Anthocyanins Derived from Vitis coignetiae Pulliat Contributes Anti-Cancer Effects by Suppressing NF-κB Pathways in Hep3B Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells and In Vivo.

We previously demonstrated that anthocyanins from the fruits of Vitis coignetiae Pulliat (AIMs) induced the apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. However, many researchers argued that the concentrations of AIMs were too high for in vivo experiments. Therefore, we performed in vitro at lower concentrations and in vivo experiments for the anti-cancer effects of AIMs. AIMs inhibited the cell proliferation of Hep3B cells in a dose-dependent manner with a maximum concentration of 100 µg/mL. AIMs also inhibited the invasion and migration at 100 µg/mL concentration with or without the presence of TNF-α. To establish the relevance between the in vitro and in vivo results, we validated their effects in a Xenograft model of Hep3B human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. In the in vivo test, AIMs inhibited the tumorigenicity of Hep3B cells in the xenograft mouse model without showing any clinical signs of toxicity or any changes in the body weight of mice. AIMs inhibited the activation NF-κB and suppressed the NF-κB-regulated proteins, intra-tumoral microvessel density (IMVD) and the Ki67 activity of Hep3B xenograft tumors in athymic nude mice. In conclusion, this study indicates that AIMs have anti-cancer effects (inhibition of proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis) on human hepatocellular carcinoma xenograft through the inhibition of NF-κB and its target protein.

Lonicera japonica Thunb. Induces caspase-dependent apoptosis through death receptors and suppression of AKT in U937 human leukemic cells.

Decoctions obtained from the dried flowers of Lonicera japonica Thunb. (Indongcho) have been utilized in folk remedies against inflammatory diseases. Recently, many agents that have used for inflammatory diseases are showing anticancer effects. Here, we have isolated polyphenols extracted from lyophilized Lonicera japonica Thunb (PELJ) and investigated the anticancer effects of PELJ on U937 cells. Here, we demonstrated that PELJ induced apoptosis by upregulation of DR4 and Fas, and further it is augmented by suppression of XIAP. In addition, The PELJ-induced apoptosis is at least in part by blocking PI3K/Akt pathway. These findings suggest that PELJ may provide evidence of anticancer activities on U937 cells. Further study for detailed mechanism and the effects on animal models is warranted to determine whether PELJ provide more conclusive evidence that PELJ which may provide a beneficial effect for treating cancer.

Flavonoids Isolated from Flowers of Lonicera japonica Thunb. Inhibit Inflammatory Responses in BV2 Microglial Cells by Suppressing TNF-α and IL-ß Through PI3K/Akt/NF-kb Signaling Pathways.

Decoctions of the dried flowers of Lonicera japonica Thunb. (Indongcho) have been utilized in folk remedies against various inflammatory diseases, and it is reported neuroprotective effects. The cytokines release from microglia is closely linked to various chronic neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. It is still unknown whether the neuroprotective effects are associated with the antiinflammatory effects. Here, we determined whether polyphenols extracted from lyophilized Lonicera japonica Thunb. (PELJ) would inhibit inflammatory cytokines and mediators. We stimulated microglia with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to produce inflammatory cytokines, and then assessed the effects of PELJ on these cytokines. PELJ significantly inhibited LPS-induced interleukin-1ß and tumor necrosis factor-α expressions and LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 expressions by down-regulating inducible enzyme NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 at the protein and mRNA levels. All the suppression of these mediators did not cause any significant cytotoxicity. PELJ also inhibited the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B and phosphorylated Akt. These findings suggest that PELJ may offer substantial therapeutic potential for treating inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines through inhibiting phosphoinositol 3-kinase /Akt/nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Polyphenols from Artemisia annua L Inhibit Adhesion and EMT of Highly Metastatic Breast Cancer Cells MDA-MB-231.

Recent evidence suggests that polyphenolic compounds from plants have anti-invasion and anti-metastasis capabilities. The Korean annual weed, Artemisia annua L., has been used as a folk medicine for treatment of various diseases. Here, we isolated and characterized polyphenols from Korean A. annua L (pKAL). We investigated anti-metastatic effects of pKAL on the highly metastatic MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells especially focusing on cancer cell adhesion to the endothelial cell and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Firstly, pKAL inhibited cell viability of MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent manner, but not that of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (ECs). Polyphenols from Korean A. annua L inhibited the adhesion of MDA-MB-231 cells to ECs through reducing vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression of MDA-MB-231 and ECs, but not intracellular adhesion molecule-1 at the concentrations where pKAL did not influence the cell viability of either MDA-MB-231 cells nor EC. Further, pKAL inhibited tumor necrosis factor-activated MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell invasion through inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 and EMT. Moreover, pKAL inhibited phosphorylation of Akt, but not that of protein kinase C. These results suggest that pKAL may serve as a therapeutic agent against cancer metastasis at least in part by inhibiting the cancer cell adhesion to ECs through suppression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and invasion through suppression of EMT. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Polyphenols from Korean prostrate spurge Euphorbia supina induce apoptosis through the Fas-associated extrinsic pathway and activation of ERK in human leukemic U937 cells.

The Korean prostrate spurge Euphorbia supina (Euphorbiaceae family) has been used as a folk medicine in Korea against a variety of ailments such as bronchitis, hemorrhage, jaundice and multiple gastrointestinal diseases. Polyphenols from Korean E. supina (PES) which include quercetin and kaempferol derivatives have anticancer properties. Hence, we investigated the anticancer effects of PES on U937 human leukemic cells. Firstly, PES significantly inhibited the proliferation of U937 cells in a dose-dependent manner. PES induced accumulation of the sub-G1 DNA content (apoptotic cell population), apoptotic bodies and chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation in the U937 cells. PES also induced activation of caspase-3, -8 and -9, subsequent cleavage of PARP, and significantly suppressed XIAP, cIAP-1 and cIAP-2 in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, PES activated Bid, and induced the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP, ΔΨm) along with upregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax and Bad), and downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL) and cytochrome c release. The Fas receptor was upregulated by PES in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that the extrinsic pathway was also involved in the PES-induced apoptosis. Moreover, the PES-induced apoptosis was at least in part associated with extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation in the U937 human leukemic cells. This study provides evidence that PES may be useful in the treatment of leukemia.

Polyphenol mixtures of Euphorbia supina the inhibit invasion and metastasis of highly metastatic breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells.

The Korean prostrate spurge Euphorbia supina is abundant in polyphenols and has been used as a folk medicine in Korea against a variety of diseases. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effect of polyphenol mixtures of Korean Euphorbia supina (PES) on the invasion and metastasis of highly metastatic breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. Firstly, PES showed no cytotoxicity on cancer cells and endothelial cells (ECs) at the doses of 0.1-10 µg/ml, but showed significant cytotoxicity from 50 µg/ml. Thus, we performed subsequent experiments with PES at doses up to 5 µg/ml. PES dose­dependently suppressed epithelial-mesenchymal transition by downregulating the mesenchymal markers, Snail1 and N-cadherin, showing significant inhibition from 1 and 5 µg/ml, respectively. In addition, PES significantly inhibited MMP-9 activity and LOX release induced by TNF-α at 5 µg/ml. Then, we determined the effect of PES on the expression of adhesion molecules and VE-cadherin phosphorylation. The results showed that PES effectively reduced TNF-α-mediated VCAM-1 expression but not ICAM expression both in the MDA-MB-231 cells and ECs, resulting in the reduced adhesion of MDA-MB-231 to ECs. Finally, PES effectively inhibited MDA-MB-231 cell invasion through ECs, suggesting that PES may serve as a therapeutic agent against cancer metastasis with minimal cytotoxicity to normal cells.

Pachymic Acid Induces Apoptosis of EJ Bladder Cancer Cells by DR5 Up-Regulation, ROS Generation, Modulation of Bcl-2 and IAP Family Members.

Pachymic acid (PA) is a lanostane-type triterpenoid derived from Poria cocos mushroom that possess various biological effects such as anti-cancer, antiinflammatory and anti-metastasis effects. In this study, we investigated the anti-cancer effects of PA in EJ bladder cancer cells. The results showed that PA significantly inhibited proliferation of EJ cells in a dose-dependent manner. PA induced accumulation of sub-G1 DNA content (apoptotic cell population), apoptotic bodies and chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation in EJ cells in a dose-dependent manner. PA also induces activation of caspase-3, -8 and -9, and subsequent cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, and significantly suppressed the inhibitor of apoptosis protein family proteins in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, PA activates Bid and induced the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm ) with up-regulated pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax and Bad), down-regulated anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL) and cytochrome c release. In turn, PA increased the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS); also, the ROS production was blocked by N-acetyl-L-cysteine. The expressions of TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand and death receptor 5 were up-regulated by PA in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting extrinsic pathway also involved in PA-induced apoptosis. This study provides evidence that PA might be useful in the treatment of human bladder cancer.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of 3-(4'-Hydroxyl-3',5'-Dimethoxyphenyl)Propionic Acid, an Active Component of Korean Cabbage Kimchi, in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated BV2 Microglia.

We investigated the protective ability of 3-(4'-hydroxyl-3',5'-dimethoxyphenyl)propionic acid (HDMPPA), an active principle in Korean cabbage kimchi, against the production of proinflammatory mediators and cytokines, and the mechanisms involved in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. HDMPPA significantly suppressed the production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2, along with the expression of inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells, at concentrations with no cytotoxicity. HDMPPA also attenuated the LPS-induced expression and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1ß. Furthermore, HDMPPA inhibited LPS-induced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation, which was associated with the abrogation of IκB-α degradation and phosphorylation, and subsequent decreases in NF-κB p65 levels. Moreover, the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and Akt, a downstream molecule of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells was suppressed markedly by HDMPPA. This effect was associated with a significant reduction in the formation of intracellular reactive oxygen species. The findings in this study suggest that HDMPPA may exert anti-inflammatory responses by suppressing LPS-induced expression of proinflammatory mediators and cytokines through blockage of NF-κB, MAPKs, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways and oxidative stress in microglia.

Flavonoids from Orostachys japonicus A. Berger induces caspase-dependent apoptosis at least partly through activation of p38 MAPK pathway in U937 human leukemic cells.

BACKGROUND: Orostachys japonicus A. Berger (A. Berger) is commonly used as a folk remedy for cancer therapy. However, the mechanisms of its anti-cancer activity are poorly investigated in human cancer cells. In this study, we investigated whether flavonoids extracted from Orostachys japonicus A. Berger (FEOJ) might have anticancer effects in human leukemia cells, focusing on cell death mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: U937 human leukemic cancer cells were used. RESULTS: FEOJ induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in human U937 cancer cells. Flow cytometry revealed significant accumulation of cells with sub-G1 DNA content at the concentrations of 200 µg/mL and 400 µg/mL. FEOJ-induced apoptosis was caspase-dependent through loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP, ΔΨm) in human U937 cancer cells, which might be associated with suppression of Bcl-2 and XIAP proteins. FEOJ induced the p38 MAPK signaling pathway, playing at least in part an important role in FEOJ-induced apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested that FEOJ may induce caspase-dependent apoptosis in human leukemic cells by regulating MMP (ΔΨm) through suppressing Bcl-2 and X-IAP. In addition, the results indicated that upstream p38 MAPK signaling regulates the apoptotic effect of FEOJ. This study provides evidence that FEOJ might have anti-cancer potential for human leukemic cells.

Induction of apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 human breast carcinoma cells with an ethanol extract of Cyperus rotundus L. by activating caspases.

Cyperus rotundus L. belongs to the Cyperaceae family and is a well documented traditional medicinal herb. Its rhizome has been reported to possess wide spectrum pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the anticancer activity have not been elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the pro-apoptotic effects of C. rotundu rhizomes in a human breast carcinoma MDA-MB-231 cell model. Treatment of MDA-MB-231 cells with an ethanol extract of C. rotundu rhizomes (EECR) and a methanol extract of C. rotundu rhizomes (MECR), but not a water extract of C. rotundu rhizomes, resulted in potent antiproliferative activity. The activity of the EECR was higher than that of the MECR and was associated with the induction of apoptosis. The induction of apoptosis by the EECR was associated with upregulation of death receptor 4 (DR4), DR5 and pro-apoptotic Bax, as well as downregulation of anti-apoptotic survivin and Bcl-2. EECR treatment also downregulated Bid expression and activated caspase-8 and -9, the respective initiator caspases of the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways. The increase in mitochondrial membrane depolarization was correlated with activation of effector caspase-3 and cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, a vital substrate of activated caspase-3. Blockage of caspase activation by pretreatment with a pan-caspase inhibitor consistently inhibited apoptosis and abrogated growth inhibition in EECR-treated MDA-MB-231 cells. Although reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased following treatment with the EECR, inhibiting ROS with a ROS scavenger did not attenuate EECR-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways failed to reverse EECR-induced apoptosis and growth inhibition. These results suggest that the pro-apoptotic activity of the EECR may be regulated by a caspase-dependent cascade through activation of both intrinsic and extrinsic signaling pathways that is not associated with ROS generation or the PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways.

Morin, a flavonoid from Moraceae, suppresses growth and invasion of the highly metastatic breast cancer cell line MDA-MB­231 partly through suppression of the Akt pathway.

Morin, a flavonoid found in figs and other Moraceae, displays a variety of biological actions, such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic. However, the anticancer effects of morin and in particular its anti-metastatic effects are not well known. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the anticancer effects of morin on highly metastatic human breast cancer cells. Our results showed that morin significantly inhibited the colony forming ability of highly metastatic MDA-MB­231 breast cancer cells from low doses (50 µM) without cytotoxicity. In addition, morin changed MDA-MB­231 cell morphology from mesenchymal shape to epithelial shape and inhibited the invasion of MDA-MB­231 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Morin decreased matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) secretion and expression of the mesenchymal marker N-cadherin of MDA-MB­231 cells, suggesting that morin might suppress the EMT process. Furthermore, morin significantly decreased the phosphorylation of Akt, and inhibition of the Akt pathway significantly reduced MDA-MB­231 invasion. In an in vivo xenograft mouse model, morin suppressed MDA-MB­231 cancer cell progression. Taken together, our findings suggest that morin exhibits an inhibitory effect on the cancer progression and EMT process of highly metastatic breast cancer cells at least in part through inhibiting Akt activation. This study provides evidence that morin may have anticancer effects against metastatic breast cancer.

Flavonoids from Citrus unshiu Marc. inhibit cancer cell adhesion to endothelial cells by selective inhibition of VCAM-1.

Citrus fruits have been used as edible fruit and a component of traditional medicine for various diseases including cancer since ancient times. Herein, we investigated the anticancer activity of flavonoids of Citrus unshiu Marc. (FCM) focusing on anti-metastatic effects. We prepared FCM and performed experiments using MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. FCM inhibited TNF-induced cancer cell adhesion to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) without showing any toxicity. FCM inhibited the expression of VCAM-1, but not of ICAM-1, on MDA-MB-231 cells as well as HUVECs. FCM inhibited protein kinase C (PKC) phosphorylation, but not Akt phosphorylation. FCM also inhibited cancer cell invasion in a dose-dependent manner, but not MMP-9 expression. In conclusion, this study suggested that FCM inhibits TNF-induced cancer cell adhesion to HUVECs by inhibiting VCAM-1 through inhibition of PKC, providing evidence that FCM have anti-metastatic activity by inhibiting adhesion molecules and invasion on human breast cancer cells.

Polyphenols isolated from Allium cepa L. induces apoptosis by suppressing IAP-1 through inhibiting PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in human leukemic cells.

Allium cepa Linn is commonly used as supplementary folk remedy for cancer therapy. Evidence suggests that Allium extracts have anti-cancer properties. However, the mechanisms of the anti-cancer activity of A. cepa Linn are not fully elucidated in human cancer cells. In this study, we investigated anti-cancer effects of polyphenols extracted from lyophilized A. cepa Linn (PEAL) in human leukemia cells and their mechanisms. PEAL inhibited cancer cell growth by inducing caspase-dependent apoptosis. The apoptosis was suppressed by caspase 8 and 9 inhibitors. PEAL also up-regulated TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) receptor DR5 and down-regulated survivin and cellular inhibitor of apoptosis 1 (cIAP-1). We confirmed these findings in other leukemic cells (THP-1, K562 cells). In addition, PEAL suppressed Akt activity and the PEAL-induced apoptosis was significantly attenuated in Akt-overexpressing U937 cells. In conclusion, our data suggested that PEAL induced caspase-dependent apoptosis in several human leukemic cells including U937 cells. The apoptosis was triggered through extrinsic pathway by up-regulating DR5 modulating as well as through intrinsic pathway by modulating IAP family members. In addition, PEAL induces caspase-dependent apoptosis at least in part through the inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway. This study provides evidence that PEAL might be useful for the treatment of leukemia.

Anthocyanins from Vitis coignetiae Pulliat Inhibit Cancer Invasion and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, but These Effects Can Be Attenuated by Tumor Necrosis Factor in Human Uterine Cervical Cancer HeLa Cells.

Recently we have demonstrated that anthocyanins from fruits of Vitis coignetiae Pulliat (AIMs) have anticancer effects. Here, we investigate the effects of AIMs on cell proliferation and invasion as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) which have been linked to cancer metastasis in human uterine cervical cancer HeLa cells. AIMs inhibited the invasion of HeLa cells in a dose-dependent manner. AIMs inhibited MMP-9 expression in a dose-dependent manner. AIMs inhibited the motility of HeLa cells in a wound healing test. AIMs still suppressed NF- κ B activation induced by TNF. AIMs also inhibited EMT in HeLa cells. AIMs suppressed vimentin, N-cadherin, and ß-catenin expression and induced E-cadherin. AIMs also suppressed expression of ß-catenin and Snail, which was regulated by GSK-3. These effects of AIMs were also limited in the HeLa cells treated with TNF. In conclusion, this study indicates that AIMs have anticancer effects by suppressing NF- κ B-regulated genes and EMT, which relates to suppression of I κ B α phosphorylation and GSK-3 activity, respectively. However, the effects of AIMs were attenuated in the TNF-high condition.

Citrus aurantium L. exhibits apoptotic effects on U937 human leukemia cells partly through inhibition of Akt.

Citrus fruits have been used as edible fruits and a traditional medicine since ancient times. In particular, the peels of immature citrus fruits are frequently prescribed in concert with other support herbs for many types of disease including cancer. We investigated the anti-proliferative activity of the peels of Citrus aurantium L. along with their effects on apoptosis. We prepared crude methanol extracts of the peels of Citrus aurantium L. (CMEs) and performed experiments using U937 human leukemia cells. The growth of U937 cells was inhibited by CME treatment in a dose-dependent manner, and CME induced caspase-dependent apoptosis. CME inhibited the expression of XIAP and Bcl-xL which are anti-apoptotic proteins. CME inhibited Akt activity in a dose-dependent manner. The apoptotic activity of CME was significantly attenuated by Akt augmentation. In conclusion, this study suggested that CME should induce caspase-dependent apoptosis at least in part through Akt inhibition, providing evidence that CMEs have anticancer activity on human leukemia cells.

Suppressive Effect on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Proinflammatory Mediators by Citrus aurantium L. in Macrophage RAW 264.7 Cells via NF-κB Signal Pathway.

Citrus fruits have been used as an edible fruit and a traditional medicine since ancient times. In particular, the peels of immature citrus fruits are used widely in traditional herbal medicine in Korea, as they are believed to contain bioactive components exerting anti-inflammatory activity. This study examined whether the crude methanol extract of Citrus aurantium L. (CME) has a suppressive effect on inducible enzymes and proinflammatory cytokines by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway in LPS-stimulated macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. The cells were pretreated with the indicated concentrations of CME (5, 10, 20, and 50 µg/mL) and then treated with LPS (1 µg/mL). The results showed that CME (10, 20, and 50 µg/mL) inhibited the LPS- (1 µg/mL) induced mRNA and protein expression of iNOS in macrophage Raw 264.7 cells. In addition, the expression of COX-2 was inhibited at the mRNA and protein levels by CME in a dose-dependent manner. The mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6, were markedly reduced by CME (10, 20, and 50 µg/mL). Moreover, CME clearly suppressed the nuclear translocation of the NF-κB p65 subunits, which was correlated with its inhibitory effect on I-κB phosphorylation. These results suggest that CME has anti-inflammatory properties by modulating the expression of COX-2, iNOS, and proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6, in macrophage RAW 264.7 cells via the NF-κB pathway.

Induction of apoptosis in human colon cancer HCT-116 cells by anthocyanins through suppression of Akt and activation of p38-MAPK.

Anthocyanins belong to a class of flavonoids that exhibit important anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory actions as well as chemotherapeutic effects. However, little is known concerning the molecular mechanisms by which these activities are exerted. In this study, we investigated the anthocyanins isolated from Vitis coignetiae Pulliat for their potential anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects on human colon cancer HCT-116 cells. These anthocyanins inhibited cell viability and induce apoptotic cell death of HCT-116 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The apoptotic cell death was caspase-dependent and the anthocyanins regulated anti-apoptotic proteins (IAPs). In addition, apoptosis was associated with activation of p38-MAPK and suppression of Akt. In conclusion, this study suggests that the anthocyanins isolated from Vitis coignetiae Pulliat induce apoptosis might at least in part through activating p38-MAPK and suppressing Akt in human colon cancer HCT-116 cells.

Anti-invasive activity of anthocyanins isolated from Vitis coignetiae in human hepatocarcinoma cells.

We investigated anti-invasive effects of the anthocyanins from fruits of Vitis coignetiae Pulliat (known as meoru in Korea) on human hepatoma Hep3B cells. The anthocyanins inhibited cell invasion in a dose-dependent manner as measured by Matrigel (BD Biosciences, San Jose, CA, USA) invasion assays. They also inhibited expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 and activation of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) stimulated by tumor necrosis factor alpha. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that the anthocyanins isolated from fruits of V. coignetiae Pulliat have anti-invasive effects on human hepatoma Hep3B cells and inhibit MMP-2 and MMP-9 gene expression at least in part through the inhibition of NF-kappaB activation.

Induction of apoptosis by linoleic acid is associated with the modulation of Bcl-2 family and Fas/FasL system and activation of caspases in AGS human gastric adenocarcinoma cells.

In this study, we investigated the effects of linoleic acid (LA), a polyunsaturated fatty acid found in most vegetable oils and certain food products, on the growth of AGS human gastric adenocarcinoma cells. LA treatment resulted in a concentration-dependent growth inhibition of AGS cells by inducing apoptosis, as evidenced by the formation of apoptotic bodies, chromatin condensation, and the accumulation cells in the sub-G1 phase. LA treatment induced cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 in a p53-independent manner; however, this compound did not affect the cell cycle distribution. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses showed that treating the cells with LA caused the up-regulation of pro-apoptotic Bax expression and the down-regulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression. The apoptosis of AGS cells by LA was found to be associated with an elevated Fas and Fas ligand expression in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, a proteolytic activation of caspases (3, 8, and 9), and degradation/cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and phospholipase C-gamma 1 protein were noted in LA-treated AGS cells. The present results indicate that the Fas/Fas ligand pathway might be involved in LA-induced apoptosis of AGS cells.

Water extract of Cordyceps militaris enhances maturation of murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells in vitro.

Water extract (WE) of Cordyceps militaris has been reported to produce antitumor and immunomodulatory activities in vivo and in vitro. However, the therapeutic mechanism has not been known. In this study, we investigated whether water extract of C. militaris induces the phenotypic and functional maturation of dendritic cells (DC). It profoundly increased CD40, CD54, CD80, CD86, and MHC class II expression in murine bone marrow (BM)-derived myeloid DC. Endocytosis was assessed by the uptake of FITC-dextran and FITC-albumin. The ability of unstimulated DC (UT-DC) to uptake dextran and albumin was higher than that of WE- or LPS-stimulated DC (LPS-DC). Also, UT-DC secreted a low concentration of IL-12, while WE- or LPS-DC secreted higher levels of IL-12 than UT-DC. WE not only formed morphologically mature DC and clusters, but also induced predominantly functional maturation. Moreover, WE is shown to promote the cytotoxicity of specific-cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) induced by DC which were pulsed with P815 tumor-lysate during the stage of antigen presentation. These results suggest that DC maturation by WE can play a critical role in the improvement of the immunoregulatory function in patients with impaired host defense.