Apoptosis is triggered by melatonin in an in vivo model of ovarian carcinoma

Apoptosis plays an important role in the treatment of cancer, and targeting apoptosis-related molecules in ovarian cancer (OC) is of great therapeutic value. Melatonin (Mel) is an indoleamine displaying several anti-cancer properties and has been reported to modulate apoptosis signaling in multiple tumor subtypes. We investigated OC and the role of Mel therapy on the pro-apoptotic (p53, BAX, caspase-3, and cleaved caspase-3) and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2 and survivin) proteins in an ethanol (EtOH)-preferring rat model. To induce OC, the left ovary was injected directly with a single dose of 100 μg 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene dissolved in 10 μl of sesame oil under the bursa. Right ovaries were used as sham-surgery controls. After developing OC, half of the animals received i.p. injections of Mel (200 μg/100 g BW per day) for 60 days. Body weight gain, EtOH consumption, and energy intake were unaffected by the treatments. Interestingly, absolute and relative OC masses showed a significant reduction after Mel therapy, regardless of EtOH consumption. To accomplish OC-related apoptosis, we first observed that p53, BAX, caspase-3, and cleaved caspase-3 were downregulated in OC tissue while Bcl-2 and survivin were overexpressed. Notably, Mel therapy and EtOH intake promoted apoptosis along with the upregulation of p53, BAX, and cleaved caspase-3. Fragmentation of DNA observed by TUNEL-positive nuclei was also enhanced following Mel treatment. In addition, Bcl-2 was downregulated by the EtOH intake and lower survivin levels were observed after Mel therapy. Taken together, these results suggest that Mel induce apoptosis in OC cells of EtOH-preferring animals.

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Functional Assessment of the Role of BORIS in Ovarian Cancer Using a Novel In Vivo Model System

10.21236/ada598204 ◽

2013 ◽

Author(s):

Adam R. Karpf ◽

Michael Higgins

Keyword(s):

Ovarian Cancer ◽

Functional Assessment ◽

Model System ◽

In Vivo Model

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A Yes-Associated Protein (YAP) and Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Receptor (IGF-1R) Signaling Loop Is Involved in Sorafenib Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers13153812 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (15) ◽

pp. 3812

Author(s):

Mai-Huong T. Ngo ◽

Sue-Wei Peng ◽

Yung-Che Kuo ◽

Chun-Yen Lin ◽

Ming-Heng Wu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nuclear Translocation ◽

Combination Index ◽

Specific Inhibitor ◽

In Vivo Model ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Margin Distribution ◽

Related Proteins ◽

Emt Markers

The role of a YAP-IGF-1R signaling loop in HCC resistance to sorafenib remains unknown. Method: Sorafenib-resistant cells were generated by treating naïve cells (HepG2215 and Hep3B) with sorafenib. Different cancer cell lines from databases were analyzed through the ONCOMINE web server. BIOSTORM–LIHC patient tissues (46 nonresponders and 21 responders to sorafenib) were used to compare YAP mRNA levels. The HepG2215_R-derived xenograft in SCID mice was used as an in vivo model. HCC tissues from a patient with sorafenib failure were used to examine differences in YAP and IGF-R signaling. Results: Positive associations exist among the levels of YAP, IGF-1R, and EMT markers in HCC tissues and the levels of these proteins increased with sorafenib failure, with a trend of tumor-margin distribution in vivo. Blocking YAP downregulated IGF-1R signaling-related proteins, while IGF-1/2 treatment enhanced the nuclear translocation of YAP in HCC cells through PI3K-mTOR regulation. The combination of YAP-specific inhibitor verteporfin (VP) and sorafenib effectively decreased cell viability in a synergistic manner, evidenced by the combination index (CI). Conclusion: A YAP-IGF-1R signaling loop may play a role in HCC sorafenib resistance and could provide novel potential targets for combination therapy with sorafenib to overcome drug resistance in HCC.

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Tocotrienols and Cancer: From the State of the Art to Promising Novel Patents

Recent Patents on Anti-Cancer Drug Discovery ◽

10.2174/1574892814666190116111827 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 5-18 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Fabrizio Fontana ◽

Michela Raimondi ◽

Monica Marzagalli ◽

Roberta M. Moretti ◽

Marina Montagnani Marelli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cancer Prevention ◽

State Of The Art ◽

Synergistic Effects ◽

The State ◽

Therapeutic Interventions ◽

Multiple Tumor ◽

Anti Cancer ◽

Important Health

Background: Tocotrienols (TTs) are vitamin E derivatives naturally occurring in several plants and vegetable oils. Like Tocopherols (TPs), they comprise four isoforms, α, β, γ and δ, but unlike TPs, they present an unsaturated isoprenoid chain. Recent studies indicate that TTs provide important health benefits, including neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, cholesterol lowering and immunomodulatory effects. Moreover, they have been found to possess unique anti-cancer properties.Objective:The purpose of this review is to present an overview of the state of the art of TTs role in cancer prevention and treatment, as well as to describe recent patents proposing new methods for TTs isolation, chemical modification and use in cancer prevention and/or therapy.Methods:Recent literature and patents focusing on TTs anti-cancer applications have been identified and reviewed, with special regard to their scientific impact and novelty.Results:TTs have demonstrated significant anti-cancer activity in multiple tumor types, both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, they have shown synergistic effects when given in combination with standard anti-cancer agents or other anti-tumor natural compounds. Finally, new purification processes and transgenic sources have been designed in order to improve TTs production, and novel TTs formulations and synthetic derivatives have been developed to enhance their solubility and bioavailability.Conclusion:The promising anti-cancer effects shown by TTs in several preclinical studies may open new opportunities for therapeutic interventions in different tumors. Thus, clinical trials aimed at confirming TTs chemopreventive and tumor-suppressing activity, particularly in combination with standard therapies, are urgently needed.

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Inhibition of Prostate Cancer DU-145 Cells Proliferation by Anthopleura anjunae Oligopeptide (YVPGP) via PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway

Marine Drugs ◽

10.3390/md16090325 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 16 (9) ◽

pp. 325 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Xiaojuan Li ◽

Yunping Tang ◽

Fangmiao Yu ◽

Yu Sun ◽

Fangfang Huang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prostate Cancer ◽

Signaling Pathway ◽

Caspase 3 ◽

Mtor Signaling ◽

Mtor Signaling Pathway ◽

Nude Mouse Model ◽

Dose Dependent

We investigated the antitumor mechanism of Anthopleura anjunae oligopeptide (AAP-H, YVPGP) in prostate cancer DU-145 cells in vitro and in vivo. Results indicated that AAP-H was nontoxic and exhibited antitumor activities. Cell cycle analysis indicated that AAP-H may arrest DU-145 cells in the S phase. The role of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian rapamycin target protein (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) signaling pathway in the antitumor mechanism of APP-H was investigated. Results showed that AAP-H treatment led to dose-dependent reduction in the levels of p-AKT (Ser473), p-PI3K (p85), and p-mTOR (Ser2448), whereas t-AKT and t-PI3K levels remained unaltered compared to the untreated DU-145 cells. Inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in the DU-145 cells by employing inhibitor LY294002 (10 μM) or rapamycin (20 nM) effectively attenuated AAP-H-induced phosphorylation of AKT and mTOR. At the same time, inhibitor addition further elevated AAP-H-induced cleaved-caspase-3 levels. Furthermore, the effect of AAP-H on tumor growth and the role of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in nude mouse model were also investigated. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that activated AKT, PI3K, and mTOR levels were reduced in DU-145 xenografts. Western blotting showed that AAP-H treatment resulted in dose-dependent reduction in p-AKT (Ser473), p-PI3K (p85), and p-mTOR (Ser2448) levels, whereas t-AKT and t-PI3K levels remained unaltered. Similarly, Bcl-xL levels decreased, whereas that of Bax increased after AAP-H treatment. AAP-H also increased initiator (caspase 8 and 9) and executor caspase (caspase 3 and 7) levels. Therefore, the antitumor mechanism of APP-H on DU-145 cells may involve regulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, which eventually promotes apoptosis via mitochondrial and death receptor pathways. Thus, the hydrophobic oligopeptide (YVPGP) can be developed as an adjuvant for the prevention or treatment of prostate cancer in the future.

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Evidence for a role of serotonin (5-HT) in mediating thrombus formation in an in vivo model of carotid artery stenosis and endothelial injury in the rabbit.

American Journal of Hypertension ◽

10.1016/0895-7061(95)97799-w ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 116A

Author(s):

F BERTOLINO

Keyword(s):

Carotid Artery ◽

Carotid Artery Stenosis ◽

Thrombus Formation ◽

Artery Stenosis ◽

Endothelial Injury ◽

In Vivo Model

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Synergistic Anticancer Activity of Combined Use of Caffeic Acid with Paclitaxel Enhances Apoptosis of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer H1299 Cells in Vivo and in Vitro

Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry ◽

10.1159/000492253 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 48 (4) ◽

pp. 1433-1442 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Jie Min ◽

Hua Shen ◽

Wang Xi ◽

Qing Wang ◽

Liang Yin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Small Cell Lung Cancer ◽

Caffeic Acid ◽

Cell Lung Cancer ◽

Caspase 3 ◽

Small Cell ◽

Small Cell Lung ◽

Caspase 9 ◽

Anti Cancer

Background/Aims: Caffeic acid (CA) is known to possess multiple biological activities including anti-cancer activities. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these activities in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells are not fully understood. We attempted to clarify whether CA could enhance paclitaxel (PTX)-induced cytotoxicity in H1299 cells. Methods: First, we tested the cytotoxic effects in both H1299 cells and normal human Bease-2b cells by cell proliferation experiments. Next, we use Annexin V/propidium iodide apoptosis analysis and flow cytometric analysis to investigate apoptosis and cell cycle arrest under the treatments mentioned above. To further pinpoint changes in apoptosis, we tested the caspase-associated apoptotic pathway, which involves the activities of caspase-3 and caspase-9. Moreover, apoptosis-related proteins and MAPK pathway proteins were examined by western blot. An H1299 xenograft nude mice model was used to further evaluate the tumor-suppressing effects of CA and PTX in vivo. Results: Combination treatment with low-dose CA and PTX decreased the proliferation of NSCLC H1299 cells but not normal Beas-2b cells. Flow cytometry showed that H1299 cells were arrested in the sub-G1 phase and apoptosis was significantly increased in H1299 cells after CA treatment. Caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities were both increased after CA treatment. Furthermore, CA increased the PTX-induced activation of Bax, Bid, and downstream cleaved PARP, and phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinase1/2 and c-Jun NH2-terminal protein kinase1/2. An in vivo tumor-suppression assay demonstrated that CA and PTX combined treatment exerted a more effective suppressive effect on tumor growth in H1299 xenografts without causing significant adverse effects. Conclusions: Our results indicated that CA inhibited NSCLC H1299 cell growth by inducing apoptosis and CA and PTX combined produced a synergistic anti-cancer effect in H1299 cells.

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5-LIPOXYGENASE INHIBITOR (ZILEUTON) PRODUCES ANTI-DEPRESSION EFFECT IN STRESS INDUCE CRS MICE MODEL

Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research ◽

10.22159/ajpcr.2020.v13i2.36501 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 154-162

Author(s):

SAPTARSHI PANIGRAHI ◽

SOMNATH SURAI ◽

HAO HONG

Keyword(s):

Caspase 3 ◽

Molecular Level ◽

Behavioral Tests ◽

Mice Model ◽

Lipoxygenase Inhibitor ◽

Treatment Groups ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Crs Model

Objective: The experiment aimed to find out the effectiveness of Zileuton, a 5-LOX inhibitor on depressive behavior and neuroinflammation in vivo. Method: Male ICR mice (25-30g) randomly distributed Veh+Veh, CRS+Vehicle, CRS+ZIL50, and CRS+ZIL100. Zileuton was orally given in the treatment groups for 21 days after 3 weeks of stress induce CRS model. Starting from the day 1, in CRS model, mice were immobilized 8 hr/day for consecutive 21 days to induce stress. After completing the drug administration, subjected the mice for behavioral tests, and then performed histopathological & Western Blotting. Result: Stress induces CRS model guide to the significant depressive-like behavior of the mice in behavioral tests which was united by adverse changes at the cellular/molecular level responsible for regulation of inflammatory and apoptotic processes. CRS triggered Microglial over activation in the DG of the hippocampus, which was successfully inhibited by Zileuton post-treatment at the dose of 100mg/kg than 50mg/kg. Level of TNF-α, IL- 1β, nuclear NF-κB p65, Bax, and cleaved Caspase-3 was high and Bcl-2 expression was low in the stress induce CRS -treated mice which were found to be opposite in the Zileuton (100mg/kg). However, the dose of 50mg/kg less to mimic the effects as exhibited more by the 100mg/kg dose of Zileuton. Conclusion: It can be concluded that selective 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor Zileuton can efficiently inhibit the depressive-like behavior/activity in CRS-induced depressive mouse model. The study is the first to show the role of 5-lipoxygenase enzyme in and Chronic Restraint Stress (CRS)-induced mice models of stress, anxiety or depression.

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