• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• 제32권1호
• /
• pp.104-114
• /
• 2024

Licochalcone C (LCC; PubChem CID:9840805), a chalcone compound originating from the root of Glycyrrhiza inflata, has shown anticancer activity against skin cancer, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and oral squamous cell carcinoma. However, the therapeutic potential of LCC in treating colorectal cancer (CRC) and its underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Chemotherapy for CRC is challenging because of the development of drug resistance. In this study, we examined the antiproliferative activity of LCC in human colorectal carcinoma HCT116 cells, oxaliplatin (Ox) sensitive and Ox-resistant HCT116 cells (HCT116-OxR). LCC significantly and selectively inhibited the growth of HCT116 and HCT116-OxR cells. An in vitro kinase assay showed that LCC inhibited the kinase activities of EGFR and AKT. Molecular docking simulations using AutoDock Vina indicated that LCC could be in ATP-binding pockets. Decreased phosphorylation of EGFR and AKT was observed in the LCC-treated cells. In addition, LCC induced cell cycle arrest by modulating the expression of cell cycle regulators p21, p27, cyclin B1, and cdc2. LCC treatment induced ROS generation in CRC cells, and the ROS induction was accompanied by the phosphorylation of JNK and p38 kinases. Moreover, LCC dysregulated mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and the disruption of MMP resulted in the release of cytochrome c into the cytoplasm and activation of caspases to execute apoptosis. Overall, LCC showed anticancer activity against both Ox-sensitive and Ox-resistant CRC cells by targeting EGFR and AKT, inducing ROS generation and disrupting MMP. Thus, LCC may be potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of Ox-resistant CRC cells.

• 대한한의학방제학회지
• /
• 제32권1호
• /
• pp.63-82
• /
• 2024

Objective : Saengkankunbi-tang (SKT) is used as a traditional Korean herbal formula for treatment of liver diseases. We investigated the hepatoprotective effects of SKT plus Epimedium koreanum Nakai (EKE) against arachidonic acid (AA) + iron-mediated cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells and carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-mediated acute liver damage in mice. Methods : The cyto-protective effects of SKT + EKE were determined by MTT assay, western blot and fluorescence activated cell sorting analysis. In mice, blood biochemistry and western blot were assessed in CCl₄-induced acute hepatic damage. The animal groups included vehicle-treated control, CCl₄, SKT (200 mg/kg/day), EKE (100 mg/kg/day), SKT (200 mg/kg/day) + EKE (100 mg/kg/day) and silymarin (200 mg/kg/day). Results : In HepG2 cells, pretreatment with SKT + EKE significantly suppressed cytotoxicity induced by AA + iron and reduced the expression of proteins related to apoptosis. In addition, pretreatment with SKT + EKE significantly prevented the increase in H₂O₂ production, GSH depletion, and lower mitochondrial membrane potential induced by AA + iron. In CCl₄-induced liver damage mice, the administration of SKT + EKE prevented the liver damage by inhibition of hepatocyte damage and expression of apoptosis proteins in liver. More importantly, in vitro and in vivo assay, SKT + EKE showed significant effect compare with SKT alone or EKE alone in all parameters. Conclusions : These results indicated that SKT + EKE could protect against oxidative stress-induced liver damage, and SKT + EKE is more effective than SKT alone or EKE alone.

• 한국식품영양과학회지
• /
• 제36권4호
• /
• pp.431-438
• /
• 2007

해조류는 다양한 생리 활성을 나타내는 성분들을 함유하고 있어 항산화효과 등 다양한 생리활성 효과를 나타내는 것으로 보고되고 있다. 본 연구에서는 식용 가능한 28종의 해조류 메탄올추출물 중 보라우무 메탄올추출물이 인간의 대장에서 유래한 암세포인 HT-29세포의 세포증식을 억제함을 밝혔고, 가장 강한 HT-29 세포 증식 억제 효과를 나타낸 보라우무 메탄올추출물의 대장암세포 증식억제 기전을 밝히고자 하였다. 보라우무 메탄올추출물을 HT-29 세포 배양액에 여러 농도$(0{\sim}20{\mu}g/mL)$로 첨가하여 세포를 배양한 경우 보라우무 메탄올추출물 처리 농도가 증가할수록 세포증식이 현저히 감소하였고, apoptotic cell수는 현저히 증가하였다. Apoptosis의 주요한 조절인자인 Bcl-2 family 단백질 중 Bcl-2는 보라우무 메탄올추출물에 의해 변화가 없었고 Bax는 고농도에서만 소폭 감소하였다. 반면, t-Bid 단백질 수준은 보라우무 메탄올추출물의 처리에 의해 현저하게 증가하였다 Bcl-2 family Protein과 더불어 apoptosis의 조절에 주요한 역할을 하는 caspase 단백질의 경우 보라우무메탄올추출물 처리에 의해 cleaved caspase-8, -9, -7, -3 단백질 수준이 현저히 증가하였고, cleaved PARP 단백질수준도 현저히 증가하였다. 또한, caspase-8의 활성화를 유도하는 Fas 단백질 수준도 보라우무 메탄올추출물에 의해 현저하게 증가하였다. 이 결과로부터 보라우무 메탄올추출물은 caspase-8의 활성 증가에 의한 미토콘드리아 막 투과성 변화와 caspase-7/-3 활성의 증가를 통해 apoptosis를 유도함으로써 암세포의 증식을 억제한다는 결론을 내릴 수 있다. 본 연구는 보라우무를 항암효과를 지니는 기능성식품이나 항암제로 개발할 수 있는 가능성을 제시하고 있으며 향후 보라우무를 이용한 제품의 개발을 위해서는 유효성분의 동정 및 그 성분의 작용 기전에 대한 면밀한 추가 연구가 필요할 것으로 보인다.

• 한국약용작물학회지
• /
• 제17권2호
• /
• pp.145-150
• /
• 2009

This study investigated the protective roles and mechanism of magnolol, from the stem bark of Magnolia officinalis against potential neurotoxin 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK)-induced neuronal cell death. For the evaluation of protective role of magnolol, we examined cell viability, apoptotic nuclei, change of mitochondrial membrane potential and caspase activity in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. It was found that 3-HK induces neuronal cell death in the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line. The reduced cell viability produced characteristic features such as cell shrinkages, plasma membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation, and nuclear fragmentation. The cells treated with 3-HK showed an increase in the concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as in caspase activity. In addition, both are involved in the 3-HK-induced apoptosis. Magnolol attenuated the cell viability reduction by 3-HK in both a dose- and time-dependent manner. Optical microscopy showed that magnolol inhibited the cell morphological features in the 3-HK-treated cells. Furthermore, the increase in the ROS concentration and the caspase activities by 3-HK were also attenuated by magnolol. These results showed that magnolol has a protective effect on the 3-HK induced cell death by inhibiting ROS production and caspase activity.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• 제14권4호
• /
• pp.2637-2641
• /
• 2013

6,8-Dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1-methyl-azafluorenone (DMMA), a purified compound from Polyalthia cerasoides roots, is cytotoxic to various cancer cell lines. The aims of this study were to demonstrate the type of cancer cell death and the mechanism(s) involved. DMMA inhibited cell growth and induced apoptotic death in human leukemic cells (HL-60, U937, MOLT-4), human breast cancer MDA-MB231 cells and human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells in a dose dependent manner, with $IC_{50}$ values ranging between 20-55 ${\mu}M$. DMMA also decreased cell viability of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The morphology of cancer cells induced by the compound after staining with propidium iodide and examined under a fluorescence microscope was condensed nuclei and apoptotic bodies. Mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MTP) was decreased after 24h exposure in all five types of cancer cells. DMMA-induced caspase-3, -8, and -9 activity was strongly induced in human leukemic HL-60 and MOLT-4 cells, while in U937-, MDA-MB231- and HepG2-treated cells there was partial induction of caspase. In conclusion, DMMA-induced activation of caspase-8 and -9 resulted in execution of apoptotic cell death in human leukemic HL-60 and MOLT-4 cell lines via extrinsic and intrinsic pathways.

• 구강회복응용과학지
• /
• 제23권1호
• /
• pp.95-104
• /
• 2007

I. Objective The primary requirement of an endodontic root canal sealer is the biologic compatibility, because they remain in close contact with living periapical tissues over a long period of time. The aim of this study was the evaluation of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of resin-based root canal sealers, AH 26 and ADSEAL. II. Material & Methods In this study, human periodontal ligament cells, human oral cancer cells (KB) and mouse osteoblasts (MC-3T3-E1) were used. Specimens of AH26, ADSEAL were eluted with culture medium for 1, 3, 5 and 7 days. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by using tetrazolium bromide reduction assay (MTT assay) for mitochondrial enzyme activity and cell viability. Genotoxicity was evaluated by using alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis assay (Comet assay). Also cell apoptosis induced by AH 26 was detected by Hoechst33258 staining. III. Results AH 26 and ADSEAL exhibited cytotoxic effects in all investigated cell groups. Genotoxicity was also noted for both sealers in mouse osteoblasts (MC-3T3-E1). But, ADSEAL presented significantly low cytotoxicity and genotoxicity compared with AH 26. Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity induced by AH 26 resulted in apopotosis. IV. Conclusion Our results clearly indicate that the recently invented ADSEAL has better biocompatibility than another resin based root canal sealer, AH 26. However ideal root canal sealer should have not only biocompatibility but also satisfactory physico-chemical properties such as sealing ability and stability. Thus continuous studies and developments should follow.

• 대한한방내과학회지
• /
• 제35권3호
• /
• pp.298-308
• /
• 2014

Objectives: In this study we made an effort to investigate the protective effect of SSMT on the N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) -induced cytotoxicity of SH-SY5Y cells. Methods: The cell viability was assessed by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MMT) assay. The fluorescence intensity was measured by using a dye and then with propidium iodide (PI) DNA flow cytometry analysis of the effects on the cell cycle of the SH-SY5Y cells and were used to measure the fluorescence of intracellular reactive oxygen species generation by MPTP. Results: Pretreatment of SSMT significantly suppressed MPTP-induced cytotoxicity, which was revealed as apoptosis characterized by the reduction of cell viability, the increase of ROS production, and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in SH-SY5Y cells. Conclusions: These findings suggest that SSMT exerts neuroprotective effects on human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells by MPTP-induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration.

• 동의생리병리학회지
• /
• 제18권6호
• /
• pp.1733-1739
• /
• 2004

The water extract of Hwangryunhaedog-tang(HRHDT} has been traditionally used for treatment of ischemic heart and brain damage in oriental medicine. However, little is known about the mechanism by which the water extract of HRHDT rescues cells from these damages. This study was designed to investigate the protective mechanisms of HRHDT on hypoxia-induced cytotoxicity in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells. Hypoxia, markedly decreased the viability of H9c2 cells, which was characterized with apparent apoptptic features such as chromatin condensation as well as fragmentation of genomic DNA and nuclei. However, HRHDT significantly reduced hypoxia-induced cell death and apoptotic characteristics. Also, HRHDT prevented the mitochondrial dysfunction including the disruption of mitochondria membrane permeability transition (MPT) and an increase in expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins in hypoxia-H9c2 cells. Taken together, this study suggests that the protective effects of the water extract of HRHDT against hypoxic damages may be mediated by the modulation of Bcl-2 and Bak expression.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• 제26권4호
• /
• pp.409-416
• /
• 2018

Vasicinone, a quinazoline alkaloid from Adhatoda vasica Nees. is well known for its bronchodilator activity. However its anti-proliferative activities is yet to be elucidated. Here-in we investigated the anti-proliferative effect of vasicinone and its underlying mechanism against A549 lung carcinoma cells. The A549 cells upon treatment with various doses of vasicinone (10, 30, 50, $70{\mu}M$) for 72 h showed significant decrease in cell viability. Vasicinone treatment also showed DNA fragmentation, LDH leakage, and disruption of mitochondrial potential, and lower wound healing ability in A549 cells. The Annexin V/PI staining showed disrupted plasma membrane integrity and permeability of PI in treated cells. Moreover vasicinone treatment also lead to down regulation of Bcl-2, Fas death receptor and up regulation of PARP, BAD and cytochrome c, suggesting the anti-proliferative nature of vasicinone which mediated apoptosis through both Fas death receptors as well as Bcl-2 regulated signaling. Furthermore, our preliminary studies with vasicinone treatment also showed to lower the ROS levels in A549 cells and have potential free radical scavenging (DPPH, Hydroxyl) activity and ferric reducing power in cell free systems. Thus combining all, vasicinone may be used to develop a new therapeutic agent against oxidative stress induced lung cancer.

• Toxicological Research
• /
• 제34권2호
• /
• pp.133-141
• /
• 2018

Anti-cancer drugs such as cisplatin and doxorubicin are effectively used more than radiotherapy. Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic drug, used for treatment of various forms of cancer. However, it has side effects such as ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity increases tubular damage and renal dysfunction. Consequently, we investigated the beneficial effect of cynaroside on cisplatin-induced kidney injury using HK-2 cell (human proximal tubule cell line) and an animal model. Results indicated that $10{\mu}M$ cynaroside diminished cisplatin-induced apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction and caspase-3 activation, cisplatin-induced upregulation of caspase-3/MST-1 pathway decreased by treatment of cynaroside in HK-2 cells. To confirm the effect of cynaroside on cisplatin-induced kidney injury in vivo, we used cisplatin exposure animal model (20 mg/kg, balb/c mice, i.p., once a day for 3 days). Renal dysfunction, tubular damage and neutrophilia induced by cisplatin injection were decreased by cynaroside (10 mg/kg, i.p., once a day for 3 days). Results indicated that cynaroside decreased cisplatin-induced kidney injury in vitro and in vivo, and it could be used for improving cisplatin-induced side effects. However, further experiments are required regarding toxicity by high dose cynaroside and caspase-3/MST-1-linked signal transduction in the animal model.