Caspases: enemies within

Multiple interactions between melatonin and non-coding RNAs in cancer biology

The melatonin hormone secreted by the pineal gland is involved in physiological functions such as growth and maturation, circadian cycles, and biological activities including antioxidants, anti-tumor, and anti-ischemia. Melatonin not only interacts with proteins but also has functional effects on regulatory RNAs such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs). In this study, we overview various physiological and pathological conditions affecting melatonin through lncRNA and miRNA. The information compiled herein will serve as a solid foundation to formulate ideas for future mechanistic studies on melatonin. It will also provide a chance to more clarify the emerging functions of the non-coding transcriptome.

Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Human Umbilical Cord Perivascular Cells Improve Functional Recovery in Brain Ischemic Rat via the Inhibition of Apoptosis

Background:

Ischemic stroke, as a health problem caused by the reduced blood supply to the brain, can lead to the neuronal death. The number of reliable therapies for stroke is limited. MSCs exhibit therapeutic achievement. A major limitation of MSC application in cell therapy is the short survival span. MSCs affect target tissues through the secretion of many paracrine agents including EVs. This study aimed to investigate the effect of HUCPVCs-derived EVs on apoptosis, functional recovery, and neuroprotection.

Methods:

Ischemia was induced by MCAO in male Wistar rats. Animals were classified into sham, MCAO, MCAO + HUCPVC, and MCAO + EV groups. Treatments began at two hours after ischemia. Expressions of apoptotic-related proteins (BAX/BCl-2 and caspase-3 and -9), the amount of TUNEL-positive cells, neuronal density (MAP2), and dead neurons (Nissl staining) were assessed on day seven post MCAO.

Results:

Administration of EVs improved the sensorimotor function (p < 0.001) and reduced the apoptotic rate of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio (p < 0.001), as well as caspases and TUNEL-positive cells (p < 0.001) in comparison to the MCAO group. EV treatment also reduced the number of dead neurons and increased the number of MAP2⁺ cells in the IBZ (p < 0.001), as compared to the MCAO group.

Conclusion:

Our findings showed that HUCPVCs-derived EVs are more effective than their mother’s cells in improving neural function, possibly via the regulation of apoptosis in the ischemic rats. The strategy of cell-free extracts is, thus, helpful in removing the predicaments surrounding cell therapy in targeting brain diseases.

Trichosanthin inhibits cervical cancer by regulating oxidative stress-induced apoptosis

Based on many studies, trichosanthin (TCS) has an antiviral effect that regulates immune response, and targets cancer cells to exert broad-spectrum anti-tumor pharmacological activities. It is speculated that TCS may be a potential natural active drug for preventing as well as treating cervical cancer. But the clearer impact along with underlying TCS mechanism on cervical cancer are still unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the function and potential mechanism of TCS in cervical cancer. We measured the viability of cervical cancer cell lines (HeLa & caski cells) using CCK-8 analysis, detected cell proliferation efficiency through Ki-67 staining, analyzed cell apoptosis rate via flow cytometry as well as annexin V-FITC/PI double staining, performed apoptosis-related protein expression through western blotting, evaluated cell migration along with invasion by wound as well as transwell assays, carried out MMP via JC-1 and Rh123 fluorescent probes, as well as detected intracellular ATP and ROS levels by flow cytometry, respectively, to evaluate the effects of TCS. We found that TCS inhibited viability along with proliferation, induced apoptosis, as well as inhibited HeLa & caski cell migration along with invasion in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Additionally, TCS also reduced MMP, and the production of adenosine triphosphate, as well as induced the increase of intracellular reactive oxygen species in cancer cell lines. In accordance with the present studies, TCS inhibits HeLa & caski cell proliferation along with migration but promotes their apoptosis, which may be mediated by regulating oxidative stress.

A neutral polysaccharide from Ophiocordyceps lanpingensis restrains cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity

Ophiocordyceps lanpingensis is an edible mushroom distributed over the south-eastern part of the Tibet Plateau, which is also recognized as an effective ethnomedicine to alleviate diseases. This study explored the effects of a kind of Ophiocordyceps lanpingensis neutral polysaccharide (ONP) on RAW264.7 macrophages and cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. The results showed that ONP relieved the inflammatory response of RAW264.7 macrophages by increasing the expression level of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10. Furthermore, ONP treatment significantly prolonged the survival of the mice treated by cisplatin through decelerating pathological progress and alleviating damaged functions of the kidneys. Compared with the cisplatin group, ONP reduced the oxidative stress of the renal cells and the expression levels of pro-inflammatory factors. Apoptosis of renal cells was also weakened in the ONP treatment group. These findings indicated that ONP alleviated cisplatin nephrotoxicity mainly by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the kidneys, underscoring the potential of ONP supplementation to alleviate the side effects of cisplatin chemotherapy.

Apoptotic cells represent a dynamic stem cell niche governing proliferation and tissue regeneration

Stem cells (SCs) play a key role in homeostasis and repair. While many studies have focused on SC self-renewal and differentiation, little is known regarding the molecular mechanism regulating SC elimination and compensation upon loss. Here, we report that Caspase-9 deletion in hair follicle SCs (HFSCs) attenuates the apoptotic cascade, resulting in significant temporal delays. Surprisingly, Casp9-deficient HFSCs accumulate high levels of cleaved caspase-3 and are improperly cleared due to an essential caspase-3/caspase-9 feedforward loop. These SCs are retained in an apoptotic-engaged state, serving as mitogenic signaling centers by continuously releasing Wnt3 and instructing proliferation. Investigating the underlying mechanism, we reveal a caspase-3/Dusp8/p38 module responsible for Wnt3 induction, which operates in both normal and Casp9-deleted HFSCs. Notably, Casp9-deleted mice display accelerated wound repair and de novo hair follicle regeneration. Taken together, we demonstrate that apoptotic cells represent a dynamic SC niche, from which emanating signals drive SC proliferation and tissue regeneration.

The Anti-Tumor Effect and Underlying Apoptotic Mechanism of Ginsenoside Rk1 and Rg5 in Human Liver Cancer Cells

Ginsenoside Rk1 and Rg5 are minor ginseng saponins that have received more attention recently because of their high oral bioavailability. Each of them can effectively inhibit the survival and proliferation of human liver cancer cells, but the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that G-Rk1 and G-Rg5 yielded 142 potential targets, and shared 44 putative targets associated with hepatocellular carcinoma. Enrichment analysis of the overlapped genes showed that G-Rk1 and G-Rg5 may induce apoptosis of liver cancer cells through inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signal pathways. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay was used to confirm the inhibition of cell viability with G-Rk1 or G-Rg5 in highly metastatic human cancer MHCC-97H cells. We evaluated the apoptosis of MHCC-97H cells by using flow cytometry and 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining. The translocation of Bax/Bak led to the depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential and release of cytochrome c and Smac. A sequential activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 and the cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) were observed after that. The levels of anti-apoptotic proteins were decreased after treatment of G-Rk1 or G-Rg5 in MHCC-97H cells. Taken together, G-Rk1 and G-Rg5 promoted the endogenous apoptotic pathway in MHCC-97H cells by targeting and regulating some critical liver cancer related genes that are involved in the signal pathways associated with cell survival and proliferation.

Reactive Oxygen Species and Pressure Ulcer Formation after Traumatic Injury to Spinal Cord and Brain

Traumatic injuries to the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, lead to neurological dysfunction depending upon the severity of the injury. Due to the loss of motor (immobility) and sensory function (lack of sensation), spinal cord injury (SCI) and brain injury (TBI) patients may be bed-ridden and immobile for a very long-time. These conditions lead to secondary complications such as bladder/bowel dysfunction, the formation of pressure ulcers (PUs), bacterial infections, etc. PUs are chronic wounds that fail to heal or heal very slowly, may require multiple treatment modalities, and pose a risk to develop further complications, such as sepsis and amputation. This review discusses the role of oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the formation of PUs in patients with TBI and SCI. Decades of research suggest that ROS may be key players in mediating the formation of PUs. ROS levels are increased due to the accumulation of activated macrophages and neutrophils. Excessive ROS production from these cells overwhelms intrinsic antioxidant mechanisms. While short-term and moderate increases in ROS regulate signal transduction of various bioactive molecules; long-term and excessively elevated ROS can cause secondary tissue damage and further debilitating complications. This review discusses the role of ROS in PU development after SCI and TBI. We also review the completed and ongoing clinical trials in the management of PUs after SCI and TBI using different technologies and treatments, including antioxidants.

The circadian timing of noise exposure influences noise-induced inflammatory responses in the mouse cochlea

INTRODUCTION

Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common forms of sensorineural hearing loss. Nevertheless, the mechanisms of noise-induced hearing loss are still not fully understood.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the dynamics of inflammatory responses in the mammalian cochlea following noise trauma at two different times, once during the light cycle and once during the dark.

METHODS

We challenged C57BL/6J mice with moderate, continuous noise trauma at either 9 a.m. or 9 p.m. Auditory function, histological changes in hair cells, and modifications in gene expression levels of inflammatory mediators were assessed at specific time points. Shifts in auditory brainstem response thresholds were measured at 1, 3, 7 and 14 days after noise exposure to measure potential noise-induced hearing loss. Cochlear basilar-membrane immunofluorescent staining was performed at 3 and 14 days after noise exposure. The mRNA levels of several inflammatory mediators were measured via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction before (pre) and after (0, 3, 12, 24 and 72 h) noise exposure.

RESULTS

We found that all noise-exposed mice developed a temporary threshold shift and that there were no significant differences between daytime and nighttime noise exposures in terms of inducing hearing-threshold shifts. Similarly, we did not detect significant histological changes in hair cells between these two groups. However, we discovered an interesting phenomenon in that the peak mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, CCL2 and TNF-α were higher in day noise-exposed mice compared to those in night noise-exposed mice, and these mRNA levels subsided more slowly in day noise-exposed mice.

CONCLUSION

Overall, these observations suggest that the circadian timing of noise exposure has a significant effect on noise-induced inflammatory responses in the mouse cochlea and that a greater inflammatory response might occur after daytime exposure.

Murder on the Ovarian Express: A Tale of Non-Autonomous Cell Death in the Drosophila Ovary

Throughout oogenesis, Drosophila egg chambers traverse the fine line between survival and death. After surviving the ten early and middle stages of oogenesis, egg chambers drastically change their size and structure to produce fully developed oocytes. The development of an oocyte comes at a cost, the price is the lives of the oocyte’s 15 siblings, the nurse cells. These nurse cells do not die of their own accord. Their death is dependent upon their neighbors—the stretch follicle cells. Stretch follicle cells are nonprofessional phagocytes that spend the final stages of oogenesis surrounding the nurse cells and subsequently forcing the nurse cells to give up everything for the sake of the oocyte. In this review, we provide an overview of cell death in the ovary, with a focus on recent findings concerning this phagocyte-dependent non-autonomous cell death.

The pro-apoptotic ARTS protein induces neutrophil apoptosis, efferocytosis, and macrophage reprogramming to promote resolution of inflammation

ARTS (Sept4_i2) is a pro-apoptotic protein and a product of the Sept4 gene. ARTS acts upstream of mitochondria to initiate caspase activation. ARTS induces apoptosis by specifically binding XIAP and allowing de-repression of active caspases required for Mitochondrial Outer Membrane Permeabilzation (MOMP). Moreover, ARTS promotes apoptosis by inducing ubiquitin-mediated degradation of both major anti-apoptotic proteins XIAP and Bcl-2. In the resolution phase of inflammation, the infiltrating leukocytes, which execute the acute innate response, undergo apoptosis and are subsequently cleared by phagocytic macrophages (i.e. efferocytosis). In this course, macrophages undergo reprogramming from inflammatory, to anti-inflammatory, and eventually to resolving macrophages that leave the injury sites. Since engulfment of apoptotic leukocytes is a key signaling step in macrophage reprogramming and resolution of inflammation, we hypothesized that a failed apoptosis in leukocytes in vivo would result in an impaired resolution process. To test this hypothesis, we utilized the Sept4/ARTS^-/- mice, which exhibit resistance to apoptosis in many cell types. During zymosan A-induced peritonitis, Sept4/ARTS^-/- mice exhibited impaired resolution of inflammation, characterized by reduced neutrophil apoptosis, macrophage efferocytosis and expression of pro-resolving mediators. This was associated with increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduced anti-inflammatory cytokines, secreted by resolution-phase macrophages. Moreover, ARTS overexpression in leukocytes in vitro promoted an anti-inflammatory behavior. Overall, our results suggest that ARTS is a key master-regulator necessary for neutrophil apoptosis, macrophage efferocytosis and reprogramming to the pro-resolving phenotype during the resolution of inflammation.

The hepatotoxicity of altrazine exposure in mice involves the intestinal microbiota

Atrazine (ATR), a bio accumulative herbicide is frequently used in agriculture to control unwanted weeds. Due to continuous application, atrazine persists in the environment and causes deleterious impacts including neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and gut microbiota disorders. Therefore, this study for the first time reports the variation in the gut microbiota, induction of process of apoptosis and autophagy in mice induced by ATR. Results indicated that TUNEL-positive hepatocytes suggestive of apoptosis were increased in livers of different experimental mice. Results on metabolic analysis in liver tissues indicated an overall change in seventy-six metabolites particularly Uridine 5'-diphosphate, Propenoylcarnitine and Chinenoside V resulting in generation of energy-related metabolic disorders and imbalance of oxidation/autoxidation status. Results on gut microbiome inquisition showed that ATR changed the richness and diversity of gut microbiota of mice and number of Firmicutes. Moreover, results also revealed that ATR induced apoptosis via disruption of apoptotic (Bax, Bcl2, and Casp3) and autophagy (LC3/Map1lc3a, Beclin 1/Becn1 and P62/Sqstm1) genes. Results of our experimental study confirmed that changes in gut microbiota play a significant role in process of gut immune regulation and inflammation via different metabolites. In conclusion, the findings of our study provide a new idea for the involvement of mechanisms of detoxification in liver and inquisition of gut microbiota plays crucial role in regulation of physiological activities through liver-gut axis to mitigate toxic effects in animals.

Caprine parainfluenza virus type 3 N protein promotes viral replication via inducing apoptosis

Caprine parainfluenza virus type 3 (CPIV3) is one of the most important viral respiratory pathogens of goat. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that apoptosis is a cellular mechanism for the host response to pathogens, and it participates in regulating viral replication. However, there is little study on CPIV3-induced host cells apoptosis. In this study, primary goat tracheal epithelial (GTE) cells were established as a cellular model that is permissive to CPIV3 infection. Then, we showed that CPIV3 infection induced apoptosis in GTE cells, as determined by morphological changes, flow cytometry and TUNEL assay. Moreover, Caspase activity and the expression of pro-apoptotic genes further suggested that CPIV3 induced apoptosis by activating both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Mechanistically, the ability of CPIV3 to induce apoptosis was activated by N protein, and the viral protein increased CPIV3 replication through effecting apoptosis. Overall, our findings showed that GTE cells that will enable further analysis of CPIV3 infection and offers novel insights into the mechanisms of CPIV3-induced apoptosis in host cells.

Syzygium samarangense leaf extract mitigates indomethacin-induced gastropathy via the NF-κB signaling pathway in rats

We previously profiled the chemical composition of wax apple, Syzygium samarangense, leaf extract using HR-LC-MS/MS and reported its antioxidant, hepatoprotective and antitrypanosomal activities. The plant is widely used in traditional medicine to cure several ailments like bronchitis, asthma, diabetes, fever, pathogenic infections, gut spasms, as well as renal diseases. However, neither the gastroprotective effects nor the underlying mechanisms were explored. Here, we investigated the gastroprotective potential of the leaf extract on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats and explored the involved mechanism(s) of action. Administration of indomethacin significantly increased the ulcer index, mucosal injury, the gastric levels of the inflammatory markers nuclear factor kabba B-p65(NF-κB p65), myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), lipid peroxidation product, malondialdehyde (MDA) and Caspase-3 expression. It reduced the gastric levels of the endogenous antioxidants glutathione as well peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH) and the gastric mucosal protective factors, mucus secretion and goblet cells. Pretreatment with the leaf extract displayed a prominent decrease in the ulcer index, inflammatory cell infiltration, inflammatory markers, MDA, protein expression of Caspase-3 and a significant increase in the gastric levels of the endogenous antioxidants, mucus content and goblet cell proliferation when compared to the indomethacin group. The individual secondary metabolites of the extract exhibited low binding energy when docked into the prostaglandin receptors EP3 and EP4. This study revealed the gastroprotective effect of S. samarangense on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats. The gastroprotective effects might be attributed to cytoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic activities with a possible potential of activating EP3 and EP4 receptors. In conclusion, S. samarangense has a promising potential in the prevention of NSAIDs-induced ulcers.

OSU-03012 Disrupts Akt Signaling and Prevents Endometrial Carcinoma Progression in vitro and in vivo

Purpose

OSU-03012 is a celecoxib derivative lacking cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory activity and a potent PDK1 inhibitor which has been shown to inhibit tumor growth in various ways. However, the role of OSU-03012 in endometrial carcinoma (EC) in which the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway highly activated has not been studied. Here, we determined the potency of OSU-03012 in suppressing EC progression in vitro and in vivo, and studied the underlined mechanisms.

Methods

The human EC Ishikawa and HEC-1A cells were used as the in vitro models. CCK8 assay and flow cytometry were conducted to evaluate cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis. The metastatic ability was evaluated using the transwell migration assay. The Ishikawa xenograft tumor model was used to study the inhibitory effects of OSU-03012 on EC growth in vivo. Western blot analysis was performed to evaluate expressions of the cell cycle and apoptosis associated proteins.

Results

OSU-03012 could inhibit the progression of EC both in vitro and in vivo by disrupting Akt signaling. It reduced the metastatic ability of EC, led to G2/M cell cycle arrest and induced apoptosis via the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.

Conclusion

Our data indicated that OSU-03012 could inhibit the progression of EC in vitro and in vivo. It can potentially be used as the targeted drug for the treatment of EC by inhibiting Akt signaling.

Efficient synthesis, biological evaluation, and docking study of isatin based derivatives as caspase inhibitors

In this paper, a new series of isatin-sulphonamide based derivatives were designed, synthesised and evaluated as caspase inhibitors. The compounds containing 1-(pyrrolidinyl)sulphonyl and 2-(phenoxymethyl)pyrrolidin-1-yl)sulphonyl substitution at C5 position of isatin core exhibited better results compared to unsubstituted derivatives. According to the results of caspase inhibitory activity, compound 20d showed moderate inhibitory activity against caspase-3 and −7 in vitro compared to Ac-DEVD-CHO (IC₅₀ = 0.016 ± 0.002 μM). Among the studied compounds, some active inhibitors with IC_50s in the range of 2.33–116.91 μM were identified. The activity of compound 20d was rationalised by the molecular modelling studies exhibiting the additional van der Waals interaction of N-phenylacetamide substitution along with efficacious T-shaped π-π and pi-cation interactions. The introduction of compound 20d with good caspase inhibitory activity will help researchers to find more potent agents.

Anticancer and immunomodulatory effect of rhaponticin on Benzo(a)Pyrene-induced lung carcinogenesis and induction of apoptosis in A549 cells

In worldwide, one of the most important cancer-related death is lung cancer. Also has the highest mortality rate between various cancer types. The count of lung cancer occurrence is increasing with an increased frequency by smoking. Proficient chemoprevention approaches are needed to prevent the occurrence of lung cancer. Therefore, the aim of this exploration is to determine the therapeutic impact on the immune modulatory effect of rhaponticin on lung tumorigenesis in vivo and in vitro cytotoxicity effect in A549 cells of human lung cancer. Lung cancer tumorigenesis in mice was challenged with benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) with 50 mg/kg bodyweight (b.wt) as oral administration for 6 weeks (two times/week). Rhaponticin were given orally 30 mg/kg b.wt (two times/week) in BaP induced mice from 12 weeks to 18 weeks. After treatment completes, the body weight was measured and then blood, lung tissue was collected for various parameters detection. The results evidenced that BaP induced mice decreased the bodyweight, increased lung weight, increased tumor markers (AHH, CEA and LDH), and increased the proinflammatory cytokines. The enzyme catalase, superoxide dismutase activity was decreased and increased lipid peroxidation in immune comprising cells compared with the control cells. Moreover, rhaponticin treatment improves in chemical assays and also the histopathological alteration of lung tissues. The present findings provide evidence about the therapeutic potentials of rhaponticin against BaP triggered lung tumorigenesis.

Recent progress in natural product-based inhibitor screening with enzymatic fluorescent probes

Drug discovery is a complex process in which many challenges need to be overcome, from the discovery of a drug candidate to ensuring the efficacy and safety of the candidate in humans. Modern analytical methods allow tens of thousands of drug candidates to be screened for their inhibition of specific enzymes or receptors. In recent years, fluorescent probes have been used for the detection and diagnosis of human pathogens as well as high-throughput screening. This review focuses on recent progress in organic small-molecule based enzyme-activated fluorescent probes for screening of inhibitors from natural products. The contents include the construction of fluorescent probes, working mechanism and the process of inhibitor screening. The progress suggests that fluorescent probes are a vital and rapidly growing technology for inhibitor screening of enzymes, in particular, inhibitor screening in situ.

Amelioration of Combination of Paclitaxel and Di Allyl Sulfide on the Alterations of Bcl2, P53 and Apoptosis Changes Against 7,12 Di Methyl Benz (A) Anthracene Induced Skin Cancer in Experimental Animals

The purpose of this study was to investigate the Bcl2, P⁵³ and apoptosis changes against skin cancer in experimental animals. Skin cancer is the most common form of human cancer. It is estimated that over 1 million new cases occur annually. The annual rates of all forms of skin cancer are increasing each year, representing a growing public concern. It has also been estimated that nearly half of all Americans who live to age 65 are likely to develop skin cancer at least once. Skin cancer was induced in rats by Di Methyl Benz (a) Anthracene at the dosage of DMBA (5 µg) per animal, three times a week for 28 weeks after conformation of skin cancer treated with Paclitaxel and Di allyl sulfide for 30 days. The levels of Bcl2 gene expression were significantly decreased and P⁵³gene expression were markedly increased in Paclitaxel and Di allyl sulfide treated animals when compared with cancer bearing animals. The treatment with combination of Paclitaxel and Di allyl sulfide effectively reduced Bcl2 protein expression and also increased P⁵³gene expression. Moreover, the levels of Bcl2 and P⁵³ a good indicators of restoring the skin architecture, were also reversed in skin damage subjects after treatment with the herbal compounds preparation. So, from the obtained results it is concluded that a combination of Paclitaxel and Di allyl sulfide is capable of restoring the skin architecture and can also increase the apoptosis activities in skin cancer rats.

Discovery of novel dihydroartemisinin-cinnamic hybrids inducing lung cancer cells apoptosis via inhibition of Akt/Bad signal pathway

A series of dihydroartemisinin-cinnamic acid hybrids were designed, synthesized and evaluated. Most of the tested compounds showed enhanced anti-proliferative activities than artemisinin and dihydroartemisinin, among which 16 g had the superior potency with IC₅₀ values ranging from 5.07 μM to 7.88 μM against four tested cancer cell lines. The cell cycle arrest revealed that 16 g induced A549 cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase via regulation of G1-related protein expression (Cdk4). Further mechanism studies reveal that 16 g induced A549 cells apoptosis via inhibiting Akt/Bad pathway. Moreover, 16 g depolarized the mitochondria membrane potentials and induced ROS generation in A549. Additionally, 16 g blocked migration of A549 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. What's more, 16 g is barely nontoxic to zebrafish embryos. Overall, the cell cycle arrest, inhibition of Akt/Bad signal pathway, ROS generation and migration blocked might explain the potent anti-proliferative activities of these compounds.

Cell-type and fetal-sex-specific targets of prenatal alcohol exposure in developing mouse cerebral cortex

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) results in cerebral cortical dysgenesis. Single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on murine fetal cerebral cortical cells from six timed pregnancies, to decipher persistent cell- and sex-specific effects of an episode of PAE during early neurogenesis. We found, in an analysis of 38 distinct neural subpopulations across 8 lineage subtypes, that PAE altered neural maturation and cell cycle and disrupted gene co-expression networks. Whereas most differentially regulated genes were inhibited, particularly in females, PAE also induced sex-independent neural expression of fetal hemoglobin, a presumptive epigenetic stress adaptation. PAE inhibited Bcl11a, Htt, Ctnnb1, and other upstream regulators of differentially expressed genes and inhibited several autism-linked genes, suggesting that neurodevelopmental disorders share underlying mechanisms. PAE females exhibited neural loss of X-inactivation, with correlated activation of autosomal genes and evidence for spliceosome dysfunction. Thus, episodic PAE persistently alters the developing neural transcriptome, contributing to sex- and cell-type-specific teratology.

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The neurogenic murine fetal cortex contains about 33 distinct cell subtypes

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Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE) resulted in sex-specific alterations in developmental trajectory and cell cycle

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PAE females exhibited neural loss of X-inactivation and spliceosomal dysfunction

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PAE induced sex-independent neural expression of fetal hemoglobin gene transcripts

Adenosine A1 Receptor Agonist (R-PIA) before Pilocarpine Modulates Pro- and Anti-Apoptotic Factors in an Animal Model of Epilepsy

We aimed to characterize the mechanisms involved in neuroprotection by R-PIA administered before pilocarpine-induced seizures. Caspase-1 and caspase-3 activities were assayed using fluorimetry, and cathepsin D, HSP-70, and AKT expression levels were assayed using Western Blot of hippocampal samples. R-PIA was injected before pilocarpine (PILO), and four groups were studied at 1 h 30 min and 7 days following initiation of status epilepticus (SE): PILO, R-PIA+PILO, SALINE, and R-PIA+SALINE. At 1 h 30 min, significantly higher activities of caspase-1 and -3 were observed in the PILO group than in the SALINE group. Caspase-1 and -3 activities were higher in the R-PIA+PILO group than in the PILO group. At 7 days following SE, caspase-1 and -3 activities were higher than in the initial post-seizure phase compared to the SALINE group. The pretreatment of rats receiving PILO significantly reduced caspase activities compared to the PILO group. Expression of HSP-70, AKT, and cathepsin D was significantly higher in the PILO group than in the SALINE. In the R-PIA+PILO group, the expression of AKT and HSP-70 was greater than in rats receiving only PILO, while cathepsin D presented decreased expression. Pretreatment with R-PIA in PILO-injected rats strongly inhibited caspase-1 and caspase-3 activities and cathepsin D expression. It also increased expression levels of the neuroprotective proteins HSP-70 and AKT, suggesting an important role in modulating the cellular survival cascade.

Neuroprotective effect of aspirin combined with ginkgolide injection on cerebral ischemic stroke rats and its effect on ERK12 signal pathway

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of aspirin combined with ginkgolide injection on cerebral ischemic stroke model rats and its effect on extracellular regulated protein kinase 1/2 (REK1/2) signaling pathway, and to clarify the possible mechanism of aspirin combined with ginkgolide injection on neuroprotective mechanism. Experimental rats were randomly divided into sham group, model group, aspirin group, ginkgolide group and combination group (aspirin + ginkgolide injection) (n = 20). The results revealed scores of neurological dysfunction and infarct volume in aspirin group, ginkgolide group and combination group rats were lower than those in model group (P < 0.05). Score of neurological dysfunction and the volume of cerebral infarction in combination group rats were lower than those in aspirin group and ginkgolide group (P < 0.05). Combination of aspirin and ginkgolide injection could better reduce brain water content, reduce apoptosis rate of cortical cells P < 0.05, reduce expression levels of caspase-3, Bax and p-REK1/2 proteins in ischemic brain tissue P < 0.05, and increase expression level of Bcl-2 protein than aspirin and ginkgolide injection alone P < 0.05). In conclusion, the synergistic neuroprotective effect of aspirin and ginkgolide injection on cerebral ischemic stroke rats is better than that of aspirin and ginkgolide injection alone. The mechanism of action may be that the two compounds can play a synergistic role and inhibit the activation of REK1/2 signaling pathway, thus inhibiting apoptosis of nerve cells and exerting neuroprotective effect.

Caspase Cascade Activation During Apoptotic Cell Death of Human Lung Carcinoma Cells A549 Induced by Marine Sponge Callyspongia aerizusa

Introduction

In this study, Callyspongia aerizusa (CA), one of the most popular marine sponges for cancer therapy research, was investigated for its phytochemical compounds and evaluated for its anticancer activity in various cell lines. Since lung cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer, a solution from this marine source is a good choice to address the resistance to anticancer agents. Elucidation of the underlying mechanism of cell death elicited by a CA extract in human lung carcinoma cells A549 was undertaken.

Methods

The presence of secondary metabolites in CA methanol extract was revealed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and evaluated on four cancerous cell lines and a non-cancerous cell line using Cell Counting Kit-8. Since the activity of CA extract in A549 cells was then evaluated through clonogenic assay, morphological detection of apoptosis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot assay, were also presented in this study.

Results

GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of two ergosteroids, ergost-22-en-3-one, (5β,22E), and ergost-7-en-3-ol, (35β) in the sponge extract that was suggested to suppress A549 cells (IC₅₀ 9.38 μg/mL), and another cancerous cell’s viability (IC₅₀ 3.12–10.72 μg/mL) in 24 h, but not in the non-cancerous cells. Moreover, CA extract was also able to reduce the colony-forming ability of A549 cells, and through A549 cells morphology seems that apoptosis is the underlying mechanism of cell death. Further, the treatment with CA extract induced the up-regulation of caspase-9, caspase-3, and PARP-1, and the down-regulation of BCL-2, in both mRNA and proteins expression level, promoting apoptotic cell death via caspase cascade.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the compounds in CA extract possess the ability to induce apoptotic cell death in A549 cells and could become a promising candidate for future anticancer therapy.

RNA Interference-Mediated Aurora Kinase A Gene Silencing Inhibits Human Glioma Cells Proliferation and Tumor Growth in Mice

Objective: This study aims to explore the roles of Aurora Kinase A (Aurora A) in human glioma progression and relevant molecular mechanisms involved. Methods: RNA interference (RNAi) technology was performed to silence the Aurora A gene in human glioma cell line U251 and U87. Western blot and real-time PCR were used to determine the protein and mRNA expression levels of Aurora A. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze the cell cycle distribution and MTT was used to examine the cell viability. Annexin V/FITC double staining and Hoechst 33258 staining were carried out to examine cell apoptosis. Xenograft tumor model was established to examine the effect of Aurora A siRNA on tumor growth in vivo. Results: RNAi-mediated Aurora A gene silencing with specific short interfering RNA (siRNA) significantly decreased Aurora A protein and mRNA expression levels in human glioma cell line U251 and U87. Aurora A knockdown in glioma cells with siRNA strongly inhibited cell proliferation, along with the accumulation of cells in the G1, G2/M phase and decrease in S phase. Furthermore, the enhancement of cell apoptosis in vitro and the suppression of xenograft tumor growth in vivo were also observed after Aurora A silencing in U251 cell. In addition, Aurora A knockdown resulted in decreased expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and cell cycle protein Cyclin D1, while increased expression of pro-apoptotic factor caspase-3. Conclusion: Aurora A can be used as a candidate targeting gene and inhibition of Aurora A is a potentially promising therapy for glioblastoma.

Zirconia Nanoparticles Induce HeLa Cell Death Through Mitochondrial Apoptosis and Autophagy Pathways Mediated by ROS

Zirconia nanoparticles (ZrO₂ NPs) are commonly used in the field of biomedical materials, but their antitumor activity and mechanism is unclear. Herein, we evaluated the anti-tumor activity of ZrO₂ NPs and explored the anti-tumor mechanism. The results of in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HeLa cells was elevated after ZrO₂ NPs treatment. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that after treatment with ZrO₂ NPs, the mitochondria of HeLa cells were swollen, accompanied with the induction of autophagic vacuoles. In addition, flow cytometry analysis showed that the apoptotic rate of HeLa cells increased significantly by Annexin staining after treatment with ZrO₂ NPs, and the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was reduced significantly. The proliferation of HeLa cells decreased as indicated by reduced Ki-67 labeling. In contrast, TUNEL-positive cells in tumor tissues increased after treatment with ZrO₂ NPs, which is accompanied by increased expression of mitochondrial apoptotic proteins including Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and Cytochrome C (Cyt C) and increased expression of autophagy-related proteins including Atg5, Atg12, Beclin-1, and LC3-II. Treating HeLa cells with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) significantly reduced ROS, rate of apoptosis, MMP, and in vivo anti-tumor activity. In addition, apoptosis- and autophagy-related protein expressions were also suppressed. Based on these observations, we conclude that ZrO₂ NPs induce HeLa cell death through ROS mediated mitochondrial apoptosis and autophagy.

Leveraging autocatalytic reactions for chemical domain image classification

Autocatalysis is fundamental to many biological processes, and kinetic models of autocatalytic reactions have mathematical forms similar to activation functions used in artificial neural networks. Inspired by these similarities, we use an autocatalytic reaction, the copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition, to perform digital image recognition tasks. Images are encoded in the concentration of a catalyst across an array of liquid samples, and the classification is performed with a sequence of automated fluid transfers. The outputs of the operations are monitored using UV-vis spectroscopy. The growing interest in molecular information storage suggests that methods for computing in chemistry will become increasingly important for querying and manipulating molecular memory.

Internally Responsive Nanomaterials for Activatable Multimodal Imaging of Cancer

Advances in technology and nanomedicine have led to the development of nanoparticles that can be activated for multimodal imaging of cancer, where a stimulus induces a material modification that enhances image contrast. Multimodal imaging using nanomaterials with this capability can combine the advantages and overcome the limitations of any single imaging modality. When designed with stimuli-responsive abilities, the target-to-background ratio of multimodal imaging nanoprobes increases because specific stimuli in the tumor enhance the signal. Several aspects of the tumor microenvironment can be exploited as an internal stimulus response for multimodal imaging applications, such as the pH gradient, redox processes, overproduction of various enzymes, or combinations of these. In this review, design strategies are discussed and an overview of the recent developments of internally responsive multimodal nanomaterials is provided. Properly implementing this approach improves noninvasive cancer diagnosis and staging as well as provides a method to monitor drug delivery and treatment response.

Assessment of azithromycin as an anticancer agent for treatment of imatinib sensitive and resistant CML cells

INTRODUCTION

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is a hematological disease which is characterized by the presence of BCR-ABL fusion protein. Imatinib (IMA), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor of BCR-ABL, is used as a frontline treatment.Although IMA aids in killing a majority of leukemia cells, it may not kill CML stem cells which are the primary roots of disease and therapy resistance. Recently, antimicrobial drugs have been gaining attention because of their selective targeting of cancer cells. Therefore, we now ask if combinational therapy of IMA with a targeted antimicrobial drug Azithromycin (AZT) can enhance the treatment efficiency in IMA resistant CML.

METHODS

K562S (IMA sensitive) and K562R (IMA resistant) cells were treated with increasing concentrations of AZT to determine its effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis. Cell viability, apoptosis, caspase3/7 activity and P-glycoprotein (Pgp) function were investigated with spectrophotometric MTT assay and flow cytometric Annexin V staining, caspase 3/7 activity, and Rhodamine123 staining assays respectively. The expression levels of pro-apoptotic (BAX, BAD and BIM), anti- apoptotic (BCL-XL and BCL-2) and drug transporter (MDR-1 and MRP-1) genes were assessed with qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

AZT treatment alone inhibited cell viability, induced apoptosis and enhanced caspase 3/7 activity in both K562S and high MDR-1 (Pgp) expressing K562R cells. Moreover, combination of AZT/IMA suppressed cell viability, induced apoptosis and caspase3/7 activity more effectively and significantly compared to K562R cells treated with only IMA or AZT. Furthermore, AZT and AZT/IMA combination decreased Pgp function in K562R cells in comparison with their controls. Based on qRT-PCR data, single AZT and combined AZT/IMA treatment also induced BAX/BCL-2 ratio significantly in both K562S and K562R cells.

CONCLUSION

Single AZT and AZT/IMA combinational treatment can be proposed as a promising and effective treatment strategy for CML. One of the mechanisms underlying the potent anticancer effect of combined AZT/IMA could be its ability to inhibit Pgp function and increase intracellular accumulation of IMA which leads to the induction of apoptosis in K562R cells.

Modes of Regulated Cell Death in Cancer

Cell suicide pathways, termed regulated cell death (RCD), play a critical role in organismal development, homeostasis, and pathogenesis. Here, we provide an overview of key RCD modalities, namely apoptosis, entosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis. We explore how various RCD modules serve as a defense mechanism against the emergence of cancer as well as the manner in which they can be exploited to drive oncogenesis. Furthermore, we outline current therapeutic agents that activate RCD and consider novel RCD-based strategies for tumor elimination. SIGNIFICANCE: A variety of antitumor therapeutics eliminate cancer cells by harnessing the devastating potential of cellular suicide pathways, emphasizing the critical importance of RCD in battling cancer. This review supplies a mechanistic perspective of distinct RCD modalities and explores the important role they play in tumorigenesis. We discuss how RCD modules serve as a double-edged sword as well as novel approaches aimed at selectively manipulating RCD for tumor eradication.

Integrating Epigenetic Modulators in Nanofibers for Synergistic Gastric Cancer Therapy via Epigenetic Reprogramming

Epigenetic dysregulations resulting from the defects of epigenetic regulators are often reversible in tumorigenesis, making them promising cancer therapeutic targets. However, the limited specificity of action, short-term stability, and low retention of the epigenetic drugs greatly impede their clinical efficacy against solid tumors. Herein a method of combinatorial delivery of epigenetic modulatory drugs via a molecular self-assembly strategy was developed using inhibitors of DNA methyltransferases and histone deacetylases. The drug-drug conjugates can self-assemble into nanofibers with enhanced chemical stability. The nanofibers synergistically regulate aberrant DNA methylation and histone deacetylation, subsequently reprogram the gene expression profiles, and finally inhibit gastric cancer cell proliferation and promote cell apoptosis. The superior in vivo therapeutic efficacy of the nanofibers could be ascribed to the prolonged retention and accumulation in tumors and the minimized off-target effects. Therefore, this design of epigenetic-drug-based nanofiber formulation may provide a valuable paradigm for cancer therapy through epigenetic reprogramming.

Impact of Tau on Neurovascular Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder and the most prevalent cause of dementia. The main cerebral histological hallmarks are represented by parenchymal insoluble deposits of amyloid beta (Aβ plaques) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), intracellular filamentous inclusions of tau, a microtubule-associated protein. It is well-established that cerebrovascular dysfunction is an early feature of AD pathology, but the detrimental mechanisms leading to blood vessel impairment and the associated neurovascular deregulation are not fully understood. In 90% of AD cases, Aβ deposition around the brain vasculature, known as cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), alters blood brain barrier (BBB) essential functions. While the effects of vascular Aβ accumulation are better documented, the scientific community has only recently started to consider the impact of tau on neurovascular pathology in AD. Emerging compelling evidence points to transmission of neuronal tau to different brain cells, including astrocytes, as well as to the release of tau into brain interstitial fluids, which may lead to perivascular neurofibrillar tau accumulation and toxicity, affecting vessel architecture, cerebral blood flow (CBF), and vascular permeability. BBB integrity and functionality may therefore be impacted by pathological tau, consequentially accelerating the progression of the disease. Tau aggregates have also been shown to induce mitochondrial damage: it is known that tau impairs mitochondrial localization, distribution and dynamics, alters ATP and reactive oxygen species production, and compromises oxidative phosphorylation systems. In light of this previous knowledge, we postulate that tau can initiate neurovascular pathology in AD through mitochondrial dysregulation. In this review, we will explore the literature investigating tau pathology contribution to the malfunction of the brain vasculature and neurovascular unit, and its association with mitochondrial alterations and caspase activation, in cellular, animal, and human studies of AD and tauopathies.

Low-temperature extracts of Purple blossoms of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) intervened mitochondrial translocation contributes prompted apoptosis in human breast cancer cells

BACKGROUND

The preventive and therapeutic medical utilization of this plant is an age-long practice across the globe. This study aimed to validate the impact of dark purple blossoms of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) aqueous extract at low temperature (0 °C) mediated mitochondrial fission contributed to induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells.

METHODS

Fresh blossoms were extracted at low temperature (0 °C) using a watery solvent. Human MCF7 breast cancer cells were then treated with 3 separate fluctuated concentrations of 0, 50, 150 and 250 µg/mL for 24 and 48 h.

RESULTS

The outcomes demonstrated the presence of anthocyanins, anthraquinones, tannins, reducing sugars, glycosides, proteins, amino acids, flavonoids and volatile oils and nonappearance of Terpinoids and alkaloids. Contrastingly, frail presence of steroids in basil blossoms aqueous concentrate was noted. In addition, the results from a phytochemical subjective examination of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) blossoms aqueous extract demonstrated that most of the credited natural impacts containing more remarkable contents of antioxidants and anticancer compounds in basil blossoms aqueous extract. Moreover, the restraint of glucose take-up was alleviated mediated by a dose-dependent manner in MCF7 cells with basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) blossoms aqueous extract inducted for 24 h, resulting in mitochondrial fission.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study that shows the impact of the aqueous extract of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) blossoms was extracted at low temperature (0℃/6 h) underlined high amounts of flavonoids and phenolic compounds bearing more anticancer and antioxidant activities compared to another aqueous extract (using boiled water solvent) and alcoholic extracts.

Venom Profiling of the Insular Species Bothrops alcatraz: Characterization of Proteome, Glycoproteome, and N-Terminome Using Terminal Amine Isotopic Labeling of Substrates

Bothrops alcatraz, a species endemic to Alcatrazes Islands, is regarded as critically endangered due to its small area of occurrence and the declining quality of its habitat. We recently reported the identification of N-glycans attached to toxins of Bothrops species, showing similar compositions in venoms of the B. jararaca complex (B. jararaca, B. insularis, and B. alcatraz). Here, we characterized B. alcatraz venom using electrophoretic, proteomic, and glycoproteomic approaches. Electrophoresis showed that B. alcatraz venom differs from B. jararaca and B. insularis; however, N-glycan removal revealed similarities between them, indicating that the occupation of N-glycosylation sites contributes to interspecies variability in the B. jararaca complex. Metalloproteinase was the major toxin class identified in the B. alcatraz venom proteome followed by serine proteinase and C-type lectin, and overall, the adult B. alcatraz venom resembles that of B. jararaca juvenile specimens. The comparative glycoproteomic analysis of B. alcatraz venom with B. jararaca and B. insularis indicated that there may be differences in the utilization of N-glycosylation motifs among their different toxin classes. Furthermore, we prospected for the first time the N-terminome of a snake venom using the terminal amine isotopic labeling of substrates (TAILS) approach and report the presence of ∼30% of N-termini corresponding to truncated toxin forms and ∼37% N-terminal sequences blocked by pyroglutamic acid in B. alcatraz venom. These findings underscore a low correlation between venom gland transcriptomes and proteomes and support the view that post-translational processes play a major role in shaping venom phenotypes.

Downregulation of microRNA-15b-5p Targeting the Akt3-Mediated GSK-3β/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway Inhibits Cell Apoptosis in Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is an incurable progressive disorder resulting from neurodegeneration, and apoptosis is considered a dominant mechanism underlying the process of neurodegeneration. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which are small and noncoding RNAs involved in many a biological process like apoptosis and regulation of gene expressions, have been found in postmortem brain samples of patients with PD, as well as in vitro and in vivo models of PD. To explore the impact of miR-15b-5p and Akt3 on apoptosis in the progression of PD, the method of quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed, and the analysis result showed upregulated expression of miR-15b-5p and downregulated expression of Akt3 in the serum of PD patients, MPP+-induced SH-SY5Y cells, and the brain tissues of MPTP-induced mice. Meanwhile, the dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to demonstrate the regulator-target interaction between miR-15b-5p and Akt3; flow cytometry and spectrophotometry revealed that transfection of miR-15b-5p mimic and si-Akt3 increased the rate of apoptosis and caspase-3 activity, whereas transfecting the miR-15b-5p inhibitor and Akt3-overexpression plasmid repressed the rate of apoptosis and caspase-3 activity in the MPP+-induced SH-SY5Y cell model and the MPTP-induced mouse model. Additionally, analysis of western blotting (WB) assays in vivo and in vitro revealed that proapoptosis proteins (Bax, caspase-3, GSK-3β, and β-catenin) showed markedly upregulated expression in the miR-15b-5p inhibitor and si-Akt3-overexpression groups, while the expression of an antiapoptosis gene (i.e., Bcl2) was downregulated. These analysis results indicate that downregulation of miR-15b-5p by targeting the Akt3-mediated GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathway would repress cell apoptosis in PD in vivo and in vitro. It is expected that the research findings would help find new therapeutic targets for treatment of PD.

Musa acuminata lectin exerts anti-cancer effects on HeLa and EAC cells via activation of caspase and inhibitions of Akt, Erk, and Jnk pathway expression and suppresses the neoangiogenesis in in-vivo models

In the present study aimed to purify the lectin from the sap of Musa acuminata pseudostem and elucidate the apoptotic and angiogenic molecular mechanism in both in-vitro and in-vivo model. Mannose specific lectin was purified by using mannose affinity column chromatography and analyzed by RP-HPLC, SDS-PAGE, and PAS staining method. Furthermore, the protein was identified by MALDI-MS/MS. MAL effectively agglutinates trypsinized RBCs and showed effective cytotoxicity against various human cancer cell lines. MAL mitigates the cell proliferation, colony formation, cell migration, arrest the cell cycle in the G2/M phase, and induce apoptosis by altering the expression of apoptotic proteins/mRNA level (Bax and Bcl-2) via caspase 8/9, 3 dependent pathway in both in-vitro and in-vivo. Supporting this, in-vivo EAC tumor mice models prove the efficacy of MAL by inducing cell death and inhibiting the neovessel formation by targeting the MVD, inhibition of VEGF secretion, suppressing the expression of MMPs, HIF-1α, Flt-1, Akt, Jnk, and Erk1/2. More importantly, the MAL treatment leads to effective inhibition of tumor growth and an increase in the survivability of EAC mice. Our study summarizes that the MAL having a significant anticancer potential expressively degenerates the tumor development by inducing apoptosis and suppressing neoangiogenesis.

Cardiac glycosides from the roots of Streblus asper Lour. and their apoptosis-inducing activities in A549 cells

Phytochemical investigation of the roots of Streblus asper Lour. resulted in the isolation of six previously undescribed cardiac glycosides, designated 2'-de-O-methylstrebloside (1), cannogenol-3α-O-β-D-gluopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-6-deoxy -2,3-dimethoxyl-β-D-fucopyranoside (2), periplogenin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl -(1 → 4)-6-deoxy-β-D-allopyranoside (3), 5-de-O-hydroxylstrebloside (4), 5βH-16β-hydroxylkamaloside (5), and 17S, 21R-21-hydroxylstrebloside (6), and three known analogues (7-9). The structures were elucidated using NMR spectroscopic techniques, mass spectrometry, and comparison of the spectroscopic data with previously reported data. Compound 6 is a novel C-21 hydroxyl cardiac glycoside, its absolute configuration was established from the analysis of computational ECD calculations and NMR spectroscopic data. The effects of the cardiac glycosides on apoptosis and cytotoxicity were examined in human A549 lung cancer cells. All the compounds showed remarkable inhibitory activities, with IC₅₀ values in the range of 0.01-6.08 μM. Furthermore, compound 3 was able to significantly inhibit A549 cell growth proliferation via the induction of apoptosis, due to the activation of caspases-3, -8 and -9 in A549 cells, as revealed by Western blot analysis.

A Drug-Free Therapeutic System for Cancer Therapy by Diselenide-Based Polymers Themselves

The application of nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems has resulted in great progresses in cancer therapy. However, current systems ultimately depend on the action of the drug itself and almost all nanocarriers only serve as excipients without any therapeutic efficacy. Herein, a drug-free therapeutic system is put forward, in which synthetic polymers themselves naturally exhibit effective anticancer activity without the loading of additional chemotherapy drugs. Aiming at this goal, amphiphilic poly(diselenide-carbonate) copolymers (PSeSeTMC), consisting of monomethyl ether poly(ethylene glycol) and diselenide-based polycarbonates, are designed and synthesized to build spherical nanoparticles, which show effective and broad-spectrum anticancer activities against multiple cancer cell lines and high selectivity toward cancer cells. Moreover, the anticancer activities can be well controlled by tuning the selenium contents in polymers. Mechanistic investigations indicate that PSeSeTMC can selectively induce cancer cells to express excessive reactive oxygen species, thereby leading to significant cellular apoptosis. In vivo antitumor studies further demonstrate high therapeutic efficacy and low side effects on normal tissue. Overall, this work provides a novel approach for cancer therapy by utilizing carriers themselves. Considering the fabrication process is pretty simple, this diselenide-based polymeric system has great potential in clinical translation.

Protein kinase C fusion proteins are paradoxically loss of function in cancer

Within the AGC kinase superfamily, gene fusions resulting from chromosomal rearrangements have been most frequently described for protein kinase C (PKC), with gene fragments encoding either the C-terminal catalytic domain or the N-terminal regulatory moiety fused to other genes. Kinase fusions that eliminate regulatory domains are typically gain of function and often oncogenic. However, several quality control pathways prevent accumulation of aberrant PKC, suggesting that PKC fusions may paradoxically be loss of function. To explore this topic, we used biochemical, cellular, and genome editing approaches to investigate the function of fusions that retain the portion of the gene encoding either the catalytic domain or regulatory domain of PKC. Overexpression studies revealed that PKC catalytic domain fusions were constitutively active but vulnerable to degradation. Genome editing of endogenous genes to generate a cancer-associated PKC fusion resulted in cells with detectable levels of fusion transcript but no detectable protein. Hence, PKC catalytic domain fusions are paradoxically loss of function as a result of their instability, preventing appreciable accumulation of protein in cells. Overexpression of a PKC regulatory domain fusion suppressed both basal and agonist-induced endogenous PKC activity, acting in a dominant-negative manner by competing for diacylglycerol. For both catalytic and regulatory domain fusions, the PKC component of the fusion proteins mediated the effects of the full-length fusions on the parameters examined, suggesting that the partner protein is dispensable in these contexts. Taken together, our findings reveal that PKC gene fusions are distinct from oncogenic fusions and present a mechanism by which loss of PKC function occurs in cancer.

Assessment of the Anti-apoptotic Effects of Peganum harmala Leaf Extract on Type 2 Diabetes in the Kidney of Male Wistar Rats

Background: Growing evidence has shown that the apoptosis of cells plays an important role in the advancement of the Diabetic nephropathy (DN). Objectives: This study attempted to discover the therapeutic potential of Peganum harmala leaf extract in the apoptosis of diabetic kidney disease. Methods: In the present experimental research, 32 male Wistar rats were studied, and diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) (65 mg/kg). The animals were randomly divided into four groups (n=8, in each group) as follows: control, diabetic, control+leaf extract, diabetic+leaf extract. For our purposes, the methanolic extract of P. harmala leaves (150 mg/kg) was given by gavage for 28 days. Flow cytometry and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses were utilized to determine the percentages of apoptotic cells. Also, histological alterations and blood biochemical parameters were evaluated. Results: The P. harmala leaf extract has a high amount of flavonoids (25.84%), a lower percentage of alkaloids (0.14%), and some antioxidant properties. Serum urea (P<0.001) and apoptosis (P<0.05) significantly elevated in diabetic rats relative to the control ones. The mean of fasting blood creatinine, urea, and albumin level was not significantly changed in diabetic+leaf extract rats as compared to the diabetic ones. Histopathological results also displayed that diabetic complications in the kidney could not be improved following treatment by the leaf extract of P. harmala. In addition, the leaf extract could not significantly reduce the apoptosis and caspase-3 expression compared to diabetics in renal cells. Conclusion: Based on our findings, the leaf extract of P. harmala is unable to inhibit apoptosis in the diabetic kidney model.

Quinazoline alpha-adrenoreceptor blockers as an adjunct cancer treatment: From bench to bedside

Drug repurposing has been increasingly used by both researchers and clinicians to identify new cancer treatments. The alpha-1 adrenoreceptor blockers are a class of drugs that have been used for many years in the treatment of hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Some of the drugs in this class, notably the quinazoline derivatives, have been found to display cytotoxic properties, identifying them as potential options in the treatment of cancer. This review will examine the currently available evidence that investigates the cytotoxic and anti-cancer properties of these agents, the mechanisms behind these properties and how the alpha-1 blockers fit within current cancer therapies. It aims to answer the question of whether these agents can go from the laboratory bench top into cancer clinics.

Baicalin mediated regulation of key signaling pathways in cancer

Baicalin has been widely investigated against different types of malignancies both at the cellular and molecular levels over the past few years. Due to its remarkable anti-proliferative potential in numerous cancer cell lines, it has created immense interest as a potential chemotherapeutic modality compared to other flavonoids. Thus, this review focuses on the recent accomplishments of baicalin and its limitations in cancer prevention and treatment. Further, combination studies and nanoformulations using baicalin to treat cancer along with the metabolism, bioavailability, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics have been discussed. The present review explains biological source, and anti-proliferative potential of baicalin against cancers including breast, colon, hepatic, leukemia, lung, and skin, as well as the relevant mechanism of action to modulate diverse signaling pathways including apoptosis, cell cycle, invasion, and migration, angiogenesis, and autophagy. The anticancer mechanism of baicalin in orthotropic and xenograft mice models have been deliberated. The combination studies of baicalin in novel therapies as chemotherapeutic adjuvants have also been summarized. The low bioavailability, fast metabolism, and poor solubility, and other significant factors that limit the clinical use of baicalin have been examined as a challenge. The improvement in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of baicalin with newer approaches and the gaps are highlighted, which could establish baicalin as an effective and safe compound for cancer treatment as well as help to translate its potential from bench to bedside.

Programmed cell death as a black queen in microbial communities

Programmed cell death (PCD) in unicellular organisms is in some instances an altruistic trait. When the beneficiaries are clones or close kin, kin selection theory may be used to explain the evolution of the trait, and when the trait evolves in groups of distantly related individuals, group or multilevel selection theory is invoked. In mixed microbial communities, the benefits are also available to unrelated taxa. But the evolutionary ecology of PCD in communities is poorly understood. Few hypotheses have been offered concerning the community role of PCD despite its far-reaching effects. The hypothesis we consider here is that PCD is a black queen. The Black Queen Hypothesis (BQH) outlines how public goods arising from a leaky function are exploited by other taxa in the community. Black Queen (BQ) traits are essential for community survival, but only some members bear the cost of possessing them, while others lose the trait In addition, BQ traits have been defined in terms of adaptive gene loss, and it is unknown whether this has occurred for PCD. Our conclusion is that PCD fulfils the two most important criteria of a BQ (leakiness and costliness), but that more empirical data are needed for assessing the remaining two criteria. In addition, we hold that for viewing PCD as a BQ, the original BQH needs to include social traits. Thus, despite some empirical and conceptual shortcomings, the BQH provides a helpful avenue for investigating PCD in microbial communities.

Cardioprotective effect of garlic extract in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in a rat model: assessment of pro-apoptotic caspase-3 gene expression

Background

Myocardial Infarction (MI), also known as heart attack, is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases. Although certain drugs or mechanical means are used, day by day natural products such as herbs and spices based MI treatment is getting much popularity over the drugs or mechanical means for their pharmacological effects and have low or no side effects. This study was designed to assess the cardio-protective effect of methanolic extract of Bangladeshi multi clove garlic (Allium sativum) cultivar, a highly believed spice having cardioprotective activity, against isoproterenol (ISO) induced MI through cardiac histopathology as well as cardiac apoptotic caspase-3 gene expression study in female Wistar albino rats. Four groups containing 35 rats treated with respective agents like distill water / garlic extract (200 mg/kg-body-weight/day) up to 28 days and normal saline / ISO (100 mg/kg-body-weight/day) on 29th and 30th day were sacrificed (two rats/group/sacrifice) on the day 31, 46 and 61 and collecting the heart, cardiac histology and gene expression analysis were performed.

Results

ISO induced MI rats pretreated with garlic extract revealed up regulated expression of the cardiac apoptotic caspase-3 gene at the initial stage but finally the expressions gradually getting down regulated along with gradual improving the cardiac damage caused by apoptosis. Furthermore, only garlic extract pretreated rats were found undamaged cardioarchitecture and normal expressions of this gene.

Conclusions

These findings suggested that garlic extract confers having significant cardioprotective effect and consuming this spice with regular diet may reduce the risk of MI.

Simvastatin protects high glucose-induced H9c2 cells from injury by inducing autophagy

CONTEXT

Simvastatin is the first line therapeutic drug for coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis. The protective effect mechanism of simvastatin on cardiomyocytes is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study explores the effect of simvastatin on high glucose induced cardiomyocyte injury and the role of autophagy during the process.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

H9c2 cells were incubated with different doses of glucose (0, 50, 100, 200 mM) for 24 h to verify the glucose induced injury. The H9c2 cells were pre-treated with simvastatin at different dosages (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1 μM) for 30 min to rescue the injury followed by the autophagy evaluation. 3-MA was used as an autophagy inhibitor to confirm the role of autophagy in simvastatin treated process. CCK-8 assay, FACS assay, confocal microscopy, western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis were conducted to evaluate the high glucose induced injury or protective effects of simvastatin in H9c2 cell line.

RESULTS

High glucose dramatically decreased H9c2 cell viability (0 mM, 0.58 ± 0.09%; vs. 50 mM, 8.67 ± 0.43%; 100 mM, 16.1 ± 3.56%; 200 mM, 32.9 ± 2.63%), induced significant cell apoptosis (0 mM, 0.96 ± 0.16%, vs. 50 mM, 7.00 ± 0.63%; 100 mM, 12.9 ± 0.78%; 200 mM, 21.8 ± 1.17%) and suppressed cell autophagy. Simvastatin decreased apoptosis and attenuate injury by decreasing cell apoptosis ratio, elevating Bcl-2 expression while decreasing Bax and caspase-3 protein expressions. Meanwhile, simvastatin restored the autophagy depicted by western blotting with increased ATG-5, Beclin1 and LC3II/LC3I protein expression and decreased p62 expression, as well as immunofluorescence with elevated LC3 fluorescence density.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

The myocardial protective effect mediated by autophagy activated by simvastatin to some extent elucidated the mechanism of the protective effect of simvastatin on H9c2 cell injury, which provided a certain theoretical basis for the clinical application of simvastatin in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In addition, we speculate that simvastatin may be used for diabetes associated cardiovascular diseases.

Zyflamend, a unique herbal blend, induces cell death and inhibits adipogenesis through the coordinated regulation of PKA and JNK

The prevalence of obesity and its comorbidities has sparked a worldwide concern to address rates of adipose tissue accrual. Recent studies have demonstrated a novel role of Zyflamend, a blend of natural herbal extracts, in regulating lipid metabolism in several cancer cell lines through the activation of the AMPK signalling pathway. Yet, the role of Zyflamend in adipogenic differentiation and lipid metabolism remains largely unexplored. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of Zyflamend on white 3T3-MBX pre-adipocyte differentiation and elucidate the molecular mechanisms. We demonstrate that Zyflamend treatment altered cell cycle progression, attenuated proliferation, and increased cell death of 3T3-MBX pre-adipocytes. In addition, treatment with Zyflamend inhibited lipid accumulation during the differentiation of 3T3-MBX cells, consistent with decreased expression of lipogenic genes and increased lipolysis. Mechanistically, Zyflamend-induced alterations in adipogenesis were mediated, at least in part, through the activation of AMPK, PKA, and JNK. Inhibition of AMPK partially reversed Zyflamend-induced inhibition of differentiation, whereas the inhibition of either JNK or PKA fully restored adipocyte differentiation and decreased lipolysis. Taken together, the present study demonstrates that Zyflamend, as a novel anti-adipogenic bioactive mix, inhibits adipocyte differentiation through the activation of the PKA and JNK pathways.

Abbreviation: 7-AAD: 7-amino-actinomycin D; ACC: acetyl-CoA carboxylase; AKT: protein kinase B; AMPK: AMP-activated protein kinase; ATGL: adipose triglyceride lipase; C/EBPα: CCAAT-enhancer binding protein alpha; DMEM: Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium; DMSO: dimethyl sulphoxide; DTT: dithiothreitol; EGTA: ethylene glycol-bis-(2-aminoethyl)-N,N,N’,N’-tetraacetic acid; ERK: extracellular signal–regulated kinases; FASN: fatty acid synthase; FBS: foetal bovine serum; GLUT: glucose transporter; HSL: hormone-sensitive lipase; IR: insulin receptor; IRS: insulin receptor substrate; JNK: c-JUN N-terminal kinase; MGL: monoacylglycerol lipase; NaF: sodium fluoride; NF-κB: nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells; PBS: phosphate buffered- saline; PCB: pyruvate carboxylase; PDE: phosphodiesterase; PKA: protein kinase cAMP-dependent; PMSF: phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride; PPARγ: perilipin peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma; PREF-1: pre-adipocyte factor 1; PVDF: polyvinylidene fluoride; RIPA: radio-immunoprecipitation assay; SDS-PAGE: sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; SEM: standard error of the mean; SOX9: suppressor of cytokine signalling 9; TGs: triacylglycerols.

Evolutionary Understanding of Metacaspase Genes in Cultivated and Wild Oryza Species and Its Role in Disease Resistance Mechanism in Rice

Metacaspases (MCs), a class of cysteine-dependent proteases found in plants, fungi, and protozoa, are predominately involved in programmed cell death processes. In this study, we identified metacaspase genes in cultivated and wild rice species. Characterization of metacaspase genes identified both in cultivated subspecies of Oryza sativa, japonica, and indica and in nine wild rice species was performed. Extensive computational analysis was conducted to understand gene structures, phylogenetic relationships, cis-regulatory elements, expression patterns, and haplotypic variations. Further, the haplotyping study of metacaspase genes was conducted using the whole-genome resequencing data publicly available for 4726 diverse genotype and in-house resequencing data generated for north-east Indian rice lines. Sequence variations observed among wild and cultivated rice species for metacaspase genes were used to understand the duplication and neofunctionalization events. The expression profiles of metacaspase genes were analyzed using RNA-seq transcriptome profiling in rice during different developmental stages and stress conditions. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis of candidate metacaspase genes in rice cultivars Pusa Basmati-1 in response to Magnaporthe oryzae infection indicated a significant role in the disease resistance mechanism. The information provided here will help to understand the evolution of metacaspases and their role under stress conditions in rice.

Effects of matrine in combination with cisplatin on liver cancer

Matrine, an alkaloid isolated from Sophora flavescens, promotes tumor cell apoptosis and strengthens the anticancer capacity of chemotherapeutic drugs. The present study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect and underlying mechanism of matrine in combination with cisplatin on liver cancer progression. Tumor progression was studied in nude mice. The human liver cancer cell line HepG2 was injected into BALB/c nude mice subcutaneously to establish a tumor model. Mice were subsequently treated with matrine, cisplatin, matrine + cisplatin or normal saline. Nude mice and tumor growth were monitored. Tumors were excised and the expression of survivin, caspase-3, caspase-7 and caspase-9 was detected by immunohistochemistry. Western blotting was used to determine the expression of survivin, caspase-3, caspase-7, caspase-9 and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) in tumor tissues. The results demonstrated that matrine exerted anticancer effects in liver cancer-transplanted tumors, as evidenced by decrease in tumor weight and volume. Furthermore, the tumor inhibition rate in mice treated with matrine + cisplatin was 83.3%, whereas it was of 37.5 and 75% in mice treated with matrine or cisplatin alone, respectively. In addition, the expression of survivin and XIAP was significantly downregulated, whereas the expression of caspase-3, caspase-7 and caspase-9 was significantly upregulated in tumor tissues from nude mice treated with matrine + cisplatin, compared with those treated with cisplatin, matrine or normal saline. These findings suggested that the combination of matrine and cisplatin may promote tumor cell apoptosis in liver cancer by activating the caspase apoptosis pathway and suppressing the survivin-associated inhibition of caspase-9.

Euptox A Induces G0 /GI arrest and apoptosis of hepatocyte via ROS, mitochondrial dysfunction and caspases-dependent pathways in vivo

As a toxin of Ageratina adenophora (A. adenophora), euptox A (9-oxo-10, 11-dehydroageraphorone) is known to cause hepatotoxicity in animals. In this study, we examined the effects of euptox A on mouse liver cells and its underlying mechanisms for the first time. We found that euptox A induced liver cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner mainly by mitochondria -related pathways, with the affected cells characterized by the appearance of DNA fragmentation, membrane blebbing, and chromatin condensation. The results showed that euptox A similarly induced hepatocyte G0 /GI arrest and apoptosis mainly by ROS accumulation and mitochondria-mediated and caspase-dependent pathways, elucidated by the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome C and AIF, activation of caspase-3/-9, Bax, as well as suppression of Bcl-2. This paper will provide new insights into the mechanisms involved in liver toxicity caused by euptox A in mice.

SUMO modification in apoptosis

Apoptosis and clearance of dead cells is highly evolutionarily conserved from nematode to humans, which is crucial to the growth and development of multicellular organism. Fail to remove apoptotic cells often lead to homeostasis imbalance, fatal autoimmune diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. Small ubiquitin-related modifiers (SUMOs) modification is a post-translational modification of ubiquitin proteins mediated by the sentrin-specific proteases (SENPs) family. SUMO modification is widely involved in many cellular biological process, and abnormal SUMO modification is also closely related to many major human diseases. Recent researches have revealed that SUMO modification event occurs during apoptosis and clearance of apoptotic cells, and plays an important role in the regulation of apoptotic signaling pathways. This review summarizes some recent progress in the revelation of regulatory mechanisms of these pathways and provides some potential researching hotpots of the SUMO modification regulation to apoptosis.

Neuroprotective effects of natural compounds on neurotoxin-induced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis

OBJECTIVES

Overproduction of reactive species, notably reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS) species, along with the failure of balancing effects of endogenous antioxidant defenses result in destruction of cellular structures, lipids, proteins, and genetic material, which lead to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress-induced neuronal apoptosis plays a pivotal role in pathogenesis of neurodegeneration. Antioxidants represent one of the medical choice strategies for protecting against this unbalanced oxidation-antioxidation status. Recently, natural compounds with neuroprotective potential that can scavenge free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage have received extensive attention.

METHODS

In this review, we summarized the detailed research progress on the medicinal plants-derived natural compounds with potential anti-oxidation effects and their molecular mechanisms on modulating the neurotoxin (6-OHDA, H₂O₂, glutamate, Aβ)-induced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis.

RESULTS

The natural compounds that efficacious in modulating reactive species production and mitochondrial function include flavonoids, glucosides, alkaloids, polyphenols, lignans, coumarins, terpenoids, quinones and others. They decreased the neurotoxin-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis by (1) decreasing ROS/RNS generation, lipid peroxidation, caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities, LDH release, the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, Ca²⁺ influx and cytochrome c release, (2) elevating MMP, and (3) restoring endogenous antioxidant enzymatic activities (CAT, GSH-Px, GSR, SOD). And they exerted neuroprotective effects against cell damages and apoptosis by modulating the oxidative cascades of different signaling pathways (Nrf2/HO-1, NF-κB, MAPKs, PI3K/Akt, GSK-3β) and preventing mitochondria-dependent apoptosis pathways.

DISCUSSION

The present work reviews the role of oxidative stress in neurodegeneration, highlighting the potential anti-oxidation effects of natural compounds as a promising approach to develop innovative neuroprotective strategy.