Effect of cis-9, trans-11-conjugated linoleic acid on cell cycle of gastric adenocarcinoma cell line (SGC-7901)

Linoleic Acid Modulates the Expression of Metastatic and Angiogenic Markers MMP-2 and Talin-2 in Gastric Cancer Cell Line MKN-45

Background

Linoleic acid (LA) has modulatory effects on gastric cancer cell lines. This study aimed to investigate the effects of linoleic acid on the expression of metastatic and angiogenic molecular markers in gastric cancer cell line MKN-45.

Methods

In this study performed in Tabriz, Iran in 2021, MKN-45 cells were treated with LA in the presence or absence of docetaxel. Total RNA was extracted, and cDNA synthesized from the cells before and after treatment. The expression levels of Talin-2 and MMP-2 genes and mir-20, mir-30, mir-126, and mir-194, were determined by quantitative real-time PCR.

Results

LA treatment reduced the expression levels of mir-126, mir-194, mir-30, and MMP-2, while increased the expression levels of Talin-2 mRNA. Docetaxel treatment could decrease the expression levels of mir-20, Talin-2, and MMP-2 mRNA levels while increasing the expression levels of mir-126, mir-194, and mir-30. Additionally, the combined treatment of MKN-45 cells with LA and docetaxel could reduce the expression levels of mir-20 and mir-126 and increased the expression levels of mir-194, mir-30, Talin-2, and MMP-2 mRNAs.

Conclusion

Modulation of the expression levels of gastric cancer involved microRNAs, Talin-2, and MMP-2 may be a mechanism through which LA may exert its biological effects on GC cell line MKN-45. LA may have an antimetastatic effect by reducing the MMP-2 expression and pro-angiogenic effect through increasing Talin-2 expression levels.

Unveiling the multifaceted antiproliferative efficacy of Cichorium endivia root extract by dual modulation of apoptotic and inflammatory genes, inducing cell cycle arrest, and targeting COX-2

Chicory (Cichorium endivia L. divaricatum) is a renowned medicinal plant traditionally used for various ailments, yet the pharmacological potential of its roots, particularly in terms of antitumor activity, remains elusive. In the present study, we explore, for the first time, the metabolomic profile of ethanolic extract from Cichorium endivia roots (CIR) and further unveil its antiproliferative potential. The untargeted phytochemical analysis UPLC/T-TOF-MS/MS identified 131 metabolites in the CIR extract, covering acids, amino acids, flavonoids, alkaloids, nucleotides, and carbohydrates. The antiproliferative activity of the CIR extract was tested in 14 cancer cell lines, revealing significant cytotoxicity (IC50: 2.85-29.15 μg mL-1) and a high selectivity index. Among the cells examined, the CIR extract recorded the most potent antiproliferative activity and selectivity toward HepG2 and Panc-1 cells, with an IC50 of 2.85 μg mL-1 and 3.86 μg mL-1, respectively, and SI > 10. Insights into the mode of action of the antiproliferative activity revealed that CIR extract induces cell arrest in the S phase while diminishing cell distribution in the G0/G1 and G2/M phases in HepG-2 and Panc-1 cells. Flow cytometric and RT-PCR analysis revealed that the CIR extract significantly triggers apoptosis and modulates the expression of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes. Furthermore, the CIR extract exhibited a pronounced anti-inflammatory activity, as evidenced by down-regulating key cytokines in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells and selectively inhibiting the COX-2 enzyme. Finally, the CIR extract showed a robust total antioxidant capacity, together with potent free radicals and metal scavenging properties, highlighting its role in alleviating oxidative stress. Taken together, this study highlights the multifaceted therapeutic potential of CIR extract as a natural-based antitumor supplement.

Effects of Dietary Fatty Acids on Bovine Oocyte Competence and Granulosa Cells

Here we assessed the effects of dietary essential fatty acids on the developmental competence of oocytes in cows and on the functionality of follicular granulosa cells (GC). Lactating German Holstein cows were supplemented from week 9 ante partum (ap) until week 8 post-partum (pp) in four dietary groups designed as (i) control (CTRL: coconut oil), (ii) essential fatty acid (EFA: linseed and safflower oil), (iii) conjugated linoleic acid (CLA: Lutalin®), and (iv) EFA+CLA (mixture of linseed oil, safflower oil and Lutalin®). EFA, CLA or EFA+CLA supplementation did not improve in vitro embryo production. However, higher proportions of α-linolenic acid (ALA) and cis-9, trans-11 CLA were observed in the follicular fluid suggesting the exposure of GC to relatively high levels of ALA and cis-9, trans-11 CLA. Consequently, we tested different concentrations of ALA and cis-9, trans-11 CLA in a bovine GC culture model for their effects on steroid production, marker gene expression and viability. Both fatty acids upregulated CD36 and downregulated the expression of FOXL2, while ALA significantly increased SOX 9 transcript levels. Both ALA and cis-9, trans-11 CLA reduced the CCND2 expression and cis-9, trans-11 CLA induced apoptosis. ALA and cis-9, trans-11 CLA significantly down-regulated the expression of STAR, CYP19A1, FSHR, LHCGR and decreased the 17β-Estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) production. In conclusion, dietary lipids did not improve in vitro embryo production, while ALA and cis-9, trans-11 CLA affected the morphology and functionality of GC. This could suggestively lead to compromised follicle development and ovarian cyclicity in dairy cows.

The inhibitory effects of a new cobalt-based polyoxometalate on the growth of human cancer cells

A new cobalt-based polyoxometalate, (Himi)2[Bi(2)W2(0)O(66)(OH)(4)Co2(H2O)(6)Na(4) (H2O)14] · 17H2O (imi = iminazole) (BWCN) has been synthesized and structurally characterized. The inhibitory activities against selected human cancer lines were also determined in this study. The cell viability and chemoresistance of BWCN on human colon carcinoma HT-29 cells were assessed by MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazoliumbromide), cell morphology changes, a comet assay and western blot analysis. The typical morphologic changes of apoptosis and DNA damage indicated that BWCN could have a distinct proliferation inhibitory effect on cancer cells. BWCN as a chemotherapeutic agent also induced apoptosis on HT-29 cells and showed a significant expression of cleaved-caspase-3. These results suggested that the active site of BWCN is the polymeric anion based on the basic tectonic block {BiW(9)}, and the possible mechanism is related to the interference of DNA synthesis in cancer cells.

Novel antitumor agent, trilacunary Keggin-type tungstobismuthate, inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells

A new one-dimensional chain-like compound of tungstobismuthate, [(W(OH)2)2 (Mn(H2O)3)2(Na3(H2O)14)(BiW9O33)2](Himi)2·16H2O (1) (imi = iminazole), has been synthesized in aqueous solution. The structure of 1 was identified by elemental analysis, IR, thermogravimetry (TG), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), (183)W-NMR, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. To investigate the inhibitory effect of 1 on human gastric adenocarcinoma SGC-7901 cells, cell proliferation and apoptosis initiation were examined by MTT assay (MTT = 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazoliumbromide), flow cytometry, nuclear staining, transmission electron microscopy, single cell gel electrophoresis, DNA fragmentation, and Western blotting. The results showed that 1 inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in SGC-7901 cells in dose-dependent manner. In addition, 1 also decreased the expression of bcl-2 protein and nuclear factor-κB p65 protein in SGC-7901 cells. And expression of bcl-2 protein exhibits a decreasing trend with increase of concentration of 1. Thus, 1 possessed a potential antitumor activity in SGC-7901 cells. This suggests that polyoxotungstates will provide a promising and novel antitumor agent in prevention and treatment of gastric adenocarcinoma.

γ-Tocotrienol inhibits angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cell induced by cancer cell

Antiangiogenic therapy mediated by food components is an established strategy for cancer chemoprevention. Growth factors play critical roles in tumor angiogenesis. A conditioned medium containing growth factors from human gastric adenocarcinoma SGC-7901 cell conditioned medium was used as an angiogenic stimulus in this study. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effect and possible mechanism of γ-tocotrienol on tumor angiogenesis. The results showed that γ-tocotrienol (10-40 μmol/L) significantly suppressed proliferation, migration and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) induced by SGC-7901 cell conditioned medium in a dose-dependent manner. γ-Tocotrienol (800-1200 μg/egg) also inhibited new blood vessel formation on the growing chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of γ-tocotrienol on HUVECs were correlated with inducing the apoptosis and arresting cell cycle at the G(0)/G(1) phase at a dose of 40 μmol/L γ-tocotrienol. In addition, γ-tocotrienol inhibited angiogenesis in HUVECs by down-regulation of β-catenin, cyclin D1, CD44, phospho-VEGFR-2 and MMP-9. The antiangiogenic effects of γ-tocotrienol on HUVECs may be attributable to regulation of Wnt signaling by decreasing β-catenin expression. Thus, our results suggest that γ-tocotrienol has a potential chemopreventive agent via antiangiogenesis.

Effects of ruminant trans fatty acids on cardiovascular disease and cancer: a comprehensive review of epidemiological, clinical, and mechanistic studies

There are 2 predominant sources of dietary trans fatty acids (TFA) in the food supply, those formed during the industrial partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils (iTFA) and those formed by biohydrogenation in ruminants (rTFA), including vaccenic acid (VA) and the naturally occurring isomer of conjugated linoleic acid, cis-9, trans-11 CLA (c9,t11-CLA). The objective of this review is to evaluate the evidence base from epidemiological and clinical studies to determine whether intake of rTFA isomers, specifically VA and c9,t11-CLA, differentially affects risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer compared with iTFA. In addition, animal and cell culture studies are reviewed to explore potential pro- and antiatherogenic mechanisms of VA and c9,t11-CLA. Some epidemiological studies suggest that a positive association with coronary heart disease risk exists between only iTFA isomers and not rTFA isomers. Small clinical studies have been conducted to establish cause-and-effect relationships between these different sources of TFA and biomarkers or risk factors of CVD with inconclusive results. The lack of detection of treatment effects reported in some studies may be due to insufficient statistical power. Many studies have used doses of rTFA that are not realistically attainable via diet; thus, further clinical studies are warranted. Associations between iTFA intake and cancer have been inconsistent, and associations between rTFA intake and cancer have not been well studied. Clinical studies have not been conducted investigating the cause-and-effect relationship between iTFA and rTFA intake and risk for cancers. Further research is needed to determine the health effects of VA and c9,t11-CLA in humans.

Effects of beta-ionone on mammary carcinogenesis and antioxidant status in rats treated with DMBA

Recent chemopreventive studies from our group showed that dietary beta -ionone inhibited 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary carcinogenesis by the inhibition of cell proliferation and apoptosis initiation. In this study, we examined the chemopreventive effects of varied doses of dietary beta -ionone on the development and growth of DMBA-induced rat mammary tumors as well as plasma antioxidant status. beta -ionone treatment groups were given 9, 18, and 36 mmol/kg in the AIN76A diet starting 2 wk prior to DMBA administration and continuing for the 24 wk. Results showed that tumor incidence was dose dependently reduced by 35.4, 68.3, and 87.8%, respectively, compared to the positive control. Tumor sizes were dose dependently smaller, and tumor weight was less in each group, each rat, and each tumor compared to the positive control (P < 0.05). A significant decrease in lipid peroxidation was observed in the tumor-induced rats treated with dietary beta -ionone, whereas the plasma activities of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, and the nonenzymatic antioxidant glutathione were increased in the beta -ionone treated rats when compared to control. The levels of catalase and lactate dehydrogenase were remarkably decreased in the beta -ionone treated groups compared to the positive control group. These results suggest that dietary beta -ionone has biologically relevant antioxidant activity and plays a chemopreventive role against DMBA induced mammary gland tumors.

Dietary conjugated linoleic acid increases PPAR gamma gene expression in adipose tissue of obese rat, and improves insulin resistance

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a class of positional, geometric, conjugated dienoic isomers of linoleic acid. Dietary CLA supplementation has resulted in a dramatic decrease in body fat mass in mice. However, some but not all studies in mice and humans have found that CLA promoted insulin resistance, and there were conflicting reports on the effects of CLA on peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR gamma) activation and expression. The objective of present study was to investigate the effect of CLA on insulin resistance and its molecular mechanisms. Fifty male Wistar rats were randomly designed to the control, high-fat and high-fat with CLA (0.75, 1.50, and 3.00 g in per 100 g diet) groups. The effect of CLA on insulin sensitivity and the mechanism of resisting diabetes by CLA were investigated by RT-PCR assay. The results showed that supplementation with CLA significantly reduced body weight gain and white fat pad weight in the rats, the levels of plasma free fatty acids (FFA), triglycerides (TGs), cholesterin (TC), leptin, insulin and blood glucose concentration in the obese rats of CLA group were also decreased compared to the rats in the high-fat group. Dietary CLA increased the mRNA expression of PPAR gamma, fatty acid binding proteins (aP2), fatty acid transporter protein (FATP), acyl-CoA synthetase (ACS) and adiponectin in the adipose tissues of obese rats. The results suggest that CLA may ameliorate insulin resistance by activating PPAR gamma, and increasing the expression of PPAR gamma target genes such as ap2, FATP, FAT, and adiponectin in the white adipose tissue.

Dietary coconut oil increases conjugated linoleic acid-induced body fat loss in mice independent of essential fatty acid deficiency

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) induces a body fat loss that is enhanced in mice fed coconut oil (CO), which lacks essential fatty acids (EFA). Our objective was to determine if CO enhancement of CLA-induced body fat loss is due to the lack of EFA. The CLA-EFA interaction was tested by feeding CO and fat free (FF) diets for varying times with and without replenishment of individual EFA. Mice fed CO during only the 2-week CLA-feeding period did not differ from control mice in their adipose EFA content but still tended (P=0.06) to be leaner than mice fed soy oil (SO). Mice raised on CO or FF diets and fed CLA were leaner than the SO+CLA-fed mice (P<0.01). Mice raised on CO and then replenished with linoleic, linolenic, or arachidonic acid were leaner when fed CLA than mice raised on SO (P<0.001). Body fat of CO+CLA-fed mice was not affected by EFA addition. In summary, CO-fed mice not lacking in tissue EFA responded more to CLA than SO-fed mice. Also, EFA addition to CO diets did not alter the enhanced response to CLA. Therefore, the increased response to CLA in mice raised on CO or FF diets appears to be independent of a dietary EFA deficiency.

Blocking effects of genistein on cell proliferation and possible mechanism in human gastric carcinoma

AIM: To study the blocking effects of genistein on cell proliferation cycle in human gastric carcinoma cells (SGC-7901) and the possible mechanism.

METHODS: MTT assay was applied in the detection of the inhibitory effects of genistein on cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the cell cycle distribution. Immunocytochemical technique and Western blotting were performed to detect the protein expression of cyclin D₁, cyclin B₁ and p21^waf1/cip1.

RESULTS: Genistein significantly inhibited the growth and proliferation of human gastric carcinoma cells (SGC-7901). Seven days after treatment with different concentrations of genistein (2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 20.0 μg /mL), the growth inhibitory rates were 11.2%, 28.8%, 55.3%, 84.7% respectively and cell cycles were arrested at the G(2)/ M phase. Genistein decreased cyclin D₁ protein expression and enhanced cyclin B₁ and p21waf/cip1 protein expression in a concentration-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION: The growth and proliferation of SGC-7901 cells can be inhibited by genistein via blocking the cell cycle, with reduced expression of cyclin D₁ and enhanced expression of cyclin B₁ and p21waf/cip1 protein in the concentration range of 0-20 μg /mL.

Effet radiosensibilisateur de l'acide linoléique conjugué chez les cellules cancéreuses du sein MCF-7 et MDA-MB-231

Apoptotic pathways in breast cancer cells are frequently altered, reducing the efficiency of radiotherapy. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), known to trigger apoptosis, was tested as radiosensitizer in breast cancer cells MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. The CLA-mix, made up of the isomers CLA-9cis 11trans and CLA-10trans 12cis, was compared to three purified isomers, i.e., the CLA-9cis 11cis, CLA-9cis 11trans, and CLA-10trans 12cis. Using the apoptotic marker YO-PRO®-1, the CLA-9cis 11cis at 50 µmol/L turned out to be the best apoptotic inducer leading to a 10-fold increase in MCF-7 cells and a 2,5-fold increase in MDA-MB-231 cells, comparatively to the CLA-mix. Contrary to previous studies on colorectal and prostate cancer cells, CLA-10trans 12cis does not lead to an apoptotic response on breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. Our results also suggest that the main components of the CLA-mix (CLA-9cis 11trans and CLA-10trans 12cis) are not involved in the induction of apoptosis in the breast cancer cells studied. A dose of 5 Gy did not induce apoptosis in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. The addition of CLA-9cis 11cis or CLA-mix has allowed us to observe a radiation-induced apoptosis, with the CLA-9cis 11cis being about 8-fold better than the CLA-mix. CLA-9cis 11cis turned out to be the best radiosensitizer, although the isomers CLA-9cis 11trans and CLA-10trans 12cis have also reduced the cell survival following irradiation, but using a mechanism not related to apoptosis. In conclusion, the radiosensitizing property of CLA-9cis 11cis supports its potential as an agent to improve radiotherapy against breast carcinoma.Key words: breast cancer, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), radiotherapy, apoptosis.

Construction of expression systems for flaA and flaB genes of Helicobacter pylori and determination of immunoreactivity and antigenicity of recombinant proteins

AIM: To clone flagellin genes A (flaA) and B (flaB) from a clinical strain of Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) and to construct prokaryotic expression systems of the genes and identify immunity of the fusion proteins.

METHODS: The flaA and flaB genes from a clinical H pylori isolate Y06 were amplified by high fidelity PCR. The nucleotide sequences of target DNA amplification fragments from the two genes were sequenced after T-A cloning. The recombinant expression vector pET32a inserted with flaA and flaB genes was constructed, respectively. The expressions of FlaA and FlaB fusion proteins in E. coli BL21DE3 induced by isopropylthio-β-D-galactoside (IPTG) at different concentrations were examined by SDS-PAGE. Western blot using commercial antibodies against whole cell of H pylori and immunodiffusion assay using self-prepared rabbit antiserum against FlaA (rFlaA) or FlaB (rFlaB) recombinant proteins were applied to the determination of the fusion proteins immunity. ELISA was used to detect the antibodies against rFlaA and rFlaB in sera of 125 H pylori infected patients and to examine rFlaA and rFlaB expression in 98 clinical isolates of H pylori, respectively.

RESULTS: In comparison with the reported corresponding sequences, the nucleotide sequence homologies of the cloned flaA and flaB genes were from 96.28%-97.13% and 96.31%-97.73%, and their putative amino acid sequence homologies were 99.61%-99.80% and 99.41%-100% for the two genes, respectively. The output of rFlaA and rFlaB expressed by pET32a-flaA-BL21DE3 and pET32a-flaB-BL21DE3 systems was as high as 40%-50% of the total bacterial proteins. Both rFlaA and rFlaB were able to combine with the commercial antibodies against whole cell of H pylori and to induce rabbits to produce specific antibodies with the same 1:2 immunodiffusion titers after the animals were immunized with the two recombinant proteins. Ninety-eight and zero point 4 and 92.80% of the serum samples from 125 patients infected with H pylori were positive for rFlaA and rFlaB antibodies, respectively. One hundred percent and 98.98% of the 98 tested isolates of H pylori were detectable for rFlaA and rFlaB epitopes, respectively.

CONCLUSION: Two prokaryotic expression systems with high efficiency of H pylori flaA and flaB genes were successfully established. The expressed rFlaA and rFlaB showed satisfactory immunoreactivity and antigenicity. High frequencies of FlaA and FlaB expression in different H pylori clinical strains and the general existence of specific antibodies against FlaA and FlaB in H pylori infected patients strongly indicate that FlaA and FlaB are excellent antigen candidates for developing H pylori vaccine.

Degradation of retinoid X receptor α by TPA through proteasome pathway in gastric cancer cells

AIM: To investigate and determine the mechanism and signal pathway of tetradecanoylphorbol-1, 3-acetate (TPA) in degradation of RXRα.

METHODS: Gastric cancer cell line, BGC-823 was used in the experiments. The expression level of RXRα protein was detected by Western blot. Nuclear and cytoplasmic protein fractions were prepared through lysis of cell and centrifugation. Localization and translocation of RXRα were observed under laser-scanning confocal microscope through labeling specific anti-RXRα antibody and corresponding immunofluorescent antibody as secondary antibody. Different inhibitors were used as required.

RESULTS: In BGC-823 cells, RXRα was expressed in the nucleus. When cells were treated with TPA, expression of RXRα was repressed in a time-dependent and TPA-concentration-dependent manner. Meanwhile, translocation of RXRα from the nucleus to the cytoplasm occurred, also in a time-dependent manner. When cells were pre-incubated with proteasome inhibitor MG132 for 3 hrs, followed by TPA for another 12 hrs, TPA-induced RXRα degradation was inhibited. Further observation of RXRα translocation in the presence of MG132 showed that MG-132 could block TPA-induced RXRα redistribution. Conversely, when RXRα translocation was inhibited by LMB, an inhibitor for blocking protein export from the nucleus, TPA could not repress expression of RXRα.

CONCLUSION: TPA could induce the degradation of RXRα protein in BGC-823 cells, and this degradation is time- and TPA-concentration-dependent. Furthermore, the degradation of RXRα by TPA is via a proteasome pathway and associated with RXRα translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm.

Inhibitory effects of c9, t11-conjugated linoleic acid on invasion of human gastric carcinoma cell line SGC-7901

AIM

To investigate the effect of c9, t11-conjugated linoleic acid (c9, t11-CLA) on the invasion of human gastric carcinoma cell line and its possible mechanism of preventing metastasis.

METHODS

Using reconstituted basement membrane invasion, chemotaxis, adhesion, PAGE substrate zymography and RT-PCR assays, we analyzed the abilities of invasion, direct migration, adhesion of intracellular matrix, as well as the activity of type IV collagenase and expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2 mRNA in SGC-7901 cells which were treated with gradually increased concentrations (25, 50, 100 and 200 micromol/L) of c9, t11-CLA for 24 h.

RESULTS

At the concentrations of 200 micromol/L, 100 micromol/L and 50 micromol/L, c9,t11-CLA suppressed the invasion of SGC-7901 cells into the reconstituted basement membrane by 53.7 %, 40.9 % and 29.3 %, respectively, in comparison with the negative control. Only in the 200 micromol/L c9,t11-CLA group, the chemotaxis of SGC-7901 cells was inhibited by 16.0 % in comparison with the negative control. C9,t11-CLA also could inhibit the adhesion of SGC-7901 cells to laminin, fibronectin and Matrigel, increase the expression of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 mRNA, and reduce type IV collagenase activities in the serum-free medium supernatant of SGC-7901 cells.

CONCLUSION

c9,t11-CLA can inhibit the invasion of SGC-7901 cells at multiple procedures in tumor metastasis cascade, which may be associated with the induction of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 mRNA expression.

Construction of hpaA gene from a clinical isolate of Helicobacter pylori and identification of fusion protein

AIM: To clone hpaA gene from a clinical strain of Helicobacter pylori and to construct the expression vector of the gene and to identify immunity of the fusion protein.

METHODS: The hpaA gene from a clinical isolate Y06 of H. pylori was amplified by high fidelity PCR. The nucleotide sequence of the target DNA amplification fragment was sequenced after T-A cloning. The recombinant expression vector inserted with hpaA gene was constructed. The expression of HpaA fusion protein in E.coli BL21(DE3) induced by IPTG at different dosages was examined by SDS-PAGE. Western blot with commercial antibody against whole cell of H. pylori as well as immunodiffusion assay with self-prepared rabbit antiserum against HpaA fusion protein were applied to determine immunity of the fusion protein. ELISA was used to detect the antibody against HpaA in sera of 125 patients infected with H. pylori and to examine HpaA expression of 109 clinical isolates of H. pylori.

RESULTS: In comparison with the reported corresponding sequences, the homologies of nucleotide and putative amino acid sequences of the cloned hpaA gene were from 94.25%-97.32% and 95.38%-98.46%, respectively. The output of HpaA fusion protein in its expression system of pET32a-hpaA-BL21(DE3) was approximately 40% of the total bacterial proteins. HpaA fusion protein was able to combine with the commercial antibody against whole cell of H. pylori and to induce rabbit producing specific antiserum with 1:4 immunodiffusion titer after the animal was immunized with the fusion protein. 81.6% of the serum samples from 125 patients infected with H. pylori (102/125) were positive for HpaA antibody and all of the tested isolates of H. pylori (109/109) were detectable for HpaA.

CONCLUSION: A prokaryotic expression system with high efficiency of H. pylorihpaA gene was successfully established. The HpaA expressing fusion protein showed satisfactory immunoreactivity and antigenicity. High frequencies of HpaA expression in different H. pylori clinical strains and specific antibody production in H. pylori infected patients indicate that HpaA is an excellent and ideal antigen for developing H. pylori vaccine.

Inhibition of conjugated linoleic acid on mouse forestomach neoplasia induced by benzo (a) pyrene and chemopreventive mechanisms

AIM

To explore the inhibition of conjugated linoleic acid isomers in different purity (75 % purity c9,t11-, 98 % purity c9,t11- and 98 % purity t10,c12-CLA) on the formation of forestomach neoplasm and chemopreventive mechanisms.

METHODS

Forestomach neoplasm model induced by B(a)P in KunMing mice was established. The numbers of tumor and diameter of each tumor in forestomach were counted; the mice plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured by TBARS assay; TUNEL assay was used to analyze the apoptosis in forestomach neoplasia and the expression of MEK-1, ERK-1, MKP-1 protein in forestomach neoplasm were studied by Western Blotting assay.

RESULTS

The incidence of neoplasm in B(a)P group, 75 % purity c9, t11-CLA group, 98 % purity c9,t11-CLA group and 98 % purity t10, c12-CLA group was 100 %, 75.0 %(P>0.05), 69.2 % (P<0.05) and 53.8 % (P<0.05) respectively and the effect of two CLA isomers in 98 % purity on forestomach neoplasia was significant; CLA showed no influence on the average tumor numbers in tumor-bearing mouse, but significantly decreased the tumor size, the tumor average diameter of mice in 75 % purity c9,t11-CLA group, 98 % purity c9,t11-CLA group and 98 % purity t10, c12-CLA group was 0.157+/-0.047 cm, 0.127+/-0.038 cm and 0.128+/-0.077 cm (P<0.05) and 0.216+/-0.088 cm in B(a)P group; CLA could also significantly increase the apoptosis cell numbers by 144.00+/-20.31, 153.75+/-23.25, 157.25+/-15.95(P<0.05) in 75 % purity c9,t11-CLA group, 98 % purity c9,t11-CLA group and 98 % purity t10,c12-CLA group (30.88+/-3.72 in BP group); but there were no significant differences between the effects of 75 % purity c9,t11-CLA and two isomers in 98 % purity on tumor size and apoptotic cell numbers; the plasma levels of MDA in were increased by 75 % purity c9,t11-CLA, 98 % purity c9,t11-CLA and 98 % purity t10,c12-CLA. The 75 % purity c9,t11-CLA showed stronger inhibition; CLA could also inhibit the expression of ERK-1 protein and promote the expression of MKP-1 protein, however no influence of CLA on MEK-1 protein was observed.

CONCLUSION

Two isomers in 98 % purity show stronger inhibition on carcinogenesis. However, the inhibitory mechanisms of CLA on carcinogenesis is complicated, which may be due to the increased mice plasma MDA, the inducing apoptosis in tumor tissues. And the effect of CLA on the expression of ERK-1 and MKP-1 may be one of the mechanisms of the inhibition of CLA on the tumor.

Intravenous chemotherapy for resected gastric cancer: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIM: To assess the safety and efficacy of different intravenous chemotherapeutic regimens in patients with gastric carcinomas who had undergone gastrectomy.

METHODS: A meta-analysis of all the relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed. Language was restricted to Chinese and English. RCTs were identified from Medline and Embase (1980-2001/4), and Chinese Bio-medicine Database (1990-2001/1). Literature references were checked at the same time. We included randomized and quasi-randomized trials comparing the efficacy of intravenous chemotherapy after gastrectomy with that of surgery alone in patients with confirmed gastric carcinomas who had undergone gastrectomy. Selection criteria were: randomized or quasi-randomized trials with following-up results; Trials could be double-blind, single-blind or not blind; Chemotherapy groups were given intravenous chemotherapy after gastrectomy without neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, intraperitoneal hyperthermic perfusion, radiotherapy or chemoimmunotherapy; Controlled group included those receiving gastrectomy alone. The following data were extracted: the number of survival and death by the end of the follow-up; the different agents and doses of the intravenous chemotherapy; the baseline of the chemotherapy group and the controlled arm; the serious adverse events; the statistical consideration; cost-effectiveness analysis. The statistical analysis was performed by RevMan4.1 software which was provided by the Cochrane Collaboration. A P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Meta-analysis was done with random effects model. Heterogeneity was checked by chi-square test. Sensitivity analysis was performed by excluding the trials in which Jadad-scale was only 1 score. The result was expressed with odds ratio (OR) for the categorical variable.

RESULTS: Fourteen trials involving 4543 patients were included. Meta-analysis was done with random effects model Heterogeneity and sensitivity analysis were performed also. The effect of intravenous chemotherapy after gastrectomy was better than surgery alone (odds ratio 0.56, 95%CI 0.40-0.79). There was a significant difference between the two groups by u-test (P = 0.0008). Sensitivity analysis revealed the same difference (odds ratio 0.81, 95%CI 0.70-0.94). Of fourteen trials, only three studies were of high quality according to the Jadad-scale (with three score). There was one meta-analysis trial and the others, about ten trials, were of low quality. There was no trial which mentioned sample-size calculation, allocation concealment, intention-to-treat analysis. Most of the trials didn’t describe the blind-procedure. There were five trials which detailed the side-effects according to the toxicity grade by WHO standard. The side-effects halting treatment were haematologic and biochemical toxicity, debilitating nausea and vomiting. There were two patients died of chemotherapy toxicity.

CONCLUSION: Based on the review, intravenous chemotherapy after gastrectomy may have positive treatment effect on gastric cancer. However, the evidence is not strong because of the general low methodologic quality of the RCTs. Therefore, we can’t make the conclusion that intravenous chemotherapy after gastrectomy may have better treatment effect on gastric cancer than that of surgery alone. Rigorously designed, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials are required.

Roles of Fas signaling pathway in vitamin E succinate-induced apoptosis in human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells

AIM

To investigate the roles of Fas signaling pathway in vitamin E succinate-induced apoptosis in human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells.

METHODS

Human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells were treated with VES at 5, 10, 20 mg x L(-1), succinic acid and vitamin E as vehicle control and condition media only as untreated (UT) control. Apoptotic morphology was observed by DAPI staining. Western blot analysis was applied to measure the expression of Fas, FADD and caspase-8 proteins. After the cells were transiently transfected with Fas and FADD antisense oligonucleotides, respectively, caspase-8 activity was determined by flurometric method.

RESULTS

The morphologically apoptotic changes were observed after VES treatment by DAPI staining. 23.7 % and 89.6 % apoptosis occurred after 24 h and 48 h of 20 mg x L(-1) VES treatment, respectively. The protein levels of Fas, FADD and caspase-8 were evidently increased in a dose-dependent manner after 24 h of VES treatment. The blockage of Fas by transfection with Fas antisense oligonucleotides obviously inhibited the expression of FADD protein. After SGC-7901 cells were transfected with Fas and FADD antisense oligonucleotides, caspase-8 activity was obviously decreased (P<0.01), whereas Fas blocked more than FADD.

CONCLUSION

VES-induced apoptosis in human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells involves Fas signaling pathway including the interaction of Fas, FADD and caspase-8.

Effect of apoptosis on gastric adenocarcinoma cell line SGC-7901 induced by cis-9, trans-11-conjugated linoleic acid

AIM

To determine the effect of apoptosis on gastric cancer cells (SGC-7901) induced by cis-9, trans-11-conjugated linoleic acid (c9, t11-CLA) and its possible mechanism in the inhibition of cancer cells growth.

METHODS

Using cell culture, flow cytometery and immunocytochemical techniques, we examined the cell growth, frequency of apoptosis and distribution of cell cycle, expression of ki67, bcl-2, Fas, and c-myc of SGC-7901 cells which were treated with various c9, t11-CLA concentrations (25,50,100 and 200 micromol x L(-1)) of c9, t11-CLA for 24 h and 48 h, with a negative control (0.1 % ethanol).

RESULTS

The growth of SGC-7901 cells was inhibited by c9,t11-CLA. Eight days after treatment with various concentrations of c9,t11-CLA, as mentioned above, the inhibition rates were 5.9 %, 20.2 %,75.6 % and 82.4 %, respectively. The frequency of apoptosis on SGC-7901 cells induced by different concentrations of c9, t11-CLA (except for 25 micromol.L(-1), 24 h) was significantly greater than that in the negative control (P<0.01). To further investigate the influence of the cell cycle progression, we found that apoptosis induced by c9, t11-CLA may be involved in blocking the cell cycle of SGC-7901 cells. Immunocytochemical staining demonstrated that SGC-7901 cells preincubated in media supplemented with different c9, t11-CLA concentrations for various time periods significantly decreased the expressions of ki67 (the expression rates were 18.70-3.20 %, at 24 h and 8.10-0.20 % at 48 h, respectively), bcl-2 (4.30-0.15 % at 24 h and 8.05 %-0 at 48 h), and c-myc (4.85-2.20 % at 24 h and 4.75-0.30 % at 48 h) as compared with those in the controls (the expressions of ki67, bcl-2, and c-myc were 15.1 % at 24 h and 13.5 % at 48 h, 6.80 % at 24 h and 8.00 % at 48 h, 5.50 % at 24 h and 5.30 % at 48 h, respectively) (P<0.01), whereas the expressions of Fas were increased (0.60-2.75 %, 24 h and 0.45-5.95 %, 48 h).

CONCLUSION

The growth and proliferation of SGC-7901 cells are inhibited by c9, t11-CLA via blocking the cell cycle, pathways of bcl-2-associated mitochondria with reduced expression of bcl-2 and Fas-associated death domain protein (FADD) with enhanced expression of Fas. But expression of c-myc on SGC-7901 cells is lower than that in negative control, which needs to be studied further.