Human Carcinoma KB Cells Research Articles

Molecular perspective on starfish tissue extracts: Targeting human carcinoma KB cells for anticancer therapy

The marine environment is rich in natural bioactive compounds, including zebrafish and starfish species, which have garnered attention in drug research for their remarkable tissue regeneration abilities. Zebrafish, in particular, share a genetic resemblance of around 70% with humans. We chose to investigate Luidia maculata, a starfish species, due to its remarkable tissue regeneration abilities and the potential bioactive compounds it holds, making it a promising candidate for anticancer and antioxidant therapies. Human KB carcinoma cells were subjected to L. maculata tissue extracts to assess cytotoxicity using the MTT test. Intracellular ROS levels were measured via DCFH-DA, and mitochondrial membrane potential changes were evaluated using Rh-123 staining. Oxidative DNA damage was examined with the comet test, while morphological apoptotic changes were observed through the AO/EtBr dual staining technique. The active compounds in the starfish extracts were identified using HPLC, GC–MS/MS, and FTIR analyses.The bioactive fractions extracted from L. maculata demonstrated significant anti-proliferative effects on KB carcinoma cells, inducing apoptosis. These fractions led to a notable increase in intracellular ROS levels, resulting in alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential and oxidative DNA damage in the cells. Upregulation of Bax/Caspase 3 protein expression and downregulation of Bcl-2 protein expression indicated the involvement of apoptotic pathways. Comprehensive analyses confirmed 35 starfish-derived anticancer compounds that inhibit cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and target cancer-related pathways. Additionally, our study underscores the antioxidant potential of L. maculata starfish extracts, offering insights into marine organism-based therapies with promising medical applications.

Mechanistic investigation of photodynamic therapy using Visudyne in human KB carcinoma cells

Photodynamic therapy is a therapy that utilizes a specialized drug, a photosensitizer, which is not toxic by itself, but upon activation with light, is activated and leads to the production of singlet oxygen species. This production of singlet oxygen species starts a cascade that leads to cell death. Photodynamic therapy is a potential treatment for cancer patients, and it might be helpful to promote human health by providing alternative treatment to cancer. In-vitro study with Visudyne (VD) in KB carcinoma cells unveiled the mechanism of cell injury to cell death upon photodynamic therapy (PDT). In this study, we investigated real time monitoring of the production of singlet oxygen (SO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondria integrity and chromatin integrity in VD treated live cells by irradiating with a mercury lamp light source and 665–675 nm and 480–560 nm emission filter. Upon PDT we also observed cytoskeleton remodeling and cytochrome –C release using immunofluorescence techniques. We investigate the cytotoxicity of PDT and performed quantitative analysis for SO, ROS and mitochondrial potential change using colocalization analysis between VD and mitochondria.

Regulation of Jun and Fos AP-1 transcription factors by JNK MAPKs signaling cascade in areca nut extract treated KB cells

The edible endosperm of Areca catechu is recognized as a potent carcinogenic agent either consumed alone or in combination with tobacco. Habitual chewing of areca nut leads to orally potential malignant disorders which are highly effective in malignant transformation and thereby lead to oral carcinogenesis. Human buccal epithelial KB carcinoma cells were used as an experimental cell system to inspect the mechanistic act of aqueous extract of areca nut on biochemical status and their implications on transcriptional activation of cancer signaling cascade that could possibly trigger numerous oncogenic players and finally decides the cells fate. Extract treated cells showed reduced viability with altered balance between oxidants and antioxidants which lead to redox status and which is known to distort various biological processes within the cell system. Results of RT-PCR demonstrated decreased expression of BCl2, cell cycle regulators along with Activator Protein −1 (AP-1) components. While Bax, p16 and p21 mRNAs showed increased expression in extract treated KB cells. Likewise, the translational levels of proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), tumor suppressor p53, retinoblastoma (Rb) and cyclin dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) were decreased along with AP-1 subunits (c-Jun/c-Fos) with increased protein levels of p21 in extract treated KB cells. Further, the downstream activation and regulation of AP-1 transcription factors could be through stress activated c-Jun – N terminal Kinase (JNK) Mitogen Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs) which downregulated both Jun and Fos mRNA transcripts in areca nut extract exposed KB cells. Thus, outcome of the study provides insights into mechanistic path of pathogenesis of areca related disorders. Further, it could aid in designing new therapeutic modalities that specific targets these oncogenic players and help in disease management.

Design, Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of New Polycyclic: Imidazole, Thiazine, Oxathiine, Pyrrolo-Quinoxaline and Thienotriazolopyrimidine Derivatives.

In this article, we showed the synthesis of new polycyclic aromatic compounds, such as thienotriazolopyrimidinones, N-(thienotriazolopyrimidine) acetamide, 2-mercapto-thienotriazolo-pyrimidinones, 2-(((thieno-triazolopyrimidine) methyl) thio) thieno-triazolopyrimidines, thieno-pyrimidotriazolo-thiazines, pyrrolo-triazolo-thienopyrimidines, thienopyrimido-triazolopyrrolo-quinoxalines, thienopyrimido-triazolo-pyrrolo-oxathiino-quinoxalinones, 1,4-oxathiino-pyrrolo- triazolothienopyrimidinones, imidazopyrrolotriazolothienopyrimidines and 1,2,4-triazoloimidazo- pyrrolotriazolothienopyrimidindiones, based on the starting material 2,3-diamino-6-benzoyl-5- methylthieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4(3H)-one (3). The chemical structures were confirmed using many spectroscopic ways (IR, 1H, 13C, −NMR and MS) and elemental analyses. A series of thiazine, imidazole, pyrrole, thienotriazolopyrimidine derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against four human cancer cell lines, i.e., CNE2 (nasopharyngeal), KB (oral), MCF-7 (breast) and MGC-803 (gastric) carcinoma cells. The compounds 20, 19, 17, 16 and 11 showed significant cytotoxicity against types of human cancer cell lines.

Folate receptor-targeted lipid-albumin nanoparticles (F-LAN) for therapeutic delivery of an Akt1 antisense oligonucleotide

Background: RX-0201 is an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) against Akt1 currently in clinical trial for metastatic renal cancer.Purpose: To improve the delivery of RX-0201 using folate receptor-targeted lipid-albumin nanoparticles (F-LAN).Methods: F-LAN were synthesized with the composition of DOTAP/soyPC/TPGS/folate-PEG-DSPE (25:70:4:1 m/m), a cationic human serum albumin-pentaethylenehexamine (HSA-PEHA) conjugate and RX-0201. The nanoparticles were evaluated in KB human carcinoma cells in vitro and in a KB murine xenograft tumour model in vivo for pharmacokinetics and antitumor activities.Results: The F-LAN-RX-0201 had a mean particle size of 108.6 ± 5.8 nm, zeta potential of 10.5 ± 3.2 mV and ASO loading efficiency of 71.5 ± 4.5%. In KB cells, uptake and Akt1 inhibition by F-LAN-RX-0201 were greater than those of non-targeted LAN-RX-0201 and could be partially blocked by excess free folate. F-LAN-RX-0201 inhibited cell growth with an IC50 of 11.9 μM. In contrast, LAN-RX-0201 showed lower cytotoxicity with an IC50 of 32.0 μM. No significant cytotoxicity was observed with up to 250 µM of free RX-0201. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that F-LAN-RX-0201 had a longer terminal half-life than free RX-0201 (442 vs. 219 min). In a KB xenograft tumour model, F-LAN-RX-0201 exhibited greater tumour inhibition than LAN-RX-0201 at 16 mg/kg. Moreover, F-LAN-RX-0201 at 16 mg/kg showed comparable tumour inhibition compared to free RX-0201 at a much higher dose of 90 mg/kg.Conclusions: F-LAN-RX-0201 showed promise as a therapeutic agent for tumours with elevated folate-receptor expression.

Folic-acid-conjugated pullulan/poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) graft copolymer nanoparticles for folate-receptor-mediated drug delivery.

BackgroundNanoparticles have been extensively investigated for targeted delivery of anticancer drugs. Since the folate receptor is universally over-expressed on the tumor cell membrane, folic acid is often used to modify the fate of nanoparticles in biologicals.MethodsTo fabricate targetable nanoparticles, folic acid was conjugated to a pullulan backbone and poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) (abbreviated as FAPuLG) was conjugated. KB cells and NIH3T3-cell-bearing mice were prepared to prove folate receptor targeting of FAPuLG nanoparticles.Results and discussionNanoparticles of FAPuLG copolymer that self-assembled in water were small with diameters <200 nm. Doxorubicin (DOX) as a model drug was incorporated into the FAPuLG nanoparticles that were used to treat folate receptor over-expressing KB human carcinoma cells. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that DOX-incorporated FAPuLG nanoparticles induced strong red fluorescence in the KB cells in the absence of folic acid. However, fluorescence intensity was decreased by blocking folate receptors. Antitumor activity of FAPuLG nanoparticles against KB cells in vitro was also decreased by blocking folate receptors. In animal study using near-infrared dye-conjugated FAPuLG nanoparticles, fluorescence intensity was significantly higher at KB solid tumor than that of NIH3T3.ConclusionsThe results indicate that FAPuLG nanoparticles can target the folate receptor of tumor cells. FAPuLG nanoparticles are a promising candidate for active targeting of anticancer agents.

A promising targeted gene delivery system: Folate-modified dexamethasone-conjugated solid lipid nanoparticles

Context: Non-viral gene delivery could deliver drugs/genes through cellular membranes and nuclear membranes by some modification of materials.Objective: This study develops a kind of vector to target the cells through receptor-mediated pathways. Nuclear localization signal (NLS) was also used to increase the nuclear uptake of genetic materials.Materials and methods: A lipid containing dexamethasone (Dexa) was synthesized as the material of the preparation of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and folate (Fa)-conjugated PEG-PE (Fa-PEG-PE) ligands were used to modify the SLNs. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the carriers at various concentrations (10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 μg/ml) were evaluated in KB human carcinoma cells (KB cells). In vivo transfection efficiency of the novel modified vectors was evaluated in disseminated peritoneal tumors on mice bearing KB cells.Results: Fa-PEG-PE modified SLNs/enhanced green fluorescence protein plasmid (pEGFP) has a particle size of 258 nm, and the gene loading quantity of the vector was 90%. The in vitro cytotoxicity of Fa-PEG-PE-modified SLNs/pEGFP (Fa-SLNs/pEGFP) was low (cell viabilities were between 80% and 100% compared with controls). Fa-SLNs/pEGFP displayed remarkably higher transfection efficiency (40%) than non-modified SLNs/pEGFP (24%) and the vectors not containing Dexa (30%) in vivo.Conclusion: The results demonstrate that Fa and Dexa could function as excellent active targeting ligands to improve the cell targeting and nuclear targeting ability of the carriers and the resulting vectors could be promising active targeting drug/gene delivery systems.

Lysosomal and mitochondrial permeabilization mediates zinc(II) cationic phthalocyanine phototoxicity

In order to find a novel photosensitizer to be used in photodynamic therapy for cancer treatment, we have previously showed that the cationic zinc(II) phthalocyanine named Pc13, the sulfur-linked dye 2,9(10),16(17),23(24)-tetrakis[(2-trimethylammonium) ethylsulfanyl]phthalocyaninatozinc(II) tetraiodide, exerts a selective phototoxic effect on human nasopharynx KB carcinoma cells and induces an apoptotic response characterized by an increase in the activity of caspase-3. Since the activation of an apoptotic pathway by chemotherapeutic agents contributes to the elimination of malignant cells, in this study we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the antitumor action of Pc13. We found that after light exposure, Pc13 induced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are mediating the resultant cytotoxic action on KB cells. ROS led to an early permeabilization of lysosomal membranes as demonstrated by the reduction of lysosome fluorescence with acridine orange and the release of lysosomal proteases to cytosol. Treatment with antioxidants inhibited ROS generation, preserved the integrity of lysosomal membrane and increased cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. Lysosome disruption was followed by mitochondrial depolarization, cytosolic release of cytochrome C and caspases activation. Although no change in the total amount of Bax was observed, the translocation of Bax from cytosol to mitochondria, the cleavage of the pro-apoptotic protein Bid, together with the decrease of the anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-XL and Bcl-2 indicated the involvement of Bcl-2 family proteins in the induction of the mitochondrial pathway. It was also demonstrated that cathepsin D, but not caspase-8, contributed to Bid cleavage. In conclusion, Pc13-induced cell photodamage is triggered by ROS generation and activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway through the release of lysosomal proteases. In addition, our results also indicated that Pc13 induced a caspase-dependent apoptotic response, being activation of caspase-8, -9 and -3 the result of a post-mitochondrial event.

Gene Delivery with Active Targeting to Ovarian Cancer Cells Mediated by Folate Receptor α

Folate receptor alpha (FRalpha) is overexpressed on ovarian cancer cells and is a promising molecular target for ovarian cancer gene therapy, but there was still no related report. In this study, folate modified cationic liposomes (F-PEG-CLPs) for ovarian cancer gene delivery were developed for the first time. Folate-poly(ethylene glycol)-succinate-cholesterol (F-PEG-suc-Chol) was firstly synthesized and then used to prepare folate-targeted cationic liposomes/plasmid DNA complexes (F-targeted lipoplexes). F-targeted lipoplexes were prepared by post-insertion method, and displayed membrane structure by transmission electron microscopy observation with the diameter of 193 nm-200 nm and the zeta potential of 35 mV-38 mV. DNase degradation experiments showed that plasmid DNA could be effectively shielded by F-targeted lipoplexes in vitro. F-targeted lipoplexes could transfer gene into human ovarian carcinoma cell line SKOV-3, and 0.1% F-PEG-CLPs composed by DOTAP/Chol/mPEG-Chol/F-PEG-suc-Chol (50:45:5:0.1, molar ratio) had the highest transfection efficiency. The transfection activity of F-targeted lipoplexes could be competitively inhibited by free folic acid, demonstrating that folate-FRalpha interaction caused high transfection efficiency of F-targeted lipoplexes. The uptake mechanism of F-targeted lipoplexes was further validated on human oral carcinoma cell line KB and human liver carcinoma cell line HepG2. The concentration-dependent and time-dependent cytotoxicity of targeted material F-PEG-suc-Chol was observed by MTT assay on SKOV-3 cell and its application would not increase the cytotoxicity of F-targeted lipoplexes in SKOV-3 cells. All the data indicated that F-PEG-CLPs would be a promising gene vector targeting for ovarian cancer therapy.

Enhanced intracellular drug delivery of pH-sensitive doxorubicin/poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(4-vinylbenzylphosphonate) nanoparticles in multi-drug resistant human epidermoid KB carcinoma cells.

A pH-sensitive nanoparticle was prepared using our original amphiphilic block copolymer, poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(4-vinylbenzylphosphonate) (PEG-b-PVBP), which possesses phosphate groups as a side chain of its hydrophobic segment (termed here, phosphate nanoparticle (PNP)). The cationic anticancer drug, doxorubicin (DOX) was incorporated into a PNP (DOX@PNP), and its loading capacity was 320 mg g-1-PNP. Electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions in the core of the PNP might act synergistically to significantly improve its loading capacity. The cytotoxicity of the DOX@PNP was examined using the drug-sensitive human epidermoid KB carcinoma cell line (KB-3-1) and two different multi-drug resistance (MDR) KB cell lines (P-glycoprotein (P-gp) overexpressed (KB-C-2) and multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) overexpressed (KB/MRP) cell lines). The DOX@PNP displayed a lower cytotoxic activity than free DOX against KB-3-1 cells. In contrast, the DOX@PNP showed a higher cytotoxic activity than free DOX against MDR cells. Of particular note, the cytotoxicity of the DOX@PNP against KB-C-2 cells was much higher than that against KB/MRP cells, suggesting that different mechanisms of drug reflux via the ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporting system play an important role in nanoparticle-assisted chemotherapy. Observation with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) indicated that the DOX@PNP was taken up by cells via the endocytosis pathway. The DOX@PNP was initially localized in the late endosome and lysosome, with the subsequent release of DOX from the DOX@PNP in response to the acidic pH of the late endosome and lysosome. Quantitative analysis using flow cytometry confirmed that the uptake of the DOX@PNP into KB-C-2 cells was much higher than that into KB/MRP cells, which was one of the reasons for the enhanced toxicity of the DOX@PNP against KB-C-2 cells compared to that against KB/MRP cells. Reflux of the liberated free DOX in the cytosol, via an endosomal membrane transporter, is considered one of the reasons for the low efficiency of DOX@PNP chemotherapy against KB/MRP cells. However, compared to the free DOX dose, a high dose of the DOX@PNP was effectively delivered to the nuclei of the KB/MRP cells. On the basis of these results, the pH-sensitive DOX@PNP is anticipated as one of the effective chemotherapeutic drugs with enhanced cytotoxicity for multiple types of MDR cancer cells.

Photophysics and photobiology of novel liposomal formulations of 2,9(10), 16(17),23(24)-tetrakis[(2-dimethylamino)ethylsulfanyl]phthalocyaninatozinc(II)

Six novel liposomal formulations of 2,9(10),16(17),23(24)-tetrakis[(2-dimethylamino)ethylsulfanyl]phthalocyaninatozinc(II) (Pc9) were investigated to establish how the environments affect their photophysical and photobiological properties. The incorporation efficiency and solubility during a time period were evaluated. All Pc9-liposomal formulations were efficient singlet oxygen quantum yield generators. The photobiological potentials were evaluated on human nasopharynx KB carcinoma cells. None of the formulations studied showed cytotoxic effects in the absence of light, whereas all of them showed good performance after irradiation. The 50% inhibition of cell proliferation (IC 50 ) was in the range of 0.21–0.47 μM for Pc9-loaded liposome formulations. A lysosomal localization was found for S-PEG as well as for S. ► Six novel liposomal formulation of Pc9 were investigated for PDT. ► Pc9 liposomal formulations were efficient singlet oxygen quantum yield generators. ► All Pc9 formulations showed photocytotoxic activity against KB cells. ► A preferential localization in lysosomes was established for the Pc9 formulations.

Photodynamic Effects of Zinc(II) Phthalocyanine‐Loaded Polymeric Micelles in Human Nasopharynx KB Carcinoma Cells

A major difficulty in photodynamic therapy is the poor solubility of the photosensitizer (PS) under physiological conditions which correlates with low bioavailability. PS aggregation leads to a decrease in the photodynamic efficiency and a more limited activity in vitro and in vivo. To improve the aqueous solubility and reduce the aggregation of 2,9(10),16(17),23(24)-tetrakis[(2-dimethylamino)ethylsulfanyl]phthal-ocyaninatozinc(II) (Pc9), the encapsulation into four poloxamine polymeric micelles (T304, T904, T1107 and T1307) displaying a broad spectrum of molecular weight and hydrophilic-lipophilic balance was investigated. The aqueous solubility of Pc9 was increased up to 30 times. Morphological evaluation showed the formation of Pc9-loaded spherical micelles in the nanosize range. UV/Vis and fluorescence studies indicated that Pc9 is less aggregated upon encapsulation in comparison with Pc9 in water-DMSO 2% and remained photostable. Pc9-loaded micelles generated singlet molecular oxygen in high yields. Photocytotoxicity assays using human nasopharynx KB carcinoma cells confirmed that the encapsulation of Pc9 in T1107 and T1307 increases its photocytotoxicity by 10 times in comparison with the free form in water-DMSO. In addition, Pc9 incorporated into cells was mainly localized in lysosomes.

Synthesis and characterization of G5 PAMAM dendrimer containing daunorubicin for targeting cancer cells

A multifunctional dendritic nanodevice containing folate (FA) as the targeting molecule and daunorubicin (DNR) as the chemotherapeutic drug has been designed and synthesized. The primary amino groups on the surface of the generation 5 poly(amidoamine) dendrimer (G5 dendrimer) were acetylated partially. FA and DNR were conjugated to the remaining primary amino groups on the G5 dendrimer through amide and ester linkage, respectively, to generate the difunctional dendritic device. The synthetic approach of G5 PAMAM dendrimer containing daunorubicin and folic acid would be useful for targeting the overexpressed membrance-associated folate receptors of KB human carcinoma cell line and discreating them effectively.

Synthesis and comparative photodynamic properties of two isosteric alkyl substituted zinc(II) phthalocyanines

The synthesis and photophysical parameters of two novel isosteric cationic zinc(II) phthalocyanines: 2,9(10),16(17),23(24)-tetrakis[(N-butyl-N-methylammoniumethylsulfanyl]phthalocyaninatozinc(II) tetraiodide (6) and 2,9(10),16(17),23(24)-tetrakis[(N-dibutyl-N-methylammonium)ethoxy]phthalocyaninatozinc(II) tetraiodide (7) were investigated. Maximum absorption values were 686.5 nm and 678 nm for 6 and 7, respectively, whereas singlet molecular oxygen generation was 0.42 and 0.67, respectively. The photodynamic effect and the cellular uptake of both phthalocyanines were evaluated on human nasopharynx KB carcinoma cells. After light exposure, phthalocyanine 6 showed a higher cytotoxic activity than 7. In addition, a higher intracellular uptake of 6 and a preferential localization within lysosomes were demonstrated. The production of a greater amount of reactive oxygen species after phthalocyanine 6 irradiation would be responsible for its potent phototoxic action on KB cells.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of bilobol and adipostatin A

Concise total synthesis of bilobol 5-pentadecenylresorcinol (1), isolated from Gingko biloba fruits, has been achieved in 10 steps with 51% overall yield from 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3). Adipostatin A (2), isolated from the fruits as well as from Streptomyces cyaneus 2299-SV1, has also been synthesized in two steps from methylated bilobol (10). The structure–activity relationship study of synthetic products was described by means of cytotoxic assay against human KB carcinoma cell lines.

A Covalently Stabilized Lipid−Polycation−DNA (sLPD) Vector for Antisense Oligonucleotide Delivery

Antisense oligonucleotide G3139 is designed for Bcl-2 downregulation and is known to induce toll-like receptor activation. Novel stabilized lipid-polycation-DNA (sLPD) nanoparticles were constructed and evaluated for the delivery of G3139 to human carcinoma KB cells and for bioactivity in vivo. Polyethylenimine (PEI) was incorporated as a DNA condensing agent. The lipid composition used was DOTAP/DDAB/Chol/TPGS/linoleic acid/hexadecenal at molar ratios of 30/30/34/1/5/0.2. The nanoparticles were stabilized by the formation of a reversible covalent bond between the aldehyde group on the cis-11-hexadecenal and amines on the PEI. When sLPDs were used to transfect KB cells, 90.4% Bcl-2 downregulation was observed, compared to no significant downregulation by free G3139 and 54.6% downregulation by nonstabilized LPD-G3139. The sLPDs were then evaluated for therapeutic efficacy in mice bearing KB subcutaneous tumors and were found to trigger a strong antitumor response, inhibiting tumor growth and prolonging survival with 72% increase in lifespan (ILS). Consistent with previous reports on other G3139 nanoparticles, the increased antitumor activities of sLPDs in vivo were found to be associated with increased cytokine induction rather than Bcl-2 downregulation, suggesting an immunological mechanism.

Expression of fascin protein and mRNA in the KB carcinoma cell line following treatment with doxorubicin

Fascin is an actin-bundling protein that has been shown to be overexpressed in various carcinomas, but the effect of doxorubicin on its protein and mRNA has not been investigated. The aim of the present study is to evaluate any changes that may be induced by doxorubicin on the fascin molecule in a cancer cell line. Experimental study. The expression of fascin protein and mRNA in the human KB carcinoma cell line was evaluated by qRT-PCR, and immunocytochemistry following treatment with doxorubicin. Apoptosis was also analyzed using flow cytometry. Group comparisons were performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's post hoc test to determine differences between groups (P < 0.05). Treatment with doxorubicin promoted a significant increase of fascin mRNA and decrease of fascin protein (P <0.05). Doxorubicin also induced apoptosis in the KB cell line. Regarding the changes in the actin-bundling protein, fascin, which was found following treatment with doxorubicin, it can be hypothesized that this drug may possess antimigratory characteristics by influencing fascin. Further studies are suggested to clarify this theory.

Promotion of hematogenous metastatic potentials in human KB carcinoma cells with overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2

To understand the role of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in metastatic potential of oral cancer, COX-2 overexpressing KB/COX-2 cells were inoculated orthotopically into the masseter muscle or injected into the left cardiac ventricle of nude mice. KB/COX-2 showed about 4-fold increase of COX-2 protein expression as compared to KB/Neo which was a mock transfected control. In orthotopic inoculation, metastasis to the regional lymph nodes occurred in 2 out of 15 mice, and metastasis to the lung in 3 out of 15 mice. On the other hand, in intra-cardiac injection, hematogenous metastasis to the lung and bone occurred in 8 out of 10 mice in KB/COX-2, but no metastasis occurred except for only one metastasis to the femur bone out of 10 mice in KB/Neo. Treatment of KB/COX-2 with COX-2 small interfering RNA (siRNA) inhibited the colony formation but not cell growth in vitro, and suppressed tumorigenicity and hematogenous metastasis in nude mice. When expression of adhesion molecules such as E-cadherin, alpha-catenin, beta-catenin and CD44 was examined, there was no difference in alpha- and beta-catenin between the cells. However, expression of E-cadherin was detected in KB/Neo, but not in KB/COX-2. In contrast, expression of CD44 was markedly increased in KB/COX-2 as compared to KB/Neo. Treatment with COX-2 siRNA resulted in suppression of CD44 expression and detectable expression of E-cadherin in KB/COX-2. These findings suggested that overexpression of COX-2 increased hematogenous metastasis, at least in KB cells, via down-regulating E-cadherin and up-regulating CD44 expression.

Photodynamic effects of isosteric water-soluble phthalocyanines on human nasopharynx KB carcinoma cells

The photodynamic activity of water-soluble cationic zinc(II) phthalocyanines using human nasopharynx carcinoma (KB cells) was investigated. A sulfur-linked cationic dye, named: 2,9(10),16(17),23(24)-tetrakis[(2-trimethylammonium)ethylsulfanyl]phthalocyaninatozinc(II) tetraioidide ( 13) is the most active of four sensitizer assays and shows a singlet oxygen quantum yield of 0.58 and a higher bathochromic shift of 10 nm for the Q-band as compared with the oxygen-linked cationic aliphatic phthalocyanine: 2,9(10),16(17),23(24)-tetrakis[(2-trimethylammonium)ethoxy]phthalocyaninatozinc(II) tetraioidide ( 11) and the best photo-stability in water in comparison with their tetra-α-substituted counterparts 1,8(11),15(18),22(25)-tetrakis[(2-trimethylammonium)ethoxy]phthalocyaninatozinc(II) tetraioidide ( 12) and 1,8(11),15(18),22(25)-tetrakis[(2-trimethylammonium)ethylsulfanyl]phthalocyaninatozinc(II) tetraioidide ( 14). Phthalocyanine 13, partially localized in lysosomes, led to cell photoinactivation in a concentration- and light dose-dependent manner. After photodynamic treatment, compound 13 induced an apoptotic response – as indicated by morphological cell changes – an increase in the activity of caspase-3 and the cleavage of poly-ADP-ribose-polymerase substrate (PARP).

Antitumor effects of inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase or cyclooxygenase-2 on human KB carcinoma cells overexpressing COX-2

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 are major inflammatory mediators. Nitric oxide (NO) produced by iNOS has been shown to have an important role in carcinogenesis. Recent studies have suggested that COX-2 expression also contributes to carcinogenesis, as well as tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. COX-2 inhibitors such as celecoxib are widely recognized to have antitumor activity, but can cause adverse effects. We investigated possible relations between COX-2 and NO with the use of a human epidermoid carcinoma cell line, designated KB, in which overexpression of COX-2 protein was induced by gene transfer. We also assessed the possibility of using NOS inhibitor as an antitumor drug. We isolated a COX-2 transfected clone (KB/COX-2) and used a neomycin-transfected clone (KB/neo) as control. NG-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME) was used as a NOS inhibitor, dihydrochloride (1400W) as an iNOS inhibitor, and celecoxib as a selective COX-2 inhibitor. All agents inhibited the cell growth of both clones to similar extents in a dose-dependent manner. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production and COX-2 expression in KB/COX-2 were inhibited not only by celecoxib, but also by L-NAME and 1400W. The decreases in PGE2 production and COX-2 expression were most prominent with celecoxib and L-NAME. In vivo, L-NAME and celecoxib significantly inhibited the proliferation of KB/COX-2-xenografted tumors. Tumor weight was reduced by L-NAME (60.6% decrease), 1400W (38.0% decrease), and celecoxib (74.5% decrease) as compared with the control after 21 days of treatment. Immunohistochemically, xenografted tumors expressed COX-2, iNOS, and eNOS. Such expression was suppressed by treatment with L-NAME and celecoxib. These results suggest that L-NAME and celecoxib significantly inhibit the proliferation of murine squamous cell carcinoma in vivo. L-NAME as well as celecoxib might thus be useful for the design and development of new antitumor drugs.