Direct Effect of Septic Plasma in Human Cell Lines Viability

Background: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition often associated with a high incidence of multiple organs injury. Several papers suggested the immune response by itself, with the production of humoral inflammatory mediators, is crucial in determining organ injury. However, little is known of how sepsis directly induces organ injury at the cellular levels. To assess this point, we set up an in vitro study to investigate the response of renal tubular cells (RTCs), monocytes (U937) and hepatocytes (HepG2) after 24 h-incubation with septic patients’ plasma. Methods: We enrolled 26 septic patients (“test” group). We evaluated cell viability, apoptosis and necrosis by flow cytometer. Caspase-3,-8,-9 and cytochrome-c concentrations have been analyzed using the Human enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results: We found that a decrease of cell viability in all cell lines tested was associated to the increase of apoptosis in RTCs and U937 (p < 0.0001) and increase of necrosis in HepG2 (p < 0.5). The increase of apoptosis in RTCs and U937 cells was confirmed by higher levels of caspase-3 (p < 0.0001). We showed that apoptosis in both RTCs and U937 was triggered by the activation of the intrinsic pathway, as caspase-9 and cytochrome-c levels significantly increased (p < 0.0001), while caspase-8 did not change. This assumption was strengthened by the significant correlation of caspase-9 with both cytochrome-c (r = 0.73 for RTCs and r = 0.69 for U937) and caspase-3 (r = 0.69 for RTCs and r = 0.63 for U937). Conclusion: Humoral mediators in septic patients’ plasma induce apoptosis. This fact suggests that apoptosis inhibitors should be investigated as future strategy to reduce sepsis-induced organ damages.

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Silica nanoparticles inducing the apoptosis of spermatocyte cell through microRNA-450b-3p targeting MTCH2-mediating mitochondrial signaling pathway

10.21203/rs.3.rs-24673/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Guiqing Zhou ◽

Jianhui Liu ◽

Xiangyang Li ◽

Yujian Sang ◽

Yue Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cytochrome C ◽

Silica Nanoparticles ◽

Caspase 3 ◽

Reproductive Toxicity ◽

Control Group ◽

Caspase 9 ◽

Protein Expressions ◽

Underlying Mechanisms

Abstract Background: Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) are found in environmental particulate matter and are proven to have adverse effects on fertility. The relationship and underlying mechanisms between miRNAs and apoptosis induced by SiNPs during spermatogenesis is currently ambiguous. Experimental design: The present study was designed to investigate the role of miRNA-450b-3p in the reproductive toxicity caused by SiNPs. In vivo, 40 male mice were randomly divided into control and SiNPs groups, 20 per group. The mice in the SiNPs group were administrated 20 mg/kg SiNPs by tracheal perfusion once every 5 days, for 35 days, and the control group were given the equivalent of a normal luminal saline. In vitro, spermatocyte cells were divided into 0 and 5 μg/mL SiNPs groups, after passaged for 30 generations, the GC-2spd cells in 5 μg/mL SiNPs groups were transfected with miRNA-450b-3p and its mimic and inhibitor. Results: In vivo, the results showed that SiNPs damaged tissue structures of testis, decreased the quantity and quality of the sperm, reduced the expression of miR-450b-3p, and increased the protein expressions of the MTCH2, BID, BAX, Cytochrome C, Caspase-9, and Caspase-3 in the testis. In vitro, SiNPs obviously repressed the viability and increased the LDH level and apoptosis rate, decreased the levels of the miR-450b-3p, significantly enhanced the protein expressions of the MTCH2, BID, BAX, Cytochrome C, Caspase-9, Caspase-3; while the mimic of miR-450b-3p reversed the changes induced by SiNPs, but inhibitor further promoted the effects induced by SiNPs.Conclusion: The result suggested that SiNPs could induce the spermatocyte apoptosis by inhibiting the miR-450b-3p expression to target promoting the MTCH2 resulting in activating mitochondrial apoptotic signaling pathways in the spermatocyte cells.

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Intracellular NAD+ Depletion Enhances Bortezomib-Induced Myeloma Cytotoxicity

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v120.21.330.330 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 120 (21) ◽

pp. 330-330

Author(s):

Antonia Cagnetta ◽

Michele Cea ◽

Chirag Acharya ◽

Teresa Calimeri ◽

Yu-Tzu Tai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Death ◽

Synergistic Effect ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Caspase 3 ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Caspase 8 ◽

Caspase 9 ◽

Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase

Abstract Abstract 330 Background: Our previous study demonstrated that inhibition of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt) acts by severely depleting intracellular NAD+ content and thus eliciting mitochondrial dysfunction and autophagic MM cell death. The proteasome inhibitor Bortezomib induces anti-MM activity by affecting a variety of signaling pathways. However, as with other agents, dose-limiting toxicities and the development of resistance limit its long-term utility. Here, we demonstrate that combining Nampt inhibitor and bortezomb induces synergistic anti-MM cell death both in vitro using MM cell lines or patient CD138+ MM cells and in vivo in a human plasmacytoma xenograft mouse model. Material and Methods: We utilized MM.1S, MM.1R, RPMI-8226, and U266 human MM cell lines, as well as purified tumor cells from patients relapsing after prior therapies. Cell viability and apoptosis assays were performed using Annexin V/PI staining. Intracellular NAD+ level and proteasome activity were quantified after 12, 24, and 48h exposure to single/combination drugs by specific assays. In vitro angiogenesis was assessed by Matrigel capillary-like tube structure formation assay. Immunoblot analysis was performed using antibodies to caspase-8, caspase-9, caspase-3, PARP, Bcl-2, and tubulin. CB-17 SCID male mice (n = 28; 7 mice/EA group) were subcutaneously inoculated with 5.0 × 106 MM.1S cells in 100 microliters of serum free RPMI-1640 medium. When tumors were measurable (3 weeks after MM cell injection), mice were treated for three weeks with vehicle alone, FK866 (30mg/kg 4 days weekly), Bortezomib (0.5 mg/kg twice weekly), or FK866 (30 mg/kg) plus Bortezomib (0.5 mg/kg). Statistical significance of differences observed in FK866, Bortezomib or combination-treated mice was determined using a Student t test. Isobologram analysis was performed using “CalcuSyn” software program. A combination index < 1.0 indicates synergism. Results/Discussion: Combining FK866 and Bortezomib induces synergistic anti-MM activity in vitro against MM cell lines (P<0.005, CI < 1) or patient CD138-positive MM cells (P< 0.004). FK866 plus Bortezomib-induced synergistic effect is associated with: 1)activation of caspase-8, caspase-9, caspase-3, and PARP; 2) improved intracellular NAD+ dissipation; 3) suppression of chymotrypsin-like, caspase-like, and trypsin-like proteolytic activities; 4) inhibition of NF-kappa B signaling; and 5) inhibition of angiogenesis. Importantly, the ectopic overexpression of Nampt rescues this observed synergistic effect; conversely, Nampt knockdown by RNAi significantly enhances the anti-MM effect of bortezomib. In the murine xenograft MM model, low dose combination FK866 (30 mg/kg) and Bortezomib (0.5 mg/kg) is well tolerated, significantly inhibits tumor growth (P < 0.001), and prolongs host survival (2–2.5 months in mice receiving combined drugs, P = 0.001). These findings demonstrate that intracellular NAD+ levels represent a major determinant in the ability of bortezomib to induce apoptosis of MM cells, providing the rationale for clinical protocols evaluating FK866 together with Bortezomib to improve patient outcome in MM. Disclosures: Munshi: Celgene: Consultancy; Millenium: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy.

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Protective Effects of Astragalus Polysaccharide on Sepsis-Induced Acute Kidney Injury

Analytical Cellular Pathology ◽

10.1155/2021/7178253 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-13

Author(s):

Jie Sun ◽

Shanzhai Wei ◽

Yilai Zhang ◽

Jia Li

Keyword(s):

Caspase 3 ◽

Morphological Changes ◽

Kidney Injury ◽

Cell Counting ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

In Vitro Experiments ◽

Caspase 9 ◽

Astragalus Polysaccharide ◽

Tnf Α

Objective. To explore the protective roles of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) on acute renal injury (AKI) induced by sepsis. Methods. Firstly, an animal model of sepsis-induced AKI was established by injecting lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into mice. The mice were pretreated with an intraperitoneal injection of 1, 3, and 5 mg/(kg·d) APS for 3 consecutive days. The severity of kidney injury was then scored by histopathological analysis, and the concentrations of serum urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (SCr) and the levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were determined as well. In in vitro experiments, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce HK-2 cell injury to establish a sepsis-induced AKI cell model, and the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method was performed to determine the cytotoxicity and appropriate experimental concentration of APS. Then, cells were divided into the control, LPS, and APS+LPS groups. Cell apoptosis and inflammation-related TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 were determined by flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The microscope was used to observe the morphological changes of cells, and the cell migration ability was measured by wound healing assay. RT-qPCR and Western blot assay were used to determine the mRNA and protein levels of apoptosis-related factors including caspase-3, caspase-9, Bax, and Bcl-2; endoplasmic reticulum stress- (ERS-) related biomarkers including C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and glucose-regulated protein78 (GRP78); and epithelial-mesenchymal transition- (EMT-) related biomarkers including E-cadherin, Snail, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMΑ), and Vimentin. Results. In vivo experiments in mice showed that APS can reverse LPS-induced kidney damage in a concentration-dependent manner ( P < 0.05 ); the concentrations of BUN and Scr were increased (all P < 0.05 ); similarly, the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were increased as well (all P < 0.05 ). In in vitro experiments, the results showed that LPS can significantly cause HK-2 cell damage and induce apoptosis, inflammation, ERS, and EMT. When APS concentration was in the range of 0-200 μg/mL, it had no cytotoxicity in HK-2 cells, and 100 μg/mL APS pretreatment could significantly mitigate the decrease of cell activity induced by LPS ( P < 0.05 ). Compared with the LPS group, APS pretreatment could inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors including TNF-α, IL-1 β, IL-6, and IL-8 (all P < 0.05 ), reducing the number of apoptotic cells ( P < 0.05 ), suppressing the expression of caspase-3, caspase-9, and Bax, but upregulating the expression levels of Bcl-2. In ERS, APS pretreatment inhibited LPS-induced upregulation of CHOP and GRP78. Moreover, in EMT, APS pretreatment could inhibit the morphological changes of cells, downregulate the migration, decrease the expression of EMT biomarkers, and inhibit the process of EMT. Conclusion. APS could alleviate sepsis-induced AKI by regulating inflammation, apoptosis, ERS, and EMT.

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Effects of Decitabine and Homoharringtonine in Combination in Leukemia Cell Lines

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v126.23.5229.5229 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 126 (23) ◽

pp. 5229-5229

Author(s):

Suxia Geng ◽

Han Yao ◽

Jianyu Weng ◽

Xin Huang ◽

Ping Wu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽

Cell Viability ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Caspase 3 ◽

Synergistic Effects ◽

Apoptosis Induction ◽

Caspase 9 ◽

Chain Reaction ◽

Mrna And Protein Expression ◽

Polymerase Chain

Abstract Background: The methylation inhibitor decitabine (DAC) has great therapeutic value for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, DAC monotherapy is associated with relatively low rates for overall response and complete remission. We aimed to investigate the effects of the combination of DAC and homoharringtonine (HHT) in the SKM-1 and Kg-1a cell lines and explore their associated mechanisms. Methods: Cell viability was estimated by MTS assay. Cell apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry analysis and PI/Annexin V staining. Western blot and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assays were performed to detect the expression of apoptosis-related genes including caspase-3, caspase-9, BCL-2 and BCL-XL and DNA methyltransferases(DNMT) including DNMT1, DNMT3A and DNMT3B. Changes in LINE-1 gene methylation were assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction after bisulfite conversion. The effects of the combinations were estimated using CalcuSyn software. Results: The combination of DAC and HHT showed synergistic effects for inhibiting cell viability in SKM-1 and KG-1a cell lines. This combination can enhance inhibition of colony formation and apoptosis induction of DAC alone in SKM-1 cell line. However, in Kg-1a cells, this combination only enhanced the apoptosis induction of DAC alone. For SKM-1 cells, further study found that different doses of DAC and HHT alone have different effects on the expression of the apoptosis-related genes caspase-3, caspase-9, BCL-XL and BCL-2. The combination of 0.4 μM DAC and 5 nM HHT treatment significantly increased the mRNA expression of caspase-3 (P=0.0005) and caspase-9 (P=0.0075) and decreased the expression of BCL-2 (P=0.0331), but has no significantly effect on the BCL-XL (P=0.3436) compared with 0.4 μM DAC alone. However, 4 μM DAC plus 50 nM HHT had no significant effects on the mRNA and protein expression of the apoptosis-related genes examined compared with 4 μM DAC alone (P>0.05). Low-dose DAC induced greater hypomethylation than higher doses of the drug. Whereas HHT had no demethylation effects, and also had no enhancement effects with DAC on the hypomethylation and mRNA and protein expression of DNMT1, DNMT3A and DNMT3B in SKM-1 cells. Conclusion: The combination of DAC and HHT has synergistic effects on cell viability inhibition and enhancement effects on cell apoptosis in SKM-1 and KG-1a cell lines. But this combination did not enhance the hypomethylation effect of DAC.These data suggest that DAC used in combination with HHT has clinical potential in the treatment of MDS and AML. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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In-Vitro Treatment with the AKT-Inhibitor GSK 690693 Induces Cell Death in Lymphoma Cell Lines and in Primary CLL Cells and Is Followed by Caspase-3 Activation and Cytochrome C Release.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v112.11.1589.1589 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 112 (11) ◽

pp. 1589-1589

Author(s):

Dirk Winkler ◽

Thorsten Zenz ◽

Daniel Mertens ◽

Annett Habermann ◽

Hartmut Döhner ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Death ◽

Cytochrome C ◽

Conditioned Medium ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Caspase 3 ◽

Spontaneous Apoptosis ◽

Akt Inhibitor ◽

Cytochrome C Release ◽

Viable Cells

Abstract The PI3K/AKT pathway acts as a critical regulator of cell survival by stimulating cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of lymphoproliferative disorders. Therefore, inhibition of AKT seems to be a highly attractive new approach for the treatment of lymphoma. We treated 9 cell lines with AKT-nhibitor (1, 10, 20 μM) over 24h and 48h respectively: EHEB (B-CLL), GRANTA-519 (MCL), JURKAT (T-ALL) BL-60, NAMALWA and BJAB (all Burkitt’s lymphoma), L363, OPM-2 and RPMI-8226 (all multiple myeloma). To determine the rates and type of AKT-inhibitor induced cell death, FACS analyses for CD19, 7AAD, active caspase-3, cytochrome c were performed. The phosphorylation status of AKT and its downstream proteins GSK3β, p70S6k and S6 was studied by Western blotting after 5–120 minutes. In addition, 11 primary CLL samples with either del 13q (n=3), del 11q (n=2), del 17p (n=3) or a normal karyotype (n=3) were treated with AKT inhibitor (10 μM; 2.5μM; 0.625 μM; 0.156 μM). CLL samples were cultured in both standard medium as well as in HS5-(human stromal cells) conditioned medium to reduce spontaneous apoptosis of CLL in-vitro. 6 out of 11 patients had unmutated VH genes. 8 Patients were untreated, 3 were previously treated. Fludarabine (0.1 μM) was added to AKT-inhibitor in 11 cases to test for synergistic effects. CLL cells were harvested after 48 hours and 5 days to measure cell viability using Celltiter-GLO-Assay. Treatment of cell lines lead to significant rates of AKT-inhibitor induced cell death (table 1), to hyperphosphorylation of AKT and to inhibition of phosphorylation of GSK3β (after 5 min) and S6 (after 20 min) in all cell lines and of p70S6k (after 120 min) in GRANTA, JURKAT, NAMALWA and BJAB. Cell death did not depend on functional p53 gene. Treatment of primary CLL samples with AKT-inhibitor alone was followed by a decrease of cell viability in a time and concentration dependent manner regardless of the medium used (table 2). Only with the lowest concentration and when cultured in HS5-conditioned medium, no further reduction of viable cells was seen between 48h and 5d. Treatment with AKT-inhibitor as a single agent seemed to be at least as effective as treatment with fludarabine. Response was independent of the genetic subgroup, VH mutation status or prior treatment. High risk cases with del 17p responded worse to fludarabine alone when compared to cases without del 17p (i.e. 75% of viable cells after 5d at 10000 μM in cases with del 17p vs. 25% in cases without del 17p). The same fludarabine resistant cases showed good responses to treatment with AKT-inhibitor (9% of viable cells after 5d at 10000 μM in cases with del 17p). A synergistic effect was not achieved by combining AKT-inhibitor and fludarabine. Culture of CLL cells in HS5-conditioned medium resulted in lower rates of spontaneous apoptosis, but also in lower rates of AKT-inhibitor induced cell death. In conclusion, in-vitro treatment with AKT-inhibitor resulted in significant rates of cell death in cell lines and primary CLL cells, even in patients with del 17p or resistance to fludarabine. In cell lines, treatment with AKT-inhibitor was followed by typical features of apoptosis such as activation of caspase-3 and cytochrome c release. In CLL samples, prior treatment did not affect in-vitro response rates. These data underline the involvement of the PI3K/Akt pathway in the pathogenesis of lymphoma and point to an efficacy of the AKT-inhibitor in the treatment of lymphoma, multiple myeloma and CLL in-vivo. Concerning CLL, the AKT-inhibitor seems to be an attractive new treatment option even for cases with high risk cytogenetics. Using HS5-conditioned medium seems to be a well functioning method to reduce spontaneous apoptosis of CLL cells in-vitro. Table 1: rates of cell death, caspase-3 activation and cytochrome c release after treatment of cell lines with AKT inhibitor (1μM, 48h) 7AAD-positive cells active caspase-3 cytochrome c release EHEB 15% − + GRANTA-519 15% + + JURKAT 17% + + BL60 24% + + NAMALWA 25% − (+) BJAB 30% + (+) L363 15% + − OPM-2 41% + + RPMI-8226 32% + (+) Table 2: mean percentage of viable cells after treatment with AKT-Inhibitor (A), fludarabine (F; 0,1μM) and their combination (A + F) measured by Celltiter-GLO-Assay 10000 nM 2500 nM 625 nM 156,25 nM 48h 5d 48h 5d 48h 5d 48h 5d A F A + F A F A + F A A F A+ F A F A+ F A HS5 + (n=8) 94 84 (n=5) 75 (n=5) 45 22 (n=5) 25 (n=5) 88 52 91 84 80 69 22 18 76 85 HS5 − (n=11) 60 79 59 8 39 21 77 27 80 79 76 28 39 34 82 (n=10) 21

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Targeting Therapy for Resistant Multiple Myeloma with a Novel Inhibitor of NF-KB, NPI-1387.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v106.11.640.640 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 106 (11) ◽

pp. 640-640

Author(s):

Dharminder Chauhan ◽

Ta-Hsiang Chao ◽

Deli He ◽

Teru Hideshima ◽

Laurence Catley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Myeloma ◽

Cell Viability ◽

Signaling Pathway ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Caspase 3 ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Caspase 8 ◽

Caspase 9 ◽

Nuclear Condensation ◽

Apoptotic Signaling

Abstract Transcription factor NF-KB is linked to growth and survival of multiple myeloma (MM)cells; blockade of NF-KB activity is therefore an attractive therapeutic strategy. Here we describe NPI-1387, a potent inhibitor of NF-KB activation and its effects on MM cells, including those resistant to conventional agents dexamethasone or doxorubicin. Cell-based assays were used to screen a library of 200 semi-synthetic analogs derived from the pimarane diterpene, Acanthoic acid. Among these analogs, NPI-1387 inhibited LPS-induced TNF-A synthesis in the murine macrophage-like RAW 264.7 cells most potently. Importantly, NPI-1387 reduced TNF-A-induced NF-KB activation in a HEK293 NF-KB/luciferase reporter cell line. Therefore additional studies were initiated to define the biological activities in MM. Treatment of MM cells lines (MM.1S, MM.1R, OCI-My5, OPM1, Dox-40) with NPI-1347 for 48h induces a dose-dependent significant (P < 0.004) decrease in cell viability in all cell lines at pharmacologically achievable concentrations (IC50 range 25–40 micromolar). To determine whether NPI-1387-decreased cell viability is due to apoptosis, various MM cell lines were treated at their respective IC50 for 48h; harvested; and analyzed for apoptosis. NPI-1387 triggered significant apoptosis in these cells, as measured by a marked increase in nuclear condensation reflected by dense pattern of DAPI stain under phase contrast microscopy. In contrast, untreated control cells exhibited homogeneous and intact nuclei. Besides nuclear condensation, NPI-1387 triggered proteolytic cleavage of poly (ADP ribose) polymerase (PARP), a hallmark of apoptosis. Examination of purified patient MM cells demonstrated similar results. Notably, NPI-1387 decreases the viability of cells obtained from Bortezomib-refractory MM patient. In contrast, no significant toxicity of NPI-1387 was observed against peripheral blood mononuclear cells from normal healthy donors or CD138− MM patient cells. Moreover, NPI-1387 does not affect the viability of MM patient-derived bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). Genetic and biochemical evidence indicates that apoptosis proceeds by two major cell death pathways: an intrinsic pathway that involves mitochondrial membrane permeabilization and release of several apoptogenic factors, followed by caspase-9 activation; and an extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway that occurs via caspase-8 activation. Both caspase-8 and caspase-9 activate downstream caspase-3. We therefore next examined whether NPI-1387 triggers extrinsic or intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathways. Our results show that NPI-1387 (25 micromolar) induces activation of caspase-8, and caspase-9, followed by caspase-3 cleavage. These data suggest that NPI-1387-triggered MM cell apoptosis predominantly proceeds via caspase-8/caspase-9>>>>caspase-3 signaling pathway. Together, these findings provide the rationale for clinical evaluation of NPI-1387 to induce MM cell killing, overcome drug-resistance, and improve patient outcome in MM.

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Combination of a Novel Proteasome Inhibitor NPI-0052 and Lenalidomide Trigger in Vivo Synergistic Cytotoxicity in Multiple Myeloma

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v112.11.3662.3662 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 112 (11) ◽

pp. 3662-3662 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Dharminder Chauhan ◽

Ajita V. Singh ◽

Mohan Brahmandam ◽

Giada Bianchi ◽

Klaus Podar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Multiple Myeloma ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Proteasome Inhibitor ◽

Low Dose ◽

Caspase 3 ◽

Caspase 8 ◽

Caspase 9

Abstract Background: Our previous study demonstrated that a novel proteasome inhibitor NPI-0052 is distinct from bortezomib in its chemical structure, effects on proteasome activities, and mechanisms of action, and importantly, triggers apoptosis in multiple myeloma (MM) cells resistant to conventional and bortezomib therapies. These preclinical data provided the basis for the ongoing phase-I clinical trial of NPI-0052 in relapsed/refractory MM patients. Recently, a Phase-1/2 clinical trial of bortezomib with Lenalidomide and low dose dexamethasone demonstrated safety and remarkable efficacy in newly diagnosed MM patients. Given that the combination of bortezomib with Lenalidomide has proven a successful treatment strategy, coupled with our findings that NPI-0052 is a potent proteasome inhibitor, we determined whether combining NPI-0052 with Lenalidomide triggered synergistic/additive anti-MM activity. Material and Methods: We utilized MM.1S, MM.1R, RPMI-8226, U266, and INA-6 human MM cell lines, as well as purified tumor cells from patients relapsing after prior therapies including Lenalidomide or bortezomib. Informed consent was obtained from all patients in accordance with the Helsinki protocol. Cell viability and apoptosis assays were performed using MTT and Annexin V staining. In vitro angiogenesis was assessed by Matrigel capillary-like tube structure formation assay. Immunoblot analysis was performed using antibodies to caspase-8, caspase-9, caspase-3, PARP, Bcl-2, BIM, p-JNK or tubulin. In vitro and in vivo proteasome activity assays were performed using fluorogenic peptide substrates. All animal studies were approved by the DFCI Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. CB-17 SCID male mice (n = 30; 5 mice/EA group) were subcutaneously inoculated with 5.0 × 106 MM.1S cells in 100 microliters of serum free RPMI-1640 medium. When tumors were measurable (~150 mm3) three weeks after MM cell injection, mice were treated with oral doses of vehicle alone, NPI-0052 (0.15 mg/kg), Lenalidomide (2.5 mg/kg), Lenalidomide (5.0 mg/kg), NPI-0052 (0.15 mg/kg) plus Lenalidomide (2.5 mg/kg) or NPI-0052 (0.15 mg/kg) plus Lenalidomide (5.0 mg/kg) on a twice weekly schedule for NPI-0052 and four consecutive days weekly for Lenalidomide for four weeks. Statistical significance of differences observed in NPI-0052, Lenalidomide or NPI-0052 plus Lenalidomide-treated mice was determined using a Student t test. Isobologram analysis was performed using “CalcuSyn” software program. A combination index < 1.0 indicates synergism. Results: Combining NPI-0052 and Lenalidomide induces synergistic/additive anti-MM activity in vitro using MM cell lines (P<0.005, n=3, CI < 1) or patient CD138-positive MM cells (5 patients, P< 0.004). NPI- 0052 plus Lenalidomide-induced synergistic apoptosis is associated with: activation of caspase-8, caspase-9, caspase-3, and PARP; induction of c-Jun-NH2-terminal kinase; activation of BH-3 protein BIM; inhibition of migration of MM cells and angiogenesis; suppression of chymotrypsin-like, caspase-like and trypsin-like proteolytic activities in an additive manner; and inhibition of NF-kappa B signaling. Importantly, blockade of BIM using siRNA significantly abrogates NPI-0052 plus Lenalidomide-induced apoptosis (61 ± 7.1% decrease in cell death; P < 0.003, n=2). Furthermore, studies using biochemical inhibitors of caspase-8 versus caspase-9 demonstrate that NPI-0052 plus Lenalidomide-triggered apoptosis is primarily dependent on caspase-8 signaling. In animal tumor model studies, low dose combination NPI-0052 (0.15 mg/kg) and Lenalidomide (2.5 or 5.0 mg/kg) is well tolerated, significantly inhibits tumor growth (P < 0.03), and prolongs survival (4–5 months in mice receiving combined drugs, P = 0.001). Immununohistochemistry analysis of MM tumors excised from NPI-0052 plus Lenalidomide-treated mice showed growth inhibition (Ki-67), apoptosis (TUNEL assay, caspae-3 activation), a decrease in associated angiogenesis (Factor VIII and VEGF receptor), and additive inhibition of proteasome activity. Taken together, our study provides the preclinical rationale for clinical protocols evaluating Lenalidomide together with NPI-0052 to improve patient outcome in MM.

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Baicalein, a component of Scutellaria radix from Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang (HLJDT), leads to suppression of proliferation and induction of apoptosis in human myeloma cells

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2004-10-3915 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 105 (8) ◽

pp. 3312-3318 ◽

Cited By ~ 108

Author(s):

Zi Ma ◽

Ken-ichiro Otsuyama ◽

Shangqin Liu ◽

Saeid Abroun ◽

Hideaki Ishikawa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Lines ◽

Caspase 3 ◽

Herbal Medicines ◽

Myeloma Cell ◽

Suppressive Effect ◽

Caspase 9 ◽

Myeloma Cells ◽

Induction Of Apoptosis ◽

Induced Apoptosis

Abstract In the search for a more effective adjuvant therapy to treat multiple myeloma (MM), we investigated the effects of the traditional Chinese herbal medicines Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang (HLJDT), Gui-Zhi-Fu-Ling-Wan (GZFLW), and Huang-Lian-Tang (HLT) on the proliferation and apoptosis of myeloma cells. HLJDT inhibited the proliferation of myeloma cell lines and the survival of primary myeloma cells, especially MPC-1- immature myeloma cells, and induced apoptosis in myeloma cell lines via a mitochondria-mediated pathway by reducing mitochondrial membrane potential and activating caspase-9 and caspase-3. Further experiments confirmed that Scutellaria radix was responsible for the suppressive effect of HLJDT on myeloma cell proliferation, and the baicalein in Scutellaria radix showed strong growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis in comparison with baicalin or wogonin. Baicalein as well as baicalin suppressed the survival in vitro of MPC-1- immature myeloma cells rather than MPC-1+ myeloma cells from myeloma patients. Baicalein inhibited the phosphorylation of IkB-α, which was followed by decreased expression of the IL-6 and XIAP genes and activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3. Therefore, HLJDT and Scutellaria radix have an antiproliferative effect on myeloma cells, especially MPC-1- immature myeloma cells, and baicalein may be responsible for the suppressive effect of Scutellaria radix by blocking IkB-α degradation. (Blood. 2005;105:3312-3318)

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Wogonoside exerts potential anti-tumor activity against bladder cancer in vivo and in vitro via regulation of GSK3β/ERK/AKT signaling pathway

Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research ◽

10.4314/tjpr.v18i7.3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (7) ◽

pp. 1385-1390

Author(s):

Jiexiang Chen ◽

Yong Cao ◽

Yan Li ◽

Li Tang ◽

Xiaolan Yu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bladder Cancer ◽

Antitumor Activity ◽

Cell Line ◽

Proliferative Activity ◽

Caspase 3 ◽

B Cell Lymphoma ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Caspase 9 ◽

Gsk 3Β

Purpose: To explore the antitumor activity of wogonoside on bladder cancer, and its underlying mechanism of action. Methods: Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay was applied to determine the anti-proliferative activity of wogonoside (2 - 128 μM) on bladder cancer 5637 cell line at various times, and the halfmaximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was measured. The antitumor activity of wogonoside (30 mg/kg, ip) against bladder cancer 5637 cell line was evaluated in nude mice bearing human bladder cancer 5637 cells. Additionally, western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were carried out to investigate the levels of the caspase-3, caspase-9, B cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X-protein (Bax), phosphorylated (p)-glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β, p-extracellular signal-regulated kinases (p-ERK), and p-(protein kinase B) AKT. Results: The in vitro results revealed that wogonoside exerted anti-proliferative activity against bladder cancer 5637 cells with an IC50 of 20.59 μM (p < 0.01), in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, wogonoside treatment also significantly suppressed tumor volume in mice (p < 0.01). The potential mechanisms were mainly associated with apoptosis mediated by mitochondria via upregulation of caspase-3, caspase-9, and Bax levels and down-regulation of Bcl-2, p-GSK-3β, p-ERK, and p-AKT. Conclusion: The results reveal that wogonoside has remarkable anti-tumor potentials against bladder cancer. Further translational studies are warranted to test the clinical application of this medicinal agent in bladder cancer.

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The Investigation of Effects of Quercetin and Its Combination with Cisplatin on Malignant Mesothelioma Cells In Vitro

Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology ◽

10.1155/2010/851589 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 2010 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

A. Demiroglu-Zergeroglu ◽

B. Basara-Cigerim ◽

E. Kilic ◽

G. Yanikkaya-Demirel

Keyword(s):

Cell Lines ◽

Malignant Mesothelioma ◽

Poor Prognosis ◽

Caspase 3 ◽

Time Dependent ◽

Individual Treatment ◽

Cell Cycle Distribution ◽

Dependent Manner ◽

Caspase 9

Malignant Mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive and lethal tumour of the serosal surfaces with poor prognosis. In this study, we have investigated the antiproliferative effect of Quercetin (QU) and its combination with Cisplatin (CIS) on SPC212 and SPC111 cell lines. Our experiments showed that QU significantly reduced the proliferation of cell lines, altered the cell cycle distribution, and increased the level of Caspase 9 (C9) and Caspase 3 (C3) in concentration and time-dependent manner. Additionally, the combination of QU + CIS was found more effective when compared with individual treatment of agents.

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