGO. This may be attributed to the lower oxidative stability of c9,t11,t13-18:3 in BGO.     

Potent inhibitory effect of trans9, trans11 isomer of conjugated linoleic acid on the growth of human colon cancer cells

This study compared the growth inhibitory effects of pure conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers [cis(c)9,c11-CLA, c9,trans(t)11-CLA, t9,t11-CLA, and t10,c12-CLA] on human colon cancer cell lines (Caco-2, HT-29 and DLD-1). When Caco-2 cells were incubated up to 72 h with 200 μM, each isomer, even in the presence of 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), cell proliferation was inhibited by all CLA isomers in a time-dependent manner. The strongest inhibitory effect was shown by t9,t11-CLA, followed by t10,c12-CLA, c9,c11-CLA and c9,t11-CLA, respectively. The strongest effect of t9,t11-CLA was also observed in other colon cancer cell lines (HT-29 and DLD-1). The order of the inhibitory effect of CLA isomer was confirmed in the presence of 1% FBS. CLA isomers supplemented in the culture medium were readily incorporated into the cellular lipids of Caco-2 and changed their fatty acid composition. The CLA contents in cellular lipids were 26.2±2.7% for t9,t11-CLA, 35.9±0.3% for c9,t11-CLA and 46.3±0.8% for t10,c12-CLA, respectively. DNA fragmentation was clearly recognized in Caco-2 cells treated with t9,t11-CLA. This apoptotic effect of t9,t11-CLA was dose- and time-dependent. DNA fragmentation was also induced by 9c,11t-CLA and t10,c12-CLA. However, fragmentation levels with both isomers were much lower than that with t9,t11-CLA. t9t11-CLA treatment of Caco-2 cells decreased Bcl-2 levels in association with apoptosis, whereas Bax levels remained unchanged. These results suggest that decreased expression of Bcl-2 by t9t11-CLA might increase the sensitivity of cells to lipid peroxidation and to programmed cell death, apoptosis.     

Trans-10,cis-12-conjugated linoleic acid inhibits Caco-2 colon cancer cell growth

A commercially available mixture of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers decreases colon cancer cell growth. We compared the individual potencies of the two main isomers in this mixture [cis-9,trans-11 (c9t11) and trans-10,cis-12 (t10c12)] and assessed whether decreased cell growth is related to changes in secretion of insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) and/or IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), which regulate Caco-2 cell proliferation. Cells were incubated in serum-free medium with different concentrations of the individual CLA isomers. t10c12 CLA dose dependently decreased viable cell number (55 +/- 3% reduction 96 h after adding 5 microM t10c12 CLA). t10c12 CLA induced apoptosis and decreased DNA synthesis, whereas c9t11 CLA had no effect. Immunoblot analysis of 24-h serum-free conditioned medium using a monoclonal anti-IGF-II antibody revealed that Caco-2 cells secreted both a mature 7,500 molecular weight (M(r)) IGF-II and higher M(r) forms of IGF-II. The levels of the higher M(r) and the mature form of IGF-II were decreased 50 +/- 3% and 22 +/- 2%, respectively, by 5 microM t10c12 CLA. c9t11 CLA had no effect. Ligand blot analysis of conditioned medium using 125I-labeled IGF-II revealed that t10c12 CLA slightly decreased IGFBP-2 production; c9t11 CLA had no effect. Exogenous IGF-II reversed t10c12 CLA-induced growth inhibition and apoptosis. These results indicate that CLA-inhibited Caco-2 cell growth is caused by t10c12 CLA and may be mediated by decreasing IGF-II secretion in Caco-2 cells.     

Conversion of t11t13 CLA into c9t11 CLA in Caco-2 cells and inhibition by sterculic oil

Background

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA), and principally c9t11 CLA, are suspected to have numerous preventive properties regarding non-infectious pathologies such as inflammatory diseases, atherosclerosis and several types of cancer. C9t11 CLA is produced in the rumen during biohydrogenation of linoleic acid, but can also be synthesized in mammalian tissues from trans-vaccenic acid (C18:1 t11) through the action of delta-9 desaturase (D9D). For several years, it is also known that c9t11 CLA can be synthesized from conjugated linolenic acids (CLnA), i.e. c9t11c13 CLnA and c9t11t13 CLnA. This study aimed at investigating to which extent and by which route c9t11 CLA can be produced from another isomer of CLA, the t11t13 CLA that is structurally very similar to c9t11t13 CLnA, in Caco-2 cells.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Caco-2 cells were incubated for 24 h with 20 µmol/l of t11t13 CLA in the absence or presence of sterculic oil used as an inhibitor of D9D. Caco-2 cells were able to convert t11t13 CLA into c9t11 CLA, and c9t11t13 CLnA was formed as an intermediate compound. In the presence of sterculic oil, the production of this intermediate was decreased by 46% and the formation of c9t11 CLA was decreased by 26%. No other metabolite was detected.

Conclusions/Significance

These results not only highlight the conversion of t11t13 CLA into c9t11 CLA but demonstrate also that this conversion involves first a desaturation step catalysed by D9D to produce c9t11t13 CLnA and then the action of another enzyme reducing the double bond on the Δ13 position.     

Differential modulation of cell cycle, apoptosis and PPARgamma2 gene expression by PPARgamma agonists ciglitazone and 9-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid in monocytic cells

We sought to compare the effects of the thiazolidinedione ciglitazone with the endogenous fatty acid PPARgamma agonists 9- and 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (9- and 13-HODE), in U937 monocytic cells. Ciglitazone and 9-HODE inhibited cell proliferation and all three agonists increased cellular content of C18:0 fatty acids. Ciglitazone and 13-HODE resulted in an increased percentage of cells in S phase and ciglitazone reduced the percentage of cells in G2/M phase of cell cycle, whilst 9-HODE increased the percentage of cells in G0/1 and reduced the fraction in S and G2/M phases. 9-HODE selectively induced apoptosis in U937 cells, and increased PPARgamma2 gene expression. Induction of apoptosis by 9-HODE was not abrogated by the presence of the PPARgamma antagonist GW9662. Synthetic (TZD) and endogenous fatty acid ligands for PPARgamma, ciglitazone and 9- and 13-HODE, possess differential, ligand specific actions in monocytic cells to regulate cell cycle progression, apoptosis and PPARgamma2 gene expression.     

Conjugated linoleic acid induces apoptosis of murine mammary tumor cells via Bcl-2 loss

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a powerful anticancer agent in a number of tumor model systems; however, its precise mechanism of action remains elusive. Here, we report that t10,c12 CLA, a component of synthetic CLA supplements, induced apoptosis and G1 arrest of p53 mutant TM4t murine mammary tumor cells. Furthermore, t10,c12-CLA induced a time- and concentration-dependent cleavage of caspases-3 and -9, and release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytosol. Levels of Bcl-2 protein were decreased both in total cellular lysates and in mitochondria after t10,c12-CLA treatment; however, there was no significant change in Bax or Bak. Overexpression of Bcl-2 attenuated apoptosis in response to t10,c12-CLA treatment. These results demonstrate that t10,c12-CLA triggers apoptosis of p53 mutant murine mammary tumor cells through the mitochondrial pathway by targeting Bcl-2.     

Troglitazone but not conjugated linoleic acid reduces gene expression and activity of matrix-metalloproteinases-2 and -9 in PMA-differentiated THP-1 macrophages

Gene expression and activity of matrix-metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and -9 in macrophages are reduced through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma)-dependent inhibition of NF-kappaB. Since conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) are PPARgamma ligands and known to inhibit NF-kappaB via PPARgamma, we studied whether CLA isomers are capable of reducing gene expression and gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 and -9 in PMA-differentiated THP-1 macrophages, which has not yet been investigated. Incubation of PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells with either c9t11-CLA, t10c12-CLA or linoleic acid (LA), as a reference fatty acid, resulted in a significant incorporation of the respective fatty acids into total cell lipids relative to control cells (P<.05). Treatment of PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells with 10 and 20 mumol/L troglitazone but not with 10 or 100 mumol/L c9t11-CLA, t10c12-CLA or LA reduced relative mRNA concentrations and activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 compared to control cells (P<.05). DNA-binding activity of NF-kappaB and PPARgamma and mRNA expression of the NF-kappaB target gene cPLA(2) were not influenced by treatment with CLA. In contrast, treatment of PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells with troglitazone significantly increased transactivation of PPARgamma and decreased DNA-binding activity of NF-kappaB and relative mRNA concentration of cPLA(2) relative to control cells (P<.05). In conclusion, the present study revealed that CLA isomers, in contrast to troglitazone, did not reduce gene expression and activity of MMP-2 and -9 in PMA-differentiated THP-1 macrophages, which is probably explained by the observation that CLA isomers neither activated PPARgamma nor reduced DNA-binding activity of NF-kappaB. This suggests that CLA isomers are ineffective in MMP-associated extracellular matrix degradation which is thought to contribute to the progression and rupture of advanced atherosclerotic plaques.     

Proline oxidase, a proapoptotic gene, is induced by troglitazone: evidence for both peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma-dependent and -independent mechanisms

Proline oxidase (POX) is a redox enzyme localized in the mitochondrial inner membrane. We and others have shown that POX is a p53-induced gene that can mediate apoptosis through generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) ligand troglitazone was found to activate the POX promoter in colon cancer cells. PPARgamma ligands have been reported to induce apoptosis in a variety of cancer cells. In HCT116 cells expressing a wild-type PPARgamma, troglitazone enhanced the binding of PPARgamma to PPAR-responsive element in the POX promoter and increased endogenous POX expression. Blocking of PPARgamma activation either by antagonist GW9662 or deletion of PPAR-responsive element in the POX promoter only partially decreased the POX promoter activation in response to troglitazone, indicating also the involvement of PPARgamma-independent mechanisms. Further, troglitazone also induced p53 protein expression in HCT116 cells, which may be the possible mechanism for PPARgamma-independent POX activation, since POX has been shown to be a downstream mediator in p53-induced apoptosis. In HCT15 cells, with both mutant p53 and mutant PPARgamma, there was no effect of troglitazone on POX activation, whereas in HT29 cells, with a mutant p53 and wild type PPARgamma, increased activation was observed by ligand stimulation, indicating that both PPARgamma-dependent and -independent mechanisms are involved in the troglitazone-induced POX expression. A time- and dose-dependent increase in POX catalytic activity was obtained in HCT116 cells treated with troglitazone with a concomitant increase in the production of intracellular ROS. Our results suggest that the induction of apoptosis by troglitazone may, at least in part, be mediated by targeting POX gene expression for generation of ROS by POX both by PPARgamma-dependent and -independent mechanisms.     

A peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonist, troglitazone, facilitates caspase-8 and -9 activities by increasing the enzymatic activity of protein-tyrosine phosphatase-1B on human glioma cells

Despite dramatic advances in adjuvant therapies, patients with malignant glioma face a bleak prognosis. Because many adjuvant therapies seek to induce glioma apoptosis, strategies that lower thresholds for the induction of apoptosis may improve patient outcomes. Therefore, elucidation of the biological mechanisms that underlie resistance to current therapies is needed to develop new therapeutic strategies. Here we proposed a novel mechanism of proapoptotic effect induced by a pharmacological peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma) agonist, troglitazone, that facilitates caspase signaling in human glioma cells. Troglitazone activates protein-tyrosine phosphatase (PTP)-1B, which subsequently reduces phosphotyrosine 705 STAT3 (pY705-STAT3) via a PPARgamma-independent pathway. Reduction of pY705-STAT3 in glioma cells caused down-regulation of FLIP (FADD-like IL-1beta-converting enzyme-inhibitory protein) and Bcl-2. Furthermore, troglitazone induced Ser-392 phosphorylation of p53 via a PPARgamma-dependent pathway and up-regulation of Bax in a p53 wild-type glioma. When given with tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand or caspase-dependent chemotherapeutic agents, such as etoposide and paclitaxel, troglitazone exhibited a synergistic effect by facilitating caspase-8/9 activities. A PPARgamma antagonist, GW9662, did not block this effect, although a PTP inhibitor abrogated it. Knockdown of STAT3 by STAT3-small interfering RNA negated the inhibitory effect of PTP inhibitor on troglitazone, indicating that troglitazone uses a STAT3 inactivation mechanism that makes caspase-8/9 activities susceptible to cytotoxic agents in glioma cells and that PTP1B plays a critical role in the down-regulation of activated STAT3, as well as FLIP and Bcl-2. When taken with caspase-dependent anti-neoplastic agents, troglitazone may be a promising drug for use against malignant gliomas because it facilitates the caspase cascade, thereby lowering thresholds for the apoptosis induction of glioma cells.     

Cyclin-dependent kinases regulate apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells

Homeostasis of the gastrointestinal epithelium is dependent upon a balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis. Cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) are well known for their role in cell proliferation. Previous studies from our group have shown that polyamine-depletion of intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6) decreases cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (Cdk2) activity, increases p53 and p21Cip1 protein levels, induces G1 arrest, and protects cells from camptothecin (CPT)-induced apoptosis. Although emerging evidence suggests that members of the Cdk family are involved in the regulation of apoptosis, their roles directing apoptosis of IEC-6 cells are not known. In this study, we report that inhibition of Cdk1, 2, and 9 (with the broad range Cdk inhibitor, AZD5438) in proliferating IEC-6 cells triggered DNA damage, activated p53 signaling, inhibited proliferation, and induced apoptosis. By contrast, inhibition of Cdk2 (with NU6140) increased p53 protein and activity, inhibited proliferation, but had no effect on apoptosis. Notably, AZD5438 sensitized, whereas, NU6140 rescued proliferating IEC-6 cells from CPT-induced apoptosis. However, in colon carcinoma (Caco-2) cells with mutant p53, treatment with either AZD5438 or NU6140 blocked proliferation, albeit more robustly with AZD5438. Both Cdk inhibitors induced apoptosis in Caco-2 cells in a p53-independent manner. In serum starved quiescent IEC-6 cells, both AZD5438 and NU6140 decreased TNF-α/CPT-induced activation of p53 and, consequently, rescued cells from apoptosis, indicating that sustained Cdk activity is required for apoptosis of quiescent cells. Furthermore, AZD5438 partially reversed the protective effect of polyamine depletion whereas NU6140 had no effect. Together, these results demonstrate that Cdks possess opposing roles in the control of apoptosis in quiescent and proliferating cells. In addition, Cdk inhibitors uncouple proliferation from apoptosis in a p53-dependent manner.     

HIV induces lymphocyte apoptosis by a p53-initiated, mitochondrial-mediated mechanism.

HIV-1 induces apoptosis and leads to CD4+ T-lymphocyte depletion in humans. It is still unclear whether HIV-1 kills infected cells directly or indirectly. To elucidate the mechanisms of HIV-1-induced apoptosis, we infected human CD4+ T cells with HIV-1. Enzymatic analysis with fluorometric substrates showed that caspase 2, 3, and 9 were activated in CD4+ T cells with peak levels 48 h after infection. Immunoblotting analysis confirmed the cleavage of pro-caspase 3 and 9, and of specific caspase substrates. Release of cytochrome c and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) from mitochondria was observed in HIV-infected cells. The cytochrome c and AIF release preceded the reduction of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential and nuclear chromatin condensation. H IV infection led to phosphorylation of p53 at the Ser15 residue, detectable as early as 24 h after infection. The p53 phosphorylation was followed by increased mRNA and protein expression of p21, Bax, HDM2, and p53. Up-regulation of surface FasL expression, accompanied by a down-regulation of Fas-associated proteins (FADD, DAXX, and RIP), was observed 72 h after infection. Our results suggest that HIV activates the p53 pathway, leading to cytochrome c and AIF release with ensuing caspase activation.     

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma-mediated NF-kappa B activation and apoptosis in pre-B cells

The role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) in adipocyte physiology has been exploited for the treatment of diabetes. The expression of PPARgamma in lymphoid organs and its modulation of macrophage inflammatory responses, T cell proliferation and cytokine production, and B cell proliferation also implicate it in immune regulation. Despite significant human exposure to PPARgamma agonists, little is known about the consequences of PPARgamma activation in the developing immune system. Here, well-characterized models of B lymphopoiesis were used to investigate the effects of PPARgamma ligands on nontransformed pro/pre-B (BU-11) and transformed immature B (WEHI-231) cell development. Treatment of BU-11, WEHI-231, or primary bone marrow B cells with PPARgamma agonists (ciglitazone and GW347845X) resulted in rapid apoptosis. A role for PPARgamma and its dimerization partner, retinoid X receptor (RXR)alpha, in death signaling was supported by 1) the expression of RXRalpha mRNA and cytosolic PPARgamma protein, 2) agonist-induced binding of PPARgamma to a PPRE, and 3) synergistic increases in apoptosis following cotreatment with PPARgamma agonists and 9-cis-retinoic acid, an RXRalpha agonist. PPARgamma agonists activated NF-kappaB (p50, Rel A, c-Rel) binding to the upstream kappaB regulatory element site of c-myc. Only doses of agonists that induced apoptosis stimulated NF-kappaB-DNA binding. Cotreatment with 9-cis-retinoic acid and PPARgamma agonists decreased the dose required to activate NF-kappaB. These data suggest that activation of PPARgamma-RXR initiates a potent apoptotic signaling cascade in B cells, potentially through NF-kappaB activation. These results have implications for the nominal role of the PPARgamma in B cell development and for the use of PPARgamma agonists as immunomodulatory therapeutics.     

Apoptosis in RAW 264.7 cells exposed to 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal: dependence on cytochrome C release but not p53 accumulation

The toxic reactive aldehyde lipid peroxidation byproduct 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) is thought to be a major contributor to oxidant stress-mediated cell injury. HNE induced apoptosis in RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells in a dose-dependent manner within 6-8 h after exposure. Expression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 in stably transfected RAW 264.7 cells prevented HNE-induced internucleosomal DNA fragmentation and apoptosis, and these cells resume growth after a temporary (24-48 h) growth delay. While parental RAW 264.7 cells released mitochondrial cytochrome c within 3 h after HNE exposure, expression of Bcl-2 prevented cytochrome c release. In control cells, p53 protein levels peaked at 6-9 h after HNE exposure and then declined, while in Bcl-2 expressing cells, p53 levels were maximal at 6-9 h and remained elevated up to 96 h. Expression of SV40 large T-antigen, which forms a stable complex with p53 protein, via stable transfection-blocked transactivation of the p53-regulated gene p21(WAF1/CIP1), but did not affect induction of apoptosis by HNE, suggesting that p53 function is not important in HNE-induced apoptosis. These results suggest that cytochrome c release, but not p53 accumulation, plays an essential role in HNE-induced apoptosis in RAW 264.7 cells.     

Trans10, cis12-conjugated linoleic acid prevents triacylglycerol accumulation in adipocytes by acting as a PPARgamma modulator

A group of polyunsaturated fatty acids called conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) are found in ruminant products, where the most common isomers are cis9, trans11 (c 9,t11) and trans10, cis12 (t10,c12) CLA. A crude mixture of these isomers has been shown in animal studies to alter body composition by a reduction in body fat mass as well as an increase in lean body mass, with the t10,c12 isomer having the most pronounced effect. The objective of this study was to establish the molecular mechanisms by which t10,c12 CLA affects lipid accumulation in adipocytes. We have shown that t10,c12 CLA prevents lipid accumulation in human and mouse adipocytes at concentrations as low as 5 microM and 25 microM, respectively. t10,c12 CLA fails to activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) but selectively inhibits thiazolidinedione-induced PPARgamma activation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Treatment of mature adipocytes with t10,c12 CLA alone or in combination with Darglitazone down-regulates the mRNA expression of PPARgamma as well as its target genes, fatty acid binding protein (aP2) and liver X receptor alpha (LXRalpha). Taken together, our results suggest that the trans10, cis12 CLA isomer prevents lipid accumulation in adipocytes by acting as a PPARgamma modulator.     

The 9cis,11trans,13cis isomer of conjugated linolenic acid reduces apolipoprotein B100 secretion and triacylglycerol synthesis in HepG2 cells

The physiological effects of 9cis,11trans,13cis-conjugated linolenic acid (9c,11t,13c-CLNA), one of the CLNA isomers, were studied in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. 9c,11t,13c-CLNA significantly decreased apolipoprotein B100 secretion compared with alpha-linolenic acid (alpha-LNA). The uptake of (14)C-oleate into newly synthesized cellular triacylglycerol was also decreased by 9c,11t,13c-CLNA more than by alpha-LNA treatment. This is the first study to show the hypolipidemic effect of 9c,11t,13c-CLNA.     

共轭亚油酸诱导人结肠癌细胞Caco-2凋亡的作用

共轭亚油酸（conjugated linoleic acid,CLA）有着多种异构体以及多种生理活性,如抗癌、减肥、抗动脉粥样硬化等。本研究主要对c9,t11-CLA和t9,t11-CLA两种异构体的混合物诱导人结肠癌细胞Caco-2凋亡的作用及可能机制进行了探讨。采用MTT方法、透射电镜观察、流式细胞术检测和RT—PCR方法,研究了CLA混合物抑制Caco-2细胞增殖,诱导Caco-2细胞凋亡的作用及可能机制。实验结果证明,c9,t11-CLA和t9,t11-CLA混合物能抑制Caco-2细胞的增殖,并可诱导Caco-2的凋亡。随着所用的CLA混合物浓度的增加以及作用时间的延长,细胞凋亡率增加。通过RT—PCR分析,Caco-2细胞中的caspase 3的mRNA的表达随着CLA混合物浓度的增加而上调。这两种CLA的混合物可抑制Caco-2细胞的增殖,诱导Caco-2的凋亡,而caspase 3的表达上调可能与细胞凋亡密切相关。     

Trans10, cis12-conjugated linoleic acid induces mitochondria-related apoptosis and lysosomal destabilization in rat hepatoma cells

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a powerful anti-carcinogenic fatty acid. Previously, we showed that 10trans 12cis (10t, 12c) CLA induced apoptotic cell death in rat hepatoma. Here, we demonstrated significant cytotoxic effects of 1 muM 10t, 12c-CLA, but not 9c, 11t-CLA, on dRLh-84 rat hepatoma cells. 9t, 11t and 9c, 11c-CLA also showed low levels of cytotoxic activity. 10t, 12c-CLA activated caspase-3, 9 followed by cytochrome c release from mitochondria into the cytosol. Inhibitors of caspase-3, 9 blocked the cytotoxicity of 10t, 12c-CLA. 10t, 12c-CLA also induced translocation of Bax protein into the mitochondrial membrane and cleavage of Bid protein. Lysosomal destabilization induced by 10t, 12c-CLA was observed by monitoring the re-localization of Acridine Orange and the leakage of beta-hexosaminidase from lysosomes. 10t, 12c-CLA directly degraded the isolated lysosomes from the rat liver. Our observations indicate that 10t, 12c-CLA induces mitochondria-related apoptosis accompanied by lysosomal destabilization in rat hepatoma cells.     

Arsenic Trioxide Selectively Induces Early and Extensive Apoptosis via the APO2/Caspase-8 Pathway Engaging the Mitochondrial Pathway in Myeloma Cells with Mutant p53

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is effective in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and induces apoptosis in APL cells and in a great variety of other cancer cells. We have previously shown that ATO induces apoptosis in myeloma cells in two different modes depending on p53 status in the cells. In cells expressing mutated p53, ATO induced, G2/M arrest and activation caspase 8 and 3 and rapid and extensive apoptosis. Myeloma cells expressing w.t. p53, ATO induced G1 arrest and delayed apoptosis with activation of caspase 9 and 3. APO2/TRAIL receptor expression was induced in both cell types and APO2/TRAIL synergized with ATO in the induction of apoptosis. Here we tested the effect of ATO on mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in myeloma cells expressing mutated or w.t. p53. In myeloma cells expressing mutated p53, depolarization of MMP occurred early, concomitant with induction of APO2/TRAIL, activation of BID and release of AIF, preceding apoptosis. However, in cells expressing w.t. p53, APO2/TRAIL is not induced, BID is not cleaved and depolarization of MMP occurs concurrently with cytochrome c release and apoptosis. These results explain the greater sensitivity to ATO of cells with mutated p53 and suggest perhaps a general mechanism for ATO-induced apoptosis.