Realgar (As4S4) nanoparticles and arsenic trioxide (As2O3) induced autophagy and apoptosis in human melanoma cells in vitro.

The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of realgar nanoparticles and arsenic trioxide (ATO) on viability, DNA damage, proliferation, autophagy and apoptosis in the human melanoma cell lines BOWES and A375. The application of various flow cytometric methods for measurements cell viability, DNA cell cycle, mitochondrial potential, lysosomal activity, and intracellular content of glutathione was used. In addition, quantitative PCR, western blotting and multiplex bead array analyses were applied for evaluation of redox stress, autophagic flux, and cell signaling alterations.The results showed that realgar treatment of studied cells caused modulation of cell proliferation, induced a block in G2/M phase of the cell cycle and altered phosphorylation of IκB, Akt, ERK1/2, p38, and JNK kinases, as well as decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, it appeared that induction of cell death by both realgar and ATO was dose-dependent, when lower (0.3 µM) dosage increased lysosomal activity and induced autophagy and higher (1.25 µM) concentration resulted in the appearance of apoptosis, while pan-caspase inhibitor attenuated more efficiently realgar- than ATO-induced cell death. Furthermore, low concentrations of ATO and realgar nanoparticles increased the content of intracellular glutathione and elevated γ-H2AX expression confirmed DNA damage preferentially at higher concentrations of both drugs used. Further analysis revealed slight differences in time-dependent phosphorylation pattern due to both realgar and ATO treatments, while significant differences were noticed between cell lines. In conclusion, realgar nanoparticles and ATO treatment induced dose-dependent activation of autophagy and apoptosis in both melanoma cell lines, when autophagy flux was determined at lower drug concentrations and the switch to apoptosis occurred at higher concentrations of both arsenic forms.

Proteasome inhibition leads to altered signaling in the proteome of cisplatin-resistant human ovarian carcinoma cell line.

To address a precise view into molecular mechanisms of apoptotic signaling pathways after single- or combinatory treatments with specific NF-κB- or proteasome inhibitors and/or cisplatin (CDDP), flow cytometry and western blotting of the cell proteome in human ovarian chemosensitive- and CDDP-resistant cell lines were used. We report here that proteasome inhibition (but not NF-κB inhibition) caused marked alterations in the cell proliferation and cell cycle, as well as in the levels of signaling anti- and pro-apoptotic proteins PARP, NF-κB, IκB-α, Bcl-2, Bax, and lysosome-associated LAMP-1 and ATP-7B molecules in particular proteome fractions. These findings refer to the possibility of regulation of CDDP resistance, inclusive the capacity of lysosomes to export CDDP in certain human ovarian cancer cells by proteasome inhibition.

Modulation of markers associated with aggressive phenotype in MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma cells by sulforaphane.

Metastasis as a complex process involves loss of adhesion, migration, invasion and proliferation of cancer cells. Sulforaphane (SFN) is one of naturally occurring cancer chemopreventive isothiocyanates found in cruciferous vegetables, consumption of which has been associated with reduced risk of cancer. In this study, we describe effect of SFN on various aspects determining invasive behavior of MDA-MB-231 human breast carcinoma cells. We studied modulation of molecules associated with epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), hypoxic marker CA IX and mitochondrially located peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) using flow cytometry, gene expression of matrix metalloproteinases MMP1, 3, 7, 9, 14, transcription factors POU5F1 and Twist1 mRNA by RT PCR, and cytokine production by multiplex bead assay. SFN downregulated PBR and vimentin expression in a dose dependent manner, but significantly affected neither HIF-1alpha, nor CA IX protein expression, nor VEGF and GLUT1 mRNA levels. Among studied MMPs, MMP7 and MMP14 mRNA were downregulated while no apparent effect on MMP1, MMP3 and MMP9 was observed. Further, we found significant down regulation of Twist1 and POU5F1, transcription factors that mediate EMT and the self-renewal of undifferentiated embryonic stem cells. SFN reduced also the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, immunomodulating cytokine IL-4 and growth factors involved in angiogenesis PDGF and VEGF. Our study shows that SFN efficacy is associated with the reversal of several biological characteristics connected with EMT or implicated in the matrix degradation and extracellular proteolysis, as well as with reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and pro-angiogenic growth factors in MDA-MB-231 cells.

Administration of isothiocyanate (E-4IB) and cisplatin leads to altered signalling and lysosomal export in human ovarian carcinoma sensitive- and cisplatin-resistant cells.

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a new synthetic isothiocyanate derivative, ethyl 4-isothiocyanatobutanoate (E-4IB) and cisplatin (CDDP) in CDDP-sensitive human ovarian carcinoma cell line (A2780) and its resistant subline (A2780/CP). In parental cells, in comparison to untreated cells, sequential administration of both compounds led to higher exosomal dye (LysoTracker Green DND-26) retention and to alterations of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), JNK, ERK and p38, or Akt kinase accompanied by changes in several anti- and pro-apoptotic molecules and lysosomal protein LAMP-1, as detected by Western blotting. On the contrary, variant A2780/CP cells were resistant to CDDP- or to combined sensitizer (E-4IB)/inducer (CDDP)-related apoptosis induction and exerted minor changes in the levels of these molecules.

Isothiocyanate E-4IB induces MAPK activation, delayed cell cycle transition and apoptosis.

INTRODUCTION: Epidemiologic studies point towards a significant correlation between the dietary intake of isothiocyanate-containing foods and the reduced risk for cancer. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the current investigation, we examined the consequence of activating of signalling pathways during the release the cells from the block at G(1)/S boundary by synthetic isothiocyanate E-4IB. Using synchronized leukaemic HL60 cells, we show that activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases ERK1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38 signalling pathways by E-4IB are coupled with delayed transition through the cell cycle and rapid cell cycle arrest resulted in diminished mitochondrial membrane potential culminating in apoptosis. These events were accompanied by histone deacetylase inhibition, increase of double strand DNA breaks detected by histone H2AX phosphorylation and up-regulation of cell cycle regulatory protein p21 and phosphorylation of CDC25C phosphatase. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases signalling pathways, followed by the induction cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, might be responsible for anticancer activities of E-4IB.

Sensitisation for cisplatin-induced apoptosis by isothiocyanate E-4IB leads to signalling pathways alterations.

A new synthetic isothiocyanate (ITC) derivative, ethyl 4-isothiocyanatobutanoate (E-4IB), appeared to be an effective modulator of cellular proliferation and potent inducer of apoptosis. In cooperation with cisplatin, this compound exerted synergistic effects in human ovarian carcinoma A2780 cells. In the present study we investigated in more detail E4IB-sensitisation for cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Sequential administration of both cytostatic agents led to increased intracellular platinum accumulation, glutathione level depletion and mitochondrial membrane potential dissipation. These events were accompanied with poly (ADP-ribosyl) polymerase cleavage, stimulation of caspase-3 activity, upregulation of p53, FasL and Gadd45alpha, cyclin B1 downregulation and an increase in mitogen-activated protein kinases JNK, ERK and p38 phosphorylation as well as PI3K level alterations. The presented results might have implications for developing new strategies aimed at therapeutic benefit of natural or synthetic ITCs in cooperation with various anticancer drugs.

Diverse resveratrol sensitization to apoptosis induced by anticancer drugs in sensitive and resistant leukemia cells.

Naturally occurring dietary compound resveratrol (RES), possessing chemopreventive and cytostatic properties, has been shown as potent sensitizer for apoptosis induced by a variety of anticancer drugs. Cell cycle analysis in sensitive promyelocytic leukemia HL60 cell line and its multidrug-resistant variant HL60/VCR (P-gp positive) treated with RES resulted in cell cycle arrest in S-phase in both cell variants. Flow cytometry measurements showed diverse activities of RES in combination with anticancer drugs doxorubicin (DOX), cycloheximide (CHX), busulfan (BUS), gemcitabine (GEM) and paclitaxel (PTX), in some cases resulting in apoptosis induction, preferentially at the expense of S-phase. Thus, RES could become a candidate to enhance the efficacy of combination anticancer therapy in a variety of human cancer cells inclusive leukemias.

Flavonoid quercetin, but not apigenin or luteolin, induced apoptosis in human myeloid leukemia cells and their resistant variants.

Flavonoids and their in vivo metabolites are neuroprotective, cardioprotective and chemopreventive agents acting as hydrogen-donating antioxidants or modulators functioning at protein kinase and lipid signaling pathways. In presented study treatments of human leukemia cells HL60 and their MDR-1 resistant subline HL60/VCR by flavonoids apigenin (API), luteolin (LUT), quercetin (QU) and anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) are reported. Of all flavonoids used only QU treatments led in both cell lines to DNA fragmentation, cleavage of poly (ADP- ribose) polymerase (PARP), up-regulation of proapoptotic Bax and posttranslational modification (phosphorylation) of antiapoptotic Bcl-2. Cytochrome c and p21WAF1/CIP1 levels remained unchanged in these cells. Furthermore, treatments of both cell lines by QU and in its combined application with DOX increased phosphorylation of ERK, while Akt-1 and phosphorylated Akt-1 levels were not changed. All these events resulted in effective induction of apoptosis associated with down-regulation of P-glycoprotein in resistant cells. Presented results suggest that in human leukemia cells QU is a potent regulator of the cell apoptotic program associated with the modulation of several signaling molecules.

PK11195, an isoquinoline carboxamide ligand of the mitochondrial benzodiazepine receptor, increased drug uptake and facilitated drug-induced apoptosis in human multidrug-resistant leukemia cells in vitro.

The isoquinoline peripheral benzodiazepine receptor ligand PK11195 increased drug (daunomycin)- and fluorochrome (calcein-AM) uptake and induced apoptosis detected by flow cytometry (FCM) technique, DNA electrophoretic analysis and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage in human multidrug-resistant myeloid leukemia (BL-60/VCR) and ovarian carcinoma (A2780/ADR) cells in vitro. The position of PK11195 with respect to drug-resistance modulator (DRM) efficiency, compared to the reference DRMs with the aid of FCM technique, was as follows: PSC833 > verapamil > PK11195 > vincristine. Our data show up to now not indicated observation that PK11195 possesses multidrug resistance modulating activity.

Differential sensitivity of ovarian carcinoma cell lines to apoptosis induced by the IMPDH inhibitor benzamide riboside.

The differential sensitivity of examined human ovarian carcinoma cell lines (CH1, A-2780 and SKOV-3) to the IMPDH inhibitor, benzamide riboside (BR), was demonstrated with the aid of MTT assay. Present data show that all three examined ovarian carcinoma cell lines were sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of BR in the order of sensitivity CH1, SKOV-3, A-2780, (IC50 = 2.8, 4.0 and 7.4 microM, respectively). Although the IC50 of SKOV-3 cells was similar to that previously determined by others, more than 20% of SKOV-3 cells remained viable in a plateau up to 40 microM BR concentration. This relative resistance of SKOV-3 cells to BR corresponded to the absence ofBR-induced apoptosis in SKOV-3 cells, which together with clearly demonstrated sensitivity of CH1 cells to BR-induced apoptosis, established by flow cytometry (presence of nuclei with sub-G0 DNA content, Annexin V binding) and western blotting (poly-ADP-ribosyl-polymerase (PARP) cleavage), further stressed the role of drug-induced apoptosis in the over-all drug-induced cytotoxicity.

Radiation-induced apoptosis and cell cycle alterations in human carcinoma cell lines with different radiosensitivities.

Radiosensitivity of examined human neoplastic cell lines was assessed with the aid of MTT assay. Differences between radiosensitive and radioresistant human neoplastic cell lines were as follow: a) radiation-induced apoptosis detected by flow cytometry was apparent in the most radiosensitive (i.e. CH-1 ovarian carcinoma cell line), but not in the radioresistant (i.e. SKOV-3 ovarian carcinoma) cell lines, b) radiation-induced G2/M arrest appeared early after irradiation (6 hours) in both the radioresistant SKOV-3 cells and in the radiosensitive CH-1 human ovarian carcinoma cell line, but a different pattern was observed 24 hours after irradiation with 2 Gy dose with G2/M arrest only in radiosensitive cell line. The radiosensitivity and resistance to radiation-induced apoptosis in the radioresistant human breast carcinoma MDA-MB-231 cell line were similar to those observed in SKOV-3 cells. These data suggest that radiation-induced apoptosis and cell cycle alterations can predict radiosensitivity at least in some examined human malignant cells in vitro.

PSC 833 induces apoptosis in drug-sensitive human leukemia cell line and modulates resistance to paclitaxel in its multidrug-resistant variant.

BACKGROUND: The non-immunosuppressive cyclosporine analog PSC 833 has been shown to reverse multidrug-resistance of neoplastic cells including the MDR-1 gene coded P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-mediated cells resistant to paclitaxel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Apoptosis was demonstrated in drug-sensitive HL-60 and multidrug-resistant human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60/ADR (MRP) and HL-60/VCR (MDR-1) cells in vitro with the aid of flow cytometry, DNA analysis and western blotting. RESULTS: The techniques used herein determined accumulation of paclitaxel/PSC 833 induced apoptotic cells with sub-G0 (hypodiploid) DNA content and blocked in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage, Bcl-2 modulation and Bax up-regulation, without any significant alterations in the levels of Bcl-xL, CD95/Fas or Fas-L proteins. CONCLUSION: Drug resistance modulator PSC 833 abolished the P-gp-mediated multidrug-resistance to paclitaxel and paclitaxel-induced apoptosis in human myeloid leukemia (HL-60/VCR) cells in vitro. Furthermore, PSC 833 alone induced apoptosis in parental drug-sensitive leukemia cells, but not in both multidrug-resistant sublines studied.

Cell surface immunophenotype and gelatinase activity of the human breast carcinoma cell line (MCF-7/6) with functionally defective E-cadherin.

Expression of differentiation and adhesion cell surface antigens (LewisX - CD15, CD44, syndecan 1 - CD138 and basigin/EMMPRIN - CD147) were determined on the cell surface of human breast carcinoma MCF7 cells in vitro with the aid of flow cytometry and compared with that of MCF-7/6 cells, with functionally defective E-cadherin system and increased biological aggressiveness. The major cell surface alterations in MCF-7/6 cells compared with the parental MCF-7 cell line were a markedly increased CD15 (LewisX) and CD44 antigen cell surface expression on MCF-7/6 cells. There were no major differences between parental MCF-7 and MCF-7/6 cells in cell surface syndecan 1, basigin/EMMPRIN, E-cadherin and high affinity non-integrin laminin receptor expression. The constitutive cell surface gelatinase A and B activities were absent on MCF-7 and faint in MCF-7/6 cells. Both phorbol ester TPA and tumor necrosis factor TNF-alpha induced a marked up-regulation of gelatinase B only in MCF-7/6 cells. No marked differences in penetration of MCF-7 vs. MCF-7/6 cells into collagen/fibroblast matrix in vitro were observed. The increased expression of CD15 (LewisX), CD44 antigen and TNF-alpha-inducible gelatinase B on MCF-7/6 cells may represent auxiliary factors contributing to the increased biological aggressiveness of MCF-7/6 cells.

Angiogenesis inhibitor TNP-470: cytotoxic effects on human neoplastic cell lines.

Angiostatic substance TNP-470 displayed moderate cytotoxicity towards human leukemia HL-60, HL-60/ADR, HL-60/VCR and myeloma ARH77 cell lines with IC50 in the range 5-10 microM of concentrations and slightly higher IC50 for myeloma cell line U266. IC50 for ovarian CH-1, A2780 and A2780/ADR cell lines was in the range 10-15 microM with the exception of platinum-resistant SKOV3 cell line (more than 40 microM ). The IC50 values for MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast carcinoma cell lines were 15 and 25 microM, respectively. In human hemopoietic neoplastic cell lines examined, TNP-470 induced the appearance of subpopulation with sub-G0 DNA content, suggesting the apoptosis-inducing potential of TNP-470 in these cells. No TNP-470-induced drug uptake modulation in drug-resistant leukemia cell line HL-60/VCR was observed. TNP-470 induced accumulation of cells in G0/G1 phase of cell cycle. There was no TNP-470-induced inhibition of MMP collagenase activity or MMP (MMP2 and MMP9) production in the human fibrosarcoma cells HT 1080 in vitro.

Detection of apoptosis in a heterogenous cell population using flow cytometry.

Apoptosis induced in human leukemic cells (promyelocytic human leukemic cells HL-60, multidrug-resistant subline HL-60/VCR) and human ovarian carcinoma cells (A2780 and multidrug-resistant subline A2780/ADR) in vitro was detected by flow cytometric analysis or DNA electrophoresis. The cytofluorometric techniques utilized, i. e. detection of phosphatidylserine exposed at the outer surface of the plasma membrane, identification of cells with "sub-G0" DNA content or increased light side scatter (cell internal structure) correlated with the electrophoretic determination of DNA fragmentation ("DNA ladder"). Detection of the 34 kDa mitochondrial protein recognized by the monoclonal antibody Apo2.7 yielded elevated percentages of apoptotic cells, suggesting that this technique detecting both early and late apoptosis in digitonin-fixed cells might not be restricted to the specific detection of programmed cell death.

Pentoxifylline stimulates drug-induced apoptosis in leukemic cells.

Camptothecin (CAM) and cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II), cis-Pt) were used as inducers of apoptosis in the mouse leukemic L1210 cells. Relatively high concentrations of 50 micromol cis-Pt and 50 micromol CAM, respectively, were used to induce the apoptotic DNA ladder. The simultaneous treatment of L1210 cells by the drug and pentoxifylline (PTX) resulted in a decrease of drug concentrations necessary for the induction of apoptosis. This study revealed that a cell cycle G2 checkpoint inhibitor PTX reduces time intervals necessary for the onset of drug-induced apoptosis in these cells. This fact might be important as the earlier onset of programmed cell death may decrease a risk of tumor cells to become resistant to drug therapy.

Staurosporine enhanced benzamide riboside-induced apoptosis in human multidrug-resistant promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL-60/VCR) in vitro.

The inosine monophosphate (IMP) dehydrogenase inhibitor benzamide riboside (BR) induced apoptosis (detected with the aid of flow cytometric identification of cells with sub-G0 DNA content and increased side angle light scatter) equally or slightly more intensively in the multidrug-resistant human promyelocytic leukemia cell line (HL-60/VCR: MDR-1 gene, Pgp positive) in comparison with the parental drug sensitive HL-60 cells. Staurosporine alone induced relatively low level of apoptosis in parental HL-60 cells but higher level (approximately 35%) of apoptosis in multidrug-resistant HL-60/VCR cells after 24 hour induction. The combination of benzamide riboside and staurosporine induced in both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant HL-60 cells a marked proportion of apoptotic cells already after short (6 hour) induction (more than 30% of apoptotic cells).

The leukocyte common antigen (CD45) on human pre-B leukemia cells: variant glycoprotein form expression during the cell exposure to phorbol ester is blocked by a nonselective protein kinase inhibitor H7.

The human pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line REH6 was utilized for characterization of CD45 glycoprotein by monoclonal antibodies (mAb) recognizing four distinct CD45 antigen specificities, i.e. nonrestricted CD45, restricted CD45RA, CD45RB and CD45R0. Immunoprecipitation revealed two antigen specificities on REH6 cells of m.w. 220 kDa and 190 kDa, both presenting wide range of isoelectric point pI approximately 6.0-7.5. Nonrestricted CD45 epitopes were not affected by the sialyl acid cleavage with sodium metaperiodate or neuraminidase, but were sensitive to both, tunicamycin, the N-glycosylation inhibitor and monensin, an inhibitor of protein transport through the Golgi compartment. O-sialoglycoprotein endopeptidase from Pasteurella haemolytica A1 partially cleaved CD45RA and CD45RB epitopes, while nonrestricted CD45 determinants were not affected by this enzyme. Limited proteolysis of this antigen resulted in the appearance of 160-180 kDa peptide domains which retained CD45 epitopes. Further, the treatment of cells with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) induced marked down-regulation of 220 and 190 kDa isoforms and the appearance of new 210, 180 and 170 kDa variant glycoprotein forms which were not found on parental cells. This PMA effect was not accompanied by the programmed cell death and was markedly blocked by a nonselective protein kinase (PK) inhibitor isoquinoline sulfonamide H7. Modulation of CD45 by phorbol esters might serve as an in vitro model for an additional insight into the function of CD45 in hematopoietic cells.

Human multidrug-resistant (MRP,p190) myeloid leukemia HL-60/ADR cells in vitro: resistance to the mevalonate pathway inhibitor lovastatin.

Mevalonate pathway inhibitor lovastatin inhibited proliferation of human multidrug-resistant promyelocytic leukemia HL-60/ADR cells in vitro, with MRP-gene coded p190 mediated drug resistance, to a markedly lesser extent than that of the parental drug sensitive HL-60 cells and also that of the other human multidrug resistant (MDR-1, P-glycoprotein) myeloid leukemia cell line HL-60/VCR. The sensitivity of the examined human leukemia cell lines to the cytostatic activity of lovastatin correlated approximately with the potential of lovastatin to induce the characteristic cell cycle alteration (i.e. the accumulation of lovastatin-treated cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle). The P-glycoprotein positive HL-60/VCR cells and the parental drug sensitive HL-60 cells were more sensitive to this cell cycle alteration than the HL-60/ADR multidrug resistant leukemia cells with MRP drug resistance. Lovastatin (72 hours, 20 micromol) induced apoptosis and cell necrosis in HL-60 cells, apoptosis but not cell necrosis in HL-60/VCR cells and neither apoptosis nor necrosis in HL-60/ADR cells.

Stimulation of 1-(beta-D-arabinofuranosyl)cytosine (AraC)-induced apoptosis in the multidrug resistant human promyelocytic leukemia cell lines with protein kinase inhibitors.

Stimulation of apoptosis induced by 1-(beta-D-arabinofuranosyl)cytosine (AraC) with protein kinase inhibitors (i.e. staurosporine, CGP 41251-a protein kinase C (PKC)-selective staurosporine derivative and protein tyrosine kinase (PKT) inhibitor genistein) was examined in two human multidrug-resistant promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cell lines with different cell membrane drug resistance-associated glycoproteins (i.e. HL-60/VCR:MDR1 gene coded Pgp/p170 and HL-60/ADR: MRP gene coded non-Pgp/p190). Staurosporine stimulated AraC-induced apoptosis in the parental drug-sensitive HL-60 cells and both examined multidrug resistant HL-60 sublines. The stimulation of AraC-induced apoptosis by PKC selective inhibitor CGP 412251 and PTK-inhibitor genistein was approximately equal to that of staurosporine in HL-60/ADR cell line. In both parental drug sensitive HL-60 cells and Pgp/p170 positive (MDR1) HL-60/VCR, staurosporine-stimulated AraC-induced apoptosis was higher than that stimulated by the PKC selective CGP 41251 inhibitor, or PTK-inhibitor genistein. These data suggest that the molecular pathway(s) for AraC-induced apoptosis can be activated and stimulated by PKC- and PTK-inhibitors in both examined drug-resistant HL-60 cell lines. Furthermore, these data suggest that although both PKC- and PTK-dependent mechanisms are involved in AraC-induced apoptosis, in the drug-sensitive HL-60 cells and multidrug-resistant HL-60/VCR (Pgp/p170) cells this process is mediated at least partially, also by PKC- and PTK-independent mechanisms, activated by staurosporine.