• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• v.9 no.5
• /
• pp.283-289
• /
• 2005

Endothelium, particularly pulmonary endothelium, is predisposed to injury by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their derivatives. Heme oxygenase (HO) has been demonstrated to provide cytoprotective effects in models of oxidant-induced cellular and tissue injuries. In the present study, we investigated the effects of YS 49 against oxidant [tert-butylhydroperoxide (TBH)]-induced injury using cultured sheep pulmonary artery endothelial cells (SPAECs). The viability of SPAECs was determined by quantifying reduction of a fluorogenic indicator Alamar blue. We found that TBH decreased cell viability in a timeand concentration-dependent manner. YS 49 concentration- and time-dependently increased HO-1 induction on SPAECs. As expected, YS 49 significantly decreased the TBH-induced cellular injury. In the presence of zinc protophorphyrin, HO-1 inhibitor, effect of YS 49 was significantly inhibited, indicating that HO-1 plays a protective role for YS 49. Furthermore, YS 49 showed free radical scavenging activity as evidenced by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. However, YS 49 did not inhibit apoptosis induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in SPAECs. Taken together, HO-1 induction along with strong antioxidant action of YS 49 may be responsible for inhibition of TBH-induced injury in SPAECs.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.42 no.5
• /
• pp.392-399
• /
• 2007

Objective : Arsenic trioxide ($As_2O_3$) has been used as an anticancer agent in traditional Chinese medicine for thousand years and berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid present that has indicated significant antimicrobial activity. We have examined the combined anticancer effects of $As_2O_3$ and berberine against the human neuroblastoma (HNB) SH-SY5Y cells in vitro, and to elucidate underlying molecular mechanism. Methods : HNB SH-SY5Y cells were treated with $2\;{\mu}M\;As_2O_3$ and $75\;{\mu}g/ml$ berberine, and their survival, cell death mechanism as well as synergistic cytotoxic effects were estimated by using MTT assay, DAPI staining, agarose gel electrophoresis, flow cytometric analysis, and western blot analysis. Results : The combined treatment of two drugs also markedly decreased cell viability. The cytotoxic effects of two drugs were revealed as apoptosis characterized by chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. The apoptotic cytotoxicity was accompanied by activation of caspase-3 protease as well as decreased the expression of Bcl-2, Bid, and Bcl-x/L. In addition, the cells treated with combination of two drugs also showed significantly increased intracellular reactive oxygen species levels and lipid peroxidation compared to cells $As_2O_3$or berberine only. Conclusion : Combined treatment of $As_2O_3$ with berberine induced activation of apoptotic signaling pathways in HNB SH-SY5Y cells. These results suggest that the possibility of the combined treatment of two chemotherapeutic agents with low concentration improving cytotoxic effect for cancer cells with minimal side effects.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
• /
• v.54 no.6
• /
• pp.529-534
• /
• 2010

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized pathologically by the presence of intracellular neurofibrillary tangles and deposition of ${\beta}$-amyloid ($A{\beta}$) peptides, which are generated by processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP). It is urgent to develop effective therapies for the treatment of AD, since our society rapidly accelerate aging. $A{\beta}$ peptides have been believed to be neurotoxic and now are also considered to have effects on the mechanism of memory formation. Recently, we investigated that a quinoline compound from natural product reduced the secretion of $A{\beta}$ from the neuroblastoma N2a cells (NL/N cell line) overexpressing APPswe. In this study, 3-phenyl-1-isoquinolinamine, a synthetic isoquinoline compound was analyzed to determine its effects on the metabolism of APP. It inhibited the secretion of $A{\beta}$ peptides from the N2a NL/N cell line. Beta-site APP cleaving enzyme (BACE) fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay revealed that it inhibited BACE activity in a dose dependent manner. Immunoblotting study showed that it inhibited APP stabilization and expression and it slightly increased the stablization and the expression of ${\gamma}$-secreatase component from the N2a NL/N cell line. We suggest that 3-phenyl-1-isoquinolinamine inhibits APP metabolism and $A{\beta}$ generation by the means of BACE inhibitory mechanism. This is the first report that 3-phenyl-1-isoquinolinamine inhibits the secretion of $A{\beta}$ peptides from neuroblastoma cells.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.14 no.10
• /
• pp.6089-6094
• /
• 2013

Berberine, a common isoquinoline alkaloid, has been shown to possess anti-cancer activities. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still not completely understood. In the current study, we investigated the effects of berberine on cell growth, colony formation, cell cycle distribution, and whether it improved the anticancer efficiency of cisplatin and doxorubicin in human breast cancer estrogen receptor positive (ER+) MCF-7 cells and estrogen receptor negative (ER-) MDA-MB-231 cells. Notably, berberine treatment significantly inhibited cell growth and colony formation in the two cell lines, berberine in combination with cisplatin exerting synergistic growth inhibitory effects. Accompanied by decreased growth, berberine induced G1 phase arrest in MCF-7 but not MDA-MB-231 cells. To provide a more detailed understanding of the mechanisms of action of berberine, we performed genome-wide expression profiling of berberine-treated cells using cDNA microarrays. This revealed that there were 3,397 and 2,706 genes regulated by berberine in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, respectively. Fene oncology (GO) analysis identified that many of the target genes were involved in regulation of the cell cycle, cell migration, apoptosis, and drug responses. To confirm the microarray data, qPCR analysis was conducted for 10 selected genes based on previously reported associations with breast cancer and GO analysis. In conclusion, berberine exhibits inhibitory effects on breast cancer cells proliferation, which is likely mediated by alteration of gene expression profiles.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.15 no.14
• /
• pp.5747-5751
• /
• 2014

Background: Coptisine, an isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from Coptidis rhizoma, has many biological activities such as antidiabetic, antimicrobial and antiviral actions. However, whether coptisine exerts anti-cancer metastasis effects remains unknown. Materials and Methods: Effects of coptisine on highly metastatic human breast cancer cell MDA-MB-231 proliferation were evaluated by trypan blue assay and on cell adhesion, migration and invasion by gelatin adhesion, wound-healing and matrigel invasion chamber assays, respectively. Expression of two matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), MMP-9, MMP-2 and their specific inhibitors tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP-2) were analyzed by RT-PCR. Results: Coptisine obviously inhibited adhesion to an ECM-coated substrate, wound healing migration, and invasion through the matrigel in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. RT-PCR revealed that coptisine reduced the expression of the ECM degradation-associated gene MMP-9 at the mRNA level, and the expression of TIMP-1 was upregulated in MDA-MB-231 cells, while the expression of MMP-2 and its specific inhibitor TIMP-2 was not affected. Conclusions: Taken together, our data showed that coptisine suppressed adhesion, migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells in vitro, the down-regulation of MMP-9 in combination with the increase of TIMP-1 possibly contributing to the anti-metastatic function. Coptisine might be a potential drug candidate for breast cancer therapy.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
• /
• v.21 no.2
• /
• pp.136-141
• /
• 2013

Chelidonium majus (CM) contains several isoquinoline alkaloids that have been reported to have various biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, immune-modulatory, and antitumoral. It has been reported that the extract of CM had an antioxidant potential, however the mechanism has not been verified. In this study, we found that CM extract activated FOXO3a. FOXO3a is a transcription factor that involved in various biological processes such as cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, DNA repair, and ROS detoxification. Transcriptional activities of FOXO3a were regulated by post-translational modifications including phosphorylation, acetylation, and ubiquitination. Protein level of FOXO3a was increased by CM extract. Promoter activities of FOXO-transcriptional target genes such as MnSOD, p27 and GADD45 were activated by CM extract in a dose dependent manner. In addition, protein level of MnSOD, major antioxidant enzyme, was increased by CM extract. Thereby ROS level was decreased by CM in old HEF cells. These results suggest that CM extract has an antioxidant activity through FOXO activation.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• v.5 no.5
• /
• pp.443-449
• /
• 2001

Previously we reported that THI 52 inhibits tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$ mRNA expression in mouse peritoneal macrophages exposed to LPS plus $IFN-{\gamma}.$ In the present study, the effects of THI 52 on vascular reactivity ex vivo, and iNOS protein expression (rat lung) were investigated in LPS-treated rats. Treatment of THI 52 concentration-dependently reduced not only serum nitrite production but also the expression of iNOS protein in rat lung tissues. Thoracic aorta taken from LPS injected rat for 8 h ex vivo resulted in suppression of vasoconstrictor effects to phenylephrine (PE), which was restored by THI 52 (20 mg/kg) 30 min prior to LPS. When measured iNOS activity, treatment of THI 52 concentration-dependently reduced the enzyme activity in RAW 264.7 cells activated with LPS plus $IFN-{\gamma}.$ Likewise, iNOS activity was significantly reduced in lung tissues taken those rats that were injected THI 52 prior to LPS injection compared with LPS injection alone. These results strongly suggest that THI 52 can suppress iNOS gene expression induced by LPS, and restore the vascular contractility to PE. Thus, THI 52, a new synthetic isoquinoline alkaloid, may be beneficial in inflammatory disorders where production of NO is excessed by iNOS expression.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.19 no.3
• /
• pp.802-810
• /
• 2005

The tetrahydroisoquinolines included potent cytotoxic agents that showed antitumor activity,antimicrobial activity, and other biological properties. We studied the effect of CDST, 1-Chloromethyl-6,7-dimethoxy-3,4-dihydro-1H-isoquinoline-2-sulfonic acid amide, a newly synthesized anti-cancer agent. The cytotoxic activity of CDST in HL-60 cells was increased in a dose-dependent manner. CDST, tetrahydroisoquinolines derivative, was cytotoxic to HL-60 cells, with IC50 of $80{\mu}g/ml$. Treatment of CDST to HL-60 cells showed the fragmentation of DNA in a dose- and time dependent manner, suggesting that thesecells underwent apoptosis. Treatment of HL-60 cells with CDST was induced in a dose- and time-dependent activation of caspase-3, caspase-8 and proteolytic cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. In caspase activity assay, caspase-3 and -8 was activated after 12 h and 6 h posttreatment, respectively. CDST also caused the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria into the cytosol. CDST-induced cytochrome c release was mediated by caspase-8-dependent cleavage of Bid and Bax translocation. These results suggest that caspase-8 induced Bid cleavage and Bax translocation, caused mitochondrial cytochrome c release, and induce caspase-3 activationduring CDST-induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.19 no.3
• /
• pp.772-778
• /
• 2005

The chloromethyl-2-dihydroxyphosphinyl-6,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro- isoquinoline (CDDT) is a newly synthesized derivative from 1,2,3,4-Tetra- hydroisoquinoline (THIQ). The THIQs include potent cytotoxic agents that display a range of antitumor activities, antimicrobial activity, and other biological properties. In this study, we investigated the effect of CDDT on the cytotoxicity, induction of apoptosis in human promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL-60 cells). CDDT showed a significant cytotoxic activity in HL-60 cells ($IC_{50}$ = approximately $37\;{\mu}g/ml$) at a 24 hr incubation. Treatment of HL-60 cells with CDDT displayed several features of apoptosis, including formation of DNA ladders in agarose gel electrophoresis, morphological changes of HL-60 cells with DAPI stain. Here we observed that CDDT caused activation of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9. The most efficacious time on the activation of caspases-3 was achieved at 12 hr. Further molecular analysis demonstrated that CDDT led to cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), increase of hypodiploid (Sub-G1) population in the flow cytometric analysis. In conclusion, these above results indicate that CDDT dramatically suppresses HL-60 cell growth by activation of caspase-3 with caspase-8, -9 activity. These data may support a pivotal mechanism for the use of CDDT in the prevention and treatment of leukemia.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
• /
• v.58 no.3
• /
• pp.281-285
• /
• 2015

Human neutrophil elastase (HNE) represents a good therapeutic target for the treatment of inflammatory diseases as well as invasion of microorganism. The methanol extract of a aerial part of Chelidonium majus L. showed high activity against the neutrophil elastase with an $IC_{50}$ value of $100{\mu}g/mL$. Due to its potency, subsequent bioactivity-guided fractionation of methanol extract led to six alkaloids (1-6), which were identified as dihydrosanguinarine (1), (s)-stylopine (2), arnottianamide (3), (+)-chelidonine (4), spallidamine (5), and N-trans-feruloyltyramine (6). Among of them, three alkaloids (2, 5, and 6) inhibited HNE in a dose-dependent manner with $IC_{50}$ ranging between 11.6 and $51.0{\mu}M$. Lineweaver-Burk and Dixon plots, and their secondary replots showed that alkaloids (2, 5, and 6) were mixed inhibitors of HNE. The analysis of $K_I$ and $K_{IS}$ value proved that all inhibitors (2, 5, and 6) had reversible mixed type I mechanism.