Consequences of telomere dysfunction in fibroblasts, club and basal cells for lung fibrosis development.

TRF1 is an essential component of the telomeric protective complex or shelterin. We previously showed that dysfunctional telomeres in alveolar type II (ATII) cells lead to interstitial lung fibrosis. Here, we study the lung pathologies upon telomere dysfunction in fibroblasts, club and basal cells. TRF1 deficiency in lung fibroblasts, club and basal cells induced telomeric damage, proliferative defects, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. While Trf1 deletion in fibroblasts does not spontaneously lead to lung pathologies, upon bleomycin challenge exacerbates lung fibrosis. Unlike in females, Trf1 deletion in club and basal cells from male mice resulted in lung inflammation and airway remodeling. Here, we show that depletion of TRF1 in fibroblasts, Club and basal cells does not lead to interstitial lung fibrosis, underscoring ATII cells as the relevant cell type for the origin of interstitial fibrosis. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of proper telomere protection in lung tissue homeostasis.

Short and dysfunctional telomeres sensitize the kidneys to develop fibrosis.

Accumulation of short telomeres is a hallmark of aging. Mutations in telomerase or telomere-binding proteins lead to telomere shortening or dysfunction and are at the origin of human pathologies known as 'telomere syndromes', which are characterized by loss of the regenerative capacity of tissues and fibrotic pathologies. Here, we generated two mouse models of kidney fibrosis, either by combining telomerase deficiency to induce telomere shortening and a low dose of folic acid, or by conditionally deleting Trf1, a component of the shelterin telomere protective complex, from the kidneys. We find that short telomeres sensitize the kidneys to develop fibrosis in response to folic acid and exacerbate the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program. Trf1 deletion in kidneys led to fibrosis and EMT activation. Our findings suggest that telomere shortening or dysfunction may contribute to pathological, age-associated renal fibrosis by influencing the EMT program.

The mTOR pathway is necessary for survival of mice with short telomeres.

Telomerase deficiency leads to age-related diseases and shorter lifespans. Inhibition of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) delays aging and age-related pathologies. Here, we show that telomerase deficient mice with short telomeres (G2-Terc-/-) have an hyper-activated mTOR pathway with increased levels of phosphorylated ribosomal S6 protein in liver, skeletal muscle and heart, a target of mTORC1. Transcriptional profiling confirms mTOR activation in G2-Terc-/- livers. Treatment of G2-Terc-/- mice with rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTORC1, decreases survival, in contrast to lifespan extension in wild-type controls. Deletion of mTORC1 downstream S6 kinase 1 in G3-Terc-/- mice also decreases longevity, in contrast to lifespan extension in single S6K1-/- female mice. These findings demonstrate that mTOR is important for survival in the context of short telomeres, and that its inhibition is deleterious in this setting. These results are of clinical interest in the case of human syndromes characterized by critically short telomeres.

Phloretin attenuates STAT-3 activity and overcomes sorafenib resistance targeting SHP-1-mediated inhibition of STAT3 and Akt/VEGFR2 pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy. Phloretin (PH) possesses anticancer, antitumor, and hepatoprotective effects, however, the effects and potential mechanisms of phloretin remain elusive. METHODS: Five HCC cells were tested in vitro for sensitivity to PH, Sorafenib (Sor) or both and the apoptosis, signal transduction and phosphatase activity were analyzed. To validate the role of SHP-1, we used PTP inhibitor III and SHP-1 siRNA. Further, we used purified SHP-1 proteins or HCC cells expressing deletion N-SH2 domain or D61A point mutants to study the PH efficacy on SHP-1. The `in vivo studies were conducted using HepG2 and SK-Hep1 and Sor resistant HepG2SR and Huh7SR xenografts. Molecular docking was done with Swiss dock and Auto Dock Vina. RESULTS: PH inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in all HCC cells by upregulating SHP-1 expression and downregulating STAT3 expression and further inhibited pAKT/pERK signaling. PH activated SHP-1 by disruption of autoinhibition of SHP-1, leading to reduced p-STAT3Tyr705 level. PH induced apoptosis in two Sor-resistant cell lines and overcome STAT3, AKT, MAPK and VEGFR2 dependent Sor resistance in HCCs. PH potently inhibited tumor growth in both Sor-sensitive and Sor-resistant xenografts in vivo by impairing angiogenesis, cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis via targeting the SHP-1/STAT3 signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that PH inhibits STAT3 activity in Sor-sensitive and -resistant HCCs via SHP-1-mediated inhibition of STAT3 and AKT/mTOR/JAK2/VEGFR2 pathway. Our results clearly indicate that PH may be a potent reagent for hepatocellular carcinoma and a noveltargeted therapy for further clinical investigations.

Costunolide suppresses an inflammatory angiogenic response in a subcutaneous murine sponge model.

Costunolide is known to possess anti-inflammatory and antitumor activity, but its role in tumor angiogenesis, the key step involved in tumor growth and metastasis, and the involved molecular mechanism is still unknown. We aimed to investigate the effects of costunolide on key components of inflammatory angiogenesis in the murine cannulated sponge implant angiogenesis model. Polyester-polyurethane sponges, used as a framework for fibrovascular tissue growth, were implanted in Swiss albino mice and costunolide (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg/day) was administered for 14 days through installed cannula. The implants collected at day 14 post-implantation were processed for the assessment of hemoglobin (Hb), myeloperoxidase (MPO), N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) and collagen, which were used as indices for angiogenesis, neutrophil and macrophage accumulation, and extracellular matrix deposition, respectively. Relevant inflammatory, angiogenic and fibrogenic cytokines were also determined. Costunolide treatment attenuated the main components of the fibrovascular tissue, wet weight, vascularization (Hb content), macrophage recruitment (NAG activity), collagen deposition, and the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and transforming growth factor (TGF-ß). Regulatory function of costunolide on multiple parameters of the main components of inflammatory angiogenesis has been revealed giving insight into the potential therapeutic benefit underlying the anti-angiogenic actions of costunolide.

Camel milk inhibits inflammatory angiogenesis via downregulation of proangiogenic and proinflammatory cytokines in mice.

Camel milk has traditionally been used to treat cancer, but this practice awaits scientific scrutiny, in particular its role in tumor angiogenesis, the key step involved in tumor growth and metastasis. We aimed to investigate the effects of camel milk on key components of inflammatory angiogenesis in sponge implant angiogenesis model. Polyester-polyurethane sponges, used as a framework for fibrovascular tissue growth, were implanted in Swiss albino mice and camel milk (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg/day) was administered for 14 days through installed cannula. The implants collected at day 14 post-implantation were processed for the assessment of hemoglobin (Hb), myeloperoxidase (MPO), N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG), and collagen, which were used as indices for angiogenesis, neutrophil, and macrophage accumulation and extracellular matrix deposition, respectively. Relevant inflammatory, angiogenic, and fibrogenic cytokines were also determined. Camel milk treatment attenuated the main components of the fibrovascular tissue, wet weight, vascularization (Hb content), macrophage recruitment (NAG activity), collagen deposition and the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-α, and transforming growth factor-ß. A regulatory function of camel milk on multiple parameters of the main components of inflammatory angiogenesis has been revealed, giving insight into the potential therapeutic benefit underlying the anti-cancer actions of camel milk.

α-santalol inhibits the angiogenesis and growth of human prostate tumor growth by targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2-mediated AKT/mTOR/P70S6K signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) inhibitors, as efficient antiangiogenesis agents, have been applied in the cancer treatment. However, recently, most of these anticancer drugs have some adverse effects. Discovery of novel VEGFR2 inhibitors as anticancer drug candidates is still needed. METHODS: We used α-santalol and analyzed its inhibitory effects on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and Prostate tumor cells (PC-3 or LNCaP) in vitro. Tumor xenografts in nude mice were used to examine the in vivo activity of α-santalol. RESULTS: α-santalol significantly inhibits HUVEC proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation. Western blot analysis indicated that α-santalol inhibited VEGF-induced phosphorylation of VEGFR2 kinase and the downstream protein kinases including AKT, ERK, FAK, Src, mTOR, and pS6K in HUVEC, PC-3 and LNCaP cells. α-santalol treatment inhibited ex vivo and in vivo angiogenesis as evident by rat aortic and sponge implant angiogenesis assay. α-santalol significantly reduced the volume and the weight of solid tumors in prostate xenograft mouse model. The antiangiogenic effect by CD31 immunohistochemical staining indicated that α-santalol inhibited tumorigenesis by targeting angiogenesis. Furthermore, α-santalol reduced the cell viability and induced apoptosis in PC-3 cells, which were correlated with the downregulation of AKT, mTOR and P70S6K expressions. Molecular docking simulation indicated that α-santalol form hydrogen bonds and aromatic interactions within the ATP-binding region of the VEGFR2 kinase unit. CONCLUSION: α-santalol inhibits angiogenesis by targeting VEGFR2 regulated AKT/mTOR/P70S6K signaling pathway, and could be used as a potential drug candidate for cancer therapy.

Ursolic acid inhibits tumor angiogenesis and induces apoptosis through mitochondrial-dependent pathway in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma tumor.

Ursolic acid (UA) is a pentacyclic triterpene naturally occurring in many plant foods. In the present study, we investigated anti-cancer activity of UA in vivo in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) tumor. 15 × 10(6) EAC cells were implanted intraperitoneally (i.p., ascitic tumor) and subcutaneous (s.c., solid tumor) in Swiss albino mice. Mice with established tumors received UA i.p. at 25, 50 and 100mg/kg bw for 14 d in ascitic and 100mg/kg bw in solid tumor for 30 d. On day 15, blood samples were collected for hematological assessment of hemoglobin (Hb%), RBCs, WBCs and PCV. Tumor volume, cell viability, angiogenic, anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory factors and antioxidant parameters were determined. Immunohistochemistry analysis for VEGF, iNOS, CD31, caspase-3 and Bax were also performed. UA significantly inhibited tumor growth, cell viability, in both ascites and solid tumor model in vivo (p<0.001). The anti-angiogenic effects were accompanied with decreased VEGF, iNOS, TNF-α and increased IL-12 levels. UA at 100mg/kg bw dose significantly increased SOD and CAT activity (p<0.01). GSH and TBARS were increased as compared to control group (p<0.001). Furthermore, UA increased total RBCs, WBCs as well as Hb% significantly (p<0.05) compared to cyclophosphamide (CP). Histopathological examination of tumor cells in the treated group demonstrated signs of apoptosis with chromatin condensation and cell shrinkage. Decreased peritoneal angiogenesis showed the anti-angiogenic potential. UA downregulated VEGF & iNOS expression whereas bax and caspase-3 expressions were upregulated suggesting drug induced tumor cell apoptosis through activating the pro-apoptotic bcl-2 family and caspase-3 and downregulation of VEGF. The present study sheds light on the potent antitumor property of the UA and can be extended further to develop therapeutic protocols for treatment of cancer.

Punarnavine, an alkaloid from Boerhaavia diffusa exhibits anti-angiogenic activity via downregulation of VEGF in vitro and in vivo.

Punarnavine, a quinolizidine alkaloid isolated from Boerhaavia diffusa is known to possess analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hepato-protective, immunomodulatory and anti-proliferative properties. However, its roles in tumor angiogenesis and the involved molecular mechanism are still unknown. Therefore, we examined its anti-angiogenic effects and mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. We examined the effect of punarnavine on VEGF-A expression by RT-PCR, Western blotting and ELISA. In vivo antiangiogenic activity was determined using sponge implant angiogenesis assay and antitumor activity was evaluated against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma tumor. Punarnavine significantly inhibited endothelial cell migration and invasion and capillary structure formation of HUVECs. Punarnavine significantly at 50 µM inhibited MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression in HUVECs in vitro. Punarnavine inhibited neovascularization in sponge implant assay. Punarnavine (15 mg/kg bw/d) treatment showed dose-dependent decrease in the ascitic fluid volume by 60.94% and tumor volume by 86.40% in Ehrlich ascites model. Reduction in peritoneal angiogenesis with punarnavine treatment suggests the anti-angiogenic activity of punarnavine. The present study sheds light on the potent anti-angiogenic of the punarnavine and can be extended further to develop therapeutic protocols for treatment of cancer.

Anticarcinogenic effect of brucine in diethylnitrosamine initiated and phenobarbital-promoted hepatocarcinogenesis in rats.

We evaluated the effects of brucine on N-nitrosodiethylamine (DENA)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats. Initiation of hepatocarcinogenesis was done by intraperitoneal injection of diethylnitrosamine (DENA) followed by promotion with phenobarbital. The rats were exposed to dietary brucine for 4 weeks prior to initiation, and the treatment was continued for 22 consecutive weeks. Brucine decreased the incidence, total number, multiplicity, size and volume of preneoplastic hepatic nodules in a dose-dependent manner. Administration of DENA induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as evidenced by changes in histopathological architecture, increased activity of cytochrome P450, decreased activity of glutathione Stransferase (GST) as well as decreased antioxidant status, enhanced lipid peroxidation, increased liver marker enzymes. Western blot analysis showed decreased expression of cyclin D1 and Bcl-2 with activation of caspase-3 and increased expression of Bax. Immunohistochemical demonstrated the decreased expression of the PCNA and VEGF. These results indicate that brucine prevents lipid peroxidation and hepatic cell damage and also protects the antioxidant system in DENA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis.

Tylophorine, a phenanthraindolizidine alkaloid isolated from Tylophora indica exerts antiangiogenic and antitumor activity by targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2-mediated angiogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Anti-angiogenesis targeting VEGFR2 has been considered as an important strategy for cancer therapy. Tylophorine is known to possess anti-inflammatory and antitumor activity, but its roles in tumor angiogenesis, the key step involved in tumor growth and metastasis, and the involved molecular mechanism is still unknown. Therefore, we examined its anti-angiogenic effects and mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: We used tylophorine and analyzed its inhibitory effects on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in vitro and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) tumor in vivo. RESULTS: Tylophorine significantly inhibited a series of VEGF-induced angiogenesis processes including proliferation, migration, and tube formation of endothelial cells. Besides, it directly inhibited VEGFR2 tyrosine kinase activity and its downstream signaling pathways including Akt, Erk and ROS in endothelial cells. Using HUVECs we demonstrated that tylophorine inhibited VEGF-stimulated inflammatory responses including IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, IFN-γ, MMP-2 and NO secretion. Tylophorine significantly inhibited neovascularization in sponge implant angiogenesis assay and also inhibited tumor angiogenesis and tumor growth in vivo. Molecular docking simulation indicated that tylophorine could form hydrogen bonds and aromatic interactions within the ATP-binding region of the VEGFR2 kinase unit. CONCLUSION: Tylophorine exerts anti-angiogenesis effects via VEGFR2 signaling pathway thus, may be a viable drug candidate in anti-angiogenesis and anti-cancer therapies.

Strychnine inhibits inflammatory angiogenesis in mice via down regulation of VEGF, TNF-α and TGF-ß.

Strychnine is known to possess anti-inflammatory and antitumour activity, but its roles in tumour angiogenesis, the key step involved in tumour growth and metastasis, and the involved molecular mechanism are still unknown. We aimed to investigate the effects of strychnine on key components of inflammatory angiogenesis in the murine cannulated sponge implant angiogenesis model. Polyester-polyurethane sponges, used as a framework for fibrovascular tissue growth, were implanted in Swiss albino mice and strychnine (0.25, and 0.5 mg/kg/day) was given through installed cannulas for 9 days. The implants collected at day 9 postimplantation were processed for the assessment of haemoglobin (Hb), myeloperoxidase (MPO), N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) and collagen used as indexes for angiogenesis, neutrophil and macrophage accumulation and extracellular matrix deposition, respectively. Relevant inflammatory, angiogenic and fibrogenic cytokines were also determined. Strychnine treatment attenuated the main components of the fibrovascular tissue, wet weight, vascularization (Hb content), macrophage recruitment (NAG activity), collagen deposition and the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and transforming growth factor (TGF-ß). A regulatory function of strychnine on multiple parameters of main components of inflammatory angiogenesis has been revealed giving insight into the potential therapeutic underlying the actions of strychnine.

Brucine, an indole alkaloid from Strychnos nux-vomica attenuates VEGF-induced angiogenesis via inhibiting VEGFR2 signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo.

In this study, we investigated the mechanism of brucine in tumor angiogenesis. We found that brucine inhibits VEGF-induced cell proliferation, chemotactic motility, and the formation of capillary-like structures in HUVECs in a dose-dependent manner. Brucine suppresses VEGF- induced p-VEGFR2 kinase activity and inhibits neovascularization in vivo. Brucine inhibits the downstream protein kinases of VEGFR2, including Src, FAK, ERK, AKT and mTOR. And further downregulates levels of VEGF, NO, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and IFN-γ in HUVECs. Taken together, our study suggests that brucine potently suppresses angiogenesis by targeting VEGFR2 activation and may be a viable drug candidate in anti-angiogenesis and anti-cancer therapies.

Boswellic acid inhibits inflammatory angiogenesis in a murine sponge model.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of boswellic acid (BA) on key components of inflammatory angiogenesis in the murine cannulated sponge implant angiogenesis model. Polyester-polyurethane sponges, used as a framework for fibrovascular tissue growth, were implanted in Swiss albino mice and BA (12.5 or 25mg/kg/day) was given through installed cannulas for nine days. The implants collected at day 9 post-implantation were processed for the assessment of hemoglobin (Hb). Relevant levels of inflammatory, angiogenic and fibrogenic cytokines were also determined. BA treatment resulted in significant decrease in sponge vascularization (Hb content) and in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF-ß1) at both doses. Further, BA decreased expression of VEGF and CD31 and reduced % microvessel density (MVD) in sponge implants. A regulatory function of BA on multiple parameters of the main components of inflammatory angiogenesis has been revealed giving an insight into the potential therapeutic use underlying the actions of BA.

Cytotoxic and antitumor effects of brucine on Ehrlich ascites tumor and human cancer cell line.

AIMS: Brucine (BRU), a natural plant alkaloid is reported to possess cytotoxic and antiproliferative activities. In this study we aimed to investigate its in vitro and in vivo antitumor and antiangiogenic effects. MAIN METHODS: Cell proliferation and viability was assessed using microculture tetrazolium tests (MTT). As predictive markers we determined intracellular levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Interleukin-12 (IL-12), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), caspase-3, -8 and -9 by ELISA and enzymatic activity assays. In addition, anti-VEGF neutralization effect was evaluated to assess whether it could result in augmented anticancer efficacy than the single agent. Antitumor activity was evaluated against Ehrlich ascites and solid tumor models. 15×10(6) EAC cells were implanted intraperitoneally (i.p., ascites tumor) and subcutaneous (s.c., solid tumor) in Swiss albino mice. Mice with established tumors received brucine i.p. at 12.5, 25, and 50mg/kg for 14days in ascites tumor and 50mg/kg in solid tumor for 30days. Tumor volume, cell viability, angiogenic, anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory factors and antioxidant parameters were determined. Immunohistochemistry analysis for VEGF and CD-31 was also performed. KEY FINDINGS: BRU produced time and dose-dependent inhibition of MCF-7 in vitro and EAC tumors in vivo. The anti-angiogenic effects were accompanied with decreased VEGF and TNF-α and increased IL-12 expression. BRU reduced peritoneal angiogenesis and microvessel density in vivo. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that BRU possesses antitumor and anti-angiogenic activities in vitro and in vivo. The above results showed that BRU can be used as a potential anticancer agent as an antimetastatic and anti-angiogenic agent.

Antitumor properties of Boswellic acid against Ehrlich ascites cells bearing mouse.

Boswellic acid (BA), a triterpene, isolated from Boswellia serrata (Burseraceae) has been found to possess potent anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity. The present study aimed at exploring the possible role of BA on ascites and solid Ehrlich tumor. Ascitic tumor development was evaluated 14 d after tumor implantation by quantification of the ascitic fluid volume whereas solid tumor was evaluated after 30 d tumor implantation by H&E and IHC. The i.p. administration of BA significantly inhibited ascitic and solid Ehrlich tumor model. This inhibition was observed with reduced ascitic volume, solid tumor volume and body weight when compared to control mice. The treatments also increased the survival of tumor-bearing mice. VEGF and TNF- α levels were decreased, whereas the IL-12 levels were increased with BA treatment at 25mg/kg. Further, results on decrease in the peritoneal angiogenesis and microvessel density showed the anti-angiogenic potential. Microscopic examination of tumors revealed that in BA-treated groups the expression of Bax and caspase 3 increased, suggesting drug induced tumor cell apoptosis through activating the pro-apoptotic bcl-2 family and caspase-3. The present study sheds light on the potent antitumor property of the boswellic acid and can be extended further to develop therapeutic protocols for treatment of cancer.