• Molecules and Cells
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• 제25권1호
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• pp.86-90
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• 2008

Caspase-3 (CASP3) plays a key role in apoptosis. In this study, HAX-1 was identified as a new substrate of CASP3 during apoptosis. HAX-1 was cleaved by CASP3 during etoposide-(ETO) induced apoptosis, and this event was inhibited by a CASP3-specific inhibitor. The cleavage site of HAX-1, at $Asp^{127}$, was located using N-terminal amino acid sequencing of in vitro cleavage products of recombinant HAX-1. Overexpression of HAX-1 inhibited ETO-induced apoptotic cell death. It also inhibited CASP3 activity. Together, these results suggest that HAX-1, a substrate of CASP3, inhibits the apoptotic process by inhibiting CASP3 activity.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권23호
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• pp.10483-10487
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• 2015

Heptaphylline derivatives are carbazoles in Clausena harmandiana, a medicinal plant that is utilized for headache, stomach ache, and other treatments of illness. The present study examined the effects of heptaphylline and 7-methoxyheptaphylline on apoptosis of human colon adenocarcinoma cells (HT-29 cell line). Quantification of cell viability was performed using cell proliferation assay (MTT assay) and of protein expression through immunoblotting. The results showed that only heptaphylline, but not 7-methoxyheptaphylline, significantly significantly activated cleaved of caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP-1) which resulted in HT-29 cell death. We found that heptaphylline activated BH3 interacting-domain death agonist (Bid) and Bak, proapoptotic proteins. In contrast, it suppressed X-linked inhibitor-of-apoptosis protein (XIAP), Bcl-xL and survivin, inhibitors of apoptosis. In addition, heptaphylline inhibited activation of NF-${\kappa}B$/p65 (rel), a regulator of apoptotic regulating proteins by suppressing the activation of Akt and $IKK{\alpha}$, upstream regulators of p65. The findings suggested that heptaphylline induces apoptosis in human colon adenocarcinoma cells.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권15호
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• pp.6321-6326
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• 2014

${\alpha}$-Methyl-n-butylshikonin (MBS), one of the active components in the root extracts of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, posses antitumor activity. In this study, we assess the molecular mechanisms of MBS in causing apoptosis of SW620 cells. MBS reduced the cell viability of SW620 cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner and induced cell apoptosis. Treatment of SW620 cells with MBS down-regulated the expression of Bcl-2 and up-regulated the expression of Bak and caused the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, MBS treatment led to activation of caspase-9, caspase-8 and caspase-3, and cleavage of PARP, which was abolished by pretreatment with the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK. MBS also induced significant elevation in the phosphorylation of JNK and p38. Pretreatment of SW620 cells with specific inhibitors of JNK (SP600125) and p38 (SB203580) abrogated MBS-induced apoptosis. Our results demonstrated that MBS inhibited growth of colorectal cancer SW620 cells by inducing JNK and p38 signaling pathway, and provided a clue for preclinical and clinical evaluation of MBS for colorectal cancer therapy.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권2호
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• pp.797-802
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• 2014

We screened a small molecular library that was designed and independently synthesized in vitro and found a new drug (MY-03-01) that is active against ovarian cancer. We established that MY-03-01 effectively inhibited SKOV-3 cell survival in a dose-dependent manner, based on cell viability rates, and that it not only induced SKOV-3 apoptosis by itself, but also did so synergistically with paclitaxel. Secondly, when MY-03-01 was applied at $40{\mu}M$, its hemolytic activity was less than 10%, compared with the control, and there was almost no damage to nor mal cells at this concentration. In addition, we used DAPI staining and flow cytometry to show that MY-03-01 could significantly induce apoptosis of SKOV-3 cells. Finally, we found that MY-03-01 likely induced SKOV-3 apoptosis by activating caspase3 and caspase9 through the mitochondrial pathway.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제14권5호
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• pp.2915-2918
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• 2013

Background: Recent studies have shown that 3-deazaneplanocin A (DZNep), a well-known histone methyltransferase inhibitor, disrupts polycomb-repressive complex 2 (PRC2), and induces apoptosis, while inhibiting proliferation and metastasis, in cancer cells, including acute myeloid leukemia, breast cancer and glioblastoma. However, little is known about effects of DZNep on ovarian cancer cells. Materials and Methods: We here therefore studied DZNep-treated A2780 ovarian cancer cells in vitro. Proliferation of ovarian cancer cells under treatment of DZNep was assessed by MTT and apoptosis by flow cytometry. Cell wound healing was applied to detect the migration. Finally, we used q-PCR to assess the migration-related gene, E-cadherin. Results: DZNep could inhibit the proliferation of A2780 and induce apoptosis Furthermore, it inhibited migration and increased the expression of E-cadherin (P<0.05). Conclusion: DZNep is a promising therapeutic agent for ovarian cancer cells, with potential to inhibite proliferation, induce apoptosis and decrease migration.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제19권8호
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• pp.1100-1105
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• 2006

During involution of the mammary gland after the lactation period, the gland undergoes an extensive epithelial cell death. In our previous study, overexpression of an extracellular proteinase inhibitor (Expi) gene accelerated apoptosis of mammary epithelial cells. Here we found that expression of the cathepsin D gene was induced in the Expi-overexpressed apoptotic cells. To understand the role of cathepsin D in apoptosis, we transfected cathepsin D gene into mammary epithelial HC11 cells and established the stable cell lines overexpressing the cathepsin D gene. We found that overexpression of the cathepsin D gene partially induced apoptosis of mammary epithelial cells. Expression patterns of the cathepsin D gene were examined in mouse mammary gland at various reproductive stages. Expression of the cathepsin D gene was increased during involution stages compared to lactation stages, and highest expression levels were shown at involution on day 4. We also examined expression of the cathepsin D gene in various mouse tissues. Mammary gland at involution on day 2 showed highest levels of cathepsin D mRNA of the mouse tissues that we examined. Liver tissues showed high levels of cathepsin D expression. These results demonstrate that cathepsin D may contribute to the apoptotic process of mammary epithelial cells.

• 생약학회지
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• 제48권4호
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• pp.273-279
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• 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms underlying apoptosis induced by a broussochalcone B (BCB) from Broussonetia papyrifera in HepG2 cells. The results showed that BCB treatment for 24 hr significantly inhibited cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, and induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells. More so, BCB treatment triggered the cleavage of caspase-8, -9, -3, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), increase of Bax level, and decrease of Bcl-2 expression. A general caspase inhibitor (z-VAD-fmk) blocked BCB-induced cell death. Furthermore, BCB treatment caused reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, an antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) blocked BCB-induced ROS production and cell death. Therefore, these results indicate that BCB-induced apoptosis is mediated by a caspase dependent pathway and ROS production in HepG2 cells.

• 대한한방부인과학회지
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• 제15권4호
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• pp.1-16
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• 2002

This work examines the effect of treatment with Gyukhachukeotang on the growth of uterine myomal cells. Comparisons of cell growth, MAP kinase activity and expression of bcl-2 (apoptosis-related gene) were made between the control and experimental samples. The results as fallows; 1. Any concentration of Gyukhachukeotang above 0.01% yielded growth inhibition. Concentrations of 5% and 10% stopped all cell growth, demonstrating the effectiveness of Gyukhachukeotang as a growth inhibitor on uterine myomal cells. 2. The MAP kinase activity in uterine myomal cells treated with Gyukhachukeotang was decreased to a high degree at the concentration of 10%, and some inhibition of activity was detected at a concentration of 5%. 3. The expression of bcl-2, a Cell Apoptosis-related gene, in uterine myoma cells treated with Gyukhachukeotang was gradually increased with increasing concentration of Gyukhachukeotang. These results indicate the ability of Gyukhachukeotang to control uterine myomal cell growth, with concurrent reduction of MAP kinase activity. Treatment with Gyukhachukeotang appears to trigger a normal apoptosis response, as indicated by increased bcl-2 expression. This observed increase in apoptosis indicates that Gyukhachukeotang is an appropriate prescription to treat uterine myomal cells.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제25권2호
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• pp.158-164
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• 2017

Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a highly reactive metabolite of glucose which is known to cause damage and induce apoptosis in endothelial cells. Endothelial cell damage is implicated in the progression of diabetes-associated complications and atherosclerosis. Hypericin, a naphthodianthrone isolated from Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John's Wort), is a potent and selective inhibitor of protein kinase C and is reported to reduce neuropathic pain. In this work, we investigated the protective effect of hypericin on MGO-induced apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Hypericin showed significant anti-apoptotic activity in MGO-treated HUVECs. Pretreatment with hypericin significantly inhibited MGO-induced changes in cell morphology, cell death, and production of intracellular reactive oxygen species. Hypericin prevented MGO-induced apoptosis in HUVECs by increasing Bcl-2 expression and decreasing Bax expression. MGO was found to activate mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Pretreatment with hypericin strongly inhibited the activation of MAPKs, including P38, JNK, and ERK1/2. Interestingly, hypericin also inhibited the formation of AGEs. These findings suggest that hypericin may be an effective regulator of MGO-induced apoptosis. In conclusion, hypericin downregulated the formation of AGEs and ameliorated MGO-induced dysfunction in human endothelial cells.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제8권2호
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• pp.132-137
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• 2014

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: In this study, the apoptogenic activity and mechanisms of cell death induced by hexane extract of aged black garlic (HEABG) were investigated in human leukemic U937 cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: Cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazoliumbromide) assay. Apoptosis was detected using 4,6-diamidino-2-phenyllindile (DAPI) staining, agarose gel electrophoresis and flow cytometry. The protein levels were determined by Western blot analysis. Caspase activity was measured using a colorimetric assay. RESULTS: Exposure to HEABG was found to result in a concentration- and time-dependent growth inhibition by induction of apoptosis, which was associated with an up-regulation of death receptor 4 and Fas legend, and an increase in the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 protein expression. Apoptosis-inducing concentrations of HEABG induced the activation of caspase-9, an initiator caspase of the mitochodrial mediated intrinsic pathway, and caspase-3, accompanied by proteolytic degradation of poly(ADP-ribose)-polymerase. HEABG also induced apoptosis via a death receptor mediated extrinsic pathway by caspase-8 activation, resulting in the truncation of Bid, and suggesting the existence of cross-talk between the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. However, pre-treatment of U937 cells with the caspase-3 inhibitor, z-DEVD-fmk, significantly blocked the HEABG-induced apoptosis of these cells, and increased the survival rate of HEABG-treated cells, confirming that HEABG-induced apoptosis is mediated through activation of caspase cascade. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the overall results, we suggest that HEABG reduces leukemic cell growth by inducing caspase-dependent apoptosis through both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, implying its potential therapeutic value in the treatment of leukemia.