cytochrome-c-t and oleandrin

Our previous study has reported the anti-tumor effect of oleandrin on osteosarcoma (OS) cells. In the current study, we mainly explored its potential regulation on intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathway in OS cells. Cells apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were detected using fluorescence staining and flow cytometry. Caspase-3 activity was detected using a commercial kit. The levels of cytoplasmic cytochrome c, mitochondrial cytochrome c, bcl-2, bax, caspase-9, Fas, FasL, caspase-8 and caspase-3 were detected by Western blotting. z-VAD-fmk was applied to block both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways, and cells apoptosis was also tested. Furthermore, we used z-LEHD-fmk and Fas blocking antibody to inhibit intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, separately, and the selectivity of oleandrin on these pathways was explored. Results showed that oleandrin induced the apoptosis of OS cells, which was accompanied by an increase in ROS and a decrease in MMP. Furthermore, cytochrome c level was reduced in mitochondria but elevated in the cytoplasm. Caspase-3 activity was enhanced by oleandrin in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Oleandrin also down-regulated the expression of bcl-2, but up-regulated bax, caspase-9, Fas, FasL, caspase-8 and caspase-3. In addition, the suppression of both apoptotic pathways by z-VAD-fmk greatly reverted the oleandrin-induced apoptosis. Moreover, the suppression of one pathway by a corresponding inhibitor did not affect the regulation of oleandrin on another pathway. Taken together, we concluded that oleandrin induced apoptosis of OS cells via activating both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways.

Topics: Amino Acid Chloromethyl Ketones; Antibodies, Neutralizing; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Apoptosis; bcl-2-Associated X Protein; Cardenolides; Cardiac Glycosides; Caspase 3; Caspase 8; Caspase 9; Cell Line, Tumor; Cytochromes c; Fas Ligand Protein; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial; Mitochondria; Oligopeptides; Osteoblasts; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; Reactive Oxygen Species; Signal Transduction

The membrane enzyme Na+, K+ -ATPase is known to help maintain ion homeostasis in mammalian cells. Newly identified functions of this enzyme suggest that inhibition of Na+, K+ -ATPase by cardiac glycosides may be useful to patients with cancer. Twelve human tumor cell lines were chosen to examine determinants of human tumor cell sensitivity to cardiac glycosides. In vitro cell culture models of human glioma HF U251 and U251 cells as well as human parental and modified melanoma BRO cells were also included in these studies. Data derived from both models and twelve tumor cell lines indicated that high expression of Na+, K+ -ATPase alpha 1 isoform in the presence of low alpha 3 expression correlated with increased resistance to inhibition of cell proliferation by cardiac glycosides such as oleandrin, ouabain and bufalin. Interestingly, increased expression of Na+, K+ -ATPase alpha 1 and therefore total Na+, K+ -ATPase activity is associated with increased cellular levels of glutathione. The altered enzyme activity and glutathione content were associated with a delayed and diminished release of cytochrome c and caspase activation. Additionally, an increased colony-forming ability was noted in cells with high levels of Na+, K+ -ATPase alpha 1 expression, suggesting that Na+, K+ -ATPase alpha 1 isoform may be actively involved in tumor growth and cell survival. Its inhibition by cardiac glycosides may provide a strategy for effective cancer therapy.

Topics: Cardenolides; Caspase 3; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Cytochromes c; Enzyme Activation; Glutathione; Humans; Neoplasms; Protein Subunits; Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase