• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.9
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• pp.3987-3992
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• 2014

Curcumin, a polyphenol compound derived from the rhizome of the plant Curcuma longa L. has been verified as an anticancer compound against several types of cancer. However, understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which it induces apoptosis is limited. In this study, the anticancer efficacy of curcumin was investigated in human gastric adenocarcinoma SGC-7901 cells. The results demonstrated that curcumin induced morphological changes and decreased cell viability. Apoptosis triggered by curcumin was visualized using Annexin V-FITC/7-AAD staining. Curcumin-induced apoptosis of SGC-7901 cells was associated with the dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol. Furthermore, the down-regulation of Bcl-2 and up-regulation of Bax that led to the cleavage of caspase-3 and increased cleaved PARP was observed in SGC-7901 cells treated with curcumin. Therefore, curcumin-induced apoptosis of SGC-7901 cells might be mediated through the mitochondria pathway, which gives the rationale for in vivo studies on the utilization of curcumin as a potential cancer therapeutic compound.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.83-91
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• 2001

Purpose: This study was to observe whether the apoptotic function of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) is induced in human gastric epithelial dysplasia and gastric adenocarcinoma according to the role of FasL expression. Materials and Methods: A total of 56 gastric epithelial dysplasia and gastric adenocarcinoma patients were enrolled in this study: 9 cases of gastric epithelial dysplasia, 18 cases of early gastric carcinomas (EGC) and 29 cases of advanced gastric carcinomas (AGC). Immunohistochemical staining was performed for FasL and CD45, and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) method was used to detect cell death in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Results: 1) Positive reactions of FasL to neoplastic cells were $88.9\%$ (8/9) in gastric epithelial dysplasia, $83.3\%$ (15/18) in EGC, and $75.9\%$ (22/29) in AGC. 2) Expression of TIL was decreased in the FasL positive region and was increased in the FasL negative region, and significant expression of TIL was observed in the AGC group (P=0.001). 3) Expression of apoptotic TIL was very similar to the FasL expression, and $100\%$ expression was observed in gastric epithelial dysplasia group. 4) Expression of apoptotic TIL was increased in the FasL positive region and decreased in the FasL negative region, and significant apoptotic expression was observed in the gastric epithelial dysplasia and EGC groups (P=0.0420, P=0.0263, respectively). Conclusion: These results suggest that FasL is a prevalent mediator of immune privilege in epithelial dysplasia and cancer of the stomach.

• Animal cells and systems
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.123-130
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• 2011

Transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) channels are novel $Ca^{2+}$-permeable non-selective cation channels that are ubiquitously expressed. Activation of TRPM7 channels has been shown to be involved in the survival of gastric cancer cells. Here we show evidence suggesting that TRPM7 channels play an important role in $Zn^{2+}$- mediated cellular injury. Using a combination of electrophysiology, pharmacological analysis, small interfering RNA (siRNA) methods and cell death assays, we showed that activation of TRPM7 channels augmented $Zn^{2+}$-induced apoptosis of AGS cells, the most common human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line. The $Zn^{2+}$-mediated cytotoxicity was inhibited by the non-specific TRPM7 blockers $Gd^{3+}$ or 2 aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) and TRPM7 specific siRNA. In addition, we showed that overexpression of TRPM7 channels in HEK293 cells increased $Zn^{2+}$- induced cell injury. Thus, TRPM7 channels may represent a novel target for physiological disorders where $Zn^{2+}$ toxicity plays an important role.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.31-37
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• 2016

Opuntia humifusa (OHF) has been used as a nutraceutical source for the prevention of chronic diseases. In the present study, the inhibitory effects of ethyl acetate extracts of OHF on the proliferation of AGS human gastric cancer cells and the mode of action were investigated. To elucidate the antiproliferative mechanisms of OHF in cancer cells, the expression of genes related to apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were determined with real-time PCR and western blot. The cytotoxic effect of OHF on AGS cells was observed in a dose-dependent manner. Exposure to OHF ($100{\mu}g/mL$) significantly induced (P<0.05) the G1 phase cell cycle arrest. Additionally, the apoptotic cell population was greater (P<0.05) in OHF ($200{\mu}g/mL$) treated AGS cells when compared to the control. The expression of genes associated with cell cycle progression (Cdk4, Cdk2, and cyclin E) was significantly downregulated (P<0.05) by the OHF treatment. Moreover, the expression of Bax and caspase-3 in OHF treated cells was higher (P<0.05) than in the control. These findings suggest that OHF induces the G1 phase cell cycle arrest and activation of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway in AGS human gastric cancer cells.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.31-38
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• 2012

Sophorae Radix (SR) plays a role in a number of physiologic and pharmacologic functions in many organs. Objective: The aim of this study was to clarify the potential role for transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) channels in SR-inhibited growth and survival of AGS and MCF-7 cells, the most common human gastric and breast adenocarcinoma cell lines. Methods: The AGS and the MCF-7 cells were treated with varying concentrations of SR. Analyses of the caspase-3 and - 9 activity, the mitochondrial depolarization and the poly (ADPribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage were conducted to determine if AGS and MCF-7 cell death occured by apoptosis. TRPM7 channel blockers ($Gd^{3+}$ or 2-APB) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) were used in this study to confirm the role of TRPM7 channels. Furthermore, TRPM7 channels were overexpressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells to identify the role of TRPM7 channels in AGS and MCF-7 cell growth and survival. Results: The addition of SR to a culture medium inhibited AGS and MCF-7 cell growth and survival. Experimental results showed that the caspase-3 and -9 activity, the mitochondrial depolarization, and the degree of PARP cleavage was increased. TRPM7 channel blockade, either by $Gd^{3+}$ or 2-APB or by suppressing TRPM7 expression with small interfering RNA, blocked the SR-induced inhibition of cell growth and survival. Furthermore, TRPM7 channel overexpression in HEK 293 cells exacerbated SR-induced cell death. Conclusions: These findings indicate that SR inhibits the growth and survival of gastric and breast cancer cells due to a blockade of the TRPM7 channel activity. Therefore, TRPM7 channels may play an important role in the survival of patients with gastric and breast cancer.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.359-366
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• 2001

We have synthesized a novel platinum(II) coordination complex containing cis-1,2-diaminocyclohexane (DACH) as a carrier ligand and 1,3-dichloropropane (DCP) as a leaving group. A new series of [Pt(cis- DACH)(DCP)](PC) was evaluated for its cytotoxic activity on MKN-45 human gastric adenocarcinoma cells and normal primary cultured kidney cells. The new platinum complex has demonstrated high efficacy in the cytotoxicity against MKN-45/P, MKN-45/ADM and MKN-45/CDDP cell-lines. The cytotoxicity of PC against rabbit proximal renal tubular cells, human renal cortical cells and human renal cortical tissues, determined by MTT assay, the $[^3H]-thymidine$ uptake and glucose consumption tests, was found to be quite less than those of cisplatin. Based on these results, this novel platinum(II) coordination complex appears to be better for improving antitumor activities with low nephrotoxicity and is a valuable lead in the development of new, clinically available anticancer chemotherapeutic agents.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.1747-1749
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• 2015

Background: Esophageal cancer is one of the major health concerns in Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand. However, only a limited number of studies have been reported from this region. This study was designed to evaluate the prevalence, clinical characteristics and survival rate of esophageal cancer in Thailand. Materials and Methods: Clinical information, histological features and endoscopic findings were collected from a tertiary care center in central region of Thailand between September 2011- November 2014 and reviewed. Results: A total of 64 esophageal cancer patients including 58 men and 6 women with mean age of 62.6 years were enrolled. Common presenting symptoms were dysphagia (74%), dyspepsia (10%) and hematemesis (8%). Mean duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis was 72 days. Esophageal stenosis with contact bleeding was the most common endoscopic finding (55.6%). The location of cancer was found in proximal (16%), middle (50%) and distal (34%) esophagus. Squamous cell carcinoma was far more common histology than adenocarcinoma (84.2% vs 10.5%). However, esophageal adenocarcinoma was significantly more common than squamous cell carcinoma in distal area of esophagus (100% vs 22.9%; p=0.0001, OR=1.6, 95%CI=1.1-2.2). Esophageal cancer stages 3 and 4 accounted for 35.2% and 59.3% respectively. Overall 2-year survival rate was 20% and only 16% in metastatic patients. Conclusions: Most esophageal cancer patients in Thailand have squamous cell carcinoma and nearly all present at advanced stage with a grave prognosis. Screening of high risk individuals and early detection might be important keys to improve the survival rate and treatment outcome in Thailand.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.12
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• pp.1784-1791
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• 2010

In this study, we investigated the effects of ethyl alcohol extracts of Hizikia fusiforme (EHF) on the correlation between tightening of tight junctions (TJs) and anti-invasive activity in human gastric adenocarcinoma AGS cells. Inhibitory effects of EHF on cell proliferation, motility, and invasiveness were found to be associated with increased tightness of the TJs, which was demonstrated by an increase in transepithelial electrical resistance. Activities of matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-2 and -9 in AGS cells were dose-dependently inhibited by treatment with EHF, and this was also correlated with a decrease in expression of their mRNA and proteins; however, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and -2 mRNA levels were increased. Additionally, immunoblotting results indicated that EHF repressed the levels of claudin proteins (claudin-1, -3, and -4), major components of TJs that play key roles in control and selectivity of paracellular transport. Furthermore, EHF decreased expression of insulin such as growth factor-1 receptor proteins, while concurrently increasing that of thrombospondin-1 and E-cadherin. In conclusion, these results suggest that EHF treatment may inhibit tumor cell motility and invasion, and therefore act as a dietary source to decrease the risk of cancer metastasis.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.250-254
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• 2002

The anticancer effects of leek (buchu in Korean) kimchi were evaluated in the human cancer cells: AGS gastric adenocarcinoma cells, HT-29 human colon adenocarcinoma cells and HL-60 leukemia cells. The leek kimchi (fermented for 6 days at 15$^{\circ}C$) was fractionated into 7 groups: methanol extract, hexane extract, methanol soluble extract MSE), dichloromethane (DCM) fraction (fr.), ethyl acetate fr., butanol fr. and aqueous fr. Most of the leek kimchi tractions inhibited the growth of AGS and HT-29 cancer cells in a dose dependent manner. In particular, the DCM fr. showed the highest inhibitory effect among the tractions. Treatment with the DCM fr. (0.1 mg/mL) reduced the survival rates of AGS and HT-29 cancer cells to 19% and 37% of the controls, respectively. Moreover the DCM fr. of the leek kimchi arrested G2/M phase in the cell cycle and induced apoptosis in HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells. These results indicate that the leek kimchi exerted an anticancer effect on those human cancer cells, and that the DCM fr. arrested G2/M phase in the cell cycle and induced apoptosis in the leukemia cells.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.158-163
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• 2006

Young radishes (YR, yeolmu in Korean) were cultivated in the soil with and without sulfur. YR-Control (without sulfur) was grown in the normal soil. YR were grown in the soil with $1,818\;g/m^3$ sulfur (YR-A) and $1,818\;g/m^3$ sulfur added lime mortar (YR-B) on it, respectively. Also, we prepared YR kimchis using YR-Control, YR-A and YR-B. The kimchis were fermented at $5^{\circ}C$ for 8 weeks. The growth inhibitory effects of AGS human gastric adenocarcinoma cells of the YR samples and kimchis were investigated. YR kimchis after $4\~5$ weeks at $5^{\circ}C$ showed higher acidity of $0.88\~1.20\%$ with pH $4.3\~4.5$ and the YR kimchis kept approximately pH 4.0 until 8 weeks. The kimchi A and B using YR-A and YR-B showed faster fermentation time, higher level of Leuconostoc sp. and lower level of Lactobacillus sp. during the fermentation, comparing to the control kimchi using YR-Control. Juices from YR-A and YR-B showed higher growth inhibitory effects of AGS human gastric adenocarcinoma cells than the juice from YR-Control at the same concentration. The growth inhibitory effect of YR-A was similar to that of the YR-B. The kimchi A and B juices also exhibited higher inhibitory effects $(74\%)$ on the growth of AGS human gastric adenocarcinoma cells than that of the control kimchi $(57\%)$ at the higher concentration of $20{\mu}L/assay$. Methanol extracts from the YR-kimchis also led to the similar results to the results of the juices. These results suggested that preparing of kimchi using differently cultivated YR especially in the soil with sulfur, which can help to synthesize sulfur-containing compounds, could increase the growth inhibitory effects of AGS human gastric adenocarcinoma cells.