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Among many signals to regulate hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1) is also involved in various biological activities such as cell growth, survival, invasion, angiogenesis, and carcinogenesis. Thus, in the present study, molecular mechanisms of coumestrol were investigated on the SPHK1 and HIF-1α signaling pathway in hypoxic PC-3 prostate cancer cells. Coumestrol significantly suppressed SPHK1 activity and accumulation of HIF-1α in a time- and concentration-dependent manner in hypoxic PC-3 cells. In addition, coumestrol inhibited the phosphorylation status of AKT and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK 3β) signaling involved in cancer metabolism. Furthermore, SPHK1 siRNA transfection, sphigosine kinase inhibitor (SKI), reactive oxygen species (ROS) enhanced the inhibitory effect of coumestrol on the accumulation of HIF-1α and the expression of pAKT and pGSK 3β in hypoxic PC-3 cells by combination index. Overall, our findings suggest that coumestrol suppresses the accumulation of HIF-1α via suppression of SPHK1 pathway in hypoxic PC-3 cells., (Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Though gallotannin was known to have anti-oxidant and antitumor activity, the underlying antitumor mechanism of gallotannin still remains unclear. Thus, in the present study, antitumor mechanism of gallotannin was elucidated in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Gallotannin significantly exerted cytotoxicity against Hep G2 and Chang hepatocellular carcinoma cells with the accumulation of the sub-G1 population and increase of terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferasedUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) positive cells as an apoptotic feature. Also, gallotannin attenuated the expression of pro-caspase9, pro-caspase3, Bcl2 and integrin β1 and cleaved poly(ADP)-ribose polymerase (PARP) in Hep G2 and Chang cancer cells. Furthermore, gallotannin suppressed cell repair motility by wound healing assay and also inhibited cell adhesion in Hep G2 cells. Of note, gallotannin attenuated the expression of epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin) to form cell-cell adhesion from the early stage, and also beta-catenin at late phase in Hep G2 cells. Consistently, Immunofluorescence assay showed that E-cadherin or β-catenin expression was suppressed in a time dependent manner by gallotannin. Furthermore, silencing of E-cadherin by siRNA transfection method enhanced PAPR cleavage, caspase 3 activation and sub G1 population and attenuated the cell adhesion induced by gallotannin in Hep G2 cells. Overall, our findings demonstrate that the disruption of cell adhesion junction by suppression of E-cadherin mediates gallotannin enhanced apoptosis in Hep G2 liver cancer cells.

In this study, we investigated the effect of nZVI on plant root elongation in Arabidopsis thaliana and showed, for the first time, that nZVI enhanced root elongation by inducing OH radical-induced cell wall loosening. Exposure of plants to 0.5 g/L nZVI enhanced root elongation by 150-200% over that in the control, and further mechanistic studies showed that this occurred via nZVI-mediated OH radical-induced cell wall loosening. The oxidation capacity of nZVI, leading to release of H2O2, allowed it to cause OH radical-induced cell wall loosening in roots. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometers (MALDI-TOFMS)-based analysis clearly revealed that pectin-polysaccharides in roots were degraded; they are one of the main matrix-polysaccharide-connecting and load-bearing polymers in cell walls. Rapid root elongation led to structural changes in root cell walls: reduction of cell wall thickness and a bias on the orientation of cellulose microfibrils. Additionally, the asymmetrical distribution of tensional strength resulted from the OH radical-induced cell wall loosening enhanced endocytosis. These findings emphasize that OH radical-induced cell wall loosening is important for mechanical regulation of the cell wall and provide new insights into the cellular responses of plants exposed to reactive metal nanoparticles.

Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated from abnormal cellular process lead to various human diseases such as inflammation, ischemia, and Parkinson's disease (PD). Sensitive to apoptosis gene (SAG), a RING-FINGER protein, has anti-apoptotic activity and anti-oxidant activity. In this study, we investigate whether Tat-SAG, fused with a Tat domain, could protect SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)) and dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetra-hydropyridine (MPTP) toxicity. Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis showed that, unlike SAG, Tat-SAG transduced efficiently into SH-SY5Y cells and into the brain, respectively. Tat-SAG remarkably suppressed ROS generation, DNA damage, and the progression of apoptosis, caused by MPP(+) in SH-SY5Y cells. Also, immunohistochemical data using a tyrosine hydroxylase antibody and cresyl violet staining demonstrated that Tat-SAG obviously protected DA neurons in the SN against MPTP toxicity in a PD mouse model. Tat-SAG-treated mice showed significant enhanced motor activities, compared to SAG- or Tat-treated mice. Therefore, our results suggest that Tat-SAG has potential as a therapeutic agent against ROS-related diseases such as PD.

Although tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) from Salviae miltiorrhizae was known to induce apoptosis in various cancers, its underlying mechanism of autophagic cell death was not reported yet. Thus, in the present study, the molecular mechanism of autophagic cell death by Tan IIA was investigated in KBM-5 leukemia cells. Tan IIA significantly increased the expression of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) II as a hallmark of autophagy in western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. Tan IIA augmented the phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and attenuated the phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and p70 S6K in a dose-dependent manner. Conversely, autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine partly reversed the cytotoxicity and the phosphorylation of AMPK, mTOR and p70 S6K induced by Tan IIA in KBM-5 leukemia cells. In addition, Tan IIA dramatically activated the extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway including Raf, ERK and p90 RSK in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. Consistently, ERK inhibitor PD184352 suppressed LC3-II activation induced by Tan IIA, whereas PD184352 and PD98059 did not affect poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage and sub-G1 accumulation induced by Tan IIA in KBM-5 leukemia cells. Furthermore, Tan IIA could induce autophagy via LC3-II activation in various cancer cells such as prostate (PC-3), multiple myeloma (U266), lung (NCI-H460), and breast (MDA-MB-231) cells. Overall, these findings suggest that Tan IIA induces autophagic cell death via activation of AMPK and ERK and inhibition of mTOR and p70 S6K in KBM-5 cells as a potent natural compound for leukemia treatment., (Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Although beta-sitosterol has been well known to have anti-tumor activity in liver, lung, colon, stomach, breast and prostate cancers via cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction, the underlying mechanism of anti-cancer effect of beta-sitosterol in multiple myeloma cells was never elucidated until now. Thus, in the present study, the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in association with AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathways was demonstrated in beta-sitosterol-treated multiple myeloma U266 cells. Beta-sitosterol exerted cytotoxicity, increased sub-G1 apoptotic population and activated caspase-9 and -3, cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) followed by decrease in mitochondrial potential in U266 cells. Beta-sitosterol promoted ROS production, activated AMPK, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and JNK in U266 cells. Also, beta-sitosterol attenuated the phosphorylation of AKT, mammalian target of rapamycin and S6K, and the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and VEGF in U266 cells. Conversely, AMPK inhibitor compound C and JNK inhibitor SP600125 suppressed apoptosis induced by beta-sitosterol in U266 cells. Furthermore, ROS scavenger N-acetyl L-cysteine attenuated beta-sitosterol-mediated sub-G1 accumulation, PARP cleavage, JNK and AMPK activation in U266 cells. Overall, these findings for the first time suggest that ROS-mediated activation of cancer metabolism-related genes such as AMPK and JNK plays an important role in beta-sitosterol-induced apoptosis in U266 multiple myeloma cells., (Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Though glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) from Glycyrrhiza glabra was known to exert antioxidant, antifilarial, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects, the antitumor mechanism of GA was not clearly elucidated in non-small cell lung cancer cells (NSCLCCs). Thus, in the present study, the underlying apoptotic mechanism of GA was examined in NCI-H460 NSCLCCs. GA significantly suppressed the viability of NCI-H460 and A549 non-small lung cancer cells. Also, GA significantly increased the sub G1 population by cell cycle analysis and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) positive cells in a concentration dependent manner in NCI-H460 non-small lung cancer cells. Consistently, GA cleaved poly (ADP-ribosyl) polymerase (PARP), caspase 9/3, attenuated the expression of Bcl-XL, Bcl-2, Cyclin D1 and Cyclin E in NCI-H460 cells. Interestingly, GA attenuated the phosphorylation of protein kinase C (PKC) α/βII and extracellular activated protein kinase (ERK) as well as activated the phosphorylation of PKC δ and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase in NCI-H460 cells. Conversely, PKC promoter phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and JNK inhibitor SP600125 reversed the cleavages of caspase 3 and PARP induced by GA in NCI-H460 cells. Overall, our findings suggest that GA induces apoptosis via inhibition of PKC α/βII and activation of JNK in NCI-H460 non-small lung cancer cells as a potent anticancer candidate for lung cancer treatment., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The underlying antimetastatic mechanism of anethole (1) still remains unclear in association with the molecules of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Herein, the role of the EMT molecules was elucidated in terms of the antimetastatic activity of 1 using DU145 cells. Anethole significantly inhibited the adhesion of DU145 cells to vitronectin-coated plates, as well as migration in a wound-healing assay and invasion using a Boyden chamber. Also, anethole suppressed the expression of MMP-9 in DU145 cells by zymography, ELISA, and RT-PCR. Consistently, the silencing of MMP-9 enhanced the activity of 1 to upregulate the expression of E-cadherin and to attenuate the expression of Vimentin in DU145 cells. Compound 1 enhanced E-cadherin, which is an epithelial marker and attenuated the expression of Vimentin, Twist, and Snail as mesenchymal molecules at the mRNA level. Consistently, anethole upregulated E-cadherin and downregulated the expression of Vimentin, Twist and PI3K, and AKT at the protein level in DU145 cells. Conversely, the antimetastatic effects of 1 to inhibit invasion and the expression of MMP-9 and upregulate E-cadherin were reversed by the EMT inducer TGF-β in DU145 cells. Overall, the present findings suggest that anethole exerts antimetastatic activity via regulation of crosstalk between EMT molecules and MMP-9 on the basis of the in vitro data obtained.

Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is an antioxidant enzyme which plays a central role in various diseases. However, the mechanism and function of PON1 protein in inflammation are poorly understood. Since PON1 protein alone cannot be delivered into cells, we generated a cell permeable PEP-1-PON1 protein using protein transduction domains, and examined whether it can protect against cell death in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-treated Raw 264.7 cells as well as mice with 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced skin inflammation. We demonstrated that PEP-1-PON1 protein transduced into Raw 264.7 cells and markedly protected against LPS or H2O2-induced cell death by inhibiting cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, the inflammatory mediator's expression, activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and cellular apoptosis. Furthermore, topically applied PEP-1-PON1 protein ameliorates TPA-treated mice skin inflammation via a reduction of inflammatory response. Our results indicate that PEP-1-PON1 protein plays a key role in inflammation and oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, we suggest that PEP-1-PON1 protein may provide a potential protein therapy against oxidative stress and inflammation.

Although ZNF746, also known as Parkin-interacting substrate (PARIS), has been reported to suppress peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) and its target gene NRF-1 leading to the neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease, its function in tumorigenesis has yet to be investigated. Thus, in the present study, the role of ZNF746 in the invasion and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in H460 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells was investigated. Invasion assay showed that inhibition of ZNF746 using siRNA transfection inhibited the invasion of H460 NSCLC cells using Boyden chamber. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis revealed that the silencing of ZNF746 attenuated the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)1, MMP2 and MMP9, but not MMP7, in H460 NSCLC cells. Immunoblotting assay revealed that the expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin of epithelial phenotype was upregulated, while Slug was downregulated in ZNF746 siRNA-transfected H460 NSCLC cells. Accordingly, the mRNA expression of E-cadherin was upregulated while vimentin or Slug, Twist, ZEB as EMT key transcriptional factors were suppressed in ZNF746 siRNA-transfected H460 NSCLC cells. Also, mRNA expression of transcriptional marker Nanog and Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4), known to enhance malignancy and metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma, was suppressed in ZNF746 siRNA-transfected H460 NSCLC cells. Notably, the endogenous expression of ZNF746 was induced in parallel with Twist at the protein level during hypoxia. Overall, our findings suggest that inhibition of ZNF746 suppresses the invasion and EMT molecules in H460 NSCLC cells and ZNF746 may be an important target molecule in lung tumorigenesis.

Acute disseminated encephalitis (ADEM) is an autoimmune demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system that usually occurs in children after viral infection or vaccination. It is not uncommon for ADEM to be accompanied by optic neuritis. However, ADEM followed by optic neuritis is a rare. We report the case of a 6-year-old girl who initially presented with ADEM (without optic neuritis) due to a live measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine and was treated with intravenous high-dose corticosteroids. After steroid therapy, she recovered neurologically and was not prescribed any medication, including an oral steroid taper, for use after discharge. Three weeks later, she developed unilateral optic neuritis and was again treated with steroid therapy. This is a rare case of ADEM without optic neuritis in a child, followed by optic neuritis due to the sudden cessation of steroid therapy. Further studies and follow-ups are needed to determine whether ADEM followed by optic neuritis can be considered a specific clinical form of this disorder.

The nucleotide sequence around the translational initiation site is an important cis-acting element for post-transcriptional regulation. However, it has not been fully understood how the sequence context at the 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR) affects the translational efficiency of individual mRNAs. In this study, we provide evidence that the 5'-UTRs of Arabidopsis genes showing a great difference in the nucleotide sequence vary greatly in translational efficiency with more than a 200-fold difference. Of the four types of nucleotides, the A residue was the most favourable nucleotide from positions -1 to -21 of the 5'-UTRs in Arabidopsis genes. In particular, the A residue in the 5'-UTR from positions -1 to -5 was required for a high-level translational efficiency. In contrast, the T residue in the 5'-UTR from positions -1 to -5 was the least favourable nucleotide in translational efficiency. Furthermore, the effect of the sequence context in the -1 to -21 region of the 5'-UTR was conserved in different plant species. Based on these observations, we propose that the sequence context immediately upstream of the AUG initiation codon plays a crucial role in determining the translational efficiency of plant genes.

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of a temperature-sensitive poloxamer/alginate mixture (Guardix-SG) for reducing adhesions after blepharoplasty in rabbit models., Methods: Thirty-six intact eyes of 18 rabbits were randomly designated to 2 groups, and primary blepharoplasty was performed on both the upper eyelids of the 18 rabbits. Sterile cotton soaked in 1 N NaOH was used to produce chemical tissue damage to experimentally induce eyelid adhesion, which was followed by adhesiolysis in 2 weeks. During adhesiolysis, Guardix-SG was applied to the OD of rabbits in the experimental group, while adhesiolysis alone was performed on the OS of rabbits in the control group. Both sides were compared by gross examination 1 day, 1 week, and 4 weeks after surgery, and the degrees of inflammation and fibrosis were examined with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome (MT) stains. The expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) antibody was also immunohistochemically examined., Results: The gross examinations performed after adhesiolysis yielded results that were not significantly different between the experimental and the control groups, and no prevalent complications, such as eyelid traction or distorted eyelids, were observed. One day (p = 0.028), 1 week (p = 0.028), and 4 weeks (p = 0.028) after surgery, the experimental group had a lower infiltration rate of inflammatory cells than the control group, as shown by H&E staining. The MT staining and α-SMA staining also showed that the collagen deposition and fibrosis (1 week, p = 0.059; 4 weeks, p = 0.034) and the degree of myofibroblast differentiation were significantly lower in the experimental group than in the controls (1 week, p = 0.027; 4 weeks, p = 0.024)., Conclusions: The temperature-sensitive poloxamer/alginate mixture (Guardix-SG) decreased inflammation and fibrosis after blepharoplasty and histopathologically prevented the readhesion of secondary blepharoplasty in rabbit models. Therefore, additional clinical studies are needed for other ophthalmic surgeries that could benefit from preventing postoperative adhesions.

Despite the antitumour effect of ursolic acid observed in several cancers, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Thus, in the present study, the roles of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) were examined in ursolic acid induced apoptosis in HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Ursolic acid significantly exerted cytotoxicity, increased the sub-G1 population and the number of ethidium homodimer and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase(TdT) mediated dUTP nick end labeling positive cells in HepG2 cells. Also, ursolic acid enhanced the cleavages of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) and caspase3, attenuated the expression of astrocyte elevated gene (AEG1) and survivin in HepG2 cells. Interestingly, ursolic acid increased the phosphorylation of AMPK and coenzyme A carboxylase and also enhanced phosphorylation of GSK3β at inactive form serine 9, whereas ursolic acid attenuated the phosphorylation of AKT and mTOR in HepG2 cells. Conversely, AMPK inhibitor compound C or GSK3β inhibitor SB216763 blocked the cleavages of PARP and caspase 3 induced by ursolic acid in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, proteosomal inhibitor MG132 suppressed AMPK activation, GSK3β phosphorylation, cleaved PARP and deceased AEG-1 induced by ursolic acid in HepG2 cells. Overall, our findings suggest that ursolic acid induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells via AMPK activation and GSK3β phosphorylation as a potent chemopreventive agent., (Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Fertilization in flowering plants requires the temporal and spatial coordination of many developmental processes, including pollen production, anther dehiscence, ovule production, and pollen tube elongation. However, it remains elusive as to how this coordination occurs during reproduction. Here, we present evidence that endocytosis, involving heterotetrameric adaptor protein complex 2 (AP-2), plays a crucial role in fertilization. An Arabidopsis thaliana mutant ap2m displays multiple defects in pollen production and viability, as well as elongation of staminal filaments and pollen tubes, all of which are pivotal processes needed for fertilization. Of these abnormalities, the defects in elongation of staminal filaments and pollen tubes were partially rescued by exogenous auxin. Moreover, DR5rev:GFP (for green fluorescent protein) expression was greatly reduced in filaments and anthers in ap2m mutant plants. At the cellular level, ap2m mutants displayed defects in both endocytosis of N-(3-triethylammonium-propyl)-4-(4-diethylaminophenylhexatrienyl) pyridinium dibromide, a lypophilic dye used as an endocytosis marker, and polar localization of auxin-efflux carrier PIN FORMED2 (PIN2) in the stamen filaments. Moreover, these defects were phenocopied by treatment with Tyrphostin A23, an inhibitor of endocytosis. Based on these results, we propose that AP-2-dependent endocytosis plays a crucial role in coordinating the multiple developmental aspects of male reproductive organs by modulating cellular auxin level through the regulation of the amount and polarity of PINs.

Ginkgetin is a natural biflavonoid isolated from leaves of Ginkgo biloba L. Though it was known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-influenza virus, anti-fungal activity, osteoblast differentiation stimulating activity and neuro-protective effects, the underlying antitumor mechanism of ginkgetin still remains unclear. Thus, in the present study, anti-cancer mechanism of ginkgetin was elucidated in human prostate cancer PC-3 cells. Ginkgetin suppressed the viability of PC-3 cells in a concentration-dependent manner and also significantly increased the sub-G1 DNA contents of cell cycle in PC-3 cells. Ginkgetin activated caspase-3 and attenuated the expression of survival genes such as Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, survivin and Cyclin D1 at protein and mRNA levels. Consistently, pan-caspase inhibitor Z-DEVD-fmk blocked sub G1 accumulation and cleavages of PRAP and caspase 3 induced by ginkgetin in PC-3 cells. Overall, these findings suggest that ginkgetin induces apoptosis in PC-3 cells via activation of caspase 3 and inhibition of survival genes as a potent chemotherapeutic agent for prostate cancer treatment., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Ursolic acid, a pentacyclic triterpenoid, is known to exert antitumor activity in breast, lung, liver and colon cancers. Nonetheless, the underlying mechanism of ursolic acid in prostate cancer cells still remains unclear. To investigate the antitumor mechanism, the apoptotic mechanism of ursolic acid via Wnt/β-catenin signaling was examined in PC-3 prostate cancer cells., Methods: Cytotoxicity assay, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence assay and western blotting were performed., Results: Ursolic acid showed cytotoxicity against PC-3, LNCaP and DU145 prostate cancer cells with IC50 of 35 μM, 47 μM and 80 μM, respectively. Also, ursolic acid significantly increased the number of ethidium homodimer stained cells and apoptotic bodies, and dose-dependently enhanced the sub-G1 apoptotic accumulation in PC-3 cells. Consistently, western blotting revealed that ursolic acid effectively cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), activated caspase-9 and -3, suppressed the expression of survival proteins such as Bcl-XL, Bcl-2 and Mcl-1, and upregulated the expression of Bax in PC-3 cells. Interestingly, ursolic acid suppressed the expression of Wnt5α/β and β-catenin, and enhanced the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 β (GSK3β). Furthermore, the GSK3β inhibitor SB216763 or Wnt3a-conditioned medium (Wnt3a-CM) reversed the cleavages of caspase-3 and PARP induced by ursolic acid in PC-3 cells., Conclusions: Our findings suggest that ursolic acid induces apoptosis via inhibition of the Wnt5/β-catenin pathway and activation of caspase in PC-3 prostate cancer cells. These results support scientific evidence that medicinal plants containing ursolic acid can be applied to cancer prevention and treatment as a complement and alternative medicine (CAM) agent.

Our group previously reported that essential oil of Pinus koraiensis (EOPK) exerts antihyperlipidemic effects via upregulation of low-density lipoprotein receptor and inhibition of acyl-coenzyme A. In the present study, we investigated the antiobesity and hypolipidemic mechanism of EOPK using in vitro 3T3-L1 cells and in vivo HFD-fed rats. EOPK markedly suppressed fat accumulation and intracellular triglyceride associated with downregulation of adipogenic transcription factor expression, including PPAR γ and CEBP α in the differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Additionally, EOPK attenuated the expression levels of FABP and GPDH as target genes of PPAR γ during adipocyte differentiation. Furthermore, PPAR γ inhibitor GW9662 enhanced the decreased expression of FABP and PPAR γ and fat accumulation induced by EOPK. To confirm the in vitro activity of EOPK, animal study was performed by administering normal diet, HFD, and/or EOPK at the dose of 100 or 200 mg/kg for 6 weeks. Consistently, EOPK significantly suppressed body weight gain, serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and AI value and increased HDL cholesterol in a dose-dependent manner. Immunohistochemistry revealed that EOPK treatment abrogated the expression of PPAR γ in the liver tissue sections of EOPK-treated rats. Taken together, our findings suggest that EOPK has the antiobesic and hypolipidemic potential via inhibition of PPAR γ -related signaling.

Background: Though resveratrol is known to have anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, the inhibitory mechanism of resveratrol in kidney stone formation has not been elucidated so far., Method: ELISA, flow cytometry, RT-PCR, and western blotting were performed. Human renal epithelial cells (HRCs) and rats with ethylene glycol (EG)-induced kidney stones were used., Results: A wound healing assay revealed that resveratrol significantly inhibited the oxalate-mediated migration of HRCs, considering oxalate mediates kidney stone formation. Also, resveratrol suppressed the mRNA expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen (NADPH) oxidase subunits such as p22(phox) and p47(phox), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and osteopontin (OPN) in oxalate-treated HRCs. Furthermore, western blotting showed that resveratrol downregulated the expression of MCP-1-related proteins including transforming growth factor(TGF-β1), TGFR-I or II and hyaluronan in oxalate-treated HRCs. Consistently, resveratrol reduced oxalate-mediated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in oxalate-treated HRCs, while the activities of anti-oxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were enhanced by resveratrol in HRCs and EG-treated kidneys of rats. Consistently, resveratrol significantly reduced the number of urine calcium oxalate crystals and serum MDA, and attenuated the expression of OPN and hyaluroran in EG-treated rats., Conclusions: Our findings suggest that resveratrol exerts anti-nephrolithic potential via inhibition of ROS, MCP-1 hyaluronan and OPN signaling.

Background. Combination cancer therapy is one of the attractive approaches to overcome drug resistance of cancer cells. In the present study, we investigated the synergistic effect of decursin from Angelica gigas and doxorubicin on the induction of apoptosis in three human multiple myeloma cells. Methodology/Principal Findings. Combined treatment of decursin and doxorubicin significantly exerted significant cytotoxicity compared to doxorubicin or decursin in U266, RPMI8226, and MM.1S cells. Furthermore, the combination treatment enhanced the activation of caspase-9 and -3, the cleavage of PARP, and the sub G1 population compared to either drug alone in three multiple myeloma cells. In addition, the combined treatment downregulated the phosphorylation of mTOR and its downstream S6K1 and activated the phosphorylation of ERK in three multiple myeloma cells. Furthermore, the combined treatment reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, suppressed the phosphorylation of JAK2, STAT3, and Src, activated SHP-2, and attenuated the expression of cyclind-D1 and survivin in U266 cells. Conversely, tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor pervanadate reversed STAT3 inactivation and also PARP cleavage and caspase-3 activation induced by combined treatment of doxorubicin and decursin in U266 cells. Conclusions/Significance. Overall, the combination treatment of decursin and doxorubicin can enhance apoptotic activity via mTOR and/or STAT3 signaling pathway in multiple myeloma cells.

In eukaryotic cells, protein trafficking plays an essential role in biogenesis of proteins that belong to the endomembrane compartments. In this process, an important step is the sorting of organellar proteins depending on their final destinations. For vacuolar proteins, vacuolar sorting receptors (VSRs) and receptor homology-transmembrane-RING H2 domain proteins (RMRs) are thought to be responsible. Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) contains seven VSRs. Among them, VSR1, VSR3, and VSR4 are involved in sorting storage proteins targeted to the protein storage vacuole (PSV) in seeds. However, the identity of VSRs for soluble proteins of the lytic vacuole in vegetative cells remains controversial. Here, we provide evidence that VSR1, VSR3, and VSR4 are involved in sorting soluble lytic vacuolar and PSV proteins in vegetative cells. In protoplasts from leaf tissues of vsr1vsr3 and vsr1vsr4 but not vsr5vsr6, and rmr1rmr2 and rmr3rmr4 double mutants, soluble lytic vacuolar (Arabidopsis aleurain-like protein:green fluorescent protein [GFP] and carboxypeptidase Y:GFP and PSV (phaseolin) proteins, but not the vacuolar membrane protein Arabidopsis βFructosidase4:GFP, exhibited defects in their trafficking; they accumulated to the endoplasmic reticulum with an increased secretion into medium. The trafficking defects in vsr1vsr4 protoplasts were rescued by VSR1 or VSR4 but not VSR5 or AtRMR1. Furthermore, of the luminal domain swapping mutants between VSR1 and VSR5, the mutant with the luminal domain of VSR1, but not that of VSR5, rescued the trafficking defects of Arabidopsis aleurain-like protein:GFP and phaseolin in vsr1vsr4 protoplasts. Based on these results, we propose that VSR1, VSR3, and VSR4, but not other VSRs, are involved in sorting soluble lytic vacuolar and PSV proteins for their trafficking to the vacuoles in vegetative cells.

We here investigated the anticancer mechanism of 1-stearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (LPC), one of the lysophosphatidylcholines, in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) K562 cells. LPC significantly showed cytotoxicity at 80 μM and induced apoptosis by sub-G1 accumulation, increase in Annexin V positive and caspase activation. LPC enhanced histone H3 acetylation but decreased histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity and HDAC3 expression. LPC also inhibited phosphorylation of STAT3, its DNA binding activity and nuclear co-localization of HDAC3 and STAT3. In addition, LPC effectively attenuated the expression of survival genes such as Cyclin D1, Cyclin E, Bcl-xL, Bcl-2 and survivin but did not affect COX-2 expression in K562 cells. Furthermore, LPC suppressed phosphorylation of Src and Janus activated kinase 2 while promoted the expression of tyrosine phosphatase Src homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase 1 (SHP-1). Consistently, silencing SHP-1 and pervanadate, an inhibitor of protein tyrosine phosphatase, reversed inactivation of HDAC and STAT3, cleavages of caspase 3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase in LPC-induced apoptosis. Of note, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed that LPC suppressed the binding of HDAC3 and STAT3 to Bcl-xL, Bcl-2 and survivin promoter. Overall, our findings indicate that inactivation of STAT3 and HDAC mediates LPC-induced apoptosis in CML K562 cells.

The metabolic syndrome creates risk factors for coronary heart disease, diabetes, fatty liver, obesity and several cancers. Our group has already reported that the essential oil from leaves of Pinus koraiensis SIEB (EOPK) exerted antihyperlipidemic effects by upregulating the low-density lipoprotein receptor and inhibiting acyl-coenzyme A, cholesterol acyltransferases. We evaluated in the current study the anti-diabetic effects of EOPK on mice with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type I diabetes and on HIT-T15 pancreatic β cells. EOPK significantly protected HIT-T15 cells from STZ-induced cytotoxicity and reduced the blood glucose level in STZ-induced diabetic mice when compared with the untreated control. EOPK consistently and significantly suppressed the α-amylase activity in a dose-dependent manner and enhanced the expression of insulin at the mRNA level in STZ-treated HIT-T15 cells, while the expression of insulin was attenuated. EOPK also significantly abrogated the population of reactive oxygen species when compared to the untreated control in STZ-treated HIT-T15 cells. Furthermore, EOPK significantly reduce nitric oxide production, suppressed the phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase and suppressed the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in STZ-treated HIT-T15 cells, implying its potential application to diabetic retinopathy. Overall, our findings suggest that EOPK had hypoglycemic potential by inhibiting reactive oxygene species (ROS), endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and VEGF in STZ-treated mice and HIT-T15 pancreatic β cells as a potent anti-diabetic agent.

Retinal pathogenic angiogenesis in the eyes is a causative factor in retinopathy of prematurity, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. This study was designed to examine the pathogenic role of the high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) protein and the inhibitory effect of ethyl pyruvate (EP), a well-known antioxidant substance, in retinal pathogenic angiogenesis in mice with oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR), one of the animal models of proliferative ischemic retinopathy. The OIR mouse model was used for our in vivo studies. The mice were exposed to 75% oxygen from postnatal day 7 (P7) to P11, after which the mice were brought to room air and intraperitoneally injected with EP (50 mg/kg, or 100 mg/kg) for five days. At P17, the mice were perfused with fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran, and flat-mounted retinas were used to measure nonperfused and neovascular tufts. In OIR mice, an intraperitoneal injection of EP reduced the nonperfused retinal area in the treatment group and significantly reduced the retinal neovascular tufts. In addition, EP inhibited the overexpression of HMGB1 in the retinas of OIR mice. These data suggest that EP could serve as an innovative pharmaceutical agent to prevent retinal neovascularization through inhibiting HMGB1 expression.

Here, antitumor mechanism of cinnamaldehyde derivative CB-PIC was elucidated in human SW620 colon cancer cells. CB-PIC significantly exerted cytotoxicity, increased sub-G1 accumulation, and cleaved PARP with apoptotic features, while it enhanced the phosphorylation of AMPK alpha and ACC as well as activated the ERK in hypoxic SW620 cells. Furthermore, CB-PIC suppressed the expression of HIF1 alpha, Akt, and mTOR and activated the AMPK phosphorylation in hypoxic SW620 cells. Conversely, silencing of AMPK α blocked PARP cleavage and ERK activation induced by CB-PIC, while ERK inhibitor PD 98059 attenuated the phosphorylation of AMPK α in hypoxic SW620 cells, implying cross-talk between ERK and AMPK α . Furthermore, cotreatment of CB-PIC and metformin enhanced the inhibition of HIF1 α and Akt/mTOR and the activation of AMPK α and pACC in hypoxic SW620 cells. In addition, CB-PIC suppressed the growth of SW620 cells inoculated in BALB/c athymic nude mice, and immunohistochemistry revealed that CB-PIC treatment attenuated the expression of Ki-67, CD34, and CAIX and increased the expression of pAMPK α in CB-PIC-treated group. Interestingly, CP-PIC showed better antitumor activity in SW620 colon cancer cells under hypoxia than under normoxia, since it may be applied to chemoresistance. Overall, our findings suggest that activation of AMPK α and ERK mediates CB-PIC-induced apoptosis in hypoxic SW620 colon cancer cells.

Since the dysregulation of ribosome biogenesis is closely associated with tumor progression, in the current study, the critical role of ribosome biogenesis related signaling was investigated in melatonin and/or puromycin induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Despite its weak cytotoxicity, melatonin from 3 mM attenuated the expression of 45S pre-ribosomal RNA (pre-rRNA), UBF as a nucleolar transcription factor, and fibrillarin at mRNA level and consistently downregulated nucleolar proteins such as UBF and fibrillarin at protein level in MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, immunofluorescence assay revealed that UBF was also degraded by melatonin in MDA-MB-231 cells. In contrast, melatonin attenuated the expression of survival genes such as Bcl-xL, Mcl-1, cyclinD1, and cyclin E, suppressed the phosphorylation of AKT, mTOR, and STAT3, and cleaved PARP and activated caspase 3 only at a high concentration of 12 mM. However, combined treatment of melatonin (3 mM) and puromycin (1 μM) synergistically inhibited viability, attenuated the expression of 45S pre-rRNA and UBF, and consistently downregulated UBF, XPO1 and IPO7, procaspase 3, and Bcl-xL in MDA-MB 231 cells. Overall, these findings suggest that melatonin can be a cancer preventive agent by combination with puromycin via the inhibition of 45S pre-rRNA and UBF in MDA-MB 231 breast cancer cells.

Though tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone possess a variety of biological effects such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antimetabolic, and anticancer effects, the precise molecular targets or pathways responsible for anticancer activities of tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) still remain unclear. In the present study, we investigated the effect of tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone on the Janus activated kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling during apoptotic process. We found that both tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone induced apoptosis by activation of caspase-9/3 and Sub-G1 accumulation in K562 cells. However, they have the distinct JAK/STAT pathway, in which tanshinone IIA inhibits JAK2/STAT5 signaling, whereas cryptotanshinone targets the JAK2/STAT3. In addition, tanshinone IIA enhanced the expression of both SHP-1 and -2, while cryptotanshinone regulated the expression of only SHP-1. Both tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone attenuated the expression of bcl-xL, survivin, and cyclin D1. Furthermore, tanshinone IIA augmented synergy with imatinib, a CML chemotherapeutic drug, better than cryptotanshinone in K562 cells. Overall, our findings suggest that the anticancer activity of tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone is mediated by the distinct the JAK/STAT3/5 and SHP1/2 signaling, and tanshinone IIA has the potential for combination therapy with imatinib in K562 CML cells.

Aim of this study was to identify the molecular mechanisms of tanshinone IIA-induced apoptosis in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) cells. Cytotoxicity of tanshinone IIA was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Our data demonstrate that tanshinone IIA induced apoptosis by increasing the sub-G1 DNA contents and DNA fragmentation in KBM-5 CML cell line. In addition, tanshinone IIA significantly reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mediated cytochrome c release from mitochondria and activated caspase-3 and 9, indicating mitochondria-dependent apoptosis by tanshinone IIA. Tanshinone IIA attenuated expression of several apoptosis-related proteins such as c-inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) 2, Mcl-1(L) and Bcl-2. Interestingly, although tanshinone IIA notably enhanced the phosphorylation of both c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK) and p38, JNK inhibitor, but not p38 inhibitor, reversed tanshinone IIA-induced apoptosis. Our findings suggest that tanshinone IIA induces mitochondria-dependent apoptosis via activation of JNK in KBM 5 cells as a potent anti-cancer agent for CML therapy.

The retromer is involved in recycling lysosomal sorting receptors in mammals. A component of the retromer complex in Arabidopsis thaliana, vacuolar protein sorting 29 (VPS29), plays a crucial role in trafficking storage proteins to protein storage vacuoles. However, it is not known whether or how vacuolar sorting receptors (VSRs) are recycled from the prevacuolar compartment (PVC) to the trans-Golgi network (TGN) during trafficking to the lytic vacuole (LV). Here, we report that VPS29 plays an essential role in the trafficking of soluble proteins to the LV from the TGN to the PVC. maigo1-1 (mag1-1) mutants, which harbor a knockdown mutation in VPS29, were defective in trafficking of two soluble proteins, Arabidopsis aleurain-like protein (AALP):green fluorescent protein (GFP) and sporamin:GFP, to the LV but not in trafficking membrane proteins to the LV or plasma membrane or via the secretory pathway. AALP:GFP and sporamin:GFP in mag1-1 protoplasts accumulated in the TGN but were also secreted into the medium. In mag1-1 mutants, VSR1 failed to recycle from the PVC to the TGN; rather, a significant proportion was transported to the LV; VSR1 overexpression rescued this defect. Moreover, endogenous VSRs were expressed at higher levels in mag1-1 plants. Based on these results, we propose that VPS29 plays a crucial role in recycling VSRs from the PVC to the TGN during the trafficking of soluble proteins to the LV.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is caused by various factors such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), dysfunction of mitochondria, and aggregation of misfolded proteins, thereby leading to loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) of the brain. Frataxin (FXN) is associated with iron homeostasis and biogenesis of iron-sulfur clusters in the electron transport chain complex. In this study, we investigated the potential of Tat-FXN to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and protect DA neurons against oxidative stress in a mouse model of PD. Tat-FXN was effectively transduced into SH-SY5Y cells and blocked production of ROS and cleavage of DNA, significantly improving cell survival against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium induced toxicity. In addition, Tat-FXN efficiently penetrated the BBB and exhibited a clear neuroprotective effect on tyrosine hydroxylase-specific DA neurons in the SN in a mice model of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetra-hydropyridine-induced PD. Therefore, these results suggest that Tat-FXN may provide neuroprotective therapy for ROS related diseases including PD., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

TGF-β is a mediator of lung fibrosis and regulates the alveolar epithelial type II cell phenotype. TGF-β can induce epithelial mesenchymal transition of idiopathic pulmonary disease and cancer metastasis. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator 1-alpha (PGC-1 α) is a key metabolic regulator that stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis and promotes remodeling of muscle tissue to oxidative fiber-type composition. Here, we report that the induction of TGF-β decreased mRNA expression of PGC-1α, and PGC-1 target genes, such as the transcription factors NRF-2, ERR-α, and PPAR-γ in lung epithelial A549 cells. In addition, TGF-β led to the reduction of super oxide dismutase 2 (anti-oxidant enzyme), cytochrome C (electron transport chain in mitochondria), and MCAD (a mitochondrial β-oxidant enzyme) in A549 cells. Together, our results suggest that TGF-β may suppress the transcriptional activity of the genes related to mitochondrial biogenesis or function. This mechanism may provide a novel insight into the understanding of fibrosis disease.

Although brazilin [7,11b-dihydrobenz(b)indeno[1,2-d]pyran-3,6a,9,10(6H)-tetrol] isolated from Caesalpinia sappan was known to have various biological activities, including anti-inflammation, antibacteria, and antiplatelet aggregation, there is no report yet on its anticancer activity. In the present study, the anticancer mechanism of brazilin was elucidated in human multiple myeloma U266 cells. We found that brazilin significantly inhibited the activity of histone deacetylases (HDACs), transcription factors involved in the regulation of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in U266 cells. Consistently, brazilin enhanced acetylation of histone H3 at Lys 23, indicating activation of histone acetyltransferase (HAT), and also suppressed the expressions of HDAC1 and HDAC2 at both protein and mRNA levels. Additionally, brazilin significantly increased the number of sub-G1 cell population and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells undergoing apoptosis and also activated caspase-3 and regulated the expression of Bcl-2 family proteins, including Bax, Bcl-x(L), and Bcl-2 in U266 cells, indicating that brazilin induces apoptosis through the mitochondria-dependent pathway. Interestingly, cell cycle analysis revealed that brazilin induced G2/M phase arrest along with apoptosis induction. Consistently, brazilin attenuated the expression of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), such as cyclin D1, cyclin B1, and cyclin E, and also activated p21 and p27 in U266 cells. Furthermore, HAT inhibitor anacardic acid reversed activation of acetyl-histone H3 and cleavage of PARP induced by brazilin, while pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK001 did not affect the expression of HDAC induced by brazilin that brazilin mediates apoptosis via inactivation of HDAC in U266 cells. Notably, brazilin significantly potentiated the cytotoxic effect of standard chemotherapeutic agents, such as bortezomib or doxorubicin, in U266 cells. When our findings are taken together, they suggest that brazilin has potential as a chemotherapeutic agent alone or in combination with an anticancer agent for multiple myeloma treatment.

Background: Oxidative stress is considered to be involved in a number of human diseases including ischemia. Metallothioneins (MT)-III can protect neuronal cells from the cytotoxicity of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, MT-III proteins biological function is unclear in ischemia. Thus, we examined the protective effects of MT-III proteins on oxidative stress-induced neuronal cell death and brain ischemic insult., Methods: A human MT-III gene was fused with a protein transduction domain, PEP-1 peptide, to construct a cell permeable PEP-1-MT-III protein. PEP-1-MT-III protein was purified using affinity chromatograph. Transduced PEP-1-MT-III proteins were detected by Western blotting and immunoflourescence. Cell viability and DNA fragmentation were analyzed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-dipheyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and terminal dexoynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining, respectively. Brain ischemic injury was detected with immunohistochemistry., Results: Purified PEP-1-MT-III proteins transduced into astrocytes in a time- and dose-dependent manner and protected against oxidative stress-induced cell death. Also, transduced PEP-1-MT-III proteins efficiently protected cells against DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that PEP-1-MT-III prevented neuronal cell death in the CA1 region of the hippocampus induced by transient forebrain ischemia. We demonstrated that transduced PEP-1-MT-III protein protects against oxidative stress induced cell death in vitro and in vivo., General Significance: Transduced PEP-1-MT-III protein has neuroprotective roles as an antioxidant in vitro and in vivo. PEP-1-MT-III protein is a potential therapeutic agent for various human brain diseases such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

EWS functions in RNA splicing and transcription by encoding an RNA binding protein, which results in the chromosomal translocation t(11;22)(q24;q12) found in Ewing sarcoma. EWS interacts with the microprocessor complex involving Drosha and DGCR8, which play roles as the cofactors of primary microRNA processing. However, the role of EWS in microRNA biogenesis has not been investigated. Here, we show that endogenous EWS interacts with endogenous Drosha by IP-western blotting. In addition, EWS knockout mouse decreased the expression of Drosha. The depletion of EWS results in the accumulation of precursor let-7g but down-regulates mature let-7g in U2OS cells. Consistently, mature let 7g was suppressed in both Ewing sarcoma cell and primary Ewing sarcoma. Also, expression levels of Dicer and CCND1 (Cyclin D1), which are known target genes of the let-7 family were upregulated. Our findings suggest that EWS mediates generation of mature let-7g from pre-let-7g., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

P18, a member of the INK4 family of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, is a tumor suppressor protein and plays a key cell survival role in a variety of human cancers. Under pathophysiological conditions, the INK4 group proteins participate in novel biological functions associated with neuronal diseases and oxidative stress. Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by loss of dopaminergic neurons, and oxidative stress is important in its pathogenesis. Therefore, we examined the effects of PEP-1-p18 on oxidative stress-induced SH-SY5Y cells and in a PD mouse model. The transduced PEP-1-p18 markedly inhibited 1-methyl-4-phenyl pyridinium-induced SH-SY5Y cell death by inhibiting Bax expression levels and DNA fragmentation. Additionally, PEP-1-p18 prevented dopaminergic neuronal cell death in the substantia nigra of a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6,-tetrahydropyridine-induced PD mouse model. These results indicate that PEP-1-p18 may be a useful therapeutic agent against various diseases and is a potential tool for treating PD.

Although 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-beta-d-glucose (PGG) was well known to have antitumor activities in breast, prostate, kidney, liver cancers and HL-60 leukemia via regulation of caspase 3, p53, S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2) and insulin receptor signaling, the underlying mechanism of PGG-induced apoptosis linked with reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and DAXX was never elucidated in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) K562 cells until now. Herein PGG significantly decreased the viability of CML cell lines such as K562 and KBM-5 without hurting normal peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). PGG increased the number of TUNEL-positive cells and the sub-G1 cell population as well as activated caspase cascades including caspase-8, -9 and -3 in K562 cells. Interestingly, a significant activation of JNK by PGG was observed by MULTIPLEX assay and Western blotting. Conversely, JNK inhibitor D-JNKi suppressed the cleavages of caspase 3 and PARP induced by PGG in K562 cells. Also, PGG dramatically enhanced generation of ROS and reduced the expression of death-domain-associated protein (DAXX). Of note, ROS inhibitor acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) reversed JNK-dependent apoptosis and DAXX inhibition induced by PGG. Overall, these findings suggest that ROS-dependent JNK activation and DAXX downregulation are critically involved in PGG-induced apoptosis in K562 cells., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are a highly conserved family of proteins that are induced in response to various environmental stressors including reactive oxygen species. HSP27 is a chaperone protein with the ability to increase cell survival in response to oxidative stress. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of dopaminergic neurons. Although the mechanism of PD remains unclear, oxidative stress is known to be important in its pathogenesis. This study investigated the protective effects of PEP-1-HSP27 on neuronal damage induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl pyridinium (MPP(+) ) in SH-SY5Y cells and in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced PD mouse model. PEP-1-HSP27 rapidly entered the cells and protected them against MPP(+) -induced toxicity by inhibiting the reactive oxygen species levels and DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, transduced PEP-1-HSP27 prevented dopaminergic neuronal cell death in the substantia nigra of MPTP-induced PD mouse models. These results demonstrate that PEP-1-HSP27 provides a potential strategy for therapeutic delivery against various diseases and is a potential tool for the treatment of PD., (© 2012 The Authors Journal compilation © 2012 FEBS.)

Though melatonin was known to regulate gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in chick astrocytes and mouse hepatocytes, the underlying mechanism by melatonin was not elucidated in hydrogen peroxide- (H(2)O(2)-) treated HaCaT keratinocyte cells until now. In the current study, though melatonin at 2 mM and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) at 300 μM showed weak cytotoxicity in HaCaT keratinocyte cells, melatonin significantly suppressed the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in H(2)O(2)-treated HaCaT cells compared to untreated controls. Also, the scrape-loading dye-transfer assay revealed that melatonin enhances the intercellular communication by introducing Lucifer Yellow into H(2)O(2)-treated cells. Furthermore, melatonin significantly enhanced the expression of connexin 26 (Cx26) and connexin 43 (Cx43) at mRNA and protein levels, but not that of connexin 30 (Cx30) in H(2)O(2)-treated HaCaT cells. Of note, melatonin attenuated the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERKs) more than p38 MAPK or JNK in H(2)O(2)-treated HaCaT cells. Conversely, ERK inhibitor PD98059 promoted the intercellular communication in H(2)O(2)-treated HaCaT cells. Furthermore, combined treatment of melatonin (200 μM) and vitamin C (10 μg/mL) significantly reduced ROS production in H(2)O(2)-treated HaCaT cells. Overall, these findings support the scientific evidences that melatonin facilitates gap junctional intercellular communication in H(2)O(2)-treated HaCaT keratinocyte cells via inhibition of connexin 26/43 and ERK as a potent chemopreventive agent.

Although cryptotanshinone (CT) was known to exert antitumor activity in several cancers, its molecular mechanism under hypoxia still remains unclear. Here, the roles of AEG-1 and HIF-1α in CT-induced antitumor activity were investigated in hypoxic PC-3 cells. CT exerted cytotoxicity against prostate cancer cells and suppressed HIF-1α accumulation and AEG-1 expression in hypoxic PC-3 cells. Also, AEG-1 was overexpressed in prostate cancer cells. Interestingly, HIF-1α siRNA transfection enhanced the cleavages of caspase-9,3, and PAPR and decreased expression of Bcl-2 and AEG1 induced by CT in hypoxic PC-3 cells. Of note, DMOG enhanced the stability of AEG-1 and HIF-1α during hypoxia. Additionally, CT significantly reduced cellular level of VEGF in PC-3 cells and disturbed tube formation of HUVECs. Consistently, ChIP assay revealed that CT inhibited the binding of HIF-1α to VEGF promoter. Furthermore, CT at 10 mg/kg suppressed the growth of PC-3 cells in BALB/c athymic nude mice by 46.4% compared to untreated control. Consistently, immunohistochemistry revealed decreased expression of Ki-67, CD34, VEGF, carbonic anhydrase IX, and AEG-1 indices in CT-treated group compared to untreated control. Overall, our findings suggest that CT exerts antitumor activity via inhibition of HIF-1α, AEG1, and VEGF as a potent chemotherapeutic agent.

Aims: Cyclophilin A (CypA) is an immunophilin that acts as a receptor for the immunosuppressant drug cyclosporine A (CsA). CypA has emerged as a potential drug target for several inflammatory diseases, although the details of its mechanism are unclear. We examined the protective effects of CypA on inflammation in Raw 264.7 cells and animal models., Main Methods: A human CypA gene was fused with a protein transduction domain, PEP-1 peptide, to construct a cell permeable PEP-1-CypA protein. The protein expression level of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and cytokines was detected by Western blot, ELISA and mRNA level of COX-2 and cytokines were measured by RT-PCR. The nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation were analyzed by Western blot and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Skin inflammation was detected with immunohistochemistry., Key Findings: Transduced PEP-1-CypA protein markedly inhibited lipopolysaccharide- and 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate-induced expression levels of COX-2 as well as pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, transduced PEP-1-CypA protein resulted in a significant reduction in the activation of NF-kB and MAPK., Significance: The results indicate that PEP-1-CypA inhibits inflammatory response cytokines and enzymes by blocking NF-kB and MAPK activation upon stimulation of inflammation in vitro and in vivo. PEP-1-CypA protein may potentially be used as a therapeutic agent against skin diseases-related inflammation., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Although much is known about the molecular mechanisms involved in transporting soluble proteins to the central vacuole, the mechanisms governing the trafficking of membrane proteins remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the mechanism involved in targeting the membrane protein, AtβFructosidase 4 (AtβFruct4), to the central vacuole in protoplasts. AtβFruct4 as a green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein was transported as a membrane protein during transit from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) through the Golgi apparatus and the prevacuolar compartment (PVC). The N-terminal cytosolic domain of AtβFruct4 was sufficient for transport from the ER to the central vacuole and contained sequence motifs required for trafficking. The sequence motifs, LL and PI, were found to be critical for ER exit, while the EEE and LCPYTRL sequence motifs played roles in trafficking primarily from the trans Golgi network (TGN) to the PVC and from the PVC to the central vacuole, respectively. In addition, actin filaments and AtRabF2a, a Rab GTPase, played critical roles in vacuolar trafficking at the TGN and PVC, respectively. On the basis of these results, we propose that the vacuolar trafficking of AtβFruct4 depends on multiple sequence motifs located at the N-terminal cytoplasmic domain that function as exit and/or sorting signals in different stages during the trafficking process., (© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.)

The protein transduction domains have been reported to have potential to deliver the exogenous molecules, including proteins, to living cells. However, poor transduction of proteins limits therapeutic application. In this study, we examined whether imipramine could stimulate the transduction efficiency of PEP-1 fused proteins into astrocytes. PEP-1-catalase (PEP-1- CAT) was transduced into astrocytes in a time- and dose-dependent manner, reducing cellular toxicity induced by H(2)O(2). Additionally, the group of PEP-1-CAT (+) imipramine showed enhancement of transduction efficiency and therefore increased cellular viability than that of PEP-1-CAT alone. In the gerbil ischemia models, PEP-1-CAT displayed significant neuroprotection in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Interestingly, PEP-1-CAT (+) imipramine prevented neuronal cell death and lipid peroxidation more markedly than PEP-1-CAT alone. Therefore, our results suggest that imipramine can be used as a drug to enhance the transduction of PEP-1 fusion proteins to cells or animals and their efficacies against various disorders.

Plastid proteins that are encoded by the nuclear genome and synthesized in the cytosol undergo posttranslational targeting to plastids. Ankyrin repeat protein 2A (AKR2A) and AKR2B were recently shown to be involved in the targeting of proteins to the plastid outer envelope. However, it remains unknown whether other factors are involved in this process. In this study, we investigated a factor involved in AKR2A-mediated protein targeting to chloroplasts in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Hsp17.8, a member of the class I (CI) cytosolic small heat shock proteins (sHsps), was identified in interactions with AKR2A. The interaction between Hsp17.8 and AKR2A was further confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation experiments. The carboxyl-terminal ankyrin repeat domain of AKR2A was responsible for AKR2A binding to Hsp17.8. Other CI cytosolic sHsps also interact with AKR2A to varying degrees. Additionally, Hsp17.8 binds to chloroplasts in vitro and enhances AKR2A binding to chloroplasts. HSP17.8 was expressed under normal growth conditions, and its expression increased after heat shock. Hsp17.8 exists as a dimer under normal physiological conditions, and it is converted to high oligomeric complexes, ranging from 240 kD to greater than 480 kD, after heat shock. High levels of Hsp17.8 together with AKR2A resulted in increased plastid targeting of Outer Envelope Protein7 (OEP7), a plastid outer envelope protein expressed as a green fluorescent protein fusion protein. In contrast, artificial microRNA suppression of HSP17.8 and closely related CI cytosolic sHSPs in protoplasts resulted in a reduction of OEP7:green fluorescent protein targeting to plastids. Based on these data, we propose that Hsp17.8 functions as an AKR2A cofactor in targeting membrane proteins to plastid outer membranes under normal physiological conditions.

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which catalyzes the degradation of free heme to biliverdin, carbon monoxide (CO), and free iron (Fe(2+)), is up-regulated by several cellular stress and cell injuries, including inflammation, ischemia and hypoxia. In this study, we examined whether fusion of HO-1 with PEP-1, a protein transduction domain that is able to deliver exogenous molecules to living cells or tissues, would facilitate HO-1 delivery to target cells and tissues, and thereby effectively exert a therapeutically useful response against inflammation. Western blot analysis demonstrated that PEP-1-HO-1 fusion proteins were transduced into Raw 264.7 cells in time- and dose-dependent manners, and were stably maintained in the cells for about 60h. In addition, fluorescence analysis revealed that only PEP-1-HO-1 fusion proteins were significantly transduced into the cytoplasm of cells, while HO-1 proteins failed to be transduced. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated Raw 264.7 cells and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse edema model, transduced PEP-1-HO-1 fusion proteins effectively inhibited the overexpression of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines. Also, histological analysis demonstrated that PEP-1-HO-1 remarkably suppressed ear edema. The results suggest that the PEP-1-HO-1 fusion protein can be used as a therapeutic molecule against reactive oxygen species-related inflammatory diseases., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Immunophilin, FK506-binding protein 12 (FK506BP), is a receptor protein for the immunosuppressive drug FK506 by the FK506BP/FK506 complex. However, the precise function of FK506BP in inflammatory diseases remains unclear. Therefore, we examined the protective effects of FK506BP on atopic dermatitis (AD) in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)/interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-induced HaCaT cells and 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced AD-like dermatitis in Nishiki-nezumi Cinnamon/Nagoya (NC/Nga) mice using a cell-permeable PEP-1-FK506BP. Transduced PEP-1-FK506BP significantly inhibited the expression of cytokines, as well as the activation of NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced HaCaT cells. Furthermore, topical application of PEP-1-FK506BP to NC/Nga mice markedly inhibited AD-like dermatitis as determined by a histological examination and assessment of serum IgE levels, as well as cytokines and chemokines. These results indicate that PEP-1-FK506BP inhibits NF-κB and MAPK activation in cells and AD-like skin lesions by reducing the expression levels of cytokines and chemokines, thus suggesting that PEP-1-FK506BP may be a potential therapeutic agent for AD.

FK506 binding protein 12 (FK506BP) is an immunophilin that acts as a receptor for the immunosuppressant drug FK506. Although the precise action of FK506BP remains unclear, it has emerged as a potential drug target for several inflammatory diseases. This study investigated the protective effects of FK506BP on inflammation in vitro and in vivo using protein transduction. A cell-permeable expression vector PEP-1-FK506BP was constructed. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- or 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-stimulated Raw 264.7 cells and ICR mice were treated with PEP-1-FK506BP. The expression of inflammatory response enzymes and cytokines was analyzed by Western blot, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. PEP-1-FK506BP efficiently transduced into Raw 264.7 cells and markedly inhibited the expression levels of cyclooxygenase-2 as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, transduced PEP-1-FK506BP significantly reduced activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in the cells, whereas PEP-1-FK506BP reduced phosphorylation of p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in the animal models. These results indicate that PEP-1-FK506BP inhibits inflammatory response cytokines and enzymes by blocking NF-κB and MAPK including the phosphorylation of p38 and/or ERK MAPK in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that PEP-1-FK506BP may be a therapeutic agent against inflammatory skin diseases., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

The low transduction efficiency of various proteins is an obstacle to their therapeutic application. However, protein transduction domains (PTDs) are well-known for a highly effective tool for exogenous protein delivery to cells. We examined the effects of pergolide mesylate (PM) on the transduction of PEP-1-catalase into HaCaT human keratinocytes and mice skin and on the anti-inflammatory activity of PEP-1-catatase against 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced inflammation using Western blot and histological analysis. PM enhanced the time- and dose-dependent transduction of PEP-1-catalase into HaCaT cells without affecting the cellular toxicity. In a mouse edema model, PEP-1-catalase inhibited the increased expressions of inflammatory mediators and cytokines such as cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, interleukin-6 and -1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α induced by TPA. On the other hand, PM alone failed to exert any significant anti-inflammatory effects. However, the anti-inflammatory effect of co-treatment with PEP-1-catalase and PM was more potent than that of PEP-1-catalase alone. Our results indicate that PM may enhance the delivery of PTDs fusion therapeutic proteins to target cells and tissues and has potential to increase their therapeutic effects of such drugs against various diseases., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) have been implicated in the development of diabetic complications, including diabetic nephropathy. KIOM-79, an 80% ethanolic extract obtained from parched Puerariae Radix, gingered Magnolia Cortex, Glycyrrhiza Radix and Euphorbia Radix, was investigated for its effects on the development of renal disease in Zucker diabetic fatty rats, an animal model of type 2 diabetes. In vitro inhibitory effect of KIOM-79 on AGEs cross-linking was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). KIOM-79 (50 mg/kg/day) was given to Zucker diabetic fatty rats for 13 weeks. Body and kidney weight, blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, urinary albumin and creatinine excretions were monitored. Kidney histopathology, collagen accumulation, fibrinogen and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) expression were also examined. KIOM-79 reduced blood glucose, kidney weight, histologic renal damage and albuminuria in Zucker diabetic fatty rats. KIOM-79 prevented glomerulosclerosis, tubular degeneration, collagen deposition and podocyte apoptosis. In the renal cortex, TGF-β1, fibronectin mRNA and protein were significantly reduced by KIOM-79 treatment. KIOM-79 reduces AGEs accumulation in vivo, AGE-protein cross-linking and protein oxidation. KIOM-79 could be beneficial in preventing the progression of diabetic glomerularsclerosis in type 2 diabetic rats by attenuating AGEs deposition in the glomeruli.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) actively contribute to the development of a number of human diseases including ischemia. In response to oxidative stress, frataxin has a significant ability to improve cell survival though its biological function is unclear in relation to ischemia. To explore frataxin's role in protecting against ischemic cell death, we constructed PEP-1-Frataxin cell-permeable fusion protein. In a dose- and time-dependent manner PEP-1-Frataxin rapidly transduced into astrocyte cells and protected them against oxidative stress-induced cell death. Further, using an animal model, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that PEP-1-Frataxin prevented neuronal cell death in the CA1 region of the hippocampus induced by transient forebrain ischemia. These results demonstrate that transduced PEP-1-Frataxin protects against cell death in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that transduction of PEP-1-Frataxin could be useful as a therapeutic agent for various human diseases related to oxidative stress., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Though protein transduction domains (PTDs) are well known for the delivery of exogenous therapeutic proteins into living cells, the overall low efficiency of transduction is a serious obstacle. We investigated the effect of bog blueberry anthocyanins (BBA) on protein transduction efficiency and found that BBA enhanced the transduction efficiencies of Tat-SOD fusion protein into HeLa cells and mice skin. The enzymatic activities in the cells and skin tissue in the presence of BBA were markedly increased compared to controls. Further, BBA did not demonstrate any cell toxicity at various concentrations. Although the mechanism is not fully understood, we suggest that BBA might alter the conformation of the membrane, which would indicate that BBA can be used as a protein transduction enhancer for the efficient delivery of therapeutic proteins for a variety of disorders.