A novel dammarane triterpenoid alleviates atherosclerosis by activating the LXRα pathway.

BACKGROUND: We have previously demonstrated that ginsenoside compound K can attenuate the formation of atherosclerotic lesions. Therefore, ginsenoside compound K has potential for atherosclerosis therapy. How to improve the druggability and enhance the antiatherosclerotic activity of ginsenoside compound K are the core problems in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. CKN is a ginsenoside compound K derivative that was previously reported to have excellent antiatherosclerotic activity in vitro, and we have applied for international patents for it. METHODS: Male C57BL/6 ApoE-/- mice were fed a high-fat and high-choline diet to induce atherosclerosis and were subjected to in vivo studies. In vitro, the CCK-8 method was applied to evaluate cytotoxicity in macrophages. Foam cells were utilized, and cellular lipid determination was performed for in vitro studies. The area of atherosclerotic plaque and fatty infiltration of the liver were measured by image analysis. Serum lipid and liver function were determined by a seralyzer. Immunofluorescence and western blot analysis were conducted to explore the alterations in the expression levels of lipid efflux-related proteins. Molecular docking, reporter gene experiments and cellular thermal shift assays were used to verify the interaction between CKN and LXRα. RESULTS: After confirming the therapeutic effects of CKN, molecular docking, reporter gene experiments and cellular thermal shift assays were used to predict and investigate the antiatherosclerotic mechanisms of CKN. CKN exhibited the greatest potency, with a 60.9% and 48.1% reduction in en face atherosclerotic lesions on the thoracic aorta and brachiocephalic trunk, reduced plasma lipid levels and decreased foam cell levels in the vascular plaque content in HHD-fed ApoE-/- mice. Moreover, CKN in the present study may exert its antiatherosclerotic effects through activated ABCA1 by promoting LXRα nuclear translocation and reducing the adverse effects of LXRα activation. CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed that CKN prevented the formation of atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice by activating the LXRα pathway.

Network Pharmacology Analysis and Experimental Verification on Antiangiogenesis Mechanism of Hedyotis diffusa Willd in Liver Cancer.

Purpose: Hedyotis diffusa Willd (HDW) is one of the most well-known herbs used in the therapy of cancer. However, the potential mechanisms of its antiangiogenic effects have not been fully explored. Here, we applied a network pharmacology approach to explore the potential mechanisms of HDW against liver cancer angiogenesis (LCA) and used a mouse orthotopic liver cancer model for experimental verification accordingly. Methods: The effective components, primary active compounds, and possible targets in the therapy of LCA were predicted using network pharmacology and bioinformatics. In vivo testing of the pharmacodynamic foundation of HDW in the treatment of LCA was performed. Hepa1-6 cells were implanted in C57BL/6 mice to establish an orthotopic liver cancer model to evaluate the antitumor and antiangiogenesis effects of the drug. Furthermore, protein levels were evaluated by western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. Results: We firstly confirmed the therapeutic effect of HDW on LCA and subsequently screened 7 active compounds from HDW according to their pharmacokinetic properties. Network analysis and enrichment analysis indicated that these compounds exhibit antiangiogenic effect by acting on multiple targets and thereby regulating multiple pathways mainly involved in Akt1, IL-6, IL-1ß, IL-17, hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Importantly, we preliminarily verified the results of the network pharmacology analysis in vivo. Conclusion: Collectively, our work initially explored the therapeutic mechanism of HDW on tumor angiogenesis, which lays an experimental reference for further exploring its pharmacological action and its clinical application.

Knockdown of IGF2BP3 inhibits the tumorigenesis of gallbladder cancer and modifies tumor microenvironment.

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) ranks seventh among the gastrointestinal cancers. Messenger RNAs (mRNAs) could regulate the progression of GBC. For the purpose of exploring the targets for GBC treatment, RNA sequencing was used to identify the differential expressed mRNAs between GBC and adjacent tissues. Next, CCK8 assay was used to assess the cell viability, and cell proliferation was investigated by colony formation assay. Flow cytometry was performed to evaluate the cell apoptosis. Protein and mRNA expression were analyzed by western blot and RT-qPCR, respectively. Transwell was performed to evaluate the cell metastasis. GBC-derived exosomes were isolated with ultracentrifugation. To evaluate the function of exosomes in GBC, in vivo model of GBC was constructed. The data revealed IGF2BP3 was identified to be upregulated in GBC, and IGF2BP3 silencing was able to decrease GBC cell proliferation by promoting the apoptosis. The migration and invasion of GBC cells were reduced by IGF2BP3 knockdown. Silencing of IGF2BP3 obviously suppressed the level of p-STAT3 in GBC cells. Meanwhile, GBC cell-derived exosomes notably promoted macrophage M2 polarization via carrying IGF2BP3, and then the polarized macrophages promoted the malignant behavior of GBC cells. Furthermore, exosomes markedly promoted the tumor growth of GBC via promoting macrophage M2 polarization. In summary, knockdown of IGF2BP3 suppressed the malignant behavior of GBC cells. Additionally, knockdown of IGF2BP3 modified tumor microenvironment during the progression of GBC. Thus, these findings might provide a new theoretical basis for exploring a strategies against GBC.

Community promotion and application of Wuqinxi combined with brief behavioral therapy for insomnia: A study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Brief behavioral therapy for insomnia (BBT-I) has been proven to be a simple and effective alternative to cognitive behavioral therapy. However, low adherence limits the application in Chinese primary medical institutions, resulting in delayed or irregular treatment for many patients. This study aimed to explore the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine external treatments on the adherence to behavioral therapy for insomnia in Chinese primary healthcare institutions, with a particular focus on patients who live in regions with weak healthcare systems. METHODS: This randomized controlled clinical trial will be conducted in primary medical institutions and will recruit 98 adult participants with insomnia. BBT-I will be used as the base treatment. The participants will be divided into experimental (combined with Wuqinxi and other traditional Chinese medicine [TCM] external treatment n = 49) and control (combined with trazodone treatment, n = 49) groups, and each group will be treated for 4 consecutive weeks. The severity index of insomnia will be used as the main indicator of disease evaluation, with an 8-point reduction in the score considered as effective and a score <8 considered as cured. The secondary indicators of the disease evaluation will include the Pittsburgh sleep quality index, Zung's self-rating anxiety scale, Zung's self-rating depression scale, treatment adherence, and adverse event reports. All participants will be followed up at the time of enrollment, 4 weeks after treatment, and 3 months after the end of treatment. DISCUSSION: This clinical trial will provide evidence for the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine external treatment on the adherence to behavioral therapy for insomnia in primary medical institutions. This cheap and accessible model may benefit insomnia patients in medically underserved areas. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100042845. Registered on 30 January 2021, dataset: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=65691. Official scientific title of the research topic: Wuqinxi and other external treatment of Chinese Medicine combined with brief behavior therapy for insomnia.

Knockdown of circSMAD2 inhibits the tumorigenesis of gallbladder cancer through binding with eIF4A3.

BACKGROUND: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the seventh most common gastrointestinal cancer worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the function of circSMAD2 in GBC. METHODS: To investigate the function of circSMAD2 in GBC, the level of circSMAD2 in GBC cells was detected by RT-qPCR. CCK-8 assay was performed to investigate the cell viability. Cell apoptosis was tested by flow cytometry. In addition, transwell assay was used to detect the cell migration and invasion. RIP and RNA pull-down were used to explore the relation among circSMAD2, eIF4A3 and SMAD2. Meanwhile, xenograft mice model was established to investigate the function of circSMAD2 in GBC. RESULTS: The data revealed that circSMAD2 was upregulated in GBC, and circSMAD2 knockdown significantly inhibited the viability of GBC cells. In addition, circSMAD2 siRNA notably induced the apoptosis in GBC cells. The migration and invasion of GBC cells were obviously suppressed in the presence of circSMAD2 siRNA. Meanwhile, circSMAD2 suppressed the binding between eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A3 (eIF4A3) and SMAD2 through binding with eIF4A3. Knockdown of circSMAD2 notably inhibited the expression of SMAD2 in GBC cells, and SMAD2 overexpression partially reversed the anti-tumor effect of circSMAD2 knockdown. Finally, circSMAD2 siRNA significantly inhibited the tumor growth of GBC in vivo. CONCLUSION: Knockdown of circSMAD2 inhibits the tumorigenesis of gallbladder cancer through binding with eIF4A3. Thus, our study provided a new strategy for the treatment of GBC.

MEX3A knockdown inhibits the tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer via modulating CDK2 expression.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignant tumor of the gastrointestinal tract and a leading cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. Mex-3 RNA binding family member A (MEX3A) promotes the progression of multiple types of cancer, including ovarian and cervical cancer. However, to the best of our knowledge, the role of MEX3A in CRC is not completely understood. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the function of MEX3A in CRC. The mRNA and protein expression levels of MEX3A in CRC cells were analyzed using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting, respectively. Cell Counting Kit-8 assays were used to measure cell viability. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were detected via flow cytometry, and CRC cell invasion was analyzed by performing Transwell assays. Moreover, the mitochondrial membrane potential in CRC cells was measured via JC-1 staining. The results of the present study revealed that the expression levels of MEX3A were upregulated in CRC tissues compared with adjacent healthy tissues. MEX3A knockdown notably inhibited CRC cell viability, and induced apoptosis and mitochondrial injury. In addition, MEX3A knockdown markedly induced G1 phase cell cycle arrest in CRC cells via downregulating CDK2 expression. In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggested that MEX3A knockdown may inhibit the tumorigenesis of CRC cells by regulating CDK2 expression. Therefore, MEX3A may serve as a novel target for CRC treatment.

Downregulation of miR-181b-5p Inhibits the Viability, Migration, and Glycolysis of Gallbladder Cancer by Upregulating PDHX Under Hypoxia.

BACKGROUND: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a malignant cancer with poor prognosis. Evidences have shown that miRNAs are closely related to the occurrence of GBC; thus, we aimed to explore miRNAs, which plays an important role in the occurrence and development of GBC. METHODS: Microarray analysis was performed to investigate the differentially expressed miRNAs between five non-neoplastic gallbladder tissues (normal tissues) and five gallbladder tumor tissues (tumor tissues). RT-qPCR was performed to detect the level of miR-181b-5p in cells, and CCK-8 was performed to detect cell viability. Then, glucose assay kit or lactic acid assay kit was performed to detect the level of glucose consumption or lactate production. Next, transwell and wound healing assays were used to assess cell migration. In addition, dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the relationship between miR-181b-5p and PDHX. At last, Western blotting was performed to determine the protein level of PDHX. RESULTS: Microarray analysis suggested miR-181b-5p was significantly upregulated in GBC tumor tissue. KEGG analysis for the protein targets of miR-181b-5p indicates a close relationship existed between miR-181b-5p and glycolysis. In addition, the level of miR-181b-5p was notably increased in GBC-SD or G415 cells, compared with HIBEpiC cells. GBC cell viability was significantly decreased under hypoxia, and these decreases were exacerbated by miR-181b-5p antagomir. Moreover, glucose consumption or lactate production of GBC cells was significantly upregulated under hypoxia, whereas these increases were completely revered by miR-181b-5p antagomir. Further investigation revealed that PDHX was a direct target of miR-181b-5p. CONCLUSION: In this study, downregulation of miR-181b-5p inhibits the viability, migration, and glycolysis of GBC by upregulating PDHX under hypoxia. This finding suggested that miR-181b-5p might be considered as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of GBC.

Tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 suppresses the growth of thyroid cancer cells through by induction of apoptosis.

BACKGROUND: Tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 (TFPI-2) has been recently identified as a tumor suppressor gene in several human cancers, whereas its role in thyroid cancer has been unclear. METHODS: The TFPI-2 protein level in thyroid cancer tissues and cell lines (8305C and B-CPAP) were examined using immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. The TFPI-2 promoter methylation was examined using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP). Lentivirus containing TFPI-2 cDNA (Lenti-TFPI-2) was constructed to elevate TFPI-2 expression in 8305C and B-CPAP cells. The effects of Lenti-TFPI-2 on cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo were evaluated by MTT assay and mouse xenograft model. Annexin V/PI double staining assay was performed to detect the effect of Lenti-TFPI-2 on cell apoptosis. RESULTS: TFPI-2 protein level were decreased in cancer tissues and lymph node metastasis, and TFPI-2 protein level is positively associated with survival time. The promoter of TFPI-2 is hypermethylated in cancer tissues. TFPI-2 mRNA and protein levels were abundant in normal human thyroid follicular cell line Nthy-ori 3-1 cells, whereas they were decreased in 8305C and B-CPAP cells. pcDNA-TFPI-2 elevated TFPI-2 mRNA and protein in 8305C and B-CPAP cells. TFPI-2 overexpression suppressed proliferation and induced apoptosis of 8305C and B-CPAP cells. CONCLUSIONS: TFPI-2 inactivation may play a role in thyroid cancer tumorigenesis and development. TFPI-2 overexpression suppressed cell proliferation through induction of cell apoptosis, suggesting that TFPI-2 may serve as a novel and effective target for thyroid cancer therapy.

miR­135b­5p enhances the sensitivity of HER­2 positive breast cancer to trastuzumab via binding to cyclin D2.

Trastuzumab has led to a marked improvement in the outcomes of patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER­2)­positive breast cancer. However, the effects of trastuzumab on HER­2­positive breast cancer are limited by the emergence of its cardiotoxicside effects. MicroRNA (miR)­135b­5p has been shown to inhibit tumor metastasis in breast cancer. The present study aimed to explore the effects of miR­135b­5p overexpression on the efficacy of trastuzumab in HER­2­positive breast cancer. Reverse transcription­quantitative PCR was performed to detect the levels of miR­135b­5p. Cell viability was evaluated with a Cell Counting Kit­8 assay. Annexin V/propidium iodide staining was employed to detect the number of apoptotic cells. Flow cytometry assay was performed to investigate the cell cycle. Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of Bax, cleaved caspase­3, Bcl­2, cyclin D2, p27Kip1 and cyclin E1. Cell migration and invasion were detected by Transwell assay. Luciferase assays were conducted to identify the target gene of miR­135b­5p. In addition, an in vivo tumor xenograft model was established. miR­135b­5p agomir significantly enhanced the anti­proliferative effect of trastuzumab on HER­2­positive breast cancer cells via the induction of apoptosis, whereas the anti­metastatic effect of trastuzumab was enhanced by miR­135b­5p agomir treatment. Subsequently, luciferase assays indicated that cyclin D2 was the direct target of miR­135b­5p, whereas overexpression of the latter arrested cell cycleduring the G0/G1 phase. Moreover, miR­135b­5p agomir notably increased the antitumor effect of trastuzumab in vivo. The data demonstrated that miR­135b­5p sensitized HER­2­positive breast cancer cells to trastuzumab in vitro and in vivo by directly binding to cyclin D2. These results suggested that the combination of miR­135b­5p with trastuzumab may be a therapeutic strategy for patients with HER­2­positive breast cancer.

Downregulation of miR-575 Inhibits the Tumorigenesis of Gallbladder Cancer via Targeting p27 Kip1.

BACKGROUND: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the most common biliary tract malignant cancer worldwide. It has been reported that microRNA-575 (miR-575) was involved in the tumorigenesis of many cancers. However, the role of miR-575 during the progression of GBC remains largely unknown. METHODS: The expression of miR-575 in GBC cells was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The proliferation of GBC cells was examined by CCK-8 assay and Ki-67 staining. Apoptosis of GBC cells was measured by flow cytometry, and cell invasion was tested by transwell assay. Moreover, protein expressions in GBC cells were evaluated using Western blot. The target gene of miR-575 was predicted using Targetscan and miRDB. Finally, xenograft tumor model was established to verify the function of miR-575 in GBC in vivo. RESULTS: Our findings indicated that miR-575 antagonist decreased the proliferation and invasion of GBC cells. In addition, miR-575 antagonist significantly induced apoptosis of GBC cells via inducing G1 arrest. Meanwhile, p27 Kip1 was found to be a direct target of miR-575 with luciferase reporter assay. Moreover, miR-575 antagonist significantly decreased the expressions of CDK1 and cyclin E1 and upregulated the levels of cleaved caspase3 and p27 Kip1 in GBC cells. Finally, miR-575 antagonist notably suppressed GBC tumor growth in vivo. CONCLUSION: Downregulation of miR-575 significantly inhibited the tumorigenesis of GBC via targeting p27 Kip1. Thus, miR-575 might be a potential novel target for the treatment of GBC.

SNP rs12982687 affects binding capacity of lncRNA UCA1 with miR-873-5p: involvement in smoking-triggered colorectal cancer progression.

BACKGROUND: This investigation was arranged to elucidate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of lncRNA UCA1 was implicated in elevating colorectal cancer (CRC) risk by interacting with environmental exposures. METHODS: LncRNASNP database was firstly adopted to predict SNPs that possibly affected binding of UCA1 with miRNAs and then the interactive effect of SNPs and environmental exposure on CRC risk was evaluated by recurring to type 2 gene-environment interactions (GEI) model. Besides, MTT assay, colony formation assay, transwell assay and wound healing assay were performed to assess the activity of CRC cell lines which carried distinct genotypes of specific SNPs. The impact of nicotine on activity of CRC cells was also appraised. RESULTS: SNP rs12982687 of UCA1 intervened in the binding capacity of UCA1 with several miRNAs, especially miR-873-5p. MiRNAs regulated by UCA1, as predicted by mirPath software, shared genes that were enriched in HIF1 signaling pathway. Moreover, homozygote TT of rs12982687 reduced CRC risk among smokers, and CRC cells that carried rs12982687 (CC) displayed strong migration and invasion. By contrast, miR-873-5p mimic, which reduced UCA1 expression, delayed metastasis of CRC cells (all P < 0.05). Additionally, nicotine not merely elevated UCA1 and HIF-1α expressions in CRC cells, but also facilitated proliferation and metastasis of CRC cells (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: SNP rs12982687 was involved in smoking-triggered CRC progression, given its influence on UCA1's binding with miR-873-5p and HIF-1 signaling.

Trends of gallbladder cancer incidence, mortality, and diagnostic approach in urban Shanghai between 1973 and 2009.

PURPOSE: To describe and interpret secular time trends in gallbladder cancer (GBC) incidence, mortality, and diagnostic approach using 37 years of cancer registry data in urban Shanghai. METHODS: Data on registration of GBC in urban Shanghai during 1973 and 2009 were collected by the Shanghai Cancer Registry. To describe time trends and to identify specific time points when significant changes occurred, we used joinpoint regression analysis. RESULTS: The age-standardized rates (ASRs) of incidence increased from 1.1/100,000 (1973-1975) to 2.9/100,000 (2006-2009) in men and from 1.7/100,000 (1973-1975) to 3.9/100,000 (2006-2009) in women. ASRs of incidence increased significantly with estimated annual percent changes (EAPCs) of 2.8% in men and 2.5% in women. The mortality trends increased significantly, with EAPCs of 2.8% in men and 2.5% in women. The increasing incidence and mortality rates were primarily observed in men ⩾60 years of age and in women ⩾70 years of age. Notable downward trends in incidence and mortality were identified among women age 60-69 years over the last decade. The percentage of GBC diagnosed by pathology increased steadily over the years while the percentage of GBC diagnosed by imaging, surgery, and biochemistry sharply increased from 1987 onwards. CONCLUSIONS: Thirty-seven years of cancer registry data document a tremendous increase in incidence/mortality and a slight decline in incidence/mortality over the last decades for GBC, especially among women, in Shanghai. The development of diagnostic approaches and aging population may play important roles.

Small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 promotes development and progression of colorectal cancer through negative regulation of miR-137.

Small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 (SNHG1) is critical in the progression of cancers. However, the mechanism by which SNHG1 regulates the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. Expressions of SNHG1 and miR-137 in CRC tissues and cell lines were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. A luciferase reporter gene assay was conducted to investigate miR-137 target. Additionally, RNA pull-down assay was performed to explore the physical association between miR-137, SNHG1, and RNA induced silencing complex (RISC). Cell cycling and invasion were examined by flow cytometry (FCM) and transwell assays. The in vivo carcinogenic activity of SNHG1 was examined using murine xenograft models. Expression of RICTOR, serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT), serum and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 (SGK1), p70S6K1, and LC3II/LC3I ratio was examined by Western blot analysis. SNHG1 upregulation was observed in CRC tissues and cell lines, which was associated with the lymph node metastasis, advanced TNM stage and poorer prognosis. SNHG1 increased RICTOR level in CRC via sponging miR-137. In addition, SNHG1 silencing inhibited CRC cell proliferation and migration in vitro and in vivo. SNHG1 regulated RICTOR expression by sponging miR-137 and promoted tumorgenesis in CRC.

Overexpression of SNORA21 suppresses tumorgenesis of gallbladder cancer in vitro and in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) ranks fifth in the most common malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract worldwide. It is reported many small nucleolar RNAs (SNORNs) could regulate the progression of GBC. To identify potential therapeutic targets for GBC, we conducted microarray analysis in GBC tissues and adjacent normal tissues. We found that SNORA21 was downregulated most in gallbladder tumor samples. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate the role of SNORA21 during the tumorigenesis of GBC. METHODS: The differential expression of SNORNs between GBC tissues and para-carcinoma tissues were examined by microarray analysis and that were confirmed by qRT-PCR. Cell proliferation was tested by CCK-8 and immunofluorescence. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle in GBC were detected by flow cytometry. Expression of proteins in GBC cells was measured by Western-blot. Transwell assay was used for testing the cell migration and invasion. Xenograft tumor model was established to verify the effect of SNORA21 overexpression on GBC in vivo. RESULTS: The results revealed that SNORA21 overexpression inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of GBC cells. Moreover, overexpression of SNORA21 significantly increased the expression of E-cadherin and decreased the levels of N-cadherin and vimentin. Meanwhile, overexpression of SNORA21 significantly induced apoptosis and G1 arrest of GBC cells. Finally, SNORA21 overexpression significantly suppressed the growth of gallbladder tumors in vivo. CONCLUSION: Overexpression of SNORA21 significantly suppressed the tumorigenesis of GBC in vitro and in vivo, which may serve as a potential novel target for the treatment of GBC.

MiR-206 inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells by targeting the MUC1 gene.

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate the post-transcriptional level of gene expression. It has been documented that downregulation of miR-206 is significant in human gastric cancer (GC), whereas its role in GC cell biological behaviors, including proliferation, migration, and invasion, has not been thoroughly investigated. MiR-206 levels have a negative association with lymph node metastasis and tumor invasion, and patients with higher miR-206 expression have better prognoses. Functional studies demonstrated that miR-206 overexpression significantly suppresses GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induces apoptosis in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MiR-206 and MUC1 were determined by RNA extraction, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and luciferase reporter gene assays. The viability of GC cells was tested using the Cell Counting Kit 8 assay. Transwell invasion and migration assays detected GC cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Flow cytometry was applied to analyze apoptotic cells. FACS analysis was applied to detect the mitochondrial membrane potential of cells. Western blotting assay determined protein levels. RESULTS: The luciferase reporter gene assay demonstrated that miR-206 might directly bind to the 3'UTR of the MUC1 gene and suppress MUC1 expression. Furthermore, MUCI expression was upregulated and inversely associated with miR-206 levels in GC tissues. More importantly, the miR-206-mediated suppression of proliferation, migration, and invasion, and the induction of apoptosis, were abrogated by MUC1 overexpression. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrated that miR-206 may exert antitumor activities through inhibiting the expression of MUC1, which may serve as an effective and potential target for GC treatment.

Combined effects of octreotide and cisplatin on the proliferation of side population cells from anaplastic thyroid cancer cell lines.

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) represents the most aggressive subtype of thyroid cancer and has a poor prognosis. In addition to surgery, chemotherapy is an important treatment for ATC; however, the therapeutic effects of current chemotherapies for ATC are not particularly promising. There is a high proportion of side population (SP) cells in ATC, which may be a reason for its drug resistance. In the present study, the antitumor activities of combined octreotide (OCT) and cisplatin (DDP) on the proliferation and apoptosis of ATC SP cells were evaluated. First, SP cells from 8305C and BHT101 cell lines were detected and sorted. Following in vitro culture for 1 week, cluster of differentiation (CD)44, CD133, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1), ABC subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2) and somatostatin receptor expression was detected to characterize the SP cells. An MTT assay was performed to investigate the combined effects on 8305C-SP cell proliferation in vitro, and a mouse model was used to investigate the combined effects on 8305C-SP cell proliferation in vivo. Annexin V/propidium iodide staining was used to investigate the combined effects on 8305C-SP cell apoptosis. Chemotherapeutic drug resistance-associated protein expression and apoptosis-associated protein expression were also detected following combined treatment. As a result, SP cells were identified in 8305C and BHT101 cells, and the proportion of 8305C-SP cells was increased compared with that of BTH101-SP cells. SP cells have enhanced proliferation, tumorigenicity and drug resistance compared with main population cells. The combined treatment of OCT with DDP suppressed the proliferation of 8305C-SP cells in vitro and in vivo, and induced 8305C-SP cell apoptosis. Combined treatment decreased the ABCB1 and ABCG2 expression by SP cells and activated mitochondrial apoptotic signaling, resulting in cell apoptosis. In conclusion, these data support the hypothesis that combined treatment with OCT and DDP induces ATC cell apoptosis and suppresses cell proliferation. These data provide a theoretical basis for further combined chemotherapy clinical applications.

Sijunzi decoction-treated rat serum induces apoptosis of side population cells in gastric carcinoma.

Sijunzi decoction (SJZD) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Previous studies have indicated that SJZD exhibits antitumor activity. However, the underlying molecular mechanism has not been fully elucidated. To explore the antitumor mechanism of SJZD, the effects of serum from rats treated with SJZD on the proliferation of MKN-28 and HGC-27 gastric carcinoma cell lines were systematically investigated. It was found that SJZD-treated rat serum significantly inhibited the growth of MKN-28 and HGC-27 cells in vitro. The results obtained from a colony formation assay showed that SJZD-treated rat serum decreased the colony formation ability of MKN-28 and HGC-27 cells. The apoptosis rate in MKN-28 and HGC-27 cells was also increased following treatment with SJZD-treated rat serum. Flow cytometry with cell sorting revealed the presence of side population (SP) cells in MKN-28 and HGC-27 cells though Hoechst 33342 staining, and verapamil reduced the SP percentage. Further analysis showed that SJZD-treated rat serum promoted the apoptosis of SP cells in MKN-28 and HGC-27 cell lines by upregulating Bax, caspase-3 and PARP and downregulating bcl-2. These data revealed the therapeutic effect of SJZD-treated rat serum on gastric carcinoma. Following the preliminary identification of the inhibitory effect on the growth of gastric cancer cells in vitro, the growth inhibitory effect of SJZD-treated rat serum on SP cells was confirmed, and this inhibition particularly involved the induction of cell apoptosis.

Arctigenin induced gallbladder cancer senescence through modulating epidermal growth factor receptor pathway.

Gallbladder cancer has poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Arctigenin, a representative dibenzylbutyrolactone lignan, occurs in a variety of plants. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in the antitumor effect of arctigenin on gallbladder cancer have not been fully elucidated. The expression levels of epidermal growth factor receptor were examined in 100 matched pairs of gallbladder cancer tissues. A positive correlation between high epidermal growth factor receptor expression levels and poor prognosis was observed in gallbladder cancer tissues. Pharmacological inhibition or inhibition via RNA interference of epidermal growth factor receptor induced cellular senescence in gallbladder cancer cells. The antitumor effect of arctigenin on gallbladder cancer cells was primarily achieved by inducing cellular senescence. In gallbladder cancer cells treated with arctigenin, the expression level of epidermal growth factor receptor significantly decreased. The analysis of the activity of the kinases downstream of epidermal growth factor receptor revealed that the RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathway was significantly inhibited. Furthermore, the cellular senescence induced by arctigenin could be reverted by pcDNA-epidermal growth factor receptor. Arctigenin also potently inhibited the growth of tumor xenografts, which was accompanied by the downregulation of epidermal growth factor receptor and induction of senescence. This study demonstrates arctigenin could induce cellular senescence in gallbladder cancer through the modulation of epidermal growth factor receptor pathway. These data identify epidermal growth factor receptor as a key regulator in arctigenin-induced gallbladder cancer senescence.

Combination of celecoxib and PD184161 exerts synergistic inhibitory effects on gallbladder cancer cell proliferation.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) may serve as potential targets in various types of cancer; however, the roles of these proteins in gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) have not been reported previously. In the present study, the expression levels of COX-2 and phospho (p)-ERK1/2 in GBC were examined and the biological activities of celecoxib and PD184161 (specific inhibitors of COX-2 and p-ERK1/2, respectively) on the proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis of the GBC-SD and NOZ human GBC cell lines were evaluated by a series of in vitro and in vivo studies. COX-2 and p-ERK1/2 protein expression levels were found to be significantly elevated in GBC tissues as well as in GBC-SD and NOZ cells. Treatments with celecoxib and PD184161 significantly inhibited GBC-SD and NOZ cell growth in a concentration-dependent manner, and their combination produced a synergistic inhibitory effect. In addition, celecoxib and PD184161 significantly inhibited tumor growth in xenograft nude mice. Celecoxib treatment led to G1 arrest via the upregulation of p21 and p27 expression in GBC-SD and NOZ cells, whereas PD184161 did not affect cell cycle distribution. The combination of celecoxib and PD184161 was able to promote cell apoptosis by triggering a collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential and activating caspase-3-mediated apoptosis. In conclusion, COX-2 and p-ERK1/2 protein may serve as potential targets for GBC chemotherapy, and the combination of celecoxib and PD184161 could significantly inhibit GBC cell growth, induce cell G1 arrest and trigger cell apoptosis of GBC cells.

SNORA74B gene silencing inhibits gallbladder cancer cells by inducing PHLPP and suppressing Akt/mTOR signaling.

Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) have been implicated in the development of many cancers. We therefore examined the differential expression of snoRNAs between gallbladder cancer (GBC) tissues and matched adjacent non-tumor tissues using expression microarray analysis with confirmation by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Western blot analysis showed that SNORA74B levels were higher in GBC than non-tumor tissues. SNORA74B expression was positively associated with local invasion, advanced TNM stage, CA19-9 level, and Ki67 expression in patients with GBC, while it was negatively associated with expression of PHLPP, an endogenous Akt inhibitor. Moreover, SNORA74B expression was prognostic for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Functional studies revealed that silencing SNORA74B in GBC cells using sh-SNORA74B suppressed cell proliferation, induced G1 arrest, and promoted apoptosis. Preliminary molecular investigation revealed that SNORA74B silencing inhibited activation of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, while increasing PHLPP expression. PHLPP depletion using shRNA abrogated sh-SNORA74B suppression of GBC cell proliferation, indicating that the antitumor effects of SNORA74B silencing were mediated by PHLPP. These findings define the important role of SNORA74B in cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis of GBC, and suggest that it may serve as a novel target for GBC treatment.