• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• 제33권1호
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• pp.20-27
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• 2007

Eugenol is commonly used in dentistry for the sedation of toothache, pulpitis, and dental hyperalgesia. This study was performed to investigate the apoptotic effect of eugenol to human osteosarcoma (HOS) cells and the potential use of this compound in osteosarcoma cells. Eugenol showed the apoptotic effect in HOS cells in dose- and time-dependent manner. Fragmentation and condensation of DNA were showed by TUNEL assay, Hemacolor stain and Hoechst stain. In the DNA electrophoresis analysis, cells showed DNA degradation characteristic of apoptosis with a ladder pattern of DNA fragments. Apoptosis-related factors were analyzed by western blotting. Cells treated with eugenol showed caspase-3, PARP, lamin A and DFF-45 cleavage. Eugenol treatment induced caspase-3 cleavage and activation. Cleavages of PARP, DFF-45 and lamin A were accompanied with activation of caspase triggered by eugenol in HOS cells. Though this study needs more investigations, these results suggest that eugenol induce apoptosis via caspase dependent pathway in HOS cells and eugenol may constitute a potential antitumor compound against osteosarcoma cells.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제31권4호
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• pp.425-433
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• 2023

During liver injury, hepatic stellate cells can differentiate into myofibroblast-like structures, which are more susceptible to proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix generation, leading to liver fibrosis. Anaerobic glycolysis is associated with activated stellate cells and glyceraldehyde (GA) is an inhibitor of glucose metabolism. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the anti-fibrotic effects of GA in human stellate LX-2 cells. In this study, we used cell viability, morphological analysis, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), western blotting, and qRT-PCR techniques to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-fibrotic effects of GA in LX-2 cells. The results showed that GA significantly reduced cell density and inhibited cell proliferation and lactate levels in LX-2 cells but not in Hep-G2 cells. We found that GA prominently increased the activation of caspase-3/9 for apoptosis induction, and a pan-caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD-fmk, attenuated the cell death and apoptosis effects of GA, suggesting caspase-dependent cell death. Moreover, GA strongly elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and notably increased the phosphorylation of ERK and JNK. Interestingly, it dramatically reduced α-SMA and collagen type I protein and mRNA expression levels in LX-2 cells. Thus, inhibition of ERK and JNK activation significantly rescued GA-induced cell growth suppression and apoptosis in LX-2 cells. Collectively, the current study provides important information demonstrating the anti-fibrotic effects of GA, a glycolytic metabolite, and demonstrates the therapeutic potency of metabolic factors in liver fibrosis.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제18권6호
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• pp.804-813
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• 2008

본 연구에서는 전통 민간의학에서 많이 사용되는 동충하초(C. militaris)의 항암 작용에 관한 근거 자료의 제시를 위하여 동충하초 열수 추출물(WECM)의 항암 기전 해석을 시도하였다. 이를 위하여 HepG2 인체 간암세포를 사용하였으며, WECM의 처리에 의하여 HepG2 세포의 증식은 처리 농도의 증가에 따라 매우 억제되었다. WECM 처리에 의한 HepG2 세포의 증식 억제는 암세포의 심한 형태적 변형을 수반하였고, 이는 apoptosis 유도와 연관성이 있음을 DAPI 염색을 통한 apoptotic body 출현의 증가 및 flow cytometry 분석에 의한 sub-G1 기에 속하는 세포 빈도의 증가로 확인하였다. WECM 처리에 의한 HepG2 세포의 증식 억제는 또한 종양 억제 유전자 p53 및 CDKI p21의 발현 증가와도 연관성이 있음을 알 수 있었다. WECM 처리에 의한 apopotosis 유도에서 pro-apoptotic 인자인 Bax의 발현이 전사 및 번역 수준에서 매우 증가하였으며, caspase-3의 활성이 매우 높게 증가되었다. 특히 caspase-3 특이적 억제제인 z-DEVD-fmk로 caspase-3의 활성을 인위적으로 차단시켰을 경우, WECM에 의한 HepG2 세포의 apoptosis 유발에 caspase-3이 중심적인 역할을 하고 있음을 알 수 있었다. 본 연구 결과는 WECM의 생화학적 항암기전 해석을 이해하고 향후 수행될 추가 실험을 위한 기초 자료로서 그 가치가 매우 높은 것으로 생각된다.

• 대한한방부인과학회지
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• 제19권2호
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• pp.77-91
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• 2006

Purpose : To address the ability of Dohaekseungkitang (DST: a commonly used herb formulation in Korea, Japan and China to have anti-cancer effect on cervical carcinoma), we investigated the effects of DST on programmed cell death (apoptosis) in HeLa human cervical carcinoma cells. Methods : We cultured HeLa cell which is human metrocarcinoma cell in D-MEM included 10% fetal bovine serum(Hyclone Laboratories) below $37^{\circ}C$, 5% CO2. Then we observed apoptosis of log phage cell which is changed cultivation liquid 24 Hours periodically. Results : After the treatment of DST for 48 hours, apoptosis occurred in a dose-dependent manner. In this study, we have shown that DST induces calpain and the associated caspase-8 and -9 activations. Apoptosis was prevented by pre-incubation of the cells with the calcium cHeLator-BAPTA-AM, calcium channel blocker-Nif edipine or Ryonidine agonist-Ryonidine peptide, implicating calcium in the apoptotic process. Ubiquitous calpains (mu- and m-calpain) have been repeatedly implicated in apoptosis, especially in calcium-related apoptosis. However this study showed 1hat either calpain inhibitor-calpastin or caspase-3 inhibitor-DEVD- did not blocked the herb formulation-induced apoptosis in HeLa human cervical carcinoma cells. D ST initiates a cell death pathway that is partially dependent of caspases. DST-induced apoptosis requires caspase-independent mechanism. Conclusion : We conclude that DST-induced calpain activation triggers the intrinsic apoptotic pathway in which caspase-independent mechanism is also involved.

• 대한한방내과학회지
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• 제33권4호
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• pp.587-598
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• 2012

Objectives : This study was performed to elucidate the pro-apoptotic effect of Artemisiae capillaris herba extracted with ethanol on biliary tract cancer cells. Materials and Methods : The biliary tract cancer cell line SNU-1196 was used in this study. Cells were treated with different concentrations of Artemisiae capillaris herba for 24, 48 and 72 hours. After the treatment, cell viability, apoptosis, caspase activities and the mRNA expressions of the Bcl-2, Bax, P53, and P21 were measured by using MTT assay, cell cycle analysis, apoptosis assay, and RT-PCR. The cell cycle analysis was done by flow cytometry and apoptosis assay by cell death detection ELISA kit. Results : Artemisiae capillaris herba inhibited proliferation of SNU-1196 in long-time culture group with dose-dependent manner. All cells treated with Artemisiae capillaris herba showed increased apoptosis with dose- and time-dependent manner. Exposure of SNU-1196 to Artemisiae capillaris herba induced caspase-3 activation. However, apeoptosis was blocked when SNU-1196 was treated together with the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK and the caspase-3 inhibitor Z-DEVE-FMK. After the treatment of Artemisiae capillaris herba, the mRNA expressions of caspase -3, -8, -9, p53, and p21 was increased in all cells. Artemisiae capillaris herba resulted in a significant decrease in Bcl-2 and an increase in Bax mRNA levels. Conclusions : These results suggest that Artemisiae capillaris herba would be beneficial in the treatment of biliary tract cancer.

• 대한약침학회지
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• 제19권2호
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• pp.129-136
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• 2016

Objectives: The crude extracts of Scutellaria barbata D. Don (SB) have traditionally demonstrated inhibitory effects on numerous human cancers both in vitro and in vivo. Gastric cancer is one of the most common types of cancer on world. The authors investigated the effects of an ethanol extract of Scutellaria barbata D. Don (ESB) on the growth and survival of MKN-45 cells (a human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line). Methods: The MKN-45 cells were treated with different concentrations of ESB, and cell death was examined using an MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. Analyses of sub-G1 peaks, caspase-3 and -9 activities, and mitochondrial membrane depolarizations were conducted to determine the anti-cancer effects of SB on MKN-45 cells. Also, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was investigated. Results: ESB inhibited the growth of MKN-45 cells, caused cell cycle arrest, and increased the sub-G1 population. In addition, ESB markedly increased mitochondrial membrane depolarization and the activities of caspase-3 and -9. ESB exerted anti-proliferative effects on MKN-45 cells by modulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway and by increasing the generation of ROS. Furthermore, combinations of anti-cancer drugs plus ESB suppressed cell growth more than treatments with an agent or ESB, and this was especially true for cisplatin, etoposide, and doxorubicin. Conclusion: ESB has a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on MKN-45 cells and this is closely associated with the induction of apoptosis. ESB-induced apoptosis is mediated by mitochondria-, caspase- and MAPK dependent pathways. In addition, ESB enhances ROS generation and increases the chemosensitivity of MKN-45 cells. These results suggest that treatment with ESB can inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of human gastric adenocarcinoma cells by modulating the caspase-, MAPK- and ROS-dependent pathway.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제28권11호
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• pp.1268-1276
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• 2018

Cytidine analog decitabine (DEC)은 핵산 합성의 억제제로서 골수이형성 증후군 및 급성 골수성 백혈병 치료제로 사용되고 있다. 산화질소 합성에서 번역 단계를 억제하는 것으로 알려진 ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC)는 $NF-{\kappa}B$의 대표적인 억제제이다. 본 연구에서는 인체 위암 AGS 세포를 대상으로 DEC와 PDTC의 병용 처리에 따른 세포증식 억제 기전을 조사하였다. 본 연구의 결과에 따르면 PDTC에 의한 AGS 세포의 증식 억제 효과는 DEC에 의해 농도 의존적으로 유의하게 증가하였으며, 이는 G2/M기의 세포주기 정지 및 apoptosis 유도와 관련이 있었다. PDTC와 DEC의 병용 처리에 의한 세포 사멸의 유도는 DNA 손상 유도와 관련이 있음을 H2AX의 인산화 증가로 확인하였다. 아울러 PDTC와 DEC의 병용 처리는 미토콘드리아 막 전위의 파괴를 유도하고, 세포 내 활성산소종(ROS)의 생성과 Bax의 발현을 향상시키고, Bcl-2 발현을 감소시켰으며 미토콘드리아에서 세포질로의 cytochrome c 유출을 증가시켰다. 또한 PDTC과 DEC의 병용 처리는 외인성 및 내인성 apoptosis 개시 caspase에 해당하는 caspase-8과 caspase-9의 활성뿐만 아니라 caspase-3의 활성화와 PARP 단백질의 분해를 유도하였다. 결론적으로 본 연구의 결과는 PDTC와 DEC의 병용 처리가 DNA 손상을 유발하고, ROS 증가와 연계된 외인성 및 내인성 apoptosis 사멸 경로를 활성화시킴으로써 AGS 세포의 증식을 억제하였음을 의미한다.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제25권12호
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• pp.1384-1392
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• 2015

적작약, 사간, 치자, 적복령, 승마 및 백출 등 6가지의 한약재로 구성된 사간탕은 동의보감에서 위완옹(胃脘癰)을 치료하는 처방으로 알려져 있으나, 항암 효능에 대한 구체적인 연구는 전혀 이루어진 바 없다. 본 연구에서는 사간탕의 항암활성 연구의 일환으로 AGS 인체 위암세포의 증식에 미치는 영향을 조사하였다. 본 연구의 결과에 의하면 사간탕 추출물 처리 농도의 증가에 따라 AGS 위암세포의 증식 및 생존율이 억제되었으며, 이는 apoptosis 유발에 의한 것임을 염색질 응축, DNA 단편화 및 annexin-V 염색 등을 통하여 확인하였다. 사간탕 추출물 처리에 의한 apoptosis 유발에는 pro-apoptotic Fas 단백질의 발현 증가 및 anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 발현의 감소와 mitochondrial membrane potential의 소실이 동반되었다. 아울러 사간탕 추출물이 처리된 AGS 위암세포에서 extrinsic 및 intrinsic apoptosis 경로 활성의 개시에 중요한 caspase-8 및 -9 뿐만 아니라 effector caspase인 caspase-3의 활성도 증가하였으며, 활성화된 caspase-3의 기질 단백질인 PARP의 단편화도 관찰되었다. 그러나 pan-caspase inhibitor의 선처리에 의한 caspase 활성을 차단하였을 경우, 사간탕 추출물 처리에 의한 염색질 응축 및 DNA 단편화 현상이 관찰되지 않았으며, apoptosis 유발 및 증식억제 효과도 유의적으로 억제되었다. 따라서 사간탕 추출물 처리에 의한 AGS 위암세포의 apoptosis 유발은 extrinsic 및 intrinsic apoptosis 경로가 동시 활성을 통한 caspase 의존적인 과정을 통하여 이루어지고 있음을 알 수 있었으며, 그 과정은 아마도 pro-apoptotic Bid의 truncation이 관여할 것으로 추정된다. 이상의 결과는 향후 in vivo 모델을 이용한 사간탕 추출물의 항암활성 조사 및 사간탕 추출물 내 주요 생리활성 물질의 탐색 등을 위한 유용한 자료로 사용될 것이다.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제13권4호
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• pp.1377-1382
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• 2012

Morphine is not only an analgesic treating pain for patients with cancer but also a potential anticancer drug inhibiting tumor growth and proliferation. To gain better insight into the involvement of morphine in the biological characteristics of gastric cancer, we investigated effects on progression of gastric carcinoma cells and the expression of some apoptosis-related genes including caspase-9, caspase-3, survivin and NF-${\kappa}B$ using the MGC-803 human gastric cancer cell line. The viability of cells was assessed by MTT assay, proliferation by colony formation assay, cell cycle progression and apoptosis by flow cytometry and ultrastructural alteration by transmission electron microscopy. The influences of morphine on caspase-9, caspase-3, survivin and NF-${\kappa}B$ were evaluated by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot. Our data showed that morphine could significantly inhibit cell growth and proliferation and cause cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. MGC-803 cells which were incubated with morphine also had a higher apoptotic rate than control cells. Morphine also led to morphological changes of gastric cancer cells. The mechanism of morphine inhibiting gastric cancer progression in vitro might be associated with activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 and inhibition of survivin and NF-${\kappa}B$.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• 제31권12호
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• pp.3777-3781
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• 2010

The anticancer effect and apoptotic mechanism of a novel indole derivative AC-264, a lead derived from a chemical library, were investigated in human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells. HL-60 cells treated with AC-264 at various concentrations showed the morphological features of apoptosis, such as plasma membrane blebbing and cell shrinkage. AC-264 exhibited cytotoxic effect in various cancer cell lines with different degrees of potency. Especially, AC-264 was effective on increasing the population of apoptotic cells in HL-60 cells, as detected by the number of cells stained with Annexin V and PI. Furthermore, AC-264 activated caspase-3 enzyme activity and induced internucleosomal DNA fragmentation. These results indicated that AC-264 produces anti-cancer effect via apoptotic cell death by activating caspase-3 and inducing internucleosomal DNA fragmentation in HL-60 cells.