Induction of apoptosis by diphenyldifluoroketone in osteogenic sarcoma cells is associated with activation of caspases

Anticarcinogenic Potency of EF24: An Overview of Its Pharmacokinetics, Efficacy, Mechanism of Action, and Nanoformulation for Drug Delivery

EF24, a synthetic monocarbonyl analog of curcumin, shows significant potential as an anticancer agent with both chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic properties. It exhibits rapid absorption, extensive tissue distribution, and efficient metabolism, ensuring optimal bioavailability and sustained exposure of the target tissues. The ability of EF24 to penetrate biological barriers and accumulate at tumor sites makes it advantageous for effective cancer treatment. Studies have demonstrated EF24's remarkable efficacy against various cancers, including breast, lung, prostate, colon, and pancreatic cancer. The unique mechanism of action of EF24 involves modulation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathways, disrupting cancer-promoting inflammation and oxidative stress. EF24 inhibits tumor growth by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, mainly through inhibiting the NF-κB pathway and by regulating key genes by modulating microRNA (miRNA) expression or the proteasomal pathway. In summary, EF24 is a promising anticancer compound with a unique mechanism of action that makes it effective against various cancers. Its ability to enhance the effects of conventional therapies, coupled with improvements in drug delivery systems, could make it a valuable asset in cancer treatment. However, addressing its solubility and stability challenges will be crucial for its successful clinical application.

Curcumin in human osteosarcoma: From analogs to carriers

Osteosarcoma (osteogenic sarcoma), the most prevalent primary malignant bone tumor in adolescents, confers low survival rates in patients with metastatic disease. Dietary curcumin has a number of anticancer properties but has poor bioavailability. To improve the clinical applications of curcumin, several potential curcumin analogs and nanobased curcumin delivery systems have been developed. In this critical review, we address the biological and pharmacological characteristics of curcumin and its analogs, with an emphasis on strategies to improve the bioactivity and bioavailability of curcumin analogs that may increase their application in the treatment of potent human metastatic osteosarcoma. We highlight promising current multifunctional nanoformulations and three-dimensional printed scaffold systems utilized for the targeting and delivery of curcumin in human osteosarcoma cells. Our purpose is to drive further research on curcumin analogs and carriers to improve their bioavailability and anti-osteosarcoma bioactivity.

Inhibition of autophagic flux by the curcumin analog EF-24 and its antiproliferative effect on MCF-7 cancer cells

5-Bis[(2-fluorophenyl)methylene]-4-piperidinone (EF-24) is a curcumin analog, which was identified for its physiochemical stability and diverse pharmacological functions. In the present study, EF-24 was added to the breast cancer cell line MCF-7 and its cellular effects were characterized. The results indicated that EF-24 possessed antiproliferative and antimigratory activities on MCF-7 cells as determined by MTT assay, wound healing, and transwell assay, respectively. In addition, the autophagosomal vesicles could be detected by acridine orange staining and electron microscope analysis in EF-24-treated cells. Conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II was also investigated following EF-24 treatment of the cells. However, the expression analysis of p62 and LC3 revealed that EF-24 could inhibit autophagic flux in MCF-7 cells. Confocal microscopy suggested that EF-24 could inhibit the degradation of autophagic vesicles by blocking the fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes. EF-24 could also induce apoptosis of MCF-7 cells as determined by Hoechst 33342 staining, flow cytometry analysis, and western blot analysis. Moreover, treatment of the cells with the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA enhanced the PARP1 cleavage of EF-24-treated MCF-7 cells, which indicated the crosstalk between autophagy and apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Additional investigation of EF-24 should be performed in future studies to assess its antiproliferation and antimigratory effects on MCF-7 cells. However, the current results provide a solid foundation for the potential in vivo anticancer activity of this compound.

Targeting Signaling Pathway by Curcumin in Osteosarcoma

The most prevalent primary bone malignancy among children and adolescents is osteosarcoma. The high mortality rate of osteosarcoma is due to lung metastasis. Despite the development of multi-agent chemotherapy and surgical resection, patients with osteosarcoma have a high metastasis rate and poor prognosis. Thus, it is necessary to identify novel therapeutic agents to improve the 5-year survival rate of these patients. Curcumin, a phytochemical compound derived from Curcuma longa, has been employed in treating several types of cancers through various mechanisms. Also, in vitro studies have demonstrated that curcumin could inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells. Development in identifying signaling pathways involved in the pathogenesis of osteosarcoma has provided insight into finding new therapeutic targets for the treatment of this cancer. Targeting MAPK/ERK, PI3k/AKT, Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and MircoRNA by curcumin has been evaluated to improve outcomes in patients with osteosarcoma. Although curcumin is a potent anti-cancer compound, it has rarely been studied in clinical settings due to its congenital properties such as hydrophobicity and poor bioavailability. In this review, we recapitulate and describe the effect of curcumin in regulating signaling pathways involved in osteosarcoma.

Potential of natural products in osteosarcoma treatment: Focus on molecular mechanisms

Osteosarcoma is the most frequent type of bone cancer found in children and adolescents, and commonly arises in the metaphyseal region of tubular long bones. Standard therapeutic approaches, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, are used in the management of osteosarcoma. In recent years, the mortality rate of osteosarcoma has decreased due to advances in treatment methods. Today, the scientific community is investigating the use of different naturally derived active principles against various types of cancer. Natural bioactive compounds can function against cancer cells in two ways. Firstly they can act as classical cytotoxic compounds by non-specifically affecting macromolecules, such as DNA, enzymes, and microtubules, which are also expressed in normal proliferating cells, but to a greater extent by cancer cells. Secondly, they can act against oncogenic signal transduction pathways, many of which are activated in cancer cells. Some bioactive plant-derived agents are gaining increasing attention because of their anti-cancer properties. Moreover, some naturally-derived compounds can significantly promote the effectiveness of standard chemotherapy drugs, and in certain cases are able to ameliorate drug-induced adverse effects caused by chemotherapy. In the present review we summarize the effects of various naturally-occurring bioactive compounds against osteosarcoma.

EF24 induces ferroptosis in osteosarcoma cells through HMOX1

PURPOSE

EF24, a synthetic analogue of curcumin, was developed as an anti-tumor compound to induce apoptosis, inhibit proliferation and metastasis in various cancers. However, whether EF24 induces ferroptosis in osteosarcoma cells or not, and its underlying mechanism remains largely elusive.

METHODS

After EF24 combining with or without other compounds treatments, mRNA expression profiles were proceeded by RNA sequencing. Cytotoxicity was measured by cell counting kit-8 assay. Cell death was quantified by flow cytometer. Gene expression was quantified by real-time PCR. Protein level was detected by western blot. Malonydialdehyde (MDA) level was measured by lipid peroxidation MDA assay kit. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was measured by ROS Assay Kit. Ferric ion was measured by Iron Assay kit.

RESULTS

EF24 significantly induced cell death in osteosarcoma cell lines, and this effect was significantly reversed by ferrostatin-1, but not Z-VAD(Ome)-FMK, MRT68921 or necrosulfonamide. EF24 significantly increased MDA level, ROS level and intracellular ferric ion level, these effects were significantly attenuated by ferrostatin-1. EF24 upregulated HMOX1 expression in a dose dependent manner, overexpression of HMOX1 facilitated EF24 to induce ferroptosis in osteosarcoma cell lines. HMOX1 knockdown attenuated EF24-induced cytotoxicity and attenuated EF24-induced inhibition of Glutathione Peroxidase 4 (GPX4) expression.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that EF24 upregulated HMOX1 to suppress GPX4 expression to induce ferroptosis by increasing MDA level, ROS level and intracellular ferric ion level. Thus, EF24 might serve as a potential agent for the treatment of HMOX1-positive osteosarcoma patients.

Identification of potential crucial genes and key pathways in osteosarcoma

Background

The aim of this study is to identify the potential pathogenic and metastasis-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in osteosarcoma through bioinformatic analysis of Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database.

Results

Gene expression profiles of GSE14359, GSE16088, and GSE33383, in total 112 osteosarcoma tissue samples and 7 osteoblasts, were analyzed. Seventy-four normal-primary DEGs (NPDEGs) and 764 primary-metastatic DEGs (PMDEGs) were screened. VAMP8, A2M, HLA-DRA, SPARCL1, HLA-DQA1, APOC1 and AQP1 were identified continuously upregulating during the oncogenesis and metastasis of osteosarcoma. The enriched functions and pathways of NPDEGs include procession and presentation of antigens, activation of MHC class II receptors and phagocytosis. The enriched functions and pathways of PMDEGs include mitotic nuclear division, cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and focal adhesion. With protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyzed by Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) plug-in of Cytoscape software, one hub NPDEG (HLA-DRA) and 7 hub PMDEGs (CDK1, CDK20, CCNB1, MTIF2, MRPS7, VEGFA and EGF) were eventually selected, and the most significant pathways in NPDEGs module and PMDEGs module were enriched in the procession and presentation of exogenous peptide antigen via MHC class II and the nuclear division, respectively.

Conclusions

By integrated bioinformatic analysis, numerous DEGs related to osteosarcoma were screened, and the hub DEGs identified in this study are possibly part of the potential biomarkers for osteosarcoma. However, further experimental studies are still necessary to elucidate the biological function and mechanism of these genes.

Reversine induces caspase-dependent apoptosis of human osteosarcoma cells through extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathways

BACKGROUND

The 2-(4-morpholinoanilino)-6-cyclohexylaminopurine (reversine) acts as a chemopreventive agent and induces apoptotic cell death in various cancer cells. However, the anticancer effects of reversine on osteosarcoma cells are not clearly established.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of reversine on cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis in human osteosarcoma cells.

METHODS

Cell viability assay, histological analysis, DAPI staining, caspase activation analysis, flow cytometric analysis and immunoblotting were carried out in MG-63 osteosarcoma cells.

RESULTS

Reversine inhibited the growth of cells in a dose-dependent manner and induced nuclear condensation and fragmentation. Reversine-treated cells showed caspase-3/7 activation and increased apoptosis versus control cells. FasL, a death ligand associated with extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathways, was significantly up-regulated by reversine treatment. Moreover, the caspase-8, a part of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway, was activated by reversine treatments. Expressions of anti-apoptotic factors such as Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, components of the mitochondria dependent intrinsic apoptosis pathway, significantly decreased following reversine treatment. The expressions of pro-apoptotic factors such as BAX, BAD and caspase-9 increased by reversine treatments. In addition, reversine activated caspase-3 and Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) to induce cell death. The Z-VAD-fmk significantly inhibited cell death through the suppression of caspase-3 expression in MG-63 cells treated with reversine.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the reversine may inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptotic cell death in MG-63 osteosarcoma cells through both the mitochondria-mediated intrinsic pathway and the death receptor-mediated extrinsic pathway, and may have potential properties for the discovery of anti-cancer agents.

Bioactivities of EF24, a Novel Curcumin Analog: A Review

Curcumin is an attractive agent due to its multiple bioactivities. However, the low oral bioavailability and efficacy profile hinders its clinical application. To improve the bioavailability, many analogs of curcumin have been developed, among which EF24 is an excellent representative. EF24 has enhanced bioavailability over curcumin and shows more potent bioactivity, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial. EF24 inhibits tumor growth by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, mainly through its inhibitory effect on the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway and by regulating key genes through microRNA (miRNA) or the proteosomal pathway. Based on the current structure, more potent EF24 analogs have been designed and synthesized. However, some roles of EF24 remain unclear, such as whether it induces or inhibits reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and whether it stimulates or inhibits the mitogen activated kinase-like protein (MAPK) pathway. This review summarizes the known biological and pharmacological activities and mechanisms of action of EF24.

Downregulation of glucose-regulated protein 78 enhances the cytotoxic effects of curcumin on human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells

Curcumin is a conventional Chinese medicine, which exerts a marked effect on various tumor types and suppresses tumor invasion. The present study analyzed the antineoplastic effects of curcumin on human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells and determined the effects of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress on curcumin‑induced cytotoxicity. The Cell Counting Kit‑8 assay examined the viability of SUNE1 and SUNE2 NPC cells. The Annexin V/propidium iodide staining technique was used to detect cell apoptosis and flow cytometry was used to examine cell cycle distribution. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to detect ER stress‑associated molecules. Furthermore, the toxic effects of curcumin treatment alongside glucose‑regulated protein 78 (GRP78) knockdown using small interfering (si)RNA, and treatment with the pan‑caspase inhibitor Z‑VAD‑FMK and the protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitor MK‑2206 were detected. The results demonstrated that curcumin markedly reduced cell viability, blocked cell cycle progression and induced apoptosis of human NPC cells. In addition, curcumin activated ER stress‑associated proteins to participate in the apoptosis of human NPC cells. siRNA‑induced knockdown of GRP78 may be able to strengthen the toxic effects of curcumin through mediating the AKT signaling pathway. These findings indicated that downregulation of GRP78 promoted the therapeutic effects of curcumin on NPC cells. The present study identified a potential, novel therapeutic method for the treatment of NPC.

Phytocompounds modulating Aquaporins: Clinical benefits are anticipated

A series of plant-derived bioactive compounds belonging to the class of polyphenols, terpenes and capsaicinoids, interact with important pathophysiological pathways at a molecular, cellular and systemic level. Mechanisms of action include altering cell growth and differentiation, apoptosis, autophagy, inflammation, redox balance and metabolic and energy homeostasis. These effects might also involve the expression and function of Aquaporins (AQPs), a family of membrane channel proteins, involved in several body functions. The ultimate translational beneficial effect of such phytocompounds on AQPs in health and disease is a matter of intensive research. Results might provide novel therapeutic approaches to a number of human diseases. Here, we give an updated overview of this fast growing and promising field, discussing a number of phytocompounds and their action on AQPs and related potential clinical achievements.

Aquaporins as Targets of Dietary Bioactive Phytocompounds

Plant-derived bioactive compounds have protective role for plants but may also modulate several physiological processes of plant consumers. In the last years, a wide spectrum of phytochemicals have been found to be beneficial to health interacting with molecular signaling pathways underlying critical functions such as cell growth and differentiation, apoptosis, autophagy, inflammation, redox balance, cell volume regulation, metabolic homeostasis, and energy balance. Hence, a large number of biologically active phytocompounds of foods have been isolated, characterized, and eventually modified representing a natural source of novel molecules to prevent, delay or cure several human diseases. Aquaporins (AQPs), a family of membrane channel proteins involved in many body functions, are emerging among the targets of bioactive phytochemicals in imparting their beneficial actions. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of this fast growing topic focusing especially on what it is known on the modulatory effects played by several edible plant and herbal compounds on AQPs, both in health and disease. Phytochemical modulation of AQP expression may provide new medical treatment options to improve the prognosis of several diseases.

Paeoniflorin induces G2/M cell cycle arrest and caspase-dependent apoptosis through the upregulation of Bcl-2 X-associated protein and downregulation of B-cell lymphoma 2 in human osteosarcoma cells

Paeoniflorin (PF), extracted from the peony root, has been proved to possess antineoplastic activity in different cancer cell lines. However, it remains unclear whether PF has an antineoplastic effect against osteosarcoma cells. The present study investigated the effects and the specific mechanism of PF on various human osteosarcoma cell lines. Using the multiple methods to detect the activity of PF on HOS and Saos-2 human osteosarcoma cell lines, including an MTS assay, flow cytometry, transmission electron microscopy and western blotting, it was demonstrated that PF induces inhibition of proliferation, G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in the osteosarcoma cell lines in vitro, and activation of cleaved-caspase-3 and cleaved-poly (ADPribose) polymerase in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the pro-apoptotic factors Bcl-2 X-associated protein and BH3 interacting domain death agonist were uregulated, while the anti-apoptotic factors B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-extra large were downregulated. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that PF has a promising therapeutic potential in for osteosarcoma.

JPH203, a selective L-type amino acid transporter 1 inhibitor, induces mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in Saos2 human osteosarcoma cells

Most normal cells express L-type amino acid transporter 2 (LAT2). However, L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) is highly expressed in many tumor cells and presumed to support their increased growth and proliferation. This study examined the effects of JPH203, a selective LAT1 inhibitor, on cell growth and its mechanism for cell death in Saos2 human osteosarcoma cells. FOB human osteoblastic cells and Saos2 cells expressed LAT1 and LAT2 together with their associating protein 4F2 heavy chain, but the expression of LAT2 in the Saos2 cells was especially weak. JPH203 and BCH, a non-selective L-type amino acid transporter inhibitor, potently inhibited L-leucine uptake in Saos2 cells. As expected, the intrinsic ability of JPH203 to inhibit L-leucine uptake was far more efficient than that of BCH in Saos2 cells. Likewise, JPH203 and BCH inhibited Saos2 cell growth with JPH203 being superior to BCH in this regard. Furthermore, JPH203 increased apoptosis rates and formed DNA ladder in Saos2 cells. Moreover, JPH203 activated the mitochondria-dependent apoptotic signaling pathway by upregulating pro-apoptotic factors, such as Bad, Bax, and Bak, and the active form of caspase-9, and downregulating anti-apoptotic factors, such as Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. These results suggest that the inhibition of LAT1 activity via JPH203, which may act as a potential novel anti-cancer agent, leads to apoptosis mediated by the mitochondria-dependent intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway by inducing the intracellular depletion of neutral amino acids essential for cell growth in Saos2 human osteosarcoma cells.

Role of Curcumin in Common Musculoskeletal Disorders: a Review of Current Laboratory, Translational, and Clinical Data

The Indian spice turmeric, in which the active and dominant biomolecule is curcumin, has been demonstrated to have significant medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and anti-neoplastic effects. This promise is potentially very applicable to musculoskeletal disorders, which are common causes of physician visits worldwide. Research at the laboratory, translational and clinical levels that supports the use of curcumin for various musculoskeletal disorders, such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, musculocartilaginous disorders, and sarcoma is here in comprehensively summarized. Though more phase I-III trials are clearly needed, thus far the existing data show that curcumin can indeed potentially be useful in treatment of the hundreds of millions worldwide who are afflicted by these musculoskeletal disorders.

Novel naproxen-peptide-conjugated amphiphilic dendrimer self-assembly micelles for targeting drug delivery to osteosarcoma cells

The aim of the current study was to synthesize and prepare novel self-assembly micelles loaded with curcumin (Cur) based on naproxen (Nap)-conjugated amphiphilic peptide dendrimers.

Akacid medical formulation induces apoptosis in myeloid and lymphatic leukemic cell lines in vitro and in vivo

Akacid medical formulation (AMF) is an oligoguanidine that exerts biocidal activity against airborne and surface microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and molds, while showing relatively low toxicity to humans. We have previously shown that AMF exerts antiproliferative effects on a variety of solid tumor cell lines. In this study we raised the question whether AMF could also substantially inhibit cell growth or induce apoptosis in cell lines derived from hematologic malignancies such as leukemia or lymphoma. We found that AMF has antiproliferative effects on various hematologic cell lines derived from human leukemia and lymphoma. Additionally, we show that AMF induces apoptosis in leukemia cell lines not only via the extrinsic and intrinsic pathway, but also in a caspase-independent manner. This effect was found also in G0-arrested cells. Finally, in our animal experiments utilizing male nu/nu Balb/c mice we found a significant growth retardation, which was immunohistochemically associated with a significantly lower number of KI67-positive cells and caspase-3 induction in AMF-treated mice.

A high-concentrate diet induced colonic epithelial barrier disruption is associated with the activating of cell apoptosis in lactating goats

Background

In ruminants, lower ruminal pH causes massive disruption of ruminal epithelial structure during periods of feeding high-concentrate diets. However, the influence of excessive organic fatty acids in the lumen of hindgut on the epithelial structure is unclear. In this study, twelve mid-lactating goats were randomly assigned to either a HC diet group (65% concentrate of dry matter; n = 6) or a LC diet group (35% concentrate of dry matter; n = 6) for 10 weeks. The colonic epithelial structure was detected by HE staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the apoptotic status of epithelial cells was estimated by TUNEL method and caspase activities.

Results

HC goats showed higher level of free lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in rumen fluid (p < 0.01) but not in colonic digesta (p > 0.05), and higher total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations in rumen fluid (p < 0.05) and in colonic digesta (p < 0.01), and higher content of starch in colonic digesta (p < 0.05) compared to LC goats. HC goats demonstrated profound alterations in the colonic epithelial structure and tight junctions (TJ), apparently due to damage of the epithelium with widened TJs space and nuclear breakdown and mitochondrial swelling. HC goats showed higher level of apoptosis in the colonic epithelium with higher proportion of TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells and increases of caspase-3 and −3/7 activities, as well as the lower ratio of bcl-2/bax mRNA expression in the colonic mucosa (p < 0.05). However, β-defense mRNA was significantly down-regulated in the colonic mucosa of HC goats compared to LC (p < 0.05). HC goats showed higher level of TJ proteins including claudin-1 and claudin-4 in the colonic mucosa than LC (p < 0.05). Neither free LPS content in the colonic digesta nor NF-κ B protein expression in tissues showed significant difference between HC and LC goats (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Our results reveal that long-term feeding HC diet to lactating goats causes severe damages to the colonic mucosa barrier associated with activating cells apoptosis.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12917-014-0235-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.