Comparative survival analysis of bladder preservation therapy versus radical cystectomy in muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: Bladder preservation therapy is an alternative to radical cystectomy in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). The purpose of this study is to compare survival outcomes between bladder preservation therapy and radical cystectomy in MIBC patients using an Asian nationwide cancer registry database. METHODS: From the Taiwan Cancer Registry database and the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified bladder cancer patients from 2008 to 2018. The patients with urothelial carcinoma and clinical stage T2-T4aN0-1 M0 were included. Propensity score matching by age, gender, clinical stage, cT classification, and Charlson Comorbidity Index score was used between those receiving bladder preservation therapy or radical cystectomy. Overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared using the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate Cox regression models were used to determine the predictive factors of OS, CSS, and DFS. RESULTS: Following the propensity score matching, 393 MIBC patients were analyzed, 131 (33.3%) receiving bladder preservation therapy and 262 (66.7%) receiving radical cystectomy. After 5 years of the follow-up period the overall duration was with a median of 15.6 months. The treatment groups did not differ significantly in OS, CSS, and DFS (p = 0.2681, 0.7208, and 0.3616, respectively). In multivariable Cox regression models, bladder preservation therapy remained non-inferior to radical cystectomy in OS (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77-1.50; p = 0.6689), CSS (aHR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.72-1.57; p = 0.7728), and DFS (aHR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.46-1.27; p = 0.2929). Additionally, among patients ≥80 years, the use of bladder preservation therapy compared with radical cystectomy resulted in an equivalent OS, CSS and DSS. CONCLUSION: In Asian populations, bladder preservation therapy yielded similar survival outcomes as radical cystectomy in MIBC patients. Based on the results, it is evident that a multidisciplinary approach and shared decision-making are recommended for bladder cancer treatment.

Evaluating the optimal radiation dose for definitive chemoradiotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A single institution experience.

The optimal radiation dose for definitive chemoradiotherapy in inoperable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has been long debated. In this study, we evaluated the effect of doses greater than the conventional radiation dose (50.4 Gy) on tumor control, tumor response, overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS).The database of patients diagnosed with inoperable ESCC from 2007 to 2015 was obtained from the cancer registry of Chi-Mei Medical Center. All categorical variables were compared using Chi-squared test. The risk of OS and DFS were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression, and Kaplan-Meier plots presented the trend of OS and DFS with log-rank tests used to compare differences. All significance levels were set at P < .05.A total of 84 patients were retrospectively analyzed, with 42 (50%) receiving >50.4 Gy and 42 (50%) receiving ≤50.4 Gy (50%) concurrently with chemotherapy. Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed no significant differences between higher dose and conventional dose in OS (P = .21) and DFS (P = .26). Further dose analysis of <50, 50 to 50.4, 51 to 60, and >60 Gy showed no significant differences in OS or DFS. Higher doses conveyed no significant benefit on the failure pattern, either local regional failure or distant failure (P = .42). Major prognostic factors associated with better OS on multivariate analysis were stages I and II patients (P = .03) and radiation technique using arc therapy (P = .04). No acute toxicity of grade III or higher was recorded.The results of our study show that providing higher than conventional radiation doses concurrent with chemotherapy for inoperable ESCC does not impact OS or DSF, nor does it improve locoregional failure or distant failure. Although tumor response might be improved by radiation doses >50.4 Gy, the impact on OS and DFS remain to be studied.

Clinical outcomes and prognostic factors of cyberknife stereotactic body radiation therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has been an emerging non-invasive treatment modality for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) when curative treatments cannot be applied. In this study, we report our clinical experience with Cyberknife SBRT for unresectable HCC and evaluate the efficacy and clinical outcomes of this highly sophisticated treatment technology. METHODS: Between 2008 and 2012, 115 patients with unresectable HCC treated with Cyberknife SBRT were retrospectively analyzed. Doses ranged from 26 Gy to 40 Gy were given in 3 to 5 fractions for 3 to 5 consecutive days. The cumulative probability of survival was calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed using Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 15.5 months (range, 2-60 months). Based on Response Evaluation and Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). We found that 48.7 % of patients achieved a complete response and 40 % achieved a partial response. Median survival was 15 months (4-25 months). Overall survival (OS) at 1- and 2-years was 63.5 %(54-71.5 %) and 41.3 % (31.6-50.6 %), respectively, while 1- and 2- years Progression-free Survival (PFS) rates were 42.8 %(33.0-52.2 %) and 38.8 % (29.0-48.4 %). Median progression was 6 months (3-16 months). In-field recurrence free survival at 1 and 2 years was 85.3 % (76.2-91.1 %) and 81.6 % (72.2-88.6 %), respectively, while the 1- and 2-years out-field recurrence free survival were 52.5 % (41.2-60.8 %) and 49.5 %(38.9-59.2 %), respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that Child-Pugh score (A vs. B), Portal vein tumor thrombosis (positive vs. negative), Tumor size (≤4 cm vs >4-9 cm /≥10 cm), and tumor response after SBRT (CR vs. PR/stable) were independent predictors of OS. Acute toxicity was mostly transient and tolerable. CONCLUSIONS: Cyberknife SBRT appears to be an effective non-invasive treatment for local unresectable HCC with low risk of severe toxicity. These results suggested that Cyberknife SBRT can be a good alternative treatment for unresectable HCC unsuitable for standard treatment.

An Effective and Well Tolerated Strategy of Bladder Preservation Therapy in Cisplatin-Ineligible Patients With Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer.

UNLABELLED: To investigate bladder preservation therapy with a well tolerated strategy, 30 patients with bladder cancer underwent concomitant chemoradiotherapy with weekly carboplatin. The 2-year overall survival was 75% for all patients, 43% and 95% for patients without adjuvant chemotherapy or with adjuvant chemotherapy separately. This strategy was well tolerated with 7% of Grade 3/4 late bladder toxicity. BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and clinical effectiveness of concurrent weekly carboplatin chemotherapy in conjunction with definite radiation with or without adjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between April 2010 and December 2013, 30 patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer were evaluated retrospectively in this study. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) with weekly carboplatin was initiated. CCRT was followed by 2 courses of carboplatin and gemcitabine limited to patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status < 3 and age < 80 years. RESULTS: Thirty patients were treated and all completed the CCRT protocol. Seven of 8 patients (88%) achieved a pathological complete response (pCR) with CCRT alone, and 18 of 22 patients (82%) treated with CCRT followed by adjuvant chemotherapy had a pCR. The median follow-up was 23.2 (range, 8.3-40.7) months. The median progression-free survival was 15.9 months for the CCRT group, and not sufficient to evaluate CCRT followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. The median overall survival with CCRT was 18.8 months, and had not yet been reached for CCRT with adjuvant chemotherapy. The protocol was well tolerated for adverse events. CONCLUSION: Our study has shown that concomitant chemotherapy using weekly carboplatin in the management of muscle-invasive bladder cancer is feasible and well tolerated, even in older patients. Additional adjuvant chemotherapy with 2 cycles of carboplatin and gemcitabine should be encouraged in physically fit patients. These results provide a basis for randomized studies to compare this approach with conventional therapy for patients who wish to preserve the bladder.

The early result of whole pelvic radiotherapy and stereotactic body radiotherapy boost for high-risk localized prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: The rationale for hypofractionated radiotherapy in the treatment of prostate cancer is based on the modern understanding of radiobiology and advances in stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) techniques. Whole-pelvis irradiation combined with SBRT boost for high-risk prostate cancer might escalate biologically effective dose without increasing toxicity. Here, we report our 4-year results of SBRT boost for high-risk localized prostate cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: From October 2009 to August 2012, 41 patients newly diagnosed, high-risk or very high-risk (NCCN definition) localized prostate cancer were treated with whole-pelvis irradiation and SBRT boost. The whole pelvis dose was 45 Gy (25 fractions of 1.8 Gy). The SBRT boost dose was 21 Gy (three fractions of 7 Gy). Ninety percent of these patients received hormone therapy. The toxicities of gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) tracts were scored by Common Toxicity Criteria Adverse Effect (CTCAE v3.0). Biochemical failure was defined by Phoenix definition. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 42 months. Mean PSA before treatment was 44.18 ng/ml. Mean PSA level at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months was 0.94, 0.44, 0.13, 0.12, and 0.05 ng/ml, respectively. The estimated 4-year biochemical failure-free survival was 91.9%. Three biochemical failures were observed. GI and GU tract toxicities were minimal. No grade 3 acute GU or GI toxicity was noted. During radiation therapy, 27% of the patient had grade 2 acute GU toxicity and 12% had grade 2 acute GI toxicity. At 3 months, most toxicity scores had returned to baseline. At the last follow-up, there was no grade 3 late GU or GI toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Whole-pelvis irradiation combined with SBRT boost for high-risk localized prostate cancer is feasible with minimal toxicity and encouraging biochemical failure-free survival. Continued accrual and follow-up would be necessary to confirm the biochemical control rate and the toxicity profiles.

The efficacy of stereotactic body radiation therapy on huge hepatocellular carcinoma unsuitable for other local modalities.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Cyberknife stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and its effect on survival in patients with unresectable huge hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) unsuitable of other standard treatment option. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2011, 22 patients with unresectable huge HCC (≧10 cm) were treated with SBRT. dose ranged from 26 Gy to 40 Gy in five fractions. Overall survival (OS) and disease-progression free survival (DPFS) were determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Tumor response and toxicities were also assessed. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 11.5 month (range 2-46 months). The objective response rate was achieved in 86.3% (complete response (CR): 22.7% and partial response (PR): 63.6%). The 1-yr. local control rate was 55.56%. The 1-year OS was 50% and median survival was 11 months (range 2-46 months). In univariate analysis, Child-Pugh stage (p = 0.0056) and SBRT dose (p = 0.0017) were significant factors for survival. However, in multivariate analysis, SBRT dose (p = 0.0072) was the most significant factor, while Child-Pugh stage of borderline significance. (p = 0.0514). Acute toxicities were mild and well tolerated. CONCLUSION: This study showed that SBRT can be delivered safely to huge HCC and achieved a substantial tumor regression and survival. The results suggest this technique should be considered a salvage treatment. However, local and regional recurrence remain the major cause of failure. Further studies of combination of SBRT and other treatment modalities may be reasonable.

Cell death caused by quinazolinone HMJ-38 challenge in oral carcinoma CAL 27 cells: dissections of endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and tumor xenografts.

BACKGROUND: This investigation clearly clarified the synthesized and antimitotic compound, 2-(3'-methoxyphenyl)-6-pyrrolidinyl-4-quinazolinone (HMJ-38), addressing its target and precise mechanism of action. We hypothesized that HMJ-38 might sensitize apoptotic death of human oral carcinoma CAL 27 cells in vitro and inhibit xenograft tumor growth in vivo. METHODS: Cell viability was assessed utilizing MTT assay. HMJ-38-treated cells represented DNA fragmentation using agarose gel electrophoresis as further evidenced using TUNEL staining. Flow cytometric analyses, immunoblotting and quantitative RT-PCR were applied for protein and gene expression. Antitumor xenograft study was employed. RESULTS: HMJ-38 concentration- and time-dependently reduced viability of CAL 27 cells. The effect of intrinsic molecules was signalized during HMJ-38 exposure with disruption of ΔΨm, MPT pore opening and the release of various events from mitochondria undergoing cell apoptosis. HMJ-38 also markedly facilitated G2/M phase arrest. HMJ-38 stimulated the activation of CDK1 activity that modulated phosphorylation on Ser70 of Bcl-2-mediated mitotic arrest and apoptosis. HMJ-38 triggered intracellular Ca(2+) release and activated related pivotal hallmarks of ER stress. HMJ-38 in nude mice bearing CAL 27 tumor xenografts decreased tumor growth. Furthermore, HMJ-38 enhanced caspase-3 gene expression and protein level in xenotransplanted tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Early roles of mitotic arrest, unfolded protein response and mitochondria-dependent signaling contributed to apoptotic CAL 27 cell demise induced by HMJ-38. In in vivo experiments, HMJ-38 also efficaciously suppressed tumor volume in a xenotransplantation model. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: This finding might fully support a critical event for HMJ-38 via induction of apoptotic machinery and ER stress against human oral cancer cells.

Furano-1,2-Naphthoquinone Inhibits Src and PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathways in Ca9-22 Human Oral Squamous Carcinoma Cells.

Furano-1,2-naphthoquinone (FNQ), a biologically active component ofAvicennia marina, has been demonstrated to display anticancer activity. FNQ exerted cytotoxicity with the G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in Ca9-22 cells. FNQ-induced G2/M arrest was correlated with a marked decrease in the expression levels of cyclin A and cyclin B, and their activating partner cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) 1 and 2 with concomitant induction of p27. FNQ-induced apoptosis was accompanied by Bax and Bad upregulation, and the downregulation of Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, Mcl-1, and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP), resulting in cytochrome C release and sequential activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3. Mechanistic studies showed that FNQ suppressed Src phosphorylation, PI3K, and Akt activation in Ca9-22 cells. Moreover, the Src inhibitor PP2 reduced the phosphorylation of Src and activation of PI3K/Akt, which was comparable with FNQ treatment. The combined treatment of FNQ with PP2 enhanced the cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and also led to the downregulation of Bcl-XL, Mcl-1, XIAP, cyclin A, cyclin B, CDK1, and CDK2 and upregulation of p27, Bax, and Bad. These findings suggest that FNQ-mediated cytotoxicity of Ca9-22 cells is related with the G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis via inactivation of Src and PI3K/Akt-mediated signaling pathways.

Novel quinazolinone MJ-29 triggers endoplasmic reticulum stress and intrinsic apoptosis in murine leukemia WEHI-3 cells and inhibits leukemic mice.

The present study was to explore the biological responses of the newly compound, MJ-29 in murine myelomonocytic leukemia WEHI-3 cells in vitro and in vivo fates. We focused on the in vitro effects of MJ-29 on ER stress and mitochondria-dependent apoptotic death in WEHI-3 cells, and to hypothesize that MJ-29 might fully impair the orthotopic leukemic mice. Our results indicated that a concentration-dependent decrease of cell viability was shown in MJ-29-treated cells. DNA content was examined utilizing flow cytometry, whereas apoptotic populations were determined using annexin V/PI, DAPI staining and TUNEL assay. Increasing vital factors of mitochondrial dysfunction by MJ-29 were further investigated. Thus, MJ-29-provaked apoptosis of WEHI-3 cells is mediated through the intrinsic pathway. Importantly, intracellular Ca(2+) release and ER stress-associated signaling also contributed to MJ-29-triggered cell apoptosis. We found that MJ-29 stimulated the protein levels of calpain 1, CHOP and p-eIF2α pathways in WEHI-3 cells. In in vivo experiments, intraperitoneal administration of MJ-29 significantly improved the total survival rate, enhanced body weight and attenuated enlarged spleen and liver tissues in leukemic mice. The infiltration of immature myeloblastic cells into splenic red pulp was reduced in MJ-29-treated leukemic mice. Moreover, MJ-29 increased the differentiations of T and B cells but decreased that of macrophages and monocytes. Additionally, MJ-29-stimulated immune responses might be involved in anti-leukemic activity in vivo. Based on these observations, MJ-29 suppresses WEHI-3 cells in vitro and in vivo, and it is proposed that this potent and selective agent could be a new chemotherapeutic candidate for anti-leukemia in the future.

Activations of Both Extrinsic and Intrinsic Pathways in HCT 116 Human Colorectal Cancer Cells Contribute to Apoptosis through p53-Mediated ATM/Fas Signaling by Emilia sonchifolia Extract, a Folklore Medicinal Plant.

Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC (Compositae), an herbaceous plant found in Taiwan and India, is used as folk medicine. The clinical applications include inflammation, rheumatism, cough, cuts fever, dysentery, analgesic, and antibacteria. The activities of Emilia sonchifolia extract (ESE) on colorectal cancer cell death have not been fully investigated. The purpose of this study explored the induction of apoptosis and its molecular mechanisms in ESE-treated HCT 116 human colorectal cancer cells in vitro. The methanolic ESE was characterized, and γ-humulene was formed as the major constituent (63.86%). ESE induced cell growth inhibition in a concentration- and time-dependent response by MTT assay. Apoptotic cells (DNA fragmentation, an apoptotic catachrestic) were found after ESE treatment by TUNEL assay and DNA gel electrophoresis. Alternatively, ESE stimulated the activities of caspase-3, -8, and -9 and their specific caspase inhibitors protected against ESE-induced cytotoxicity. ESE promoted the mitochondria-dependent and death-receptor-associated protein levels. Also, ESE increased ROS production and upregulated the levels of ATM, p53, and Fas in HCT 116 cells. Strikingly, p53 siRNA reversed ESE-reduced viability involved in p53-mediated ATM/Fas signaling in HCT 116 cells. In summary, our result is the first report suggesting that ESE may be potentially efficacious in the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Antimetastatic potential of cardiotoxin III involves inactivation of PI3K/Akt and p38 MAPK signaling pathways in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells.

AIM: The aim of this study is to determine whether cardiotoxin III (CTX III) inhibited the metastasis in MDA-MB-231 cells and to further explain its possible mechanisms. MAIN METHODS: The MTT assay, wound healing assay, Boyden chamber invasion assay, zymography analysis, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), inhibitor assay, and Western blot analysis were used to reveal molecular events of CTX III in this study. KEY FINDINGS: During treatment with non-toxic doses of CTX III, not only cell migration and invasion were markedly suppressed but the expression/activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) was also significantly and selectively suppressed in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, CTX III decreased the nuclear protein level of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and pretreatment with NF-κB inhibitor (PDTC) or IκB protease inhibitor (TPCK) also reduced MMP-9 expression/activity and cell migration. Our biochemical assays indicated that CTX III potently suppressed the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphatidylinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt. Additionally, the treatment of inhibitors specific for p38 MAPK (SB203580) or PI3K (wortmannin) to cells could result in a reduced expression of NF-κB and MMP-9 expression, concomitantly with an inhibition on cell metastasis. SIGNIFICANCE: These results demonstrated that CTX III inhibition of MDA-MB-231 cells may occur through inactivation of both PI3K/Akt and p38 MAPK signaling pathways, exerting inhibitory effects on NF-κB transcriptional factor, thereby decreasing the activity of MMP-9 and then posing an anti-metastatic effect in the cells.

Antimetastatic effect and mechanism of ovatodiolide in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells.

Cancer metastasis is a primary cause of cancer death. Ovatodiolide, a bioactive cembrane-type diterpenoid isolated from Anisomeles indica (L.) Kuntze (Labiatae), has been shown to inhibit the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. However, the anti-metastatic effects of ovatodiolide on highly metastatic human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells remain unclear. In this study, we first noted that ovatodiolide inhibited MDA-MB-231 cell migration and invasion by wound-healing assay and Boyden chamber assay. Western blot, gelatin zymography and reversed transcription-PCR analysis showed that ovatodiolide significantly and selectively suppressed the expression, activation, and mRNA of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in a concentration-dependent manner. Ovatodiolide significantly decreased the nuclear level of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB), increased inhibitor of kappaBα (IκBα) through preventing phosphorylation of upstream signal IκB kinase (IKK). Pretreatment with a specific NF-κB inhibitor (PDTC) and an IκB protease inhibitor (TPCK) also reduced MMP-9 activity, cell migration and cell invasion. Moreover, ovatodiolide can suppress activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and Akt, while it did not affect phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulating kinases (ERK)1/2. Additionally, the treatment of inhibitors specific for PI3K (wortmannin), JNK (SP600125) or p38 MAPK (SB203580) to MDA-MB-231 cells could result in a reduced activation of MMP-9, concomitantly with a marked inhibition on cell migration and invasion. Taken together, these results demonstrate that ovatodiolide inhibits the metastatic ability of MDA-MB-231 cells by reducing MMP-9 activity through suppressing JNK, p38 MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways and inhibiting NF-κB activity. These results are the first to reveal the function of ovatodiolide in tumor metastasis and its underlying molecular mechanism, thus suggesting ovatodiolide to be a promising antimetastatic agent.

Houttuynia cordata Thunb extract inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis in human primary colorectal cancer cells.

It is reported that Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (HCT), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has many biological properties such as antiviral, antibacterial and antileukemic activities. However, the molecular mechanisms of cytotoxicity and apoptosis in human primary colorectal cancer cells are not clear. In this study, whether HCT induced cytotoxicity in primary colorectal cancer cells obtained from three patients was investigated. The results indicated that HCT inhibited growth of cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. After treatment with HCT (250 µg/ml) for 24 h, cells exhibited chromatin condensation (an apoptotic characteristic). HCT increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ(m)) in examined cells. Mitochondria-dependent apoptotic signaling pathway was shown to be involved as determined by increase in the levels of cytochrome c, Apaf-1, and caspase-3 and -9. The decrease in the level of ΔΨ(m) was associated with an increase in the BAX/BCL-2 ratio which led to activation of caspase-9 and -3. Based on our results, HCT induced apoptotic cell death in human primary colorectal cancer cells through a mitochondria-dependent signaling pathway.

Concomitant inactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt and Janus tyrosine kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signalling pathways in cardiotoxin III-treated A549 cells.

1. Cardiotoxin (CTX) III, a basic polypeptide with 60 amino acid residues isolated from Naja naja atra venom, has potential anticancer therapeutic activity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the apoptotic effect (and the underlying mechanism of action) of CTX III in human adenocarcinoma A549 cells. 2. It was found that CTX III induces apoptosis in A549 cells, as indicated by an increase in the sub-G(1) population, phosphatidylserine externalization, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Psi(m)) with cytochrome c release and activation of caspases 9 and 3. These actions were correlated with upregulation of Bax and Bad and downregulation of various anti-apoptotic proteins, including Bcl-2, Bcl-X(L), Mcl-1, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) and p-Bad in CTX III-treated cells. 3. The signal transduction pathways involved in the effects of CTX III in A549 cells were evaluated using 5 micromol/L AG1478, an inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and exposing cells to the drug for 8 h. The results indicated that CTX III suppresses phosphorylation of EGFR and activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K)/Akt and Janus tyrosine kinase (JAK) 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3, all of which are downstream molecules in the EGFR signalling pathway. 4. Exposure of cells for 8 h to the PI3-K inhibitor wortmannin (10 micromol/L) blocked JAK2 and STAT3 activation, whereas exposure of cells to the JAK2 inhibitor AG490 (5 micromol/L) decreased levels of phosphorylated (p-) JAK2 and p-STAT3 without affecting PI3-K/Akt activation. These observations suggest that PI3-K is an upstream activator of JAK2/STAT3. Furthermore, 5 micromol/L AG490 and 10 micromol/L wortmannin treatment of A549 cells for 8 h resulted in upregulation of Bax and Bad and downregulation of Bcl-2, Bcl-X(L), XIAP and p-Bad. 5. Together, the results of the present study indicate that CTX III induces apoptosis in A549 cells by inactivating the EGFR, PI3-K/Akt and JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathways.

MJ-29 inhibits tubulin polymerization, induces mitotic arrest, and triggers apoptosis via cyclin-dependent kinase 1-mediated Bcl-2 phosphorylation in human leukemia U937 cells.

We investigated the signaling pathways associated with microtubule interaction and apoptosis in U937 cells in vitro and in the U937 xenograft model in vivo by using 6-pyrrolidinyl-2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-4-quinazolinone (MJ-29). MJ-29 induced growth inhibition and cell death of leukemia cell lines (U937, HL-60, K562, and KG-1) in a dose- and time-dependent manner but did not obviously impair the viability of normal cells (peripheral blood mononuclear cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells). MJ-29 interacted with alpha- and beta-tubulin, inhibited tubulin polymerization both in vitro and in vivo, and disrupted microtubule organization. MJ-29 caused mitotic arrest by activating cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1)/cyclin B complex activity. MJ-29-induced growth inhibition and activation of CDK1 activity were significantly attenuated by roscovitine (CDK inhibitor) and CDK1 small interfering RNA (siRNA). Furthermore, MJ-29-induced Bcl-2 phosphorylation was also significantly attenuated by CDK1 siRNA. MJ-29 caused an increase in the protein levels of cytosolic cytochrome c, apoptotic protease-activating factor-1, procaspase-9, and apoptosis-inducing factor. MJ-29-promoted activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 during apoptosis was significantly attenuated by caspase-9 and caspase-3 inhibitors. It is noteworthy that in BALB/c(nu/nu) mice bearing U937 xenograft tumors MJ-29 inhibited tumor growth in vivo. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated d-UTP nick end-labeling-positive apoptotic cells of tumor sections significantly increased in MJ-29-treated mice compared with the control group. In conclusion, our results suggest that MJ-29 induces mitotic arrest and apoptosis in U937 cells via CDK1-mediated Bcl-2 phosphorylation and inhibits the in vivo tumor growth of U937 xenograft mice.

Taiwan cobra cardiotoxin III inhibits Src kinase leading to apoptosis and cell cycle arrest of oral squamous cell carcinoma Ca9-22 cells.

Cardiotoxin III (CTX III), a basic polypeptide with 60-amino acid residues isolated from Naja naja atra venom, has been reported to have cytotoxic activity. CTX III exerted cytotoxicity with the S-phase cell cycle arrest, correlated with a marked decrease in the expression levels of cyclin A, cyclin B, and cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), and apoptosis, accompanied with Bax and Bad up-regulation, and the down-regulation of Bcl-2, p-Bad, and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) with cytochrome c release and sequential activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 in Ca9-22 cells. Mechanistic studies showed that CTX III suppressed the phosphorylation of Src, EGFR, STAT3, STAT5, Akt, and activation of PI3 K (p110). Moreover, Src inactivation was observed earlier than that of the EGFR and the Src inhibitor PP2 suppressed the levels of phospho-EGFR, phospho-STAT3, phospho-STAT5, phospho-Akt, and PI3 K(p110). The PP2 also caused the S-phase arrest and apoptosis, and led to down-regulation of Bcl-2, p-Bad, XIAP, cyclin A, cyclin B, and CDK1, and up-regulation of Bax and Bad, similar to that observed in CTX III treatment. Taken together, these results indicate that CTX III induces apoptosis and S-phase arrest in Ca9-22 cells via concomitant inactivation of the Src, EGFR, STAT3, STAT5, PI3 K(p110), and Akt signaling pathways.

Naphtho[1,2-b]furan-4,5-dione induces apoptosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma: involvement of EGF receptor/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Naphtho[1,2-b]furan-4,5-dione (NFD), prepared from 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone and chloroacetaldehyde in an efficient one-pot reaction, exerts an anti-tumor effect. This study was performed to elucidate whether the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathways are involved in NFD-induced apoptosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Immunoblot showed that NFD suppressed the phosphorylation of EGF receptor and activation of PI3K/Akt, downstream molecules of EGF receptor signaling pathway, in Ca9-22 cells. The levels of downstream targets of Akt, including phospho-glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (p-GSK-3beta), GSK-3beta, forkhead transcription factor (FKHR), and cyclin D1, were also reduced after NFD treatment. Moreover, inactivation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF kappaB), modulation of I kappa K beta and I kappaB alpha, up-regulation of Bad, and down-regulation of anti-apoptotic proteins including phospho-Bad, Bcl-X(L), myeloid cell leukemia-1(Mcl-1), and XIAP were found in NFD-treated cells. In addition, NFD treatment disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential (Delta Psi m), resulted in release of cytochrome c, and activation of both caspases-9 and caspase-3. Taken together, these results indicate that NFD induces apoptosis in Ca9-22 cells via inactivation of the EGF receptor-mediated survival pathway.

Naphtho[1,2-b]furan-4,5-dione disrupts Janus kinase-2 and induces apoptosis in breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells.

Naphtho[1,2-b]furan-4,5-dione (NFD), prepared from 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone and chloroacetaldehyde in an efficient one-pot reaction, exhibits an anti-carcinogenic effect. NFD-induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells, as indicated by the accumulation of sub-G1 population, externalization of phosphatidylserine, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsim) with subsequent release of cytochrome c, and activation of both capase-9 and caspase-3. This correlated with up-regulation in Bax and Bad, and down-regulation of various anti-apoptotic proteins, including Bcl-2, Bcl-X(L), Mcl-1, and survivin in NFD-treated cells. In the analysis of signal transduction pathway, NFD suppressed the phosphorylation of JAK2 in MDA-MB-231 cells without altering the expression of JAK2 protein. Activation of STAT3, Src, and PI3K/Akt were also inhibited by NFD. Moreover, the JAK2 inhibitor AG490 blocked JAK2, STAT3, Src, PI3K, and Akt activation, whereas both Src inhibitor PP2 and PI3K inhibitor wortmannin did not affect JAK2 activation. This suggests that STAT3, Src, and PI3K/Akt are downstream molecules of the JAK2 signaling pathway. AG490 treatment also mimics the cytotoxic effects of NFD. Taken together, these results indicate that NFD disrupts JAK2 pathway and induces apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells.

Down-regulation of the JAK2/PI3K-mediated signaling activation is involved in Taiwan cobra cardiotoxin III-induced apoptosis of human breast MDA-MB-231 cancer cells.

Cardiotoxin III (CTX III), a basic polypeptide with 60 amino acid residues isolated from Naja naja atra venom, has been reported to have anticancer activity. Exposure of MDA-MB-231 cells with 0.03, 0.09, and 0.15 microM of CTX III for 18 h, CTX III-induced cell apoptosis, as evidenced by accumulation of sub-G1 population, externalization of phosphatidylserine, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsim) with subsequent release of cytochrome c, and activation of both capases-9 and caspase-3. This correlated with up-regulation in Bax and Bad, and down-regulation of various anti-apoptotic proteins, including Bcl-2, Bcl-X(L), and survivin in CTX III-treated cells. Mechanistic studies showed that CTX III suppressed the phosphorylation of JAK2, STAT3, Akt, and activation of PI3K. Moreover, the PI3K inhibitor wortmannin blocked activation of STAT3 and Akt without affecting the JAK2 activation, whereas JAK2 inhibitor AG490 suppressed the levels of phospho-STAT3, phospho-Akt, and PI3K, suggesting that PI3K activation occurs after JAK2 phosphorylation, and both PI3K and JAK2 kinases cooperate to mediate STAT3 and Akt phosphorylation. Both AG490 and wortmannin also led to up-regulation in Bax and Bad, and down-regulation of Bcl-2, Bcl-X(L), and survivin in MDA-MB-231 cells. Taken together, these results indicate that CTX III induces apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells via concomitant inactivation of the JAK2, STAT3, PI3K, and Akt signaling pathways.