Far-infrared rays enhance mitochondrial biogenesis and GLUT3 expression under low glucose conditions in rat skeletal muscle cells.

Far-infrared rays (FIR) are known to have various effects on atoms and molecular structures within cells owing to their radiation and vibration frequencies. The present study examined the effects of FIR on gene expression related to glucose transport through microarray analysis in rat skeletal muscle cells, as well as on mitochondrial biogenesis, at high and low glucose conditions. FIR were emitted from a bio-active material coated fabric (BMCF). L6 cells were treated with 30% BMCF for 24 h in medium containing 25 or 5.5 mM glucose, and changes in the expression of glucose transporter genes were determined. The expression of GLUT3 (Slc2a3) increased 2.0-fold (p < 0.05) under 5.5 mM glucose and 30% BMCF. In addition, mitochondrial oxygen consumption and membrane potential (ΔΨm) increased 1.5- and 3.4-fold (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001), respectively, but no significant change in expression of Pgc-1a, a regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, was observed in 24 h. To analyze the relationship between GLUT3 expression and mitochondrial biogenesis under FIR, GLUT3 was down-modulated by siRNA for 72 h. As a result, the ΔΨm of the GLUT3 siRNA-treated cells increased 3.0-fold (p < 0.001), whereas that of the control group increased 4.6-fold (p < 0.001). Moreover, Pgc-1a expression increased upon 30% BMCF treatment for 72 h; an effect that was more pronounced in the presence of GLUT3. These results suggest that FIR may hold therapeutic potential for improving glucose metabolism and mitochondrial function in metabolic diseases associated with insufficient glucose supply, such as type 2 diabetes.

Heritability of telomere length across three generations of Korean families.

BACKGROUND: Leukocyte telomere length (LTL), an indicator of aging, is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors; however, its heritability is unknown. We determined heritability and inheritance patterns of telomere length across three generations of families. METHODS: We analyzed 287 individuals from three generations of 41 Korean families, including newborns, parents, and grandparents. LTL (the ratio of telomere repeat copy number to single gene copy number) was measured by quantitative real-time PCR. We estimated heritability using the SOLAR software maximum-likelihood variance component methods and a pedigree dataset. With adjustment for age and length of marriage, Pearson's partial correlation was performed for spousal pairs. RESULTS: Heritability of LTL was high in all participants (h2 = 0.64). There were no significant differences in correlation coefficients of telomere length between paternal and maternal lines. There was a positive LTL correlation in grandfather-grandmother pairs (r = 0.25, p = 0.03) but not in father-mother pairs. After adjusting for age and length of marriage, the relationship between telomere lengths in grandfathers and grandmothers disappeared. There were inverse correlations between spousal rank differences of telomere length and length of marriage. CONCLUSIONS: LTL is highly heritable without a sex-specific inheritance pattern and may be influenced by a shared environment.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Alnus Sibirica Extract on In Vitro and In Vivo Models.

Alnus sibirica extracts (ASex) have long been used in Oriental medicine to treat various conditions. To provide a scientific basis for this application and the underlying mechanism, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of ASex in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro model was established using human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) treated with inflammatory stimulants (lipopolysaccharide, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-gamma). Lactate dehydrogenase and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction showed that ASex inhibited the increased expression of acute-phase inflammatory cytokines. The in vivo model was established by inducing skin inflammation in NC/Nga mice via the repeated application of house dust mite (HDM) ointment to the ears and back of the mice for eight weeks. HDM application increased the severity of skin lesions, eosinophil/mast cell infiltration, and serum immunoglobulin E levels, which were all significantly decreased by ASex treatment, demonstrating the same degree of protection as hydrocortisone. Overall, ASex showed excellent anti-inflammatory effects both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting its potential as an excellent candidate drug to reduce skin inflammation.

Alnus Sibirica Extracts Suppress the Expression of Inflammatory Cytokines Induced by Lipopolysaccharides, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, and Interferon-γ in Human Dermal Fibroblasts.

The effects of Alnus sibirica (AS) extracts on cytokine expression induced by inflammatory stimulants were examined in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and RAW264.7 cells. The anti-oxidative effect and effect on cell viability of AS extracts were evaluated, and four extracts with the highest anti-oxidative effects were selected. HDFs and RAW264.7 cells were treated with inflammatory stimulants, and the expression of cytokines involved in acute (IL-6 and IL-10) and chronic (IL-18) inflammation, the initiation of the immune response (IL-33), and non-specific immune responses (IL-1ß, IL-8, and TNF-α) were determined using a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. LPS increased the expression of all the cytokines, except for IL-18; however, AS extracts, particularly AS2 and AS4, reduced this increase, and TNF-α treatment markedly increased the expression of cytokines related to non-specific immune responses. IFN-γ treatment induced no significant changes, except for increased IL-33 expression in HDFs. AS extracts inhibited the increase in the expression of IL-33 and other cytokines in HDFs. Thus, the exposure of HDFs and RAW264.7 cells to inflammatory stimulants increased the expression of cytokines related to all the inflammatory processes. HDFs are involved not only in simple tissue regeneration but also in inflammatory reactions in the skin. AS2 and AS4 may offer effective therapy for related conditions.

Far-infrared radiation stimulates platelet-derived growth factor mediated skeletal muscle cell migration through extracellular matrix-integrin signaling.

Despite increased evidence of bio-activity following far-infrared (FIR) radiation, susceptibility of cell signaling to FIR radiation-induced homeostasis is poorly understood. To observe the effects of FIR radiation, FIR-radiated materials-coated fabric was put on experimental rats or applied to L6 cells, and microarray analysis, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and wound healing assays were performed. Microarray analysis revealed that messenger RNA expressions of rat muscle were stimulated by FIR radiation in a dose-dependent manner in amount of 10% and 30% materials-coated. In 30% group, 1,473 differentially expressed genes were identified (fold change [FC] > 1.5), and 218 genes were significantly regulated (FC > 1.5 and p < 0.05). Microarray analysis showed that extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, and cell migration-related pathways were significantly stimulated in rat muscle. ECM and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-mediated cell migration-related genes were increased. And, results showed that the relative gene expression of actin beta was increased. FIR radiation also stimulated actin subunit and actin-related genes. We observed that wound healing was certainly promoted by FIR radiation over 48 h in L6 cells. Therefore, we suggest that FIR radiation can penetrate the body and stimulate PDGF-mediated cell migration through ECM-integrin signaling in rats.

Expression of potassium channel genes predicts clinical outcome in lung cancer.

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide and several molecular signatures have been developed to predict survival in lung cancer. Increasing evidence suggests that proliferation and migration to promote tumor growth are associated with dysregulated ion channel expression. In this study, by analyzing high-throughput gene expression data, we identify the differentially expressed K+ channel genes in lung cancer. In total, we prioritize ten dysregulated K+ channel genes (5 up-regulated and 5 down-regulated genes, which were designated as K-10) in lung tumor tissue compared with normal tissue. A risk scoring system combined with the K-10 signature accurately predicts clinical outcome in lung cancer, which is independent of standard clinical and pathological prognostic factors including patient age, lymph node involvement, tumor size, and tumor grade. We further indicate that the K-10 potentially predicts clinical outcome in breast and colon cancers. Molecular signature discovered through K+ gene expression profiling may serve as a novel biomarker to assess the risk in lung cancer.

Prediction of itching diagnostic marker through RNA sequencing of contact hypersensitivity and skin scratching stimulation mice models.

Pruritus (itching) is classically defined as an unpleasant cutaneous sensation that leads to scratching behavior. Although the scientific criteria of classification for pruritic diseases are not clear, it can be divided as acute or chronic by duration of symptoms. In this study, we investigated whether skin injury caused by chemical (contact hypersensitivity, CHS) or physical (skin-scratching stimulation, SSS) stimuli causes initial pruritus and analyzed gene expression profiles systemically to determine how changes in skin gene expression in the affected area are related to itching. In both CHS and SSS, we ranked the Gene Ontology Biological Process terms that are generally associated with changes. The factors associated with upregulation were keratinization, inflammatory response and neutrophil chemotaxis. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway shows the difference of immune system, cell growth and death, signaling molecules and interactions, and signal transduction pathways. Il1a , Il1b and Il22 were upregulated in the CHS, and Tnf, Tnfrsf1b, Il1b, Il1r1 and Il6 were upregulated in the SSS. Trpc1 channel genes were observed in representative itching-related candidate genes. By comparing and analyzing RNA-sequencing data obtained from the skin tissue of each animal model in these characteristic stages, it is possible to find useful diagnostic markers for the treatment of itching, to diagnose itching causes and to apply customized treatment.

Profiling of remote skeletal muscle gene changes resulting from stimulation of atopic dermatitis disease in NC/Nga mouse model.

Although atopic dermatitis (AD) is known to be a representative skin disorder, it also affects the systemic immune response. In a recent study, myoblasts were shown to be involved in the immune regulation, but the roles of muscle cells in AD are poorly understood. We aimed to identify the relationship between mitochondria and atopy by genome-wide analysis of skeletal muscles in mice. We induced AD-like symptoms using house dust mite (HDM) extract in NC/Nga mice. The transcriptional profiles of the untreated group and HDM-induced AD-like group were analyzed and compared using microarray, differentially expressed gene and functional pathway analyses, and protein interaction network construction. Our microarray analysis demonstrated that immune response-, calcium handling-, and mitochondrial metabolism-related genes were differentially expressed. In the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology pathway analyses, immune response pathways involved in cytokine interaction, nuclear factor-kappa B, and T-cell receptor signaling, calcium handling pathways, and mitochondria metabolism pathways involved in the citrate cycle were significantly upregulated. In protein interaction network analysis, chemokine family-, muscle contraction process-, and immune response-related genes were identified as hub genes with many interactions. In addition, mitochondrial pathways involved in calcium signaling, cardiac muscle contraction, tricarboxylic acid cycle, oxidation-reduction process, and calcium-mediated signaling were significantly stimulated in KEGG and Gene Ontology analyses. Our results provide a comprehensive understanding of the genome-wide transcriptional changes of HDM-induced AD-like symptoms and the indicated genes that could be used as AD clinical biomarkers.

Effects of Nitric Oxide on Voltage-Gated K⁺ Currents in Human Cardiac Fibroblasts through the Protein Kinase G and Protein Kinase A Pathways but Not through S-Nitrosylation.

This study investigated the expression of voltage-gated K⁺ (KV) channels in human cardiac fibroblasts (HCFs), and the effect of nitric oxide (NO) on the KV currents, and the underlying phosphorylation mechanisms. In reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, two types of KV channels were detected in HCFs: delayed rectifier K⁺ channel and transient outward K⁺ channel. In whole-cell patch-clamp technique, delayed rectifier K⁺ current (IK) exhibited fast activation and slow inactivation, while transient outward K⁺ current (Ito) showed fast activation and inactivation kinetics. Both currents were blocked by 4-aminopyridine. An NO donor, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), increased the amplitude of IK in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 value of 26.4 µM, but did not affect Ito. The stimulating effect of SNAP on IK was blocked by pretreatment with 1H-(1,2,4)oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) or by KT5823. 8-bromo-cyclic GMP stimulated the IK. The stimulating effect of SNAP on IK was also blocked by pretreatment with KT5720 or by SQ22536. Forskolin and 8-bromo-cyclic AMP each stimulated IK. On the other hand, the stimulating effect of SNAP on IK was not blocked by pretreatment of N-ethylmaleimide or by DL-dithiothreitol. Our data suggest that NO enhances IK, but not Ito, among KV currents of HCFs, and the stimulating effect of NO on IK is through the PKG and PKA pathways, not through S-nitrosylation.

Higher maternal vitamin D concentrations are associated with longer leukocyte telomeres in newborns.

Gestational vitamin D insufficiency is related with increased risks of various diseases and poor health outcomes later in life. Telomere length at birth or early in life is known to be a predictor of individual health. Both vitamin D and telomere length are related with various health conditions, and vitamin D concentrations are associated with leukocyte telomere lengths in women. We investigated the association between maternal vitamin D concentrations and newborn leukocyte telomere lengths. This cross-sectional study included 106 healthy pregnant women without adverse obstetric outcomes and their offspring. We examined the maternal age, weight before pregnancy, health behaviours, and nutritional intakes, along with each newborn's sex and birthweight, and we measured maternal height, telomere length, total white blood cell count, and glycosylated haemoglobin as covariates. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated to evaluate the relationship between the baseline variables and newborn leukocyte telomere lengths. To confirm that there was an independent association between newborn leukocyte telomere lengths and maternal vitamin D concentrations, we performed a stepwise multiple linear regression analysis. Newborn leukocyte telomere lengths correlated positively with maternal leukocyte telomere lengths (r = .76, p < .01), maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations (r = .72, p < .01), maternal energy intakes (r = .22, p = .03), and newborn body weights (r = .51, p < .01). In the multivariate model, newborn leukocyte telomere lengths were associated with maternal vitamin D concentrations (ß = .33, p < .01). These findings suggest that the maternal vitamin D concentration during pregnancy may be a significant determinant of the offspring's telomere length.

Expression profile of mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel-1 (VDAC1) influenced genes is associated with pulmonary hypertension.

Several human diseases have been associated with mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel-1 (VDAC1) due to its role in calcium ion transportation and apoptosis. Recent studies suggest that VDAC1 may interact with endothelium-dependent nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Decreased VDAC1 expression may limit the physical interaction between VDAC1 and eNOS and thus impair nitric oxide production, leading to cardiovascular diseases, including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). In this report, we conducted meta-analysis of genome-wide expression data to identify VDAC1 influenced genes implicated in PAH pathobiology. First, we identified the genes differentially expressed between wild-type and Vdac1 knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts in hypoxic conditions. These genes were deemed to be influenced by VDAC1 deficiency. Gene ontology analysis indicates that the VDAC1 influenced genes are significantly associated with PAH pathobiology. Second, a molecular signature derived from the VDAC1 influenced genes was developed. We suggest that, VDAC1 has a protective role in PAH and the gene expression signature of VDAC1 influenced genes can be used to i) predict severity of pulmonary hypertension secondary to pulmonary diseases, ii) differentiate idiopathic pulmonary artery hypertension (IPAH) patients from controls, and iii) differentiate IPAH from connective tissue disease associated PAH.

Y-27632, a Rho-Associated Protein Kinase Inhibitor, Inhibits Voltage-Dependent K+ Channels in Rabbit Coronary Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells.

We examined the effects of the Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y-27632 on voltage-dependent K+ (Kv) channels in rabbit coronary arterial smooth muscle cells using the whole-cell patch clamp technique. Y-27632 reduced the amplitude of the Kv current in a concentration-dependent manner, with an IC50 of 0.87 ± 0.06 µmol/l and a Hill coefficient of 1.48 ± 0.06. Y-27632 did not affect the steady-state activation or inactivation curves, suggesting that the drug does not affect the voltage sensitivity of Kv channels. Another ROCK inhibitor, H-1152, did not affect the Kv current and had no significant effect on the Y-27632-induced inhibition of Kv channels, indicating that the inhibitory effect of Y-27632 on the Kv current is independent of ROCK signaling. From these results, we conclude that Y-27632 inhibits the Kv channel current in a dose-dependent and ROCK signaling-independent manner.

Effects of hydrogen peroxide on voltage-dependent K(+) currents in human cardiac fibroblasts through protein kinase pathways.

Human cardiac fibroblasts (HCFs) have various voltage-dependent K(+) channels (VDKCs) that can induce apoptosis. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) modulates VDKCs and induces oxidative stress, which is the main contributor to cardiac injury and cardiac remodeling. We investigated whether H2O2 could modulate VDKCs in HCFs and induce cell injury through this process. In whole-cell mode patch-clamp recordings, application of H2O2 stimulated Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (KCa) currents but not delayed rectifier K(+) or transient outward K(+) currents, all of which are VDKCs. H2O2-stimulated KCa currents were blocked by iberiotoxin (IbTX, a large conductance KCa blocker). The H2O2-stimulating effect on large-conductance KCa (BKCa) currents was also blocked by KT5823 (a protein kinase G inhibitor) and 1 H-[1, 2, 4] oxadiazolo-[4, 3-a] quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor). In addition, 8-bromo-cyclic guanosine 3', 5'-monophosphate (8-Br-cGMP) stimulated BKCa currents. In contrast, KT5720 and H-89 (protein kinase A inhibitors) did not block the H2O2-stimulating effect on BKCa currents. Using RT-PCR and western blot analysis, three subtypes of KCa channels were detected in HCFs: BKCa channels, small-conductance KCa (SKCa) channels, and intermediate-conductance KCa (IKCa) channels. In the annexin V/propidium iodide assay, apoptotic changes in HCFs increased in response to H2O2, but IbTX decreased H2O2-induced apoptosis. These data suggest that among the VDKCs of HCFs, H2O2 only enhances BKCa currents through the protein kinase G pathway but not the protein kinase A pathway, and is involved in cell injury through BKCa channels.

Improvement Characteristics of Bio-active Materials Coated Fabric on Rat Muscular Mitochondria.

This study surveys the improvement characteristics in old-aged muscular mitochondria by bio-active materials coated fabric (BMCF). To observe the effects, the fabric (10 and 30%) was worn to old-aged rat then the oxygen consumption efficiency and copy numbers of mitochondria, and mRNA expression of apoptosis- and mitophagy-related genes were verified. By wearing the BMCF, the oxidative respiration significantly increased when using the 30% materials coated fabric. The mitochondrial DNA copy number significantly decreased and subsequently recovered in a dose-dependent manner. The respiratory control ratio to mitochondrial DNA copy number showed a dose-dependent increment. As times passed, Bax, caspase 9, PGC-1α and ß-actin increased, and Bcl-2 decreased in a dose-dependent manner. However, the BMCF can be seen to have had no effect on Fas receptor. PINK1 expression did not change considerably and was inclined to decrease in control group, but the expression was down-regulated then subsequently increased with the use of the BMCF in a dose-dependent manner. Caspase 3 increased and subsequently decreased in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that the BMCF invigorates mitophagy and improves mitochondrial oxidative respiration in skeletal muscle, and in early stage of apoptosis induced by the BMCF is not related to extrinsic death-receptor mediated but mitochondria-mediated signaling pathway.

The stimulating effects of nitric oxide on intermediate conductance Ca²âº-activated K⁺ channels in human dermal fibroblasts through PKG pathways but not the PKA pathways.

Nitric oxide (NO) is produced by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in dermal fibroblasts and is important during wound healing. Intermediate conductance Ca²âº-activated K+ (IK; IK1; KCa3.1; IKCa; SK4; KCNN4) channels contribute to NOS upregulation, NO production, and various NO-mediated essential functions in many kinds of cells. To determine if the action of NO is linked to IK channel regulation in human dermal fibroblasts, we investigated the expression of IK channels in the cells and the effects and mechanisms of NO on the channels using RT-PCR, western blot analysis, immunocytochemistry and whole-cell and single-channel patch-clamp techniques. The presence of functional IK channels at the RNA, protein and membrane levels was demonstrated and S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) was shown to significantly increase IK currents. The effects of NO were abolished by pretreatment with KT5823 or 1H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazolo [4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) but not with KT5720. In addition, IK currents were increased by protein kinase G1α or 8-bromo-cGMP but not by forskolin, 8-bromo-cAMP, or catalytic subunits of protein kinase A (PKAcs). On the other hand, PKAcs with cGMP did not increase IK currents, and pretreatment with KT5720 did not block the stimulating effects of 8-Br-cGMP on the IK channels. These data suggest that NO activates IK channels through the PKG but not the PKA pathways, and it seems there is no cross activation between PKG and PKA pathways in human dermal fibroblasts.

EGCG-induced selective death of cancer cells through autophagy-dependent regulation of the p62-mediated antioxidant survival pathway.

The effects of EGCG on the selective death of cancer cells by modulating antioxidant pathways through autophagy were explored in various normal and cancer cells. EGCG positively regulated the p62-KEAP1-NRF2-HO-1 pathway in normal cells, while negatively regulating it in cancer cells, leading to selective apoptotic death of cancer cells. In EGCG-treated MRC5 cells (EGCG-MRC5), autophagic flux was blocked, which was accompanied by the formation of p62-positive aggregates. However, EGCG-treated HeLa cells (EGCG-HeLa) showed incomplete autophagic flux and no aggregate formation. The levels of P-ULK1 S556 and S758 increased in EGCG-MRC5 through AMPK-mTOR cooperative interaction. In contrast, EGCG treatment in HeLa cells led to AMPK-induced mTOR inactivation, resulting in abrogation of P-ULK1 S556 and S758 levels. AMPK knockout in EGCG-HeLa restored positive regulation of the p62-mediated pathway, which was accompanied by increased P-mTOR S2448 and P-ULK1 S758 levels. Knockdown of 67LR in EGCG-HeLa abolished AMPK activity but did not restore the p62-mediated pathway. Surprisingly, both AMPK knockout and 67LR knockdown in EGCG-HeLa markedly increased cell viability, despite differential regulation of the antioxidant enzyme HO-1. In conclusion, EGCG induces the selective death of cancer cells through the modulation of at least two autophagy-dependent and independent regulatory pathways: negative regulation involves the mTOR-ULK1 (S556 and S758)-p62-KEAP1-NRF2-HO-1 axis via AMPK activation, whereas positive regulation occurs through the 67LR-AMPK axis.

Expression profiling of ion channel genes predicts clinical outcome in breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Ion channels play a critical role in a wide variety of biological processes, including the development of human cancer. However, the overall impact of ion channels on tumorigenicity in breast cancer remains controversial. METHODS: We conduct microarray meta-analysis on 280 ion channel genes. We identify candidate ion channels that are implicated in breast cancer based on gene expression profiling. We test the relationship between the expression of ion channel genes and p53 mutation status, ER status, and histological tumor grade in the discovery cohort. A molecular signature consisting of ion channel genes (IC30) is identified by Spearman's rank correlation test conducted between tumor grade and gene expression. A risk scoring system is developed based on IC30. We test the prognostic power of IC30 in the discovery and seven validation cohorts by both Cox proportional hazard regression and log-rank test. RESULTS: 22, 24, and 30 ion channel genes are found to be differentially expressed with a change in p53 mutation status, ER status, and tumor histological grade in the discovery cohort. We assign the 30 tumor grade associated ion channel genes as the IC30 gene signature. We find that IC30 risk score predicts clinical outcome (P < 0.05) in the discovery cohort and 6 out of 7 validation cohorts. Multivariate and univariate tests conducted in two validation cohorts indicate that IC30 is a robust prognostic biomarker, which is independent of standard clinical and pathological prognostic factors including patient age, lymph node status, tumor size, tumor grade, estrogen and progesterone receptor status, and p53 mutation status. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a molecular gene signature IC30, which represents a promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in breast cancer. Our results indicate that information regarding the expression of ion channels in tumor pathology could provide new targets for therapy in human cancers.

Taxifolin Glycoside Blocks Human ether-a-go-go Related Gene K(+) Channels.

Taxifolin glycoside is a new drug candidate for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). Many drugs cause side effects such as long QT syndrome by blocking the human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) K(+) channels. To determine whether taxifolin glycoside would block hERG K(+) channels, we recorded hERG K(+) currents using a whole-cell patch clamp technique. We found that taxifolin glycoside directly blocked hERG K(+) current in a concentration-dependent manner (EC(50)=9.6±0.7 µM). The activation curve of hERG K(+) channels was negatively shifted by taxifolin glycoside. In addition, taxifolin glycoside accelerated the activation time constant and reduced the onset of the inactivation time constant. These results suggest that taxifolin glycoside blocks hERG K(+) channels that function by facilitating activation and inactivation process.

Selective death of cancer cells by preferential induction of reactive oxygen species in response to (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate.

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) induces apoptosis in cancer cells without adversely affecting normal cells. Understanding the cancer-specific cytotoxic activity of EGCG is very important in defining the mechanism of tumorigenesis and identifying superb chemotherapeutic agents against cancer. We comparatively assayed human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT)-mediated apoptosis by EGCG-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in normal cells and cancer cells. EGCG showed differential levels of ROS induction between the cell types; ROS, especially hydrogen peroxide, was highly induced in cancer cells, while it was not in normal cells. In addition, the higher level of ROS down-regulated hTERT via binding of CCCTC binding factor (CTCF) to the core promoter region of hTERT, which repressed hTERT expression. CTCF binding was epigenetically controlled by the demethylation of the previously hypermethylated site for CTCF, which was induced by down-regulation of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1). In contrast, hTERT down-regulation was not observed in normal cells. These results suggest that preferential death of cancer cells by EGCG could be caused by the cancer-specific induction of ROS and epigenetic modulation of expression of apoptosis-related genes, such as hTERT.

3,4,5-tricaffeoylquinic Acid inhibits the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated production of inflammatory mediators in keratinocytes.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Microbial product lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory skin diseases. Caffeoyl derivatives have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, the effect of 3,4,5-tricaffeoylquinic acid (3,4,5-triCQA) on the production of microbial product-induced inflammatory mediators in keratinocytes has not yet been studied. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Using human keratinocytes, we investigated the effect of 3,4,5-triCQA on the LPS-stimulated production of inflammatory mediators in relation to the nuclear factor (NF)-ĸB, Akt and ERK pathways. RESULTS: 3,4,5-triCQA inhibited the LPS-induced expression of Toll-like receptor 4, and the production of cytokines and chemokines in keratinocytes. 3,4,5-triCQA, Bay 11-7085, Aĸt inhibitor and ERK inhibitor each attenuated the LPS-induced production of inflammatory mediators by inhibiting the NF-ĸB, Akt and ERK pathways. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: 3,4,5-triCQA may attenuate the LPS-stimulated production of inflammatory mediators in keratinocytes by suppressing the Toll-like receptor 4 expression-mediated activation of the Akt, ERK and NF-ĸB pathways. 3,4,5-triCQA may exert a preventive effect against microbial product-induced inflammatory skin diseases.