HPLC-ESI/MS-MS metabolic profiling of white pitaya fruit and cytotoxic potential against cervical cancer: Comparative studies, synergistic effects, and molecular mechanistic approaches

Natural approach became a high demand for the prevention and treatment of such diseases for their proven safety and efficacy. This study is aimed to perform comparative phytochemical analysis of white pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) peel, pulp and seed extracts via determination of total flavonoid content, phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity, coupled with HPLC-ESI/MS-MS analysis. Further, we evaluated the synergistic cytotoxic potential with Cisplatin against cervical cancer cells with investigation of underlying mechanism. The highest content of phenolics and antioxidants were found in both seed and peel extracts. The HPLC-ESI/MS-MS revealed identification of flavonoids, phenolic acids, anthocyanin glycosides, lignans, stilbenes, and coumarins. The cytotoxicity effects were evaluated by MTT assay against prostate, breast and cervical (HeLa) and Vero cell lines. The seed and peel extracts showed remarkable cytotoxic effect against all tested cell lines. Moreover, the selectivity index confirmed high selectivity of pitaya extracts to cancer cells and safety on normal cells. The combined therapy with Cisplatin effectively enhanced its efficacy and optimized the treatment outcomes, through the apoptotic ability of pitaya extracts in HeLa cells, as evaluated by flow cytometry. Besides, RT-PCR and western blotting analysis showed downregulation of Bcl-2 and overexpression of P53, BAX among HeLa cells treated with pitaya extracts, which eventually activated apoptosis process. Thus, pitaya extract could be used as adjuvant therapy with cisplatin for treatment of cervical cancer. Furthermore, in-vivo extensive studies on the seed and peel extracts, and their compounds are recommended to gain more clarification about the required dose, and side effects.

Synthesis of novel coumarin-triazole hybrids and first evaluation of the 4-phenyl substituted hybrid loaded PLGA nanoparticles delivery system to the anticancer activity

Despite the discovery of many chemotherapeutic drugs that prevent uncontrolled cell division processes in the last century, many studies are still being carried out to develop drugs with higher anticancer efficacy and lower level of side effects. Herein, we designed, synthesized, and characterized six novel coumarin-triazole hybrids, and evaluated for anticancer activity of the one with the highest potential against the breast cancer cell line, MCF-7 and human cervical cancer cell line, HeLa. Compound 21 which was the coumarin derivative including phenyl substituent with the lowest IC50 value displayed the highest cytotoxicity against the studied cancer cell line. Furthermore, the potential use of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA NPs) prepared by the emulsifying solvent evaporation method as a platform for a drug delivery system was studied on a selected coumarin derivative 21. This coumarin derivative-loaded PLGA NPs were produced with an average size of 225.90 ± 2.96 nm, -16.90 ± 0.85 mV zeta potential, and 4.12 ± 0.90 % drug loading capacity. The obtained 21-loaded nanoparticles were analyzed spectroscopically and microscopically with FT-IR, UV-Vis, and SEM as well as TGA, Raman, and XRD. The in vitro release of 21 from the nanoparticles exhibited a controlled release profile just over one month following a burst release in the initial six hours and in addition to this a total release ratio of %50 and %85 were obtained at pH 7.4 and 5.5, respectively. 21-loaded nanoparticles displayed remarkably effective anticancer activity than 21. The IC50 values were determined as IC50 (21-loaded NPs): 0.42 ± 0.01 mg/mL and IC50 (free 21 molecule): 5.74 ± 3.82 mg/mL against MCF-7 cells, and as IC50 (21-loaded NPs): 0.77 ± 0.12 mg/mL and IC50(free21 molecule): 1.32 ± 0.31 mg/mL against HeLa cells after the incubation period of 24h. Our findings indicated that triazole-substituted coumarins may be used as an anticancer agent by integrating them into a polymeric drug delivery system providing improved drug loading and effective controlled drug release.

Exploration of isoxazole analogs: Synthesis, COX inhibition, anticancer screening, 3D multicellular tumor spheroids, and molecular modeling

In this study, a new series of Isoxazole-carboxamide derivatives were synthesized and characterized via HRMS, 1H-, 13CAPT-NMR, and MicroED. The findings revealed that nearly all of the synthesized derivatives exhibited potent inhibitory activities against both COX enzymes, with IC50 values ranging from 4.1 nM to 3.87 μM. Specifically, MYM1 demonstrated the highest efficacy among the compounds tested against the COX-1, displaying an IC50 value of 4.1 nM. The results showed that 5 compounds possess high COX-2 isozyme inhibitory effects with IC50 value in range 0.24-1.30 μM with COX-2 selectivity indexes (2.51-6.13), among these compounds MYM4 has the lowest IC50 value against COX-2, with selectivity index around 4. Intriguingly, this compound displayed significant antiproliferative effects against CaCo-2, Hep3B, and HeLa cancer cell lines, with IC50 values of 10.22, 4.84, and 1.57 μM, respectively, which was nearly comparable to that of doxorubicin. Compound MYM4 showed low cytotoxic activities on normal cell lines LX-2 and Hek293t with IC50 values 20.01 and 216.97 μM respectively, with safer values than doxorubicin. Furthermore, compound MYM4 was able to induce the apoptosis, suppress the colonization of both HeLa and HepG2 cells. Additionally, the induction of Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production could be the mechanism underlying the apoptotic effect and the cytotoxic activity of the compound. In the 3D multicellular tumor spheroid model, results revealed that MYM4 compound hampered the spheroid formation capacity of Hep3B and HeLa cancer cells. Moreover, the molecular docking of MYM4 compound revealed a high affinity for the COX2 enzyme, with energy scores (S) -7.45 kcal/mol, which were comparable to celecoxib (S) -8.40 kcal/mol. Collectively, these findings position MYM4 as a promising pharmacological candidate as COX inhibitor and anticancer agent.

The Micro-Immunotherapy Medicine 2LPAPI® Displays Immune-Modulatory Effects in a Model of Human Papillomavirus Type-16 L1-Protein Capsid-Treated Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells and Antiproliferative Effects in a Model of Cervical Cancer Cells

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the second most common infectious agent causing cancer. Persistent infection with high-risk (HR)-HPV can lead to cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia and cervical carcinomas (CC). While host immune response is necessary for viral clearance, chronic immune activation contributes to a low-grade inflammation that can ultimately lead to carcinogenesis. The micro-immunotherapy medicine (MIM) 2LPAPI® could be a valuable tool to manage the clearance of the virus and reduce the risk of developing CC. In this in vitro study, we aimed to investigate its mode of action. We showed that actives from the MIM increased the IL-6, IFN-γ, and IP-10 secretion in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) exposed to peptides derived from the HPV-16 capsid (HPV16(L1)). This could reflect an increase in the immune activity toward HPV-16. At the same time, some active substances reduced the lympho-proliferation and the expression of T-cell activation markers. Finally, some of the MIM actives displayed antiproliferative effects in CC-derived HeLa cells under serum-starvation conditions. Altogether, this body of data highlighted for the first time the dual effect of MIM in the framework of HR-HPV infections as a potential (i) immune modulator of HPV16(L1)-treated PBMCs and (ii) antiproliferative agent of HPV-positive CC cells.

Genomic and transcriptomic analysis of the recent Mpox outbreak

The Mpox (formerly named Monkeypox) virus is the etiological cause of a recent multi-country outbreak, with thousands of distinct cases detected outside the endemic areas of Africa as of December 2023. In this article, we analyze the sequences of full genomes of Mpox virus from Europe and compare them with all available Mpox sequences of historical relevance, annotated by year and geographic origin, as well as related Cowpox and Variola (smallpox) virus sequences. Our results show that the recent outbreak is most likely originating from the West African clade of Mpox, with >99 % sequence identity with sequences derived from historical and recent cases, dating from 1971 to 2017. We analyze specific mutations occurring in viral proteins between the current outbreak, previous Mpox and Cowpox sequences, and the historical Variola virus. Genome-wide sequence analysis of the recent outbreak and other Mpox/Cowpox/Variola viruses shows a very high conservation, with 97.9 % (protein-based) and 97.8 % (nucleotide-based) sequence identity. We identified significant correlation in human transcriptional responses as well, with a conserved immune pathway response induced in human cell cultures by the three families of Pox virus. The similarities identified between the major strains of Pox viruses, as well as within the Mpox clades, both at the genomic and transcriptomic levels, provide a molecular basis for the observed efficacy of Variola vaccines in other Poxviruses.

An open-source, high-resolution, automated fluorescence microscope

Fluorescence microscopy is a fundamental tool in the life sciences, but the availability of sophisticated equipment required to yield high-quality, quantitative data is a major bottleneck in data production in many laboratories worldwide. This problem has long been recognized and the abundancy of low-cost electronics and the simplification of fabrication through 3D-printing have led to the emergence of open-source scientific hardware as a research field. Cost effective fluorescence microscopes can be assembled from cheaply mass-produced components, but lag behind commercial solutions in image quality. On the other hand, blueprints of sophisticated microscopes such as light-sheet or super-resolution systems, custom-assembled from high quality parts, are available, but require a high level of expertise from the user. Here, we combine the UC2 microscopy toolbox with high-quality components and integrated electronics and software to assemble an automated high-resolution fluorescence microscope. Using this microscope, we demonstrate high resolution fluorescence imaging for fixed and live samples. When operated inside an incubator, long-term live-cell imaging over several days was possible. Our microscope reaches single molecule sensitivity, and we performed single particle tracking and SMLM super-resolution microscopy experiments in cells. Our setup costs a fraction of its commercially available counterparts but still provides a maximum of capabilities and image quality. We thus provide a proof of concept that high quality scientific data can be generated by lay users with a low-budget system and open-source software. Our system can be used for routine imaging in laboratories that do not have the means to acquire commercial systems and through its affordability can serve as teaching material to students.

Pentacyclic triterpenoids from the stem of Grewia bracteata Roth demonstrate promising inhibition on tumour cells

Grewia bracteata Roth stem was investigated for its anticancer potential for the first time. Initially, polarity-guided extracts from three solvents were screened on HeLa, HCT- 116 and MCF-7 tumours cells. The results revealed that ethyl acetate extract (GSE) significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited HeLa, HCT- 116 and MCF-7 cells with respective IC50 values of 30.58, 14.26 and 22.91 µg/mL. GSE inhibited HCT-116 cells with 6- and 21-folds higher than hexane (GSN) and methanol (GSM) extracts, respectively. Hence, column chromatography of GSE was performed and fractionated to 18 fractions. The obtained fractions were further tested on HCT-116 cells. Amongst, the fractions HF6 and DF1 were active with the respective IC50 values of 25.35 and 31.28, µg/mL (p < 0.05). These active fractions were profiled using H1-NMR, C13-NMR and LC-MS/MS analysis, and found the presence of pentacyclic triterpenoids like betulin diacetate and ursolic acid.

The impact of oleuropein on miRNAs regulating cell death signaling pathway in human cervical cancer cells

Cervical cancer is known as the second most pervasive malignancy in women across the globe. The role played by microRNAs (miRNAs) in the initiation, progression, and metastasis of this cancer has received specific attention. The use of natural compounds leading cancer cells toward apoptosis is a feasible strategy for cancer therapy. Oleuropein, an olive-extracted phenolic substance, displays anticancer properties. Here, it was attempted to assess the role played by oleuropein in cell viability in cervical cancer and changes in the expression of some miRNAs associated with cervical cancer as well as some of their possible target genes selected using bioinformatics analysis. For this purpose, HeLa cell line was exposed to several oleuropein concentrations for 48 and 72 h. After that, 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay and flow cytometry were employed to assess cell viability and apoptosis, respectively. In addition, to conduct bioinformatics analysis, Cytoscape computer program was used based on STRING database. Furthermore, to examine the role played by oleuropein in the expression of miRNAs of interest as well as their potential target genes, real-time PCR was employed. The findings indicated that oleuropein reduced cell viability through inducing apoptosis. As a result of treatment with oleuropein, miR-34a, miR-125b, and miR-29a showed increased expression levels, whereas miR-181b, miR-221, and miR-16 showed decreased expression levels. Furthermore, oleuropein reduced the expression of the anti-apoptotic genes Bcl-2 and Mcl1, whereas it elevated the expression of the pro-apoptotic Bid, Fas, and TNFRSF10B genes and the p53 tumor suppressor. Our results indicate that the apoptosis induction is a mechanism of action of oleuropein in HeLa cells. Because of its effect on the reflation of the expression of genes and miRNAs effective in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer, oleuropein shows potential as an effective research tool for developing new natural drugs for treating cervical cancer.

Down-regulation of human papillomavirus E6 oncogene and antiproliferative effect of Schisandra chinensis and Pueraria lobata natural extracts on Hela cell line

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cervical cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women that continues to be a public health problem worldwide. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is closely related as the causative agent of almost all cases of cervical cancer. Currently, there is no effective treatment for the persistence of HPV. Although vaccines have shown promising results in recent years, they are still a costly strategy for developing countries and have no therapeutic effect on existing infections, which is why the need arises to search for new strategies that can be used in treatment, suppressing oncogenic HPV and disease progression. Extracts of Schisandra Chinensis and Pueraria lobata have been used in traditional medicine, and it has been shown in recent years that some of their bioactive compounds have pharmacological, antioxidant, antitumor, apoptotic, and proliferation effects in HPV-positive cells. However, its mechanism of action has yet to be fully explored.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The following study aimed to determine the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and potential antiproliferative and viral oncogene effects of natural extracts of S. chinensis and P. lobata on HPV-18 positive cervical cancer cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The HPV-18-positive HeLa cells were treated for 24 and 48 h with the ethanolic extracts of S chinensis and P. lobata. Subsequently, cell viability was evaluated using the resazurin method, the effect on the cell cycle of the extracts (1.0, 10, and 100 μg/mL) was measured by flow cytometry, the gene of expression of the E6/E7, P53, BCL-2, and E2F-1 were determined by RT-PCR and the protein expression of p53, Ki-67, x|and Bcl-2 by immunohistochemistry. Additionally, the chemical characterization of the two extracts was carried out using LC-MS, and the total phenolics content (TPC), Total flavonoid content (TFC), and DPPH radical scavenging capacity were determined. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal Wallis U test with GraphPad Prism 6 software.

RESULTS

The natural extracts of Schisandra chinensis and Pueraria lobata induced down-regulation of E6 HPV oncogene (p<0.05) and a strong up-regulation of P53 (p<0.05), E2F-1 (p<0.05), and Bcl-2 (p<0.05) gene expression. Simultaneously, the natural extracts tend to increase the p53 protein levels and arrest the cell cycle of HeLa in the G1/S phase (p<0.05). Investigated extracts were characterized by the occurrence of bioactive lignans and isoflavones in S. chinensis and P. lobata, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The extracts of S. chinensis and P. lobata within their chemical characterization mainly present lignan and isoflavone-type compounds, which are probably responsible for inhibiting the expression of the HPV E6 oncogene and inducing an increase in the expression of p53, Bcl -2 and E2F-1 producing cell cycle detection in S phase in HeLa cells. Therefore, these extracts are good candidates to continue studying their antiviral and antiproliferative potential in cells transformed by HPV.

Melatonin Derivative-Conjugated Formulations of Pd(II) and Pt(II) Thiazoline Complexes on Mesoporous Silica to Enhance Cytotoxicity and Apoptosis against HeLa Cells

The search for alternatives to cisplatin has led to the development of new metal complexes where thiazoline derivatives based on platinum(II) and palladium(II) stand out. In this sense, the Pt(II) and Pd(II) complexes coordinated with the thiazoline derivative ligand 2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)imino-N-(2-thiazolin-2-yl)thiazolidine (TdTn), with formula [PtCl2(TdTn)] and [PdCl2(TdTn)], have previously shown good results against several cancer lines; however, in this work, we have managed to improve their activity by supporting them on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN). The incorporation of metal compounds with a melatonin derivative (5-methoxytryptamine, 5MT), which is a well-known antioxidant and apoptosis inducer in different types of cancer, has been able to increase the cytotoxic activity of both MSN-supported and isolated complexes with only a very low amount (0.35% w/w) of this antioxidant. The covalently functionalized systems that have been synthesized are able to increase selectivity as well as accumulation in HeLa cells. The final materials containing the metal complexes and 5MT (MSN-5MT-PtTdTn and MSN-5MT-PdTdTn) required up to nine times less metal to achieve the same cytotoxic activity than their corresponding non-formulated counterparts did, thus reducing the potential side effects caused by the use of the free metal complexes.

Multiple approaches revealed MGc80-3 as a somatic hybrid with HeLa cells rather than a gastric cancer cell line

The short-tandem-repeats (STR) profiles of MGc80-3 and HeLa partially overlap, raising suspicion of contamination in the MGc80-3 cell line. However, there has not been any relevant study demonstrating whether MGc80-3 was fully replaced by HeLa cells, just mixed with HeLa cells (co-existing), or was a somatic hybrid with HeLa cells. In addition to STR profiling, various approaches, including single nucleotide polymorphisms genotyping, polymerase chain reaction, screening for human papillomaviruses type 18 (HPV-18) fragment, chromosome karyotyping, pathological examination of xenografts, tissue-specific-90-gene expression signature and high-throughput RNA sequencing were used to determine the nature of MGc80-3. Our study found that the abnormal STR profile, partially overlapping with that of HeLa cells (64.62% to 71.64%), could not verify MGc80-3 as a HeLa cell line. However, the STR 13.3 repeat allele in the D13S317 locus that seemed to be unique to HeLa cells was detected in MGc80-3. Almost all the MGc80-3 cells exhibited HPV-18 fragments in the genome as well as certain HeLa marker chromosomes, such as M7 and M12. The molecular assay of the 90-gene expression signature still considered MGc80-3 as a stomach cancer using an algorithmic analysis. The expression pattern of multiple genes in MGc80-3 was quite different from that in HeLa cells, which showed that certain characteristics belonged to gastric cancer cell lines. High throughput RNA sequencing showed the distinct patterns of gene expression in MGc80-3. In conclusion, MGc80-3 cell line is a somatic hybrid with HeLa cells rather than a pure gastric cancer cell line.

Polyacrylic-Coated Solid Nanoparticles Increase the Aquaporin Permeability to Hydrogen Peroxide

Aquaporins (AQPs) allow the diffusion of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and act as ROS scavenging systems, which are important for controlling the redox state of cells. Recently, cerium oxide nanoparticles were found to increase the water and H2O2 permeability by modulating AQPs. To further analyze the action of nanoparticles (NPs) on AQP, we examined the effect of the NPs presenting different core compositions (CeO2, Gd2O3, Fe3O4, and TiO2), hydrodynamic sizes, and surface functionalization. The NPs produced an increase in H2O and H2O2 permeability as a general trend. The hydrodynamic sizes of the NPs in the range of 22-100 nm did not produce any significant effect. The chemical nature of the NPs' core did not modify the effect and its intensity. On the other hand, the NPs' functionalized surface plays a major role in influencing both water and H2O2 permeability. The results suggest that NPs can play a significant role in controlling oxidative stress in cells and might represent an innovative approach in the treatment of a number of pathologies associated with an increased oxidative status.

Unraveling the mechanisms and evolution of a two-domain module in IQGAP proteins for controlling eukaryotic cytokinesis

The IQGAP family of proteins plays a crucial role in cytokinesis across diverse organisms, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we demonstrate that IQGAPs in budding yeast, fission yeast, and human cells use a two-domain module to regulate their localization as well as the assembly and disassembly of the actomyosin ring during cytokinesis. Strikingly, the calponin homology domains (CHDs) in these IQGAPs bind to distinct cellular F-actin structures with varying specificity, whereas the non-conserved domains immediately downstream of the CHDs in these IQGAPs all target the division site, but differ in timing, localization strength, and binding partners. We also demonstrate that human IQGAP3 acts in parallel to septins and myosin-IIs to mediate the role of anillin in cytokinesis. Collectively, our findings highlight the two-domain mechanism by which IQGAPs regulate cytokinesis in distantly related organisms as well as their evolutionary conservation and divergence.

The Inhibitory Effect of KerraTM, KSTM, and MinozaTM on Human Papillomavirus Infection and Cervical Cancer

Background and Objectives: Cervical cancer is one of the most common types of frequently found cancers in Thailand. One of the causative agents is the infection of the high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 and 18. Traditional medicines are rich sources of bioactive compounds which are a valuable source for the development of novel cancer therapies. In this study, the therapeutic effects of 3 traditional medicines, KerraTM, KSTM, and MinozaTM, were studied on HeLa and CaSki cells. Materials and Methods: The effects of KerraTM, KSTM, and MinozaTM on cancer cells were evaluated through cytotoxicity and cell death assays. The infection assay using HPV-16 pseudovirus was also carried out. Results: All traditional medicines efficiently suppressed cell growths of HeLa and CaSki, with KerraTM being the most potent anticancer agent followed by KSTM and MinozaTM. KerraTM at 158 µg/mL and 261 µg/mL significantly increases the percentage inhibition of the HPV-16 pseudovirus infection in a pre-attachment step in a dose-dependent manner, while KSTM at 261 µg/mL efficiently inhibited viral infection in both pre-attachment and adsorption steps. However, KerraTM, KSTM, and MinozaTM at subtoxic concentrations could not reduce the viral E6 mRNA expressions of HPV-16 and HPV-18. Cell death assay by acridine orange/ethidium bromide showed that KerraTM increased population of dead cells in dose-dependent manner in both CaSki and HeLa. The percentage of secondary necrosis in KerraTM-treated CaSki was higher than that of HeLa cells, while the percentage of late apoptotic cells in HeLa was higher than that of CaSki, indicating that HeLa was more susceptible to KerraTM than CaSki. For KSTM and MinozaTM, these extracts at 250 µg/mL promoted autophagy over cell death. At 500 µg/mL, the percentage of dead cells in KerraTM was higher than that of KSTM and MinozaTM. Conclusions: KerraTM is a potent traditional medicine for promoting cancer cell death. KerraTM is possibly useful in the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer. Further investigation will be carried out to gain a better understanding of the biochemical mechanism and the pharmacological activity underlying this effect.

SNHG3/WISP2 Axis Promotes Hela Cell Migration and Invasion via Activating Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling

BACKGROUND/AIM

Cervical cancer (CC) poses a significant threat to women's health and has a relatively poor prognosis due to local invasion and metastasis. It is, therefore, crucial to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of CC metastasis. SNHG3 has been implicated in various tumor metastasis processes, but its involvement in CC has not been thoroughly studied. Our study aimed to investigate the role of SNHG3 in metastasis and elucidate its underlying mechanisms in CC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

LncRNA SNHG3 expression in CC tissues was analyzed using TCGA and GSE27469 databases. Normal cervical epithelial cells and CC cell lines were used to detect mRNA expression of SNHG3 via quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). With RNA interference (RNAi) technology, antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) can act on HeLa cells to knockdown target gene expression. The influence of SNHG3 on cell migration and invasion were determined by wound healing and transwell assays. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to seek abnormally expressed genes between SNHG3 knockdown cells and control cells. The expressions of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and Wnt/β-catenin signaling related proteins were detected using western blot.

RESULTS

SNHG3 was obviously up-regulated in CC tissues and cell lines, and ectopic expression of SNHG3 was associated with lymph node metastasis of CC. Knockdown of SNHG3 significantly inhibited cell migration and invasion in CC. Further molecular mechanism studies showed that SNHG3 knockdown could down-regulate the expression of WNT1 Inducible Signaling Pathway Protein 2 (WISP2) so as to inhibit the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and regulated the expression of EMT-related markers, that promoted the protein expression of E-cadherin, as well as decreased the expression of N-cadherin and vimentin.

CONCLUSION

SNHG3 appears to exert a pro-metastatic effect in CC, as evidenced by inhibition of cell migration and invasion upon SNHG3 knockdown. EMT also appears to be attenuated. Of interest is the down-regulation of WISP2 following SNHG3 knockdown leads to the inactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Novel Nanotherapeutic Systems Based on PEGylated Squalene Micelles for Enhanced In Vitro Activity of Methotrexate and Cytarabine

Nanomedicine has garnered significant attention due to the advantages it offers in the treatment of cancer-related disorders, some of the deadliest diseases affecting human lives. Conventional medication formulations often encounter issues of instability or insolubility in biological environments, resulting in low bioavailability. Nanocarriers play a crucial role in transporting and safeguarding drugs at specific sites of action, enabling gradual release under particular conditions. This study focuses on methotrexate (MTx) and cytarabine (Cyt), essential antitumoral drugs, loaded into PEGylated squalene micellar structures to enhance therapeutic effectiveness and minimize drawbacks. The micelles were prepared using ultrasound-assisted methods in both water and phosphate buffer saline solutions. Evaluation of drug-loaded micelles encompassed parameters such as particle size, colloidal stability, surface charge, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, drug loading capacity, and in vitro release profiles under simulated physiological and tumoral conditions. In vitro cell inhibition studies conducted on MCF-7 and HeLa cell lines demonstrated higher antitumoral activity for the drug-encapsulated micelles compared to free drugs. The encapsulation effectively addressed the burst effect, providing sustained release for at least 48 h while enhancing the drug's protection under physiological conditions.

lncRNA TINCR promotes the development of cervical cancer via the miRNA‑7/mTOR axis in vitro

The present study aimed to examine the effects of the long non-coding (lnc)RNA expressed by tissue differentiation-inducing non-protein coding RNA (TINCR) on cervical cancer development. For this purpose, adjacent normal and cancer tissues were obtained from patients with cervical cancer and the lncRNA TINCR level was examined using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and in situ hybridization. The association between lncRNA TINCR and the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients with cervical cancer was also analyzed. Furthermore, the expression levels of lncRNA TINCR, miRNA-7, mTOR, hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit α and VEGF were measured using RT-qPCR and western blot analysis. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion and migration were examined using MTT assay, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine staining, flow cytometry, TUNEL assay, and Transwell and wound healing assays. The association between lncRNA TINCR, miRNA-7 and mTOR was also examined using a luciferase assay. The results revealed that the lncRNA TINCR level was significantly increased in cervical cancer tissues and was associated with the overall survival of patients (low vs. high expression group; P=0.0391). LncRNA TINCR was also associated with the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with cervical cancer. Following the knockdown of lncRNA TINCR using small interfering (si)RNA, cell proliferation was significantly decreased and cell apoptosis was significantly increased (P<0.001 for both); cell invasion and migration were also significantly decreased (P<0.001 for both) following transfection with mimics miRNA-7. Transfection with miRNA-7 antisense oligonucleotide decreased the antitumor effects of si-TINCR in Siha and HeLa cell lines. As shown using the dual-luciferase assay, lncRNA TINCR could target miRNA-7 and miRNA-7 could directly regulate mTOR in HeLa and SiHa cell lines. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that lncRNA TINCR could promote cervical cancer development via regulation of the miRNA-7/mTOR axis in vitro.

The Value of CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, and CXCL8 as Potential Prognosis Markers in Cervical Cancer: Evidence of E6/E7 from HPV16 and 18 in Chemokines Regulation

Cervical cancer (CC) is a serious global health issue, and it is well-known that HPV infection is the main etiological factor that triggers carcinogenesis. In cancer, chemokine ligands and receptors are involved in tumor cell growth, metastasis, leukocyte infiltration, and angiogenesis; however, information on the role played by E6/E7 of HPV16/18 in the modulation of chemokines is very limited. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether chemokines are differentially expressed in CC-derived cell lines; if E6/E7 oncoproteins from HPV16 and 18 are capable of mediating chemokine expression, what is the expression profile of chemokines in tissues derived from CC and what is their impact on the overall survival of patients with this pathology? For this purpose, RNA sequencing and real-time PCR were performed on SiHa, HeLa, and C33A tumorigenic cell lines, on the non-tumorigenic HaCaT cells, and the E6/E7 HPV-transduced HaCaT cell models. Furthermore, chemokine expression and survival analysis were executed on 304 CC and 22 normal tissue samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) repository. The results demonstrate that CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, and CXCL8 are regulated by E6/E7 of HPV16 and 18, are overexpressed in CC biopsies, and that their higher expression is related to a worse prognostic survival.

EGF, TGF-α and Amphiregulin Differently Regulate Endometrium-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells

The prototypical receptor tyrosine kinase epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is regulated by a set of its ligands, which determines the specificity of signaling and intracellular fate of the receptor. The EGFR signaling system is well characterized in immortalized cell lines such as HeLa derived from tumor tissues, but much less is known about EGFR function in untransformed multipotent stromal/stem cells (MSCs). We compared the effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) and amphiregulin (AREG) on physiological responses in endometrial MSCs (enMSC) and HeLa cells. In addition, using Western blotting and confocal microscopy, we studied the internalization and degradation of EGFR stimulated by the three ligands in these cell lines. We demonstrated that unlike HeLa, EGF and TGF-α, but not AREG, stimulated enMSC proliferation and prevented decidual differentiation in an EGFR-dependent manner. In HeLa cells, EGF targeted EGFR for degradation, while TGF-α stimulated its recycling. Surprisingly, in enMSC, both ligands caused EGFR degradation. In both cell lines, AREG-EGFR internalization was not registered. In HeLa cells, EGFR was degraded within 2 h, restoring its level in 24 h, while in enMSC, degradation took more than 4-8 h, and the low EGFR level persisted for several days. This indicates that EGFR homeostasis in MSCs may differ significantly from that in immortalized cell lines.

Disparities in Cisplatin-Induced Cytotoxicity-A Meta-Analysis of Selected Cancer Cell Lines

Cisplatin is a classic anticancer drug widely used as a reference drug to test new metal complex drug candidates. We found an unexpected diversity in cisplatin-related cytotoxicity values, expressed as IC50 (the half-maximal inhibitory concentration) in tumour cell lines, such as MCF-7, HepG2 and HeLa. We reviewed the data published from 2018 to 2022. A total of 41 articles based on 56 in vitro experiments met our eligibility criteria. Using a meta-analysis based on a random effect model, we evaluated the cytotoxicity of cisplatin (IC50) after 48- or 72-h cell exposure. We found large differences between studies using a particular cell line. According to the random effect model, the 95% confidence intervals for IC50 were extremely wide. The heterogeneity of cisplatin IC50, as measured by the I2 index for all cancer cell lines, was over 99.7% at culture times of 48 or 72 h. Therefore, the variability between studies is due to experimental heterogeneity rather than chance. Despite the higher IC50 values after 48 h than after 72 h, the heterogeneity between the two culture periods did not differ significantly. This indicates that the duration of cultivation is not the main cause of heterogeneity. Therefore, the available data is diverse and not useful as a reference. We discuss possible reasons for the IC50 heterogeneity and advise researchers to conduct preliminary testing before starting experiments and not to solely rely on the published data. We hope that this systematic meta-analysis will provide valuable information for researchers searching for new cancer drugs using cisplatin as a reference drug.

Tetracycline-mediated fluorescence correlates with passage number and β-galactosidase activity in HeLa and HEK293T cells

We report data consistent with tetracycline-mediated fluorescence having the potential to be an effective marker of senescence in immortalised cells. HeLa cells that had previously undergone more than 20 passages were transiently transfected with a plasmid encoding a novel tetracycline-inducible transgene featuring an open reading frame for green fluorescent protein. While characterising the performance of this plasmid and transfection procedure, HeLa cell fluorescence was observed to result from incubating cells with media containing 2 μg/ml tetracycline alone, without plasmid or transfection reagent. To investigate this phenomenon further, HeLa and HEK293T cells were purchased from a tissue culture collection and after cultivation over 4-23 passages, incubated with media containing 2 μg/ml tetracycline. For both cell lines, tetracycline-mediated fluorescence increase correlated with passage number increase. This effect in HeLa and HEK293T cells was also borne out by expression of β-galactosidase activity, an imperfect but widely used marker of cellular senescence. These data suggest tetracycline may have utility as a marker of cellular senescence in immortal cells and can inform future investigation and validation of this previously unreported application for this reagent.

The effects of STA-9090 (Ganetespib) and venetoclax (ABT-199) combination on apoptotic pathways in human cervical cancer cells

Combined chemotherapy is recommended strategy as a first-line treatment method in patients with cervical cancer. Ganetespib (STA-9090) is a second-generation heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) inhibitor that blocks the ATPase function of Hsp90 and inhibits the proper folding of oncogenic client proteins. Venetoclax (ABT-199) is an orally bioavailable Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2) inhibitor that stimulates apoptotic signaling pathways in cancer cells. This study evaluated the anticancer effects of STA-9090 combined with Venetoclax in the human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa). The human cervical cancer cells were treated with STA-9090, Venetoclax, and Sta-9090 plus Venetoclax for 48 h, and cell viability was measured using the XTT assay. The alteration of the Hsp90 protein expression level and the chaperone activity of HSP90 were detected by ELISA and luciferase aggregation assay, respectively. For the apoptotic process, qRT-PCR was applied to study Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-like protein 1 (Bcl-xL ), Cytochrome c (Cyt-c), Caspase3 (Cas-3), and Caspase7 (Cas-7) expression levels after drug treatments. Also, a colorimetric Cas-3 activity assay was performed to detect the induction of the apoptosis process. Our results demonstrated that 8 nM of STA-9090 combined with 4 µM of Venetoclax synergistically inhibited cervical cancer cell proliferation more than STA-9090 or Venetoclax alone after 48 h of treatment. STA-9090 and Venetoclax combination decreased the protein expression level of Hsp90 and significantly inhibited chaperone activity of Hsp90. This combination stimulated apoptosis in cervical cancer cells by down-regulating of anti-apoptotic markers while inducing pro-apoptotic markers. Also, the STA-9090-Venetoclax combination increased Cas-3 activity in Hela cells. Collectively, these findings pointed out that the STA-9090-Venetoclax combination exhibited more activity than the individual drugs to stimulate toxicity and apoptosis in cervical cancer cells based on HSP90 inhibition.

Folic Acid-Modified Ibrutinib-Loaded Silk Fibroin Nanoparticles for Cancer Cell Therapy with Over-Expressed Folate Receptor

The anticancer drug ibrutinib (IB), also known as PCI-32765, is a compound that irreversibly inhibits Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) and was initially developed as a treatment option for B-cell lineage neoplasms. Its action is not limited to B-cells, as it is expressed in all hematopoietic lineages and plays a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment. However, clinical trials with the drug have resulted in conflicting outcomes against solid tumors. In this study, folic acid-conjugated silk nanoparticles were used for the targeted delivery of IB to the cancer cell lines HeLa, BT-474, and SKBR3 by exploiting the overexpression of folate receptors on their surfaces. The results were compared with those of control healthy cells (EA.hy926). Cellular uptake studies confirmed total internalization of the nanoparticles functionalized by this procedure in the cancer cells after 24 h, compared to nanoparticles not functionalized with folic acid, suggesting that cellular uptake was mediated by folate receptors overexpressed in the cancer cells. The results indicate that the developed nanocarrier can be used for drug targeting applications by enhancing IB uptake in cancer cells with folate receptor overexpression.

Anticancer potential of Nymphaea nouchali Brum flowers against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cell lines

Background

Nymphaea nouchali Brum is exotic and medicinal plant in India.

Aim of the Study

The main of this study is to evaluate the anticancer properties of Nymphaea nouchali Brum flowers against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-induced Swiss albino mice.

Materials and Methods

The anticancer properties of Nymphaea nouchali Brum dry and fresh methanol extracts was investigated using EAC in Swiss albino mice. After inoculation of EAC cells into mice, treatment with NNDM flower extract (200 and 400 mg/kg) and standard drug 5-Fluorouracil (20 mg/kg) was continued for 9 days. The evaluation of the effect of drug response was made by the study of tumor growth response including increase in lifespan, the study of hematological parameters, biochemical estimations, and antioxidant assay of liver tissue compared to EAC control. The viability of cancer cell lines (such as HeLa, MCF-7, and MDA-MB 231 cells) was evaluated by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.

Results

Therefore, from the results of the present study, it can be concluded that NNDM exhibited significant antitumor activity against EAC in Swiss albino mice. The effect of NNDM on viability of cancer cell lines (such as HeLa, MCF-7, and MDA-MB 231 cells) was evaluated by MTT assay, apoptosis in HeLa cell lines was evaluated by DNA laddering assay, HeLa cells treated with NNDM exhibited a characteristic "ladder" pattern after separation of the fragments by agarose gel electrophoresis and subsequent visualization, by ethidium bromide staining. NNDM exhibited a significant effect on cell viability.

Conclusions

Based on results, it was concluded that NNDM exhibited cytotoxic effect on cancer cells and, from DNA laddering assay, it can be concluded that NNDM-induced apoptosis in EAC cells.

Cytotoxic Effects of Combinative ZnPcS4 Photosensitizer Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) and Cannabidiol (CBD) on a Cervical Cancer Cell Line

The most prevalent type of gynecological malignancy globally is cervical cancer (CC). Complicated by tumor resistance and metastasis, it remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in women in South Africa. Early CC is managed by hysterectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, and more recently, immunotherapy. Although these treatments provide clinical benefits, many patients experience adverse effects and secondary CC spread. To minimize this, novel and innovative treatment methods need to be investigated. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an advantageous treatment modality that is non-invasive, with limited side effects. The Cannabis sativa L. plant isolate, cannabidiol (CBD), has anti-cancer effects, which inhibit tumor growth and spread. This study investigated the cytotoxic combinative effect of PDT and CBD on CC HeLa cells. The effects were assessed by exposing in vitro HeLa CC-cultured cells to varying doses of ZnPcS₄ photosensitizer (PS) PDT and CBD, with a fluency of 10 J/cm² and 673 nm irradiation. HeLa CC cells, which received the predetermined lowest dose concentrations (ICD₅₀) of 0.125 µM ZnPcS₄ PS plus 0.5 µM CBD to yield 50% cytotoxicity post-laser irradiation, reported highly significant and advantageous forms of cell death. Flow cytometry cell death pathway quantitative analysis showed that only 13% of HeLa cells were found to be viable, 7% were in early apoptosis and 64% were in late favorable forms of apoptotic cell death, with a minor 16% of necrosis post-PDT. Findings suggest that this combined treatment approach can possibly induce primary cellular destruction, as well as limit CC metastatic spread, and so warrants further investigation.

Knockdown of the SELENOK gene induces ferroptosis in cervical cancer cells

Selenoprotein K (SELENOK) is one of the endoplasmic reticulum(ER) protein that mainly functions in the regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), calcium flux, and antioxidant defense. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) is one of the key indicator of ferroptosis, and SELENOK inhibition could disrupt ROS balance, and consequently might cause ferroptosis. However, there are no previous studies about the mechanism of SELENOK in ferroptosis by regulating ROS. In this study, we report the effect of SELENOK inhibition on cell proliferation, viability, iron recycling-associated proteins, ROS, antioxidant enzymes, and lipid peroxidation of cervical cancer cells (HeLa cells). The results showed that ROS levels and iron-dependent lipid peroxidation were significantly enhanced, whereas cell viability and proliferation were significantly downregulated, and resulted in marked reductions in tumor size after SELENOK knockdown. SELENOK knockdown also caused steep decreases in Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4)/Glutathione (GSH) levels and deterioration in ROS scavenging ability, and exacerbated ferroptosis in HeLa cells. Our findings elucidated that SELENOK knockdown could shrink tumor size by regulating ferroptosis, which might provide a theoretical basis for treating cervical cancer.

A systematic evaluation of quenching and extraction procedures for quantitative metabolome profiling of HeLa carcinoma cell under 2D and 3D cell culture conditions

Metabolic reprogramming has been coined as a hallmark of cancer, accompanied by which the alterations in metabolite levels have profound effects on gene expression, cellular differentiation, and the tumor environment. Yet a systematic evaluation of quenching and extraction procedures for quantitative metabolome profiling of tumor cells is currently lacking. To achieve this, this study is aimed at establishing an unbiased and leakage-free metabolome preparation protocol for HeLa carcinoma cell. We evaluated 12 combinations of quenching and extraction methods from three quenchers (liquid nitrogen, -40°C 50% methanol, 0.5°C normal saline) and four extractants (-80°C 80% methanol, 0.5°C methanol/chloroform/water [1:1:1 v/v/v], 0.5°C 50% acetonitrile, 75°C 70% ethanol) for global metabolite profiling of adherent HeLa carcinoma cells. Based on the isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) method, gas/liquid chromatography in tandem with mass spectrometry was used to quantitatively determine 43 metabolites including sugar phosphates, organic acids, amino acids (AAs), adenosine nucleotides, and coenzymes involved in central carbon metabolism. The results showed that the total amount of the intracellular metabolites in cell extracts obtained using different sample preparation procedures with the IDMS method ranged from 21.51 to 295.33 nmol per million cells. Among 12 combinations, cells that washed twice with phosphate buffered saline (PBS), quenched with liquid nitrogen, and then extracted with 50% acetonitrile were found to be the most optimal method to acquire intracellular metabolites with high efficiency of metabolic arrest and minimal loss during sample preparation. In addition, the same conclusion was drawn as these 12 combinations were applied to obtain quantitative metabolome data from three-dimensional (3D) tumor spheroids. Furthermore, a case study was carried out to evaluate the effect of doxorubicin (DOX) on both adherent cells and 3D tumor spheroids using quantitative metabolite profiling. Pathway enrichment analysis using targeted metabolomics data showed that DOX exposure would significantly affect AA metabolism-related pathways, which might be related to the mitigation of redox stress. Strikingly, our data suggested that compared to two-dimensional (2D) cells the increased intracellular glutamine level in 3D cells benefited replenishing the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle when the glycolysis was limited after dosing with DOX. Taken together, this study provides a well-established quenching and extraction protocol for quantitative metabolome profiling of HeLa carcinoma cell under 2D and 3D cell culture conditions. Based on this, quantitative time-resolved metabolite data can serve to the generation of hypotheses on metabolic reprogramming to reveal its important role in tumor development and treatment.

Terpenoids from Myrrh and Their Cytotoxic Activity against HeLa Cells

The oleo-gum resin of Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl. has a long history of medicinal use, although many of its constituents are still unknown. In the present investigation, 34 secondary metabolites were isolated from myrrh resin using different chromatographic techniques (silica flash chromatography, CPC, and preparative HPLC) and their structures were elucidated with NMR spectroscopy, HRESIMS, CD spectroscopy, and ECD calculations. Among the isolated substances are seven sesquiterpenes (1-7), one disesquiterpene (8), and two triterpenes (23, 24), which were hitherto unknown, and numerous substances are described here for the first time for C. myrrha or the genus Commiphora. Furthermore, the effects of selected terpenes on cervix cancer cells (HeLa) were studied in an MTT-based in vitro assay. Three triterpenes were observed to be the most toxic with moderate IC₅₀ values of 60.3 (29), 74.5 (33), and 78.9 µM (26). Due to the different activity of the structurally similar triterpenoids, the impact of different structural elements on the cytotoxic effect could be discussed and linked to the presence of a 1,2,3-trihydroxy substructure in the A ring. The influence on TNF-α dependent expression of the intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) was also tested for 4-6, 9-11, 17, 18, 20, and 27 in vitro, but revealed less than 20% ICAM-1 reduction and, therefore, no significant anti-inflammatory activity.

Effects of Fractionated Radiation Exposure on Vimentin Expression in Cervical Cancers: Analysis of Association with Cancer Stem Cell Response and Short-Term Prognosis

Elucidation of the mechanisms for the response of cancer stem cells (CSCs) to radiation exposure is of considerable interest for further improvement of radio- and chemoradiotherapy of cervical cancer (CC). The aim of this work is to evaluate the effects of fractionated radiation exposure on the expression of vimentin, which is one of the end-stage markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and analyze its association with CSC radiation response and short-term prognosis of CC patients. The level of vimentin expression was determined in HeLa, SiHa cell lines, and scrapings from the cervix of 46 CC patients before treatment and after irradiation at a total dose of 10 Gy using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, flow cytometry, and fluorescence microscopy. The number of CSCs was assessed using flow cytometry. Significant correlations were shown between vimentin expression and postradiation changes in CSC numbers in both cell lines (R = 0.88, p = 0.04 for HeLa and R = 0.91, p = 0.01 for SiHa) and cervical scrapings (R = 0.45, p = 0.008). Associations were found at the level of tendency between postradiation increase in vimentin expression and unfavorable clinical outcome 3-6 months after treatment. The results clarify some of the relationships between EMT, CSCs, and therapeutic resistance that are needed to develop new strategies for cancer treatment.

Analysis and prediction pathways of natural products and their cytotoxicity against HeLa cell line protein using docking, molecular dynamics and ADMET

Natural product such as flavonoids and their derivatives have a discernible capability to inhibit tumor formation and the growth of cancer cell, which have a vital link between diet and chronic disease prevention. Several plants and spices that contain flavonoid derivatives have been used in traditional medicine as disease preventative and therapeutic agents. Therefore, flavonoids could be used as chemotherapeutic drugs, indicating their potential clinical utility in cancer treatment. The purpose of this research was to discover and produce innovative pharmaceuticals from natural sources by introducing structural changes into flavonoids' backbones and changing their structures to improve biological activity and anticancer effects. In the current study, it was expected that the percent unbound values for the 15 compounds in human plasma would be low, ranging between 0.188 and 0.391. However, all compounds have a safe range and are not toxic to the brain. Compounds 2, 10, and 13 were shown to be permeable to the CNS (log PS > -3), but all other compounds had difficulty penetrating the CNS. Furthermore, all compounds had a low total clearance, ranging from 0.038 to 1.216 ml/min/kg, indicating that these compounds have a long half-life. None of the compounds caused skin sensitization (SS), and only compounds 1, 11, and 12 are expected to be AMES-positive, suggesting that the other compounds are not mutagenic. The result of the study showed based on the Drug-likeness and ADMET studies, only 3 compounds, including 3, 4, and 15, have a good pharmacokinetics propriety, the lowest toxicity, and good binding affinity towards Caspase 3 V266APDB (ID: 5I9B) as potential inhibitor candidates for the HeLa cell line, they have a low total clearance property and no AMES mutagenicity or hERG inhibition properties. These compounds (3,4,15) were examined to act as new cytotoxic drug candidates and would have an interest as starting point for designing compounds against the HeLa cell line.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Inhibition of Autophagy Increases Cell Death in HeLa Cells through Usnic Acid Isolated from Lichens

The Western Ghats, India, is a hotspot for lichen diversity. However, the pharmacological importance of lichen-associated metabolites remains untapped. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic potential of lichens of this region. For this, sixteen macrolichens were collected and identified from two locations in the Western Ghats. The acetone extract of Usnea cornuta (UC2A) showed significant cytotoxicity towards multiple human cancer cell lines. Interestingly, co-treatment with chloroquine (CQ), an autophagy inhibitor, increased the cytotoxic potential of the UC2A extract. A gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) study revealed usnic acid (UA), atraric acid and barbatic acid as the dominant cytotoxic compounds in the UC2A extract. Further, UA was purified and identified from the UC2A extract and evaluated for cytotoxicity in HeLa cells. The monodansyl cadaverine and mitotracker red double staining revealed the autophagy-inducing activities of UA, and the inhibition of autophagy was confirmed via CQ treatment. Autophagy inhibition increased the cytotoxicity of UA by 12-16% in a concentration-dependent manner. It also increased lipid peroxidation, ROS levels and mitochondrial depolarization and decreased glutathione availability. A decrease in zeta potential and a 40% increase in caspase 3/7 activity were also noted after CQ treatment of UA-treated cells. Thus, cytotoxicity of UA can be increased by inhibiting autophagy.

Estimating Total Quantitative Protein Content in Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and HeLa Cells

The continuous improvement of proteomic techniques, most notably mass spectrometry, has generated quantified proteomes of many organisms with unprecedented depth and accuracy. However, there is still a significant discrepancy in the reported numbers of total protein molecules per specific cell type. In this article, we explore the results of proteomic studies of Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and HeLa cells in terms of total protein copy numbers per cell. We observe up to a ten-fold difference between reported values. Investigating possible reasons for this discrepancy, we conclude that neither an unmeasured fraction of the proteome nor biases in the quantification of individual proteins can explain the observed discrepancy. We normalize protein copy numbers in each study using a total protein amount per cell as reported in the literature and create integrated proteome maps of the selected model organisms. Our results indicate that cells contain from one to three million protein molecules per µm³ and that protein copy density decreases with increasing organism complexity.

Synthesis of Cellulose Nanoparticles from Ionic Liquid Solutions for Biomedical Applications

A method for the synthesis of cellulose nanoparticles using the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate has been optimised. The use of a highly biocompatible biopolymer such as cellulose, together with the use of an ionic liquid, makes this method a promising way to obtain nanoparticles with good capability for drug carrying. The operating conditions of the synthesis have been optimised based on the average hydrodynamic diameter, the polydispersity index, determined by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and the Z-potential, obtained by phase analysis light scattering (PALS), to obtain cellulose nanoparticles suitable for use in biomedicine. The obtained cellulose nanoparticles have been characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) with attenuated total reflectance (ATR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTA). Finally, cell viability studies have been performed with a cancer cell line (HeLa) and with a healthy cell line (EA.hy926). These have shown that the cellulose nanoparticles obtained are not cytotoxic in the concentration range of the studied nanoparticles. The results obtained in this work constitute a starting point for future studies on the use of cellulose nanoparticles, synthesised from ionic liquids, for biomedical applications such as targeted drug release or controlled drug release.

Detection of Gasdermin C-Mediated Cancer Cell Pyroptosis

Gasdermin proteins except DFNB59 are the executioners of pyroptotic cell death. Cleavage of a gasdermin by an active protease causes lytic cell death. Gasdermin C (GSDMC) is cleaved by caspase-8 in response to macrophage-secreted TNF-α. Upon cleavage, the GSDMC-N domain is liberated and oligomerized, followed by pore formation in the plasma membrane. GSDMC cleavage, LDH release, and plasma membrane translocation of GSDMC-N domain are the reliable markers for GSDMC-mediated cancer cell pyroptosis (CCP). Here, we describe the methods for examining GSDMC-mediated CCP.

Synthesis and Preliminary Evaluations of [18F]fluorinated Pyridine-2- carboxamide Derivatives for Targeting PD-L1 in Cancer

BACKGROUND

Treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors has improved both progressionfree survival and overall survival in a subset of patients with tumors. However, the selection of patients who benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment remains challenging. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a non-invasive molecular imaging tool that offers a promising alternative to the current IHC for detecting the PD-L1 expression in malignant cells in vivo, enabling patient selection and predicting the response to individual patient immunotherapy treatment.

OBJECTIVES

Herein, we report the development of novel [¹⁸F]labeled pyridine-2-carboxamide derivatives [¹⁸F]2 and [¹⁸F]3 as small-molecule probes for imaging immune checkpoint (PD-1/PD-L1) in cancer using PET.

METHODS AND RESULTS

[¹⁸F]2 and [¹⁸F]3 were prepared by a one-step radiofluorination in 44 ± 5% and 30 ± 4% radiochemical yield and > 98% radiochemical purity for a potential clinical translation. The total synthesis time, including HPLC purification, was less than 45 min. [¹⁸F]2 and [¹⁸F]3 showed excellent stability in injection solution and a significant accumulation and retention in PD-1/PD-L1 expressing MDA-MB-231 breast cancer and in HeLa cervix carcinoma cells (2- 5 cpm/1000 cells). In addition, autoradiographic analysis and inhibition experiments on tumor slices confirm the potential of both compounds as specific imaging probes for the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in tumors.

CONCLUSION

The in vitro evaluation in PD-L1 expressing cells together with results from autoradiographic analysis in PD-L1 positive tumor sections, suggest that [¹⁸F]2 and [¹⁸F]3 could be potential imaging probes for assessing PD-L1 expression in tumors and warrant further biological evaluations in vivo.

Who would own the HeLa cell line if the Henrietta Lacks case happened in present-day South Africa?

The HeLa cell line was created in 1951 without consent from Henrietta Lacks, the person whose tissue sample was used. In 2021, the descendants of Henrietta Lacks sued a well-known biotechnology company for the profits it made from the HeLa cell line. In this article, ownership of the cell lines is investigated from a South African legal perspective by considering three possible contemporary scenarios bearing points of similarity to the Henrietta Lacks case. In the first scenario, informed consent is obtained to use a tissue sample for research and to commercialize the products of such research; in the second scenario, informed consent is materially deficient because of an honest mistake on the part of the research institution; and in the third scenario, informed consent is materially deficient due to willful disregard of the law on the part of the research institution. In the first two scenarios, ownership of the cell line created from the tissue sample would vest in the research institution, and the research participant would not have any legal action for financial compensation. However, in the third scenario, ownership of the cell line would vest in the research participant, who would be able to claim all profits made from trading the cell line. Whether the research institution acted in good faith is therefore a crucial determinant of the legal outcome.

Spectroscopic Characterization and Biological Activity of Hesperetin Schiff Bases and Their Cu(II) Complexes

The three Schiff base ligands, derivatives of hesperetin, HHSB (N-[2,3-dihydro-5,7-dihydroxy-2-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)chromen-4-ylidene]isonicotinohydrazide), HIN (N-[2,3-dihydro-5,7-dihydroxy-2-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)chromen-4-ylidene]benzhydrazide) and HTSC (N-[2,3-dihydro-5,7-dihydroxy-2-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)chromen-4-ylidene]thiosemicarbazide) and their copper complexes, CuHHSB, CuHIN, and CuHTSC were designed, synthesized and analyzed in terms of their spectral characterization and the genotoxic activity. Their structures were established using several methods: elemental analysis, FT-IR, UV-Vis, EPR, and ESI-MS. Spectral data showed that in the acetate complexes the tested Schiff bases act as neutral tridentate ligand coordinating to the copper ion through two oxygen (or oxygen and sulphur) donor atoms and a nitrogen donor atom. EPR measurements indicate that in solution the complexes keep their structures with the ligands remaining bound to copper(II) in a tridentate fashion with (O^-, N, O_ket) or (O^-, N, S) donor set. The genotoxic activity of the compounds was tested against model tumour (HeLa and Caco-2) and normal (LLC-PK1) cell lines. In HeLa cells the genotoxicity for all tested compounds was noticed, for HHSB and CuHHSB was the highest, for HTSC and CuHTSC-the lowest. Generally, Cu complexes displayed lower genotoxicity to HeLa cells than ligands. In the case of Caco-2 cell line HHSB and HTSC induced the strongest breaks to DNA. On the other side, CuHHSB and CuHTSC induced the highest DNA damage against LLC-PK1.

Quercetin- and Rutin-Containing Electrospun Cellulose Acetate and Polyethylene Glycol Fibers with Antioxidant and Anticancer Properties

Innovative fibrous materials from cellulose derivative, cellulose acetate (CA) and water-soluble polyether, polyethylene glycol (PEG) loaded with natural biologically active compounds (BAC), quercetin (QUE) and rutin (RUT), have been successfully fabricated by blend electrospinning and dual electrospinning. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the mean fiber diameters of all the obtained fibers were in the nanometer range. QUE and RUT incorporated in the fibrous mats were in the amorphous state, as evidenced by the performed differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The presence of the polyether in the developed fibrous material assisted the in vitro release of the biologically active compounds by improving the hydrophilicity and wettability of the mats. Rutin-containing fibrous materials manifest the highest antioxidative activity, as determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate free radical method. The cytotoxicity of the fabricated novel materials was evaluated using a tumor cell line and normal mouse fibroblast cells. The mats containing QUE and QUE/RUT independent of the applied spinning method show a higher cytotoxic effect against cancer cells and 3 to 4.5 times lower cytotoxicity to a noncancer cell line. These features make the quercetin- and rutin-containing fibrous materials promising candidates for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and biomedical use.

Genomewide m6A Mapping Uncovers Dynamic Changes in the m6A Epitranscriptome of Cisplatin-Treated Apoptotic HeLa Cells

Cisplatin (CP), which is a conventional cancer chemotherapeutic drug, induces apoptosis by modulating a diverse array of gene regulatory mechanisms. However, cisplatin-mediated changes in the m⁶A methylome are unknown. We employed an m⁶A miCLIP-seq approach to investigate the effect of m⁶A methylation marks under cisplatin-mediated apoptotic conditions on HeLa cells. Our high-resolution approach revealed numerous m⁶A marks on 972 target mRNAs with an enrichment on 132 apoptotic mRNAs. We tracked the fate of differentially methylated candidate mRNAs under METTL3 knockdown and cisplatin treatment conditions. Polysome profile analyses revealed perturbations in the translational efficiency of PMAIP1 and PHLDA1 transcripts. Congruently, PMAIP1 amounts were dependent on METTL3. Additionally, cisplatin-mediated apoptosis was sensitized by METTL3 knockdown. These results suggest that apoptotic pathways are modulated by m⁶A methylation events and that the METTL3-PMAIP1 axis modulates cisplatin-mediated apoptosis in HeLa cells.

Cytotoxicity of di-rhamnolipids produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa RA5 against human cancerous cell lines

Rhamnolipid biosurfactant produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, possesses non-toxicity, environmental compatibility, a wide range of pH (4-8), temperature (4-100 °C), and salinity (1-10%) stability. The application of RLs is worldwide accepted in the pharmaceutical, medicinal, and food industries. It has been used for cytotoxicity efficacy analysis with a limited number of cancerous cell lines. To widen the scope of rhamnolipid application as an anticancer agent, we have studied Di-RLs homolog, 'Rha-Rha-C10-C10' produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa RA5 against human cancerous cell lines including breast cancer (MCF-7), leukemia (K-562), cervical cancer (HeLa), Lung cancer (HOP-62), and colon cancer (HT-29) in a dose-dependent way. It was purified with silica gel chromatography followed by TLC and mass spectroscopy prior to cytotoxicity analysis. With a tensiometer, critical micelle concentration of Di-RLs was estimated to be 33.92 ± 2 mN/m at 0.2%. Cytotoxicity analysis of Di-RLs on K-562 cell line demonstrated inhibition with GI50 and TGI at < 10 µg/mL and 66.6 µg/mL, after 48 h of application. The morphology of human cancerous cell lines was observed under a laser confocal microscope with the SRB staining method. Further research is recommended to comprehend the Di-RLs as a potential anti-cancer agent.

Novel selective "on-off" fluorescence sensor based on julolidine hydrazone-Al3+ complex for Cu2+ ion: DFT study

A hydrazone (T1) was synthesized by reacting 8-hydroxyjulolidine-9-carboxaldehyde with 2-furoic hydrazide and then modified with Al³⁺ ion to form a novel hydrazone Al³⁺ complex (T1-Al³⁺) in an aqueous solution (8% propylene glycol in 10 mM HEPES pH 5.5). The T1-Al³⁺ complex was studied as a Cu²⁺ selective sensor due to its highly efficient capacibility of paramagnetic quenching. The results showed that the T1-Al³⁺ complexed sensor possesses remarkable sensitivity and selectivity for Cu²⁺ ion in 8% propylene glycol in 10 mM HEPES pH 5.5 as compared with other tested analytes. Notably, this sensor has a broad linear detection range of 10-110 µM for Cu²⁺ ion and a detection limit level of 0.62 µM, which is lower than the Cu²⁺ concentration threshold in drinking water designated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Additionally, it was detectable for the presence of Cu²⁺ ion in mineral water and tap water samples. The selectivity of T1-Al³⁺ complexed sensor with Cu²⁺ ion could be explained by the basis of computation with Gaussian software complied with the basis sets of B3LYP/6-31 G(d,p)/LANL2DZ. Furthermore, only T1 exhibited anticancer efficacy against HeLa and U251 cells with MTT assay.

Exogenous growth hormone promotes an epithelial-mesenchymal hybrid phenotype in cancerous HeLa cells but not in non-cancerous HEK293 cells

In cancer, the Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) is the process in which epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal features that allow metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance. Growth hormone (GH) has been associated with melanoma, breast, and endometrial cancer progression through an autocrine regulation of EMT. Since exogenous and autocrine expression of GH is known to have different molecular effects, we investigated whether exogenous GH is capable of regulating the EMT of cancer cells. Furthermore, we investigated whether exogenous GH could promote EMT in non-cancerous cells. To study the effect of GH (100 ng/ml) on cancer and non-cancer cells, we used HeLa and HEK293 cell lines, respectively. We evaluated the loss of cell-cell contacts, by cell scattering assay and migration by wound-healing assay. Additionally, we evaluated the morphological changes by phalloidin-staining. Finally, we evaluated the molecular markers E-cadherin and vimentin by flow cytometry. GH enhances cell scattering and the migratory rate and promotes morphological changes such as cell area increase and actin cytoskeleton filaments formation on HeLa cell line. Moreover, we found that GH favors the expression of the mesenchymal protein vimentin, followed by an increase in E-cadherin's epithelial protein expression, characteristics of an epithelial-mesenchymal hybrid phenotype that is associated with metastasis. On HEK293cells, GH promotes morphological changes, including cell area increment and filopodia formation, but not affects scattering, migration, nor EMT markers expression. Our results suggest that exogenous GH might participate in cervical cancer progression favoring a hybrid EMT phenotype but not on non-cancerous HEK293 cells.

Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Regulate Oxidative Stress in HeLa Cells by Increasing the Aquaporin-Mediated Hydrogen Peroxide Permeability

Some aquaporins (AQPs) allow the diffusion of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), the most abundant ROS, through the cell membranes. Therefore, the possibility of regulating the AQP-mediated permeability to H₂O₂, and thus ROS scavenging, appears particularly important for controlling the redox state of cells in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Several compounds have been screened and characterized for this purpose. This study aimed to analyze the effect of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNPs) presenting antioxidant activity on AQP functioning. HeLa cells express AQP3, 6, 8, and 11, able to facilitate H₂O₂. AQP3, 6, and 8 are expressed in the plasma membrane and intracellularly, while AQP11 resides only in intracellular structures. CNPs but not cerium ions treatment significantly increased the water and H₂O₂ permeability by interacting with AQP3, 6, and especially with AQP8. CNPs increased considerably the AQP-mediated water diffusion in cells with oxidative stress. Functional experiments with silenced HeLa cells revealed that CNPs increased the H₂O₂ diffusion mainly by modulating the AQP8 permeability but also the AQP3 and AQP6, even if to a lesser extent. Current findings suggest that CNPs represent a promising pharmaceutical agent that might potentially be used in numerous pathologies involving oxidative stress as tumors and neurodegenerative diseases.

An ester derivative of tenacigenin B from Marsdenia tenacissima (Roxb.) Wight et Arn reversed paclitaxel-induced MDR in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting both P-gp and MRP2

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Marsdenia tenacissima is a medicinal plant, used as a raw material for cancer treatment in China. In our previous studies, 11α-O-2-methylbutanoyl-12β-O-tigloyl-tenacigenin B (MT2), the main steroid aglycone isolated from M. tenacissima, was found to significantly enhance the antitumor activity of paclitaxel (PTX) in vivo. However, it is unclear whether MT2 reverses multidrug resistance (MDR) in tumors.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To determine the role and mechanism of MT2 in reversing tumor MDR.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MDR cell line HeLa/Tax was established from the human cervical carcinoma cell line HeLa by long-term exposure to subtoxic concentrations of PTX and was used to evaluate the ability of MT2 to restore chemosensitivity of cells both in vitro and in a nude mouse model. The expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2) was determined using western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The substrate transport function was assessed using an MDR function assay kit. The binding modes of MT2 and P-gp were determined using the conformation-sensitive anti-P-gp antibodies. The permeability and transport properties of MT2 were analyzed in Caco-2 cell monolayers.

RESULTS

Compared to parental cells, HeLa/Tax cells overexpress P-gp and MRP2 and are approximately 100-360 fold more resistant to the anticancer drugs PTX, docetaxel, and vinblastine. MT2 at 5 or 10 μmol/L significantly increased the sensitivity of HeLa/Tax to these three anticancer drugs (18-56-fold decrease in IC₅₀ value) and suppressed the expression of P-gp and MRP2. Knockdown of P-gp with small interfering RNA partially reversed MT2-induced sensitivity to PTX in HeLa/Tax cells. Moreover, MT2 directly inhibited P-gp-mediated substrate transport while interacting with membrane P-gp in non-substrate ways. MT2 was highly permeable and could not be transported in the Caco-2 cell monolayers. In nude mice bearing HeLa/Tax xenografts, the combination treatment with MT2 and PTX exerted a synergistic inhibitory effect on the growth of tumors and the expression of P-gp and MRP2 without increasing toxicity.

CONCLUSION

MT2 is a potential agent for reversing MDR. It impedes membrane drug efflux pumps by suppressing P-gp and MRP2 expression, and directly inhibiting the transport function of P-gp.

In vitro antifungal activity of Morinda citrifolia (noni) extract against Candida albicans

INTRODUCTION

Candida albicans is the main agent of the most common fungal infection, Candidiasis. It is an opportunistic and dangerous pathogen, especially in immunosuppressed patients. The biological properties of Morinda citrifolia (noni) make it a potent antifungal. In this study, antifungal effect of M. citrifolia was evaluated to verify its effect on human cells.

METHODOLOGY

Extract of M. citrifolia was used against strains of C. albicans (cEC 1291). Glucose consumption in C. albicans biofilm was determined at different concentrations of M. citrifolia, and germ tube formation was evaluated in the presence and absence of M. citrifolia. Fungicidal activity was determined by the kinetics of fungal cell death. THP-1 and HeLa cells were used for cell viability and apoptosis, and cell proliferation assays, respectively.

RESULTS

Cells treated with M. citrifolia maintained higher concentration of glucose than the control group (p < 0.05). Germ tube formation was inhibited in cells treated with M. citrifolia (p < 0.05). M. citrifolia exerted a cytotoxic effect on C. albicans cells with 99.99% lethality after 6.82 h (1:1 and 1:2), and reduced the viability of THP-1 cells by 25% and 67% after 12 and 36 h, respectively. Annexin V expression in THP-1 increased in groups that received higher concentrations of M. citrifolia (p < 0.05), reducing the proliferation of THP-1 and HeLa cells (2.8-fold). A greater cytotoxic effect was observed in fungal cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that M. citrifolia exerts biological activity against C. albicans and reduces the viability and proliferation of human cells.

Nuclear F-actin and Lamin A antagonistically modulate nuclear shape

Nuclear shape influences cell migration, gene expression and cell cycle progression, and is altered in disease states like laminopathies and cancer. What factors and forces determine nuclear shape? We find that nuclei assembled in Xenopus egg extracts in the presence of dynamic F-actin exhibit a striking bilobed nuclear morphology with distinct membrane compositions in the two lobes and accumulation of F-actin at the inner nuclear envelope. The addition of Lamin A (encoded by lmna), which is absent from Xenopus eggs, results in rounder nuclei, suggesting that opposing nuclear F-actin and Lamin A forces contribute to the regulation of nuclear shape. Nuclear F-actin also promotes altered nuclear shape in Lamin A-knockdown HeLa cells and, in both systems, abnormal nuclear shape is driven by formins and not Arp2/3 or myosin. Although the underlying mechanisms might differ in Xenopus and HeLa cells, we propose that nuclear F-actin filaments nucleated by formins impart outward forces that lead to altered nuclear morphology unless Lamin A is present. Targeting nuclear actin dynamics might represent a novel approach to rescuing disease-associated defects in nuclear shape.

Beneficial role of skim milk against drug-resistant Escherichia coli associated with pediatric diarrhoea

Background

Antibiotic-resistance in E. coli is a global issue affecting humans especially the pediatric population. Antibiotic-resistant E. coli is a pathogen frequently pediatric population as well as healthy adults.

Methods

This study aimed to examine the antibiotic resistance of E. coli causing pediatric diarrhea and its drug-resistant rates, its adhering abilities to cell line in vitro, and inhibition efficiency of a few selected chemical compounds. Clinical strains were isolated from both the healthy and infected pediatric population of Mizoram.

Results

Adhesion is a significant pathogenic process during bacterial infections, which has been employed for pathotyping of DEC by comparing adhesion efficiency in both normal (CHO-k1) and cancer (HeLa) cell lines. E. coli adherent pathotypes were identified by both PCR assay and in-vitro cell adhesion assays; the study also evaluated the adhesion inhibition ability of human skimmed milk, gentamicin, and cephalexin in-vitro. Of all isolates, 20.05% of adherent DEC (EPEC, DAEC, and EIEC) and 11.39 % of non-adherent DEC (STEC and ETEC) were found to be associated with pediatric diarrhoea in Mizoram. Human skimmed milk has a high potential adhesion inhibition against EAEC (50.25/90.90 μg/mL), EPEC (53.42/259.70 μg/mL), and EIEC (59.13/30.30 μg/mL) in both cell lines in comparison with gentamicin and cephalexin.

Conclusion

This study concludes that as a dietary supplement-human skimmed milk has high potential to prevent adhesion of DEC pathotypes in cells in-vitro thus in in-vivo.

Parkin, as a Regulator, Participates in Arsenic Trioxide-Triggered Mitophagy in HeLa Cells

Parkin is a well-established synergistic mediator of mitophagy in dysfunctional mitochondria. Mitochondria are the main target of arsenic trioxide (ATO) cytotoxicity, and the effect of mitophagy on ATO action remains unclear. In this study, we used stable Parkin-expressing (YFP-Parkin) and Parkin loss-of-function mutant (Parkin C431S) HeLa cell models to ascertain whether Parkin-mediated mitophagy participates in ATO-induced apoptosis/cell death. Our data showed that the overexpression of Parkin significantly sensitized HeLa cells to ATO-initiated proliferation inhibition and apoptosis; however, the mutation of Parkin C431S significantly weakened this Parkin-mediated responsiveness. Our further investigation found that ATO significantly downregulated two fusion proteins (Mfn1/2) and upregulated fission-related protein (Drp1). Autophagy was also activated as evidenced by the formation of autophagic vacuoles and mitophagosomes, increased expression of PINK1, and recruitment of Parkin to impaired mitochondria followed by their degradation, accompanied by the increased transformation of LC3-I to LC3-II, increased expression of Beclin1 and decreased expression of P62 in YFP-Parkin HeLa cells. Enhanced mitochondrial fragmentation and autophagy indicated that mitophagy was activated. Furthermore, during the process of mitophagy, the overproduction of ROS implied that ROS might represent a key factor that initiates mitophagy following Parkin recruitment to mitochondria. In conclusion, our findings indicate that Parkin is critically involved in ATO-triggered mitophagy and functions as a potential antiproliferative target in cancer cells.

ANTITUMOR EFFECTS OF L-CITRULLINE ON HELA OVER CANCER CELL LINES

INTRODUCTION

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological malignancy. The aim of this study is to examine the anticancer effects of L-Citrulline in HeLa cell culture.

MATERIALS-METHODS

HeLa cells were cultured in complete Eagle's Minimum Essential Medium. HeLa cells were seeded in 96 well plates and incubated with the L-Citrulline. After incubation MTT dye was added and incubated. Annexin-V technique was used to test the apoptosis. The activated Caspases of HeLa cells by L-Citrulline exposure were measured with the Caspase 3/7 technique. For statistical analysis, One-way variance analysis of GraphPad Prism 6.0 for Windows was used.

RESULTS

L-Citrulline showed its toxicity on HeLa cells in dose dependent manner in application times of 24 and 48 hours. IC50 dose of L-Citrulline is 0.19 and 0.16 mg/mL for 24 and 48 hours respectively. HeLa cells exposed to IC50 dose of L-Citrulline for 24 hours, the percentages of dead, early apoptotic and late apoptotic cells were detected to be 0.75%, 23.05% and 12.75% respectively. The differences of wideness of scratch area were observed at initial stage and after 24 hours of the application of L-Citrulline.

CONCLUSION

L-Citrulline showed its toxicity on HeLa cells in dose dependent manner. Based on Annexin and Caspase findings it can be concluded that L-Citrulline is proapoptotic on HeLa cells in short time of exposure. L-Citrulline also showed migration inhibitory effect. Findings of this study can be concluded that L-Citrulline worth to be investigated for its anticancer activities in vitro and in vivo as a candidate for cancer therapy agent.

Raman Research on Bleomycin-Induced DNA Strand Breaks and Repair Processes in Living Cells

Even several thousands of DNA lesions are induced in one cell within one day. DNA damage may lead to mutations, formation of chromosomal aberrations, or cellular death. A particularly cytotoxic type of DNA damage is single- and double-strand breaks (SSBs and DSBs, respectively). In this work, we followed DNA conformational transitions induced by the disruption of DNA backbone. Conformational changes of chromatin in living cells were induced by a bleomycin (BLM), an anticancer drug, which generates SSBs and DSBs. Raman micro-spectroscopy enabled to observe chemical changes at the level of single cell and to collect hyperspectral images of molecular structure and composition with sub-micrometer resolution. We applied multivariate data analysis methods to extract key information from registered data, particularly to probe DNA conformational changes. Applied methodology enabled to track conformational transition from B-DNA to A-DNA upon cellular response to BLM treatment. Additionally, increased expression of proteins within the cell nucleus resulting from the activation of repair processes was demonstrated. The ongoing DNA repair process under the BLM action was also confirmed with confocal laser scanning fluorescent microscopy.