• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.302-309
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• 2005

Background : Death by cancer, malignant tumor, is on the increase around the world. In South Korea, cancer is the number one cause of death, and, in South Korea, stomach cancer is the most common form of cancer. This may be due to genetic and enviornmental factors. Because stomach cancer is so prevalent here, this study was undertaken. Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the anti-cancer effects of Duchesnea indica(Andr.) Focke. in human stomach cancer cells(KATOIII). Materials & Methods: For human stomach cancer cells KATO III cells were obtained from Korea Cell Line Bank. The water decoction of Duchesnea indica(Andr.) Focke was added to cultures. First, morphological changes were examined under an inverted microscope. The destruction of stomach cancer cells was measured through Trypan blue exclusion testing, and suppression of viability of stomach cancer cells was measured via MTT assay. Anti-cancer mechanisms were assessed by analyzing the cell cycle. Results & Conclusions : In morphologic change, stomach cancer cells showed the withdrawn and floating appearance that is typical in cellular impairment. In each test group more stomach cancer cells were killed than in the control group to a statistically significant degree. Each test group showed more suppression of viability of stomach cancer cells than that of the control group to a statistically significant degree. Analysis of the cell cycle showed that Duchesnea indica(Andr.) Focke inhibited division of stomach cancer cells. This experiment yielded empirical evidence for Duchesnea indica(Andr.) Focke as a statistically significant anticarcinogen, specifically against stomach cancer.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.310-319
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• 2005

Objectives: The aim is to identify any anti-tumor effects of Duchesnea indica(Andr.) Focke on colon cancer cells. Materials & Methods: Colo201 human adenocarcinoma cells were obtained from American Type Culture Collection. The boiled extract of Duchesnea indica(Andr.) Focke was added (10 and 20 microliters) to cultures and observed at 0, 6, and 12 hours, and at 12-hour intervals thereafter. Morphological changes in colon cancer cells were observed through an inverted microscope, Destruction of colon cancer cells was measured through Trypan blue exclusion testing. Suppression of the viability of colon cancer cells were measured via MTT assay. Anti-cancer mechanisms in the cell cycle of colon cancer cells were analysed via flow cytometry. Results: After introduction of Duchesnea indica(Andr.) Focke to cultures several changes were seen. Significant atrophy of the nucleus and cytoplasm of colon cancer cells was observed, indicating cell injury. Destruction of colon cancer cells was observed in direct proportion to dosage and duration. Suppression of viability of colon cancer cells for each test group was greater than that of the control group increasingly over time(36h, 48h, 60h, 72h), which was statistical significant (p<0.05). Cell numbers of the mitosis phase of the colon cancer cell cycle reduced. Conclusions: Statistcally significant anti-tumor effects of Duchesnea indica(Andr.) Focke were observed in this in vitro experiment. Results support a role for Duchesnea indica(Andr.) Focke in treatment of colon cancer. though it will required progressive research to develop a practical treatment.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.161-170
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• 2011

Quercetin is one of the most distributed flavonoids in the plant kingdom and occurs naturally in a wide range of fruits and vegetables. This study was undertaken to determine whether quercetin exerts beneficial effect against necrotic and apoptotic cell death induced by hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O2$) in intestinal cells using the human-derived cultured T84 colonic epithelial cell line. Necrotic cell death was induced by exposing cells to 0.5 mM $H_2O_2$ for 2 h and apoptosis was induced by incubating cells in normal culture medium for 18 h following exposure of cells to 0.5 mM $H_2O2$ for 2 h. Cell viability was evaluated by the trypan blue exclusion assay and apoptosis was assessed by Hoechst 33258 staining and flow cytometry. $H_2O_2$ induced necrotic cell death in a time and dose-dependent fashion. Both necrotic and apoptotic cell deaths were not prevented by the antioxidants N,N'-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine(DPPD) and Trolox, whereas both cell deaths induced by the organic hydroperoxide t-butylhydroperoxide (tBHP) were prevented by DPPD, suggesting that $H_2O_2$ induces cell death through a lipid peroxidation-independent mechanism. $H_2O2$-induced necrotic death was prevented by deferoxamine and 3-aminobenzamide, while the apoptotic cell death was not affected by these agents. Quercetin prevented both necrotic and apoptotic cell deaths induced by $H_2O_2$ in a dose-dependent manner. $H_2O_2$ caused activation of poly (ADP-ribose) polmerase (PARP), which was inhibited by deferoxamine, 3-aminobenzamide, and quercetin, but not DPPD. These results indicate that quercetin inhibits both necroticand apoptotic deaths of T84 cells. The anti-necrotic effect of quercetin may be attributed to its iron chelator activity rather than a direct $H_2O_2$ scavenging capacity and antioxidant. The present study suggests that quercetin may play a therapeutic role in the treatment of human gastrointestinal diseases mediated by oxidants.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.147-167
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• 2000

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the pathogenesis of a variety of life threatening conditions such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and cerebral stroke. In this study, the effect of Sunghyangchungisan (SHCS) as a cytoproctant against ROS-induced cell injury was studied by investigating its effect on $H_{2}O_2-induced$ cell injury in cultured endothelial cells derived from the human umbilical vein. SHCS effectively proteced the cells against $H_{2}O_2-induced$ injury determined by trypan blue exclusion ability and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. The effect of SHCS was concentration-dependent and the concentrations to inhibit by 50% the cell death and LDH release were $0.9{\pm}0.1$ and $1.2{\pm}0.1\;mg/ml$, respectively. In addition, SHCS effectively protected the cells against t-butylhydroperoside- and menadione-Induced injury as well. SHCS inhibited lipid peroxidation determined by malondialdehyde production. SHCS exerted as an effective scavenger of ROS produced by exposing the cells to $H_{2}O_2$ The activities of the intracellular ROS scavenging enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were not Influenced by SHCS.These results indicate that SHCS might exert as an effective cytoprotectant against ROS-induced cell injury. Further intensive studies would provide us insights into mechanisms of the pharmacological actions of SHCS.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.581-590
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• 2016

Resistance to anoikis, a cell-detachment induced apoptosis, is one of the malignant phenotypes which support tumor metastasis. Molecular mechanisms underlying the establishment of this phenotype require further investigation. This study aimed at exploring protein expression profiles associated with anoikis resistance of a metastatic breast cancer cell. Cell survival of suspension cultures of non-metastatic MCF-7 and metastatic MDA-MB-231 cells were compared with their adherent cultures. Trypan blue exclusion assays demonstrated a significantly higher percentage of viable cells in MDA-MB-231 than MCF-7 cell cultures, consistent with analysis of annexin V-7-AAD stained cells indicating that MDA-MB-231 possess anti-apoptotic ability 1.7 fold higher than MCF-7 cells. GeLC-MS/MS analysis of protein lysates of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells grown under both culture conditions identified 925 proteins which are differentially expressed, 54 of which were expressed only in suspended and adherent MDA-MB-231 but not in MCF-7 cells. These proteins have been implicated in various cellular processes, including DNA replication and repair, transcription, translation, protein modification, cytoskeleton, transport and cell signaling. Analysis based on the STITCH database predicted the interaction of phospholipases, PLC and PLD, and 14-3-3 beta/alpha, YWHAB, with the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic signaling network, suggesting putative roles in controlling anti-anoikis ability. MDA-MB-231 cells grown in the presence of inhibitors of phospholipase C, U73122, and phospholipase D, FIPI, demonstrated reduced ability to survive in suspension culture, indicating functional roles of PLC and PLD in the process of anti-anoikis. Our study identified intracellular mediators potentially associated with establishment of anoikis resistance of metastatic cells. These proteins require further clarification as prognostic and therapeutic targets for advanced breast cancer.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.199-203
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• 2014

Background: Rosuvastatine, doxazosin, repaglinide and oxcarbazepin are therapeutic drugs available in the market for the treatment of different diseases. Potential to display antitumor activities has also been suggested. The aim of the current study was to evaluate their in vitro effects on some human transformed cell lines. Materials and Methods: Cytotoxicity of the four drugs was tested in MCF-7, HeLa and HepG2 cells by the neutral red assay method and also the effect of rosuvastatine and doxazosin against Ehrlich Ascities Carcinoma Cells (EACC) by trypan blue assay. Results: Rosuvastatine exerted the greatest cytotoxic effect against HepG2 cells with an $IC_{50}$ value of $58.7{\pm}69.3$; in contrast doxazosin showed least activity with $IC_{50}=104.4{\pm}115.7$. Repaglinide inhibited the growth of both HepG2 and HeLa cells with $IC_{50}$ values of $87.6{\pm}117.5$ and $89.3{\pm}119.5$, respectively. Oxcarbazepine showed a potent cytotoxicity against both HeLa ($IC_{50}=19.4{\pm}43.9$) and MCF7 cancer cells (($IC_{50}=22{\pm}35.7$).On the other hand the growth of EACC was completely inhibited by doxazosine (100% inhibition) while rosuvastatine had weak inhibitory activity (11.6%). Conclusions: The four tested drugs may have cytotoxic effects against hepatic, breast and cervical carcinoma cells; also doxazosine may inhibit the growth of endometrial cancer cells. Further investigations in animals are needed to confirm these results.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.12
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• pp.7719-7724
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• 2013

Background: Overexpression of survivin, a known inhibitor of apoptosis, is associated with tumor progression and drug resistance in numerous malignancies, including leukemias. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a specific survivin small interference RNA (siRNA) on proliferation and the sensitivity of HL-60 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells to the chemotherapeutic drug etoposide. Materials and Methods: The cells were transfected with siRNAs using Lipofectamine $^{TM}2000$ transfection reagent. Relative survivin mRNA and protein levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Trypan blue exclusion assays were performed to monitor tumor cell proliferation after siRNA transfection. The cytotoxic effects of etoposide and survivin siRNA, alone and in combination, on leukemic cells were determined using MTT assay. Apoptosis was assessed by ELISA cell death assay. Results: Survivin siRNA markedly reduced both mRNA and protein expression levels in a time-dependent manner, leading to distinct inhibition of cell proliferation and increased spontaneous apoptosis. Surprisingly, survivin siRNA synergistically increased the cell toxic effects of etoposide. Moreover, survivin down-regulation significantly enhanced its induction of apoptosis. Conclusions: Our study suggests that down-regulation of survivin by siRNA can trigger apoptosis and overcome drug resistance of leukemia cells. Therefore, survivin siRNA may be an effective adjuvant in AML chemotherapy.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.11
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• pp.4857-4861
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• 2016

Background: Imatinib mesylate, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor specifically targeting the BCR/ABL fusion protein, induces hematological remission in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, the majority of CML patients treated with imatinib develop resistance with prolonged therapy. Dendrophthoe pentandra (L.) Miq. is a Malaysian mistletoe species that has been used as a traditional treatment for several ailments such as smallpox, ulcers, and cancers. Methods: We developed a resistant cell line (designated as K562R) by long-term co-culture of a BCR/ABL positive CML cell line, K562, with imatinib mesylate. We then investigated the anti-proliferative effects of D. pentandra methanol extract on parental K562 and resistant K562R cells. Trypan blue exclusion assays were performed to determine the IC50 concentration; apoptosis and cell cycle analysis were conducted by flow cytometry. Results: D. pentandra extract had greater anti-proliferative effects towards K562R ($IC50=192{\mu}g/mL$) compared to K562 ($500{\mu}g/mL$) cells. Upon treatment with D. pentandra extract at the IC50. concentration: K562 but not K562R demonstrated increase in apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. Conclusion: D. pentandra methanol extract exerts potent anti-proliferative effect on BCR/ABL positive K562 cells.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.478-489
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• 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Morusin, a marker component of Morus alba L., possesses anti-cancer activity. The objective of this study was to determine autophagy-inducing effect of morusin in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and investigate the underlying mechanism. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Autophagy induction and the expression of autophagy-related proteins were analyzed by LC3 immunofluorescence and western blot, respectively. The role of autophagy and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was determined by treating NSCLC cells with bafilomycin A1, an autophagy inhibitor, and compound C, an AMPK inhibitor. Cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction were determined by MTT assay, trypan blue exclusion assay, annexin V-propidium iodide (PI) double staining assay, and cell cycle analysis. RESULTS: Morusin increased the formation of LC3 puncta in the cytoplasm and upregulated the expression of autophagy-related 5 (Atg5), Atg12, beclin-1, and LC3II in NSCLC cells, demonstrating that morusin could induce autophagy. Treatment with bafilomycin A1 markedly reduced cell viability but increased proportions of sub-G1 phase cells and annexin V-positive cells in H460 cells. These results indicate that morusin can trigger autophagy in NSCLC cells as a defense mechanism against morusin-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, we found that AMPK and its downstream acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) were phosphorylated, while mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and its downstream p70S6 kinase (p70S6K) were dephosphorylated by morusin. Morusin-induced apoptosis was significantly increased by treatment with compound C in H460 cells. These results suggest that morusin-induced AMPK activation could protect NSCLC cells from apoptosis probably by inducing autophagy. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that combination treatment with morusin and autophagy inhibitor or AMPK inhibitor might enhance the clinical efficacy of morusin for NSCLC.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.15-22
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• 2009

This study was undertaken to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of ATP depletion-induced membrane transport dysfunction and cell death in renal proximal tubular cells. ATP depletion was induced by incubating cells with 2.5 mM potassium cyanide(KCN)/0.1 mM iodoacetic acid(IAA), and membrane transport function and cell viability were evaluated by measuring $Na^+$-dependent phosphate uptake and trypan blue exclusion, respectively. ATP depletion resulted in a decrease in $Na^+$-dependent phosphate uptake and cell viability in a time-dependent manner. ATP depletion inhibited $Na^+$-dependent phosphate uptake in cells, when treated with 2 mM ouabain, a $Na^+$ pump-specific inhibitor, suggesting that ATP depletion impairs membrane transport functional integrity. Alterations in $Na^+$-dependent phosphate uptake and cell viability induced by ATP depletion were prevented by the hydrogen peroxide scavenger such as catalase and the hydroxyl radical scavengers(dimethylthiourea and thiourea), and amino acids(glycine and alanine). ATP depletion caused arachidonic acid release and increased mRNA levels of cytosolic phospholipase $A_2(cPLA_2)$. The ATP depletion-dependent arachidonic acid release was inhibited by $cPLA_2$ specific inhibitor $AACOCF_3$. ATP depletion-induced alterations in $Na^+$-dependent phosphate uptake and cell viability were prevented by $AACOCF_3$. Inhibition of $Na^+$-dependent phosphate uptake by ATP depletion was prevented by antipain and leupetin, serine/cysteine protease inhibitors, whereas ATP depletion-induced cell death was not altered by these agents. These results indicate that ATP depletion-induced alterations in membrane transport function and cell viability are due to reactive oxygen species generation and $cPLA_2$ activation in renal proximal tubular cells. In addition, the present data suggest that serine/cysteine proteases play an important role in membrane transport dysfunction, but not cell death, induced by ATP depletion.