Search

The mortality rate of pancreatic cancer has close parallels to its incidence rate because of limited therapeutics and lack of effective prognosis. Despite various novel chemotherapeutics combinations, the 5-year survival rate is still under 5%. In the current study, we aimed to modulate the aberrantly activated PI3K/AKT pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signaling with the treatment of CDK4/6 inhibitor PD-0332991 (palbociclib) in Panc-1 and MiaPaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cells. It was found that PD-0332991 effectively reduced cell viability and proliferation dose-dependently within 24 hours. In addition, PD-0332991 induced cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase by downregulation of aberrant expression of CDK4/6 through the dephosphorylation of Rb in each cell lines. Although PD-0332991 treatment increased epithelial markers and decreased mesenchymal markers, the nuclear translocation of ß-catenin was not prevented by PD-0332991 treatment, especially in MiaPaCa-2 cells. Effects of PD-0332991 on the regulation of PI3K/AKT signaling and its downstream targets such as GSK-3 were cell type-dependent. Although the activity of AKT was inhibited in both cell lines, the phosphorylation of GSK-3ß at Ser9 increased only in Panc-1. In conclusion, PD-0332991 induced cell cycle arrest and reduced the cell viability of Panc-1 and MiaPaCa-2 cells. However, PD-0332991 differentially affects the regulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway and EMT process in cells due to its distinct influence on Rb and GSK-3/ß-catenin signaling. Understanding the effect of PD-0332991 on the aberrantly activated signaling axis may put forward a new therapeutic strategy to reduce the cell viability and metastatic process of pancreatic cancer. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. The authors are thankful to Istanbul Kultur University Scientific Projects Center.

Polymersomes are vesicular constructs formed by the self-assembly of polymer amphiphiles. Here we report the fabrication of PEtOx-b-PLA polymersomes at physiological pH/salt concentration and the determination of a fPEtOx range, which is one of the most recognized factors that governs the self-assembly of amphiphilic copolymers, for the first time. The findings indicate that PEtOx-b-PLA copolymers, containing PEtOx fractions of varied lengths, self-assemble to form polymersomes in the range of 98.35 to 119.50 nm. The encapsulation potential of PEtOx-b-PLA polymersomes was demonstrated by loading of docetaxel (hydrophobic) with 17.90% encapsulation efficiency and by loading of pDNA (hydrophilic) with 65.03% encapsulation efficiency. In addition, size distribution profiles showed that polymersomes are colloidally stable for 24 h at 37 °C and for 3 months at +4 °C. The cell viability results showed that PEtOx-b-PLA copolymer and polymersomes are not cytotoxic to HUVEC, HEK293 and hMSC cell lines. © 2019 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the predominant type of kidney cancer. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor everolimus is currently used as a second-line therapy for sorafenib or sunitinib-refractory metastatic RCC patients. The clinical limitation confronted during everolimus therapy is the onset of drug resistance that decreases the efficacy of the drug. Elevated level of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein is proposed to be an emerging feedback loop for the acquired drug-resistance in various cancer types. In this study, the Bcl-2 inhibitor ABT-737 was used in combination with everolimus to enhance its anti-tumor effectiveness in everolimus-resistant RCC cell lines. Everolimus and ABT-737 combination synergistically led to a decrease in the proliferation of primary site A-498 and metastatic site Caki-1 RCC cell lines, which was accompanied by a reduction in protein levels of cell cycle and mTOR pathway proteins. In both RCC cell lines, everolimus-ABT-737 combination not only induced apoptosis, caspase and PARP-1 cleavage but also a decrease in Bcl-2 protein levels in parallel with a concomitant increase in Bim and Noxa levels. In order to confirm our in vitro findings, we have generated everolimus-resistant RenCa cell line (RenCares) to establish a RCC mouse xenograft model. Animals co-treated with everolimus and ABT-737 exhibited a complete suppression of tumor growth without any notable toxicity. This study thus proposes the everolimus-ABT-737 combination as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of RCC to overcome the current clinical problem of everolimus resistance. © Ivyspring International Publisher. Türkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik AraÅ?tirma Kurumu: 114S332 This work was partly supported by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (Grant number 114S332) and Yeditepe University Hospital. A. H. Nayman is a recipient of doctoral fellowships from the Yeditepe University. H. Siginc is a recipient of doctoral fellowship from The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey. We thank Emrah Nikerel (Yeditepe University, Turkey) for advices concerning the statistical analysis. We would also like to acknowledge Burcin Asutay and Engin Sumer (Yeditepe University, Turkey) for their technical support.

…

Purpose: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for approximately 80% of the primary renal cancers, and current treatment strategies are not sufficient to provide a certain solution. Since there are not many treatment options, interest in discovery of alternative drugs has increased. Methods: In the current study, anticancer activity of a novel heterodinuclear Cu(II)–Mn(II) complex (Schiff base—SB) in combination with poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(propylene oxide) block copolymer (pluronic) P85 was tested against RCC. Cell viability, apoptosis and gene expression analysis were conducted in vitro by using Renca cells. Results: The results revealed that the SB–P85 combination decreased cell proliferation by increasing the apoptotic gene expressions and apoptosis. Renca-injected BALB/c mice were used to mimic early stage of RCC model. Treatment with SB–P85 combination suppressed tumor formation and growth compared to baseline. Conclusion: Overall, SB–P85 showed promising anticancer activity against RCC in vitro and in vivo. © 2017, Springer Science+Business Media B.V., part of Springer Nature. ISTKA/2012/BIL-164 Acknowledgements This study was supported by İstanbul Kalkınma Ajansı (ISTKA) Project (ISTKA/2012/BIL-164) and Yeditepe University.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for approximately 80% of the primary renal cancers, and current treatment strategies are not sufficient to provide a certain solution. Since there are not many treatment options, interest in discovery of alternative drugs has increased. In the current study, anticancer activity of a novel heterodinuclear Cu(II)-Mn(II) complex (Schiff base-SB) in combination with poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(propylene oxide) block copolymer (pluronic) P85 was tested against RCC. Cell viability, apoptosis and gene expression analysis were conducted in vitro by using Renca cells. The results revealed that the SB-P85 combination decreased cell proliferation by increasing the apoptotic gene expressions and apoptosis. Renca-injected BALB/c mice were used to mimic early stage of RCC model. Treatment with SB-P85 combination suppressed tumor formation and growth compared to baseline. Overall, SB-P85 showed promising anticancer activity against RCC in vitro and in vivo. Istanbul Kalkinma Ajansi (ISTKA) Project [ISTKA/2012/BIL-164]; Yeditepe UniversityYeditepe University This study was supported by Istanbul Kalkinma Ajansi (ISTKA) Project (ISTKA/2012/BIL-164) and Yeditepe University.

… Amer Soc Cell Biol, European Mol Biol Org

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer which is the second most common cause of death among men has a high incidence in recent years. Current therapeutic regimens should be improved to overcome drug resistance. At the metastatic stage, tumors become refractory to established chemotherapeutic treatments and cause serious problems at the clinics. Development of new drug molecules that are able to transport through the membrane easily and kill tumor cells rapidly is of great interest. METHOD: In the current study, a novel Heterodinuclear copper(II)Mn(II) Schiff base complex combined with P85 was used for prostate cancer treatment in vivo. Tramp-C1 cells injected animals were subjected to chemotherapeutic formulation treatment and results were analyzed by toxicology analysis, tumor volume measurements, and histopathological analysis. 0.5 mg/kg Schiff base was selected and combined with 0.05% P85 according to the toxicology analysis showing the enzyme levels, blood parameters, and multiple organ toxicity. RESULTS: Results demonstrated that Heterodinuclear copper(II)Mn(II) complex-P85 combination decreased tumor formation and tumor volume steadily over the course of experiments. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, Heterodinuclear copper(II)Mn(II) complex-P85 exerted remarkable anti-cancer activity in vivo in C57/B16 mice. Prostate 76:1454–1463, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

© 2016 Elsevier Masson SASProstate cancer is a multistep and complicated cancer type that is regulated by androgens at the cellular level and remains the second commonest cause of death among men. Discovery and development of novel chemotherapeutic agents enabling rapid tumor cell death with minimal toxic effects to healthy tissues might greatly improve the safety of chemotherapy. The present study evaluates the anti-cancer activity of a novel heterodinuclear copper(II)Mn(II) complex (Schiff base) in combination with poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(propylene oxide) block copolymer (Pluronic) P85. We used assays for cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell migration and invasion, DNA binding and cleavage to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of action, in addition to the anti-inflammatory potency of the new combination. The combined treatment of Schiff base and P85 lead to a remarkable anti-cancer effect on prostate cancer cell lines. Cell proliferation was inhibited in Schiff base-P85 treatment. The activity of this formulation is on DNA binding and cleavage and prevents inflammation in in vitro conditions. This is the first study presenting the anti-cancer activity of the present Schiff base derivative and its combination with P85 to treat prostate cancer in vitro.

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most prevalent cancers, with a high morbidity rate, even in developed countries. In the present study, the curative effect of the Schiff base (SB) heterodinuclear copper(II)Mn(II) complex on diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced liver carcinoma was investigated. Hepatocarcinoma was initiated by an injection of DEN and promoted by phenobarbital (0.05%) in the diet. In addition, the potential nephrotoxicity of SB was evaluated in a cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity model. Rats were administered the SB complex (1 and 2 mg/kg body weight/ day) for 24 weeks, and cancer progression was investigated by macroscopic, histopathological, and western blot examinations. The administration of SB decreased the incidence and the number of hepatic nodules in a dosedependent manner by regulating inflammation response and the apoptotic pathway. Western blot analyses from the livers of rats treated with SB after DEN induction showed significantly enhanced Bax and caspase-3 levels, with a marked decrease in the levels of Bcl-2, NF-?B p65 and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2. Results from the nephrotoxicity study showed that, whereas cisplatin increased serum urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, no increase in serum biochemical parameters was detected in SB-treated animals. Moreover, protein levels of NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 were lower, whereas nuclear factor-?B (NF-?B p65) and activator protein-1 levels were higher in the kidneys of cisplatin-treated animals compared with that of the SB groups. Therefore, the SB complex could be an alternative chemotherapeutic option for liver cancer treatment once its safety in clinical applications has been examined. Copyright © 2015 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of transglutaminase 2(TG2) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) by comparing the immunohistochemistry staining of primary and metastatic tumor tissues. Methods: A total of 33 metastatic RCC(mRCC) and 33 non-metastatic RCC (nmRCC) patients who were matched as closely as possible based on gender, age, nuclear grade and pathologic T stage were retrospectively investigated. TG2 immunohistochemistry staining was performed on paraffin-embedded primary tumor tissues from both patient groups and on metastatic tissues from mRCC patients. The tissues were scored from 0 to 7 according to the TG2 staining. Furthermore, the patients were stratified into two groups using median primary tumor staining score as the cutoff value: Group 1 (high risk, n = 41) and Group 2(low risk, n = 22). The clinical, histopathological and survival outcomes were compared between these risk groups using Chi-square test, t test, Mann–Whitney U test and Kaplan–Meier survival analyses. Results: The median TG2 score for primary tumor was 5 for the entire study population. The median primary tumor TG2 score of the mRCC patients was significantly higher compared to the nmRCC patients (6 vs. 4, p

Cutaneous wound healing encompasses a well-organized process with related but distinct phases, namely, as inflammatory response, proliferative phase, and remodeling. These interrelated events are orchestrated by different types of cells, chemokines, and hormones to repair the injured area and support the integrity of the tissue. During the wound healing, the cellular responses against the injury are mainly coordinated by mesenchymal stem cells which generate paracrine signals and invoke hemopoietic stem cells, hair follicle stem cells, endothelial precursor cells, and epidermal stem cells to differentiate into resident tissue cells. These cell types have a particular role in each step of healing phases and accelerate the wound closure. This chapter focuses on the involvement of stem cells in various phases of wound healing and recent therapeutic strategies utilizing stem cell therapy and technology for the treatment of tissue injury.

… Federat European Biochemical Soc

Background/Aims: KLOTHO, a type-1 transmembrane protein with glucurodinase activity, is expressed in tissues responsible for calcium homeostasis such as the kidney, parathyroid gland and the epithelium of the choroid plexus in the brain. Given the emerging evidence indicating a novel regulatory function for KLOTHO protein in renal calcium and phosphate homeostasis, the present study aims to investigate the association between KLOTHO genetic polymorphisms and kidney stone (KS). Methods:KLOTHO gene polymorphisms G395A in the promoter region, F252V in exon 2, and C1818T in exon 4 were investigated in 108 patients with renal calcium stone formation and 51 age-matched healthy volunteers with no history of renal stone formation, using polymerase chain reaction. Results: GG genotype of G395A KLOTHO polymorphism had approximately 2-fold increased KS risk compared with the homozygous genotype AA and heterozygote GA (OR 1.849, 95% CI 1.016-3.364, p = 0.044). We also found that non-A allele carriers had significantly higher KS risk associated with the KS clinical characteristics including hypercalcemia, hypophosphatemia and phosphaturia. Conclusion: Our findings suggested that the G395A polymorphism of KLOTHO gene is associated with the KSs and may act as a risk factor for the development of KS disease. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Fibronectin (FN) deposition mediated by fibroblasts is an important process in matrix remodeling and wound healing. By monitoring the deposition of soluble biotinylated FN, we show that the stress-induced TG-FN matrix, a matrix complex of tissue transglutaminase (TG2) with its high affinity binding partner FN, can increase both exogenous and cellular FN deposition and also restore it when cell adhesion is interrupted via the presence of RGD-containing peptides. This mechanism does not require the transamidase activity of TG2 but is activated through an RGD-independent adhesion process requiring a heterocomplex of TG2 and FN and is mediated by a syndecan-4 and ß1 integrin co-signaling pathway. By using ?5 null cells, ß1 integrin functional blocking antibody, and a ?5ß1 integrin targeting peptide A5-1, we demonstrate that the ?5 and ß1 integrins are essential for TG-FN to compensate RGD-induced loss of cell adhesion and FN deposition. The importance of syndecan-2 in this process was shown using targeting siRNAs, which abolished the compensation effect of TG-FN on the RGD-induced loss of cell adhesion, resulting in disruption of actin skeleton formation and FN deposition. Unlike syndecan-4, syndecan-2 does not interact directly with TG2 but acts as a downstream effector in regulating actin cytoskeleton organization through the ROCK pathway. We demonstrate that PKC? is likely to be the important link between syndecan-4 and syndecan-2 signaling and that TG2 is the functional component of the TG-FN heterocomplex in mediating cell adhesion via its direct interaction with heparan sulfate chains. © 2010 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

In fibrotic conditions increases in TG2 activity has been linked to an increase in the deposition of extracellular matrix proteins. Using TG2 transfected Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts expressing TG2 under the control of the tetracycline-regulated inducible promoter, we demonstrate that induction of TG2 not only stimulates an increase in collagen and fibronectin deposition but also an increase in the expression of these proteins. Increased TG2 expression in these fibroblasts led to NF-kappa B activation, resulting in the increased expression of transforming growth factor (TGF) beta(1). In addition, cells overexpressing TG2 demonstrated an increase in biologically active TGF beta(1) in the extracellular environment. A specific site-directed inhibitor of TG abolished the NF-kappa B and TGF beta 1 activation and the subsequent elevation in the synthesis and deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, confirming that this process depends on the induction of transglutaminase activity. Treatment of TG2-induced fibroblasts with nontoxic doses of nitric oxide donor S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine resulted in decreased TG2 activity and apprehension of the inactive enzyme on the cell surface. This was paralleled by a reduction in activation of NF-kappa B and TGF beta(1) production with a subsequent decrease in collagen expression and deposition. These findings support a role for NO in the regulation of TG2 function in the extracellular environment. Aston University; European UnionEuropean Union (EU) [MRTN-CT-2006-036032]; Scientific & Technological Research Council of Turkey Health Sciences DivisionTurkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma Kurumu (TUBITAK) [104S606] This work was supported in part by Aston University, Grant MRTN-CT-2006-036032 from the European Union, and Grant 104S606 from the Scientific & Technological Research Council of Turkey Health Sciences Division.

Heterotropic association of tissue transglutaminase (TG2) with extracellular matrix-associated fibronectin (FN) can restore the adhesion of fibroblasts when the integrin-mediated direct binding to FN is impaired using RGD-containing peptide. We demonstrate that the compensatory effect of the TG-FN complex in the presence of RGD-containing peptides is mediated by TG2 binding to the heparan sulfate chains of the syndecan-4 cell surface receptor. This binding mediates activation of protein kinase Cα (PKCα) and its subsequent interaction with β1 integrin since disruption of PKCα binding to β1 integrins with a cell-permeant competitive peptide inhibits cell adhesion and the associated actin stress fiber formation. Cell signaling by this process leads to the activation of focal adhesion kinase and ERK1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinases. Fibroblasts deficient in Raf-1 do not respond fully to the TG-FN complex unless either the full-length kinase competent Raf-1 or the kinase-inactive domain of Raf-1 is reintroduced, indicating the involvement of the Raf-1 protein in the signaling mechanism. We propose a model for a novel RGD-independent cell adhesion process that could be important during tissue injury and/or remodeling whereby TG-FN binding to syndecan-4 activates PKCα leading to its association with β1 integrin, reinforcement of actin-stress fiber organization, and MAPK pathway activation.

© 2022New thiosemicarbazides (3, 5-6), 1,2,4-triazoles (14-15) and thioethers (22-68) from derived (S)-Naproxen were synthesized in this study. The structure of these compounds were elucidated by spectral (FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR) methods, besides elemental analysis and TLC. The molecular binding of the compounds on MetAP-2 was performed. Anticancer effects of the synthesized compounds were studied by using MTT assay method on MCF-7 (includes oestrogene and progesterone receptors) and MDA-MB-231 (lacks estrogen and progesterone receptors) adenocarcinoma cell lines at 0, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 μM concentrations for 24 h. The IC50 values of novel (S)-Naproxen derivatives were determined between from 5 to 100 μM on MCF-7 breast cancer cell line and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. The apoptotic activity of selected compounds 22 and 42 were first analyzed by Annexin V staining using Tali Image-Based Cytometer. Mitochondrial membrane potential changes determined in fluorescence plate reader following JC-1 stain for compounds 22 and 42 in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. The effect of these compounds on the cell viability 4T1 mouse mammary tumor cell line was tested at 1 to 5 times of calculated IC50 value (IC50x1, IC50x2, IC50x3, IC50x4, and IC50x5). Next in order to determine the toxicity of the combination of compound 51 and Docetaxel, WST-1 cell viability and proliferation assay was performed with 4T1.

Synthesis and characterization of well-defined amphiphilic block copolymers containing poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) as hydrophilic block and poly(?-caprolactone) or poly(L-lactide) as hydrophobic block is achieved by copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) click chemistry. The clickable precursors, ?-alkyne-functionalized poly(?-caprolactone) and poly(L-lactide) and ?-azido-functionalized poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) are simply prepared and joined using copper sulfate/ ascorbic acid catalyst system at room temperature. The structures of precursors and amphiphilic block copolymers are characterized by spectroscopic, chromatographic and thermal analyses. The cytotoxic activities of resulting amphiphilic block copolymers and their precursors are investigated in the prostate epithelial and cancer cells under in-vitro conditions. The treatment of the healthy prostate epithelial cell line PNT1A reveals that no significant cytotoxicity, whereas some significant toxic effects on the prostate cancer cell lines are observed. © BME-PT. TUBITAK-213M725 The authors would like to thank Turkish Scientific and Technological Council (TUBITAK-213M725) for financial supports.

Tissue transglutaminase (TG2) is the ubiquitously expressed member of transglutaminase family and shown to play a critical role in the development and progression of drug resistance malignancies. We have previously showed the association of TG2 upregulation with progression and metastasis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and low disease-free survival. In the present study we further investigate the role of TG2 in cell adhesion, migration and invasion of RCC by silencing TG2 expression in Caki-2 and A-498 primary site and Caki-1 and ACHN metastatic site RCC cell lines. Downregulation of TG2 expression led up to a 60% decrease in actin stress fiber formation and adhesion to ß 1 integrin (ITGB1) substrates fibronectin, collagen type I and laminin in both primary and metastatic site RCC cell lines. In addition, treatment with siRNAs against TG2 impaired the migration capacity and cellular invasiveness of ITGB1 substrates in all 4 RCC cell lines. Lastly, the knockdown of TG2 in metastatic Caki-1 cells diminished the expression of CD44, CD73-and CD105 cancer stem cell-like markers. We conclude, for the first time, that TG2 expression is critical for cancer cell adhesion, migration, invasiveness and cancer cell-stemness during RCC progression and dissemination. Therefore, combined targeting of TG2 with drugs widely used in the treatment of RCC may be a promising therapeutic strategy for RCC. © 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. 289964 109S431 This work was supported in part by EU Marie Curie ITN “TRANSPATH” under Grant number 289964, and by TUB€ İTAK under Grant number 109S431.

Prostate cancer is a multistep and complicated cancer type that is regulated by androgens at the cellular level and remains the second commonest cause of death among men. Discovery and development of novel chemotherapeutic agents enabling rapid tumor cell death with minimal toxic effects to healthy tissues might greatly improve the safety of chemotherapy. The present study evaluates the anti-cancer activity of a novel heterodinuclear copper(II)Mn(II) complex (Schiff base) in combination with poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(propylene oxide) block copolymer (Pluronic) P85. We used assays for cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell migration and invasion, DNA binding and cleavage to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of action, in addition to the anti-inflammatory potency of the new combination. The combined treatment of Schiff base and P85 lead to a remarkable anti-cancer effect on prostate cancer cell lines. Cell proliferation was inhibited in Schiff base-P85 treatment. The activity of this formulation is on DNA binding and cleavage and prevents inflammation in in vitro conditions. This is the first study presenting the anti-cancer activity of the present Schiff base derivative and its combination with P85 to treat prostate cancer in vitro. © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS

… FEBS

… FEBS

… FEBS

63rd International Congress and Annual Meeting of the Society-for-Medicinal-Plant-and-Natural-Product-Research (GA) -- August 23-27, 2015 -- Budapest, Hungary WOS: 000367558100418 The in vitro anti-inflammatory effects of subextracts (n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, remaining water) of the methanol extract of the leaves of Sambucus ebulus L. (Adoxaceae) were investigated for their inhibitory activities on the activation of Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) on lipopolysaccharide induced Raw 264.7 cells. The n-hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate subextracts inhibited NF-κB activation at 50, 100 and 100 µg/mL concentrations, respectively. Two flavonoid mixtures [quercetin-3-O-β-D- glucopyranoside, quercetin-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside], two flavonoids [isorhamnetin-3-O- β-D-glucopyranoside (1), isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside (2)] were isolated from ethyl acetate subextract. 10-O-acetylpatrinoside (3) and a new iridoid [Sambulin B (4)] was obtained from chloroform and n-hexane subextracts respectively. Structures were elucidated by NMR and MS. The compounds exerted inhibitions between 30 – 80% on NF-κB. Flavonoids were applied to cells at 25, 50, 75 and 100 µg/mL concentrations. Sambulin B was applied at 6,25, 12,5, 25 and Sambulin A applied at 12,5, 25 and 50 µg/mL concentrations.

… FEBS, EMBO

38th Congress of the Federation-of-European-Biochemical-Societies (FEBS) -- JUL 06-11, 2013 -- Saint Petersburg, RUSSIA WOS: 000325919202043 … Federat European Biochemical Soc

Background: Effects of whole cell type immunization on mice Ehrlich tumours were evaluated. Materials and Methods: After preliminary study, mice were divided two major groups; 1x1000 and 100x1000 live Ehrlich cell transferred major groups, each divided into four subgroups (n: 10). Study groups were immunized with Ehrlich cell lysates in 0, 3, 7, 14 th days and after 30 days of last immunization, live Ehrlich cells were transferred. Mice were observed for six months and evaluated for total and cancer free days. Results: Out of 100x1000 cell transferred solid type study group, all study group mean and tumour free periods were statistically longer than control groups. All 1x1000 Ehrlich cell transferred study groups survived significantly longer than 100x1000 Ehrlich cell transferred groups. Conclusions: Ehrlich mice tumours were prevented and survival prolonged with whole cell type immunization. Effects are related to the number of transferred tumor cells.

Objective. The effect of oral boric acid intake on reducing body weight has been previously demonstrated although the mechanism has been unclear. This research study reveals the mechanism.Subjects. Twelve mice were used, in groups of six each in the control and study groups. For five days, control group mice drank standard tap water while during the same time period the study group mice drank tap water which contains 0.28 mg/250 mL boric acid. After a 5-day period, gene expression levels for uncoupling proteins (UCPs) in the white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT), and skeletal muscle tissue (SMT) and total body weight changes were analyzed.Results. Real time PCR analysis revealed no significant change in UCP3 expressions, but UCP2 in WAT (: 0.0317), BAT (: 0.014), and SMT (: 0.0159) and UCP1 in BAT (: 0.026) were overexpressed in the boric acid group. In addition, mice in the boric acid group lost body weight (mean 28.1%) while mice in the control group experienced no weight loss but a slight weight gain (mean 0.09%, ).Conclusion. Oral boric acid intake causes overexpression of thermogenic proteins in the adipose and skeletal muscle tissues. Increasing thermogenesis through UCP protein pathway results in the accelerated lipolysis and body weight loss.

Objective: Tissue transglutaminase (TGM2) up-regulation is involved in the progression and dissemination of carcinomas through ß1 integrin (ITGB1) association. Given that TGM2 interaction with syndecan-4 (SDC4) on the cell surface is important in the activation of ITGB1 and integrin-mediated survival signaling, we investigated the roles of TGM2, ITGB1, and SDC4 in the development and metastasis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Material and methods: Expression levels of TGM2, ITGB1, and SDC4 mRNA were analyzed in primary tumor samples (n = 95) and their healthy counterparts in addition to control and RCC epithelial cell lines. TGM2 catalytic activity in 60 randomly selected patient samples was measured by enzyme-linked sorbent plate assay. Results: TGM2 expression ratio showed a significant 2.9-fold decrease in 67 (70.5%) of the primary RCC tumors (P

… IUBMB, FEBS

… IUBMB, FEBS

Oxalate is the most common component of kidney stones and elevated urinary levels induce renal tubular cell toxicity and death which is essential for crystal attachment. Endothelial cells, in some studies have been shown to regulate certain functions of renal proximal tubule cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of endothelial cells on tubular cell apoptosis in a coculture system mimicking the in vivo renal physiological settings. The human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTEC) were exposed to increasing concentrations (0-1.0 mM) of oxalate with or without 10 µM PDTC pretreatment for 24 h. In HUVEC, RPTEC and HUVEC-RPTEC co-cultures, the cell viability was measured using the WST-1 assay and cell death with the TUNEL analysis using the flow cytometry. The treatment of RPTECs with oxalate lead to 8.9-26.2% cell death which was reduced to 0-1.6% with the PDTC pretreatment. The death rate of RPTECs was significantly increased by 15-19% at different oxalate concentrations when co-cultured with HUVECs. In contrast, cell viability was not substantially altered in PDTC pretreated RPTECs that were co-cultured with HUVECs. Apoptosis was the way of cell death as similar rate of apoptosis was observed in cell culture systems. Although cell viability of RPTECs was further reduced when co-cultured with HUVECs, it was restored with the pretreatment of PDTC. This is the first study focusing on the role of endothelial cells on RPTEC apoptosis following hyperoxaluria. © Springer-Verlag 2012.

An experimental study in rats was performed to evaluate the presence and the degree of both tubular apoptotic changes and crystallization at cortical, medullar and papillary regions of the kidney during hyperoxaluric phase and assess the possible protective effects of vitamin E and verapamil on these pathologic changes (particularly in papillary part of the affected kidneys). A total of 32 rats have been included into the study program. Hyperoxaluria was induced by continuous administration of ethylene glycol (0.75%). In addition to hyperoxaluria induction, animals in Groups 2 and 3 did receive a calcium channelblocking agent (verapamil) and vitamin E, respectively. Histologic alterations of the kidneys including crystal formation together with apoptotic changes were evaluated on days 1, 14 and 28, respectively. Both apoptotic changes and the presence and degree of crystallization were assessed separately in renal cortical region, medulla and particularly papillary parts of the removed kidneys. Although verapamil did well limit the degree of crystal formation and apoptosis and brought it to the same levels observed in control group animals in all parts of the kidneys during intermediate phase, addition of vitamin E was failed to show the same protective effect during both intermediate and late phase evaluations. As demonstrated in our study, the limitation of both crystal deposition and apoptotic changes might be instituted by calcium channel-blocking agents. Clinical application of such agents in the prophylaxis of stone disease might limit the formation of urinary calculi, especially in recurrent stone formers. © Springer-Verlag 2011.

Background: Boric acid is widely used in biology, but its body weight reducing effect is not researched. Methods: Twenty mice were divided into two equal groups. Control group mice drank standard tap water, but study group mice drank 0.28mg/250ml boric acid added tap water over five days. Total body weight changes, major organ histopathology, blood biochemistry, urine and feces analyses were compared. Results: Study group mice lost body weight mean 28.1% but in control group no weight loss and also weight gained mean 0.09% (p

Tissue transglutaminase (TG2) has been identified as an important extracellular crosslinking enzyme involved in matrix turnover and in bone differentiation. Here we report a novel cell adhesion/survival mechanism in human osteoblasts (HOB) which requires association of FN bound TG2 with the cell surface heparan sulphates in a transamidase independent manner. This novel pathway not only enhances cell adhesion on FN but also mediates cell adhesion and survival in the presence of integrin competing RGD peptides. We investigate the involvement of cell surface receptors and their intracellular signalling molecules to further explore the pathway mediated by this novel TG-FN heterocomplex. We demonstrate by siRNA silencing the crucial importance of the cell surface heparan sulphate proteoglycans syndecan-2 and syndecan-4 in regulating the compensatory effect of TG-FN on osteoblast cell adhesion and actin cytoskeletal formation in the presence of RGD peptides. By use of immunoprecipitation and inhibitory peptides we show that syndecan-4 interacts with TG2 and demonstrate that syndecan-2 and the ?5ß1 integrins, but not ?4ß1 function as downstream modulators in this pathway. Using function blocking antibodies, we show activation of ?5ß1 occurs by an inside out signalling mechanism involving activation and binding of protein kinase PKC? and phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) at Tyr861 and activation of ERK1/2. © 2010 Elsevier Inc. Marie Curie: MRTN-CT-2006-036032 This work was in part supported by Marie Curie TRACKS RTN with grant number MRTN-CT-2006-036032 .