• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.59-69
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• 2016

Objectives: The mushroom Ganoderma lucidum has been widely used as a traditional herbal medicine for many years. Although several studies have focused on the anti-oxidative activity of this mushroom, the molecular mechanisms underlying its activity have not yet been clearly established. The present study investigated the cytoprotective effect of ethanol extract of Ganoderma lucidum (EGL) against oxidative stress (hydrogen peroxide, $H_2O_2$) and elucidated the underlying mechanisms in a C2C12 myoblast cell line. Methods: Oxidative stress markers were determined by using the comet assay to measure reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage. Cell viability and Western blotting analyses were employed to evaluate the cellular response to EGL and $H_2O_2$ in C2C12 cells. Transfection with nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-specific small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) was conducted to understand the relationship between Nrf2 expression and $H_2O_2$-induced growth inhibition. Results: The results showed that EGL effectively inhibited $H_2O_2$-induced growth and the generation of ROS. EGL markedly suppressed $H_2O_2$-induced comet-like DNA formation and phosphorylation of histone H2AX at serine 139 ($p-{\gamma}H2AX$), a widely used marker of DNA damage, suggesting that EGL prevented $H_2O_2$-induced DNA damage. Furthermore, the EGL treatment effectively induced the expression of Nrf2, as well as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), with parallel phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of Nrf2 in the C2C12 myoblasts. However, zinc protoporphyrin IX, a HO-1 inhibitor, significantly abolished the protective effects of EGL against $H_2O_2$-induced accumulation of ROS and reduced cell growth. Notably, transient transfection with Nrf2-specific siRNA attenuated the cytoprotective effects and HO-1 induction by EGL, indicating that EGL induced the expression of HO-1 in an Nrf2-dependent manner. Conclusion: Collectively, these results demonstrate that EGL augments the cellular anti-oxidant defense capacity through activation of Nrf2/HO-1, thereby protecting C2C12 myoblasts from $H_2O_2$-induced oxidative cytotoxicity.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.169-178
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• 2013

Objectives : Many cancers acquired resistance to chemotherapy, thus limiting its anticancer efficacy. It is known that Glutathione (GSH) is related to the development of drug resistance. The expression of GSH synthesizing glutamylcysteine ligase (GCL) was controlled by nuclear factor-E2-related factor(Nrf2). Previous studies showed that pharmacological depletion of GSH results in ROS increase, apoptotic response, and sensitization to oxidizing stimuli. In the current study, we examined Saussurea Lappa (SL) have the inhibitory effect on Nrf2 activity using human lung cancer A549 cells overexpressing Nrf2. Methods : Cell viability of A549 cells on SL treatment was determined by MTT assay. To detect the apeptosis in SL-treated A549 cells, sub-G1 population was measured by flow cytometry analysis (FACS). The level ROS was determined by FACS and fluorescence microscopy. To investigate whether SL have effect the suppression on Nrf2, we performed western blotting analysis. The GSH content was measured since GSH plays an important role in response to oxidative stress and was regulated by Nrf2. Results : A549 cells treated with an SL extract showed a substantial decrease in cell viability, along with a concomitant increase in apoptosis compared to untreated cells. Treatment of the SL extract led to increased Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and a suppression of Nrf2. In addition, the antioxidant NAC attenuated SL-induced ROS generation, Nrf2 inhibition, and apoptosis. Taken together, these data show that the SL extract induced the production of ROS, and the inhibition of Nrf2, consequently resulting in A549 cell death. Conclusions : These results suggest that SL might be an effective agent to enhance anticancer drug sensitivity via Nrf2 inhibition.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.60-65
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• 2013

3,4,5-Trihydroxycinnamic acid (THC) is a derivative of hydroxycinnamic acids, which have been reported to possess a variety of biological properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and neuroprotective activities. However, biological activity of THC has not been extensively examined. Recently, we reported that THC possesses anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. However, its precise mechanism by which THC exerts anti-inflammatory action has not been clearly identified. Therefore, the present study was carried out to understand the anti-inflammatory mechanism of THC in BV2 microglial cells. THC effectively suppressed the LPS-induced induction of pro-inflammatory mediators such as NO, TNF-${\alpha}$, and IL-$1{\beta}$. THC also suppressed expression of MCP-1, which plays a key role in the migration of activated microglia. To understand the underlying mechanism by which THC exerts these anti-inflammatory properties, involvement of Nrf2, which is a cytoprotective transcription factor, was examined. THC resulted in increased phosphorylation of Nrf2 with consequent expression of HO-1 in a concentration-dependent manner. THC-induced phosphorylation of Nrf2 was blocked with SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, indicating that p38 MAPK is the responsible kinase for the phosphorylation of Nrf2. Taken together, the present study for the first time demonstrates that THC exerts anti-inflammatory properties through the activation of Nrf2 in BV2 microglial cells, suggesting that THC might be a valuable therapeutic adjuvant for the treatment of inflammation-related disorders in the CNS.

• BMB Reports
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• v.48 no.11
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• pp.636-641
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• 2015

There are controversial findings regarding the roles of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway on bone metabolism under oxidative stress. We investigated how Nrf2/HO-1 pathway affects osteoblast differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells in response to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), or both. Exposing the cells to H₂O₂ decreased the alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium accumulation, and expression of osteoblast markers, such as osteocalcin and runt-related transcription factor-2. In contrast, H₂O₂ treatment increased the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in the cells. Treatment with hemin, a chemical HO-1 inducer, mimicked the inhibitory effect of H₂O₂ on osteoblast differentiation by increasing the HO-1 expression and decreasing the osteogenic marker genes. Pretreatment with NAC restored all changes induced by H₂O₂ to near normal levels in the cells. Collectively, our findings suggest that H₂O₂-mediated activation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway negatively regulates the osteoblast differentiation, which is inhibited by NAC.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.466-472
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• 2011

NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a master regulator of antioxidant genes in animals, has been associated with the resistance of cancer cells to several cytotoxic chemotherapeutics. Bortezomib, a reversible inhibitor of the 26S proteasome, is a novel class anti-cancer therapeutics approved for the treatment of refractory multiple myeloma. However, the molecular mechanism of drug-resistance remains elusive. In the present study, bortezomib sensitivity has been investigated in Nrf2 knockdown ovarian cancer cells. When Nrf2 expression is stably repressed using interfering RNA expression, bortezomib-induced apoptosis and cell death were significantly enhanced compared to nonspecific RNA control cells. Knockdown cells showed elevated expression in the catalytic subunit PSMB5, PSMB6, and PSMB7 compared to the control, and failed to induce heme oxygenase-1 expression following bortezomib treatment. These indicate that differential proteasome levels and altered expression of stress-response genes could be underlying mechanisms of bortezomib sensitization in Nrf2-inhibited ovarian cancer cells.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.11 no.6
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• pp.376-382
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• 2011

Background: Carbon monoxide (CO) is a cytoprotective and homeostatic molecule with important signaling capabilities in physiological and pathophysiological situations. CO protects cells/tissues from damage by free radicals or oxidative stress. NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) is a highly inducible enzyme that is regulated by the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway, which is central to efficient detoxification of reactive metabolites and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Methods: We generated NQO1 promoter construct. HepG2 cells were treated with CO Releasing Molecules-2 (CORM-2) or CO gas and the gene expressions were measured by RT-PCR, immunoblot, and luciferase assays. Results: CO induced expression of NQO1 in human hepatocarcinoma cell lines by activation of Nrf2. Exposure of HepG2 cells to CO resulted in significant induction of NQO1 in dose- and time-dependent manners. Analysis of the NQO1 promoter indicated that an antioxidant responsible element (ARE)-containing region was critical for the CO-induced Nrf2-dependent increase of NQO1 gene expression in HepG2 cells. Conclusion: Our results suggest that CO-induced Nrf2 increases the expression of NQO1 which is well known to detoxify reactive metabolites and ROS.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.169-179
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• 2023

Purpose : Although human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) are a supportive factor for tissue engineering, oxidative stress during cell culture and transplantation has been shown to affect stem cell viability and mortality, leading to failed regeneration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and protective effects against cell damage of celecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor, and the antioxidant signal of hPDLSCs in H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress. Methods : To induce oxidative stress in cultured hPDLSCs, H₂O₂ was used as an exogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS). Dose-dependent celecoxib (.1, 1, 10, or 100 µM) was administered after H₂O₂ treatment. WST-1 assay was used to assess cell damage and western blot was used to observe antioxidant activity of hPDLSCs in oxidative stress. Immunohistochemistry was performed for inverting the localization of the SOD and Nrf2 antibody. Results : We found that progressive cell death was induced in hPDLSCs by H₂O₂ treatment. However, low-dose celecoxib reduced H₂O₂-induced cellular damage and eventually enhanced the SOD activity and Nrf2 signal of hPDLSCs. Oxidative stress-induced morphological change in hPDLSCs included lowered the survival and number of spindle-shaped cells, and shrinkage and shortening of cell fibers. Notably, celecoxib promoted cell survival function and activated antioxidants such as SOD and Nrf2 by positively regulating the cell survival signal pathway, and also reduced the number of morphological changes in hPDLS. Immunohistochemistry results showed a greater number of SOD- and Nrf2-stained cells in the celecoxib-treated group following oxidative stress. Conclusion : By increasing SOD and Nrf2 expression at the antioxidant system, the findings suggest that celecoxib enhanced the antioxidative ability of hPDLSCs and protected cell viability against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress by increasing SOD and Nrf2 expression in the antioxidant system.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.49-53
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• 2013

A number of naturally-occurring or synthetic chemicals have been reported to exhibit prostate chemopreventive effects. Synthetic $5{\alpha}$-reductase (5-AR) inhibitors, e.g. finasteride and durasteride, gained special interests as possible prostate chemopreventive agents. Indeed, two large-scale epidemiological studies have demonstrated that finasteride or durasteride significantly reduced the incidence of prostate cancer formation in men. However, these studies have raised an unexpected concern; finasteride and durasteride increased the occurrence of aggressive prostate tumor formation. In the present study, we have observed that treatment of finasteride did not affect the growth of androgen-refractory PC-3 prostate cancer cells. Finasteride also failed to induce apoptosis or affect the expression of proto-oncogenes in PC-3 cells. Interestingly, we found that treatment of finasteride induced the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins in PC-3 cells. In particular, basal level of Nrf2 protein was higher in androgen-refractory prostate cancer cells, e.g. DU-145 and PC-3 cells, compared with androgen-responsive prostate cancer cells, e.g. LNCaP cells. Also, treatment of finasteride resulted in a selective induction of Nrf2 protein in DU-145 and PC-3 cells, but not in LNCaP cells. In view of the fact that upregulation of Nrf2-mediated phase II cytoprotective enzymes contribute to attenuating tumor promotion in normal cells, but, on the other hand, confers a selective advantage for cancer cells to proliferate and survive against chemical carcinogenesis and other forms of toxicity, we propose that finasteride-mediated induction of Nrf2 protein might be responsible, at least in part, for an increased risk of high-grade prostate tumor formation in men.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.279-282
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• 2009

"Two-cysteine" peroxiredoxins are antioxidant enzymes that exert a cytoprotective effect in many models of oxidative stress. However, under highly oxidizing conditions they can be inactivated through hyperoxidation of their peroxidatic active site cysteine residue. Sulfiredoxin can reverse this hyperoxidation, thus reactivating peroxiredoxins. Here we review recent investigations that have shed further light on sulfiredoxin's role and regulation. Studies have revealed sulfiredoxin to be a dynamically regulated gene whose transcription is induced by a variety of signals and stimuli. Sulfiredoxin expression is regulated by the transcription factor AP-1, which mediates its up-regulation by synaptic activity in neurons, resulting in protection against oxidative stress. Furthermore, sulfiredoxin has been identified as a new member of the family of genes regulated by Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) via a conserved cis-acting antioxidant response element (ARE). As such, sulfiredoxin is likely to contribute to the net antioxidative effect of small molecule activators of Nrf2. As discussed here, the proximal AP-1 site of the sulfiredoxin promoter is embedded within the ARE, as is common with Nrf2 target genes. Other recent studies have shown that sulfiredoxin induction via Nrf2 may form an important part of the protective response to oxidative stress in the lung, preventing peroxiredoxin hyperoxidation and, in certain cases, subsequent degradation. We illustrate here that sulfiredoxin can be rapidly induced in vivo by administration of CDDO-TFEA, a synthetic triterpenoid inducer of endogenous Nrf2, which may offer a way of reversing peroxiredoxin hyperoxidation in vivo following chronic or acute oxidative stress.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.55-61
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• 2016

Antioxidant effects and nuclear factor E2-related factor-2 (Nrf-2) signal pathway of methanol extract and 4 fractions [n-hexane, methylene chloride, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and n-butanol fractions] from Petasites japonicus were investigated. The EtOAc fraction showed highest polyphenol and flavonoid contents among other fractions. In addition, EtOAc fraction showed stronger scavenging activity against superoxide anion radical than other fractions. Furthermore, we investigated antioxidants effects of the EtOAc fraction under cellular system using $LLC-PK_1$ cells. The EtOAc fraction dose-dependently increased the antioxidant protein expressions of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1) known to be involved in oxidative stress, through activation of Nrf-2. The treatment of EtOAc fraction ($100{\mu}g/mL$) led to the elevation of the high expression of Nrf-2-dependent factor such as HO-1 and TrxR1. These results indicated that the EtOAc fraction of P. japonicus showed high antioxidant activity by regulation of Nrf-2 signaling pathway.