Human Alveolar Adenocarcinoma Cells Research Articles

Ursolic Acid Derivatives Induced Apoptosis and Reduces the NF-<i>κ</i>B in Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells

Lung cancer is the major cause of death in the neoplastic diseases. In spite of the advances in the chemotherapy, the lung cancer treatments are still complex and costly, being necessary the seeking of new drugs. In this context, the ursolic acid (UA) becomes the target of studies that investigate its antitumor potential and, thus, structural modifications can enhance its biological activities. Eight UA semisynthetic derivative compounds (UAD1-8) were synthesized and evaluated their cytotoxic activity against human alveolar adenocarcinoma cells (A549). UAD1, UAD3, UAD5, UAD6 and UAD8 were able to reduce the viability of the A549 cells. Only UAD1 and UAD6 reduced the viability at 24 h, and only UAD3 didn’t reduce the NF-κB expression. The compound UAD1 showed the greater apoptosis induction. Moreover, the compound UAD1 showed better results than UA in all assays. The present study shows, for the first time, the action of these compounds in the apoptotic effect, in the expression of NF-κB and in the A549 cell line. The ursolic acid derivatives showed substantial results in the apoptosis, cytotoxicity and NF-κB inhibition of A549 cells, and further studies are necessary for the development of possible new therapeutic drugs.

Altered microRNA expression patterns related to polyhexamethyleneguanidine phosphate-induced lung toxicity in human alveolar adenocarcinoma (A549) cells

Altered microRNA expression patterns related to polyhexamethyleneguanidine phosphate-induced lung toxicity in human alveolar adenocarcinoma (A549) cells

MicroRNA regulatory networks reflective of polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate-induced fibrosis in A549 human alveolar adenocarcinoma cells

Polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate (PHMG-phosphate), an active component of humidifier disinfectant, is suspected to be a major cause of pulmonary fibrosis. Fibrosis, induced by recurrent epithelial damage, is significantly affected by epigenetic regulation, including microRNAs (miRNAs). The aim of this study was to investigate the fibrogenic mechanisms of PHMG-phosphate through the profiling of miRNAs and their target genes. A549 cells were treated with 0.75 μg/mL PHMG-phosphate for 24 and 48 h and miRNA microarray expression analysis was conducted. The putative mRNA targets of the miRNAs were identified and subjected to Gene Ontology analysis. After exposure to PHMG-phosphate for 24 and 48 h, 46 and 33 miRNAs, respectively, showed a significant change in expression over 1.5-fold compared with the control. The integrated analysis of miRNA and mRNA microarray results revealed the putative targets that were prominently enriched were associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell cycle changes, and apoptosis. The dose-dependent induction of EMT by PHMG-phosphate exposure was confirmed by western blot. We identified 13 putative EMT-related targets that may play a role in PHMG-phosphate-induced fibrosis according to the Comparative Toxicogenomic Database. Our findings contribute to the comprehension of the fibrogenic mechanism of PHMG-phosphate and will aid further study on PHMG-phosphate-induced toxicity.

Farmed edible bird’s nest in malaysia: proximate analysis, safety profile, epidermal growth factor content and effect on cancer cells

Event Abstract Back to Event Farmed edible bird’s nest in malaysia: proximate analysis, safety profile, epidermal growth factor content and effect on cancer cells Sin N. Tan1*, Careena Shobana1, Sani Dahiru1, Chee W. Lim1, Ideris Aini1, Stanslas Johnson1 and Thiam S. Christopher Lim1 1 Putra Malaysia University, Malaysia Background Edible bird’s nest (EBN), a solidified swiftlet's saliva, is the most expensive animal products consumed by humans worldwide. EBN exhibits multiple medicinal properties and contains many bioactive compounds such as sialic acid, amino acids, fatty acids, minerals and antioxidants. In recent years, many safety issues which included high nitrate and nitrite contents, presence of heavy metal, adulteration, fungal infection and cancer cell stimulation were found to be associated with EBN. Hence, this study was carried out to determine the proximate analysis, safety profile, epidermal growth factor content and its effect on cancer cells of Malaysia EBN. Methods Proximate analysis and safety profile were performed by using official AOCA methods according to the Malaysia Standard MS 2509:2012. Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrophotometer was adopted for heavy metals analysis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used for quantification of EGF content. Microculture tetrazolium assay was utilised for assessment of growth stimulation by different concentration of human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) in comparison to EBN in 4 different cancer cell lines: MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma cells), Caco-2 (human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma cells), HCT116 (human colorectal carcinoma), and A549 (human alveolar adenocarcinoma cells) for 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours. Results Our results showed a consistency of high protein (53.03% - 56.37%) and carbohydrate (27.97%-31.68%) with acceptable level of moisture (10.80-14.04%) and ash (2.22%-3.38%). Besides, a good safety profile was obtained with low nitrite and nitrate level, undetectable heavy metals and no significant growth for pathogenic microorganism. The present study found above tolerance level of yeast and moulds in EBN. Haze contaminated EBN exhibited no significant differences in terms of nutritional, heavy metal and microbiology profiles. EFG (30.7pg/mL and 74.5pg/mL) were detected in crude EBN01 and EBN02, respectively but not in all digested EBN samples and even post 10 times concentrated EBN. Cancer cell growths were significantly increased after treatment with hEGF. No significant growth was observed after treatment with EBN. Conclusion EBN in Malaysia is free from heavy metals, within tolerance level of nitrate and nitrite, and also microbiology profile. Furthermore, in vitro study indicated that EBN is not associated with cancer cell stimulation. Keywords: Cancer, Epidermal Growth Factor, Safety, nutritional, Edible bird's nest Conference: International Conference on Drug Discovery and Translational Medicine 2018 (ICDDTM '18) “Seizing Opportunities and Addressing Challenges of Precision Medicine”, Putrajaya, Malaysia, 3 Dec - 5 Feb, 2019. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Topic: Cancer Citation: Tan SN, Shobana C, Dahiru S, Lim CW, Aini I, Johnson S and Christopher Lim TS (2019). Farmed edible bird’s nest in malaysia: proximate analysis, safety profile, epidermal growth factor content and effect on cancer cells. Front. Pharmacol. Conference Abstract: International Conference on Drug Discovery and Translational Medicine 2018 (ICDDTM '18) “Seizing Opportunities and Addressing Challenges of Precision Medicine”. doi: 10.3389/conf.fphar.2018.63.00130 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 30 Sep 2018; Published Online: 17 Jan 2019. * Correspondence: Dr. Sin N Tan, Putra Malaysia University, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia, christine0507@live.com Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Sin N Tan Careena Shobana Sani Dahiru Chee W Lim Ideris Aini Stanslas Johnson Thiam S Christopher Lim Google Sin N Tan Careena Shobana Sani Dahiru Chee W Lim Ideris Aini Stanslas Johnson Thiam S Christopher Lim Google Scholar Sin N Tan Careena Shobana Sani Dahiru Chee W Lim Ideris Aini Stanslas Johnson Thiam S Christopher Lim PubMed Sin N Tan Careena Shobana Sani Dahiru Chee W Lim Ideris Aini Stanslas Johnson Thiam S Christopher Lim Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

Flavonolignans and Biological Activity of Nannorrhops ritchiana Leaves

Objectives: This study aimed at isolating the polyphenolic compounds of 70% methanol extract ofNannorrhops ritchiana Griff. leaves and assaying the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the extract and main fractions. Methods: The methanol extract of the leaves of N. ritchiana was chromatographically fractionated using a bioactivity-guided approach. The isolated compounds were spectroscopically elucidated by UV, MS, 1H/13C NMR and 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques. The radical scavenging activity of the methanol extract and its fractions was evaluated using DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay and their cytotoxic activity was assayed using SRB (3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) test against human hepatocellular liver carcinoma (HepG2), human alveolar adenocarcinoma (A549) and human prostate carcinoma (PC3) cell lines. Results: Eight compounds were isolated and identified for the first time from the leaves of N. ritchiana, comprising five flavonolignans;Indocalatin A (4) which is a rare compound that has been reported only once in nature, 9″-O-glucopyranosyl Salcolin A (5), 9″-O-glucopyranosyl Salcolin B (6) together with their aglycones, Salcolin A (7) and Salcolin B (8) along with three flavone glycosides; Tricin-7-O-rutinoside (1), Orientin (2) and Isoorientin (3). The methanol extract of N. ritchiana showed antioxidant activity with SC50 39.4 ± 1.06 μg/ml, while fraction IIshowed significant effect with SC50 of 6.1 ± 0.24 μg/ml in comparison with ascorbic acid (SC50 1.8 ± 0.35 μg/ml). The methanol extract and the fraction III showed a promising cytotoxic activity against selected cell lines especially the A549 with IC50 9.5 ± 1.98 μg/ml and HepG2 with IC50 8.15 ± 1.3 μg/ml, respectively. Conclusion: N. ritchiana leaf methanol extract is a new source of biologically active compounds, including flavonolignans.

Polylactide-Based Block Copolymeric Micelles Loaded with Chlorin e6 for Photodynamic Therapy: In Vitro Evaluation in Monolayer and 3D Spheroid Models.

Recently, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has found wide application as a noninvasive treatment modality for several cancers. However, the suboptimal delivery of photosensitizers (PSs) to the tumor site is a drawback, which inhibits the effectiveness of PDT. Hydrophobicity, strong oxygen and light dependence, and limited tissue penetrability of photosensitizers represent the major barriers to the clinical application of PDT. In order to improve biopharmaceutical properties of a clinically approved photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6), we developed a nanoformulation encapsulating Ce6 in methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(d,l-lactide) (mPEG-PLA) copolymeric micelles. The physicochemical properties, including particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, generation of reactive oxygen species following near-infrared light illumination (633 nm), and in vitro drug release, were determined. The therapeutic efficacy of Ce6-mPEG-PLA micelles following illumination were evaluated in vitro in both two- and three-dimensional cell culture systems by using human uterine cervix carcinoma (HeLa) and human alveolar adenocarcinoma (A549) cells in monolayers and in A549 spheroids, respectively. The mPEG-PLA micelles were stable with a particle size of 189.6 ± 14.32 nm and loaded Ce6 efficiently (encapsulation efficiency ∼75%). The Ce6-loaded micelles generated singlet oxygen at a higher concentration compared to free Ce6 in aqueous media. Ce6-mPEG-PLA micelle mediated PDT showed improved cellular internalization in both of the cell lines, resulting in enhanced cytotoxicity compared to free Ce6. In contrast, the Ce6-loaded micelles did not show any cytotoxicity in the absence of irradiation. The Ce6-loaded micelles exhibited deep penetration in the spheroids leading to phototoxicity and cellular apoptosis in the A549 spheroidal model. Results from this study indicated that the newly developed nanoformulation of Ce6 could be utilized in PDT as an effective treatment modality for solid tumors.

P3.01-041 Anti-Cancer Effect of Hyperoxia on Human Lung Cancer Cells through Oxidative Stress Mediated ERK Signaling: Topic: Functional Biology in Lung Cancer

Abnormal increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cancer cells serves as a target for tumor-selective killing. Also, several experimental and clinical trials studied the effect of the hyperoxia condition by difference of response between normal cells and cancer cells. In this study, the hypothesis tested was that normobaric high oxygen concentration would have anti-cancer effects such as inducing apoptosis on human lung cancer cell line. Human bronchial epithelial cells (Beas-2b) and human alveolar adenocarcinoma cells (A549) were exposed with hyperoxia condition in a time-dependent manner. The changes in the cell morphology, viability and protein expressions such as p53 and ERK were examined after the exposure of hyperoxia (90% O2). In addition, to investigate whether hyperoxia condition affects the production of ROS and cell cycle regulation, cells were analyzed by a flow cytometry. Exposure to the hyperoxia caused morphologic changes such as atypical nuclei and numerous mitotic figures which inhibited the cell viability in a time-dependent manner in A549 (p <0.01). In addition, the colony formation was suppressed selectively in A549 exposed to hyperoxia. Although not statistically significant, A549 exposed to hyperoxia showed increases in the ROS levels compared with Beas-2b. Also, the hyperoxia condition caused a progression delay in the G2/M cell cycle significantly in A549 (p <0.01). In hyperoxia exposed A549 cells, the phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 (p-ERK 1/2) was reduced while the phosphorylation of p53 was increased. This study showed that hyperoxia may have anti-cancer effect by decreasing cell viability and the colony forming ability. ROS generation by hyperoxia may cause to suppress the p-ERK, it related with the activation of p53 and G2/M cell cycle arrest. In conclusion, our data suggests that the anti-cancer effect of hyperoxia may relate to the ROS through oxidative stress mediated ERK signaling and cell arrest.

Screening of anti-lung cancer bioactive compounds from Curcuma longa by target cell extraction and UHPLC/LTQ Orbitrap MS

A target cell extraction-chemical profiling method based on human alveolar adenocarcinoma cell line (A549 cells) and UHPLC/LTQ Orbitrap MS for screening the anti-lung cancer bioactive compounds from Curcuma longa has been developed in this paper. According to the hypothesis that when cells are incubated together with the extract of Curcuma longa, the potential bioactive compounds in the extract should selectively combine with the cells, then the cell-binding compounds could be separated and analyzed by LC-MS. The bioactive compounds in C. longa are lipophilic components. They intend to be absorbed on the inner wall of cell culture flask when they were incubated with A549 cells, which will produce interference in the blank solution. In this paper, by using cells digestion and multi-step centrifugation and transfer strategy, the interference problem has been solved. Finally, using the developed method, three cell-binding compounds were screened out and were identified as bisdemethoxycurcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and curcumin. These compounds are the main bioactive compounds with anti-lung cancer bioactivity in C. longa. The improved method developed in this paper could avoid the false positive results due to the absorption of lipophilic compounds on the inner wall of cell culture flask, which will to be an effective complementary method for current target cell extraction-chemical profiling technology.

Role of ppGpp in Pseudomonas aeruginosa acute pulmonary infection and virulence regulation

During infection, bacteria might generate adaptive responses to facilitate their survival and colonization in the host environment. The alarmone guanosine 5′-triphosphate-3′-diphosphate (ppGpp), the levels of which are regulated by the RelA and SpoT enzymes, plays a critical role in mediating bacterial adaptive responses and virulence. However, the mechanism by which ppGpp regulates virulence-associated traits in Pseudomonas aeruginosa is poorly understood. To investigate the regulatory role of ppGpp, the ppGpp-deficient strain ΔRS (relA and spoT gene double mutant) and the complemented strain ΔRS++ (complemented with relA and spoT genes) were constructed. Herein, we reported that the ΔRS strain showed decreased cytotoxicity towards A549 human alveolar adenocarcinoma cell lines and led to reduced mortality, lung edema and inflammatory cell infiltration in a mouse model of acute pneumonia compared to wild-type PAO1 and the complemented strain ΔRS++. Subsequent analyses demonstrated that the ΔRS strain displayed reduced T3SS expression, decreased levels of elastase activity, pyocyanin, pyoverdin and alginate, and inhibited swarming and biofilm formation compared to PAO1 and the complemented strain ΔRS++. In addition, the results demonstrate that ppGpp-mediated regulation of T3SS, virulence factor production, and swarming occurs in a quinolone quorum-sensing system-dependent manner. Taken together, these results suggest that ppGpp is required for virulence regulation in P. aeruginosa, providing new clues for the development of interference strategies against bacterial infection.

A Novel Selective Prostaglandin E2 Synthesis Inhibitor Relieves Pyrexia and Chronic Inflammation in Rats.

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a terminal prostaglandin in the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway. Inhibition of PGE2 production may relieve inflammatory symptoms such as fever, arthritis, and inflammatory pain. We report here the profile of a novel selective PGE2 synthesis inhibitor, compound A [N-[(1S,3S)-3-carbamoylcyclohexyl]-1-(6-methyl-3-phenylquinolin-2-yl)piperidine-4-carboxamide], in animal models of pyrexia and inflammation. The compound selectively suppressed the synthesis of PGE2 in human alveolar adenocarcinoma cell line A549 cells and rat macrophages. In the lipopolysaccharide-induced pyrexia model, this compound selectively reduced PGE2 production in cerebrospinal fluid and showed an anti-pyretic effect. In the adjuvant-induced arthritis model, compound A therapeutically decreased foot swelling in the established arthritis. Our data demonstrates that selective suppression of PGE2 synthesis shows anti-pyretic and anti-inflammatory effects, suggesting that selective PGE2 synthesis inhibitors can be applied as an alternative treatment to nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or COX-2-selective inhibitors.

Apoptosis-inducing activity of Bacillus pumilus ribonuclease and some egyptian medicinal plants extracts on human alveolar adenocarcinoma cells

Apoptosis-inducing activity of Bacillus pumilus ribonuclease and some egyptian medicinal plants extracts on human alveolar adenocarcinoma cells

HPLC Measurement of the DNA Oxidation Biomarker, 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2&amp;#8217;-deoxyguanosine, in Cultured Cells and Animal Tissues

Oxidative stress is associated with many physiological and pathological processes, as well as xenobiotic metabolism, leading to the oxidation of biomacromolecules, including DNA. Therefore, efficient detection of DNA oxidation is important for a variety of research disciplines, including medicine and toxicology. A common biomarker of oxidatively damaged DNA is 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dGuo; often erroneously referred to as 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dGuo or 8-oxo-dG)). Several protocols for 8-oxo-dGuo measurement by high pressure liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ED) have been described. However, these were mainly applied to purified DNA treated with pro-oxidants. In addition, due to methodological differences between laboratories, mainly due to differences in analytical equipment, the adoption of published methods for detection of 8-oxo-dGuo by HPLC-ED requires careful optimization by each laboratory. A comprehensive protocol, describing such an optimization process, is lacking. Here, a detailed protocol is described for the detection of 8-oxo-dGuo by HPLC-ED, in DNA from cultured cells or animal tissues. It illustrates how DNA sample preparation can be easily and rapidly optimized to minimize undesirable DNA oxidation that can occur during sample preparation. This protocol shows how to detect 8-oxo-dGuo in cultured human alveolar adenocarcinoma cells (i.e., A549 cells) treated with the oxidizing agent KBrO3, and from the spleen of mice exposed to the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon dibenzo(def,p)chrysene (DBC, formerly known as dibenzo(a,l)pyrene, DalP). Overall, this work illustrates how an HPLC-ED methodology can be readily optimized for the detection of 8-oxo-dGuo in biological samples.

HPLC Measurement of the DNA Oxidation Biomarker, 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine, in Cultured Cells and Animal Tissues.

Oxidative stress is associated with many physiological and pathological processes, as well as xenobiotic metabolism, leading to the oxidation of biomacromolecules, including DNA. Therefore, efficient detection of DNA oxidation is important for a variety of research disciplines, including medicine and toxicology. A common biomarker of oxidatively damaged DNA is 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dGuo; often erroneously referred to as 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dGuo or 8-oxo-dG)). Several protocols for 8-oxo-dGuo measurement by high pressure liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ED) have been described. However, these were mainly applied to purified DNA treated with pro-oxidants. In addition, due to methodological differences between laboratories, mainly due to differences in analytical equipment, the adoption of published methods for detection of 8-oxo-dGuo by HPLC-ED requires careful optimization by each laboratory. A comprehensive protocol, describing such an optimization process, is lacking. Here, a detailed protocol is described for the detection of 8-oxo-dGuo by HPLC-ED, in DNA from cultured cells or animal tissues. It illustrates how DNA sample preparation can be easily and rapidly optimized to minimize undesirable DNA oxidation that can occur during sample preparation. This protocol shows how to detect 8-oxo-dGuo in cultured human alveolar adenocarcinoma cells (i.e., A549 cells) treated with the oxidizing agent KBrO3, and from the spleen of mice exposed to the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon dibenzo(def,p)chrysene (DBC, formerly known as dibenzo(a,l)pyrene, DalP). Overall, this work illustrates how an HPLC-ED methodology can be readily optimized for the detection of 8-oxo-dGuo in biological samples.

Knockdown of PKM2 induces apoptosis and autophagy in human A549 alveolar adenocarcinoma cells

The M2 isoform of pyruvate kinase (PKM2), which has been identified as the predominant cause of the Warburg effect in cancer cells, is essential in tumor metabolism and growth. However, the role of PKM2 in autophagy remains to be elucidated. The present study investigated the effect of PKM2 knockdown on autophagy and apoptotic cell death in human A549 alveolar adenocarcinoma cells. Two short hairpin (sh)RNAs targeting human PKM2 mRNA were designed and lentiviral vectors were constructed. The A549 cells were infected with lentiviruses, containing shRNAs against PKM2, and the expression of PKM2 was examined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‑qPCR) and immonoblotting analysis. A lactose dehydrogenase (LDH)‑coupled enzyme assay was used to detect the pyruvate kinase activity. RT‑qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression level of glycolysis‑associated enzymes. The quantification of cells with punctate LC3 and expression of LC3II were examined to demonstrate autophagy. An MTT assay was used to detect cell viability and flow cytometry was used to determine cell apoptosis. The activity of caspase 3/7 and the expression of Bcl‑2 were also detected in A549 cells with PKM2 knockdown. The present study demonstrated that the two shRNAs efficiently downregulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of PKM2 in A549 cells. The knockdown of PKM2 decreased pyruvate kinase activity and glycolysis. Autophagy was induced in A549 cells with PKM2 knockdown. Inhibition of autophagy accelerated apoptotic death in PKM2‑knockdown cells and this was dependent on increased caspase 3/7 activity and decreased expression of Bcl‑2. In conclusion, the downregulation of PKM2 induced apoptosis and autophagy in A549 cells and this autophagy protected the cells from apoptotic cell death.

Identification of Helicobacter pylori VacA in human lung and its effects on lung cells

ObjectivePrior reports suggested that infection with Helicobacter pylori was associated with respiratory diseases; pathogenetic mechanisms however, were not defined. We tested the hypothesis that VacA, an exotoxin of H. pylori, a gastric pathogen, was aspirated into the lung and could stimulate secretion of inflammatory cytokines by lung epithelial cells. MethodsThe presence of VacA was determined by immunohistochemistry in surgical lung biopsy tissue samples from 72 patients with interstitial pneumonia. The effects of VacA on A549 human alveolar epithelial adenocarcinoma cells and normal human bronchial epithelial cells were determined. After incubation with VacA, the secretions of cytokines were measured by Multiplex Luminex® Assays. ResultsVacA was detected with anti-VacA antibodies in bronchial epithelial cells and alveolar epithelial cells from 10 of 72 patients with interstitial pneumonia. VacA was more prevalent in lungs of patients with collagen vascular disease-associated interstitial pneumonia than in those of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, nonspecific interstitial pneumonia and cryptogenic organizing pneumonia. Incubation of A549 cells and normal human bronchial epithelial cells with VacA for 24 h was cytotoxic, and resulted in vacuolation. VacA induced interleukin-8 production by A549 cells and normal human bronchial epithelial cells and interleukin-6 production by A549 cells. Based on multiplex screening, interleukin-8 and interleukin-6 were the primary secretory products induced by VacA. ConclusionsH. pylori VacA is present in human lung and can induce interleukin-8 and interleukin-6 production by human lung cells. VacA could have a role in the pathogenesis of respiratory diseases by its cytotoxic effects and by inducing the secretion of interleukin-8 and interleukin-6 by targeted airway epithelial cells.

TPGS2k/PLGA nanoparticles for overcoming multidrug resistance by interfering mitochondria of human alveolar adenocarcinoma cells.

In this study, we successfully synthesized d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 2000 succinate (TPGS2k) and prepared TPGS2k-modified poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (TPGS2k/PLGA NPs) loaded with 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN-38), designated TPGS2k/PLGA/SN-38 NPs. Characterization measurements showed that TPGS2k/PLGA/SN-38 NPs displayed flat and spheroidal particles with diameters of 80-104 nm. SN-38 was encapsulated in TPGS2k emulsified PLGA NPs with the entrapment efficiency and loading rates of SN-38 83.6 and 7.85%, respectively. SN-38 could release constantly from TPGS2k/PLGA/SN-38 NPs in vitro. TPGS2k/PLGA/SN-38 NPs induced significantly higher cytotoxicity on A549 cells and the multidrug resistance (MDR) cell line (A549/DDP cells and A549/Taxol cells) compared with free SN-38. Further studies on the mechanism of the NPs in increasing the death of MDR cells showed that following the SN-38 releasing into cytoplasm the remaining TPGS2k/PLGA NPs could reverse the P-gp mediated MDR via interfering with the structure and function of mitochondria and rather than directly inhibiting the enzymatic activity of P-gp ATPase. Therefore, TPGS2k/PLGA NPs can reduce the generation of ATP and the release of energy for the requisite of P-gp efflux transporters. The results indicated that TPGS2k/PLGA NPs could become the nanopharmaceutical materials with the capability to reversal MDR and improve anticancer effects of some chemotherapy drugs as P-gp substrates.

Nanostructured lipid carriers as novel drug delivery system for lung cancer gene therapy

Context: Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) are potentially good colloidal drug carriers for gene delivery. They are advised to be the second lifetime of lipid nanocarriers.Objective: The aim of this study is to develop novel modified NLC as nanomedicine for delivery of plasmid-containing enhanced green fluorescence protein (pEGFP). This system could target the lung cancer cells through receptor-mediated pathways to increase the nuclear uptake of genetic materials.Methods: In the present study, pEGFP-loaded NLC (NLC/pEGFP) were prepared. Transferrin (Tf) containing ligands were used for the surface coating of the vectors. In vitro transfection efficiency of the modified vectors was evaluated in human alveolar adenocarcinoma cell line (A549 cells) and in vivo transfection efficiency of the modified vectors was evaluated on mice bearing A549 cells model.Results: Tf-modified NLC/pEGFP (Tf-NLC/pEGFP) has a particle size of 157 nm, and ∼82% of gene loading quantity. Tf-NLC/pEGFP displayed remarkably higher transfection efficiency than non-modified NLC/pEGFP both in vitro and in vivo.Conclusion: The results demonstrate that the novel NLC gene delivery system offers an effective strategy for lung cancer gene therapy.

Xanthohumol induces apoptosis and S phase cell cycle arrest in A549 non-small cell lung cancer cells.

Background:Xanthohumol, a major prenylated chalcone found in female hop plant, Humulus lupulus, was reported to have various chemopreventive and anti-cancer properties. However, its apoptotic effect on human alveolar adenocarcinoma cell line (A549) of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was unknown.Objective:This study aimed to investigate the effects of xanthohumol on apoptosis in A549 human NSCLC cells.Materials and Methods:A549 cell proliferation was determined by sulforhodamine B assay. Morphological changes of the cells were studied via phase contrast and fluorescent microscopy. Induction of apoptosis was assessed by Annexin-V fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide (Annexin V-FITC/PI) staining, DNA fragmentation (TUNEL) assay mitochondrial membrane potential assay, cell cycle analysis, and caspase activity studies.Results:Xanthohumol was found to decrease cell proliferation in A549 cells but had relatively low cytotoxicity on normal human lung fibroblast cell line (MRC-5). Typical cellular and nuclear apoptotic features were also observed in A549 cells treated with xanthohumol. Onset of apoptosis in A549 cells was further confirmed by externalization of phosphatidylserine, changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, and DNA fragmentation in the cells after treatment. Xanthohumol induced accumulation of cells in sub G1 and S phase based on cell cycle analysis and also increased the activities of caspase-3, -8, and -9.Conclusion:This work suggests that xanthohumol as an apoptosis inducer, may be a potent therapeutic compound for NSCLC.

Hepatocyte-targeting gene delivery using a lipoplex composed of galactose-modified aromatic lipid synthesized with click chemistry

Highly efficient drug carriers targeting hepatocyte is needed for treatment for liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis and virus infections. Galactose or N-acetylgalactosamine is known to be recognized and incorporated into the cells through asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) that is exclusively expressed on hepatocyte and hepatoma. In this study, we synthesized a galactose-modified lipid with aromatic ring with click chemistry. To make a complex with DNA, termed ‘lipoplex’, we prepared a binary micelle composed of cationic lipid; dioleoyltrimethylammoniumpropane (DOTAP) and galactose-modified lipid (D/Gal). We prepared lipoplex from plasmid DNA (pDNA) and D/Gal and examined the cell specificity and transfection efficiency. The lipoplex was able to interact with ASGPR immobilized on gold substrate in the quartz-crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor cell. The lipoplex induced high gene expression to HepG2 cells, a human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, but not to A549 cells, a human alveolar adenocarcinoma cell line. The treatment with asialofetuin, which is a ligand for ASGPR and would work as a competitive inhibitor, before addition of the lipoplexes decreased the expression to HepG2 cells. These results indicate that D/Gal lipoplex was incorporated into HepG2 cells preferentially through ASGPR and the uptake was caused by galactose specific receptor. This delivery system to hepatocytes may overcome the problems for gene therapy and be used for treatment of hepatitis and hepatic cirrhosis.

Transferrin-modified nanostructured lipid carriers as multifunctional nanomedicine for codelivery of DNA and doxorubicin.

BackgroundNanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), composed of solid and liquid lipids, and surfactants are potentially good colloidal drug carriers. The aim of this study was to develop surface-modified NLC as multifunctional nanomedicine for codelivery of enhanced green fluorescence protein plasmid (pEGFP) and doxorubicin (DOX).MethodsTwo different nanocarriers: pEGFP- and DOX-loaded NLC, and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) were prepared. Transferrin-containing ligands were used for the surface coating of the vectors. Their average size, zeta potential, and drug encapsulation capacity were evaluated. In vitro transfection efficiency of the modified vectors was evaluated in human alveolar adenocarcinoma cell line (A549 cells), and in vivo transfection efficiency of the modified vectors was evaluated in a mouse bearing A549 cells model.ResultsTransferrin-modified DOX and pEGFP coencapsulated NLC (T-NLC) has a particle size of 198 nm and a +19 mV surface charge. The in vitro cell viabilities of the T-NLC formulations were over 80% compared with the control. T-NLC displayed remarkably greater gene transfection efficiency and enhanced antitumor activity than DOX- and pEGFP-coencapsulated SLN in vivo.ConclusionThe results demonstrate that T-NLC noticeably enhanced antitumor activity through the combination of gene therapy with chemotherapy. Also coating of active transferrin improved the lung cancer cell-targeting of the carriers. In summary, the novel gene and drug delivery system offers a promising strategy for the treatment of lung cancer.