• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.16 no.10
• /
• pp.4177-4183
• /
• 2015

Background: Gastric cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in Asia, and the majority type is gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC). Most GAC patients die of recurrence and metastasis. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been thought to be responsible for the initiation, development, metastasis, and ultimately recurrence of cancer. In this study, we aimed to investigate expression and clinical significance of CSCs markers, CD133 and Lgr5, and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in primary GAC. Materials and Methods: Specimens from 261 Chinese patients with follow-up were analyzed for CD133, Lgr5 protein expression and VM by immunohistochemical and histochemical staining. The Pearson Chi's square test was used to assess the associations among the positive staining of these markers and clinicopathological characteristics. Postoperative overall survival time was were studied by univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: In GAC tissues, positive rates of 49.0%, 38.7%, and 26.8% were obtained for CD133, Lgr5, and VM, respectively. The mean score of microvessel density (MVD) was $21.7{\pm}11.1$ in GAC tissues. There was a significantly difference between the positive and negative groups. There was a positive relationship between the VM, the expression of CD133 and Lgr5, and the score of MVD and the grades of tumor, lymph node metastasis, TNM stages (all p<0.05). The overall mean survival time of the patients with CD133, Lgr5, VM, and MVD (${\geq}22$) positive expression was lower than that of patients with negative expression. The score of MVD, positive expression of CD133 and VM were independent prognostic factors of GAC (p<0.05). Conclusions: VM, and expression of CD133, Lgr5, and the score of MVD are related to grades of tumor, lymph node metastasis, TNM stages, and overall mean survival time. It is suggested that CSCs and VM could play an important role in the evolution of GAC.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.17 no.12
• /
• pp.1709-1716
• /
• 2007

The health benefits of garlic (Allium sativum L.) are derived from a wide variety of components and from the different ways it is administered. The known health benefits of garlic include cardiovascular protective effects, stimulation of immune function, reduction of blood glucose level, protection against microbial, viral and fungal infections, as well as anticancer effects. In the present study, it was examined the effects of water extract of A. sativum (WEAS) on the growth of cultured human tumor cells in order to investigate its anti-proliferative mechanism. Treatment of WEAS to tumor cells resulted in the growth inhibition, especially in leukemia cells, which was associated with induction of G2/M arrest of the cell cycle and apoptosis. In order to further explore the critical events leading to apoptosis in WEAS-treated U937 human leukemia cells, the following effects of WEAS on components of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway were examined: generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), alteration of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and the expression changes of Bcl-2 and IAP family proteins. The cytotoxic effect of WEAS was mediated by its induction of apoptosis as characterized by the occurrence of DNA ladders, apoptotic bodies and chromosome condensation in U937 cells. The WEAS-induced apoptosis in U937 cells was correlated with the generation of intracellular ROS, collapse of MMP, activation of caspase-3 and down-regulation of anti-apoptotic proteins. The quenching of ROS generation with antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine conferred significant protection against WEAS-elicited ROS generation, caspase-3 activation, G2/M arrest and apoptosis. In conclusion, the present study reveals that the cellular ROS generation plays a pivotal role in the initiation of WEAS-triggered apoptotic death in U937 cells.

• Experimental and Molecular Medicine
• /
• v.51 no.2
• /
• pp.1.1-1.14
• /
• 2019

Hypoxia-inducible factor-$1{\alpha}$ ($HIF-1{\alpha}$) mediates tumor cell adaptation to hypoxic conditions and is a potentially important anticancer therapeutic target. We previously developed a method for synthesizing a benzofuran-based natural product, (R)-(-)-moracin-O, and obtained a novel potent analog, MO-460 that suppresses the accumulation of $HIF-1{\alpha}$ in Hep3B cells. However, the molecular target and underlying mechanism of action of MO-460 remained unclear. In the current study, we identified heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2B1 (hnRNPA2B1) as a molecular target of MO-460. MO-460 inhibits the initiation of $HIF-1{\alpha}$ translation by binding to the C-terminal glycinerich domain of hnRNPA2B1 and inhibiting its subsequent binding to the 3'-untranslated region of $HIF-1{\alpha}$ mRNA. Moreover, MO-460 suppresses $HIF-1{\alpha}$ protein synthesis under hypoxic conditions and induces the accumulation of stress granules. The data provided here suggest that hnRNPA2B1 serves as a crucial molecular target in hypoxiainduced tumor survival and thus offer an avenue for the development of novel anticancer therapies.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.31 no.4
• /
• pp.400-409
• /
• 2021

Sanguinarine, a natural benzophenanthridine alkaloid, has been considered a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of cancer because it can induce apoptosis in human cancer cells; however, the underlying mechanisms of action still remain unclear. Tumor suppressor p53 deletion or mutation is an important reason for the resistance of colorectal cancer cells to anticancer agents. Therefore, in the present study, the role of p53 during apoptosis induced by sanguinarine was investigated in p53wild type (WT, p53+/+) and p53null (p53+/+) HCT116 colon carcinoma cells. Sanguinarine significantly caused greater reductions in cell viability in HCT116 (p53+/+) cells than in HCT116 (p53-/-) cells. Consistently, sanguinarine promoted more DNA damage and apoptosis in HCT116 (p53+/+) cells than in HCT116 (p53-/-) cells while increasing the expression of p53 and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21^WAF1/CIP1. Sanguinarine increased the activity of caspase-8 and caspase-9, which are involved in the initiation of extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways, respectively, and it activated caspase-3, a typical effect caspase, in HCT116 (p53+/+) cells. Sanguinarine also increased the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, while destroying the integrity of mitochondria in HCT116 (p53+/+) cells, but not in HCT116 (p53-/-) cells. Overall, the results indicate that sanguinarine induced p53-dependent apoptosis through ROS-mediated activation of extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways in HCT116 colorectal cancer cells.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.16 no.16
• /
• pp.7277-7284
• /
• 2015

Background: The Wnt/${\beta}$-catenin signaling pathway is an important regulator of cellular functions such as proliferation, survival and cell adhesion. Wnt/${\beta}$-catenin signaling is associated with tumor initiation and progression; ${\beta}$-catenin mutations explain only 30% of aberrant signaling found in breast cancer, indicating that other components and/or regulation of the Wnt/${\beta}$-catenin pathway may be involved. Objective: We evaluated AXIN2 rs2240308 and rs151279728 polymorphisms, and expression profiles of ${\beta}$-catenin destruction complex genes in breast cancer patients. Materials and Methods: We collected peripheral blood samples from 102 breast cancer and 102 healthy subjects. The identification of the genetic variation was performed using PCR-RFLPs and DNA sequencing. RT-qPCR was used to determine expression profiles. Results: We found significant association of AXIN2 rs151279728 and rs2240308 polymorphisms with breast cancer risk. Significant increase was observed in AXIN2 level expression in breast cancer patients. Further analyses showed APC, ${\beta}$-catenin, CK1${\alpha}$, GSK3${\beta}$ and PP2A gene expression to be associated to clinic-pathological characteristics. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated, for the first time, that AXIN2 genetic defects and disturbance of ${\beta}$-catenin destruction complex expression may be found in breast cancer patients, providing additional support for roles of Wnt/${\beta}$-catenin pathway dysfunction in breast cancer tumorigenesis. However, the functional consequences of the genetic alterations remain to be determined.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.13 no.9
• /
• pp.4835-4837
• /
• 2012

Objectives: To evaluate residual disease in uterine cervical cancer patients treated with teletherapy using combined high dose rate Cobalt-60 brachytherapy. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of uterine cervical cancer patients, FIGO stages IB-IVB (International Federation of Gynecologists and Obstetricians recommendations), treated by radiotherapy alone between April 1986 and December 1988 was conducted and the outcomes analysed. The patients were treated using teletherapy 50 Gy/25 fractions, five fractions per week to the whole pelvis together with HDR Cobalt -60 afterloading brachytherapy of 850 cGy/fraction, weekly to point A for 2 fractions. Results: The study covered 141 patients with uterine cervical cancer. The mean age was 50.0 years with a range of 30-78 years. The mean tumor size was 4.1 cm in diameter (range 1-8 cm). Mean follow - up time was 2.94 years (range 1 month-6.92 years). The overall incidence of residual locoregional disease was 3.5%. Residual disease, according to stage IIB, IIIB and IVA was present in 2.78%, 3.37% and 50.0%. It was noted that there was no evidence of residual disease in stage IB and IIA cases. Conclusion: Combined teletherapy along with high dose rate Cobalt -60 brachytherapy of 850 cGy/fraction, weekly to point A for 2 fractions resulted in overall 3.5% residual disease and a 96.5% complete response. The proposed recommendation for improving outcome is initiation of measurements for early detection of disease.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
• /
• v.21 no.1
• /
• pp.21-25
• /
• 2017

Severe hypercalcemia is rarely encountered in children, even though serum calcium concentrations above 15-16 mg/dL could be life-threatening. We present a patient having severe hypercalcemia and azotemia. A 14-year-old boy with no significant past medical history was referred to our hospital with hypercalcemia and azotemia. Laboratory and imaging studies excluded hyperparathyroidism and solid tumor. Other laboratory findings including a peripheral blood profile were unremarkable. His hypercalcemia was not improved with massive hydration, diuretics, or even hemodialysis, but noticeably reversed with administration of calcitonin. A bone marrow biopsy performed to rule out the possibility of hematological malignancy revealed acute lymphoblastic leukemia. His hypercalcemia and azotemia resolved shortly after initiation of induction chemotherapy. Results in this patient indicate that a hematological malignancy could present with severe hypercalcemia even though blast cells have not appeared in the peripheral blood. Therefore, extensive evaluation to determine the cause of hypercalcemia is necessary. Additionally, appropriate treatment, viz., hydration or administration of calcitonin is important to prevent complications of severe hypercalcemia, including renal failure and nephrocalcinosis.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• v.13 no.3
• /
• pp.174-180
• /
• 2005

Antigen presenting cells (APCs), dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages, playa critical role not only in the initiation of immune responses, but also in the induction of immune tolerance. In an effort to regulate immune responses through the modulation of APC function, we searched for and characterized APC function modulators from natural products. Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum SPM1204 (SPM1204) isolated from feces of healthy Korean in the age of 20s was used in this experiment. DCs and macrophages were cultured in the presence of supernatants of SPM 1204 and then examined for their activities for the presentation exogenous antigen in association with major histocompatibility complexes (MHC) and macrophage activation. SPM1204 increased class I MHC-restricted presentation of exogenous antigen (cross-presentation) in a DC cell line, DC2.4 cells. The RAW 264.7 cell line was used to test the nonspecific effect of immune reinforcement of SPM1204 as a source of biological regulating modulator for the macrophage activation, include nitric oxide (NO) production and cytokine production. Results showed that the production of NO, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-$\alpha$, interleukin 1 (IL-1)-$\beta$ and morphological changes in macrophages were largely affected by SPM1204 in a dose-dependent manner. Our results demonstrated that SPM1204 promote cross-presentation of dendritic cells as well as the induction of NO, TNF-$\alpha$ production, and activation of macrophage.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.33 no.7
• /
• pp.717-724
• /
• 2000

A number of epidemiological studies has indicated lifestyles including dietary habits are closely related to the development of certain forms of cancer. These findings have led several investigators to identify the ways in which these factors mdulate the risk of cancer. Seaweeds are rich sources of non-digestible polysaccharides which possibly posses physiological functions. In vitro studies showed several components in seaweeds inhibit tumor cell growth and mutagenicity of known food mutagens. On the other hand non-digestible polysaccharides of different food sources negatively affect mineral nutrition by decreasing mineral absorption. The objectives of this study was to investigate the effect of major seaweed intake on azoxymethane(AOM) - induced DNA damage a known cancer initiation step and on apparent absorption of calcium and iron. To accomplish these objectives twenty five ICR mice were divided into five groups and fed one of the following diets for 10 days : control diet d, diet containing 10% water-soluble fraction of seamustard or seatangle diet containing 10% water-insoluble fraction of seamustard or seatangle. AOM was injected 6 hours before sacrifice and N7-methylated guanines from the colonic DNA were quantified using a gas chromatography -mass spectroscopy. Fecal samples were collected on days 4 and 8. Caclium and iron contents of the diets and feces were analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometry to determine the apparent absorption of these minerals. Results are as follows. AOM-induced guanine methylation of colon was decreased in animals fed diets containing water-soluble fractions of seamustard or seatangle compared to those in animals fed control diet although only the seatnagle fed group showed statistically significant effect. Apparent calcium absorption was significantly reduced in animals fed diets containing water-insoluble fractions of seaweeds. Iron absorption was significantly decreased and negatively balanced in animals fed diets containing water-insoluble fractions of both seaweeds, and water-soluble fraction of seatangle. In conclusion, seamustard and seatangle intakes may effectively prevent colon tumorigenesis by reducing a carcinogen-induced DNA damages, and more mechanistic studies on possible role of seaweeds on carcinogenesis are required. Also, adverse effects of seaweed diets cintaming a large amount of polysaccharides on mineral nutrition should be carefully monitored.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.28 no.3
• /
• pp.425-431
• /
• 2018

Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, is a principal component of cigarette smoke. B[a]P can cause lung carcinogenesis and plays a key role in lung cancer progression. The role of B[a]P has been reported in lung cancer, but its effects on lung cancer stem cells (CSCs) have not been investigated. Emerging evidence indicates that CSCs are associated with carcinogenesis, tumor initiation, relapse, and metastasis. Therefore, targeting CSCs to defeat cancer is a challenging issue in the clinic. This study explored whether B[a]P alters gene expression in lung cancer cells and CSCs. The lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell line was used to investigate the role of B[a]P on lung cancer cells and lung CSCs using microarray and quantitative PCR. B[a]P ($1{\mu}M$) provoked gene expression changes in A549 cancer cells and CSCs by deregulating numerous genes. Gene pathway analysis was performed using GeneMANIA and GIANT. We identified genes that were coexpressed and showed physical interactions. These findings improve our understanding of the mechanism of B[a]P in lung cancer and cancer stem cells and can be an attractive therapeutic target.