The in vitro and in vivo depigmentation activity of coenzyme Q0, a major quinone derivative from Antrodia camphorata, through autophagy induction in human melanocytes and keratinocytes.

BACKGROUND: Coenzyme Q0 (CoQ0), a novel quinone derivative of Antrodia camphorata, has been utilized as a therapeutic agent (including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic, antiatherosclerotic, and anticancer agents); however, its depigmenting efficiency has yet to be studied. METHODS: We resolved the depigmenting efficiency of CoQ0 through autophagy induction in melanoma (B16F10) and melanin-feeding keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells and in vivo Zebrafish model. Then, MPLC/HPLC analysis, MTT assay, Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, LC3 transfection, melanin formation, GFP-LC3 puncta, AVO formation, tyrosinase activity, and TEM were used. RESULTS: CoQ0-induced autophagy in B16F10 cells was shown by enhanced LC3-II accumulation, ATG7 expression, autophagosome GFP-LC3 puncta, and AVOs formation, and ATG4B downregulation, and Beclin-1/Bcl-2 dysregulation. In α-MSH-stimulated B16F10 cells, CoQ0 induced antimelanogenesis by suppressing CREB-MITF pathway, tyrosinase expression/activity, and melanin formation via autophagy. TEM data disclosed that CoQ0 increased melanosome-engulfing autophagosomes and autolysosomes in α-MSH-stimulated B16F10 cells. CoQ0-inhibited melanogenesis in α-MSH-stimulated B16F10 cells was reversed by pretreatment with the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA or silencing of LC3. Additionally, CoQ0-induced autophagy in HaCaT cells was revealed by enhanced LC3-II accumulation, autophagosome GFP-LC3 puncta and AVO formation, ATG4B downregulation, ATG5/ATG7 expression, and Beclin-1/Bcl-2 dysregulation. In melanin-feeding HaCaT cells, CoQ0 induced melanin degradation by suppressing melanosome gp100 and melanin formation via autophagy. TEM confirmed that CoQ0 increased melanosome-engulfing autophagosomes and autolysosomes in melanin-feeding HaCaT cells. Treatment with 3-MA reversed CoQ0-mediated melanin degradation in melanin-feeding HaCaT cells. In vivo study showed that CoQ0 suppressed endogenous body pigmentation by antimelanogenesis and melanin degradation through autophagy induction in a zebrafish model. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that CoQ0 exerted antimelanogenesis and melanin degradation by inducing autophagy. CoQ0 could be used in skin-whitening formulations as a topical cosmetic application.

In vitro and in vivo anti-tumor activity of Coenzyme Q0 against TWIST1-overexpressing HNSCC cells: ROS-mediated inhibition of EMT/metastasis and autophagy/apoptosis induction.

HNSCC (Head and Heck Squamous Cell Carcinoma) is a reasonably prevalent cancer with a high mortality rate. In this study, we tried to examine the anti-metastasis and apoptosis/autophagy actions of Coenzyme Q0 (CoQ0, 2,3-dimethoxy-5-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone), a derivative of Antrodia camphorata in HNCC TWIST1 overexpressing (FaDu-TWIST1) cells as well as in vivo tumor xenograft mice model. Using fluorescence based cellular assays, western blot and nude mice tumor xenografts, we determined that CoQ0 effectively reduced cell viability and displayed rapid morphological changes in FaDu-TWIST1 cells compared to FaDu cells. Non/sub-cytotoxic concentrations of CoQ0 treatment reduces the cell migration by downregulating TWIST1 and upregulating E-cadherin. Apoptosis produced by CoQ0 was mostly related with caspase-3 activation, PARP cleavage, and VDAC-1 expression. The FaDu-TWIST1 cells treated with CoQ0 exhibits autophagy-mediated LC3-II accumulation and acidic vesicular organelles (AVOs) formation. Pre-treatment with 3-MA and CoQ effectively prevented CoQ0-induced cell death and CoQ0-triggered autophagy in FaDu-TWIST cells as a death mechanism. CoQ0 induces ROS production in FaDu-TWIST1 cells and NAC pre-treatment significantly reduces anti-metastasis, apoptosis, and autophagy. Likewise, ROS-mediated AKT inhibition regulates CoQ0-induced apoptosis/autophagy in FaDu-TWIST1 cells. In vivo studies exhibit, CoQ0 effectively delays and reduces the tumor incidence and burden in FaDu-TWIST1-xenografted nude mice. Current findings display, CoQ0 exhibits a novel anti-cancer mechanism hence, it might be appropriate for anticancer therapy, and a new potent drug for HNSCC.

Coenzyme Q0 defeats NLRP3-mediated inflammation, EMT/metastasis, and Warburg effects by inhibiting HIF-1α expression in human triple-negative breast cancer cells.

Coenzyme Q0 (CoQ0) is a derivative quinone from Antrodia camphorata (AC) that exerts anticancer activities. This study examined the anticancer attributes of CoQ0 (0-4 µM) on inhibited anti-EMT/metastasis and NLRP3 inflammasome, and altered Warburg effects via HIF-1α inhibition in triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231 and 468) cells. MTT assay, cell migration/invasion assays, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, metabolic reprogramming, and LC-ESI-MS were carried out to assess the therapy potential of CoQ0. CoQ0 inhibited HIF-1α expression and suppressed the NLRP3 inflammasome and ASC/caspase-1 expression, followed by downregulation of IL-1ß and IL-18 expression in MDA-MB-231 and 468 cells. CoQ0 ameliorated cancer stem-like markers by decreasing CD44 and increasing CD24 expression. Notably, CoQ0 modulated EMT by upregulating the epithelial marker E-cadherin and downregulating the mesenchymal marker N-cadherin. CoQ0 inhibited glucose uptake and lactate accumulation. CoQ0 also inhibited HIF-1α downstream genes involved in glycolysis, such as HK-2, LDH-A, PDK-1, and PKM-2 enzymes. CoQ0 decreased extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), glycolysis, glycolytic capacity, and glycolytic reserve in MDA-MB-231 and 468 cells under normoxic and hypoxic (CoCl2) conditions. CoQ0 inhibited the glycolytic intermediates lactate, FBP, and 2/3-PG, and PEP levels. CoQ0 increased oxygen consumption rate (OCR), basal respiration, ATP production, maximal respiration, and spare capacity under normoxic and hypoxic (CoCl2) conditions. CoQ0 increased TCA cycle metabolites, such as citrate, isocitrate, and succinate. CoQ0 inhibited aerobic glycolysis and enhanced mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in TNBC cells. Under hypoxic conditions, CoQ0 also mitigated HIF-1α, GLUT1, glycolytic-related (HK-2, LDH-A, and PFK-1), and metastasis-related (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and MMP-9) protein or mRNA expression in MDA-MB-231 and/or 468 cells. Under LPS/ATP stimulation, CoQ0 inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome/procaspase-1/IL-18 activation and NFκB/iNOS expression. CoQ0 also hindered LPS/ATP-stimulated tumor migration and downregulated LPS/ATP-stimulated N-cadherin and MMP-2/-9 expression. The present study revealed that suppression of HIF-1α expression caused by CoQ0 may contribute to inhibition of NLRP3-mediated inflammation, EMT/metastasis, and Warburg effects of triple-negative breast cancers.

Antrodia camphorata and coenzyme Q0 , a novel quinone derivative of Antrodia camphorata, impede HIF-1α and epithelial-mesenchymal transition/metastasis in human glioblastoma cells.

Antrodia camphorata (AC) and Coenzyme Q0 (CoQ0 ), a novel quinone derivative of AC, exhibits antitumor activities. The present study evaluated EMT/metastasis inhibition and autophagy induction aspects of AC and CoQ0 in human glioblastoma (GBM8401) cells. Our findings revealed that AC treatment (0-150 µg/mL) hindered tumor cell proliferation and migration/invasion in GBM8401 cells. Notably, AC treatment inhibited HIF-1α and EMT by upregulating epithelial marker protein E-cadherin while downregulating mesenchymal proteins Twist, Slug, Snail, and ß-catenin. There was an appearance of the autophagy markers LC3-II and p62/SQSTM1, while ATG4B was downregulated by AC treatment. We also found that CoQ0 (0-10 µM) could inhibit migration and invasion in GBM8401 cells. In particular, E-cadherin was elevated and N-cadherin, Vimentin, Twist, Slug, and Snail, were reduced upon CoQ0 treatment. In addition, MMP-2/-9 expression and Wnt/ß-catenin pathways were downregulated. Furthermore, autophagy inhibitors 3-MA or CQ reversed the CoQ0 -elicited suppression of migration/invasion and metastasis-related proteins (Vimentin, Snail, and ß-catenin). Results suggested autophagy-mediated antiEMT and antimetastasis upon CoQ0 treatment. CoQ0 inhibited HIF-1α and metastasis in GBM8401 cells under normoxia and hypoxia. HIF-1α knockdown using siRNA accelerated CoQ0 -inhibited migration. Finally, CoQ0 exhibited a prolonged survival rate in GBM8401-xenografted mice. Treatment with Antrodia camphorata/CoQ0 inhibited HIF-1α and EMT/metastasis in glioblastoma.

Calycosin, a Common Dietary Isoflavonoid, Suppresses Melanogenesis through the Downregulation of PKA/CREB and p38 MAPK Signaling Pathways.

Calycosin, a bioactive isoflavonoid isolated from root extracts of Astragalus membranaceus, has been reported to inhibit melanogenesis, the mechanism of which remains undefined. In this study, we interrogated the mechanistic basis by which calycosin inhibits melanin production in two model systems, i.e., B16F10 melanoma cells and zebrafish embryos. Calycosin was effective in protecting B16F10 cells from α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-induced melanogenesis and tyrosinase activity. This anti-melanogenic effect was accompanied by decreased expression levels of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), a key protein controlling melanin synthesis, and its target genes tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein-2 (TRP-2) in calycosin-treated cells. Mechanistically, we obtained the first evidence that calycosin-mediated MITF downregulation was attributable to its ability to block signaling pathways mediated by cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and p38 MAP kinase. The protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H-89 and p38 inhibitor SB203580 validated the premise that calycosin inhibits melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity by regulating the PKA/CREB and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. Moreover, the in vivo anti-melanogenic efficacy of calycosin was manifested by its ability to suppress body pigmentation and tyrosinase activity in zebrafish embryos. Together, these data suggested the translational potential of calycosin to be developed as skin-lightening cosmeceuticals.

Chalcone flavokawain A attenuates TGF-ß1-induced fibrotic pathology via inhibition of ROS/Smad3 signaling pathways and induction of Nrf2/ARE-mediated antioxidant genes in vascular smooth muscle cells.

TGF-ß1 plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of vascular fibrotic diseases. Chalcones are reportedly cancer chemo-preventive food components that are rich in fruits and vegetables. In this study, flavokawain A (FKA, 2-30 µM), a naturally occurring chalcone in kava extracts, was evaluated for its anti-fibrotic and antioxidant properties in TGF-ß1-stimulated vascular smooth muscle (A7r5) cells, as well as its underlying molecular mechanism of action. Immunofluorescence data showed down-regulated F-actin expression with FKA treatment in TGF-ß1-stimulated A7r5 cells. Western blotting demonstrated that FKA treatment suppressed the expression of α-SMA and fibronectin proteins under TGF-ß1 stimulation. Findings from wound-healing and invasion experiments showed that FKA inhibits TGF-ß1-mediated migration and invasion. Western blotting demonstrated that treatment with FKA down-regulated MMP-9 and MMP-2 and up-regulated TIMP-1 expression. Further evidence showed that FKA decreased TGF-ß1-mediated phosphorylation and the transcriptional activity of Smad3. TGF-ß1-induced excessive ROS production was remarkably reversed by FKA treatment in A7r5 cells, and inhibition by FKA or N-acetylcysteine (NAC) substantially diminished TGF-ß1-induced p-Smad3 activation and wound-healing migration. Interestingly, FKA-mediated antioxidant properties were associated with increased nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and elevated antioxidant response element (ARE) luciferase activity. Activation of Nrf2/ARE signaling was accompanied by the induction of HO-1, NQO-1 and γ-GCLC genes in FKA-treated A7r5 cells. Notably, silencing of Nrf2 (siRNA transfection) significantly diminished the FKA-mediated antioxidant effects, indicating that FKA may inhibit TGF-ß1-induced fibrosis through suppressing ROS generation in A7r5 cells. Our results suggested that anti-fibrotic and antioxidant activities of the chalcone flavokawain A may contribute to the development of food-based chemo-preventive drugs for fibrotic diseases.

Anticancer activities of chalcone flavokawain B from Alpinia pricei Hayata in human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cells via induction of reactive oxygen species-mediated apoptotic and autophagic cell death.

Chalcones found in fruits and vegetables have promising cancer chemopreventive properties. This study attempts to identify the anticancer efficacies of chalcone flavokawain B (FKB) in the rhizomes of Alpinia pricei Hayata by examining key molecular events in non-small-cell lung cancer (A549) cells. Our results indicated that in human A549 cells, FKB (0-15 µg/ml) decreases cell viability and colony formation, dysregulates the Bax:B-cell lymphoma 2 ratio and increases apoptotic DNA fragmentation. Mitochondrial (caspase-9/-3 and poly ADP ribose polymerase [PARP]) signaling was found to be involved in FKB-induced apoptosis. In addition, FKB-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and N-acetylcysteine attenuated FKB-induced apoptotic cell death. Moreover, FKB triggered autophagy, as evidenced by the improved acidic vesicular organelle formation, lipidated light chain 3 (microtubule-related light chain 3) accumulation, and ATG7 expression and the decreased mammalian target of rapamycin phosphorylation. Furthermore, FKB suppressed ROS-mediated ATG4B expression. Inhibiting autophagy using 3-methyladenine/chloroquine diminished FKB-induced cell death, indicating that autophagy is triggered as a death mechanism by FKB. In summary, FKB has a crucial role in the execution and propagation of ROS-mediated apoptotic and autophagic cell death of lung adenocarcinoma cells.

Antrodia camphorata inhibits epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by targeting multiple pathways in triple-negative breast cancers.

Antrodia camphorata (AC) exhibits potential for engendering cell-cycle arrest as well as prompting apoptosis and metastasis inhibition in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. We performed the current study to explore the anti-epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) properties of fermented AC broth in TNBC cells. Our results illustrated that noncytotoxic concentrations of AC (20-60 µg/ml) reversed the morphological changes (fibroblastic-to-epithelial phenotype) as well as the EMT by upregulating the observed E-cadherin expression. Furthermore, we discovered treatment with AC substantially inhibit the Twist expression in human TNBC (MDA-MB-231) cells as well as in those that were transfected with Twist. In addition, we determined AC to decrease the observed Wnt/ß-catenin nuclear translocation through a pathway determined to be dependent on GSK3ß. Notably, AC treatment consistently inhibited the EMT by downregulating mesenchymal marker proteins like N-cadherin, vimentin, Snail, ZEB-1, and fibronectin; at that same time upregulating epithelial marker proteins like occludin and ZO-1. Bioluminescence imaging that was executed in vivo demonstrated AC substantially suppressed breast cancer metastasis to the lungs. Notably, we found that western blot analysis confirmed that AC decreased lung metastasis as demonstrated by upregulation of E-cadherin expression in biopsied lung tissue. Together with our results support the anti-EMT activity of AC, indicating AC as having the potential for acting as an anticancer agent for the treatment of human TNBC treatment.

Antrodia salmonea-induced oxidative stress abrogates HER-2 signaling cascade and enhanced apoptosis in ovarian carcinoma cells.

Antrodia salmonea is well known in Taiwan as a traditional Chinese medicinal fungus and has demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. However, the anticancer activity of A. salmonea against human ovarian cancer is still elusive. Therefore, we investigated the antiovarian tumor activity of a fermented culture broth of A. salmonea and exhibits its underlying molecular mechanism. A. salmonea shows a significant effect on cell viability in human ovarian carcinoma (SKOV-3 or A2780) cell lines with an 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Increased terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling-positive cells and annexin V-propidium iodide stained cells indicate that A. salmonea induces late apoptosis in SKOV-3 cells. Notably, treatment with A. salmonea induced the following events: Apoptosis; caspase-3, -8, -9 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activation; first apoptosis signal (Fas) and Fas ligand activation; Bid cleavage; and Bax2-B-cell lymphoma 2 dysregulation. The results show that A. salmonea-induced apoptosis was mediated by both mitochondrial and death receptor pathways. An increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was also observed in A. salmonea-treated cells, whereas the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) prevented A. salmonea-induced cell death and DNA fragmentation, indicating that A. salmonea-induced apoptosis was mediated by ROS generation. Interestingly, A. salmonea-induced apoptosis is associated with the suppression of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2/neu) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (AKT) expression in HER-2/neu overexpressing SKOV-3 cells. NAC significantly prevented A. salmonea-induced HER-2/neu depletion and PI3K/AKT inactivation, indicating that A. salmonea-triggered apoptosis is mediated by ROS-inhibited HER-2/neu signaling cascades. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the anticancer activity of this potentially beneficial mushroom against human ovarian carcinoma.

Induction of autophagic cell death in human ovarian carcinoma cells by Antrodia salmonea through increased reactive oxygen species generation.

We reported in our previously executed studies that the fermented culture broth of Antrodia salmonea (AS), a mushroom used in Taiwanese folk medicine induced reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated apoptosis in human ovarian carcinoma cells. In this study, we studied the anticancer efficacies of AS (0-240 µg/ml) by examining the key molecular events implicated in cell death associated with autophagy in SKOV-3 and A2780 human ovarian carcinoma cells and clarified the fundamental molecular mechanisms. Treatment of ovarian carcinoma cells with AS-induced autophagic cell death mediated by increased microtubule-associated protein LC3-II, GFP-LC3 puncta, and acidic vesicular organelle (AVO) formation. These events are linked with the activation of p62/SQSTM1, the inhibition of ATG4B, the expression of ATG7, and the dysregulation of Beclin-1/Bcl-2 (i.e., B-cell lymphoma 2). N-acetylcysteine inhibited AS-induced ROS generation, which in turn constricted AS-induced LC3 conversion, AVO formation, and ATG4B inhibition, indicating ROS-mediated autophagy cell death. In addition, the 3-methyladenine (3-MA) or chloroquine (CQ)-induced autophagy inhibition decreased AS-induced apoptosis. Additionally, apoptosis inhibition by Z-VAD-FMK, a pan-caspase inhibitor, substantially suppressed AS-induced autophagy. Furthermore, AS-inhibited HER-2/ neu and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways which were reversed by autophagy inhibitors 3-MA and CQ. Thus, A. salmonea is a potential chemopreventive agent that is capable of activating ROS-mediated autophagic cell death in ovarian carcinoma cells.

Naringenin inhibited migration and invasion of glioblastoma cells through multiple mechanisms.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most mortality brain cancer in the world. Due to high invasion and drug resistance cause the poor prognosis of GBM. Naringenin, an ingredient of citrus, exhibits many cellular functions such as antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and anticancer. Naringenin inhibits the migration of bladder and lung cancer via modulation of MMP-2 and/or MMP-9 activities, Naringenin inhibits migration and trigger apoptosis in gastric cancer cells through downregulation of AKT pathway. However, the effects of naringenin in GBM still remain to be elucidated. In this study, we reveal the molecular mechanisms of naringenin in the inhibition of migration and invasion in GBM. No overt alternation of cell proliferation was found in of GBM 8901 cells treated with different concentration of naringenin. Slight decreased cell viability was found in GBM 8401 cell treated with 200 and 300 µM naringenin. Significant reduction of migration and invasion as assayed by Boyden chamber analysis was found in of GBM cells treated with 100, 200, and 300 µM naringenin. Zymography analysis also revealed that the activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 of GBM cells were significantly inhibited in response to 100, 200, or 300 µM naringenin treatment. Proteins of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were downregulated in naringenin treated GBM cells. In addition, naringenin also attenuated the activities of ERK and p38. Naringenin decreased mesenchymal markers (snail and slug) expression as revealed by Western blot analysis. Taken together, our findings indicated that naringenin eliminated the migration and invasion of GBM cells through multiple mechanisms including inhibition of MMPs, ERK, and p38 activities and modulation of EMT markers. Our results also suggested that naringenin may be a potential agent to prevent metastasis of GBM.

Lucidone Promotes the Cutaneous Wound Healing Process via Activation of the PI3K/AKT, Wnt/ß-catenin and NF-κB Signaling Pathways.

Lucidone, which comprises a naturally occurring cyclopentenedione, has been investigated for its in vitro and in vivo wound healing properties, and the underlying molecular signaling cascades in the wound healing mechanism have been elucidated. We demonstrated the cell-/dose-specific responses of lucidone (0.5-8µM) on proliferation and migration/invasion of keratinocyte HaCaT and fibroblast Hs68 cells. In keratinocytes, lucidone-induced nuclear translocation of ß-catenin was accompanied by increased transcriptional target genes, including c-Myc and cyclin-D1, through GSK3ß-dependent pathway. Correspondingly, lucidone promoted the cell-cycle by increasing PCNA/CDK4 and decreasing p21/p27 expressions. Lucidone induced EMT through the downregulation of epithelial (E-cadherin/occludin) and upregulation of mesenchymal (vimentin/Twist/Snail) marker proteins. Activated MMP-9/-2 and uPA/uPAR as well as suppressed TIMP-1/-2 and PAI-1 expressions by lucidone may promote the migration/invasion of keratinocytes. Notably, lucidone activated NF-κB signaling via IKK-mediated-IκB degradation, and its inhibition abolished MMP-9 activation and keratinocyte migration. Inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling impaired the lucidone-induced proliferation/migration with corresponding suppression of ß-catenin/c-Myc/cyclin-D1 and NF-κB/MMP-9 expressions. Results indicate that lucidone-induced PI3K/AKT signaling anchored the ß-catenin/NF-κB-mediated healing mechanism. ß-catenin knockdown substantially diminished lucidone-induced keratinocyte migration. Furthermore, lucidone increased endothelial cell proliferation/migration and triggered angiogenesis (MMP-9/uPA/ICAM-1). In macrophages, lucidone-activated NF-κB-mediated inflammation (COX-2/iNOS/NO) and VEGF, which may contribute to the growth of keratinocytes/fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Punched wounds on mice were rapidly healed with the topical application of lucidone (5mM) compared with control ointment-treated mice. Taken together, lucidone accelerates wound healing through the cooperation of keratinocyte/fibroblast/endothelial cell growth and migration and macrophage inflammation via PI3K/AKT, Wnt/ß-catenin and NF-κB signaling cascade activation.

Ubiquitin-specific protease 3 overexpression promotes gastric carcinogenesis and is predictive of poor patient prognosis.

Although gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers, knowledge of its development and carcinogenesis is limited. To date, expression of ubiquitin-specific protease 3 (USP3) in all types of cancer, including GC, is still unknown. The present study explored the involvement of USP3 in the carcinogenesis and prognosis of GC. We measured USP3 expression in normal and GC tissues and cell lines. Correlations between USP3 protein level and clinicopathological parameters, as well as the significance of USP3 protein level for disease-free survival were assessed. Small hairpin RNA technology and transfection were used to investigate the effect of USP3 manipulation on cell proliferation and spreading. Moreover, xenograft proliferation and metastasis were used to explore the influence of USP3 on tumor growth and metastasis in animals. An increase in USP3 expression was observed in GC cells and tissues. The overexpression of USP3 was significantly correlated with several clinicopathological parameters and poor disease-free survival. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the overexpression of USP3 was an independent prognostic biomarker. Silencing of USP3 suppressed GC cell proliferation and spreading in vitro as well as xenograft proliferation and metastasis in vivo; however, opposite results were obtained when USP3 was overexpressed. Further studies showed that USP3 influenced cell proliferation and spreading by regulating the cell cycle control- and epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related molecules. This study suggests that USP3 overexpression can be a useful biomarker for predicting the outcomes of GC patients and that USP3 targeting represents a potential modality for treating GC.

Ceramide synthase 6 predicts the prognosis of human gastric cancer: It functions as an oncoprotein by dysregulating the SOCS2/JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

Although gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers, knowledge of its development, and carcinogenesis is limited. The present study explored the involvement of ceramide synthase 6 (CERS6) in GC carcinogenesis and prognosis. RT-PCR, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry were used to examine the expression of CERS6. Transfection and small hairpin RNA technology were used to investigate the effect of CERS6 manipulation on cell proliferation and spread as well as the underlying mechanism. Moreover, xenograft proliferation was employed to explore the influence of CERS6 on tumor growth in animals. It was found that overexpression of CERS6 was significantly correlated with several clinicopathologic parameters and poor disease-free survival. The overexpression and silencing of CERS6 in GC cells facilitated and suppressed cell proliferation and spread as well as xenograft proliferation, respectively. Mechanistic studies further revealed that CERS6 influenced cell proliferation and spread by regulating cell cycle control and metastasis-related protein through the SOCS2/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Collectively, this study suggests that CERS6 overexpression could be a useful biomarker for predicting the outcomes of GC patients and that CERS6 targeting represents a potential modality for treating GC.

CoQ0-induced mitochondrial PTP opening triggers apoptosis via ROS-mediated VDAC1 upregulation in HL-60 leukemia cells and suppresses tumor growth in athymic nude mice/xenografted nude mice.

Coenzyme Q (CoQ) analogs with variable numbers of isoprenoid units have been demonstrated as anticancer and antioxidant/pro-oxidant molecules. This study examined the in vitro and in vivo antitumor and apoptosis activities of CoQ0 (2,3-dimethoxy-5-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone, zero isoprenoid side-chains) through upregulation of the Voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) signaling pathway on human promyelocytic leukemia. CoQ0 (0-40 µg/mL) treatment significantly reduced HL-60 cell viability, and up-regulated mitochondrial VDAC1 expression. CoQ0 treatment triggers intracellular ROS generation, calcium release, ΔΨm collapse and PTP opening in HL-60 cells. CoQ0 treatment induced apoptosis, which was associated with DNA fragmentation, cytochrome c release, caspase-3 and PARP activation, and Bax/Bcl-2 dysregulation. Annexin V-PI staining indicated that CoQ0 promotes late apoptosis. Furthermore, the blockade of CoQ0-induced ROS production by antioxidant NAC pretreatment substantially attenuated CoQ0-induced apoptosis. The activation of p-GSK3ß expression, cyclophilin D inhibition, and p53 activation through ROS are involved in CoQ0-induced HL-60 apoptotic cell death. Notably, ROS-independent p38 activation is involved in CoQ0-mediated apoptosis in HL-60 cells. In addition, the silencing of VDAC1 also prevented CoQ0-induced mitochondrial translocation of Bax, activation of caspase-3, and reduction in Bcl-2. Intriguingly, VDAC1 silencing did not prevent ROS production induced by CoQ0, which in turn indicates that CoQ0 induced ROS-mediated VDAC1 and then mitochondrial apoptosis in HL-60 cells. In vivo results revealed that CoQ0 is effective in delaying tumor incidence and reducing the tumor burden in HL-60-xenografted nude mice. Taken together, CoQ0 could be a promising anticancer agent for the treatment of human promyelocytic leukemia through upregulation of VDAC1 signaling pathways.

Coenzyme Q0 regulates NFκB/AP-1 activation and enhances Nrf2 stabilization in attenuation of LPS-induced inflammation and redox imbalance: Evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies.

Coenzyme Q (CoQ) analogs with variable number of isoprenoid units have been demonstrated as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant/pro-oxidant molecules. In this study we used CoQ0 (2,3-dimethoxy-5-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone, zero isoprenoid side-chains), a novel quinone derivative, and investigated its molecular actions against LPS-induced inflammation and redox imbalance in murine RAW264.7 macrophages and mice. In LPS-stimulated macrophages, non-cytotoxic concentrations of CoQ0 (2.5-10 µM) inhibited iNOS/COX-2 protein expressions with subsequent reductions of NO, PGE2, TNF-α and IL-1ß secretions. This inhibition was reasoned by suppression of NFκB (p65) activation, and inhibition of AP-1 (c-Jun., c-Fos, ATF2) translocation. Our findings indicated that IKKα-mediated I-κB degradation and MAPK-signaling are involved in regulation of NFκB/AP-1 activation. Furthermore, CoQ0 triggered HO-1 and NQO-1 genes through increased Nrf2 nuclear translocation and Nrf2/ARE-signaling. This phenomenon was confirmed by diminished CoQ0 protective effects in Nrf2 knockdown cells, where LPS-induced NO, PGE2, TNF-α and IL-1ß productions remained high. Molecular evidence revealed that CoQ0 enhanced Nrf2 steady-state level at both transcriptional and translational levels. CoQ0-induced Nrf2 activation appears to be regulated by ROS-JNK-signaling cascades, as evidenced by suppressed Nrf2 activation upon treatment with pharmacological inhibitors of ROS (N-acetylcysteine) and JNK (SP600125). Besides, oral administration of CoQ0 (5 mg/kg) suppressed LPS-induced (1 mg/kg) induction of iNOS/COX-2 and TNF-α/IL-1ß through tight regulation of NFκB/Nrf2 signaling in mice liver and spleen. Our findings conclude that pharmacological actions of CoQ0 are mediated via inhibition of NFκB/AP-1 activation and induction of Nrf2/ARE-signaling. Owing to its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, CoQ0 could be a promising candidate to treat inflammatory disorders.

Chalcone flavokawain B induces autophagic-cell death via reactive oxygen species-mediated signaling pathways in human gastric carcinoma and suppresses tumor growth in nude mice.

Flavokawain B (FKB), a naturally occurring chalcone in kava extracts, has been reported to possess anticancer activity. However, the effect of FKB on gastric cancer remains unclear. We examined the in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity and autophagy involvement of FKB and determined the underlying molecular mechanisms. FKB is potently cytotoxic to human gastric cancer cells (AGS/NCI-N87/KATO-III/TSGH9201) and mildly toxic towards normal (Hs738) cells and primary mouse hepatocytes. FKB-induced AGS cell death was characterized by autophagy, not apoptosis, as evidenced by increased LC3-II accumulation, GFP-LC3 puncta and acidic vesicular organelles (AVOs) formation, without resulting procaspase-3/PARP cleavage. FKB further caused p62/SQSTM1 activation, mTOR downregulation, ATG4B inhibition, and Beclin-1/Bcl-2 dysregulation. Silencing autophagy inhibitors CQ/3-MA and LC3 (shRNA) significantly reversed the FKB-induced cell death of AGS cells. FKB-triggered ROS generation and ROS inhibition by NAC pre-treatment diminished FKB-induced cell death, LC3 conversion, AVO formation, p62/SQSTM1 activation, ATG4B inhibition and Beclin-1/Bcl-2 dysregulation, which indicated ROS-mediated autophagy in AGS cells. Furthermore, FKB induces G2/M arrest and alters cell-cycle proteins through ROS-JNK signaling. Interestingly, FKB-induced autophagy is associated with the suppression of HER-2 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling cascades. FKB inhibits apoptotic Bax expression, and Bax-transfected AGS cells exhibit both apoptosis and autophagy; thus, FKB-inactivated Bax results in apoptosis inhibition. In vivo data demonstrated that FKB effectively inhibited tumor growth, prolonged the survival rate, and induced autophagy in AGS-xenografted mice. Notably, silencing of LC3 attenuated FKB-induced autophagy in AGS-xenografted tumors. FKB may be a potential chemopreventive agent in the activation of ROS-mediated autophagy of gastric cancer cells.

Antrodia camphorata attenuates cigarette smoke-induced ROS production, DNA damage, apoptosis, and inflammation in vascular smooth muscle cells, and atherosclerosis in ApoE-deficient mice.

Cigarette smoke exposure activates several cellular mechanisms predisposing to atherosclerosis, including oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, and vascular inflammation. Antrodia camphorata, a renowned medicinal mushroom in Taiwan, has been investigated for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiatherosclerotic properties in cigarette smoke extracts (CSE)-treated vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and ApoE-deficient mice. Fermented culture broth of Antrodia camphorata (AC, 200-800 µg/mL) possesses effective antioxidant activity against CSE-induced ROS production. Treatment of SMCs (A7r5) with AC (30-120 µg/mL) remarkably ameliorated CSE-induced morphological aberrations and cell death. Suppressed ROS levels by AC corroborate with substantial inhibition of CSE-induced DNA damage in AC-treated A7r5 cells. We found CSE-induced apoptosis through increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, was substantially inhibited by AC in A7r5 cells. Notably, upregulated SOD and catalase expressions in AC-treated A7r5 cells perhaps contributed to eradicate the CSE-induced ROS generation, and prevents DNA damage and apoptosis. Besides, AC suppressed AP-1 activity by inhibiting the c-Fos/c-Jun expressions, and NF-κB activation through inhibition of I-κBα degradation against CSE-stimulation. This anti-inflammatory property of AC was accompanied by suppressed CSE-induced VEGF, PDGF, and EGR-1 overexpressions in A7r5 cells. Furthermore, AC protects lung fibroblast (MRC-5) cells from CSE-induced cell death. In vivo data showed that AC oral administration (0.6 mg/d/8-wk) prevents CSE-accelerated atherosclerosis in ApoE-deficient mice. This antiatherosclerotic property was associated with increased serum total antioxidant status, and decreased total cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels. Thus, Antrodia camphorata may be useful for prevention of CSE-induced oxidative stress and diseases. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 2070-2084, 2017.

High expression of mitochondrial intermembrane chaperone TIMM9 represents a negative prognostic marker in gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant cancers worldwide. However, little is known about the molecular process underlying this disease and its progression. This study investigated correlations between the expression of a mitochondrial inner membrane protein translocase of inner mitochondrial membrane 9 homolog (TIMM9) and various clinicopathologic parameters as well as patients' survival. METHODS: Gastric tissue samples were obtained from 140 patients with GC and expression levels of TIMM9 were analyzed through immunohistochemistry. Paired t tests were used to analyze the differences in the expression levels of TIMM9 in both tumor and nontumor tissues for each patient. Two-tailed χ2 tests were performed to determine whether the differences in TIMM9 expression and clinicopathologic parameters were significant. Time-to-event endpoints for clinicopathologic parameters were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method, and statistical significance was determined using univariate log-rank tests. Cox proportional hazard model was used for multivariate analysis to determine the independence of prognostic effects of TIMM9 expression. RESULTS: A borderline association was found between overexpression of TIMM9 and vascular invasion (p = 0.0887). Patients with high expression levels of TIMM9 achieved a significantly lower disease-free survival rate compared with those with low expression levels (p = 0.005). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that overexpression of TIMM9 was an independent prognostic marker for GC (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Overexpression of TIMM9 can be used as a marker to predict the outcome of patients with GC.

Immunosuppressive Effect of Litsea cubeba L. Essential Oil on Dendritic Cell and Contact Hypersensitivity Responses.

Litsea cubeba L., also named as Makauy, is a traditional herb and has been used as cooking condiment or tea brewing to treat diseases for aborigines. The present study was undertaken to explore the chemical compositions of the fruit essential oil of L. cubeba (LCEO) and the immunomodulatory effect of LCEO on dendritic cells and mice. The LCEO was analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) with direct injection (DI/GC) or headspace-solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME/GC). In total, 56 components were identified, of which 48 were detected by DI/GC and 49 were detected by HS-SPME/GC. The principal compounds were citral (neral and geranial). An immunosuppressive activity of LCEO was investigated with bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs) which have a critical role to trigger the adaptive immunity. Additionally, the inhibitory effect of LCEO on immune response was elucidated by performing the contact hypersensitivity (CHS) responses in mice. Our results clearly showed that LCEO decreases the production of TNF-α and cytokine IL-12 in a dose-dependent manner in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated DCs. CHS response and the infiltrative T cells were inhibited in the tested ears of the mice co-treated with LCEO. We demonstrate, for the first time, that the LCEO mainly containing citral exhibits an immunosuppressive effect on DCs and mice, indicating that LCEO can potentially be applied in the treatment of CHS, inflammatory diseases, and autoimmune diseases.