Histone methyltransferase Smyd1 regulates mitochondrial energetics in the heart.

Smyd1, a muscle-specific histone methyltransferase, has established roles in skeletal and cardiac muscle development, but its role in the adult heart remains poorly understood. Our prior work demonstrated that cardiac-specific deletion of Smyd1 in adult mice (Smyd1-KO) leads to hypertrophy and heart failure. Here we show that down-regulation of mitochondrial energetics is an early event in these Smyd1-KO mice preceding the onset of structural abnormalities. This early impairment of mitochondrial energetics in Smyd1-KO mice is associated with a significant reduction in gene and protein expression of PGC-1α, PPARα, and RXRα, the master regulators of cardiac energetics. The effect of Smyd1 on PGC-1α was recapitulated in primary cultured rat ventricular myocytes, in which acute siRNA-mediated silencing of Smyd1 resulted in a greater than twofold decrease in PGC-1α expression without affecting that of PPARα or RXRα. In addition, enrichment of histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (a mark of gene activation) at the PGC-1α locus was markedly reduced in Smyd1-KO mice, and Smyd1-induced transcriptional activation of PGC-1α was confirmed by luciferase reporter assays. Functional confirmation of Smyd1's involvement showed an increase in mitochondrial respiration capacity induced by overexpression of Smyd1, which was abolished by siRNA-mediated PGC-1α knockdown. Conversely, overexpression of PGC-1α rescued transcript expression and mitochondrial respiration caused by silencing Smyd1 in cardiomyocytes. These findings provide functional evidence for a role of Smyd1, or any member of the Smyd family, in regulating cardiac energetics in the adult heart, which is mediated, at least in part, via modulating PGC-1α.

Modulation of the PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint axis during inflammation-associated lung tumorigenesis.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a significant risk factor for lung cancer. One potential mechanism through which COPD contributes to lung cancer development could be through generation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment that allows tumor formation and progression. In this study, we compared the status of immune cells and immune checkpoint proteins in lung tumors induced by the tobacco smoke carcinogen 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) or NNK + lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a model for COPD-associated lung tumors. Compared with NNK-induced lung tumors, NNK+LPS-induced lung tumors exhibited an immunosuppressive microenvironment characterized by higher relative abundances of PD-1+ tumor-associated macrophages, PD-L1+ tumor cells, PD-1+ CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes and FOXP3+ CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes. Also, these markers were more abundant in the tumor tissue than in the surrounding 'normal' lung tissue of NNK+LPS-induced lung tumors. PD-L1 expression in lung tumors was associated with IFNγ/STAT1/STAT3 signaling axis. In cell line models, PD-L1 expression was found to be significantly enhanced in phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate activated THP-1 human monocytes (macrophages) treated with LPS or incubated in conditioned media (CM) generated by non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Similarly, when NSCLC cells were incubated in CM generated by activated THP-1 cells, PD-L1 expression was upregulated in EGFR- and ERK-dependent manner. Overall, our observations indicate that COPD-like chronic inflammation creates a favorable immunosuppressive microenvironment for tumor development and COPD-associated lung tumors might show a better response to immune checkpoint therapies.

Hyaluronan-CD44/RHAMM interaction-dependent cell proliferation and survival in lung cancer cells.

Although members of the hyaluronan (HA)-CD44/HA-mediated motility receptor (RHAMM) signaling pathway have been shown to be overexpressed in lung cancer, their role in lung tumorigenesis is unclear. In the present study, we first determined levels of HA and its receptors CD44 and RHAMM in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and stromal cells as well as mouse lung tumors. Subsequently, we examined the role of HA-CD44/RHAMM signaling pathway in mediating the proliferation and survival of NSCLC cells and the cross-talk between NSCLC cells and normal human lung fibroblasts (NHLFs)/lung cancer-associated fibroblasts (LCAFs). The highest levels of HA and CD44 were observed in NHLFs/LCAFs followed by NSCLC cells, whereas THP-1 monocytes/macrophages showed negligible levels of both HA and CD44. Simultaneous silencing of HA synthase 2 (HAS2) and HAS3 or CD44 and RHAMM suppressed cell proliferation and survival as well as the EGFR/AKT/ERK signaling pathway. Exogenous HA partially rescued the defect in cell proliferation and survival. Moreover, conditioned media (CM) generated by NHLFs/LCAFs enhanced the proliferation of NSCLC cells in a HA-dependent manner as treatment of NHLFs and LCAFs with HAS2 siRNA, 4-methylumbelliferone, an inhibitor of HASs, LY2228820, an inhibitor of p38MAPK, or treatment of A549 cells with CD44 blocking antibody suppressed the effects of the CM. Upon incubation in CM generated by A549 cells or THP-1 macrophages, NHLFs/LCAFs secreted higher concentrations of HA. Overall, our findings indicate that targeting the HA-CD44/RHAMM signaling pathway could be a promising approach for the prevention and therapy of lung cancer.

MET Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibition Reduces Interferon-Gamma (IFN-γ)-Stimulated PD-L1 Expression through the STAT3 Pathway in Melanoma Cells.

Melanoma is the leading cause of death from cutaneous malignancy. While targeted therapy and immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors have significantly decreased the mortality rate of this disease, advanced melanoma remains a therapeutic challenge. Here, we confirmed that interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)-induced PD-L1 expression in melanoma cell lines. This increased expression was down-regulated by the reduction in phosphorylated STAT3 signaling via MET tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation and confocal immunofluorescence microscopy analysis reveals MET and PD-L1 protein-protein interaction and colocalization on the cell surface membrane of melanoma cells. Together, these findings demonstrate that the IFN-γ-induced PD-L1 expression in melanoma cells is negatively regulated by MET inhibition through the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway and establish the colocalization and interaction between an RTK and a checkpoint protein in melanoma cells.

The effects of MAPK inhibitors on antimycin A-treated Calu-6 lung cancer cells in relation to cell growth, reactive oxygen species, and glutathione.

Antimycin A (AMA) inhibits succinate oxidase, NADH oxidase, and mitochondrial electron transport chain between cytochrome b and c. We recently demonstrated that AMA inhibited the growth of Calu-6 lung cancer cells through apoptosis. Here, we investigated the effects of AMA and/or MAPK inhibitors on Calu-6 lung cancer cells in relation to cell growth, cell death, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and GSH levels. Treatment with AMA inhibited the growth of Calu-6 cells at 72 h. AMA-induced apoptosis was accompanied by the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP; Delta Psi m). While ROS were decreased in AMA-treated Calu-6 cells, O2.- among ROS was increased. AMA also induced GSH depletion in Calu-6 cells. Treatment with MEK inhibitor intensified cell death, MMP (Delta Psi m) loss, and GSH depletion in AMA-treated Calu-6 cells. JNK inhibitor also increased cell death, MMP (Delta Psi m) loss, and ROS levels in these cells. Treatment with p38 inhibitor magnified cell growth inhibition by AMA and increased cell death, MMP (Delta Psi m) loss, ROS level, and GSH depletion in AMA-treated cells. Conclusively, all the MAPK inhibitors slightly intensified cell death in AMA-treated Calu-6 cells. The changes of ROS and GSH by AMA and/or MAPK inhibitors were in part involved in cell growth and death in Calu-6 cells.

The attenuation of MG132, a proteasome inhibitor, induced A549 lung cancer cell death by p38 inhibitor in ROS-independent manner.

MG132, as a proteasome inhibitor, can induce apoptotic cell death through formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we investigated the effects of MAPK (MEK, JNK, and p38) inhibitors on MG132-treated A549 lung cancer cells in relation to cell growth, cell death, ROS, and glutathione (GSH) levels. Treatment with 10 microM MG132 inhibited the growth of A549 cells at 24 h. MG132 also induced apoptosis, which was accompanied by the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP; deltapsi(m)). ROS were not increased in MG132-treated A549 cells. MG132 increased GSH-depleted cell numbers and decreased GSH levels. MEK and JNK inhibitors did not strongly affect cell growth, cell death, ROS, and GSH levels in MG132-treated A549 cells. In contrast, p38 inhibitor reduced cell growth inhibition, apoptosis, and MMP (deltapsi(m)) loss by MG132. However, p38 inhibitor did not change ROS level and GSH content. In conclusion, MG132 inhibited the growth of A549 cells via apoptosis without formation of ROS. Treatment with p38 inhibitor rescued some cells from MG132-induced apotposis, which was not affected by ROS and GSH level changes.

Proteasome inhibitor MG132 reduces growth of As4.1 juxtaglomerular cells via caspase-independent apoptosis.

The proteasome inhibitor MG132 has been shown to induce apoptotic cell death through the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of MG132 in As4.1 juxtaglomerular cell death in relation to apoptosis and levels of ROS and glutathione (GSH). MG132 inhibited the growth of As4.1 cells with an IC(50) of approximately 0.3-0.4 microM at 48 h and induced cell death, accompanied by the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP; Psi(m)), Bcl-2 decrease, activations of caspase-3 and caspase-8, and PARP cleavage. MG132 increased intracellular ROS levels and GSH-depleted cell numbers. However, caspase inhibitors, especially Z-VAD (pan-caspase inhibitor) intensified cell growth inhibition, cell death, MMP (Psi(m)) loss, and Bcl-2 decrease in MG132-treated As4.1 cells. Z-VAD also slightly intensified increases in ROS levels and GSH depletion in MG132-treated As4.1 cells. In conclusion, MG132 reduced the growth of As4.1 cells via caspase-independent apoptosis. The changes in ROS and GSH levels by MG132 and caspase inhibitors partially influenced the growth inhibition and death of As4.1 cells.

Pyrogallol-induced As4.1 juxtaglomerular cell death is attenuated by MAPK inhibitors via preventing GSH depletion.

Pyrogallol (PG) induces apoptosis in several types of cells mediated by superoxide anion (O(2*-)). Here, we investigated the effects of PG and/or MAPK (MEK, JNK, and p38) inhibitors on the changes in cell growth, cell death, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and GSH levels in As4.1 juxtaglomerular (JG) cells. PG inhibited the growth of As4.1 cells. It also induced apoptosis and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP; DeltaPsi(m)) and increased the level of p53 protein. Intracellular O2(*-) level was increased in PG-treated As4.1 cells. PG also increased the number of GSH deleted cells in As4.1 cells. All the MAPK inhibitors significantly attenuated the growth inhibition and death mediated by PG. They decreased the levels of p53 protein and MMP (DeltaPsi(m)) loss in PG-treated As4.1 cells. They also reduced O2(*-) level and GSH-depleted cell number in these cells. In conclusion, MAPK inhibitors attenuated As4.1 cell growth inhibition and death mediated by PG treatment. The changes in O2(*-) and GSH levels by PG and/or MAPK inhibitors appeared to affect the growth and death of As4.1 cells.

Treatment with p38 inhibitor intensifies the death of MG132-treated As4.1 juxtaglomerular cells via the enhancement of GSH depletion.

MG132, as a proteasome inhibitor, has been shown to induce apoptotic cell death through the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we investigated the effects of MG132 and/or MAPK inhibitors on As4.1 juxtaglomerular cells in relation to cell growth, cell death, ROS, and glutathione (GSH) levels. MG132 inhibited the growth of As4.1 cells and induced cell death, accompanied by the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP; DeltaPsi(m)) and activation of caspase-3 and -8. MG132 increased ROS levels, and GSH depleted cell numbers. The MEK inhibitor slightly reduced cell growth and caspase-3 activity in MG132-treated As4.1 cells and mildly increased MMP (DeltaPsi(m)) loss and O(2)(*-) level. However, it did not increase apoptosis and GSH depletion. The JNK inhibitor did not strongly influence cell growth, cell death, and GSH depletion by MG132, but increased caspase-3 activity, MMP (DeltaPsi(m)) loss, and O(2)(*-) level. Treatment with the p38 inhibitor magnified cell-growth inhibition and apoptosis by MG132. This agent also strongly increased caspase-8 activity, MMP (DeltaPsi(m)) loss, O(2)(*-) level, and GSH depletion. Conclusively, the p38 inhibitor strongly intensified cell death in MG132-treated As4.1 cells. The changes of GSH content by MG132 and/or MAPK inhibitors were closely related to the death of As4.1 cells.

Reactive oxygen species and glutathione level changes by a proteasome inhibitor, MG132, partially affect calf pulmonary arterial endothelial cell death.

MG132 as a proteasome inhibitor has been shown to induce apoptotic cell death through the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here, we evaluated the effects of MG132 on the growth of endothelial cells (ECs), especially calf pulmonary artery endothelial cells (CPAECs), in relation to cell death, ROS, and glutathione (GSH) levels. MG132 dose dependently inhibited the growth of CPAEC and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) at 24 hours. MG132 also induced apoptotic cell death in CPAEC, which were accompanied by the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP; DeltaPsi(m)). MG132 increased ROS levels, including O(2)(*-) in CPAEC, but not in HUVEC. MG132 also dose dependently increased GSH-depleted cells in both ECs. N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC; a well-known antioxidant) reduced ROS levels in MG132-treated CPAEC with the slight prevention of cell death and GSH depletion. Buthionine sulfoximine (BSO; an inhibitor of GSH synthesis) increased ROS levels and decreased GSH levels in MG132-treated CPAEC without the enhancement of cell death. In conclusion, MG132 inhibited the growth of ECs, especially CPAEC. The changes of ROS and GSH levels by MG132 partially affect CPAEC death.

Carbonyl cyanide p-(trifluoromethoxy) phenylhydrazone (FCCP) as an O2(*-) generator induces apoptosis via the depletion of intracellular GSH contents in Calu-6 cells.

Carbonyl cyanide p-(trifluoromethoxy) phenylhydrazone (FCCP) is an uncoupler of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in eukaryotic cells. Here, we investigated an involvement of O(2)(*-) and GSH in FCCP-induced Calu-6 cell death and examined whether ROS scavengers rescue cells from FCCP-induced cell death. Levels of intracellular O(2)(*-) were markedly increased depending on the concentrations (5-100 microM) of FCCP. A depletion of intracellular GSH content was also observed after exposing cells to FCCP. Stable SOD mimetics, Tempol and Tiron did not change the levels of intracellular O(2)(*-), apoptosis and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)). Treatment with thiol antioxidants, NAC and DTT, showed the recovery of GSH depletion and the reduction of O(2)(*-) levels in FCCP-treated cells, which were accompanied by the inhibition of apoptosis. In contrast, BSO, a well-known inhibitor of GSH synthesis, aggravated GSH depletion, oxidative stress of O(2)(*-) and cell death in FCCP-treated cells. Taken together, our data suggested that FCCP as an O(2)(*-) generator, induces apoptosis via the depletion of intracellular GSH contents in Calu-6 cells.

Tiron, a ROS scavenger, protects human lung cancer Calu-6 cells against antimycin A-induced cell death.

Antimycin A (AMA) inhibits the mitochondrial electron transport between cytochromes b and c. However, the relationship between AMA and lung cancer cells is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) in AMA-treated lung cancer Calu-6 cell death. Treatment with AMA reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner for 72 h. The intracellular ROS levels were decreased in Calu-6 cells treated with low doses of AMA (10, 25 or 50 microM) at 72 h. However, the levels increased in cells treated with a high dose of 100 microM AMA. Levels of O2.- were significantly increased in AMA-treated cells at 72 h. The increases in ROS levels including O2.- in AMA-treated cells were observed within 10 min. Treatment with AMA reduced the intracellular GSH content. SOD activity was up-regulated in AMA-treated Calu-6 cells at 72 h. However, catalase activity was down-regulated by AMA. Treatment with tiron, a ROS scavenger, reduced the intracellular ROS levels, which were associated with a partial reduction of apoptosis. Treatment with exogenous SOD and catalase significantly inhibited loss of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential (DeltaPsim) in AMA-treated Calu-6 cells. In conclusion, our results suggest that the changes of intracellular ROS and GSH affect apoptosis in AMA-treated Calu-6 cells.

The effects of N-acetyl cysteine, buthionine sulfoximine, diethyldithiocarbamate or 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole on antimycin A-treated Calu-6 lung cells in relation to cell growth, reactive oxygen species and glutathione.

Antimycin A (AMA) inhibits mitochondrial electron transport between cytochrome b and c. We recently demonstrated that AMA inhibits the growth of lung cancer Calu-6 cells and the changes of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) levels affect apoptosis in Calu-6 cells. Here, we examined the effects of N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC, a well known antioxidant), L-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO, an inhibitor of GSH synthesis), diethyl-dithiocarbamate (DDC, an inhibitor of Cu, Zn-SOD) or 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (AT, an inhibitor of catalase) on AMA-treated Calu-6 cells in relation to cell death, ROS and GSH levels. Treatment with AMA induced cell growth inhibition, apoptosis and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) (DeltaPsim) in Calu-6 cells. While the intracellular ROS level was decreased in 50 microM AMA-treated Calu-6 cells, O2.- levels among ROS were significantly increased. AMA also induced GSH depletion in Calu-6 cells. Treatment with NAC showed decreasing effect on O2.- levels in AMA-treated cells preventing apoptosis, MMP (DeltaPsim) loss and GSH depletion in these cells. BSO significantly increased GSH depletion and apoptosis in AMA-treated cells. While both DDC and AT increased ROS levels in AMA-treated Calu-6 cells, only DDC intensified GSH depletion and apoptosis. BSO and AT increased the ROS level in Calu-6 control cells, but these agents did not induce apoptosis and GSH depletion. In conclusion, our results suggest that GSH depletion rather than ROS level in AMA-treated Calu-6 cells is more tightly related to apoptosis.

The effect of MG132, a proteasome inhibitor on HeLa cells in relation to cell growth, reactive oxygen species and GSH.

MG132 (carbobenzoxy-Leu-Leu-leucinal) is a peptide aldehyde, which effectively blocks the proteolytic activity of the 26S proteasome complex. We evaluated the effects of MG132 on the growth of human cervix cancer HeLa cells in relation to the cell growth, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) levels. Dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth was observed in HeLa cells with an IC50 of approximately 5 microM MG132 for 24 h. DNA flow cytometric analysis indicated that treatment with MG132 induced S, G2-M or non-specific phase arrests of the cell cycle dose-dependently. Treatment with MG132 induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, as evidenced by sub-G1 cells and annexin V staining cells. Treatment with MG132 also induced the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in HeLa cells. The intracellular ROS levels including O2*- were significantly increased in MG132-treated cells. Furthermore, the depletion of intracellular GSH content was observed in cells treated with MG132. In conclusion, MG132 inhibited the growth of HeLa cells via inducing the cell cycle arrest as well as triggering apoptosis. The changes of ROS and GSH by MG132 were closely related to apoptosis in HeLa cells.

The effects of buthionine sulfoximine, diethyldithiocarbamate or 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole on propyl gallate-treated HeLa cells in relation to cell growth, reactive oxygen species and glutathione.

Propyl gallate (PG) as a synthetic antioxidant is widely used in processed food and medicinal preparations. It also exerts a variety of effects on tissue and cell functions. In the present study, we investigated the effects of L-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO, an inhibitor of GSH synthesis), diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC, an inhibitor of Cu/Zn-SOD) or 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (AT, an inhibitor of catalase) on PG-treated HeLa cells in relation to cell growth, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH). Treatment with PG induced growth inhibition, the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential [MMP (DeltaPsim)] and apoptosis in HeLa cells. ROS levels including O2.- were increased or decreased in PG-treated HeLa cells depending on the incubation times. PG caused depletion in GSH content in HeLa cells. While BSO enhanced the growth inhibition of PG-treated HeLa cells at 4 h, DDC and AT did not. All the agents down-regulated MMP (DeltaPsim) levels in PG-treated cells. Although BSO, DDC or AT slightly increased ROS or O2.- levels in PG-treated cells at 1 h, these enhancements of ROS did not intensify apoptosis in these cells. In addition, BSO, DDC or AT slightly reduced GSH level in PG-treated HeLa cells at 1 h, but this reduction did not affect cell death of HeLa. Furthermore, PG induced a G1 phase arrest of the cell cycle. BSO, DDC or AT significantly inhibited the G1 phase arrest in PG-treated cells. Conclusively, the changes of ROS and GSH levels by BSO, DDC or AT in PG-treated HeLa cells did not strongly affect the cell growth and death.

Pyrogallol inhibits the growth of human pulmonary adenocarcinoma A549 cells by arresting cell cycle and triggering apoptosis.

Pyrogallol (PG) is a polyphenol compound and has been known to be an O(2)(*-) generator. We evaluated the effects of PG on the growth of human pulmonary A549 cells in relation to the cell cycle and apoptosis. Treatment with 50 or 100 microM PG significantly inhibited the cell growth of A549 for 72 h. DNA flow cytometric analysis indicated that PG slightly induced a G1 phase arrest of the cell cycle at 24 or 48 h, but did not induce the specific cell cycle arrest at 72 h. Intracellular GSH depletion was observed in PG-treated cells. PG induced apoptosis in A549 cells, as evidenced by sub-G1 cells, annexin V staining cells, and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)). The intracellular ROS (reactive oxygen species) level including O(2)(*-) increased in PG-treated A549 cells at 24 and 48 h, and persisted at 72 h. The changes in GSH as well as ROS levels by PG affected the cell viability in A549 cells. In conclusion, PG inhibited the growth of human pulmonary A549 cells by inducing cell cycle arrest as well as triggering apoptosis.

The anti-apoptotic effects of caspase inhibitors on propyl gallate-treated HeLa cells in relation to reactive oxygen species and glutathione levels.

Propyl gallate (PG) as a synthetic antioxidant is widely used in processed food, cosmetics and medicinal preparations. Despite the assumed low toxicity of PG, it exerts a variety of effects on tissue and cell functions. In the present study, we evaluated the anti-apoptotic effects of caspase inhibitors on PG-treated human cervix adenocarcinoma HeLa cells in relation to the changes of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) levels. PG induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, as evidenced by sub-G1 cells and annexin V staining cells. Treatment with pan-caspase inhibitor, caspase-3 inhibitor, caspase-8 inhibitor or caspase-9 inhibitor significantly prevented apoptosis in PG-treated HeLa cells at 24 h. The intracellular ROS levels including O (2) (*-) were increased or decreased in PG-treated HeLa cells depending on the incubation times (1 or 24 h). PG depleted intracellular GSH content in HeLa cells at 24 h. Treatment with caspase inhibitor reduced ROS levels and significantly prevented GSH depletion in PG-treated HeLa cells at 24 h. In conclusion, PG induced apoptosis in HeLa cells. The anti-apoptotic effect of caspase inhibitor on PG-induced HeLa cell death was closely related to the reduction of ROS levels, especially mitochondrial O (2) (*-) , as well as to the inhibition of GSH depletion.

Intracellular GSH level is a factor in As4.1 juxtaglomerular cell death by arsenic trioxide.

Arsenic trioxide has been known to regulate many biological functions such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and angiogenesis in various cell lines. We investigated the involvement of GSH and ROS such as H(2)O(2) and O(2)(*-) in the death of As4.1 cells by arsenic trioxide. The intracellular ROS levels were changed depending on the concentration and length of incubation with arsenic trioxide. The intracellular O(2)(*-) level was significantly increased at all the concentrations tested. Arsenic trioxide reduced the intracellular GSH content. Treatment of Tiron, ROS scavenger decreased the levels of ROS in 10 microM arsenic trioxide-treated cells. Another ROS scavenger, Tempol did not decrease ROS levels in arsenic trioxide-treated cells, but slightly recovered the depleted GSH content and reduced the level of apoptosis in these cells. Exogenous SOD and catalase did not reduce the level of ROS, but did decrease the level of O(2)(*-). Both of them inhibited GSH depletion and apoptosis in arsenic trioxide-treated cells. In addition, ROS scavengers, SOD and catalase did not alter the accumulation of cells in the S phase induced by arsenic trioxide. Furthermore, JNK inhibitor rescued some cells from arsenic trioxide-induced apoptosis, and this inhibitor decreased the levels of O(2)(*-) and reduced the GSH depletion in these cells. In summary, we have demonstrated that arsenic trioxide potently generates ROS, especially O(2)(*-), in As4.1 juxtaglomerular cells, and Tempol, SOD, catalase, and JNK inhibitor partially rescued cells from arsenic trioxide-induced apoptosis through the up-regulation of intracellular GSH levels.

Apoptosis in arsenic trioxide-treated Calu-6 lung cells is correlated with the depletion of GSH levels rather than the changes of ROS levels.

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) can regulate many biological functions such as apoptosis and differentiation in various cells. We investigated an involvement of ROS such as H(2)O(2) and O(2)(*-), and GSH in ATO-treated Calu-6 cell death. The levels of intracellular H(2)O(2) were decreased in ATO-treated Calu-6 cells at 72 h. However, the levels of O(2)(*-) were significantly increased. ATO reduced the intracellular GSH content. Many of the cells having depleted GSH contents were dead, as evidenced by the propidium iodine staining. The activity of CuZn-SOD was strongly down-regulated by ATO at 72 h while the activity of Mn-SOD was weakly up-regulated. The activity of catalase was decreased by ATO. ROS scavengers, Tiron and Trimetazidine did not reduce levels of apoptosis and intracellular O(2)(*-) in ATO-treated Calu-6 cells. Tempol showing a decrease in intracellular O(2)(*-) levels reduced the loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)). Treatment with NAC showing the recovery of GSH depletion and the decreased effect on O(2)(*-) levels in ATO-treated cells significantly inhibited apoptosis. In addition, BSO significantly increased the depletion of GSH content and apoptosis in ATO-treated cells. Treatment with SOD and catalase significantly reduced the levels of O(2)(*-) levels in ATO-treated cells, but did not inhibit apoptosis along with non-effect on the recovery of GSH depletion. Taken together, our results suggest that ATO induces apoptosis in Calu-6 cells via the depletion of the intracellular GSH contents rather than the changes of ROS levels.

Caspase inhibitor decreases apoptosis in pyrogallol-treated lung cancer Calu-6 cells via the prevention of GSH depletion.

Pyrogallol (PG) is a polyphenol compound and is known to be an O2.- generator. In the present study, we evaluated the anti-apoptotic effects of caspase inhibitors in relation to changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) levels in PG-treated human pulmonary adenocarcinoma Calu-6 cells. Treatment with 50 microM PG inhibited the growth of Calu-6 cells approximately 60% and induced apoptosis approximately 17% at 24 h, accompanied by mitochondrial membrane potential loss (DeltaPsim). Treatment with pan-caspase inhibitor (Z-VAD-FMK), caspase-3 inhibitor (Z-DEVD-FMK), caspase-8 inhibitor (Z-IETD-FMK) and caspase-9 inhibitor (Z-LEHD-FMK) significantly prevented apoptosis in PG-treated Calu-6 cells at 24 h. PG increased the ROS and depleted GSH contents in Calu-6 cells. Treatment with each caspase inhibitor did not significantly change the ROS and GSH levels in PG-treated Calu-6 cells at 24 h. However, Z-VAD significantly prevented GSH depletion in PG-treated Calu-6 cells at the late time phase of 72 h. Conclusively, the anti-apoptotic effect of caspase inhibitor on PG-induced Calu-6 cell death was closely related to changes in GSH content rather than ROS levels.