Manumycin A induces apoptosis in malignant pleural mesothelioma through regulation of Sp1 and activation of the mitochondria-related apoptotic pathway

Manumycin A (Manu A) is a natural product isolated from Streptomyces parvulus and has been reported to have anti-carcinogenic and anti-biotic properties. However, neither its molecular mechanism nor its molecular targets are well understood. Thus, the aim of the present study was to explore the possibility that Manu A has cancer preventive and chemotherapeutic effects on malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) through regulation of Sp1 and induction of mitochondrial cell death pathway. Manu A inhibited the cell viability of MSTO-211H and H28 cells in a concentration‑dependent manner as determined by MTS assay. IC50 values were calculated as 8.3 and 4.3 µM in the MSTO-311H and H28 cells following 48 h incubation, respectively. Manu A induced a significant increase in apoptotic indices as shown by DAPI staining, Annexin V assay, multi-caspase activity and mitochondrial membrane potential assay. The downregulation of Sp1 mRNA and protein expression by Manu A led to apoptosis by suppressing Sp1-regulated proteins (cyclin D1, Mcl-1 and survivin). Manu A decreased the protein levels of BID, Bcl-xL and PARP while it increased Bax levels. Manu A caused depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane with induction of CHOP, DR4 and DR5. Our results demonstrated that Manu A exerted anticancer effects by inducing apoptosis via inhibition of the Sp1-related signaling pathway in human MPM.

Regional Differences of Proteins Expressing in Adipose Depots Isolated from Cows, Steers and Bulls as Identified by a Proteomic Approach

Adipose tissue in the loin muscle area of beef cattle as a marbling factor is directly associated with beef quality. To elucidate whether properties of proteins involved in depot specific adipose tissue were sex-dependent, we analyzed protein expression of intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) and omental adipose tissue (OMAT) from Hanwoo cows, steers, and bulls of Korean native beef cattle by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based proteomic analysis, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot analysis. Two different adipose depots (i.e. intramuscular and omental) were collected from cows (n = 7), steers (n = 7), or bulls (n = 7). LC-MS/MS revealed a total of 55 and 35 proteins in IMAT and OMAT, respectively. Of the 55 proteins identified, 44, 40, and 42 proteins were confirmed to be differentially expressed in IMAT of cows, steers, and bulls, respectively. In OMAT of cows, steers, and bulls, 33, 33, and 22 were confirmed to be differentially expressed, respectively. Tropomyosin (TPM) 1, TPM 2, and TPM3 were subjected to verification by quantitative PCR and western blot analysis in IMAT and OMAT of Hanwoo cows, steers, and bulls as key factors closely associated with muscle development. Both mRNA levels and protein levels of TPM1, TPM2, and TPM3 in IMAT were lower in bulls compared to in cows or steers suggesting that they were positively correlated with marbling score and quality grade. Our results may aid the regulation of marbling development and improvement of meat quality grades in beef cattle.

Statin-related aminotransferase elevation according to baseline aminotransferases level in real practice in Korea

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Higher rate of statin-related hepatotoxicity has been reported for Koreans than for Westerners. Moreover, statin-related aminotransferase elevation for those who show borderline levels of aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) (≤×3 of UNL) at baseline has not been fully investigated.

METHODS

Post-statin changes AST/ALT levels during the first year for 21 233 Korean outpatients at two large academic teaching hospitals from January 2009 to December 2013 were analysed using electronic health record data. The date of the first statin prescription was set as baseline. We also performed a comparative analysis of statin-related AST/ALT elevations according to the type of statin, followed by an analysis of clinical risk factors.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The progression rate to abnormal AST/ALT values [>×3 the upper normal limit (UNL)] was significantly higher (2·4-16% vs. 0·3-1·7%, P < 0·001) in subjects with borderline (>×1, but ≤×3 of UNL) compared with normal AST/ALT values at baseline. Those with normal baseline AST/ALT did not show significantly different progression rate between different statin medications (P = 0·801). However, patients taking pitavastatin (HR = 0·76, P = 0·657) were least likely to develop abnormal AST/ALT, whereas those taking fluvastatin (HR = 2·96, P = 0·029) were the most likely to develop abnormal AST/ALT compared with atorvastatin for patients who were with baseline borderline AST/ALT. However, given the small sample sizes and the observational nature of our study, these need further study.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

It is advisable to regularly monitor AST/ALT levels even in patients with AST/ALT increases >×1. Future studies should aim to determine the possible risk factors for each specific statin type by analysing various confounding variables.

Licochalcone B induces apoptosis of human oral squamous cell carcinoma through the extrinsic- and intrinsic-signaling pathways

Licochalcone B (Lico B), which belongs to the retrochalcone family, is isolated from the roots of Chinese licorice. Lico B has been reported to have several other useful pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiulcer, anticancer, and anti-metastasis activities. We elucidated the underlying mechanism by which Lico B can induce apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Our results showed that exposure of OSCC cells (HN22 and HSC4) to Lico B significantly inhibited cell proliferation in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Lico B caused cell cycle arrest at G1 phase along with downregulation of cyclin D1 and upregulation of p21 and p27 proteins. Lico B also facilitated the diffusion of phospholipid phosphatidylserine (PS) from inner to outer leaflets of the plasma membrane with chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, accumulated sub-G1 population in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, Lico B promoted the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which, in turn, can induce CHOP, death receptor (DR) 4 and DR5. Lico B treatment induced downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins (Bid and Bcl-xl and Mcl-1), and up-regulation of pro-apoptotic protein (Bax). Lico B also led to the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), resulting in cytochrome c release. As can be expected from the above results, the apoptotic protease activating factor-1 (Apaf-1) and survivin were oppositely expressed in favor of apoptotic cell death. This notion was supported by the fact that Lico B activated multi-caspases with cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) protein. Therefore, it is suggested that Lico B is a promising drug for the treatment of human oral cancer via the induction of apoptotic cell death.

β-lapachone suppresses the proliferation of human malignant melanoma cells by targeting specificity protein 1

β-lapachone (β-lap), a novel natural quinone derived from the bark of the Pink trumpet tree (Tabebuia avellanedae) has been demonstrated to have anticancer activity. In this study, we investigated whether β-lap exhibits anti-proliferative effects on two human malignant melanoma (HMM) cell lines, G361 and SK-MEL-28. The effects of β-lap on the HMM cell lines were investigated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)‑5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)‑2-(4-sulfophenyl-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay, 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining, Annexin V and Dead cell assay, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) assay and western blot analysis. We demonstrated that β-lap significantly induced apoptosis and suppressed cell viability in the HMM cells. Intriguingly, the transcription factor specificity protein 1 (Sp1) was significantly downregulated by β-lap in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, β-lap modulated the protein expression level of the Sp1 regulatory genes including cell cycle regulatory proteins and apoptosis-associated proteins. Taken together, our findings indicated that β-lap modulates Sp1 transactivation and induces apoptotic cell death through the regulation of cell cycle- and apoptosis-associated proteins. Thus, β-lap may be used as a promising anticancer drug for cancer prevention and may improve the clinical outcome of patients with cancer.

Analysis and comparison of statin prescription patterns and outcomes according to clinical department

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

There is a disparity between the Korean treatment guidelines and actual clinical prescription habits. This study was designed to evaluate the department-specific disparities and achievement rates for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) targets, based on each department's specific statin prescription patterns.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated data from 31 718 patients who had been prescribed a statin at least once between January 2008 and June 2013 at our institution. Patients were classified into the high-risk (target LDL-C < 100 mg/dL) or moderate-risk (target LDL-C < 130 mg/dL) groups, according to the National Cholesterol Education Programme-Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Statins were most commonly prescribed in the cardiology (32·0%) and endocrinology (26·6%) departments. For the high-risk group, 70% of patients in the cardiology, endocrinology and cardiac surgery departments achieved their target LDL-C levels (<100 mg/dL). However, the target achievement rates in most other departments were <70%. For the moderate-risk group, 79·2% of patients achieved their target levels. Departments that prescribed a greater number of high- or intermediate-potency statins were more likely to achieve their target LDL-C levels. The group that achieved their target LDL-C levels (<100 mg/dL) exhibited a significant positive relationship (Spearman's correlation coefficient = 0·8571, P = 0·0065), from low to high potency.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

Some departments tend to undertreat when prescribing statins. However, to reach to the target LDL-C levels, physicians must overcome their tendency to undertreat with statins. We believe that the target achievement rate will increase if doctors are more actively aware of a patient's individual status and related risk factors before prescribing statins.

Comparative Analysis of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived From Bone Marrow, Placenta, and Adipose Tissue as Sources of Cell Therapy

Various source-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with multipotent capabilities were considered for cell therapeutics of incurable diseases. The applicability of MSCs depends on the cellular source and on their different in vivo functions, despite having similar phenotypic and cytological characteristics. We characterized MSCs from different sources, including human bone marrow (BM), placenta (PL), and adipose tissue (AT), in terms of the phenotype, surface antigen expression, differentiation ability, proteome reference map, and blood flow recovery in a hindlimb ischemic disease model. The MSCs exhibit different differentiation potentials depending on the cellular source despite having similar phenotypic and surface antigen expression. We identified approximately 90 differentially regulated proteins. Most up- or down-regulated proteins show cytoskeletal or oxidative stress, peroxiredoxin, and apoptosis roles according to their functional involvement. In addition, the PL-MSCs retained a higher therapeutic efficacy than the BM- and AT-MSCs in the hindlimb ischemic disease model. In summary, we examined differentially expressed key regulatory factors for MSCs that were obtained from several cellular sources and demonstrated their differentially expressed proteome profiles. Our results indicate that primitive PL-MSCs have biological advantages relative to those from other sources, making PL-MSCs a useful model for clinical applications of cell therapy.

Manumycin A from a new Streptomyces strain induces endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated cell death through specificity protein 1 signaling in human oral squamous cell carcinoma

Manumycin A (Manu A) is a natural antibiotic produced by new Streptomyces strain, exhibiting antitumor and anticancer effects. However, the anticancer effects of Manu A on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) have not been reported. OSCC is an aggressive type of cancer because of its poor prognosis and low survival rate despite advanced medical treatment. We observed that Manu A reduced cell growth and Sp1 protein levels in OSCC cell lines (HN22 and HSC4) in a dose- and time-dependent manner. We also observed downregulation of Sp1 downstream target genes such as p27, p21, Mcl-1 and survivin. Moreover, nuclear staining with DAPI showed that Manu A was able to cause nuclear condensation and further fragmentation. Flow cytometry analyses using Annexin V and propiodium iodide supported Manu A-mediated apoptotic cell death of OSCC cells. Furthermore, Bcl-2 family such as mitochondrial pro‑apoptotic Bax, anti-apoptotic Bcl-xl and Bid were regulated by Manu A, triggering the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. In conclusion, these results indicate that Manu A is a potential to treat human OSCC via cell apoptosis through the downregulation of Sp1.

Clinical and demographic characteristics predictive of treatment outcomes for certolizumab pegol in moderate to severe Crohn's disease: analyses from the 7-year PRECiSE 3 study

BACKGROUND

Clinical factors were previously identified as predictors of short-term treatment efficacy in Crohn's disease (CD). The PRECiSE 3 (P3) 7-year trial provides an opportunity to study predictors of short- and long-term clinical remission among CD patients treated with certolizumab pegol (CZP).

AIM

To identify factors that influence long-term remission of CD with CZP treatment.

METHODS

Patients who had completed placebo-controlled studies (PRECiSE 1/PRECiSE 2, P1/P2) enrolled in P3 and received open-label CZP 400 mg every 4 weeks up to 7 years. Baseline predictors included, but were not limited to, smoking status, disease duration, prior inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) surgery, Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBI), albumin, haematocrit and CZP exposure; association with time to initial remission (HBI ≤4) was tested for patients who received CZP in P1/P2; time to loss of remission/frequency of maintenance of remission was also tested. Univariate analyses and multivariate Cox or logistic regression models were used.

RESULTS

Predictors for initial remission (N = 377) included age, haematocrit, prior IBD surgery and entry HBI (P < 0.05 for all). Predictors for loss of remission (N = 437) included HBI, serum albumin concentration, haematocrit, smoking status and exposure. Predictors of maintenance of remission (N = 437) included haematocrit, IBD surgery, HBI, disease duration, serum albumin concentration and exposure. Significant predictors were confirmed with stepwise multivariate regression models.

CONCLUSIONS

These analyses identified several influential parameters for short-and long-term remission of Crohn's disease with certolizumab pegol treatment. The data yield valuable hypotheses regarding factors that influence certolizumab pegol treatment. More investigation is needed. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00552058).

Role of transcription factor Sp1 in the 4-O-methylhonokiol-mediated apoptotic effect on oral squamous cancer cells and xenograft

Recently, biphenolic components derived from the Magnolia family have been studied for anti-cancer, anti-stress, and anti-inflammatory pharmacological effects. However, the pharmacological mechanism of action of 4-O-methylhonokiol (MH) is not clear in oral cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of MH in apoptosis and its molecular mechanism in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines, HN22 and HSC4, as well as tumor xenografts. Here, we demonstrated that MH decreased cell growth and induced apoptosis in HN22 and HSC4 cells through the regulation of specificity protein 1 (Sp1). We employed several experimental techniques such as MTS assay, DAPI staining, PI staining, Annexin-V/7-ADD staining, RT-PCR, western blot analysis, immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry, TUNEL assay and in vivo xenograft model analysis. MH inhibited Sp1 protein expression and reduced Sp1 protein levels via both proteasome-dependent protein degradation and inhibition of protein synthesis in HN22 and HSC4 cells; MH did not alter Sp1 mRNA levels. We found that MH directly binds Sp1 by Sepharose 4B pull-down assay and molecular modeling. In addition, treatment with MH or knocking down Sp1 expression suppressed oral cancer cell colony formation. Moreover, MH treatment effectively inhibited tumor growth and Sp1 levels in BALB/c nude mice bearing HN22 cell xenografts. These results indicated that MH inhibited cell growth, colony formation and also induced apoptosis via Sp1 suppression in OSCC cells and xenograft tumors. Thus, MH is a potent anti-cancer drug candidate for oral cancer.

Clinical outcomes in Asian elderly kidney transplant recipients: a multicenter cohort study

BACKGROUND

The kidney transplantation rate in elderly patients is increasing rapidly. However, the clinical outcomes of kidney transplantation in elderly patients have not yet been thoroughly evaluated.

METHODS

This multicenter cohort study included adult kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) admitted to five major tertiary hospitals in Korea between 1997 and 2012. A total of 3,565 adult participants were enrolled. Patient survival, allograft survival, and biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) of 242 elderly recipients (≥ 60 years) were assessed and compared with those of a younger population.

RESULTS

Patients were divided into five groups according to age at time of transplantation. The proportion of elderly patients was 6.7 % (mean age, 63.1 ± 2.7 years; n = 242). The numbers of male patients (69.4%), those with diabetes mellitus history (36.3%), and those with pretransplantation ischemic heart disease history (17.7%) were significantly higher in the elderly group than in the younger age groups. Elderly patients were more likely to receive a cadaveric kidney, and overall mortality rates were significantly higher in the elderly patients (1-year survival 93.3%, 5-year survival 91.3%). However, death-censored allograft survival rate and BPAR were not affected by patient age (P = .104 and .501, respectively). Among the elderly, BPAR and female donors were independent risk factors for allograft loss.

CONCLUSION

The overall survival rate of the elderly KTRs was significantly lower than that of younger KTRs. However, the death-censored allograft survival rate did not differ between groups. Kidney transplantation should not be stagnated especially in elderly patients with end-stage renal disease.

Robust MR assessment of cerebral blood volume and mean vessel size using SPION-enhanced ultrashort echo acquisition

Intravascular superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION)-enhanced MR transverse relaxation rates (∆R2(⁎) and ∆R2) are widely used to investigate in vivo vascular parameters, such as the cerebral blood volume (CBV), microvascular volume (MVV), and mean vessel size index (mVSI, ∆R2(⁎)/∆R2). Although highly efficient, regional comparison of vascular parameters acquired using gradient-echo based ∆R2(⁎) is hampered by its high sensitivity to magnetic field perturbations arising from air-tissue interfaces and large vessels. To minimize such demerits, we took advantage of the dual contrast property of SPION and both theoretically and experimentally verified the direct benefit of replacing gradient-echo based ∆R2(⁎) measurement with ultra-short echo time (UTE)-based ∆R1 contrast to generate the robust CBV and mVSI maps. The UTE acquisition minimized the local measurement errors from susceptibility perturbations and enabled dose-independent CBV measurement using the vessel/tissue ∆R1 ratio, while independent spin-echo acquisition enabled simultaneous ∆R2 measurement and mVSI calculation of the cortex, cerebellum, and olfactory bulb, which are animal brain regions typified by significant susceptibility-associated measurement errors.

Licochalcone A induces apoptosis in malignant pleural mesothelioma through downregulation of Sp1 and subsequent activation of mitochondria-related apoptotic pathway

Licochalcone A (LCA) is a natural product derived from the roots of Glycyrrhiza inflata exhibiting a wide range of bioactivities such as antitumor, anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial effects. Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an extremely aggressive type of cancer with a poor prognosis because of its rapid progression. However, LCA has not been investigated concerning its effects on MPM. Preliminarily, we observed that LCA negatively modulated not only cell growth, but also specificity protein 1 (Sp1) expression in MSTO-211H and H28 cell lines. It was found that IC50 values of LCA for growth inhibition of MSTO-211H and H28 cells were approximately 26 and 30 µM, respectively. Consistent with downregulation of Sp1, expression of Sp1 regulatory proteins such as Cyclin D1, Mcl-1 and Survivin was substantially diminished. Mechanistically, LCA triggered the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway by affecting the ratio of mitochondrial proapoptotic Bax to anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL. Bid induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, eventually leading to multi-caspase activation and increased sub-G1 population. Moreover, nuclear staining with DAPI highlighted nuclear condensation and fragmentation of apoptotic features. Flow cytometry analyses after staining cells with Annexin V and propiodium iodide corroborated LCA-mediated apoptotic cell death of MPM cells. In conclusion, these results present that LCA may be a potential bioactive material to control human MPM cells by apoptosis via the downregulation of Sp1.

Quercetin Induces Antiproliferative Activity Against Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HepG2) Cells by Suppressing Specificity Protein 1 (Sp1)

Preclinical Research Quercetin, found in red onions and red apple skin can induce apoptosis insome malignant cells. However, the apoptotic effect of quercetin in hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells via regulation of specificity protein 1 (Sp1) has not been studied. Here, we demonstrated that quercetin decreased cell growth and induce apoptosis in HepG2 cells via suppression of Sp1 using 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, inner salt (MTS) assay, 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining, Annexin V, and Western blot analysis, an effect that was dose- and time-dependent manner. Treatment of HepG2 cells with quercetin reduced cell growth and induced apoptosis, followed by regulation of Sp1 and Sp1 regulatory protein. Taken together, the results suggest that quercetin can induce apoptotic cell death by regulating cell cycle and suppressing antiapoptotic proteins. Therefore, quercetin may be useful for cancer prevention. Drug Dev Res 76 : 9-16, 2015.

Licochalcone A, a natural chalconoid isolated from Glycyrrhiza inflata root, induces apoptosis via Sp1 and Sp1 regulatory proteins in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Licochalcone A (LCA), a chalconoid derived from root of Glycyrrhiza inflata, has been known to possess a wide range of biological functions such as antitumor, anti-angiogenesis, antiparasitic, anti-oxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the anticancer effects of LCA on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) have not been reported. Our data showed that LCA inhibited OSCC cell (HN22 and HSC4) growth in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Mechanistically, it was mediated via downregulation of specificity protein 1 (Sp1) expression and subsequent regulation of Sp1 downstream proteins such as p27, p21, cyclin D1, Mcl-1 and survivin. Here, we found that LCA caused apoptotic cell death in HSC4 and HN22 cells, as characterized by sub-G1 population, nuclear condensation, Annexin V staining, and multi-caspase activity and apoptotic regulatory proteins such as Bax, Bid, Bcl(-xl), caspase-3 and PARP. Consequently, this study strongly suggests that LCA induces apoptotic cell death of OSCC cells via downregulation of Sp1 expression, prompting its potential use for the treatment of human OSCC.