More Protection of Lactobacillus acidophilus Than Bifidobacterium bifidum Probiotics on Azoxymethane-Induced Mouse Colon Cancer

Based on the ability of the probiotics in the gut microflora modification, they can have the beneficial effects on diseases in the short and/or the long term. In previous study, we revealed that unlike Bifidobacterium bifidum, the amount of Lactobacillus acidophilus remained almost unchanged in mice gut microflora in the long term, indicating more stability of L. acidophilus than B. bifidum which can be used to prevent some incurable diseases such as cancer. Thirty-eight male BALB/c mice were divided into four groups, control, azoxymethane (AOM), L. acidophilus, and B. bifidum probiotics, to evaluate the protective effects of the probiotics on AOM-induced mouse colon cancer. Except for the control group, the rest of the animals were weekly given AOM (15 mg/kg, s.c) in three consecutive weeks. Colon lesion incidence was 74% in the AOM group in comparison with the control (0%) (P < 0.05). The lesions were varied from mild to severe dysplasia and colonic adenocarcinoma. Administration of the probiotics inhibited the incidence of colonic lesions by about 57% in L. acidophilus (P < 0.05) and 27% in B. bifidum (P > 0.05) compared to the AOM group. The serum levels of CEA and CA19-9 tumor markers were significantly decreased in L. acidophilus in comparison with the AOM group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the serum levels of IFN-γ and IL-10 and the number of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ cells were significantly increased in L. acidophilus compared to AOM (P < 0.05). Our study highlighted the more potential effects of L. acidophilus probiotic than B. bifidum on mouse colon cancer.

     

沉默PRR14基因抑制结肠癌HCT116细胞增殖

已有报道显示,富脯氨酸蛋白 14（proline-rich protein 14,PRR14）促进肿瘤的发生发展,但具体作用机制仍不清楚。本文以结肠癌细胞为模型,探索其对细胞增殖和细胞周期进程的影响。qPCR和Western 印迹检测发现,PRR14在4个结肠癌细胞系中呈现高水平表达。合成特异靶向PRR14基因的siRNA,转染结肠癌HCT116细胞。检测发现,PRR14基因表达下调约70%。CCK8结果显示,沉默PRR14后各时间点细胞增殖能力均显著降低,克隆形成实验细胞克隆数减少约40%;流式细胞仪结果显示,沉默PRR14后,G1期细胞比例升高约10%,S期细胞比例降低约14%;BrdU标记免疫荧光检测结果显示,BrdU阳性细胞比例减少约50%,表明细胞DNA合成速率显著降低。机制分析表明：促G1/S期转换基因周期蛋白依赖性激酶2（cyclin dependent kinase 2, CDK2）mRNA水平降低约85%,对应的蛋白质水平也明显降低,G1/S期转换抑制因子周期蛋白依赖性激酶抑制因子1A（cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1A,CDKN1A/P21）和周期蛋白依赖性激酶抑制因子1B（cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1B,CDKN1B/P27）mRNA水平分别升高约1.8倍和5倍,对应的蛋白质水平也明显升高。沉默PRR14表达,G1/S期相关基因表达紊乱,导致细胞G1期阻滞并抑制细胞增殖。结肠癌细胞中PRR14高表达可促进癌细胞恶性增殖。     

沉默PRR14基因抑制结肠癌HCT116细胞增殖

已有报道显示,富脯氨酸蛋白 14（proline-rich protein 14,PRR14）促进肿瘤的发生发展,但具体作用机制仍不清楚。本文以结肠癌细胞为模型,探索其对细胞增殖和细胞周期进程的影响。qPCR和Western 印迹检测发现,PRR14在4个结肠癌细胞系中呈现高水平表达。合成特异靶向PRR14基因的siRNA,转染结肠癌HCT116细胞。检测发现,PRR14基因表达下调约70%。CCK8结果显示,沉默PRR14后各时间点细胞增殖能力均显著降低,克隆形成实验细胞克隆数减少约40%;流式细胞仪结果显示,沉默PRR14后,G1期细胞比例升高约10%,S期细胞比例降低约14%;BrdU标记免疫荧光检测结果显示,BrdU阳性细胞比例减少约50%,表明细胞DNA合成速率显著降低。机制分析表明：促G1/S期转换基因周期蛋白依赖性激酶2（cyclin dependent kinase 2, CDK2）mRNA水平降低约85%,对应的蛋白质水平也明显降低,G1/S期转换抑制因子周期蛋白依赖性激酶抑制因子1A（cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1A,CDKN1A/P21）和周期蛋白依赖性激酶抑制因子1B（cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1B,CDKN1B/P27）mRNA水平分别升高约1.8倍和5倍,对应的蛋白质水平也明显升高。沉默PRR14表达,G1/S期相关基因表达紊乱,导致细胞G1期阻滞并抑制细胞增殖。结肠癌细胞中PRR14高表达可促进癌细胞恶性增殖。     

Chemo-Immunotherapy with Oxaliplatin and Interleukin-7 Inhibits Colon Cancer Metastasis in Mice

Combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy has shown promise for cancer. Interleukin-7 (IL-7) can potentially enhance immune responses against tumor, while oxaliplatin (OXP), a platinum-based drug, can promote a favorable immune microenvironment and stimulate anticancer immune responses. We evaluated the anti-tumor activity of IL-7 combining OXP against a murine colon carcinoma in vitro and in vivo and studied the tumor immune microenvironment to investigate whether the combined treatment affects on the local immune cell populations. Utilizing lung and abdomen metastasis models by inoculation of CT26 mice colon cancer cells, we evaluated the anti-tumor efficacy of combining IL-7 and OXP in mice models. Tumor immune microenvironment was evaluated by flow cytometric analysis and immunohistochemical staining. Our study showed that the in vivo administration of IL-7 combined with OXP markedly inhibited the growth of tumors in lung and abdomen metastasis models of colon cancer. IL-7 alone had no effect on tumor growth in mice and IL-7 did not alter cell sensitivity to OXP in culture. The antitumor effect of combining IL-7 and OXP correlated with a marked increase in the number of tumor-infiltrating activated CD8+ T cells and a marked decrease in the number of regulatory T (Treg) cells in spleen. Our data suggest that OXP plus IL-7 treatment inhibits tumor cell growth by immunoregulation rather than direct cytotoxicity. Our findings justify further evaluation of combining IL-7 and chemotherapy as a novel experimental cancer therapy.     

Chemopreventive Efficacy of Andrographis paniculata on Azoxymethane-Induced Aberrant Colon Crypt Foci In Vivo

Andrographis paniculata is a grass-shaped medicinal herb, traditionally used in Southeast Asia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemoprotective effects of A. paniculata on colorectal cancer. A. paniculata ethanol extract was tested on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in vivo and in vitro. A. paniculata treated groups showed a significant reduction in the number of ACF of the treated rats. Microscopically, ACF showed remarkably elongated and stratified cells, and depletion of the submucosal glands of AOM group compared to the treated groups. Histologically, staining showed slightly elevated masses above the surrounding mucosa with oval or slit-like orifices. Immunohistochemically, expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and β-catenin protein were down-regulated in the A. paniculata treated groups compared to the AOM group. When colon tissue was homogenized, malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were significantly decreased, whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was increased in the treated groups compared to the AOM group. A. paniculata ethanol extract showed antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity, as elucidated by the measure of oxidative stress markers. Further, the active fractions were assessed against cell lines of CCD841 and HT29 colon cancer cells.     

Iberis amara Extract Induces Intracellular Formation of Reactive Oxygen Species and Inhibits Colon Cancer

Massively increasing global incidences of colorectal cancer require efficient treatment and prevention strategies. Here, we report unexpected anticancerogenic effects of hydroethanolic Iberis amara extract (IAE), which is known as a widely used phytomedical product for treating gastrointestinal complaints. IAE significantly inhibited the proliferation of HT-29 and T84 colon carcinoma cells with an inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of 6 and 9 μg/ml, respectively, and further generated inhibitory effects in PC-3 prostate and MCF7 breast cancer cells. Inhibition of proliferation in HT-29 cells was associated with a G2/M phase cell cycle arrest including reduced expression of various regulatory marker proteins. Notably, in HT-29 cells IAE further induced apoptosis by intracellular formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Consistent with predictions derived from our in vitro experiments, bidaily oral gavage of 50 mg/kg of IAE over 4 weeks resulted in significant inhibition of tumor growth in a mouse HT-29 tumor xenograft model. Taken together, Iberis amara extracts could become useful alternatives for preventing and treating the progression of colon cancer.     

PTEN基因通过调控ROS抑制结肠癌细胞增殖

为了探讨PTEN基因在结肠癌中的作用以及其机制研究,MTT法检测结肠癌细胞细胞增殖;蛋白免疫印迹检测结肠癌细胞中Ki67蛋白的表达;DCFDA染色流式细胞仪检测结肠癌细胞中ROS水平。结果表明PTEN基因能明显抑制结肠癌细胞细胞增殖;PTEN基因能显著降低结肠癌细胞中Ki67蛋白的表达;细胞内ROS水平在PTEN基因处理组中明显高于空质粒结肠癌细胞组;NAC预处理可明显抑制PTEN基因抑制的细胞增殖;NAC预处理可显著抑制PTEN基因对结肠癌细胞Ki67蛋白的降低作用。PTEN基因能够抑制结肠癌细胞增殖并上调结肠癌细胞内ROS水平。     

Cyclic Phosphatidic Acid Stimulates cAMP Production and Inhibits Growth in Human Colon Cancer Cells

Colon cancer is a malignancy that develops in colon and rectal tissues. The prognosis for metastatic colon cancer remains poor, and novel therapeutic options are required to reduce colon cancer mortality. Recently, intracellular cAMP levels have been suggested to influence the behavior of cancer cells. Intriguingly, cyclic phosphatidic acid (cPA) and its structural analogs inhibit growth in many cancer cell lines, and our previous work has suggested that cPA increases cAMP production. Phosphodiesterase (PDE) type 3 isoforms PDE3A and PDE3B are expressed mainly in cardiovascular tissue and adipose tissue, respectively. Moreover, increase in intracellular cAMP levels has been associated with the inhibition of growth in colon cancer cells. These findings suggest that cPA could be used in colon cancer therapy. In this study, we found that cPA inhibited the growth of HT-29 cells, which express high levels of PDE3B, but not the growth of DLD-1 cells, which express low levels of PDE3B. Furthermore, cPA inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt in HT-29 cells in a dose-dependent fashion. Our results suggest that PDE3B expression and intracellular cAMP levels are correlated with the proliferation of colon cancer cells. These findings demonstrate for the first time that cPA may serve as a useful a molecule in targeted therapy for colon cancer.     

Impact of Glutathione Peroxidase-1 Deficiency on Macrophage Foam Cell Formation and Proliferation: Implications for Atherogenesis

Clinical and experimental evidence suggests a protective role for the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx-1) in the atherogenic process. GPx-1 deficiency accelerates atherosclerosis and increases lesion cellularity in ApoE^−/− mice. However, the distribution of GPx-1 within the atherosclerotic lesion as well as the mechanisms leading to increased macrophage numbers in lesions is still unknown. Accordingly, the aims of the present study were (1) to analyze which cells express GPx-1 within atherosclerotic lesions and (2) to determine whether a lack of GPx-1 affects macrophage foam cell formation and cellular proliferation. Both in situ-hybridization and immunohistochemistry of lesions of the aortic sinus of ApoE^−/− mice after 12 weeks on a Western type diet revealed that both macrophages and – even though to a less extent – smooth muscle cells contribute to GPx-1 expression within atherosclerotic lesions. In isolated mouse peritoneal macrophages differentiated for 3 days with macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (MCSF), GPx-1 deficiency increased oxidized low density-lipoprotein (oxLDL) induced foam cell formation and led to increased proliferative activity of peritoneal macrophages. The MCSF- and oxLDL-induced proliferation of peritoneal macrophages from GPx-1^−/−ApoE^−/− mice was mediated by the p44/42 MAPK (p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase), namely ERK1/2 (extracellular-signal regulated kinase 1/2), signaling pathway as demonstrated by ERK1/2 signaling pathways inhibitors, Western blots on cell lysates with primary antibodies against total and phosphorylated ERK1/2, MEK1/2 (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2), p90RSK (p90 ribosomal s6 kinase), p38 MAPK and SAPK/JNK (stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase), and immunohistochemistry of mice atherosclerotic lesions with antibodies against phosphorylated ERK1/2, MEK1/2 and p90RSK. Representative effects of GPx-1 deficiency on both macrophage proliferation and MAPK phosphorylation could be abolished by the GPx mimic ebselen. The present study demonstrates that GPx-1 deficiency has a significant impact on macrophage foam cell formation and proliferation via the p44/42 MAPK (ERK1/2) pathway encouraging further studies on new therapeutic strategies against atherosclerosis.     

Evaluation of Chemopreventive Effects of Acanthus ilicifolius against Azoxymethane-Induced Aberrant Crypt Foci in the Rat Colon

Background

Acanthus ilicifolius, a mangrove medicinal plant, is traditionally used to treat a variety of diseases. The aim of this research is to assess the chemoprotective outcomes of A. ilicifolius ethanolic extract against azoxymethane (AOM) induced colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in rats.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In our study, rats were arranged in to five groups. Rats in the normal control group were given subcutaneous injections of normal saline once weekly for 2 weeks. The AOM control, reference and treatment groups were given subcutaneous injection of AOM, 15 mg/kg body weight, once weekly for 2 weeks each. The reference group was treated with 35 mg/kg 5-Fluorouracil via intraperitoneal injection once weekly for 8 weeks, and the treatment groups were administered by gavage with 250 and 500 mg/kg A. ilicifolius extract daily for 8 weeks. Both normal and AOM control groups received the vehicle; 10% Tween-20 only.Rats treated with 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of A. ilicifolius extracts showed a decrease in the mean number of ACF by 65% and 53%, respectively. Those fed with A. ilicifolius showed significantly decreased multiplicity of ACF formations when compared with the results from the AOM control group. The 250 mg/kg A. ilicifolius treatment group showed significant decreases in lipid peroxidation MDA levels when compared with the AOM control group. In immunohistochemistry staining, the proliferating nuclear cell antigen (PCNA)-positive cells were significantly higher in the AOM control group than in the A. ilicifolius-treated groups. RT-PCR showed that A. ilicifolius caused a change in the regulation of apoptosis-related genes expression.

Conclusion/Significance

The results of the current study show that AOM-treated rats receiving oral exposure to A. ilicifolius demonstrated a significant decrease in the number of ACF in the colon when compared to AOM-treated rats receiving vehicle only. A ilicifolius may be an effective herbal approach for the prevention of AOM-induced ACF in the rat colon.     

Knockdown of Lymphoid Enhancer factor 1 Inhibits Colon Cancer Progression In Vitro and In Vivo

Expression of lymphoid enhancer factor 1 (LEF1) is frequently altered in different human cancers. This study aimed to assess LEF1 expression in colon cancer tissues and to explore changed phenotypes, gene expressions, and the possible mechanism after knocked down LEF1 expression in colon cancer cell lines. A total of 106 colon cancer and matched paratumorous normal tissues were used to assess LEF1 expression using immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR. LEF1 lentivirus was used to knockdown LEF1 expression for the assessment of cell viability, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, and gene expressions. The nude mouse xenograft assay was performed to detect the effects of LEF1 knockdown in vivo. The data showed that the levels of LEF1 mRNA and protein were significantly increased in human colon cancer tissues compared to the matched paratumorous normal tissues and were associated with infiltration depth, lymph node and distant metastases, advanced TNM (tumor-node-metastasis) stages, and shorter overall survival. Furthermore, LEF1 knockdown reduced tumor cell viability, invasion capacity, MMP2 and MMP-9 expression, but induced apoptosis. Nude mouse xenograft assay showed that LEF1 knockdown suppressed tumor formation and growth in vivo. In addition, the expression of Notch pathway-related proteins RBP-jκ and Hes1 was reduced in LEF1 knockdown cells. Taken together, LEF1 protein was overexpressed in colon cancer tissues and knockdown of LEF1 expression inhibited colon cancer growth in vitro and in vivo. These data suggest that targeting of LEF1 expression should be further evaluated for colon cancer prevention and therapy.     

Aspirin Inhibits Colon Cancer Cell and Tumor Growth and Downregulates Specificity Protein (Sp) Transcription Factors

Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is highly effective for treating colon cancer patients postdiagnosis; however, the mechanisms of action of aspirin in colon cancer are not well defined. Aspirin and its major metabolite sodium salicylate induced apoptosis and decreased colon cancer cell growth and the sodium salt of aspirin also inhibited tumor growth in an athymic nude mouse xenograft model. Colon cancer cell growth inhibition was accompanied by downregulation of Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4 proteins and decreased expression of Sp-regulated gene products including bcl-2, survivin, VEGF, VEGFR1, cyclin D1, c-MET and p65 (NFκB). Moreover, we also showed by RNA interference that β-catenin, an important target of aspirin in some studies, is an Sp-regulated gene. Aspirin induced nuclear caspase-dependent cleavage of Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4 proteins and this response was related to sequestration of zinc ions since addition of zinc sulfate blocked aspirin-mediated apoptosis and repression of Sp proteins. The results demonstrate an important underlying mechanism of action of aspirin as an anticancer agent and, based on the rapid metabolism of aspirin to salicylate in humans and the high salicylate/aspirin ratios in serum, it is likely that the anticancer activity of aspirin is also due to the salicylate metabolite.     

Targeted Deletion of the Metastasis-Associated Phosphatase Ptp4a3 (PRL-3) Suppresses Murine Colon Cancer

Ptp4a3 (commonly known as PRL-3) is an enigmatic member of the Ptp4a family of prenylated protein tyrosine phosphatases that are highly expressed in many human cancers. Despite strong correlations with tumor metastasis and poor patient prognosis, there is very limited understanding of this gene family''s role in malignancy. Therefore, we created a gene-targeted murine knockout model for Ptp4a3, the most widely studied Ptp4a family member. Mice deficient for Ptp4a3 were grossly normal. Fewer homozygous-null males were observed at weaning, however, and they maintained a decreased body mass. Although Ptp4a3 is normally associated with late-stage cancer and metastasis, we observed increased Ptp4a3 expression in the colon of wildtype mice immediately following treatment with the carcinogen azoxymethane. To investigate the role of Ptp4a3 in malignancy, we used the most commonly studied murine colitis-associated colon cancer model. Wildtype mice treated with azoxymethane and dextran sodium sulfate developed approximately 7–10 tumors per mouse in the distal colon. The resulting tumor tissue had 4-fold more Ptp4a3 mRNA relative to normal colon epithelium and increased PTP4A3 protein. Ptp4a3-null mice developed 50% fewer colon tumors than wildtype mice after exposure to azoxymethane and dextran sodium sulfate. Tumors from the Ptp4a3-null mice had elevated levels of both IGF1Rβ and c-MYC compared to tumors replete with Ptp4a3, suggesting an enhanced cell signaling pathway engagement in the absence of the phosphatase. These results provide the first definitive evidence implicating Ptp4a3 in colon tumorigenesis and highlight the potential value of the phosphatase as a therapeutic target for early stage malignant disease.     

MicroRNA-449a/b抑制人结肠癌细胞内Fra-1的表达

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) 是一类长度约为22 nt的非编码的调控性小RNA,它们在诸多的生命活动中发挥重要作用,如参与调控细胞的增殖、分化、凋亡以及肿瘤的发生发展. MicroRNA-449a/b (miR 449a/b) 是脊椎动物中进化保守的miRNA,作为抑癌基因,参与了许多癌症的发生过程,但其在结肠癌中的作用尚不清楚. 本文利用实时荧光定量技术研究了miR-449a/b在结肠癌组织中的表达. 利用双荧光素酶报告基因检测系统及Western印迹鉴定miR-449a/b的靶基因. 应用MTS法和Transwell分别检测miR-449a/b对结肠癌细胞增殖和迁移的影响. 检测组蛋白乙酰化酶抑制剂曲古菌素A (trichostatin A, TSA) 对结肠癌细胞中miR-449a/b表达的影响. 研究结果表明：与正常结肠组织相比,miR-449a/b在结肠癌组织中低表达;miR 449a/b能够结合到FRA-1 mRNA 3′-非翻译区 (3′-untranslated region, 3′-UTR),从而抑制结肠癌细胞HCT116内源Fra 1的表达;外源转染miR-449a/b明显抑制结肠癌细胞HCT116的增殖和迁移;并且TSA处理能够诱导结肠癌细胞HCT116中miR-449a/b的表达. 以上结果提示: miR-449a/b可能通过抑制靶基因Fra-1的表达,进而抑制结肠癌细胞的增殖和迁移．