Nitric Oxide and ERK mediates regulation of cellular processes by Ecdysterone.

The complex process of wound healing is a major problem associated with diabetes, venous or arterial disease, old age and infection. A wide range of pharmacological effects including anabolic, anti-diabetic and hepato-protective activities have been attributed to Ecdysterone. In earlier studies, Ecdysterone has been shown to modulate eNOS and iNOS expression in diabetic animals and activate osteogenic differentiation through the Extracellular-signal-Regulated Kinase (ERK) pathway in periodontal ligament stem cells. However, in the wound healing process, Ecdysterone has only been shown to enhance granulation tissue formation in rabbits. There have been no studies to date, which elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the complex cellular process involved in wound healing. The present study, demonstrates a novel interaction between the phytosteroid Ecdysterone and Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS), in an Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-dependent manner, thereby promoting cell proliferation, cell spreading and cell migration. These observations were further supported by the 4-amino-5-methylamino- 2' ,7' -difluorofluorescein diacetate (DAF FM) fluorescence assay which indicated that Ecdysterone activates NOS resulting in increased Nitric Oxide (NO) production. Additionally, studies with inhibitors of both the EGFR and ERK, demonstrated that Ecdysterone activates NOS through modulation of EGFR and ERK. These results clearly demonstrate, for the first time, that Ecdysterone enhances Nitric Oxide production and modulates complex cellular processes by activating ERK1/2 through the EGF pathway.

Anacardic acid inhibits gelatinases through the regulation of Spry2, MMP-14, EMMPRIN and RECK.

Earlier studies from our laboratory have identified Anacardic acid (AA) as a potent inhibitor of gelatinases (MMP-2 and 9), which are over-expressed in a wide variety of cancers (Omanakuttan et al., 2012). Disruption of the finely tuned matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activator/inhibitor balance plays a decisive role in determining the fate of the cell. The present study demonstrates for the first time, that in addition to regulating the expression as well as activity of gelatinases, AA also inhibits the expression of its endogenous activators like MMP-14 and Extracellular Matrix MetalloProteinase Inducer (EMMPRIN) and induces the expression of its endogenous inhibitor, REversion-inducing Cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK). In addition to modulating gelatinases, AA also inhibits the expression of various components of the Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) pathway like EGF, Protein Kinase B (Akt) and Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). Furthermore, AA also activates the expression of Sprouty 2 (Spry2), a negative regulator of EGF pathway, and silencing Spry2 results in up-regulation of expression of gelatinases as well as MMP-14. The present study thus elucidates a novel mechanism of action of AA and provides a strong basis for utilizing this molecule as a template for cancer therapeutics.

Antimicrobial activity of plumbagin, a naturally occurring naphthoquinone from Plumbago rosea, against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans.

Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus are opportunistic pathogens. Despite causing a number of independent infections, both pathogens can co-infect to cause urinary tract infections, skin infections, biofilm associated infections, sepsis and pneumonia. Infections of these two pathogens especially their biofilm associated infections are often difficult to treat using currently available anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agents. In order to identify a common anti-microbial agent which could confer a broad range of protection against their infections, we screened several phytochemicals and identified plumbagin (5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone), a phytochemical from Plumbago species as a potent antimicrobial agent against S. aureus and C. albicans, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 5µg/ml. Antimicrobial activity of plumbagin was validated using an ex-vivo porcine skin model. For better understanding of the antimicrobial activity of plumbagin, a Drosophila melanogaster infection model was used, where D. melanogaster was infected using S. aureus and C. albicans, or with both organisms. The fly's survival rate was dramatically increased when infected flies were treated using plumbagin. Further, plumbagin was effective in preventing and dispersing catheter associated biofilms formed by these pathogens. The overall results of this work provides evidence that plumbagin, possesses an excellent antimicrobial activity which should be explored further for the treatment of S. aureus and C. albicans infections.

Discovery of arjunolic acid as a novel non-zinc binding carbonic anhydrase II inhibitor.

Elevated levels of carbonic anhydrase II (CA II) have been shown to be associated with cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. Although arjunolic acid (AA) has a diverse range of therapeutic applications including cardio-protection, there have been no reports on the effect of AA on CA II. The present study describes for the first time, the novel zinc independent inhibition of CA II by AA. The molecular docking studies of AA indicated that the hydroxyl group at C2 of the A-ring, which hydrogen bonds with the catalytic site residues (His64, Asn62 and Asn67), along with the gem-dimethyl group at C20 of the E-ring, greatly influences the inhibitory activity, independent of the catalytic zinc, unlike the inhibition observed with most CA II inhibitors. Among the triterpenoids tested viz. arjunolic acid, arjunic acid, asiatic acid, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid, AA was the most potent in inhibiting CA II in vitro with an IC50 of 9µM. It was interesting to note, that in spite of exhibiting very little differences in their structures, these triterpenoids exhibited vast differences in their inhibitory activities, with IC50 values ranging from 9µM to as high as 333µM. Furthermore, AA also inhibited the cytosolic activity of CA in H9c2 cardiomyocytes, as reflected by the decrease in acidification of the intracellular pH (pHi). The decreased acidification reduced the intracellular calcium levels, which further prevented the mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Thus, these studies provide a better understanding for establishing the novel molecular mechanism involved in CA II inhibition by the non-zinc binding inhibitor AA.

Synthesis and discovery of (I-3,II-3)-biacacetin as a novel non-zinc binding inhibitor of MMP-2 and MMP-9.

Eleven biflavones (7a-b and 9a-i) were synthesised by a simple and efficient protocol and screened for MMP-2 and MMP-9 inhibitory activities. Amongst them, a natural product-like analog, (I-3,II-3)-biacacetin (9h) was found to be the most potent inhibitor. Molecular docking studies suggest that unlike most of the known inhibitors, 9h inhibits MMP-2 and MMP-9 through non-zinc binding interactions.

Discovery of lesser known flavones as inhibitors of NF-κB signaling in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells--A SAR study.

Seventeen flavonoids with different substitutions were evaluated for inhibition of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling in the invasive breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. They were screened using an engineered MDA-MB-231 cell line reporting NF-κB activation. The modulation of expression of two NF-κB regulated genes involved in tumorigenesis, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were also analyzed in these cells. Among the compounds tested, all except gossypetin and quercetagetin inhibited the activation of NF-κB, and the expression of MMP-9 and COX-2 to different degree. Methylated flavone, chrysoeriol (luteolin-3'-methylether), was found to be the most potent inhibitor of MMP-9 and COX-2 expressions. The effect of chrysoeriol on cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis and metastasis was analyzed by established methods. Chrysoeriol caused cell cycle arrest at G2/M and inhibited migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells. The structure-activity relations amongst the flavonoids as NF-κB signaling inhibitors was studied. The study indicates differences between the actions of various flavonoids on NF-κB activation and on the biological activities of breast cancer cells. Flavones in general, were more active than the corresponding flavonols.

Seabuckthron (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) leaf extract ameliorates the gamma radiation mediated DNA damage and hepatic alterations.

In vitro assessment showed that H. rhamnoides (HrLE) extract possessed free radical scavenging activities and can protect gamma (gamma) radiation induced supercoiled DNA damage. For in vivo study, Swiss albino mice were administered with HrLE (30 mg/kg body weight) for 15 consecutive days before exposing them to a single dose of 5 Gy of beta radiation. HrLE significantly prevented the radiation induced genomic DNA damage indicated as a significant reduction in the comet parameters. The lipid peroxidation, liver function enzymes, expression of phosphorylated NFkappaB (p65) and IkappaBalpha increased whereas the endogenous antioxidants diminished upon radiation exposure compared to control. Pretreatment of HrLE extract ameliorated these changes. Based on the present results it can be concluded that H. rhamnoides possess a potential preventive element in planned and accidental nuclear exposures.

Structure activity relationship of plumbagin in BRCA1 related cancer cells.

It has been shown earlier that plumbagin, a naturally occurring naphthaquinone has specific anticancer activity in BRCA1 blocked ovarian cancer cells. Plumbagin can induce estrogen dependent cell signaling and apoptosis in BRCA1 blocked ovarian cancer cells. Being a reactive oxygen species (ROS) generator and apoptosis inducing agent, plumbagin has immense potential as a promising anticancer agent. In this study we analyzed whether there would be increased anticancer activity if the positions of the functional groups on plumbagin were altered and further to analyze the detailed molecular mechanism of action of the lead molecule. Methods like MTT assay, apoptosis analysis by flow cytometry, assessment of mitochondrial membrane potential-Δψm , suppression subtractive hybridization, microarray, molecular docking and estrogen receptor-DNA binding activity by electrophoresis mobility shift assay (EMSA) were adopted for assessing the anticancer activity. Consequently we found that, plumbagin was the most potent anticancer agent when compared to structurally related compounds. The anti-cancer activities were in the order plumbagin > 1,4-naphthaquinone > juglone > lawsone > menadione. Molecular docking studies showed that plumbagin could be well docked in the receptor ligand complex of TRAIL-DR5 complexes to activate the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Since the antiproliferative activity of plumbagin could be reduced by inhibiting ERα, we speculated that plumbagin interferes with the binding of ERα to ERE and we confirmed this by EMSA. This study clearly indicates that plumbagin can induce multiple pathways of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in BRCA1 blocked cells compared to unblocked cells.

Anacardic acid inhibits the catalytic activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9.

Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of a wide variety of pathophysiological conditions. To further define the mechanism of CNSL action, we investigated the effect of cashew nut shell extract (CNSE) on two matrix metalloproteinases, MMP-2/gelatinase A and MMP-9/gelatinase B, which are known to have critical roles in several disease states. We observed that the major constituent of CNSE, anacardic acid, markedly inhibited the gelatinase activity of 3T3-L1 cells. Our gelatin zymography studies on these two secreted gelatinases, present in the conditioned media from 3T3-L1 cells, established that anacardic acid directly inhibited the catalytic activities of both MMP-2 and MMP-9. Our docking studies suggested that anacardic acid binds into the MMP-2/9 active site, with the carboxylate group of anacardic acid chelating the catalytic zinc ion and forming a hydrogen bond to a key catalytic glutamate side chain and the C15 aliphatic group being accommodated within the relatively large S1' pocket of these gelatinases. In agreement with the docking results, our fluorescence-based studies on the recombinant MMP-2 catalytic core domain demonstrated that anacardic acid directly inhibits substrate peptide cleavage in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC50 of 11.11 µM. In addition, our gelatinase zymography and fluorescence data confirmed that the cardol-cardanol mixture, salicylic acid, and aspirin, all of which lack key functional groups present in anacardic acid, are much weaker MMP-2/MMP-9 inhibitors. Our results provide the first evidence for inhibition of gelatinase catalytic activity by anacardic acid, providing a novel template for drug discovery and a molecular mechanism potentially involved in CNSL therapeutic action.

Kaempferitrin inhibits GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Insulin stimulated GLUT4 (glucose transporter 4) translocation and glucose uptake in muscles and adipocytes is important for the maintenance of blood glucose homeostasis in our body. In this paper, we report the identification of kaempferitrin (kaempferol 3,7-dirhamnoside), a glycosylated flavonoid, as a compound that inhibits insulin stimulated GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In the absence of insulin, we observed that addition of kaempferitrin did not affect GLUT4 translocation or glucose uptake. On the other hand, kaempferitrin acted as an inhibitor of insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by inhibiting Akt activation. Molecular docking studies using a homology model of GLUT4 showed that kaempferitrin binds directly to GLUT4 at the glucose transportation channel, suggesting the possibility of a competition between kaempferitrin and glucose during the transport. Taken together, our data demonstrates that kaempferitrin inhibits GLUT4 mediated glucose uptake at least by two different mechanisms, one by interfering with the insulin signaling pathway and the other by a possible competition with glucose during the transport.

Genistein induces apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells via different molecular pathways depending on Breast Cancer Susceptibility gene-1 (BRCA1) status.

It has been reported that Breast Cancer Susceptibility gene-1 & 2 (BRCA1 & 2 are potential molecular targets for chemoprevention by isoflavone genistein (4' 5, 7-trihydroxy isoflavone), in breast and prostate cancer cells. It is also known that BRCA1 has inhibitory activity on estrogen receptor-alpha and genistein's action on cells is mainly through modulation of estrogen receptor activity. The action of genistein with respect to BRCA1 status in ovarian cancer cells has not been reported so far. Therefore in this study, we analyzed the action of genistein on BRCA1 antisense blocked (AS4) and unblocked (NEO) BG-1 ovarian cancer cells. We found that genistein induced comparable cytotoxic effect in both AS4 and NEO cells, but through different pathways. We found that genistein induces caspase 8 dependent apoptotic pathway in NEO cells. Genistein inhibits estrogen receptor-alpha and activates BARD1 in BRCA1 blocked cells and induces estrogen receptor-beta and FAS in presence of BRCA1. It can be concluded that even though there is no difference in the extent of cell death or apoptosis, the molecular mechanism of action of genistein in inducing apoptosis is different in BRCA1 blocked and unblocked cells. This could partially explain the beneficial effects of genistein in both wild type and mutated BRCA1 estrogen receptor positive tumors.

Bioassay-Guided Isolation and Evaluation of Antiproliferative Effects of (Z)-Ethylidene-4, 6-Dimethoxycoumaran-3-One from Pogostemon Quadrifolius (Benth.)

The aim of the study was to isolate and identify the major cytotoxic principle from plant leaves of Pogostemon quadrifolius (Benth.) and evaluate its antiproliferative potential against human cancer cells. Plant leaves were extracted sequentially with a soxhlet apparatus, using petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol solvents. Petroleum ether and chloroform extracts exhibited antiproliferative properties against Caco-2, HeLa, THP-1, MCF-7 and Jurkat E6-1cancer cell lines tested, but methanol extracts failed to exhibit such activity. The major antiproliferative principle from petroleum ether and chloroform extracts was isolated with the help of bioassay guided column chromatography. This cytotoxic compound was further analysed by UV, TLC, HPLC, LC-MS, GC-MS and NMR analyses and was identified to be novel: (Z)-ethylidene-4,6-dimethoxycoumaran-3-one (Compound 1). The half-maximal inhibitory concentrations for proliferation (IC50) exhibited by compound 1 were 19.4, 23.1, 22.1, 35.9 and 8.32 µM against Caco-2, HeLa, THP-1, MCF-7 and Jurkat E6-1 cancer cell lines, respectively. Further experiments revealed that compound 1 triggered the apoptosis mode of cell death in cancer cell lines. Thus, the present study allowed isolation and identification of a novel cytotoxic natural compound, (Z)-ethylidene-4,6-dimethoxycoumaran-3-one, from plant leaves of P. quadrifolius (Benth.). Our pre-clinical study also indicated that compound 1 is particularly active in the acute T cell leukemia cell line (Jurkat E6-1) with potential for application as a chemotherapeutic agent in the future.

Radiosensitizing effect of ellagic acid on growth of Hepatocellular carcinoma cells: an in vitro study.

Failure of treatment for cancer in clinic by radio/chemotherapy is generally attributed to tumour resistance. Therefore, it is important to develop strategies to increase the cytotoxicity of tumour cells by radiation in combination with unique tumour selective cytotoxic agents. We evaluated the potential of ellagic acid (EA) as an enhancer of oxidative stress in cancer cells. HepG2 cells were treated with EA (10 µM) for 12 h prior to exposure of single 7.5 Gy dose of irradiation. Treatment of HepG2 cells with EA and gamma radiation showed increased reactive oxygen species generation, up regulation of p53 protein expression, decreased survival markers level like p-Akt, p-NF-kB and p-STAT3 which were significantly higher after radiation treatment alone. We also found that combination treatment increased G2/M phase cell population, decreased IL-6, COX-2 and TNF-α expression and caused a loss in mitochondrial membrane potential with decreased level of angiogenesis marker MMP-9. Over expression of Bax and activation of caspase 3 indicated the apoptosis of the cells. The results provided a strong unique strategy to kill cancer cells HepG2, using less radiation dose along with effective pro-oxidant dose of EA.

Gossypetin ameliorates ionizing radiation-induced oxidative stress in mice liver--a molecular approach.

Radioprotective action of gossypetin (GTIN) against gamma (γ)-radiation-induced oxidative stress in liver was explored in the present article. Our main aim was to evaluate the protective efficacy of GTIN against radiation-induced alteration of liver in murine system. To evaluate the effect of GTIN, it was orally administered to mice at a dose of 30 mg/kg body weight for three consecutive days prior to γ-radiation at a dose of 5 Gy. Radioprotective efficacy of GTIN were evaluated at physiological, cellular, and molecular level using biochemical analysis, comet assay, flow cytometry, histopathology, immunofluorescence, and immunoblotting techniques. Ionizing radiation was responsible for augmentation of hepatic oxidative stress in terms of lipid peroxidation and depletion of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence studies showed that irradiation enhanced the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) level, which leads to hepatic inflammation. To investigate further, we found that radiation induced the activation of stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK)-mediated apoptotic pathway and deactivation of the NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated redox signaling pathway, whereas GTIN pretreatment ameliorated these radiation-mediated effects. This is the novel report where GTIN rationally validated the molecular mechanism in terms of the modulation of cellular signaling system' instead of ' This is the novel report where GTIN is rationally validated in molecular terms to establish it as promising radioprotective agents. This might be fruitful especially for nuclear workers and defense personnel assuming the possibility of radiation exposure.

Inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 by diallyl sulfides (DAS) in HEK 293T cells.

Cyclooxygenase (COX) is involved in modulating inflammatory response through the synthesis of prostaglandins. The inducible isoform of the enzyme, COX-2, is overexpressed in some malignant and premalignant lesions. Several preclinical and clinical studies have reported COX-2 inhibition as an effective strategy for chemoprevention. Nonsteroidal anitinflammatory drugs (NASIDs) such as celecoxib, are the most widely investigated COX-2 inhibitors. The oil-soluble diallyl sulfides (DAS) include monosulfides (DAMS), disulfides (DADS) and trisulfides (DATS). They were found to be effective against canine and human tumors, the mechanism of which remains unresolved. We attempted a comparative evaluation of the antiproliferative effect of DAS in HEK 293T cells. The cells were treated with increasing concentrations of DAMS, DADS and DATS. There were significant differences between the IC50 values of DAMS, DADS and DATS. RT-PCR was performed and the expression of COX-2 was compared with that of b actin. DATS inhibited COX-2 gene expression significantly stronger than DAMS and DADS. The data are suggestive of antineoplastic effect of DAS, mediated by controlling COX-2 expression.

A new conformer of 20-hydroxyecdysone from Sesuvium portulacastrum: an x-ray crystallographic study.

X-ray single crystal analysis of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E, 2), an important insect moulting hormone, isolated from Sesuvium portulacastrum Linn. was found to exhibit a unique stereochemical configuration revealing it to be a different conformer (polymorph) possessing the aliphatic chain atoms in a trans configuration. Moreover, the analysis also revealed the presence of three molecules of water of crystallisation thereby restricting the freedom of the aliphatic side chain.

Gossypetin, a naturally occurring hexahydroxy flavone, ameliorates gamma radiation-mediated DNA damage.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the protective effect of gossypetin (GTIN) against gamma (γ)-radiation-mediated DNA damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Increasing concentrations (10-150 µM) of GTIN were incubated with supercoiled DNA 1 h prior exposure to γ-radiation in the range of 5-Gy absorbed dose from Co(60) γ source. To establish the effective protective concentration of GTIN, supercoiled DNA was pre-incubated with 50 µM of GTIN for 1 h followed by exposure of 5, 10 and 20 Gy doses of γ-radiation. Moreover, 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide (NO) scavenging, metal chelating activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of GTIN were measured and compared with standards. The flowcytometric analysis and radiation-induced genomic DNA damage by comet assay were employed to estimate the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) using isolated murine hepatocytes. RESULTS: GTIN was able to effectively scavenge different free radicals in in vitro situations. It could significantly prevent radiation induced supercoiled and genomic DNA damage with reduced comet parameters. It also acted as a potent scavenger of the radiation induced ROS. CONCLUSIONS: GTIN ameliorated radiation-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage by its free-radical scavenging activity.

Gallic acid induces GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake activity in 3T3-L1 cells.

GLUT4, a 12 transmembrane protein, plays a major role in insulin mediated glucose transport in muscle and adipocytes. For glucose transport, the GLUT4 protein needs to be translocated to the plasma membrane from the intracellular pool and it is possible that certain compounds may be able to enhance this process. In the present work, we have shown that gallic acid can increase GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake activity in an Akt-independent but wortmannin-sensitive manner. Further analysis suggested the role of atypical protein kinase Czeta/lambda in gallic acid mediated GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake.

Antisense blocking of BRCA1 enhances sensitivity to plumbagin but not tamoxifen in BG-1 ovarian cancer cells.

Previous studies have shown that reduction in BRCA1 mRNA and protein can result in increased proliferation of BG-1 ovarian cancer cells in both in vitro and in vivo conditions, suggesting that BRCA1 may normally act as a growth inhibitor in these cells. Also, there are other reports that suggest that wild-type BRCA1 protein may repress estrogen receptor (ER) function either directly or indirectly. However, response to antiestrogen drugs in BRCA1-blocked ER-positive ovarian cancer cells has not been reported, and this served as the rationale for this study. We analyzed the effect of tamoxifen, emodin, and plumbagin in BRCA1-blocked ER-positive BG-1 ovarian cancer cells. For all three drugs, BRCA1-blocked cells were more sensitive than the corresponding control cells as assessed by MTT assay; however, only plumbagin showed a statistically significant difference in mean viability (P < 0.05). All three drugs induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)), nuclear condensation, DNA fragmentation, and morphological changes, as observed after 6 h of drug treatment, suggesting apoptosis induction in both BRCA1-blocked and control cells. However, apoptosis induction was greater in BRCA1-blocked cells, the efficacy being in the order of plumbagin > tamoxifen > emodin. The dose of plumbagin needed to kill 50% was 5 microM in the control cells and 2.68 microM for the BRCA1-blocked cells, indicating that the latter was about twofold more sensitive to plumbagin than the wild-type cells. This throws light on the fact that plumbagin may have chemotherapeutic potential as an anticancer agent in BRCA1-mutated ovarian cancer patients.

Plumbagin induces reactive oxygen species, which mediate apoptosis in human cervical cancer cells.

There is an emerging evidence that plumbagin (5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1, 4-naphthoquinone) may have potential as a chemotherapeutic agent. However, the growth inhibitory mechanisms of plumbagin have remained unexplored. The aim of the study was to determine whether plumbagin-induced cell death in human cervical cancer cell line, ME-180, exhibited biochemical characteristics of apoptosis and to check whether N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), which is a free radical scavenger, can reverse the cytotoxic effects of plumbagin. It can be concluded from the results that plumbagin inhibits the growth of ME-180 cells in a concentration and time-dependent manner. The cytotoxic effect of plumbagin induced cell death is through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subsequent induction of apoptosis as demonstrated by the present data. Treatment of cells with plumbagin caused loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)), and morphological changes characteristic of apoptosis, such as the translocation of phosphatidyl serine, nuclear condensation, and DNA fragmentation. Moreover, plumbagin-induced apoptosis involved release of mitochondrial cytochrome c and apoptosis inducing factor (AIF), thus activation of caspase-dependent and -independent pathways, as shown by the plumbagin-mediated activation of caspase-3 and -9. Our results also show that pretreatment of ME-180 cells with NAC blocks plumbagin-induced loss of DeltaPsi(m) and subsequent release of cytochrome c, AIF, and caspase-9 and -3 activation, thus inhibiting the apoptotic ability of plumbagin.