In Vitro Assessment of the Antioxidant and Anticancer Properties of Flammulina velutipes Stipe Extracts

BACKGROUND/AIM

Flammulina velutipes (FV), also known as the golden needle mushroom, is an edible and medicinal fungus that contains bioactive substances regulating various physiological functions. While the fruiting bodies of FV are commonly consumed, their stipes are often discarded despite containing polysaccharides. In this study, the biological functions of FV stipes (FV-S) were investigated to reduce waste and pollution while increasing their value.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antioxidant activity of FV was evaluated using three methods: the DPPH radical-scavenging capacity assay, ferrous ion chelating assay, and reducing power analysis. The anti-cancer potential was assessed through MTT viability and immunoblotting analyses.

RESULTS

Results showed that FV-S had higher polysaccharide and total phenolic contents and greater antioxidant abilities, particularly in ethanolic extracts. FV-S also exhibited significant anticancer properties, specifically in hot water extracts with high polysaccharide contents, and suppressed prostate cancer cell viability by inhibiting androgen receptor and PCa-specific antigen mRNA expression while inducing caspase-3/7 activation.

CONCLUSION

FV-S is rich in bioactive components, possesses higher antioxidant and anticancer abilities, and has potential as an anticancer agent, which could enhance the value of FV.

DPP4 reduces proinflammatory cytokine production in human rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that is characterized by increasing levels of proinflammatory cytokines. The ubiquitous enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4, also known as CD26) regulates different immune disorders, although the effects of DPP4 in RA are uncertain. Here, we found lower levels of DPP4 in RA synovial tissues compared with normal tissues. DPP4 levels were also lower in a rat collagen-induced arthritis model than in control (healthy) rats. Overexpression of DPP4 or exogenous treatment of RA synovial fibroblasts with DPP4 reduced levels of proinflammatory interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-13, and increased anti-inflammatory IL-10 synthesis, while DPP4 inhibitors sitagliptin and vildagliptin increased proinflammatory cytokine production, indicating an enhanced risk of RA development. The evidence suggests that increasing DPP4 expression is a novel strategy for RA disease.

PM2.5 facilitates IL-6 production in human osteoarthritis synovial fibroblasts via ASK1 activation

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive degenerative joint disorder characterized by synovial inflammation. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a key proinflammatory cytokine in OA progression. Particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) exposure increases the risk of different diseases, including OA. Up until now, no studies have described any association between PM2.5 and IL-6 expression in human OA synovial fibroblasts (OASFs). Here, our data show that PM2.5 concentration- and time-dependently promoted IL-6 synthesis in human OASFs. We also found that reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation potentiated the effects of PM2.5 on IL-6 production. ASK1, ERK, p38, and JNK inhibitors reduced PM2.5-induced increases of IL-6 expression. Treatment of OASFs with PM2.5 promoted phosphorylation of these signaling cascades. We also found that PM2.5 enhanced c-Jun phosphorylation and its translocation into the nucleus. Thus, PM2.5 increases IL-6 production in human OASFs via the ROS, ASK1, ERK, p38, JNK, and AP-1 signaling pathways. Our evidence links PM2.5 with OA progression.

PM2.5 facilitates IL-6 production in human osteoarthritis synovial fibroblasts via ASK1 activation

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive degenerative joint disorder characterized by synovial inflammation. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a key proinflammatory cytokine in OA progression. Particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) exposure increases the risk of different diseases, including OA. Up until now, no studies have described any association between PM2.5 and IL-6 expression in human OA synovial fibroblasts (OASFs). Here, our data show that PM2.5 concentration- and time-dependently promoted IL-6 synthesis in human OASFs. We also found that reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation potentiated the effects of PM2.5 on IL-6 production. ASK1, ERK, p38, and JNK inhibitors reduced PM2.5-induced increases of IL-6 expression. Treatment of OASFs with PM2.5 promoted phosphorylation of these signaling cascades. We also found that PM2.5 enhanced c-Jun phosphorylation and its translocation into the nucleus. Thus, PM2.5 increases IL-6 production in human OASFs via the ROS, ASK1, ERK, p38, JNK, and AP-1 signaling pathways. Our evidence links PM2.5 with OA progression.

IGFBP-3 stimulates human osteosarcoma cell migration by upregulating VCAM-1 expression

AIMS

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling has been documented in several human malignancies and is thought to contribute to cellular differentiation and migration, as well as malignant progression. A major binding molecule of IGF, IGF-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3), regulates multiple IGF effects. Here, we focused on the effect of IGFBP-3 in the motility of osteosarcoma cells and examined signaling regulation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using a human osteosarcoma tissue array, immunohistochemical staining determined levels of IGFBP-3 expression in osteosarcoma tissue and in normal tissue. The wound healing migration assay, Transwell migration assay, luciferase reporter assay, immunofluorescence staining, Western blot and real-time quantitative PCR were performed to examine whether IGFBP-3 facilitates VCAM-1-dependent migration of osteosarcoma cells.

KEY FINDINGS

In this study, we found significantly higher IGFBP-3 levels in osteosarcoma tissue compared with normal healthy tissue. IGFBP-3 treatment of two human osteosarcoma cell lines promoted cell migration and upregulated levels of VCAM-1 expression via PI3K/Akt and AP-1 signaling.

SIGNIFICANCE

IGFBP-3 appears to be a novel therapeutic target in metastatic osteosarcoma.

CXCL13/CXCR5 Interaction Facilitates VCAM-1-Dependent Migration in Human Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary tumor of the skeletal system and is well-known to have an aggressive clinical outcome and high metastatic potential. The chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 13 (CXCL13) plays a vital role in the development of several cancers. However, the effect of CXCL13 in the motility of osteosarcoma cells remains uncertain. Here, we found that CXCL13 increases the migration and invasion potential of three osteosarcoma cell lines. In addition, CXCL13 expression was upregulated in migration-prone MG-63 cells. Vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) siRNA and antibody demonstrated that CXCL13 promotes migration via increasing VCAM-1 production. We also show that CXCR5 receptor controls CXCL13-mediated VCAM-1 expression and cell migration. Our study identified that CXCL13/CXCR5 axis facilitate VCAM-1 production and cell migration in human osteosarcoma via the phospholipase C beta (PLCβ), protein kinase C α (PKCα), c-Src, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways. CXCL13 and CXCR5 appear to be a novel therapeutic target in metastatic osteosarcoma.

Amphiregulin promotes cisplatin chemoresistance by upregulating ABCB1 expression in human chondrosarcoma

Chondrosarcomas are well known for their resistance to chemotherapeutic agents, including cisplatin, which is commonly used in chondrosarcomas. Amphiregulin (AR), a ligand of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), plays an important role in drug resistance. We therefore sought to determine the role of AR in cisplatin chemoresistance. We found that AR inhibits cisplatin-induced cell apoptosis and promotes ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1) expression, while knockdown of ABCB1 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) reverses these effects. High phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) phosphorylation levels were observed in cisplatin-resistant cells. Pretreating chondrosarcoma cells with PI3K, Akt and NF-κB inhibitors or transfecting the cells with p85, Akt and p65 siRNAs potentiated cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity. In a mouse xenograft model, knockdown of AR expression in chondrosarcoma cells increased the cytotoxic effects of cisplatin and also decreased tumor volume and weight. These results indicate that AR upregulates ABCB1 expression through the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway and thus contributes to cisplatin resistance in chondrosarcoma.

P3849Baseline profile of patients treated for acute venous thromboembolism in routine clinical practice according to age and renal function in the RE-COVERY DVT/PE global cohort study

Background

Observational studies provide the opportunity to evaluate routine practice without the selection and treatment criteria imposed in randomized clinical trials (RCTs).

Purpose

Using data from the RE-COVERY DVT/PE global observational study (enrolment January 2016 to May 2017), we describe the baseline profile of patients treated for acute venous thromboembolism (VTE) in routine clinical practice according to age and renal function.

Methods

Baseline patient characteristics, clinical features (comorbidities/medical history), and anticoagulant therapy were tabulated descriptively for the subgroups of age (<75, ≥75 years) and creatinine clearance (<30, 30 to <50 [moderate impairment], 50 to <80 [mild impairment], ≥80 mL/min). Anticoagulant therapy at baseline and at hospital discharge or 14 days after diagnosis (whichever was later) was recorded.

Results

In this observational study of 6122 patients with acute deep vein thrombosis, the proportions of patients at baseline who were ≥75 years of age (25.2%) or who had mild to moderate renal impairment (38.1%) were higher than in RCTs of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) for acute VTE treatment (∼12–13% elderly and ∼26–29% with mild or moderate renal impairment) (from analyses of the RE-COVER trials; Hokusai-VTE and AMPLIFY). Older patients and those with renal impairment were more often female and were more likely to have comorbidities than the younger or normal renal function groups (Table). At the time of hospital discharge or 14 days after diagnosis, whichever was later, the majority was treated with NOACs (54%). Vitamin K antagonists were prescribed to approximately 1 in 5 patients. The use of NOACs decreased with worsening renal function, whereas the proportions treated with parenteral anticoagulation alone increased in the moderate renal impairment group compared with patients with normal renal function.

Conclusion

The population treated for acute VTE in routine clinical practice includes more elderly and renally impaired patients than represented in RCTs. These baseline data provide a snapshot of patient characteristics and patterns of anticoagulant therapy.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Funded by Boehringer Ingelheim

P3848Baseline profile of patients treated for acute venous thromboembolism (VTE) in routine clinical practice according to VTE location in the RE-COVERY DVT/PE global cohort study

Background

In contrast to randomized clinical trials, observational studies provide the opportunity to evaluate routine practice in real-world patient populations.

Purpose

Using data from the RE-COVERY DVT/PE global observational study (enrollment January 2016 to May 2017), we have explored patient characteristics and anticoagulant treatment patterns in subgroups defined according to the type and location (proximal or distal lower limb) of acute venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Methods

Baseline patient characteristics, details of hospitalization and choice of anticoagulant therapy were tabulated descriptively for three groups of patients according to the type and location of their index VTE: pulmonary embolism (PE) (± any deep vein thrombosis; DVT); proximal (± distal) lower limb DVT, including the iliac vein; or distal lower limb DVT. Anticoagulant therapy at baseline and at hospital discharge or 14 days after diagnosis (whichever was later) was recorded.

Results

Of the 6122 eligible patients, 324 who had DVT at locations other than the lower limb and no PE were excluded from this analysis (as a key objective was to compare subgroups with DVT in the lower extremities according to whether the location was distal alone or involved the proximal segment). The remaining 5798 patients had either distal DVT (17.7%), proximal (± distal) DVT (40.0%) or PE (± any DVT) (42.3%) (Table). The likelihood of being diagnosed in an emergency department and of being hospitalized for VTE increased in line with the seriousness of the index event (distal DVT to PE). There were corresponding increases in age and the proportion of patients with comorbidities and/or medical history such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus or active cancer across these subgroups. At the time of hospital discharge or 14 days after diagnosis, whichever was later, non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants were the most commonly used anticoagulants (53% of patients in the PE group and 55–56% in the two DVT groups). The use of parenteral anticoagulant therapy alone appeared to be lower in the PE group than in the DVT groups, but the total use of parenteral therapy (alone or prior to oral anticoagulation) increased across groups from distal DVT (67%) to proximal DVT (74%) to PE (79%).

Conclusion

These data provide an insight into the potential differences in patient characteristics and treatment patterns among patients with PE, proximal/iliac lower limb DVT or distal lower limb DVT.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Funded by Boehringer Ingelheim

Pheretima aspergillum extract attenuates high-KCl-induced mitochondrial injury and pro-fibrotic events in cardiomyoblast cells

Hyperkalemia is often associated with cardiac dysfunction. In this study an earthworm extract (dilong) was prepared from dried Pheretima aspergillum powder and its effect against high-KCl challenge was determined in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells. H9c2 cells pre-treated with dilong (31.25, 62.5, 125, and 250 mg/mL) for 24 hours, where challenged with different doses of KCl treatment for 3 hours to determine the protective mechanisms of dilong against cardiac fibrosis. High-KCl administration induced mitochondrial injury and elevated the levels of pro-apoptotic proteins. The mediators of fibrosis such as ERK, uPA, SP1, and CTGF were also found to be upregulated in high-KCl condition. However, dilong treatment enhanced IGF1R/PI3k/Akt activation which is associated with cell survival. In addition, dilong also reversed high-KCl induced cardiac fibrosis related events in H9c2 cells and displayed a strong cardio-protective effect. Therefore, dilong is a potential agent to overcome cardiac events associated with high-KCl toxicity.

ERK1/2 mediates the lipopolysaccharide-induced upregulation of FGF-2, uPA, MMP-2, MMP-9 and cellular migration in cardiac fibroblasts

Myocardial fibrosis is a critical event during septic shock. Upregulation in the fibrosis signaling cascade proteins such as fibroblast growth factor (FGF), urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are widely associated with the development of myocardial infarction, dilated cardiomyopathy, cardiac fibrosis and heart failure. However, evidences suggest that the common upstream mediators of fibrosis cascade play little role in cardiac fibrosis induced by LPS; further, it is unknown if LPS directly triggers the expressions and/or activity of FGF-2, uPA, tPA, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in cardiac fibroblasts. In the present study, we treated primary cultures of cardiac fibroblasts with LPS to explore whether LPS upregulates FGF-2, uPA, tPA, MMP-2, MMP-9 and enhance cellular migration. Further the precise molecular and cellular mechanisms behind these LPS induced responses were identified. Inhibition assays on MAPKs using U0126 (ERK1/2 inhibitor), SB203580 (p38 MAPK inhibitor), SP600125 (JNK1/2 inhibitor), CsA (calcineurin inhibitor) and QNZ (NFκB inhibitor) show that LPS-induced upregulation of FGF-2, uPA, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in cardiac fibroblasts was mediated through ERK1/2 signaling. Collectively, our results provide a link between LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction and ERK1/2 signaling pathway and thereby implies ERK1/2 as a possible target to regulate LPS induced upregulation of FGF-2, uPA, MMP-2, MMP-9 and cellular migration in cardiac fibroblasts.

Estrogen and/or Estrogen Receptor α Inhibits BNIP3-Induced Apoptosis and Autophagy in H9c2 Cardiomyoblast Cells

The process of autophagy in heart cells maintains homeostasis during cellular stress such as hypoxia by removing aggregated proteins and damaged organelles and thereby protects the heart during the times of starvation and ischemia. However, autophagy can lead to substantial cell death under certain circumstances. BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa protein-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3), a hypoxia-induced marker, has been shown to induce both autophagy and apoptosis. A BNIP3-docked organelle, e.g., mitochondria, also determines whether autophagy or apoptosis will take place. Estrogen (E2) and estrogen receptor (ER) alpha (ERα) have been shown to protect the heart against mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. The aim of the present study is to investigate the mechanisms by which ERα regulates BNIP3-induced apoptosis and autophagy, which is associated with hypoxic injury, in cardiomyoblast cells. An in vitro model to mimic hypoxic injury in the heart by engineering H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells to overexpress BNIP3 was established. Further, the effects of E2 and ERα in BNIP3-induced apoptosis and autophagy were determined in BNIP3 expressing H9c2 cells. Results from TUNEL assay and Immunoflourecense assay for LC3 puncta formation, respectively, revealed that ERα/E2 suppresses BNIP3-induced apoptosis and autophagy. The Western blot analysis showed ERα/E2 decreases the protein levels of caspase 3 (apoptotic marker), Atg5, and LC3-II (autophagic markers). Co-immunoprecipitation of BNIP3 and immunoblotting of Bcl-2 and Rheb showed that ERα reduced the interaction between BNIP3 and Bcl-2 or Rheb. The results confirm that ERα binds to BNIP3 causing a reduction in the levels of functional BNIP3 and thereby inhibits cellular apoptosis and autophagy. In addition, ERα attenuated the activity of the BNIP3 promoter by binding to SP-1 or NFκB sites.

Attenuation of the LPS-induced, ERK-mediated upregulation of fibrosis-related factors FGF-2, uPA, MMP-2, and MMP-9 by Carthamus tinctorius L in cardiomyoblasts

Severe and potentially fatal hypotension and cardiac contractile dysfunction are common symptoms in patients with sepsis. LPS was previously found to dramatically upregulate expression of fibrosis-related factors FGF-2, uPA, MMP-2, and MMP-9 in primary cardiac fibroblasts. MMPs are capable of denaturing and degrading fibrillar collagens and other components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Studies have shown that dysregulation of expression of MMPs is associated with development of myocardial extracellular matrix remodeling and cardiac fibrosis, which contribute to progression of heart failure. In this study, H9c2 cells and cardiac fibroblasts were divided into five treatment groups: control, LPS (1 μg/mL) and three concentrations of FC_EtOH (Carthami Flos ethanolic extract) (31.25, 62.5, and 125 μg/mL). Phosphorylation of ERK-1/2 was observed to be rapidly induced upon treatment with LPS. In contrast, it was significantly suppressed by the administration of FC_EtOH (125 μg/mL). Effects of FC_EtOH on LPS-induced MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression in H9c2 cells occurred directly through ERK1/2 were determined. H9c2 cells were therefore pretreated with EGF-R to activate ERK pathway. Both protein levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and immunefluorescent signals of MMP-9 were significantly enhanced by EGFR. In contrast, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were significantly reduced after FC_EtOH administration. Based on these findings, the authors concluded that FC_EtOH elicits a protective effect against LPS-induced cardio-fibrosis through the ERK1/2 pathway. Carthamus tinctorius L may potentially serve as a cardio-protective agent against LPS- induced cardiac fibrosis. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 754-763, 2017.

Comparison of Immunomodulatory and Anticancer Activities in Different Strains of Tremella fuciformis Berk

Tremella fuciformis Berk (TF) is a common edible and medicinal mushroom, and has long been used in food and in Chinese medicine. It possesses anticancer, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative, and neuroprotective abilities. Since their cultivation is a problem, TFs in Taiwan are primarily imported from China, which has a problem with pesticide residues. Thus, the question of whether the Taiwan cultivated TFs, T1, and T6 showed similar or even better results than TFs from China (CH) was assessed in the present study. The results of the physicochemical tests of these TFs showed that T1 extracted by hot water (T1H) has the highest concentration of polysaccharide; meanwhile, T6 extracted by cold water (T6C) showed the highest amount of protein. Regarding the immune modulatory effects of these TFs, hot water extracts of these TFs augmented significantly the inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS), interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-[Formula: see text] mRNA expression than those of cold water extracts. On the other hand, the cold water extracts of TFs, especially of T1C, obviously suppressed cancer cell survival better than those of hot water extracts. Interestingly, we found that hot water extracts of TFs may augment necrotic cell death, whereas, cold water extracts of TFs induce apoptosis. Furthermore, we also showed that these TFs activate caspase-3 cleavage, up regulate the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and decrease MMP-9 expressions in PC-3 cells. Taken together, our results indicated that T1 and T6 strains of TFs showed the similar immune modulatory and anticancer abilities were better than the CH strain of TFs.

Lumbrokinase from earthworm extract ameliorates second-hand smoke-induced cardiac fibrosis

Exposure to tobacco smoke has epidemiologically been linked to the occurrence of cardiovascular disease among nonsmokers but the associated molecular events are not well elucidated yet. When Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to second-hand tobacco cigarette smoke twice a day for a 30 days period at an exposure rate of 10 cigarettes/30 min, they showed adverse effects including reduced left ventricle weight, increased cardiac damages, deteriorated cardiac features, and cardiac fibrosis. Exposure to second-hand smoking (SHS) increased the molecular markers of cardiac fibrosis such as urokinase plasminogen activator and matrix metallopeptidases. The modulations in the protein levels were led by the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2), the transcription factor-specificity protein 1 (SP1), and the fibrogenic master switch-connective for epithelial-mesenchymal transition tissue growth factor there by indicating their effective role in SHS-induced myocardial infraction. Dilong, an edible earthworm extract used in Chinese medicine and its bioactive fibrinolytic enzyme product-lumbrokinase, when administered in rats, restricted the SHS exposure induced cardiac fibrosis and provided cardio-protection. The results show that lumbrokinase and dilong administration can efficiently prevent epidemiological incidence of cardiac disease among SHS-exposed nonsmokers.

Secondhand Smoke Exposure Reduced the Compensatory Effects of IGF-I Growth Signaling in the Aging Rat Hearts

BACKGROUND

Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Aging is a physiological process that involves progressive impairment of normal heart functions due to increased vulnerability to damage. This study examines secondhand smoke exposure in aging rats to determine the age-related death-survival balance.

METHODS

Rats were placed into a SHS exposure chamber and exposed to smog. Old age male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 10 cigarettes for 30 min, day and night, continuing for one week. After 4 weeks the rats underwent morphological and functional studies. Left ventricular sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin for histopathological examination. TUNEL detected apoptosis cells and protein expression related death and survival pathway were analyzed using western blot.

RESULTS

Death receptor-dependent apoptosis upregulation pathways and the mitochondria apoptosis proteins were apparent in young SHS exposure and old age rats. These biological markers were enhanced in aging SHS-exposed rats. The survival pathway was found to exhibit compensation only in young SHS-exposed rats, but not in the aging rats. Further decrease in the activity of this pathway was observed in aging SHS-exposed rats. TUNEL apoptotic positive cells were increased in young SHS-exposed rats, and in aging rats with or without SHS-exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

Aging reduces IGF-I compensated signaling with accelerated cardiac apoptotic effects from second-hand smoke.

Denbinobin, a Phenanthrene from Dendrobium nobile, Impairs Prostate Cancer Migration by Inhibiting Rac1 Activity

Prostate cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer in the United States. The most common site of prostate cancer metastasis is bone. CXCL12 is preferentially expressed in bone and is targeted by prostate cancer cells, which over-express the receptor for CXCL12, CXCR4. In response to CXCL12 stimulation, Rac1, a GTPase, along with its effectors, regulates actin polymerization to form lamellipodia, which is a critical event for cell migration. Cortactin, an actin-binding protein, is recruited to the lamellipodia and is phosphorylated at tyrosine residues. The phosphorylated cortactin is also involved in cell migration. The inhibition of Rac1 activity using a dominant negative Rac1 impairs lamellipodial protrusion as well as cortactin translocation and cortactin phosphorylation. Denbinobin, a substance extracted from Dendrobium nobile, has anticancer effects in many cancer cell lines. Whether denbinobin can inhibit prostate cancer cell migration is not clear. Here, we report that denbinobin inhibited Rac1 activity. The inhibition of Rac1 activity prevented lamellipodial formation. Cortactin phosphorylation and translocation to the lamellipodia were also impaired, and PC3 cells were unable to migrate. These results indicate that denbinobin prevents CXCL12-induced PC3 cell migration by inhibiting Rac1 activity.

Dilong Prevents the High-KCl Cardioplegic Solution Administration-Induced Apoptosis in H9c2 Cardiomyoblast Cells Mediated by MEK

Infusion of high-KCl cardioplegic solution (High-KCS) is the most common method used to induce asystole before cardiac surgery. However, our previous study showed the High-KCS can cause the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes in patients who were administered High-KCS prior to undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) to treat coronary artery disease (CAD). Therefore, it is urgent today to find a complementary medicine to reduce this damage. Dilong (earthworm) has been used as a traditional medicine in China for several thousand years, and extract from the Dilong has been empirically used in Asia for the treatment of vascular disorders. In this study, we applied Dilong extract to reduce myocardial cell damage from High-KCS infusion and further investigated the mechanisms. H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells were cultured in serum-free medium for 4 h and then treated with Dilong at 31.25, 62.5, 125, and 250 mg/mL for 24 h, which was then followed by High-KCS treatment for 3 h to detect the protective mechanisms of Dilong behind cardiomyocyte apoptosis and cardiac fibrosis. Cells were harvested for MTT assay, TUNEL assay, and western blot analysis. We found that High-KCS-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, enhanced the protein level of pro-apoptotic Bad, released cytochrome c, and activated caspase-3 in H9c2 cells. The IGF-I/IGF-IR/ERK pathway involved in non-cardiomyocyte proliferation, and the expression/activation of uPA, Sp-1 and CTGF, which are implicated in the development of cardiac fibrosis were up-regulated, but the Akt for cardiomyocyte survival was greatly deactivated in postcardioplegic H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells. However, Dilong was highly protective and totally reversed the apoptosis and cardiac fibrosis effects induced by High-KCS. Chemical inhibitors P38 (SB203580), JNK (SP600125), MEK (U0126), IGF-1 (AG1024), and PI3K (LY294002) were applied to investigate which is the mediator for Dilong attenuated High-KCS stimulated caspase 3 activation. MEK (U0126) inhibitor completely blocked Dilong inhibited caspase 3 activation in High-KCS treated H9c2 cells. The MEK siRNA was further applied to knockdown MEK to confirm our finding. We found Dilong worked through MEK to inhibit caspase 3 activity induced by High-KCS in H9c2 cells. Furthermore, we used the pure component of Dilong, Lumbrokinase, to block the High-KCS effect. Using the microscope to observe the cell viability, we found Lumbrokinase could reverse the High-KCS effect. Lumbrokinase could also reduce the protein levels of caspase 8, caspase 9, and caspase 3, and enhance the survival related proteins PI3K/Akt and Bcl2. These results demonstrate that Dilong could be used as a potential agent to block the side effects caused by High-KCS in CABG surgery patients.

Denbinobin, a phenanthrene from Dendrobium nobile, impairs prostate cancer migration by inhibiting Rac1 activity

Prostate cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer in the United States. The most common site of prostate cancer metastasis is bone. CXCL12 is preferentially expressed in bone and is targeted by prostate cancer cells, which over-express the receptor for CXCL12, CXCR4. In response to CXCL12 stimulation, Rac1, a GTPase, along with its effectors, regulates actin polymerization to form lamellipodia, which is a critical event for cell migration. Cortactin, an actin-binding protein, is recruited to the lamellipodia and is phosphorylated at tyrosine residues. The phosphorylated cortactin is also involved in cell migration. The inhibition of Rac1 activity using a dominant negative Rac1 impairs lamellipodial protrusion as well as cortactin translocation and cortactin phosphorylation. Denbinobin, a substance extracted from Dendrobium nobile, has anticancer effects in many cancer cell lines. Whether denbinobin can inhibit prostate cancer cell migration is not clear. Here, we report that denbinobin inhibited Rac1 activity. The inhibition of Rac1 activity prevented lamellipodial formation. Cortactin phosphorylation and translocation to the lamellipodia were also impaired, and PC3 cells were unable to migrate. These results indicate that denbinobin prevents CXCL12-induced PC3 cell migration by inhibiting Rac1 activity.

Yam (Dioscorea pseudojaponica Yamamoto) ameliorates cognition deficit and attenuates oxidative damage in senescent mice induced by D-galactose

This study attempted to access the neuroprotective effect of yam (Dioscorea pseudojaponica Yamamoto) on the senescent mice induced by D-gal. The mice in the experiments were administered orally with yam (20, 100 or 500 mg/kg for 4 weeks, from the sixth week). The learning and memory abilities of the mice in Morris water maze test and the mechanisms involved in the neuroprotective effect of yam on the mice brain tissue were investigated. The content of diosgenin in the yam was also detected by using HPLC. Mice treated with yam were found to significantly improve their learning and memory abilities in Morris water maze test compared to those treated with D-gal (200 mg/kg for 10 weeks). In addition, yam was also found to increase the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and decrease the malondialdehyde (MDA) level on the brains of D-gal treated mice. Finally, the amount of diosgenin in the yam was 5.49 mg/g extract. To sum up, these results indicate that yam had the potential to be a useful treatment for cognitive impairment in TCM. Its beneficial effect may be partly mediated via enhancing endogenous antioxidant enzymatic activities.

In vitro inhibitory activity of Chinese leek extract against Campylobacter species

Three aqueous extracts of dietary materials of Chinese leek (leek flower stem, soft leek and green leek) and two other reference extracts of Allium plants were used to investigate the antibacterial effects against Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli. All the tested strains of Campylobacter species were isolated from chickens. The minimum concentration of aqueous leek extracts (ALEs) required to inhibit the bacterial growth was 2.0 mg/ml. Among the plant extracts tested, ALEs shared the lowest value of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and soft leek significantly demonstrated the strongest inhibitory activities (P < 0.05). All the Allium plants tested shared similar characteristics of heat and pH susceptibility. Heat treatment (>75 degrees C) of the extracts reduced the inhibitory activity. The boiled ALEs revealed significant loss of inhibition (P < 0.05), but they retained some inhibitory effect. The antibacterial activities of the ALEs were stable between pH 2.0 and 8.0, while the effects were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) when pH of the ALEs were adjusted to 1.0 or 9.0 above. The results indicated that the antibacterial activities of the ALEs against Campylobacter species were more effective than that of aqueous garlic extract.

Effect of SKI 306X, a new herbal anti-arthritic agent, in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: a double-blind placebo controlled study

SKI 306X is a purified extract from a mixture of three oriental herbal medicines (Clematis mandshurica, Trichosanthes kirilowii and Prunella vulgaris) that have been widely used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as lymphadenitis and arthritis in far East Asia. A double-blind, controlled study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SKI 306X with placebo in 96 patients with classical osteoarthritis of the knee. Patients were randomized to four treatment groups: placebo, 200 mg, 400 mg and 600 mg of SKI 306X t.i.d.. Clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated for 4 weeks continuous treatment. SKI 306X demonstrated its clinical efficacy, as assessed by 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS), Lequesne index and patients' and investigators opinion of the therapeutic effect compared with placebo (p<0.01). No significant adverse events were observed in patients treated with SKI 306X. This study demonstrated that SKI 306X, a new herbal anti-arthritic agent provided clinical efficacy in patients with osteoarthritis.

Design and synthesis of highly potent fumagillin analogues from homology modeling for a human MetAP-2

New fumagillin analogues were designed through structure-based molecular modeling with a human methionine aminopeptidase-2. Among the fumagillin analogues, cinnamic acid ester derivative CKD-731 showed 1000-fold more potent proliferation inhibitory activity on endothelial cell than TNP-470.

Development of three-dimensional descriptors represented by tensors: free energy of hydration density tensor

In order to describe the degree of interaction of a molecule with its environments by descriptors, several three-dimensional descriptors have been proposed. With the physical properties calculated around a molecule, scalar, vector, and tensor (zeroth, first, and second moments) of the physical properties were calculated and were used as descriptors for calculating the similarity index between the molecules. The tensors contain the information on the spatial distribution of those physical properties around the molecule. Hydration Free Energy Density (HFED) proposed by No et al. was used to calculate HFED tensor. The descriptors were used for the similarity index calculations between substituted benzenes and between lead compounds of HIV-1 protease inhibitors. The substituted benzenes are grouped according to the similarity indices. The grouping seems reasonable from the viewpoint of a chemical sense. The lead fragments of the HIV-1 protease inhibitors have a high similarity among themselves though their chemical formulas are not very similar, the lead fragments are diverse. Although the chemical formulas are diverse, the spatial distribution of the physical properties around the molecules is similar. The descriptors have high discriminating power in the similarity calculation between the molecules.

Extracellular matrix for a rechargeable cell delivery system

Above a critical concentration, aqueous polymer solutions of N-isopropylacrylamide copolymers with small amounts of acrylic acid, synthesized in benzene by radical polymerization, exhibited four distinct phases as the temperature increased; clear solution, opaque solution, gel and shrunken gel. The transition between the opaque solution phase and the gel phase was in the range of 30-34 degrees C and was reversible without syneresis and noticeable hysteresis under the experimental conditions used in this study. Islets of Langerhans, isolated from Sprague-Dawley rat pancreata and entrapped in the gel matrix, remained viable, with no significant decrease in insulin secretion function in vitro for one month. When islets were encapsulated with the gel matrix in hollow fibers [molecular weight cut-off (MWCO)= approximately 400000] and were exposed to dynamic changes in glucose and theophylline concentrations, their insulin secretion patterns demonstrated a smaller lag time and higher amplitude in insulin release than islets entrapped in a conventional alginate matrix under the same experimental conditions. From these two observations, i.e. gel reversibility and islet functionality in the matrix observed in in vitro experiments, the N-isopropylacrylamide copolymers with acrylic acid synthesized in this study are optimum candidates for the extracellular matrix in a diffusion chamber-type cell delivery system in order to recharge the entrapped cells when cell functionality in the system decreases.