• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.1119-1122
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• 2016

Background: Punica granatum (PG) has been demonstrated to possess antitumor effects on various types of cancer cells. In this study, we determined antiproliferative properties of a seed extract of PG (PSE) from Iran in different human cancer cells. Materials and Methods: A methanolic extract of pomegranate seeds was prepared. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were assessed by colorimetric assays. Antioxidant activity was determined with reference to DPPH radical scavenging activity. The cytotoxicity of different doses of PSE (0, 5, 20, 100, 250, 500, $1000{\mu}g/ml$) was evaluated by MTT assays with A549 (lung non small cell carcinoma), MCF-7 (breast adenocarcinoma), SKOV3 (ovarian cancer cells), and PC-3 (prostate adenocarcinoma) cells. Results: Significant (P<0.01) or very significant (P<0.0001) differences were observed in comparison to negative controls at all tested doses ($5-1000{\mu}g/ml$). In all studied cancer cells, PSE reduced the cell viability to values below 23%, even at the lowest doses. In all cases, IC50 was determined at doses below $5{\mu}g/ml$. In this regard, SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells were the most responsive to antiproliferative effects of PSE with a maximum mean growth inhibition of 86.8% vs. 82.8%, 81.4% and 80.0% in MCF-7, PC-3 and A549 cells, respectively. Conclusions: Low doses of PSE exert potent antiproliferative effects on different human cancer cells SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells as most and A549 cells ar least responsive regarding cytotoxic effects. However, the mechanisms of action need to be addressed.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.7
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• pp.3113-3121
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• 2014

Colorectal cancer remains one of the most common types of cancer and a leading cause of cancer death worldwide. In this study, we aimed to investigate effects of DuP-697, an irreversible selective inhibitor of COX-2 on colorectal cancer cells alone and in combination with a promising new multi-targeted kinase inhibitor E7080. The HT29 colorectal cancer cell line was used. Real time cell analysis (xCELLigence system) was conducted to determine effects on colorectal cell proliferation, angiogenesis was assessed with a chorioallantoic membrane model and apoptosis was determined with annexin V staining. We found that DuP-697 alone exerted antiproliferative, antiangiogenic and apoptotic effects on HT29 colorectal cancer cells. For the antiproliferative effect the half maximum inhibition concentration ($IC_{50}$) was $4.28{\times}10^{-8}mol/L$. Antiangiogenic scores were 1.2, 0.8 and 0.5 for 100, 10 and 1 nmol/L DuP-697 concentrations, respectively. We detected apoptosis in 52% of HT29 colorectal cancer cells after administration of 100 nmol/L DuP-697. Also in combination with the thyrosine kinase inhibitor E7080 strong antiproliferative, antiangiogenic and apoptotic effects on HT29 colorectal cancer cells were observed. This study indicates that DuP-697 may be a promising agent in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Additionally the increased effects observed in the combination with thyrosine kinase inhibitor give the possibility to use lower doses of DuP-697 and E7080 which can avoid and/or minimize side effects.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.14
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• pp.5659-5665
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• 2014

Background: To investigate the antioxidant value and anticancer functions of mitragynine (MTG) and its silane-reduced analogues (SRM) in vitro. Materials and Methods: MTG and SRM was analyzed for their reducing power ability, ABTS radical inhibition and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazylfree radicals scavenging activities. Furthermore, the antiproliferation efficacy was evaluated using MTT assay on K 562 and HCT116 cancer cell lines versus NIH/3T3 and CCD18-Co normal cell lines respectively. Results: SRM and MTG demonstrate moderate antioxidant value with ABTS assay (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC): $2.25{\pm}0.02$ mmol trolox / mmol and $1.96{\pm}0.04$ mmol trolox / mmol respectively) and DPPH ($IC_{50}=3.75{\pm}0.04mg/mL$ and $IC_{50}=2.28{\pm}0.02mg/mL$ respectively). Both MTG and SRM demonstrate equal potency ($IC_{50}=25.20{\pm}1.53$ and $IC_{50}=22.19{\pm}1.06$ respectively) towards K 562 cell lines, comparable to control, betulinic acid (BA) ($IC_{50}24.40{\pm}1.26$). Both compounds showed concentration-dependent cytototoxicity effects and exert profound antiproliferative efficacy at concentration > $100{\mu}M$ towards HCT 116 and K 562 cancer cell lines, comparable to those of BA and 5-FU (5-Fluorouracil). Furthermore, both MTG and SRM exhibit high selectivity towards HCT 116 cell lines with selective indexes of 3.14 and 2.93 respectively compared to 5-FU (SI=0.60). Conclusions: These findings revealed that the medicinal and nutitional values of mitragynine obtained from ketum leaves that growth in tropical forest of Southeast Asia and its analogues does not limited to analgesic properties but could be promising antioxidant and anticancer or chemopreventive compounds.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.74-80
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• 2014

The objective of this study was to determine the fatty acid composition and the antiproliferative effect of extracts and fractions from Euphorbia supina. With regards the fatty acid composition, the percentages of 18:3n-3 in acetone/methylene chloride (A+M) and methanol (MeOH) extracts were 53.4 and 42.1%, respectively. Among the fractions, an 85% aqueous methanol (85% aq. MeOH) fraction contained the highest percentage of 18:3n-3. Treatments with crude extracts and fractions significantly inhibited the growth of HT-29 and AGS human cancer cell lines (p<0.05). The A+M extract showed a higher inhibitory effect on the growth of both cancer cells compared to MeOH extract. Among the fractions, the 85% aq. MeOH and n-hexane fractions exerted a greater inhibitory effect on the proliferation of both types of cancer cells. Our results suggest that 85% aq. MeOH and n-hexane fractions exert potent inhibitory effects on the proliferation of human cancer cells.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.268-276
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• 2017

Background: UV-B-exposed keratinocytes secrete various paracrine factors. Among these factors, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) stimulates the proliferation of melanocytes. Ginsenosides, the major active compounds of ginseng, are known to have broad pharmacological effects. In this study, we examined the antiproliferative effects of ginsenosides on bFGF-induced melanocyte proliferation. Methods: We investigated the inhibitory effects of Korean Red Ginseng and ginsenosides from Panax ginseng on bFGF-induced proliferation of melan-a melanocytes. Results: When melan-a melanocytes were treated with UV-B-irradiated SP-1 keratinocytes media, cell proliferation increased. This increased proliferation of melanocytes decreased with a neutralizing anti-bFGF antibody. To elucidate the effects of ginsenosides on melanocyte proliferation induced by bFGF, we tested 15 types of ginsenoside compounds. Among them, Rh3, Rh1, F1, and CK demonstrated antiproliferative effects on bFGF-induced melanocyte proliferation after 72 h of treatment. bFGF stimulated cell proliferation via extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation in various cell types. Western blot analysis found bFGF-induced ERK phosphorylation in melan-a. Treatment with Rh3 inhibited bFGF-induced maximum ERK phosphorylation and F1-delayed maximum ERK phosphorylation, whereas Rh1 and CK had no detectable effects. In addition, cotreatment with Rh3 and F1 significantly suppressed bFGF-induced ERK phosphorylation. Western blot analysis found that bFGF increased microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) protein levels in melan-a. Treatment with Rh3 or F1 had no detectable effects, whereas cotreatment with Rh3 and F1 inhibited bFGF-induced MITF expression levels more strongly than a single treatment. Conclusion: In summary, we found that ginsenosides Rh3 and F1 have a synergistic antiproliferative effect on bFGF-induced melan-a melanocyte proliferation via the inhibition of ERK-mediated upregulation of MITF.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.54-60
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• 2003

To develop a functional chungkookjang; the anticancer effects of chungkookjangs prepared with different varieties of soybeans, starters, fermentation periods and seasoning additive ratios; were studied against AGS human gastric adenocarcinoma cells using the MTT assay, at different stages chungkookjang processing. The chungkookjang samples exerted different antiproliferative effects according to the variety of soybeans used. The chungkookjangs manufactured with soybean var. manrikong exhibited the highest cytotoxicity against AGS human cancer cells. The chungkookjangs fermented with rice straw and B. licheniformis strongly inhibited the growth of the AGS human cancer cells. All fermented chungkookjangs had a strong inhibitory effect on the growth of the cancer cells; however, the non-fermented soybean (chungkookjang) showed a low inhibition rate. The fermented chungkookjangs mixed with red pepper powder (RPP) and garlic exhibited strong antiproliferative effect against the cancer cells, and chungkookjang prepaved with 1.1 % RPP and 1.1 % garlic showed the highest cytotoxicity against the cancer cells. The functional chungkookjang fermented with soybean variety of manrikong and B. licheniformis for 3 days at 4$0^{\circ}C$ and then mixed with 7.9% salt, 1.l% RPP and 1.1% garlic, exhibited a higher antiproliferative effect than the chungkookjangs prepared by traditional or modified methods, according to the MTT assay. The functional chungkookjang exhibited a similar anticancer effect to the traditional doenjang. These results indicate that the fermentation period and the ratio of seasoning additives, as well as the variety of soybeans and starter cultures may affect the degree of the anticancer effect of chungkookjang.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.644-648
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• 2009

Antiproliferative effects of soy milk fermented with Bacillus subtilis from chungkukjang was studied in AGS human gastric adenocarcinoma cells. The fermented soy milk by B. subtilis (B. subtilis-F-SM) exhibited 82% growth inhibitory effect at 2 mg/mL concentration, while non-fermented soy milk (Non-F-SM) showed 68%. B. subtilis-F-SM treated AGS cells induced more apoptotic bodies than the Non-F-SM treated cells. In mRNA expressions, B. subtilis-F-SM showed decreased expression of anti-apoptotic bcl-2 and increased expression of pro-apoptotic bax. The expressions of tumor suppressor genes of p53 and p21 were also increased. These results suggest that fermented soy milk by B. subtilis exhibited higher antiproliferative activities compared with non-fermented soy milk.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.12-23
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• 2023

Purpose: This study investigates the alterations in A549 human non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells exposed to Citrus junos extract (CJE). We further examine the antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of CJE on NSCLC cells. Methods: Inhibition of proliferation was examined by applying the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay on CJE-treated A549 NSCLC cells. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay was performed to measure the degree of toxicity of CJE on NSCLC cells. The effect on migratory proliferation was confirmed using the scratch wound healing assay. The antiproliferative effect of the CJE on human lung cancer cells was verified through morphological observation, fluorescence microscopy, and caspase-3 colorimetry. Results: Exposure of NSCLC cells to CJE resulted in a dose- and time-dependent decrease in cell activity and increased toxicity to the cells. In addition, microscopic observation revealed a reduced ability of the cancer cells to migrate and proliferate after exposure to the CJE, with simultaneous morphological apoptotic changes. Fluorescence staining and microscopic examination revealed that this death was a process of self-programmed cell death of NSCLC cells. Compared to unexposed NSCLC cells, the expression of caspase-3 was significantly increased in cells exposed to CJE. Conclusion: Exposure of A549 human NSCLC cells to CJE inhibits the proliferation, increases the cytotoxicity, and decreases the ability of cells to migrate and grow. Moreover, the expression of caspase-3 increases after CJE treatment, suggesting that the apoptosis of NSCLC cells is induced by a chain reaction initiated by caspase-3. These results indicate that Citrus junos is a potential therapeutic agent for human non-small-cell lung cancer.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.39 no.5
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• pp.731-736
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate selected functional compounds and biological activities of 11 different pepper cultivars grown in rain-shelter and field. The selected compounds were capsaicinoids, polyphenolic and vitamin C. Antioxidant activities were measured by ABTS radical scavenging activity, reducing power and metal chelating effect. Antiproliferative activity was assessed by the measurement of the inhibition of HCT116, MCF 7 and NCI-H460 cancer cell proliferation. The contents of capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, polyphenolics and vitamin C from 11 cultivars grown in field were 0.0~268.3 mg/100 g, 0~55.1 mg/100 g, 635~878 mg/100 g and 4.1~8.2 mg/g, respectively. There were significant differences in the content of selected compounds among the cultivars, although no significant difference in rain-shelter and field was detected. Similar to the results from the selected compounds, there was no difference in antioxidant and antiproliferative activities between rain-shelter and field. This research provides basic information on functional compounds and biological activity of cultivation methods and pepper cultivars.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.37 no.8
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• pp.1079-1083
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• 2008

The purposes of this study were aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of water, methanol, and 70% acetone extracts from pepper leaves. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities, reducing power, and chelating effect. Moreover, the effects of the extracts on cell proliferation of breast (MCF7), colon (HCT116), and gastric (MKN45) tumor cells were investigated. Higher extraction yields were obtained with methanol than with 70% acetone and water. Among the three different solvents, 70% acetone extract showed the highest polyphenolic contents. 70% acetone extracts showed higher antioxidant activities compared with other extracts. Also, 70% acetone extract of pepper leaves exhibited higher antiproliferative activity (>80%) against HCT116 and MKN45 cells compared with other samples at the concentration of 1 mg/mL. These results indicate that pepper leaves may serve as potential dietary sources of natural antioxidants and antiproliferative substances.