• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.599-607
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• 2017

Most normal cells express L-type amino acid transporter 2 (LAT2). However, L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) is highly expressed in many tumor cells and presumed to support their increased growth and proliferation. This study examined the effects of JPH203, a selective LAT1 inhibitor, on cell growth and its mechanism for cell death in Saos2 human osteosarcoma cells. FOB human osteoblastic cells and Saos2 cells expressed LAT1 and LAT2 together with their associating protein 4F2 heavy chain, but the expression of LAT2 in the Saos2 cells was especially weak. JPH203 and BCH, a non-selective L-type amino acid transporter inhibitor, potently inhibited L-leucine uptake in Saos2 cells. As expected, the intrinsic ability of JPH203 to inhibit L-leucine uptake was far more efficient than that of BCH in Saos2 cells. Likewise, JPH203 and BCH inhibited Saos2 cell growth with JPH203 being superior to BCH in this regard. Furthermore, JPH203 increased apoptosis rates and formed DNA ladder in Saos2 cells. Moreover, JPH203 activated the mitochondria-dependent apoptotic signaling pathway by upregulating pro-apoptotic factors, such as Bad, Bax, and Bak, and the active form of caspase-9, and downregulating anti-apoptotic factors, such as Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. These results suggest that the inhibition of LAT1 activity via JPH203, which may act as a potential novel anti-cancer agent, leads to apoptosis mediated by the mitochondria-dependent intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway by inducing the intracellular depletion of neutral amino acids essential for cell growth in Saos2 human osteosarcoma cells.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.34-39
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• 2021

This study investigated the anti-cancer effects of Salicornia herbacea L. fractions in human ovarian cancer cells (OVCAR-3). S. herbacea powder was extracted with 95% EtOH and sequentially fractionated with hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate, butanol, and H2O. Further, the growth inhibitory effects of the six fractions were determined using the MTS assay. The DCM fraction dramatically decreased cell viability. Similarly, the cell cycle was arrested at the subG1 phase in DCM-treated cells. To confirm apoptosis, the cells were stained with annexin V/FITC-PI solution. Total, early, and late apoptotic cells were significantly increased in the DCM fraction. The mRNA expression of Bcl-2 was reduced, whereas the pro-apoptotic factors Bax and Bak were increased in DCM fraction-treated cells. These results indicated that the DCM fraction in S. herbacea exhibited strong apoptotic effects through the p53-dependent signaling pathway.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.45 no.12
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• pp.1708-1716
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• 2016

The Akt/mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is activated in the majority of human cancers. Activation of the Akt/mTOR pathway confers resistance to many types of cancer therapy. In this study, we evaluated the apoptotic effect of ethanol extract of Artemisia annua L. through down-regulation of Akt signal pathways and the mitochondrial pathway in hepato-carcinoma cells (HepG2). A. annua extract is known as a medicinal herb that is effective against cancer. We evaluated anti-proliferative activity by MTT-based viability assay and apoptotic effect by Annexin-V/PI staining, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and caspase-3/7 activity as determined by flow cytometry. A. annua treatment led to loss of MMP, resulting in cytochrome c-inducible activation of caspase-3/7. Treatment with A. annua extract reduced activities of Akt/mTOR/anti-apoptotic proteins (such as Bcl-2 and $Bcl-X_L$), leading to increased activation of tumor suppressor p53 and pro-apoptotic proteins (such as Bax and Bak). We applied LY294002 (inhibitor of Akt) and rapamycin (inhibitor of mTOR) to determine the relationship between signal transduction of proteins associated with apoptosis. LY294002 and rapamycin significantly reduced cell viability and increased apoptosis. These results indicate that Bcl-2 and caspase-3 are key regulators in A. annua extract-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells and are controlled through the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.572-577
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to find out the Bcl-2 (B-cell leukemia/lymphoma-2), Bax, and caspase-3(cysteine-aspartic proteases-3) protein expression in soleus and EDL muscle according to treadmill exercise intensity in 60 week-old SD rats. The SD rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=10 in each group): control (CON), low intensity exercise (LE), moderate intensity exercise (ME), and high intensity exercise (HE). The exercise was given to the rats for 8 wk, 5 day/wk. The animals underwent treadmill exercise at intensities of 30 min at 8 m/min for the LE group, 15 min at 16 m/min for the ME group, and 9 min at 24 m/min for the HE group. The results were as follows: the expression of Bcl-2 protein was lowest in the HE group and the expression of Bax protein was highest in the HE group. The expression of caspase-3 (cleaved form) protein was observed in the HE group. For the different types of muscle fiber, Bcl-2 protein expression in the soleus muscle was decreased in all groups. Bax protein expression in the soleus muscle was increased in the HE group only. Bcl-2 protein expression in the EDL muscle was decreased in the HE group, and Bax protein expression in the EDL muscle was increased in the ME and HE groups. Consequently, the protein expression related to the aged rats shows a difference according to the intensity of exercise. In addition, caspase-3 protein expression appeared in the HE group; however, in all amounts of intensity, DNA fragmentation was not observed. Therefore, apoptosis on skeletal muscles of aged mice can be intervened with optimal exercise. On the other hand, high intensity exercise can potentially accelerate the apoptosis of muscle fiber in aged rats.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.62 no.3
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• pp.95-101
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• 2019

Purpose: Increased apoptosis was recently found in the hypertrophied left ventricle of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Although the available evidence suggests that apoptosis can be induced in cardiac cells by various insults including pressure overload, cardiac apoptosis appears to result from an exaggerated local production of angiotensin in adult SHRs. Altered expressions of Bcl associated X (Bax), Bcl-2, chemokine receptor (CCR)-2, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, transforming growth factor $(TGF)-{\beta}1$, phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases (PERK), and connexin 43 proteins, and kallikrein mRNA were investigated to explore the effects of losartan on the SHR model. Methods: Twelve-week-old male rats were grouped as follows: control (C), SHR (hypertension: H), and losartan (L; SHRs were treated with losartan [10 mg/kg/day] for 5 weeks). Western blot and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays were performed. Results: Expression of Bax, CCR-2, MCP-1, $TGF-{\beta}1$, PERK, and connexin 43 proteins, and kallikrein mRNA was significantly increased in the H group compared to that in the C group at weeks 3 and 5. Expression of Bax, CCR-2, MCP-1, $TGF-{\beta}1$, and connexin 43 proteins and kallikrein mRNA was significantly decreased after losartan treatment at week 5. PERK protein expression was significantly decreased after losartan treatment at weeks 3 and 5. Bcl-2 protein expression was significantly decreased in the H group compared to that in the C group at weeks 3 and 5. Conclusion: Losartan treatment reduced expression of Bax, CCR-2, MCP-1, $TGF-{\beta}1$, PERK, and connexin 43 proteins, and kallikrein mRNA in SHRs, along with decreased inflammation and apoptosis.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.195-207
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• 2014

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of laser acupuncture according to the wavelength(532 nm, 650 nm, 830 nm, 904 nm, and 1064 nm) at the acupoint of GB34 GB39 on neuropathic pain rat induced by tibial and sural nerve transection(TST). Methods : Neuropathic pain in rats was induced by tibial nerve and sural nerve transection. The rats were divided into the intact group, the TST control group, and the laser acupuncture therapy group. The laser acupuncture therapy groups were then divided into subgroups with 532 nm(L532), 650 nm(L650), 830 nm(L830), 904 nm(L904), and 1064 nm(L1064) laser acupuncture therapy. The acupoint of GB34 GB39 was selected, and laser acupuncture therapy was provided on both sides alternatively twice a week in a total of 6 sessions. Results : All the laser acupuncture groups showed a significant decrease in reaction time and force intensity. L532, L904, and L1064 groups showed a significant decrease in Bax, the L532 group showed a significant increase in Bcl-2, L532 and L1064 groups showed a significant decrease in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and L532 and L650 groups showed a significant increase in mGluR5, as compared with the TST control group, among nerve tissue reaction. Conclusions : These results showed that laser acupuncture therapy at each of the wavelengths had some significance on neuropathic pain.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.503-510
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• 2013

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women, both in the developed and developing countries. Anthocyanins are natural coloring of a multitude of foods, such as berries, grapes or cherries. Glycosides of the aglycons delphinidin represent the most abundant anthocyanins in fruits. Delphinidin has recently been reported to inhibit the growth of human tumor cell line. Also, delphinidin is a powerful antioxidant that reportedly exerts beneficial effects in patients with advanced cancer by reducing the level of reactive oxygen species and increasing glutathion peroxidase activity. This study investigates the effects of delphinidin on protein ErbB2, ErbB3 and Akt expressions associated with cell proliferation and Bcl-2, Bax protein associated with cell apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell line. MDA-MB-231 cells were cultured with various concentrations (0, 5, 10, and $20{\mu}mol/L$) of delphinidin. Delphinidin inhibited breast cancer cell growth in a dose dependent manner (p < 0.05). ErbB2 and ErbB3 expressions were markdly lower $5{\mu}mol/L$ delphinidin (p < 0.05). In addition, total Akt and phosphorylated Akt levels were decreased dose-dependently in cells treated with delphinidin (p < 0.05). Futher, Bcl-2 levels were dose-dependently decreased and Bax expression was significantly increased in cells treated with delphinidin (p < 0.05). In conclusion, I have shown that delphinidin inhibits cell growth, proliferation and induces apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.26 no.7
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• pp.847-854
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• 2016

Cordycepin, a derivative of the nucleoside adenosine, is one of the active components extracted from fungi of genus Cordyceps, and has been shown to have many pharmacological activities. In this study, we investigated the effects of cordycepin on proliferation and apoptosis of human gastric cancer AGS cells, and its possible mechanism of action. Treatment of cordycepin resulted in significant decrease in cell viability of AGS cells in a concentration-dependent manner. A concentration-dependent apoptotic cell death was also measured by agarose gel electrophoresis and flow cytometery analysis. Molecular mechanistic studies of apoptosis unraveled cordycepin treatment resulted in an enhanced expression of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, death receptor 5 and Fas ligand. Furthermore, up-regulation of pro-apoptotic Bax, and down-regulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL expression were also observed in cordycepin-treated AGS cells. These were followed by activation of caspases (caspase-9, -8 and -3), subsequently leading to poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. Taken together, these findings indicate that cordycepin induces apoptosis in AGS cells through regulation of multiple apoptotic pathways, including death receptor and mitochondria. Although further mechanical studies are needed, our results revealed that cordycepin can be regarded as a new effective and chemopreventive compound for human gastric cancer treatment.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.259-262
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• 2012

Classical swine fever (CSF) is a highly contagious disease among swine that has an important economic impact on worldwide. One clinical symptom of CSF is leukopenia, in particular lymphopenia, which is a characteristic event that occurs early in the course of CSF. Though lymphopenia associated with apoptosis, the pathogenic mechanism underlying the lymphopenia has not been well studied. To understand these mechanisms, we investigated the response of porcine B cell lines to infection with SW03, virulent strain isolated from swine tissue in Korea. This study demonstrated that SW03-infected L35 cell were induced apoptosis through the detection of activated caspase-3. In addition, SW03 infection leaded to alterations in pro-apoptotic, Bax, and anti-apoptotic, Bcl-xL proteins of Bcl-2 family. Our results would suggest that SW03-infected L35 cells induced apoptosis via intrinsic mitochondrial pathway.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.53 no.10
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• pp.898-908
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• 2010

Purpose: The neuroprotective effects of erythropoietin (EPO) have been recently shown in many animal models of brain injury, including hypoxic-ischemic (HI) encephalopathy, trauma, and excitotoxicity; however, limited data are available for such effects during the neonatal periods. Therefore, we investigated whether recombinant human EPO (rHuEPO) can protect against perinatal HI brain injury via an antiapoptotic mechanism. Methods: The left carotid artery was ligated in 7-day-old Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat pups ($in$ $vivo$ model). The animals were divided into 6 groups: normoxia control (NC), normoxia sham-operated (NS), hypoxia only (H), hypoxia+vehicle (HV), hypoxia+rHuEPO before a hypoxic insult (HE-B), and hypoxia+rHuEPO after a hypoxic insult (HE-A). Embryonic cortical neuronal cell culture of SD rats at 18 days gestation ($in$ $vitro$ model) was performed. The cultured cells were divided into 5 groups: normoxia (N), hypoxia (H), and 1, 10, and 100 IU/mL rHuEPO-treated groups. Results: In the $in$ $vivo$ model, Bcl-2 expressions in the H and HV groups were lower than those in the NC and NS groups, whereas those in the HE-A and HE-B groups were greater than those of the H and HV groups. The expressions of Bax and caspase-3 and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 were in contrast to those of Bcl-2. In the $in$ $vitro$ model, the patterns of Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3 expression and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio were similar to the results obtained in the in vivo model. Conclusion: rHuEPO exerts neuroprotective effect against perinatal HI brain injury via an antiapoptotic mechanism.