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The use of cryoablation/cryosurgery in treating solid tumors has been proven as a unique technique that uses lethal temperatures to destroy the tumors and impart better functions for the affected organs. This novel technique recently demonstrated the best clinical results in chondrosarcoma (CSA) with faster recovery, less recurrence, and metastasis. Due to the resistant nature of CSA to chemo and radiation therapy, cryoablation comes to light as the best alternative approach. Therefore, for the first time, we aimed to compare CSA-untreated with cryoablation treated samples to discover some potential markers that may provide various clues in terms of diagnosis and pathophysiology and may facilitate the development of novel methods to treat sarcoma efficiently. To find the altered proteins among both groups, a mass-based label-free approach was employed and identified a total of 160 significantly altered proteins. Among these, 138 proteins were dysregulated with1- to -0.1-fold, 18 proteins were up-regulated with3 folds, and four proteins were similarly expressed in the untreated group compared to the treated. Interestingly, the differential expressions of proteins from the untreated group showed contrast expressions in the treated group. Furthermore, the functional enrichment analysis revealed that most of the identified proteins from this study were associated with various significant pathways such as glycolysis, MAPK activation, PI3K-Akt signaling, extracellular matrix degradation, etc. In addition, two protein expressions, such as fibronectin and annexin-1, were validated by immunoblot analysis. Therefore, this study signifies the most comprehensive discovery of altered protein expressions to date and the first large-scale detection of protein profiles from CSA-cryoablation treated compared to untreated. This work may serve as the basis for future research to open novel treatment options for chondrosarcoma.

Background: Liposarcoma (LPS) is one of the most common soft tissue sarcoma (STS) subtypes. Both well-differentiated LPS (WDLPS) and dedifferentiated LPS (DDLPS) have 12q13-15 amplification. Mouse double minute 2 homolog (MDM2) is one of the most important oncogenes within this region. Ferroptosis is a unique type of necrotic cell death featured accumulation of lipid-based reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from the oxidative modification of phospholipid membranes. Cysteine metabolism is the critical part of ferroptosis regulation. Cystine-glutamate antiporter (system xc-; xCT), encoded by two subcomponents, the solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) and SLC3A2, is responsible for cystine supply from extra-cellular environment. Imported cystine is then reduced to cysteine, a key component of tripeptide glutathione (GSH). Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) requires GSH to repair lipid peroxidation and prevent ferroptosis. Inactivation of GPX4, either through cystine deprivation due to xCT inhibitor erastin, or by GPX4 inhibitor Ras-selective lethal small molecule 3 (RSL3), will lead to accumulation of lipid-based ROS, and eventually ferroptosis cell death. The tumor suppressor p53 (TP53) could suppress the expression of SLC7A11 and induce ferroptosis. TP53 could also indirectly suppress 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl (HMG)-coenzyme A (CoA) reductase (HMGCR) activity, a key pathway for generation of biomolecules with anti-ferroptosis property. MDM2, the key oncogene in DDLPS, and homolog MDM4 could facilitate ferroptotic death in TP53-dependent or -independent mechanisms. Methods: We explored public domain database to identify possible aberrations of ferroptosis-related genes in DDLPS. We then examined the sensitivity of DDLPS cell lines to possible ferroptosis-inducing agents. Furthermore, we used nutlin-3, a MDM2 inhibitor, to modulate the MDM2 expression in DDLPS cell line, and explored the potential synergistic effect of nutlin-3 with ferroptosis-inducing agents. Finally, we used immunoblotting study to reveal the potential mechanism responsible to possible synergistic effect. Results: Expression level of GPX4 is significantly lower in DDLPS than adipose tissue and WDLPS, and DPP4 was general higher in LPS than adipose tissue. HMGCR, SLC7A11 and SLC3A2 were mostly up-regulated in LPS in comparison with benign counterpart. Both DDLPS cell lines showed sensitivity to erastin and RSL3. In addition, nutlin-3 could exert synergistic ferroptosis-inducing effect and cytotoxicity with erastin and RSL3 in sequential manner. Furthermore, nultin-3 treatment could upregulate SLC3A2 with altered cystine/glutamate exchange in DDLPS cell lines, indicating possible mechanism responsible for nultin-3 resistance and the synergistic effect of nultin-3 with erastin or RSL3. Conclusion: Our study showed that modulation of ferroptosis is a potential treatment strategy in DDLPS. Citation Format: Chueh-Chuan Yen, San-Chi Chen, Chih-Hsueh Chen, Jir-You Wang, Chao-Ming Chen, Po-Kuei Wu, Muh-Hwa Yang. Exploring ferroptosis pathway for the development of therapeutic strategy in liposarcoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 4777.

We designed a patella cryo-free method to protect patella from cryoinjury during recycled frozen bone-prosthesis-composite reconstruction for proximal tibial malignancy. This study aimed to use animal model to ensure safety and efficacy of this method and reported our clinical outcomes.Six swine proximal tibias along with patella and patellar tendon were harvested and dived into group A (n = 3, traditional patella freezing) and group B (n = 3, patella cryo-free). Temperature curve measurement, histological analysis, and TUNEL assay were performed in both groups. Clinically, we retrospectively reviewed 23 patients with proximal tibia malignant bone tumor (13: traditional patella freezing method; 10: patella cryo-free method). The clinical and functional outcomes were reported and compared in both groups.Temperature curve of the group B showed that ideal therapeutic temperature (-60°C) required to kill tumor cells can be achieved in the proximal tibia while the innocent patella can be kept in room temperature at all time. Histological analysis showed better preservation of the cartilage tissue in patella of group B. TUNEL assay showed significantly more apoptotic cells in the frozen tibia of both groups and frozen patella of group A. When reviewing our clinical results, less complication of the patella as well as better functional preservation were found in patients subjecting to patella cryo-free method. No local recurrence was observed in either group.Patellar cryo-free technique could protect patella from cryoinjury during freezing and therefore preserve more extensor functions for patients with proximal tibial malignant bone tumors.

Osteosarcoma is a highly malignant musculoskeletal tumor that is commonly noticed in adolescent children, young children, and elderly adults. Due to advances in surgery, chemotherapy and imaging technology, survival rates have improved to 70–80%, but chemical treatments do not enhance patient survival, in addition, the survival rate after chemical treatments is still low. The most obvious clinical feature of osteosarcoma is new bone formation, which is called “sun burst”. Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is an essential feature of osteogenesis and regulates cell growth in various tumors, including osteosarcoma. In this study, we sought to investigate the role of ERα in osteosarcoma and to determine if ERα can be used as a target to facilitate the chemosensitivity of osteosarcoma to current treatments. The growth rate of each cell clone was assayed by MTT and trypan blue cell counting, and cell cycle analysis was conducted by flow cytometry. Osteogenic differentiation was induced by osteogenic induction medium and quantified by ARS staining. The effects of ERα on the chemoresponse of OS cells treated with doxorubicin were evaluated by colony formation assay. Mechanistic studies were conducted by examining the levels of proteins by Western blot. The role of ERα on OS prognosis was investigated by an immunohistochemical analysis of OS tissue array. The results showed an impaired growth rate and a decreased osteogenesis ability in the ERα-silenced P53(+) OS cell line U2OS, but not in P53(−) SAOS2 cells, compared with the parental cell line. Cotreatment with tamoxifen, an estrogen receptor inhibitor, increased the sensitivity to doxorubicin, which decreased the colony formation of P53(+) U2OS cells. Cell cycle arrest in the S phase was observed in P53(+) U2OS cells cotreated with low doses of doxorubicin and tamoxifen, while increased levels of apoptosis factors indicated cell death. Moreover, patients with ER−/P53(+) U2OS showed better chemoresponse rates (necrosis rate &gt, 90%) and impaired tumor sizes, which were compatible with the findings of basic research. Taken together, ERα may be a potential target of the current treatments for osteosarcoma that can control tumor growth and improve chemosensitivity. In addition, the expression of ERα in osteosarcoma can be a prognostic factor to predict the response to chemotherapy.

Recycled autografts have been commonly used in biological reconstruction in conjunction with wide bone resection. Extracorporeal irradiation (ECIR) and freezing are the two major options for pretreating tumor-bearing autografts before transplant. This study, for the first time, compared the effects of these two techniques on bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 activity. Bone tissue extracted from human femoral heads were treated through either ECIR at different doses (5000, 15,000, and 30,000 rad) or liquid nitrogen (LN) freezing for different durations (5, 10, and 15 min). The amount of BMP was analyzed through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA assay). Furthermore, we also used tandem mass spectrometry to analyze change of BMP-2 and BMP-7 expression after high dosage of irradiation (30,000 rad) and long-time of freezing (15 min). To directly evaluate the effect of ECIR or LN freezing treatment on the activity of BMP, commercial recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2) was added to the culture of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The post-treatment activity of rhBMP-2 was quantitated by measuring the osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs with Alizarin Red S staining. Through Western blotting, the activation of the BMP signaling pathway by phospho-Smad antibodies was analyzed. Our results showed that post-treatment levels of BMP did not differ among the ECIR and LN freezing treatments in ELISA assay, but tandem mass spectrometry showed significantly lower expression of BMP-2 after 30,000 rad of irradiation. Both ECIR and freezing lowered the expression of regulatory factors involved in the BMP-activated signaling cascades and similar results were also observed in osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs. However, LN freezing preserved better bioactivity of rhBMP-2 whereas dosage-dependent declination was observed in ECIR groups. In conclusion, considering BMP-2 activity, LN freezing-treated autografts may result in a better osteoinduction outcomes than those treated using ECIR. Further investigation of the factors involved in bone formation is required.

Giant cell tumors of bone (GCT) are benign tumors that show a locally aggressive nature and affect bones&rsquo, architecture. Recently, cryoablation and irradiation treatments have shown promising results in GCT patients with faster recovery and less recurrence and metastasis. Therefore, it became a gold standard surgical treatment for patients. Hence, we have compared GCT-untreated, cryoablation, and irradiation-treated samples to identify protein alterations using high-frequency liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). Our label-free quantification analysis revealed a total of 107 proteins (p &lt, 0.01) with 26 up-regulated (&lt, 2-folds to 5-fold), and 81 down-regulated (&gt, 0.1 to 0.5 folds) proteins were identified from GCT-untreated and treated groups. Based on pathway analysis, most of the identified up-regulated proteins involved in critical metabolic functions associated with tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. On the other hand, the down-regulated proteins involved in glycolysis, tumor microenvironment, and apoptosis. The observed higher expressions of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and TGF-beta in the GCT-untreated group associated with bones&rsquo, osteolytic process. Interestingly, both the proteins showed reduced expressions after cryoablation treatment, and contrast expressions identified in the irradiation treated group. Therefore, these expressions were confirmed by immunoblot analysis. In addition to these, several glycolytic enzymes, immune markers, extracellular matrix (ECM), and heat shock proteins showed adverse expressions in the GCT-untreated group were identified with favorable regulations after treatment. Therefore, the identified expression profiles will provide a better picture of treatment efficacy and effect on the molecular environment of GCT.

Background Bone tumors are often treated with intralesional curettage. High-speed burring, an adjuvant therapy, was performed to maximize the tumor cell killing; however, tumor recurrence might still occur, which may be caused by residual tumor or local tumor spread during surgery. Methods A porcine cadaver (femur) was utilized to determine whether the use of a high-speed burr causes bone cement spray. To mimic residual tumor after curettage, luminescent cement was smeared on two locations of the bone cavity, the wall and the bottom. The cavity in the femoral bone was then placed in the middle of a sheet of drawing paper featuring 10 cm, 20 cm, and 30 cm concentric circles. The luminescent cement was then burred totally with a high-speed burr. Results The intensity of the area in the wall in circle I was 72.6% ± 5.8%; within circle II, it was 22.1% ± 4.2%; and within circle III, it was 5.4% ± 1.5%. The intensity of the area within the bottom of the femoral bone within circle I was 66.5% ± 6.1%, within circle II was 28.1 ± 4.8%, and within circle III, it was 5.4% ± 1.4%. The amount of luminescent cement seeding decreased with distance, but there was no difference while burring at different locations of the bone cavity. Under the handpiece cover, a greater amount of cement spray was retained in circle I during burring of the cement in the bottom of the cavity and less was sprayed out in circle III. Conclusions High-speed burring may cause explosive bone cement spray, which could extend to 20 cm. The intensities of spray did not decrease, even when the handpiece cover was used. The wide range of bone cement spray caused by high-speed burr was inspected in this pilot study, which may lead to tumor seeding. Level of evidence Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Our previous study demonstrated that upregulation of multiple epidermal growth factor-like domains 11 (MEGF11) gene expression is involved in the mechanism by which recurrence of Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) occurs. Our aim was to elucidate the role of MEGF11 expression in TNBC cells, both in vitro and in vivo, and in human tissue. Following MEGF11 gene knockdown (∆MEGF11) or over-expression in MDA-MB-231 and MB-468 cells, cell growth and chemokine gene expression were evaluated. In vivo, tumour growth of implanted human TNBC cells and the number of circulating 4T1 mouse tumour cells were measured. There was a significant decrease in cell growth via inhibition of AKT, NF-kB, CREB and AP-1 activation in ∆MEGF11 MDA-MB-231 and 468 cells. This also resulted, in vivo, in a suppression of tumour growth and a decrease in the number of mouse circulating 4T1 breast cancer cells. Surprisingly, overexpression of MEGF11 upregulated the expression of various chemokines and proinflammatory cytokines via AKT activation, but there was no increase in cell proliferation. MEGF11 was found to cross-talk positively with IL-17A signalling. Patients with tumours that over-expressed MEGF11 had a poorer prognosis. We conclude that MEGF11 plays an important role in tumour survival and that overexpression of MEGF11 induces both a cytokine and a chemokine cascade, which will favour the tumour microenvironment in terms of distant metastasis. MEGF11 might be a potential therapeutic target for preventing TNBC recurrence.

Biological reconstruction of allografts and recycled autografts have been widely implemented in high-grade osteogenic sarcoma. For treating tumor-bearing autografts, extracorporeal irradiation (ECIR) and liquid nitrogen (LN) freezing techniques are being used worldwide as a gold standard treatment procedure. Both the methods aim to eradicate the tumor cells from the local recurrence and restore the limb function. Therefore, it is essential and crucial to find, and compare the alterations at molecular and physiological levels of the treated and untreated OGS recycled autografts to obtain valuable clinical information for better clinical practice. Thus, we aimed to investigate the significantly expressed altered proteins from ECIR-and cryotherapy/freezing- treated OGS (n = 12) were compared to untreated OGS (n = 12) samples using LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis, and the selected proteins from this protein panel were verified using immunoblot analysis. From our comparative proteomic analysis identified a total of 131 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) from OGS. Among these, 91 proteins were up-regulated (2.5 to 3.5-folds), and 40 proteins were down-regulated (0.2 to 0.5 folds) (p

Chloranthus oldhamii Solms (CO) is a folk medicine for treating infection and arthritis pain but its pharmacological activity and bioactive compounds remain mostly uncharacterized. In this study, the anti-inflammatory compounds of C. oldhamii were identified using an LPS-stimulated, NF-κB-responsive RAW 264.7 macrophage reporter line. Three diterpenoid compounds, 3α-hydroxy-ent-abieta-8,11,13-triene (CO-9), 3α, 7β-dihydroxy-ent-abieta-8,11,13-triene (CO-10), and decandrin B (CO-15) were found to inhibit NF-κB activity at nontoxic concentrations. Moreover, CO-9 and CO-10 suppressed the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The inhibitory effect of CO-9 on TNF-α and IL-6 expression was further demonstrated using LPS-treated bone marrow-derived macrophages. Furthermore, CO-9, CO-10, and CO-15 suppressed LPS-triggered COX-2 expression and downstream PGE2 production in RAW 264.7 cells. CO-9 and CO-10 also reduced LPS-triggered iNOS expression and nitrogen oxide production in RAW 264.7 cells. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of the most effective compound, CO-9, was further investigated. CO-9 attenuated LPS-induced NF-κB activation by reducing the phosphorylation of IKKα/β (Ser176/180), IκBα (Ser32), and p65 (Ser534). Conversely, CO-9 did not affect the LPS-induced activation of MAPK signaling pathways. In summary, this study revealed new anti-inflammatory diterpenoid compounds from C. oldhamii and demonstrated that the IKK-mediated NK-κB pathway is the major target of these compounds.

Liquid nitrogen has been used as adjuvant cryotherapy for treating giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone. However, the liquid phase and ultrafreezing (−196° C) properties increase the risk of damage to the adjacent tissues and may lead to perioperative complications. A novel semisolid cryogen, freezing nitrogen ethanol composite, might mitigate these shortcomings because of less-extreme freezing. We therefore wished to evaluate freezing nitrogen ethanol composite as a coolant to determine its properties in tumor cryoablation. (1) Is freezing nitrogen ethanol composite-mediated freezing effective for tumor cryoablation in an ex vivo model, and if yes, is apoptosis involved in the tumor-killing mechanism? (2) Does freezing nitrogen ethanol composite treatment block neovascularization and neoplastic progression of the grafted GCTs and is it comparable to that of liquid nitrogen in an in vivo chicken model? (3) Can use of freezing nitrogen ethanol composite as an adjuvant to curettage result in successful short-term treatment, defined as absence of GCT recurrence at a minimum of 1 year in a small proof-of-concept clinical series? The cryogenic effect on bone tissue mediated by freezing nitrogen ethanol composite and liquid nitrogen was verified by thermal measurement in a time-course manner. Cryoablation on human GCT tissue was examined ex vivo for effect on morphologic features (cell shrinkage) and DNA fragmentation (apoptosis). The presumed mechanism was investigated by molecular analysis of apoptosis regulatory proteins including caspases 3, 8, and 9 and Bax/Bcl-2. Chicken chorioallantoic membrane was used as an in vivo model to evaluate the effects of freezing nitrogen ethanol composite and liquid nitrogen treatment on GCT-derived neovascularization and tumor neoplasm. A small group of patients with GCT of bone was treated by curettage and adjuvant freezing nitrogen ethanol composite cryotherapy in a proof-of-concept study. Tumor recurrence and perioperative complications were evaluated at a minimum of 19 months followup (mean, 24 months; range, 19–30 months). Freshly prepared freezing nitrogen ethanol composite froze to −136° C and achieved −122° C isotherm across a piece of 10 ± 0.50-mm-thick bone with a freezing rate of −34° C per minute, a temperature expected to meet clinical tumor-killing requirements. Human GCT tissues revealed histologic changes including shrinkage in morphologic features of multinucleated giant cells in the liquid nitrogen (202 ± 45 μm; p = 0.006) and freezing nitrogen ethanol composite groups (169 ± 27.4 μm; p

Cell therapies using human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have received much attention in the past decade. In pursuit of the therapeutic potential of MSCs, cell expansion is required to generate a great number of cells with desired phenotype and functionality. Long-term expansion in vitro, however, can lead to altered functions. To explore the changes in DNA damage responses (DDR) in MSCs expanded, DDR pathways following irradiation were characterized in early- and late-passage bone marrow MSCs. Seventy-two hours after irradiation, the percentage of sub-G1 cells in early-passage MSCs did not change significantly. Reduced TUNEL staining was observed in early-passage MSCs compared to late-passage MSCs 4 h after irradiation. Comet assay also revealed that early-passage MSCs were more resistant to irradiation or DNA damages induced by genotoxic agents than late-passage MSCs. ATM phosphorylation and γ-H2AX and phospho-p53 increased in early-passage MSCs while decreased in late-passage MSCs. Through inhibition by KU55933, DDR pathway in early-passage MSCs was shown to be ATM-dependent. Higher levels of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) and PAR synthesis were observed in early-passage MSCs than in late-passage MSCs. Knockdown of PARP-1 in early-passage MSCs resulted in sensitization to irradiation-induced apoptosis. Overexpression of PARP-1 in late passage MSCs could render irradiation resistance. Lower activity of DDR in late-passage MSCs was associated with rapid proteasomal degradation of PARP-1. In conclusion, early-passage MSCs are more irradiation-resistant and have increased DDR activity involving PARP-1, ATM and their downstream signals.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common bone tumor in children and teenagers. The multidrug resistant property of OS produces a major obstacle to chemotherapy, since the effective drug dose cannot be achieved via conventional drug delivery routes without serious systemic cytotoxicity. Microbubbles in conjunction with ultrasound (US) has recently been shown to spatially and temporally permeabilize the cellular membrane, promoting drug penetration into tumors. Here, we investigated whether drug (doxorubicin, DOX)-loaded bubbles (DOX-bubbles) can serve as drug-loaded carriers in combination with US in order to facilitate tumor drug delivery. The proposed bubbles have a high payload capacity (efficiency of 69.4 &plusmn, 9.1%, payload of 1.4 mg/mL) for DOX. In vitro data revealed that when used in combination with US (1-MHz), these DOX-bubbles facilitate DOX entering into tumor cells. In tumor-bearing animals, DOX-bubbles + US could provide 3.7-fold suppression of tumor growth compared with the group without insonation (1.8 &plusmn, 0.9 cm3 vs. 8.5 &plusmn, 2.2 cm3) because of the acceleration of DOX-induced tumor necrosis. In the meantime, the tumor perfusion and volume can be monitored by DOX-bubbles with contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging. Our data provide useful information in support of translating the use of theranostic US-responsive bubbles for regulated tumor drug delivery into clinical use.

Osteosarcoma (OS) was a malignant tumor occurring with unknown etiology that made prevention and early diagnosis difficult. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which were found in bone marrow, were claimed to be a possible origin of OS but with little direct evidence. We aimed to characterize OS cells transformed from human MSCs (hMSCs) and identify their association with human primary OS cells and patient survival. Genetic modification with p53 or retinoblastoma (Rb) knockdown and c-Myc or Ras overexpression was applied for hMSC transformation. Transformed cells were assayed for proliferation, differentiation, tumorigenecity, and gene expression profile. Only the combination of Rb knockdown and c-Myc overexpression successfully transformed hMSCs derived from four individual donors, with increasing cell proliferation, decreasing cell senescence rate, and increasing ability to form colonies and spheres in serum-free medium. These transformed cells lost the expression of certain surface markers, increased in osteogenic potential, and decreased in adipogenic potential. After injection in immunodeficient mice, these cells formed OS-like tumors, as evidenced by radiographic analyses and immunohistochemistry of various OS markers. Microarray with cluster analysis revealed that these transformed cells have gene profiles more similar to patient-derived primary OS cells than their normal MSC counterparts. Most importantly, comparison of OS patient tumor samples revealed that a combination of Rb loss and c-Myc overexpression correlated with a decrease in patient survival. This study successfully transformed human MSCs to OS-like cells by Rb knockdown and c-Myc overexpression that may be a useful platform for further investigation of preventive and target therapy for human OS.

Background/aim Berberine (BBR) is known to be effective at inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis in various cancer cells. However, the effects of BBR on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the cell inhibition effects of BBR on different subtypes of TNBC cells. Methods Using human TNBC cell lines of different subtypes, namely, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, MDA-MB-453, and BT-549 as in vitro models, antiproliferative effects of BBR were investigated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, trypan blue exclusion assay, and clonogenic assay. Furthermore, cell apoptosis and autophagy were analyzed by flow cytometry, immunofluorescent staining, and LC3 I/II-targeted Western blotting. Various cell growth-related signaling pathways (AKT/ERK/p38) and the expression of proteins present in various cell cycle kinase complexes were analyzed by Western blotting. Results BBR concentration-dependently suppressed cell proliferation in MDA-MB-468 (0, 3, 6, and 12 μM) and MDA-MB-231 (0, 6.25, 12.5, and 25 μM). The inhibitory effect was not brought about by inducing cell apoptosis, necrosis, or autophagy. Cell cycle analysis disclosed an increased S+G2/M fraction among the BBR-treated MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-453 cells; while with the BBR-treated MDA-MB-468 and BT-549 lines, an increased G0/G1 fraction was found. In MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-453 cells, by Western blotting, BBR decreased the expression of Cyclin A and CDK1, On the other hand, in BBR-treated MDA-MB-468 and BT-549 cells, there was a decrease in Cyclin D and CDK4 expression. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that the antiproliferation effects of BBR occur via different mechanisms in different subtypes of TNBC cells, which suggests that BBR has potential as a personalized treatment for TNBC patients.

Due to the fact that the treatment of breast cancer depends significantly on the molecular markers present in the cancer, including estrogen receptor (+), progesterone receptor (+) or erbB2 receptor (+), further investigation targeting triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtypes may assist in elucidating the mechanisms of recurrence of TNBC and enable the identification of novel therapeutic strategies for patients with TNBC. The aim of the present study was to compare the gene expression profiles between TNBC samples that were identified as having recurrent and non-recurrent statuses. Between June 2011 and May 2012, a total of 30 patients with TNBC were examined using a follow-up period of at least 5 years. Their clinicopathological information was retrospectively reviewed and they were classified with a status either of recurrence [n=15 stage II (9), IIIA (2), IIIC (4)] or non-recurrence [n=15 stage II (6), IIIA (1), IIIC (8)]. The total RNA from tissue samples obtained from the recurrent and non-recurrent TNBC patients were used to performed oligonucleotide microarray analysis. The dataset was analyzed using GeneSpring software and validated using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Principal component analysis demonstrated that there was a marked difference in the gene expression distribution between the stage IIIc recurrent samples and early stage (stages IIa, IIb and IIIa) recurrent samples. In early stage recurrence, the significant pathway-associated upregulated genes were matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and genes associated with cancer cell migration (CDH2) and cell adhesion/motility (KRAS, CDC42, RAC1, ICAM and SRGAP2). By contrast, during stage IIIc recurrence, the significant pathway-associated upregulated genes in the recurrent samples were WNT signaling genes, including WNT 4 and WNT 16. It was concluded that there were markedly different distributions and gene expression profiles between stage IIIc recurrent TNBC tumors and early stage (IIa, IIb, IIIa) recurrent TNBC tumors, which provides important information for the development of effective treatment strategies for TNBC.

Additional file 1. Additional information.

Introduction. There is epidemiological evidence that Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San (JWXYS) is the most common Chinese medicine decoction coprescribed with tamoxifen (Tam) when breast cancer is treated by hormonal therapy. However, whether there is interaction between JWXYS and Tam remains to be clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro and in vivo effects of JWXYS on human breast cancer MCF-7 cells treated with Tam. Methods. In vitro cultured MCF-7 cells were cotreated with JWXYS and Tam. This was followed by MTT ([4,5-cimethylthiazol-2-yl]- 2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assays and cell cycle analysis to assess cell proliferation; Western blot analysis was used to analyze the expression of various proteins involved in growth-related signal pathways. In addition, immunohistochemistry was used to detect autophagy among the cancer cells. In vivo analysis used female athymic nude mice implanted with MCF-7 cells; these mice were randomly assigned to 6 groups. All mice were killed humanely after 21 days of treatment; body weight, tumor volume, and tumor weight were then measured. Results. JWXYS was not cytotoxic to MCF-7 cells, based on the fact that there were no statistically significant changes between the JWXYS + Tam groups and the Tam-alone group in cell numbers, cell cycle progression, and cell proliferation signals, the latter including the expression levels of AKT, ERK, P38, p27(Kip1), and light chain (LC3)-I, II. Furthermore, using the MCF-7 xenograft mouse model, there were no significant changes between the JWXYS (1.3-3.9 gm/kg) + Tam groups and the Tam-alone group in terms of tumor weight and the protein expression levels of AKT, ERK, P38, and p27 (Kip1). However, there was a significant decrease in LC3-II protein expression with the low-dose JWXYS + Tam group but not with the middle- or high-dose JWXYS + Tam groups compared with the Tam-alone group. Conclusion. Based on in vitro studies and in vivo functional studies, there is no obvious interaction between JWXYS and Tam. However, the presence of interference at the molecular level in relation to LC3-II expression provides important information and may affect treatment strategies when physicians have patients with estrogen receptor-α(+) or progesterone receptor(+) breast cancers.

Objective In recent trends, patients with breast cancer seek integrative medical treatment when receiving either hormonal (tamoxifen [Tam]) or target (trastuzumab) therapy. Our previous in vitro studies demonstrated that the Chinese medicine Si-Wu-Tang (SWT) stimulates MCF-7 cell growth via activation of estrogen receptor α and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) signaling. The present study demonstrates herb-drug interference with cell proliferation in tumor-bearing mice treated with SWT and Tam in vivo and with proliferation capacity in breast cancer cells treated with SWT and trastuzumab in vitro. Methods To assess in vivo SWT + Tam interference, we randomly separated female MCF-7-implanted athymic nude mice into five groups, namely, vehicle (n = 11), estradiol (n = 8), SWT (n = 8), Tam (n = 11), and SWT + Tam (n = 8). All mice were killed after 21 days of treatment. Body weight, uterine weight, tumor volume, and tumor weight were measured. To assess in vitro SWT-trastuzumab interference, we cotreated BT-474 and SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells with SWT and trastuzumab. This was followed by (4,5-cimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assays and cell cycle analysis to measure cell proliferation and by Western blot analysis to analyze protein expression in growth-related signal pathways. Results SWT reversed Tam-induced antiproliferative effects on tumor weight and tumor volume and increased estrogen receptor α and N-cadherin expression in the SWT + Tam-treated group compared with the Tam-treated group. Furthermore, SWT reversed trastuzumab-induced antiproliferative activity in HER2 cell lines (SK-BR-3 and BT-474) through increased phosphorylation of the cell cycle regulatory protein p27(Kip1) and possibly of the antiapoptosis protein P38. Conclusions Based on the in vivo and in vitro demonstration of herb-drug interference in breast cancer cells, we conclude that physicians should pay more attention to such interference when treating patients with receptor-positive (estrogen receptor-positive, progesterone receptor-positive, or HER2) breast cancers.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Postmenopausal osteoporosis is the most common bone disease worldwide. Information concerning the effects of herbal medicines on mesenchymal cell osteogenesis and senescence remains lacking. Aim of this study This study was designed to investigate the effects of Du-Huo-Ji-Sheng-Tang (DHJST), a Chinese herbal medicine and its active component Ligusticum chuanxiong on osteogenic differentiation and the aging process of human mesenchymal cells (hMSCs). Materials & methods hMSCs were used as in vitro model and osteogenesis was induced by administration of either osteogenesis inducing medium (OIM) or dexamethasone-depleted OIM (DDOIM) for 1-week or 2 weeks and the results were evaluated by measuring the formation of mineralization nodules. The effects of the compound recipe DHJST and its active component L. chuanxiong on hMSCs osteogenesis-related gene expression was determined by real-time PCR that targeted bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2), RUNX2, ALP, COL-1, osteopontin (OPN), and osteocalcin (OCN). Antibodies against BMP-related signaling pathway proteins, such as BMP-2, ERK, SMAD 1/5/8, and RUNX2, were also detected at the protein level by Western blotting. Finally, the cumulative growth curve and senescence of the hMSCs were evaluated in order to assess the aging process. Results L. chuanxiong increased osteogenic activity in hMSCs and up-regulated BMP-2 and RUNX2 gene expression via the activation of SMAD 1/5/8 and ERK signaling. Furthermore DHJST also showed a trend towards promoting the same effects in the same system. In the absence of dexamethasone, DHJST did activate SMAD 1/5/8 and ERK signaling and hence increased RUNX2 protein expression in hMSCs. In addition, both DHJST and L. chuanxiong delayed the hMSCs aging process by decreasing cell senescence. Conclusions We concluded that DHJST and its active component L. chuanxiong are able to promote osteogenic activity and decrease hMSCs senescence as cells age.

Treatment for musculoskeletal fibromatosis remains challenging. Surgical excision for fibromatosis is the standard therapy but recurrence remains high. Corticosteroids, an anti-fibrogenic compound, have been used to treat early stage palmar fibromatosis, but the mechanism is unknown. We investigated the inhibitory mechanism effect of corticosteroids in the murine model of fibromatosis nodule as well as in cultured FSCs. Quantitative reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis and immunofluorescence (IF) staining for markers of myofibroblasts (α-smooth muscle actin and type III collagen) were used to examine the effect of dexamethasone on myofibroblasic differentiation of FSCs both in vitro and in vivo. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) signaling and its downstream targets were examined using western blot analysis. TGF-β1 expression in FSCs before and after dexamethasone treatment was compared. In addition, inhibition of TGF-β1 expression was examined using RNA interference (RNAi) on FSCs, both in vitro and in vivo. Treating FSCs with dexamethasone inhibited FSCs' myofibroblastic differentiation in vitro. Treating FSCs with dexamethasone before or after implantation further inhibited formation of fibromatosis nodules. Dexamethasone suppressed expression of TGF-β1 and pSmad2/3 by FSCs in vitro. TGF-β1 knockdown FSCs showed reducing myofibroblastic differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. Finally, addition of TGF-β1 abolished dexamethasone-mediated inhibition of myofibroblastic differentiation. Dexamethasone inhibits the myofibroblastic differentiated potential of FSCs both in vitro and in vivo through inhibition of TGF-β1 expression in FSCs. TGF-β1 plays a key role in myofibroblastic differentiation.

Increased neovascularization is commonly observed in hemorrhagic plaques and associated with rupture of atherosclerotic lesions. This study aims to investigate whether hemin accumulated at the site of hematoma promotes neovascularization through affecting the growth and function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and the possible mechanism involved. Here we demonstrated that hemin promoted a significant increase in neovessel formation in matrigel plugs embedded in vivo and enhanced the proliferation and endothelial gene expression in EPCs in vitro. VEGF-induced migration response and the capability to incorporate into the vascular networks were markedly enhanced in hemin-treated EPCs. Hemin induced the phosphorylation of ERK and AKT but not p38 or JNK. The inhibition of AKT or ERK activation significantly attenuated the effect of hemin on cell proliferation. However, the enhanced migration response induced by hemin was significantly suppressed by the inhibition of AKT but not ERK. Hemin induced significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and hemin-induced angiogenic response of EPCs was substantially reduced by treatment with N-acetylcysteine. Collectively, these data support that hemin-induced ROS mediates the activation of AKT and ERK signaling pathways, which in turn promotes the cell proliferation and function of EPCs. J. Cell. Physiol. 219: 617-625, 2009. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common primary malignancy of the liver and ranks as the first cause of cancer death in Taiwan (1). HCC is a multistage, multifactorial disease and the risk factors for its occurrence include infection with hepatitis B virus and/or hepatitis C virus, exposure to aflatoxin and heavy alcohol consumption (2–4). Furthermore, it has been hypothesized that oxidative stress and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) cause mutations in cancer-related genes and alter the function of important proteins that regulate DNA repair, the cell cycle and apoptosis (5). Decreasing the oxidative stress by antioxidants or free radical scavengers might have chemopreventive effects during the process of liver carcinogenesis. The strategies of cancer prevention include immunoprevention using α-interferon and chemoprevention using acyclic retinoid, chemical agents and/or antioxidants. Suppression of hepatic necro-inflammation by these strategies may serve to prevent hepatocarcinogenesis (6). In addition to vaccination against viral hepatitis infection, interferon α, acyclic retinoid, glycyrrhizin and ginseng are currently under clinical investigation for HCC prevention (7). The European herb, silymarin (Sil), is also documented as having a hepatoprotective effect due to its anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic as well as free radical-scavenging properties (8). A recent investigation has shown that selenium (Sel) supplementation is clearly indicated to prevent cancer occurrence in Sel-deficient mice (9). The protective mechanisms of Sel include a significant reduction in the intracellular ROS, the reversal of DNA fragmentation and the suppression of caspase and apoptosis signal-regulating kinase one activity (10). In a Sel-deficient cell model, it was easier to bring about apoptotic cell death by peroxides, but not by superoxide radicals, compared with Sel-supplemented cells (11). Furthermore, flow cytometric analysis showed that Sel-deficient cells were less capable of scavenging intracellular peroxides after exposure to exogenous H2O2 than Sel-supplemented ones (11). Nevertheless, high doses of Sel resulted in cytotoxicity and the induction of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in DNA of primary human keratinocytes (NHK) (12). The flavonoids in herbs are well known to be strong antioxidants and possess a variety of anticancer effects such as cell growth arrest, kinase activity inhibition, induction of apoptosis, suppression of matrix metalloproteinases secretion and reduction in tumour-invasive behaviour (13). Individuals who over-generate ROS are at a high risk of developing cancer, cardiovascular disease, cataracts and other degenerative diseases because of oxidative damage to cell constituents (DNA, proteins, lipids, etc.) and cell structures. Besides, an exogenous supplement of antioxidants (vitamins E, C, β-carotene, etc.) is able to protect against cancer and other degenerative diseases in individuals with innate or acquired high levels of ROS. Because of the fact that excessive antioxidants may be dangerous and may interfere with protective functions, particularly in those with a low innate baseline level of ROS (14), the combination of medicinal herbs and Sel treatment may provide a synergistic chemopreventive effect and lessen the side effect of excessive antioxidant supplementation. Based on global gene expression profiles, our previous studies have shown that a remedy containing Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi/Bupleurum scorzonerifolfium Willd (Sb/Bs remedy) is able to downregulate the expression of immediate early genes and cell cycle-related genes, and is thus able to inhibit cell growth in proliferating hepatocytes (15). Accordingly, it is interesting and important to elucidate the chemopreventive effect of Sb/Bs remedy on hepatic carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to elucidate the chemopreventive effect of Sb/Bs remedy with/without a Sel supplement on BOP (N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine)-induced HCC carcinogenesis.

Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), a serine/threonine kinase and an oncogene, is crucial in regulating cell cycle progression. PLK1 also has been demonstrated as a potential target of osteosarcoma (OS) by using short hairpin RNA libraries in lentiviral vectors for screening of protein kinase. In preclinical studies, GSK461364, a potent and selective ATP-competitive PLK1 inhibitor, showed antiproliferative activity against multiple tumor cell lines. In the present study, we evaluated the expression level of PLK1 in OS and explored the cytotoxic mechanism of GSK461364 against OS. PLK1 was significantly overexpressed in OS compared with normal osteoblasts and other types of sarcoma. GSK461364 inhibited PLK1 and caused mitotic arrest by inducing G2/M arrest in OS cells. Moreover, GSK461364 exerted a cytotoxic effect by inducing apoptosis in OS, and induced cellular senescence in OS cell lines, as indicated by an increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity and enhanced DcR2 and interleukin-1α expression. In addition, we demonstrated a synergistic cytotoxic effect of GSK461364 and paclitaxel, possibly resulting from combined mitotic arrest. In conclusion, the present study revealed that PLK1 was overexpressed in OS and that GSK461364 exerted its cytotoxic effect on OS by inducing mitotic arrest and subsequent apoptosis and induced cellular senescence; therefore, senescence-associated markers can be used as treatment biomarkers, and a combination of GSK461364 and paclitaxel can potentially treat OS.

The aim of this study is to elucidate the effects of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SbG) extract and its constituents on macrophage-hepatocyte interaction in primary cultures. By using trans-well primary Kupffer cell culture or conditioned medium (CM) from murine macrophage RAW264.7 cell line (RAW cells), effects of SbG on hepatocyte growth were evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide and trypan blue exclusion assay. Cytokine production, antibody-neutralization studies, and molecular mechanisms of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 gene expression were elucidated on SbG-treated RAW264.7 cells. In addition, recombinant human TGF-beta1 (r-human TGF-beta1) was added to elucidate the mechanisms of SbG effects on cultured hepatocytes. Immunohistochemistry using anti-NF-kappaB antibody was used to determine the possible signal transduction pathways in primary hepatocyte culture. The results showed that SbG stimulated the proliferation of cultured hepatocytes, possibly through NF-kappaB, but not of Toll-like receptor 4 activation; whereas SbG-RAW-CM and SbG in trans-well significantly suppressed the proliferation of hepatocytes. Antibody-neutralization studies revealed that TGF-beta1 was the main antimitotic cytokine in SbG-treated RAW cells CM. The growth stimulation effect of SbG on cultured hepatocytes was inhibited by exogenous administration of r-human TGF-beta1. Furthermore, SbG induced NF-kB translocation into the nuclei of cultured cells. In the RAW264.7 line, SbG and baicalin stimulated TGF-beta1 gene expression via NF-kappaB and protein kinase C activation. We conclude that SbG stimulates hepatocyte growth via activation of the NF-kappaB pathway and induces TGF-beta1 gene expression through the Kupffer cell-hepatocyte interaction, which subsequently results in the inhibition of SbG-stimulated hepatocyte growth.

Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) has been implicated as an inhibitor of cell proliferation and a potent inducer of apoptosis. Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SbG) has been widely used in Asia and recent investigations have shown that SbG has anticancer, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study is to investigate the modulatory effect of SbG on TGF-beta1 gene expression. By using RAW 264.7 cell line as an in vitro model, the effects of SbG on TGF-beta1 gene expression were evaluated by ELISA, reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and quantitative PCR. Many inhibitors such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor (PD98059), p38-MAPK inhibitor (SB203580), NF-kappaB inhibitor (aspirin) and protein kinase C inhibitor (H7) were used to determine the possible signal transduction pathways. The results showed that crude extracts of SbG as well as its pure compounds, baicalin, baicalein and chrysin up-regulated TGF-beta1 gene expression on RAW 264.7 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the flavonoid of SbG, wogonin, did not up-regulate TGF-beta1 expression on gene and protein levels on RAW264.7 cells. The facts that aspirin and H7 but not PD98059 and SB203580 blocked the enhancing effect suggested that NF-kappaB and PKC might be involved in baicalin-enhanced TGF-beta1 gene expression. We conclude that SbG up-regulates TGF-beta1 gene expression on RAW264.7 cells through NF-kappaB and PKC pathways and this might provide evidence to explain the therapeutic effect and potential adverse effects on the clinical use of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi.

Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), a critical cell cycle regulator, has been identified as a potential target in osteosarcoma (OS). 15-deoxy-Δ12, 14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2), a prostaglandin derivative, has shown its anti-tumor activity by inducing apoptosis through reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated inactivation of v-akt, a murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog, (AKT) in cancer cells. In the study analyzing its effects on arthritis, 15d-PGJ2 mediated shear-induced chondrocyte apoptosis via protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent regulation of PLK1. In this study, the cytotoxic effect and mechanism underlying 15d-PGJ2 effects against OS were explored using OS cell lines. 15d-PGJ2 induced significant G2/M arrest, and exerted time- and dose-dependent cytotoxic effects against all OS cell lines. Western blot analysis showed that both AKT and PKA-PLK1 were down-regulated in OS cell lines after treatment with 15d-PGJ2. In addition, transfection of constitutively active AKT or PLK1 partially rescued cells from 15d-PGJ2-induced apoptosis, suggesting crucial roles for both pathways in the anti-cancer effects of 15d-PGJ2. Moreover, ROS generation was found treatment with 15d-PGJ2, and its cytotoxic effect could be reversed with N-acetyl-l-cysteine. Furthermore, inhibition of JNK partially rescued 15d-PGJ2 cytotoxicity. Thus, ROS-mediated JNK activation may contribute to apoptosis through down-regulation of the p-Akt and PKA-PLK1 pathways. 15d-PGJ2 is a potential therapeutic agent for OS, exerting cytotoxicity mediated through both AKT and PKA-PLK1 inhibition, and these results form the basis for further analysis of its role in animal studies and clinical applications.

Background & Aims Animal model suitable for studying herb-induced experimental autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) remains a challenging problem. A medicinal herb containing Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Sb) and Bupleurum chinense DC (Bc) has been sporadically reported to be related to liver fibrosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Sb and Bc on experimental AIH in mice. Methods C57BL/6J mice received intraperitoneal injection of Sb and/or Bc herbal extracts (1 mg/kg) for 4 or 8 weeks. Serum samples were collected to analyse serum transferase (AST, ALT), creatinine, markers for AIH and hepatic cytokine levels such as IFN-γ, IL10 and TGF-β1. Peripheral mononuclear cell (PBMC) gene expression profiles were analysed to show their effects on immune system. Results Our results showed that Sb or Bc treatment increased serum AST, ALT, IgG and ANA levels. Prominent necroinflammatory changes were demonstrated in the livers of Sb- or Bc-treated mice while the decrease in IFN-γ and elevation of IL10 and TGF-β1 levels in liver tissues. Furthermore, the PMBC gene expression profile suggested that Sb or Bc treatment could modulate immune responses. Conclusion We conclude that the presence of AIH in Sb- or Bc-treated mice and C57BL/6J strain mice is a reliable animal model for studying herb-induced AIH-like hepatitis.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays an important role in regulating interleukin 6 (IL-6) related growth control of the liver. Our previous study demonstrated that a mixture containing Scutellaria baicalensis and Bupleurum scorzonerifolfium (S/B remedy) modulated the growth of hepatocytes during liver regeneration after 2/3 partial hepatectomy. The aim of this study was to investigate whether S/B remedy induced mouse hepatic STAT3 activation directly in hepatocytes or indirectly via non-parenchymal cell-hepatocyte interaction. Direct S/B remedy effects were studied using primarily isolated hepatocytes; while C57BL/6J mice were used to study indirect effects of S/B remedy using gadolinium chloride to deplete Kupffer cells' function. The results showed that S/B remedy and its active constituents did not directly activate growth-related signaling in primarily isolated hepatocytes. However, S/B remedy induced STAT3 and subsequently suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS3) activation in mouse liver and increased serum IL-6 level in a dose-dependent manner, which could be partially blocked by pretreatment with gadolinium chloride. Oligonucloetide microarray analysis from S/B remedy-treated peripheral blood leukocytes demonstrated an up-regulation of IL-6 gene expression. We conclude that S/B remedy did not directly induce STAT3 activation in vitro, but induced hepatic IL-6 related STAT3 activation through non-parenchymal cell-hepatocyte interaction in vivo. The results provide important information on the molecular mechanisms of S/B remedy for treatment of human liver diseases.

Aims The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that remote pharmacological preconditioning (RPP) induced myocardial heat shock protein (Hsp) 32 expression and attenuated the ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury of the heart in rats. Main methods Animals were injected at the left median nerve territory with chloralose and urethane mixture. At different time intervals, myocardial Hsp32 gene expression was analyzed. Primary heart cultures were used to investigate the direct effect of drug mixture on Hsp32 expression. Key findings The results showed that Hsp32 was time- and dose-dependently increased by in vivo drug mixture treatment, but not in primary cultures. RPP significantly decreased the duration of arrhythmia and incidence of stony heart in rats with subsequent I/R injury. Significance We conclude that RPP on the left median nerve territory induced Hsp32 gene expression in the heart and attenuates myocardial damage functionally after subsequent I/R injury.

Silibinin, an effective chemo-preventive agent in various cancer types, suppresses cancer cell growth, but its effects on cancer stem-like cells (CSLCs) remain unclear. This study aimed to examine whether silibinin inhibited the development of CSLCs and disclose the underlying signaling. The colorectal cancer spheroid culture system was used for enriching CSLCs. The effects of silibinin on CSLCs were evaluated by counting sphere numbers, and calculating the percentage of CD133+ cells by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence both in the absence and presence of different concentrations of silibinin. The results showed the sphere number of CCS was 36 ± 9.6 after 15 days of CSLC enrichment in spheroid culture, and the percentage of CD133+ cells increased to 18 ± 6.4% compared to 3 ± 0.8% before enrichment. Treatment with silibinin reduced the sphere formation to 5 ± 3.3 and decreased the CD133+ percentage to 8 ± 2.3%. Interestingly, treatment of silibinin suppressed the activation of the AKT Ser473/mTOR pathway in spheroid culture through suppressing the activity of protein phosphatase 2Ac subunit (PP2Ac). In a xenograft tumor model, treatment with silibinin also inhibited tumor formation rate and tumor growth. Silibinin, which inhibits colon CSLCs self-renewal and sphere formation by suppressing the PP2Ac/AKT Ser473/mTOR pathway, may be a compound for developing new strategies in modulating CSLCs in cancer therapy.

Although low-density culture provides an efficient method for rapid expansion of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), MSCs enriched by this method undergo senescence and lose their stem cell properties, which could be preserved by combining low-density and hypoxic culture. The mechanism was mediated through direct down-regulation of E2A-p21 by the hypoxia-inducible factor–1α (HIF-1α)–TWIST axis. Expansion under normoxia induced E2A and p21 expression, which were abrogated by overexpression of TWIST, whereas siRNA against TWIST up-regulated E2A and p21 in hypoxic cells. Furthermore, siRNA against p21 in normoxic cells enhanced proliferation and increased differentiation potential, whereas overexpression of p21 in hypoxic cells induced a decrease in proliferation and a loss of differentiation capacity. More importantly, MSCs expanded under hypoxic conditions by up to 100 population doublings, exhibited telomerase activity with maintained telomere length, normal karyotyping, and intact genetic integrity, and did not form tumors. These results support low-density hypoxic culture as a method for efficiently expanding MSCs without losing stem cell properties or increasing tumorigenicity.

Background/Aims Oxidative DNA damage by reactive oxygen species is involved in the process of liver carcinogenesis. To test the hypothesis that a remedy containing Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Sb) and Bupleurum scorzonerifolfium Willd (Bs) (Sb/Bs remedy) modulates hepatic neoplastic growth, BOP (N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine)-induced liver cancers in hamsters were established. Methods Parameters such as survival rate, tumour area, tumour foci, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), caspase-3, transforming growth factor (TGF-β1) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured after Sb/Bs remedy treatment during BOP-induced carcinogenesis. Results The results showed that the Sb/Bs remedy and its constituents Sb and Bs suppressed the tumour area in BOP-induced liver tumours. Because selenium (Sel) is toxic at a high dose (10 mg/kg), with a low survival rate (0%), the combination of Sb/Bs remedy and low-dose Sel (1 mg/kg) was found to decrease the tumour area and the number of tumour foci while increasing serum TNF-α and TGF-β1, but not IL-6 levels. Besides, the Sb/Bs remedy, when combined with low-dose Sel, not only decreased the expression of 8-OHdG and increased caspase-3 expression within the glutathione S-transferase placental form-positive tumour foci but also increased tumour apoptosis in BOP-induced hamsters. Conclusions We conclude that low-dose Sel has a chemoprevention effect on BOP-induced liver tumours and such an effect was more enhanced when combined with Sb/Bs treatment.

Epimedium brevicornum Maxim (EbM) has been reputed to have sexual stimulation effects on males. The study is aimed to test the hypothesis that EbM extracts relaxed the corpus cavernosum (CC) smooth muscle through activation of multitargets on nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling pathway. Water extract of EbM and its subfraction (EP-20) were prepared and standardized by high-performance liquid chromatography. Isolated rabbit CC strips were mounted in organ baths and isometric tension was recorded in the presence or absence of specific inhibitors related to NO/cGMP signaling such as L-N(G)-nitro-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo-[4,3-a] quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, a guanylyl cyclase inhibitor) or phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE 5) inhibitors. cGMP level was determined in EP-20-treated CC strips. The results showed that EP-20 enriched the content of L-arginine in the process of purification and relaxed the CC smooth muscle precontracted with phenylephrine (PE, 1 microM) in a concentration-dependent manner. Besides, EP-20 increased the amount of cGMP production in rabbit CC tissues. Coincubation with EP-20 and L-NAME or ODQ significantly decreased EP-20-induced relaxation whereas EP-20 increased sodium nitroprusside-induced relaxation in PE-precontracted CC strips. Besides, EP-20 increased the potency and the duration of the relaxation effects caused by electrical field stimulation. Finally, EP-20 could potentiate PDE 5 inhibitors in relaxation of PE-precontracted CC strips. We concluded that extract of EbM relax the CC smooth muscle through multitargets in NO/cGMP/PDE 5 pathway and might bring into perspective the treatment strategy for those patients with erectile dysfunction.

The aim of this study was to demonstrate that regenerating liver responses to a herbal remedy could be presented by gene expression profiling. Compositions of the ingredients in the remedy containing Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi and Bupleurum scorzonerifolfium Wild (S/B remedy) were analyzed and quantified by high performance liquid chromatography. By using a 70% partial hepatectomy in BALB/c mice as an in vivo model, the effects of high dose (50 mg/kg) and low dose (1 mg/kg) S/B remedy were evaluated by cDNA microarray, followed by RT-PCR and real-time PCR confirmation. Factors affecting proliferative activities of mouse hepatocytes were measured by DNA flow cytometry, BrdU incorporation assay and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) level. Based on global gene expression profiles, the results showed that the low dose S/B remedy down-regulated expression of immediate early genes and cell cycle-related genes, whereas the high dose had opposite effects. The gene expression was further verified by real-time RT-PCR. Proliferative activities, in terms of synthetic phase fractions and G2/M phase fractions, in vehicle, low dose, and high dose groups were 18.45+/-2.56%, 14.65+/-1.06%; 9.27+/-0.85%, 7.80+/-0.11%; and 18.90+/-2.17%, 22.95+/-0.25%, respectively. The serum IL-6 level was also dose-dependent in both low and high dose S/B remedy-treated mice. We conclude that in vivo gene expression profiling correlates with liver responses to a herbal remedy, which provides a new direction for pharmaceutical studies on human diseases.