mRNA Expression Levels Of P53 Research Articles

The anti-inflammatory effect of arsenic trioxide effectively mitigates the pathogenic process in local chickens with avian leukosis

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is a classic first-line treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). An increasing number of studies regarding the use of ATO in tumor treatment have shown consistently remarkable results. In this study, subgroup J avian leukosis virus (ALV-J) was used as a model virus, and different doses of ATO were used to treat ALV-J-positive chickens. Sexually mature green-shelled laying hens from the same ALV-J-positive offspring were grouped and treated with one of 3 different doses of ATO. The anti-inflammatory effects of different doses of ATO in ALV-J-positive chickens and their mechanisms were investigated by analyzing levels of inflammatory cytokines, antioxidant parameters and apoptosis-related genes. The results showed that ATO administration mitigated ALV-induced lymphoid leukosis in the liver. ATO inhibited the activation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway and downregulated the expression levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. The SOD and GSH-Px activities were also increased, and the MDA content was decreased in the serum of ALV-J-positive chickens treated with different doses of ATO, so the antioxidant capacity of ALV-J-positive chickens was improved. The mRNA expression levels of p53, p21 and Bcl-2 in the livers of ALV-J-positive chickens treated with different doses of ATO were significantly downregulated, which induced the apoptosis of tumor cells and slowed the inflammatory response. The combined analysis revealed that the therapeutic effect of 2 mg/kg/dose ATO was superior to that of the other 2 treatments (0.5 and 1 mg/kg/dose ATO). In conclusion, the anti-inflammatory effect of ATO can effectively alleviate the ALV-J pathogenic process. ALV-J serves as a model virus for antiviral tumor research, while ATO provides references for the treatment of such tumors.

Multi-omics reveal toxicity mechanisms underpinning nanoplastic in redclaw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus)

We investigated the effects of different nanoplastic (NP, size = 100 nm) concentrations on red crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) and examined toxicity mechanisms. We established four concentration groups (control (CK): 0 μg/L; Low: 100 μg/L; Medium: 500 μg/L; and High: 1000 μg/L) and analyzed toxicity effects in C. quadricarinatus hepatopancreas using histopathological, transcriptomic, metabolomic, and fluorescence methods. NP exposure caused histological lesions and oxidative stress in hepatopancreas, and also significantly decreased glutathione (GSH) (P < 0.05) but significantly increased malondialdehyde content (MDA) (P < 0.05) in NP-treated groups. By analyzing different metabolic indicators, total cholesterol (T-CHO) content significantly increased (P < 0.05) and triglyceride (TG) content significantly decreased in Medium and High (P < 0.05). Transcriptomic analyses revealed that NPs influenced apoptosis, drug metabolism-cytochrome P450, and P53 signaling pathways. Metabolomic analyses indicated some metabolic processes were affected by NPs, including bile secretion, primary bile acid biosynthesis, and cholesterol metabolism. Caspase 3, 8, and 9 distribution levels in hepatopancreatic tissues were also determined by immunofluorescence; positive caspase staining increased with increased NP concentrations. Additionally, by examining relative Bcl-2, Bax, Apaf-1, and p53 mRNA expression levels, Bcl-2 expression was significantly decreased with increasing NP concentrations; and the expression of Bcl-2 was increasing significantly with the NPs concentration increasing. Bax expression in Low, Medium, and High groups was also significantly higher when compared with the CK group (P < 0.05); with High group levels significantly higher than in Low and Medium groups (P < 0.05). P53 expression was significantly increased in Low, Medium, and High groups (P < 0.05). Thus, NPs induced apoptosis in C. quadricarinatus hepatopancreatic cells, concomitant with increasing NP concentrations. Therefore, we identified mechanisms underpinning NP toxicity in C. quadricarinatus and provide a theoretical basis for exploring NP toxicity in aquatic organisms.

P21 Improving Osteoarthritis by Regulating the Pyroptosis of Cartilage Cells.

The regulation of p21 in the pyroptosis of cartilage cells still needs to be further clarified. We aimed to explore the regulation of p21 on the pyroptosis of cartilage cells and to reveal the improvement of osteoarthritis. Chondrocytes were collected and isolated from patients with osteoarthritis (average age 58.64 ± 4.32) in Xuzhou Third People's Hospital, China in 2019, and healthy volunteers (average age 58.23 ± 3.91) were enrolled as the control group. mRNA expression levels of p21 and pyroptosis-related proteins (NLRP3, ASC, total caspase1 and cleaved-Caspase1) were detected by Western blot and real-time PCR. Cell activity, total number of cells and number of dead cells were calculated with CCK-8, MTT. And the regulation of p21 on the pyroptosis of cartilage cells was verified with overexpression and knockdown of p21 in cartilage cells. In cartilage cells of patients with osteoarthritis, the transcription and translation levels of pyrolysis-related genes (NLRP3, cleaved-caspase 1, and ASC) significantly increased (P<0.01). p21 expression was up-regulated and positively correlated with the changing trend of pyrolysis-related proteins (P<0.01). Overexpressing p21 genes in normal cartilage cells significantly increased the expression of pyrolysis-related proteins (P<0.01). The pyroptosis of cartilage cells is causally related to the process of osteoarthritis, and can be regulated by transcription factor p21, which is a potential therapeutic target for osteoarthritis.

Anticancer behaviour of 2,2′-(pyridin-2-ylmethylene)bis(5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione)-based palladium(II) complex and its DNA, BSA binding propensity and DFT study

Herein, we report the synthesis and biological evaluation of [Pd(L)(OH2)Cl] complex (where L = 2,2′-(pyridin-2-ylmethylene)bis(5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione) as a novel promising anticancer candidate. The complex was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and other various spectroscopic techniques. Besides, the optimized structure was determined through DFT calculations revealing that the coordination geometry of [Pd(L)(OH2)Cl] complex is square planar. The binding propensity of [Pd(L)(OH2)Cl] complex with DNA and BSA was assessed by the spectrophotometric method. The antimicrobial profile of the ligand and its [Pd(L)(OH2)Cl] complex was screened against clinically important bacterial strains. [Pd(L)(OH2)Cl] complex showed promising activity against these microorganisms. Pd(L)(OH2)Cl] complex exhibited a potent antiproliferative potential compared to its ligand against different human cancer cells (A549, HCT116, MDA-MB-231, and HepG2) with less toxic effect against normal cells (WI-38). Additionally, [Pd(L)(OH2)Cl] complex exerted its anticancer effects against the most responsive cells (HCT116 cells; IC50 = 11 ± 1 μM) through suppressing their colony-forming capabilities and triggering apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at S phase. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed a remarkable upregulation of the mRNA expression level of p53 and caspase-3 by 4.8- and 5.9-fold, respectively, relative to control. Remarkable binding properties and non-covalent interactions between L and its [Pd(L)(OH2)Cl] complex with the binding sites of different receptors including CDK2, MurE ligase, DNA, and BSA were established using molecular docking. Based on our results, [Pd(L)(OH2)Cl] complex is an intriguing candidate for future investigations as a potential anticancer drug for the treatment of colon cancer.

Preparation of biogenic silver chloride nanoparticles from microalgae Spirulina Platensis extract: anticancer properties in MDA-MB231 breast cancer cells.

Breast carcinoma is the second leading cause of cancer related-deaths among women. Given its high incidence and mortality rates, searching for innovative treatments represents a formidable challenge within the medical and pharmaceutical industries. This study delves into the preparation, characterization, and anticancer properties of silver chloride nanoparticles (AgCLNPs) as a novel therapeutic approach for breast cancer cells, employing a biological synthesis method. This investigation, utilized spirulina platensis extract to synthesize silver chloride nanoparticles (AgCLNPs-SP). The formation, size, and structure of the nanoparticles were characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray crystallography (XRD), and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Additionally, the apoptotic and anticancer properties of AgCLNPs-SP were thoroughly examined. The results, revealed AgCLNPs-SP to exhibit a spherical, morphology with a size range of 40-70nm, primarily silver and chlorine. The dose-dependent response of AgCLNP-SP against MDA-MB231 cells was ascertained using the MTT Assay, with an IC50 value of 34µg/mL. Furthermore, the Annexin V-FITC/ PI apoptosis assay demonstrated a significant proportion of early apoptosis (43.67%) in MDA-MB231 cells. This apoptosis process was substantiated by up-regulation in mRNA expression levels of P53, CAD, and Bax genes, alongside a down-regulation of the of bcl2 gene expression. Additionally, an augmented production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell cycle analysis, Hoechst staining assay, and evaluated levels of Caspase - 3, -8 and - 9 were observed in AgCLNPs-SP-treated MDA_MB231 cancer cells. In conclusion, the results suggest that AgCLNPs-SP may be a promising agent for treating breast cancer.

HO-1-Mediated Autophagic Restoration Protects Lens Epithelial Cells Against Oxidative Stress and Cellular Senescence.

Oxidative stress and cellular senescence are risk factors for age-related cataract. Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) is a critical antioxidant enzyme and related to autophagy. Here, we investigate the crosstalk among HO-1, oxidative stress, and cellular senescence in mouse lens epithelial cells (LECs). The gene expression of HO-1, p21, LC3, and p62 was measured in human samples. The protective properties of HO-1 were examined in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-damaged LECs. Autophagic flux was examined by Western blot and mRFP-GFP-LC3 assay. Western blotting and lysotracker staining were used to analyze lysosomal function. Flow cytometry was used to detect intracellular reactive oxygen species and analyze cell cycle. Senescence-associated β-galactosidase assay was used to determine cellular senescence. The crosstalk between HO-1 and transcription factor EB (TFEB) was further observed in TFEB-knockdown cells. The TFEB binding site in the promoter region of Hmox1 was predicted by the Jasper website and was confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. HO-1 gene expression decreased in LECs of patients with age-related nuclear cataract, whereas mRNA expression levels of p21, LC3, and p62 increased. Upon H2O2-induced oxidative stress, LECs showed the characteristics of autophagic flux blockade, lysosomal dysfunction, and premature senescence. Interestingly, HO-1 significantly restored the impaired autophagic flux and lysosomal function and delayed cellular senescence. TFEB gene silencing greatly reduced the HO-1-mediated autophagic restoration, leading to a failure to prevent LECs from oxidative stress and premature senescence. We demonstrated HO-1 effects on restoring autophagic flux and delaying cellular senescence under oxidative stress in LECs, which are dependent on TFEB.

Glucose increases proliferation and chemoresistance in chronic myeloid leukemia via decreasing antioxidant Properties of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the presence of Iron.

There is a strong association between hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, inflammation and the onset and progression of diabetes which causes a higher risk of cancer. This study investigated, the effect of concomitant use of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) with iron supplements in hyper-glucose conditions on the K-562 cell line. The effects of iron, ω-3 PUFAs, and a combination of both on K-562 cells were investigated under normal and high glucose conditions. The impact of these treatments was evaluated using multiple methodologies, including the MTT assay for cell viability, quantification of oxidative stress markers [total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA)], and analysis of the cell cycle. Furthermore, the expression levels of TNFα and p53 mRNA were measured using Real-time PCR. The co-treatment of ω-3 PUFAs and iron in the presence of high glucose had notable effects, as evidenced by an increase in cell survival, resistance to imatinib chemotherapy, TNFαmRNA expression levels, MDA levels, and percentage of cells in the G2/S phase. Additionally, there was a decrease in the mRNA expression of p53 and TAC levels compared to treatment in the normal-glucose condition. Hyperglycemic conditions in conjunction with the combined treatment of theω-3 PUFAs and iron, led to reduced anticancer capacity, chemosensitivity, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the K-562 cells. These effects were found to be mediated by oxidative stress.

Irbesartan has a curative effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced cardiotoxicity by antioxidant and antiapoptotic pathways

Introduction and ObjectiveLipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been associated with myocardial inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cardiac dysfunction, as well as death by causing sepsis. In this study, we investigated the effect of irbesartan (IRB), an angiotensin receptor antagonist, on cardiotoxicity caused by LPS. MethodsThe experiment involved 24 Wistar albino rats divided into three groups of eight: control, LPS (5 mg/kg), and LPS (5 mg/kg)+IRB (3 mg/kg). Parameters including total oxidative status, total antioxidant status, oxidative stress index, and ischemia-modified albumin were measured to assess oxidative stress in heart tissues and serum. Serum CK, CK-MB, and LDH levels were measured spectrophotometrically. RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of Bcl-2, BAX, p53, caspase-3, and sirtuin 1. Tissues taken from the heart and aorta were examined by immunohistochemistry and histopathology. ResultsWhile there was an increase in the parameters indicating heart damage, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in the group given LPS, there was an improvement in all parameters and heart damage in the group treated with IRB. ConclusionAs a result of our study, we determined that IRB has an ameliorating effect on myocardial damage caused by oxidative stress and apoptosis developed by the LPS-induced sepsis model.

The crosstalk between ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2Q1 and p53 in colorectal cancer: An in vitro analysis.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent gastrointestinal neoplasm that ranks fourth in terms of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In the process of CRC progression, multiple ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (E2s) are involved; UBE2Q1 is one of those newly identified E2s that is markedly expressed in human colorectal tumors. Since p53 is a well-known tumor suppressor and defined as a key factor to be targeted by the ubiquitin-proteasome system, we hypothesized that UBE2Q1 might contribute to CRC progression through the modulation of p53. Using the lipofection method, the cultured SW480 and LS180 cells were transfected with the UBE2Q1 ORF-containing pCMV6-AN-GFP vector. Then, quantitative RT-PCR was used to assay the mRNA expression levels of p53's target genes, i.e., Mdm2, Bcl2, and Cyclin E. Moreover, Western blot analysis was performed to confirm the cellular overexpression of UBE2Q1 and assess the protein levels of p53, pre- and post-transfection. The expression of p53's target genes were cell line-dependent except for Mdm2 that was consistent with the findings of p53. The results of Western blotting demonstrated that the protein levels of p53 were greatly lower in UBE2Q1-transfected SW480 cells compared to the control SW480 cells. However, the reduced levels of p53 protein were not remarkable in the transfected LS180 cells compared to the control cells. The suppression of p53 is believed to be the result of UBE2Q1-dependent ubiquitination and its subsequent proteasomal degradation. Furthermore, the ubiquitination of p53 can act as a signal for degradation-independent functions, such as nuclear export and suppressing the p53's transcriptional activities. In this context, the decreased Mdm2 levels can moderate the proteasome-independent mono-ubiquitination of p53. The ubiquitinated p53 modulates the transcriptional levels of target genes. Therefore, the up-modulation of UBE2Q1 may influence the transcriptional activities depending on p53, and thereby contributes to CRC progression through regulating the p53.

MiR-34 by targeting p53 induces apoptosis and DNA damage in paclitaxel-resistant human oral squamous carcinoma cells.

MicroRNA-34 (miR-34) is one the most important tumor suppressor miRNAs involving in the various aspects of oral cancer. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of miR-34 restoration in OECM-1 oral cancer resistant to paclitaxel (OECM-1/PTX) and its underlying mechanisms through p53-mediated DNA damage and apoptosis. OECM-1 and OECM-1/PTX were transfected with miR-34 mimic and inhibitor. Cellular proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated through MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The mRNA and protein expression levels of p53, p-glycoprotein (P-gp), ATM, ATR, CHK1, and CHK2 were assessed through qRT-PCR and western blotting. Rhodamin123 uptake assay was used to measure the P-gp activities. P53 expression was also suppressed by sing a siRNA transfection of cells. The expression levels of miR-34 were downregulated in OECM-1/PTX. Restoration of miR-34 led to increase in cytotoxic effects of paclitaxel in cells. In addition, the expression levels and activities of P-gp were reduced following miR-34 transfection. miR-34 transfection upregulated the p53, ATM, ATR, CHK1, and CHK2 expression levels in OECM-1/PTX cells. Furthermore, cells transfected with miR-34 showed higher levels of apoptosis. miR-34 restoration reverses paclitaxel resistance in OECM-1 oral cancer. The chemosensitive effects of miR-34 is mediated through increasing DNA damage and apoptosis in a p53 depended manner.

Effect of Tarantula cubensis alcoholic extract on tumour pathways in azoxymethane-induced colorectal cancer in rats

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of Tarantula cubensis alcoholic extract (TCAE) on tumour development pathways in azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colorectal cancer in rats by molecular methods. Eighteen paraffin-embedded intestinal tissues, six from each group, were studied in the healthy control (C), cancer control (CC), cancer + TCAE (C-TCAE) groups. Sections of 5 µm thickness were taken from the paraffin blocks and submitted to staining with haematoxylin-eosin. In the histopathological examination, the number of crypts forming aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and the degree of dysplasia in the crypts were scored. Real-time PCR analysis was completed to determine β-catenin, KRAS (Kirsten rat sarcoma virus), APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) and P53 expressions on samples from each paraffin block. The grading scores of the number of crypts forming ACF and dysplasia in the crypts showed an evident decrease in the C-TCAE group in comparison to the CC group (P &lt; 0.05). In real-time PCR analysis, mRNA expression levels of P53 (P &gt; 0.05) and APC (P &lt; 0.001) genes were found to be increased in the C-TCAE group according to the CC group. The expression levels of KRAS (P &lt; 0.01) and β-catenin (P &lt; 0.005) mRNA were found significantly decreased in the C-TCAE group. In conclusion, the effects of TCAE on AOM-induced colorectal cancer (CRC) in rats were evaluated molecularly; TCAE was found to modulate some changes in CRC developmental pathways, inhibiting tumour development and proliferation, and stimulating non-mutagenic tumour suppressor genes. Thus, it can be stated that TCAE is an effective chemopreventive agent.

Molecular investigation of mechanisms considered to cause preterm premature membrane rupture

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the mRNA expression level of p16, CDK4, CDK6, Cyclin D, RB1, and E2F genes in preterm premature rupture of membrane (PPROM) cases and their roles in etiopathogenesis of PPROM. &#x0D; Materials and Methods: Twenty-one pregnancies with PPROM before 34th gestational weeks (study group) were compared with twenty pregnancies with no complication, who gave birth after 37th gestational-week (control group). Both groups chorioamniotic membranes were compared for mRNA expression of p16, cyclin D, CDK4, CDK6, RB1 and E2F genes.&#x0D; Results: The mRNA expression levels of p16, cyclin D, CDK4, CDK6, RB1and E2F genes decreased in the PPROM group compared to control group at a statistically significant level.&#x0D; Conclusion: Our findings have shown that oxidative stress may not act on the p16 pathway in these cases. In order to understand the molecular mechanism of PPROM, biomarkers of oxidative stress and aging should be evaluated together with other pathways related to aging and oxidative stress in future studies.

Mechanism of action of Daqinjiao decoction in treating cerebral small vessel disease explored using network pharmacology and molecular docking technology

Background and purposeCerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a clinically commonly-seen slow-progressing cerebral vascular disease. As a classic Chinese formula for the treatment of stroke, Daqinjiao Decoction (DQJD) is now used to treat CSVD with desirable effect. Since the mechanism of action is still unclear, this article will explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of action of the formula using network pharmacology technology. MethodsThe major chemical components and potential target genes of DQJD were screened by bioinformatics. The key targets in CSVD were identified based on network modules. Gene Ontology (GO) functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed. Pharmacodynamics of the decoction was evaluated by establishing a rat model with bilateral common carotid artery occlusion in the brain. Molecular docking, Western blot analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) were performed to confirm the effectiveness of targets in related pathways. ResultsNetwork pharmacology showed that 16 targets and 30 pathways were involved in the DQJD-targeted pathway network. Results revealed that DQJD might play a role by targeting the key targets including Caspse3 and P53 and regulating the P53 signaling pathway. Cognitive function and neuronal cell changes of rats were evaluated using Morris water maze, open field test and HE staining. It was indicated that DQJD could keep the nerve cells intact and neatly arranged. The decoction could improve the memory and learning ability of rats compared with the model group. It decreased the protein and mRNA expression levels of Caspse3 and P53 significantly (p<0.01). ConclusionThe study shows that baicalein, quercetin and wogonin, the effective components of DQJD, may regulate multiple signaling pathways by targeting the targets like Caspse3 and P53 and treat CSVD by reducing the damage to brain nerve cells.

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 5 accelerate the senescence of periodontal ligament stem cells.

Evidences have showed stem cell mediated tissue regeneration is a promising method for the treatment of periodontitis. Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins-5 (IGFBP5) is a member of the insulin growth factor (IGFs) family and plays a regulatory role in cell proliferation and differentiation. Our previous study showed that IGFBP5 can promote osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and enhance periodontal tissue regeneration mediated by PDLSCs. However, the function of IGFBP5 in the process of PDLSCs senescence remains unclear. The present study showed IGFBP5 mRNA level was highly expressed in passage-induced aged PDLSCs cells. IGFBP5 knockdown decreased the ratio of senescence associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) positive cells, enhanced the activity of TERT, and down-regulated the expression levels of P16, P21, P53 mRNA and protein. Overexpression of IGFBP5 increased the ratio of SA-β-Gal positive staining PDLSCs, decreased the activity of telomerase TERT, and up-regulated the expression levels of P16, P21, P53 mRNA and protein related to PDLSCs senescence. In conclusion, IGFBP5 can accelerate the senescence of PDLSCs, indicating the potential target for maintaining the "young state" of stem cells.

Chronic restraint stress promotes gastric epithelial malignant transformation by activating the Akt/p53 signaling pathway via ADRB2.

The etiology of gastric cancer is associated with infectious, environmental and dietary factors, as well as genetic background. Additionally, emerging evidence has supported the vital role of chronic emotional stress on gastric carcinogenesis; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic stress and a detrimental diet on gastric malignant epithelial transformation in rats. Therefore, 26 Wistar rats were randomly divided into the following four groups: i) Control; ii) detrimental diet (DD); iii) detrimental diet with chronic restraint (DR) and iv) detrimental diet with chronic restraint and propranolol treatment (DRP). ELISA was performed to detect the serum levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine. Epithelial cell apoptosis was analyzed using the TUNEL assay. The mRNA and protein expression levels of Akt and p53 were detected using reverse transcription quantitative PCR and western blotting, respectively. Pathological changes were analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E). The H&E staining results showed that dysplasia in the gastric mucosa occurred in two of eight rats in the DD group and in four of five rats in the DR group, whereas no dysplasia was detected in the DRP group. The apoptotic ratios of gastric epithelial cells were significantly decreased in all treatment groups compared with the control group. Adrenoceptor β2 (ADRB2) protein expression levels were increased significantly only in the DR group and this effect was significantly reduced in the DRP group. The mRNA expression levels of Akt and p53 were significantly upregulated in the DD group, and Akt mRNA expression was further elevated in the DR group. With regard to protein expression, the levels of Akt and p-Akt were significantly increased in the DR group, whereas these effects were reversed in the DRP group. Furthermore, the ratio of p-p53/p53 protein was significantly reduced in the DD or DR groups, but was reversed in the DRP group. Collectively, the findings of the present study suggested that chronic restraint stress potentially aggravates the gastric epithelial malignant transformation induced by a detrimental diet, at least partially via the Akt/p53 signaling pathway mediated via ADRB2.

P53-Related Anticancer Activities of Drimia calcarata Bulb Extracts Against Lung Cancer.

Current lung cancer treatment strategies are ineffective, and lung cancer cases continue to soar; thus, novel anticancer drugs and targets are needed, and medicinal plants are promising to offer better alternatives. This study was aimed at analysing two p53 splice variants during the potential anticancer activities of Drimia calcarata (Dc) methanol and water extracts against different human lung cancer cell lines of varying p53 mutation status, and these included mutant H1573 and mutant H1437 and p53-wild type (A549) cells. The anticancer activities of the Dc extracts were assessed by establishing the cytotoxic effect and the apoptosis-inducing capacity of these extracts, using the MTT assay and Annexin V analysis, respectively, with the latter confirmed using fluorescence microscopy. The molecular mechanisms induced by these extracts were further evaluated using cell cycle analysis and RT-PCR. Both extracts demonstrated safety against noncancerous lung MRC-5 fibroblasts and exhibited significant anticancer potency (p < 0.001) against the H1437 (IC50 values: 62.50μg/ml methanol extract and 125μg/ml WE), H1573 (IC50 value: 125μg/ml for both extracts) and A549 (IC50 value: 500μg/ml ME). The water extract had no effect on the viability of A549 cells. Treated H1437 cells underwent p53-dependent apoptosis and S-phase cell cycle arrest while H1573 treated cells underwent p53-independed apoptosis and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest through upregulation of p21 mRNA expression levels. The expression levels of STAT1, STAT3, STAT5A and STAT5B genes increased significantly (p < 0.001) following the treatment of H1573 cells with ME and WE. Treatment of H1437 cells with ME upregulated the STAT1, STAT3, STAT5A and STAT5B mRNAs. Our results indicate that the proliferative inhibitory effect of D. calcarata extracts on A549 and H1573 cells is correlated with the suppression of Bcl-2, STAT3 and STAT5B while that is not the case in H1437 cells. Thus, our results suggest that the dysregulation of anti-apoptotic molecules Bcl-2, STAT3, STAT5A and STAT5B in H1437 may play a role in cancer cell survival, which may consequently contribute to the development of p53-mutated non-small human lung cancer. Our results indicate that D. calcarata is a promising source of anticancer agents for the treatment of p53-mutant human non-small lung cancer cells than the p53-wild type human non-small lung cancer cells.

Duloxetine alleviates oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy by regulating p53-mediated apoptosis.

Oxaliplatin (OXA) is a key platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent for treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, but the side effects of acute and chronic neuropathies limit its clinical application. Duloxetine has been found to have the potential to prevent OXA-induced peripheral neuropathy in several studies, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of duloxetine on OXA-induced peripheral neuropathy and to find the potential mechanisms. The neuropathic pain mice model was used to explore the role of duloxetine on OXA-induced peripheral neuropathy by measuring the change of thermal withdrawal latency (TWL), paw withdrawal threshold (PWT), and intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD). Moreover, to explore molecular mechanisms, effects of duloxetine on OXA-induced changes in mRNA and protein expression of components of the p53-related pathways in cultured rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were measured. In vivo, we found duloxetine treatment could significantly prevent the changes in the TWL, PWT to mechanical stimulation, and the IENFD of mice caused by OXA. In vitro, we found duloxetine notably inhibits the relative mRNA and protein expression levels of p53, Bax/Bcl2, caspase-3, and caspase-9 in DRG neurons, which may indicate duloxetine protected the DRG neuron by inhibiting p53-related pathways. These results suggest that duloxetine could alleviate the OXA-induced peripheral neuropathy. Duloxetine deserves further consideration as a potential protective agent against peripheral neuropathy.

Effects of inhalable gene transfection as a novel gene therapy for non-small cell lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma

Gene therapy using vectors has attracted attention in recent years for the treatment of cancers caused by gene mutations. Besides, new treatments are imperative for lung cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), due to its high mortality. We developed a minimally invasive and orally inhalable tumor suppressor gene drug (SFD-p16 and SFD-p53) with non-viral vectors for lung cancer treatment by combining tumor suppressor genes with an inhalant powder that can deliver active ingredients directly to the lung. We used NSCLC (A549 and H1299) and MPM (H2052) cell lines in an air–liquid interface culture. Transfection of A549 and H2052 cells with SFD-p16 significantly increased p16 mRNA expression levels and decreased cell proliferation in both cell lines. Similar results were obtained with transfection of H1299 with the inhalable gene drug SFD-p53. In an in vivo experiment, a mouse model of lung cancer with orthotopically transplanted luciferase-expressing A549 cells was subjected to intratracheal insufflation of SFD-p16. Consequently, SFD-p16 effectively and directly affected lung cancer. This study suggests that inhalable gene drugs are effective treatments for NSCLC and MPM. We expect inhalable gene drugs to present a novel gene therapy agent for lung cancer that patients can self-administer.

Selective Growth Suppressive Effect of Pravastatin on Senescent Human Lung Fibroblasts.

Various chemical reagents containing inhibitors of mitochondrial activity, antioxidants, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) inhibitor, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor and other clinical therapeutics were screened in order to identify those that selectively decrease the viability of senescent human lung fibroblasts. Cell viability was measured using the CCK-8 assay. The results showed that pravastatin, a drug for hyperlipidemia, decreased the viability of senescent cells but not non-senescent cells. The effect of pravastatin on senescent cells is thought to be due to the inhibition of cell proliferation, rather than cell death. The effect of pravastatin was further investigated using the glucose metabolism assay, which showed that glucose consumption was inhibited both in non-senescent and senescent cells and intracellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) was decreased in senescent cells. Changes to the mRNA expression levels of senescence-associated genes in response to pravastatin treatment were quantified by real-time-qPCR. There were no significant changes in the relative mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, p16, p21, and p53 in pravastatin-treated non-senescent cells, whereas the expression of IL-1β and p16 were increased by pravastatin only in senescent cells. The results of this study suggest that pravastatin does not induce senolysis, but rather selectively inhibits the proliferation of senescent cells and that cellular senescence is enhanced by decreasing intracellular NAD and promoting IL-1β production.

Antioxidant enzymes immobilized on gold and silver nanoparticles enhance DNA repairing systems of rat skin after exposure to ultraviolet radiation

The aim of the study was to investigate in vivo whether the application of immobilized superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) could enhance DNA repairing systems and reduce level of CPD (cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers) and 6-4PP ((6-4) pyrimidine-pyrimidone photoproducts), and whether the immobilization on gold (AuNPs) and silver (AgNPs) nanoparticles affects the outcome. The study presents secondary analysis of our previous research. Three-day application of SOD and CAT in all forms of solution decreased the levels of CPD and 6-4PP boosted by UV irradiation. The mRNA expression level of the nucleotide excision repair (NER) system genes (XPA, XPC, ERCC1, ERCC2, ERCC3, LIG1) increased after application of immobilized and free enzymes. Increased by UV irradiation, p53 mRNA expression level normalized with the enzyme application. In conclusion, application of free and immobilized antioxidant enzymes accelerates removal of harmful effects of UV radiation in the rat skin by increasing expression level of NER genes.