Polyphenols Extracted from Shanxi-Aged Vinegar Inhibit Inflammation in LPS-Induced RAW264.7 Macrophages and ICR Mice via the Suppression of MAPK/NF-κB Pathway Activation.

Shanxi-aged vinegar, a traditional Chinese grain-fermented food that is rich in polyphenols, has been shown to have therapeutic effects on a variety of diseases. However, there has been no comprehensive evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity of polyphenols extracted from Shanxi-aged vinegar (SAVEP) to date. The anti-inflammatory activities of SAVEP, both in RAW 264.7 macrophages and mice, were extensively investigated for the potential application of SAVEP as a novel anti-inflammatory agent. In order to confirm the notion that polyphenols could improve inflammatory symptoms, SAVEP was firstly detected by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In total, 19 polyphenols were detected, including 12 phenolic acids. The study further investigated the protective effect of SAVEP on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 macrophages and ICR mice. The results showed that compared with those of the model group, SAVEP could remarkably recover the inflammation of macrophage RAW264.7 and ICR mice. SAVEP can normalise the expression of related proteins via the suppression of MAPK/NF-κB pathway activation, inhibiting the expression of iNOS and COX-2 proteins, and consequently the production of inflammatory factors, thus alleviating inflammatory stress. These results suggest that SAVEP may have a potential function against inflammation.

Interleukin-32θ Triggers Cellular Senescence and Reduces Sensitivity to Doxorubicin-Mediated Cytotoxicity in MDA-MB-231 Cells.

The recently discovered interleukin (IL)- 32 isoform IL-32θ exerts anti-metastatic effects in the breast tumor microenvironment. However, the involvement of IL-32θ in breast cancer cell proliferation is not yet fully understood; therefore, the current study aimed to determine how IL-32θ affects cancer cell growth and evaluated the responses of IL-32θ-expressing cells to other cancer therapy. We compared the functions of IL-32θ in triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells that stably express IL-32θ, with MDA-MB-231 cells transfected with a mock vector. Slower growth was observed in cells expressing IL-32θ than in control cells, and changes were noted in nuclear morphology, mitotic division, and nucleolar size between the two groups of cells. Interleukin-32θ significantly reduced the colony-forming ability of MDA-MB-231 cells and induced permanent cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase. Long-term IL-32θ accumulation triggered permanent senescence and chromosomal instability in MDA-MB-231 cells. Genotoxic drug doxorubicin (DR) reduced the viability of MDA-MB-231 cells not expressing IL-32θ more than in cells expressing IL-32θ. Overall, these findings suggest that IL-32θ exerts antiproliferative effects in breast cancer cells and initiates senescence, which may cause DR resistance. Therefore, targeting IL-32θ in combination with DR treatment may not be suitable for treating metastatic breast cancer.

Machine-Learning-Based Approach to Decode the Influence of Nanomaterial Properties on Their Interaction with Cells.

In an in vitro nanotoxicity system, cell-nanoparticle (NP) interaction leads to the surface adsorption, uptake, and changes into nuclei/cell phenotype and chemistry, as an indicator of oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity. Different types of nanomaterials and their chemical composition or "corona" have been widely studied in context with nanotoxicology. However, rare reports are available, which delineate the details of the cell shape index (CSI) and nuclear area factors (NAFs) as a descriptor of the type of nanomaterials. In this paper, we propose a machine-learning-based graph modeling and correlation-establishing approach using tight junction protein ZO-1-mediated alteration in the cell/nuclei phenotype to quantify and propose it as indices of cell-NP interactions. We believe that the phenotypic variation (CSI and NAF) in the epithelial cell is governed by the physicochemical descriptors (e.g., shape, size, zeta potential, concentration, diffusion coefficients, polydispersity, and so on) of the different classes of nanomaterials, which critically determines the intracellular uptake or cell membrane interactions when exposed to the epithelial cells at sub-lethal concentrations. The intrinsic and extrinsic physicochemical properties of the representative nanomaterials (NMs) were measured using optical (dynamic light scattering, NP tracking analysis) methods to create a set of nanodescriptors contributing to cell-NM interactions via phenotype adjustments. We used correlation function as a machine-learning algorithm to successfully predict cell and nuclei shapes and polarity functions as phenotypic markers for five different classes of nanomaterials studied herein this report. The CSI and NAF as nanodescriptors can be used as intuitive cell phenotypic parameters to define the safety of nanomaterials extensively used in consumer products and nanomedicine.

Autophagy displays divergent roles during intermittent amino acid starvation and toxic stress-induced senescence in cultured skeletal muscle cells.

Due to the ever-expanding functions attributed to autophagy, there is widespread interest in understanding its contribution to human physiology; however, its specific cellular role as a stress-response mechanism is still poorly defined. To investigate autophagy's role in this regard, we repeatedly subjected cultured mouse myoblasts to two stresses with diverse impacts on autophagic flux: amino acid and serum withdrawal (Hank's balanced salt solution [HBSS]), which robustly induces autophagy, or low-level toxic stress (staurosporine, STS). We found that intermittent STS (int-STS) administration caused cell cycle arrest, development of enlarged and misshapen cells/nuclei, increased senescence-associated heterochromatic foci and senescence-associated ß-galactosidase activity, and prevented myogenic differentiation. These features were not observed in cells intermittently incubated in HBSS (int-HB). While int-STS cells displayed less DNA damage (phosphorylated H2A histone family, member X content) and caspase activity when administered cisplatin, int-HB cells were protected from STS-induced cell death. Interestingly, STS-induced senescence was attenuated in autophagy related 7-deficient cells. Therefore, while repeated nutrient withdrawal did not cause senescence, autophagy was required for senescence caused by toxic stress. These results illustrate the context-dependent effects of different stressors, potentially highlighting autophagy as a distinguishing factor.

Linalool-Loaded Glutathione-Modified Gold Nanoparticles Conjugated with CALNN Peptide as Apoptosis Inducer and NF-κB Translocation Inhibitor in SKOV-3 Cell Line.

BACKGROUND: Linalool is a monoterpene compound with various potential therapeutic applications in several medical fields. Previous studies have indicated the activity of linalool against cell lines; however, its high level of toxicity restricts its use. The aim of this study was to design and manufacture compounds with a novel structure that can be used for loading linalool, to reduce its toxicity and improve its reachable ability. METHODS: We synthesized and characterized a new molecule for loading linalool onto gold nanoparticles (GNPs) capped with glutathione and conjugated with a CALNN peptide. Linalool was loaded onto the GNPs via the reaction of the surface groups of both linalool and the GNPs. Moreover, the target peptide could be loaded onto the surface of the GNPs via a chemical reaction. The cytotoxic effects of linalool-GNP (LG) and linalool-GNP-CALNN peptide (LGC) conjugates against ovarian cancer cells were investigated, as were the possible mechanisms underlying the induction of apoptosis. RESULTS: Our findings illustrated the significant antiproliferative effect of LG and LGC on SKOV-3 cells. The cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that LG and LGC were selectively toxic in cancer cells and induced apoptosis by activating caspase-8, the p53 protein, and various proteins involved in apoptosis. The present data demonstrated that LG and LGC have a high therapeutic potential and should be given particular consideration as anticancer drug-delivery systems, as LG and LGC were remarkably more cytotoxic against a cancer cell line than were linalool and GNPs alone. CONCLUSION: We concluded that LG and LGC are promising compounds that can be used for treating ovarian cancer (SKOV-3) cells via the induction of apoptosis through extrinsic and intrinsic pathways.

High-throughput, microscope-based sorting to dissect cellular heterogeneity.

Microscopy is a powerful tool for characterizing complex cellular phenotypes, but linking these phenotypes to genotype or RNA expression at scale remains challenging. Here, we present Visual Cell Sorting, a method that physically separates hundreds of thousands of live cells based on their visual phenotype. Automated imaging and phenotypic analysis directs selective illumination of Dendra2, a photoconvertible fluorescent protein expressed in live cells; these photoactivated cells are then isolated using fluorescence-activated cell sorting. First, we use Visual Cell Sorting to assess hundreds of nuclear localization sequence variants in a pooled format, identifying variants that improve nuclear localization and enabling annotation of nuclear localization sequences in thousands of human proteins. Second, we recover cells that retain normal nuclear morphologies after paclitaxel treatment, and then derive their single-cell transcriptomes to identify pathways associated with paclitaxel resistance in cancers. Unlike alternative methods, Visual Cell Sorting depends on inexpensive reagents and commercially available hardware. As such, it can be readily deployed to uncover the relationships between visual cellular phenotypes and internal states, including genotypes and gene expression programs.

Blocking ACAT-1 Activity for Tumor Therapy with Fluorescent Hyperstar Polymer-Encapsulated Avasimible.

Targeting the distinct cholesterol metabolism of tumor cells is proposed as a novel way to treat tumors. Blocking acyl-CoA cholesterol acyltransferase-1 (ACAT-1) by the inhibitor avasimible (Ava), which elevates intracellular free cholesterol levels, is shown to effectively induce apoptosis. However, Ava faces disadvantages of poor water solubility, a short half-life, and no capability for fluorescence detection, which have greatly limited its application. Herein, a fluorescent hyperstar polymer (FHSP) is developed to encapsulate Ava to improve its ability to inhibit HeLa cells and K562 cells. The results of this study show that the obtained Ava-FHSP micelles possess a high drug loading capacity of 22.7% and bright green fluorescence. Ava and Ava-FHSP are cytotoxic to both HeLa and K562 cells and cause reductions in cell size, nuclear lysis, and chromatin condensation and hindered proliferation of both cell types by causing S phase cell cycle arrest. Further mechanistic analysis indicates that Ava-FHSP reduces the protein and messenger RNA expression of ACAT-1 and significantly increases intracellular free cholesterol levels, which can increase endoplasmic reticulum stress and finally cause cell apoptosis. All these results suggest that this fluorescent hyperstar polymer represents a potential therapeutic tumor strategy by changing the cholesterol metabolism of tumor cells.

Aviculin Isolated from Lespedeza cuneata Induce Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cells through Mitochondria-Mediated Caspase Activation Pathway.

The global incidence of breast cancer has increased. However, there are many impediments to the development of safe and effective anticancer drugs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of aviculin isolated from Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don. (Fabaceae) on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells and determine the underlying mechanism. Using the bioassay-guided isolation by water soluble tetrazolium salt (WST-1)-based Ez-Cytox assay, nine compounds (four lignan glycosides (1-4), three flavonoid glycosides (5-7), and two phenolic compounds (8 and 9)) were isolated from the ethyl acetate (EA) fraction of the L. cuneata methanolic extract. Of these, aviculin (2), a lignan glycoside, was the only compound that reduced metabolic activity on MCF-7 cells below 50% (IC50: 75.47 ± 2.23 µM). The underlying mechanism was analyzed using the annexin V Alexa Fluor 488 binding assay and Western blotting. Aviculin (2) was found to induce apoptotic cell death through the intrinsic apoptosis pathway, as indicated by the increased expression of initiator caspase-9, executioner caspase-7, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Aviculin (2)-induced apoptotic cell death was accompanied by an increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. These findings demonstrated that aviculin (2) could induce breast cancer cell apoptosis through the intrinsic apoptosis pathway, and it can therefore be considered an excellent candidate for herbal treatment of breast cancer.

Bauerane Induces S-Phase Cell Cycle Arrest, Apoptosis, and Inhibition of Proliferation of A549 Human Lung Cancer Cells Through the Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase (PI3K)/AKT and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) Signaling Pathway.

BACKGROUND Bauerane is a triterpenoid derived from the dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale). This study aimed to investigate the effects of bauerane on cell proliferation of A549 human lung cancer cells and the molecular mechanisms involved. MATERIAL AND METHODS A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells and normal MRC-5 lung fibroblasts were grown in culture and treated with increasing doses of bauerane at 0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 µM. The MTT assay was used to measure cell proliferation. Cell apoptosis was assessed by 4', 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), and acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining. The cell cycle was evaluated by flow cytometry. Western blot measured the protein expression levels of cytochrome c, Bax, cyclin B1, Bcl-2, PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, and STAT3 proteins. RESULTS Bauerane inhibited the proliferation of A549 lung cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC50 of 10 µM, with no cytotoxicity for MRC-5 cells. Bauerane treatment induced apoptosis of A549 cells, which was associated with the upregulation of Bax and down-regulation of Bcl-2. Bauerane induced S-phase arrest of A549 cells, which was dose-dependent and associated with reduced expression of cyclin B1. The findings from Western blot showed that bauerane inhibited the phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT and STAT3 signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS Bauerane inhibited the proliferation of A549 lung cancer cells in vitro and induced cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in a dose-dependent manner.

Nuclear Deformation in Response to Mechanical Confinement is Cell Type Dependent.

Mechanosensing of the mechanical microenvironment by cells regulates cell phenotype and function. The nucleus is critical in mechanosensing, as it transmits external forces from the cellular microenvironment to the nuclear envelope housing chromatin. This study aims to elucidate how mechanical confinement affects nuclear deformation within several cell types, and to determine the role of cytoskeletal elements in controlling nuclear deformation. Human cancer cells (MDA-MB-231), human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and mouse fibroblasts (L929) were seeded within polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic devices containing microchannels of varying cross-sectional areas, and nuclear morphology and volume were quantified via image processing of fluorescent cell nuclei. We found that the nuclear major axis length remained fairly constant with increasing confinement in MSCs and MDA-MB-231 cells, but increased with increasing confinement in L929 cells. Nuclear volume of L929 cells and MSCs decreased in the most confining channels. However, L929 nuclei were much more isotropic in unconfined channels than MSC nuclei. When microtubule polymerization or myosin II contractility was inhibited, nuclear deformation was altered only in MSCs in wide channels. This work informs our understanding of nuclear mechanics in physiologically relevant spaces, and suggests diverging roles of the cytoskeleton in regulating nuclear deformation in different cell types.

The in vitro and in vivo anti-melanoma effects of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles: influences of material factors.

BACKGROUND: Treatment for melanoma is a challenging clinical problem, and some new strategies are worth exploring. PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to investigate the in vitro and in vivo anti-melanoma effects of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HANPs) and discuss the involved material factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five types of HANPs, ie, HA-A, HA-B, HA-C, HA-D, and HA-E, were prepared by wet chemical method combining with polymer template and appropriate post-treatments. The in vitro effects of the as-prepared five HANPs on inhibiting the viability of A375 melanoma cells and inducing the apoptosis of the cells were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 analysis, cell nucleus morphology observation, flow cytometer, and PCR analysis. The in vivo anti-melanoma effects of HANPs were studied in the tumor model of nude mice. RESULTS: The five HANPs had different physicochemical properties, including morphology, size, specific surface area (SSA), crystallinity, and so on. By the in vitro cell study, it was found that the material factors played important roles in the anti-melanoma effect of HANPs. Among the as-prepared five HANPs, HA-A with granular shape, smaller size, higher SSA, and lower crystallinity exhibited best effect on inhibiting the viability of A375 cells. At the concentration of 200 µg/mL, HA-A resulted in the lowest cell viability (34.90%) at day 3. All the HANPs could induce the apoptosis of A375 cells, and the relatively higher apoptosis rates of the cells were found in HA-A (20.10%) and HA-B (19.41%) at day 3. However, all the HANPs showed no inhibitory effect on the viability of the normal human epidermal fibroblasts. The preliminary in vivo evaluation showed that both HA-A and HA-C could delay the formation and growth speed of melanoma tissue significantly. Likely, HA-A exhibited better effect on inhibiting the growth of melanoma tissue than HA-C. The inhibition rate of HA-A for tumor tissue growth reached 49.1% at day 23. CONCLUSION: The current study confirmed the anti-melanoma effect of HANPs and provided a new idea for the clinical treatment of melanoma.

Effect of Mechanical Stretch on the DNCB-induced Proinflammatory Cytokine Secretion in Human Keratinocytes.

Skin is exposed to various physico-chemical cues. Keratinocytes, a major component of the skin epidermis, directly interact with the surrounding extracellular matrix, and thus, biochemical and biophysical stimulations from the matrix regulate the function of keratinocytes. Although it was reported that inflammatory responses of skin were altered by an applied mechanical force, understanding how the keratinocytes sense the mechanical stimuli and regulate a cytokine secretion remains unclear. Here, we designed a device that is able to apply chemo-mechanical cues to keratinocytes and assess their proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 production. We showed that when chemical stimuli were applied with mechanical stimuli simultaneously, the IL-6 production markedly increased compared to that observed with a single stimulus. Quantitative structural analysis of cellular components revealed that the applied mechanical stretch transformed the cell morphology into an elongated shape, increased the cell size, and dictated the distribution of focal adhesion complex. Our results suggest that the mechanical cue-mediated modulation of focal adhesion proteins and actin cytoskeleton translates into intracellular signaling associated with the IL-6 production particularly in skin sensitization. Our study can be applied to understand proinflammatory responses of skin under altered biophysical environments of the skin.

Ligustilide attenuates nitric oxide-induced apoptosis in rat chondrocytes and cartilage degradation via inhibiting JNK and p38 MAPK pathways.

Ligustilide (LIG) is the main lipophilic component of the Umbelliferae family of pharmaceutical plants, including Radix angelicae sinensis and Ligusticum chuanxiong. LIG shows various pharmacological properties associated with anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis in several kinds of cell lines. However, the therapeutic effects of LIG on chondrocyte apoptosis remain unknown. In this study, we investigated whether LIG had an anti-apoptotic activity in sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-stimulated chondrocyte apoptosis and could delay cartilage degeneration in a surgically induced rat OA model, and elucidated the potential mechanisms. In vitro studies revealed that LIG significantly suppressed chondrocyte apoptosis and cytoskeletal remodelling, which maintained the nuclear morphology and increased the mitochondrial membrane potential. In terms of SNP, LIG treatment considerably reduced the expression levels of cleaved caspase-3, Bax and inducible nitric oxide synthase and increased the expression level of Bcl-2 in a dose-dependent manner. The LIG-treated groups presented a significantly suppressed expression of activating transcription factor 2 and phosphorylation of Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). The inhibitory effect of LIG was enhanced by the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 or the JNK inhibitor SP600125 and offset by the agonist anisomycin. In vivo studies demonstrated that LIG attenuated osteoarthritic cartilage destruction by inhibiting the cartilage chondrocyte apoptosis and suppressing the phosphorylation levels of activating transcription factor 2, JNK and p38 MAPK. This result was confirmed by histological analyses, micro-CT, TUNEL assay and immunohistochemical analyses. Collectively, our studies indicated that LIG protected chondrocytes against SNP-induced apoptosis and delayed articular cartilage degeneration by suppressing JNK and p38 MAPK pathways.

Volatile oil from alpinia officinarum promotes lung cancer regression in vitro and in vivo.

The anti-lung cancer activity of volatile oil from Alpinia officinarum (VOAO) and the underlying mechanism has not been studied. Herein, VOAO was extracted by steam distillation and its components were identified by GC-MS analysis. Cells viability was measured by an MTT assay and the cell survival capacity was tested via a colony formation assay. Apoptosis cells were detected using the Annexin V-FITC/PI method. Hoechst 33342 cell unclear staining was employed to evaluate the nuclear morphology change. The mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by a JC-1 staining assay. Bcl-2, Mcl-1 and cleaved caspase-3 proteins were quantified by immune blotting. Furthermore, VOAO anti-cancer activity was evaluated on an A549 cell xenograft nude mice model. Our results have revealed that VOAO could inhibit the cell viability of lung carcinoma cells and the colony formation capacity. VOAO downregulates Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 and triggers dysfunction of the mitochondrial membrane potential. VOAO further activates caspase-3 cleavage and induces lung cancer cells apoptosis. In addition, VOAO administration significantly suppresses lung cancer growth in xenograft mice without obvious hepatotoxicity. We conclude that VOAO could be an effective, low cytotoxicity natural component for treatment of lung carcinoma.

Proteasome inhibition induces IKK-dependent interleukin-8 expression in triple negative breast cancer cells: Opportunity for combination therapy.

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells express increased levels of the pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic chemokine interleukin-8 (IL-8, CXCL8), which promotes their proliferation and migration. Because TNBC patients are unresponsive to current targeted therapies, new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. While proteasome inhibition by bortezomib (BZ) or carfilzomib (CZ) has been effective in treating hematological malignancies, it has been less effective in solid tumors, including TNBC, but the mechanisms are incompletely understood. Here we report that proteasome inhibition significantly increases expression of IL-8, and its receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2, in TNBC cells. Suppression or neutralization of the BZ-induced IL-8 potentiates the BZ cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effect in TNBC cells. The IL-8 expression induced by proteasome inhibition in TNBC cells is mediated by IκB kinase (IKK), increased nuclear accumulation of p65 NFκB, and by IKK-dependent p65 recruitment to IL-8 promoter. Importantly, inhibition of IKK activity significantly decreases proliferation, migration, and invasion of BZ-treated TNBC cells. These data provide the first evidence demonstrating that proteasome inhibition increases the IL-8 signaling in TNBC cells, and suggesting that IKK inhibitors may increase effectiveness of proteasome inhibitors in treating TNBC.

Reduction in Histone H3 Acetylation and Chromatin Remodeling in Corneas of Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats.

PURPOSE: To evaluate acetylation of histone H3, chromatin remodeling, nuclear size and shape, DNA ploidy, and distribution of nucleolus organizing regions (NORs) in corneal epithelial and stromal cells of diabetic and nondiabetic rats. METHODS: Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan. All diabetic rats (n = 20) included in the study had 4 weeks of moderate-to-severe hyperglycemia (plasma glucose levels >400 mg/dL). Acetylated histone H3 levels were quantified in corneal tissue using a colorimetric assay. Chromatin remodeling, nuclear sizes (area/perimeter) and shapes (circularity), and DNA ploidies were evaluated from Feulgen-stained tissue sections using video image analysis. Distributions of NORs were studied in tissue sections impregnated with silver ions. Ophthalmic clinical parameters, including corneal sensitivity, were investigated. Twenty nondiabetic rats were used as controls. RESULTS: Acetylation of histone H3 was reduced in the corneas of the diabetic rats. Nuclei in corneal epithelial cells of diabetic rats compacted chromatin, increased in size, modified their shapes, and elevated DNA ploidy. The only nuclear change observed in the corneal stromal cells of diabetic rats was chromatin decompaction. The size of the silver-stained NOR did not differ between the study samples. The corneal sensitivity in diabetic rats was 51.8% lower than that in nondiabetic rats. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that alloxan-induced diabetes altered the histone H3 acetylation pattern and compromised the chromatin supraorganization in corneal tissue/cells. Continued research is needed to understand the clinical and morphofunctional significance of changes in corneal cell nuclei of diabetic individuals.

Ebselen alleviates testicular pathology in mice with Zika virus infection and prevents its sexual transmission.

Despite the low case fatality, Zika virus (ZIKV) infection has been associated with microcephaly in infants and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Antiviral and vaccine developments against ZIKV are still ongoing; therefore, in the meantime, preventing the disease transmission is critical. Primarily transmitted by Aedes species mosquitoes, ZIKV also can be sexually transmitted. We used AG129 mice lacking interferon-α/ß and -γ receptors to study the testicular pathogenesis and sexual transmission of ZIKV. Infection of ZIKV progressively damaged mouse testes, increased testicular oxidative stress as indicated by the levels of reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, glutathione peroxidase 4, spermatogenesis-associated-18 homolog in sperm and pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1ß, IL-6, and G-CSF. We then evaluated the potential role of the antioxidant ebselen (EBS) in alleviating the testicular pathology with ZIKV infection. EBS treatment significantly reduced ZIKV-induced testicular oxidative stress, leucocyte infiltration and production of pro-inflammatory response. Furthermore, it improved testicular pathology and prevented the sexual transmission of ZIKV in a male-to-female mouse sperm transfer model. EBS is currently in clinical trials for various diseases. ZIKV infection could be on the list for potential use of EBS, for alleviating the testicular pathogenesis with ZIKV infection and preventing its sexual transmission.

The aminopeptidase inhibitor, z-L-CMK, is toxic and induces cell death in Jurkat T cells through oxidative stress.

The leucine aminopeptidase inhibitor, benzyloxycarbonyl-leucine-chloromethylketone (z-L-CMK), was found to be toxic and readily induce cell death in Jurkat T cells. Dose-response studies show that lower concentration of z-L-CMK induced apoptosis in Jurkat T cells whereas higher concentration causes necrosis. In z-L-CMK-induced apoptosis, both the initiator caspases (-8 and -9) and effector caspases (-3 and -6) were processed to their respective subunits. However, the caspases remained intact in z-L-CMK-induced necrosis. The caspase inhibitor, z-VAD-FMK inhibited z-L-CMK-mediated apoptosis and caspase processing but has no effect on z-L-CMK-induced necrosis in Jurkat T cells. The high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) protein was found to be released into the culture medium by the necrotic cells and not the apoptotic cells. These results indicate that the necrotic cell death mediated by z-L-CMK at high concentrations is via classical necrosis rather than secondary necrosis. We also demonstrated that cell death mediated by z-L-CMK was associated with oxidative stress via the depletion of intracellular glutathione (GSH) and increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), which was blocked by N-acetyl cysteine. Taken together, the results demonstrated that z-L-CMK is toxic to Jurkat T cells and induces apoptosis at low concentrations, while at higher concentrations the cells die of necrosis. The toxic side effects in Jurkat T cells mediated by z-L-CMK are associated with oxidative stress via the depletion of GSH and accumulation of ROS.

The natural product mensacarcin induces mitochondrial toxicity and apoptosis in melanoma cells.

Mensacarcin is a highly oxygenated polyketide that was first isolated from soil-dwelling Streptomyces bacteria. It exhibits potent cytostatic properties (mean of 50% growth inhibition = 0.2 µm) in almost all cell lines of the National Cancer Institute (NCI)-60 cell line screen and relatively selective cytotoxicity against melanoma cells. Moreover, its low COMPARE correlations with known standard antitumor agents indicate a unique mechanism of action. Effective therapies for managing melanoma are limited, so we sought to investigate mensacarcin's unique cytostatic and cytotoxic effects and its mode of action. By assessing morphological and biochemical features, we demonstrated that mensacarcin activates caspase-3/7-dependent apoptotic pathways and induces cell death in melanoma cells. Upon mensacarcin exposure, SK-Mel-28 and SK-Mel-5 melanoma cells, which have the BRAFV600E mutation associated with drug resistance, showed characteristic chromatin condensation as well as distinct poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1 cleavage. Flow cytometry identified a large population of apoptotic melanoma cells, and single-cell electrophoresis indicated that mensacarcin causes genetic instability, a hallmark of early apoptosis. To visualize mensacarcin's subcellular localization, we synthesized a fluorescent mensacarcin probe that retained activity. The natural product probe was localized to mitochondria within 20 min of treatment. Live-cell bioenergetic flux analysis confirmed that mensacarcin disturbs energy production and mitochondrial function rapidly. The subcellular localization of the fluorescently labeled mensacarcin together with its unusual metabolic effects in melanoma cells provide evidence that mensacarcin targets mitochondria. Mensacarcin's unique mode of action suggests that it may be a useful probe for examining energy metabolism, particularly in BRAF-mutant melanoma, and represent a promising lead for the development of new anticancer drugs.