Trihydroxybenzoic Acid Dimer-induced Apoptosis Effects in vitro

IntroductionTrapabispinosd roxbis a kind of traditional Chineseherbal medicine which is the fruit of water chestnutplant in the water chestnut family.It has functions ofclearing away summer-heat,allaying fever,dispersingdampness,dispelling pathogenic wind,nourishing qi,invigorating the spleen,relieving alcoholism,etc.[1].It contains various mineral elements and amino acidsand has a high edibility and importance as medicine.The research results in recent years show that it alsohas an anti-tumo…     

Monoterpene Indole Alkaloids from the Aerial Parts of Rhazya stricta Induce Cytotoxicity and Apoptosis in Human Adenocarcinoma Cells

Chromatographic investigation of the aerial parts of the Rhazya stricta (Apocynaceae) resulted in the isolation of two new monoterpene indole alkaloids, 6-nor-antirhine-N₁-methyl (1) and razyamide (2), along with six known compounds, eburenine (3), epi-rhazyaminine (4), rhazizine (5), 20-epi-sitsirikine (6), antirhine (7), and 16-epi-stemmadenine-N-oxide (8). The chemical structures were established by various spectroscopic experiments. Compounds 1–8 exhibited cytotoxic effects against three cancer cells with IC₅₀ values ranging between 5.1 ± 0.10 and 93.2 ± 9.73 µM against MCF-7; 5.1 ± 0.28 and 290.2 ± 7.50 µM against HepG2, and 3.1 ± 0.17 and 55.7 ± 4.29 µM against HeLa cells. Compound 2 showed the most potent cytotoxic effect against all cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HepG2 and HeLa with IC₅₀ values = 5.1 ± 0.10, 5.1 ± 0.28, and 3.1 ± 0.17 µM, respectively). Furthermore, compound 2 revealed a significant increase in the apoptotic cell population of MCF-7, HepG2, and HeLa cells, with 31.4 ± 0.2%, 29.2 ± 0.5%, and 34.9 ± 0.6%, respectively. Compound 2 decreased the percentage of the phagocytic pathway on HepG2 cells by 15.0 ± 0.1%. These findings can explain the antiproliferative effect of compound 2.     

A DFT Study of 2-Bromothiophene Adsorption on the Rh(111) Surface

<正>Adsorption behaviors of 2-bromothiophene on the Rh(111)surface were discussed with DFT.The results revealed that adsorption at the parallel hol site and bridge site was the most stable.After adsorption,bond length of 2-bromothiophene changed significantly.Molecular plane was distorted,and C-H(Br,S)in the molecule was oblique and upswept against the metal surface.Vertical adsorption site was less stable than the plane adsorption site,but there was no distortion for the thiophene ring after adsorption.Aromaticity of 2-bromothiophene was destroyed at the hol and bridge adsorption sites,and the carbon atom in the thiophene ring presented quasi-sp~3 hybridization.After adsorption at the parallel hol,2-bromothiophene obtained 0.86 electrons in total,and Rh(111)surface lost 2.08 electrons in all.     

Electrical Properties of HeLa Cells Based on Scalable 3D Interdigital Electrode Array

This study analyzed the electrical properties of a multiple‐cells using the electric cell‐substrate impedance sensing, a scalable three‐dimensional electrode array and an equivalent circuit model (ECM). The experimental results validated the accuracy and validity of the extraction method for the ECM. The ECM simulation results using the electrical properties extracted by measuring 52 HeLa cells successfully forecasted the impedance magnitudes and phases for 15, 29, 78, and 98 HeLa cells. Comparing the ECM simulations and measurements, the maximum average errors in magnitude and phase were 3.06 % and 4.67 %, suggesting the number of HeLa cells can be classified by their electrical properties.     

DFT calculations of the defect structures,electronic structures,and EPR parameters for three Rh2+ centers in AgCl

The local structures for various Rh²⁺ centers in AgCl are theoretically studied using density functional theory (DFT) with periodic CP2K program. Through geometry optimizing, the stable ground states with minimal energies and electronic structures are obtained for the tetragonally elongated (T_E), orthorhombically elongated (O_E), and tetragonally compressed (T_C) centers, and the corresponding g and hyperfine coupling tensors are calculated in ORCA level. The calculations reveal obvious Jahn–Teller elongation distortions of about 0.109 and 0.110 Å along [001] axis for T_E and O_E centers without and with 1 next nearest neighbor (nnn) cation vacancy V_Ag in [100] axis, respectively. Whereas T_C center with 1 nnn V_Ag along [001] axis exhibits moderate axial compression of about 0.066 Å due to the Jahn–Teller effect. For O_E and T_C centers with 1 nnn V_Ag, the ligand intervening in the central Rh²⁺ and the V_Ag is found to displace away from the V_Ag by about 0.028 and 0.024 Å, respectively. The present results are discussed and compared with those of the previous calculations based on the perturbation formulas by using the improved ligand field theory.     

Preparation, Release-control and Cell Apoptosis of C6 Glioma Cells in PEG-PLGA-Rg3 Nanoparticles

With biodegradable material poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PEG-PLGA) as substrate, the size distribution of Rg3-NPs was approved by the scanning electron microscopy. MTT assay was used to detect the effects of Rg3-NPs on the growth rate of C 6 cells at various concentrations and flow cytometry(FCM) was applied to assay the cell cycle and cell apoptosis of C 6 glioma cells. Western blot analysis was used to measure the protein level of PCNA. The results show that Rg3-NPs are slick and uniformity, the average diameter of the nanoparticles is about 75―90 nm, entrapment efficiency is (89.7±1.7)%. MTT assay shows the growth of C 6 Glioma Cells can be significantly inhibited by Rg3-NPs in a dose-dependence manner. FCM and Western blot analysis show Rg3 can be released from the conjugated nanoparticles to function in the cell nuclei so as to lead to the changes in the growth cycle of the cells, which results in the arrest of G 0-G 1 cell cycle and induces the apoptosis of C 6 cells. Therefore, Rg3-NPs may be used for the auxiliary therapy of brain glioma.     

扇贝多肽经由aSMase-JNK通路抑制UVA诱导HaCaT细胞凋亡

建立紫外线A(UVA)辐射损伤HaCaT细胞的病理模型, 从酸性鞘磷脂酶-JNK信号通路的角度研究扇贝多肽(Polypeptide from Chlamys farreri, PCF)抑制UVA诱导HaCaT细胞凋亡的分子机制. 采用Hoechst 33258染色结合琼脂糖凝胶电泳分析细胞凋亡; 用RT-PCR法和细胞免疫荧光染色检测胞内酸性鞘磷脂酶(acid sphingomyelinase, aSMase)的表达; 蛋白印迹法检测细胞内JNK及磷酸化JNK的蛋白水平. 结果表明, PCF可明显地抑制UVA诱导的HaCaT细胞凋亡; aSMase抑制剂Desipramine和JNK抑制剂SP600125均可阻断UVA引起的细胞凋亡; PCF的浓度在1.42~5.68 mmol/L范围内可依赖性地抑制UVA辐射后细胞内aSMase的表达量以及JNK蛋白的磷酸化; 预先加入Desipramine则抑制UVA引起的JNK蛋白的磷酸化. 表明PCF通过阻断aSMase-JNK通路来抑制UVA诱导HaCaT细胞凋亡.     

Studies on Intestinal Transport of Ginsenoside Compatibility with Veratrum nigrum via Caco-2 Cell Monolayer Model Coupled with UPLC-ESI-MS Method

The Caco-2 cells have been recognized as effective tools to be applied to imitating the drug absorption in human intestine for the transport of drug. Herein, Caco-2 cell monolayer model was used to study the transport of the ginsenoside compatibility with Veratrum nigrum in different proportions. A specific high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry(HPLC-ESI-MS) method was developed for the semiquantitative determination of ginsenoside in intestinal transport with Dioscin as an internal standard. For the Caco-2 model constructed, two influencing factors were investigated, including time and concentration. The results suggest that the absorption of ginsenoside Re, Rg1, Rb1, Rc, Rb2 and Rd are time- and concentration-dependent and the excretions of Rb1, Rc, Rb2 and Rd have a relatronship with some transport proteins. The bioavailability of the ginsenosides has reduced compared to the single Panax ginseng extract when compatibility with a certain amount of Veratrum nigrum.     

几种含芯电子相关能修正的G2和G2(ACI)方法

针对冻结芯电子近似,在MP2/6-311G(d,p)级别上对G2、MP2/6-311G(d)和MP2/6-311G(d,p)级别上对G2(QCI)方法进一步考虑了芯电子相关能修正,尝试建立了G2(fu2)、G2(QCI/ful)和G2(QCI/fu2)方法。G2-l test set 的反应能量计算结果表明,这些方法进一步减小了经验修正量;G2(QCI/ful)和G2(QCI/fu2)也比G2(QCI)的总体精度有所提高;但G2(fu2)在G2基础上,总体精度没有改善。G2(fu2)、G2(QCI/ful)和G2(QCI/fu2)计算G2-l test set反应能量的平均绝对偏差分别为5.11、4.74和4.81kJ mol-1,G2和G2(QCI)分别为5.09和4.97kJ mol-1.     

Innovative Purification Method of Ovatodiolide from Anisomeles indica to Induce Apoptosis in Human Gastric Cancer Cells

Ovatodiolide (Ova), found in the plant Anisomeles indica (AI), has been reported to have an anti-proliferation effect in various cancer cells. However, little information is available regarding the anti-cancer effect of Ova in human gastric cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects and the mechanisms of action responsible for these effects on human AGS cell lines from a newly developed purification technique for Ova from AI extract. Extract obtained at the optimum condition of 95% ethanol extraction of AI was sequentially partitioned by using different polarity solvents. Enriched content of Ova (35.9% purity) from the n-hexane fraction was then applied to the purification by using centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) in a two-phase solvent system consisting of n-hexane:ethyl acetate:methanol:water (1.0:1.0:1.0:1.0, v/v/v/v) to reach purity over >95.0%. In evaluation of the anti-proliferation effect on AGS cells, Ova induced cell apoptosis with IC₅₀ values of 13.02 and 6.18 μM at 24 and 48 h, respectively, and arrested the cells at the G2/M phase. Quantification of Bax/Bcl2 mRNA expressions using qPCR showed a 2.5-fold increase in the Ova (5 μM)-treated cells at 48 h than in the control group. Specific protein expression data warrant further research to further confirm the proposed Ova-induced apoptotic pathway in AGS cells.     

Pogostemon cablin Triggered ROS-Induced DNA Damage to Arrest Cell Cycle Progression and Induce Apoptosis on Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma In Vitro and In Vivo

The purpose of the study was to elucidate the anti-hepatoma effects and mechanisms of Pogostemon cablin essential oils (PPa extract) in vitro and in vivo. PPa extract exhibited an inhibitory effect on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and was less cytotoxic to normal cells, especially normal liver cells, than it was to HCC cells, exerting a good selective index. Additionally, PPa extract inhibited HCC cell growth by blocking the cell cycle at the G₀/G₁ phase via p53 dependent or independent pathway to down regulated cell cycle regulators. Moreover, PPa extract induced the FAS-FASL-caspase-8 system to activate the extrinsic apoptosis pathway, and it increased the bax/bcl-2 ratio and reduced ΔΨm to activate the intrinsic apoptosis pathway that might be due to lots of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production which was induced by PPa extract. In addition, PPa extract presented to the potential to act synergistically with sorafenib to effectively inhibit HCC cell proliferation through the Akt/mTOR pathway and reduce regrowth of HCC cells. In an animal model, PPa extract suppressed HCC tumor growth and prolonged lifespan by reducing the VEGF/VEGFR axis and inducing tumor cell apoptosis in vivo. Ultimately, PPa extract demonstrated nearly no or low system-wide, physiological, or pathological toxicity in vivo. In conclusion, PPa extract effectively inhibited HCC cell growth through inducing cell cycle arrest and activating apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, PPa extract exhibits less toxicity toward normal cells and organs than it does toward HCC cells, which might lead to fewer side effects in clinical applications. PPa extract may be developed into a clinical drug to suppress tumor growth or functional food to prevent HCC initiation or chemoprotection of HCC recurrence.     

The Newly Synthetized Chalcone L1 Is Involved in the Cell Growth Inhibition,Induction of Apoptosis and Suppression of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition of HeLa Cells

Over the past decades, natural products have emerged as promising agents with multiple biological activities. Many studies suggest the antioxidant, antiangiogenic, antiproliferative and anticancer effects of chalcones and their derivatives. Based on these findings, we decided to evaluate the effects of the newly synthetized chalcone L1 in a human cervical carcinoma cell (HeLa) model. Presented results were obtained by western blot and flow cytometric analyses, live cell imaging and antimigratory potential of L1 in HeLa cells was demonstrated by scratch assay. In the present study, we proved the role of L1 as an effective agent with antiproliferative activity supported by G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Moreover, we proved that L1 is involved in modulating Transforming Growth Factor-β1 (TGF-β) signal transduction through Smad proteins and it also modulates other signalling pathways including Akt, JNK, p38 MAPK, and Erk1/2. The involvement of L1 in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition was demonstrated by the regulation of N-cadherin, E-cadherin, and MMP-9 levels. Here, we also evaluated the effect of conditioned medium from BJ-5ta human foreskin fibroblasts in HeLa cell cultures with subsequent L1 treatment. Taken together, these data suggest the potential role of newly synthesized chalcone L1 as an anticancer-tumour microenvironment modulating agent.     

Carnosic Acid Encapsulated in Albumin Nanoparticles Induces Apoptosis in Breast and Colorectal Cancer Cells

Carnosic acid (CA) is a natural phenolic compound with several biomedical actions. This work was performed to study the use of CA-loaded polymeric nanoparticles to improve the antitumor activity of breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and colon cancer cells (Caco-2). CA was encapsulated in bovine serum albumin (BSA), chitosan (CH), and cellulose (CL) nanoparticles. The CA-loaded BSA nanoparticles (CA-BSA-NPs) revealed the most promising formula as it showed good loading capacity and the best release rate profile as the drug reached 80% after 10 h. The physicochemical characterization of the CA-BSA-NPs and empty carrier (BSA-NPs) was performed by the particle size distribution analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and zeta potential. The antitumor activity of the CA-BSA-NPs was evaluated by measuring cell viability, apoptosis rate, and gene expression of GCLC, COX-2, and BCL-2 in MCF-7 and Caco-2. The cytotoxicity assay (MTT) showed elevated antitumor activity of CA-BSA-NPs against MCF-7 and Caco-2 compared to free CA and BSA-NPs. Moreover, apoptosis test data showed an arrest of the Caco-2 cells at G₂/M (10.84%) and the MCF-7 cells at G2/M (4.73%) in the CA-BSA-NPs treatment. RT-PCR-based gene expression analysis showed an upregulation of the GCLC gene and downregulation of the BCL-2 and COX-2 genes in cells treated with CA-BSA-NPs compared to untreated cells. In conclusion, CA-BSA-NPs has been introduced as a promising formula for treating breast and colorectal cancer.     

Enhanced Efficiency of Dye-sensitized Solar Cells Using rGO@TiO2 Nanotube Hybrids

We established a novel strategy for the synthesis of reduced graphene oxide(rGO)@TiO₂ nanotube hybrids using an 18 W UV-assisted photo-catalytic reduction method for utilization as photo-anode of dye-sensitized solar cells(DSSCs). The photo-conversion efficiency of DSSCs was significantly enhanced after the addition of rGO, and in addition, the photo-anode showed decreased internal resistance. Analysis of rGO@TiO₂ hybrids by transmissions scanning electron microscopy(TEM), X-ray diffraction(XRD), Raman spectra, N₂ adsorption and desorption, atomic force microscopy(AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS) demonstrates that the rGO modified TiO₂ nanotubes can increase the short-circuit current and the conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells. The efficiency is improved by almost two folds as much compared to those of the bare TiO₂ nanotubes.     

Apis mellifera syriaca Venom: Evaluation of Its Anticoagulant Effect,Proteolytic Activity,and Cytotoxicity along with Its Two Main Compounds—MEL and PLA2—On HeLa Cancer Cells

Bee venom (BV) is one of the most remarkable natural products that has been a subject of studies since ancient times. Recent studies have shown that Apis mellifera syriaca venom possesses antibacterial as well as cytotoxic effects on cancer cell lines. The venom contains a variety of bioactive molecules—mainly melittin (MEL) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2), as well as other compounds that are not well characterized. In this work, we continue the biological characterization of A. mellifera syriaca venom by testing its anticoagulant effect on human plasma using the prothrombin time (PT) test, as well as assessing its proteolytic activity. In addition, the cytotoxicity of the crude venom—and of its two main components, MEL and PLA2—was tested on HeLa cancer cell lines for the first time. The results obtained showed the capacity of A. mellifera syriaca venom to increase clotting time, thereby proving its anticoagulant effect. Moreover, the venom did not demonstrate a significant proteolytic activity unless administrated at concentrations ≥ 5 mg/mL. Finally, we showed that crude A. mellifera syriaca venom, along with MEL, exhibit a strong in vitro cytotoxic effect on HeLa cancer cell lines, even at low concentrations. In summary, our findings could serve as a basis for the development of new natural-based drug candidates in the therapeutic field.     

Expression of Soluble Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 and Its Effect on Proliferation of Vascular Endothelial Cells

Vascular endothelial growth factors(VEGFs)respectively bind to each of three receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs),known as Flt-1,KDR and Flt-4.Since VEGFs and their respective families of receptor tyrosine...     

Rhododendron molle G. Don Extract Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits Migration in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells and Potential Anticancer Components Analysis

Rhododendron molle G. Don is one example of traditional Chinese medicine with important medicinal value. In this study, the effects of methanol extract of R. molle leaves (RLE) on colorectal cancer HT-29 cells and its potential molecular mechanism were investigated. MTT analysis showed that RLE could significantly inhibit the cell viability and migration of HT-29 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Cell cycle analyses via flow cytometer suggested that RLE induced DNA fragmentation, indicative of apoptosis, and arrest at the S phase in HT-29 cells. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that RLE could upregulate the mRNA expression of p53 and p21 in HT-29 cells, which would result in HT-29 cells being blocked in S phase. Meanwhile, RLE could upregulate the expression of Bax, and downregulate the expression of Bcl-2, which would induce cell apoptosis. Further western blot analysis showed that the protein expression changes of Bax and P53 were basically consistent with the results of qRT-PCR. In addition, GC-MS analysis detected 17 potential anticancer components in R. molle. These results indicate that R. molle has significant anticancer activity, which provides some useful information for further study and clinical application for R. molle.