P388 Cells Research Articles

C3Mab-3: A Monoclonal Antibody for Mouse CC Chemokine Receptor 3 for Flow Cytometry.

CC chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3) belongs to the G protein-coupled receptor family and is highly expressed in eosinophils and basophils. CCR3 is essential for recruiting eosinophils into the lung. Moreover, CCR3 was found in the serum of colorectal cancer patients higher than in the control group. Therefore, CCR3 will be a useful target for asthma and colorectal cancer diagnosis. This study developed a specific and sensitive monoclonal antibody (mAb) for mouse CCR3 (mCCR3), which is useful for flow cytometry using the Cell-Based Immunization and Screening method. The established anti-mCCR3 mAb, C3Mab-3 (rat IgG2a, kappa), reacted with mCCR3-overexpressed Chinese hamster ovary-K1 (CHO/mCCR3) cells through flow cytometry. C3Mab-3 also reacted with P388 (mouse lymphoid neoplasma) and J774-1 (mouse macrophage-like) cells, which express mCCR3 endogenously. Kinetic analyses using flow cytometry indicated that KDs of C3Mab-3 for CHO/mCCR3, P388, and J774-1 cells were 4.3 × 10-8 M, 2.6 × 10-7 M, and 2.4 × 10-7 M, respectively. C3Mab-3 could be a valuable tool for elucidating mCCR3-related biological response using flow cytometry.

Cembranolides and Related Constituents from the Soft Coral Sarcophyton cinereum.

In an attempt to explore the bioactive metabolites of the soft coral Sarcophyton cinereum, three new cembranolides, cinerenolides A–C (1–3), and 16 known compounds were isolated and identified from the EtOAc extract. The structures of the new cembranolides were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, and the NOE analysis of cinerenolide A (1) was performed with the assistance of the calculated lowest-energy molecular model. The relative configuration of cinerenolide C (3) was determined by the quantum chemical NMR calculation, followed by applying DP4+ analysis. In addition, the cytotoxic assays disclosed that some compounds exhibited moderate to potent activities in the proliferation of P388, DLD-1, HuCCT-1, and CCD966SK cell lines.

Targeting an IL-6/JAK/STAT/PIM1 pathway in renal cell carcinoma.

376 Background: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common cancer of the kidney and accounts for over 430,000 new cases worldwide and 179,000 deaths each year. PIM1 overexpression is associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with RCC. PIM1 is a constitutively active effector serine/threonine kinase with roles in tumor progression including cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration. Yet, the mechanisms that underlie PIM1 expression and its function in RCC are not fully understood. Previous studies have implicated the cytokine IL-6 as an activator of STAT3 and stimulator of PIM1 expression in pancreatic cancer. The aim of the present study is to explore expression of PIM1 in RCC and identify potential signaling pathways that influence PIM1 expression. Methods: To evaluate the contribution of PIM1 expression in RCC we first established baseline PIM1 levels across four RCC cell lines (786-O, 769-P, CAKI-1, and RCC-4). Next, we quantified the presence of IL-6 in cell culture supernatants for each cell line using an ELISA assay. IL-6 signals through the JAK/STAT pathway, consequently we then used immunoblotting to determine whether ruxolitinib, a JAK1/2 inhibitor, would affect PIM1 expression. Finally, we examined cell viability post-ruxolitinib therapy using an MTS assay. Results: Our results show that 769-P, 786-O, and CAKI-1 but not RCC-4 cells overexpress PIM1 relative to normal renal proximal tubule epithelial cells. Results from the ELISA assay show that 786-O, CAKI-1, and to a lesser degree RCC-4 cells secrete IL-6 into their media. Interestingly, 769-P cells had little to no IL-6 present in their media. Based on these differences we sought to understand what effect inhibiting JAK may have on PIM1 expression. After treating cells with ruxolitinib, we found that 786-O and CAKI-1 cells show a time and dose dependent decrease in PIM1 levels whereas 769-P cells did not. To understand if these differences correlate with cell viability, we performed an MTS assay after treating cells with ruxolitinib. Preliminary results show that at 8hr post-treatment, CAKI-1 but not 769-P cells display a time and concentration dependent loss of cell viability. Conclusions: Our initial studies suggest that differential expression of PIM1 among RCC cell lines may be linked to autocrine IL-6 secretion. In CAKI-1 cells JAK inhibition decreases PIM1 expression and cell viability. In the context of 769-P cells with high PIM1 expression but low IL-6 secretion levels, JAK inhibition did not affect cell viability. These data suggest that in 769-P cells there exists a non-IL-6 dependent mechanism stimulating PIM1 expression. Further investigation is required to elucidate the contexts of these PIM1 regulatory pathways in order to develop IL-6/JAK/PIM1 targeted anti-cancer strategies in RCC.

Dolabellane Diterpenoids from the Xisha Soft Coral Clavularia viridis.

Twelve new members (1–12) of the dolabellane family, co-occurring with three related known diterpenoids (13–15), were isolated from the Xisha soft coral Clavularia viridis. Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis, modified Mosher’s method, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Clavuperoxylides A (3) and B (4) represent the first examples of dolabellanes containing peroxyl groups, especially the novel peroxide bridge in 4, whereas clavufuranolides A–C (9–11) are the first example of dolabellane diterpenoids comprising a tetrahydrofuran ring. The possible biogenetic relationship of all the isolates was proposed. In bioassay, several compounds exhibited considerable cytotoxicity against A549 and P388 cell lines. Compound 7 exhibited inhibitory activity against protein tyrosine phosphatases 1B (PTP1B), an anti-diabetic target, representing the first report of PTP1B inhibitory activity for dolabellane diterpenoids.

Isothiocyanate From Moringa oleifera Seeds Inhibits the Growth and Migration of Renal Cancer Cells by Regulating the PTP1B-dependent Src/Ras/Raf/ERK Signaling Pathway.

Moringa oleifera Lam. is a tropical and subtropical plant that has been used for centuries as both food and traditional medicine. 4-[(α-L-Rhamnosyloxy) benzyl] isothiocyanate (MIC-1) is an active substance in M. oleifera, with anti-cancer activity. However, whether MIC-1 exerts anti-renal cancer effects is unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of MIC-1 on the growth and migration of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells and to identify the putative underlying mechanism. We found that, among 30 types of cancer cells, MIC-1 exerted the strongest growth inhibitory effects against 786-O RCC cells. In addition, MIC-1 (10 μM) significantly inhibited the growth of five RCC cell lines, including 786-O, OSRC-2, 769-P, SK-NEP-1, and ACHN cells, but was not toxic to normal renal (HK2) cells. Also, MIC-1 suppressed 786-O and 769-P cell migration and invasion abilities, and reduced the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9. Furthermore, MIC-1 induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and decreased cell cycle-related protein expression in 786-O cells and 769-P cells. Molecular docking and small-molecule interaction analyses with PTP1B both showed that MIC-1 inhibited PTP1B activity by binding to its active site through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Additionally, MIC-1 could suppress the growth and migration of 786-O cells by inhibiting PTP1B-mediated activation of the Src/Ras/Raf/ERK signaling pathway. In vivo experiments further showed that MIC-1 markedly inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors in mice, and greatly increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in tumor tissues. In addition, MIC-1 had no effect on the PTP1B-dependent Src/Ras/Raf/ERK signaling pathway in HCT-116 cells, Hep-G2 cells, and A431 cells. Overall, our data showed that MIC-1 could be a promising, non-toxic, natural dietary supplement for the prevention and treatment of renal cancer.

Sulforaphane, a Chemopreventive Compound Induces Necrotic Behavior and Inhibits S-phase of Cell Cycle in Human Kidney Cells in Vitro.

Sulforaphane (SFN) is an organosulfur product of found isothiocyanates in vegetables. The chemopreventive effects of SFN have revealed that there is a link between excessive consumption of SFN-rich vegetables and cancer formation without possible toxicological consequences. We aimed to evaluate the cellular outcome of SFN from a toxicological perspective, particularly for renal cells including clear cell adenocarcinoma (769-P) and human embryonic renal epithelial (293T) cells. The viability/cytotoxicity experiments were performed with methyl thiazole diphenyl tetrazolium (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. IC50-dependent, non-cytotoxic concentrations were used for the determination of cell cycle status and apoptosis by using flow cytometry and western blot. A certain concentration of SFN effectively altered apoptotic/necrotic behavior in 769-P compared to the control group 293T. Cell cycle status remained stable while showing a decreased proliferation profile for 769-P cells. The percentage of the S phase from the cell cycle in 293T cells significantly reduced without affecting proliferation status. The use of SFN as an alternative to traditional treatments might be considered for the battle against renal cell carcinoma but the current findings showed that caution should be applied particularly for renal cells. Our study will provide a basis for future in vivo studies to support traditional cancer therapies.

Characterization and Anticancer Activity from Gaharu (Aquilaria malaccensis) Stem Bark Extract

Aquilaria malaccensis is a plant species from the Thymeleaceae family. A. malaccensis contains secondary metabolites of phenolic groups, namely benzophenone, chromone, coumarin, xanthone, and flavonoids with various biological activities such as antioxidants and anticancer. This study aims to determine the potential of A. malaccensis stem bark extract as an anticancer and to determine the characteristics of secondary metabolite compounds contained in A. malaccensis stem bark extract. Extraction of the stem bark of A. malaccensis by maceration method in stages using n -hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol as solvents. The anticancer activity test used the microculture tetrazolium (MTT) assay against Murine Leukemia P-388 cells. Compound separation using thin layer chromatograph (TLC) and gravity column chromatography (CC) methods. Determination of chemical compounds using liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy (LCMS/MS). The extracts of n -hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol each had anticancer activity which was classified as active with an IC 50 value of 20.64, 26.61, and 14.49 µg/mL. Based on the results of separation and identification of compounds in methanol extract with TLC, CC, and LCMS/MS, methanol extract contains acetaminophen, aminosamptothesin, isophorone, diethyl phthalate, 3-hydroxy-6H-benzochromen-6-one, isolongifolenic, 2-(2-phenethyl) chromone, 4′,7-dihydroxy-2′,5-dimethoxyisoflavone, 4-hydroxy-3-(1-phenylpropyl)-2H-chromone-2-one; 6-methylchromone-2-carboxylic acid; 3,4-dimethyl-2- phenylmorpholine; and β-calacoren compounds.

Cembranoid-Related Diterpenes, Novel Secoditerpenes, and an Unusual Bisditerpene from a Formosan Soft Coral Sarcophyton Tortuosum

Abstract Further chemical investigation of the ethyl acetate extract of the soft coral Sarcophyton tortuosum has led to the isolation of ten terpenoidal metabolites, including six new compounds, secoditerpenes secotortuosenes A and B (1 and 2), diterpenes tortuosenes C and D (3 and 4) and tortuosumol (5), and a biscembranoid bisotortuolide cyclobutane A (6), along with four known compounds, ketoemblide (7), sartrolide G (8), emblide (9), and sarcrassin E (10). Compounds 5 and 6 are metabolites of intra- and intermolecular [2+2] cyclizations, respectively. Notably, 1 and 2 are 12-membered carbocyclic compounds possessing a 2-methyl-3-oxopentanyl side chain and representing an unprecedented molecular skeleton, while compound 6 possesses a unique cyclobutanyl biscembranoid skeleton. The absolute configurations of 1 and 5 were determined by TDDFT ECD calculations. Bioassays showed that compound 5 exhibited selective cytotoxicity against the growth of the Molt-4 cell line, while 6 exhibited inhibitory activity against P388, K562, and HT-29 cancer cell lines. Compounds 3 and 5–7 showed effects for inhibition toward the generation of superoxide anion, while 3, 6, and 7 displayed inhibition activity against elastase release in fMLF/CB-induced neutrophils. In addition, compounds 6, 7, and 10 exhibited anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting nitric oxide generation in the LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cell assay.

Mast cells-derived exosomes worsen the development of experimental cerebral malaria

Cerebral malaria (CM) is the most severe neurological complication caused by Plasmodium falciparum infection. The accumulating evidence demonstrated that mast cells (MCs) and its mediators played a critical role in mediating malaria severity. Earlier studies identified that exosomes were emerging as key mediators of intercellular communication and can be released from several kinds of MCs. However, the potential functions and pathological mechanisms of MCs-derived exosomes (MCs-Exo) impacting on CM pathogenesis remain largely unknown. Herein, we utilized an experimental CM (ECM) model (C57BL/6 mice infected with P. berghei ANKA strain), and then intravenously (i.v.) injected MCs-Exo into P. berghei ANKA-infected mice to unfold this mechanism and investigate the effect of MCs-Exo on ECM pathogenies. We also used an in vitro model by investigating the pathogenesis development of brain microvascular endothelial cells line (bEnd.3 cells) co-cultured with P. berghei ANKA blood-stage soluble antigen (PbAg) after MCs-Exo treatment. The higher numbers of MCs and levels of MCs degranulation were observed in skin, cervical lymph node, and brain of ECM mice than those of the uninfected mice. Exosomes were successfully isolated from culture supernatants of mouse MCs line (P815 cells) and characterized by spherical vesicles with the diameter of 30-150 nm, and expression of typical exosomal markers (e.g., CD9, CD63, and CD81). The i.v. injection of MCs-Exo dramatically elevated incidence of ECM in the P. berghei ANKA-infected mice, exacerbated liver and brain histopathological damage, promoted Th1 cytokine response, aggravated brain vascular endothelial activation and blood brain barrier breakdown in ECM mice. In addition, the treatment of MCs-Exo led to the decrease of cells viability and mRNA levels of Ang-1, ZO-1, and Claudin-5, but increase of mRNA levels of Ang-2, CCL2, CXCL1, and CXCL9 in bEnd.3 cells co-cultured with PbAg in vitro. Taken together, our data indicated that MCs-Exo could worsen pathogenesis of ECM in mice.

Immunomodulation and mechanisms of fucoidan from Cladosiphon okamuranus ameliorates atopic dermatitis symptoms

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a long-term allergic skin disorder that occurs most frequently in children. Currently, the common treatment of AD is corticosteroids; however, the drugs cause serious side effects. Therefore, there are many patients who seek complementary and alternative treatments such as healthy food. We report that fucoidan from Cladosiphon okamuranus (COP) exhibit exceptional immuno-modulatory effects significantly improving atopic dermatitis (AD) at both in vitro and in vivo levels: First, we performed the P815 cell degranulation assay, of which the results revealed that COP possesses anti-degranulation activity suggesting COP is very conducive to relieving allergic reactions of AD. Next, we performed the animal model examination, of which AD was significantly improved, suggesting COP can focally and globally modulate the immune systems of animals. The systemic improvements were manifested clearly by decreased epidermal hyperplasia, reduced infiltration of eosinophils, and decreased expression of AD-associated cytokines. Notably, COP reduced epidermal hyperplasia by downregulating the expression of IL-22. COP displayed therapeutic effects, which is comparable to corticosteroids but lack corticosteroid side effects, such as weight loss in our animal study. COP is multitudinous immunomodulatory abilities to serve as a healthy food supplement at the current stage, not least beneficial to atopic dermatitis.

To Evaluate the Inhibition Leukemia Cell Effect of Haploidentical Spleen in Nonmyeloablative Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

[Objective] To evaluate the inhibition leukemia cell effect of haploidentical spleen in nonmyeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.[Method] Take C57/BL/6 inbred mice (B6 mice) of 8-12 weeks as donor rats. Extract their bone marrow and spleen cells. P815 cells were as mast cell tumor cells (leukemia cells) of DBA/2 mice. The first generation 6D2F1 rats (F1 rats) were as recipients who were hybridized by C57/BL/6 mice and DBA/2 mice. F1 rats were made with the nonmyeloablative conditioning regimen CTX 300mg/m2 /d intraperitoneal injection on the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation -5d, -4d, -3d. In day 0, Group A-D were infused spleen + bone marrow cells +P815 cells; bone marrow cells + P815 cells; P815 cells and RPMI1640 culture medium respectively to compare the status of the mice blood, aGVHD and the pathological tumor infiltration of skin, liver and colon.[Results] 1. aGVHD score: the aGVHD score of group A was 2-4 who were alive on the 14th day after transplantation. The death occured on the fifteenth day. The clinical score was 6 on the twenty-sixth day for the 2 alive mice, and the rest of the mice were scored at 0-3. In group B, the mice began to die on the sixth day, and only 1 survived at the end of the thirtieth day. Group C died all in eighteenth days. 2. Pathological observation: the liver inflammatory cell infiltration in Group A, portal area of liver cell atrophy and necrosis of hepatic portal area and central veins focal infiltration of tumor cells or a small amount of infiltration could be observed. In Group B, the number of hepatocytes in the liver of the mice was decreased, and the infiltration of the tumor in the liver sinus was diffuse.[Conclusion] In nonmyeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the MHC haploidentical spleen may inhibit leukemia cell effect.[Discussion] Group A, compared with Group B and C, showed the aGVHD effect, as well as GVL effect. The spleen of haploidentical nonmyeloablative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation may make chimerism of immune cells of B6 mice and hematopoietic immune cells of F1 mice. The activated lymphocyte of the spleen of B6 mice and F1 mice could identify, monitor, inhibit and kill P815 cells. In nonmyeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the MHC haploidentical spleen may inhibit leukemia cell effect. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Delivery of miR-224-5p by Exosomes from Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Potentiates Progression of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Objectives Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common subtype of renal cell carcinoma. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) as the primary components of cancer stroma can affect tumor progression by secreting exosomes, while exosomes are carriers for proteins, nucleic acids, and other agents that responsible for delivery of biological information. Given this, exosomes derived from CAFs are emerging as promising biomarkers in clinical cancer diagnosis. Nevertheless, their role in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remains poorly understood. Methods Here, we separated fibroblasts from ccRCC tissue, extracted exosomes, observed their morphology, and detected the expression of exosome marker proteins including Hsp70, CD9, and CD63. In the meantime, we labeled exosomes and performed coculture experiment to verify the delivery of miR-224-5p from CAFs to 769-P cells with exosomes as a carrier, so as to clarify the effect of CAF-derived exosomes on ccRCC cell malignant behaviors, as well as to discuss how miR-224-5p involves in above regulation. Results Transmission electron microscopy was firstly applied, and it was noted that the exosomes we isolated were in normal range. Besides, Western blot also confirmed the presence of exosome marker proteins Hsp70, CD9, and CD63. Furthermore, coculture experiments were performed and the CAF-derived exosomes were observed to be able to facilitate the malignant behaviors of ccRCC cells, and the exosomal miR-224-5p could be internalized by ccRCC cells to participate in regulation of cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. Conclusion To sum up, miR-224-5p can enter ccRCC cells via CAF-derived exosomes, in turn, promoting the malignant behaviors of ccRCC cells, which indicates that miR-224-5p has the potential severing as a therapeutic target for ccRCC.

Potential Combination of Kapok Leaf Extract (Ceiba pentandra G.) and Turmeric Extract (Curcuma domestica Va) as an Anticancer Compound

Combination of kapok leaf extract (Ceiba pertandra G.) and turmeric extract (Curcuma domestica Va.) was carried out to determine the potential of extracts in treating cancer with BSLT and murine cells P388. Cancer is a disease that is very feared because it’s difficult to cure, and even rarely causes death. The sample was extracted with methanol, the extract was mixed so that the mixture extract from the two samples was obtained. The results showed that in the BSLT test the mixed extract had a bioactivity against shrimp larvae with an LC50 value of 142.946 ppm. While in Leukemia P388 cell testing showed that the combination of mixed extracts had a cytotoxic effect on Leukemia P388 cancer cells with inhibitory concentration values of 54.34 ppm. This shows that the kapok leaf extract (Ceiba pentandra G.) and combination of turmeric extract (Curcuma domestica Va.) has potential and can be developed as an anticancer agent because it has an IC50 value that can inhibit murine P388 cell growth and LC50 value which can kill shrimp larvae Artemia salina L.

Development of Anti-Mouse CC Chemokine Receptor 3 Monoclonal Antibodies for Flow Cytometry.

CC chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3), also known as CD193, belongs to class A of G protein-coupled receptors and is present in high levels in eosinophils, basophils, and airway epithelial cells. CCR3 is considered the therapeutic target for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections and allergic diseases; therefore, the development of sensitive monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for CCR3 has been desired. This study aimed to establish a specific and sensitive mAb against mouse CCR3 (mCCR3) useful for flow cytometry analysis by employing the Cell-Based Immunization and Screening (CBIS) method. The generated anti-mCCR3 mAb, C3Mab-2 (rat IgG2b, kappa), was found to react with mCCR3-overexpressed Chinese hamster ovary-K1 (CHO/mCCR3) cells, according to flow cytometric analysis. Also, it reacted with P388 (mouse lymphoid neoplasm) or J774-1 (mouse macrophage-like) cells, which express endogenous mCCR3. Taken together, C3Mab-2, generated by the CBIS method, can be a valuable tool for detecting mCCR3 on the surface of mouse cells.

Synthesis, Cytotoxic Evaluation and Molecular Docking of Bromo-Substituted 1,3,6-Trihydroxyxanthone as Protein Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor

A series of bromo-substituted hydroxyxanthone were synthesized using bromine in glacial acetic acid as a solvent, producing compounds 3 and 5 with 82.1% and 84.2% yield, respectively. In vitro analyses of these two compounds using MMT assay against murine leukemia P388 cell line resulted in IC50 of 2,550 and 3,455 μg/mL and selectivity index of 43.21 and 74.40, respectively. These results indicated that the bromo-substituted hydroxyxanthone compounds could potentially be developed as selective and sensitive anti-cancer agents. Furthermore, through the molecular docking conducted using Discovery Studio, compound 3 exhibited interactions between amino acid residues and protein tyrosine kinase (1T46.pdb). This article provides supporting data that xanthone derivatives can be used as drugs for cancer chemotherapy through the mechanism of how this compound can inhibit protein tyrosine kinase.

TMKS8A, an antibacterial and cytotoxic chlorinated α-lapachone, from a sea slug-derived actinomycete of the genus Streptomyces.

TMKS8A (1), a new chlorinated α-lapachone derivative, along with five known related metabolites, A80915 C (2), SF2415B1 (3), chlorinated dihydroquinone 3 (4), SF2415B3 (5), and A80915 C (6), were identified from the culture extract of Streptomyces sp. TMKS8, which was isolated from a sea slug, Paromoionchis tumidus. The structure of 1 was determined by the analysis of NMR and MS spectral data, assisted by NMR chemical shift prediction using DFT-based calculation. The absolute configuration was determined to be R by comparison of experimental and calculated ECD spectra. Compound 1 displayed antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria with MIC values ranging from 6.25 to 12.5 μg ml-1 and cytotoxicity against murine leukemia P388 cells with IC50 9.8 μM.

Cytotoxicity Assay of Water, Ethanol N-Hexane Extract of Dates Fruit (Phoenix dactylifera) Against Murine Leukemia Cancer Cell P388

The World Health Organization (WHO) states, in 2015, there are an estimated 9 million people who die of cancer and in 2030 there are an estimated 11.4 million deaths from cancer. Blood cancer reaches 3% of all cancers found in humans and is most common in children. The cancer drug that is available today has quite severe side effects, therefore in this study an antileukemia activity test will be carried out on water, 70% ethanol, and n-hexane extract of dates (Phoenix dactylifera). This study, the extracts from dates will be tested for cytotoxicity on Murine Leukemia P388 cells using the MTT Assay method. The IC50 value of extract of dates is used as an assessment of the activity of palm fruit extract as antileukemia. Citotoxicity assay against Murine Leukemia P388 cells by MTT assay, showed IC50 value is more than 100 µg/mL for all extracts. This result informed that the water, ethanol, and n-hexane extract of dates fruit are less potencial as a antileukemia agent.

Sirtuin 6 regulates the proliferation and survival of clear cell renal cell carcinoma cells via B-cell lymphoma 2.

Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) is a member of the third family of longevity proteins (SIRTs) that is involved in the development of different types of cancer. However, the potential role of SIRT6 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and its molecular mechanism have not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the association between SIRT6 and ccRCC, and to further examine the underlying mechanism of its effect on ccRCC proliferation, using bioinformatics analysis, and in vitro and in vivo experiments. The results of the present study demonstrated that SIRT6 was upregulated in ccRCC tissues. In addition, bioinformatics analysis revealed that high SIRT6 expression was closely associated with poor prognosis of patients with ccRCC. In vitro experiments demonstrated that silencing SIRT6 expression in ccRCC-derived 769-P and 786-O cells significantly inhibited their proliferation, migration and invasion. Consistent with these results, in vivo assays demonstrated that SIRT6 knockdown markedly attenuated tumor growth arising from 769-P cells. Furthermore, depletion of SIRT6 enhanced the sensitivity of ccRCC cells to cisplatin. Notably, silencing SIRT6 expression decreased B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) expression and increased Bax expression, respectively. Taken together, these results suggest that SIRT6 acts as a proto-oncogene in ccRCC through the augmentation of the Bcl-2-dependent pro-survival pathway, and may be used as a therapeutic target for patients with ccRCC.

A non-peptide probe for detecting chymotrypsin activity based on protection-deprotection strategy in living systems.

Chymotrypsin (CHT) plays a vital role in the metabolism of organisms and affects cell proliferation and apoptosis. Abnormal levels of CHT will lead to a variety of diseases, such as inflammatory arthritis, diabetes, pharyngitis, indigestion, and pancreatic cancer. Therefore, it is significant to design an effective method for the detection of CHT in living systems. Here, we synthesized a specific deep-red non-peptide probe DT by effectively combining isophorone and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde for the detection of CHT using 3-phenylpropionate chloride as the recognition group based on a protection-deprotection strategy. The DT probe exhibited an emission range of 525-700 nm and showed excellent photostability, high sensitivity (LOD = 0.071 U mL-1), and selectivity for CHT detection. The cellular experiments demonstrated that DT could sensitively recognize CHT activity in three cell lines and the content of CHT was much higher in P815 cells than in MCF-7 and 3T3 cells. Also, DT was successfully used to visualize the endogenous CHT in zebrafish. Notably, the DT probe provided an intuitive way to visualize endogenous CHT in mouse pancreas for the first time, demonstrating the potential for application in the future clinical diagnosis of pancreatic diseases. Therefore, the small-molecule probe DT is expected to be a useful molecular tool for CHT-related disease diagnosis and drug discovery.

Phytochemical screening, antioxidant and in vitro anticancer activities of Bombax buonopozense stem bark extracts

In recent decades, extensive research has been focused on the screening and investigating the antioxidant and anticancer activities of medicinal plants extracts or isolated natural product-based drugs. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical, antioxidant and in vitro anticancer activities of Bombax buonopozense extracts. Standard methods were used for the identification of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, coumarins, saponins, sterol, triterpenes and reducing compounds. Free-radical–scavenging activity was measured by the 2,2’-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical assay, and the cytotoxic potential was evaluated in the P815 murin lymphoblast-like mastocytoma cell line using the MTT assay. Regarding the antioxidant activity, our results showed a powerful in vitro free-radical scavenging activity of the ethanolic extract compared to the aqueous extracts, with IC50 values of 10 and 220 µg/mL, respectively. In the MTT assay, the ethanolic extract showed a moderate and dose-dependent association growth inhibition of P815 cells in a dose above of 200 µg/mL with IC50 of 74 µg/mL compared to cisplatin (IC50= 4 µg/mL). Our findings demonstrate that Bombax buonopozense ethanolic extract could be an effective antioxidant and promising antiproliferative agent.