scholarly journals Protective Effect of Thrombopoietin on CoCl2-Induced Apoptosis of HUVEC Cells through PI3-k/Akt Pathways

Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 4969-4969 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jieyu Ye ◽  
Jun-yan Wang ◽  
En-yu Liang ◽  
Mo Yang
Keyword(s):  
Protective Effect ◽  
Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Annexin V ◽  
Akt Pathway ◽  
Human Endothelial Cells ◽  
Apoptotic Effect ◽  
Huvec Cells ◽  
Induced Apoptosis ◽  
Active Caspase

Abstract Endothelial damage is a serious syndrome following by stem cell transplantation. However, a useful treatment for attenuating the periods of this disorder was still under explored. Our previous studies have demonstrated that in patients with acute inflammation states, serum thrombopoietin (TPO) levels were significant higher compared with healthy subjects (181.11 ± 35.38 vs 96.13 ± 9.7 pg/ml, p<0.001), which may act as an acute response protein to protect the body. TPO is now recognized as a potent proliferative factor for outer hematopoietic system, such as cardiomyocytes and neurocytes. This study is aim to investigate the protective effect of TPO on human endothelial cells, and to explore its potential mechanism. Four experimental groups were set up using human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVEC) cells, which are: Normal control, CoCl2 alone (800 μmol/L), TPO(100 μg/L) + CoCl2 and TPO alone groups. CoCl2 alone decreased the viability of HUVEC cells in a dose dependent manner (r=-0.997), while addition of TPO significantly rescued this effect (n=5, p<0.01). We further tested the anti-apoptotic effect of TPO on HUVEC cells. CoCl2 alone was able to induced apoptosis as demonstrated by Annexin V (n=4, p<0.001), active-caspase-3 (n=4, p<0.01) and Mitochondrial Membrane potential (JC-1) assays (n=4, p<0.01). Consistently, TPO plus CoCl2 showed a significant anti-apoptotic effect compared with CoCl2 alone group in Annexin V (n=4, p<0.01), active-caspase-3 (n=4, p=0.039) and Mitochondrial Membrane potential (JC-1) assays (n=4, p=0.038). In order to find out the underlying mechanism, we further tested the expression of phospho-Akt (p-Akt). Our results demonstrated that CoCl2 alone suppressed the PI-3k/Akt pathway. TPO plus CoCl2 was shown to activate the expression of p-Akt by western blot. In summary, our findings showed that TPO had a protective effect on human endothelial cells. This effect was likely mediated by activation of PI-3k/Akt pathway, which leads to anti-apoptosis on these cells. This may provide us a new clue to identify novel strategy in treating endothelial syndromes. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Angelica Polysaccharide and TPO Have a Protective Effect On Hcmv-Induced Apoptosis In Megakaryocytes

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 3553-3553
Author(s):  
Mo Yang ◽  
Jian Liang Chen ◽  
Jie yu Ye ◽  
Su yi Li ◽  
En yu Liang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flow Cytometry ◽  
Protective Effect ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Hcmv Infection ◽  
Annexin V ◽  
Angelica Sinensis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mock Control ◽  
Apoptotic Effect ◽  
Induced Apoptosis

Abstract Human cytomegalovirus (hCMV) infection is often associated with thrombocytopenia. Megakaryocytes may be one of the major sites of hCMV infection, then inducing this cell apoptosis. Angelica Sinensis (Danggui) is an important ingredient of many commonly used herbal Medicine for promoting blood production. Our previous study has showed that the hematopoietic effect of Angelica Sinensis is related to its constituent, angelica polysaccharide (APS) (Yang M et al, J Ethnopharma, 2009). This present study investigated the anti-apoptotic effect of APS and TPO on hCMV-induced apoptosis in megakaryocytes. Human bone marrow mononuclear cells (MNC) or megakaryocytic cell line CHRF-288-11 and hCMV AD169 strain were co-cultured in this study. hCMV significantly inhibited the formation of CFU-MK as shown in three different concentrations of viral infection groups (103, 104 and 105 pfu/ml), compared with blank control and mock control (n=10, P<0.05). hCMV also significantly inhibited the growth of CHRF cells in these three different concentrations after incubation for 3 days, which compared with control group (n=10, P<0.01). hCMV DNA and mRNA were also positively detected in CHRF cells and the cells of CFU-MK with IS-PCR and RT-PCR respectively, while it was negative in blank and mock control groups. We further studied the effect of APS and TPO on CFU-MK formation. Results showed that APS (50 ug/ml) like TPO (50 ng/ml) enhanced hCMV-reduced CFU-MK (P=0.05, n=6). CHRF cells were also analyzed by Annexin V/PI with flow cytometry at day 3 after infection with hCMV AD169. The percentage of apoptotic cells in group of 103 pfu/ml was 19.0 ± 2.0%; The group of 104 pfu/ml was 23.0 ± 1.5%; The group of 105 pfu/ml was 28.0 ± 3.0%. The control group was 2.0 ± 0.5%. The apoptotic cells were confirmed by morphologic observation. In addition, apoptotic signals from megakaryocytic surface, cytoplasma and mitochondria were detected in hCMV infected cells by flow cytometry with Caspase-3 and JC-1 assay. Compared to mock infection control at day 5, Annexin-V positive cells population increased by 58%; active caspase-3 signal increased by 120% in viable cell population; and cell population with damaged mitochondial membrane showed a 5-times increase. Moreover, the anti-apoptotic effect of APS and TPO on CHRF cells was also demonstrated by using Annexin-V assay. Our studies showed that hCMV induces the apoptosis in megakaryocytes via mitochondrial and caspase-3 signaling, and angelica polysaccharide (APS) like TPO has a protective effect on hCMV-induced apoptosis in these cells. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Iron-Overload Induces Apoptosis in Cardiomyocytes and Hepatocytes Via Mitochondrial/Caspase-3 Pathways.

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 1872-1872
Author(s):  
Mo Yang ◽  
Shing Chan ◽  
Yiu Fai Cheung ◽  
Shau Yin Ha ◽  
Godfrey ChiFung Chan
Keyword(s):  
Iron Overload ◽  
Protective Effect ◽  
Cell Viability ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Annexin V ◽  
Apoptotic Cells ◽  
H9c2 Cells ◽  
Plot Analysis ◽  
Iron Treatment ◽  
Induced Apoptosis

Abstract Cardiomyopathy and liver damage due to iron-overload are the major complications in patients with beta-thalassaemia major. Iron-overload may induce apoptosis in cardiomyocytes and hepatic cells, and that TPO may exert protective effect on apoptosis of cardiomyocytes (Circulation, 2006). In this study, we demonstrated firstly that iron induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. Using H9C2 cells, we have shown that iron reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner (0.003–3 mM) (n=6). By annexin V and PI staining, apoptotic cells were found to be significantly increased after iron treatment (0.3 mM, 72 hrs) (n=6). The expression of active caspase-3 was significantly increased in iron-treated cells. Furthermore, iron treatment increased the proportion of cells containing JC-1 monomers, indicating a trend in the drop of mitochondrial membrane potential (n=6). Secondly, we found that TPO exerted cardio-protective effect on iron-induced apoptosis. H9C2 cells were cultured in the presence of iron (0.3 mM) with or without TPO (5, 10, 20, 50, 100 ng/mL, 72 hrs). The cell viability was significantly increased with the treatment of TPO at 50 ng/mL and 100 ng/mL (n=4). Dot-plot analysis of annexin V/PI staining demonstrated that TPO (50 ng/mL) significantly reduced the population of apoptotic cells (n=6). Incubation with TPO also decreased the iron-induced caspase-3 expression (n=6). Flow cytometric dot-plot analysis of H9C2 cells also showed trends of amelioration of the increase in JC-1 monomers in the iron plus TPO group (n=6). The population of phospho-Akt and Erk1/2 were also significantly increased after treatment by TPO (P&lt;0.05, n=4). Human liver cell line MIHA was also used as a cell model. We showed that iron-overload reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner (0.0375–0.6 mM) (n=7). By annexin V and PI staining, apoptotic cells were found to be significantly increased after iron treatment (0.15–0.6 mM) for 72 hrs (n=7). The expression of active caspase-3 was also significantly increased in iron-treated cells (n=5). We also found that TPO exerted proliferation effect on MIHA cell by activation of phospho-Akt. However, MIHA cells were cultured in the presence of iron (0.3 mM) with TPO (50 ng/mL, 72 hrs). The cell viability was not significantly increased with the treatment of TPO (n=5). Dot-plot analysis of annexin V/PI staining did not demonstrated that TPO reduced the population of apoptotic cells induced by iron-overload (n=5). Also, incubation with TPO did not decrease the iron-induced caspase-3 expression in these cells (n=5). Our findings suggest that iron-overload induces apoptosis in cardiomyocytes and hepatocytes via mitochondrial/caspase-3 pathways and that TPO might exert a protective effect on iron-overload induced apoptosis via the activation of Akt and Erk1/2 pathways in cardiomyocytes.

scholarly journals Esculetin induces apoptosis of SMMC-7721 cells through IGF-1/PI3K/Akt-mediated mitochondrial pathways

2017 ◽  
Vol 95 (7) ◽  
pp. 787-794 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Li ◽  
Shuang Li ◽  
Xiuli Wang ◽  
Hongxin Wang
Keyword(s):  
Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Annexin V ◽  
Coumarin Derivative ◽  
Caspase 9 ◽  
Cytochrome C Release ◽  
Dapi Staining ◽  
Cancer Cell Growth ◽  
Induced Apoptosis ◽  
Apoptotic Effects

Esculetin (6,7-dihydroxycoumarin) is a coumarin derivative extracted from natural plants and has been reported to have anticancer activity. However, the mechanism by which esculetin prevents human hepatic cancer cell growth is still largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the effect of esculetin on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) SMMC-7721 cells and explored the cell signal mechanism. Our data indicated that esculetin induced apoptosis in SMMC-7721 cells, which were supported by DAPI staining and Annexin V/PI staining. Meanwhile, esculetin increased the activities of caspase-3 and caspase-9, promoted bax expression, decreased bcl-2 expression, and triggered collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased cytochrome c release from mitochondria. In addition, the inactivation of IGF-1, PI3K, and Akt was observed after esculetin administration. Furthermore, pretreatment with IGF-1 before esculetin administration abrogated the pro-apoptotic effects of esculetin, while PI3K inhibitor increased the pro-apoptotic effects of esculetin. These results indicated that esculetin induced the apoptosis of SMMC-7721 cells through IGF-1/PI3K/Akt-regulated mitochondrial dysfunction.

TPO exerts a protective effect on iron-overload induces apoptosis in cardiomyocytes via mitochondrial pathways

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 4668-4668 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mo Yang ◽  
Shing Chan ◽  
Jie yu Ye ◽  
Godfrey ChiFung Chan
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Iron Overload ◽  
Protective Effect ◽  
Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Ros Production ◽  
H9c2 Cells ◽  
Plot Analysis ◽  
Iron Treatment ◽  
Induced Apoptosis

Thalassaemia companied with iron-overload is common in Hong Kong. Iron overload induced cardiomyopathy is the commonest cause of morbidity and mortality in b-thalassaemia patients. One of the causes of cardiac failure is chronic iron overload of blood transfusion. Some studies showed that iron overload can cause toxic effect in heart cells. Iron-overload induced cardiomyopathy damages are the major complications in patients with beta-thalassaemia major. Iron-overload may induce apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. Our previous study showed TPO has cardiac protective effect (Li et al, Circulation, 2007). In this study, we demonstrated firstly that iron induced oxidative stress can cause apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. By using H9C2 cells, we showed that iron increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production (n=3) and reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner (0-0.6 mM) (n=6). Apoptotic cells were found to be significantly increased under iron treatment (0.3 mM, 72 hrs) in the AnnexinV/PI assay (n=6). The expression of active caspase-3 significantly increased in iron-treated cells. Furthermore, iron treatment increased the proportion of cells containing JC-1 monomers, indicating a trend in the drop of mitochondrial membrane potential (n=6). Secondly, we found that TPO exerted cardio-protective effect on iron-induced apoptosis. H9C2 cells were cultured in the presence of iron (0.3 mM) with or without TPO (50 ng/mL). The ROS production was significantly decreased with the addition of TPO at 50 ng/mL (n=3). Dot-plot analysis of AnnexinV/PI staining demonstrated that TPO significantly reduced the population of apoptotic cells (n=6). Incubation with TPO also decreased the iron-induced caspase-3 expression (n=6). Flow cytometric dot-plot analysis also showed trends of amelioration of the increase in JC-1 monomers in the iron plus TPO group (n=6), indicating a trend in attenuation of the drop of mitochondrial membrane potential. Our findings suggest that iron-overload lead to generation of ROS which further induces apoptosis in cardiomyocytes via mitochondrial pathways and TPO might exert a protective effect on iron-overload induced apoptosis via inhibiting oxidative stress and mitochondrial pathway in cardiomyocytes. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Anti-Apoptotic Effect of Angelica Polysaccharide (APS) on Cryopreservation of Platelets

Blood ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 138 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 3250-3250
Author(s):  
Mo Yang ◽  
Weiqing Su ◽  
Liuming Yang ◽  
Huimin Kong ◽  
Huiling Wei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Mitochondrial Membrane Potential ◽  
Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Annexin V ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Apoptotic Effect ◽  
Vitro Effect

Abstract Background: Angelica Polysaccharide (APS) is from the root of Radix Angelicae Sinensis (Danggui). Danggui has been used for centuries to treat blood-deficiency related diseases. The hematopoietic effect of Danggui may be related to its constituent, polysaccharide. The effects of angelica polysaccharide on cryopreservation of platelets and megakaryocytes have not been well studied. This study focused on anti-apoptotic effect of APS and TPO on cryopreservation of platelets and megakaryocytes and provided new methods for prolonging the preservation time of platelets in vitro. Methods: The expression of platelet membrane glycoprotein CD41 and CD61, as well as the platelet apoptotic rate, Caspase 3 expression and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were detected by flow cytometry; the anti-apoptotic mechanism of APS by PI3K /AKT signaling pathway was analyzed by Western blot assay. CFU assays were used to determine the effects of APS on megakaryocytic progenitor cells. Analyses of Annexin V, Caspase-3, and Mitochondrial Membrane Potential were conducted in megakaryocytic cell line M-07e. The effects of APS on cells treated with Ly294002, PI3K inhibitor and the effect of APS on the p-AKT were also studied. Results: The platelets were divided into 4 group: control group (4 ℃ stored platelets), APS group (APS-treated platelets stored at 4 ℃), LY294002 group (LY294002-treated platelets stored at 4 ℃) and LY294002+APS group (LY294002+APS treated platelets stored at 4 ℃). The apoptotic rate of platelets in LY294002 group was obviously increased. Compared with control group, the expression of CD41 and CD61 gradually decreased along with the enhancement of LY294002 concentrations (r=-0.953). The apoptotic rate of platelets in LY294002 group was enhanced significantly (P&lt;0.05). While in LY294002+APS group, the apoptotic rate of platelets was significantly reduced (P&lt;0.05) as compare with LY294002 group, which suggest that APS has an anti-apoptotic effect on the cryopreserved platelets. APS decreased the expression of Caspase-3 and inhibited the reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential induced by LY294002. Moreover, APS increased the activation of PI3K /AKT pathway in Platelets . We further analyzed the in vitro effect of APS on CFU-MK formation. APS (50 ug/ml) enhanced TPO (50 ng/ml) -induced CFU-MK formation (p=0.06, n=4). APS also significantly enhanced PDGF, bFGF and VEGF-induced CFU-MK formation (n=4). Moreover, the anti-apoptotic effect of APS in M-07e cells was also demonstrated by Annexin-V, Caspase-3, and JC-1 assays. Adding LY294002 alone increased the percentage of cells undergoing apoptosis. However, additional of APS to LY294002-treated cells reversed the percentage of cells undergoing apoptosis. Furthermore, addition of APS significantly increased the p-AKT. Conclusion: APS, like TPO, has an anti-apoptotic effect on the cryopreserved platelets and megakaryocytes through activating PI3K/AKT, decreasing the expression of Caspase-3 and inhibiting the reduction of MMP. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Novel Subtilase Cytotoxin Produced by Shiga-Toxigenic Escherichia coli Induces Apoptosis in Vero Cells via Mitochondrial Membrane Damage

2009 ◽  
Vol 77 (7) ◽  
pp. 2919-2924 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gen Matsuura ◽  
Naoko Morinaga ◽  
Kinnosuke Yahiro ◽  
Reiko Komine ◽  
Joel Moss ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Membrane Damage ◽  
Annexin V ◽  
Vero Cells ◽  
Caspase 8 ◽  
Caspase Inhibitors ◽  
Induced Apoptosis ◽  
Subtilase Cytotoxin

ABSTRACT Subtilase cytotoxin (SubAB) is an AB5 cytotoxin produced by some strains of Shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli. The A subunit is a subtilase-like serine protease and cleaves an endoplasmic reticulum chaperone, BiP, leading to transient inhibition of protein synthesis and cell cycle arrest at G1 phase. Here we show that SubAB, but not the catalytically inactive mutant SubAB(S272A), induced apoptosis in Vero cells, as detected by DNA fragmentation and annexin V binding. SubAB induced activation of caspase-3, -7, and -8. Caspase-3 appeared earlier than caspase-8, and by use of specific caspase inhibitors, it was determined that caspase-3 may be upstream of caspase-8. A general caspase inhibitor blocked SubAB-induced apoptosis, detected by annexin V binding. SubAB also stimulated cytochrome c release from mitochondria, which was not suppressed by caspase inhibitors. In HeLa cells, Apaf-1 small interfering RNA inhibited caspase-3 activation, suggesting that cytochrome c might form an apoptosome, leading to activation of caspase-3. These data suggested that SubAB induced caspase-dependent apoptosis in Vero cells through mitochondrial membrane damage.

scholarly journals Protective effect of agmatine against cisplatin-induced apoptosis in an auditory cell line

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Euyhyun Park ◽  
Se Hee Lee ◽  
Hoyoung Lee ◽  
Young-Chan Kim ◽  
Hak Hyun Jung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protective Effect ◽  
Cell Line ◽  
Mitochondrial Function ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Annexin V ◽  
Oxygen Species ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Cellular Apoptosis ◽  
Induced Apoptosis ◽  
Significant Protective Effect

AbstractObjectivesAgmatine, an endogenous metabolite of arginine, is known to have antioxidant activity, protect mitochondrial function, and confer resistance to cellular apoptosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of agmatine against cisplatin-induced cellular apoptosis in an auditory cell line.MethodsHEI-OC1 cells were co-treated with agmatine at different concentrations and 15 µM cisplatin for 48 h. Cell viability was measured and annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide (PI) staining was performed to analyze apoptosis. The levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using flow cytometry. The expression of BAX (Bcl2-associated X protein) and the enzymatic activity of caspase-3 were measured to examine the pathway of apoptosis induction.ResultsCo-treatment with 8 mM agmatine protected HEI-OC1 cells against cisplatin-induced cell apoptosis. Agmatine exerted a significant protective effect against 15 µM cisplatin when applied for 48 h and reduced the proportion of necrotic and late apoptotic cells. Agmatine did not reduce the cisplatin-induced increase in ROS but decreased the expression of BAX and the activity of caspase-3.ConclusionsAgmatine protected against cisplatin-induced cellular apoptosis in an auditory cell line. These effects were mediated by the protection of mitochondrial function and inhibition of apoptosis.

Volatile Anesthetics Induce Caspase-dependent, Mitochondria-mediated Apoptosis in Human T Lymphocytes In Vitro 

2005 ◽  
Vol 102 (6) ◽  
pp. 1147-1157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Torsten Loop ◽  
David Dovi-Akue ◽  
Michael Frick ◽  
Martin Roesslein ◽  
Lotti Egger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Potential ◽  
T Lymphocytes ◽  
Cytochrome C ◽  
Mitochondrial Membrane Potential ◽  
Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Volatile Anesthetics ◽  
Human T Lymphocytes ◽  
Induced Apoptosis

Background Volatile anesthetics modulate lymphocyte function during surgery, and this compromises postoperative immune competence. The current work was undertaken to examine whether volatile anesthetics induce apoptosis in human T lymphocytes and what apoptotic signaling pathway might be used. Methods Effects of sevoflurane, isoflurane, and desflurane were studied in primary human CD3 T lymphocytes and Jurkat T cells in vitro. Apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential were assessed using flow cytometry after green fluorescent protein-annexin V and DiOC6-fluorochrome staining. Activity and proteolytic processing of caspase 3 was measured by cleaving of the fluorogenic effector caspase substrate Ac-DEVD-AMC and by anti-caspase-3 Western blotting. Release of mitochondrial cytochrome c was studied after cell fractionation using anti-cytochrome c Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results Sevoflurane and isoflurane induced apoptosis in human T lymphocytes in a dose-dependent manner. By contrast, desflurane did not exert any proapoptotic effects. The apoptotic signaling pathway used by sevoflurane involved disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential and release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to the cytosol. In addition, the authors observed a proteolytic cleavage of the inactive p32 procaspase 3 to the active p17 fragment, increased caspase-3-like activity, and cleavage of the caspase-3 substrate poly-ADP-ribose-polymerase. Sevoflurane-induced apoptosis was blocked by the general caspase inhibitor Z-VAD.fmk. Death signaling was not mediated via the Fas/CD95 receptor pathway because neither anti-Fas/CD95 receptor antagonism nor FADD deficiency or caspase-8 deficiency were able to attenuate sevoflurane-mediated apoptosis. Conclusion Sevoflurane and isoflurane induce apoptosis in T lymphocytes via increased mitochondrial membrane permeability and caspase-3 activation, but independently of death receptor signaling.

Multiple Signal Pathways Involved in Crocetin-Induced Apoptosis in KYSE-150 Cells

Pharmacology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 103 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 263-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheng Li ◽  
Yuhua Qu ◽  
Xiu-Yin Shen ◽  
Ting Ouyang ◽  
Wen-Bin Fu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Squamous Carcinoma ◽  
Annexin V ◽  
Signal Pathways ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Apoptosis Pathway ◽  
Anticancer Properties ◽  
Multiple Signal ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Induced Apoptosis

Background: Crocetin is a carotenoid extracted from the traditional Chinese medical herb saffron. Previous studies have demonstrated that crocetin possesses anticancer properties that are effective against various cancers. As an extension of our earlier study, the present study explored the underlying mechanisms in crocetin’s anticancer effect on KYSE-150 cells. The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT), Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), and p53/p21 signal pathways play an important role in carcinogenesis, progression, and metastasis of carcinoma cells. Thus, we investigated crocetin’s effects on the PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and p53/p21 pathways in esophageal squamous carcinoma cell line KYSE-150 cells. Methods: KYSE-150 cells were treated with various concentrations of crocetin. 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltertrazolium bromide assay, Annexin V/PI stain as well as Rh123 stain were used to evaluate the cell viability, apoptosis, and MMP. Western blot was used to detect the expression of PI3K, AKT, ERK1/2, p38, c-Jun NH-terminal kinase (JNK), P53, P21, Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3, which were associated with cell proliferation and apoptosis. Results: Our results showed that crocetin significantly inhibited the proliferation of KYSE-150 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Crocetin also markedly induced cell apoptosis. Furthermore, we have found that crocetin not only inhibited the activation of PI3K/AKT, extracellular signal–regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK1/2), and p38 but also upregulated the p53/p21 level. These regulations ultimately triggered the mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis pathway with an eventual disruption of MMP, increased levels of Bax and cleaved caspase-3, and decreased levels of Bcl-2. Conclusions: These findings suggested that crocetin interfered with multiple signal pathways in KYSE-150 cells. Therefore, this study suggested that crocetin could potentially be used as a therapeutic candidate for the treatment of esophageal cancer.

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