Cytotoxic Effects of Curcumin in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

Backround

Curcumin from turmeric is an ingredient in curry powders. Due to its antiinflammatory, antioxidant and anticarcinogenic effects, curcumin is a promising drug for the treatment of cancer and retinal diseases. We investigated whether curcumin alters the viability and physiological properties of human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in vitro.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Cellular proliferation was investigated with a bromodeoxy-uridine immunoassay, and chemotaxis was investigated with a Boyden chamber assay. Cell viability was determined by trypan blue exclusion. Apoptosis and necrosis rates were determined with a DNA fragmentation ELISA. Gene expression was determined by real-time PCR, and secretion of VEGF and bFGF was examined with ELISA. The phosphorylation level of proteins was revealed by Western blotting. The proliferation of RPE cells was slightly increased by curcumin at 10 µM and strongly reduced by curcumin above 50 µM. Curcumin at 50 µM increased slightly the chemotaxis of the cells. Curcumin reduced the expression and secretion of VEGF under control conditions and abolished the VEGF secretion induced by PDGF and chemical hypoxia. Whereas low concentrations of curcumin stimulated the expression of bFGF and HGF, high concentrations caused downregulation of both factors. Curcumin decreased dose-dependently the viability of RPE cells via induction of early necrosis (above 10 µM) and delayed apoptosis (above 1 µM). The cytotoxic effect of curcumin involved activation of caspase-3 and calpain, intracellular calcium signaling, mitochondrial permeability, oxidative stress, increased phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and decreased phosphorylation of Akt protein.

Conclusion

It is concluded that curcumin at concentrations described to be effective in the treatment of tumor cells and in inhibiting death of retinal neurons (∼10 µM) has adverse effects on RPE cells. It is suggested that, during the intake of curcumin as concomitant therapy of cancer or in the treatment of eye diseases, retinal function should be monitored carefully.     

异丙酚对人肺血管内皮细胞中ACEⅡ表达的影响

目的:观察异丙酚对人肺动脉内皮细胞中ACE2的影响。方法:以人肺动脉内皮细胞为研究对象,利用Real-time PCR检测不同浓度(1、10、20、40、50μmol/L)异丙酚在不同时间点(6、12、18、24、30h)对HPAEC中ACE2 mRNA表达的影响;Western Blot检测不同浓度(1、10、20、40、50μmol/L)异丙酚对HPAEC中ACE2蛋白表达的影响;观察磷脂酰肌醇-3-激酶(PI3K)抑制剂LY294002对异丙酚调节HPAEC中ACE2 mRNA表达的影响。结果:异丙酚呈剂量和时间依赖性可提高人肺动脉内皮细胞ACE2mRNA水平(P0.05)。但异丙酚浓度为1μmol/L时对ACE2 mRNA水平表达无明显影响(P0.05)。Western Blot检测结果显示异丙酚可增加HPAEC中ACE2蛋白的表达,且在24 h内具有剂量依赖性。异丙酚在24h时剂量依赖性提高Akt的磷酸化,而LY294002可逆转异丙酚对Akt磷酸化的影响。结论:异丙酚可分别通过PI3K/Akt信号途径上调ACE2的表达,使RAS轴处在动态平衡中,从而发挥舒张血管和镇痛作用。     

Caco-2 and LS174T cell lines provide different models for studying mucin expression in colon cancer

To compare the differences in MUC2 and MUC5AC mRNA among four colon cancer cell lines and to identify the best in vitro models for studying mucin expression, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the expression of MUC2 and MUC5AC mRNA in Caco-2, HT29, LoVo, and LS174T cell lines. The levels of MUC2 mRNA expression in the four colon cancer cell lines ranked in order of mRNA abundance were: LS174T > LoVo > HT-29 > Caco-2. In contrast to MUC2, the abundances of MUC5AC mRNA were in the order: Caco-2 > HT-29 > LS174T > LoVo. Caco-2 (highest level of MUC5AC mRNA) and LS174T (highest level of MUC2 mRNA) were used to investigate the phenotypes. Morphologically, Caco-2 cells were larger with low electron density mucus-storing vacuoles, many cell surface microvilli, and no obvious intercellular spaces between cells, compared to LS174T cells. The proliferative and invasive capacities of LS174T cells were significantly higher than those of Caco-2 cells. Caco-2 and LS174T cells provide excellent in vitro models for studying mucin expression in colon cancer.     

Identification of Sestrin3 Involved in the In vitro Resistance of Colorectal Cancer Cells to Irinotecan

Irinotecan, an analogue of camptothecin, is frequently used as a single agent or in combination with other anticancer drugs for the treatment of colorectal cancer. However, the drug resistance of tumors is a major obstacle to successful cancer treatment. In this study, we established that cells acquire chronic resistance to irinotecan. We profiled their differential gene expression using microarray. After gene ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analysis of the microarray data, we specifically investigated whether Sestrin3 could decrease irinotecan resistance. Our results revealed that Sestrin3 enhanced the anticancer effect of irinotecan in vitro in LoVo cells that had acquired resistance to irinotecan. Irinotecan-resistant LoVo cells showed lower reactive oxygen species (ROS) production than their irinotecan-sensitive parental cells. ROS production was increased by Sestrin3 knockdown in irinotecan-resistant LoVo cells. Our results indicate that Sestrin3 might be a good target to develop therapeutics that can help to overcome resistance to irinotecan.     

RNAi 介导的组织因子基因沉默抑制裸鼠移植性结肠癌的生长

组织因子(tissue factor,TF) 是机体外源性凝血途径的启动因子,发挥生理性止血的重要作用.近来研究表明,TF 除凝血功能外尚与多种恶性肿瘤的血管生成,侵袭转移及预后密切相关.为探讨 TF 对人结肠癌细胞（LoVo 细胞）生长能力的影响,构建带有 TFsiRNA 的重组腺病毒Ad pTF 和不带有 TFsiRNA 的对照病毒 Ad pDC,分别感染 LoVo 细胞,采用RT PCR 和 Western 免疫印迹法检测被感染 LoVo 细胞的 TF mRNA 和蛋白表达水平,并通过体内成瘤实验,进一步分析对 LoVo 细胞生长能力的影响.结果显示,与感染 Ad pDC 的 LoVo 细胞相比,感染 Ad pTF 的 LoVo 细胞的 TF mRNA 和蛋白表达水平更低,皮下种植瘤的体积更小,局部侵袭范围也更局限.研究表明,腺病毒介导的 RNAi 能特异而有效地沉默 LoVo 细胞中 TF 基因的表达,进而抑制 LoVo 细胞体内种植瘤的生长侵袭能力.     

Regulation of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Signaling and Erlotinib Sensitivity in Head and Neck Cancer Cells by miR-7

Elevated expression and activity of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway is associated with development, progression and treatment resistance of head and neck cancer (HNC). Several studies have demonstrated that microRNA-7 (miR-7) regulates EGFR expression and Akt activity in a range of cancer cell types via its specific interaction with the EGFR mRNA 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR). In the present study, we found that miR-7 regulated EGFR expression and Akt activity in HNC cell lines, and that this was associated with reduced growth in vitro and in vivo of cells (HN5) that were sensitive to the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) erlotinib (Tarceva). miR-7 acted synergistically with erlotinib to inhibit growth of erlotinib-resistant FaDu cells, an effect associated with increased inhibition of Akt activity. Microarray analysis of HN5 and FaDu cell lines transfected with miR-7 identified a common set of downregulated miR-7 target genes, providing insight into the tumor suppressor function of miR-7. Furthermore, we identified several target miR-7 mRNAs with a putative role in the sensitization of FaDu cells to erlotinib. Together, these data support the coordinate regulation of Akt signaling by miR-7 in HNC cells and suggest the therapeutic potential of miR-7 alone or in combination with EGFR TKIs in this disease.     

Anti-malarial drug artesunate attenuates experimental allergic asthma via inhibition of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathway

Background

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway is linked to the development of asthma. Anti-malarial drug artesunate is a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin, the principal active component of a medicinal plant Artemisia annua, and has been shown to inhibit PI3K/Akt activity. We hypothesized that artesunate may attenuate allergic asthma via inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Female BALB/c mice sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) developed airway inflammation. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was assessed for total and differential cell counts, and cytokine and chemokine levels. Lung tissues were examined for cell infiltration and mucus hypersecretion, and the expression of inflammatory biomarkers. Airway hyperresponsiveness was monitored by direct airway resistance analysis. Artesunate dose-dependently inhibited OVA-induced increases in total and eosinophil counts, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and eotaxin levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. It attenuated OVA-induced lung tissue eosinophilia and airway mucus production, mRNA expression of E-selectin, IL-17, IL-33 and Muc5ac in lung tissues, and airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine. In normal human bronchial epithelial cells, artesunate blocked epidermal growth factor-induced phosphorylation of Akt and its downstream substrates tuberin, p70S6 kinase and 4E-binding protein 1, and transactivation of NF-κB. Similarly, artesunate blocked the phosphorylation of Akt and its downstream substrates in lung tissues from OVA-challenged mice. Anti-inflammatory effect of artesunate was further confirmed in a house dust mite mouse asthma model.

Conclusion/Significance

Artesunate ameliorates experimental allergic airway inflammation probably via negative regulation of PI3K/Akt pathway and the downstream NF-κB activity. These findings provide a novel therapeutic value for artesunate in the treatment of allergic asthma.     

Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-2 Contributes to the Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor-Induced Neuronal Differentiation in Canine Bone Marrow Stromal Cells via Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase/Akt Signaling Pathway

Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) are considered as candidates for regenerative therapy and a useful model for studying neuronal differentiation. The role of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in neuronal differentiation has been previously studied; however, the signaling pathway involved in this process remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the signaling pathway in the bFGF-induced neuronal differentiation of canine BMSCs. bFGF induced the mRNA expression of the neuron marker, microtubule associated protein-2 (MAP2) and the neuron-like morphological change in canine BMSCs. In the presence of inhibitors of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt, i.e., SU5402, LY294002, and MK2206, respectively, bFGF failed to induce the MAP2 mRNA expression and the neuron-like morphological change. bFGF induced Akt phosphorylation, but it was attenuated by the FGFR inhibitor SU5402 and the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. In canine BMSCs, expression of FGFR-1 and FGFR-2 was confirmed, but only FGFR-2 activation was detected by cross-linking and immunoprecipitation analysis. Small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of FGFR-2 in canine BMSCs resulted in the attenuation of bFGF-induced Akt phosphorylation. These results suggest that the FGFR-2/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is involved in the bFGF-induced neuronal differentiation of canine BMSCs.     

17β-Estradiol inhibits prostaglandin E2-induced COX-2 expressions and cell migration by suppressing Akt and ERK1/2 signaling pathways in human LoVo colon cancer cells

Epidemiological studies demonstrate that the incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer in women are lower than in men. However, it is unknown if 17β-estradiol treatment is sufficient to inhibit prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-induced cellular motility in human colon cancer cells. Upregulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is reported to associate with the development of cancer cell mobility, metastasis, and subsequent malignant tumor. After administration of inhibitors including LY294002 (Akt activation inhibitor), U0126 (ERK1/2 inhibitor), SB203580 (p38 MAPK inhibitor), SP600125 (JNK1/2 inhibitor), or QNZ (NFκB inhibitor), we found that PGE2 treatment increases COX-2 via Akt and ERK1/2 pathways, thus promoting cellular motility in human LoVo cancer cells. We further observed that 17β-estradiol treatment inhibits PGE2-induced COX-2 expression and cellular motility via suppressing activation of Akt and ERK1/2 in human LoVo cancer cells. Collectively, these results suggest that 17β-estradiol treatment dramatically inhibits PGE2-induced progression of human LoVo colon cancer cells.     

Curcumin stimulates angiogenesis through VEGF and expression of HLA‐G in first‐trimester human placental trophoblasts

Curcumin has a protective role in placental diseases like preeclampsia and preterm birth. Very little is known about its functional effects on growth, angiogenesis, and epigenetic activities of human first trimester placenta. HTR8/SVneo trophoblasts cells were used as model for human first trimester placenta. Effects of curcumin (≥80%) in these cells were investigated using 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), radioactive thymidine uptake, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), promoter DNA methylation, qRT‐PCR array, tube formation, wound healing, and immunoblot assays. PC3 (prostate cancer), JEG‐3 (trophoblast), and HMEC‐1 (endothelial) cells were used as control in various experiments. Unlike in PC3 cells, curcumin stimulated growth, proliferation, and viability in HTR8/SVneo cells. Curcumin increased tube formation, and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and protein expression of proangiogenic factor VEGF receptor‐2 and fatty acid‐binding protein‐4 (FABP4) in these cells. Curcumin‐stimulated tube formation was associated with an increased expression of VEGFR2 and FABP4. The stimulatory effects of curcumin were inhibited by VEGFR2 (SU5416) and FABP4 (BMS309403) inhibitors. Curcumin also significantly increased both mRNA and protein expression of HLA‐G in HTR8/SVneo cells. Curcumin increased mRNA expression of DNMT3A and NOTCH signaling system whereas down‐regulated mRNA expression of HSD11β2. Curcumin enhanced hypomethylation of gene promoters against oxidative stress and DNA damage pathway mediators. Curcumin promotes cell growth, migration, and thus angiogenic potential of these cells. Increased expression of HLA‐G by curcumin, hitherto unknown, is a novel finding since HLA‐G not only favors the immune environment for invasive trophoblasts but also positively modulates angiogenesis.     

All Akt Isoforms (Akt1, Akt2, Akt3) Are Involved in Normal Hearing,but Only Akt2 and Akt3 Are Involved in Auditory Hair Cell Survival in the Mammalian Inner Ear

The kinase Akt is a key downstream mediator of the phosphoinositide-3-kinase signaling pathway and participates in a variety of cellular processes. Akt comprises three isoforms each encoded by a separate gene. There is evidence to indicate that Akt is involved in the survival and protection of auditory hair cells in vitro. However, little is known about the physiological role of Akt in the inner ear—especially in the intact animal. To elucidate this issue, we first analyzed the mRNA expression of the three Akt isoforms in the inner ear of C57/BL6 mice by real-time PCR. Next, we tested the susceptibility to gentamicin-induced auditory hair cell loss in isoform-specific Akt knockout mice compared to wild-types (C57/BL6) in vitro. To analyze the effect of gene deletion in vivo, hearing and cochlear microanatomy were evaluated in Akt isoform knockout animals. In this study, we found that all three Akt isoforms are expressed in the cochlea. Our results further indicate that Akt2 and Akt3 enhance hair cell resistance to ototoxicity, while Akt1 does not. Finally, we determined that untreated Akt1 and Akt2/Akt3 double knockout mice display significant hearing loss, indicating a role for these isoforms in normal hearing. Taken together, our results indicate that each of the Akt isoforms plays a distinct role in the mammalian inner ear.     

Up-Regulation of Intestinal Epithelial Cell Derived IL-7 Expression by Keratinocyte Growth Factor through STAT1/IRF-1, IRF-2 Pathway

Background

Epithelial cells(EC)-derived interleukin-7 (IL-7) plays a crucial role in control of development and homeostasis of neighboring intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL), and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) exerts protective effects on intestinal epithelial cells and up-regulates EC-derived IL-7 expression through KGFR pathway. This study was to further investigate the molecular mechanism involved in the regulation of IL-7 expression by KGF in the intestine.

Methods

Intestinal epithelial cells (LoVo cells) and adult C57BL/6J mice were treated with KGF. Epithelial cell proliferation was studied by flow cytometry for BrdU-incorporation and by immunohistochemistry for PCNA staining. Western blot was used to detect the changes of expression of P-Tyr-STAT1, STAT1, and IL-7 by inhibiting STAT1. Alterations of nuclear extracts and total proteins of IRF-1, IRF-2 and IL-7 following IRF-1 and IRF-2 RNA interference with KGF treatment were also measured with western blot. Moreover, IL-7 mRNA expressions were also detected by Real-time PCR and IL-7 protein level in culture supernatants was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).

Results

KGF administration significantly increased LoVo cell proliferation and also increased intestinal wet weight, villus height, crypt depth and crypt cell proliferation in mice. KGF treatment led to increased levels of P-Tyr-STAT1, RAPA and AG490 both blocked P-Tyr-STAT1 and IL-7 expression in LoVo cells. IRF-1 and IRF-2 expression in vivo and in vitro were also up-regulated by KGF, and IL-7 expression was decreased after IRF-1 and IRF-2 expression was silenced by interfering RNA, respectively.

Conclusion

KGF could up-regulate IL-7 expression through the STAT1/IRF-1, IRF-2 signaling pathway, which is a new insight in potential effects of KGF on the intestinal mucosal immune system.     

Matrine inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of human colon cancer LoVo cells by inactivating Akt pathway

The present study has investigated the anti-tumor activity and the underlying mechanisms of matrine on human colon cancer LoVo cells. Matrine inhibited the proliferation of the cells in dose- and time-dependent manners. The concentration required for 50 % inhibition (IC₅₀) was 1.15, 0.738, and 0.414 mg/ml, when cell were incubated with matrine for 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. Matrine induced cell cycle arrest at G1 phase by downregulating cyclin D1 and upregulating p27 and p21. Matrine induced cell apoptosis by reducing the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax and increasing the activation of caspase-9 in a dose-dependent manner. Matrine displayed its anti-tumor activity by inactivating Akt, the upstream factor of the above proteins. Matrine significantly reduced the protein levels of pAkt, and increased the protein levels of other downstream factors, pBad and pGSK-3β. Specific inhibition of pAkt induced cell apoptosis, and synergized with matrine to inhibit the proliferation of LoVo cells; whereas activation of Akt neutralized the inhibitory effect of matrine on cell proliferation. The present study has demonstrated that matrine inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of human colon cancer LoVo cells by inactivating Akt pathway, indicating matrine may be a potential anti-cancer agent for colon cancer.     

Knockdown of Akt isoforms by RNA silencing suppresses the growth of human prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo

The serine/threonine kinase Akt has three highly homologous isoforms in mammals: Akt1, Akt2, and Akt3. Recent studies indicate that Akt is often constitutively active in many types of human malignancy. Here we investigated the expression and function of Akt isoforms in human prostatic carcinoma cells. Initially, we used Western blotting to examine Akt expression in four human prostate cancer cell lines. Next, small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs) specific for Akt isoforms were used to elucidate their role on the in vitro and in vivo growth of prostate cancer cells. Expression of Akt1 and Akt2 was detected in all cells tested, but Akt3 was expressed only in cancer cells that did not express androgen receptors. All synthetic siRNAs against Akt isoforms suppressed their expression and inhibited the growth of cancer cells in vitro. Furthermore, atelocollagen-mediated systemic administration of siRNAs significantly reduced the growth of tumors that had been subcutaneously xenografted. These results suggest that targeting Akt isoforms could be an effective treatment for prostate cancers.