• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.538-543
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• 2012

The Maillard Reaction Products (MRPs) are chemical compounds which have been known to be effective in chemoprevention. Death receptors (DR) play a central role in directing apoptosis in several cancer cells. In our previous study, we demonstrated that (E)-2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal, a MRP product, inhibited human colon cancer cell growth by inducing apoptosis via nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ (NF-${\kappa}B$) inactivation and $G_2$/M phase cell cycle arrest. In this study, (E)-2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal diacetate, a new (E)-2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal derivative, was synthesized to improve their solubility and stability in water and then evaluated against NCI-H460 and A549 human lung cancer cells. (E)-2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal diacetate reduced the viability in both cell lines in a time and dose-dependent manner. We also found that (E)-2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal diacetate increased apoptotic cell death through the upregulation of the expression of death receptor (DR)-3 and DR6 in both lung cancer cell lines. In addition to this, the transfection of DR3 siRNA diminished the growth inhibitory and apoptosis inducing effect of (E)-2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal diacetate on lung cancer cells, however these effects of (E)-2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal diacetate was not changed by DR6 siRNA. These results indicated that (E)-2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal diacetate inhibits human lung cancer cell growth via increasing apoptotic cell death by upregulation of the expression of DR3.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.75 no.1
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• pp.9-17
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• 2013

Background: In cancer cells, autophagy is generally induced as a pro-survival mechanism in response to treatment-associated genotoxic and metabolic stress. Thus, concurrent autophagy inhibition can be expected to have a synergistic effect with chemotherapy on cancer cell death. Monensin, a polyether antibiotic, is known as an autophagy inhibitor, which interferes with the fusion of autophagosome and lysosome. There have been a few reports of its effect in combination with anticancer drugs. We performed this study to investigate whether erlotinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor, or rapamycin, an mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, is effective in combination therapy with monensin in non-small cell lung cancer cells. Methods: NCI-H1299 cells were treated with rapamycin or erlotinib, with or without monensin pretreatment, and then subjected to growth inhibition assay, apoptosis analysis by flow cytometry, and cell cycle analysis on the basis of the DNA contents histogram. Finally, a Western blot analysis was done to examine the changes of proteins related to apoptosis and cell cycle control. Results: Monensin synergistically increases growth inhibition and apoptosis induced by rapamycin or erlotinib. The number of cells in the sub-$G_1$ phase increases noticeably after the combination treatment. Increase of proapoptotic proteins, including bax, cleaved caspase 3, and cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, and decrease of anti-apoptotic proteins, bcl-2 and bcl-xL, are augmented by the combination treatment with monensin. The promoters of cell cycle progression, notch3 and skp2, decrease and p21, a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, accumulates within the cell during this process. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that concurrent autophagy inhibition could have a role in lung cancer treatment.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.12
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• pp.7179-7186
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• 2013

Background and Aims: Scutellaria is one of the most popular traditional Chinese herbal remedies against various human diseases, including cancer. In this study, we examined the active effects of Scutellaria extract and its main flavonoid constituents on the proportion of side population cells within human multiple myeloma cell line RPMI8226 in vitro and explored the potential molecular mechanisms involved. Materials and Methods: The contents of flavonoids in ethanolic extract of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi were determined using high performance liquid chromatography. The antiproliferative effect of the ethanolic extract on RPMI-8226 was determined by CCK assay. Apoptosis was measured by annexin combining with propidium iodide in a flow cytometer. Cell cycle analysis was performed by propidium iodide staining in combination with flow cytometry analysis. Hoechst 33342 exclusion assay was used for the identification of side population within RPMI8226 cells. The expression of ABCG2 protein was assessed by Western blotting assay. Results: The content of major flavonoids constitutents of Scutellaria extract was baicalin (10.2%), wogonoside (2.50%), baicalein (2.29%), and wogonin (0.99%), respectively. The crude Scutellaria extract did not show significant anti-proliferative effect, apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest in RPMI-8226 within the concentrations of $1-75{\mu}g/mL$. However, the ethanolic extract, baicalein, wogonin and baicalin reduced the side population cells in RPMI-8226, and data showed that baicalein and wogonin had stronger inhibitory effects. Correspondingly, they also exhibited significant effects on decreasing the expression level of ABCG2 protein in RPMI-8226 in vitro. Conclusions: Our results for the first time demonstrated a novel mechanism of action for Scutellaria extract and its main active flavonoids, namely targeting SP cells by modulating the expression of ABCG2 protein. This study provides an insight for new therapeutic strategies targeting cancer stem cells of multiple myeloma.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.23
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• pp.10407-10412
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• 2015

Background: ${\beta}$-elemene, extracted from herb medicine Curcuma wenyujin has potent anti-tumor effects in various cancer cell lines. However, the activity of ${\beta}$-elemene against glioma cells remains unclear. In the present study, we assessed effects of ${\beta}$-elemene on human glioma cells and explored the underlying mechanism. Materials and Methods: Human glioma U87 cells were used. Cell proliferation was determined with MTT assay and colony formation assay to detect the effect of ${\beta}$-elemene at different doses and times. Fluorescence microscopy was used to observe cell apoptosis with Hoechst 33258 staining and change of glioma apoptosis and cell cycling were analyzed by flow cytometry. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western-blotting assay were performed to investigated the influence of ${\beta}$-elemene on expression levels of Fas/FasL, caspase-3, Bcl-2 and Bax. The experiment was divided into two groups: the blank control group and ${\beta}$-elemne treatment group. Results: With increase in the concentration of ${\beta}$-elemene, cytotoxic effects were enhanced in the glioma cell line and the concentration of inhibited cell viability ($IC_{50}$) was $48.5{\mu}g/mL$ for 24h. ${\beta}$-elemene could induce cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase. With Hoechst 33258 staining, apoptotic nuclear morphological changes were observed. Activation of caspase-3,-8 and -9 was increased and the pro-apoptotic factors Fas/FasL and Bax were upregulated, while the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 was downregulated after treatment with ${\beta}$-elemene at both mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, proliferation and colony formation by U87 cells were inhibited by ${\beta}$-elemene in a time and does-dependent manner. Conclusions: Our results indicate that ${\beta}$-elemene inhibits growth and induces apoptosis of human glioma cells in vitro. The induction of apoptosis appears to be related with the upregulation of Fas/FasL and Bax, activation of caspase-3,-8 and -9 and downregulation of Bcl-2, which then trigger major apoptotic cascades.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Inherited Metabolic disease
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.102-108
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• 2016

Mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episode (MELAS) syndrome is one of mitochondrial encephalopathy. As the early clinical manifestations can be variable, it is important to suspect the disease, especially in patients with multiple organ dysfunctions. A boy was diagnosed with epilepsy when he was 9 years old. Two years later, severe headache and blurred vision developed suddenly. On examination, left homonymous hemianopsia was detected with corresponding cerebral parenchymal lesions in right temporo-occipito-parietal areas. MELAS syndrome was confirmed by genetic test, which showed m.3243 A>G mitochondrial DNA mutation. Multivitamins including coenzyme Q10 were added to anticonvulsant. He experienced 4 more events of stroke-like episodes over 5 years, but he is able to perform normal daily activities. A 13-year-old boy was brought to the hospital due to suddenly developed respiratory arrest and asystole associated with pneumonia. Past medical history revealed that he had multiple medical problems such as epilepsy, failure-to-thrive, optic atrophy, and deafness. He has been on valproic acid as an anticonvulsant which was prescribed from local clinic. He recovered after the resuscitation, but his cognition and motor function were severely damaged. He became bed-ridden. He was diagnosed with MELAS syndrome by brain MRI, muscle biopsy, and clinical features. Genetic test did not reveal any mitochondrial gene mutation. Four years later, he expired due to suddenly developed severe metabolic acidosis combined with hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic coma. The clinical features of MELAS syndrome are variable. Early diagnosis before the presentation to the grave clinical course may be important for the better clinical outcome.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.769-773
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• 2014

Fangchinoline (Fan) inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in several cancer cell lines. The effects of Fan on cell growth and proliferation in breast cancer cells remain to be elucidated. Here, we show that Fan inhibited cell proliferation in the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line through suppression of the AKT/Gsk-3beta/cyclin D1 signaling pathway. Furthermore, Fan induced apoptosis by increasing the expression of Bax (relative to Bcl-2), active caspase 3 and cytochrome-c. Fan significantly inhibited cell proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells in a concentration and time dependent manner as determined by MTT assay. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that Fan treatment of MDA-MB-231 cells resulted in cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase, which correlated with apparent downregulation of both mRNA and protein levels of both PCNA and cyclin D1. Further analysis demonstrated that Fan decreased the phosphorylation of AKT and GSK-3beta. In addition, Fan up-regulated active caspase3, cytochrome-c protein levels and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, accompanied by apoptosis. Taken together, these results suggest that Fan is a potential natural product for the treatment of breast cancer.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.471-478
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• 1997

Introduction: The use of rabbits as a cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB) animal model is extremely dif%cult mainly due to technical problems. On the other hand, deep hypothermic circulatory arrest(CA) is used to facilitate surgical repair in a variety of cardiac diseases. Although steroids are generally known to be effective in the treatment of cerebral edema, the protective effects of steroids on the brain during CA are not conclusively established. Objectives of this study are twofold: the establishment of CPB technique in rabbits and the evaluation of preventive effect of steroid on the development of brain edema during CA. Material '||'&'||' Methods: Fifteen New Zealan white rabbits(average body weight 3.5kg) were divided into three experimental groups; control CA group(n=5), CA with Trendelenberg position group(n=5), and CA with Trendelenberg position + steroid(methylprednisolone 30 mglkg) administration group(n=5). After anesthetic induction and tracheostomy, a median sternotomy was performed. An aortic cannula(3.3mm) and a venous ncannula(14 Fr) were inserted, respectively in the ascending aorta and the right atrium. The CPB circuit consisted of a roller pump and a bubble oxygenator. Priming volume of the circuit was approximately 450m1 with 120" 150ml of blood. CPB was initiated at a flow rate of 80~85ml/kg/min, Ten min after the start of CPB, CA was established with duration of 40min at $20^{\circ}C$ of rectal temperature. After CA, CPB was restarted with 20min period of rewarming. Ten min after weaning, the animal was sacrif;cod. One-to-2g portions of the following tissues were rapidly d:ssected and water contents were examined and compared among gr ups: brain, cervical spinal cord, kidney, duodenum, lung, heart, liver, spleen, pancreas. stomach. Statistical significances were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric test. Results: CPB with CA was successfully performed in all cases. Flow rate of 60-100 mlfkgfmin was able to be maintained throughout CPB. During CPB, no significant metabolic acidosis was detected and aortic pressure ranged between 35-55 mmHg. After weaning from CPB, all hearts resumed normal beating spontaneously. There were no statistically significant differences in the water contents of tissues including brain among the three experimental groups. Conclusion: These results indicate (1) CPB can be reliably administered in rabbits if proper technique is used, (2) the effect of steroid on the protection of brain edema related to Trendelenburg position during CA is not established within the scope of this experiment.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.133-144
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• 2014

O. diffusa, C. appendiculata and F. thunbergii are reported to possess many pharmacological activities including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertension, anti-diabetic and anti-cancer effects. However, their anti-cancer activities in human breast cancer have not been clearly elucidated yet. Objectives: In the present study, we compared the in vitro cytotoxic effects of single and complex treatment of O. diffusa, C. appendiculata and F. thunbergii in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. Methods: After we treated human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells with O. diffusa, C. appendiculata and F. thunbergii. we evaluated viability, growth inhibition, morphological changes, apoptotic body formation, measurement of the cell cycle and formation of DNA fragmentation of these cells. Results: We found that single treatment of O. diffusa and F. thunbergii could inhibit cell proliferation in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. However, complex treatment of O. diffusa, C. appendiculata and F. thunbergii had weak or no effect on the cell proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells. The first, anti-proliferative effects of O. diffusa in MDA-MB-231 cells was associated with G2/M arrest of cell cycle and apoptotic cell death. The second, anti-proliferative effect of F. thunbergii in MDA-MB-231 cells was associated with apoptotic cell death. Conclusions: Taken together, these findings suggest that O. diffusa and F. thunbergii may be a potential chemotherapeutic agent for the control of human breast cancer cells, further studies will be needed to identify the molecular mechanisms.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.553-561
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• 2022

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a slowly progressing hematopoietic cell disorder. Sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1) plays established roles in tumor initiation, progression, and chemotherapy resistance in a wide range of cancers, including leukemia. However, small-molecule inhibitors targeting SPHK1 in CML still need to be developed. This study revealed the role of SPHK1 in CML and investigated the potential anti-leukemic activity of hirsuteine (HST), an indole alkaloid obtained from the oriental plant Uncaria rhynchophylla, in CML cells. These results suggest that SPHK1 is highly expressed in CML cells and that overexpression of SPHK1 represents poor clinical outcomes in CML patients. HST exposure led to G2/M phase arrest, cellular apoptosis, and downregulation of Cyclin B1 and CDC2 and cleavage of Caspase 3 and PARP in CML cells. HST shifted sphingolipid rheostat from sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) towards the ceramide coupled with a marked inhibition of SPHK1. Mechanistically, HST significantly blocked SPHK1/S1P/S1PR1 and BCR-ABL/PI3K/Akt pathways. In addition, HST can be docked with residues of SPHK1 and shifts the SPHK1 melting curve, indicating the potential protein-ligand interactions between SPHK1 and HST in both CML cells. SPHK1 overexpression impaired apoptosis and proliferation of CML cells induced by HST alone. These results suggest that HST, which may serve as a novel and specific SPHK1 inhibitor, exerts anti-leukemic activity by inhibiting the SPHK1/S1P/S1PR1 and BCR-ABL/PI3K/Akt pathways in CML cells, thus conferring HST as a promising anti-leukemic drug for CML therapy in the future.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.199-205
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• 2003

The p53 protein was discovered in 1979 as cellular 53-kD nuclear phosphoprotein bound to the large transforming antigen of SV40 virus. $P21^{WAF1/CIP1}$, which has been described as the critical downstream mediator of p53, is known to suppress DNA replication and arrest the G1 cell cycle by quaternary complex with cyclin D, cyclin-dependent kinase(CDK) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA). In these days, some studies shows that the p21 can be induced by independent pathways. There are various reports about the expression of p21 (67%.82.4%) in oral squamous cell carcinoma. But these studies are mostly done in malignant tumor not in benign tumor. So we decided to study the expression of p21 in ameloblastoma and the relationship between p53 and p21 as a downstream mediator of p53 in ameloblastoma. We investigated the expression of p21 and p53 with the method of immunohistochemistry. We selected 30 cases of ameloblastoma tissue blocks (acanthomatous type: 5 cases, follicular type: 8 cases, plexiform type: 17 cases) imbedded in paraffin. We used 30 cases of normal gingival tissues and 30 cases of squamous cell carcinoma tissues (SCC) respectively and compared their results with those of ameloblastoma. We made slides with the streptavidin-biotin methods and used monoclonal antibody DO-7 (Novocastra, Newcastle, United Kingdom) as p53 antibody and monoclonal antibody M7202 (DAKO, California, U.S.A.) as p21 antibody. We used Pearson's correlation coefficient to analyse the relationship. The results were as follows: 1. p21 was expressed in ameloblastoma about 30% and this is lower than that of normal gingiva and SCC. 2. In normal gingiva and ameloblastoma, p21 expression was correlated with p53 expression. 3. In SCC, p21 were expressed about 83.3% and this is more than that of p53. But there was no correlation between p21 and p53 expression. We confirmed p21 expression and relation with p53 in ameloblastoma. But, to confirm the function of p21, more studies about p21 expression in malignant ameloblastoma and ameloblastic carcinoma are needed.