scholarly journals β-Elemene Reverses Chemoresistance of Breast Cancer Cells by Reducing Resistance Transmission via Exosomes

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 2274-2286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Zhang ◽  
He-da Zhang ◽  
Yu-Feng Yao ◽  
Shan-Liang Zhong ◽  
Jian Hua Zhao ◽  
...  

Background: Currently, exosomes that act as mediators of intercellular communication are being researched extensively. Our previous studies confirmed that these exosomes contain microRNAs (miRNAs) that could alter chemo-susceptibility, which is partly attributed to the successful intercellular transfer of multidrug resistance (MDR)-specific miRNAs. We also confirmed that β-elemene could influence MDR-related miRNA expression and regulate the expression of the target genes PTEN and Pgp, which may lead to the reversal of the chemoresistant breast cancer (BCA) cells. We are the first to report these findings, and we propose the following logical hypothesis: β-elemene can mediate MDR-related miRNA expression in cells, thereby affecting the exosome contents, reducing chemoresistance transmission via exosomes, and reversing the drug resistance of breast cancer cells. Methods: MTT-cytotoxic, miRNA microarray, real-time quantitative PCR, Dual Luciferase Activity Assay, and Western blot analysis were performed to investigate the impact of β-elemene on the expression of chemoresistance specific miRNA and PTEN as well as Pgp in chemoresistant BCA exosomes. Results: Drug resistance can be reversed by β-elemene related to exosomes. There were 104 differentially expressed miRNAs in the exosomes of two chemoresistant BCA cells: adriacin (Adr) - resistant MCF-7 cells (MCF-7/Adr) and docetaxel (Doc) - resistant MCF-7 cells (MCF-7/Doc) that underwent treatment. Of these, 31 miRNAs were correlated with the constant changes in the MDR. The expression of miR-34a and miR-452 can lead to changes in the characteristics of two chemoresistant BCA exosomes: MCF-7/Adr exosomes (A/exo) and MCF-7/Doc exosomes (D/exo). The PTEN expression affected by β-elemene was significantly increased, and the Pgp expression affected by β-elemene was significantly decreased in both cells and exosomes. β-elemene induced a significant increase in the apoptosis rate in both MCF-7/Doc and MCF-7/Adr cells. Conclusions: Drug resistance can be reversed by β-elemene, which can alter the expression of some MDR-related miRNAs, including PTEN and Pgp in MCF-7/Adr and MCF-7/Doc in cells. It can therefore affect the exosome contents and induce the reduction of resistance transmission via exosomes.

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 268-274
Author(s):  
V F Chekhun ◽  
I N Todor ◽  
N Yu Lukianova ◽  
D M Gorbik ◽  
Yu V Lozovska ◽  
...  

Aim: To study the effect of Ferroplat (FrP) on the indexes of pro/antioxidant balance and energy metabolism in breast cancer cells of different malignancy degree and different sensitivity to drug therapy. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on breast cancer cells of low (T47D, MCF-7) and high malignancy degree (MCF-7/DDP (cisplatin-resistant), MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468) using cell culture techniques, immunocytochemical, biochemical, biophysical methods, flow cytometry and polarography. Results: We established that the addition of FrP to the culture medium reduces the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the level of non-protein thiols by 32–41% (p < 0.05). At the same time, there was an increase of the total level of ROS and the rate of NO generation by inducible NO synthase by 1.7–2.5 times (p < 0.05). This testifies that FrP disturbs the antioxidant balance in cells, resulting in their death. Also, the use of FrP led to a decrease in the rate of oxygen absorption in MCF-7 and T47D cells by 26% and 25%, respectively (p < 0.05). In cells of high malignancy degree this index decreased by 38–40% under the influence of FrP. Incubation of MCF-7 and T47D cells with the indicated agent also reduced the content of phospholipid cardiolipin by 15–16% (p < 0.05), and in MDA-MB-231, MCF-7/DDP, MDA-MB-468 cells — by 29%, 30% and 32%, respectively. In addition, the effect of FrP caused a decrease in the levels of Mg2+ and lactate in MCF-7 and T47D cells by 21–29% and 14–24%, respectively, whereas in MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, MCF-7/DDP cells — by 34–38% and 32–35%, respectively. In this case, the agent raised the level of glucose in the cells of low malignancy degree by 20–23% (p < 0.05), and in the cells of high malignancy degree and with the phenotype of drug resistance — by 31–36%. However, the nanocomposite did not affect the activity of lactate dehydrogenase in all studied breast cancer cells. Conclusion: The study has shown that FrP has an effect on the pro/antioxidant balance and energy metabolism of cancer cells. In addition, the denoted effect of FrP was more pronounced in the breast cancer cells with a high malignancy degree and the phenotype of drug resistance.


2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
V F Chekhun ◽  
N Yu Lukianova ◽  
T Borikun ◽  
T Zadvornyi ◽  
A Mokhir

Aim: To explore effects of Artemisinin on a series of breast cancer cells with different sensitivity to typical cytotoxic drugs (doxorubicin — Dox; cisplatin — DDP) and to investigate possible artemisinin-induced modification of the mechanisms of drug resistance. Materials and Methods: The study was performed on wild-type breast cancer MCF-7 cell line (MCF-7/S) and its two sublines MCF-7/Dox and MCF-7/DDP resistant to Dox and DDP, respectively. The cells were treated with artemisinin and iron-containing magnetic fluid. The latter was added to modulate iron levels in the cells and explore its role in artemisinin-induced effects. The MTT assay was used to monitor cell viability, whereas changes of expression of selected proteins participating in regulation of cellular iron homeostasis were estimated using immunocytochemical methods. Finally, relative expression levels of miRNA-200b, -320a, and -34a were examined by using qRT-PCR. Results: Artemisinin affects mechanisms of the resistance of breast cancer cells towards both Dox and DDP at sub-toxic doses. The former drug induces changes of expression of iron-regulating proteins via different mechanisms, including epigenetic regulation. Particularly, the disturbances in ferritin heavy chain 1, lactoferrin, hepcidin (decrease) and ferroportin (increase) expression (р ≤ 0.05) were established. The most enhanced increase of miRNA expression under artemisinin influence were found for miRNA-200b in MCF-7/DDP cells (7.1 ± 0.98 fold change), miRNA-320a in MCF-7/Dox cells (2.9 ± 0.45 fold change) and miRNA-34a (1.7 ± 0.15 fold change) in MCF-7/S cells. It was observed that the sensitivity to artemisinin can be influenced by changing iron levels in cells. Conclusions: Artemisinin can modify iron metabolism of breast cancer cells by its cytotoxic effect, but also by inducing changes in expression of iron-regulating proteins and microRNAs (miRNAs), involved in their regulation. This modification affects the mechanisms that are implicated in drug-resistance, that makes artemisinin a perspective modulator of cell sensitivity towards chemotherapeutic agents in cancer treatment.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e12028-e12028
Author(s):  
Guangji Wang ◽  
Jiye Aa ◽  
Chun Ge

e12028 Background: Continuous exposure of breast cancer cells to adriamycin (ADR) induces the over-expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and multiple drug resistance. However, the biochemical process and underlying mechanisms are not clear. Our previous study revealed that ADR increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and reduced glutathione (GSH) biosynthesis, while N-acetylcysteine, the ROS scavenger, reversed the over-expressed P-gp induced by ADR. Methods: Based on MCF-7 breast cancer cells and the adriamycin-resistant MCF-7 subline (MCF-7R), we investigated the P-gp expression on mRNA, protein and function level by qPCR, western blotting, flow cytometry and laser scanning confocal and so on, under SLC7A11 down-regulation/over-expression, cystine depletion/supplement, increased ROS generation and combined factors. Results: The present study showed that ADR inhibited cystine influx (source material of GSH) and SLC7A11 transporter (in charge of cystine uptake) in MCF-7 cells. For the first time, we showed that a down-regulation/silence of SLC7A11, or cystine deprivation, or an enhanced exposure of ROS agents directly and significantly increased P-gp expression; yet, a combination of either an inhibited/silenced SLC7A11 or cystine deprivation and an increased ROS dramatically promoted the P-gp expression in MCF-7 cells. On the contrary, an over-expression of SLC7A11, or sufficiently supplementary cystine, or scavenger of ROS significantly depressed P-gp expression and activity. Moreover, the down-regulation of SLC7A11 and cystine deprivation induced an elevation of ROS and P-gp that could be reversed by N-acetylcysteine. It was suggested that ROS and SLC7A11/cystine were the two relevant factors responsible for the upregulated expression and function of P-gp. Conclusions: This study provided the direct evidences suggesting that ROS triggered over-expression of P-gp and demonstrated that the combination of either an inhibition of SLC7A11 or cystine influx and elevated ROS was the underlying mechanism contributing to P-gp over-expression induced by ADR. It was indicated that the SLC7A11 might be a potential target modulating ADR resistance.


Biomaterials ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (35) ◽  
pp. 9495-9507 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gan Lin ◽  
Wencheng Zhu ◽  
Li Yang ◽  
Jun Wu ◽  
Bingbing Lin ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaurav Bhatt ◽  
Akshita Gupta ◽  
Latha Rangan ◽  
Anil Mukund Limaye

Karanjin, an abundantly occurring furanoflavonoid in edible and non-edible legumes, exerts diverse biological effects in vivo, and in vitro. Its potential as an anticancer agent is also gaining traction following recent demonstrations of its anti-proliferative, cell cycle inhibitory, and pro-apoptotic effects. However, the universality of its anticancer potential is yet to be scrutinized, particularly so because flavonoids can act as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). Even the genomic correlates of its biological activities are yet to be examined in hormone responsive cells. This paper presents the early and direct transcriptomic footprint of 10 μM karanjin in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, using next generation sequencing technology (RNA-seq). We show that karanjin-modulated gene-expression repertoire is enriched in several hallmark gene sets, which include early estrogen-response, and G2/M checkpoint genes. Genes modulated by karanjin overlapped with those modulated by 1 nM 17β-estradiol (E2), or 1 μM tamoxifen. Karanjin altered the expression of selected estrogen-regulated genes in a cell-type, and concentration dependent manner. It downmodulated the expression of ERα protein in MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, ERα knockdown negatively impacted karanjins ability to modulate the expression of selected E2 target genes. Our data suggest that karanjin exerts its effects on ERα-positive breast cancer cells, at least in part, via ERα. The apparent SERM-like effects of karanjin pose a caveat to the anticancer potential of karanjin. In-depth studies on cell-type and concentration-dependent effects of karanjin may bring out its true potential in endocrine therapies.


Pharmaceutics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 597 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zuhier A. Awan ◽  
Usama A. Fahmy ◽  
Shaimaa M. Badr-Eldin ◽  
Tarek S. Ibrahim ◽  
Hani Z. Asfour ◽  
...  

Statins, including simvastatin (SMV), are commonly used for the control of hyperlipidaemia and have also proven therapeutic and preventative effects in cardiovascular diseases. Besides that, there is an emerging interest in their use as antineoplastic drugs as demonstrated by different studies showing their cytotoxic activity against different cancer cells. In this study, SMV-loaded emulsomes (SMV-EMLs) were formulated and evaluated for their cytotoxic activity in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The emulsomes were prepared using a modified thin-film hydration technique. A Box–Behnken model was used to investigate the impact of formulation conditions on vesicle size and drug entrapment. The optimized formulation showed a spherical shape with a vesicle size of 112.42 ± 2.1 nm and an entrapment efficiency of 94.34 ± 1.11%. Assessment of cytotoxic activities indicated that the optimized SMV-EMLs formula exhibited significantly lower half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) against MCF-7 cells. Cell cycle analysis indicated the accumulation of cells in the G2-M phase as well as increased cell fraction in the pre-G1 phase, suggesting an enhancement of anti-apoptotic activity of SMV. The staining of cells with Annex V revealed an increase in early and late apoptosis, in line with the increased cellular content of caspase-3 and Bax. In addition, the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was significantly decreased. In conclusion, SMV-EMLs demonstrated superior cell death-inducing activity against MCF-7 cells compared to pure SMV. This is mediated, at least in part, by enhanced pro-apoptotic activity and MMP modulation of SMV.


2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 335
Author(s):  
Sandy Vitria Kurniawan ◽  
Lies Sugiarti ◽  
Septelia Inawati Wanandi ◽  
Melva Louisa

Objective: This study was designed to analyze the role of piperine in modulating P-glycoprotein mRNA expression when added in combination withtamoxifen to breast cancer cells in culture.Methods: MCF-7 breast cancer cells were treated with 1 μM tamoxifen with or without piperine (12.5, 25, or 50 μM) or verapamil 50 μM (P-glycoproteininhibitor positive control) for up to 12 days. We assessed the cell viability and isolated total RNA from them. We quantified P-glycoprotein expressionsusing quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.Results: Administration of various doses of piperine decreased MCF-7 breast cancer cell viability. Piperine, when given in combination with tamoxifen,decreased the expression of P-glycoprotein mRNA in cells compared with the expression in cells treated with tamoxifen only. The effects were shownto be dose dependent.Conclusion: Piperine prevents the development of breast cancer cell tamoxifen resistance, probably through its inhibition of P-glycoprotein expression.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 507-511
Author(s):  
Jie Zhao ◽  
Guoqin Jiang

Background: The present study focused on the effects of dual-targeting MiR-4282 and ABCC4 on drug resistance of breast cancer cells and the molecular mechanisms, expecting to provide a new approach for treating drug-resistant breast cancer. Material and methods: MiR-4282 overexpression and ABCC4 interference double gene lentiviral vectors were constructed. CCK-8, flow cytometry, Transwell assay and scratch assay were used to determine the overexpression of A and B Group, as well as the expression, proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration of C and D Group cells respectively. CCK-8 assay was applied to detect doxorubicin sensitivity. WB was used to detect the expressions of ABCC4, p53 and P-gp proteins in each group. Results: Overexpression of MiR4282 and downregulation of ABCC4 expression inhibited proliferation, invasion and migration of the cells, impeded normal cell cycle progression, and promoted apoptosis of the cells. The effect of dual-targeting MiR-4282 and ABCC4 on cell function is more pronounced. The results of CCK-8 assay showed that overexpression of MiR-4282 and downregulation of ABCC4 expression significantly promoted the sensitivity of MCF-7-ADR to doxorubicin, and dual-targeting MiR-4282 and ABCC4 were sensitive to the cell. The promotion effect is more obvious. WB analysis showed that overexpression of MiR-4282 and downregulation of ABCC4 expression significantly inhibited p53 protein in the cells, plus the inhibitory effects of dual-targeting MiR-4282 and ABCC4 were more obvious. MiR-4282 overexpression could prominently inhibit P-gp protein expression in the cells. Conclusion: Overexpression of MiR-4282 and downregulation of ABCC4 expression inhibit the proliferation, invasion and migration of MCF-7-ADR.


2004 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 649-661 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Inoue ◽  
Y Omoto ◽  
Y Yamaguchi ◽  
R Kiyama ◽  
SI Hayashi

Estrogen has been closely associated with the genesis and malignant progression of breast cancer. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the effects of estrogen is far from being completely clarified. We previously developed a custom-made cDNA microarray consisting of approximately 200 estrogen-responsive genes in breast cancer cells. Using this system, we found one estrogen-induced gene in various cancer cell lines, including breast cancer MCF-7 cells, which encode a zinc-finger transcription factor, EGR3 (early growth response 3). Northern blot analysis of estradiol-treated MCF-7 cells showed rapid and robust induction of Egr3, and addition of cycloheximide or ICI 182,780 suggested that Egr3 is the bona fide target for the estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha). Using stable transformants derived from MCF-7 cells which were transfected with expression-controllable Egr3-expression vector, we demonstrated that Nab2 is one of the target genes for EGR3. Microarray analysis of the transformants revealed other candidate EGR3-induced genes. These strategies could be useful for analyzing downstream genes of ERalpha, and may contribute to elucidating the extensive signaling network of estrogen stimuli. Furthermore, a reporter assay using the upstream region of fasL probably involving escape from the immune system revealed that fasL is another target gene for EGR3. The roles of EGR3 in the physiology of breast cancer are discussed.


Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 3216
Author(s):  
Julita Kulbacka ◽  
Nina Rembiałkowska ◽  
Anna Szewczyk ◽  
Helena Moreira ◽  
Anna Szyjka ◽  
...  

(1) Background: Calcium electroporation (CaEP) is based on the application of electrical pulses to permeabilize cells (electroporation) and allow cytotoxic doses of calcium to enter the cell. (2) Methods: In this work, we have used doxorubicin-resistant (DX) and non-resistant models of human breast cancer (MCF-7/DX, MCF-7/WT) and colon cancer cells (LoVo, LoVo/DX), and investigated the susceptibility of the cells to extracellular Ca2+ and electric fields in the 20 ns–900 ns pulse duration range. (3) Results: We have observed that colon cancer cells were less susceptible to PEF than breast cancer cells. An extracellular Ca2+ (2 mM) with PEF was more disruptive for DX-resistant cells. The expression of glycoprotein P (MDR1, P-gp) as a drug resistance marker was detected by the immunofluorescent (CLSM) method and rhodamine-123 efflux as an MDR1 activity. MDR1 expression was not significantly modified by nanosecond electroporation in multidrug-resistant cells, but a combination with calcium ions significantly inhibited MDR1 activity and cell viability. (4) Conclusions: We believe that PEF with calcium ions can reduce drug resistance by inhibiting drug efflux activity. This phenomenon of MDR mechanism disruption seems promising in anticancer protocols.


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