• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2018.10a
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• pp.103-103
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• 2018

Oenothera biennis, commonly known as evening primrose, a potential source of natural bioactive substances: flavonoids, steroids, tannins, fatty acids and terpenoids responsible for a diverse range of pharmacological functions. However, whether extract prepared from aerial part of O. biennis (APOB) protects skin against oxidative stress remains unknown. To investigate the protective effects of APOB against oxidative stress-induced cellular damage and elucidated the underlying mechanisms in the HaCaT human skin keratinocytes. Our results revealed that treatment with APOB prior to hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$) exposure significantly increased viability, and the highest DPPH radical-scavenging activities and reducing power of HaCaT cells. APOB also effectively attenuated H2O2-induced comet tail formation and inhibited the $H_2O_2$-induced phosphorylation levels of the histone ${\gamma}H2AX$, as well as the number of apoptotic bodies and Annexin V-positive cells. In addition, APOB exhibited scavenging activity against intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and restored the mitochondrial membrane potential loss by $H_2O_2$. Moreover, $H_2O_2$ enhanced the cleavage of caspase-3 and degradation of poly (ADP-ribose)-polymerase (PARP), a typical substrate protein of activated caspase-3, as well as DNA fragmentation; however, these events were almost totally reversed by pretreatment with APOB. Furthermore, APOB increased the levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which is a potent antioxidant enzyme, associated with the induction of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). According to our data, APOB is able to protect HaCaT cells from $H_2O_2$-induced DNA damage and cell death through blocking cellular damage related to oxidative stress through a mechanism that would affect ROS elimination and activating the Nri2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.51-68
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• 2017

Objectives : Oxidative stress due to excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is one of the risk factors for the development of several chronic diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases. Methods : In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of cheongnoemyeongsin-hwan (CNMSH) against oxidative stress‑induced cellular damage and elucidated the underlying mechanisms in neuronal-derived SH-SY5Y cells. Results : Our results revealed that treatment with CNMSH prior to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) exposure significantly increased the SH-SY5Y cell viability, indicating that the exposure of the SH-SY5Y cells to CNMSH conferred a protective effect against oxidative stress. CNMSH also effectively attenuated H2O2‑induced comet tail formation, and decreased the phosphorylation levels of the histone ${\gamma}H2AX$, as well as the number of apoptotic bodies and Annexin V‑positive cells. In addition, CNMSH exhibited scavenging activity against intracellular ROS generation and restored the mitochondria membrane potential (MMP) loss that were induced by H2O2, suggesting that CNMSH prevents H2O2‑induced DNA damage and cell apoptosis. Moreover, H2O2 enhanced the cleavage of caspase-3 and degradation of poly (ADP-ribose)-polymerase, a typical substrate protein of activated caspase-3, as well as DNA fragmentation; however, these events were almost totally reversed by pretreatment with CNMSH. Furthermore, CNMSH increased the levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which is a potent antioxidant enzyme, associated with the induction of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). According to our data, CNMSH is able to protect SH-SY5Y cells from H2O2-induced apoptosis throughout blocking cellular damage related to oxidative stress through a mechanism that would affect ROS elimination and activating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Conclusions : Therefore, we believed that CNMSH may potentially serve as an agent for the treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases caused by oxidative stress.

• BMB Reports
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• v.52 no.8
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• pp.520-525
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• 2019

Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) has been reported to possess anti-cancer activity against many cancers. However, the pharmacologic effect of DHA on HBV-positive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown. Thus, the objective of the present study was to determine whether DHA could inhibit the proliferation of HepG2.2.15 cells and uncover the underlying mechanisms involved in the effect of DHA on HepG2.2.15 cells. We found that DHA effectively inhibited HepG2.2.15 HCC cell proliferation both in vivo and in vitro. DHA also reduced the migration and tumorigenicity capacity of HepG2.2.15 cells. Regarding the underlying mechanisms, results showed that DHA induced cellular senescence by up-regulating expression levels of proteins such as p-ATM, p-ATR, ${\gamma}-H_2AX$, P53, and P21 involved in DNA damage response. DHA also induced autophagy (green LC3 puncta gathered together and LC3II/LC3I ratio increased through AKT-mTOR pathway suppression). Results also revealed that DHA-induced autophagy was not linked to senescence or cell death. TPP1 (telomere shelterin) overexpression could not rescue DHA-induced anticancer activity (cell proliferation). Moreover, DHA down-regulated TPP1 expression. Gene knockdown of TPP1 caused similar phenotypes and mechanisms as DHA induced phenotypes and mechanisms in HepG2.2.15 cells. These results demonstrate that DHA might inhibit HepG2.2.15 cells proliferation through inducing cellular senescence and autophagy.

• BMB Reports
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• v.52 no.5
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• pp.336-341
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• 2019

The cGAS-STING pathway plays an important role in pathogen-induced activation of the innate immune response. The 29-kDa amino-terminal fibronectin fragment (29-kDa FN-f) found predominantly in the synovial fluid of osteoarthritis (OA) patients increases the expression of catabolic factors via the toll-like receptor-2 (TLR-2) signaling pathway. In this study, we investigated whether 29-kDa FN-f induces inflammatory responses via the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)/stimulator of interferon gene (STING) pathway in human primary chondrocytes. The levels of cGAS and STING were elevated in OA cartilage compared with normal cartilage. Long-term treatment of chondrocytes with 29-kDa FN-f activated the cGAS/STING pathway together with the increased level of gamma-H2AX, a marker of DNA breaks. In addition, the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF/CSF-2), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF/CSF-3), and type I interferon ($IFN-{\alpha}$), was increased more than 100-fold in 29-kDa FN-f-treated chondrocytes. However, knockdown of cGAS and STING suppressed 29-kDa FN-f-induced expression of GM-CSF, G-CSF, and $IFN-{\alpha}$ together with the decreased activation of TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), and inhibitor protein ${\kappa}B{\alpha}$ ($I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$). Furthermore, NOD2 or TLR-2 knockdown suppressed the expression of GM-CSF, G-CSF, and $IFN-{\alpha}$ as well as decreased the activation of the cGAS/STING pathway in 29-kDa FN-f-treated chondrocytes. These data demonstrate that the cGAS/STING/TBK1/IRF3 pathway plays a critical role in 29-kDa FN-f-induced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.282-287
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• 2011

Sirt1, a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide ($NAD^+$)-dependent histone deacetylase, is known to deacetylate a number of proteins that are involved in various cellular pathways such as the stress response, apoptosis and cell growth. Modulation of the stress response by Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) is achieved by the deacetylation of key proteins in a cellular pathway, and leads to a delay in the onset of cancer or aging. In particular, Sirt1 is known to play an important role in maintaining genomic stability, which may be strongly associated with a protective effect during tumorigenesis and during the onset of aging. In these studies, Sirt1 was generated in stably expressing cells and during the stimulation of DNA damage to examine whether it promotes survival. Sirt1 expressing cells facilitated the repair of DNA damage induced by either ionizing radiation (IR) or bleomycin (BLM) treatment. Fastened damaged DNA repair in Sirt1 expressing cells corresponded to prompt activation of Chk2 and ${\gamma}$-H2AX foci formation and promoted survival. Inhibition of Sirt1 enzymatic activity by a chemical inhibitor, nicotinamide (NIC), delayed DNA damage repair, indicating that promoted DNA damage repair by Sirt1 functions to induce survival when DNA damage occurs.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.23
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• pp.10115-10119
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• 2015

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) on radioresistance of breast cancer cells. Materials and Methods: MTT assays were used to detect any influence of AMSC supernatants on proliferation of breast cancer cells; cell migration assays were used to determine the effect of breast cancer cells on the recruitment of AMSCs; the cell survival fraction post-irradiation was assessed by clonogenic survival assay; ${\gamma}$-H2AX foci number post-irradiation was determined via fluorescence microscopy; and expression of IGF-1R was detected by Western blotting. Results: AMSC supernatants promoted proliferation and radioresistance of breast cancer cells. Breast cancer cells could recruit AMSCs, especially after irradiation. IGF-1 derived from AMSCs might be responsible for the radioresistance of breast cancer cells. Conclusions: Our results suggest that AMSCs in the tumor microenvironment may affect the outcome of radiotherapy for breast cancer in vitro.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2018.04a
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• pp.74-74
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• 2018

Abeliophyllum distichum is Korea Endemic Plants and its genetic resources found from Korea only. Bioactivities of A. distichum such as antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory studies have been proved through many researches. Whereas, there are no studies on the biological activity of its callus extracts. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant activities of callus extracts derived from A. distichum and its inhibitory effect on oxidative DNA damage. The antioxidant activities were assessed using radical scavenging assays with DPPH, ABTS, and reducing power assay and the inhibitory effects on oxidative DNA damage were measured using ${\varphi}-174$ RF I plasmid DNA cleavage assay. In addition, callus extracts derived from A. distichum showed high antioxidant acitivties and no cytotoxicity in NIH/3T3. Also, it has significantly suppressed expression of ${\gamma}$-H2AX and p53 protein and mRNA levels in NIH/3T3 cells exposed to oxidative stress. Therefore, the callus extracts derived from A. distichum has potential antioxidant activity that can provide protective effects against the oxidative DNA damage caused by free radicals. This study suggest that it is valuable as cosmetics and medicine for antioxidant and cancer preventive materials.

• BMB Reports
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.208-213
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• 2019

Chemoresistance is the primary obstacle in the treatment of locally advanced and metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Recent evidence suggests that the transcription factor forkhead box M1 (FoxM1) is involved in chemoresistance. Our group previously confirmed that FoxM1 is overexpressed in NPC. In this study, we investigated the role of FoxM1 in cisplatin resistance of the cell lines 5-8F and HONE-1 and explored its possible mechanism. Our results showed that FoxM1 and NBS1 were both overexpressed in NPC tissues based on data from the GSE cohort (GSE12452). Then, we measured FoxM1 levels in NPC cells and found FoxM1 was overexpressed in NPC cell lines and could be stimulated by cisplatin. MTT and clonogenic assays, flow cytometry, ${\gamma}H2AX$ immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and western blotting revealed that downregulation of FoxM1 sensitized NPC cells to cisplatin and reduced the repair of cisplatin-induced DNA double-strand breaks via inhibition of the MRN (MRE11-RAD50-NBS1)-ATM axis, which might be related to the ability of FoxM1 to regulate NBS1. Subsequently, we demonstrated that enhanced sensitivity of FoxM1 knockdown cells could be reduced by overexpression of NBS1. Taken together, our data demonstrate that downregulation of FoxM1 could improve the sensitivity of NPC cells to cisplatin through inhibition of MRN-ATM-mediated DNA repair, which could be related to FoxM1-dependent regulation of NBS1.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.8
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• pp.3301-3306
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• 2015

Nucleolin (C23) is an important anti-apoptotic protein that is ubiquitously expressed in exponentially growing eukaryotic cells. In order to understand the impact of C23 in radiation therapy, we attempted to investigate the relationship of C23 expression with the radiosensitivity of human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. We investigated the role of C23 in activating the catalytic subunit of DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PKcs), which is a critical protein for DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) repair. As a result, we found that the expression of C23 was negatively correlated with the radiosensitivity of NSCLC cell lines. In vitro clonogenic survival assays revealed that C23 knockdown increased the radiosensitivity of a human lung adenocarcinoma cell line, potentially through the promotion of radiation-induced apoptosis and adjusting the cell cycle to a more radiosensitive stage. Immunofluorescence data revealed an increasing quantity of ${gamma}$-H2AX foci and decreasing radiation-induced DNA damage repair following knockdown of C23. To further clarify the mechanism of C23 in DNA DSBs repair, we detected the expression of DNA-PKcs and C23 proteins in NSCLC cell lines. C23 might participate in DNA DSBs repair for the reason that the expression of DNA-PKcs decreased at 30, 60, 120 and 360 minutes after irradiation in C23 knockdown cells. Especially, the activity of DNA-PKcs phosphorylation sites at the S2056 and T2609 was significantly suppressed. Therefore we concluded that C23 knockdown can inhibit DNA-PKcs phosphorylation activity at the S2056 and T2609 sites, thus reducing the radiation damage repair and increasing the radiosensitivity of NSCLC cells. Taken together, the inhibition of C23 expression was shown to increase the radiosensitivity of NSCLC cells, as implied by the relevance to the notably decreased DNA-PKcs phosphorylation activity at the S2056 and T2609 clusters. Further research on targeted C23 treatment may promote effectiveness of radiotherapy and provide new targets for NSCLC patients.