Correction: Role of integrin-linked kinase in regulating the protein stability of the MUC1-C oncoprotein in pancreatic cancer cells.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Role of integrin-linked kinase in regulating the protein stability of the MUC1-C oncoprotein in pancreatic cancer cells.

MUC1-C overexpression has been associated with the progression of pancreatic tumors by promoting the aggressive and metastatic phenotypes. As MUC1 is a STAT3 target gene, STAT3 plays a major role in regulating MUC1-C expression. In this study, we report an alternative mechanism by which integrin-linked kinase (ILK) post-transcriptionally modulates the expression of MUC1-C by maintaining its protein stability in pancreatic cancer cells. We found that ILK acts in concert with STAT3 to facilitate IL-6-mediated upregulation of MUC1-C; ILK depletion was equally effective as STAT3 depletion in abolishing IL-6-induced MUC1-C overexpression without disturbing the phosphorylation or cellular distribution of STAT3. Conversely, ectopic expression of constitutively active ILK increased MUC1-C expression, though this increase was not noted with kinase-dead ILK. This finding suggests the requirement of the kinase activity of ILK in regulating MUC1-C stability, which was confirmed by using the ILK kinase inhibitor T315. Furthermore, our data suggest the involvement of protein kinase C (PKC)δ in mediating the suppressive effect of ILK inhibition on MUC1-C repression. For example, co-immunoprecipitation analysis indicated that ILK depletion-mediated MUC1-C phosphorylation was accompanied by increased phosphorylation of PKCδ at the activation loop Thr-507 and increased binding of PKCδ to MUC1-C. Conversely, ILK overexpression resulted in decreased PKCδ phosphorylation. From a mechanistic perspective, the present finding, together with our recent report that ILK controls the expression of oncogenic KRAS through a regulatory loop, underscores the pivotal role of ILK in promoting pancreatic cancer progression.

Orally active microtubule-targeting agent, MPT0B271, for the treatment of human non-small cell lung cancer, alone and in combination with erlotinib.

Microtubule-binding agents, such as taxanes and vinca alkaloids, are used in the treatment of cancer. The limitations of these treatments, such as resistance to therapy and the need for intravenous administration, have encouraged the development of new agents. MPT0B271 (N-[1-(4-Methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-7-yl]-1-oxy-isonicotinamide), an orally active microtubule-targeting agent, is a completely synthetic compound that possesses potent anticancer effects in vitro and in vivo. Tubulin polymerization assay and immunofluorescence experiment showed that MPT0B271 caused depolymerization of tubulin at both molecular and cellular levels. MPT0B271 reduced cell growth and viability at nanomolar concentrations in numerous cancer cell lines, including a multidrug-resistant cancer cell line NCI/ADR-RES. Further studies indicated that MPT0B271 is not a substrate of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), as determined by flow cytometric analysis of rhodamine-123 (Rh-123) dye efflux and the calcein acetoxymethyl ester (calcein AM) assay. MPT0B271 also caused G2/M cell-cycle arrest, accompanied by the up-regulation of cyclin B1, p-Thr161 Cdc2/p34, serine/threonine kinases polo-like kinase 1, aurora kinase A and B and the downregulation of Cdc25C and p-Tyr15 Cdc2/p34 protein levels. The appearance of MPM2 and the nuclear translocation of cyclin B1 denoted M phase arrest in MPT0B271-treated cells. Moreover, MPT0B271 induced cell apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner; it also reduced the expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Mcl-1 and increased the cleavage of caspase-3 and -7 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Finally, this study demonstrated that MPT0B271 in combination with erlotinib significantly inhibits the growth of the human non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells as compared with erlotinib treatment alone, both in vitro and in vivo. These findings identify MPT0B271 as a promising new tubulin-binding compound for the treatment of various cancers.

The HDAC inhibitor, MPT0E028, enhances erlotinib-induced cell death in EGFR-TKI-resistant NSCLC cells.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which promotes cell survival and division, is found at abnormally high levels on the surface of many cancer cell types, including many cases of non-small cell lung cancer. Erlotinib (Tarceva), an oral small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is a so-called targeted drug that inhibits the tyrosine kinase domain of EGFR, and thus targets cancer cells with some specificity while doing less damage to normal cells. However, erlotinib resistance can occur, reducing the efficacy of this treatment. To develop more effective therapeutic interventions by overcoming this resistance problem, we combined the histone deacetylase inhibitor, MPT0E028, with erlotinib in an effort to increase their antitumor effects in erlotinib-resistant lung adenocarcinoma cells. This combined treatment yielded significant growth inhibition, induced the expression of apoptotic proteins (PARP, γH2AX, and caspase-3), increased the levels of acetylated histone H3, and showed synergistic effects in vitro and in vivo. These effects were independent of the mutation status of the genes encoding EGFR or K-Ras. MPT0E028 synergistically blocked key regulators of the EGFR/HER2 signaling pathways, attenuating multiple compensatory pathways (e.g., AKT, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and c-MET). Our results indicate that this combination therapy might be a promising strategy for facilitating the effects of erlotinib monotherapy by activating various networks. Taken together, our data provide compelling evidence that MPT0E028 has the potential to improve the treatment of heterogeneous and drug-resistant tumors that cannot be controlled with single-target agents.

MMP-9 from sublethally irradiated tumor promotes Lewis lung carcinoma cell invasiveness and pulmonary metastasis.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) associate with tumor progression and metastasis. We sought to investigate the role of MMP-9 from sublethally irradiated tumor in accelerated pulmonary metastasis of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC-LM) and the corresponding anti-metastasis strategies in C57BL/6 mice. We used Matrigel-coated Boyden chamber assays and chicken chorioallantoic membrane assays to evaluate the invasion capability of irradiated LLC-LM cells (7.5 Gy), reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and the western blot assay to investigate the expression of MMPs by irradiated cells, and small interfering RNA duplexes to inhibit MMP-9 expression. LLC-LM cells differing in MMP-2 or -9 expression were subcutaneously injected into right thighs and the resulting tumors were irradiated (10 Gy × 5) to induce pulmonary metastasis. Radiation significantly enhanced MMP-9 at both the transcriptional and translational levels. MMP-9 siRNA significantly inhibited in vitro radiation-enhanced invasiveness. The number of radiation-accelerated pulmonary metastases was significantly reduced by MMP-9 knockdown and MMP-2/9 knockdown. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction of LLC-LM cells in the blood and lung tissue revealed MMP-9 involvement in radiation-enhanced intravasation. Either higher-dose irradiation (30 Gy × 2) or pretreatment with prototypical MMP-9 inhibitor, zoledronic acid, significantly reduced the number of pulmonary metastases. The viability of irradiated tumor was seen on both positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, and tumor/serum MMP-9 levels suggested the association of local control of primary tumor and inhibition of time-dependent MMP-9 activities. Our results demonstrate that MMP-9 is crucially involved in radiation-enhanced LLC-LM cell invasiveness in vitro and in pulmonary metastasis from inadequately irradiated primary tumor in vivo.

Combined treatment with denbinobin and Fas ligand has a synergistic cytotoxic effect in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma BxPC-3 cells.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Human pancreatic carcinoma is a highly malignant cancer. Previous studies have shown that the decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) for Fas ligand (FasL) plays significant roles in tumour progression and immune suppression. In the present study, we evaluated the anti-cancer activity of a natural compound, denbinobin (5-hydroxy-3,7-dimethoxy-1,4-phenanthraquinone), through decreasing DcR3 levels in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: We used immunoprecipitation and ELISA assays to examine DcR3 levels, and used FACS to determine the percentage of cells with a sub-G1 DNA content. KEY RESULTS: AsPC-1 and BxPC-3 human pancreatic cancer cells express high levels of DcR3. Denbinobin concentration-dependently decreased DcR3 levels in BxPC-3 cells. MTT and flow cytometry assays indicated that BxPC-3 was FasL-resistant because high concentrations (100 ng.mL(-1)) of soluble FasL did not inhibit cell growth. However, combinations of denbinobin (3 micromol.L(-1)) with lower concentrations of soluble FasL (10, 30 and 50 ng.mL(-1)) or membrane-bound FasL, were synergistic on cell growth inhibition and apoptosis. Exogenous excess DcR3 reversed this synergistic effect. We observed no significant increase in the levels of surface Fas, cleaved forms of caspase-8, -3, -9, Bax, Bid, Bcl-xL, cytochrome c or mitochondrial membrane potentials following denbinobin treatment. However, denbinobin treatment increased the levels of apoptosis-inducing factor. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Denbinobin and FasL trigger a synergistic cytotoxic effect in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells. Denbinobin mediated a decrease in levels of DcR3, which played a major role in this synergistic effect, and also increased caspase-independent apoptosis, via apoptosis-inducing factor.

YC-1 induces apoptosis of human renal carcinoma A498 cells in vitro and in vivo through activation of the JNK pathway.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of YC-1{3-(5'-hydroxy methyl-2'-furyl)-1-benzylindazole}-induced human renal carcinoma cells apoptosis and to evaluate the potency of YC-1 in models of tumour growth in mice. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: YC-1-mediated apoptosis was assessed by analysis of MTT, SRB, DAPI staining and flow cytometry analysis. Knockdown of JNK protein was achieved by transient transfection using siRNA. The mechanisms of action of YC-1 on different signalling pathways involved were studied using western blot. Fas clustering was analysed by confocal microscopy and in vivo efficacy was examined in a A498 xenograft model. KEY RESULTS: YC-1 displayed cytotoxicity in renal carcinoma cells at 10(-7)-10(-8) M. Increased condensation of chromatin was observed and an increase in the cell population in subG1 phase. Moreover, YC-1 triggered mitochondria-mediated and caspase-dependent pathways. YC-1 significantly induced Fas ligand expression, but did not modify either the protein levels of death receptors or ligands. In addition, Fas clustering in cells responsive to YC-1 was observed, suggesting involvement of a Fas-mediated pathway. Furthermore, YC-1 markedly induced phosphorylation of JNK and a JNK inhibitor, SP600125, and siRNA JNK1/2 significantly reversed YC-1-induced cytotoxicity and protein expression. We suggest that YC-1 induced JNK phosphorylation, the upregulation of FasL and Fas receptor clustering to promote the activation of caspases 8 and 3, resulting in apoptosis. Finally, we demonstrated the antitumour effect of YC-1 in vivo. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: These data suggest that YC-1 is a good candidate for development as an anticancer drug.

YC-1 attenuates LPS-induced proinflammatory responses and activation of nuclear factor-kappaB in microglia.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: An inflammatory response in the central nervous system mediated by the activation of microglia is a key event in the early stages of the development of neurodegenerative diseases. LPS has been reported to cause marked microglia activation. It is very important to develop drugs that can inhibit microglia activation and neuroinflammation. Here, we investigated the inhibitory effect of YC-1, a known activator of soluble guanylyl cyclase, against LPS-induced inflammatory responses in microglia. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: To understand the inhibitory effects of YC-1 on LPS-induced neuroinflammation, primary cultures of rat microglia and the microglia cell line BV-2 were used. To examine the mechanism of action of YC-1, LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production, iNOS, COX-2 and cytokine expression were analyzed by Griess reaction, ELISA, Western blotting and RT-PCR, respectively. The effect of YC-1 on LPS-induced activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) was studied by NF-kappaB reporter assay and immunofluorocytochemistry. KEY RESULTS: YC-1 inhibited LPS-induced production of NO and PGE2 in a concentration-dependent manner. The protein and mRNA expression of iNOS and COX-2 in response to LPS application were also decreased by YC-1. In addition, YC-1 effectively reduced LPS-induced expression of the mRNA for the proinflammatory cytokines, TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. Furthermore, YC-1 inhibited LPS-induced NF-kappaB activation in microglia. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: YC-1 was able to inhibit LPS-induced iNOS and COX-2 expression and NF-kappaB activation, indicating that YC-1 may be developed as an anti-inflammatory neuroprotective agent.

YC-1 inhibits HIF-1 expression in prostate cancer cells: contribution of Akt/NF-kappaB signaling to HIF-1alpha accumulation during hypoxia.

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), a transcription factor that is critical for tumor adaptation to microenvironmental stimuli, represents an attractive chemotherapeutic target. YC-1 is a novel antitumor agent that inhibits HIF-1 through previously unexplained mechanisms. In the present study, YC-1 was found to prevent HIF-1alpha and HIF-1beta accumulation in response to hypoxia or mitogen treatment in PC-3 prostate cancer cells. Neither HIF-1alpha protein half-life nor mRNA level was affected by YC-1. However, YC-1 was found to suppress the PI3K/Akt/mTOR/4E-BP pathway, which serves to regulate HIF-1alpha expression at the translational step. We demonstrated that YC-1 also inhibited hypoxia-induced activation of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB, a downstream target of Akt. Two modulators of the Akt/NF-kappaB pathway, caffeic acid phenethyl ester and evodiamine, were observed to decrease HIF-1alpha expression. Additionally, overexpression of NF-kappaB partly reversed the ability of wortmannin to inhibit HIF-1alpha-dependent transcriptional activity, suggesting that NF-kappaB contributes to Akt-mediated HIF-1alpha accumulation during hypoxia. Overall, we identify a potential molecular mechanism whereby YC-1 serves to reduce HIF-1 expression.

Pharmacological evaluation of several major ingredients of Chinese herbal medicines in human hepatoma Hep3B cells.

Long-dan-tan (Chinese name) is one of the most common herbal medicines used by Chinese people with chronic liver disease. Accumulated anecdotal evidence suggests that Long-dan-tan may show a beneficial effect in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Long-dan-tan is made from five plants: Gentiana root, Scutellaria root, Gardenia fruit, Alisma rhizome, and Bupleurum root. In this study, we have examined the cytotoxic effects of the five major ingredients isolated from the above plants, i.e. gentiopicroside, baicalein, geniposide, alisol B acetate and saikosaponin-d, respectively, on human hepatoma Hep3B cells. Annexin V immunofluorescence detection, DNA fragmentation assays and FACScan analysis of propidium iodide-staining cells showed that gentiopicroside, baicalein, and geniposide had little effect, whereas alisol B acetate and saikosaponin-d profoundly induced apoptosis in Hep3B cells. Alisol B acetate, but not saikosaponin-d, induced G2/M arrest of the cell cycle as well as a significant increase in caspase-3 activity. Interestingly, baicalein by itself induced an increase in H(2)O(2) generation and the subsequent NF-kappaB activation; furthermore, it effectively inhibited the transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1))-induced caspase-3 activation and cell apoptosis. We suggest that alisol B acetate and saikosaponin-d induced cell apoptosis through the caspase-3-dependent and -independent pathways, respectively. Instead of inducing apoptosis, baicalein inhibits TGF-beta(1)-induced apoptosis via increase in cellular H(2)O(2) formation and NF-kappaB activation in human hepatoma Hep3B cells.

Synthesis of 1-benzyl-3-(5'-hydroxymethyl-2'-furyl)indazole analogues as novel antiplatelet agents.

1-Benzyl-3-(5'-hydroxymethyl-2'-furyl)indazole (28, YC-1) was selected as the lead compound for systemic structural modification. After screening for antiplatelet activity, SARs of YC-1 analogues were established. Among these potent active derivatives, compounds 29, 30, 31, 44, and 45 functioned as potent activators of sGC and inhibitors of PDE5 with potency comparable to that of YC-1. In addition, compound 58 was found to be a selective and potent inhibitor of protease-activated receptor type 4 (PAR4)-dependent platelet activation.

Vasorelaxing and antioxidant constituents from Hernandia nymphaeifolia.

Three new alkaloids, (+)-nymphaedaline (1), oxo-O-methylbulbocapnine (2), and (+)-laetine (3), have been isolated from the trunk bark of Hernandia nymphaeifolia. The structures of these new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. Among the isolates of this plant obtained till now, sixteen compounds show effective inhibitory activities on the contraction of vascular smooth muscles induced by high K+ (80 mM) or norepinephrine (3 microM). In addition, eight compounds showed effective antioxidant activities in scavenging the stable free radical, diphenyl-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH).

Quinoline alkaloids and other constituents of Melicope semecarpifolia with antiplatelet aggregation activity.

Three new quinoline alkaloids, 2-acetylevolitrine (1), 2-acetylpteleine (2), and semecarpifoline (3), along with 26 known compounds were isolated from the root bark of Melicope semecarpifolia. The structures of 1-3 were elucidated by means of spectral analysis. In addition, (2S)-(--)-7,8-dimethoxyplatydesmine (4), cis-(+)-7,8-dimethoxymyrtopsine (5), and (3R)-(--)-8,9-dimethoxygeibalansine (6) were isolated as new natural products. Several of these isolates were determined as exhibiting significant antiplatelet aggregation activities in vitro.

A new tetrahydroprotoberberine N-oxide alkaloid and anti-platelet aggregation constituents of Corydalis tashiroi.

A new tetrahydroprotoberberine N-oxide alkaloid, (-)-cis-isocorypalmine N-oxide (1), together with two known compounds, 6-methoxydihydrosanguinarine (2) and norjuziphine (3), were isolated in continuing studies of the entire Formosan Corydalis tashiroi plant. The structures of these three compounds were determined through spectral analyses. In addition, compounds 1, 2, 3 and the seven alkaloids previously reported: (-)-cis-corydalmine N-oxide, (-)-trans-corydalmine N-oxide, (-)-trans-isocorypalmine N-oxide, scoulerine, protopine, oxysanguinarine and corydalmine, were found to possess antiplatelet aggregation activity.

Dual effects of ouabain on the regulation of proliferation and apoptosis in human prostatic smooth muscle cells.

PURPOSE: To elucidate the role of ouabain in the pathophysiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia we examined the effects of ouabain on the proliferation and apoptosis of human prostatic smooth muscle cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Primary cultures of human prostatic smooth muscle cells were obtained from 7 patients with bladder outlet obstruction caused by benign prostatic enlargement. A cell proliferation study was performed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay method to examine the effects of different concentrations of ouabain and various inhibitors. Western blot analysis was done to determine mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling reaction method and caspase-3 activity assay were also performed to examine the apoptotic mechanism. RESULTS: Ouabain exhibited a modest but significant proliferative effect in nanomolar concentrations; whereas it induced cell apoptosis at higher concentrations. Ouabain caused rapid activation of p42/44 MAPKs. The proliferative effect of ouabain was completely flattened by W-7 and MAPK kinase (MEK) inhibitor, suggesting the requirement of Ca(2+) mobilization and the involvement of the MEK-p42/44 MAPK cascade. The cytotoxic effect by ouabain was defined as apoptosis and necrosis using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling reaction technique and lactate dehydrogenase release assay, respectively. In addition, ouabain induced profound caspase-3 activity in the cytotoxic concentrations and DEVD-CHO reversed the cytotoxic action to ouabain, demonstrating the involvement of caspase-3 activation in the cytotoxic action. CONCLUSIONS: Ouabain at different concentrations caused dual effects on proliferation and apoptosis in human prostatic smooth muscle cells. At low concentrations ouabain promoted cell proliferation via a Ca(2+) dependent mechanism and activation of the MEK-p42/44 MAPK pathway; whereas it induced cell apoptosis via the activation of caspase-3 activity at higher concentrations.

Antiplatelet activity of N-methoxycarbonyl aporphines from Rollinia mucosa.

Bioassay-directed fractionation of the stems of Rollinia mucosa led to the isolation of new N-methoxycarbonyl aporphine alkaloids, romucosine A (1), romucosine B (2), romucosine C (3), and romucosine D (4), along with the known alkaloid, N-methoxylcarbonyl-nornuciferine (5). Alkaloids 1 and 4 exhibited significant inhibition of collagen, arachidonic acid, and platelet activating factor-induced platelet aggregation, and alkaloid 3 also showed an inhibitory effect on arachidonic acid induced platelet aggregation.

Inhibition of the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in macrophages by 7HQ derivatives: involvement of IkappaB-alpha stabilization.

Nitric oxide is an important biological mediator associated with multiple pathophysiological phenomena, such as platelet aggregation, vasodilation, septic shock, and autoimmune diseases. Prostaglandins, derived from cyclooxygenases, play prominent roles in homeostasis and inflammation. In this study, we characterized the effects of 7HQ derivatives (7-[(4-methylene-5-oxo-2-R-2-tetrahydrofuranyl) methoxy]-3,4-dihydrocarbostyril, where R is methyl, phenyl, p-fluorophenyl and p-phenylphenyl; 7HQ-1,-2,-3 and-4, respectively) in murine RAW 264.7 cells, a macrophage-like cell line. Lipopolysaccharide, the active component of endotoxin, significantly induced the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2, leading to the accumulation of nitrite and prostaglandin E(2), respectively. These actions of lipopolysaccharide were inhibited by 7HQ derivatives; additionally, the inhibition of the expression, rather than the activity, of inducible nitric oxide synthase correlated well with that of nitric oxide formation. Western blotting and electrophoretic mobility shift assay results demonstrated that the 7HQ derivatives could effectively inhibit IkappaB-alpha degradation and nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) translocation. At higher concentrations, 7HQ derivatives also inhibited cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme activity. These results suggest that 7HQ derivatives exhibit inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 through inhibition of IkappaB-alpha degradation and NF-kappaB activation.

Inhibitory effect of DCDC on lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide synthesis in RAW 264.7 cells.

In the present study we have examined the effect of DCDC (2',5'-dihydroxy-4-chloro-dihydrochalcone) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced responses in murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. Exposure of LPS-stimulated cells to DCDC inhibited the nitrite accumulation in culture medium. DCDC also concentration-dependently inhibited LPS-stimulated increase of iNOS expression; however, it had little effect on iNOS enzyme activity, suggesting that the inhibitory action to DCDC is mainly due to the inhibition on iNOS expression rather than iNOS enzyme activity. DCDC significantly inhibited LPS-evoked degradation of IkappaB-alpha and the nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB; it also exhibited the activity of scavenging the stable free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). DCDC also inhibited cyclooxygenase-2 activity in RAW 264.7 cells with an IC50 of 3.0 microM; furthermore, it also significantly decreased LPS-induced mortality rate in mice. Taken together, we demonstrate that DCDC exhibits inhibitory effects on nitric oxide production through the inhibition of IkappaB-alpha degradation and NF-kappaB activation, and therefore the suppression of iNOS expression. DCDC also shows the antioxidant activity and COX-2 inhibitory action. Moreover, it improves survival in a murine model of endotoxaemia suggesting that DCDC may be potential in the therapy of septic shock.

Cinnamophilin as a novel antiperoxidative cytoprotectant and free radical scavenger.

The antioxidant properties of cinnamophilin were evaluated by studying its ability to react with relevant reactive oxygen species, and its protective effect on cultured cells and biomacromolecules under oxidative stress. Cinnamophilin concentration-dependently suppressed non-enzymatic iron-induced lipid peroxidation in rat brain homogenates with an IC50 value of 8.0+/-0.7 microM and iron ion/ADP/ascorbate-initiated rat liver mitochondrial lipid peroxidation with an IC50 value of 17.7+/-0.2 microM. It also exerted an inhibitory activity on NADPH-dependent microsomal lipid peroxidation with an IC50 value of 3.4+/-0.1 microM without affecting microsomal electron transport of NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase. Both 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azo-bis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride-derived peroxyl radical tests demonstrated that cinnamophilin possessed marked free radical scavenging capacity. Cinnamophilin significantly protected cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells (A7r5) against alloxan/iron ion/H2O2-induced damage resulting in cytoplasmic membranous disturbance and mitochondrial potential decay. By the way, cinnamophilin inhibited copper-catalyzed oxidation of human low-density lipoprotein, as measured by fluorescence intensity and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance formation in a concentration-dependent manner. On the other hand, it was reactive toward superoxide anions generated by the xanthine/xanthine oxidase system and the aortic segment from aged spontaneously hypertensive rat. Furthermore, cinnamophilin exerted a divergent effect on the respiratory burst of human neutrophil by different stimulators. Our results show that cinnamophilin acts as a novel antioxidant and cytoprotectant against oxidative damage.