scholarly journals Triggering Apoptotic Death of Human Malignant Melanoma A375.S2 Cells by Bufalin: Involvement of Caspase Cascade-Dependent and Independent Mitochondrial Signaling Pathways

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Ping Hsiao ◽  
Chun-Shu Yu ◽  
Chien-Chih Yu ◽  
Jai-Sing Yang ◽  
Jo-Hua Chiang ◽  
...  

Bufalin was obtained from the skin and parotid venom glands of toad and has been shown to induce cytotoxic effects in various types of cancer cell lines, but there is no report to show that whether bufalin affects human skin cancer cells. The aim of this investigation was to study the effects of bufalin on human malignant melanoma A375.S2 cells and to elucidate possible mechanisms involved in induction of apoptosis. A375.S2 cells were treated with different concentrations of bufalin for a specific time period and investigated for effects on apoptotic analyses. Our results indicated that cells after exposure to bufalin significantly decreased cell viability, and induced cell morphological changes and chromatin condensation in a concentration-dependent manner. Flow cytometric assays indicated that bufalin promoted ROS productions, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), intracellular Ca2+release, and nitric oxide (NO) formations in A375.S2 cells. Additionally, the apoptotic induction of bufalin on A375.S2 cells resulted from mitochondrial dysfunction-related responses (disruption of theΔΨmand releases of cytochromec, AIF, and Endo G), and activations of caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9 expressions. Based on those observations, we suggest that bufalin-triggered apoptosis in A375.S2 cells is correlated with extrinsic- and mitochondria-mediated multiple signal pathways.

2013 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 270-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
S-H Huang ◽  
M-H Hsu ◽  
S-C Hsu ◽  
J-S Yang ◽  
W-W Huang ◽  
...  

We have reported previously that phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) induces apoptosis in human osteosarcoma U-2 OS cells. Cytotoxic activity of PEITC towards other cancer cells such as human malignant melanoma and skin cancer cells has not been reported. In this study, the anticancer activity of PEITC towards human malignant melanoma cancer A375.S2 cells was investigated. To determine the mechanisms of PEITC inhibition of cell growth, the following end points were determined in A375.S2 cells: cell morphological changes, cell cycle arrest, DNA damage and fragmentation assays and morphological assessment of nuclear change, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca2+ generations, mitochondrial membrane potential disruption, and nitric oxide and 10- N-nonyl acridine orange productions, expression and activation of caspase-3 and -9, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein (Bax), Bcl-2, poly (adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase, and cytochrome c release, apoptosis-inducing factor and endonuclease G. PEITC induced morphological changes in time- and dose-dependent manner. PEITC induced G2/M phase arrest and induced apoptosis via endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated mitochondria-dependent pathway. Western blot analysis showed that PEITC promoted Bax expression and inhibited Bcl-2 expression associated with the disintegration of the outer mitochondrial membrane causing cytochrome c release, and activation of caspase-9 and -3 cascade leading to apoptosis. We conclude that PEITC-triggered apoptotic death in A375.S2 cells occurs through ROS-mediated mitochondria-dependent pathways.


Zygote ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 309-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carsten Krischek ◽  
Burkhard Meinecke

In the present study the effects of roscovitine on the in vitro nuclear maturation of porcine oocytes were investigated. Roscovitine, a specific inhibitor of cyclin-dependent protein kinases, prevented chromatin condensation in a concentration-dependent manner. This inhibition was reversible and was accompanied by non-activation of p34cdc2/histone H1 kinase. It also decreased enzyme activity of MAP kinase, suggesting a correlation between histone H1 kinase activation and the onset of chromatin condensation. The addition of roscovitine (50 μM) to extracts of metaphase II oocytes revealed that the MAP kinase activity was not directly affected by roscovitine, which indicates a possible link between histone H1 and MAP kinase. Chromatin condensation occurred between 20 and 28 h of culture of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) in inhibitor-free medium (germinal vesicle stage I, GV1: 74.6% and 13.7%, respectively). Nearly the same proportion of chromatin condensation was detected in COCs incubated initially in inhibitor-free medium for 20-28 h and subsequently in roscovitine-supplemented medium (50 μM) for a further 2-10 h (GV I: 76.2% and 18.8%, respectively). This observation indicates that roscovitine prevents chromatin condensation even after an initial inhibitor-free cultivation for 20 h. Extending this initial incubation period to ≥22 h led to an activation of histone H1 and MAP kinase and increasing proportions of oocytes exhibiting chromatin condensation in the presence of roscovitine. It is concluded that histone H1 kinase is involved in the induction of chromatin condensation during in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes.


Crustaceana ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 94 (7) ◽  
pp. 855-863
Author(s):  
Ming Zhao ◽  
Fengying Zhang ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
Zhiqiang Liu ◽  
Lingbo Ma

Abstract The mud crab Scylla paramamosain is one of the economically important aquaculture species in China. The larval development of the mud crab is characterized by two significant morphological changes, from the 5th zoea (Z5) to the megalopa (M) stage and from the M to the first juvenile crab (C1) stage. In this study, we found that methyl farnesoate (MF) could prohibit the Z5 to M metamorphosis in a concentration-dependent manner, and that a concentration of 10 μM MF could completely prohibit the Z5 metamorphosis. Farnesoic acid (FA) could also prohibit the Z5 metamorphosis, but its effects seemed to be concentration-independent. In addition, MF could delay rather than prohibit the M to C1 metamorphosis, while FA had no effect on the M to C1 metamorphosis at all. To summarize, it is hypothesized that either absence of MF and FA, or at least very low levels of these substances, might be necessary for a successful Z5 to M metamorphosis.


2003 ◽  
Vol 94 (5) ◽  
pp. 1813-1820 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shin Terada ◽  
Isao Muraoka ◽  
Izumi Tabata

The purpose of the present investigation was to establish a method for estimating intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) in isolated rat epitrochlearis muscles. Epitrochlearis muscles excised from 4-wk-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were loaded with a fluorescent Ca2+indicator, fura 2-AM, for 60–90 min at 35°C in oxygenated Krebs-Henseleit buffer. After fura 2 loading and subsequent 20-min incubation, the intensities of 500-nm fluorescence, induced by 340- and 380-nm excitation lights (Ftotal340 and Ftotal380), were measured. The fluorescences specific to fura-2 (Ffura 2340 and Ffura 2380) were calculated by subtracting the non-fura 2-specific component from Ftotal340 and Ftotal380, respectively. The ratio of Ffura 2340 to Ffura 2380 was calculated as R, and the change in the ratio from the baseline value (ΔR) was used as an index of the change in [Ca2+]i. In resting muscle, ΔR was stable for 60 min. Incubation for 20 min with caffeine (3–10 mM) significantly increased ΔR in a concentration-dependent manner. Incubation with hypoxic Krebs-Henseleit buffer for 10–60 min significantly elevated ΔR, depending on the duration of the incubation. Incubation with 50 μM N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide for 20 min significantly elevated ΔR ( P < 0.05). No significant increases in ΔR were observed during incubation for 20 min with 2 mM 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranoside or with 2 mU/ml insulin. These results demonstrated that, by using the fura 2-AM fluorescence method, the changes in [Ca2+]i can be monitored in the rat epitrochlearis muscle and suggest that the method can be utilized to observe quantitative information regarding [Ca2+]i that may be involved in contraction- and hypoxia-stimulated glucose transport activity in skeletal muscle.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Purum Kang ◽  
Seung Ho Han ◽  
Hea Kyung Moon ◽  
Jeong-Min Lee ◽  
Hyo-Keun Kim ◽  
...  

The purpose of the present study is to examine the effects of essential oil ofCitrus bergamiaRisso (bergamot, BEO) on intracellular Ca2+in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Fura-2 fluorescence was used to examine changes in intracellular Ca2+concentration[Ca2+]i. In the presence of extracellular Ca2+, BEO increased[Ca2+]i, which was partially inhibited by a nonselective Ca2+channel blocker La3+. In Ca2+-free extracellular solutions, BEO increased[Ca2+]iin a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting that BEO mobilizes intracellular Ca2+. BEO-induced[Ca2+]iincrease was partially inhibited by a Ca2+-induced Ca2+release inhibitor dantrolene, a phospholipase C inhibitor U73122, and an inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3)-gated Ca2+channel blocker, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borane (2-APB). BEO also increased[Ca2+]iin the presence of carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone, an inhibitor of mitochondrial Ca2+uptake. In addition, store-operated Ca2+entry (SOC) was potentiated by BEO. These results suggest that BEO mobilizes Ca2+from primary intracellular stores via Ca2+-induced and IP3-mediated Ca2+release and affect promotion of Ca2+influx, likely via an SOC mechanism.


2000 ◽  
Vol 279 (6) ◽  
pp. H2898-H2907 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhi-Wei Yang ◽  
Jun Wang ◽  
Tao Zheng ◽  
Bella T. Altura ◽  
Burton M. Altura

Removal of extracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]o) and pretreatment of canine basilar arterial rings with either an antagonist of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (verapamil), a selective antagonist of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump [thapsigargin (TSG)], caffeine plus a specific antagonist of ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ release (ryanodine), or ad- myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3]- mediated Ca2+ release antagonist (heparin) markedly attenuates low extracellular Mg2+ concentration ([Mg2+]o)-induced contractions. Low [Mg2+]o-induced contractions are significantly inhibited by pretreatment of the vessels with Gö-6976 [a protein kinase C-α (PKC-α)- and PKC-βI-selective antagonist], bisindolylmaleimide I (Bis, a specific antagonist of PKC), and wortmannin or LY-294002 [selective antagonists of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinases (PI3Ks)]. These antagonists were also found to relax arterial contractions induced by low [Mg2+]o in a concentration-dependent manner. The absence of [Ca2+]o and preincubation of the cells with verapamil, TSG, heparin, or caffeine plus ryanodine markedly attenuates the transient and sustained elevations in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) induced by low-[Mg2+]o medium. Low [Mg2+]o-produced increases in [Ca2+]i are also suppressed markedly in the presence of Gö-6976, Bis, wortmannin, or LY-294002. The present study suggests that both Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and Ca2+ release from intracellular stores [both Ins(1,4,5)P3sensitive and ryanodine sensitive] play important roles in low-[Mg2+]o medium-induced contractions of isolated canine basilar arteries. Such contractions are clearly associated with activation of PKC isoforms and PI3Ks.


2004 ◽  
Vol 101 (4) ◽  
pp. 888-894 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasushi Mio ◽  
Norio Fukuda ◽  
Yoichiro Kusakari ◽  
Yoshikiyo Amaki ◽  
Yasumasa Tanifuji ◽  
...  

Background Recent evidence suggests that ropivacaine exerts markedly less cardiotoxicity compared with bupivacaine; however, the mechanisms are not fully understood at the molecular level. Methods Isolated ferret ventricular papillary muscles were microinjected with the Ca-binding photoprotein aequorin, and intracellular Ca transients and tension were simultaneously measured during twitch in the absence and presence of bupivacaine or ropivacaine. Results Bupivacaine and ropivacaine (10, 30, and 100 microm) reduced peak systolic [Ca]i and tension in a concentration-dependent manner. The effects were significantly greater for bupivacaine, particularly on tension (approximately twofold). The percentage reduction of tension was linearly correlated with that of [Ca]i for both anesthetics, with the slope of the relationship being approximately equal to 1.0 for ropivacaine and approximately equal to 1.3 for bupivacaine (slope difference, P &lt; 0.05), suggesting that the cardiodepressant effect of ropivacaine results predominantly from inhibition of Ca transients, whereas bupivacaine suppresses Ca transients and the reaction beyond Ca transients, i.e., myofibrillar activation, as well. BAY K 8644, a Ca channel opener, abolished the inhibitory effects of ropivacaine on Ca transients and tension, whereas BAY K 8644 only partially inhibited the effects of bupivacaine, particularly the effects on tension. Conclusion The cardiodepressant effect of bupivacaine is approximately twofold greater than that of ropivacaine. Bupivacaine suppresses Ca transients more markedly than does ropivacaine and reduces myofibrillar activation, which may at least in part underlie the greater inhibitory effect of bupivacaine on cardiac contractions. These results suggest that ropivacaine has a more favorable profile as a local anesthetic in the clinical settings.


2020 ◽  
Vol 117 (7) ◽  
pp. 3397-3404 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhaoming Liu ◽  
Zhisen Zhang ◽  
Zheming Wang ◽  
Biao Jin ◽  
Dongsheng Li ◽  
...  

Organisms use inorganic ions and macromolecules to regulate crystallization from amorphous precursors, endowing natural biominerals with complex morphologies and enhanced properties. The mechanisms by which modifiers enable these shape-preserving transformations are poorly understood. We used in situ liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy to follow the evolution from amorphous calcium carbonate to calcite in the presence of additives. A combination of contrast analysis and infrared spectroscopy shows that Mg ions, which are widely present in seawater and biological fluids, alter the transformation pathway in a concentration-dependent manner. The ions bring excess (structural) water into the amorphous bulk so that a direct transformation is triggered by dehydration in the absence of morphological changes. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest Mg-incorporated water induces structural fluctuations, allowing transformation without the need to nucleate a separate crystal. Thus, the obtained calcite retains the original morphology of the amorphous state, biomimetically achieving the morphological control of crystals seen in biominerals.


2016 ◽  
Vol 310 (11) ◽  
pp. C894-C902 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amira Moustafa ◽  
Yoshiaki Habara

The aim of this study was to define the effects of polysulfide on intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and the underlying machinery, especially from the hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and nitric oxide (NO) perspectives, in rat peritoneal mast cells. We found that a polysulfide donor, Na2S4, increased [Ca2+]i, which is both extracellular and intracellular Ca2+ dependent. Intracellular Ca2+ release induced by Na2S4 was attenuated by the addition of a ryanodine receptor blocker. A slow-releasing H2S donor, GYY4137, dose dependently increased [Ca2+]i that was independent from extracellular Ca2+ influx. The GYY4137-induced [Ca2+]i release was partially attenuated in the presence of the ryanodine receptor blocker. Both polysulfide and H2S donors increased the intracellular NO levels in DAF-2-loaded mast cells, which were abolished by an NO scavenger, cPTIO. Inhibition of NO synthase (NOS) significantly abolished the polysulfide- or H2S-donor-induced [Ca2+]i elevation in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. An NO donor, diethylamine (DEA) NONOate, increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner, in which both extracellular and intracellular Ca2+ are associated. At higher concentrations, the DEA NONOate-induced [Ca2+]i increases were attenuated in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ and by the addition of the ryanodine receptor blocker. H2S and NO dose dependently induced polysulfide production. Curiously, polysulfide, H2S, and NO donors had no effect on mast cell degranulation. Among synthases, cystathionine-γ-lyase, and neuronal NOS seemed to be the major H2S- and NO-producing synthases, respectively. These results indicate that polysulfide acts as a potential signaling molecule that regulates [Ca2+]i homeostasis in rat peritoneal mast cells via a cross talk with NO and H2S.


2009 ◽  
Vol 297 (1) ◽  
pp. H347-H354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shengpeng Wang ◽  
Yan Zhang ◽  
W. Gil Wier ◽  
Xiaojiang Yu ◽  
Ming Zhao ◽  
...  

Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) has recently been proposed to contribute to Ca2+ influx in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Adenosine is known for its protective role against hypoxia and ischemia by increasing nutrient and oxygen supply through vasodilation. This study was designed to examine the hypothesis that SOCE have a functional role in adenosine-induced vasodilation. Small mesenteric resistance arteries and mesenteric VSMCs were obtained from rats. Isometric tensions of isolated artery rings were measured by a sensitive myograph system. Laser-scanning confocal microscopy was used to determine the intracellular Ca2+ concentration of fluo 3-loaded VSMCs. Adenosine (0.1–100 μM) relaxed artery rings that were precontracted by phenylephrine in a concentration-dependent manner. In cultured mesenteric VSMCs, passive store depletion by thapsigargin and active store depletion by phenylephrine both induced Ca2+ influx due to SOCE. Adenosine inhibited SOCE-mediated increases in cytosolic Ca2+ levels evoked by the emptying of the stores. In isolated artery rings, adenosine inhibited SOCE-induced contractions due to store depletion. A2A receptor antagonism with SCH-58261 and adenylate cyclase inhibition with SQ-22536 largely attenuated adenosine responses. The cAMP analog 8-bromo-cAMP mimicked the effects of adenosine on SOCE. Our results indicate a novel mechanism of vasodilatation by adenosine that involves regulation of SOCE through the cAMP signaling pathway due to activation of adenosine A2A receptors.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document