Bioactive naphthoquinones and triterpenoids from the fruiting bodies of Taiwanofungus salmoneus.

Drug resistance of cancer cells stands for the major problem of the treatment failure for chemotherapy or target therapy. Overexpression of efflux pumps leading to multidrug resistance (MDR) is still an important issue needed to be solved. In the present study, Taiwanofungus salmoneus was selected as the topic and eleven undescribed constituents including four naphthoquinones salmonones A-D (1-4) and seven triterpenoids salmoneatins A-G (5-11), along with one chromanone (12) and two benzenoids (13 and 14) reported from the natural sources for the first time, as well as twenty-one known compounds were characterized. The structures of undescribed compounds were established by the spectroscopic and spectrometric analyses. In addition, the plausible biosynthetic mechanism of purified naphthoquinones was proposed and these compounds may be the excellent chemotaxonomic markers. Moreover, the isolates were evaluated for their P-gp inhibitory effects and the results showed that most of the examined compounds were effective. Among the tested compounds, 5, 10, 2,3-dimethoxy-5-(2',5'-dimethoxy-3',4'-methylenedioxyphenyl)-7-methyl-[1,4]naphthoquinone, zhankuic acid A methyl ester, and camphoratin F can reverse the resistance of paclitaxel or vincristine with the reversal folds in the range of 51093.3 and 259.5. These experimental data would initiate the possible development of Taiwanofungus salmoneus for the cancer therapy in the future.

Intraocular pressure-lowering effect of Cordyceps cicadae mycelia extract in a glaucoma rat model.

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. This study evaluates the reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) induced by C. cicadae mycelia extract in a steroid-induced rat model of glaucoma. Cordyceps cicadae mycelia is a well-known and valued traditional Chinese herbal medicine. C. cicadae mycelia were cultured using a liquid fermentation technique. The harvested C. cicadae mycelia were then lyophilized and extracted with two solvents, water and ethanol. The aqueous extract (CCM-DW) and ethanolic extract (CCM-EtOH) of the mycelia were obtained through lyophilization. Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6 in each group): a normal group, a control group, and experimental groups treated with CCM-DW, or CCM-EtOH (both at 50 mg/kg/body weight). Except for those in the normal group, all rats received a subconjunctival injection of betamethasone to induce high IOP. The rats in the experimental groups received a daily administration of CCM by oral gavage for four consecutive weeks. IOP reduction is the known treatment for glaucoma. The results revealed that steroid treatment caused a significant increase in the animals' IOP (control group). Elevated IOP decreased significantly after treatment with CCM-DW and CCM-EtOH (p < 0.01), and CCM-DW was more effective than CCM-EtOH. CCM-DW and CCM-EtOH were capable of causing significant decreases in high IOP-induced lesions in pathological studies in which it was shown that the efficacy of CCM-DW surpassed that of CCM-EtOH. After CCM-DW administration for 28 days, there were significant decreases in malondialdehyde and lactate dehydrogenase levels and significant increases in catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase levels. In summary, C. cicadae mycelia may be beneficial for preventing or treating glaucoma due to its significant IOP-lowering and antioxidant activities.

A Rapid and Feasible 1H-NMR Quantification Method of Ephedrine Alkaloids in Ephedra Herbal Preparations.

A highly specific and sensitive proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) method has been developed for the quantification of ephedrine alkaloid derivatives in Ephedra herbal commercial prescriptions. At the region of δ 4.0 to 5.0 ppm in the 1H NMR spectrum, the characteristic signals are separated well from each other, and six analogues in total, methylephedrine (ME), ephedrine (EP), norephedrine (NE), norpseudoephedrine (NP), pseudoephedrine (PE), and methylpseudoephedrine (MP) could be identified. The quantities of these compounds are calculated by the relative ratio of the integral values of the target peak for each compound to the known concentrations of the internal standard anthracene. The present method allows for a rapid and simple quantification of ephedrine alkaloid derivatives in Ephedra-related commercial prescriptions without any preliminary purification steps and standard compounds, and accordingly it can be a powerful tool to verify different Ephedra species. In comparison to conventional chromatographic methods, the advantages of this method include the fact that no standard compounds are required, the quantification can be directly performed on the crude extracts, a better selectivity for various ephedrine alkaloid derivatives, and the fact that a very significant time-gain may be achieved.

Application of Lanthanide Shift Reagent to the 1H-NMR Assignments of Acridone Alkaloids.

This study investigates the application of the paramagnetic shift reagent tris(dipivaloylmethanato)-europium(III) in NMR spectral studies of permethoxyacridone alkaloids (1-3) and pyranoacridone alkaloids (4-6). The induced chemical shifts (∆δ) of all protons were observed for the same molecule, and were compared to deduce the positions resulting from the distance nearby the Eu(dpm)3. Assignment of the H-2, H-4 and H-8 of polysubstituted acridones could be distinguished based on the least-squares method of lanthanide-induced shifts plotted against the mole ratios of Eu(dpm)3 to the substrate. The developed method is not only potentially useful for determining the planar structures of polysubstituted compounds, such as acridones, anthraquinones, xanthones, flavonoids, and phenanthrenes, but also applicable for their stereochemistry.

Effect of Quercetin on Dexamethasone-Induced C2C12 Skeletal Muscle Cell Injury.

Glucocorticoids are widely used anti-inflammatory drugs in clinical settings. However, they can induce skeletal muscle atrophy by reducing fiber cross-sectional area and myofibrillar protein content. Studies have proven that antioxidants can improve glucocorticoid-induced skeletal muscle atrophy. Quercetin is a potent antioxidant flavonoid widely distributed in fruits and vegetables and has shown protective effects against dexamethasone-induced skeletal muscle atrophy. In this study, we demonstrated that dexamethasone significantly inhibited cell growth and induced cell apoptosis by stimulating hydroxyl free radical production in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells. Our results evidenced that quercetin increased C2C12 skeletal cell viability and exerted antiapoptotic effects on dexamethasone-treated C2C12 cells by regulating mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and reducing oxidative species. Quercetin can protect against dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy by regulating the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio at the protein level and abnormal ΔΨm, which leads to the suppression of apoptosis.

Far-infrared therapy improves ankle brachial index in hemodialysis patients with peripheral artery disease.

Ankle brachial index (ABI) is a diagnostic tool for peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is an important issue in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We enrolled 198 maintenance HD patients in this study. PAD is defined as ABI ≤ 0.90. Only PAD patients received far-infrared (FIR) therapy using the WS TY101 FIR emitter for 40 min during each HD session, three times weekly for 6 months. The ABI was measured at the bilateral lower extremities for 4 times [pre-dialytic timing (0 min) and 40 min after the initiation of HD session at both day 0 and 6 months after the FIR therapy]. The primary outcome is the change in ABI. There were 51 out of 198 patients with PAD. In comparison with the period without FIR therapy in the 51 PAD patients, 6 months of FIR therapy significantly improved the ABI of the right/left side for 0 min (from 0.77 ± 0.19 to 0.81 ± 0.20, p = 0.027/0.79 ± 0.20 to 0.81 ± 0.17, p = 0.049), 40 min during HD (from 0.73 ± 0.23 to 0.83 ± 0.19, p < 0.001/from 0.77 ± 0.21 to 0.83 ± 0.18, p < 0.001), and the incremental change between 0 and 40 min (from - 0.04 ± 0.14 to 0.05 ± 0.13, p = 0.007/from - 0.05 ± 0.13 to 0.03 ± 0.11, p = 0.012), respectively. In conclusion, the application of FIR therapy for 40 min, three times weekly for 6 months, has improved the ABI of both lower extremities, thus providing a new strategy of PAD treatment in HD patients.

Levels of PCDD/Fs, PBDEs, and PBDD/Fs in Breast Milk from Southern Taiwan.

This study investigates the congener-specific concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs), polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans (PBDD/Fs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in 25 breast milk samples from southern Taiwan. Most investigated congeners in Taiwanese breast milk are detectable except for PBDD/Fs. The geometric means of PCDD/Fs and PBDEs in the breast milk are 2.44 pg WHO2005-TEQ/g lipid and 2810 pg/g lipid. Several PCDD/F and PBDE congeners were highly correlated to each other like 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD and 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF (r = 0.919, p < 0.001). The longest duration of menstruation could be predicted by BDE-153 (ß = 0.252) and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF (ß = 0.345) with adjustment of confounders using a multiple stepwise linear regression model (r = 0.963, p < 0.001).

The investigation of minoxidil-induced [Ca2+]i rises and non-Ca2+-triggered cell death in PC3 human prostate cancer cells.

Minoxidil is clinically used to prevent hair loss. However, its effect on Ca2+ homeostasis in prostate cancer cells is unclear. This study explored the effect of minoxidil on cytosolic-free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) and cell viability in PC3 human prostate cancer cells. Minoxidil at concentrations between 200 and 800 µM evoked [Ca2+]i rises in a concentration-dependent manner. This Ca2+ signal was inhibited by 60% by removal of extracellular Ca2+. Minoxidil-induced Ca2+ influx was confirmed by Mn2+-induced quench of fura-2 fluorescence. Pre-treatment with the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor GF109203X, PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13 acetate (PMA), nifedipine and SKF96365 inhibited minoxidil-induced Ca2+ signal in Ca2+ containing medium by 60%. Treatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor 2,5-ditert-butylhydroquinone (BHQ) in Ca2+-free medium abolished minoxidil-induced [Ca2+]i rises. Conversely, treatment with minoxidil abolished BHQ-induced [Ca2+]i rises. Inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) with U73122 abolished minoxidil-evoked [Ca2+]i rises. Overnight treatment with minoxidil killed cells at concentrations of 200-600 µM in a concentration-dependent fashion. Chelation of cytosolic Ca2+ with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid/AM (BAPTA/AM) did not prevent minoxidil's cytotoxicity. Together, in PC3 cells, minoxidil induced [Ca2+]i rises that involved Ca2+ entry through PKC-regulated store-operated Ca2+ channels and PLC-dependent Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum. Minoxidil-induced cytotoxicity in a Ca2+-independent manner.

Anti-inflammatory Flavan-3-ol-dihydroretrochalcones from Daemonorops draco.

Four A-type flavan-3-ol-dihydroretrochalcone dimers, dragonins A-D (1-4), were characterized from the traditional Chinese medicine Sanguis Draconis. The structures of 1-4 were elucidated by spectroscopic and spectrometric analyses. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited significant inhibition of fMLP/CB-induced superoxide anion and elastase. The signaling pathways accounting for the inhibitory effects of compound 2 were also elucidated. These purified A-type flavan-3-ol-dihydroretrochalcones are new potential leads for the development of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Epigallocatechin gallate sensitizes cisplatin-resistant oral cancer CAR cell apoptosis and autophagy through stimulating AKT/STAT3 pathway and suppressing multidrug resistance 1 signaling.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a green tea polyphenol that presents anticancer activities in multiple cancer cells, but no available report was addressed for the underling molecular mechanism of cytotoxic impacts on drug-resistant oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. In the present study, the inhibitory effects of EGCG were experienced on cisplatin-resistant oral cancer CAR cells. EGCG inhibited cell viability in a time- and concentration-dependent manner by a sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. EGCG induced CAR cell apoptosis and autophagy by 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) dye, acridine orange (AO) staining and green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged LC3B assay, respectively. EGCG also significantly enhanced caspase-9 and caspase-3 activities by caspase activity assay. EGCG markedly increased the protein levels of Bax, cleaved caspase-9, cleaved caspase-3, Atg5, Atg7, Atg12, Beclin-1, and LC3B-II, as well as significantly decreased the expression of Bcl-2, phosphorylated AKT (Ser473) and phosphorylation of STAT3 on Tyr705 by western blotting in CAR cells. Importantly, the protein and gene expression of multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) were dose-dependently inhibited by EGCG. Overall, downregulation of MDR1 levels and alterations of AKT/STAT3 signaling contributed to EGCG-induced apoptosis and autophagy in CAR cells. Based on these results, EGCG has the potential for therapeutic effect on oral cancer and may be useful for long-term oral cancer prevention in the future. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 845-855, 2017.

Ca2+ Signaling and Cell Death Induced by Protriptyline in HepG2 Human Hepatoma Cells.

The effect of protriptyline on Ca2+ physiology in human hepatoma is unclear. This study explored the effect of protriptyline on [Ca2+ ]i and cytotoxicity in HepG2 human hepatoma cells. Protriptyline (50-150 µM) evoked [Ca2+ ]i rises. The Ca2+ entry was inhibited by removal of Ca2+ . Protriptyline-induced Ca2+ entry was confirmed by Mn2+ -induced quench of fura-2 fluorescence. Except nifedipine, econazole, SKF96365, GF109203X, and phorbol 12-myristate 13 acetate did not inhibit Ca2+ entry. Treatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone (BHQ) inhibited 40% of protriptyline-induced response. Treatment with protriptyline abolished BHQ-induced response. Inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) suppressed protriptyline-evoked response by 70%. At 20-40 µM, protriptyline killed cells which was not reversed by the Ca2+ chelator 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid-acetoxymethyl ester (BAPTA/AM). Together, in HepG2 cells, protriptyline induced [Ca2+ ]i rises that involved Ca2+ entry through nifedipine-sensitive Ca2+ channels and PLC-dependent Ca2+ release from endoplasmic reticulum. Protriptyline induced Ca2+ -independent cell death.

Chemical Constituents of the Rhizomes of Bletilla formosana and Their Potential Anti-inflammatory Activity.

Nine new phenanthrenes (1-9) and a new benzyl glycoside (10) together with 45 known compounds were isolated from the rhizomes of Bletilla formosana. The structures of 1-10 were elucidated primarily on the basis of their 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data. Most of the isolated compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activities. The results showed that IC50 values for the inhibition of superoxide anion generation and elastase release ranged from 0.2 to 6.5 µM and 0.3 to 5.7 µM, respectively. Structure-activity relationships of the isolated compounds were also investigated. The inhibitory potencies were determined as phenanthrenes > bibenzyls > biphenanthrenes.

Effect of NPC15199 on [Ca²âº]i and viability in SCM1 human gastric cancer cells.

NPC15199 is a synthesized compound that inhibits inflammation in some models. However, whether NPC15199 affects Ca²âº homeostasis in human gastric cancer is unclear. This study examined the effect of NPC15199 on cytosolic free Ca²âº concentrations ([Ca²âº]i) and viability in SCM1 human gastric cancer cells. The Ca²âº-sensitive fluorescent dye fura-2 was used to measure [Ca²âº]i. NPC15199 evoked [Ca²âº]i rises concentration-dependently. The response was reduced by removing extracellular Ca²âº. NPC15199-evoked Ca²âº entry was not inhibited by store-operated channel inhibitors (nifedipine, econazole and SKF96365) and protein kinase C (PKC) activator (phorbol 12-myristate 13 acetate, PMA), or PKC inhibitor (GF109203X). In Ca²âº-free medium, treatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca²âº pump inhibitor thapsigargin or 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone (BHQ) nearly abolished NPC15199-evoked [Ca²âº]i rises. Conversely, treatment with NPC15199 also nearly abolished thapsigargin or BHQ-evoked [Ca²âº]i rises. Inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) with U73122 did not affect NPC15199-evoked [Ca²âº]i rises. NPC15199 at concentrations of 100-900 µM induced concentration-dependent, Ca²âº-independent decrease in viability. Together, in SCM1 cells, NPC15199 induced [Ca²âº]i rises that involved Ca²âº entry through PKC-insensitive non-store-operated Ca²âº channels and PLC-independent Ca²âº release from the endoplasmic reticulum. NPC15199 also induced Ca²âº-independent cell death.

Ca²âº Movement Induced by Deltamethrin in PC3 Human Prostate Cancer Cells.

This study explored the effect of deltamethrin, a pesticide, on intracellular free Ca²âº concentration ([Ca²âº]i) in PC3 human prostate cancer cells. Deltamethrin at concentrations between 5 µM and 20 µM evoked [Ca²âº]i rises in a concentration-dependent manner. This Ca²âº signal was inhibited by 22% by removal of extracellular Ca²âº. Nifedipine, econazole, and SKF96365 also inhibited the Ca²âº signal. Treatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca²âº pump inhibitor 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone (BHQ) in Ca²âº-free medium nearly abolished deltamethrin-induced [Ca²âº]i rises. Treatment with deltamethrin also inhibited most of BHQ-induced [Ca²âº]i rises. Inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) with U73122 failed to alter deltamethrin-evoked [Ca²âº]i rises. Deltamethrin killed cells at concentrations of 20-100 µM in a concentration-dependent fashion. Chelation of cytosolic Ca²âº with 1,2-bis (2-aminophenoxy) ethane-N, N, N', N'-tetraacetic acid/acetoxymethyl ester (BAPTA/AM) did not prevent deltamethrin's cytotoxicity. Together, in PC3 human prostate cancer cells, deltamethrin induced [Ca²âº]i rises that involved Ca²âº entry through store-operated Ca²âº channels and PLC-independent Ca²âº release from the endoplasmic reticulum. Deltamethrin induced cytotoxicity in a Ca²âº-independent manner.

Ionone Derivatives from the Mycelium of Phellinus linteus and the Inhibitory Effect on Activated Rat Hepatic Stellate Cells.

Three new γ-ionylideneacetic acid derivatives, phellinulins A-C (1-3), were characterized from the mycelium extract of Phellinus linteus. The chemical structures were established based on the spectroscopic analysis. In addition, phellinulin A (1) was subjected to the examination of effects on activated rat hepatic stellate cells and exhibited significant inhibition of hepatic fibrosis.

Effect of 2,5-dimethylphenol on Ca(2+) movement and viability in PC3 human prostate cancer cells.

The phenolic compound 2,5-dimethylphenol is a natural product. 2,5-Dimethylphenol has been shown to affect rat hepatic and pulmonary microsomal metabolism. However, the effect of 2,5-dimethylphenol on Ca(2+ )signaling and cyotoxicity has never been explored in any culture cells. This study explored the effect of 2,5-dimethylphenol on cytosolic free Ca(2+ )levels ([Ca(2+)]i) and cell viability in PC3 human prostate cancer cells. 2,5-Dimethylphenol at concentrations between 500 µM and 1000 µM evoked [Ca(2+)]i rises in a concentration-dependent manner. This Ca(2+ )signal was inhibited by approximately half by the removal of extracellular Ca(2+). 2,5-Dimethylphenol-induced Ca(2+ )influx was confirmed by Mn(2+)-induced quench of fura-2 fluorescence. Pretreatment with the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor GF109203X, nifedipine or the store-operated Ca(2+ )entry inhibitors (econazole or SKF96365) inhibited 2,5-dimethylphenol-induced Ca(2+ )signal in Ca(2+)-containing medium by ∼30%. Treatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+ )pump inhibitor thapsigargin in Ca(2+)-free medium abolished 2,5-dimethylphenol-induced [Ca(2+)]i rises. Conversely, treatment with 2,5-dimethylphenol abolished thapsigargin-induced [Ca(2+)]i rises. Inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) with U73122 reduced 2,5-dimethylphenol-evoked [Ca(2+)]i rises by ∼80%. 2,5-Dimethylphenol killed cells at concentrations of 350-1000 µM in a concentration-dependent fashion. Chelation of cytosolic Ca(2+ )with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N, N, N', N'-tetraacetic acid/AM (BAPTA/AM) did not prevent 2,5-dimethylphenol's cytotoxicity. Together, in PC3 cells, 2,5-dimethylphenol induced [Ca(2+)]i rises that involved Ca(2+ )entry through PKC-regulated store-operated Ca(2+ )channels and PLC-dependent Ca(2+ )release from the endoplasmic reticulum. 2,5-Dimethylphenol induced cytotoxicity in a Ca(2+)-independent manner.

Effect of protriptyline on [Ca2+]i and viability in MG63 human osteosarcoma cells.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) have been clinically prescribed in the auxiliary treatment of cancer patients. Although protriptyline, a type of TCA, was used primarily in the clinical treatment of mood disorders in cancer patients, the effect of protriptyline on physiology in human osteosarcoma is unknown. This study examined the effect of protriptyline on cytosolic free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) and viability in MG63 human osteosarcoma cells. Protriptyline between 50 and 250 µM evoked [Ca2+]i rises concentration-dependently. Protriptyline induced influx of Mn2+, indirectly implicating Ca2+ influx. Protriptyline-evoked Ca2+ entry was inhibited by nifedipine by 20% but was not altered by econazole, SKF96365, GF109203X, and phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA). In Ca2+-free medium, treatment with protriptyline inhibited the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor thapsigargin-evoked [Ca2+]i rises. Conversely, treatment with thapsigargin inhibited 45% of protriptyline-evoked [Ca2+]i rises. Inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) with U73122 failed to alter protriptyline-evoked [Ca2+]i rises. Protriptyline at 50-250 µM decreased cell viability, which was not reversed by pretreatment with the Ca2+ chelator 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid-acetoxymethyl ester (BAPTA/AM). Collectively, our data suggest that in MG63 cells, protriptyline induced [Ca2+]i rises by evoking Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum and other stores in a PLC-independent manner, and Ca2+ entry via a nifedipine-sensitive Ca2+ pathway. Protriptyline also caused Ca2+-independent cell death.

An AhR-Luciferase Adenovirus Infection System for Rapid Screening of Dioxins in Soils.

Our goal was to develop a fast-screening method for measuring dioxin levels in soils. The adenovirus (Ad)-dioxin-responsive (DR) bioassay system (AdEasy-6XDRE-TATA-Luc) combined with a fast-cleanup system was examined under conventional conditions (i.e., with incubation at 37°C) and three alternative conditions [incubation at 37°C with addition of phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), incubation at 33°C, and incubation at 33°C with addition of PMA]. The best conditions for carrying out the Ad-DR bioassay was 33°C and no addition of PMA. The background level of soil dioxins determined by the chemical assay [6.49 ng I-TEQ/kg dry weight (dw)] was well correlated (Pearson's r = 0.873, p < 0.001) with that by the Ad-DR bioassay [expressed in ng bioanalytical equivalents (BEQ) 81.1 ng BEQ/kg dw] (n = 17). When surveyed in contaminated soil samples (n = 114) from industrial areas by the Ad-DR bioassay, dioxin levels were 117, 102, 98.5, and 112 ng BEQ/kg dw, respectively, in northern, central, southern, and eastern Taiwan.

The mechanism of protriptyline-induced Ca2+ movement and non-Ca2+-triggered cell death in PC3 human prostate cancer cells.

Protriptyline, a tricyclic anti-depressant, is used primarily to treat the combination of symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, the effect of protriptyline on prostate caner is unknown. This study examined whether the anti-depressant protriptyline altered Ca(2+) movement and cell viability in PC3 human prostate cancer cells. The Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorescent dye fura-2 was used to measure [Ca(2+)](i). Protriptyline evoked [Ca(2+)](i) rises concentration-dependently. The response was reduced by removing extracellular Ca(2+). Protriptyline-evoked Ca(2+) entry was inhibited by store-operated channel inhibitors (nifedipine, econazole and SKF96365), protein kinase C activator (phorbol 12-myristate 13 acetate, PMA) and protein kinase C inhibitor (GF109203X). Treatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pump inhibitor 2,5-di-tert-butylhydr-oquinone (BHQ) in Ca(2+)-free medium inhibited 60% of protriptyline-evoked [Ca(2+)](i) rises. Conversely, treatment with protriptyline abolished BHQ-evoked [Ca(2+)](i) rises. Inhibition of phospholipase C with U73122 suppressed 50% of protriptyline-evoked [Ca(2+)](i) rises. At concentrations of 50-70 µM, protriptyline decreased cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner; which were not reversed by chelating cytosolic Ca(2+) with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid-acetoxymethyl ester (BAPTA/AM). Collectively, in PC3 cells, protriptyline evoked [Ca(2+)](i) rises by inducing phospholipase C-associated Ca(2+) release from the endoplasmic reticulum and other stores, and Ca(2+) influx via protein kinase C-sensitive store-operated Ca(2+) channels. Protriptyline caused cell death that was independent of [Ca(2+)](i) rises.

Effect of Miconazole on [Ca²âº]i and Cytotoxicity in ZR-75-1 Human Breast Cancer Cells.

The effect of the antifungal drug miconazole on Ca²âº signaling in human breast cancer cells is unknown. This study examined the effect of miconazole on cytosolic free Ca²âº concentrations ([Ca²âº]i) in ZR-75-1 human breast cancer cells. The Ca²âº-sensitive fluorescent dye fura-2 was used to measure [Ca²âº]i. Miconazole induced [Ca²âº]i rises concentration-dependently. The response was reduced by 60% by removing extracellular Ca²âº. Miconazole-induced Ca²âº entry was abolished by the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor GF109203X, and nifedipine, but was insensitive to econazole, SKF96365 and the protein kinase C activator phorbol 12-myristate 13 acetate (PMA). In Ca²âº-free medium, treatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca²âº pump inhibitor 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone (BHQ) or thapsigargin (TG) greatly inhibited miconazole-evoked [Ca²âº]i rises. Conversely, treatment with miconazole abolished TG and BHQ-evoked [Ca²âº]i rises. Inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) with U73122 abolished miconazole-induced [Ca²âº]i rises. At concentrations of 30-50 µM, micronazole killed cells in a concentration-dependent manner. This cytotoxic effect was not reversed by chelating cytosolic Ca²âº with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid/acetoxy methyl (BAPTA/AM). Together, in ZR-75-1 cells, miconazole induced [Ca²âº]i rises by evoking PLC-dependent Ca²âº release from the endoplasmic reticulum, and PKC-regulated nifedipine-sensitive Ca²âº entry. Miconazole-caused cell death was not triggered by a preceding [Ca²âº]i rise.