Fisetin Inhibits UVA-Induced Expression of MMP-1 and MMP-3 through the NOX/ROS/MAPK Pathway in Human Dermal Fibroblasts and Human Epidermal Keratinocytes.

Fisetin is a flavonoid found in plants and has been reported to be effective in various human diseases. However, the effective mechanisms of ultraviolet-A (UVA)-mediated skin damage are not yet clear. In this study, we investigated the protective mechanisms of fisetin regarding UVA-induced human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and human epidermal keratinocytes (HEKs) damages. Fisetin showed a cytoprotective effect against UVA irradiation and suppressed matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), MMP-1, and MMP-3 expression. In addition, fisetin was rescued, which decreased mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species production, and the downregulation of MAPK/AP-1 related protein and NADPH oxidase (NOX) mRNA levels. Furthermore, UVA-induced MMP-1 and MMP-3 were effectively inhibited by siRNAs to NOX 1 to 5 in HDFs and HEKs. These results indicate that fisetin suppresses UVA-induced damage through the NOX/ROS/MAPK pathway in HDFs and HEKs.

Molecular mechanisms of biogenesis of apoptotic exosome-like vesicles and their roles as damage-associated molecular patterns.

Recent research has led to contradictory notions regarding the conventional theory that apoptotic cell death can evoke inflammatory or immunogenic responses orchestrated by released damage-associated patterns (DAMPs). By inducing IL-1ß from bone marrow-derived macrophages in an effort to determine the inflammatory mediators released from apoptotic cells, we found that exosomal fractions called "apoptotic exosome-like vesicles" (AEVs) prepared from apoptotic-conditioned medium were the main inflammatory factors. These AEVs showed characteristics of exosomes in their size, density, morphology, and protein expression but had unique marker proteins, sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors 1 and 3 (S1PR1 and 3). Their biogenesis was completely dependent on cellular sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)/S1PRs signaling from multiple fine spindles of plasma membrane accompanied by F-actin, S1PR1, S1PR3, and CD63 at the early apoptotic phase and progressing to the maturation of F-actin-guided multivesicular endosomes mediated by Gßγ subunits of S1PRs downstream. S1P-loaded S1PRs on AEVs were critical factors for inducing IL-1ß via NF-κB transcriptional factor and p38 MAPK, possibly through the RHOA/NOD2 axis, in differentiating macrophages. The AEVs induced genes of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and mediators in both in vitro and in vivo models. In conclusion, AEVs could be key inflammatory mediators, acting as DAMPs that could explain the pathogeneses of various chronic inflammations, autoimmune diseases, or cancers in the future.

Arterial stiffness is an independent predictor for risk of mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: the REBOUND study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the benefit of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) as a noninvasive marker of arterial stiffness for the prediction of all-cause and cause-specific mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: This multicenter prospective observational study analyzed 2308 patients with type 2 diabetes between 2008 and 2018. The patients were categorized according to the quartiles of baPWV. Cause of mortality was determined using death certificates and patient clinical records. We estimated proportional mortality rates from all causes, cardiovascular, cancer, and other causes among adults with diabetic status according to their baPWV. Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs). RESULTS: There were 199 deaths (8.6%) in the study population during a median follow-up duration of 8.6 years. When baPWV was assessed as quartiles, a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 5.39, P < 0.001), cardiovascular-mortality (HR = 14.89, P < 0.001), cancer-mortality (HR = 5.42, P < 0.001), and other-cause mortality (HR = 4.12, P < 0.001) was found in quartile 4 (Q4, ≥ 1830 cm/s) than in quartiles 1-3 (Q1-3). Adding baPWV to baseline model containing conventional risk factors such as age, sex, diabetes duration, body mass index, glycated hemoglobin, systolic blood pressure, glomerular filtration rate, smoking, and insulin improved the risk prediction for all-cause (net reclassification index (NRI) = 49%, P < 0.001) and cause-specific (cardiovascular NRI = 28%, P = 0.030; cancer NRI = 55%, P < 0.001; other-cause NRI 51%, P < 0.001) mortality. CONCLUSION: This long-term, large-scale, multicenter prospective observational cohort study provide evidence that increased arterial stiffness, as measured by baPWV, predicts the risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality in type 2 diabetes, supporting the prognostic utility of baPWV. Trial registration Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS), KCT 0005010. Retrospectively Registered May 12, 2020. https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/search_result_st01.jsp?seq=16677.

Short-term bone marrow suppression in differentiated thyroid cancer patients after radioactive iodine treatment.

After thyroidectomy in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment is often used for remnant ablation. However, RAI treatment has been associated with bone marrow suppression, and leukopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia may occur after a single RAI administration. In this study, we examined the change in complete blood counts at 1 week after RAI administration; this is less well studied. A group of 189 DTC patients who received RAI treatment and underwent blood tests before and after treatment, were included. Peripheral blood counts at baseline were compared to those obtained at 1 week, 1-6 months, and 6-12 months after RAI treatment in order to test for bone marrow suppression. At 1 week after RAI treatment, there was a significant decrease in the white blood cell count (WBC, 5.8 ± 1.6 × 109/L vs. 5.4 ± 1.5 × 109/L, p < 0.001) and hemoglobin level (Hb, 13.5 ± 1.7 g/dL vs. 13.3 ± 1.4 g/dL, p = 0.001). The WBC decrease was mostly due to lymphocyte counts (2.2 ± 0.6 × 109/L vs. 1.6 ± 0.5 × 109/L, p < 0.001), with no decrease in the neutrophil count. Although not significantly changed at 1 week, platelets counts were altered within 6 months (265 ± 69 × 109/L vs. 239 ± 53 × 109/L, p < 0.001). The decline in the WBC count recovered within 6 months; lymphocyte and platelet counts recovered within 12 months. In conclusion, RAI treatment after a thyroidectomy was associated with a statistically significant but temporary decline in WBC counts and Hb levels at 1 week. Physicians treating DTC patients should not decrease usage of moderate dose RAI treatments.

Concordance in postsurgical radioactive iodine therapy recommendations between Watson for Oncology and clinical practice in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: To the authors' knowledge, the indications for radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) are unclear; treatment decisions are based on physician judgment. The objective of the current study was to identify the degree of concordance between postsurgical RAI therapy recommended by Watson for Oncology (WFO), a clinical decision support system for oncological therapy, and that recommended by physicians for patients with DTC. METHODS: The current retrospective cohort study included 207 patients with DTC who underwent thyroidectomy between 2017 and 2018. Treatment recommendations were considered concordant if WFO rendered recommendations consistent with those of the physicians. RESULTS: Treatment recommendations were concordant for 160 patients (77%). The concordance rate significantly differed according to the American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk category (P < .001) and American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM stage (seventh edition; P = .004). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that treatment recommendations were significantly less likely to be concordant in patients with ATA intermediate-risk and stage III disease compared with those with ATA low-risk and stage I disease (odds ratio, 0.16 [P < .001] and OR, 0.35 [P = .004], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The authors believe the concordance rate between postsurgical RAI therapy recommendations rendered by WFO and those rendered by physicians was too low to justify adopting WFO for the comprehensive screening of patients with DTC. This is particularly true among patients with ATA intermediate-risk and stage III disease, reflecting differences in practice patterns between the United States (where WFO was calibrated) and Korea. Hence, WFO is not a substitute for physicians, and also may require regional customization to improve its assistive capability.

Immuno-enhancement effects of Platycodon grandiflorum extracts in splenocytes and a cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed rat model.

BACKGROUND: Platycodon grandiflorum is a flowering plant that is used in traditional medicine for treating pulmonary and respiratory disorders. It exerts various pharmacological effects, including immunomodulatory and anti-cancer activities. The purpose of this study was to confirm the in vitro and in vivo immune-enhancing effects of P. grandiflorum extract (PGE) on splenocytes isolated from cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced immunosuppressed rats. METHODS: For in vitro analysis, splenocytes were treated with PGE at various doses along with CP. Cell viability was measured by a WST-1 assay, and NK cell activity and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity was also examined. In addition, immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgG, and cytokine levels were measured. For in vivo analysis, Sprague Dawley rats were treated with various doses of PGE along with CP. Complete blood count (CBC) was performed, and plasma levels of IgA, IgG, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-12 were quantified. Additionally, tissue damage was assessed through histological analyses of the thymus and spleen. RESULTS: PGE treatment enhanced cell viability and natural killer cell and cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity, and increased the production of CP-induced inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-12) and immunoglobulins (IgG and IgA) in splenocytes. In addition, in CP-treated rats, PGE treatment induced the recovery of white blood cell, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts, along with mid-range absolute counts, and increased the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-12) and immunoglobulins (IgG and IgA). Moreover, PGE attenuated CP-induced spleen and thymic damage. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirmed that PGE exerts an immune-enhancing effect both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that PGE may have applications as a component of immunostimulatory agents or as an ingredient in functional foods.

Fucoidan attenuates radioiodine-induced salivary gland dysfunction in mice.

BACKGROUND: Radioiodine (RI) treatments can destroy the cellular components of salivary glands (SG) and disrupt their function. This study investigated whether fucoidan could attenuate radioiodine-induced SG dysfunction in a mouse model. METHODS: Female C57BL/6 mice (n = 36) were classified into three groups; i) a normal (control) group, ii) an RI-treated group (0.2 mCi/20 g mouse, administered orally), and iii) a fucoidan and RI-treated group. Mice in each group were classified into three subgroups and sacrificed at 2, 4, and 12 weeks after RI treatment. The measurements of salivary flow rates and lag times and histomorphologic examinations were performed, and apoptotic assays were conducted. Changes in salivary 99mTechnetium (Tc)-pertechnetate parameters using single-photon emission computed tomography were followed. RESULTS: Salivary flow rates and lag times in the fucoidan group were improved compared to the RI-treated group. Histologic examinations of SGs in the fucoidan group showed mucin-rich parenchymal areas and reduced periductal fibrosis as compared to the RI-treated group. Moreover, compared with the RI-treated group, fucoidan-treated groups showed evidence of cytoprotection, with a greater number of salivary epithelial cells and myoepithelial cells being observed. Fewer apoptotic cells were observed in the fucoidan group as compared to the RI group. The extent of 99mTc pertechnetate excretion in the fucoidan group was similar to that of the control group. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that fucoidan administration before RI treatment could attenuate RI-induced SG damage and provides a possible candidate for preventing SG damage induced by RI.

Reversine inhibits MMP-1 and MMP-3 expressions by suppressing of ROS/MAPK/AP-1 activation in UV-stimulated human keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts.

UVB has been shown to stimulate the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which subsequently results in the activation of various intracellular signalling pathways and transcription factors (AP-1, NF-κB). These transcription factors are regulated by MAPKs, which increase cytokine and MMP expression. We examined the preventive effects of reversine on MMP-1 and MMP-3 expressions in NHEKs and NHDFs exposed to UVB irradiation. Also, we confirmed that reversine decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in NHEKs. The mechanism underlying the MMP inhibitory effects of reversine occurred via the suppression of UVB-induced ROS generation and MAPK/AP-1 activation. Therefore, reversine is an effective therapeutic candidate for preventing skin photoageing.

Influence of CYP2D6 Polymorphism on the Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Characteristics of Carvedilol in Healthy Korean Volunteers.

BACKGROUND: Carvedilol is commonly used to treat hypertension as a ß- and α1-adrenoreceptor blocker, but it is metabolized by CYP2D6, and CYP2D6*10 allele is dominant in Asian population. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of CYP2D6 polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) characteristics of carvedilol in healthy Korean volunteers. METHODS: A PK/PD study for a single and multiple dosing of carvedilol were conducted. All volunteers in 3 genotypic groups received single oral dose of carvedilol 12.5 mg for 3 days, then 25 mg QD for 5 days, and 12.5 mg QD for another 3 days. PK parameters for carvedilol and its three metabolites were determined using non-compartmental analysis. For PD properties, blood pressure, heart rate, and the chronotropic dose 25 (CD25) value were obtained. RESULTS: The IM_2 group with two *10 alleles (intermediate metabolizers) exhibited lower clearance of carvedilol as well as higher area under the curve (AUC) for O-desmethyl carvedilol. The ratio of CD25 to baseline at multiple dosing was significantly higher in the combined IM group (IM_1 and IM_2) than in the EM group, however, the ratio of CD25 after single and multiple dosing and the other PD markers were not significantly different between the 3 genotypic groups compared with the baseline. CONCLUSION: These findings showed that CYP2D6 genotype influenced the PK characteristics of carvedilol and no differences in PD response were observed in Korean healthy volunteers. Registered at the ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02286934.

Prevalence of BRAFV600E Mutation in Follicular Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma and Non-Invasive Follicular Tumor with Papillary-Like Nuclear Features (NIFTP) in a BRAFV600E Prevalent Area.

BACKGROUND: BRAFV600E mutation status and prevalence of non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) has not yet been reported in Korea. The aim of this study was to investigate the significance of the BRAFV600E mutation in the follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC) and to determine the prevalence of NIFTP in BRAFV600E mutation-prevalent Korean patients. METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed 1,417 consecutive patients who underwent total thyroidectomy with routine prophylactic central lymph node dissection for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). BRAFV600E mutation analysis was performed routinely using multiplex polymerase chain reaction by applying dual priming oligonucleotide. Clinicopathological characteristics and ultrasonographic findings were compared between BRAFV600E mutation-positive and -negative groups for FVPTC. Pathologists reviewed the pathology slides according to consensus diagnostic criteria for the encapsulated FVPTC and NIFTP. RESULTS: The prevalence of the BRAFV600E mutation in all subtypes of PTC was 61.0% (861/1,411). FVPTC presented a BRAFV600E mutation rate of 27.3%. The FVPTC patients with BRAFV600E mutation were older than those with no BRAFV600E mutation (P = 0.021). The prevalence of NIFTP was 0.18% among all PTC patients (2/1,411) and the proportion of NIFTP among FVPTC was 9.1% (2/22). CONCLUSION: The BRAFV600E mutation is prevalent in Korean patients with FVPTC in a region with high frequency of the BRAFV600E mutation and very low prevalence of NIFTP compared with that reported in western studies.

PTEN inhibits replicative senescence-induced MMP-1 expression by regulating NOX4-mediated ROS in human dermal fibroblasts.

The biological function of NADPH oxidase (NOX) is the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS, primarily arising from oxidative cell metabolism, play a major role in both chronological ageing and photoageing. ROS in extrinsic and intrinsic skin ageing may be assumed to induce the expression of matrix metalloproteinases. NADPH oxidase is closely linked with phosphatidylinositol 3-OH kinase (PI3K) signalling. Protein kinase C (PKC), a downstream molecule of PI3K, is essential for superoxide generation by NADPH oxidase. However, the effect of PTEN and NOX4 in replicative-aged MMPs expression has not been determined. In this study, we confirmed that inhibition of the PI3K signalling pathway by PTEN gene transfer abolished the NOX-4 and MMP-1 expression. Also, NOX-4 down-expression of replicative-aged skin cells abolished the MMP-1 expression and ROS generation. These results suggest that increase of MMP-1 expression by replicative-induced ROS is related to the change in the PTEN and NOX expression.

The DNA aptamer binds stemness-enriched cancer cells in pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most common and lethal cancers. Most patients (80%) present with inoperable advanced pancreatic cancer at initial diagnosis, and their early diagnosis is a significant unmet challenge. Recent studies indicate that cancer, including pancreatic cancer, is initiated and propagated by cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are responsible not only for the pathogenesis of cancer but also for the heterogeneity, malignant degree, anticancer therapy resistance, and recurrence of tumors. Therefore, the identification of CSCs may be a crucial stepping stone for overcoming this disastrous pancreatic cancer. Here, we investigated pancreatic CSC-associated aptamers as a novel tool for diagnosis and therapeutic agents. Aptamers that bind to stemness-enriched cancer cells in pancreatic cancer were developed by modified Cell-SELEX method. Positive selection was performed by the sphere cells generated by pancreatic cancer cell line, HPAC, and then the aptamer pool was negatively selected by pancreatic normal cell line, HPDE. Aptamers 1 and 146 showing high specificity upon the KD values with 22.18 and 22.62 nM were selected. These 2 aptamers were validated by binding to HPAC sphere cells and to HPDE cells, and both aptamers showed specificity to HPAC sphere cells only. Aptamer-positive cells showed high expression levels of CSC-associated genes compared with the aptamer-negative cells by FACS analysis. The colocalization of CD44, CD24, ESA, and CD133 was also observed in the aptamer-positive cells by confocal microscopy. In the present study, these 2 pancreatic CSC-associated aptamers may be potential candidates for novel diagnostic markers, CSC-targeting drug delivery, or circulating tumor cell detection.

Effects of CYP2C19 Genetic Polymorphisms on PK/PD Responses of Omeprazole in Korean Healthy Volunteers.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of CYP2C19*2 and *3 genetic polymorphisms on omeprazole pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) responses. Twenty-four healthy Korean volunteers were enrolled and given 20 mg omeprazole orally once daily for 8 days. The genotypes of CYP2C19 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (*2, *3, and *17) were screened. The plasma concentrations of omeprazole, omeprazole sulfone, and 5-hydroxy (5-OH) omeprazole were determined by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The noncompartmental method was used for the determination of PK parameters. Change of mean pH and proportion (%) of time of gastric pH above 4.0 were estimated. The poor metabolizer (PM) group had the lowest metabolic ratio and exhibited the highest area under the curve (AUC) for omeprazole among the CYP2C19 phenotype groups. The PM group showed the greatest change of mean pH and the highest % time of gastric pH above 4.0. The relationship between AUC of omeprazole and % time of gastric pH above 4.0 was confirmed. The study demonstrates that CYP2C19*2 and *3 influence the PKs and PDs of omeprazole in Korean healthy volunteers.

Sophorae Flos extract inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation by suppressing the NF-κB/NFATc1 pathway in mouse bone marrow cells.

BACKGROUND: Sophorae Flos (SF) is a composite of flowers and buds of Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott and has been used in traditional Korean and Chinese medicine for the treatment of hemostasis and inflammation. Previous studies reported that SF possesses anti-obesity properties, as well as anti-allergic, anti-proliferative, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the effect of SF in bone resorption has not been studies. In this study, we examined the potential of SF extract (SFE) to inhibit receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) -induced osteoclast differentiation in cultured mouse-derived bone marrow macrophages (BMMs). METHODS: BMMs, that act as osteoclast precursors, were cultured with M-CSF (50 ng/ml) and RANKL (100 ng/ml) for 4 days to generate osteoclasts. Osteoclast differentiation was measured by tartrate-resistant acidic phosphatase (TRAP) staining and the TRAP solution assay. Osteoclast differentiation marker genes were analyzed by the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. RANKLs signaling pathways were confirmed through western blotting. RESULTS: SFE significantly decreased osteoclast differentiation in a dose-dependent manner. SFE inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by suppressing NF-κB activation. By contrast, SFE did not affect phospholipase C gamma 2 or subsequent cAMP response element binding activation. SFE inhibited the RANKL-induced expression of nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATc1). CONCLUSIONS: SFE attenuated the RANKL-mediated induction of NF-κB through inhibition of IκBα phosphorylation, which contributed to inhibiting of RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation through downregulation of NFATc1.

Embigin is overexpressed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and regulates cell motility through epithelial to mesenchymal transition via the TGF-ß pathway.

Embigin is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily and encodes a transmembrane glycoprotein. There have been reports of Embigin involvement in neuromuscular junction formation and plasticity; however, the molecular functions of Embigin in other organs are unknown. Our aim was to investigate the possible role of Embigin in pancreatic cancer. In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tissues, Embigin expression was higher than that in normal pancreatic tissues. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed expression of Embigin in pancreatic cancer cells, as well as expression of monocarboxylate transporter 2 (MCT2) in cancer tissues. To gain further insight, we transfected BxPC-3 and HPAC pancreatic cancer cells with siRNA or shRNA targeting Embigin and observed reductions in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, wound healing, and reduced levels of matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -9. Silencing of Embigin increased intracellular L-lactate concentration by 1.5-fold and decreased MCT2 levels at the plasma membrane. Furthermore, Embigin silencing led to a reduced expression of PI3K, GSK3-ß, and Snail/Slug. Upon treating BxPC-3 cells with transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß), we observed elevated expression of Snail/Slug, Embigin, and Vimentin; meanwhile, when treating cells with SB-216763, a GSK3-ß inhibitor, we noted decreases in GSK3-ß, Snail/Slug, and Embigin expression, suggesting that the TGF-ß signaling cascade, comprising PI3K, GSK3-ß, Snail/Slug, and Embigin signals, mediates epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in pancreatic cancer cells. These findings indicate the involvement of Embigin in EMT in pancreatic cancer progression and suggest Embigin as a putative target for the detection and/or treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Triphlorethol-A from Ecklonia cava up-regulates the oxidant sensitive 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1.

This study investigated the protective mechanisms of triphlorethol-A, isolated from Ecklonia cava, against oxidative stress-induced DNA base damage, especially 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG), in Chinese hamster lung fibroblast V79-4 cells. 8-Oxoguanine DNA glycosylase-1 (OGG1) plays an important role in the removal of 8-oxoG during the cellular response to DNA base damage. Triphlorethol-A significantly decreased the levels of 8-oxoG induced by H2O2, and this correlated with increases in OGG1 mRNA and OGG1 protein levels. Furthermore, siOGG1-transfected cell attenuated the protective effect of triphlorethol-A against H2O2 treatment. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor for OGG1, and Nrf2 combines with small Maf proteins in the nucleus to bind to antioxidant response elements (ARE) in the upstream promoter region of the OGG1 gene. Triphlorethol-A restored the expression of nuclear Nrf2, small Maf protein, and the Nrf2-Maf complex, all of which were reduced by oxidative stress. Furthermore, triphlorethol-A increased Nrf2 binding to ARE sequences and the resulting OGG1 promoter activity, both of which were also reduced by oxidative stress. The levels of the phosphorylated forms of Akt kinase, downstream of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and Erk, which are regulators of OGG1, were sharply decreased by oxidative stress, but these decreases were prevented by triphlorethol-A. Specific PI3K, Akt, and Erk inhibitors abolished the cytoprotective effects of triphlorethol-A, suggesting that OGG1 induction by triphlorethol-A involves the PI3K/Akt and Erk pathways. Taken together, these data indicate that by activating the DNA repair system, triphlorethol-A exerts protective effects against DNA base damage induced by oxidative stress.

Saussurea lappa extract suppresses TPA-induced cell invasion via inhibition of NF-κB-dependent MMP-9 expression in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Saussurea lappa (SL) has been used as a traditional herbal medicine to treat abdominal pain and tenesmus, and has been suggested to possess various biological activities, including anti-tumor, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and cardiotonic activities. The effect of SL on breast cancer metastasis, however, is unknown. Cell migration and invasion are crucial in neoplastic metastasis. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), which degrades the extracellular matrix, is a major component in cancer cell invasion. METHODS: Cell viability was examined by MTT assay, whereas cell motility was measured by invasion assay. Western blot, Real-time PCR, and Zymography assays were used to investigate the inhibitory effects of ESL on matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression level in MCF-7 cells. EMSA confirmed the inhibitory effects of ESL on DNA binding of NF- κB in MCF-7 cells. RESULTS: Cells threated with various concentrations of Saussurea lappa (ESL) for 24 h. Concentrations of 2 or 4 µM did not lead to a significant change in cell viability or morphology. Therefore, subsequent experiments utilized the optimal non-toxic concentration (2 or 4 µM) of ESL. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of ethanol extract of ESL on MMP-9 expression and cell invasion in 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced MCF-7 cells. ESL inhibited the TPA-induced transcriptional activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). However, this result obtained that ESL did not block the TPA-induced phosphorylation of the kinases: p38, ERK, and JNK. Therefore, ELS-mediated inhibition of TPA-induced MMP-9 expression and cell invasion involves the suppression of NF-kB pathway in MCF-7 cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that ELS-mediated inhibition of TPA-induced MMP-9 expression and cell invasion involves the suppression of NF-kB pathway in MCF-7 cells. Thus, ESL has potential for controlling breast cancer invasiveness in vitro.

Emodin suppresses inflammatory responses and joint destruction in collagen-induced arthritic mice.

OBJECTIVE: Emodin (3-methyl-1,6,8-trihydroxyanthraquinone) is one of the active components present in the root and rhizome of Rheum palmatum. It has been shown to contain biological activity (antitumour, antibacterial, diuretic and vasorelaxant effects). However, the mechanisms underlying the anti-arthritic effect of emodin have not been elucidated. Here we investigated whether emodin treatment would modulate the severity of the disease in an experimental arthritis model. METHODS: We evaluated the effects of emodin on CIA mice in vivo. RESULTS: The pathological processes of RA are mediated by a number of cytokines and MMPs. Expression of these proinflammatory mediators is controlled by nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). This study was performed to explore the effect of emodin on control of the NF-κB activation pathway and to investigate whether emodin has anti-inflammatory effects in CIA mice in vivo. Emodin inhibited the nuclear translocation and DNA binding of NF-κB subunits, which were correlated with its inhibitory effect on cytoplasmic IκBα degradation in CIA mice. These events further suppressed chemokine production and MMP expression. In addition, emodin inhibited the osteoclast differentiation induced by M-CSF and receptor activation of NF-κB ligand in bone marrow macrophages. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that emodin exerts anti-inflammatory effects in CIA mice through inhibition of the NF-κB pathway and therefore may have therapeutic value for the treatment of RA.

Curcumin inhibits UVB-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1/3 expression by suppressing the MAPK-p38/JNK pathways in human dermal fibroblasts.

Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is a polyphenol derived from turmeric (Curcuma longa), which is commonly used as a spice. Recent studies have shown that curcumin has a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic activities. However, the antiphotoageing effects of curcumin have yet to be characterized. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of curcumin on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-3 expression in human dermal fibroblast cells. Western blot analysis revealed that curcumin inhibited ultraviolet (UV) B-induced MMP-1 and MMP-3 expression. Furthermore, curcumin significantly blocked UVB-induced reactive oxygen species generation in fibroblasts. Curcumin treatment significantly blocked the UVB-induced activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB and activator protein (AP)-1. Additionally, curcumin strongly repressed the UVB-induced phosphorylation of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. Curcumin prevented UVB-induced MMP expression through mitogen-activated protein kinase/NF-κB inhibition and AP-1 activation. In conclusion, curcumin may be useful for preventing and treating skin photoageing.

Dihydroavenanthramide D prevents UV-irradiated generation of reactive oxygen species and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and -3 in human dermal fibroblasts.

Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation induces photoageing by upregulating the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in human skin cells. Dihydroavenanthramide D (DHAvD) is a synthetic analog to naturally occurring avenanthramide, which is the active component in oats. Although anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerotic and antioxidant effects have been reported, the antiphotoageing effects of DHAvD are yet to be understood. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of DHAvD on UVB-induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and expression of MMPs, and its molecular mechanism in UVB-irradiated human dermal fibroblasts. Western blot and real-time PCR analyses revealed that DHAvD inhibited UVB-induced MMP-1 and MMP-3 expression. It also significantly blocked UVB-induced ROS generation in fibroblasts. Additionally, DHAvD attenuated UVB-induced phosphorylation of MAPKs, activation of NF-κB and AP-1. DHAvD regulates UVB-irradiated MMP expression by inhibiting ROS-mediated MAPK/NF-κB and AP-1 activation. DHAvD may be a useful candidate for preventing UV light-induced skin photoageing.