Mitochondria-mediated Apoptosis Research Articles

Ursodeoxycholic Acid Platinum(IV) Conjugates as Antiproliferative and Antimetastatic Agents: Remodel the Tumor Microenvironment through Suppressing JAK2/STAT3 Signaling.

Tumor microenvironment (TME) is a pivotal factor driving the tumor metastasis and leading to the failure of tumor therapy. Here, a series of ursodeoxycholic acid platinum(IV) conjugates with potency in remodeling the TME through suppressing JAK2/STAT3 signaling was developed. A candidate was screened out, which displayed potent antiproliferative and antimetastatic performance both in vitro and in vivo. It displayed superior pharmacokinetic properties compared to cisplatin. Serious DNA injury was induced, and then mitochondria-mediated apoptosis was initiated through the Bcl-2/Bax/Caspase3 pathway. The JAK2/STAT3 and TGF-β1 signaling pathways were remarkably inhibited, and pro-death autophagy was subsequently promoted. The inflammatory and hypoxic TME was suppressed by downregulating COX-2, MMP9, and HIF-1α, which resulted in inhibited angiogenesis in tumors by inhibiting the HIF-1α/VEGFA axis. Additionally, the immunosuppressive TME was reversed by blocking the immune checkpoint PD-L1, further improving the density of CD3+ and CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and promoting macrophage polarization from M2- to M1-type.

Hydramethylnon induces mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in BEAS-2B human bronchial epithelial cells

Typically used household chemicals comprise numerous compounds. Determining mixture toxicity, as observed when using household chemicals containing multiple substances, is of considerable importance from a regulatory perspective. Upon examining the toxic effects of household chemical mixtures, we observed that hydramethylnon combined with tetramethrin resulted in synergistic toxicity. To determine the unknown toxicity mechanism of hydramethylnon, which carries the risk of inhalation exposure when using household chemicals, we conducted a further investigation using BEAS-2B cells, a human bronchial epithelial cell line. Hydramethylnon-induced cytotoxicity was determined following 24 and 48 h of exposure using the water-soluble tetrazolium 1 and lactate dehydrogenase assays. To elucidate the toxicity mechanism, we utilized flow cytometry and measured the levels of apoptosis-related proteins and caspase activities. Given that hydramethylnon, as an insecticide, disrupts the mitochondrial electron transfer chain, we analyzed the relevant mechanisms, including mitochondrial superoxide levels as well as the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Hydramethylnon dose-dependently induced BEAS-2B cell apoptosis via the intrinsic pathway. Furthermore, it significantly increased mitochondrial superoxide levels and disrupted the MMP. Pre-treatment with a caspase inhibitor (Z-DEVD-FMK) confirmed that hydramethylnon induced caspase-dependent apoptosis. Apoptosis, a key event in the toxicological process of chemicals, can lead to lung diseases, including fibrosis and cancer. The results of the present study suggest a mechanism of toxicity of hydramethrylnon, an organofluorine biocide whose toxicity has been little studied, to the lung epithelium. Considering the potential risks associated with inhalation exposure, these results highlight the need for careful management and regulation of hydramethylnon.

SMP30 alleviates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion-induced neuronal injury by inhibiting HDAC4/PSD-95 to preserve mitochondrial function

Abstract Ischemic stroke is a major cause of global death and permanent disability. Major consequences of ischemic stroke include neuronal mitochondrial dysfunction. We investigated the effects of senescence marker protein 30 (SMP30) on mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4)/postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95) signaling in stroke models in vivo and in vitro. Rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) were used to simulate cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. SMP30 was downregulated in the brain tissues of rats after I/R induction. SMP30 overexpression decreased MCAO/R-induced infarct volumes and improved neurologic function and histopathological changes. Increasing SMP30 expression suppressed neuronal apoptosis and reduced mitochondrial dysfunction. SMP30 overexpression in SH-SY5Y and PC12 cells treated with oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) decreased HDAC4 and PSD-95 expression; PSD-95 could bind to HDAC4. Furthermore, HDAC4 upregulation abolished the effects of SMP30 overexpression on OGD/R-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction in SH-SY5Y cells. Together, these findings indicate that SMP30 alleviates cerebral I/R-induced neuronal injury by inhibiting HDAC4/PSD-95 to preserve mitochondrial function. These interactions might provide new treatment methods for patients with ischemic stroke.

Disturbance of mitochondrial dynamics led to spermatogenesis disorder in mice exposed to polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics

The widespread presence of polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics (PS-MPs/NPs) in the environment poses a threat to the health of the population. Animal studies have shown PS-MPs/NPs had male reproductive toxicity, while its mechanisms are unclear. To investigate that, male Balb/c mice were randomized into 3 groups: the control, 1 μm PS-MPs and 70 nm PS-NPs group, and they were given PS-MPs/NPs by intratracheal instillation for 28 days. Results revealed that PS-MPs/NPs up-regulated the expression of mitochondrial fission related factors (p-DRP1/DRP1, FIS1) and down-regulated the level of mitochondrial fusion related factors (MFN1/2, OPA1), causing over mitochondrial fission, which activating mitochondrial apoptotic pathway (BAX, Cleaved-Caspase9, Cleaved-Caspase3), resulting in cell apoptosis. Moreover, the damaged structure of mitochondria and over mitochondrial fission caused mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to translocate from mitochondria to cytoplasm, which activated DNA sensing pathway (cGAS-STING) and induced cell pyroptosis in testis by raising the expression of inflammation factors (NLRP3, ASC, Caspase1 p20, IL-1β). In vitro, by using the mitochondrial fission inhibitor Mdivi-1, it is found that PS-NPs-induced cell apoptosis and pyroptosis were associated with over mitochondrial fission. Taken together, we conclude that PS-MPs/NPs cause spermatogenesis disorder possibly through damaging mitochondrial structure and dynamic homeostasis, which on the one hand results in mitochondria-mediated apoptosis, and on the other hand leads to mtDNA mislocalization, activating cGAS-STING pathway and inflammation, ultimately resulting in pyroptosis. This study may provide a new reference to the potential mechanisms of male reproductive toxicity caused by PS-MPs/NPs.

Evaluating the Diverse Anticancer Effects of Laos Kaempferia parviflora (Black Ginger) on Human Melanoma Cell Lines.

Cancer has become a consistent concern globally and increasingly fatal. Malignant melanoma is a rising concern, with its increased mortality. Kaempferia parviflora Wall. ex Baker (K. parviflora (KP)), commonly known as black ginger, is well known for its medicinal contributions. For the first time, in the following study we investigated the antimelanoma potential of Laos KP extracts in human cell lines. KP extracts (KPE) in methanol, DCM, and ethyl acetate showed strong cell inhibition in both melanomas, with KPE-DCM being particularly effective in inhibiting melanoma cell migration, invasion, and proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, while KPE-Hexane exhibited a low cell inhibition rate and a more limited effect. KPE affected the increased expression of caspase-3, PARP andBax and the decreased expression of the BcL-2, Mu-2-related death-inducing gene (MUDENG, MuD) protein. Furthermore, KPE enhanced apoptotic cells in the absence and presence of the pancaspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK. Interestingly, these apoptotic cells were significantly suppressed by the caspase inhibitor. Moreover, elevated mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, suggestive of KPE's mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in melanoma cells, were also confirmed. KPE treatment increased MMP levels, and upregulated the generation of ROS in A375 cells but not in A2058 cells. However, pretreatment with an ROS scavenger (NAC) suppressed KPE-induced cell death and ROS generation. These results clearly pointed out KPE-induced mitochondrial-mediated apoptotic cell death as the mechanism behind the inhibition of the human melanoma cells. Future studies exploring the role of specific ROS sources and their interaction with mitochondrial dynamics could deepen the existing understanding on KPE-induced apoptosis.

A novel glycopeptide from mountain-cultivated ginseng residue protects type 2 diabetic symptoms-induced heart failure

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMountain-cultivated Panax ginseng C.A.Mey. (MCG) with high market price and various properties was valuable special local product in Northeast of Asia. MCG has been historically used to mitigate heart failure (HF) for thousand years, HF is a clinical manifestation of deficiency of “heart-qi” in traditional Chinese medicine. However, there was little report focus on the activities of extracted residue of MCG. Aim of the studyA novel glycopeptide (APMCG-1) was isolated from step ethanol precipitations of alkaline protease-assisted extract from MCG residue. Materials and methodsThe molecular weight and subunit structure of APMCG-1 were determined by FT-IR, HPLC and GPC technologies, as well as the H9c2 cells, Tg (kdrl:EGFP) zebrafish were performed to evaluated the protective effect of APMCG-1. ResultsAPMCG-1 was identified as a glycopeptide containing seven monosaccharides and seven amino acids via O-lined bonds. Further, in vitro, APMCG-1 significantly decreased reactive oxygen species production and lactate dehydrogenase contents in palmitic acid (PA)-induced H9c2 cells. APMCG-1 also attenuated endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in H9c2 cells via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. More importantly, APMCG-1 reduced the blood glucose, lipid contents, the levels of heart injury, oxidative stress and inflammation of 5 days post fertilization Tg (kdrl:EGFP) zebrafish with type 2 diabetic symptoms in vivo. ConclusionsAPMCG-1 protects PA-induced H9c2 cells while reducing cardiac dysfunction in zebrafish with type 2 diabetic symptoms. The present study provides a new insight into the development of natural glycopeptides as heart-related drug therapies.

Exposure to Gynura japonica (Thunb.) Juel plants induces hepatoxicity in rats and Buffalo rat liver cells

Ethnopharmacological relevanceGynura japonica (Thunb.) Juel is often confused with the non-pyrrolizidine alkaloid-producing herbs, Tu-San-Qi (Sedum aizoon L.) and San-Qi (Panax notoginseng L.), due to similarities in name, appearance, and medicinal use. It contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which cause over 50% of cases of hepatic sinus obstruction syndrome. However, the mechanisms underlying G. japonica-induced hepatotoxicity remain poorly understood. Aim of the studyIn this study, we aimed to investigate the toxic effects of a G. japonica decoction on liver and Buffalo rat liver (BRL) cells and elucidate the associated mechanisms. Materials and methodsThis study employed G. japonica decoction and examined its effects on liver function and tissue damage in Sprague–Dawley rats. Bioinformatics analysis was employed to identify gene expression and enriched pathways related to hepatotoxicity. Laser scanning confocal microscopy and flow cytometric annexin V/PI labeling assays were utilized to observe apoptosis in BRL cells induced by G. japonica. Transmission electron microscopy and JC-1 staining were used to determine the effects of G. japonica on mitochondrial ultrastructure and membrane potential in BRL cells. The bicinchoninic acid method and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to detect the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and caspase-3 activity, respectively. ResultsComparisons of body weight, liver histopathology, and serum liver function-related indices in rats, t showed that exposure to G. japonica may cause liver damage. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that hepatotoxicity might be related to apoptotic signaling pathways, the positive regulation of programmed cell death, and responses to toxic substances. BRL cells exposed to the G. japonica decoction exhibited mid-to late-stage apoptosis and necrosis, along with alterations in mitochondrial morphology and membrane potential. Furthermore, expression of cytochrome C (Cyt C) and pro-apoptotic proteins was increased, anti-apoptotic proteins decreased, and caspase-3 activity elevated. ConclusionsThese findings indicate that G. japonica-induced hepatotoxicity involves the activation of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. Our research enhances the scientific and theoretical foundation for clinical therapy and improves public awareness of the potential toxicity of herbal remedies.

Mfn2R364W, Mfn2G176S, and Mfn2H165R mutations drive Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2A disease by inducing apoptosis and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation damage

Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2A (CMT2A) is a single-gene motor sensory neuropathy caused by Mfn2 mutation. It is generally believed that CMT2A involves mitochondrial fusion disruption. However, how Mfn2 mutation mediates the mitochondrial membrane fusion loss and its further pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear. Here, in vivo and in vitro mouse models harboring the Mfn2R364W, Mfn2G176S and Mfn2H165R mutations were constructed. Mitochondrial membrane fusion and fission proteins analysis showed that Mfn2R364W, Mfn2G176S, and Mfn2H165R/+ mutations maintain the expression of Mfn2, but promote Drp1 upregulation and Opa1 hydrolytic cleavage. In Mfn2H165R/H165R mutation, Mfn2, Drp1, and Opa1 all play a role in inducing mitochondrial fragmentation, and the mitochondrial aggregation is affected by Mfn2 loss. Further research into the pathogenesis of CMT2A showed these three mutations all induce mitochondria-mediated apoptosis, and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation damage. Overall, loss of overall fusion activity affects mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) stability and causes mitochondrial loss and dysfunction, ultimately leading to CMT2A disease. Interestingly, the differences in the pathogenesis of CMT2A between Mfn2R364W, Mfn2G176S, Mfn2H165R/+ and Mfn2H165R/H165R mutations, including the distribution of Mfn2 and mitochondria, the expression of mitochondrial outer membrane-associated proteins (Bax, VDAC1 and AIF), and the enzyme activity of mitochondrial complex I, are related to the expression of Mfn2.

Canadine Platinum(IV) Complexes Targeting Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition as Antiproliferative and Antimetastatic Agents.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical process for cancer progression, which is crucial in inhibiting the immunity in tumors and further boosting tumor metastasis. The suppression of EMT represents a promising strategy for inhibiting metastatic tumors. Herein, a series of new canadine platinum(IV) conjugates with potent antiproliferative and antimetastatic activities were developed, which activated by suppressing EMT and provoking immune response in tumors besides causing DNA injury. The complexes could covalently conjugate to DNA and induce mitochondria-mediated apoptosis via Bcl-2/Bax/caspase3 signaling. The EMT process was remarkably inhibited by suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, reversing the inflammatory tumor microenvironment, and inhibiting the HIF-1α pathway, which further resulted in the inhibited angiogenesis in tumors. Moreover, the antitumor immunity was elevated by blocking immune checkpoints PD-L1 and CD47 accompanied by the improvement of CD3+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and the macrophage polarization from M2- toward M1-type simultaneously in tumors.

Avermectin induced vascular damage in zebrafish larvae: association with mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and VEGF/Notch signaling pathway

Avermectin is a highly effective insecticide that has been widely used in agriculture since the 1990s. In recent years, the safety of avermectin for non-target organisms has received much attention. The vasculature is important organs in the body and participate in the composition of other organs. However, studies on the vascular safety of avermectin are lacking. The vasculature of zebrafish larvae is characterized by ease of observation and it is a commonly used model for vascular studies. Therefore, zebrafish larvae were used to explore the potential risk of avermectin on the vasculature. The results showed that avermectin induced vascular damage throughout the body of zebrafish larvae, including the head, eyes, intestine, somite, tail and other vasculature. The main forms of damage are reduction in vascular diameter, vascular area and vascular abundance. Meanwhile, avermectin induced a decrease in the number of endothelial cells and apoptosis within the vasculature. In addition, vascular damage may be related to impairment of mitochondrial function and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. Finally, exploration of the molecular mechanisms revealed abnormal alterations in the expression of genes related to the VEGF/Notch signaling pathway. Therefore, the VEGF/Notch signaling pathway may be an important mechanism for avermectin-induced vascular damage in zebrafish larvae. This study demonstrates the vascular toxicity of avermectin in zebrafish larvae and reveals the possible molecular mechanism, which would hopefully draw more attention to the safety of avermectin in non-target organisms.

The expression of SOCS1 is regulated by promoter DNA methylation and is associated with mitochondria-mediated apoptosis of T-2 induced chondrocytes

At present, the function of SOCS1 in Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) has not been reported. This study aims to explore the expression and mechanism of SOCS1 in KBD, and provide theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of KBD. The expression of SOCS1 were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blot. ELISA was used to detect the content of SOCS1 in serum and synovial fluid. CCK-8 kits were selected to measure the cell viability. Methylation Specific PCR (MSP) assay is used to detect the methylation level of SOCS1 in chondrocytes. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the apoptosis rate of chondrocytes in different groups. The expression of apoptosis related proteins (caspase-3 and caspase-9) and Cytochrome c were detected using Western blot. The mitochondrial ROS, ATP and the activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes were detected using commercial kits. The results showed that the expression of SOCS1 significantly increases in KBD patients and T-2 induced chondrocytes. Further research has found that the methylation levels of SOCS1 were significantly reduced in KBD patients and T-2 induced chondrocytes. Functional studies have found that SOCS1 silencing inhibited chondrocyte apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction. More importantly, SOCS1 regulated mitochondrial mediated chondrocyte apoptosis through the IGF-1/IGF-1R/FAK/Drp1 pathway. In conclusion, SOCS1 expression is increased and methylation levels are decreased in KBD, and is involved in regulating mitochondrial mediated apoptosis in T-2 induced chondrocytes through IGF-1/IGF-1R/FAK/Drp1 signaling. This study provides new theoretical basis for the treatment and prevention of KBD in clinical practice.

P-101 Mitochondria-mediated apoptosis induced testicular dysfunction in bisphenol F treated rats: ameliorative effect of baicalin

Abstract Study question Will baicalin treatment ameliorate bisphenol F (BPF)-induced testicular dysfunction? Summary answer Baicalin ameliorates BPF-induced mitochondrial dysfunction-associated apoptosis What is known already BPF is a chemical presently considered a major replacement for bisphenol A and has been widely used in the canning and other food processing industries. However, a major limitation of this chemical is its gonadotoxic effect. Studies have shown that BPF disrupts testicular function via apoptotic signaling, although, its mechanism of action has not been fully explored. On the other hand, baicalin is an anti-apoptotic agent. Yet, none of these studies has reported the effect of baicalin on BPF-induced testicular injury Study design, size, duration This is a prospective experimental study using an animal model. Twenty-four sexually matured male Wistar rats of comparable weight were used for this study. All treatments were via oral gavage and lasted for 8 weeks Participants/materials, setting, methods Animals were acclimatized for two weeks, then randomized into 4 groups (n = 6); control: animals received 0.5 mL of corn oil as vehicle, BPF: animals received 30 mg/kg of BPF, baicalin: animals treated with 100 mg/kg of baicalin, BPF+ baicalin: animals treated with 30 mg/kg BPF and 100 mg/kg baicalin Main results and the role of chance : Baicalin ameliorated BPF-induced decrease in spermatogenic indices and sperm quality, circulatory levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone, and testicular concentrations of 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD. Also, baicalin ameliorated BPF-induced decline in testicular superoxide dismutase, catalase, total thiol, glutathione, glutathione S-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase activities and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 concentrations. Furthermore, baicalin alleviated BPF-induced increase in testicular malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, TNF-α, IL-6, and NF-kB levels. These events were associated with the dampening of BPF-induced decline in NAD+/NADH and Bcl-2 activities and BPF-induced increase in Bax and caspase 3 activities by baicalin. Limitations, reasons for caution This study was conducted in a rat model; therefore the results of the present study should be extrapolated to humans with caution Wider implications of the findings The present study described the ameliorative effect of baicalin treatment on BPF-induced testicular toxicity. Trial registration number N/A

Ursolic acid inhibiting excessive reticulophagic flux contributes to alleviate ochratoxin A-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress- and mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis

Ursolic acid inhibiting excessive reticulophagic flux contributes to alleviate ochratoxin A-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress- and mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis

Mass Spectrometry-based Detection of Mycotoxins in Imported Meat and their Perspective Role on Myocardial Apoptosis.

Fungal mycotoxins are the secondary metabolities and are harmful to plants, animals, and humans. Common aflatoxins are present and isolated from feeds and food comprises aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2. Public health threats or risk of foodborne disease posed by mycotoxins, especially the export or import of such meat products are of primary concern. This study aims to determine the concentration of the level of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2 M1, and M2 respectively in imported burger meat. The present work is designed to select and collect the various samples of meat products from different sources and subjected to mycotoxin analysis by LCMS/MS. Random selection was made on sites of burger meat was found to be on sale. Simultaneous presence of several mycotoxins in the same sample of imported meat under the set conditions of LCMS/MS detected 26% (18 samples) was positive for various mycotoxins. The most frequent mycotoxins proportion in the analyzed samples was aflatoxin B1 (50%) followed by aflatoxin G1 (44%), aflatoxin G2 (38.8%), aflatoxin B2 (33%) respectively which were least among all with 16.66 and 11.11%. A positive correlation is deduced between CVD and mycotoxin present in burger meat. Isolated mycotoxins initiate death receptor-mediated apoptosis, death receptor-mediated necrosis, mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis, mitochondrial-mediated necrosis, and immunogenic cell deaths through various pathways that can damage the cardiac tissues. The presence of these toxins in such samples is just the tip of the iceberg. Further investigation is necessary for complete clarifications of toxins on human health especially on CVD and other related metabolic complications.

Ginsenoside Rb1 Inhibits the Proliferation of Lung Cancer Cells by Inducing the Mitochondrial-mediated Apoptosis Pathway.

Lung cancer is one of the more common malignant tumors posing a great threat to human life, and it is very urgent to find safe and effective therapeutic drugs. The antitumor effect of ginsenosides has been reported to be a treatment with a strong effect and a high safety profile. This paper aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of ginsenoside Rb1 on 95D and NCI-H460 lung cancer cells and its pathway to promote apoptosis. We performed the CCK-8 assay, fluorescence staining assay, flow cytometry, scratch healing assay, and Transwell assay to detect the effects of different concentrations of ginsenoside Rb1 on the antitumor activity of 95D and NCI-H460 cells and Western Blot detected the mechanism of antitumor effect. Ginsenoside Rb1 treatment significantly increased the inhibition and apoptosis rates of 95D and NCIH460 cells and inhibited the cell cycle transition from S phase to G2/M. Rb1 induces apoptosis by altering the levels of P53, Bax, Cyto-c, Caspase-8, Caspase-3, Cleaved Caspase-3, Bcl-2, MMP-2, and MMP-9 proteins and activating the external apoptotic pathway. Ginsenoside Rb1 inhibits proliferation and migration and induces apoptosis of 95D and NCI-H460 lung cancer cells by regulating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway to achieve antitumor activity.

Avian Coronavirus Infectious Bronchitis Virus Activates Mitochondria-Mediated Apoptosis Pathway and Affects Viral Replication by Inducing Reactive Oxygen Species Production in Chicken HD11 Cells.

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), a coronavirus that causes severe respiratory and gastrointestinal illness in poultry, leads to substantial economic losses. According to earlier research, IBV infection causes chicken macrophage HD11 cells to undergo cell apoptosis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the IBV-activated intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway were examined in this work. The findings demonstrate that IBV infection causes ROS to accumulate. Moreover, IBV infection decreased the mitochondrial transmembrane potential in HD11 cells, which could be blocked by ROS antioxidants (PDTC and NAC). The two antioxidants significantly affected the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax and further inhibited the activation of caspase-3 and apoptosis in HD11 cells. Additionally, IBV replication was decreased by blocking ROS accumulation. Pretreating HD11 cells with ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) prevented IBV from entering the cells and reduced the oxidative stress which IBV causes. The ability to accumulate ROS was also lost in UV-inactivated IBV. The IBV N protein induces cell apoptosis through the activation of ROS. These findings provide an explanation for the processes of IBV infection in immune cells by indicating that IBV-induced ROS generation triggers cell apoptosis in HD11 cells.

Copper-based fluorinated MOFs for activatable multicolor 19F MRI and regulated cell death-promoting therapy of tumor

Fluorine-19 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is emerging as a promising multiplexed molecular imaging technique that is complement to traditional anatomical 1H MRI. Unfortunately, the further development and popularization of 19F MRI, especially multicolor 19F MRI, is substantially restricted by the limited types of imaging probes. In this study, we constructed a stimuli-responsive nanoagent (Cu-DFL) based on copper-based fluorinated metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for tumor visualization via dual-color 19F MRI and cancer therapy by promoting regulated cell death (RCD). The degradation of this nanoagent in the presence excess glutathione (GSH) in tumor microenvironment (TME) results in the release of two fluorinated organic ligands with distinct 19F chemical shifts, which substantially strengthens 19F signals for dual-color 19F MRI of tumor. Meanwhile, Cu2+ ions are discharged and soon reduced to Cu+ ions by GSH, which causes significant cuproptosis by inducing the aggregation of dihydrolipoyl transacetylase (DLAT). The presence of Cu+ ions also facilitates the intracellular Fenton reaction, which leads to considerable oxidative stress and subsequent mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. The downregulation of GPX4 due to the depletion of GSH and the enhanced oxidative stress contribute to excess lipid peroxidation (LPO), resulting in significant ferroptosis. These different types of RCD triggered by Cu-DFL contribute to the annihilation of cancer cells and the ablation of tumor. These results illustrated the promising potential of our nanoagent for accurate tumor visualization via multi-color 19F MRI and effective cancer therapy by stimulating multiple types of RCD, further demonstrating the potentiality of fluorinated MOFs for biomedical applications.

Downregulation of HIGD1B induces mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in gastric cancer cells by inactivating Akt and ERK pathways.

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Hypoxia-inducible domain (HIGD) family members (e.g., HIGD1A) have been linked to tumor progression. However, the role of HIGD1B (another HIGD family member) in GC has yet to be fully understood. Based on data from TCGA_GC, GSE65801, and GSE65801 data sets, HIGD1B levels were evaluated in normal and GC tissues. Next, HIGD1B levels were validated by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blot analysis analyses. Meanwhile, patients with GC in the TCGA_GC cohort were grouped into high- and low-HIGD1B level groups, and overall survival, functional enrichment, and immune infiltration were analyzed. Additionally, gain- and loss-of-function experiments were performed to determine the function of HIGD1B in GC cells. Compared to normal controls, HIGD1B mRNA levels were significantly elevated in GC tissues. Moreover, high HIGD1B levels may be an independent indicator of poor prognosis in patients with GC. Additionally, high HIGD1B levels were correlated with high stromal and ESTIMATE scores and elevated expression of immune checkpoints in patients with GC. Functional analyses showed that HIGD1B deficiency notably suppressed GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Moreover, HIGD1B deficiency significantly induced mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in GC cells by inactivating Akt and ERK pathways. Collectively, HIGD1B may predict the prognosis of patients with GC and may function as an oncogene in GC. These findings suggest that HIGD1B may serve as a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in GC.

Ergosterol peroxide inducing apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating mitochondrial apoptosis pathway

This study aims to investigate the effect of ergosterol peroxide(EP) on the apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma and its mechanism of action. The cell viability of HepG2 and SK-Hep-1 cells with 0(blank control), 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 μmol·L~(-1) of EP after 24, 48, and 72 h of action was detected by using CCK-8 assay, and the half inhibitory concentrations(IC_(50)) at 24, 48, and 72 h were calculated. Formal experiments were performed to detect the effect of EP on intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS) using DCFH-DA staining, the effect of EP on intracellular mitochondrial membrane potential using JC-1 staining, the number of apoptotic cells using Annexin V-FITC/PI double-staining after HepG2 cells were co-cultured with 0(blank control), 10, 20, 40 μmol·L~(-1) EP for 48 h. The effects of EP at different concentrations on apoptotic morphology were detected using AO/EB staining. The effects of different concentrations of EP on the protein expression of mitochondrial apoptosis pathway-related proteins B cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2), cytochrome C(Cyt-C), Bcl-2-related X protein(Bax), caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3, caspase-9, and cleaved caspase-9 were examined by using Western blot. The results showed that different concentrations of EP could inhibit the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma with concentration-and time-dependent trends. Compared with the blank control group, the ROS level in the EP-treated group increased significantly(P<0.05). The mitochondrial membrane potential decreased significantly(P<0.05). The total apoptosis rate increased significantly(P<0.05). The expression of Bcl-2 protein was significantly down-regulated, and the expression of Cyt-C, Bax, cleaved caspase-9, and cleaved caspase-3 were significantly up-regulated(P<0.05). In summary, EP may inhibit the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma by modulating the mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway and induce apoptosis.

Kuwanon C inhibits proliferation and induction of apoptosis via the intrinsic pathway in MDA-MB231 and T47D breast cancer cells

Breast cancer ranks as the most prevalent malignancy, presenting persistent therapeutic challenges encompassing issues such as drug resistance, recurrent occurrences, and metastatic progression. Therefore, there is a need for targeted drugs that are less toxic and more effective against breast cancer. Kuwanon C, an isoamylated flavonoid derived from mulberry resources, has shown promise as a potential candidate due to its strong cytotoxicity against cancer cells. The present study focused on investigating the anticancer activity of kuwanon C in two human breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB231 and T47D cells. MTS assay results indicated a decrease in cell proliferation with increasing concentrations of kuwanon C. Furthermore, kuwanon C upregulated the expression levels of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 and effectively inhibited cell DNA replication and induced DNA damage. Flow cytometry confirmed that kuwanon C induced cell apoptosis and upregulated the expression levels of pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax and c-caspase3). Additionally, it stimulated the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cells. Transmission electron microscopy and Fluo-4 AM-calcium ion staining experiments provided insights into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), revealing that kuwanon C induced ER stress. Kuwanon C upregulated the expression levels of unfolded protein response-related proteins (ATF4, GADD34, HSPA5, and DDIT3). Overall, the present findings suggested that kuwanon C exerts a potent inhibitory effect on breast cancer cell proliferation through modulating of the p21, induction of mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis, activation of ER stress and induction of DNA damage. These results position kuwanon C as a potential targeted therapeutic agent for breast cancer.