• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.8
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• pp.3977-3982
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• 2012

Inhibitors of histone deacetylase activity are emerging as a potentially important new class of anticancer agents. In this study, we assessed the anticancer effects of valproic acid (VPA) on ovarian cancer in vitro and in vivo. Cultured SKOV3 cells were treated by VPA with different concentrations and time, then the effects on cell growth, cell cycle, apoptosis, and related events were investigated. A human ovarian cancer model transplanted subcutaneously in nude mice was established, and the efficacy of VPA used alone and in combination with diammine dichloroplatinum (DDP) to inhibit the growth of tumors was also assessed. Proliferation of SKOV3 cells was inhibited by VPA in a dose and time dependent fashion. The cell cycle distribution changed one treatment with VPA, with decrease in the number of S-phase cells and increase in G1-phase. VPA could significantly inhibit the growth of the epithelial ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells in vivo without toxic side effects. Treatment with VPA combined with DDP demonstrated enhanced anticancer effects. The result of flow cytometry (FCM) indicated that after VPA in vitro and in vivo, the expression of E-cadherin was increased whereas vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were decreased. This study suggests that VPA could be a novel attractive agent for treatment of ovarian cancer.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.101-107
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• 2008

Studies on hypoxia-signaling pathways have revealed novel Fe(II) and $\alpha$-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases that hydroxylate prolyl or asparaginyl residues of a transactivator, Hypoxia-Inducible $Factor-\alpha(HIF-\alpha)$ protein. The recognition of these unprecedented dioxygenases has led to open a new paradigm that the hydroxylation mediates an instant post-translational modification of a protein in response to the changes in cellular concentrations of oxygen, reducing agents, or $\alpha$-ketoglutarate. Activity of $HIF-\alpha$ is repressed by two hydroxylases. One is $HIF-\alpha$ specific prolyl-hydroxylases, referred as prolyl-hydroxylase domain(PHD). The other is $HIF-\alpha$ specific asparaginyl-hydroxylase, referred as factor-inhibiting HIF-1(FIH-1). The facts (i) that many dioxygenases commonly use molecular oxygen and reducing agents during detoxification of xenobiotics, (ii) that detoxification reaction produces radicals and reactive oxygen species, and (iii) that activities of both PHD and FIH-1 are regulated by the changes in the balance between oxygen species and reducing agents, imply the possibility that the activity of $HIF-\alpha$ can be increased during detoxification process. The importance of $HIF-\alpha$ in cancer and ischemic diseases has been emphasized since its target genes mediate various hypoxic responses including angiogenesis, erythropoiesis, glycolysis, pH balance, metastasis, invasion and cell survival. Therefore, activators of PHDs and FIH-1 can be potential anticancer drugs which could reduce the activity of HIF, whereas inhibitors, for preventing ischemic diseases. This review highlights these novel dioxygenases, PHDs and FIH-1 as specific target against not only cancers but also ischemic diseases.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.499-506
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• 2002

Two of the essential processes required for metastasis are neoangiogenesis and tumor cell invasion of basement membranes (BM) and extracellular matrix (ECM). Recently, data showed that herbs removing blood stasis has an anti-angiogenic effects. Tonifying vital Qi and eliminating pathogenic factor was a basic modality in Oriental oncology. In this study, we investigated several Qi and Blood tonics for potent angiogenic inhibitors. Methanol extracts of samples inhibited the proliferation of ECV-304 at the concentration of 100 ㎍/㎖. Zizyphi Fructus, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Angelicae Gigantis Radix decreased the gelatinolytic activity of MMP-9 from ECV-3Q4, at the concentration of 100 ㎍/㎖ in gelatin zymography. In in vitro invasion assay, herbs inhibited the invasion activity of ECV-304 by 53% of control (Ginseng Radix), 39% (Zizyphi Fructus), 36% (Angelicae Gigantis Radix), 25% (Glycyrrhizae Radix). Ginseng Radix inhibited the capillary-like tube formation of ECV-304 at the concentration of 160 ㎍/㎖, Angelicae Gigantis Radix and Paeoniae Radix Alba inhibited at the concentration of 320 ㎍/㎖. These results indicated that Ginseng Radix, Glycyrrhizae Radix, and Angelicae Gigantis Radix could be considered as potent angiogenic inhibitiors.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.93-102
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• 2018

Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) is involved in tumorigenesis and angiogenesis. However, its role in lymphangiogenesis has been unknown. Here, we tested whether downregulation of DDR1 expression by miR-199a/b can suppress lymphangiogenesis. We also aimed to identify miRNA target site(s) in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of DDR1. Transfection with miR-199a/b-5p mimics reduced expression of DDR1 and tube formation in primary human dermal lymphatic endothelial cells, whereas miR-199a/b-5p inhibitors showed the opposite effects. Critically, injection of miR-199a/b-5p mimics suppressed DDR1 expression and lymphangiogenesis in a corneal alkali-burn rat model. The three well-conserved seed matched sites for miR-199a/b-5p in the DDR1 3'-UTR were targeted, and miRNA binding to at least two sites was required for DDR1 inhibition. Our data suggest that DDR1 promotes enhanced lymphangiogenesis during eye injury, and miR-199a/b-5p suppresses this activity by inhibiting DDR1 expression. Thus, this miRNA may be useful for the treatment of lymphangiogenesis-related eye diseases.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.246-254
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• 2023

Background: Here, we aimed to assess the inhibitory effect of a new compound from Panax ginseng on the migration of human ovarian cancer cells and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Methods: A new compound, ginsenglactone A (1), was isolated from ginseng roots, together with seven known compounds (2-8). Spectroscopic data were used to elucidate the chemical structure of 1. The tubular structure formation in HUVECs was assessed by Mayer's hematoxylin staining. The migration of A2780 cells was evaluated using the scratch wound healing assay. Results: HUVECs treated with 1 had the statistically significant decrease in tubular structure formation compared to the HUVECs treated with compounds 2-8. This effect was enhanced by co-treatment with inhibitors for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) (LY294002) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) (U0126). Treatment with 1 decreased the expression of phosphorylation of ERK, PI3K, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor2 (VEGFR2), Akt, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). In addition, the ability of A2780 cells to cover the scratched area were also decreased. This effect was enhanced by co-treatment with U0126. Lastly, treatment with 1 decreased the phosphorylation of ERK, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and MMP-2. Conclusion: These results suggest that ginsenglactone A is a potential inhibitor of HUVEC tubular structure formation and A2780 cellular migration, which may be helpful for understanding its anticancer mechanism.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.45 no.12
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• pp.935-949
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• 2022

Liver cancer has a high prevalence, with majority of the cases presenting as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The prognosis of metastatic HCC has hardly improved over the past decade, highlighting the necessity for liver cancer research. Studies have reported the ability of the KiSS1 gene to inhibit the growth or metastasis of liver cancer, but contradictory research results are also emerging. We, therefore, sought to investigate the effects of KiSS1 on growth and migration in human HCC cells. HepG2 human HCC cells were infected with lentivirus particles containing KiSS1. The overexpression of KiSS1 resulted in an increased proliferation rate of HCC cells. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting revealed increased Akt activity, and downregulation of the G1/S phase cell cycle inhibitors. A significant increase in tumor spheroid formation with upregulation of β-catenin and CD133 was also observed. KiSS1 overexpression promoted the migratory, invasive ability, and metastatic capacity of the hepatocarcinoma cell line, and these effects were associated with changes in the expressions of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT)- related genes such as E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and slug. KiSS1 overexpression also resulted in dramatically increased tumor growth in the xenograft mouse model, and upregulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Ki-67 in the HCC tumors. Furthermore, KiSS1 increased the angiogenic capacity by upregulation of the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and CD31. Based on these observations, we infer that KiSS1 not only induces HCC proliferation, but also increases the metastatic potential by increasing the migratory ability and angiogenic capacity.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.77-90
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• 2004

Purpose: The purpose of this review Is to provide an update on novel radiation treatments for head and neck cancer Recent Findings: Despite the remarkable advances In chemotherapy and radiotherapy techniques, the management of advanced head and neck cancer remains challenging. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) Is an appealing target for novel therapies In head and neck cancer because not only EGFR activation stimulates many important signaling pathways associated with cancer development and progression, and importantly, resistance to radiation. Furthermore, EGFR overexpression Is known to be portended for a worse outcome in patients with advanced head and neck cancer. Two categories of compounds designed to abrogate EGFR signaling, such as monoclonal antibodies (Cetuxlmab) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (ZD1839 and 051-774) have been assessed and have been most extensively studied In preclinical models and clinical trials. Additional TKIs In clinical trials include a reversible agent, Cl-1033, which blocks activation of all erbB receptors. Encouraging preclinical data for head and neck cancers resulted In rapid translation Into the clinic. Results from Initial clinical trials show rather surprisingly that only minority of patients benefited from EGFR inhibition as monotherapy or In combination with chemotherapy. In this review, we begin with a brief summary of erbB- mediated signal transduction. Subsequently, we present data on prognostic-predictive value of erbB receptor expression in HNC followed by preclinlcal and clinical data on the role of EGFR antagonists alone or in combination with radiation In the treatment of HNC. Finally, we discuss the emerging thoughts on resistance to EGFR biockade and efforts In the development of multiple-targeted therapy for combination with chemotherapy or radiation. Current challenges for investigators are to determine (1 ) who will benefit from targeted agents and which agents are most appropriate to combine with radiation and/or chemotherapy, (2) how to sequence these agents with radiation and/or cytotoxlc compounds, (3) reliable markers for patient selection and verification of effective blockade of signaling in vivo, and (4) mechanisms behind intrinsic or acquired resistance to targeted agents to facilitate rational development of multi-targeted therapy, Other molecuiar-targeted approaches In head and neck cancer were briefly described, Including angloenesis Inhibitors, farnesyl transferase inhibitors, cell cycle regulators, and gene therapy Summary: Novel targeted theraples are highly appealing in advanced head and neck cancer, and the most premising strategy to use them Is a matter of intense Investigation.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.314-320
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• 2001

Matrix metalloproteinases have long been viewed as ideal candidates for proteinases that enables tumor cells to permeated basement membrane defenses and invade surrounding tissue. There is growing evidence that the MMPs have an expanded role, as they are important for the creation and maintenance of a microenvironment that facilitates growth and angiogenesis of tumors at primary and metastatic sites. MT-MMPs are not secreted but instead remaining attached to cell surfaces. Although not all of the MT-MMPs are fully characterized, MT-MMPs have important role in localizing and activating secreted MMPs. The MMP genes are transcriptionally responsive to a wide variety of oncogene, growth factors, cytokine, and hormones. Currently, a number of MMP inhibitors are being developed and some have reached clinical trials as anti-metastatic or anti-cancer therapies. MT1-MMP is involved in the activation of proMMP-2. MT1-MMP is significant not only as a tumor marker but as a new target for chemotherapy against cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of protein kinase C inhibitor(genistein) on the proliferation of HT1080 and expression of MT1-MMP mRNA. Human fibrosarcoma cell line HT1080 was cultured and divided 2 groups. The experimental group was treated with $100{\mu}M$ genistein and incubated 12h, 24h for $[3^H]-thymidine$ uptake assay and northern hybridization individually. And the control group was treated with same amount of PBS for the above procedures. $[3^H]-thymidine$ incorporation was measured with ${\beta}$ ray detector. And RT-PCR and northern blotting for MT1-MMP mRNA was performed. The results were as follows 1. $[3^H]-thymidine$ uptake was reduced in experimental group with statistical significance. 2. MT1-MMP mRNA expression was significantly reduced in experimental group. These results showed that protein kinase C inhibitor (genistein) inhibited proliferation of HT1080 and almost completely blocked transcription of MT1-MMP mRNA. So, it is possible to use the protein kinase inhibitor (genistein) as anti-metastatic and anti-proliferative agent.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.223-229
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• 2016

Purpose: This study is to investigate the effect of captopril when combined with irradiation. Materials and Methods: 4T1 (mouse mammary carcinoma) cells were injected in the right hind leg of Balb/c mice. Mice were randomized to four groups; control (group 1), captopril-treated (group 2), irradiated (group 3), irradiated and captopril-treated concurrently (group 4). Captopril was administered by intraperitoneal injection (10 mg/kg) daily and irradiation was delivered on the tumor-bearing leg for 15 Gy in 3 fractions. Surface markers of splenic neutrophils (G-MDSCs) and intratumoral neutrophils (tumor-associated neutrophils [TANs]) were assessed using flow cytometry and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha ($HIF-1{\alpha}$) of tumor was evaluated by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Results: The mean tumor volumes (${\pm}$standard error) at the 15th day after randomization were $1,382.0({\pm}201.2)mm^3$ (group 1), $559.9({\pm}67.8)mm^3$ (group 3), and $370.5({\pm}48.1)mm^3$ (group 4), respectively. For G-MDSCs, irradiation reversed decreased expression of CD101 from tumor-bearing mice, and additional increase of CD101 expression was induced by captopril administration. Similar tendency was observed in TANs. The expression of tumor-necrosis factor-associated molecules, CD120 and CD137, are increased by irradiation in both G-MDSCs and TANs. Further increment was observed by captopril except CD120 in TANs. For IHC staining, VEGF and $HIF-1{\alpha}$ positivity in tumor cells were decreased when treated with captopril. Conclusion: Captopril is suggested to have additional effect when combined to irradiation in a murine tumor model by modulation of MDSCs and angiogenesis.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.292-297
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• 2006

One of the steps in angiogenesis is the degradation of the underlying basement membrane via proteases. Endothelial cells release proteinases to degrade the extracellular matrix for their sprouting in vivo. In this study, we examined the effect of water extracts of Phellinus linteusis(Phellinus extracts) and combination of Phellinus extracts and fibroblast growth factor(FGF-2) on cultured porcine pulmonary artery endothelial cells(PPAECs). Phellinus extracts induced sprouting of PPAECs, which was inhibited by MMPs and plasmin inhibitors, and induced the secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-3(MMP-3) and plasmin. At high concentration of Phellinus extracts($200{\sim}400{\mu}g/mL$), the active MMP-2 secretion was induced. It is therefore, suggested that Phellinus extracts induces the sprouting of cultured endothelial cells by means of increased active MMP-2 and plasmin secretion. Also, combination with Phellinus extracts and FGF-2 produced an enhanced effect on sprouting and secretion of active MMP-2, and MMP-3 and plasmin from PPAECs.