Antitumor Activity of Vanicoside B Isolated from Persicaria dissitiflora by Targeting CDK8 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells.

A flavonoid glycoside, quercitrin (1), and two phenylpropanoyl sucrose derivatives, vanicoside B (2) and lapathoside C (3), were isolated for the first time from the herb Persicaria dissitiflora. Vanicoside B (2) exhibited antiproliferative activity against a panel of cancer cell lines in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) MDA-MB-231 cells. The underlying mechanisms of the antitumor activity of 2 were investigated in TNBC cells. Upregulation of cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) was observed in a claudin-low molecular subtype of TNBC cells. A molecular modeling study indicated that 2 showed a high affinity for CDK8. Further investigations revealed that 2 suppressed CDK8-mediated signaling pathways and the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition proteins and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 and HCC38 TNBC cells. Moreover, 2 inhibited tumor growth without overt toxicity in a nude mouse xenograft model implanted with MDA-MB-231 cells. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the significance of CDK8 activity in TNBC and suggest a potential use of 2 as a therapeutic candidate for the treatment of aggressive human triple-negative breast cancer.

ß-Caryophyllene in the Essential Oil from Chrysanthemum Boreale Induces G1 Phase Cell Cycle Arrest in Human Lung Cancer Cells.

Chrysanthemum boreale is a plant widespread in East Asia, used in folk medicine to treat various disorders, such as pneumonia, colitis, stomatitis, and carbuncle. Whether the essential oil from C. boreale (ECB) and its active constituents have anti-proliferative activities in lung cancer is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the cytotoxic effects of ECB in A549 and NCI-H358 human lung cancer cells. Culture of A549 and NCI-H358 cells with ECB induced apoptotic cell death, as revealed by an increase in annexin V staining. ECB treatment reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), disrupted the balance between pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins, and activated caspase-8, -9, and -3, as assessed by western blot analysis. Interestingly, pretreatment with a broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor (z-VAD-fmk) significantly attenuated ECB-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis of ECB identified six compounds. Among them, ß-caryophyllene exhibited a potent anti-proliferative effect, and thus was identified as the major active compound. ß- Caryophyllene induced G1 cell cycle arrest by downregulating cyclin D1, cyclin E, cyclin-dependent protein kinase (CDK) -2, -4, and -6, and RB phosphorylation, and by upregulating p21CIP1/WAF1 and p27KIP1. These results indicate that ß-caryophyllene exerts cytotoxic activity in lung cancer cells through induction of cell cycle arrest.

23-Hydroxyursolic Acid Isolated from the Stem Bark of Cussonia bancoensis Induces Apoptosis through Fas/Caspase-8-Dependent Pathway in HL-60 Human Promyelocytic Leukemia Cells.

The natural product 23-hydroxyursolic acid (23-HUA) is a derivative of ursolic acid, which is known to induce cancer cell apoptosis. However, apoptotic effects and mechanisms of 23-HUA have not been well characterized yet. Herein, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of 23-HUA-induced apoptosis in HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells. 23-HUA-treated HL-60 cells showed apoptotic features including internucleosomal DNA condensation and fragmentation as well as externalization of phosphatidylserine residues. 23-HUA induced a series of mitochondrial events including disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), cytochrome c and Smac/DIABLO release and loss of balance between pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins in HL-60 cells. In addition, 23-HUA activated caspase-8, caspase-9 and caspase-3. Pretreatment with a broad caspase inhibitor (z-VAD-fmk), a caspase-3 inhibitor (z-DEVD-fmk), and a caspase-8 inhibitor (z-IETD-fmk) significantly attenuated 23-HUA-induced DNA fragmentation. After 23-HUA-induced apoptosis, proteins expression levels of FasL, Fas and FADD constituting the death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) were upregulated in HL-60 cells. Moreover, transfection with Fas or FADD siRNA significantly blocked 23-HUA-induced DNA fragmentation and caspases activation. Taken together, these findings indicate that 23-HUA induces apoptosis in HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells through formation of DISC and caspase-8 activation leading to loss of ΔΨm and caspase-3 activation.

Isoeugenin, a Novel Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitor Isolated from the Rhizomes of Imperata cylindrica.

Phytochemical studies on the constituents of the rhizomes of Imperata cylindrica (Gramineae) were performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). We also aimed to search for any biologically active substance capable of inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) formation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophage 264.7 cells, by testing four compounds isolated from this plant. Four compounds, including a new chromone, isoeugenin, along with ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, and caffeic acid were isolated and identified by NMR spectroscopy. The structure of isoeugenin was determined as 7-hydroxy-5-methoxy-2-methylchromone by the 2D-NMR technique. Among the four compounds, isoeugenin has the lowest IC50 value on the inhibition of NO production in LPS-activated macrophage RAW264.7 cells (IC50, 9.33 µg/mL). In addition, isoeugenin significantly suppressed the LPS-induced expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and proinflammatory cytokines mRNA levels. Taken together, these results suggest that the anti-inflammatory activity of isoeugenin is associated with the down-regulation of iNOS, COX-2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines in RAW264.7 cells. Accordingly, our results suggest that the new chromone isoegenin should be considered a potential treatment for inflammatory disease.

Simultaneous quantification and validation of new peroxynitrite scavengers from Artemisia iwayomogi.

CONTEXT: Artemisia iwayomogi Kitamura (Compositae) has been very widely used for the treatment of acute or chronic hepatitis, jaundice, and gastritis. In the course of our continuing efforts to identify and quantify peroxynitrite scavengers from Compositae plants, A. iwayomogi was used in this study. OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed to identify and quantify the peroxynitrite scavengers of A. iwayomogi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Silica gel and ODS were used for column chromatography. The isolated compounds were quantified using an HPLC equipped with a Capcell Pak C18 column (5 µm, 250 mm × 4.6 mm i.d.), and the method was validated for the quality control. Peroxynitrite (ONOO(-))-scavenging activities of the compounds and extracts were evaluated on the measurement of highly fluorescent rhodamine 123 converted from non-fluorescent dihydrorhodamine (DHR)-123 under the presence of peroxynitrite. RESULTS: Based on the spectroscopic evidences, a new compound, 2"-O-caffeoylrutin (2"-O-trans-caffeic acid ester of quercetin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1 → 6)-ß-D-glucopyranoside) was isolated and determined together with patuletin 3-O-glucoside, scopolin, scopoletin, rutin, 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid, and chlorogenic acid. All of them were potent peroxynitrite scavengers (IC50 ≤ 1.88 µg/mL). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The peroxynitrite scavengers were mainly distributed in the EtOAc fraction rather than the ether and BuOH fractions. The 70% MeOH extract exhibited a high peroxynitrite-scavenging activity. Through the validation, the present HPLC method was verified to be sufficiently sensitive, accurate, precise, and stable. Therefore, this method can be used for the quality control of A. iwayomogi.

Antiproliferative Activity of Gibbosic Acid H through Induction of G0/G1 Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Human Lung Cancer Cells.

Lung cancer is one of the most common causative cancers worldwide. Particularly, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases. NSCLC is a serious form of lung cancer that requires prompt diagnosis, and the 5-year survival rate for patients with this disease is only 24%. Gibbosic acid H (GaH), a natural lanostanoid obtained from the Ganoderma species (Ganodermataceae), has antiproliferative activities against colon and lung cancer cells. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antiproliferative activity of GaH in NSCLC cells and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. GaH was found to induce G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and autophagy by activating adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase in A549 and H1299 cells. The induction of this cell cycle arrest was associated with the downregulation of cyclin E1 and CDK2. Additionally, the induction of autophagy by GaH was correlated with the upregulation of LC3B, beclin-1, and p53 expression. GaH also induced apoptosis by upregulating cleaved caspase-3 and Bax in the lung cancer cells. These findings suggest that GaH has a potential in the growth inhibition of human lung cancer cells.

Tectorigenin sensitizes paclitaxel-resistant human ovarian cancer cells through downregulation of the Akt and NFκB pathway.

Paclitaxel (Taxol) is currently used as the front-line chemotherapeutic agent for several cancers including ovarian carcinoma; however, the drug frequently induces drug resistance through multiple mechanisms. The new strategy of using natural compounds in combination therapies is highly attractive because those compounds may enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy. In this study, we found that tectorigenin, an isoflavonoid isolated from flower of Pueraria thunbergiana, enhanced the growth-inhibitory effect of paclitaxel in paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancer cells (MPSC1(TR), A2780(TR) and SKOV3(TR)) as well as their naive counterparts. The combination of tectorigenin with paclitaxel resulted in a synergistic apoptosis compared with either agent alone through activation of caspases-3, -8 and -9. Treatment with tectorigenin inhibited the nuclear translocation of NFκB and the expression of NFκB-dependent genes such as FLIP, XIAP, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and COX-2, which are known to be associated with chemoresistance. In addition, the tectorigenin-paclitaxel combination inhibited the phosphorylation of IκB and IKK and the activation of Akt in paclitaxel-resistant cancer cells. Moreover, tectorigenin-paclitaxel-induced cell growth inhibition was enhanced by pretreatment with the Akt inhibitor LY294002 or overexpression of the dominant negative Akt (Akt-DN), but reduced by overexpression of constitutively activated Akt (Akt-Myr). Furthermore, we found that Akt-Myr, at least in part, reversed tectorigenin-paclitaxel-induced nuclear translocation of NFκB and the phosphorylation of IκB and IKK. These data suggest that tectorigenin could sensitize paclitaxel-resistant human ovarian cancer cells through inactivation of the Akt/IKK/IκB/NFκB signaling pathway, and promise a new intervention to chemosensitize paclitaxel-induced cytotoxicity in ovarian cancer.

Euscaphic acid isolated from roots of Rosa rugosa inhibits LPS-induced inflammatory responses via TLR4-mediated NF-κB inactivation in RAW 264.7 macrophages.

As an attempt to search for bioactive natural products exerting anti-inflammatory activity, we have evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of euscaphic acid (19α-hydroxyursane-type triterpenoids, EA) isolated from roots of Rosa rugosa and its underlying molecular mechanisms in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. EA concentration-dependently reduced the production of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) induced by LPS in RAW 264.7 macgophages. Consistent with these data, expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein and iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-1ß mRNA were inhibited by EA in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, EA attenuated LPS-induced DNA binding and transcriptional activity of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), which was accompanied by a parallel reduction of degradation and phosphorylation of inhibitory kappa Bα (IκBα) and consequently by decreased nuclear translocation of p65 subunit of NF-κB. Pretreatment with EA significantly inhibited the LPS-induced phosphorylation of IκB kinase ß (IKKß), p38, and JNK, whereas the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was unaffected. Furthermore, EA interfered with the LPS-induced clustering of TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) with interleukin receptor associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) and transforming growth factor-ß-activated kinase 1 (TAK1). Taken together, these results suggest that EA inhibits LPS-induced inflammatory responses by interference with the clustering of TRAF6 with IRAK1 and TAK1, resulting in blocking the activation of IKK and MAPKs signal transduction to downregulate NF-κB activations.

Costunolide induces apoptosis in human endometriotic cells through inhibition of the prosurvival Akt and nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway.

Endometriosis, a disease affecting 5-15% of women of reproductive age, is characterized by the ectopic growth of endometrial tissue. Costunolide, a sesquiterpene lactone, has anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activities that may be efficacious in therapy for endometriosis. In the present study, we investigated the effect of costunolide on the cell growth and apoptosis of endometriotic cells. We found that costunolide significantly inhibited the cell viability of 11Z and 12Z human endometriotic epithelial cells. Interestingly, endometriotic cells were more sensitive to costunolide treatment than immortalized endometrial cells (HES). Costunolide induced apoptosis of 11Z cells in a time-dependent manner as shown by accumulation of sub-G1 population. In addition, treatment with costunolide induced the activation of caspase-3, -8, and -9 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Pretreatment with the broad caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk significantly reversed the costunolide-induced inhibition of cell viability in 11Z cells. We further demonstrated that costunolide inhibited the activation of Akt and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) and the expression of anti-apoptotic factors B-cell lymphoma-extra lage (Bcl-xL) and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) in 11Z cells. These results suggest that costunolide induces apoptosis in human endometriotic epithelial cells by inhibiting the prosurvival NFκB and Akt pathway, leading to the downregulation of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-xL and XIAP and the activation of caspases.

23-Hydroxytormentic acid and niga-ichgoside f1 isolated from Rubus coreanus attenuate cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity by reducing oxidative stress in renal epithelial LLC-PK1 cells.

The unripe fruits of Rubus coreanus (Rosaceae) are used in traditional Chinese medicine to relieve kidney dysfunction. In the present study, we evaluated the protective effects of the triterpenoid glycoside niga-ichigoside F1 (NIF1) and of its aglycone 23-hydroxytormentic acid (23-HTA) isolated from the unripe fruits of Rubus coreanus (Rosaceae) against cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in renal epithelial LLC-PK1 cells. Pretreating LLC-PK1 cells with 23-HTA or NIF1 was found to prevent cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis. In addition, 23-HTA or NIF1 pretreatment significantly improved the changes associated with cisplatin toxicity by increasing levels of glutathione (GSH) and decreasing levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The activity of antioxidant enzymes including catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly lower in cisplatin-treated LL-PK1 cells, and 23-HTA or NIF1 treatment notably increased the these enzyme activity and protein and mRNA levels of CAT and manganese SOD (MnSOD). Moreover, cisplatin caused a significant decrease in nuclear levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and pretreatment with 23-HTA or NIF1 significantly suppressed the cisplatin-induced translocation of Nrf2 in LLC-PK1 cells. Taken together, these results suggest that 23-HTA ameliorates cisplatin-induced toxicity via modulation of antioxidant enzymes through activation of Nrf2 in LLC-PK1 cells.

The ameliorative effect of 23-hydroxytormentic acid isolated from Rubus coreanus on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Previously, the authors demonstrated that the triterpenoid glycoside niga-ichigoside F1 (NIF1) and its aglycone 23-hydroxytormentic acid (23-HTA) isolated from the unripe fruits of Rubus coreanus (Rosaceae) ameliorate cisplatin-induced toxicity in renal epithelial LLC-PK1 cells. In the present study, the nephroprotective effects of NIF1 and 23-HTA were investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats with acute renal injury induced by a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of cisplatin (7 mg/kg). Pretreatment with 23-HTA (10 mg/kg/d, per os (p.o.)) significantly reduced cisplatin-induced elevations in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine level, whereas NIF1 (10 mg/kg, p.o.) slightly reduced these levels. In addition, pretreatment with 23-HTA prevented cisplatin-induced hydroxyl radical generation, malondialdehyde (MDA) production, glutathione (GSH) depletion, and cisplatin-induced changes in the activities of oxidant and antioxidant enzymes in rat renal tissues. In addition, histopathological examinations showed that 23-HTA pretreatment reduced cisplatin-induced acute tubular necrosis and histological changes. In contrast, NIF1 was found to have a slight or no influence on cisplatin-induced oxidative enzymes and acute tubular necrosis. Taken together, these results suggest that protective effect of 23-HTA pretreatment on cisplatin-induced renal damage is associated with the attenuation of oxidative stress and the preservation of antioxidant enzymes.

The chemical constituents of Piper kadsura and their cytotoxic and anti-neuroinflammtaory activities.

The n-hexane and CHCl3 soluble fractions of the MeOH extract of the aerial parts of Piper kadsura were found to potently inhibit nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-activated BV-2 cells, a microglial cell line. From the active fractions, a new stereoisomer of guaiane sesquiterpene, 1α,5ß-guai-4(15)-ene-6ß,10ß-diol, kadsuguain A (1) and a new cyclohexadienone, kadsuketanone A (2), together with twelve known compounds (3-14) were isolated. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by extensive NMR spectral studies. The absolute configuration of 2 was determined by circular dichroism (CD) spectra. Compounds 2, 6, and 11-14 significantly inhibited both nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in the LPS-activated microglia cells. In addition, compounds 4, 6, and 11-14 exhibited cytotoxicity against the A549, SK-OV-3, SK-MEL-2, and HCT15 human tumour cells.

Buddlejasaponin IV induces cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and apoptosis in immortalized human oral keratinocytes.

Buddlejasaponin IV (BS-IV), a major component of Pleurospermum kamtschaticum, exerts antiinflammatory and cytotoxic effects against cancer cells. The study investigated whether BS-IV could prevent oral carcinogenesis by inhibiting the growth of immortalized human oral keratinocytes (IHOKs). BS-IV reduced cell viability and induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and apoptotic morphological changes in IHOKs. BS-IV inhibited the levels of cyclin B1, Cdc2 and Cdc25C, but enhanced Chk2 phosphorylation. The increased levels of pRb and p21 protein and the activation of p53 were also noted in BS-IV-treated IHOKs. In addition, BS-IV induced cytochrome c release from mitochondria by reducing antiapoptotic Bcl-2 levels and increasing pro-apoptotic Bax levels. BS-IV treatment resulted in the activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3. PARP cleavage was also clearly observed in the BS-IV-treated IHOKs. Furthermore, the expression of the Fas death receptor and Fas ligand was induced and procaspase-8 level was suppressed by BS-IV treatment. Taken together, BS-IV treatment inhibited the growth of IHOK cells via the induction of p53-dependent cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and apoptosis via both mitochondrial-dependent and death receptor-mediated pathways. Thus, BS-IV can be considered an excellent candidate for a chemopreventive agent to block the progression of HPV-induced oral carcinogenesis.

Anti-ulcerogenic effect and HPLC analysis of the caffeoylquinic acid-rich extract from Ligularia stenocephala.

The leaves of three Ligularia species belonging to the family Compositae, Ligularia stenocephala, L. fischeri, and L. fischeri var. spiciformis, were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed on the caffeoylquinic acids by HPLC and subjected to peroxynitrite-scavenging assay. The IC(50) of the MeOH extract of L. stenocephala was 1.62+/-0.03 mug/ml and the major caffeoylquinic acids of L. stenocephala were 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-di-O-caffeoyl-muco-quinic acid, and 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid. The compositions of caffeoylquinic acids were different for the three plants. Since percentage of total caffeoylquinic acids of the extract was highest (42.20% of the MeOH extract and 94.52% of the BuOH extract) in L. stenocephala and potent in peroxynitrite-scavenging assay, the extracts of L. stenocephala were chosen to perform in vivo anti-ulcerogenic activity. Treatment of mice with the MeOH- and BuOH extracts decreased the diameter of gastric lesions caused by HCl/ethanol- and indomethacin/bethanechol and decreased the volume of gastric juice, suggesting that caffeoylquinic acids have anti-ulcerogenic activity. These results suggest that the leaves of Ligularia species may help prevent or treat gastric ulcers.

Pleurospermum kamtschaticum extract induces apoptosis via mitochondrial pathway and NAG-1 expression in colon cancer cells.

To evaluate the anticarcinogenic activity of methanol extract of Pleurospermum kamtschaticum (PKE), we assessed its apoptosis-inducing capability in HT-29 colon carcinoma cells. PKE treatment for 2 h reduced cell viability in a dose-related manner, and induced apoptotic morphological changes. Flow cytometric analysis indicated that PKE treatment at 0.05 mg/ml induced early apoptosis in 66.2% of HT-29 cells. Additionally, Bcl-2 expression was substantially reduced in PKE-treated HT-29 cells, increasing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. The protein levels of procaspase-9 and procaspase-3 were decreased markedly, reflecting caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation, and resulting PARP cleavage was noted in the PKE-treated HT-29 cells. Furthermore, we detected increased NAG-1 expression in the PKE-treated HT-29 cells. In an in vivo study, intraperitoneal PKE administration suppressed the formation of tumor nodules in the lungs of mice. These results indicate that PKE can serve as a beneficial supplement in the treatment and the prevention of colon cancer.

Anti-inflammatory effects of madecassic acid via the suppression of NF-kappaB pathway in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cells.

We have investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of madecassic acid and madecassoside isolated from Centella asiatica (Umbelliferae) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells. Both madecassic acid and madecassoside inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta), and IL-6. However, madecassic acid more potently suppressed these inflammatory mediators than did madecassoside. Consistent with these observations, madecassic acid inhibited the LPS-induced expression of iNOS and COX-2 at the protein level and of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 at the mRNA level in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells, as determined by Western blotting and RT-PCR, respectively. Furthermore, madecassic acid suppressed the LPS-induced activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), and this was associated with the abrogation of inhibitory kappa B-alpha (IkappaB-alpha) degradation and with the subsequent blocking of p65 protein translocation to the nucleus. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of madecassic acid are caused by iNOS, COX-2, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 inhibition via the downregulation of NF-kappaB activation in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells.

Kalopanaxsaponin A inhibits PMA-induced invasion by reducing matrix metalloproteinase-9 via PI3K/Akt- and PKCdelta-mediated signaling in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells.

Induction of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 is particularly important for the invasiveness of breast cancers. We investigated the inhibitory effect of kalopanaxsaponin A (KPS-A) on cell invasion and MMP-9 activation in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-treated MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. KPS-A inhibited PMA-induced cell proliferation and invasion. PMA-induced cell invasion was blocked in the presence of a primary antibody of MMP-9, and KPS-A suppressed the increased expression and/or secretion of MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1. Using specific inhibitors, we confirmed that PMA-induced cell invasion and MMP-9 expression is primarily regulated by nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) activation via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and activator protein-1 (AP-1) activation via extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2. KPS-A decreased PMA-induced transcriptional activation of NF-kappaB and AP-1 and inhibited PMA-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Akt. Treatment with the protein kinase C (PKC)delta inhibitor rottlerin caused a marked decrease in PMA-induced MMP-9 secretion and cell invasion, as well as ERK/AP-1 activation, and KPS-A reduced PMA-induced membrane localization of PKCdelta. Furthermore, oral administration of KPS-A led to a substantial decrease in tumor volume and expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and PKCdelta in mice with MCF-7 breast cancer xenografts in the presence of 17beta-estradiol. These results suggest that KPS-A inhibits PMA-induced invasion by reducing MMP-9 activation, mainly via the PI3K/Akt/NF-kappaB and PKCdelta/ERK/AP-1 pathways in MCF-7 cells and blocks tumor growth and MMP-9-mediated invasiveness in mice with breast carcinoma. Therefore, KPS-A may be a promising anti-invasive agent with the advantage of oral dosing.

Qualitative and quantitative determination of the caffeoylquinic acids on the Korean mountainous vegetables used for chwinamul and their peroxynitrite-scavenging effect.

Mountainous vegetables called chwinamul are used in Korea to promote health. Chwinamul was obtained from several plants belonging to the Compositae - e.g., Kalimeris yomena, Aster scaber, Solidago virga var. gigantea, Solidago viragaurea var. asiatica, Saussurea grandifolia, Ainsliaea acerifolia - were used for our experiments. Analytical methods for simultaneous determination of the caffeoylquinic acids (3,4-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-di-O-dicaffeoyl-epi-quinic acid, 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 4,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 3-O-p-coumaroyl-caffeoylquinic acids) were established for chwinamul. The kinds of constituents were identified from HPLC chromatograms and it was possible to calculate the percentage (w/w) of seven of these compounds in the dried plants and in the extracts. The proportion of caffeoylquinic acids in the extracts ranged from 20.25 to 38.35%. Since it is known that peroxynitrite (ONOO(-))-scavenging is beneficial for amelioration of obesity, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis and even Alzheimer's disease, assays for peroxynitrite-scavenging activity were performed on the seven chwinamul plants. Of the tested extracts, the MeOH extract of A. acerifolia had the most potent effect (IC(50) 1.49 +/- 0.68 microg/mL). These results suggest that chwinamul vegetables can be used for treatment or prevention of peroxynitrite-related diseases.

Structure determination and quantification of a new flavone glycoside with anti-acetylcholinesterase activity from the herbs of Elsholtzia ciliata.

Three acacetin triglycosides (compounds 1, 2 and 3) were isolated from the herbs of Elsholtzia ciliata (Labiatae). The structure were identified as 7-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 6)]-ß-D-glucopyranoside (compound 1), 7-O-(6-O-acetyl)-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 6)]-ß-D-glucopyranoside (compound 2) and 7-O-(6-O-acetyl)-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)[(4-O-acetyl)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 6)]-ß-D-glucopyranoside (compound 3) of acacetin. The structures of these compounds were determined on the basis of 2D-NMR spectroscopic data. Compound 3 has not been isolated from a natural source. In addition, the three compounds were quantitatively analysed by HPLC. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition activity was assayed to find anti-Alzheimer's activity, since this enzyme increases the concentration of acetylcholine (ACh), a neurotransmitter, responsible for brain's memory. Acacetin, the aglycone of the three compounds, exhibited a potent anti-cholinesterase activity (IC50, 50.33 ± 0.87), though its glycosides (1, 2 and 3) were less active. HPLC analysis demonstrated that the three compounds were contained in the MeOH extract in the order of compounds 2 (12.63 mg/g extract) > 3 (3.10 mg/g) > 1 (2.92 mg/g).

Corrigendum to "Antiadipogenic Effects of Aster glehni Extract: In Vivo and In Vitro Effects".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2013/859624.].