Increased ROS generation and p53 activation in alpha-lipoic acid-induced apoptosis of hepatoma cells.

Alpha-lipoic acid (alpha-LA) is an antioxidant used for the treatment of a variety of diseases, including liver cirrhosis, heavy metal poisoining, and diabetic polyneuropathy. In addition to its protective effect against oxidative stress, alpha-LA induces apoptosis in different cancer cells types. However, whether alpha-LA acid induces apoptosis of hepatoma cells is unknown. Herein, we investigated whether alpha-LA induces apoptosis in two different hepatoma cell lines FaO and HepG2. The results showed that alpha-LA inhibits the growth of both cell lines as indicated by the reduction in cell number, the reduced expression of cyclin A and the increased levels of the cyclin/CDKs inhibitors, p27(Kip1) and p21(Cip1). Cell cycle arrest was associated with cell loss, and DNA laddering indicative of apoptosis. Apoptosis was preceded by increased generation of reactive oxygen species, and associated with p53 activation, increased expression of Bax, release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, caspases activation, decreased levels of survivin, induction of pro-apoptotic signaling (i.e JNK) and inhibition of anti-apoptotic signaling (i.e. PKB/Akt) pathways. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that alpha-LA induces apoptosis in hepatoma cells, describes a possible sequence of molecular events underlying its lethal effect, and suggests that it may prove useful in liver cancer therapy.

Induction of hepatocyte proliferation by retinoic acid.

Retinoids have been shown to exert an anticarcinogenic effect through suppression of the cell cycle, induction of apoptosis and/or differentiation. In rat liver, in particular, retinoic acid has been shown to inhibit regeneration after partial hepatectomy, most probably through repression of the expression of c-fos and c-jun. Surprisingly enough, in spite of the proposed therapeutic effects of all-trans retinoic acid (tRA) no data are available on its effect on normal adult liver. Here, we show that tRA administration in the diet (150 mg/kg) increased DNA synthesis in mouse liver, at 1 and 2 weeks, with a return to control values at 4 weeks (labelling index was 16.5, 8.3 and 3.3%, respectively, versus control values of 1.4, 1.3 and 2.5%). Increase in mitotic index paralleled that of bromodeoxyuridine incorporation. Kinetic studies showed that entry into S phase began between 24 and 48 h, with a peak between 96 and 120 h. Histological observation of the liver and biochemical evaluation of the levels of serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminases did not reveal any evidence of cell death demonstrating that increased DNA synthesis was not due to tRA-induced liver damage and regeneration, but rather the consequence of a direct mitogenic effect. In addition, analysis of total hepatic DNA content after a 7-day treatment showed a significant increase in tRA-fed mice compared with controls (21.11 mg/100 g body wt in tRA-fed mice versus 15.67 mg/100 g body wt of controls). Hepatocyte proliferation in tRA-fed mice was associated with increased hepatic levels of cyclin D1, E and A, and enhanced expression of the member of pRb family, p107. In conclusion, the results showed that tRA induces hepatocyte proliferation in the absence of cell death, similarly to other ligands of steroid/thyroid hormone nuclear receptor superfamily. The mitogenic effect of tRA cautions about its possible use for antitumoral purposes in liver carcinogenesis.

Regulatory effects of senescence marker protein 30 on the proliferation of hepatocytes.

Senescence marker protein 30 (SMP 30) is preferentially expressed in the liver. One of its remarkable functions is the protection of cells against various injuries by enhancement of membrane calcium-pump activity. We analyzed the role of SMP 30 in hepatocyte proliferation. SMP 30 expression was decreased initially, then increased along with hepatic regeneration, after carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) administration. SMP 30 expression was decreased in the necrotic phase and then gradually increased. Its increase was slightly delayed just after the mitotic phase. These results lead us to speculate that mitoses of hepatic cells induce enhanced SMP 30 expression. In contrast, administration of lead nitrate (LN) as a hepatic mitogen induced a more stable increase of SMP 30 expression. To estimate the effect of SMP 30 on cell proliferation, we evaluated hepatic mitosis in wild-type and SMP 30-deficient knockout (KO) mice after CCl4 administration. We found an increase in mitotic numbers in hepatocytes of KO mice. This result suggests that SMP 30 has a suppressive effect on cell proliferation. Suppressive activity of SMP 30 cDNA was shown in cultured hepatoblastic cells. Our results suggest that SMP 30 performs a regulatory function in liver regeneration.

Cyclin D1 is an early target in hepatocyte proliferation induced by thyroid hormone (T3).

The thyroid hormone (T3) affects cell growth, differentiation, and regulates metabolic functions via its interaction with the thyroid hormone nuclear receptors (TRs). The mechanism by which TRs mediate cell growth is unknown. To investigate the mechanisms responsible for the mitogenic effect of T3, we have determined changes in activation of transcription factors, mRNA levels of immediate early genes, and levels of proteins involved in the progression from G1 to S phase of the cell cycle. We show that hepatocyte proliferation induced by a single administration of T3 to Wistar rats occurred in the absence of activation of AP-1, NF-kappa B, and STAT3 or changes in the mRNA levels of the immediate early genes c-fos, c-jun, and c-myc. These genes are considered to be essential for liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy (PH). On the other hand, T3 treatment caused an increase in cyclin D1 mRNA and protein levels that occurred much more rapidly compared to liver regeneration after 2/3 PH. The early increase in cyclin D1 expression was associated with accelerated onset of DNA synthesis, as demonstrated by a 20-fold increase of bromodeoxyuridine-positive hepatocytes at 12 h after T3 treatment and by a 20-fold increase in mitotic activity at 18 h. An early increase of cyclin D1 expression was also observed after treatment with nafenopin, a ligand of a nuclear receptor (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha) of the same superfamily of steroid/thyroid receptors. T3 treatment also resulted in increased expression of cyclin E, E2F, and p107 and enhanced phosphorylation of pRb, the ultimate substrate in the pathway leading to transition from G1 to S phase. The results demonstrate that cyclin D1 induction is one of the earlier events in hepatocyte proliferation induced by T3 and suggest that this cyclin might be a common target responsible for the mitogenic activity of ligands of nuclear receptors.

Two mechanisms by which ATP depletion potentiates induction of the mitochondrial permeability transition.

The present and a previous study [J. W. Snyder, J. G. Pastorino, A. M. Attie, and J. L. Farber, Am. J. Physiol. 264 (Cell Physiol. 33): C709-C714, 1993] define two mechanisms whereby ATP depletion promotes liver cell death. ATP depletion and cell death are linked by the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT). Mitochondrial deenergization promotes the MPT, and ATP maintains a membrane potential by reversal of ATP synthase. With an increased influx of Ca2+ induced by the ionophore A-23187, oligomycin depleted the cells of ATP without loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential and further elevated the intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Cyclosporin A (CyA) prevented the accompanying cell killing. Fructose also preserved the viability of the cells. With the increased cytosolic Ca2+ imposed by A-23187, viability is maintained by ATP-dependent processes. Upon depletion of ATP, Ca2+ homeostasis cannot be maintained, and the MPT is induced. Rotenone also depleted the cells of ATP, and A-23187 accelerated the loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential occurring with rotenone alone. CyA and fructose prevented the cell killing with rotenone and A-23187. Oligomycin did not prevent this action of fructose. We conclude that ATP is needed to maintain Ca2+ homeostasis to prevent the MPT and the resultant liver cell death. ATP is also needed to maintain mitochondrial energization when electron transport is inhibited.

The cytotoxicity of tumor necrosis factor depends on induction of the mitochondrial permeability transition.

Complete prevention of the killing of L929 fibroblasts by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) in the presence of 0.5 microg/ml actinomycin D (ActD) was obtained with cyclosporin A (CyA), an inhibitor of the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT), and aristolochic acid (ArA), a phospholipase A2 inhibitor. Peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBzR) agonists (PK11195, FGIN 1-27, or chlorodiazepam), agents known to potentiate induction of the MPT, potentiated the cytotoxicity of TNF in the absence of ActD, an effect prevented by CyA plus ArA. The MPT was demonstrated independently of its effect on viability as the CyA-sensitive loss of rhodamine 123 fluorescence from cells preloaded with the dye. Treatment with TNF and ActD resulted in the loss of 80% of rhodamine fluorescence within 6 h, a time prior to any loss of viability. CyA plus ArA completely prevented this effect of TNF. Potentiation of the cytotoxicity of TNF by PBzR agonists was associated with induction of the MPT, as assessed by the loss of rhodamine fluorescence. CyA plus ArA completely prevented the loss of rhodamine 123. Ceramide replaced TNF in killing L929 fibroblasts, an effect also prevented by CyA plus ArA. Ceramide in the presence of ActD resulted in the loss of rhodamine fluorescence, an effect that was again prevented by CyA plus ArA. In addition, CyA plus ArA prevented the ability of PBzR agonists to potentiate the cytotoxicity of ceramide. In the presence of each PBzR agonist, ceramide caused the loss of rhodamine fluorescence, an effect completely prevented by CyA plus ArA. D609, an inhibitor of phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C, completely prevented the killing by TNF, but not by ceramide, in the presence of ActD. D609 prevented induction of the MPT occurring with TNF, but not with ceramide. Inhibitors of endocytosis, as well as lysosomotropic amines, prevented the cytotoxicity of TNF, but not that of ceramide. It is concluded that the MPT is causally linked to the genesis of irreversible cell injury with TNF. In the face of an inhibition of protein synthesis, the MPT occurs as a consequence of the formation of ceramide.

Protoporphyrin IX, an endogenous ligand of the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor, potentiates induction of the mitochondrial permeability transition and the killing of cultured hepatocytes by rotenone.

The peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBzR) is associated with the outer mitochondrial membrane. Protoporphyrin IX (PPIX), an endogenous substance with high affinity for the PBzR, induced the inner membrane permeability transition (MPT) in respiring liver mitochondria de-energized by carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone. Cyclosporin A (CyA), an inhibitor of the permeability transition, prevented this effect. In cultured hepatocytes, the MPT was measured as an increased [3H]sucrose-accessible space sensitive to CyA. Nanomolar concentrations of PPIX potentiated the induction of the MPT and the extent of cell killing in hepatocyte cultures de-energized by rotenone. CyA prevented the enhanced cell killing by PPIX. PPIX did not increase the rate or extent of ATP depletion, the loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential, or the accumulation of long chain acyl-CoA thioesters. The association of the PBzR with the voltage-dependent anion channel of the outer mitochondrial membrane and with the adenine nucleotide carrier of the inner membrane suggests that this complex mediates the transport of PPIX across the mitochondrial membranes. In turn, this same complex participates in the MPT. Thus, the same structural complex (PBzR, voltage-dependent anion channel, and adenine nucleotide carrier) can interact with the endogenous substrate PPIX to result in different functional consequences depending on the state of mitochondrial energization.

Dexamethasone inhibits induction of liver tumor necrosis factor-alpha mRNA and liver growth induced by lead nitrate and ethylene dibromide.

We have recently demonstrated that a single injection of the mitogen lead nitrate to rats induced a rapid increase of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) mRNA in the liver and suggested that this cytokine may be involved in triggering hepatocyte proliferation in this model of direct hyperplasia. In this study, we examined whether a similar induction of liver TNF-alpha mRNA could be observed preceding the onset of hepatocyte proliferation induced by ethylene dibromide, another hepatocyte mitogen. In addition, we used dexamethasone, a well known inhibitor of TNF-alpha production, to determine whether its administration could suppress hepatocyte proliferation induced by lead nitrate and ethylene dibromide. A single intragastric administration of ethylene dibromide (100 mg/kg) to male Wistar rats enhanced liver TNF-alpha mRNA after 4 and 7 hours, which then returned to control levels by 24 hours. TNF-alpha mRNA was detectable only in a nonparenchymal cell fraction of the liver. Pretreatment of rats with a single dose of dexamethasone (2 mg/kg) 60 minutes before lead nitrate (100 mumol/kg) or ethylene dibromide completely abolished the increased levels of liver TNF-alpha mRNA induced by these agents. Inhibition by dexamethasone of TNF-alpha mRNA was associated with an inhibition of liver cell proliferation induced by these mitogens, as measured by [3H]thymidine incorporation into hepatic DNA, mitotic index, and DNA content. These results further support the hypothesis that TNF-alpha may be involved in triggering hepatocyte proliferation induced by primary mitogens.

Compensatory regeneration, mitogen-induced liver growth, and multistage chemical carcinogenesis.

Liver cell proliferation has often been implicated to play a major role during different steps of the carcinogenic process. Most of the experimental studies indicating a close association between cell proliferation and liver cancer development have made use of a compensatory type of proliferative stimulus. However, liver growth may also be caused by direct hyperplasia after administration of primary mitogens. Our recent studies examined the possible differences between these two types of cell proliferation. Our studies indicate that a) increased expression of proto-oncogenes such as c-fos, c-jun, and c-myc is not necessary for entry into the cell cycle during mitogen-induced liver growth; b) mitogen-induced liver growth does not support initiation of chemical hepatocarcinogenesis; c) repeated proliferative stimuli induced by primary mitogens do not stimulate the growth of initiated cells to a focal and/or nodular stage; and d) mitogen-induced liver growth, unlike compensatory regeneration, is followed by a particular mode of cell death, namely, apoptosis. This type of cell death may be responsible for the elimination of carcinogen-initiated cells.

Differences in the steady-state levels of c-fos, c-jun and c-myc messenger RNA during mitogen-induced liver growth and compensatory regeneration.

The steady-state levels of c-fos, c-jun and c-myc messenger RNA were investigated in rat liver tissue after proliferative stimuli of different nature-namely, compensatory regeneration induced by partial hepatectomy or carbon tetrachloride administration-and direct hyperplasia induced by four different hepatomitogens: lead nitrate, ethylene dibromide, cyproterone acetate and nafenopin. We show here that whereas c-fos and c-jun expression increased soon after partial hepatectomy or carbon tetrachloride administration, an increased expression of c-jun in the absence of c-fos expression occurred during direct hyperplasia induced by lead nitrate and ethylene dibromide. When hyperplasia was induced by cyproterone acetate and nafenopin, the mitogenic response of the liver was not associated with an increased expression of c-jun or c-fos, despite the fact that the timing of the cell cycle was similar to that observed after partial hepatectomy. Finally, when c-myc expression was analyzed, it was found that proliferative conditions associated with an increased expression of this gene were characterized by an increased expression of c-jun. On the contrary, the hyperplasia induced by cyproterone acetate and nafenopin, which is characterized by a lack of increase in the expression of c-fos and c-jun, was also not associated with an increased c-myc expression. Similar results were obtained in these experiments with the mitogen nafenopin, a peroxisome proliferator. In fact, liver hyperplasia induced by this compound was not preceded or accompanied by an increased expression of c-fos and c-myc. This study suggests that depending on the nature of the proliferative stimulus, an increased expression of c-fos, c-jun and c-myc may not be necessary for in vivo induction of liver cell proliferation.

Different effects of regenerative and direct mitogenic stimuli on the growth of initiated cells in the resistant hepatocyte model.

The possible mechanism(s) responsible for the different effects exerted by proliferative stimuli of different nature on the appearance of enzyme-altered hepatic foci, were investigated in male Wistar rats. Rats given an initiating dose of diethylnitrosamine (150 mg/kg body weight) were fed a diet containing 0.03% acetylaminofluorene for 2 weeks. Between the first and the second week, cell proliferation was induced by a proliferative stimulus of compensatory type (partial hepatectomy) or by a direct mitogenic stimulus (lead nitrate, 100 mumol/kg). The effect of the two different proliferative stimuli on the appearance of gamma-glutamyl transferase-positive foci was monitored by killing the rats for examination at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 days after the induction of cell proliferation. The results indicate that while enzyme-altered hepatocytes can be observed as early as 3 days after partial hepatectomy and are characterized by a rapid growth, direct hyperplasia did not exert any effect on the growth capacity of initiated cells. No effect of lead nitrate-induced hyperplasia was observed following three administrations of the mitogen. When platelet-poor plasma taken from animals exposed to the different proliferative stimuli was tested in primary cultures of hepatocytes, it was found that it induced a significant increase in the labeling index of normal hepatocytes. However, while serum taken 6 days after partial hepatectomy was still able to induce a significant increase in the labeling index, platelet-poor plasma from lead-treated rats had lost part of its effect at 5 days after treatment. The inability of direct hyperplasia to stimulate the development of enzyme-altered hepatic foci was not unique to lead nitrate since the same phenomenon was observed when three other hepatomitogens, nafenopin, cyproterone acetate, and ethylene dibromide, were used.