Identification of biomarkers regulated by rexinoids (LGD1069, LG100268 and Ro25-7386) in human breast cells using Affymetrix microarray

Retinoids possess anti-proliferative properties, which suggests that they possess chemopreventive and therapeutic potential against cancer. In the current study, genes modulated by rexinoids (retinoid X receptor (RXR)-pan agonists, LGD1069 and LG100268; and the RXRα agonist, Ro25-7386) were identified using an Affymetrix microarray in normal and malignant breast cells. It was observed that LGD1069, LG100268 and Ro25-7386 suppressed the growth of breast cells. Secondly, several rexinoid-regulated genes were identified, which are involved in cell death, cell growth/maintenance, signal transduction and response to stimulus. These genes may be associated with the growth-suppressive activity of rexinoids. Therefore, the identified genes may serve as biomarkers and novel molecular targets for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.

Butein suppresses breast cancer growth by reducing a production of intracellular reactive oxygen species

Background

Butein has various functions in human diseases including cancer. While anti-cancer effects of butein have been revealed, it is urgent to understand a unique role of butein against cancer. In this study, we demonstrate that butein inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production results in suppression of breast cancer growth.

Methods

Different breast cancer cell lines were treated with butein and then subjected to cell viability and apoptosis assays. Butein-sensitive or -resistant breast cancer cells were injected into mammary fat pads of immunocompromised mice and then butein was injected. Breast cancer cells were categorized on the basis of butein sensitivity.

Results

Butein reduced viabilities of different breast cancer cells, while not affecting those of HER2-positive (HER2⁺) HCC-1419, SKBR-3 and HCC-2218 breast cancer cells. Butein reduction of ROS levels was correlated with apoptotic cell death. Furthermore, butein reduction of ROS level led to inhibitions of AKT phosphorylation. N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), a free radical scavenger, also reduced ROS production and AKT phosphorylation, resulting in apoptotic cell death. In contrast, inhibitory effects of both butein and NAC on ROS production and AKT phosphorylation were not detected in butein-resistant HER2⁺ HCC-1419, SKBR-3 and HCC-2218 cells. In the in vivo tumor growth assays, butein inhibited tumor growth of butein-sensitive HER2⁺ BT-474 cells, while not affecting that of butein-resistant HER2⁺ HCC-1419 cells. Moreover, butein inhibition of ROS production and AKT phosphorylation was confirmed by in vivo tumor growth assays.

Conclusions

Our study first reveals that butein causes breast cancer cell death by the reduction of ROS production. Therefore, our finding provides better knowledge for butein effect on breast cancer and also suggests its treatment option.

Induction of caspase-dependent apoptosis by apigenin by inhibiting STAT3 signaling in HER2-overexpressing MDA-MB-453 breast cancer cells

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to examine the effect of apigenin on proliferation and apoptosis in HER2-overexpressing MDA-MB-453 breast cancer cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antiproliferative effects of apigenin were examined by proliferation and MTT assays. The effect of apigenin on apoptotic molecules was determined by western blotting. RT-PCR was performed to measure mRNA levels of HIF-1α and VEGF. ELISA assay was performed to measure intracellular VEGF levels. Immunocytochemistry was performed to evaluate nuclear STAT3 level.

RESULTS

Apigenin inhibited the proliferation of MDA-MB-453 cells. Apigenin up-regulated the levels of cleaved caspase-8 and caspase-3, and induced the cleavage of PARP. Apigenin induced extrinsic apoptosis and blocked the activation (phosphorylation) of JAK2 and STAT3. Apigenin inhibited CoCl2-induced VEGF secretion and decreased the nuclear staining of STAT3.

CONCLUSION

Apigenin exerts its antiproliferative activity by inhibiting STAT3 signaling. Apigenin could serve as a useful compound to prevent or treat HER2-overexpressing breast cancer.

Antihyperglycemic Activity of Herb Extracts on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

We investigated the effects of herb extracts, Rhus verniciflua, Agrimonia pilosa, Sophora japonica, and Paeonia suffruticosa, on the lowering of blood glucose levels and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. After 4 weeks, oral administration of Rhus verniciflua extract (50 mg/kg) exhibited a significant decrease in blood glucose levels in diabetic rats (P<0.05). Blood TBARS concentrations, the products of glucose oxidation in blood, were also lowered by Rhus verniciflua extract supplementation. In addition, Sophora japonica and Paeonia suffruticosa extracts significantly reduced TBARS levels versus diabetic controls. Serum concentrations of liver-function marker enzymes, GOT and GPT, were also restored by Rhus verniciflua (50 mg/kg) supplementation in diabetic rats.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effect of herbal medicines (APR) in RAW264.7 cells

The objective of the present study was to analyze the effect of a mixture of medicinal plants [Angelica gigas Nakai, Panax ginseng and Rhus verniciflua Stokes (APR)] on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in the murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7. Cells were treated with APR and LPS at various concentrations and indicated times. WST assay, trypan blue assay and quantification of activated cells demonstrated that APR suppressed cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. APR induced G1 cell cycle arrest and inhibited the LPS-induced phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38) and necrosis factor κB (NF-κB). APR also suppressed nitric oxide synthase isoform (iNOS) and prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2 (Cox-2) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression induced by LPS. Furthermore, APR decreased LPS-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, as well as induced PARP and caspase-3 cleavage, suggesting that APR causes apoptosis. In conclusion, the present study indicated that APR may be advantageous in treating inflammatory disease.

The Relationship between Health Behavior and General Health Status: Based on 2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship between health behavior and general health status.

METHODS

We used data from the 2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Mental health was measured by stress recognition and depression. Dietary habit was measured by mixed grain diet. Life pattern was measured by sleeping time and working pattern. Physical activity was measured by walking and exercise. We defined general health status as Euro Quality of Life-5 Dimension (EQ-5Dindex), Euro Quality of Life Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-5Dvas), number of people experienced lying in a sickbed for the last one month, number of days lying in a sickbed for the last one month, and activity limitations.

RESULTS

Mental health, dietary habit, life pattern, and physical activity have seven factors. Most of the factors have a significant correlation with EQ-5Dindex, EQ-5Dvas, number of people experienced lying in a sickbed for the last one month, number of days lying in a sickbed for the last one month, and activity limitations.

CONCLUSION

Health behavior and general health status have a positive correlation.

KM110329 in adult patients with atopic dermatitis: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial--study protocol

Background

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a high prevalence rate and a large socioeconomic cost. There are many treatments for atopic dermatitis, such as antihistamine, tacrolimus and corticosteroids. However, due to concern about the adverse effects, many patients seek alternative treatments. In this context, natural products are gaining interest. KM110329 is a functional food consisting of four herbs that are beneficial to skin health. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of KM110329 for atopic dermatitis.

Methods/design

This study is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled and multicentre trial of KM110329. For this study, we will recruit 66 atopic dermatitis patients of both sexes, with ages ranging from 18 to 65, from three university hospitals. The participants will receive either KM110329 or a placebo twice a day for 8 weeks. The primary end point will be a change in the scoring atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) index. The secondary end points will include changes to the dermatology life quality index (DLQI) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL), among others. The outcomes will be measured at every visit. The study will be continued for 8 weeks and will include five visits with each subject (at screening and at 0, 1, 4 and 8 weeks).

Discussion

This trial will provide research methodologies for evaluate clinical efficacy and safety of KM110329 in adult patients with atopic dermatitis. In addition, we will evaluate the changes in the general skin health status and quality of life.

Trial registrations

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01692093.

Brain-metastatic triple-negative breast cancer cells regain growth ability by altering gene expression patterns

BACKGROUD/AIM: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) frequently metastasizes to the brain (BrM). However, genes responsible for BrM of TNBC are yet to be identified.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Gene expression profiling of TNBC and BrM was conducted, and studies with cultured cells in vitro were performed to verify functions of genes identified in these analyses.

RESULTS

According to gene expression analyses of TNBC and BrM, periplakin (PPL) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 13 (MAPK13) were chosen for further investigations. PPL and MAPK13 were highly expressed in TNBC compared to BrM. While silencing of either PPL or MAPK13 in TNBC cells increased cell growth and reduced cell motility, overexpression of either PPL or MAPK13 in BrM cells, retarded growth rates and facilitated cell motility.

CONCLUSION

Gene expression patterns in TNBC and BrM reflect cancer cell growth in regions of metastasis.

Houttuynia cordata Thunb inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines through inhibition of the NFκB signaling pathway in HMC-1 human mast cells

Houttuynia cordata Thunb (HCT) is widely used in oriental medicine as a remedy for inflammation. However, at present there is no explanation for the mechanism by which HCT affects the production of inflammatory cytokines. The current study aimed to determine the effect of an essence extracted from HCT on mast cell-mediated inflammatory responses. Inflammatory cytokine production induced by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) plus a calcium ionophore, A23187, was measured in the human mast cell line, HMC-1, incubated with various concentrations of HCT. TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 secreted protein levels were measured using an ELISA assay. TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA levels were measured using RT-PCR analysis. Nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins were examined by western blot analysis. The NF-κB promoter activity was examined by luciferase assay. It was observed that HCT inhibited PMA plus A23187-induced TNF-α and IL-6 secretion and reduced the mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8. It was also noted that HCT suppressed the induction of NF-κB activity, inhibited nuclear translocation of NF-κB and blocked the phosphorylation of IκBα in stimulated HMC-1 cells. It was concluded that HCT is an inhibitor of NF-κB and cytokines blocking mast cell-mediated inflammatory responses. These results indicate that HCT may be used for the treatment of mast cell-derived allergic inflammatory diseases.

A New Herbal Formula, KSG-002, Suppresses Breast Cancer Growth and Metastasis by Targeting NF- κ B-Dependent TNF α Production in Macrophages

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in tumor microenvironment regulate cancer progression and metastases. In breast cancer, macrophage infiltration is correlated with a poor prognosis. While metastatic breast cancer is poor prognostic with a severe mortality, therapeutic options are still limited. In this study, we demonstrate that KSG-002, a new herbal composition of radices Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica gigas, suppresses breast cancer via inhibiting TAM recruitment. KSG-002, an extract of radices Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica gigas at 3 : 1 ratio, respectively, inhibited MDA-MB-231 xenograft tumor growth and pulmonary metastasis in nude mice, while KSG-001, another composition (1 : 1 ratio, w/w), enhanced tumor growth, angiogenesis, and pulmonary metastasis, in vivo. KSG-002 further decreased the infiltrated macrophage numbers in xenograft tumor cohorts. In Raw264.7 cells, KSG-002 but not KSG-001 inhibited cell proliferation and migration and reduced TNF-alpha (TNF α ) production by inhibiting NF- κ B pathway. Furthermore, a combinatorial treatment of KSG-002 with TNF α inhibited a proliferation and migration of both MDA-MB-231 and Raw264.7 cells. Taken together, we conclude that KSG-002 suppresses breast cancer growth and metastasis through targeting NF- κ B-mediated TNF α production in macrophages.

Effect of oriental medicine music therapy on patients with Hwa-byung: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Hwa-byung, a Korean culture-bound syndrome with both psychological and somatic symptoms, is also known as 'anger syndrome'. It includes various physical symptoms including anxiety, a feeling of overheating, a sensation of pressure on the chest, heart palpitations, respiratory stuffiness, insomnia, and anxiety.

METHODS/DESIGN

The proposed study is a single-center, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial with two parallel arms: an oriental medicine music therapy (OMMT) group and a control music therapy (CMT) group. In total, 48 patients will be enrolled into the trial. The first visit will be the screening visit. At baseline (visit 2), all participants fulfilling both the inclusion and the exclusion criteria will be split and randomly divided into two equal groups: the OMMT and the CMT (n = 24 each). Each group will receive treatment sessions over the course of 4 weeks, twice per week, for eight sessions in total. The primary outcome is the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the secondary outcomes are the Hwa-byung scale (H-scale), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), the Hwa-byung visual analogue scale (H-VAS) for primary symptoms, the World Health Organization Quality of Life scale, brief version (WHOQOL-BREF), and levels of salivary cortisol. Patients will be asked to complete questionnaires at the baseline visit (visit 2), after the last treatment session (visit 9), and at 4 weeks after the end of all trial sessions (visit 10). From the baseline (visit 2) through the follow-up (visit 10), the entire process will take a total of 53 days.

DISCUSSION

This proposed study targets patients with Hwa-byung, especially those who have exhibited symptoms of anxiety. Therefore, the primary outcome is set to measure the level of anxiety. OMMT is music therapy combined with traditional Korean medicinal theories. Unlike previously reported music therapies, for which patients simply listen to music passively, in OMMT, patients actively move their bodies and play the music. Because Hwa-byung is caused by an accumulation of blocked emotions and anger inside the body, OMMT, because of its active component, is expected to be more efficacious than pre-existing music therapies.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN11939282.

Ethanol extract of paeonia suffruticosa Andrews (PSE) induced AGS human gastric cancer cell apoptosis via fas-dependent apoptosis and MDM2-p53 pathways

Background

The root bark of Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews (PSE), also known as Moutan Cortex, has been widely used in Asia to treat various diseases. The molecular mechanisms by which PSE exerts its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities are well known, but its anti-cancer activity is not yet well understood. Here, we present evidence demonstrating that PSE can be used as a potent anti-cancer agent to treat gastric cancer.

Methods

The effects of the ethanol extract of PSE on cell proliferation were determined using an MTT (1-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-3,5-diphenylformazan) assay. Cell cytotoxicity induced by the PSE extact is measured using an LDH leakage assay. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the cell cycle and to measure the subG0/G1 apoptotic cell fraction. Apoptosis induced by the PSE extact is also examined using a DNA fragmentation assay. Western blot analysis is used to measure the levels of apoptotic proteins such as Fas receptor, caspase-8, caspase-3, PARP, Bax, Bcl-2, MDM2, and p53.

Results

This study demonstrated that treating AGS cells with the PSE extact significantly inhibited cell proliferation and induced cytotoxicity in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The PSE extract also induced apoptosis in AGS cells, as measured by flow cytometry and a DNA fragmentation assay. We found that the PSE extract induced apoptosis via the extrinsic Fas-mediated apoptosis pathway, which was concurrent with the activation of caspases, including caspase-8 and caspase-3, and cleavage of PARP. The MDM2-p53 pathway also played a role in the apoptosis of AGS cells that was induced by the PSE extract.

Conclusions

These results clearly demonstrate that the PSE extact displays growth-suppressive activity and induces apoptosis in AGS cells. Our data suggest that the PSE extact might be a potential anti-cancer agent for gastric cancer.

Association of interleukin-18 gene polymorphism with body mass index in women

BACKGROUND

Interleukin (IL)-18 is an important regulator of innate and acquired immune responses and has multiple roles in chronic inflammation and autoimmune disorders. Obesity is characterized by low- grade chronic inflammation. IL-18 has been suggested as an adipogenic cytokine that is associated with excess adiposity. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between IL-18 gene polymorphisms (-137 G/C and -607 C/A) and obesity.

METHODS

All 680 subjects were genotyped for the polymorphisms of IL-18 gene promoters (at positions -137 G/C and -607 C/A) using a polymerase chain reaction (271 cases with BMI ≥25 kg/m² and 409 controls with BMI <25 kg/m²). A chi-square test was used to compare the genotype and allele frequencies between the cases and control populations.

RESULTS

Analyses of the genotype distributions revealed that IL-18 -607 C/A polymorphism was associated with an increase in body mass index in obese women in the Korean population (chi(2) = 12.301, df = 2, p = 0.015).

CONCLUSION

Carriage of the A allele at position -607 in the promoter of the IL-18 gene may have a role in the development of obesity.

Apigenin induces apoptosis via extrinsic pathway, inducing p53 and inhibiting STAT3 and NFκB signaling in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells

Phytoestrogens are known to prevent tumor induction. But their molecular mechanisms of action are still unknown. This study aimed to examine the effect of apigenin on proliferation and apoptosis in HER2-expressing breast cancer cells. In our experiments, apigenin inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 vec and MCF-7 HER2 cells. This growth inhibition was accompanied with an increase of sub G(0)/G(1) apoptotic fractions. Overexpression of HER2 did not confer resistance to apigenin in MCF-7 cells. Apigenin-induced extrinsic apoptosis pathway up-regulating the levels of cleaved caspase-8, and inducing the cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, whereas apigenin did not induce apoptosis via intrinsic mitochondrial apoptosis pathway since this compound did not decrease mitochondrial membrane potential maintaining red fluorescence and did not affect the levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein. Moreover, apigenin reduced the tyrosine phosphorylation of HER2 (phospho-HER2 level) in MCF-7 HER2 cells, and up-regulated the levels of p53, phospho-p53 and p21 in MCF-7 vec and MCF-7 HER2 cells. This suggests that apigenin induces apoptosis through p53-dependent pathway. Apigenin also reduced the expression of phospho-JAK1 and phospho-STAT3 and decreased STAT3-dependent luciferase reporter gene activity in MCF-7 vec and MCF-7 HER2 cells. Apigenin decreased the phosphorylation level of IκBα in the cytosol, and abrogated the nuclear translocation of p65 within the nucleus suggesting that it blocks the activation of NFκB signaling pathway in MCF-7 vec and MCF-7 HER2 cells. Our study indicates that apigenin could be a potential useful compound to prevent or treat HER2-overexpressing breast cancer.

A pilot study to evaluate the effect of Taeumjowi-tang on obesity in Korean adults: study protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial

Background

Obesity, which is described as excessive or abnormal body fat, increases the risk of diet-related diseases. In Korea and around the world, the prevalence of obesity has grown annually from 1998 to 2008. This growth has continued despite various therapeutic efforts. The discovery of new and alternative treatments for obesity should be considered an important priority. Taeumjowi-tang (TJ001), a traditional Korean medicinal extract consisting of eight herbs, is a widely used herbal remedy for obesity in Korea. However, the efficacy and safety of TJ001 have not been fully investigated in a clinical trial. The purpose of this pilot study is to estimate obesity-related parameters and to assess the efficacy and safety of TJ001.

Methods

Our study is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre clinical trial of Taeumjowi-tang (TJ001). For this study, we will recruit obese Korean patients of both sexes, ages 18 to 65 years, from four university hospitals. A total of 104 subjects will be recruited. The participants will receive either 7 g of TJ001 or a placebo three times daily for 12 weeks. The primary end point will be the rate of subjects who lose at least 5% of their baseline body weight. The secondary end points will be changes in body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist/hip circumference ratio, lipid profiles, body fat composition, blood pressure, fasting glucose concentration, C-reactive protein and questionnaires related to the quality of life. The outcomes will be measured every 4 weeks. The study period will be 12 weeks and will include a total of five visits with each subject (at screening and at 0, 4, 8 and 12 weeks).

Conclusions

The results of our study will inform various estimates of TJ001 and will serve as the basis for a larger-scale trial. This study will assess the efficacy and safety of TJ001 as an alternative herbal remedy for obesity.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN87153759

Potential association between frequent nonsynonymous variant of NPPA and cardioembolic stroke

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP, also known as NPPA) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP, also known as NPPB) have been determined as genetic factors for several diseases, including stroke and myocardial infarction, in human and rat models. To investigate the potential association between polymorphisms of the NPPA gene and stroke in a Korean population, nine single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of NPPA and NPPB genes were genotyped in a total of 941 Korean subjects, including 674 stroke patients (109 hemorrhagic and 565 ischemic) and 267 unaffected controls. Genotype comparisons of the targeted alleles revealed that there were no significant associations between stroke patients and control subjects, or among hemorrhagic, ischemic, and control groups. However, in logistic analysis for Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification of ischemic stroke, nonsynonymous rs5065 (STOP152Arg) and rs5067 in 3'UTR of NPPA, which were in complete linkage disequilibrium, showed significant associations with cardioembolic stroke. These two SNPs showed higher frequencies in cardioembolic stroke patients than those in controls and ischemic patients with small-vessel occlusion (p=0.002, adjusted p=0.02). It was also found that NPPA rs5065C allele in all of the Korean subjects existed as heterozygous compared with Caucasian and African populations. Although further replications in larger cardioembolic stroke subjects are required, our preliminary findings suggest that the nonsynonymous rs5065C of the NPPA gene, which could produce a new or dysfunctional transcript, is possibly associated with cardioembolism.

Effects of Gyejibongnyeong-hwan on dysmenorrhea caused by blood stagnation: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Gyejibongnyeong-hwan (GJBNH) is one of the most popular Korean medicine formulas for menstrual pain of dysmenorrhea. The concept of blood stagnation in Korean medicine is considered the main factor of causing abdominal pain, or cramps, during menstrual periods. To treat the symptoms, GJBNH is used to fluidify the stagnated blood and induce the blood flow to be smooth, reducing pain as the result. The purpose of this trial is to identify the efficacy of GJBNH in dysmenorrhea caused by blood stagnation.

Methods

This study is a multi-centre, randomised, double-blind, controlled trial with two parallel arms: the group taking GJBNH and the group taking placebo. 100 patients (women from age 18 to 35) will be enrolled to the trial. Through randomization 50 patients will be in experiment arm, and the other 50 patients will be in control arm. At the second visit (baseline), all participants who were already screened that they fulfil both the inclusion and the exclusion criteria will be randomised into two groups. Each group will take the intervention three times per day during two menstrual cycles. After the treatment for two cycles, each patient will be followed up during their 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th menstrual cycles. From the screening (Visit 1) through the second follow-up (Visit 6) the entire process will take 25 weeks.

Discussion

This trial will provide evidence for the effectiveness of GJBNH in treating periodical pain due to dysmenorrhea that is caused by blood stagnation. The primary outcome between the two groups will be measured by changes in the Visual Analogue Score (VAS) of pain. The secondary outcome will be measured by the Blood Stagnation Scale, the Short-form McGill questionnaire and the COX menstrual symptom scale. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and repeated measured ANOVA will be used to analyze the data analysis.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials: ISRCTN30426947

Induction of Fas-mediated extrinsic apoptosis, p21WAF1-related G2/M cell cycle arrest and ROS generation by costunolide in estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231

Costunolide (C(15)H(20)O(2)) is a sesquiterpene lactone that was isolated from many herbal medicines and it has diverse effects according to previous reports. However, the anti-cancer effects and the mechanism of actions are still unknown in breast cancer. In this study, we first observed that costunolide inhibits cell growth in a dose-and time-dependent manner. To examine the mechanism by which costunolide inhibits cell growth, we checked the effect of costunolide on apoptosis and the cell cycle. Costunolide induced apoptosis through the extrinsic pathway, including the activation of Fas, caspase-8, caspase-3, and degradation of PARP. However, did not have the same effect on the intrinsic pathway as revealed by analysis of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) with JC-1 dye and expression of Bcl2 and Bax proteins level. Furthermore, costunolide induced cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase via decrease in Cdc2, cyclin B1 and increase in p21WAF1 expression, independent of p53 pathway in p53-mutant MDA-MB-231 cells and increases Cdc2-p21WAF1 binding. In addition, costunolide had a slight induced effect on ROS generation. Among the mechanisms of p21WAF1 induction examined, costunolide-induced increase in p21WAF1 expression was related with protein stability and ROS generation. Through this study we confirm that costunolide induces G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptotic cell death via extrinsic pathway in MDA-MB-231 cells suggesting that it could be a promising anticancer drug especially for ER-negative breast cancer.

Phytoestrogens induce apoptosis via extrinsic pathway, inhibiting nuclear factor-kappaB signaling in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Phytoestrogens are known to prevent tumor induction. But their molecular mechanisms of action are largely unknown. This study aimed to examine the effect of genistein and quercetin on proliferation and apoptosis in HER2-expressing breast cancer cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antiproliferative effects of phytoestrogens were tested by proliferation assays. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze the cell cycle. The effect of phytoestrogens on cell-signaling molecules was determined by Western blotting.

RESULTS

Genistein and quercetin inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 vec and MCF-7 HER2 cells. This growth inhibition was accompanied with an increase of subG(0)/G(1) apoptotic fractions. Genistein and quercetin induced extrinsic apoptosis pathway, up-regulating p53. Genistein and quercetin reduced the phosphorylation level of IκBα, and abrogated the nuclear translocation of p65 and its phosphorylation within the nucleus.

CONCLUSION

Genistein and quercetin exert their antiproliferative activity by inhibiting NFκB signaling. Phytoestrogens could be potential useful compounds to prevent or treat HER2-overexpressing breast cancer.

Induction of apoptotic cell death by ursolic acid through mitochondrial death pathway and extrinsic death receptor pathway in MDA-MB-231 cells

Ursolic acid (3-hydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid derived from leaves, berries, fruits, and flowers of medicinal plants, such as Rosemarinus officinalis. Ursolic acid has been shown to inhibit tumorigenesis, tumor promotion, and suppress angiogenesis. In our present study, we found that ursolic acid decreased cell proliferation rate and induce apoptosis in human breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-231. When we checked the expression levels of proteins associated with apoptosis signal by using immunoblotting, we found that ursolic acid induces various apoptotic molecules related to either extrinsic or intrinsic apoptosis signal pathway in MDA-MB-231 cells. In our study, we found that ursolic acid induced the appearance of Fas receptor and cleavage of caspase-8, -3 and PARP. We also found that ursolic acid induced Bax up-regulation and Bcl-2 down-regulation and release of cytochrome C to the cytosol from mitochondria. Moreover, ursolic acid cleaved caspase-9 and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) as shown with JC-1 staining. These data indicate that ursolic acid induce apoptosis through both mitochondrial death pathway and extrinsic death receptor dependent pathway in MDA-MB-231 cells. Our data clearly indicate that ursolic acid could be used as a potential anticancer drug for breast cancer.

Immune-enhancing effect of Danggwibohyeoltang, an extract from Astragali Radix and Angelicae gigantis Radix, in vitro and in vivo

Danggwibohyeoltang (DGBHT) is an oriental herbal prescription consisting of two herbs: Astragali Radix and Angelicae gigantis Radix. We examined the immune-enhancing effect of DGBHT in mice using the forced swimming test (FST) and in vitro tests in peritoneal macrophages. After daily oral administration of DGBHT, blood biochemical parameters related to fatigue were measured after the FST. The immobility time in the FST was significantly decreased in the DGBHT-treated group (200 mg/kg) on the 10th and 14th days. DGBHT (100~~200 mg/kg) treatment significantly increased glucose levels, acting as an energy source. Lactic dehydrogenase levels, which are accurate indicators of muscle damage, tended to decline after DGBHT administration (100~200 mg/kg). When DGBHT (200 mg/kg) was orally administered to mice, creatine kinase levels tended to decrease; however, this decrease was not significant. DGBHT did not have any effects on the variation of total protein and blood urea nitrogen levels. Further, we examined how DGBHT regulates cytokine production, nitric oxide (NO) production, and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation in mouse peritoneal macrophages. When DGBHT was used in combination with recombinant interferon-gamma (rIFN-γ), there was a noticeable cooperative induction of NO production and NF-κB activation. Moreover, rIFN-γ plus DGBHT treatment of peritoneal macrophages significantly increased the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-12 (IL-12). These results suggest that DGBHT improves immune function through the changes in indicators related to fatigue and the regulatory effects on immunological parameters, such as TNF-α, IL-12, NO production, and NF-κB activation.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Rhus verniviflua Stokes by suppression of iNOS-mediated Akt and ERK pathways: in-vitro and in-vivo studies

OBJECTIVES

Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS), which has valuable medicinal properties, has for many years been prescribed for inflammation in east Asian medicine. Recent studies suggest that RVS has potent antioxidative, antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties.

METHODS

In this study, the anti-inflammatory effects of RVS in vitro and in vivo were investigated. The ethanol extract from RVS was partitioned with different solvents in order of increasing polarity.

KEY FINDINGS

Among the various extracts, the n-butanol extract displayed the most potent activity against nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species. The n-butanol extract also significantly regulates expression of nitric oxide synthase, which inhibits nitric oxide production at the transcriptional level in activated macrophages. Immunoblot analysis also showed that n-butanol extract suppresses the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and Akt, suggesting that nitric oxide synthase suppression might be mediated via the extracellular signal-regulated kinase and Akt signaling pathways. This study also investigated whether n-butanol exerts an anti-inflammatory effect in an animal model. n-butanol extract significantly reduces carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema at 5 h.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that RVS could be a promising candidate agent for inflammation prevention and combination therapy with anti-inflammatory drugs.

Antiinflammatory effects of Epimedium brevicornum water extract on lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW264.7 macrophages

Epimedium brevicornum Maxim (Berberidaceae) possesses estrogenic properties. It is one of the most widespread herbal remedies used in Oriental medicine. The present study investigated the effects of Epimedium brevicornum water extract (EB) on proinflammatory mediators secreted from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. EB significantly inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-3, IL-10, IL-12p40, interferon-inducible protein-10, keratinocyte-derived chemokine, vascular endothelial growth factor, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells at concentrations of 25, 50, 100 and 200 μg/mL (p < 0.05). These results suggest that EB has antiinflammatory activity related to its inhibition of NO, cytokine, chemokine and growth factor production in macrophages.

The efficacy and safety study of dietary supplement PURIAM110 on non-insulin taking Korean adults in the stage of pre-diabetes and diabetes mellitus: protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and multicenter trial-pilot study

Background

Diabetes has already become a threat to the nation and the individual due to its high prevalence rates and high medical expenses. Therefore, preventing diabetes at an earlier stage is very important. Despite advances in antidiabetic agents, we have not yet achieved any satisfying results in treating diabetes. Among various treatments, medicinal herbs and supplements for diabetes are reported to show generally good efficacy and safety data. In particular, PURIAM110, a compound from orange fruits and mulberry leaves, is supposed to prevent the progress of type II diabetes mellitus and improve diabetic symptoms. This is the first reported pilot study about the protective effect of the orange fruits and mulberry leaves mixture against pre-diabetes on Korean adults. Based on these positive results of herb-derived components, extended studies of dietary supplements have to be done to suggest confirmative evidences.

Methods/Design

The efficacy and safety study of PURIAM110 is a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized, and multi-center clinical trial. A total of 45 subjects will participate in this study for 6 weeks.

Discussion

The present protocol will confirm the efficacy and safety of PURIAM110 for pre-diabetes, suggesting more basic knowledge to conduct further randomized controlled trials (RCT). In addition, PURIAM110 can be an alternative dietary supplemental remedy for diabetes patients.

Trial Registration

ISRCTN: ISRCTN44779824

Ethanol extract of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi prevents oxidative damage and neuroinflammation and memorial impairments in artificial senescense mice

Aging is a progressive process related to the accumulation of oxidative damage and neuroinflammation. We tried to find the anti-amnesic effect of the Scutellaria baicalens Georgia (SBG) ethanol extract and its major ingredients. The antioxidative effect of SBG on the mice model with memory impairment induced by chronic injection of D-galactose and sodium nitrate was studied. The Y-maze test was used to evaluate the learning and memory function of mice. The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and the content of malondialdehyde in brain tissue were used for the antioxidation activities. Neuropathological alteration and expression of bcl-2 protein were investigated in the hippocampus by immunohistochemical staining. ROS, neuroinflammation and apoptosis related molecules expression such as Cox-2, iNOS, procaspase-3, cleaved caspase-3, 8 and 9, bcl-2 and bax protein and the products of iNOS and Cox-2, NO, PGE2, were studied using LPS-activated Raw 264.7 cells and microglia BV2 cells. The cognition of mice was significantly improved by the treatment of baicalein and 50 and 100 mg/kg of SBG in Y-maze test. Both SBG groups showed strong antioxidation, antiinflammation effects with significantly decreased iNOS and Cox-2 expression, NO and PGE2 production, increased bcl-2 and decreased bax and cleaved caspase-3 protein expression in LPS induced Raw 264.7 and BV2 cells. We also found that apoptotic pathway was caused by the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway with the decreased cleaved caspase-9 and unchanged cleaved caspase-8 expression. These findings suggest that SBG, especially high dose, 100 mg/kg, improved the memory impairments significantly and showed antioxidation, antiinflammation and intrinsic caspase-mediated apoptosis effects.

p34SEI-1 inhibits doxorubicin-induced senescence through a pathway mediated by protein kinase C-delta and c-Jun-NH2-kinase 1 activation in human breast cancer MCF7 cells

In this study, we describe a novel function of the p34(SEI-1) protein, which is both an oncogenic protein and a positive regulator of the cell cycle. The p34(SEI-1) protein was found to inhibit doxorubicin-induced senescence. We investigated the molecular mechanisms of the inhibitory effect of p34(SEI-1) on senescence. First, we found that the activation of protein kinase C-delta (PKC-delta), which is cleaved into a 38 kDa active form from a 78 kDa pro-form, induced after doxorubicin treatment, was inhibited by p34(SEI-1). Furthermore, p34(SEI-1) induced the ubiquitination of PKC-delta. Yet, there is no interaction between p34(SEI-1) and PKC-delta. We also found that the phosphorylation of c-Jun-NH(2)-kinase 1 (JNK1) induced after doxorubicin treatment was suppressed by p34(SEI-1), but not in JNK2. Consistently, pharmacologic or genetic inactivation of either PKC-delta or JNK1 was found to inhibit doxorubicin-induced senescence. In addition, the genetic inactivation of PKC-delta by PKC-delta small interfering RNA resulted in an inhibition of JNK1 activation, but PKC-delta expression was not inactivated by JNK1 small interfering RNA, implying that the activation of JNK1 could be dependently induced by PKC-delta. Therefore, p34(SEI-1) inhibits senescence by inducing PKC-delta ubiquitination and preventing PKC-delta-dependent phosphorylation of JNK1.

Selective cytotoxic effects on human cancer cell lines of phenolic-rich ethyl-acetate fraction from Rhus verniciflua Stokes

Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS) is a plant with a long history of medicinal use in Eastern Asia. RVS has been widely used to treat gastritis, stomach cancer and atherosclerosis. The cytotoxic effects of different solvent fractions from an RVS ethanol extract were measured in 11 human cancer cell lines. The study showed that the ethyl-acetate (EtOAC) fraction was the most cytotoxic. This fraction contains a number of phenolic compounds, and this phenolic-rich EtOAC fraction was particularly effective against gastric and breast cancer cells. A purified phenolic-rich EtOAC fraction (PPEF) had a stronger apoptotic effect on these cells. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis showed that the PPEF contained gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, fisetin, sulfuretin, butein and 8 unknown compounds. There were only small amounts of flavonoids: fisetin, sulfuretin and butein. The results showed that PPEF induces apoptosis only in gastric and breast cancer cell lines, but not in lung, colon or liver cancer cell lines. Therefore, PPEF may have a significant potential as an organ-specific anti-cancer agent.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Scutellaria baicalensis water extract on LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages

AIM OF THE STUDY

The root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Labiatae), also known as Scutellariae Radix, possesses anticancer, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. And it is one of the most widespread herbal remedies used in Oriental medicine. In the present study, we investigated the effects of Scutellariae Radix water extract (SR) on proinflammatory mediators secreted from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay and nitric oxide (NO) concentration in the cultured medium was determined by the Griess reaction. Various Cytokines released from LPS-induced Raw 264.7 cells were measured in the cell culture supernatants using a multiplex bead array assay based on xMAP technology.

RESULTS

We found that SR significantly inhibited the production of NO, interleukin (IL)-3, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p40, IL-17, interferon-inducible protein (IP)-10, keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells at the concentrations of 25, 50, 100, 200 microg/ml (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that SR has anti-inflammatory activity related with its inhibition of NO, cytokine, chemokine, and growth factor production in macrophages.

Rhus verniciflua Stokes prevents cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species production in MDCK-I renal cells and intact mice

Cisplatin-induced oxidative stress can cause liver and kidney damage, thus limiting therapeutic efficacy. Thus, in the present study, since Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS) containing flavonoids has antioxidant effects, we investigated whether it can protect cisplatin-induced toxicity in vitro and in vivo, The in vitro effects of RVS on the cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were investigated using cisplatin-treated Madin-Darby Canine kidney (MDCK)-I renal cells. Its in vivo effects were also studied in BALB/c mice inoculated with CT-26 colon adenocarcinoma cells and treated with cisplatin with or without RVS. Liver and renal functions were assessed together with indices of tissue oxidation. RVS prevented cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity and ROS release against MDCK-I cells. RVS alone exerted modest antitumor activity against CT-26 cells. When used concurrently with cisplatin, RVS prevented the increases in serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and NO, while reducing liver and kidney tissue MDA content, and increasing catalase, glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. Moreover, the antitumor efficacy of cisplatin was not altered by concurrent administration of RVS. These findings demonstrate that RVS prevents cisplatin-induced toxicity in vitro and in vivo via an antioxidant activity without hurting its antitumor effectiveness, suggesting that RVS can be usefully applied to the neoplastic patients as a combined chemopreventive agent with cisplatin.

Preparation of biopolymer-coated magnetite nanoparticles for magnetic resonance image contrast agent

The magnetite nanoparticles were synthesized using the sonochemical method with oleic acid as surfactant. The average size of the magnetite particles can be controlled by the ratio R = [H2O]/[surfactant] in the range of 2 to 9 nm. The size of the magnetite nanoparticles prepared by this method shows the narrow distribution. To prepare biopolymer(beta-glucan)-coated magnetite nanoparticles, beta-glucan solution was added to the magnetic colloid suspensions under the ultrasonication at room temperature. The beta-glucan coated magnetite colloidal suspensions of various concentrations did not agglomerate for 15 days, indicating their good stability. The beta-glucan-coated magnetite colloidal suspensions exhibited the enhancement of MRI contrasts in vitro.

p34SEI-1 inhibits apoptosis through the stabilization of the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein: p34SEI-1 as a novel target for anti-breast cancer strategies

The p34(SEI-1) protein exerts oncogenic effects via regulation of the cell cycle, which occurs through a direct interaction with cyclin-dependent kinase 4. Such regulation can increase the survival of various types of tumor cells. Here, we show that the antiapoptotic function of p34(SEI-1) increases tumor cell survival by protecting the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) from degradation. Our findings show that p34(SEI-1) inhibits apoptosis. This antiapoptotic effect was eliminated by the suppression of p34(SEI-1) expression. We also determined that direct binding of p34(SEI-1) to the BIR2 domain prevents ubiquitination of XIAP. Interestingly, p34(SEI-1) expression is absent or weak in normal tissues but is strongly expressed in tissues obtained from patients with breast cancer. Furthermore, the expression levels of p34(SEI-1) and XIAP seem to be coordinated in human breast cancer cell lines and tumor tissues. Thus, our findings reveal that p34(SEI-1) uses a novel apoptosis-inhibiting mechanism to stabilize XIAP.

Induction of apoptosis by KI0477959 through activation of caspase-3 in human leukemia cell line, HL-60 cells

KI0477959 (Herbkines) has been used for the purpose of development of physical strength in wasting diseases, like cancer. In the present study, apoptosis-inducing activities of butanol fraction of KI0477959 were studied in human leukemia cell line, HL-60 cells. KI0477959 increased cytotoxicity but had less effect on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. KI0477959-induced apoptosis was accompanied by activation of caspase-3 and specific proteolytic cleavage of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase. Increased apoptosis was reduced by treatment with p38 and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) inhibitors. These results suggest that KI0477959 induces apoptosis through activation of caspase-3, p38, and ERK in HL-60 cells.

Sophora flavescens Aiton inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines through inhibition of the NF kappaB/IkappaB signal pathway in human mast cell line (HMC-1)

The dried roots of Sophora flavescens Aiton (SFA) has been used in traditional medicine for treatment of inflammation, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, diarrhea, and asthma. In the present study, we investigated the effect of SFA on the inflammatory allergic reaction using human mast cell-1 (HMC-1). SFA (200mg/kg) inhibited the mast cell-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction in vivo and the release of histamine from rat peritoneal mast cells by compound 48/80. In addition, the expression levels of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-8 were also decreased by SFA treatment. In molecular mechanism level, this study showed that SFA inhibited the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor (NF) kappaB through inhibition of the phosphorylation and degradation of IkappaB-alpha, which is an inhibitor of NF kappaB. Moreover, SFA suppressed PMA plus A23187-induced phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase p38 and c-jun N-terminal kinase. The inhibited induction of NF kappaB promoter by SFA was determined using luciferase activity. These results suggest that SFA could be used as a treatment for mast cell-derived allergic inflammatory diseases.

Blockade of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa mediates the antithrombotic activity of butanol fraction of Actinostemma lobatum Maxim

AIM OF THE STUDY

Actinostemma lobatum Maxim, a wildlife plant of Cucurbitaceae family, has been utilized for the prevention or treatment of cardiovascular diseases as a folk remedy in Korea. However, its scientific evidence remains unclear. Thus, in the present study, we examined the effects of butanol fraction of Actinostemma lobatum Maxim (BFALM) on the in vitro and in vivo antithrombotic activity and possible mechanisms were elucidated for the first time.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

To elucidate the antithrombotic mechanism of BFALM, platelet aggregation assay, coagulation assay, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa assay, thromboxane A(2) assay and in vivo pulmonary thromboembolism experiment were performed.

RESULTS

BFALM significantly inhibited collagen, adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and thrombin-induced platelet aggregation in a concentration dependent manner. Consistently, oral administration of BFALM resulted in a dose-dependent increase of survival rates of mice with pulmonary thromboembolism induced by intravenous injection of collagen and epinephrine. In mechanism assays for the antithrombotic activity of BFALM, BFALM significantly inhibited the fibrinogen binding to the platelet surface Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GP IIb/IIIa) receptor in a concentration dependent fashion, as well as reduced the level of thromboxane A(2) at 400microg/ml. Furthermore, BFALM significantly prolonged the prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) compared with untreated control.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that BFALM may exert antithrombotic activity through inhibition of platelet aggregation via GP IIb/IIIa and thromboxane A(2) pathways, along with anticoagulatory activity through intrinsic and extrinsic pathways.

Eleutherococcus senticosus extract attenuates LPS-induced iNOS expression through the inhibition of Akt and JNK pathways in murine macrophage

Eleutherococcus senticosus (Araliaceae) is immunological modulator which has been successfully used for anti-inflammatory effectors on anti-rheumatic diseases in oriental medicine. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and Akt modulate the transcription of many genes involved in the inflammatory process. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of Eleutherococcus senticosus on the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-activated macrophages. Finally, we studied the involvement of MAPKs and Akt signaling in the protective effect of Eleutherococcus senticosus in LPS-activated macrophages. Eleutherococcus senticosus significantly attenuated LPS-induced iNOS expression but not COX-2 expression. In using the standard inhibitors (MAPKs and Akt), our results show that Eleutherococcus senticosus downregulates inflammatory iNOS expression by blocking JNK and Akt activation.

Phenolic-rich fraction from Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS) suppress inflammatory response via NF-kappaB and JNK pathway in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages

The effects of phenolic-rich fraction (PRF) from Rhus verniciflua Stokes (Anacardiaceae) on the activities of cellular signaling molecules that mediate inflammatory responses in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages were investigated. At various concentrations of PRF significantly inhibited NO, PGE(2) and TNF-alpha production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. The PRF also significantly inhibited iNOS and COX-2 protein expression in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage in a concentration-dependent manner. Transcription factor NF-kappaB plays a key role for the inducible expression of genes mediating proinflammatory effects and here, we show that PRF can inhibit the induction of NF-kappaB activity. The PRF effectively inhibited the iNOS and COX-2 protein expression through suppression of phospho-JNK1/2 activation. Study using PDA HPLC has found that the PRF contains several low molecular compounds (i.e. p-coumaric acid, fustin, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, sulfuretin, butein, kaempferol). Our results indicate that the anti-inflammatory properties of PRF might result from the inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators (e.g., NO, PGE(2) and TNF-alpha) by suppression of such signaling pathways as NF-kappaB and JNK1/2.

Use of scopoletin to inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines through inhibition of the IkappaB/NF-kappaB signal cascade in the human mast cell line HMC-1

Scopoletin (6-methoxy-7-hydroxycoumarin) is a coumarin compound and a pharmacologically active agent that has been isolated from several plant species. However, as yet there is no clear explanation of how scopoletin affects the production of inflammatory cytokine. We therefore used cells from the human mast cell line (HMC-1) to investigate this effect. Scopoletin significantly and dose-dependently inhibits the way in which phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus A23187 induces the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 (P<0.05). The maximal rates at which scopoletin (0.2 mM) inhibited the production of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-8 were 41.6%+/-4.2%, 71.9%+/-2.5%, and 43.0%+/-5.7%, respectively. In activated HMC-1 cells, the expression level of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB/Rel A protein was increased in the nucleus whereas the level of NF-kappaB/Rel A in nucleus was decreased by treatment with scopoletin. Scopoletin decreased PMA plus A23187-induced luciferase activity. Scopoletin also inhibits IkappaBalpha phosphorylation and degradation in cytoplasm. These results indicate that scopoletin has a potential regulatory effect on inflammatory reactions that are mediated by mast cells.

Rhus verniciflua stokes extract: radical scavenging activities and protective effects on H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in macrophage RAW 264.7 cell lines

The goal of this study was to determine the effects of Rhus verniciflua stokes (RVS) on the radical scavenging activities and H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in macrophage 264.7 cells. An 80% ethanol extract of RVS was purified by ion exchange chromatography (IEC). Purified RVS extract contained a high amount of phenolics (55.5 g/100 g of extract) and flavonoids (5.9 g/100 g of extract) and its antioxidant activities, such as DPPH, superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities, was higher than the unpurified RVS extract. Purified RVS extract significantly reduced intracellular ROS formation caused by H2O2. Purified RVS extract also prevented the cell death of macrophage RAW 264.7 cells induced by H2O2. Interestingly, co-treated purified RVS extract effectively reduced thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) formation, and attenuated catalase depletion at concentration of 100 microg/ml (p<0.05). Study using PDA-HPLC analyses have found that the purified RVS extract contains six major low molecular compounds as p-coumaric acid, fustin, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, sulfuretin, butein and kaempferol. These results indicate that purified RVS extract, tested in this study, could contribute to the antioxidant activities and inhibition of intracellular ROS level.

Inhibition of cell cycle progression via p27Kip1 upregulation and apoptosis induction by an ethanol extract of Rhus verniciflua Stokes in AGS gastric cancer cells

Botanical preparations are widely used by patient with cancer in Korea, Japan and China. Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS) has traditionally been used as a medicinal ingredient for the therapy of stomach and uterine cancer. In this study, we showed that exposure to an ethanol extract of RVS (50 microg/ml) resulted in a synergistic inhibitory effect on cell growth in AGS cells. Growth inhibition was related with the inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis. The extract induces G1-cell cycle arrest through the regulation of cyclins, the induction of p27Kip1, and decrease the CDK2 kinase activity. The upregulated p27Kip1 level is caused by protein stability increment by the reduction of Skp2, a key molecule related with p27Kip1 ubiquitination and degradation, and de novo protein synthesis. RVS extract induces apoptosis through the expression of Bax, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and activation of caspase-3. RVS extract induces G1-cell cycle arrest via accumulation of p27Kip1 controlled by Skp2 reduction and apoptosis passing through an intrinsic pathway in human gastric cancer cells but not in normal cells, therefore we suggest that this extract could be a candidate medicine or compound for the development of novel class of anti-cancer drugs.

Inhibition of cell cycle progression via p27Kip1 upregulation and apoptosis induction by an ethanol extract of Rhus verniciflua Stokes in AGS gastric cancer cells

Botanical preparations are widely used by patient with cancer in Korea, Japan and China. Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS) has traditionally been used as a medicinal ingredient for the therapy of stomach and uterine cancer. In this study, we showed that exposure to an ethanol extract of RVS (50 microg/ml) resulted in a synergistic inhibitory effect on cell growth in AGS cells. Growth inhibition was related with the inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis. The extract induces G1-cell cycle arrest through the regulation of cyclins, the induction of p27Kip1, and decrease the CDK2 kinase activity. The upregulated p27Kip1 level is caused by protein stability increment by the reduction of Skp2, a key molecule related with p27Kip1 ubiquitination and degradation, and de novo protein synthesis. RVS extract induces apoptosis through the expression of Bax, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and activation of caspase-3. RVS extract induces G1-cell cycle arrest via accumulation of p27Kip1 controlled by Skp2 reduction and apoptosis passing through an intrinsic pathway in human gastric cancer cells but not in normal cells, therefore we suggest that this extract could be a candidate medicine or compound for the development of novel class of anti-cancer drugs.

The signaling network of transforming growth factor beta1, protein kinase Cdelta, and integrin underlies the spreading and invasiveness of gastric carcinoma cells

Integrin-mediated cell adhesion and spreading enables cells to respond to extracellular stimuli for cellular functions. Using a gastric carcinoma cell line that is usually round in adhesion, we explored the mechanisms underlying the cell spreading process, separate from adhesion, and the biological consequences of the process. The cells exhibited spreading behavior through the collaboration of integrin-extracellular matrix interaction with a Smad-mediated transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) pathway that is mediated by protein kinase Cdelta (PKCdelta). TGFbeta1 treatment of the cells replated on extracellular matrix caused the expression and phosphorylation of PKCdelta, which is required for expression and activation of integrins. Increased expression of integrins alpha2 and alpha3 correlated with the spreading, functioning in activation of focal adhesion molecules. Smad3, but not Smad2, overexpression enhanced the TGFbeta1 effects. Furthermore, TGFbeta1 treatment and PKCdelta activity were required for increased motility on fibronectin and invasion through matrigel, indicating their correlation with the spreading behavior. Altogether, this study clearly evidenced that the signaling network, involving the Smad-dependent TGFbeta pathway, PKCdelta expression and phosphorylation, and integrin expression and activation, regulates cell spreading, motility, and invasion of the SNU16mAd gastric carcinoma cell variant.