Cytotoxicity In HL-60 Cells Research Articles

The involvement of nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism pathway in attenuating benzene-induced mouse hematotoxicity

Benzene exposure has been linked to various adverse health effects. However, the effective strategy for prevention or treatment of benzene-induced hematotoxicity remains unsolved. We previously administrated hepatocyte-specific deletion of Ppp2r1a gene (encoding PP2A Aα subunit) mice with benzene via inhalation for 28 days, and found homozygote (HO) mice exhibited alleviative hematotoxicity compared with wild type (WT) mice. Here, we integrate untargeted metabolomics and transcriptomics data to identify the key metabolic pathways and metabolites attenuating benzene-induced hematotoxicity. Metabolomics analysis revealed the perturbation of nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, as well as taurine and hypotaurine metabolism pathways, were implicated in regulating benzene-induced hematotoxicity. Meanwhile, transcriptome analysis showed that immune-, inflammation-, and metabolism-related pathways were obviously disturbed in WT mice groups upon benzene exposure, while sirtuin signaling pathway, associated with nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, was activated in HO mice groups. Notably, combined metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis further confirmed the involvement of nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism pathways in relieving benzene-induced hematotoxicity. Specific metabolites, including 1-methylnicotinamide (MNA), nicotinamide (NA), β-nicotinamide mononucleotides (NMN), and taurine were identified as the potential metabolites alleviating benzene-induced adverse effects. In vitro experiments demonstrated the protective effect of MNA and NA against 1,4-benzoquinone (1,4-BQ)-caused cytotoxicity in HL-60 cells. In vivo, MNA supplementation in drinking water could effectively restore the decline in white blood cell (WBC), lymphocyte (LYMPH), and reticulocyte (RET) counts, also mitigate oxidative damage and genotoxicity in response to benzene exposure. These observations highlight the potential of MNA supplementation as a strategy for preventing benzene-caused hematotoxicity.

Possible nonimmunological toxicological mechanisms of vesnarinone-associated agranulocytosis in HL-60 cells: role of reduced glutathione as cytotoxic defense.

This study was conducted as part of an investigation into the cause of vesnarinone-associated agranulocytosis. When HL-60 cells were exposed to vesnarinone for 48 hr, little cytotoxicity was observed, although reduced glutathione (GSH) content decreased in a concentration-dependent manner. Significant cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were observed when intracellular GSH content was reduced by treatment with L-buthionine-(S, R)-sulphoximine. The involvement of myeloperoxidase (MPO) metabolism was suggested, as when HL-60 cells were exposed to a reaction mixture of vesnarinone-MPO/H2O2/Cl-, cytotoxicity was also observed. In contrast, the presence of GSH (1 mM) protected against these cytotoxic effects. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the MPO/H2O2/Cl- reaction mixture revealed that vesnarinone was converted into two metabolites, (4-(3,4-dimethoxybenzoyl)piperazine [Metabolite 1: M1] and 1-chloro-4-(3,4-dimethoxybenzoyl)piperazine [Metabolite 2: M2]). M2 was identified as the N-chloramine form, a reactive metabolite of M1. Interestingly, M2 was converted to M1, which was accompanied by the conversion of GSH to oxidized GSH (GSSG). Furthermore, when HL-60 cells were exposed to synthetic M1 and M2 for 24 hr, M2 caused dose-dependent cytotoxicity, whereas M1 did not. Cells were protected from M2-derived cytotoxicity by the presence of GSH. In conclusion, we present the first demonstration of the cytotoxic effects and ROS production resulting from the MPO/H2O2/Cl- metabolic reaction of vesnarinone and newly identified the causative metabolite, M2, as the N-chloramine metabolite of M1, which induces cytotoxicity in HL-60 cells. Moreover, a protective role of GSH against the cytotoxicity was revealed. These findings suggest a possible nonimmunological cause of vesnarinone agranulocytosis.

A Reactive Metabolite of Clozapine Induces Hematopoietic Toxicity in HL-60 Cells Undergoing Granulocytic Differentiation through Its Effect on Glutathione Metabolism.

Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic with several advantages over conventional antipsychotics, in addition to its well-known efficacy in treatment-resistant schizophrenia. However, the high risk of agranulocytosis associated with clozapine therapy limits its clinical application. Clozapine bioactivation to an unstable protein-reactive metabolite, identified as a nitrenium intermediate, has been implicated in cytotoxicity toward neutrophils. Clozapine affects myeloid precursor cells rather than neutrophils; however, the impact of its reactive metabolite on myeloid precursor cells undergoing granulocytic differentiation remains unclear. Herein, we used hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to generate the reactive metabolite and compared reactive metabolite-induced cytotoxicity between HL-60 cells undergoing granulocytic differentiation and differentiated HL-60 cells. In addition, we examined the role of oxidative stress in this type of cytotoxicity. The reactive metabolite of clozapine induced rapid cytotoxicity in HL-60 cells undergoing granulocytic differentiation, but not in differentiated HL-60 cells, with the metabolite exhibiting more potent cytotoxicity than clozapine. No cytotoxicity was observed following incubation with olanzapine, a structural analog of clozapine, even after exposure of the drug to H2O2. The reactive metabolite of clozapine decreased the levels of reduced glutathione, while addition of reduced glutathione attenuated the reactive metabolite-induced cytotoxicity. These findings indicate that glutathione metabolism plays a role in the hematopoietic toxicity induced by the reactive metabolite of clozapine. Oxidative stress may potentially increase susceptibility to the hematopoietic toxicity induced by the reactive metabolite of clozapine.

In Vitro and In Vivo Antiglycation Effects of Connarus ruber Extract.

Accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) of the Maillard reaction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications. Connarus ruber has been used as a folk remedy for several diseases, including diabetes; however, its underlying mechanism has not yet been investigated. This study investigated the effects of C. ruber extract against glycation on collagen-linked AGEs in vitro and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (STZ-DM rats) in vivo. The antiglycation activities of C. ruber extract and aminoguanidine (AG) were examined using a collagen glycation assay kit. Nonfluorescent AGE, Nε-carboxymethyl lysine (CML), Nω-carboxymethyl arginine, and Nε-carboxyethyl lysine levels were measured via electrospray ionization-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The effect of the extract on the cytotoxicity of methylglyoxal (MG), a precursor of AGEs, was examined in HL60 cells. STZ-DM rats were treated with the extract for 4 wk, and the effect was assessed using biochemical markers in the serum and CML-positive cells in renal tissues. C. ruber extract dose-dependently inhibited the glycation of collagen and formation of nonfluorescent AGEs, which was comparable to AG, and it significantly attenuated MG-induced cytotoxicity in HL60 cells. Furthermore, the glycated albumin levels in STZ-DM rats decreased, the increase in serum lipid levels was reversed, and immunohistochemistry demonstrated that CML deposition in the glomerulus of STZ-DM rats significantly decreased. Although further studies are needed, C. ruber could be a potential therapeutic for preventing and progressing many pathological conditions, including diabetes.

L-Ascorbic Acid and α-Tocopherol Synergistically Triggers Apoptosis Inducing Antileukemic Effects of Arsenic Trioxide via Oxidative Stress in Human Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Cells.

Chemosensitization is an effective strategy to overcome the drawbacks of arsenic trioxide (As2O3) treatment, which may be possible through the use of dietary supplements in combination. The present investigation evaluates the synergistic mechanism of action of vitamins, such as L-ascorbic acid (L-AA) and α-tocopherol (α-TOC) in As2O3 chemotherapy using human leukemia (HL-60) cells. In vitro assays on the cytotoxicity of As2O3 and vitamins and cellular apoptotic evidences were done; a proteomic investigation with mass spectrometry was also performed. The combination of L-AA and α-TOC potentiates As2O3 cytotoxicity in HL-60 cells, substantiated by depletion in antioxidant status, mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and inhibition of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and B-cell lymphoma 2 transcription factors. Mass spectrometry results showed decreased expression of proteins regulating cell cycle and translation in cells treated with As2O3, L-AA, and α-TOC when compared with As2O3-treated sample. In addition, this combination treatment identified numerous proteins associated with apoptosis and cell stress. HL-60 cells became more prone to As2O3 on exposure to L-AA and α-TOC, indicating that this combination may be a promising approach to increase the outcome of As2O3 chemotherapy.

Myeloperoxidase-mediated oxidation of edaravone produces an apparent non-toxic free radical metabolite and modulates hydrogen peroxide-mediated cytotoxicity in HL-60 cells

Edaravone is considered to be a potent antioxidant drug known to scavenge free radical species and prevent free radical-induced lipid peroxidation. In this study, we investigated the effect of edaravone on the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, an enzyme responsible for the production of an array of neutrophil-derived oxidants that can cause cellular damage. The addition of edaravone to the reaction of MPO and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) significantly enhanced the reduction of MPO Compound II back to native MPO. Interestingly, the MPO-mediated production of toxic hypochlorous acid exhibited a concentration-dependent biphasic effect, with the apparent optimal edaravone concentration at 10 μM. Oxidation of edaravone by MPO was examined by various analytical methods. An MPO-catalyzed product(s) of edaravone was identified at 350 nm by kinetic analysis of UV–Vis spectroscopy. Several MPO-catalyzed metabolites of edaravone were proposed from the LC-MS analyses, including oxidized dimers from edaravone radicals. Electron spin resonance (ESR) spin trapping detected a carbon-centred radical metabolite of edaravone. NMR studies revealed that there are two exchangeable hydrogens, one of which is on the α-carbon, justifying the carbon-centred edaravone radical produced from MPO. Despite the formation of an edaravone carbon-radical metabolite, it did not appear to effectively oxidize GSH (in comparison with phenoxyl radicals). Viability (ATP) and cytotoxicity (LDH release) assays showed a concentration-dependent effect of edaravone on HL-60 cells treated with either a bolus concentration of 30 μM H2O2 or a flux of H2O2 generated by 5 mM glucose and 10 mU/mL glucose oxidase. The H2O2-induced toxicity was ameliorated at high edaravone concentrations (100–200 μM). In contrast, low concentrations of edaravone (1–10 μM) exacerbated the H2O2-induced toxicity. However, the effect of edaravone at low concentration (0–10 μM) appeared more prominent with the LDH assay only. The cellular findings correlated with the biochemical studies with respect to hypochlorous acid formation. These findings provide interesting perspectives regarding the duality of edaravone as an antioxidant drug.

8:2 Fluorotelomer alcohol causes G1 cell cycle arrest and blocks granulocytic differentiation in HL-60 cells.

Fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) are fluorinated intermediates used in manufacturing specialty polymer and surfactants, with 8:2 FTOH the homologue of largest production. FTOHs were found to pose acute toxicity, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, developmental toxicity and endocrine-disrupting risks, whereas research regarding immunotoxicity and its underlying mechanism, especially on specific immune cells is limited. Here, we investigated the immunotoxicity of 8:2 FTOH on immature immune cells in an in vitro system. We observed that exposure of HL-60 cells, a human promyelocytic leukemic cell line, to 8:2 FTOH reduced cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, 8:2 FTOH exposure caused G1 cell cycle arrest in HL-60 cells, while it showed no effect on apoptosis. Exposure to 8:2 FTOH inhibited the mRNA expression of cell cycle-related genes, including CCNA1, CCNA2, CCND1, and CCNE2. Moreover, exposure to 8:2 FTOH inhibited the mRNA expression of granulocytic differentiation-related genes of CD11b, CSF3R, PU.1, and C/EPBε in HL-60 cells . Furthermore, 8:2 FTOH exhibited no effect on intracellular ROS level, while hydralazine hydrochloride (Hyd), one reactive carbonyl species (RCS) scavenger, partially blocked 8:2 FTOH-caused cytotoxicity in HL-60 cells. Overall, the results obtained in the study show that 8:2 FTOH poses immunotoxicity in immature immune cells and RCS may partially underline its mechanism.

Paradox-Breaker Pan-RAF Inhibitors Induce an AML-Specific Cytotoxic Response and Synergize with Venetoclax to Display Superior Antileukemic Activity

The RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK (MAPK) pathway is deregulated in many cancers including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), where it facilitates cancer progression, chemo-resistance and cancer relapse. Therefore, the inhibition of this pathway has been explored for the treatment of AML, especially in the ~10% of AML cases where the leukemic cells carry activating mutations of the NRAS or KRAS oncogenes. However, MEK inhibitors, the best explored class of MAPK inhibitors, have not proven effective in the clinical setting. A novel clinically investigated drug class in this context are the paradox-breaker pan-RAF inhibitors that prevent the reactivation of the MAPK-pathway and have exhibited single agent efficacy in preclinical testing for solid cancers. Therefore, it is relevant to explore the utility of this class of drugs for AML treatment.We found that the paradox breaker pan-RAF inhibitors LY3009120 (currently in clinical testing), AZ-628 and TAK-632 as well as other MAPK inhibitors effectively downregulated MAPK signaling activity (ERK phosphorylation) in AML cells. However, when comparing cell viability (CellTiter Glo) and cell death (CellTox Green) responses in 101 AML patient sample cohort, only the pan-RAF inhibitors induced cytotoxicity while the other MAPK-pathway inhibitors generally induced a temporary cytostatic response. Specifically, LY3009120 induced cell death in 42 samples out of 101 (42 %) whereas only 9/101 (9 %) underwent cell death in response to trametinib (MEK-inhibitor) (Fig. panel A). Importantly, LY3009120 did not induce cell death in mononuclear bone marrow cells obtained from healthy individuals (5 samples) or in non-hematopoietic cell lines (Fig. panel A).To get insight into the mechanism regulating cell death in response to pan-RAF inhibition we first characterized that cells underwent rapid caspase-3/7 mediated apoptotic cell death in response to pan-RAF inhibitors (Fig. panel B). Therefore, we analyzed the proteins involved in apoptosis pathways and found that MCL-1 protein, but not mRNA levels, were downregulated upon treatment with pan-RAF inhibitors but not with MEK-inhibitors. This suggests that pan-RAF inhibition negatively regulated the translation of MCL-1, thus uncovering a new mode of MCL-1 regulation by RAF kinases. Importantly, pan-RAF inhibitors downregulated MCL-1 levels independently of caspase activity, indicating that MCL-1 downregulation precedes the apoptotic response.We explored the link between somatic mutation status and response to LY3009120 in our AML patient sample cohort. KRAS, KIT, FLT3-TKD, BCOR, JAK2 and PTPN11 mutations were found to correlate positively with pan-RAF inhibitor response, while SRSF2, RUNX1, GATA2 and STAG2 mutations negatively correlated with response and appeared to override positively correlating mutations.As pan-RAF inhibition downregulates MCL-1, an important survival protein whose increased expression is known to cause resistance to BCL-2 inhibitors, we hypothesized that inhibition of RAF kinases can overcome the resistance to BCL-2 inhibitors. In order to test the hypothesis, we generated venetoclax (BCL-2 inhibitor) resistant MOLM-13 cells and treated them with single and combined doses of venetoclax and LY3009120. As expected, combined inhibition of BCL-2 and RAF kinases significantly increased cytotoxicity as compared to either of the drugs alone (Fig. panel C). Conversely, to see if BCL-2 inhibition can overcome resistance to pan-RAF inhibitors, we treated pan-RAF inhibitor resistant HL-60 and THP-1 cells with single and combined doses of venetoclax and LY3009120. Interestingly, the drug combination exhibited synergistic cytotoxicity in HL-60 cells (where LY3009120 alone downregulates MCL-1) but not in THP-1 cells (where LY3009120 alone does not downregulate MCL-1). This indicates that MCL-1 downregulation upon pan-RAF inhibitor treatment is critical for the observed combination cytotoxicity.In summary, our results show that paradox breaker pan-RAF inhibitors are effective as single agents to induce cell death in AML blasts, likely through a combined MAPK pathway and MCL-1 dependent mechanism. Moreover, combined inhibition of RAF kinases and BCL-2 can overcome resistance of AML cells to either drug alone and lead to superior anti-leukemic activity. [Display omitted] DisclosuresHeckman:Celgene: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Orion Pharma: Research Funding. Porkka:Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding. Wennerberg:Novartis: Research Funding.

Enhanced cytotoxic effects of arsenite in combination with anthocyanidin compound, delphinidin, against a human leukemia cell line, HL-60

Among five major anthocyanin compounds, delphinidin exhibited the most potent and selective cytocidal effect against HL-60, a trivalent arsenic (As(III))-resistant cell line. Co-treatment with delphinidin and As(III) resulted in the reduction of IC50 value for As(III) from 11.2 to 1.5 μM, which was considered as clinically achieved concentrations of As(III). The combination treatment strongly preferred to selectively enhance the cytotoxicity of As(III) against HL-60 cells rather than human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The induction of apoptosis as evidenced by the increase of sub-G1 cells, DNA fragmentation, annexin V-positive cells and the activation of caspase-8, -9 and -3 was observed in HL-60 cells co-treated with As(III) and delphinidin. Similar to the activation pattern of caspases, a substantial decrease in the expression level of Bid along with the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential was also observed. These results suggested that the combination treatment triggered a convergence of the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis via the activation of caspase-8 and cleaved Bid. Delphinidin itself significantly decreased the intracellular GSH ([i]GSH) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) binding activity, and further returned As(III)-triggered increment of [i]GSH and enhancement of NF-κB binding activity to control level. Additionally, buthionine sulfoximine, a GSH depletor; JSH-23, a NF-κB inhibitor, also mimicked the capacity of delphinidin to significantly induce the reduction of [i]GSH along with the potentiation of As(III) cytotoxicity in HL-60 cells. These observations suggested that delphinidin-induced sensitization of HL-60 cells to As(III) was caused by the reduction of [i]GSH, which was probably associated with the inhibitory effect of delphinidin on NF-κB binding activity. These findings further suggest that delphinidin-induced sensitization of HL-60 cells to As(III) may lead to dose reduction of As(III) in clinical application, and ultimately contribute to minimizing its side effects.

Caspase-independence and characterization of bisnaphthalimidopropyl spermidine induced cytotoxicity in HL60 cells

Bisnaphthalimides are DNA intercalators of potential use as chemotherapeutics but for which the range of mechanism of action is only gradually being elucidated. Using human promyelocytic HL-60 cells, we extend characterization of the cytotoxicity of bisnaphthalimidopropylspermidine (BNIPSpd) and examine the relationship with caspase-activity. Within 4 h exposure, BNIPSpd (1–10 μM) induced significant DNA strand breakage. Evidence of apoptosis was progressive through the experimental period. Within 6 h, BNIPSpd increased the proportion of cells exhibiting plasma membrane phosphatidylserine exposure. Within 12 h, active caspase expression increased and was sustained with 5 and 10 μM BNIPSpd. Flow cytometric analysis revealed caspase activity in cells with and without damaged membranes. By 24 h, 5 and 10 μM BNIPSpd increased hypodiploid DNA content and internucleosomal DNA fragmentation (DNA ladders) typical of the later stages of apoptosis. 1 μM BNIPSpd exposure also increased hypodiploid DNA content by 48 h. Polyamine levels decreased by 24 h BNIPSpd exposure. The pan-caspase inhibitor, z-VAD-fmk, significantly decreased DNA degradation (hypodiploid DNA and DNA ladders) and cytotoxicity. Despite this, cell growth and viability remained significantly impaired. We propose that BNIPSpd cytotoxicity arises through DNA damage and not polyamine depletion and that cytotoxicity is dominated by but not dependent upon caspase driven apoptosis.

A proteomic analysis of acute leukemia cells treated with 9-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid.

Background9s-hydroxy-octadecadienoic acid (9S-HOD), one of the natural products of linoleic acid oxygenation by 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX), has been found to have anti-tumor properties in vitro and in vivo. The present study therefore investigated whether 9S-HOD affects acute leukemia HL-60 cells.MethodsThe cytotoxicity of 9S-HOD in HL-60 with or without the presence of fetal bovine serum (FBS) in the culture media was tested using cell viability assays and flow cytometry. To explore the mechanism of its anti-tumor activity by 9S-HOD, we used a proteomic analysis to identify HL-60 cells protein profiles, based on two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and mass spectrometry (MS) identification.Results9S-HOD exerted cytotoxicity efficacy and induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells, and the cytotoxicity was largely attenuated by the presence of FBS in culture media. The proteomic results revealed that 9S-HOD remarkably altered the abundance of 23 proteins that were involved in mRNA metabolic process, protein binding, DNA replication and apoptosis.ConclusionsOur results indicated that 9S-HOD exerts cytotoxicity in HL-60 cells by affecting several pathways.

Fascaplysin induces caspase mediated crosstalk between apoptosis and autophagy through the inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling cascade in human leukemia HL-60 cells.

In this study, we for the first time explored the cellular and molecular mechanism of anticancer properties of fascaplysin, a marine sponge-derived alkaloid. Our study demonstrated that fascaplysin induced a cooperative interaction between apoptotic and autophagic pathways to induce cytotoxicity in HL-60 cells. Fascaplysin treatment not only activated pro-apoptotic events like PARP-1 cleavage and caspase activation but also triggered autophagy signaling as shown by the increased expression of LC3-II, ATG7and beclin. Interestingly, it was found that use of pan-caspase inhibitor completely reversed the fascaplysin mediated cell death as analyzed by MTT and cell cycle assays. It was observed that cell death as well as the expression of pro-death proteins was partially reversed, when key autophagy mediators ATG7 was silenced by siRNA in fascaplysin treated cells. Cooperative involvement of autophagy and apoptotic signaling in cytotoxicity was confirmed when combined silencing of pro-apototic (PARP-1) and autophagic (ATG-7) signaling by respective siRNA's lead to substantial rescue of cell death induced by fascaplysin. Although, apoptosis and autophagy are two independent cell death pathways, our findings provide detailed insight by which both the pathways acted cooperatively to elicit fascaplysin induced cell death in HL-60 cells. Our findings provide molecular insight into the anti-cancer potential of fascaplysin by showing that both autophagic and apoptotic signaling can work together in the induction of cell death.

Preclinical Assessment of Low Doses of Cisplatin in the Management of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia.

Cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (cisplatin) is the most widely used chemotherapeutic drug for various cancers, but its effectiveness is limited by tumor cell resistance and the severe side effects it causes. Since high level of cisplatin is cytotoxic to both cancer and normal cells, the goal of the present study was to explore the effectiveness of prolonged low doses of cisplatin in the management of leukemia. To achieve our goal, human leukemia (HL-60) cells were treated with different doses (1, 2, or 3 µM) of cisplatin for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours. Cell viability was assessed by MTS assay. Both oxidative stress damage and genotoxicity were estimated by antioxidants, lipid peroxidation, and comet assays, respectively. Data obtained from the MTS assay demonstrated that cisplatin treatment decreased the number of viable tumor cells by direct cell killing or by simply decreasing the rate of cellular proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. The results of the lipid peroxidation showed a significant increase (p<0.05) of malondialdehyde levels with increasing cisplatin doses. Results obtained from super oxide dismutase and catalase assays showed a gradual increase in antioxidant enzyme activity in cisplatin-treated cells compared to control cells. Data generated from the Comet assay demonstrated a significant dose-dependent increase in genotoxicity with respect to DNA damage as a result of cisplatin treatment. Taken together, our research demonstrated that cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in HL-60 cells is mediated at least in part via induction of oxidative stress and oxidative damage.

In vitro evaluation of the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of constituents of the mangrove Lumnitzera racemosa Willd.

This study performed phytochemical and bioactive assessments of the mangrove Lumnitzera racemosa Willd. leaves. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the methanolic extracts led to the identification of thirty-six compounds (1-36), their structures were elucidated using detailed NMR spectroscopic and MS analysis. The extracts, fractions, and the isolated compounds were screened for potential antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. Antioxidant assays were performed using peroxyl radical-scavenging and reducing assays, whereas cytotoxicity was measured using MTT assays in HL-60 and Hel-299 cell lines. The methanolic extract, CH2Cl2 and n-BuOH fractions (10.0μg/mL) exhibited potent antioxidant activity, with Trolox equivalent (TE) values of 24.94±0.59, 28.34±0.20, and 27.09±0.37 (μM), respectively. In addition, the isolated compounds exerted cytotoxic effects in a dose-dependent manner; compounds 1 and 14 exhibited the most potent cytotoxicity in HL-60 cells, with IC50 values of 0.15±0.29 and 0.60±0.16μM, respectively. To clarify the mechanism(s) behind these cytotoxic effects, we measured the time-dependent changes in apoptotic markers including the condensation and fragmentation of nuclear chromatin, and the downregulation of p-ERK1/2, p-AKT, and c-Myc levels.

Single pre-treatment with hypericin, a St. John’s wort secondary metabolite, attenuates cisplatin- and mitoxantrone-induced cell death in A2780, A2780cis and HL-60 cells

St. John’s wort (SJW, Hypericum perforatum L.) is a commonly used natural antidepressant responsible for the altered toxicity of some anticancer agents. These interactions have been primarily attributed to the hyperforin-mediated induction of some pharmacokinetic mechanisms. However, as previously demonstrated by our group, hypericin induces the expression of two ABC transporters: multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP). Because cisplatin (CDDP) and mitoxantrone (MTX) are potential substrates of ABC transporters, we investigated the effect of 24h hypericin pre-treatment on the cytotoxicity of CDDP and MTX in human cancer cell lines. CDDP-sensitive and -resistant ovarian adenocarcinoma cell lines A2780/A2780cis, together with HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cells and ABCG2-over-expressing cBCRP subclone, were used in our experiments. We present CDDP cytotoxicity attenuated by hypericin pre-treatment in both A2780 and A2780cis cells and MTX cytotoxicity in HL-60 cells. In contrast, hypericin potentiated MTX-induced death in cBCRP cells. Interestingly, hypericin did not restore cell proliferation in rescued cells. Nevertheless, hypericin did increase the expression of MRP1 transporter in A2780 and A2780cis cells indicating the impact of hypericin on certain resistance mechanisms. Additionally, our results indicate that hypericin may be the potential substrate of BCRP transporter. In conclusion, for the first time, we report the ability of hypericin to affect the onset and/or progress of CDDP- and MTX-induced cell death, despite strong cell cycle arrest. Thus, hypericin represents another SJW metabolite that might be able to affect the effectiveness of anti-cancer drugs and that could interact with ABC transporters, particularly with BCRP.

Involvement of histone H3 phosphorylation via the activation of p38 MAPK pathway and intracellular redox status in cytotoxicity of HL-60 cells induced by Vitex agnus-castus fruit extract.

We have demonstrated that an extract from the ripe fruit of Vitex angus-castus (Vitex), might be a promising anticancer candidate. In order to further provide a molecular rationale for clinical development in anticancer therapy, a detailed mechanism underlying the efficacy of Vitex against HL-60 cells was investigated. Vitex induced a dose- and time-dependent decrease in cell viability associated with induction of apoptosis and G(2)/M cell cycle arrest, both of which were suppressed by the addition of SB203580, an inhibitor for p38 MAPK. Furthermore, SB203580 significantly suppressed Vitex-induced phosphorylation of histone H3, a downstream molecule of p38 MAPK known to be involved in apoptosis induction in tumor cells. Notably, Vitex induced upregulation of intracellular ATP, known to bind its binding pocket inside activated p38 MAPK and to be required for the activation of p38 MAPK pathway. These results, thus, suggest that upregulation of intracellular ATP and phosphorylation of histone H3 are closely associated with the activation of p38 MAPK pathway, consequently contributing to Vitex-mediated cytotoxicity. Intriguingly, a significant decrease of intracellular ROS levels and downregulation of expression level of gp91(phox), an important component of NADPH oxidase, were observed in Vitex-treated cells. A greater decline in ROS levels along with enhanced apoptosis was observed after treatment with Vitex in combination with SnPP, an inhibitor specific for HO-1. Since NADPH oxidase and HO-1 are closely correlated to redox status associated with intracellular ROS levels, the two enzymes are suggested to be implicated in Vitex-mediated cytotoxicity in HL-60 cells by regulating ROS generation. We also suggest that activation of the p38 MAPK pathway may be dependent on the alterations of intracellular ATP levels, rather than that of intracellular ROS levels. These results may have important implications for appropriate clinical uses of Vitex and provide novel insights into the interaction between Vitex and other conventional drugs capable of affecting intracellular redox status.

Mangiferin activates Nrf2-antioxidant response element signaling without reducing the sensitivity to etoposide of human myeloid leukemia cells in vitro

Mangiferin is glucosylxanthone extracted from plants of the Anacardiaceae and Gentianaceae families. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mangiferin on Nrf2-antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling and the sensitivity to etoposide of human myeloid leukemia cells in vitro. Human HL-60 myeloid leukemia cells and mononuclear human umbilical cord blood cells (MNCs) were examined. Nrf2 protein was detected using immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting. Binding of Nrf2 to ARE was examined with electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The level of NQO1 was assessed with real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting. DCFH-DA was used to evaluate intracellular ROS level. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were analyzed using MTT and flow cytometry, respectively. Mangiferin (50 μmol/L) significantly increased Nrf2 protein accumulation in HL-60 cells, particularly in the nucleus. Mangiferin also enhanced the binding of Nrf2 to an ARE, significantly up-regulated NQO1 expression and reduced intracellular ROS in HL60 cells. Mangiferin alone dose-dependently inhibited the proliferation of HL-60 cells. Mangiferin (50 mol/L) did not attenuate etoposide-induced cytotoxicity in HL-60 cells, and combined treatment of mangiferin with low concentration of etoposide (0.8 μg/mL) even increased the cell inhibition rate. Nor did mangiferin change the rate of etoposide-induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells. In MNCs, mangiferin significantly relieved oxidative stress, but attenuated etoposide-induced cytotoxicity. Mangiferin is a novel Nrf2 activator that reduces oxidative stress and protects normal cells without reducing the sensitivity to etoposide of HL-60 leukemia cells in vitro. Mangiferin may be a potential chemotherapy adjuvant.

Tiron and trolox potentiate the autophagic cell death induced by magnolol analog Ery5 by activation of Bax in HL-60 cells

This study describes the mechanism of trolox and tiron induced potentiation of cytotoxicity caused by Ery5, an analog of magnolol, in human myeloid leukemia HL-60 cells. Ery5 induced cytotoxicity in HL-60 cells by involving activation of bax and cleavage of caspase 3, which contributed towards activation of both apoptotic and autophagic pathways. Trolox and tiron, even at non-toxic concentrations, contributed to the cytotoxicity of Ery5 by activation of autophagic proteins like ATG7, ATG12 and LC3-II. Z-VAD-fmk mediated reduction in the cytotoxicity and expression of autophagic proteins, further suggested that autophagy induced by Ery5 is largely dependent upon caspases. Interestingly, Ery5 induced autophagy was accompanied by the downregulation of PI3K/AKT pathway whereas, trolox and tiron strongly enhanced this effect. In addition to that treatment of cells with Ery5, trolox and tiron individually, displayed a marked upregulation of Bax. The involvement of Bax in trolox and tiron induced enhancement of the cytotoxicity of Ery5 was confirmed, when siRNA induced silencing of Bax led to increased viability of the cells and exerted a strong inhibitory effect on LC3-II accumulation and p62 degradation in case of cells treated by the combination of Ery5 with trolox or tiron. Additionally, an important role of PARP in Ery5 mediated cell death has been suggested by PARP silencing experiments, however, potentiation of autophagic cytotoxicity by trolox and tiron did not seem to be dependent on PARP-1. Therefore, Bax seems to play a vital role in trolox and tiron mediated potentiation of autophagic cell death by Ery5 in HL-60 cells.

Listeria monocytogenes에 의해 HL-60 cell의 세포고사 유도 효과 규명

급성 전골수구성 백혈병(acute promyelocytic leukemia, APL)은 치료제가 한정적이고 그 또한 다양한 부작용을 초래한다. 최근 암세포 형성 억제에 세균 추출물을 사용하는 경우가 증가하는데 이를 이용하여 기존의 약제보다 효과적이면서 부작용이 적은 치료제 개발이 필요하다. 본 연구에서는 L. monocytogenes에서 분비되는 물질(LmSup)과 세균 자체가 함유하고 있는 물질(LmE)을 추출하여 HL-60 세포에 처리한 다음 세포증식 억제 효과를 보고자 하였다. 세포 생존율 및 세포고사를 확인하여 세포를 죽음으로 유도하는 지 파악한 다음 작용기전을 규명하고자 세포주기의 변화 및 ROS 생성을 관찰하였다. 그 결과, LmSup와 LmE가 급성 전골수구성 백혈병(APL) 세포인 HL-60의 세포고사를 유도하고, sub G0/G1기 증가로 세포주기를 비정상적으로 차단함으로써 세포고사를 유도함을 확인하였다. 이때, ROS가 관여함을 관찰하였다. 이를 통해, LmSup 또는 LmE의 구체적인 항암효과 및 기전 분석을 통해 난치병인 APL의 치료 방법 및 치료제 개발에 기여하고자 한다. Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Although all-trans retionic acid (ATRA) is the agents for ALP therapy, there are various side effects. For overcome this problem, we need the development of new therapeutic agents for APL. A number of bacteria produce various virulence factors with cytotoxic effects on human cancer cells. To understand the anti-cancer effect of Listeria monocytogenes on APL, we examined alteration of the cell viability, apoptosis and cell cycle arrest of the human promyelocytic leukemia cell line, HL-60 cells. The cell supernatant (LmSup) and the extract of L. monocytogenes (LmE) inhibited the cell viability and induced apoptosis of HL-60 cells. These cytotoxic effect of LmSup and LmE mediated by modulation of cell cycle and ROS production. These results indicate that released or included bacterial molecules from L. monocytogenes have a cytotoxicity in HL-60 cells. Therefore, LmSup and LmE may be used as the potential target for the treatment of cancer induced by HL-60 cells.

Antimutagenic and anticancer effects of Avicennia marina leaf extract on Salmonella typhimurium TA100 bacterium and human promyelocytic leukaemia HL-60 cells

The present study evaluated the antimutagenic and anticancer activities of A. marina leaf extract. The antimutagenic activity of ethanol and water extracts of A. marina leaf (concentration 10 mg/plate for 48 h) was evaluated using the Salmonella typhimurium TA100 strain in the Ames test with (+S9) and without ( S9) metabolic activation, and its anticancer effect with concentrations of 200, 400, 450, 500, 600, and 800 µg/ml of ethanol extract for 24, 48, and 72 h on human leukaemic cell line HL-60 was assessed by MTT assay. The ethanol and water extracts of A. marina were revealed to have antimutagenic activity in the Salmonella mutation assay. The number of mutant colonies decreased in the presence of ethanol and water extract with (+S9) and without ( S9) metabolic activation. The ethanol extract showed a higher antimutagenic effect than the water extract, with an inhibition rate of 71% on the mutated bacterium. The MTT cell viability test showed an induction of cytotoxicity in HL-60 cells treated with the extract with IC50 values of 600, 400, and 280 µg/ml after 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively, in a concentration and time-dependent manner. Flow cytometric analysis confirmed the induction of apoptosis in the cells. Collectively, these results suggest that the Avicennia marina leaf extract contains bioactive compounds with antimutagenic and antileukaemic effects.