Effects of barakol from Cassia siamea on neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line: A potential combined therapy with doxorubicin

Management of neuroblastoma is challenging because of poor response to drugs, chemotherapy resistance, high relapse, and treatment failures. Doxorubicin is a potent anticancer drug commonly used for neuroblastoma treatment. However, doxorubicin induces considerable toxicities, particularly those caused by oxidative-related damage. To minimize drug-induced adverse effects, the combined use of anticancer drugs with natural-derived compounds possessing antioxidant properties has become an interesting treatment strategy. Barakol is a major compound found in Cassia siamea, an edible plant with antioxidant and anticancer properties. Therefore, barakol could potentially be used in combination with doxorubicin to synergize the anticancer effect, while minimizing the oxidative-related toxicities. Herein, the potential of barakol (0.0043-43.0 μM) to synergize the anticancer effect of low-dose doxorubicin (0.5 and 1.0 μM) was investigated. Results indicated that barakol could enhance the cytotoxic effect of low-dose doxorubicin by affecting the cell viability of the treated cells. Furthermore, the co-treatment with barakol and low-dose doxorubicin decreased the levels of intracellular ROS when compared with the control. Moreover, the antimetastatic effect of the barakol itself was studied through its ability to inhibit metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) activity and prevent cell migration. Results revealed that the barakol inhibited MMP-3 activity and prevented cell migration in time- and dose-dependent manners. Additionally, barakol was a non-cytotoxic agent against the normal tested cell line (MRC-5), which suggested its selectivity and safety. Taken together, barakol could be a promising compound to be further developed for combination treatment with low-dose doxorubicin to improve therapeutic effectiveness but decrease drug-induced toxicities. The inhibitory effects of barakol on MMP-3 activity and cancer cell migration also supported its potential to be developed as an antimetastatic agent.

New acylphloroglucinols from a crude acetone extract of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. leaf

Acylphloroglucinols are well-known Eucalyptus secondary metabolites which exhibit a variety of structures and bioactivities. The investigation of a crude acetone extract of Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaves led to the isolation of two new acylphloroglucinols, eucalypcamals O and P (1 and 2) together with seven phloroglucinols (3-9), and a benzene derivative (10). Their chemical structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectroscopy. The absolute configurations of compounds 1 and 2 were established by comparison of experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. In the putative biosynthetic pathway, eucalypcamals O and P should be derived from hetero-Diels-Alder reaction between grandinol and trans-isoeugenol.

A new alkaloid and a new benzaldehyde derivative from the twig of Zanthoxylum rhetsa (Roxb.) DC

A new alkaloid, 2-acetyl-4-methoxyfuro[2,3-b]quinoline (1), and a new benzaldehyde derivative, (2'S)-4-(2'-hydroxy-3'-methyl-3'-butenoxy)benzaldehyde (2), were isolated from the twig of Zanthoxylum rhetsa (Roxb.) DC. along with twenty-six known compounds (3-28). Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis (1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and HRMS analysis) and comparison with data reported in the literature. Thirteen of the known compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against human cancer cell lines that included MDA-MB-231, SW1353, A549, and HCT116. (±)-8-Acetonyldihydronitidine (15) showed moderate cytotoxicity toward the SW1353 cancer cell line with an IC50 value of 18.90±0.39 µg/mL, and exhibited weak cytotoxic activity against MDA-MB-231, A549 and HCT116 cell lines with IC50 values of 49.86-71.32 µg/mL.

Zanthoisobutylamides A - C: rare dimeric C-6 substituent dihydrobenzophenanthridine alkaloids from the roots of Zanthoxylum nitidum

Three new dihydrobenzophenantridine alkaloids, zanthoisobutylamides A-C (2-4), consisting of a rare 6-alkylamide dihydrochelerythrine moiety, and two new small molecules of the unsaturated alkylamide, zanthoxylumamide J (1) and of phenylpropanoid, methyl 2-hydroxy-3,4-dimethoxycinnamate (5) together with 44 known compounds were isolated from the roots of Zanthoxylum nitidum. The structures of these compounds were established by analysis of spectroscopic data and comparison of their spectroscopic data with those previously published data. Some isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities.

Mangosteen for malignancy prevention and intervention: Current evidence, molecular mechanisms, and future perspectives

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.), also known as the "queen of fruits", is a tropical fruit of the Clusiacea family. While native to Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India, and the Philippines, the fruit has gained popularity in the United States due to its health-promoting attributes. In traditional medicine, mangosteen has been used to treat a variety of illnesses, ranging from dysentery to wound healing. Mangosteen has been shown to exhibit numerous biological and pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties. Disease-preventative and therapeutic properties of mangosteen have been ascribed to secondary metabolites called xanthones, present in several parts of the tree, including the pericarp, fruit rind, peel, stem bark, root bark, and leaf. Of the 68 mangosteen xanthones identified so far, the most widely-studied are α-mangostin and γ-mangostin. Emerging studies have found that mangosteen constituents and phytochemicals exert encouraging antineoplastic effects against a myriad of human malignancies. While there are a growing number of individual research papers on the anticancer properties of mangosteen, a complete and critical evaluation of published experimental findings has not been accomplished. Accordingly, the objective of this work is to present an in-depth analysis of the cancer preventive and anticancer potential of mangosteen constituents, with a special emphasis on the associated cellular and molecular mechanisms. Moreover, the bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and safety of mangosteen-derived agents together with current challenges and future research avenues are also discussed.

Phloroglucinol-meroterpenoids from the leaves of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh

Fourteen undescribed phloroglucinol-meroterpenoids, namely eucalypcamals A-N, were isolated from a CH₂Cl₂ extract of the leaves of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. In addition, from the same extract, twelve known phloroglucinols, three known flavonoids, and four known phenolic compounds were also isolated. The structures of the undescribed compounds were analyzed by 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS). The assignments of the absolute configurations were performed by comparing the experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data with the calculated values. Eucalyprobusal E was found to be cytotoxic against HCT116, Jurkat, and MDA-MB-231 cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 17.6, 9.44, and 17.9 μM, respectively. Eucalrobusone F exhibited antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and S. aureus with minimum inhibitory concentration/minimum bactericidal concentration (MIC/MBC) values of 4/4 μg/mL while euglobal Ia₁ showed antifungal activity with MIC/MFC values of 16/16 μg/mL.

Enhancing Anticancer Potency of a 13-Substituted Berberine Derivative with Cationic Liposomes

Cationic liposomal formulations of the telomeric G-quadruplex stabilizing ligand, 13-(2-naphthylmethoxy)berberine bromide (1), have been developed with the purpose of delivering 1 into the nucleus of cancer cells for potential telomere targeting. Berberine derivative 1 was encapsulated in various cationic lipids 2-4 by the thin film evaporation method; these lipids are cationic after amine protonation. The most appropriate liposomal berberine formulation was that of 1 and the cholesterol derived cationic lipid 4 in a weight ratio of 1:20 with 76.5% encapsulation efficiency of 1. Cellular uptake studies in the HeLa and HT-29 cancer cells line showed that the liposomal berberine derivative uptake in the cells was higher and more stable than for berberine derivative 1 alone while free 1 was completely decomposed in the cells within 60 min exposure to the cells. Anticancer activity of the liposomal berberine derivative 1 based on 4 was greater than that for the free berberine derivative 1 in the MCF-7, HeLa and HT-29 cell line by 2.3-, 4.9- and 5.3-fold, respectively, and also, interestingly, superior to the anticancer drug doxorubicin against the HT29 cancer cell line.

Effects of Artonin E on Cell Growth Inhibition and Apoptosis Induction in Colon Cancer LoVo and HCT116 Cells

Today, colon cancer is the leading cause of cancer death. In Thailand, colon cancer is the third most common cancer in men and the second in women. Currently, the treatments for colon cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted drug therapy, and stem cell therapy. However, some treatments have side effects for cancer patients, causing unwanted symptoms. In addition, targeted therapy comes with a high cost for patients. Therefore, bioactive compounds might be a good choice for colon cancer treatment. In this study, we investigated the effect of artonin E on apoptosis induction in colon cancer LoVo and HCT116 cells. The concentration ranges of artonin E at 3, 5, 10, and 30 µg/mL in LoVo cells and 1, 1.5, 2, and 3 µg/mL in HCT116 cells were examined. The results implied that artonin E decreased cell viability and increased apoptotic cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, artonin E stimulated mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) changes associated with apoptosis by increasing the sub-G1 population analyzed by flow cytometry. Western blotting showed that artonin E increased the proapoptotic protein, Bax, and decreased anti-apoptotic proteins’ (Bcl-2 and Bcl-x) expression. Moreover, artonin E also increased cleaved caspase-7 and cleaved-PARP expression in both LoVo and HCT116 cells. Interestingly, artonin E induced apoptosis through p-ERK1/2, p-p38/p38, and p-c-Jun expression in both cells. Our results suggested that artonin E induced apoptosis via caspase activation associated with the MAPKs signaling pathway. Therefore, artonin E might be used as a potential anticancer drug for colon cancer in the future.

Apoptosis Induction through MAPK Signaling Pathway in LoVo Cells by Fatty Acid Fraction from Rice Bran Oil

Colorectal cancer is one of the five leading cancer incidents and mortality in Thailand and worldwide. Fatty acids (FA) are bioactive molecules which have potential as adjunctive chemotherapeutic agents. To study the effect of fatty acid fraction (FAs) extracted from organic rice bran oil on apoptosis induction and growth inhibition in human colorectal cancer cell line, LoVo cells. The results demonstrated that FAs inhibited cell viability and induced cell death via apoptosis associated with MAPKs pathway. The EC₅₀ of FAs in LoVo was 172.80 ± 1.05 µg/ml. FAs treatment significantly increased nuclear condensation and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, FAs activated Bax, Caspase-9, -7 and PARP cleavage, while inhibited Bcl-2 expression. Furthermore, FAs increased p53 expression and phosphorylation of ERK and p38. FAs extracted from organic rice bran oil inhibited LoVo cell viability and induced apoptosis via MAPKs pathway. These data suggest the potential use of FAs extracted from organic rice bran oil to prevent or treat colon cancer in the future.

Protective effect of purple corn silk extract against ultraviolet-B-induced cell damage in human keratinocyte cells

Ultraviolet-B (UVB) could lead to inflammation and cell death induction. Purple corn silk (PCS), part of female flower of corn has multiple pharmacological properties. This investigation focused on determining the preventive effects of PCS extract on human keratinocyte HaCaT cell damage induced by UVB irradiation. Cells were irradiated with 25 mJ/cm² UVB after pre-treated with PCS extract for 1 h. Then, the cells were then placed in culture medium followed by subsequent experiments. Cell survival was determined by MTT assay. The immunofluorescence, DCFH-DA, JC-1, and Hoeshst33342 staining assays were used to determine γ-H2AX, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), membrane potential of mitochondria, and nuclear condensation, respectively. Western blot analysis was used to investigate the proteins expression. The statistically significant comparison was calculated by analysis of variance at P < 0.05. The fluorescence and protein band intensity were quantified by Image J densitometer. The results indicated cell survival was increased upon PCS extract pretreatment followed by UVB exposure. PCS extract decreased γ-H2AX expression, intracellular ROS overproduction, and nuclear condensation in cells induced by UVB. Furthermore, The PCS extract pretreatment attenuated apoptosis response through stabilized mitochondrial membrane potential, decreased apoptosis mediator proteins including Bax, Bak, cleaved-caspases, and cleaved-PARP, and increased Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL expression comparing to the UVB-treated control. This finding demonstrated that the PCS extract can reduce the deleterious effects from UVB exposure through decreased intracellular ROS, DNA damage, and apoptosis induction on HaCaT cells.

Inhibitory effects on chondrosarcoma cell metastasis by Senna alata extract

BACKGROUND

Senna alata L. Roxb or candle bush is a traditional medicinal plant with a wide range of biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antifungal. Leaf extract of S. alata showed the anti-tumor activity in various cancer cell lines. In this study, we focused on the inhibitory mechanism of S. alata extract (SAE) on cancer metastasis including cell migration, cell invasion and signaling pathways in chondrosarcoma SW1353 cells.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the anti-metastatic mechanisms of Senna alata extract on chondrosarcoma SW1353 cells.

METHODS

Screening for phytochemicals in biologically active fraction of SAE was analysed by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Cell viability and cytoxicity were determined by using MTT assay. Cell migration was observed by scratch wound healing and transwell migration assay. Cell invasion and cell adhesion assay were examined by Matrigel coated transwell chambers or plates. The expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), MAPKs and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways and NF-κB were detected by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

The SAE treatment at the sub-cytoxic and non-cytotoxic concentrations significantly inhibited cell migration, cell invasion and cell adhesion of SW1353 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The results from Western blot analysis showed decreased MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression, while increased TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 expression in SAE treated cells. Moreover, SAE suppressed phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 and Akt but decreased NF-κB transcription factor expression in SW1353 cells.

CONCLUSION

These results revealed that SAE could reduce MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression by downregulation of NF-κB which is downstream of MAPKs and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in SW1353 cells resulting in reduced cancer cell migration and invasion. Therefore, SAE may have the potential use as an alternative treatment of chondrosarcoma metastasis.

A new lignan from the stem bark of Fagraea fragrans Roxb

A new lignan, named fagraeanolide (1), and 14 known compounds were isolated from the stem bark of Fagraea fragrans Roxb. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods. Fagraeanolide is the first identified oxofurofuran lignan from the genus Fagraea, whileβ-boswelic acid (4), gentiogenol (5), 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-acrylic acid octacosyl ester (7) and pinoresinol (14) were isolated from this plant for the first time. The crude extract of F. fragrans was not toxic to cell lines. The isolated compounds showed no antibacterial activity.

Interaction between goniothalamin and peroxisomal multifunctional enzyme type 2 triggering endoplasmic reticulum stress

Endoplasmic reticulum stress is one of the pathways involved in cell cytotoxicity. In this study, goniothalamin, one of styryllactone compounds found in plant Goniothalamus spp., was observed to trigger ER stress in HeLa cell line. In addition, we demonstrated that peroxisomal multifunctional enzyme type2 (MFE2) was a specific goniothalamin-binding protein using an in vitro goniothalamin-linked bead pull-down assay. Since MFE2 has been reported to be an important mediator enzyme for peroxisomal β-oxidation of a very long chain fatty acid metabolism, therefore computational molecular docking analysis was performed to confirm the binding of goniothalamin and MFE2. The results indicated that goniothalamin structure binds to scp-2 domain, enoyl-CoA hydratase 2 domain and (3R)-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase domain of MFE2. To further determine the effect of MFE2 on ER stress induction, MFE2 knockdown by siRNA in HeLa cell was conducted. The results implied that MFE2 triggered CHOP, a key mediator of ER stress-induced apoptosis, expression. Therefore, these data inferred that goniothalamin may interrupt the MFE2 function resulting in lipid metabolism perturbation associated with ER stress-independent activation of unfolded protein response. This is the first report to show that goniothalamin binds directly to MFE2 triggering ER stress activation probably through the lipid metabolism perturbation.

Abstract B061: Effect of artonin E on apoptosis cell death induction in colon cancer cell

Colon cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in both men and women around the world. The three human RAS genes (KRAS, NRAS and HRAS) are the most frequently mutated oncogenes in human cancer including pancreatic, lung and colon cancers. In particular, KRAS mutated gene prevalently found in pancreas, lung and colon cancer [1]. In colorectal cancer patients, approximately 35-45% mutated KRAS oncogene was reported. The downstream of KRAS associated with survival signaling pathways including Raf/Mek/MAPK and PI3K/Akt [2]. Normally, cancer cell escape death induction by upregulation of Raf/Mek/MAPK and PI3K/Akt activity. Thus, inhibition of Raf/Mek/MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is necessary. Nowadays, treatment of colon cancer is quite limited due to the high cost and side effects, therefore, bioactive compound therapy might be the choice for development of colon cancer treatment. In this study, we investigate the effect of artonin E on apoptosis induction in colon cancer HCT116 cells. Nuclear morphological changes and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, characteristics of apoptosis induction were determined by Hoechst 33342 staining and JC-1 staining, respectively. Mediator proteins that associated with apoptosis induction and signaling molecules were determined by Western blot analysis. Our results indicated that artonin E induced apoptotic bodies and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in HCT116 treated cells. In addition, artonin E showed upregulation of cleave-caspase-7 (active form) and cleave-PARP (inactive form), mediator of apoptosis induction, in HCT116 cells. Moreover, artonin E reduced Akt and increased p-ERK1/2 expression in HCT116 cells. This data correlated with previous study by Tangchirakhaphan et al and Bee-Jen Tan et al, that ERK1/2 could activate caspase and pro-apoptotic protein in Bcl-2 family. Moreover, ERK1/2 could deactivate Akt signaling pathway leading to apoptosis induction [3,4]. Our study indicated that artonin E induced apoptosis cell death through p-ERK1/2 upregulation and may be used as a potential therapeutic candidate in the future. Keywords: Artonin E, Apoptosis, Colon cancer, KRAS [1] Cox AD, Fesik SW, Kimmelman AC, Luo J, Der CJ. Drugging the undruggable RAS: Mission possible? Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2014;13(11):828-51. [2] Eser S, Schnieke A, Schneider G, Saur D. Oncogenic KRAS signalling in pancreatic cancer. Br J Cancer. 2014;111(5):817-22. [3] Tangchirakhaphan S, Innajak S, Nilwarangkoon S, Tanjapatkul N, Mahabusrakum W, Watanapokasin R. Mechanism of apoptosis induction associated with ERK1/2 upregulation via goniothalamin in melanoma cells. Exp Ther Med. 2018;15(3):3052-8. [4] Tan BJ, Chiu GN. Role of oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress and ERK activation in triptolide-induced apoptosis. Int J Oncol. 2013;42(5):1605-12.

Citation Format: Supichaya Nimnuan-ngam, Kanyaluck Yangnok, Sukanda Innajak, Ramida Watanapokasin. Effect of artonin E on apoptosis cell death induction in colon cancer cell [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr B061.

New flavonoids and xanthone from the stem bark of Artocarpus rigidus blume and cytotoxicity

Three new flavonoids named artorigidinones A-C and a new xanthone named artorixanthone together with seven known compounds were isolated from the stem bark of Artocarpus rigidus Blume. Their structures were characterized by spectroscopic data. γ-Geranylapigenin exhibited cytotoxicity to a fibroblast-like cell line (SW1353) (IC₅₀ < 0.32 µg/mL) stronger than a standard drug.

Artonin E sensitizes TRAIL-induced apoptosis by DR5 upregulation and cFLIP downregulation in TRAIL-refractory colorectal cancer LoVo cells

Background

The TRAIL treatment is an ideal strategy for colorectal cancer (CRC) therapy because of minimal collateral damage to normal cells. Unfortunately, some CRC is TRAIL-refractory cancer, such as LoVo cells. In an effort to overcome TRAIL-refractory cancer, we investigated the effect of artonin E in regulating death receptor 5 (DR5) and cellular FLICE (FADD-like IL-1β-converting enzyme)-inhibitory protein (cFLIP), two major mediators regulate TRAIL-induced apoptosis, in LoVo cells as a model of TRAIL refractory CRC.

Methods

TRAIL-refractory cancer (LoVo cells) was treated with artonin E and TRAIL. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. Apoptotic chromatin condensation was observed by fluorescent Hoechst33342 staining. The mRNA and protein expression of DR5 and FLIP was determined by quantitative PCR and Western blotting analysis, respectively.

Results

The combination treatment of artonin E and TRAIL enhanced cytotoxicity and apoptotic chromatin condensation in LoVo cells significantly, while treatment of artonin E or TRAIL alone was not. Artonin E enhanced both mRNA and protein expression of DR5. Interestingly, this is the first report showing that artonin E decreased protein expression of cFLIP. All together we showed that artonin E enhanced TRAIL-induced apoptosis in LoVo cells through DR5 upregulation and cFLIP downregulation.

Conclusions

Artonin E was able to increase DR5 expression and decrease cFLIP expression in LoVo cells. These results showed that LoVo cells sensitized TRAIL-induced apoptosis in combined treatment with artonin E and TRAIL. Therefore, the combination treatment of artonin E and TRAIL is one of the potential strategies used for TRAIL-refractory CRC therapy in the future.

Cytotoxic xanthones from the roots of Mesua ferrea L

Five undescribed xanthones, 4-methoxypyranojacareubin, 4-hydroxy-3-prenylpyranoxanthone, 1-hydroxy-5,7-dimethoxyxanthone, 5-hydroxy-1,6,7-trimethoxyxanthone and 2-hydroxy-1,5-dimethoxyxanthone, together with thirty-three known xanthones were isolated from the roots of Mesua ferrea L. The structures of all isolated xanthones were elucidated based on spectroscopic methods. 5-Hydroxy-1,6,7-trimethoxyxanthone and 2-hydroxy-1,5-dimethoxyxanthone were also confirmed by X-ray diffraction data. In addition, the isolated compounds were determined for antibacterial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. The known 1,5,6-trihydroxyxanthone showed cytotoxicity against A375, PC-3 and HaCaT cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 5.73 μg/mL, 5.93 μg/mL and 8.94 μg/mL, respectively.

Apoptosis and antimigration induction in human skin cancer cells by rhodomyrtone

Rhodomyrtone is a bioactive compound extracted from Rhodomyrtus tomentosa leaves. It has been used as a traditional herb medicine for many years. Rhodomyrtone exhibits antibacterial activity, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. However, the anticancer activity of rhodomyrtone has not been previously reported. The present study investigated the anticancer effect of rhomyrtone on human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells. The cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects of rhodomyrtone on A431 cells were investigated by an MTT assay. Cell morphological alterations and apoptotic cells were observed with Hoechst 33342 staining following rhodomyrtone treatment. Flow cytometry and western blotting were performed to detect cell cycle and apoptosis induction. The results demonstrated that rhodomyrtone inhibited proliferation of A431 cells in a dose-dependent manner with IC⁵⁰ value of 8.04±0.11 µg/ml. The results also indicated that rhodomyrtone increased chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation and apoptotic bodies in treated A431 cells in a time-dependent manner. Apoptosis was also induced through the activation of caspase-7 and poly (ADP-Ribose) polymerase cleavage. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that rhodomyrtone induced cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase. Notably, the non-toxic concentration of rhodomyrtone markedly inhibited A431 cell migration in a dose- and time-dependent manner. These finding suggested that rhodomyrtone may be used as an anticancer agent for human skin cancer.

p38 inhibitor inhibits the apoptosis of cowanin-treated human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells

Colorectal cancer, which is the third most common type of cancer diagnosed in both men and women, is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Cowanin is a pure compound extracted from Garcinia cowa Roxb., a tree species present in Thailand, Malaysia and Myanmar. The crude extract has been demonstrated to have antitumor activity, inflammation induction, antibacterial activity, anti-inflammatory activity and antimalarial activity. In the present study, the effects of cowanin on apoptosis induction and on the apoptosis-related and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways were investigated in the LoVo human colorectal cancer cell line. The cytotoxicity of cowanin in LoVo cells was determined by MTT assay. Hoechst 33342 and JC‑1 staining were used to determine nuclear morphological changes and mitochondrial membrane potential, respectively. The expression levels of BCL2 apoptosis regulator (Bcl‑2) family, MAPK and AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (Akt) pathway proteins following cowanin treatment were determined by western blot analysis. The results demonstrated that cowanin inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell death via the apoptosis pathway. Cowanin treatment increased BCL2 associated X (Bax) and decreased Bcl‑2 expression. In addition, cowanin activated caspase‑9, -7 and poly-ADP-ribose-polymerase expression. Furthermore, cowanin decreased the levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p‑ERK), p‑Akt, p‑3‑phosphoinositide‑dependent protein kinase‑1, while it increased p‑p38 expression, thus resulting in the induction of apoptosis. In conclusion, cowanin inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis of LoVo cells via the MAPK and Akt signaling pathways. Notably, inhibition of p38 by using a p38 inhibitor (SB203580) prevented the cowanin-induced apoptosis in LoVo cells. These results suggested that cowanin may be a potential candidate for the treatment of colorectal cancer and provided important information on the molecular mechanisms underlying its antitumor activity.

Mechanism of apoptosis induction associated with ERK1/2 upregulation via goniothalamin in melanoma cells

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of goniothalamin on apoptosis induction in the A375 melanoma cell line. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer with increased prevalence and no potential standard treatment. Goniothalamin is a plant, bioactive styrly-lactone, which has various bioactivities including anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer. Apoptosis induction by goniothalamin has been studied in numerous cancer cell lines, however not in the melanoma cell line A375. The results of the MTT assay demonstrated that goniothalamin induced anti-proliferation in a dose dependent manner. Hoechst staining assay demonstrated that goniothalamin induced chromatin condensation and apoptotic bodies in A375 treated cells, and JC-1 staining revealed that goniothalamin induced mitochondrial membrane dysfunction in A375 cells. In addition, goniothalamin decreased the level of anti-apoptotic proteins myeloid cell leukemia 1, B cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2 and Bcl-extra large, whereas it increased the level of pro-apoptotic proteins, Bcl-2 Associated X, apoptosis regulator, t-BID and Bim in A375 treated cells. In addition, goniothalamin also increased active caspase-9, -7 and cleaved-poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase expression in A375 treated cells. Furthermore, phosphorylated (p)-pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) 1 (Ser241) and p-RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (Akt; Ser473) were decreased, however c-Jun and p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 were increased upon goniothalamin treatment. These results suggest that goniothalamin has an effect, as anti-proliferation and apoptosis induction in A375 cells were associated with upregulated p-ERK1/2, c-Jun and downregulated p-PDK1 (Ser241), p-Akt (Ser473) in A375 cells. Therefore, goniothalamin may be a potential candidate for anti-cancer drug development for melanoma treatment.

Human papillomavirus in anal biopsy tissues and liquid-based cytology samples of HIV-positive and HIV-negative Thai men who have sex with men

Background

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk of developing human papillomavirus (HPV)-related anal cancer. We compared HPV genotypes in anal tissues (Bx) and anal liquid-based cytology fluid (LBC) from HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM.

Methods

Bx (32 normal, 41 low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) and 22 high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL)), along with LBC from the same visit, were selected from 61 HIV-positive and 34 HIV-negative MSM who enrolled into a prospective cohort in Bangkok, Thailand. HPV genotyping was performed on Bx and LBC.

Results

Any HPV and high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) prevalence were 63.2% and 60.0% in Bx and 71.6% and 62.1% in LBC, respectively. HIV-positive MSM had higher rates of HR-HPV genotypes detection (70.5% vs. 47.1%, p=0.03) in LBC than HIV-negative MSM. HPV16 (27%) was the most common HR-HPV found in HSIL tissue. In HIV-positive MSM, the frequency of HR-HPV detection increased with histopathologic grading in both Bx and LBC samples. HSIL was associated with the presence of any HR-HPV(OR 7.6 (95%CI 1.8–31.9); P=0.006) in LBC and in Bx((OR 5.6 (95%CI 1.4–22.7); P=0.02).

Conclusions

Our data strongly support the integration of HR-HPV screening on LBC samples, along with HPV vaccination, into an anal cancer prevention program.

Secondary Metabolites from the Marine-Derived Fungus Dichotomomyces sp. L-8 and Their Cytotoxic Activity

Bioassay-guided isolation of the secondary metabolites from the fungus Dichotomomyces sp. L-8 associated with the soft coral Lobophytum crassum led to the discovery of two new compounds, dichotones A and B (1 and 2), together with four known compounds including dichotocejpin C (3), bis-N-norgliovictin (4), bassiatin (5) and (3R,6R)-bassiatin (6). The structures of these compounds were determined by 1D, 2D NMR and mass spectrometry. (3R,6R)-bassiatin (6) displayed significant cytotoxic activities against the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-435 and the human lung cancer cell line Calu3 with IC₅₀ values of 7.34 ± 0.20 and 14.54 ± 0.01 μM, respectively, while bassiatin (5), the diastereomer of compound 6, was not cytotoxic.

Anti-metastatic effect of rhodomyrtone from Rhodomyrtus tomentosa on human skin cancer cells

This study focused on the inhibitory effect of rhodomyrtone, a bioactive compound isolated from the leaves of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Aiton) Hassk., on cancer metastasis in epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells and on the verification of the underlying related molecular mechanisms of this event. We demonstrated that rhodomyrtone at the subcytotoxic concentration (0.5 and 1.5 µg/ml) exhibited pronounced inhibition of cancer metastasis by reducing cell migration, cell adhesive ability and cell invasion of A431 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Data demonstrated that rhodomyrtone could inhibit the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT), c-Raf, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 MAPK involved in the downregulation the enzyme activities and protein expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9. Moreover, we found that rhodomyrtone increased the expression of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, which are inhibitors of MMP-9 and MMP-2, respectively. Rhodomyrtone also inhibited the expression of NF-κB and phosphorylation of NF-κB in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggested that rhodomyrtone inhibited A431 cell metastasis by reducing MMP-2/9 activities and expression through inhibiting ERK1/2, p38 and FAK/Akt signaling pathways via NF-κB activities. This finding suggested that rhodomyrtone may be a novel antimetastasis agent for treatment of skin cancer cells.

Goniothalamin induces mitochondria-mediated apoptosis associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced activation of JNK in HeLa cells

Goniothalamin, a natural occurring styryl-lactone isolated from Goniothalamus macrophyllus (Blume) Hook. f. & Thomson var. macrophyllus, can trigger cancer cell death in various types of cancer cell. The present study focused on elucidation of the mitochondria-mediated apoptosis associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced activation of c-Jun NH₂-terminal kinase (JNK) by goniothalamin in HeLa cervical cancer cells. Cell viability was determined using an MTT assay, and DNA condensation and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential were determined using Hoechst 33342 and JC-1 staining, respectively. Flow cytometry was used for cell cycle and phosphatidyl-serine exposure analyses. Apoptotic-associated ER stress signaling pathways were determined using immunoblotting, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and RT-quantitative PCR analyses. The results suggested that goniothalamin suppressed cell proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The induction of apoptosis was confirmed by increased DNA condensation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and cell surface phosphatidyl-serine presentation. The cell cycle analysis demonstrated that the goniothalamin-treated HeLa cells were in G2/M arrest. Determination of the caspase cascade and apoptotic proteins indicated the induction of apoptosis through the intrinsic pathway. In addition, the levels of phosphorylated JNK and the transcription factor, C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), an ER stress-associated apoptotic molecule, were increased in the goniothalamin-treated cells. These data indicated that goniothalamin exerted a cytotoxic effect against HeLa cells via the induction of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis, associated with ER stress-induced activation of JNK.

Anti-Proliferation and Apoptosis Induction in Breast Cancer Cells by Cratoxylum cochinchinense Extract

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer in females worldwide. It was found about 37.5% in Thai females and is one of the leading causes of death-related cancers in women. Therefore, new finding of anti-cancer compound as a therapeutic candidate in breast cancer is necessary.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of Cratoxylum cochinchinense extract on anti-proliferation and apoptosis induction in breast cancer cells.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Cell proliferation and cell viability assay were determined by MTT assay. Hoechst 33342 and JC-1 staining were used to determined nuclear morphological changes and mitochondrial membrane potential, respectively.

RESU;TS

C. cochinchinense extract showed anti-proliferation in MDA-MB-468 treated cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner with IC50 value of 19.19+0.8 μg/ml. In addition, C. cochinchinense extract induced nuclear condensation and apoptotic bodies in MDA-MB-468 treated cells. JC-1 staining revealed that C. cochinchinense extract induced mitochondrial membrane dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

C. cochinchinense extract showed anti-proliferation and apoptosis induction properties in MDA-MB-468 treated cells. These results suggested that C. cochinchinense extract may be a potential candidate for anti-cancer drug developing. The underlying mechanisms of apoptosis induction should be further studied.

Goniothalamin induces apoptosis associated with autophagy activation through MAPK signaling in SK-BR-3 cells

Goniothalamin, a plant bioactive styrly-lactone, possesses many biological activities. In the present study, the anticancer effect of goniothalamin on human breast cancer cell line SK-BR-3 was investigated. The results showed that goniothalamin induced nuclear condensation, DNA fragmentation, apoptotic bodies and mitochondrial dysfunction as determined by JC-1 staining. Goniothalamin also increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and expression of cleaved caspase-7, cleaved caspase-9 and cleaved PARP, but decreased Bcl-2 expression. In addition, goniothalamin induced apoptosis via p-JNK1/2 and p-p38 upregulation and inhibited cell survival via p-ERK1/2 and p-Akt downregulation. Notably, goniothalamin induced autophagy through upregulation of Atg7, Atg12-Atg5 conjugation and LC3II. The increased p-p38 and p-JNK1/2 and decreased p-Akt may lead to autophagy induction. Therefore, goniothalamin promoted apoptosis associated with autophagy induction in SK-BR-3 cells through p-p38 and p-JNK1/2 upregulation and p-Akt downregulation. The present study indicated that goniothalamin may be further used as a potential therapeutic candidate or may offer an alternative treatment for breast cancer.

Antiproliferative and apoptosis induction of α-mangostin in T47D breast cancer cells

α-Mangostin extracted from mangosteen, Garcinia mangostana Linn. is known as 'queen of fruits'. The anticancer activity of α-mangostin through apoptosis induction and related signaling pathways in human breast cancer T47D cells was investigated. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling have been shown to play important roles in apoptosis. The results showed that α-mangostin induced cell proliferation inhibition, DNA fragmentation, nuclear condensation, increased cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9, but decreased Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 expression. Mitochondrial dysfunction and cytochrome c release were also detected. In addition, phosphorylation of ERα, HER2, PI3K, Akt and ERK1/2 were downregulated whereas p-JNK1/2 and p-p38 were upregulated. These results indicated that α-mangostin induced apoptosis associated with HER2/PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways suggesting that α-mangostin may be used as food supplement or a potential therapeutic compound for breast cancer.

Antiproliferation and Apoptosis Induction in Colorectal Cancer Cells by Goniothalamin

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of goniothalamin on antiproliferation and apoptosis induction in three types of colorectal cancer cells.

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer is the third of the twentieth most commonly diagnosed cancer. Different types of colorectal cancer cells differ in genotype and characteristics leading to different responses to anticancer drugs. Therefore, finding new anticancer compound for the colorectal cancer cells is necessary.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Antiproliferative response of goniothalamin on three colorectal cancer cell lines including Colo 205, SW480, and LoVo were determined by MTT assay. The antiproliferative response at different time and dose was also observed. Apoptosis induction by goniothalamin was observed in all three cell-lines via morphological changes and nuclear condensation by Hoechst33342 staining.

RESULTS

Goniothalamin showed different antiproliferative response on Colo 205, SW480, and Lo Vo cells at the IC50 value is 9.86 ± 0.38 µM, 22.00 ± 4.40 µM, and 65.25 ± 1.85 µM respectively. In addition, the antiproliferative response of goniothalamin was a time- and dose-dependent manner Apoptosis morphological changes and nuclear condensation were clearly observed in Colo 205, SW480 and LoVo cells treated with 10 µM, 25 µM, and 50 µM goniothalamin, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Goniothalamin showed antiproliferation and apoptosis induction in colorectal cancer cells with different sensitivity depending on cell type. Investigation of mechanisms underlying apoptosis and its potential use for colorectal cancer treatment should be further studied.

Expression profiles of human CCN genes in patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are widespread disabling joint disorders that are considered to be polygenic in nature. This study investigated the spatial expression patterns of all six known human CCN genes using end-stage OA and RA joint samples.

DESIGN

We performed in situ hybridization and histological analysis to investigate the spatial expression patterns of human CCN genes using joint tissues obtained during total knee and hip joint replacement procedures on patients with advanced OA or RA. Normal joint tissues taken while performing bipolar hip replacement surgeries were used as controls.

RESULTS

All CCN genes were expressed at higher levels in OA and RA synovial samples as compared with normal controls. Whereas CCN3 and CCN6 were undetectable in control, OA, and RA cartilage, CCN1, CCN2, CCN4, and CCN5 were expressed to a greater extent in OA and RA knee cartilage.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate an involvement of several CCN genes in the pathophysiology of OA and RA.

Apoptosis induction associated with the ER stress response through up-regulation of JNK in HeLa cells by gambogic acid

Background

Gambogic acid (GA) was extracted from the dried yellow resin of gamboge (Garcinia hanburyi) which is traditionally used as a coloring material for painting and cloth dying. Gamboge has been also used as a folk medicine for an internal purgative and externally infected wound. We focused on the mechanisms of apoptosis induction by GA through the unfold protein response (ER stress) in HeLa cells.

Methods

The cytotoxic effect of GA against HeLa cells was determined by trypan blue exclusion assay. Markers of ER stress such as XBP-1, GRP78, CHOP, GADD34 and ERdj4 were analyzed by RT-PCR and Real-time RT-PCR. Cell morphological changes and apoptotic proteins were performed by Hoechst33342 staining and Western blotting technique.

Results

Our results indicated a time- and dose-dependent decrease of cell viability by GA. The ER stress induction is determined by the up-regulation of spliced XBP1 mRNA and activated GRP78, CHOP, GADD34 and ERdj4 expression. GA also induced cell morphological changes such as nuclear condensation, membrane blebbing and apoptotic body in Hela cells. Apoptosis cell death detected by increased DR5, caspase-8, −9, and −3 expression as well as increased cleaved-PARP, while decreased Bcl-2 upon GA treatment. In addition, phosphorylated JNK was up-regulated but phosphorylated ERK was down-regulated after exposure to GA.

Conclusions

These results suggest that GA induce apoptosis associated with the ER stress response through up-regulation of p-JNK and down-regulation of p-ERK in HeLa cells.

Temporal and spatial expression patterns of bone morphogenetic protein 3 in developing zebrafish

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are important elements in bone biology. We herein report the expression profiles of zebrafish bmp3 (zbmp3) as demonstrated by real-time PCR and in situ hybridization. The expression of zbmp3 was highly detectable by real-time PCR from 1 day post-fertilization (1 dpf) to 2 weeks post-fertilization (2 wpf) and peaked at 1 wpf. For in situ hybridization experiments, zbmp3 was expressed in the otic vesicle at 1 dpf, 2 dpf, 3 dpf, and 5 dpf. It was also expressed in the pharyngeal arches, including the opercle, branchiostegal ray, and pectoral fins, at 2 dpf. Our results suggest that zbmp3 may play an important role in the skeletal biology of developing zebrafish.

Autophagy in epithelial homeostasis and defense

Autophagy delivers protein aggregates, damaged organelles and intracellular microorganisms to the lysosome for degradation. The epidermis and other epithelia show significant levels of autophagy, however, the functions of autophagy in these tissues have remained elusive until recently. Here we review the experimental approaches for the investigation of autophagy in epithelia and discuss the roles of autophagy in epithelial cells with a focus on epidermal keratinocytes and thymic epithelial cells.

Apoptotic induction of skin cancer cell death by plant extracts

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of plant extracts on cancer apoptotic induction.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cell line, obtained from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC, Manassas, VA), was maintained in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) at 37 degrees C, 5% carbon dioxide (CO2). Plant extract solutions were obtained from S & J international enterprises public company limited. These plant extracts include 50% hydroglycol extracts from Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M.Smith (torch ginger; EE), Rosa damascene (damask rose; DR) and Rafflesia kerrii Meijer (bua phut; RM). The cell viability, time and dose dependency were determined by MTT (3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. A431 cells were treated with the plant extracts and stained with Hoechst 33342 fluorescent staining dye.

RESULTS

Cell viability was demonstrated by the inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50). The anti-proliferative effects were shown to be dependent on time and dose. Typical characteristics of apoptosis which are cell morphological changes and chromatin condensation were clearly observed.

CONCLUSION

The plant extracts was shown to be effective for anti-proliferation and induction of apoptosis cell death in skin cancer cells. Therefore, mechanisms underlying the cell death and its potential use for treatment of skin cancer will be further studied.

Protective effect of alpha-mangostin against type-I collagen formation in thioacetamide-induced cirrhotic rat

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the protective effect of alpha-mangostin (alpha-MG) against increment of type-I collagen-positive hepatocytes in rat cirrhosis induced by thioacetamide (TAA).

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Rats were separated into 4 groups. The first group was, the control, untreated with TAA. The cirrhotic rats, the second group, were induced by TAA injection (200 mg/kg), 3 times per week. Rats in the third group received treatment of TAA (200 mg/kg) alternating with alpha-MG (100 mg/kg) for every other day. Animals in the last group were treated only with alpha-MG (100 mg/kg), 3 times per week. The chemicals used each group were given intraperitoneally for 16 weeks. The type-I collagen and type-I collagen-positive hepatocytes were explored by using immunohistochemical technique.

RESULTS

In cirrhotic livers type-I collagen was immunopositive in the connective tissue and a large number of hepatocytes. The number of type I collagen-positive-hepatocytes (414.00 +/- 25.23) in TAA-induced cirrhosis group increased significantly when compared to those in the control group (131.40 + 9.63). Interestingly, a significant decrease in the number of type-I collagen-positive-hepatocytes was observed in TAA-alpha-MG-prevention group (103.60 +/- 36.55) and in alpha-MG-injected group (54.00 +/- 5.30) compared to those in the control group and TAA-induced cirrhosis.

CONCLUSION

100 mg/kg of alpha-MG could lower the number of type-I collagen-positive-hepatocytes in TAA-induced cirrhosis. It is probable that alpha-MG helps to keep up more blood circulation to the liver cells through dilated sinusoids. This vascular adaptation enhances high oxygen blood to the hepatocytes which, in turn, reduces the damage of hepatocytes caused by TAA-derived reactive oxygen species.

Antiproliferative effect of α-mangostin on canine osteosarcoma cells

Osteosarcoma is the most frequently diagnosed primary bone tumor in dog. Since chemotherapeutics are quite limited due to high cost and severe toxicity, therefore, the ultimate goal is to discover cost-effective therapeutics with less toxicity. We have studied the effect of α-mangostin, a xanthone derivative isolated from pericarp of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana Linn.) in canine osteosarcoma, D-17 cells. The results showed that α-mangostin induced antiproliferation with IC(50) at 15 μg/ml. Hoechst 33342 nuclear staining and nucleosomal DNA-gel electrophoresis revealed that α-mangostin could induce nuclear condensation and fragmentation, typically seen in apoptosis. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated that α-mangostin induced sub-G1 peak. In addition, α-mangostin also induced membrane flipping of the phosphatidylserine and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in D-17 cells. In conclusion, α-mangostin, induced apoptotic cell death against canine osteosarcoma D-17 cells, could be a potential candidate for preventive and therapeutic application for bone cancer treatment in dogs.

Sox9 is upstream of microRNA-140 in cartilage

MicroRNA-140 (miR-140) is specifically expressed in developing cartilage tissues. We have previously reported that miR-140 plays an important role during palatal cartilage development by modulating platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (pdgfra) in zebrafish. However, the regulatory mechanism of miR-140 in cartilage is still unknown. Using developing zebrafish, sox9a mutant (sox9a-/-) and sox9b mutant (sox9b-/-) zebrafish and SOX9 small interfering RNA in human chondrocytes, T/C-28 cells, we found that miR-140 is regulated by the cartilage master transcription regulator Sox9 in zebrafish and mammalian cells.

α-Mangostin induces apoptosis in human chondrosarcoma cells through downregulation of ERK/JNK and Akt signaling pathway

Chondrosarcoma is a malignant primary bone tumor that is resistant to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. α-Mangostin, a component of Garcinia mangostana Linn, is a xanthone derivative shown to have antioxidant and antitumor properties. This study is the first to investigate anticancer effects of α-mangostin in the human chondrosarcoma cell line SW1353. We showed that α-mangostin inhibited cell proliferation of SW1353 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner by using the trypan blue exclusion method. Hoechst 33342 nuclear staining and nucleosomal DNA-gel electrophoresis revealed that α-mangostin could induce nuclear condensation and fragmentation, typically seen in apoptosis. Flow cytometry using Annexin V/PI double staining assessed apoptosis, necrosis and viability. α-Mangostin activated caspase-3, -8, -9 expression, decreased Bcl-2 and increased Bax. This promotes mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm. In addition, total and phosphorylated ERK and JNK were downregulated in α-mangostin-treated SW1353 cells but no changes in p38. α-Mangostin also decreased phosphorylated Akt without altering total Akt. These results suggest that α-mangostin inhinbited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis through downregulation of ERK, JNK and Akt signaling pathway in human chondrosarcoma SW1353 cells.

Effects of α-mangostin on apoptosis induction of human colon cancer

AIM: To investigate the effect of α-mangostin on the growth and apoptosis induction of human colon cancer cells.

METHODS: The three colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines tested (COLO 205, MIP-101 and SW 620) were treated with α-mangostin to determine the effect on cell proliferation by MTT assay, cell morphology, chromatin condensation, cell cycle analysis, DNA fragmentation, phosphatidylserine exposure and changing of mitochondrial membrane potential. The molecular mechanisms of α-mangostin mediated apoptosis were further investigated by Western blotting analysis including activation of caspase cascade, cytochrome c release, Bax, Bid, p53 and Bcl-2 modifying factor.

RESULTS: The highest inhibitory effect of α-mangostin on cell proliferation of COLO 205, MIP-101 and SW 620 were 9.74 ± 0.85 μg/mL, 11.35 ± 1.12 μg/mL and 19.6 ± 1.53 μg/mL, respectively. Further study showed that α-mangostin induced apoptotic cell death in COLO 205 cells as indicated by membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, cell cycle analysis, sub-G1 peak (P < 0.05) and phosphatidylserine exposure. The executioner caspase, caspase-3, the initiator caspase, caspase-8, and caspase-9 were expressed upon treatment with α-mangostin. Further studies of apoptotic proteins were determined by Western blotting analysis showing increased mitochondrial cytochrome c release, Bax, p53 and Bmf as well as reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (P < 0.05). In addition, up-regulation of tBid and Fas were evident upon treatment with α-mangostin (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: α-Mangostin may be effective as an anti-cancer agent that induced apoptotic cell death in COLO 205 via a link between extrinsic and intrinsic pathways.

High transfection efficiency of cationic lipids with asymmetric acyl-cholesteryl hydrophobic tails

The ability of a nonviral gene delivery system to overcome extra- and intracellular barriers is a critical issue for the future clinical applications of gene therapy. In recent years much effort has been focused on the development of a variety of DNA carriers, and cationic liposomes have become the most common nonviral gene delivery system. One hundred and eighty novel cationic lipids with asymmetric acyl-cholesteryl hydrophobic tails were synthesized by parallel solid-phase chemistry. The liposomes were prepared and gel retardation assays were used to study the binding efficiency between the prepared liposome and the DNA. Transfection efficiencies of the lipids were evaluated against various mammalian cells, such as human embryonic kidney (HEK293), human cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa), canine osteosarcoma (D17), colorectal adenocarcinoma (COLO 205), and human prostate adenocarcinoma (PC3) cells. The lipids with an acyl portion at the terminal part of the polyamine backbone exhibited higher transfection efficiency than those with the acyl portion as an internal part of the backbone. These compounds also showed higher transfection efficiency and lower cytotoxicity than the commercially available agents, Effectene, DOTAP, and DC-Chol.

Potential of xanthones from tropical fruit mangosteen as anti-cancer agents: caspase-dependent apoptosis induction in vitro and in mice

The pericarp of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) is rich in various xanthones that are known to possess unique biological activities. In this work, we characterized the anti-proliferative and cytotoxic activities of mangosteen xanthones both in vitro and in mice. In vitro analysis with a human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line, COLO 205, showed that mangosteen xanthones not only inhibit the proliferation of target cells but also induce their death by apoptosis that involves the activation of the caspase cascade. In vivo analysis using a mouse subcutaneous tumor model with COLO 205 cells showed that, at relatively low doses, the growth of tumors was repressed upon intratumoral administration of mangosteen xanthones. When a higher dose of mangosteen xanthones was administered, the size of tumors was reduced gradually, and, in some mice, the disappearance of tumors was seen. Histopathological evaluation and biochemical analysis of tumors that received mangosteen xanthones indicate the induction of apoptosis in tumors, which resulted in the repression of their growth and the reduction of their sizes. These results demonstrate the potential of mangosteen xanthones to serve as anti-cancer agents for the chemotherapy of cancer.

Solid phase synthesis of novel asymmetric hydrophilic head cholesterol-based cationic lipids with potential DNA delivery

Twenty-four asymmetric divalent head group cholesterol-based cationic lipids were designed and synthesized by parallel solid phase chemistry. These asymmetric head groups composed of amino functionality together with trimethylamino, di(2-hydroxyethyl)amino or guanidinyl groups. Spacers between cationic heads and linker were both equal and unequal in length. These lipids were subjected to evaluation for DNA binding affinities by gel retardation assay and were screened for their transfection efficiency on HEK293 cells. Cationic lipids with equal chain length exhibited high transfection efficiency when polar part contained asymmetric polar heads. In contrast, lipids with unequal chain length exhibited high transfection efficiency when polar part contained symmetric heads. According to the optimal formulation, seven lipids exhibited higher transfection efficiency than the commercially available transfection agents, Effectene, DOTAP and DC-Chol, to deliver DNA into PC3 human prostate adenocarcinoma cells. 3beta-[N-(N'-Guanidinyl)-2'-aminoethyl)-N-(2-aminoethyl)carbamoyl] cholesterol (5) bearing amino and guanidinyl polar heads exhibited highest transfection efficiency with minimal toxicity. The morphology of active liposomes was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and size of liposomes were around 200-700 nm.

Water environment conservation in a closed water body by high concentrated oxygen water

In this study, the method of using high concentrated oxygen water to purify the bottom sediment was confirmed to be effective. The high concentrated oxygen dissolver was developed and the lab scale experiment was performed. High rate, high efficiency oxygen dissolver was developed, the optimum running condition of the apparatus and the method of producing high concentrated oxygen water was discussed and determined in this study. In addition, the effective prevention of phosphorus release from anaerobic bottom sediment was also studied. As a result, it is found that high concentrated oxygen water was effective for prevention of phosphorus release from anaerobic bottom sediment. On the basis of the fundamental knowledge from the laboratory-scale study, pilot scale apparatus was set up and the pilot study was carried out. It is showed that the introduction of high concentrated oxygen water did not destroy the thermocline of dam reservoir.