ABSTRACT
We explored the effects of curcumin on the aberrant biological behaviors of prolactinoma cells and the downstream pathways through which curcumin exerts its antitumor effects. We used quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assays to measure miR-206 expression levels in peripheral blood samples from patients with prolactinoma before and after curcumin treatment. We also investigated the proliferation level, viability, and invasion ability of groups of cells treated with different concentrations of curcumin using 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-3-di-phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) assays, cell cloning assays, and Transwell assays, respectively. Furthermore, we determined the levels of autophagy-related proteins and protein kinase B/mammalian target of the rapamycin (Akt/mTOR) signaling pathway-related proteins in each group of treated cells by western blot. Curcumin treatment upregulated miR-206 expression levels in the peripheral blood of patients with prolactinoma and in GH3 cells. Knockdown of miR-206 expression enhanced the proliferation and invasive ability of GH3 cells, while curcumin treatment effectively inhibited the aberrant biological behavior of GH3 cells enhanced by miR-206 knockdown. miR-206 knockdown also activated the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and inhibited autophagy in GH3 cells, and these changes were effectively reversed by curcumin treatment. Thus, curcumin inhibited the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and promoted cell autophagy by miR-206 upregulation, resulting in antitumor effects that inhibited prolactinoma cell proliferation and invasion.
Subject(s)
Autophagy , Curcumin , MicroRNAs , Prolactinoma , MicroRNAs/genetics , MicroRNAs/metabolism , Curcumin/pharmacology , Humans , Autophagy/drug effects , Prolactinoma/drug therapy , Prolactinoma/pathology , Prolactinoma/genetics , Prolactinoma/metabolism , Cell Line, Tumor , Up-Regulation/drug effects , Male , TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism , Female , Pituitary Neoplasms/pathology , Pituitary Neoplasms/genetics , Pituitary Neoplasms/drug therapy , Pituitary Neoplasms/metabolism , Adult , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Middle Aged , RatsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Teratoma is a common tumor, but rarely occurs in the parotid region. Only nine cases have been reported in the current literature. Although it is generally detected in infancy or childhood, it is commonly asymptomatic. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have important roles in the diagnosis of teratoma. CASE SUMMARY: A 36-year-old man developed a lump located below the left auricular lobule 3 years ago. Physical examination revealed a nearly-circular tumor in the left parotid gland region with a defined border, firm texture, and significant movement. Calcification, fat, keratinized substances, and typical fat-liquid levels was observed on CT and MRI. A diagnosis of cystic teratoma of the parotid gland was established preoperatively and confirmed by postoperative pathology. Following surgery, the patient developed temporary facial paralysis. There was no recurrence of teratoma during the 15-mo follow-up period. CONCLUSION: When an asymptomatic mass in the parotid region is identified, parotid gland teratoma should be included in the differential diagnosis. Imaging examinations are helpful in the diagnosis.
