• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.15 no.22
• /
• pp.9915-9919
• /
• 2014

Lamellarin D (LamD) is a marine alkaloid with a pronounced cytotoxicity against a large panel of cancer cells, affecting cell growth and inducing apoptosis. However, the molecular mechanisms of action of this compound are poorly understood. In this study, the anticancer efficacy of LamD was investigated in human leukemia K562 cells. The results showed suppressed cell proliferation and induction of G0/G1-phase arrest,while expression of CDK1, and activity of smad3 and smad5 were reduced, but that of p27, p53 and STGC3 was increased. LamD induced cell apoptosis through activation of caspases-8/-3, inhibition of survivin and Bcl-2, suggesting that this compound may also act through a caspase-independent pathway. Moreover, LamD inhibited the secretion of TGF-${\beta}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, IL-8 and other inflammatory cytokines and the transcriptional activity of transcription factor NF-${\kappa}B$ in human leukemia K562 cells.Taken together, our results suggest that LamD-mediated inhibition of leukemia cell proliferation may be related to the induction of apoptosis and the regulation of cell cycle, tumor-related gene expression and cytokine expression, which may provide a new way of thinking for the treatment leukemia.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.25 no.3
• /
• pp.413-417
• /
• 2015

Recently, we isolated HY253, a novel decahydrofluorene analog with a molecular structure of 7,8a-divinyl-2,4a,4b,5,6,7,8,8a,9,9a-decahydro-1H-fluorene-2,4a,4b,9a-tetraol from the roots of Aralia continentalis, which is known as Dokwhal (獨活), a traditional medicinal herb. Moreover, we previously reported its cytotoxic activity on cancer cell proliferation in human lung cancer A549 and cervical cancer HeLa cells. The current study aimed to evaluate its detailed molecular mechanisms in cell cycle arrest and apoptotic induction in human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. Flow cytometric analysis of HepG2 cells treated with $60{\mu}M$ HY253 revealed appreciable cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase via inhibition of Rb phosphorylation and down-regulation of cyclin D1. Furthermore, using western blots, we found that up-regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, such as p21^CIP1 and p27^KIP1, was associated with this G₁ phase arrest. Moreover, TUNEL assay and immunoblottings revealed apoptotic induction in HepG2 cells treated with $60{\mu}M$ HY253 for 24 h, which is associated with cytochrome c release from mitochondria, via down-regulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein, which in turn resulted in activation of caspase-9 and -3, and proteolytic cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Accordingly, we suggest that HY253 may be a potent chemotherapeutic hit compound for treating human liver cancer cells via up-regulation and activation of the p53 gene.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.3 no.3
• /
• pp.180-184
• /
• 2009

The apoptotic effect of bacteria-derived $\beta$-glucan was investigated in human colon cancer cells SNU-C4 using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, and Caspase-3 genes, and assay of caspase-3 enzyme activity. $\beta$-Glucan of 10, 50, and $100{\mu}g$/mL decreased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner with typical apoptotic characteristics, such as morphological changes of chromatin condensation and apoptotic body formation from TUNEL assay. In addition, $\beta$-glucan ($100{\mu}g$/mL) decreased the expression of Bc1-2 by 0.6 times, whereas the expression of Bax and Caspase-3 were increased by 3.1 and 2.3 times, respectively, compared to untreated control group. Furthermore, the caspase-3 activity in the $\beta$-glucan-treated group was significantly increased compared to those in control group (P < 0.05). Bacterial derived $\beta$-glucan could be used as an effective compound inducing apoptosis in human colon cancer.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.22 no.6
• /
• pp.37-50
• /
• 2005

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-caner effect of Bee Venom and Melittin on the prostatic cancer cell(PC-3). The goal of study is to ascertain whether Bee Venom and Melittin inhibits the cell growth and cell cycle of PC-3, or the expression of relative genes and whether the regression of PC-3 cell growth is due to cell death or the expression of gene related to apoptosis. Methods : After the treatment of Pc-3 cells with Bee Venom and Melittin, we performed Fluorescence microscope, MTT assay, Western blotting, Flow cytometry, PAGE electrophoresis and Surface plasmon resonance analysis to identify the cell viability, apoptosis and gene related to apoptosis. Results : 1. Compared with Control cell, the inhibition of cell growth reduced in proportion with the dose of Bee Venom or Melittin($0{\sim}10{\mu}g/ml$) in PC-3. 2. In PC-3, Cell viabilities of Bee Venom or Melittin treatment was decreased significantly. 3. The nucli of Control cells were stained round and homogenous in DAPI staining, but those of PC-3 were stained condense and splitted. 4. In PC-3, apoptosis of Bee Venom or Melittin treatment was increased significantly. 5. Bax, Caspase-3 and P ARP of Bee Venom or Melittin treatment was increased significantly and Bcl-2 of Bee Venom or Melittin treatment was decreased significantly. Caspase-9 of Bee venom treatment was increased significantly. Conclusion : These results indicate that Bee Venom and Melittin inhibits the growth of prostate cancer cells, has anti-cancer effects by inducing apoptosis. We wish that the anti-cancer effects of Bee Venom and Melittin are used to clinical caner treatment.

• 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.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.29 no.1
• /
• pp.25-35
• /
• 2012

목적 : 이 연구는 $Vipera$ $lebetina$ $turanica$ 사독(蛇毒)이 인간 대장암 세포주인 HCT116 세포에서 세포주기진행, death receptor 의존적 세포자멸사 경로 관련단백질 발현 및 NK-${\kappa}B$와 STAT3 활성에 미치는 영향을 규명함으로써 대장암 세포 성장에 대한 억제와 그 기전에 대하여 살펴보고자 하였다. 방법 : 사독을 처리한 후 HCT116의 세포주기를 분석하기 위해서 FACS analysis를 시행하였고, apoptosis 평가에는 TUNEL assay를 시행하였으며 death receptor 의존적 세포자멸사 경로 관련단백질 및 NF-${\kappa}B$와 STAT3 활성 변동 관찰에는 RT-PCR 및 western blot analysis를 시행하였다. 결과 : 1. 0.1, 0.5 및 $1{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ 등의 사독을 처리한 결과 농도 의존적으로 HCT116 대장암 세포활성의 억제가 나타났다. 2. 0.1, 0.5 및 $1{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ 등의 사독을 처리한 결과 농도의존적으로 세포자멸사 활성세포의 증가가 나타났고, SVT $1{\mu}g/m{\ell}$에서는 60-70%의 대장암세포 억제 효과가 나타났다. 3. 0.1, 0.5 및 $1{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ 등의 사독을 처리한 결과 약한 G1 arrest와 강한 G2/M arrest가 나타났고, G0/G1 또는 G2/M 관련 cyclin D, E 및 B1의 증가가 나타났다. 4. 0.1, 0.5 및 $1{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ 등의 사독을 처리한 결과 death receptor4, 5의 발현증가와 그에 따른 세포자멸사 촉진 Bax, PARP, caspase-3, -8, -9 발현 증가 및 세포자멸사 억제의 Bcl-2의 발현 감소 등이 나타났다. 6. 0.1, 0.5 및 $1{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ 등의 사독을 처리한 결과 NF-${\kappa}B$와 STAT3의 활성변동은 관찰되지 않았다. 결론 : 이상의 연구에서 사독은 death receptor 의존적인 세포자멸사를 촉진하여 대장암의 화학치료 내성을 극복할 수 있는 하나의 대안이 될 것으로 생각되지만 보다 심화된 연구가 필요할 것으로 사료된다.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
• /
• v.45 no.3
• /
• pp.99-106
• /
• 2020

Ficus carica L. (fig) is one of the first cultivated crops and is as old as humans. This plant has been extensively used as a traditional medicine for treating diseases, such as cough, indigestion, nutritional anemia, and tuberculosis. However, the physiological activity of fig leaves on oral cancer is as yet unknown. In this study, we investigated the anticancer effect of methanol extracts of Ficus carica (MeFC) and the mechanism of cell death in human FaDu hypopharyngeal squamous carcinoma cells. MeFC decreased the viability of oral cancer (FaDu) cells but did not affect the viability of normal (L929) cells, as determined by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and Live and Dead assay. In addition, MeFC induced apoptosis through the proteolytic cleavage of procaspase-3, -9, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), downregulation of Bcl-2, and upregulation of Bax, as determined by 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride staining and western blot analysis. Moreover, a concentration of MeFC without cytotoxicity (0.25 mg/mL) significantly suppressed colony formation, a hallmark of cancer development, and completely inhibited the colony formation at 1 mg/mL. Collectively, these results suggest that MeFC exhibits a potent anticancer effect by suppressing the growth of oral cancer cells and colony formation via caspase- and mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic pathways in FaDu human hypopharyngeal squamous carcinoma cells. Therefore, the methanol extract of Ficus carcica leaves provide a natural chemotherapeutic drug for human oral cancer.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
• /
• v.24 no.2
• /
• pp.41-50
• /
• 2014

Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Clematidis radix extract on $CoCl_2$-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Methods In order to investigate the protective effect of Clematidis radix on $CoCl_2$-induced cytotoxicity in neuronal cells, MTT(3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, DAPI(4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindoleI) staining, TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling) assay, DNA fragmentation assay and western blotting were performed on SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Results Cells treated with $CoCl_2$ exhibited several apoptotic features, while cells pre-treated with Clematidis radix prior to $CoCl_2$ exposure showed a decrease in the occurrence of apoptotic features. $CoCl_2$ increased HIF-$1{\alpha}$ expression, in contrast, Clematidis radix treatment decreased $CoCl_2$-induced HIF-$1{\alpha}$ expression. Pre-treatment with the extract of Clematidis radix suppressed Bax, cytochrome c, and caspase-3 expressions, and also increased Bcl-2 expression in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Conclusions These results suggest that Clematidis radix may exert a protective effect on $CoCl_2$-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
• /
• v.20 no.1
• /
• pp.30-36
• /
• 2010

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of blueberry extract on cell death, ROS and gene expression patterns associated with the anti-cancer activity in human breast cancer MCF7 cells. To accomplish this, 20 mg/mL concentration of blueberry extract was added to the cell culture for 0, 6, 12, 24 or 48 h, after which the effects were evaluated by various analyses. MTT assay showed that the cellular activities decreased rapidly during the first 12 h of treatment. During this period, dual staining with Hoechst33322 and propidium iodide also produced a similar trend in which the dead or dying cells increased sharply. Furthermore, evaluation of BrdU incorporation as an index for cell proliferation revealed a marked decrease during the first 12 h of treatment, suggesting that anticancer activity involves the inhibition of cell proliferation and induces cell death. ROS also increased according to the duration of the treatment, indicating intracellular accumulation is associated with the cell death. RT-PCR analysis revealed significant decreases in anti-apoptotic (Bax) and increases in pro-apoptotic gene expressions (Bci-2, caspase- 3, and 9) (p<0.05). Taken these together, blueberry extract induces ROS accumulation in MCF7 cells, causing inhibition of cell proliferation and eventually leading to cell death. This cell death was associated with apoptotic gene expression in blueberry-treated cells for up to 24 h.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
• /
• v.12 no.2
• /
• pp.79-83
• /
• 2007

The effects of young radish (YR, yeolmu in Korean) on the induction of apoptosis were examined in AGS human gastric adenocarcinoma cells. The young radish kimchi (YRK) were made of YR cultivated in the soil without (Control YR kimchi: C-YRK) and with 1,818 g/m$^{3}$ sulfur (Sulfur YR kimchi: S-YRK), respectively. Methanol extracts from S-YRK exhibited higher inhibitory effect on the growth of AGS human gastric adenocarcinoma cells in a time dependent-manner compared to C-YRK at the same concentration. 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining showed that S-YRK induced apoptosis accompanied by the increased Bax but decreased Bcl-2 in mRNA expression. Moreover, S-YRK decreased the levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expressions. The results suggested that S-YRK cultivated in the presence of sulfur elicited stronger anticancer activity than C-YRK in vitro. Dietary intakes of S-YRK may be beneficial to decrease the risk of cancer.