Effects of Groove Topography on Migration of Cervical Cancer HeLa Cells / 医用生物力学

Objective To investigate the effects of groove topography on morphology and migration speed of cervical cancer HeLa cells. Methods HeLa cells were cultured on PDMS substrates with four different surface features, namely, flat substrate, 10 μm width parallel groove, 20 μm width parallel groove, bifurcate groove. Immunofluorescence technique was used to transfect F-actin in HeLa cells, and specific probes Mito-Tracker Green were used to label mitochondria. The location, morphology of cells and distribution of mitochondrial at different moments were obtained through the living cell system. Results Compared with 20 μm width parallel groove and flat substrate, HeLa cells in 10 μm width parallel groove were more orderly arranged and more elongated, but their migration speed was much slower. HeLa cells at the bifurcation protruded into branches and mitochondria were mainly distributed at the protrusion and around the nucleus. The bifurcation reduced the average migration speed of HeLa cells in 10 μm width parallel groove. Conclusions Groove topography has a significant effect on morphology and migration speed of HeLa cells. The research findings help to understand the role of topography in in vivo microenvironment during migration of HeLa cells, and provide references for the subsequent research on invasion and metastasis of cervical cancers.

CD40/CD40L expression and its prognostic value in cervical cancer

CD40, a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) family, is known to be involved in immune system regulation, acting as a costimulatory molecule, and in antitumor responses against cancer cells. It is a protein that is expressed in different types of cells, including immune cells and cancer cells (e.g., cervical cancer, breast cancer, melanoma). In this study, we investigated CD40/CD40L transcriptional and protein levels in cervical cancer cell lines and tumors. Higher CD40 expression was observed in cervical cancer cell lines derived from squamous cell carcinomas than from adenocarcinomas. Search of CD40/CD40L expression in cervical cancer tissues in public data sets revealed that about 83% of squamous cell carcinomas express CD40 compared to other cervical tumor subtypes. Moreover, expression of CD40 and CD40L in squamous cervical carcinomas is associated with better overall survival. Therefore, these proteins could be explored as prognostic markers in cervical cancers.

Synergistic effect of sorafenib with Platycladus orientalis (L) leaf extract on cervical cancer

The extracts of Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco leaves have shown promising anti-cancer, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory potency with the traditional knowledge of healing HPV associated warts. The purpose of this research is to assess the synergistic activity of sorafenib and Platycladus orientalis (L) leaf extraction on cervical cancer cells. The cytotoxicity efficiency of different concentrations of Sorafenib and ethanol extract of Platycladus orientalis (L.) leaves were tested on HeLa cells by MTT and Trypan blue assays. The synergistic effect of the IC50 concentrations of Sorafenib and Platycladus orientalis (L.) on HeLa cell by MTT assay, and mRNA expression levels of tumor suppressor tazarotene-induced gene 3 (TIG3), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) gene and apoptosis modulator (Bcl-2) gene by RT-PCR were evaluated with individual treatments. Combination treatment showed a relatively more expression of TIG3 and less expression of Bcl-2 and PCNA was observed. Growth factor-induced MAPKP activation was arrested by compound combination treatment, which and suppression of proliferation-induced apoptosis of cervical cancer cells. Based on the our results, the combination of sorafenib and crude leaf extract from Platycladus orientalis (L.) can effectively suppress cervical cancer cell growth, thereby providing an interesting rationale for further clinical trials and in-vivo studies.

Selective photodynamic effects on cervical adenocarcinoma cells provided by F127 Pluronic®-based micelles modulating hypericin delivery

Abstract Cervical cancer is a leading cause of death among women. The endocervical adenocarcinoma (ECA) represents an aggressive and metastatic type of cancer with no effective treatment options currently available. We evaluated the antitumoral and anti-migratory effects of hypericin (HYP) encapsulated on Pluronic F127 (F127/HYP) photodynamic therapy (PDT) against a human cell line derived from invasive cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa) compared to a human epithelial cell line (HaCaT). The phototoxicity and cytotoxicity of F127/HYP were evaluated by the following assays: colorimetric assay, MTT, cellular morphological changes by microscopy and long-term cytotoxicity by clonogenic assay. In addition, we performed fluorescence microscopy to analyze cell uptake and subcellular distribution of F127/HYP, cell death pathway and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The PDT mechanism was determined with sodium azide and D-mannitol and cell migration by wound-healing assay. The treatment with F127/HYP promoted a phototoxic result in the HeLa cells in a dose-dependent and selective form. Internalization of F127/HYP was observed mainly in the mitochondria, causing cell death by necrosis and ROS production especially by the type II PDT mechanism. Furthermore, F127/HYP reduced the long-term proliferation and migration capacity of HeLa cells. Overall, our results indicate a potentially application of F127/HYP micelles as a novel approach for PDT with HYP delivery to more specifically treat ECA.

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Knockout of KIFC1 Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis of Cervical Cancer Cells / 肿瘤防治研究

Objective To investigate the functions of the KIFC1 gene in tumor cells and its effect on the proliferation of cervical cancer cells. Methods We designed sgRNAs targeting the KIFC1 gene and constructed a recombinant plasmid based on the pSpCas9 (BB)-2A-GFP vector, which was co-transfected into HeLa cells. We screened monoclonal knockout cell lines through flow cytometry sorting, limited dilution inoculation of cells, and sequencing. RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence were used to detect the transcription and protein expression levels of KIFC1 in knockout cells. Cell phenotypes such as nucleus and microtubule cytoskeleton were observed using phase-contrast microscopy and fluorescence confocal microscopy. Cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis were analyzed by growth curve plotting, EdU labeling, and acridine orange staining. Results The deletion of the KIFC1 gene resulted in the abnormal phenotypes of HeLa cells, with increased numbers of multinuclei, micronucleus, and disordered microtubules. The cell cycle was disrupted, accompanied with a significant increase in the ratio of late apoptotic cells and a decrease in cell proliferation (all P < 0.05). Conclusion KIFC1 gene deletion affects the assembly of microtubules and cell division in HeLa cells, leading to abnormal nuclear morphology, chromatin elimination, cell cycle arrest, and increased cell apoptosis.

Arracacia xanthorrhiza Bancr compounds decrease β-actin, hypoxia-inducible factor-1 and nitric oxide production in HeLa cells / Los componentes de la Arracacia xanthorrhiza Bancr disminuyen las producciones de la actina β, del factor-1 inducible por la hipoxia y del óxido nítrico en células Hela

Abstract The treatment of cancer patients with anti-cancer drugs is often accompanied by the presence of undesirable side effects. The use of natural plant derivatives alone, or in conjunction with existing anti-neoplastic drugs, has been suggested to obtain better results and decrease these side effects. Nitric oxide (NO•), the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), and decreased concentration of actin play important roles in cancer progression. The beneficial effects of polyphenols in various organ disorders including cancer has been reported. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Arracacia xanthorrhiza Bancr extracts, white (WAXB) and red (RAXB) variants (compounds rich in polyphenols) on the concentrations of β-actin, NO• and HIF-1 in Hela cells cultures, to uncover possible anti-neoplastic effects. Extracts from the plant leaves were added to Hela cell cultures at a concentration of 10-3 mg/mL, and after 24 hours of culture, the concentrations of β-actin, NO• and HIF-1 were determined by immunohistochemical, biochemical and western blot assays. Both extracts reduced the concentrations of β-actin, NO• and HIF-1 (p<0.001), similar to the methotrexate effect. These results suggest an antineoplastic effect of the studied plant extracts and highlight the possibility of their use in the treatment of neoplasms.

Resumen El tratamiento de pacientes con cáncer utilizando drogas-antineoplásicas presenta problemas relacionados con efectos colaterales indeseables. Se ha sugerido el uso de derivados de plantas naturales solas, o en combinación con drogas antineoplásicas existentes para obtener mejores resultados y disminuir los efectos colaterales. Así mismo, se ha reportado que el óxido nítrico (NO•), el factor-1 inducible por hipoxia (HIF-1) y la disminución de la expresión de la actina tienen un papel en la progresión del cáncer. También se ha reportado los efectos beneficiosos de lo polifenoles en varios desordenes orgánicos, incluyendo el cáncer. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar los efectos de los extractos procedentes de la Arracacia xanthorrhiza Bancr blanca (AXBB) y la variedad roja (AXBR) (compuestos ricos en polifenoles) en las concentraciones de la actina-beta, el NO• y el HIF-1 en cultivo de células Hela, para destacar sus posibles efectos antineoplásicos. A los cultivos de células Hela se les agregaron los extractos de las hojas de AXBB o AXBR (10-3 mg/mL, concentración final) y después de 24 horas de cultivo se determinaron las concentraciones de la actina-beta, el NO• y el HIF-1 por métodos inmunohistoquímicos, bioquímicos y western blot. Ambos extractos disminuyeron las concentraciones de la actina-beta, el NO• y el HIF-1 (p<0,001) de una manera similar al efecto del metotrexato. Estos resultados sugieren un efecto antineoplásico de estos extractos y destacan la posibilidad de ser usados para el tratamiento de las neoplasias.

Effects of SP600125 on Proliferation and Invasion of Human Cervical Cancer HeLa Cells / 肿瘤防治研究

Objective To investigate the effect of SP600125 on the proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis and invasion of human cervical cancer HeLa cells. Methods CCK-8 method was used to detect the proliferation of HeLa cells treated with different concentrations of SP600125 at different time points. The 20 μmol/L of SP600125 was determined for subsequent experiments. Cell proliferation ability was detected using plate clone formation assay; nuclear morphology was observed by DAPI staining; cell cycle and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry; cell migration and invasion were detected by cell scratch and Transwell methods; the mRNA and protein levels of p53, Mad2L1 and CDC20 were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blot after SP600125 treatment at different time points. Results Compared with control group (0.1%DMSO), cells proliferative activity were reduced by 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 μmol/L SP600125 treatment for 24h. Compared with control group, the rate of apoptosis was significantly increased in SP600125 treatment groups, and the cell proportion in G2/M phase increased (P < 0.001), while the cell proportion in G0/G1 phases cells was reduced after SP600125 treatment for 24h and 48h (P < 0.001), and the clonal number, migration and invasion ability of HeLa cells also decreased significantly (P < 0.001). qRT-PCR and Western blot results showed a significant decrease in Mad2L1 mRNA and protein expression (P < 0.05) and a significant increase in p53 and CDC20 mRNA and protein expression (P < 0.01). Conclusion SP600125 can induce cell cycle arrest of cervical cancer HeLa cells in G2/M phase by upregulating p53 and CDC20 and downregulating Mad2L1 expression, and promote cell apoptosis to inhibit cell proliferation, migration and invasion.

miR-21 regulates the proliferation, invasion and radiosensitivity of cervical cancer HeLa cells by targeting RECK / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of miR-21 on cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and radiosensitivity of cervical cancer HeLa cells and unravel the underlying mechanism.Methods:RT-qPCR assay was used to detect the expression levels of miR-21 in cervical cancer tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues, normal cervical epithelial cells (H8) and cervical cancer cell lines (HeLa, SiHa, ME180). HeLa cell line with inhibition of miR-21 or knockdown of RECK were constructed. CCK-8, Caspase3/7 live cell apoptosis detection, wound healing test, Transwell invasion, clone formation assay, Western blot and immunofluorescence were performed to detect cell viability, apoptosis, migration, invasion, radiosensitivity and related proteins. The dual luciferase assay verified whether miR-21 targeted RECK.Results:MiR-21 level in the cervical cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in its corresponding adjacent non-tumor tissues ( P<0.05). The expression levels of miR-21 in cervical cancer cell lines HeLa, SiHa and ME180 were significantly up-regulated compared with those in normal cervical epithelial cells H8(all P<0.05). MiR-21 knockdown significantly inhibited HeLa cell viability, promoted cell apoptosis, reduced radiation tolerance, down-regulated the expression of Cyclin D 1,Bcl-2, MMP-2 and MMP-9, and up-regulated the expression P21 and Bax proteins (all P<0.05). miR-21 targeted the 3’-UTR of RECK mRNA and negatively regulated the expression of RECK. Silencing RECK reversed the effects of miR-21 knockdown on HeLa cell apoptosis, migration, invasion and radiosensitivity. Conclusions:Inhibiting the expression of miR-21 significantly decreases cell viability, induces cell apoptosis, weakens cell migration and invasion capabilities, and enhances the radiosensitivity of HeLa cells. The potential mechanism is closely related to the targeted up-regulation of RECK.

Juglone induces proliferation inhibition and apoptosis of cervical cancer cells via promoting c-Myc ubiquitination / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the expression of c-Myc protein in cervical cancer HeLa cells and explore the effect of juglone on the proliferation and apoptosis of HeLa cells by affecting c-Myc ubiquitination.@*METHODS@#HeLa cells treated with different concentrations (0, 10, 20, or 50 μmol/L) of juglone or with 20 μmol/L juglone for different time lengths were examined for expression of c-Myc protein with Western blotting. The half-life of c-Myc protein was determined using cycloheximide (CHX) and c-Myc protein degradation was detected using coimmunoprecipitation. We also assessed the effects of 20 μmol/L juglone combined with 0, 1.0 or 2.0 μmol/L MG132 (a proteasome inhibitor) on c-Myc expression. The effects of 20 μmol/L juglone on the proliferation and apoptosis of HeLa cells with RNA interference-mediated knockdown of c-Myc were evaluated with MTT assay and flow cytometry.@*RESULTS@#Treatment with juglone significantly lowered c-Myc protein expression in HeLa cells in a concentration-and time-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Juglone obviously shortened the half-life of c-Myc protein, and the addition of MG132 significantly up-regulated the expression level of c-Myc protein (P < 0.05). Juglone treatment also promoted ubiquitination of c-Myc protein in HeLa cells. Compared with the cells transfected with a negative control construct, the cells transfected with si-c-Myc showed significantly decreased proliferation inhibition and a lowered cell rate with early apoptosis after juglone treatment (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Juglone inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of HeLa cells by affecting the ubiquitination of c-Myc protein.

Enhanced Effect of miR-148a Targeting STAT3 on Chemosensitivity of Cervical Cancer HeLa Cells to Cisplatin / 肿瘤防治研究

Objective To investigate the effect of miR-148a on the chemosensitivity of cervical cancer HeLa cells to cisplatin and its related mechanism. Methods Cervical cancer HeLa cells were cultured in vitro and the concentration gradient of cisplatin was set to detect IC20 value. Control group, mimic control group, miR-148a mimic group, inhibitor control group and miR-148a inhibitor group were set up. qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of miR-148a and STAT3 mRNA after transfection. After 4 μmol/L cisplatin treatment, the proliferation of HeLa cells was detected by MTT assay; the apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were detected by flow cytometry; Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of p-STAT3/STAT3, CyclinD1, Bcl-2, Bax and Cleaved caspase-3. Results The IC20 of cisplatin on HeLa cells was about 4 μmol/L. Compared with the mimic control group, the level of miR-148a in the miR-148a mimic group was significantly increased, and the level of STAT3 mRNA was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Compared with the inhibitor control group, the level of miR-148a in HeLa cells in miR-148a inhibitor group was significantly decreased, and the level of STAT3 mRNA was significantly increased (P < 0.05). On the basis of cisplatin treatment, compared with the mimic control group, the apoptosis rate, G0/G1 phase cell ratio, the protein levels of Bax and Cleaved caspase-3 were significantly increased in miR-148a mimic group, while OD value, the proportions of cells in S and G2/M phase, the protein levels of p-STAT3/STAT3, CyclinD1, Bcl-2 were significantly decreased (P < 0.05); compared with the inhibitor control group, the above indicators of HeLa cells in miR-148a inhibitor group changed significantly in the opposite direction (P < 0.05). Conclusion MiR-148a could enhance the chemosensitivity of cervical cancer HeLa cells to cisplatin by targetedly inhibiting STAT3.

Combination Effect of Tamoxifen and Ascorbic Acid Treatment on Breast Cancer Cells (MCF-7) and Cervical Cancer Cells (HeLa) Kesan Rawatan Kombinasi Tamoksifen dan Asid Askorbik ke atas Sel Kanser Payudara (MCF-7) dan Sel Kanser Serviks / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

@#Breast cancer and cervical cancer are among the leading causes of death among women in the world. Even though chemotherapy is available as cancer treatment, the development of drug resistance in both cancer cells has reduced the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs in such treatment. The current study was aimed to evaluate the cell viability of human breast cancer cells, MCF-7, and cervical cancer cells, HeLa upon the combination treatment of ascorbic acid and tamoxifen. The cell viability was measured using the MTT assay, with an incubation period of 72 hours in a humidified CO2 incubator. The concentrations of tamoxifen and ascorbic acid that reduced 50% of the cell population (IC50) were determined from the dose-response curve. The IC50 concentration was used to determine the cell viability in the treated cells. CompuSyn software was used to evaluate the combined effects towards both cells upon treatment and the results were calculated as combination index (CI). The data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism (version 7). Statistical analysis was performed using an independent t-test. The IC50 values of tamoxifen and ascorbic acid on MCF-7 cells were 14.53 µg/ml and 15.8 µg/ml respectively, while the IC50 values of tamoxifen and ascorbic acid on HeLa cells were 11.09 µg/ml and 202.3 µg/ml respectively. The combination of tamoxifen and ascorbic acid exerted a greater growth reduction percentage in both cells compared to tamoxifen alone. The results indicated that ascorbic acid synergizes the cytotoxic effect of tamoxifen at lower concentrations towards MCF-7 cells with a CI less than 1. However, the combination of tamoxifen and ascorbic acid exerted an antagonistic effect in HeLa cells, with a CI more than 1.

Hec1/Nek2 Mitotic Pathway Inhibitor INH1 Inhibits the Cell Kinetic Parameters of A549 and HeLa Cells

Abstract In this current study, antiproliferative effect of Hec1/Nek2 Mitotic Pathway inhibitor INH1 was investigated in adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial cells A549 and human cervix carcinoma HeLa cell lines in vitro. To this end cell index values by xCELLigence Real‐Time Cell Analysis DP instrument, mitotic index, BrdU proliferation assay and apoptotic index analysis were used. The results of the current study showed that INH1 had cytostatic and cytoskeletal effects on A549 and cytostatic effect on HeLa cells. The IC50 concentration was determined as 56 µM with the xCelligence device for both cell lines. IC50 concentration was used for all other parameters. While this concentration decreased the mitotic index BrdU proliferation values, it increased the apoptotic index values of both of cell lines. There were significant differences between the control and the experimental groups (p<0.05). The results of the present study suggest that INH1 may serve as a promising treatment option for different types of cancer.

Isolation of Polyphenols from Soursop Annona muricata L Leaves Using Green Chemistry Techniques and their Anticancer Effect

HIGHLIGHTS Isolate, fractionate and characterize extracts obtained from soursop leaves. Use of emerging green technologies such as microwave-ultrasound hybridization. The extracts contain kaempferol, procyanidins, catechin, and quercetin. The total ethanolic extract demonstrates cytotoxic effect on HeLa cells.

Abstract Cervical cancer is classified as the fourth most common malignancy in women. Natural compounds are a therapeutic alternative in cancer therapy. The aim of the study is to isolate, fractionate, and characterize extracts obtained from soursop leaves (Annona muricata L.) and determine their cytotoxic effect against HeLa cervical cancer cells and non-carcinogenic fibroblast 3T3 cells. The phytochemicals of soursop leaves were extracted through emerging green technologies such as the novel use of microwave-ultrasound hybridization and the use of environmentally friendly solvents (water and ethanol), in addition to the purification of extracts enriched in polyphenols by liquid chromatography with Amberlite XAD-16. Total aqueous and ethanolic extract were purified, as well as the fraction one of each extract. The extracts recovered from soursop leaves contained kaempferol and its isomers, procyanidins, catechin, and quercetin. The viability of the cells was determined with the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. HeLa and 3T3 cells were exposed to concentrations of 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, and 250 ppm of a solution of soursop leaf extract powder. The MTT assay showed that soursop leaf extracts were toxic to both cell lines in general, however, the ethanolic extract at 25 and 50 ppm demonstrated inhibition in cell viability against the HeLa cancer line and low cytotoxicity for 3T3 fibroblast cells. In conclusion, the novel microwave-ultrasound hybridization technology allows the extraction of polyphenols that may have a potential cytotoxic effect on cancer cells.

Effect of resveratrol combined with radiotherapy on cervical cancer Hela cell growth and migration by regulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of resveratrol combined with γ-ray irradiation on the biological behavior of cervical cancer cells, and to explore its possible mechanism.Methods:The proliferation of cell populations after different concentrations of resveratrol solution±γ-ray irradiation was detected by CCK-8 assay. Scratch test and Transwell chamber test were used to detect cell migration and invasion. Flow cytometry and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining were employed to assess cell apoptosis. Western blot was performed to measure the expression levels of PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, mTOR and p-mTOR proteins.Results:Compared with the normal control (NC) group, the resveratrol group±γ-ray irradiation could inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion and promote cell apoptosis of human cervical cancer Hela cells, and the combined effect was more obvious. Compared with the NC group, resveratrol and γ-ray irradiation could significantly down-regulate the expression levels of Bcl-2, PI3K, p-Akt and p-mTOR proteins, up-regulate the expression level of Bax protein, but did not significantly alter the expression levels of Akt and mTOR proteins in human cervic1 255al cancer Hela cells.Conclusions:Resveratrol combined with γ-ray irradiation can dramatically inhibit the proliferation, migration, invasion, and promote the apoptosis of cervical cancer Hela cells. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and down-regulating the expression levels of downstream related proteins.

A DNA-based nanocarrier for efficient cancer therapy / 药物分析学报

The study aimed to achieve enhanced targeted cytotoxicity and cell-internalization of cisplatin-loaded deoxyribonucleic acid-nanothread (CPT-DNA-NT),mediated by scavenger receptors into HeLa cells.DNA-NT was developed with stiff-topology utilizing circular-scaffold to encapsulate CPT.Atomic force microscopy (AFM) characterization of the DNA-NT showed uniformity in the structure with a diameter of 50-150 nm and length of 300-600 nm.The successful fabrication of the DNA-NT was confirmed through native-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis,as large the molecular-weight (polymeric) DNA-NT did not split into constituting strands under applied current and voltage.The results of cell viability confirmed that blank DNA-NT had the least cytotoxicity at the highest concentration (512 nM) with a viability of 92％ as evidence of its biocompatibility for drug delivery.MTT assay showed superior cyto-toxicity of CPT-DNA-NT than that of the free CPT due to the depot release of CPT after DNA-NT inter-nalization.The DNA-NT exhibited targeted cell internalizations with the controlled intracellular release of CPT (from DNA-NT),as illustrated in confocal images.Therefore,in vitro cytotoxicity assessment through flow cytometry showed enhanced apoptosis (72.7％) with CPT-DNA-NT (compared to free CPT;64.4％).CPT-DNA-NT,being poly-anionic,showed enhanced endocytosis via scavenger receptors.

Preparation of paclitaxel-loaded and folic acid-modified poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nano-micelles and in vitro anticancer effect on cervical cancer HeLa cells / 中国中药杂志

The paclitaxel-loaded and folic acid-modified poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nano-micelles(PTX@FA-PLGA-NMs) were prepared by the emulsion solvent evaporation method, and the parameters of paclitaxel-loaded nano-micelles were optimized with the particle size and PDI as evaluation indexes. The morphology of the nano-micelles was observed by transmission electron microscopy(TEM), and the stability, drug loading and encapsulation efficiency were systematically investigated. In vitro experiments were performed to study the cytotoxic effects of nano-micelles, apoptosis, and cellular uptake. Under the optimal parameters, the nano-micelles showed the particle size of(125.3±1.2) nm, the PDI of 0.086±0.026, the zeta potential of(-20.0±3.8) mV, the drug loading of 7.2%±0.75%, and the encapsulation efficiency of 50.7%±1.0%. The nano-micelles were in regular spherical shape as observed by TEM. The blank FA-PLGA-NMs exhibited almost no inhibitory effect on the proliferation and growth of tumor cells, while the drug-loaded nano-micelles and free PTX exhibited significant inhibitory effects. The IC_(50) of PTX@FA-PLGA-NMs and PTX was 0.56 μg·mL~(-1) and 0.66 μg·mL~(-1), respectively. The paclitaxel-loaded nano-micelles were potent in inhibiting cell migration as assessed by the scratch assay. PTX@FA-PLGA-NMs had good pro-apoptotic effect on cervical cancer HeLa cells and significantly promoted the uptake of HeLa cells. The results of in vitro experiments suggested that PTX@FA-PLGA-NMs could target and treat cervical cancer HeLa cells. Therefore, as nanodrug carriers, PTX@FA-PLGA-NMs with anti-cancer activity are a promising nano-system for improving the-rapeutic effects on tumors.

Actividad antiparasitaria in vitro de plantas de la medicina tradicional Tacana sobre Plasmodium faciparum a través del método fluorométrico-SYBR GreenI / In vitro antiparasitic activity from plants of the Tacana traditional medicine on Plasmodiumfaciparum through thefluorometric method-SYBR GreenI

INTRODUCCIÓN: la presencia de compuestos activos en las plantas las posiciona como una fuente alternativa para el descubrimiento de nuevos fármacos. OBJETIVO: realizar la bioprospección de plantas utilizadas en la medicina tradicional tacana frente a cultivos de Plasmodium falciparum. MÉTODOS: se obtuvieron extractos por maceración en etanol a temperatura ambiente, de 31 órganos colectados de 23 plantas, estos fueron evaluados sobre cultivos asincrónicos de la cepa de Plasmodium falciparum resistente a la Cloroquina (FCR3). A los extractos que mostraron actividad antiplasmódica (CI50<20µg/mL), se evaluó la citotoxicidad (DL50) frente a células HeLa y se calculó el índice de selectividad (IS=DL50/CI50). Los extractos que dieron resultados IS>5, fueron seleccionados como promisorios. RESULTADOS: se obtuvieron 3 plantas muy activas (CI50<10µg/mL); 2 moderadamente activas (10µg/mL20µg/mL). De las 9 plantas que presentaron actividad, solo 2 plantas presentaron IS>5. CONCLUSIONES: incorporar los conocimientos del uso tradicional para realizar las evaluaciones biológicas es de mucha ayuda en la selección de plantas con efectos antiplasmódicos.

INTRODUCTION: the presence of active compounds in plants, converts them as an alternative to find new drugs. OBJECTIVE: carry out the bioprospecting of plants used in Tacana traditional medicine against Plasmodium falciparum cultures. METHODS: from the 31 collected organs of 23 plants, raw extracts were obtained by ethanolic maceration at room temperature and these were evaluated on asynchronic cultures of the strain Plasmodium falciparum resistant to Chloroquine (FCR3). The active extracts (IC50<20µg/mL), were evaluated for cytotoxicity (LD50) against HeLa cells and the Selectivity Index (IS=DL50/IC50) was calculated. The extracts that sowed IS>5were selected as promising. RESULTS: a total of 3 species were very active (IC50<10µg/mL); 2 were moderately active (10µg/mL20µg/mL). From the 9 active plants only 2 presented IS>5. CONCLUSIONS: incorporating the traditional knowledge to carry out biological evaluations is very helpful in the selection of plants with antiplasmodial effects.

Fermentation conditions and antitumor products of an ocean-derived fungus Alternaria sp. 114-1G: a preliminary investigation / 国际药学研究杂志

Objective: To investigate and optimize the fermentation conditions of an ocean-derived fungus, Alternaria sp. 114- 1G, and isolate metabolites in the fermentation products to explore antitumor compounds in the products via the structure elucidation and in vitro antitumor activity assay. Another aim of this study is to accomplish a fundamental work for further research on new compounds from Alternaria sp. 114- 1G. Methods: The in vitro antitumor activity was assayed for the crude extracts and isolated compounds by the CCK-8 method using a human cervical cancer HeLa cell line. The fermentation conditions were investigated and opti- mized based on the biomass of the fermentation and the in vitro antitumor activity of crude extracts of the fermentation. For the separation and isolation of metabolites, the column chromatography was performed on silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 columns, and semi-preparative high performance liquid chromatography(semi-HPLC)was conducted on a COSMOSIL C18-MS-Ⅱ column(10 mm×250 mm). The obtained compounds were identified according to the MS, 1H NMR and13C NMR data. Results: The relatively favored fermentation conditions were as follows: mannitol 25 g/L, maltose 15 g/L, glucose 10 g/L, monosodium glutamate 10 g/L, soybean peptone 5 g/L, yeast extract 3 g/L; 60% sea water in whole medium, initial pH 7.5; and fermentation at 10℃ for 15 days under a 150 r/min shaking speed on a rotary shaker. Four compounds 1-4 were isolated from the fermentation products of 114-1G strain and identified as cyclo (Gla-Tyr)(1), cyclo(Ala-Ile)(2), thymidine DNA nucleotide(3)and pachybasin(4). Among them, 4 showed a relatively stronger inhibitory activity on HeLa cells, with the 57.8% of inhibition rate at 100 μg/ml. Some other compounds were also isolated, and a phenolic one had been shown to be a new compound by a literature survey according to the planar structure deduced. Further studies on their structures were in progress. Conclusion: Fermentation conditions for Alternaira sp. 114-1G were investigated preliminarily, and four compounds 1-4 have been isolated from the fermentation products of the 114-1G strain. Among them, pachybasin(4)showed a relatively higher inhibitory effect on human cancer HeLa cells. Alternaira sp. 114-1G could produce new metabolites and the present study has provided a reliable groundwork for further research on new compounds from Alternaira sp. 114-1G.

Effect of Paiteling on HeLa Cell Proliferation and Metastasis Ability and PI3K/Akt Signal Transduction Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of Paiteling on the proliferation，metastasis and invasion of HeLa cells and relevant proteins of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway. Method:① HeLa cells were divided into blank group and Paiteling concentration gradient groups (3.906，2.604，1.953，1.563，1.302，1.116，0.977 g·L-1). After drug intervention for 24 h，the cell morphological changes were observed under microscope. The cell viability was measured by thiazole blue (MTT) colorimetry，and the half inhibitory concentration (IC50) of Paiteling on HeLa cells was calculated. ② HeLa cells were divided into blank group，cisplatin group (0.01 g·L-1)，Paiteling high-dose group (2.974 g·L-1)，Paiteling medium-dose group (1.487 g·L-1) and Paiteling low-dose group (0.991 g·L-1). Cell proliferation and toxicity test (CCK-8) method was used to detect the effect of Paiteling on the proliferation ability of HeLa cells，scratch test was used to detect cell migration，and invasion test (Transwell) was used to detect changes in cell invasion ability. ③ Inhibitor LY294002 group (0.006 g·L-1) was added. Western blot (WB) was used to detect the expressions of Paiteling on PI3K，Akt，recombinant human B-cell lymphoma factor-xl (Bcl-xl)，and B-cell lymphoma/leukemia associated D protein (Bad). Result:① Compared with the blank group，microscopic observation showed that the number of cells in the treatment group was significantly reduced, and the cell morphology was incomplete. MTT experiments showed that Paiteling has a significantly inhibitory effect on HeLa cell proliferation (P<0.01). The IC50 of Paiteling on HeLa cells was calculated as 2.974 g·L-1. ② The CCK-8 experiment showed that compared with the blank group，all the drug-treated groups had an inhibitory effect on HeLa cell proliferation at 24，36，48 h (P<0.01), compared with the cisplatin group，middle and low-dose Paiteling groups showed a reduced inhibitory effect on HeLa cell proliferation at each time point (P<0.01). The scratch test showed that，compared with the blank group，each drug-added group could inhibit the migration ability of HeLa cells (P<0.01)，and the cell migration rate of the high-dose Paiteling group was lower than that of the cisplatin group (P<0.05). Transwell experiments showed that compared with the blank group，the number of membranes permeated by HeLa cells in each drug-treated group was decreased (P<0.01)，and the number of membranes permeated in the middle and low-dose Paiteling groups was increased compared with the cisplatin group (P<0.01). ③ Western blot showed that compared with the blank group，the expression levels of PI3K，Bcl-xl，and Akt in the high，medium，and low-dose Paiteling groups and the LY294002 group decreased (P<0.05，P<0.01)，while the expression of Bad increased (P<0.01). Compared with the high-dose Paiteling group，the PI3K，Akt，and Bcl-xl protein expressions were increased in the low-dose Paiteling group (P<0.01)，whereas Bad expression was decreased (P<0.01). Conclusion:Paiteling can inhibit HeLa cell proliferation，metastasis and invasion ability in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner，which may be related to its effect on the expressions of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway-related proteins.

Forsythiaside B inhibits the proliferation activity of HeLa cells though transcription factor NF-κB / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM: To study the effects of forsythiaside B on HeLa cells proliferation by inhibiting NF-κB through p21/Cyclin E/CDK2 signaling pathway. METHODS: The cell activity of HeLa cells was observed by MTT assay after 24 h, 48 h and 72 h treatment with different concentration (1, 2, 4 μmol/L) of forsythiaside B. The clone formation of HeLa cells was evaluated with the condition of different concentrations of forsythiaside B. The expression of transcription factor NF-κB (p-p65 and p65) was determined, and the expression of p21, Cyclin E and CDK2 were detected as well.RESULTS:Forsythioside B inhibited the clone formation of HeLa cells in concentration dependent manner, and the inhibitory effect on HeLa cells' proliferation by forsythioside B was in both time and concentration dependent manner. Forsythioside B up-regulated p21 protein expression and down-regulated p-p65, Cyclin E and CDK2 protein expression. CONCLUSION:Forsythioside B inhibits the transcription factor NF-κB and affects the p21/Cyclin E/CDK2 signaling pathway, thus inhibiting the proliferation of HeLa cells.