Piperine Improves Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) in Lewis Rats Through its Neuroprotective, Anti-inflammatory, and Antioxidant Effects.

Inflammation, demyelination, glial activation, and oxidative damage are the most pathological hallmarks of multiple sclerosis (MS). Piperine, a main bioactive alkaloid of black pepper, possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties whose therapeutic potential has been less studied in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models. In this study, the efficiency of piperine on progression of EAE model and myelin repair mechanisms was investigated. EAE was induced in female Lewis rats and piperine and its vehicle were daily administrated intraperitoneally from day 8 to 29 post immunization. We found that piperine alleviated neurological deficits and EAE disease progression. Luxol fast blue and H&E staining and immunostaining of lumbar spinal cord cross sections confirmed that piperine significantly reduced the extent of demyelination, inflammation, immune cell infiltration, microglia, and astrocyte activation. Gene expression analysis in lumbar spinal cord showed that piperine treatment decreased the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß) and iNOS and enhanced IL-10, Nrf2, HO-1, and MBP expressions. Piperine supplementation also enhanced the total antioxidant capacity (FRAP) and reduced the level of oxidative stress marker (MDA) in the CNS of EAE rats. Finally, we found that piperine has anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective effect in EAE through reducing caspase-3 (apoptosis marker) and enhancing BDNF and NeuN expressing cells. This study strongly indicates that piperine has a beneficial effect on the EAE progression and could be considered as a potential therapeutic target for MS treatment. Upcoming clinical trials will provide a deeper understanding of piperine's role for the treatment of the MS.

Effect of weimaining on apoptosis and Caspase-3 expression in a breast cancer mouse model.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Weimaining (WMN) is a condensed Tannin compound extracted from Fagopyrum cymosum (Trevir.) Meisn., which comes from the roots of buckwheat, a type of Chinese herbal medicine, was first recorded in "Bencao Shiyi". WMN has inhibitory effects on multiple cancer types and is widely used in clinical practice; however, the mechanism underlying the anti-tumor effect of WMN is still unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the effect of WMN on the cellular activity and apoptosis of mouse breast cancer 4T1-luc2 cells, and caspase-3 and cleaved-caspase-3 expression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Luciferase-labeled mouse breast cancer 4T1-luc2 cells were inoculated into the mouse breast pad to establish a luciferase-labeled mouse breast cancer cell model. BALB/C-nu mice were randomly divided into model, WMN, and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) groups (n = 10). Another 10 mice served as the normal control group (no cancer cell injection). The WMN group was administered WMN 250 mg/kg per day for 14 days, the LMWH group was given LMWH (1500 U/kg) daily for 14 days by intraperitoneal injection, and the model and normal control groups were given an equal dose of 0.9% NaCl. The number and distribution of transplanted tumors in 4T1-luc2 breast cancer cells were observed in nude mice by an in vivo imaging system at the time of inoculation after successful modeling, and on days 7 and 14 after drug administration. Tumor cell apoptosis was detected by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) method; caspase-3 mRNA expression was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting was applied to detect the levels of caspase-3 and cleaved-caspase-3 protein expression. RESULTS: The apoptosis index (AI) of the WMN group was detected by the TUNEL method, and the AI increased with the increase of treatment time. Compared with the model group, the mRNA expression of caspase-3 and the protein levels of caspase-3 and cleaved-caspase-3 were notably elevated in the WMN group. After in vivo bioluminescent imaging, the total photon number of the WMN group was found to be lower than that of the LWMH group on day 14 after administration. Additionally, the AI and expression levels of caspase-3 mRNA, caspase-3, and cleaved-caspase-3 protein of the WMN group were higher than those of the LWMH group. CONCLUSION: WMN can effectively suppress the growth of 4T1-luc2 breast cancer xenografts in mice, and promote the apoptosis of breast cancer cells by upregulating the expression of caspase-3.

Inhaled H2 or CO2 Do Not Augment the Neuroprotective Effect of Therapeutic Hypothermia in a Severe Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy Piglet Model.

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is still a major cause of neonatal death and disability as therapeutic hypothermia (TH) alone cannot afford sufficient neuroprotection. The present study investigated whether ventilation with molecular hydrogen (2.1% H2) or graded restoration of normocapnia with CO2 for 4 h after asphyxia would augment the neuroprotective effect of TH in a subacute (48 h) HIE piglet model. Piglets were randomized to untreated naïve, control-normothermia, asphyxia-normothermia (20-min 4%O2-20%CO2 ventilation; Tcore = 38.5 °C), asphyxia-hypothermia (A-HT, Tcore = 33.5 °C, 2-36 h post-asphyxia), A-HT + H2, or A-HT + CO2 treatment groups. Asphyxia elicited severe hypoxia (pO2 = 19 ± 5 mmHg) and mixed acidosis (pH = 6.79 ± 0.10). HIE development was confirmed by altered cerebral electrical activity and neuropathology. TH was significantly neuroprotective in the caudate nucleus but demonstrated virtually no such effect in the hippocampus. The mRNA levels of apoptosis-inducing factor and caspase-3 showed a ~10-fold increase in the A-HT group compared to naïve animals in the hippocampus but not in the caudate nucleus coinciding with the region-specific neuroprotective effect of TH. H2 or CO2 did not augment TH-induced neuroprotection in any brain areas; rather, CO2 even abolished the neuroprotective effect of TH in the caudate nucleus. In conclusion, the present findings do not support the use of these medical gases to supplement TH in HIE management.

Evaluation of male infertility treatment following Rhus coriaria extract administration on rats exposed to morphine.

Morphine is the most common analgesic drug that is widely used in post-operative interventions. This drug causes free radical accumulation leading to spermatogenesis failure. Antioxidant agents like Sumach (Rhus coriaria) neutralize cellular free radicals. In this study, the properties of antioxidative, modulative of inflammatory cytokines, and apoptotic genes following Sumach extract administration on morphine-induced fertility destruction in male Wistar rats was evaluated. Sixty-four animals were grouped (n = 8) including; 1: control, 2: morphine, 3-5: Sumach (200, 400, 800 mg/kg), and 6-8: morphine + Sumach. Hydroalcoholic extract of Sumach seeds was prepared. Treatments with Sumach extract were applied orally and intraperitoneally daily for 8 weeks. The P53, Bcl2 and caspase-3 genes expression were measured by real-time PCR. Cytokines involved in inflammation were evaluated by ELISA. Sperm parameters, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), testosterone, and germinal layer height (GLH) were assessed. All parameters (investigated in this study) in Morphine group reduced significantly than the control group (P ˂ 0.01) (except P53 and caspase-3 genes expression and inflammatory cytokine which were improved). All factors in Sumach and Sumach + Morphine groups were significantly enhanced compared to the Morphine group (P ˂ 0.01) (except P53 and caspase-3 genes expression and inflammatory cytokine which were declined). Morphine disrupted the physiological function of male fertility system. Besides, all doses of Sumach showed no therapeutic changes compared to the control group. Sumach with anti-infertility features compensates the toxic effect of Morphine administration.

Antitumor activity of ginsenoside Rd in gastric cancer via up-regulation of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9.

Ginsenoside Rd (GS-Rd), isolated from the Chinese traditional herbal medicine Panax ginseng, is used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, different body pains, and trauma. Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 belong to cysteine aspartic acid specific protease (Caspase) family that plays an important role in apoptosis progression of cancers. In the present study, we investigated the anti-tumor effect of GS-Rd by MTT assay, colony formation assessment, flow cytometry, and Western blotting. Our results revealed that ginsenoside Rd significantly inhibits human gastric cancer (GC) growth and cell proliferation. Flow cytometer analysis showed that the GS-Rd could significantly induce apoptosis and arrest the G0/G1 phase in GC cells. Further, GS-Rd was found to increase the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and the expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9, respectively, and to decrease the expression of Cyclin D1. Taken together, our study suggests that GS-Rd significantly inhibits GC cell proliferation, induces cell apoptosis through increase the expression of Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2. GS-Rd also induces cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase by down-regulation Cyclin D1. Thus, GS-Rd could serve as a lead to develop novel therapeutic agents to against human gastric cancer.

Amiloride Alleviates Neurological Deficits Following Transient Global Ischemia and Engagement of Central IL-6 and TNF-α Signal.

BACKGROUND: Central pro-inflammatory cytokine (PIC) signal is involved in neurological deficits after transient global ischemia induced by cardiac arrest (CA). The present study was to examine if blocking acid sensing ion channels (ASICs) using amiloride in the Central Nervous System can alleviate neurological deficits after the induction of CA and further examine the participation of PIC signal in the hippocampus for the effects of amiloride. METHODS: CA was induced by asphyxia and then cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed in rats. Western blot analysis and ELISA were used to determine the protein expression of ASIC subunit ASIC1 in the hippocampus, and the levels of PICs. As noted, it is unlikely that this procedure is clinically used although amiloride and other pharmacological agents were given into the brain in this study. RESULTS: CA increased ASIC1 in the hippocampus of rats in comparison with control animals. This was associated with the increase in IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α together with Caspase-3 and Caspase-9. The administration of amiloride into the lateral ventricle attenuated the upregulation of Caspase-3/Caspase-9 and this further alleviated neurological severity score and brain edema. Inhibition of central IL-6 and TNF-α also decreased ASIC1 in the hippocampus of CA rats. CONCLUSION: Transient global ischemia induced by CA amplifies ASIC1a in the hippocampus likely via PIC signal. Amiloride administered into the Central Nervous System plays a neuroprotective role in the process of global ischemia. Thus, targeting ASICs (i.e., ASIC1a) is suggested for the treatment and improvement of CA-evoked global cerebral ischemia.

Evaluating the role of dithiolane rich fraction of Ferula asafoetida (apiaceae) for its antiproliferative and apoptotic properties: in vitro studies.

Asafoetida resin has been reported for various biological activities but its use has been widely restricted owing to its pungent smell and pool water solubility. AIM: In vitro study of the anticancer potential of microwave-extracted essential oil (EO) of Ferula asafoetida. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The phytochemical investigation and in vitro cytotoxicity assessment was carried out in two human liver cancer cell lines. The expression of NFKB1, TGFB1, TNF, CASP3 was analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Ferula asafoetida EO contains high concentrations of dithiolane, which possess antiproliferative activity in human liver carcinoma cell lines (HepG2 and SK-Hep1) in a dose-dependent manner. The bioactive compounds in F. asafoetida are capable of induction of apoptosis and altered NF-kB and TGF-ß signalling with increase in caspase-3 and TNF-α expression. CONCLUSION: Further elucidation of bioactive molecules and underlying mechanisms could lead to potential intervention in liver cancer in animal models. The safety and efficacy as well as the mode of EO action in animal models would be highly crucial.

Analysis of In Vitro Cyto- and Genotoxicity of Barbatimão Extract on Human Keratinocytes and Fibroblasts.

Barbatimão (Stryphnodendron adstringens, Mart.) is a native Brazilian species used in traditional medicine and some commercial preparations owing to its strong wound-healing activity. However, controversy regarding its use due to safety concerns over the potential genotoxic effect of this plant remains. In order to clarify this issue, the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of barbatimão in vitro on cell viability, DNA damage, and induction of apoptosis in two commercial cell lines of keratinocytes (HaCaT) and fibroblasts (HFF-1) was evaluated. Barbatimão stem bark hydroalcoholic extract (70% ethanol) was obtained and lyophilized for subsequent use in all experiments. The main bioactive molecules quantified by HPLC were gallic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, catechin, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Barbatimão (0.024 to 1.99 mg/mL) was found to decrease cellular mortality as compared to the control group. GEMO assay, a noncellular DNA protocol that uses H2O2-exposed calf thymus DNA, revealed not only a genotoxic effect of barbatimão, but also a potential genoprotective action against H2O2-triggered DNA fragmentation. These results indicated that barbatimão at concentrations of 0.49 and 0.99 mg/mL, which are near to the levels found in commercial preparations, exerted an in vitro genoprotective effect on cells by decreasing the levels of DNA oxidation quantified by 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Gene and protein apoptotic markers, quantified by qRT-PCR (BAX/Bcl-2 genes) and immunoassays (Caspases 3 and 8), respectively, also indicated a decrease in apoptotic events in comparison with control cells. Collectively, the results suggest that barbatimão could exert genoprotective and antiapoptotic effects on human keratinocytes and fibroblasts.

Safflower polysaccharide inhibits the development of tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Safflower polysaccharide (SPS) is one of the most important active components of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), which has been confirmed to have the immune-regulatory function and antitumor effect. This study aimed to explore the effects of safflower polysaccharide (SPS) on tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). METHODS: HN-6 cells were treated with 5 µg/mL cisplatin and various concentrations of SPS (0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.08, 0.16, 0.32, 0.64, and 1.28 mg/mL), and cell proliferation was measured. After treatment with 5 µg/mL cisplatin and 0.64 mg/mL SPS, the induction of apoptosis and the protein and mRNA expression of Bax, Bcl-2, COX-2, and cleaved caspase-3 in HN-6 cells were quantified. In addition, HN-6 cells were implanted into mice to establish an in vivo tumor xenograft model. Animals were randomly assigned to three groups: SPS treatment, cisplatin treatment, and the model group (no treatment). The body weight, tumor volume, and tumor weight were measured, and the expression of the above molecules was determined. RESULTS: SPS treatment (0.02-0.64 mg/mL) for 24-72 h inhibited HN-6 cell proliferation. In addition, 0.64 mg/mL SFP markedly induced apoptosis in HN-6 cells and arrested the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase. Compared with the control group, the expression of Bcl-2 and COX-2 was markedly reduced by SPS treatment, whereas the expression of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 was increased. Moreover, SPS significantly inhibited the growth of the tumor xenograft, with similar changes in the expression of Bcl-2, COX-2, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3 in the tumor xenograft to the in vitro analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that SPS may inhibit TSCC development through regulation of Bcl-2, COX-2, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3 expression.

Flavored Guilu Erxian decoction inhibits the injury of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells induced by cisplatin.

To examine the exact role of flavored Guilu Erxian decoction, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the treatment of cisplatin-induced side-effects in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs). BM-MSCs were isolated from bone marrow collected from SD rats and identified by flow cytometry. Cells were cultivated in MEM alpha medium containing 5% (TCM-L), 10% (TCM-M) and 20% (TCM-H) dosages of flavored Guilu Erxian decoction with or without cisplatin. Cell viability was determined through CCK-8 and thymidine analog 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining assay. Flow cytometry was used to determine cell cycle and apoptosis. The expression of p21 and cleaved-caspase-3 were examined using Western blot assay. The PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway associated proteins, including p-PI3K, p-AKT and p-mTOR, were also examined by Western blot assay. CCK-8 and EdU staining assay demonstrated that cisplatin could inhibit cell proliferation in BM-MSCs in a dose and time dependent manner. Further, cisplatin could induce apoptosis through increasing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, p21 and cleaved-caspase-3 expression. However, these phenomena would be significantly alleviated when adding the serum containing flavored Guilu Erxian decoction. Furthermore, the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway activation could be inhibited by cisplatin in BM-MSCs, while flavored Guilu Erxian decoction treatment successfully abrogated this effect. Combination of flavored Guilu Erxian decoction and cisplatin could reduce the damage to BM-MSCs. This indicates that the flavored Guilu Erxian decoction can enhance the possibility of BM-MSCs repairing and rehabilitating the normal function of injured tissues induced by cisplatin, which could provide a new direction for therapeutic applications.

Induction of Apoptosis in HepaRG Cell Line by Aloe-Emodin through Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species and the Mitochondrial Pathway.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Aloe-emodin (1,8-dihydroxy-3-hydroxymethyl-anthraquinone), an anthraquinone active compounds, is isolated from some traditional medicinal plants such as Rheum palmatum L. and Cassia occidentalis, which induce hepatotoxicity in rats. The aim of this study was to determine potential cytotoxic effects of aloe-emodin on HepaRG cells and to define the underlying mechanism. METHODS: MTT was used to evaluate cell viability. Apoptotic cell death was analyzed via Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were determined by flow cytometry, while the expression of apoptosis-related proteins was determined by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Treatment with aloe-emodin significantly reduced cell viability and induced apoptosis in HepaRG cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. It provoked ROS generation and depolarization of MMP in HepaRG cells when compared with controls. Aloe-emodin dose-dependently increased release of mitochondrial cytochrome c, and levels of Fas, p53, p21, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, as well as activation of caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9, and subsequent cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP). It also induced S-phase cell cycle arrest by increasing the expression of p21 and cyclin E proteins while significantly decreasing the expression of cyclin A and CDK2. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that aloe-emodin inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in HepaRG cells, most probably through a mechanism involving both Fas death pathway and the mitochondrial pathway by generation of ROS. These findings underscore the need for risk assessment of human exposure to aloe-emodin.

Phytol induces ROS mediated apoptosis by induction of caspase 9 and 3 through activation of TRAIL, FAS and TNF receptors and inhibits tumor progression factor Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase in lung carcinoma cell line (A549).

A number of drugs as well as lead molecules are isolated from natural sources. Phytol is one of such lead molecule belongs to terpenes group distributed widely in medicinal plants. In the present work, we investigated the cytotoxic behavior of phytol on human lung carcinoma cells (A549). Phytol was found to cause characteristic apoptotic morphological changes and generation of ROS in A549 cells. The mechanism of phytol involved the activation of TRAIL, FAS and TNF-α receptors along with caspase 9 and 3. In silico molecular docking studies revealed that phytol has a good binding affinity with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), which is known to promote tumor proliferation. The ability of phytol to become potential drug candidate has been revealed from the pharmacokinetic study performed in the present study.

Regulation of DMT1 on autophagy and apoptosis in osteoblast.

Iron overload has recently been associated with the changes in the bone microstructure that occur in osteoporosis. However, the effect of iron overload on osteoblasts is unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the function of divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) in the pathological processes of osteoporosis. Osteoblast hFOB1.19 cells were cultured in medium supplemented with different concentrations (0, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 µmol/L) of ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) as a donor of ferric ions. We used western blotting and immunofluorescence to determine the levels of DMT1 after treatment with FAC. Apoptosis was evaluated by detecting the levels of cleaved caspase 3, BCL2, and BAX with western blotting. Autophagy was evaluated by detecting the levels of LC3 with western blotting and immunofluorescence. Beclin-1 expression was also assessed with western blotting. The autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine was used to determine whether autophagy affects the apoptosis induced by FAC. Our results show that FAC increased the levels of DMT1, upregulated the expression of BCL2, and downregulated the apoptosis-related proteins cleaved caspase 3 and BAX. Both LC3I/LC3II levels and beclin-1 were also increased, indicating that FAC increases the accumulation of autophagosomes in hFOB1.19 cells. FAC-induced autophagy was increased by the apoptosis inhibitor 3-MA but was reduced in DMT1 shRNA hFOB1.19 cells. These results suggest that the increased expression of DMT1 induces iron overload and iron overload induces osteoblast autophagy and apoptosis, thus affecting the pathological processes of osteoporosis. Clarifying the mechanisms underlying the effects of DMT1 will allow the identification of novel targets for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Chemosensitizing Effect of Astragalus Polysaccharides on Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells by Inducing Apoptosis and Modulating Expression of Bax/Bcl-2 Ratio and Caspases.

BACKGROUND Platinum-based chemotherapy is the most effective regimen for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, which presents highly invasive and metastatic activity. However, the dose-related toxicity of chemotherapy agents limits the dose administration. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) is the major active ingredient extracted from Chinese herb Radix Astragali and is proven to be active against carcinomas. We aimed to assess the chemosensitizing effects of Astragalus polysaccharides on nasopharyngeal carcinoma in vitro and in vivo and to explore the underlying mechanism. MATERIAL AND METHODS We used BALB/c nu/nu mice and human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines CNE-1, CNE-2, and SUNE-1. MTT, Annexin V/PI, Western blot analysis, and TUNEL assay were carried out. RESULTS APS significantly promoted anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of cisplatin on nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. APS also enhanced the anti-tumor effects and cisplatin-induced apoptosis in the xenograft model. The level of Bcl-2 decreased, while the levels of Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9 increased in cisplatin combined with APS treatment compared to cisplatin only treatment. The ratio of Bax to Bcl-2 was significantly enhanced by the APS to cisplatin. CONCLUSIONS APS enhanced the anti-proliferative and apoptotic effect of cisplatin by modulating expression of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspases on nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells and in the xenograft model.

Resveratrol enhances the efficacy of sorafenib mediated apoptosis in human breast cancer MCF7 cells through ROS, cell cycle inhibition, caspase 3 and PARP cleavage.

Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment options, breast cancer is one of the main causes of cancer related death among women worldwide. Present study is aimed to preliminarily evaluate our hypothesis that the combination of resveratrol (RSV), a natural antioxidant, and lower dose of sorafenib (SF), a multi-kinase inhibitor and a component of ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2) pathway, would augment apoptosis in human breast cancer MCF7 cells. MCF7 cellexpressions s were treated with RSV, SF and their combination. MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl] -2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) assay, DNA fragmentation assay, Hoechst33342, H2DCFDA (2', 7'-Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate), Rhodamine123 staining, and Western Blot to detect different signaling protein expressions, were conducted to test the hypothesis. Combination of RSV and SF showed higher cytotoxicity on MCF7 cells than their individual treatment. Results from morphology change, Hoechst33342 staining, and DNA fragmentation suggested higher apoptosis data in the combinational treatment. Intracellular ROS (reactive oxygen species) levels, p53 and Bax/Bcl2 expressions, and decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential were also higher in the combinational treatment. Up-regulation of apaf-1, cl. caspase 9, cl. caspase 3 and cl. PARP (poly (ADP-Ribose) polymerase) were also noticed, while the expressions of cyclinD1 and cyclinB1 were decreased in the combinational group. The increase in apoptosis and signaling protein expressions with RSV and SF combinational treatment were increased over time. The combination of RSV and lower dose of SF at 6µM showed enhanced apoptotic activity than SF alone. Therefore, RSV can be considered as a neo-adjuvant to improve SF efficacy in breast cancer treatment.

Gastrodin ameliorates subacute phase cerebral ischemia­reperfusion injury by inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis in rats.

Gastrodin (GAS), which is extracted from the Chinese herbal medicine Gastrodia elata Blume, has long been used to improve stroke, epilepsy, dizziness and dementia. However, the effects and underlying mechanisms of GAS on subacute phase cerebral ischemia­reperfusion (I/R) injury remain unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects and mechanisms of GAS on cerebral I/R injury in rats. The rats were pretreated with GAS by gavage for 7 days followed by I/R surgery, and were then treated with GAS for 7 days after I/R surgery. Neurological deficits were assessed on days 1, 3 and 7 post­cerebral I/R injury. 2,3,5­Triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining was using to measure the infarct volume; morphological alterations were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining under an optical microscope; apoptosis in the hippocampus and cortex was observed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining; and the level of mRNA and protein expression was tested by reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reation and western blot analysis, respectively. GAS markedly attenuated I/R­induced disability and histological damage, alleviated neuronal apoptosis, and reduced the mRNA and protein expression levels of inflammatory and proapoptotic factors, including interleukin­1ß, cyclooxygenase­2, inducible nitric oxide synthase and cleaved caspase­3. These findings suggested that GAS may ameliorate subacute phase cerebral I/R injury by inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis in rats; therefore, GAS may be considered a potential candidate for the treatment of cerebral ischemia.

Neurohormetic responses of quercetin and rutin in a cell line over-expressing the amyloid precursor protein (APPswe cells).

BACKGROUND: Plant secondary metabolites may induce adaptive cellular stress-responses in a variety of cells including neurons at the sub-toxic doses ingested by humans. Such 'neurohormesis' phenomenon, activated by flavonoids such as quercetin or rutin, may involve cell responses driven by modulation of signaling pathways which are responsible for its neuroprotective effects. PURPOSE: We attempt to explore the molecular mechanisms involved in the neurohormetic responses to quercetin and rutin exposure, in a SH-SY5Y cell line which stably overexpresses the amyloid precursor protein (APP) Swedish mutation, based on a biphasic concentration-response relationship for cell viability. METHODS: We examined the impact of both natural compounds, at concentrations in its hormetic range on the following cell parameters: chymotrypsin-like activity of the proteasome system; PARP-1 protein levels and expression and caspase activation; APP processing; and the main endogenous antioxidant enzymes. RESULTS: Proteasome activities following quercetin or rutin treatment were significantly augmented in comparison with non-treated cells. Activity of caspase-3 was significantly attenuated by treatment with quercetin or rutin. Modest increased levels of PARP-1 protein and mRNA transcripts were observed in relation to the mild increase of proteasome activity. Significant reductions of the full-length APP and sAPP protein and APP mRNA levels were related to significant enhancements of α-secretase ADAM-10 protein and mRNA transcripts and significant increases of BACE processing in cells exposed to rutin. Furthermore, quercetin or rutin treatment displayed an overall increase of the four antioxidant enzymes. CONCLUSIONS: The upregulation of the proteasome activity observed upon quercetin or rutin treatment could be afforded by a mild increased of PARP-1. Consequently, targeting the proteasome by quercetin or rutin to enhance its activity in a mild manner could avoid caspase activation. Moreover, it is likely that APP processing of cells upon rutin treatment is mostly driven by the non-amyloidogenic pathway leading to a putative reduction of ßA production. Overall induction of endogenous antioxidant enzymes under quercetin or rutin treatments of APPswe cells might modulate its proteasome activity. We might conclude that quercetin and rutin might exert a neurohormetic cell response affecting various signaling pathways and molecular networks associated with modulation of proteasome function.

Dioscin suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma tumor growth by inducing apoptosis and regulation of TP53, BAX, BCL2 and cleaved CASP3.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy of the liver, occurs frequently in the setting of chronic liver injury. Although multiple therapeutic approaches are available, the prognosis of patients with HCC remains poor. Dioscin is a natural steroid saponin that presents in various plants. The anti-cancer and anti-fibrotic effects have been extensively reported. However, the effect of dioscin on HCC remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the anti-HCC properties of dioscin in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)- 2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) assay was used to analyze the growth inhibition activity of Dioscin in human cell lines, Bel-7402, HepG2, Lovo, and EAhy926. Antitumor activity through induction of apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry using Annexin-V and propidium iodide (PI) staining, laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) analysis with Hochest33342 and PI labeling, and DNA fragmentation analysis. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins tumor protein p53 (TP53), BCL2-associated X protein (BAX), B-Cell CLL/Lymphoma 2 (BCL2) and Caspase 3 (CASP3) was measured by Western blot. Nude mice bearing Bel-7402 were administered intraperitoneally at different doses of dioscin and 5-FU (5-Fluorouracil) treatment was used as a control. Tumor volume and tumor weight of each mouse were then measured. RESULTS: We demonstrated that Dioscin inhibited proliferation of HCC cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Dioscin also significantly induced morphological changes during death by apoptosis and increased DNA damage of Bel-7402 cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that Dioscin displayed anticancer activity via up-regulating expression of TP53, BAX and CASP3 protein, as well as down-regulating BCL2 in Bel-7402 cells. Notably, the in vivo anticancer activity of Dioscin was further assessed and achieved greater inhibition efficiency at the concentration increased to 24mg/kg/day than 5-FU at dose of 10mg/kg/day in nude mice bearing Bel-7402 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Dioscin inhibited tumor growth via inducing apoptosis, which was accompanied by altered expression of apoptotic pathway proteins, such as TP53, BAX, BCL2 and CASP3. Our findings indicate that further evaluation of dioscin as a novel therapeutic approach for HCC is warranted.

Supplementation freeze-thawed media with selenium protect adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells from freeze-thawed induced injury.

Successful freezed-thaw of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) could be a major step in regenerative medicine as well as in the cloning of animal breeds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of selenium on the optimizing of freezed-thaw media in the ADMSCs. ADMSCs were extracted from NMRI mice and purified with positive selection Monoclonal CD105 Antibody (PE) and negative selection Monoclonal CD31 and CD45 Antibody using MACS method as well as differentiation to adipose and bone tissue. ADMSCs were divided into four groups. ADMSCs were freezed-thaw under standard condition with or without the addition of 5 ng/ml selenium to both the cryopreservation and thawing solutions. Frozen cells were thawed after four months and viability and cytotoxicity of the cells were analyzed by the Trypan blue test and MTT assay respectively. RNA was extracted and cDNA was synthesized and the expression of apoptotic genes (P53, Fas, Bax, Caspase3, and Bcl2) was examined using Real time-PCR Rotor gene 2009. This study compares slow and rapid methods of cryopreservation. After thawing, viability of the cells treated with selenium was higher than the control group in rapid and slow cryopreserved ADMSCs. Also, the percentage of living cells in the slow cooling method was considerably more than with the rapid cooling method. After analysis of the results using Real time-PCR, the Bcl2 gene was shown to be expressed in both the rapid and slow cooling methods. In the rapid cooling group in addition to the BCL-2 gene, p53 was also expressed. It appears that selenium prevented the apoptotic genes from expression due to its anti-apoptotic effects. The slow cooling method is better and more optimized for ADMSCs protecting them from oxidative damage to a greater extent compared to the rapid cooling method.

6-gingerol ameliorates gentamicin induced renal cortex oxidative stress and apoptosis in adult male albino rats.

Ginger or Zingiber officinale which is used in traditional medicine has been found to possess antioxidant effect that can control the generation of free radicals. Free radicals are the causes of renal cell degeneration that leads to renal failure in case of gentamicin induced toxicity. This study was done to evaluate the possible protective effects of 6-gingerol as natural antioxidant on gentamicin-induced renal cortical oxidative stress and apoptosis in adult male albino rats. Forty adult male albino rats were used in this study and were randomly divided into four groups, control group; 6-gingerol treated group; gentamicin treated group and protected group (given simultaneous 6-gingerol and gentamicin). At the end of the study, blood samples were drawn for biochemical study. Kidney sections were processed for histological, and immunohistochemical examination for caspase-3 to detect apoptosis and anti heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) to detect oxidative damage. Gentamicin treated rats revealed a highly significant increase in renal function tests, tubular dilatation with marked vacuolar degeneration and desquamation of cells, interstitial hemorrhage and cellular infiltration. Immunohistochemically, gentamicin treated rats showed a strong positive immunoreaction for caspase-3 and anti heat shock protein 47 (HSP47). Protected rats showed more or less normal biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical pictures. In conclusion, co-administration of 6-gingerol during gentamicin 'therapy' has a significant reno-protective effect in a rat model of gentamicin-induced renal damage. It is recommended that administration of ginger with gentamicin might be beneficial in men who receive gentamicin to treat infections.