• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.13 no.11
• /
• pp.5887-5895
• /
• 2012

Background: To determine the effect of essential oil obtained from a traditionally used medicinal plant Tridax procumbens L, on lung metastasis developed by B16F-10 melanoma cells in C57BL/6 mice. Materials and Methods: Parameters studied were toxicity, lung tumor nodule count, histopathological features, tumor directed capillary vessel formation, apoptosis and expression levels of $P^{53}$ and caspase-3 proteins. Results: In vitro the MTT assay showed cytotoxicity was found to be high as 70.2% of cancer cell death within 24hrs for $50{\mu}g$. In vivo oil treatment significantly inhibited tumor nodule formation by 71.7% when compared with untreated mice. Formation of tumor directed new blood vessels was also found to be inhibited to about 39.5%. TUNEL assays also demonstrated a significant increase in the number of apoptotic positive cells after the treatment. $P^{53}$ and caspase-3 expression was also found to be greater in the essential oil treated group than the normal and cancer group. Conclusions: The present investigation showed significant effects of the essential oil of Tridax procumbens L in preventing lung metastasis by B16F-10 cell line in C57BL/6 mice. Its specific preventive effect on tumor directed angiogenesis and inducing effect on apoptosis warrant further studies at the molecular level to validate the significance of Tridax procumbens L for anticancer therapy.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.24 no.2
• /
• pp.1-14
• /
• 2007

목적 : 이 연구는 Vipera lebetina turanica의 사독약침파(蛇毒藥鍼波)(Snake venom toxin, SVT)이 in vitro에서 $NF-{\kappa}B$의 활성억제와 apoptosis 관련 단백질의 발현 조절을 통하여 세포자멸사(Apoptosis)를 유도하는지 in vivo에서 또한 전립선 암세포주인 PC-3 세포의 성장을 억제하는지 살펴보고자 하였다. 방법 : SVT를 처리한 후 PC-3의 성장억제를 관찰하기 위해 WST-1 assay, CCK-8 assay를 시행하였고，Apoptosis evaluation에는 DAPI, TUNEL staining assay를 시행하였으며，Apoptosis regulatory proteins의 변화 관찰에는 western blot analysis를 시행하였고，apoptosis와 연관된 $NF-{\kappa}B$의 활성 변화를 관찰하기 위해 EMSA시행하였으며，SVT의 핵내이동을 관찰하기 위해 Immunofluorescence Staining, Confocal immunocytochemistry를 시행하였으며，전립암세포의 종양형성에는 흉선을 제거한 쥐에 Tumorigenecity study를 시행하였다. 결과 : PC-3 세포에 SVT를 처리한 후，전립선 암세포의 성장，Apoptosis의 유발，Apoptosis관련 단백질의 발현，$NF-{\kappa}B$의 활성，SVT의 PC-3세포 핵내 이동여부 및 흉선제거 후 PC-3 세포를 이식한 쥐의 종양형성과정에 미치는 영향을 관찰하여 다음과 같은 결과를 얻었다. 1. PC-3 세포에서 SVT를 처리한 후 세포성장이 억제되고，세포자멸사가 유도되며，조절인자인 p53, caspase-3, -9는 증가되었고，Bcl-2는 감소되었다. 2. PC-3 세포에서 SVT를 처리한 후 $NF-{\kappa}B$의 활성이 유의하게 감소되었다. 3. DAPI로 염색된 상태에서 SVT가 PC-3 세포의 핵내로 이통되는 것이 관찰되었다. 4. 흉선제거 후 전립선 암세포주를 이식한 쥐에서 SVT를 피내로 주입한 결과 전립선암의 크기와 무게가 유의하게 감소하였다. 결론 : 이상의 결과는 SVT가 $NF-{\kappa}B$의 활성 억제를 통하여 인간 전립선암세포주인 PC-3의 세포자멸사를 유발함으로써 증식억제 효과가 있음을 입증한 것이며，이를 재확인한 생체 연구에서의 긍정적인 결과는 향후 SVT의 전립선암의 예방과 치료에 대한 효과적인 치료제 개발에 초석이 될 것으로 기대된다.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.47 no.3
• /
• pp.400-407
• /
• 2023

Background: Rb3 is a ginsenoside with anti-inflammatory properties in many cell types and has been reported to attenuate inflammation-related metabolic diseases such as insulin resistance, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease. However, the effect of Rb3 on podocyte apoptosis under hyperlipidemic conditions, which contributes to the development of obesity-mediated renal disease, remains unclear. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the effect of Rb3 on podocyte apoptosis in the presence of palmitate and explore its underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: Human podocytes (CIHP-1 cells) were exposed to Rb3 in the presence of palmitate as a model of hyperlipidemia. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. The effects of Rb3 on the expression of various proteins were analyzed by Western blotting. Apoptosis levels were determined by MTT assay, caspase 3 activity assay, and cleaved caspase 3 expression. Results: We found that Rb3 treatment alleviated the impairment of cell viability and increased caspase 3 activity as well as inflammatory markers in palmitate-treated podocytes. Treatment with Rb3 dosedependently increased PPARδ and SIRT6 expression. Knockdown of PPARδ or SIRT6 reduced the effects of Rb3 on apoptosis as well as inflammation and oxidative stress in cultured podocytes. Conclusions: The current results suggest that Rb3 alleviates inflammation and oxidative stress via PPARδ-or SIRT6-mediated signaling, thereby attenuating apoptosis in podocytes in the presence of palmitate. The present study provides Rb3 as an effective strategy for treating obesity-mediated renal injury.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.19 no.9
• /
• pp.911-917
• /
• 2009

The apoptotic caspases have been classified in accordance with their substrate specificities, as the optimal tetrapeptide recognition motifs for a variety of caspases have been determined via positional scanning substrate combinatorial library technology. Here, we focused on two proteolytic recognition motifs, DEVD and IETD, owing to their extensive use in cell death assay. Although DEVE and IETD have been generally considered to be selective for caspase-3 and -8, respectively, the proteolytic cleavage of these substrates does not display absolute specificity for a particular caspase. Thus, we attempted to monitor the cleavage preference for caspase-3, particularly using the recombinant protein substrates. For this aim, the chimeric GST:DEVD:EGFP and GST:IETD:EGFP proteins were genetically constructed by linking GST and EGFP with the linkers harboring DEVD and IETD. To our best knowledge, this work constitutes the first application for the monitoring of cleavage preference employing the recombinant protein substrates that simultaneously allow for mass and fluorescence analyses. Consequently, GST:IETD:EGFP was cleaved partially in response to caspase-3, whereas GST:DEVD:EGFP was completely proteolyzed, indicating that GST:DEVD:EGFP is a better substrate than GST:IETD:EGFP for caspase-3. Collectively, using these chimeric protein substrates, we have successfully evaluated the feasibility of the recombinant protein substrate for applicability to the monitoring of cleavage preference for caspase-3.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.19 no.3
• /
• pp.802-810
• /
• 2005

The tetrahydroisoquinolines included potent cytotoxic agents that showed antitumor activity,antimicrobial activity, and other biological properties. We studied the effect of CDST, 1-Chloromethyl-6,7-dimethoxy-3,4-dihydro-1H-isoquinoline-2-sulfonic acid amide, a newly synthesized anti-cancer agent. The cytotoxic activity of CDST in HL-60 cells was increased in a dose-dependent manner. CDST, tetrahydroisoquinolines derivative, was cytotoxic to HL-60 cells, with IC50 of $80{\mu}g/ml$. Treatment of CDST to HL-60 cells showed the fragmentation of DNA in a dose- and time dependent manner, suggesting that thesecells underwent apoptosis. Treatment of HL-60 cells with CDST was induced in a dose- and time-dependent activation of caspase-3, caspase-8 and proteolytic cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. In caspase activity assay, caspase-3 and -8 was activated after 12 h and 6 h posttreatment, respectively. CDST also caused the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria into the cytosol. CDST-induced cytochrome c release was mediated by caspase-8-dependent cleavage of Bid and Bax translocation. These results suggest that caspase-8 induced Bid cleavage and Bax translocation, caused mitochondrial cytochrome c release, and induce caspase-3 activationduring CDST-induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.19 no.4
• /
• pp.47-60
• /
• 2006

Purpose : This study was conducted to investigate the inhibitory effects of Scutellaria barbata D. D on on the cell proliferation of HeLa Cells. Methods : Human uterine cervical carcinoma HeLa cells were cultured in the 1%, 5% and 10% concentration of Scutellaria barbata D. D on solution for 24, 48 and 72 hours for the direct inhibitory effects of Scutellaria barbata D. D on. Then we examined the effect of Scutellaria barbata D. D on solution on the cell proliferation inhibition by XTT assay. DNA fragmentation, MAP kinase activity and caspase activity by FACS analysis in HeLa cells. Results : We found that the proliferation of HeLa cells was significantly decreased in Scutellaria barbata D. D on solution containing groups comparing with a control group in a concentration-dependant manner. When HeLa cells were cultivated for 24 hours with 5% Scutellaria barbata D. D on solution containing group, the percentage of HeLa cells with activated caspase was the highest. Scutellaria barbata D. D on solution reduced the MAP kinase activity of HeLa cells comparing with the control group. By the XTT assay, the cell's activity was decreased in 5% and 10% Scutellaria barbata D. D on solution containing groups in 24 and 72 hours cultivation and 10% group in 48 hours. DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 activity of HeLa cells, however, were changed insignificantly. Conclusion : From this study we could suggest that Scutellaria barbata D. D on is available to the inhibition and apoptosis of human cervical carcinoma cell line, HeLa cells in vitro.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.33 no.1
• /
• pp.47-56
• /
• 2016

Objectives : This study examined the effects of Bee venom on apoptosis in NCI-H157 human lung cancer cells and for promoting the apoptosis effects of Natural killer cell. Methods : Bee venom and Natural killer-92 cells were cultured either separately from or together with NCI-H157 cells for 24 hours. To figure out whether Bee venom enhances the cytotoxic effect of Natural Killer-92 cells, a cell viability assay was conducted. To observe the changes in Death receptors, apoptotic regulatory proteins and Nuclear $Factor-{\kappa}B$, western blot analysis was conducted. To observe the effect of Bee venom through an extrinsic mechanism, a transfection assay was conducted. Results : 1. Natural killer-92 cells and Bee venom significantly inhibited the growth of NCI-H157 cells and co-culture had more inhibitory effect than the separate culture. 2. Expressions of Fas, DR3, DR6, Bax, caspase-3, caspase-8, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-8 were increased, and expressions of Bcl-2 and cIAP were decreased. More efficacy was observed in co-culture than in separate culture. 3. Nuclear $Factor-{\kappa}B$ activation was clearly decreased. And co-culture showed much less activation than separate culture. 4. As a result of treatment for DR-siRNA, the reduced cell viability of NCI-H157 cells and the activity of Nuclear $Factor-{\kappa}B$ were increased. With this, it can be seen that Bee venom and Natural killer-92 cells have an effect on the cancer cells through the extrinsic mechanism. Conclusion : Bee venom is effective in inhibiting the growth of human lung cancer cells. Furthermore Bee venom effectively enhances the functions of Natural killer cells.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.27 no.4
• /
• pp.45-51
• /
• 2012

Objectives : WHW is a polyherbal medicine for the treatment of chronic renal failure (CRF). WHW previously reported various biological property such as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation and anti-renal fibrosis in CRF. This study aimed to investigate the anti-apoptotic effect of WHW on staurosporin(SSP)-induced apoptosis in canine kidney epithelial cells (MDCK). Methods : MDCK cells were treated with different concentrations of WHW (0.1, 0.2, 0.5 and $1mg/m{\ell}$) for 1 h, and then induced apoptosis by treatment of SSP ($1{\mu}M$) for 24 h. Cell viability was measured by WST-1 assay. The expression of apoptotic proteins such as caspase-3, Bax and Bcl-2 was determined by Western blot. Caspase-3 activity and ROS levels were also measured by their commercial available assay kits. Cell apoptosis was observed by Hoechst and DNA fragmentation. Results : WHW significantly increased the cell viability on SSP-treated MDCK cells. WHW inhibited SSP-induced expression of apoptotic proteins such as caspase-3 and Bax, and significantly decreased caspase-3 activity in MDCK cells. WHW significantly decreased SSP-induced production of ROS, and suppressed SSP-induced chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation in MDCK cells. Conclusions : These results suggest that WHW has an anti-apoptotic effect in renal cells through suppressing the expression of apoptotic proteins, ROS production and DNA damages.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.22 no.5
• /
• pp.1322-1329
• /
• 2008

Mulberry has been reported to contain wide range of polyphenols and have chemopreventive activity. However, little has been known regarding the effect of mulberry fruits on cell viability in human glioma cells. The present study was undertaken to examine the effect of mulberry fruit (Mar; Fructus) on cell viability and to determine its underlying mechanism in human glioma cells. Cell viability and cell death were estimated by MTT assay and trypanblue exclusion assay, respectively. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was measured using the fluorescence probe DCFH-DA. The mitochondrial transmembrane potential was measured with $DiOC_6$(3). Bax expression and cytochrome c release were measured by Western blot analysis. Caspase activity was estimated using colorimetric kit. Mori Fructus resulted in apoptotic cell death in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Mori Fructus increased ROS generation and the Mori Fructus-induced cell death was also prevented by antioxidants, suggesting that ROS generation plays a critical role in Mari Fructus-induced cell death. Western blot analysis showed that Mori Fructus treatment caused an increase in Bax expression, which was inhibited by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Mori Fructus induced depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential and its effect was inhibited by the antioxidants NAC and catalase. Mori Fructus induced cytochrome c release, which was inhibited by NAC. Caspase activity was stimulated by Mori Fructus and caspase inhibitors prevented the Mori Fructus-induced cell death. These findings suggest that Mori Fructus results in human glioma cell death through ROS-dependent mitochondrial pathway in human glioma cells.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
• /
• v.15 no.2
• /
• pp.93-103
• /
• 2015

Objectives: It was investigated the cytoprotective efficacies of isorhamnetin, a flavonoid originally derived from Hippophae rhamnoides L., against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in C2C12 myoblasts. Methods: The effects of isorhamnetin on cell growth, apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were evaluated by trypan blue dye exclusion assay, 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining and flow cytometry. The levels of apoptosis-regulatory and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway-related proteins, and caspase activities (caspase-3 and -9) were determined by Western blot analysis and colorimetric assay, respectively. Results: Our results revealed that treatment with isorhamnetin prior to hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$) exposure significantly increased the C2C12 cell viability and, indicating that the exposure of C2C12 cells to isorhamnetin conferred a protective effect against oxidative stress. Isorhamnetin also effectively attenuated $H_2O_2$-induced apoptosis and ROS generation, which was associated with the restoration of the upregulation of Bax and downregulation of Bcl-2 induced by $H_2O_2$. In addition, $H_2O_2$ enhanced the activation of caspase-9 and -3, and degradation of poly (ADP-ribose)-polymerase, a typical substrate protein of activated caspase-3; however, these events were almost totally reversed by pretreatment with isorhamnetin. Moreover, isorhamnetin increased the levels of heme oxygenase-1, a potent antioxidant enzyme, associated with the induction of Nrf2. Conclusions: Our data indicated that isorhamnetin may potentially serve as an agent for the treatment and prevention of muscle disorders caused by oxidative stress.