scholarly journals Polyphenols from Broussonetia papyrifera Induce Apoptosis of HepG2 Cells via Inactivation of ERK and AKT Signaling Pathways

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Chen-Zhuo Dou ◽  
Yan-Fen Liu ◽  
Lu-Lu Zhang ◽  
Shao-Hong Chen ◽  
Chuan-Yin Hu ◽  
...  

The extract of Broussonetia papyrifera has been proved to have antitumor activity. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of apoptosis of HepG2 cells induced by polyphenols from Broussonetia papyrifera (PBPs). The results revealed that PBPs inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. Flow cytometry analysis showed that PBPs increased the apoptosis ratio of HepG2 cells significantly. PBPs increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and decreased intracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD) level of HepG2 cells. PBPs induced cell cycle arrest at G1 phase. Western blotting showed that PBPs upregulated the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and the expression level of Caspase-3, and activated p53 in HepG2 cells. The inhibition of proliferative relative signals (protein kinase B, PKB/AKT) and survival relative signals (extracellular signal-regulated kinase, ERK) were also observed in PBP-treated HepG2 cells. Our findings suggest that apoptosis of HepG2 cells induced by PBPs is mitochondria-mediated via inactivation of ERK and AKT signaling pathways.

Drug Research ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 68 (03) ◽  
pp. 153-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahmaniah Rahmaniah ◽  
Yuyuntia Yuyuntia ◽  
Vivian Soetikno ◽  
Wawaimuli Arozal ◽  
Radiana Antarianto ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Alpha mangostin has been reported to have activity for the treatment of liver fibrosis in the rats. However, the mechanisms of action are poorly understood. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of alpha mangostin on hepatic stellate cells (HSC) activation and proliferation through TGF-β/Smad and Akt signaling pathways. Methods Immortalized HSC, LX2 cells, were incubated with TGF-β with or without alpha mangostin (5 or 10 μM). Sorafenib 10 µM was used as positive control. LX2 viability was counted using trypan blue exclusion method. The effect of alpha mangostin on TGF-β concentrations, and the expressions of proliferation and fibrogenic markers were evaluated. Results Alpha mangostin treatment resulted in a reduced proliferation of HSC, decreased Ki-67 and p-Akt expressions. These findings were followed with decreased concentrations of TGF-β in the medium of cells treated with alpha mangostin, decreased expressions of COL1A1, TIMP1, PAI1, α-SMA, and p-Smad3 as fibrogenic markers. These effects were shown to be dose-dependent. Conclusions Alpha mangostin inhibits hepatic stellate cells proliferation and activation through TGF-β/Smad and Akt signaling pathways in dose dependent manner.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (20) ◽  
pp. 11201
Author(s):  
Giulia Sita ◽  
Agnese Graziosi ◽  
Patrizia Hrelia ◽  
Fabiana Morroni

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most prevalent and aggressive primary brain tumor. The median survival rate from diagnosis ranges from 15 to 17 months because the tumor is resistant to most therapeutic strategies. GBM exhibits microvascular hyperplasia and pronounced necrosis triggered by hypoxia. Sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate derived from cruciferous vegetables, has already demonstrated the ability to inhibit cell proliferation, by provoking cell cycle arrest, and leading to apoptosis in many cell lines. In this study, we investigated the antineoplastic effects of SFN [20–80 μM for 48 h] in GBM cells under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Cell viability assays, flow cytometry, and Western blot results revealed that SFN could induce apoptosis of GBM cells in a dose-dependent manner, under both conditions. In particular, SFN significantly induced caspase 3/7 activation and DNA fragmentation. Moreover, our results demonstrated that SFN suppressed GBM cells proliferation by arresting the cell cycle at the S-phase, also under hypoxic condition, and that these effects may be due in part to its ability to induce oxidative stress by reducing glutathione levels and to increase the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs). Overall, we hypothesized that SFN treatment might serve as a potential therapeutic strategy, alone or in combination, against GBM.


Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 712
Author(s):  
Yun-Zheng Le ◽  
Bei Xu ◽  
Ana J. Chucair-Elliott ◽  
Huiru Zhang ◽  
Meili Zhu

To investigate the mechanism of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in Müller cell (MC) viability and neuroprotection in diabetic retinopathy (DR), we examined the role of VEGF in MC viability and BDNF production, and the effect of BDNF on MC viability under diabetic conditions. Mouse primary MCs and cells of a rat MC line, rMC1, were used in investigating MC viability and BDNF production under diabetic conditions. VEGF-stimulated BDNF production was confirmed in mice. The mechanism of BDNF-mediated MC viability was examined using siRNA knockdown. Under diabetic conditions, recombinant VEGF (rVEGF) stimulated MC viability and BDNF production in a dose-dependent manner. rBDNF also supported MC viability in a dose-dependent manner. Targeting BDNF receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TRK-B) with siRNA knockdown substantially downregulated the activated (phosphorylated) form of serine/threonine-specific protein kinase (AKT) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), classical survival and proliferation mediators. Finally, the loss of MC viability in TrkB siRNA transfected cells under diabetic conditions was rescued by rBDNF. Our results provide direct evidence that VEGF is a positive regulator for BDNF production in diabetes for the first time. This information is essential for developing BDNF-mediated neuroprotection in DR and hypoxic retinal diseases, and for improving anti-VEGF treatment for these blood–retina barrier disorders, in which VEGF is a major therapeutic target for vascular abnormalities.


2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (10) ◽  
pp. 3179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongling Gu ◽  
Na Li ◽  
Jiangkun Dai ◽  
Yaxi Xi ◽  
Shijun Wang ◽  
...  

A series of novel bivalent β-carboline derivatives were designed and synthesized, and in vitro cytotoxicity, cell apoptosis, and DNA-binding affinity were evaluated. The cytotoxic results demonstrated that most bivalent β-carboline derivatives exhibited stronger cytotoxicity than the corresponding monomer against the five selected tumor cell lines (A549, SGC-7901, Hela, SMMC-7721, and MCF-7), indicating that the dimerization at the C3 position could enhance the antitumor activity of β-carbolines. Among the derivatives tested, 4B, 6i, 4D, and 6u displayed considerable cytotoxicity against A549 cell line. Furthermore, 4B, 6i, 4D, and 6u induced cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, and caused cell cycle arrest at the S and G2/M phases. Moreover, the levels of cytochrome C in mitochondria, and the expressions of bcl-2 protein, decreased after treatment with β-carbolines, which indicated that 6i and 6u could induce mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. In addition, the results of UV-visible spectral, thermal denaturation, and molecular docking studies revealed that 4B, 6i, 4D, and 6u could bind to DNA mainly by intercalation.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 489-496 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Jiang ◽  
Nanyang Zhou ◽  
Pian Ying ◽  
Ting Zhang ◽  
Ruojia Liang ◽  
...  

AbstractEmodin, a major component of rhubarb, has anti-tumor effects in a variety of cancers, influencing multiple steps of tumor development through modulating several signaling pathways. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of emodin on cell apoptosis and explore the underlying mechanisms in human endometrial cancer cells. Here we report that emodin can inhibit KLE cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Western blot assay found that emodin was involved in MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Specifically, emodin significantly suppressed the phosphorylation of AKT, and enhanced the phosphorylation of MAPK pathways. Furthermore, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was up-regulated in KLE cells upon treatment with emodin, while the anti-oxidant agent N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) can inhibit emodin-induced apoptosis and promote the activation of AKT and Bcl-2. Taken together, we revealed that emodin may induce apoptosis in KLE cells through regulating the PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling pathways, indicating the importance of emodin as an anti-tumor agent.


Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 681 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phuong Doan ◽  
Aliyu Musa ◽  
Akshaya Murugesan ◽  
Vili Sipilä ◽  
Nuno R. Candeias ◽  
...  

Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small subpopulation of cells existing in the tumor microenvironment promoting cell proliferation and growth. Targeting the stemness of the CSC population would offer a vital therapeutic opportunity. 3,4-Dihydroquinolin-1(2H)-yl)(p-tolyl)methyl)phenol (THTMP), a small synthetic phenol compound, is proposed to play a significant role in controlling the CSC proliferation and survival. We assessed the potential therapeutic effects of THTMP on glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and its underlying mechanism in various signaling pathways. To fully comprehend the effect of THTMP on the CSCs, CD133+ GBM stem cell (GSC) and CD133- GBM Non-stem cancer cells (NSCC) population from LN229 and SNB19 cell lines was used. Cell cycle arrest, apoptosis assay and transcriptome analysis were performed for individual cell population. THTMP strongly inhibited NSCC and in a subtle way for GSC in a time-dependent manner and inhibit the resistance variants better than that of temozolomide (TMZ). THTMP arrest the CSC cell population at both G1/S and G2/M phase and induce ROS-mediated apoptosis. Gene expression profiling characterize THTMP as an inhibitor of the p53 signaling pathway causing DNA damage and cell cycle arrest in CSC population. We show that the THTMP majorly affects the EGFR and CSC signaling pathways. Specifically, modulation of key genes involved in Wnt, Notch and Hedgehog, revealed the significant role of THTMP in disrupting the CSCs’ stemness and functions. Moreover, THTMP inhibited cell growth, proliferation and metastasis of multiple mesenchymal patient-tissue derived GBM-cell lines. THTMP arrests GBM stem cell cycle through the modulation of EGFR and CSC signaling pathways.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (12) ◽  
pp. 2899 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong Kyung Sung ◽  
Se In Sung ◽  
So Yoon Ahn ◽  
Yun Sil Chang ◽  
Won Soon Park

We investigated the role of protease-activated receptor (PAR)-mediated signaling pathways in the biogenesis of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) and the enrichment of their cargo content after thrombin preconditioning. Immunoblot analyses showed that MSCs expressed two PAR subtypes: PAR-1 and PAR-3. Thrombin preconditioning significantly accelerated MSC-derived EV biogenesis more than five-fold and enriched their cargo contents by more than two-fold via activation of Rab5, early endosomal antigen (EEA)-1, and the extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and AKT signaling pathways. Blockage of PAR-1 with the PAR-1-specific antagonist, SCH79797, significantly suppressed the activation of Rab5, EEA-1, and the ERK1/2 and AKT pathways and subsequently increased EV production and enriched EV cargo contents. Combined blockage of PAR-1 and PAR-3 further and significantly inhibited the activation of Rab5, EEA-1, and the ERK1/2 and AKT pathways, accelerated EV production, and enriched EV cargo contents. In summary, thrombin preconditioning boosted the biogenesis of MSC-derived EVs and enriched their cargo contents largely via PAR-1-mediated pathways and partly via PAR-1-independent, PAR-3-mediated activation of Rab5, EEA-1, and the ERK1/2 and AKT signaling pathways.


Dose-Response ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 155932582091004
Author(s):  
Ainy Zehra ◽  
Muhammad Zaffar Hashmi ◽  
Abdul Majid Khan ◽  
Tariq Malik ◽  
Zaigham Abbas

The polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent and their dose-dependent toxicities studies are not well-established. In this study, cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of PCB150 and PCB180 in HeLa cells were studied. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay indicated that the cell proliferation was stimulated at low doses (10−3 and 10−2 µg/mL for 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours) and inhibited at high doses (10 and 15 µg/mL for 24, 48, and 72 hours) for both PCBs. Increase in reactive oxygen species formation was observed in the HeLa cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase showed increased levels at high concentrations of PCBs over the time. Glutathione peroxidase expression was downregulated after PCBs exposure, suggested that both PCB congeners may attributable to cytotoxicity. Comet assay elicited a significant increase in genotoxicity at high concentrations of PCBs as compared to low concentrations indicating genotoxic effects. PCB150 and PCB180 showed decrease in the activity of extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase at high concentrations after 12 and 48 hours. These findings may contribute to understanding the mechanism of PCBs-induced toxicity, thereby improving the risk assessment of toxic compounds in humans.


Author(s):  
Hongfang Wang ◽  
Jinlian Fu ◽  
Aiguo Wang

Obesity has become a global health problem. Research suggests that leptin, a hormone that responds to fat deposition, may be involved in mammalian reproduction; however, its precise role in embryo implantation is poorly understood. Here, primary porcine endometrium epithelium cells (PEECs) were cultured in vitro and used to evaluate the regulatory role of different leptin levels on β3-integrin, MMP9, HB-EGF, and IL-1β, which are, respectively, involved in four critical steps of embryo implantation. Results showed that only 0.01 nM leptin significantly improved β3-integrin mRNA expression (p < 0.05). MMP9 and HB-EGF mRNA expressions were upregulated by 0.10–10.00 nM leptin (p < 0.05). The IL-1β expression level was only increased by 10.00 nM leptin (p < 0.05). β3-integrin, MMP9, HB-EGF, and IL-1β mRNA and protein have a similar fluctuant response to increased leptin. Leptin’s influence on β3-integrin, MMP9, HB-EGF, and IL-1β disappeared when the JAK2, PI(3)K, or MAPK signaling pathways were blocked, respectively. In conclusion, leptin affected porcine implantation by regulating the expression of β3-integrin, MMP9, HB-EGF, and IL-1β in a dose-dependent manner. The signaling pathways of JAK2, PI(3)K, and MAPK may participate in this regulatory process. These findings will contribute to further understanding the mechanisms of reproductive disorders in obesity.


Pharmacology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 105 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 164-172
Author(s):  
Shuangbo Fan ◽  
Qian Xu ◽  
Liang Wang ◽  
Yulin Wan ◽  
Sheng Qiu

SMBA1 (small-molecule Bax agonists 1), a small molecular activator of Bax, is a potential anti-tumour agent. In the present study, we investigated the biological effects of SMBA1 on glioblastoma (GBM) cells. SMBA1 reduced the viabilities of U87MG, U251 and T98G cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Moreover, treatment with SMBA1 induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase transition, accompanied by the downregulation of Cdc25c and cyclin B1 and the upregulation of p21. SMBA1 also induced apoptosis of GBM cells in a dose-dependent manner. Mechanistically, SMBA1 induced apoptosis via the intrinsic pathway. Silencing of Bax or ectopic expression of Bcl-2 significantly inhibited SMBA1-induced apoptosis. Moreover, SMBA1 inhibited the growth of U87MG xenograft tumours in vivo. Overall, SMBA1 shows anti-proliferative effects against GBM cells through activation of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document