Menopausal Knowledge and Management in Peri-menopausal Women / 대한폐경학회지

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to understand what peri-menopausal women know in order to enhance perimenopausal management. METHODS: Data collection was performed in December 2010. A total of 211 peri-menopausal women in Seoul and City S, Gyeonggido were surveyed using a convenience sample. Collected data was analyzed using SPSS. RESULTS: We found that 86% of peri-menopausal women had not received any health education on menopause and 92% of perimenopausal women wanted more education about menopause. Women who acquired relevant information from a hospital (or medical staff) had high levels of knowledge and care of their menopause. Also, it was found that there was a high correlation between postmenopausal women's knowledge and menopause management (r = 0.75, P = 0.01). A regression model of the factors that affect menopausal management consisted of menopausal knowledge, menopausal status and menopausal education, with these factors explaining 20.5% of variance. CONCLUSION: Systematic efforts and education are necessary to empower menopausal women in the management of their menopause.

Induction of the Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway by 3-Deazaadenosine Is Mediated by BAX Activation in HL-60 Cells

3-Deazaadenosine (DZA), a potent inhibitor of S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase, was previously proposed to induce intrinsic apoptosis in human leukemic cells. In the present study, we analyzed the mechanism underlying the DZA-induced intrinsic apoptotic pathway. DZA activated typical caspase-dependent apoptosis in HL-60 cells, as demonstrated by an accumulation of hypo-diploidic cells, the processing of multiple procaspases and an inhibitory effect of z-VAD-Fmk on this cell death. During DZA-induced apoptosis, cytochrome c (cyt c) was released into the cytosol. This was neither prevented by z-VAD-Fmk and nor was it associated with the dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsim). Prior to the release of cyt c, BAX was translocated from the cytosol to mitochondria and underwent oligomerization. Finally, the overexpression of BCL-XL protected HL-60 cells from apoptosis by blocking both the cyt c release and BAX oligomerization. Collectively, these findings suggest that DZA may activate intrinsic apoptosis by stimulating BAX activation and thereby the release of cyt c.

Induction of unfolded protein response during neuronal induction of rat bone marrow stromal cells and mouse embryonic stem cells

When we treated rat bone marrow stromal cells (rBMSCs) with neuronal differentiation induction media, typical unfolded protein response (UPR) was observed. BIP/GRP78 protein expression was time-dependently increased, and three branches of UPR were all activated. ATF6 increased the transcription of XBP1 which was successfully spliced by IRE1. PERK was phosphorylated and it was followed by eIF2alpha phosphorylation. Transcription of two downstream targets of eIF2alpha, ATF4 and CHOP/GADD153, were transiently up-regulated with the peak level at 24 h. Immunocytochemical study showed clear coexpression of BIP and ATF4 with NeuN and Map2, respectively. UPR was also observed during the neuronal differentiation of mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells. Finally, chemical endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inducers, thapsigargin, tunicamycin, and brefeldin A, dose-dependently increased both mRNA and protein expressions of NF-L, and, its expression was specific to BIP-positive rBMSCs. Our results showing the induction of UPR during neuronal differentiations of rBMSCs and mES cells as well as NF-L expression by ER stress inducers strongly suggest the potential role of UPR in neuronal differentiation.

The effect of tongue cleaner-equipped manual toothbrush on tooth and tongue cleanness and malodor index / 대한치주과학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of tongue cleaner-equipped manual toothbrush on tooth cleanness, tongue cleanness and malodor index. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 504 subjects were included in this study. At 1st visit, basic information such as age, sex, smoking amount and alcohol consumption was recorded. Self assessment by individual subjects was performed regarding satisfaction to old toothbrush and toothbrushing habit. Tooth cleanness, tongue cleanness and malodor index was assessed by professional researcher. Tongue cleaner-equipped manual toothbrush was given to each subject with proper toothbrushing instruction. After 1 month passed, self assessment and researcher assessment regarding the same index were performed and analyzed statistically by chi-square test. RESULTS: At 1st visit subjects seem to ignore tongue cleansing and showed poor tooth cleanness index, tongue cleanness index and malodor index, however the same subjects were motivated to clean their tongue and teeth and presented statistically improved distribution pattern in tooth cleanness index, tongue cleanness index and malodor index after using tongue cleaner-equipped manual toothbrush(p<0.01). Satisfaction to tongue cleaner-equipped manual toothbrush was 98%. CONCLUSION: Tongue cleaner-equipped manual toothbrush would be an effective tool for maintaining good oral hygiene through improving tooth and tongue cleanness and preventing malodor formation.

Involvement of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Response in the Neuronal Differentiation

Expressions of endoplasmic reticulum stress response (ERSR) genes were examined during the neuronal differentiation of rat fetal cortical precursor cells (rCPC) and rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. When rCPC were differentiated into neuronal cells for 7 days, early stem cell marker, nestin, expression was decreased from day 4, and neuronal markers such as neurofilament-L, -M and Tuj1 were increased after day 4. In this condition, expressions of BIP, ATF6, and phosphorylated PERK as well as their down stream signaling molecules such as CHOP, ATF4, XBP1, GADD34, Nrf2 and p58IPK were significantly increased, suggesting the induction of ERSR during neuronal differentiation of rCPC. ERSR was also induced during the differentiation of PC12 cells for 9 days with NGF. Neurofilament-L transcript was time-dependently increased. Both mRNA and protein levels of Tuj1 were increased after the induction, and the significant increase in NeuN was observed at day 9. Similar to the expression patterns of neuronal markers, BIP/GRP78 and CHOP mRNAs were highly increased at day 9, and ATF4 mRNA was also increased from day 7. These results strongly suggest the induction and possible role of ERSR in neuronal differentiation process. Further study to identify targets responsible for neuronal induction will be necessary.

Protein kinase A-dependent phosphorylation of B/K protein

We have previously isolated a novel protein "B/K" that contains two C2-like domains. Here, we report the isolatioin and mRNA distribution of a human B/K isoform, and protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent phosphorylation of the B/K protein. The 1.5 kb human B/K cDNA clone exhibits 89% and 97% identities with rat B/K in the sequences of nucleotide and amino acid, respectively. Human B/K isoform encodes a 474 amino acid protein and shows structural features similar to the rat counterpart including two C2 domains, three consensus sequences for PKA, absence of a transmembrane region, and conservation of the N-terminal cysteine cluster. On Northern and dot blot analyses, a 3.0 kb B/K transcript was abundantly present in human brain, kidney, and prostate. Among the brain regions, strong signals were observed in the frontal and temporal lobes, the hippocampus, the hypothalamus, the amygdala, the substantia nigra, and the pituitary. Recombinant B/K proteins containing three consensus sites for PKA was very efficiently phosphorylated in vitro by PKA catalytic subunit. B/K protein which was overexpressed in LLC-PK1 cells was also strongly phosphorylated in vivo by vasopressin analog DDAVP, and PKA-specific inhibitor H89 as well as type 2 vasopressin receptor antagonist specifically suppressed DDAVP-induced B/K phosphorylation. These results suggest that B/K proteins play a role as potential substrates for PKA in the area where they are expressed.

Regulation of Vacuolar H+-ATPase c Gene Expression by Oxidative Stress

By using differential display, we identified one of the genes encoding the multi-subunit complex protein V-ATPase, c subunit gene (ATP6L), and showed alterations of the gene expression by oxidative stresses. Expression of the ATP6L gene in Neuro-2A cells was increased by the treatment with H2O2 and incubation in hypoxic chamber, implying that the expression of the ATP6L gene is regulated by oxidative stresses. To examine mechanisms involved in the regulation of the gene expression by oxidative stresses, the transcriptional activity of the rat ATP6L promoter was studied. Transcription initiation site was determined by primer extension analysis and DNA sequencing, and promoter of the rat ATP6L and its deletion clones were constructed in reporter assay vector. Significant changes of the promoter activities in Neuro-2A cells were observed in two regions within the proximal 1 kbp promoter, and one containing a suppressor was in -195 to -220, which contains GC box that is activated by binding of Sp1 protein. The suppression of promoter activity was lost in mutants of the GC box. We confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift and supershift assays that Sp1 protein specifically binds to the GC box. The promoter activity was not changed by the H2O2 treatment and incubation in hypoxic chamber, however, H2O2 increased the stability of ATP6L mRNA. These data suggest that the expression of the ATP6L gene by oxidative stresses is regulated at posttranscriptional level, whereas the GC box is important in basal activities of the promoter.

PKA-Mediated Regulation of B/K Gene Transcription in PC12 Cells

B/K protein is a novel protein containing double C2-like domains. We examined the specific signaling pathway that regulates the transcription of B/K in PC12 cells. When the cells were treated with forskolin (50microM), B/K mRNA and protein levels were time-dependently decreased, reaching the lowest level at 3 or 4 hr, and thereafter returning to the control level. Chemicals such as dibutyryl-cAMP, cell- permeable cyclic AMP (cAMP) analogue and CGS21680, adenosine receptor A2A agonist, also repressed the B/K transcription. However, 1, 9-dideoxyforskolin did not show inhibitory effect on B/K transcription, suggesting direct involvement of cAMP in the forskolin-induced inhibition of B/K transcription. Effect of forskolin, dibutyryl cAMP and CGS21680 was significantly reduced in PKA-deficient PC12 cell line (PC12-123.7). One cAMP-response element (CRE) -like sequence (B/K CLS) was found in the promoter region of B/K DNA, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay indicated its binding to CREM and CREB. Forskolin significantly suppressed the promoter activity in CHO-K1 cells transfected with the constructs containing B/K CLS, but not with the construct in which B/K CLS was mutated (AC: TG). Taken together, we suggest that the transcription of B/K gene in PC12 cells may be regulated by PKA-dependent mechanism.

Prostaglandin A2 Induces Caspase-independent Apoptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells / 대한간학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Prostaglandin (PG) A2 has been reported to inhibit the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via activation of apoptosis, although the molecular mechanisms involved have not been clarified, yet. To investigate the mechanism of the PGA2-induced apoptosis, we analyzed the activation of caspases during the apoptosis of hepatoma cell lines. METHODS: Induction of apoptosis by PGA2 in hepatoma cell lines, Hep 3B and Hep G2, was assessed by DAPI staining of nuclei and agarose gel electrophoresis of genomic DNA. The involvement of caspases was analyzed by immunoblot analysis of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) and by checking the effect of caspase inhibitors on PGA2-induced apoptosis. RESULTS: PGA2 inhibited the growth of Hep 3B and Hep G2 cells, accompanying nuclear condensation and fragmentation, and genomic DNA laddering, which are the hallmarks of apoptosis. The PARP was not cleaved during the apoptosis of Hep 3B and Hep G2 cells and caspase inhibitors such as z-VAD-Fmk and z-DEVD-Fmk exerted no effect on the PGA2-induced apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that PGA2 induces apoptosis in Hep 3B and Hep G2 cells via caspase-independent pathway.

Role of STAT3-Interacting Protein (STIP1) in delta12-Prostaglandin J2-Induced Cell Death

delta12-Prostaglandin J2 (delta12-PGJ2) is one of cyclopentenone prostaglandins. The delta12-PGJ2 is known to induce apoptosis of tumor cells, however, it's action mechanism is not clear. It has recently been reported that STAT3 is involved in tumorigenesis. In the present study, we investigated the role of STAT3-interacting protein (STIP1) in the cytotoxicity of delta12-PGJ2, since STIP1 was recently reported as a modulator of STAT3 activation by specifically binding to inactive (unphosphorylated) STAT3. The effect of delta12-PGJ2 was observed in stably overexpressing Neuro-2A cells transfected with full cDNA of STIP1, and cytotoxicity of delta12-PGJ2 in the transfected cells was increased, compared with the vector control cells. The cytotoxicity of delta12-PGJ2 treatment was significantly accentuated by pretreatment of the STIP1-transfected cells with protein kinase inhibitor, genistein, and less activation of STAT3 in STIP1-transfected cells was shown, compared with the vector control cells. Expression of bax was also increased in the STIP1-transfected cells. These data suggest that STIP1 inhibits cell growth via inhibition of STAT3 activation in delta12-PGJ2 treatment.

Involvement of Sox-4 in the cytochrome c-dependent AIF-independent apoptotic pathway in HeLa cells induced by delta12-prostaglandin J2

delta12-Prostaglandin (PG) J2 is known to elicit an anti-neoplastic effects via apoptosis induction. Previous study showed delta12-PGJ2-induced apoptosis utilized caspase cascade through cytochrome c-dependent pathways in HeLa cells. In this study, the cellular mechanism of delta12-PGJ2- induced apoptosis in HeLa cells, specifically, the role of two mitochondrial factors; bcl-2 and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) was investigated. Bcl-2 attenuated delta12-PGJ2-induced caspase activation, loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (delta psi m), nuclear fragmentation, DNA laddering, and growth curve inhibition for approximately 24 h, but not for longer time. AIF was not released from mitochondria, even if the delta psi m was dissipated. One of the earliest events observed in delta12-PGJ2-induced apoptotic events was dissipation of delta psi m, the process known to be inhibited by bcl-2. Pre-treatment of z-VAD- fmk, the pan-caspase inhibitor, resulted in the attenuation of delta psi m depolarization in delta12-PGJ2- induced apoptosis. Up-regulation of Sox-4 protein by delta12-PGJ2 was observed in HeLa and bcl-2 overexpressing HeLa B4 cell lines. Bcl-2 overexpression did not attenuate the expression of Sox-4 and its expression coincided with other apoptotic events. These results suggest that delta12-PGJ2 induced Sox-4 expression may activate another upstream caspases excluding the caspase 9-caspase 3 cascade of mitochondrial pathway. These and previous findings together suggest that delta12-PGJ2-induced apoptosis in HeLa cells is caspase-dependent, AIF-independent events which may be affected by Sox-4 protein expression up-regulated by delta12-PGJ2.

Cytochrome C-dependent Fas-independent apoptotic pathway in HeLa cells induced by delta12-prostaglandin J2

Cyclopentenone prostaglandins (PGs) have antiproliferative activity on various tumor cell growth in vitro. Particularly, 9-deoxy-(9,12)-13,14-dihydro PGD2( delta12-PGJ2) was reported for its antineoplastic and apoptotic effects on various cancer cells, but its mechanism inducing apoptosis is still not clear. In this study, we have characterized apoptosis induced by delta12-PGJ2in HeLa cells. Treatment of delta12-PGJ2induced apoptosis as indicated by DNA fragmentation, chromatin condensation, and formation of apoptotic body. We also observed release of cytochrome c from mitochondria and activation of caspase cascade including caspase-3, -8, and -9. And the pan-caspase inhibitor z-Val-Ala-Asp (OMe) fluoromethyl-ketone (z-VAD-fmk) and Q-Val-Asp (OMe)-CH2-OPH (Q-VD (OMe)-OPH) prevented cell death induced by delta12-PGJ2 showing participation of caspases in this process. However, protein expression level of Bcl-2 family was not altered by delta12-PGJ2, seems to have no effect on HeLa cell apoptosis. And ZB4, an antagonistic Fas-antibody, exerted no effect on the activation of caspase 8 indicating that Fas receptor-ligand interaction was not involved in this pathway. Treatment of delta12-PGJ2 also leads to suppression of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) as indicated by nuclear translocation of p65/RelA and c-Rel and its DNA binding ability analyzed by EMSA. Taken together, our results suggest that delta12-PGJ2-induced apoptosis in HeLa cell utilized caspase cascade without Fas receptor-ligand interaction and accompanied with NF-kappaB inactivation.

Activation of calcium signaling by hepatitis B virus-X protein in liver cells

Hepatitis B virus x gene product (HBx) is known to be a transactivator of transcriptional elements that regulate the expression of a variety of genes associated with the growth, differentiation, survival and the apoptosis of cells. However, the exact mechanism of the activation and inhibition of cellular events by HBx remains uncertain. The present study was designed to measure the effect of HBx, on the signal transduction pathways associated with intracellular Ca(2+)mobilization following HBx transfection in the stable Chang liver cells (CHL-X). Enhanced cell proliferation by HBx in CHL-X was confirmed by MTT assay and by the immunodetection of PCNA. The transactivation of AP-1 by HBx induced in CHL-X was inhibited by cyclosporin A (CsA), a mitochondrial Ca(2+)channel blocker and by BAPTA-AM, a cytosolic Ca(2+)blocker. Activation of the SAPK/JNK signaling pathway by HBx was evidenced by the increased phosphorylations of c-Jun (Ser63) and of JNK (Thr183/Tyr185). Increased phospho-Erk/Erk and phospho-Raf1/Raf in HBx-induced CHL-X indicated that HBx might stimulate the MAPK pathway. PI3K activity and cytosolic free Ca(2+)levels were elevated in HBx-induced CHL-X. These results imply that HBx transactivates both JNK and MAPK signal transduction pathways in association with the mobilization of cytosolic Ca(2+).

Induction of Bis, a Bcl-2-binding protein, in reactive astrocytes of the rat hippocampus following kainic acid-induced seizure

The expression of Bis (also called Bag-3), a Bcl-2-binding protein, was investigated in the rat kainic acid (KA) model of temporal lobe epilepsy. Western blot analysis showed a significant increase in the expression levels of Bis protein in the hippocampus following the systemic administration of KA. Bis immunoreactivity increased preferentially in the CA1 and CA3 regions, as well as in the hilar region of the dentate gyrus. Experiments with double immunofluorescence revealed that, in KA-administered rats, the cells expressing Bis were GFAP-expressing reactive astrocytes. The increase in Bis immunoreactivity was accompanied by increased Bcl-2 in reactive astrocytes in the striatum radiatum, whereas Bcl-2 immunoreactivity in pyramidal neurons was not affected. These results of the co-expression of Bis and Bcl-2 in reactive astrocytes in this seizure model suggest that Bis might modulate the glial reaction under excitotoxic brain injury, probably by interacting with Bcl-2.

Sox-4 is a positive regulator of Hep3B and HepG2 cells' apoptosis induced by prostaglandin (PG)A2 and 12-PGJ2

We reported earlier that expression of Sox-4 was found to be elevated during prostaglandin (PG) A2 and delta(12)-PGJ(12) induced apoptosis in human hepatocarcinoma Hep3B cells. In this study, the role of Sox-4 was examined using human Hep3B and HepG2 cell lines. Sox-4 induction by several apoptotic inducer such as A23187 (Ca(2+) ionophore) and etoposide (topoisomerase II inhibitor) and Sox-4 transfection into the cells were able to induce apoptosis as observed by the cellular DNA fragmentation. Antisense oligonucleotide of Sox-4 inhibited the induction of Sox-4 expression and blocked the formation of DNA fragmentation by PGA(2) and delta(12)-PGJ(12) in Hep3B and HepG2 cells. Sox-4-induced apoptosis was accompanied with caspase-1 activation indicating that caspase cascade was involved in this apoptotic pathway. These results indicate that Sox-4 is involved in Hep3B and HepG2 cells apoptosis as an important apoptotic mediator.

Activation of caspase-8 in 3-deazaadenosine-induced apoptosis of U-937 cells occurs downstream of caspase-3 and caspase-9 without Fas receptor-ligand interaction

3-Deazaadenosine (DZA), a cellular methylation blocker was reported to induce the caspase-3-like activities-dependent apoptosis in U-937 cells. In this study, we analyzed the activation pathway of the caspase cascade involved in the DZA-induced apoptosis using specific inhibitors of caspases. In the U-937 cells treated with DZA, cytochrome c release from mitochondria and subsequent activation of caspase-9, -8 and -3 were observed before the induction of apoptosis. zDEVD-Fmk, a specific inhibitor of caspase-3, and zLEHD-Fmk, a specific inhibitor of caspase-9, prevented the activation of caspase-8 but neither caspase-3 nor caspase-9, indicating that caspase-8 is downstream of both caspase-3 and caspase-9, which are activated by independent pathways. zVAD-Fmk, a universal inhibitor of caspases, kept the caspase-3 from being activated but not caspase-9. Moreover, ZB4, an antagonistic Fas-antibody, exerted no effect on the activation of caspase-8 and induction of apoptosis by DZA. In addition, zVAD-Fmk and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) inhibitors such as cyclosporin A (CsA) and bongkrekic acid (BA) did not block the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria. Taken together, these results suggest that in the DZA-induced apoptosis, caspase-8 may serve as an executioner caspase and be activated downstream of both caspase-3 and caspase-9, independently of Fas receptor-ligand interaction. And caspase-3 seems to be activated by other caspses including IETDase-like enzyme and caspse-9 seems to be activated by cytochrome c released from mitochondria without the involvement of caspases and CsA- and BA- inhibitory MPTP.

Activation of caspase-8 in 3-deazaadenosine-induced apoptosis of U-937 cells occurs downstream of caspase-3 and caspase-9 without Fas receptor-ligand interaction

3-Deazaadenosine (DZA), a cellular methylation blocker was reported to induce the caspase-3-like activities-dependent apoptosis in U-937 cells. In this study, we analyzed the activation pathway of the caspase cascade involved in the DZA-induced apoptosis using specific inhibitors of caspases. In the U-937 cells treated with DZA, cytochrome c release from mitochondria and subsequent activation of caspase-9, -8 and -3 were observed before the induction of apoptosis. zDEVD-Fmk, a specific inhibitor of caspase-3, and zLEHD-Fmk, a specific inhibitor of caspase-9, prevented the activation of caspase-8 but neither caspase-3 nor caspase-9, indicating that caspase-8 is downstream of both caspase-3 and caspase-9, which are activated by independent pathways. zVAD-Fmk, a universal inhibitor of caspases, kept the caspase-3 from being activated but not caspase-9. Moreover, ZB4, an antagonistic Fas-antibody, exerted no effect on the activation of caspase-8 and induction of apoptosis by DZA. In addition, zVAD-Fmk and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) inhibitors such as cyclosporin A (CsA) and bongkrekic acid (BA) did not block the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria. Taken together, these results suggest that in the DZA-induced apoptosis, caspase-8 may serve as an executioner caspase and be activated downstream of both caspase-3 and caspase-9, independently of Fas receptor-ligand interaction. And caspase-3 seems to be activated by other caspses including IETDase-like enzyme and caspse-9 seems to be activated by cytochrome c released from mitochondria without the involvement of caspases and CsA- and BA- inhibitory MPTP.

The SEM and SPM Study on the Change of Machined Titanium Implant Surface following Various Laser Treatments / 대한치주과학회지

Following the extensive use of implant, the incidence of peri-implantitis increases. Guided bone regeneration has been used for the optimal treatment of this disease. Because implant surface was contaminated with plaque and calculus, cleaning and detoxification were needed for the reosseointegration when guided bone regeneration was performed.Various mechanical and chemical methods have been used for cleaning and detoxification of implant surface, air-powder abrasive and oversaturated citrate were known to be most effective among these methods. However, these methods were incomplete because these could not thoroughly remove bacteria of implant surface, moreover deformed implant surface. Recent studies for detoxification of the implant surface using laser were going on, CO2 laser and Soft Diode laser were known to be effective among these methods. The purpose of this study was to obtain clinical guide by application these laser to implant surface. 15 experimental machined pure titanium cylinder models were fabricated. The CO2 laser treatment under dry, wet and hydrogen peroxide condition or the Soft Diode laser treatment under Toluidine blue O solution condition was performed on the each of models. Each groups were examined with SPM and SEM to know whether their surface was changed. The results were as follows: 1. Surface roughness and surface form weren't changed when CO2 laser was usedunder dry condition(P>0.05). 2. Surface roughness and surface form weren't changed when CO2 laser was used under wet condition(P>0.05). 3. Surface roughness and surface form weren't changed when CO2 laser was used under hydrogen peroxide condition(P>0.05). 4. Surface roughness and surface form weren't changed when Soft Diode laser was used under toluidine blue O solution condition(P>0.05). From the result of this study, it may be concluded that the CO2 laser having relatively safe pulse mode and the Soft Diode laser used with photosensitizer can be used safely to treat peri-implantitis.

Induction of apoptosis in human leukemia cells by 3-deazaadenosine is mediated by caspase-3-like activity

3-Deazaadenosine (DZA), one of the potent inhibitors of S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase, is known to possess several biological properties including an induction of apoptosis. To evaluate a possibility that DZA may be utilized for the treatment of human leukemia, we studied molecular events of cell death induced by DZA in human leukemia HL-60 and U-937 cells. DZA induced a specific cleavage of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) and an activation of the cysteine protease caspase-3/CPP32 which is known to cleave PARP. DZA-mediated nuclear DNA-fragmentation was completely blocked in the presence of a universal inhibitor of caspases (z-VAD-fmk) or the specific inhibitor of caspase-3 (z-DEVD-fmk) unlike of cycloheximide (CHX). DNA fragmentation was preceded by the lowering of c-myc mRNA in the DZA treated cells. In addition, DZA-induced apoptosis was blocked by pretreatment with adenosine transporter inhibitors such as nitrobenzylthioinosine (NBTI) and dipyridamole (DPD). Taken together, these results demonstrate that DZA-induced apoptosis initiated through an active transport of DZA into human leukemia cells, is dependent on the caspase-3-like activity without de novo synthesis of proteins and possibly involves c-myc down-regulation.

Active adenosine transporter-mediated adenosine entrance into HL-60 cells leads to the induction of apoptosis through down-regulation of c-Myc

Although adenosine (Ado) is being recently recognized as a potent inducer of apoptosis, molecular mechanism of apoptosis by Ado remains to be elucidated. In this study we observed that c-Myc was rapidly down-regulated in the apoptosis in human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells treated with Ado. To establish the molecular and biochemical mechanisms of apoptosis, we tested the specific effects of several antagonists of Ado receptors or inhibitors of Ado transporter on the induction of apoptosis. Treatment of dipyridamole (DPD), an Ado transport inhibitor, effectively suppressed both c-Myc reduction and DNA fragmentation, suggesting that the induction of apoptosis and down-regulation of c-Myc is mediated by active Ado transporter. It was another evidence supporting the entrance of Ado into cells undergoing apoptosis that Ado cytotoxicity was potentiated by a addition of methylation cycle intermediates. These results suggest that the active Ado transporter-mediated Ado entrance into HL-60 cells leads to the induction of apoptosis through down-regulation of c-Myc.