stilbenes and Carcinoma--Hepatocellular

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive and life-threatening disease often diagnosed at intermediate or advanced stages, which substantially limits therapeutic approaches to its successful treatment. This indicates that the prevention of HCC may be the most promising strategy in reducing its incidence and mortality. Emerging evidence indicates that numerous nutrients and nonnutrient dietary bioactive components can reduce the occurrence and/or delay the development of HCC through modifications of deregulated epigenetic mechanisms. This review examines the existing knowledge on the epigenetic mechanism-based studies in in vitro and in vivo models of HCC on the chemopreventive potential of epigenetic food components, including dietary methyl-group donors, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, sodium butyrate, resveratrol, curcumin, and sulforaphane, on liver carcinogenesis. Future direction and potential challenges in the effective use of bioactive food constituents in the prevention of HCC are highlighted and discussed.

Topics: Animals; Butyric Acid; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Catechin; Cell Line, Tumor; Curcumin; Disease Models, Animal; DNA Methylation; Epigenesis, Genetic; Food; Humans; Isothiocyanates; Phytochemicals; Resveratrol; Stilbenes; Sulfoxides

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide. The clinical management of HCC remains a substantial challenge. Although surgical resection of tumor tissues seems promising, a high recurrence and/or metastasis rate accounting for disease-related death has led to an urgent need for improved postsurgical preventive/therapeutic clinical intervention. Developing advanced target-therapy agents such as sorafenib appears to be the only effective clinical intervention for patients with HCC to date, but only limited trials have been conducted in this regard. Because of their enhanced preventive/therapeutic effects, traditional Chinese herbal medicine (CHM)-derived compounds are considered suitable agents for HCC treatment. The CHM-derived compounds also possess multilevel, multitarget, and coordinated intervention effects, making them ideal candidates for inhibition of tumor progression and HCC metastasis. This article reviews the anticancer activity of various CHMs with the hope of providing a better understanding of how to best use CHM for HCC treatment.

Topics: Abietanes; Benzylisoquinolines; Berberine; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Curcumin; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Resveratrol; Scutellaria baicalensis; Stilbenes

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers and lethal diseases in the world. Although the majority of HCC cases occur in developing countries of Asia and Africa, the prevalence of liver cancer has risen considerably in Japan, Western Europe as well as the United States. HCC most commonly develops in patients with chronic liver disease, the etiology of which includes viral hepatitis (B and C), alcohol, obesity, iron overload and dietary carcinogens, including aflatoxins and nitrosamines. The current treatment modalities, including surgical resection and liver transplantation, have been found to be mostly ineffective. Hence, there is an obvious critical need to develop alternative strategies for the chemoprevention and treatment of HCC. Oxidative stress as well as inflammation has been implicated in the development and progression of hepatic neoplasia. Using naturally occurring phytochemicals and dietary compounds endowed with potent antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties is a novel approach to prevent and control HCC. One such compound, resveratrol, present in grapes, berries, peanuts as well as red wine, has emerged as a promising molecule that inhibits carcinogenesis with a pleiotropic mode of action. This review examines the current knowledge on mechanism-based in vitro and in vivo studies on the chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic potential of resveratrol in liver cancer. Pre-clinical and clinical toxicity studies as well as pharmacokinetic data of resveratrol have also been highlighted in this review. Future directions and challenges involved in the use of resveratrol for the prevention and treatment of HCC are also discussed.

Topics: Anticarcinogenic Agents; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Resveratrol; Stilbenes

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth commonest malignancy worldwide and the incidence is rising. Surgery, including transplantation resection, is currently the most effective treatment for HCC; however, recurrence rates are high and long-term survival is poor. Identifying novel chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents and targeting them to patients at high risk of developing HCC or following curative treatment may go some way towards improving prognosis. This review examines current knowledge regarding the chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic potential of phytochemicals in heptocarcinogenesis. Both in-vitro and animal studies demonstrate that several phytochemicals, including curcumin, resveratrol, green tea catechins, oltipraz and silibinin, possess promising chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic properties. Despite this, very few clinical trials have been performed. Problems regarding validation of biomarkers, agent delivery, side effects and patient selection are barriers that need to be overcome to determine the potential of such agents in clinical practice.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Brassicaceae; Caffeine; Capsaicin; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Catechin; Chemoprevention; Curcumin; Flavonoids; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Phenols; Plant Extracts; Polyphenols; Resveratrol; Stilbenes

Tumor angiogenesis plays a crucial role in tumor development, and recent efforts have been focused on combining proapoptotic and antiangiogenic activities to enhance antitumor therapy.. In this study, galactose-modified liposomes (Gal-LPs) were prepared for co-delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) and combretastatin A4 phosphate (CA4P). The co-cultured system composed of BEL-7402 and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) cells was established to effectively evaluate in vitro anti-tumor activity through cell viability and cell migration assay. Furthermore, both in vivo bio-distribution and anti-hepatoma effect of DOX&CA4P/Gal-LPs were investigated on H22 tumor cell-bearing mice.. The results showed that DOX&CA4P/Gal-LPs were spherical with a mean particle size of 143 nm, and could readily be taken up by BEL-7402 cells. Compared with a mixture of free DOX and CA4P, the DOX&CA4P/Gal-LPs were more effective in inhibiting cell migration and exhibited stronger cytotoxicity against BEL-7402 cells alone or a co-cultured system. The in vitro studies showed that the co-cultured system was a more effective model to evaluate the anti-tumor activity of combination therapy. Moreover, DOX&CA4P/Gal-LPs exhibited a greater anti-hepatoma effect than other drug formulations, indicating that Gal-LPs could promote drug accumulation in the tumor region and improve the anti-tumor activity.. Gal-LPs co-loaded with chemotherapeutic and antiangiogenic drugs are a promising strategy for anti-hepatoma therapy.

Topics: Animals; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Movement; Cell Survival; Doxorubicin; Drug Compounding; Galactose; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells; Humans; Liposomes; Liver Neoplasms; Mice; Particle Size; Stilbenes

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a common clinical treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, hypoxia induction after treatment might trigger tumor invasiveness and metastasis. Although pterostilbene (PTS) has antitumor effects, its chemoprevention in HepG2 cells under hypoxia has not been investigated yet. In addition, the poor water solubility of raw PTS limits its clinical application. Here, we prepared nanoparticles of PTS (PSN) and compared their antihepatoma activities with those of raw PTS in HepG2 under hypoxic conditions.. The PTS nanoparticle formulation was prepared by nanoprecipitation, using Eudragit. The yield and encapsulation efficiency of PSN were 86.33% and >99%, respectively. The water solubility and drug release of PTS were effectively improved after nanoprecipitation corresponding to the reduction in particle size, amorphous transformation, and formation of hydrogen bonding with carriers. PSN had a better cytotoxic effect than raw PTS in HepG2 under pre- and post-hypoxia conditions. In addition, hypoxia- and apoptosis-related proteins in HepG2 cells under two different hypoxic conditions were significantly inhibited by PSN compared with the control group with hypoxia only, except for HIF-1α in the post-hypoxia group. PSN was also significantly better in inhibiting these proteins, except for Bcl2, under pre-hypoxic conditions.. Our results suggested that PSN could improve the water solubility and drug release of PTS and enhance the efficacy of HCC treatment under hypoxic conditions.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Hypoxia; Cell Survival; Crystallization; Down-Regulation; Drug Liberation; Hep G2 Cells; Humans; Hydrogen Bonding; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit; Liver Neoplasms; Nanoparticles; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Particle Size; Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Solubility; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Stilbenes; Tumor Hypoxia

Combretastatin A4 phosphate (CA4P), a vascular disrupting agent (VDA), can cause rapid tumour vessel occlusion. Subsequently, extensive necrosis is discovered in the tumour center, which induces widespread hypoxia and the rise of the α subunit of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1α). The aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibition of hepatocellular carcinoma growth by combining CA4P with HIF-1 α inhibitor and investigate the mechanism of this combination.. Ginsenoside Rd (Rd) was used in combination with CA4P to estimate the inhibition effect in HepG2 cells and HepG2 xenograft mouse model. The efficacy of anti-tumour was evaluated by tumour growth curve. The protein expression of HIF-1α and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway were analysed by western blot.. Combination of CA4P and Rd inhibited HepG2 cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. It also increased the necrotic area of the tumour and delayed the tumour growth. Moreover, Rd down-regulated HIF-1α protein expression by inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway.. Combination of CA4P and Rd had synergistic anti-tumour effects. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of HIF-1α by PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway. This strategy provides a new thought for the combinative therapy of VDAs.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Drug Synergism; Ginsenosides; Hep G2 Cells; Humans; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit; Liver Neoplasms; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Nude; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Signal Transduction; Stilbenes; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

According to data estimated by the WHO, primary liver cancer is currently the fourth most common malignant tumor and the second leading cause of death around the world. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common primary liver malignancies, so effective therapy is highly desired for HCC.. In this study, the use of poly(L-Aspartic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol)/combretastatin A4 (CA4-NPs) was aimed to significantly disrupt new blood vessels in tumor tissues for targeted hepatic tumor therapy. Here, PEG-b-PAsp-g-CA4 showed significantly prolonged retention in plasma and tumor tissue. Most importantly, CA4-NPs were mainly distributed at the tumor site because of the triple target effects-enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, acid-sensitive (pH = 5.5) effect to the tumor microenvironment (TME), and good selectivity of CA4 for central tumor blood vessel. Considering that CA4-NPs might induce severe hypoxic conditions resulting in high expression of HIF-1α in tumor tissues, which could induce the overexpression of PD-L1, herein we also used a programmed death-ligand 1 antibody (aPD-L1) to prevent immunosuppression. This way of complementary combination is able to achieve an ideal treatment effect in tumor site where CA4-NPs and aPD-L1 could respond to the inner area and peripheral area, respectively. As a result, a significant decrease in tumor volume and weight was observed in the combination group of CA4-NPs plus aPD-L1 compared with CA4-NPs or aPD-L1 monotherapy in subcutaneous Hepa1-6 hepatic tumor models.. We presented a new idea that co-administration of CA4-NPs and aPD-L1 possessed notable anti-tumor efficacy for HCC treatment.

Topics: Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Antineoplastic Agents; B7-H1 Antigen; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Synergism; Female; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Nanoparticles; Polyethylene Glycols; Stilbenes; Tumor Microenvironment

Tumor angiogenesis has been proven to potentiate tumor growth and metastasis; therefore, the strategies targeting tumor-related angiogenesis have great potentials in antitumor therapy.. Here, the GA&Gal dual-ligand-modified liposomes co-loaded with curcumin and combretastatin A-4 phosphate (CUCA/GA&Gal-Lip) were prepared and characterized. A novel "BEL-7402+HUVEC" co-cultured cell model was established to mimic tumor microenvironment. The cytotoxicity and migration assays were performed against the novel co-cultured model. Angiogenesis ability was evaluated by tube formation test, and in vivo metastatic ability was evaluated by lung metastasis test.. The result demonstrated that dual-ligand-modified liposomes showed greater inhibition of tumor angiogenesis and metastasis in comparison with other combined groups. Significantly, the mechanism analysis revealed that curcumin and combretastatin A-4 phosphate could inhibit tumor angiogenesis and metastasis via down-regulation of VEGF and VEGFR2 expression, respectively, and that GA&Gal-Lip could improve antitumor effect by GA/Gal-mediated active-targeting delivery.. CUCA/GA&Gal-Lip hold great potentials in hepatoma-targeting delivery of antitumor drugs and can achieve anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic effects by simultaneously blocking VEGF/VEGFR2 signal pathway, therefore exhibiting superior anti-hepatoma efficacy.

Topics: Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Line, Tumor; Curcumin; Drug Liberation; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells; Humans; Ligands; Liposomes; Liver Neoplasms; Lung Neoplasms; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Neovascularization, Pathologic; Stilbenes; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a tough opponent. HCC contributes to 14.8% of all cancer mortality in Egypt. There are many choices for management of HCC; however tumor relapse has been reported in animal and clinical studies. This study was conducted to investigate the impact of low dose γ-irradiation (LDR) and combretastatin A-4 disodium phosphate (CA-4DP) on HCC recurrence. HCC was induced in male Wistar albino rats by oral administration of N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) for 17 weeks. We evaluated the expression of the endothelial cell marker (CD31) by immunostaining. Expression of Rho Associated Coiled-Coil Containing Protein Kinase 1(ROCK1) and Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression was assessed by real-time PCR after (6, 24 and 48 h). Our results showed that expression of CD31 and gene expression of ROCK1 and VEGF was significantly repressed at all-time intervals by combination therapy ofLDR and CA-4DP as compared with untreated NDEA/HCC group and NDEA/HCC groups treated with either LDR or CA-4DP alone, (P < 0.05). Our study demonstrated the additive effect of LDR in combination with CA-4DP in suppression of HCC.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Chemoradiotherapy; Combined Modality Therapy; Diethylnitrosamine; Down-Regulation; Egypt; Gamma Rays; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Liver Neoplasms; Male; Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1; Rats; Rats, Wistar; rho-Associated Kinases; Stilbenes; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Nanomaterials-based drug delivery systems display potent applications in cancer therapy. We synthesized a novel anticancer drug, nano-gold loaded with resveratrol (Res-GNPs), which were characterized using UV-Prove, zetasizer and transmission electron microscope. MTT assay, flow cytometry, TUNEL, immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis were performed to explore the antitumor activity of Res-GNPs in liver cancer cells and tumor xenografts. Res-GNPs showed a stronger effect on inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis in Hepg2 cells than that of free Res. Res-GNPs induced apoptosis in Hepg2 cells by down-regulating pro-caspase-9, pro-caspase-3, PI3K and Akt and upregulating caspase-8 and bax. In xenograft studies, Res-GNPs remarkably suppressed tumor growth, promoted tumor apoptosis and decreased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in tumor tissue. Furthermore, HE staining showed that no observable toxicity was found in heart, liver, kidney and spleen. The datum confirmed that Res-GNPs possess better antitumor effect than Res

Topics: Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Gold; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Metal Nanoparticles; Resveratrol; Stilbenes; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

Liver fibrosis and fibrosis-associated hepatocarcinogenesis are driven by chronic inflammation and are leading causes of morbidity and death worldwide. SYK signaling regulates critical processes in innate and adaptive immunity, as well as parenchymal cells. We discovered high SYK expression in the parenchymal hepatocyte, hepatic stellate cell (HSC), and the inflammatory compartments in the fibrotic liver. We postulated that targeting SYK would mitigate hepatic fibrosis and oncogenic progression. We found that inhibition of SYK with the selective small molecule inhibitors Piceatannol and PRT062607 markedly protected against toxin-induced hepatic fibrosis, associated hepatocellular injury and intra-hepatic inflammation, and hepatocarcinogenesis. SYK inhibition resulted in increased intra-tumoral expression of the p16 and p53 but decreased expression of Bcl-xL and SMAD4. Further, hepatic expression of genes regulating angiogenesis, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, and cellular senescence were affected by targeting SYK. We found that SYK inhibition mitigated both HSC trans-differentiation and acquisition of an inflammatory phenotype in T cells, B cells, and myeloid cells. However, in vivo experiments employing selective targeted deletion of SYK indicated that only SYK deletion in the myeloid compartment was sufficient to confer protection against fibrogenic progression. Targeting SYK promoted myeloid cell differentiation into hepato-protective TNFα

Topics: Animals; Carcinogenesis; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Transdifferentiation; Cyclohexylamines; Female; Fibrosis; Hepatic Stellate Cells; Humans; Interleukin-8; Lectins, C-Type; Liver; Liver Cirrhosis; Liver Neoplasms; Male; Mannose Receptor; Mannose-Binding Lectins; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Myeloid Cells; Neoplasms, Experimental; Oxidative Phosphorylation; Phenotype; Pyrimidines; Receptors, Cell Surface; Signal Transduction; Stilbenes; Syk Kinase; Transcriptome

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Death; Cell Survival; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells; Humans; Ki-67 Antigen; Liver Neoplasms; Male; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Nanoparticles; Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1; Sorafenib; Stilbenes; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the one of the most common cancers worldwide. Because the side effects of current treatments are severe, new effective therapeutic strategies are urgently required. Pterostilbene (PT), a natural analogue of resveratrol, has diverse pharmacologic activities, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activities. Here we demonstrated that PT inhibits HCC cell growth without the induction of apoptosis in an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress- and autophagy-dependent manner. Mechanistic studies indicated that the combination of salubrinal and PT modulates ER stress-related autophagy through the phospho-eukaryotic initiation factor 2α/activating transcription factor-4/LC3 pathway, leading to a further inhibition of eIF2α dephosphorylation and the potentiation of cell death. An in vivo xenograft analysis revealed that PT significantly reduced tumour growth in mice with a SK-Hep-1 tumour xenograft. Taken together, our results yield novel insights into the pivotal roles of PT in ER stress- and autophagy-dependent cell death in HCC cells.

Topics: Activating Transcription Factor 4; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Apoptosis; Autophagosomes; Autophagy; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cinnamates; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress; Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-2; Female; Hep G2 Cells; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Nude; Microtubule-Associated Proteins; Signal Transduction; Stilbenes; Thiourea; Transplantation, Heterologous

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects and mechanisms of oxyresveratrol (Oxyres) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in vitro and in vivo. The MTT and Transwell assays were performed to investigate the effects of Oxyres on cell proliferation and migration of two HCC cell lines, QGY-7701 and SMMC-7721 cells. H22 cells were subcutaneously injected into hind foot pads of 70 male mice to establish a lymph node metastasis model. These mice were randomly divided into seven groups as follows, control group, HCC group, Oxyres 20 mg/kg group, Oxyres 40 mg/kg group, Oxyres 60 mg/kg group, Resveratrol (Res) group, and Adriamycin (ADM) group. Oxyres, Res, and ADM were intraperitoneally injected daily for consecutive 21 days. Tumors and popliteal lymph node were isolated and embedded for histology analysis. Expressions of CD31 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR3) in tumors were detected by immunohistocehmistry. Expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) were measured by Western blot. Oxyres significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of QGY-7701 and SMMC-7721 cells. Oxyres significantly inhibited tumor growth (p < 0.001) and metastasis to sentinel lymph nodes (70%) in a dose-dependent manner. Oxyres showed a similar inhibition rate as Res. Oxyres also significantly decreased micro-blood vessel density and micro-lymphatic vessel density in tumors (p < 0.05). Expressions of CD31, VEGFR3, and VEGF-C of tumors were also inhibited by Oxyres (p < 0.05). Oxyres exerts anti-tumor effects against HCC through inhibiting both angiogenesis and lymph node metastasis, which suggests Oxyres be a potential therapeutic agent.

Topics: Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Animals; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Culture Techniques; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Lymphangiogenesis; Lymphatic Metastasis; Male; Mice; Plant Extracts; Stilbenes

Pterostilbene (Pter) is reported to exhibit an anticancer effect in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In order to explore the anticancer mechanism in HCC cells, the present study aimed to investigate whether pterostilbene (Pter) may increase phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) expression through targeted downregulation of microRNA (miRNA/miR)-19a in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle was analyzed in the SMMC‑7721 HCC cell line by MTT assays and flow cytometry methods. Cells were divided into five treatment groups: Pter treatment, miR‑19a inhibitor transfection, Pter + miR‑19a inhibitor, negative control transfection and blank control. The expression of miR‑19a and PTEN was detected by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis following treatment. Furthermore, a luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to determine whether the PTEN gene was a direct target of miR‑19a. The results demonstrated that Pter treatment or miR‑19a inhibitor transfection downregulated miR‑19a and induced PTEN/Akt pathway regulation, which led to proliferation inhibition, cell cycle arrest in the S phase, increased apoptosis and reduced cell invasion. These results indicated that Pter may increase PTEN expression through the direct downregulation of miR‑19a in HCC. Therefore, miR‑19a may have potential as a novel molecular marker for HCC and Pter may be a promising clinical target with the potential to be developed as a HCC therapy.

Topics: 3' Untranslated Regions; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Cycle; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Genes, Reporter; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; MicroRNAs; PTEN Phosphohydrolase; RNA Interference; Signal Transduction; Stilbenes

Polydatin, a small molecule from Polygonum cuspidatum, has many biological functions, particularly anti-cancer effects. However, the anti-cancer effects of polydatin in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been examined yet. In the present study, MTT assay, BrdU assay, transwell invasion assay, and wound healing assay were performed to determine cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Flow cytometry and TUNEL assay were used to measure cell apoptosis. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting assays were used to determine mRNA and protein expression levels. Xenograft experiment was performed to determine the in vivo anti-tumor effect of polydatin. Immunostaining was performed to analyze the expression of caspase-3 and Ki-67. Our results showed that polydatin inhibited cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent and time-dependent manner in the HCC cell lines. Polydatin also induced cell apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner possibly via increasing the caspase-3 activity, and up-regulating the protein expression of caspase-3, caspase-9, Bax, and down-regulating the protein expression of Bcl-2. In addition, polydatin treatment had an inhibitory effect on cell proliferation, invasion and migration in HCC cell lines. Polydatin treatment also suppressed the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling activities in HCC cells. Polydatin treatment significantly reduced tumor growth in nude mice inoculated with HepG2 cells, suppressed the expression of Ki-67, and increased caspase-3 expression and TUNEL activity. Our data indicated the important role of polydatin for the suppression of HCC progression.

Topics: Animals; Apoptosis; Blotting, Western; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Movement; Cell Proliferation; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Flow Cytometry; Glucosides; Liver Neoplasms, Experimental; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Nude; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Stilbenes

The aim of this study is to investigate the inhibition of cancer growth by pterostilbene through Metastasis-Associated Protein 1 (MTA1) and the histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) complex in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).. We investigate the antitumor effects of pterostilbene (PTER) in HCC. The SMMC-7721 hepatoma cell line was cultured and treated with PTER for different time depending on the experiment. After treatment, we tested the cellular expression of proteins by Western blot and the expression of MTA1 mRNA by real-time PCR. And the immunoprecipitation was performed to confirm the acetylation in PTEN. Animal models have been established to confirm the anti-cancer effects of PTER.. PTER treatment could downregulate the expression of MTA1, and HDAC1 and elevates the Ac-PTEN ratio in tumors. The results suggest that PTER can decrease the expression of MTA1 and destabilize the MTA1/HDAC1 complex allowing acetylation/activation of PTEN on Lys. We demonstrated that PTER suppressed the growth, and invasion of HCC and was effective in regulating the levels of the MTA1/HDAC1/NuRD complex, promoting PTEN acetylation and apoptosis in HCC. Our findings suggest that the novel epigenetic nature of PTER anticancer activity opens up new avenues for primary chemoprevention, as well as anticancer and antimetastatic treatment.

Topics: Acetylation; Animals; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly; Down-Regulation; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Gene Knockdown Techniques; Histone Deacetylase 1; Histone Deacetylases; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Mi-2 Nucleosome Remodeling and Deacetylase Complex; Mice, Nude; Models, Biological; Neoplasm Invasiveness; PTEN Phosphohydrolase; Repressor Proteins; RNA, Messenger; Stilbenes; Trans-Activators; Transcriptional Activation

To better inform the next clinical trials of vascular disrupting agent combretastatin-A4-phosphate (CA4P) in patients with hepatic malignancies, this preclinical study aimed at evaluating CA4P therapeutic efficacy in rats with primary hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) of a full spectrum of differentiation and vascularity by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), microangiography and histopathology. Ninety-six HCCs were raised in 25 rats by diethylnitrosamine gavage. Tumor growth was monitored by T2-/T1-weighted-MRI (T2WI, T1WI) using a 3.0 T scanner. Early vascular response and later intratumoral necrosis were detected by dynamic-contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI and diffusion-weighted-imaging (DWI) before, 1 and 12 hr after CA4P iv-administration. In vivo MRI-findings were validated by postmortem-techniques. Multi-parametric MRI revealed rapid CA4P-induced tumor vascular shutdown within 1 hr, followed by variable intratumoral necrosis at 12 hr. Tumor volumes decreased by 10% at 1 hr (p < 0.05), but resumed at 12 hr. Correlations of semi-quantitative DCE parameter initial-area-under-the-gadolinium-curve (IAUGC30) with histopathology proved partial vascular closure and compensational reopening (p < 0.05). The higher grades of vascularity prevented those residual tumor tissues from CA4P-caused ischemic necrosis. By histopathology using a 4-scale cellular-differentiation criteria and a 4-grade tumor-vascularity classification, percentage of CA4P-induced necrosis negatively correlated with HCC differentiation (r = -0.404, p < 0.001) and tumor vascularity (r = -0.370, p < 0.001). Ordinal-logistic-regression helped to predict early tumor responses to CA4P in terms of tumoral differentiation and vascularity. Our study demonstrated that CA4P could induce vascular shutdown in primary HCCs within 1 hr, resulting in various degrees of tumor necrosis at 12 hr. MRI as a real-time imaging biomarker may help to define tumor vascularity and differentiation and further to predict CA4P therapeutic outcomes.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Contrast Media; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Neovascularization, Pathologic; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Stilbenes; Tumor Burden; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Shufeng Jiedu Capsule (SFJDC), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used widely as antiviral, antibacterial, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Previous studies indicated that some active ingredients of Shufeng Jiedu Capsule, such as resveratrol and quercetin, could suppress hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells through various signaling pathways. However, anti-HCC activity of SFJDC as a complementary medicine remains unexplored. Here, we use a combination of Shufeng Jiedu Capsule and doxorubicin to treat HCC cells and investigated the effects and mechanisms of SFJDC and its ingredientsin vitro.. In this study, two HCC cell lines, HepG2 and HepG2.2.15, were employed and all cells were separated into seven groups: doxorubicin group, SFJDC group, combination of doxorubicin and SFJDC group, resveratrol group, quercetin group, resveratrol and quercetin group, and control group. Through this research, the cellular functional experiments, such as MTT assay, Hoechst 33,258 staining, would healing assay, and transwell assay, were took to observe the effects of those agents on proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of cells. Then, apoptosis and invasion related genes and proteins were detected by real-time PCR and western blot to illuminate the signaling pathways.. The combination group induced more significant apoptosis and inhibition of migration and invasion by affecting proteins and mRNA of apoptosis, migration, and invasion related elements, such as Bcl-2, Bax, mTOR, and NF-?B. Furthermore, the research suggested SFJDC, as a mixture of a number of ingredients, had stronger activities than particular component or simple mixture of a few components.. SFJDC and its active ingredients could play a role as complementary medicine to increase antitumor effect of doxorubicin by targeting mitochondrial, Akt/mTOR, and NF-?B signaling pathways.

Topics: Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Apoptosis; Blotting, Western; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Movement; Cell Proliferation; Doxorubicin; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Hep G2 Cells; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Quercetin; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Resveratrol; Signal Transduction; Stilbenes

Resveratrol, a natural product, has been revealed to exert antitumor effects in multiple types of tumors. However, the antitumor effects of resveratrol on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its potential underlying mechanisms have not yet been elucidated. The present study demonstrated that resveratrol inhibited viability, proliferation, invasion and migration of HCC cells significantly in a time‑ and dose‑dependent manner, indicating that resveratrol exerted antitumor effects in HCC. Furthermore, relative expression of autophagy‑related proteins Beclin1 and LC3 II/I ratio was increased while p62 expression was decreased by resveratrol treatment dose‑dependently. The LC3+ puncta formation, which represented autophagosome formation was also markedly dose‑dependently upregulated by resveratrol treatment, suggesting that resveratrol induced autophagy in HCC cells. In addition, treatment with autophagy inhibitor 3‑methyladenine (3‑MA) counteracted the inhibitory effect of resveratrol on HCC cell proliferation, invasion and migration, indicating that suppressing autophagy may hamper the antitumor effect of resveratrol in HCC. It was revealed that resveratrol upregulated the expression of p53 while decreasing the ratio of phosphorylated protein kinase B (p‑Akt)/Akt in HCC cells. Treatment with p53 inhibitor pifithrin‑α and Akt activator insulin‑like growth factor‑1 decreased the expression of Beclin1 while significantly promoting cell proliferation, invasion and migration compared with the resveratrol treatment group. Taken together, the results of the present study revealed that resveratrol inhibited the proliferation and mobility of HCC cells through inducing autophagy via activating p53 and inhibiting phosphoinositide 3‑kinase/Akt. Enhancing autophagy can augment the antitumor effects of resveratrol in HCC. Therefore, combining resveratrol with an autophagy inducer may be a viable option for treating HCC.

Topics: Adenine; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Apoptosis; Autophagy; Benzothiazoles; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Movement; Cell Proliferation; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Phosphorylation; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Resveratrol; Signal Transduction; Stilbenes; Toluene; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; Up-Regulation

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by hypervascularity. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play very important roles in HCC malignant progression, as these cells facilitate HCC tumorigenesis and metastasis. We demonstrated that HSCs induce angiogenesis in HCC by upregulating the expression of Gli-1, which stimulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and potentiates increases in HCC cell invasiveness. Resveratrol abolished HSC-induced angiogenesis and suppressed ROS production and IL-6 and CXCR4 receptor expression in HepG2 cells by down-regulating Gli-1 expression. These findings indicate that Gli-1 may be a target for the prevention of angiogenesis in HCC and that resveratrol may have beneficial effects with respect to preventing HCC progression.

Topics: Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Disease Progression; Hep G2 Cells; Hepatic Stellate Cells; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells; Humans; Interleukin-6; Liver Neoplasms; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Neovascularization, Pathologic; Reactive Oxygen Species; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Resveratrol; Stilbenes; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Zinc Finger Protein GLI1

Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural polyphenolic compound with high affinity to hepatocytes. It has numerous benefits as anticancer, antioxidant, immunomodulatory and cardioprotective actions. Nevertheless, RSV therapeutic applications are hindered by its low solubility, light sensitivity and extensive first-pass metabolism. Cubosomes are colloidally stable dispersed liquid crystalline nanoparticles. The incorporation of RSV into cubosomes could overcome some of its physicochemical limitations. A Design-Expert

Topics: Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Endocytosis; Hep G2 Cells; Humans; Liquid Crystals; Liver Neoplasms; Nanoparticles; Particle Size; Resveratrol; Solubility; Stilbenes

Epidemiological and experimental evidences have shown cancer as a leading cause of death worldwide. Although the folklore use of plants as a reliable source of health-restoring principles is well-documented, the search for more of such plants that are active against diseases, such as cancer, continues. We report here a laboratory-based evidence of the relevance of an ethanol leaf extract of Anogeissus leiocarpus (A2L) in comparison with resveratrol, a natural polyphenol, in cancer therapy.. The quantitative assessment of flavonoid and phenolic contents involved quercetin and gallic acid as standards, respectively were determined using spectrophotometry. Cytotoxicity was determined fluorometrically using propidium-iodide-staining method. Antioxidant status, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, caspase activities and mitochondrial integrity were assessed using fluorometry/luminometry.. The antioxidant assay demonstrated that A2L possesses a strong antioxidant capacity as compared with the reference compounds, ascorbic acid and butylated hydroxytoluene. This is further buttressed by the significantly high level of phenolics obtained in the quantitative assessment of the extract. A 72-h post-treatment examination indicated that both A2L and resveratrol modulate the proliferation of HepG2 liver carcinoma cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Determination of the total nuclei area, propidium-iodide negative and positive nuclei areas all further buttress the modulation of cell proliferation by A2L and resveratrol with the indication that the observed cell death is due to apoptosis and necrosis at lower and higher concentrations of treatments respectively. At lower concentrations (0.39-3.13 μg/mL), resveratrol possesses higher tendencies to activate caspases 3 and 7. Bioenergetically, both resveratrol and A2L do not adversely affect the cells at lower concentrations (0.39-6.25 μg/mL for resveratrol and 12.5-100.0 μg/mL for A2L) except at higher concentrations (12.5-25.0 μg/mL for resveratrol and 200-800 μg/mL for A2L) which are more pronounced in A2L-treated cells. Furthermore, the antioxidant status of HepG2 cells is not perturbed by resveratrol as compared with A2L. Assessment of 24-h post-treatment mitochondrial function shows that resveratrol is not mitotoxic as compared with A2L which exhibits mitotoxicity at its highest concentration.. Taken together, findings from this study showed that A2L possesses strong antiproliferative activity and its prospect in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma deserves further investigation.

Topics: Adenosine Triphosphate; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Antioxidants; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Caspases; Cell Proliferation; Combretaceae; Flavonoids; Hep G2 Cells; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Mitochondria; Necrosis; Phenols; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Resveratrol; Stilbenes

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress; Hep G2 Cells; Humans; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Liver Neoplasms; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial; Mitochondria; Oxidative Stress; Reactive Oxygen Species; Stilbenes; Time Factors

Resveratrol (RES), a polyphenolic compound present in grapes and red wine, has potential anticancer properties. The present study aimed to examine the effects of resveratrol and its underlying mechanism on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines HepG2, Bel‑7402 and SMMC‑7721. It was demonstrated that resveratrol inhibited the viability and proliferation of HCC cells assessed by MTT and EdU assays. TUNEL assay revealed that resveratrol induced cell apoptosis by increasing HCC apoptosis rate from 3±0.78% to 16±1.12% with upregulation of B‑cell lymphoma (Bcl)‑2 associated X, apoptosis regulator and cleaved‑poly (ADP‑Ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP), and downregulation of Bcl‑2, caspase‑3, caspase‑7 and PARP. As a sirtuin (SIRT) 1 activator, resveratrol elevated SIRT1 protein expression and its enzyme activity and decreased expression levels of phosphorylated (p)‑phosphoinositide‑3‑kinase (PI3K), p‑AKT Serine/Threonine Kinase 1 (AKT), and its downstream target p‑Forkhead Box O3a in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, inhibition of SIRT1 enzymatic activity by EX527 resulted in increased phosphorylation levels of PI3K and AKT. This demonstrated that resveratrol inhibited the PI3K/AKT pathway by SIRT1 activation. In addition to inhibition of cancer cell migration, tumor suppressor gene DLC1 Rho GTPase activating protein level was upregulated and its phosphorylation was enhanced by AKT with resveratrol treatment. These findings suggested that resveratrol inhibits proliferation and migration through SIRT1 mediated post‑translational modification of PI3K/AKT pathway in HCC cells.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Movement; Cell Proliferation; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Phosphorylation; Protein Processing, Post-Translational; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Resveratrol; Signal Transduction; Stilbenes

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), also named cancerous hepatoma, is the most common type of malignant neoplasia of the liver. In this research, we screened the Persian Gulf sea cucumber

Topics: 2-Acetylaminofluorene; Acrylonitrile; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Chromatography, Thin Layer; Cytochromes c; Diethylnitrosamine; Holothuria; Humans; Indian Ocean; Liver; Liver Neoplasms; Liver Neoplasms, Experimental; Male; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial; Mitochondria, Liver; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Reactive Oxygen Species; Stilbenes

Resveratrol, one of the major polyphenols found in red wine, is suggested to have a role as a chemo-prevention or chemotherapy agent in various human cancer models. Herein, we report that resveratrol has a profound antitumor effect on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells by down-regulation of the HGF-c-Met signaling pathway. Resveratrol inhibited anchorage-dependent and -independent growth of HCC cells in a dose-dependent manner. Short-term resveratrol exposure substantially decreased HGF-induced c-Met signaling pathway activation, and long-term exposure to resveratrol markedly inhibited c-Met expression on the cell membrane. Additionally, resveratrol suppressed HGF-induced cell invasion, and knockdown of c-Met decreased the sensitivity of HCC cells to resveratrol treatment. Finally, the antitumor activity of resveratrol was validated in xenograft model and resveratrol prominently restrained tumor growth in vivo. In summary, our results suggested that c-Met offers a candidate molecular target for hepatocellular carcinoma management.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Movement; Cell Proliferation; Female; Gene Knockdown Techniques; Hepatocyte Growth Factor; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Mice, Nude; Molecular Targeted Therapy; Phosphorylation; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met; Resveratrol; Signal Transduction; Stilbenes; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Stepwise pH-responsive nanoparticle system containing charge reversible pullulan-based (CAPL) shell and poly(β-amino ester) (PBAE)/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLAG) core is designed to be used as carriers of paclitaxel (PTX) and combretastatin A4 (CA4) for combining antiangiogenesis and chemotherapy to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). CAPL-coated PBAE/PLGA (CAPL/PBAE/PLGA) nanoparticles displayed step-by-step responses to weakly acidic tumor microenvironment (pH ≈6.5) and endo/lysosome (pH ≈5.5) respectively through the cleavage of β-carboxylic amide bond in CAPL and the "proton-sponge" effect of PBAE, thus realized the efficient and orderly releases of CA4 and PTX. In human HCC HepG2 cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells, CAPL/PBAE/PLGA nanoparticles significantly enhanced synergistic effects of PTX and CA4 on cell proliferation and cell migration. In HepG2 tumor-bearing mice, CAPL/PBAE/PLGA nanoparticles showed excellent tumor-targeting capability and remarkably increased inhibitory effects of PTX and CA4 on tumor growth and angiogenesis. In conclusion, this novel nanoparticle system is a promising candidate as carrier for drugs against HCC.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Proliferation; Delayed-Action Preparations; Glucans; Hep G2 Cells; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Lactic Acid; Liver; Liver Neoplasms; Mice; Mice, Nude; Nanoparticles; Paclitaxel; Polyglycolic Acid; Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; Polymers; Stilbenes

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection causes induction of several tumors/cancer stem cell (CSC) markers and is known to be a major risk factor for development of HCC. Therefore, drugs that simultaneously target viral replication and CSC properties are needed for a risk-free treatment of advanced stage liver diseases, including HCC. Here, we demonstrated that (Z)-3,5,4'-trimethoxystilbene (Z-TMS) exhibits potent antitumor and anti-HCV activities without exhibiting cytotoxicity to human hepatocytes in vitro or in mice livers. Diethylnitrosamine (DEN)/carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) extensively induced expression of DCLK1 (a CSC marker) in the livers of C57BL/6 mice following hepatic injury. Z-TMS exhibited hepatoprotective effects against DEN/CCl4-induced injury by reducing DCLK1 expression and improving histologic outcomes. The drug caused bundling of DCLK1 with microtubules and blocked cell-cycle progression at G2-M phase in hepatoma cells via downregulation of CDK1, induction of p21(cip1/waf1) expression, and inhibition of Akt (Ser(473)) phosphorylation. Z-TMS also inhibited proliferation of erlotinib-resistant lung adenocarcinoma cells (H1975) bearing the T790M EGFR mutation, most likely by promoting autophagy and nuclear fragmentation. In conclusion, Z-TMS appears to be a unique therapeutic agent targeting HCV and concurrently eliminating cells with neoplastic potential during chronic liver diseases, including HCC. It may also be a valuable drug for targeting drug-resistant carcinomas and cancers of the lungs, pancreas, colon, and intestine, in which DCLK1 is involved in tumorigenesis. Cancer Res; 76(16); 4887-96. ©2016 AACR.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Antiviral Agents; Blotting, Western; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Cycle; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Flow Cytometry; Hepatitis C, Chronic; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Microtubules; Neoplastic Stem Cells; Stilbenes; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Purpose To determine if combretastatin A-4 phosphate disodium (CA4P) can enhance the tumor uptake of doxorubicin (Dox)-loaded, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated hollow gold nanospheres (HAuNS) mixed with ethiodized oil for improved photothermal ablation (PTA)-chemoembolization therapy (CET) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in rats. Materials and Methods Animal experiments were approved by the institutional animal care and use committee and performed from February 2014 to April 2015. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 45; age, 12 weeks) were inoculated with N1S1 HCC cells in the liver, and 8 days later, were randomly divided into two groups of 10 rats. Group 1 rats received intrahepatic arterial injection of PEG-HAuNS and ethiodized oil alone; group 2 received pretreatment with CA4P and injection of PEG-HAuNS and ethiodized oil 5 minutes later. The gold content of tumor and liver tissue at 1 hour or 24 hours after injection was quantified by using neutron activation analysis (n = 5 per time point). Five rats received pretreatment CA4P, PEG-copper 64-HAuNS, and ethiodized oil and underwent micro-positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT). In a separate study, three groups of six rats with HCC were injected with saline solution (control group); CA4P, Dox-loaded PEG-coated HAuNS (Dox@PEG-HAuNS), and ethiodized oil (CET group); or CA4P, Dox@PEG-HAuNS, ethiodized oil, and near-infrared irradiation (PTA-CET group). Temperature was recorded during laser irradiation. Findings were verified at postmortem histopathologic and/or autoradiographic examination. Wilcoxon rank-sum test and Pearson correlation analyses were performed. Results PEG-HAuNS uptake in CA4P-pretreated HCC tumors was significantly higher than that in non-CA4P-pretreated tumors at both 1 hour (P < .03) and 24 hours (P < .01). Mean ± standard deviation of tumor-to-liver PEG-HAuNS uptake ratios at 1 hour and 24 hours, respectively, were 5.63 ± 3.09 and 1.68 ± 0.77 in the CA4P-treated group and 1.29 ± 2.40 and 0.14 ± 0.11 in the non-CA4P-treated group. Micro-PET/CT allowed clear delineation of tumors, enabling quantitative imaging analysis. Laser irradiation increased temperature to 60°C and 43°C in the tumor and adjacent liver, respectively. Mean HCC tumor volumes 10 days after therapy were 1.68 cm

Topics: Animals; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Line, Tumor; Chemoembolization, Therapeutic; Disease Models, Animal; Doxorubicin; Drug Carriers; Ethiodized Oil; Gold; Hyperthermia, Induced; Liver Neoplasms; Male; Nanospheres; Polyethylene Glycols; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Random Allocation; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Stilbenes

Combretastatin A-1 phosphate (CA1P) is a microtubule polymerization inhibitor that binds to the colchicine-binding site of tubulin. We demonstrated that CA1P has outstanding anti-cancer activity against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in vitro and in vivo. As determined by fluorescence staining and western blots (WBs), CA1P induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and apoptosis in HepG2 cells with a down-regulation of Mcl-1. Additional studies indicated that CA1P induced microtubule depolymerization-mediated AKT inactivation, which resulted in GSK-3β activation, Wnt/β-Catenin pathway inhibition, and Mcl-1 down-regulation. The induction of HepG2 cell apoptosis by CA1P was prevented by a GSK-3β-specific inhibitor. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry studies on hepatocellular carcinoma mouse models showed that CA1P had activity against tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). CA1P induced TAM apoptosis in vitro through the same mechanism observed with HepG2 cells, and it eliminated TAMs in the tumor microenvironment (TME) in vivo. In TME, the expression of TGF-β and TNF-α was also altered. The adoptive transfer of macrophages partly rescued the growth of tumor inhibited by CA1P. These findings indicate that CA1P has great potential to impact both cancer cells and the microenvironment, and our results should accelerate the application of CA1P for HCC therapy in clinic.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Proliferation; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta; Hep G2 Cells; Humans; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Liver Neoplasms; Macrophages; Male; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Nude; Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Reactive Oxygen Species; Stilbenes; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Tubulin Modulators; Tumor Burden; Tumor Microenvironment; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Wnt Signaling Pathway; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

This study fabricated novel multifunctional pH-sensitive nanoparticles loaded into microbubbles (PNP-MB) with the combined advantages of two excellent drug delivery vehicles, namely, pH-sensitive nanoparticles and microbubbles. As an antitumor drug, resveratrol (RES) was loaded into acetylated β-cyclodextrin nanoparticles (RES-PNP). The drug-loaded nanoparticles were then encapsulated into the internal space of the microbubbles. The characterization and morphology of this vehicle were investigated through dynamic light scattering and confocal laser scanning microscopy, respectively. In vitro drug release was performed to investigate the pH sensitivity of RES-PNP. The antitumor property of RES-loaded PNP-MB (RES-PNP-MB) was also analyzed in vivo to evaluate the antitumor effect of RES-PNP-MB. Results suggested that PNP exhibited pH sensitivity, and was successfully encapsulated into the microbubbles. RES-PNP-MB exhibit effective tumor growth suppressing in vivo. Therefore, such drug delivery vehicle should be of great attention in tumor therapy.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Line, Tumor; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Carriers; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Mice; Microbubbles; Molecular Targeted Therapy; Nanoparticles; Neoplasm Transplantation; Neoplasms; Resveratrol; Stilbenes; Treatment Outcome

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies and the second cause of cancer-related deaths around the world. Pterostilbene (PTE), is a natural analog of resveratrol, possessing diverse pharmacological activities. In the present study, we aimed to examine the effect of PTE on tumor growth in mouse models of HCC and to elucidate the possible molecular mechanism in vivo and in vitro. We showed that PTE dose-dependently suppressed tumor growth in mice induced by diethylnitrosamine plus carbon tetrachloride, as evidenced by a decrease in the number of tumors and in the maximum size of the tumors. PTE concentration-dependently inhibited cell viability and proliferation in HepG2 cells. PTE increased caspase-3 activities and apoptosis in liver tumor tissues and cells, indicating the activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. PFTα, superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) lentivirus and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) significantly inhibited PTE-induced inhibition of tumor growth and cell proliferation and increase in apoptosis. PTE dose-dependently increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels both in liver tumor tissues and cells, which were inhibited by PFTα, SOD2 lentivirus and NAC. PTE resulted in a significant decrease in SOD2 expression in liver tumor tissues and cells, which were inhibited by PFTα, but not NAC, indicating that PTE-induced ROS generation was attributed to p53-mediated downregulation of SOD2. Collectively, PTE increased p53 expression, decreased SOD2 expression, and resulted in an increase in the ROS levels and the activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, leading to inhibition of tumor growth and cell proliferation. These data demonstrated that the p53/SOD2/ROS pathway is critical for PTE-mediated inhibition of tumor growth and HCC cell proliferation.

Topics: Animals; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Hep G2 Cells; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mitochondria; Reactive Oxygen Species; Stilbenes; Superoxide Dismutase; Tumor Burden; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

The aim of the present study is to verify the trapping effect of combretastatin A-4-phosphate (CA4P) on small molecular drugs in rodent tumors. Mice with H22 hepatocarcinoma were randomized into groups A and B. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of T1WI, T2WI, and DWI was performed as baseline. Mice in group A were injected with Gd-DTPA and PBS. Mice in group B were injected with Gd-DTPA and CA4P. All mice undergo CE-T1WI at 0 h, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h. Enhancing efficacy of the two groups on CE-T1WI was compared with the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) calculated. Concentrations of gadolinium measured by ICP-AES in the tumor were compared between groups. On the early CE-T1WI, tumors were equally enhanced in both groups. On the delayed CE-T1WI, the enhancing effect of group A was weaker than that of group B. The SNR and the concentration of gadolinium within the tumor of group A were lower than that of group B at 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h after administration. This study indicates that CA4P could improve the retention of Gd-DTPA in the tumor and MRI allowed dynamically monitoring trapping effects of CA4P on local retention of Gd-DTPA as a small molecular drug.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Contrast Media; Disease Models, Animal; Gadolinium DTPA; Liver Neoplasms; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Mice; Spectrophotometry, Atomic; Stilbenes; Time Factors; Tissue Distribution

Cancer cells exhibit an altered metabolic phenotype known as the aerobic glycolysis. The expression of HK2 changes the metabolic phenotype of cells to support cancerous growth. In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of resveratrol on HK2 expression and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell glycolysis. Aerobic glycolysis was observed in four HCC cell lines compared to the normal hepatic cells. Resveratrol sensitized aerobic glycolytic HCC cells to apoptosis, and this effect was attenuated by glycolytic inhibitors. The induction of mitochondrial apoptosis was associated with the decrease of HK2 expression by resveratrol in HCC cells. In addition, resveratrol enhanced sorafenib induced cell growth inhibition in aerobic glycolytic HCC cells. Combination treatment with both reagents inhibited the growth and promoted apoptosis of HCC-bearing mice. The reduction of HK2 by resveratrol provides a new dimension to clinical HCC therapies aimed at preventing disease progression.

Topics: Aerobiosis; Animals; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Growth Processes; Cell Line, Tumor; Glycolysis; Hep G2 Cells; Hexokinase; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Nude; Random Allocation; Resveratrol; Stilbenes

Anigopreissin A belongs to stilbene di- and oligomeric forms containing a benzofuran ring system whose biological activity is unknown. Recently, a completely protected Anigopreissin A - Permethylated Anigopreissin A - has been synthesized. We use MTT bioassay to assess Permethylated Anigopreissin A cytotoxicity in different human cell lines. Furthermore, fluorescence microscopy, caspase activity, real-time PCR and Western-blot methods are employed to evaluate apoptotic cell death pathway in liver cancer cells. Permethylated Anigopreissin A kills different types of human cancer cells but does not affect non-tumorigenic cells. The Permethylated Anigopreissin A concentration that causes 50% inhibition of liver tumor cells is 0.24μM. Hepatoma cells treated with Permethylated Anigopreissin A arrest their cell cycle in G1 phase. We also demonstrate that Permethylated Anigopreissin A-triggered cell death occurs by apoptosis. Decrease of the BCL2 expression levels, loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome c and increase of caspase 9 activity highlight a key role for mitochondria in Permethylated Anigopreissin A-induced apoptosis. Our study shows that Permethylated Anigopreissin A kills liver cancer cells through intrinsic apoptotic pathway.

Topics: Apoptosis; Benzofurans; Blotting, Western; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Cycle; Cell Proliferation; Hep G2 Cells; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial; Methylation; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Stilbenes

The aim of this work was to evaluate in vitro the genotoxic and/or antigenotoxic effects of resveratrol (RESV) and pterostilbene (PTER) on HepG2 cells. Moreover, additional tests were performed to evaluate early and late apoptosis events induced by the tested stilbenes. RESV and PTER did not show any genotoxic activity. As regards antigenotoxicity testing, RESV and PTER showed a typical, U-shaped hormetic dose-response relationship characterized by a biphasic trend with small quantities having opposite effects to large ones. HepG2 cells treated with PTER exhibited a marked increase in early apoptosis (40.1%) at 250 microM; whereas, the highest concentration tested for both RESV and PTER significantly increased the proportion of HepG2 cells undergoing late apoptosis (32.5 and 51.2%, respectively). The observed pro-apoptotic activity could, at least in part, explain the hormetic response observed when the compounds were tested for antigenotoxicity (i.e., in the presence of induced DNA damage).

Topics: Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; DNA Damage; Hep G2 Cells; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Protective Agents; Resveratrol; Stilbenes

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the fifth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The efficacy of novel combination treatments are increasingly evaluated with use of integrative biology research and development (R&D) strategies and methodological triangulation. We investigated the anti-tumor effect of ɛ-viniferin alone, and the putative synergy of ɛ-viniferin with vincristine on the growth of HepG2 cells in vitro. Growth inhibition and apoptosis induction were determined by MTT assay and annexin V/propidium iodide (PI), respectively. Morphological changes and DNA fragmentation were investigated under electron microscopy and by agarose gel electrophoresis, respectively. The results collectively showed that treating cells with ɛ-viniferin and vincristine significantly inhibited cell viability at lower doses as compared to each agent applied alone. IC(50) values for ɛ-viniferin and vincristine were determined as 98.3 and 52.5 μM at 24 h, respectively. IC(50) value of ɛ-viniferin in combination with vincristine was 15.8+11.25 μM (mean/SD) at 24 h. The viability of cells treated with 17.9 μM vincristine alone for 24 h was 79.62%; it reduced to 26.53% when 25 μM ɛ-viniferin was added in combination with vincristine (p<0.05). We found that combination of drugs promoted the sensitivity of cells against to vincristine treatment. The effect of combined use was in support of a synergistic pharmacodynamic effect. Moreover, low doses of the combination regimen induced phosphatidyl re-localization, morphological changes, and DNA fragmentation, and therefore caused apoptotic death. This study thus suggests that low concentrations of ɛ-viniferin and vincristine can enhance the anti-tumor effects efficiently by inducing HepG2 cell apoptosis. Further studies in other model systems are warranted with a view to potential future applications in the clinic of such combination regimens and their putative mechanism of action in the observed synergy reported here.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Apoptosis; Benzofurans; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Shape; Cell Survival; DNA Fragmentation; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Drug Synergism; Hep G2 Cells; Humans; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Liver Neoplasms; Stilbenes; Vincristine

Resveratrol-4-O-D-(2'-galloyl)-glucopyranoside (RESG) is one of the active compounds isolated from Polygonum cuspidatum. The purpose of our present study was to investigate the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effect of RESG in vitro and in vivo, and the possible mechanisms in vitro. In vitro, our results showed that RESG could significantly inhibit the human hepatocellular carcinoma viability in the MTT assay, in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that RESG could induce SMMC-7721 cell apoptosis and activate caspases 3 and caspases 9 by using Annexin V-FITC staining and western blot, respectively. In vivo, RESG also showed efficacy in SMMC-7721 xenograft model in nude mice, and further molecule mechanisms were investigated in vitro. The results showed that RESG up-regulated the p-JNK expressions, whereas it down-regulated the p-ERK expressions. Above results demonstrated that RESG is a potential therapeutic agent for hepatocellular carcinoma via JNK and ERK pathway to induce apoptosis. Our finding provided a basis for further development of RESG as an anticancer agent.

Topics: Animals; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Cell Survival; Fallopia japonica; Glucuronides; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; MAP Kinase Signaling System; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial; Mice; Plant Extracts; Stilbenes; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic phytochemical, has received considerable attention due to its potential chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic properties. In the present study, we first evaluated the growth-inhibitory effect of resveratrol on HepG2 cells and explored the underlying molecular mechanisms. Resveratrol inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells via activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3, upregulation of the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and induction of p53 expression. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated that resveratrol arrested cell cycle progression in the G1 and S phase. We further focused on the combination of matrine, a natural component extracted from the traditional Chinese medical herb Sophora flavescens Ait., as a mechanism to potentiate the growth-inhibitory effect of resveratrol on HepG2 cells. Both MTT and colony formation assay results indicated that the combined treatment of resveratrol and matrine exhibited a synergistic antiproliferative effect. In addition, resveratrol-induced apoptosis was significantly enhanced by matrine, which could be attributed to activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9, downregulation of survivin, induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and disruption of mitochondria membrane potential (Δψm). Our findings suggest that the combination treatment of resveratrol and matrine is a promising novel anticancer strategy for liver cancer; it also provides new insights into the mechanisms of combined therapy.

Topics: Alkaloids; Apoptosis; bcl-2-Associated X Protein; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Caspase 3; Caspase 9; Cell Proliferation; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Hep G2 Cells; Humans; Matrines; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; Quinolizines; Resveratrol; Stilbenes; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53

5-(3-Hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-4-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-3H-1,2-dithiol-3-one (COH-203) is a novel synthesized analogue of combretastatin A-4 that can be classified as a microtubule inhibitor. In this study, we evaluated the anti-hepatoma effect of COH-203 in vitro and in vivo and explored the underlying molecular mechanisms. COH-203 was shown to be more effective in inhibiting the proliferation of liver cancer cells compared with normal liver cells. COH-203 also displayed potent anti-tumor activity in a hepatocellular carcinoma xenograft model without significant toxicity. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that treatment with COH-203 induced mitotic arrest by inhibiting tubulin polymerization in BEL-7402 liver cancer cells. Long-term COH-203 treatment in BEL-7402 cells led to mitotic slippage followed by senescence via the p14(Arf)-p53-p21 and p16(INK4α)-Rb pathways. Furthermore, suppression of p53 via pifithrin-α (p53 inhibitor) and p53-siRNA attenuated COH-203-induced senescence in BEL-7402 cells, suggesting that COH-203 induced senescence p53-dependently. In conclusion, we report for the first time that COH-203, one compound in the combretastatin family, promotes anti-proliferative activity through the induction of p-53 dependent senescence. Our findings will provide a molecular rationale for the development of COH-203 as a promising anti-tumor agent.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Cell Survival; Cellular Senescence; Heterocyclic Compounds, 1-Ring; Humans; Liver; Liver Neoplasms; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Microtubules; RNA, Small Interfering; Stilbenes; Tubulin; Tubulin Modulators; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

The mortality and morbidity rates from cancer metastasis have not declined in Taiwan, especially because of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Resveratrol has been shown to have benefits such as cardioprotection, providing antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer properties in previous studies. Therefore, HCC cells were subjected to treatment with resveratrol and then analyzed to determine the effects of resveratrol on the migration and invasion.. Modified Boyden chamber assays revealed that resveratrol treatment significantly inhibited cell migration and invasion capacities of Huh7 cell lines that have low cytotoxicity in vitro, even at a high concentration of 100 µM. The results of casein zymography and western blotting revealed that the activities and protein levels of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) were inhibited by resveratrol. Western blot analysis also showed that resveratrol inhibits phosphorylation of JNK1/2. Tests of the mRNA level, real-time PCR, and promoter assays evaluated the inhibitory effects of resveratrol on u-PA expression in HCC cells. The chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay showed that reactive in transcription protein of nuclear factor SP-1 was inhibited by resveratrol.. Resveratrol inhibits u-PA expression and the metastasis of HCC cells and is a powerful chemopreventive agent. The inhibitory effects were associated with the downregulation of the transcription factors of SP-1 signaling pathways.

Topics: Anticarcinogenic Agents; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Movement; Down-Regulation; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Phosphorylation; Resveratrol; Signal Transduction; Sp1 Transcription Factor; Stilbenes; Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator

Ethanol consumption induces hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell metastasis by changing the extracellular matrix (ECM). Lysyl oxidase (LOX) catalyzes the cross-linkage of collagen or elastin in the ECM. LOX protein and mRNA overexpression (>21-fold compared with controls, n = 6) was detected in cirrhotic HCC patients with a history of alcoholism. LOX protein expression was induced in HCC cells after long-term treatment with ethanol (10 mM) for 20-40 passages (denoted E20-E40 cells). Pterostilbene (PSB, 1 μM) displayed significant potency to reduce LOX-mediated activity in E40 cells when combined with curcumin and its analogues. The ability of E40 cells to form colonies in soft agar was reduced by both genetic depletion of LOX and by chemical inhibitors of LOX expression. This study suggests that targeting LOX expression with food components such as PSB and curcumin may be a novel strategy to overcome ethanol-induced HCC cell metastasis in liver cancer patients.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Alcoholism; Antineoplastic Agents; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Movement; Collagen; Curcumin; Elastin; Ethanol; Extracellular Matrix; Female; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Laser Capture Microdissection; Liver Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Protein-Lysine 6-Oxidase; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Messenger; Stilbenes

This study designs a pH-sensitive nanoparticle carrier of methotrexate (MTX) and combretastatin A4 (CA4) based on pullulan for the combination therapy against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Briefly, N-urocanyl pullulan (URPA) with the degree of substitution (DS) of 5.2% was synthesized and then conjugated with MTX to form MTX-URPA, in which MTX content was 17.8%. MTX-URPA nanoparticles prepared by the dialysis method had spherical shape and the mean size of 187.1 nm, and showed high affinity for HepG2 cells. CA4 was successfully loaded into MTX-URPA nanoparticles and exhibited pH-sensitive in vitro release property. After intravenous injection to PLC/PRF/5-bearing nude mice, CA4 loaded MTX-URPA (CA4/MTX-URPA) nanoparticles achieved the enhanced antitumor and anti-angiogenic effects, the prolonged circulation time in blood, and the increased distributions both in the liver and the tumor. In conclusion, this drug carrier system has significant liver-targeting property and exhibits advantages for the combination therapy against hepatocellular carcinoma.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Delayed-Action Preparations; Glucans; Hep G2 Cells; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Liver; Liver Neoplasms; Methotrexate; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Nude; Models, Molecular; Nanoparticles; Stilbenes

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type of liver cancer. The risk of hepatocellular carcinoma for type 2 diabetic patients is greater than that for non-diabetic individuals although the mechanism is unclear. The cancer suppressor resveratrol inhibits cancer cell proliferation partly through the STAT3 signaling pathway. However, the effects of resveratrol on STAT3 in high glucose-exposed HepG2 cells and the role of SIRT1 are not clear to date. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of resveratrol on STAT3 and SIRT1 regarding the proliferation of high glucose-exposed HepG2 cells. HepG2 cells were cultured in DMEM containing glucose (2.8, 5.5 and 25 mM) and resveratrol (0, 10 and 100 µM). HepG2 cell proliferation and viability were analyzed by MTT assays. The levels of p-STAT3 and SIRT1 were analyzed by western blotting, and RT-PCR methods were used to detect the transcription levels of cyclin B1, cyclin D1, VEGF and MMP-9. SIRT1-specific short-interfering RNA was used to investigate the role of SIRT1 in p-STAT3 signaling. A high glucose concentration (25 mM) induced HepG2 cell proliferation. This effect was suppressed by resveratrol (100 µM), and the effect on the p-STAT3 signaling pathway was found to be SIRT1-dependent. Our findings may provide new insights into the mechanism by which resveratrol suppresses HepG2 cell proliferation under conditions of high glucose. Furthermore, this information may provide the basis for a novel therapeutic strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma patients suffering from either diabetes or hyperglycemia.

Topics: Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Proliferation; Cell Survival; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Glucose; Hep G2 Cells; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Resveratrol; RNA, Small Interfering; Signal Transduction; Sirtuin 1; STAT3 Transcription Factor; Stilbenes

Riccardin D-26 is a synthesized macrocyclic bisbibenzyl compound. We investigated the effect of Riccardin D-26 on human hepatocellular carcinomas. Riccardin D-26 possessed stronger activity against SMMC-7721 cells than human normal liver cells. Riccardin D-26 injection effectively delayed the growth of SMMC-7721 xenografts in mice without significant toxicity. This effect of Riccardin D-26 was associated with the status of p53 and its targets, bax and p21(Waf1)(/)(Cip1). Riccardin D-26 activated p53 expression and induced cancer cells to apoptosis through the p53-mediated transcription-dependent and -independent pathway. Overall, Riccardin D-26 may inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma growth through induction of apoptosis in p53-dependent pathway.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Female; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Macrocyclic Compounds; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Phenyl Ethers; Stilbenes; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Among the seven natural resveratrol analogs separated and identified from Pholidota yunnanensis R(OLFE), we found phoyunbene B (PYB, trans-3,4'-dihydroxy-2',3',5-trimethoxystilbene) was more effective in inhibiting the growth of HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells than resveratrol. The inhibitory effect of PYB in HepG2 cells was due to its induction of G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Induction of G2/M phase cell cycle arrest by PYB was associated with its up-regulation of Cyclin B1, while its induction of apoptosis was accompanied with its down-regulation of Bcl-2 and up-regulation of Bax. Our in vitro invasion/migration assays also showed that PYB could inhibit the invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; G2 Phase Cell Cycle Checkpoints; Hep G2 Cells; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; M Phase Cell Cycle Checkpoints; Orchidaceae; Resveratrol; Stilbenes

Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol that has beneficial effects across species and various disease models. Here, we investigate whether resveratrol is effective against hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using HBV X protein (HBx) transgenic mice. We found that resveratrol (30 mg/kg/d) has a therapeutic effect on HBx-induced fatty liver and the early stages of liver damage. Resveratrol decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species and transiently stimulated hepatocyte proliferation. Interestingly, resveratrol inhibited LXRα and downregulated the expression of the lipogenic genes, Srebp1-c and PPARγ. The decrease in Srebp1-c seems to further downregulate the expression of its target genes, Acc and Fas. In addition, resveratrol stimulated the activity of Ampk and SirT1. Thus, resveratrol has a pleiotropic effect on HBx transgenic mice in terms of the downregulation of lipogenesis, the promotion of transient liver regeneration, and the stimulation of antioxidant activity. Furthermore, at the later precancerous stages, resveratrol delayed HBx-mediated hepatocarcinogenesis and reduced HCC incidence from 80% to 15%, a 5.3-fold reduction. Resveratrol should be considered as a potential chemopreventive agent for HBV-associated HCC.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Blotting, Western; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Disease Models, Animal; Fatty Liver; Glutathione; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Liver Neoplasms, Experimental; Liver Regeneration; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Transgenic; Reactive Oxygen Species; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Resveratrol; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Messenger; Stilbenes; Trans-Activators; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Viral Regulatory and Accessory Proteins

To observe the effects of resveratrol on apoptosis and ROS production in murine hepatocarcinoma Hepa 1-6 cells in vitro.. Hepa 1-6 cells were treated with different dose of resveratrol (20 micromol/L, 40 micromol/L, 80 micromol/L). Cell proliferation was detected with MTT assay at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h. Hoechst 33258 staining was used to visualize apoptotic morphology. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry analysis. Activated caspase-3 was detected by western blot. Intracellular ROS production was observed by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCF-DA) staining.. Compared with the control, upon treatment with 20-80 micromol/L resveratrol for 24 h, 48 h or 72 h, the proliferation of Hepa 1-6 cells was significantly inhibited in a time-dose dependent manner. 20-80 micromol/L resveratrol also induced apoptosis and apoptotic morphology change in Hepa 1-6 cells accompanied with caspase-3 activation and ROS generation.. Resveratrol could inhibit cell proliferation, induce apoptosis in murine hepatocarcinoma Hepa 1-6 cells, and the mechanism may associated with caspase-3 activation and ROS production.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Apoptosis; Blotting, Western; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Caspase 3; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Cell Survival; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Flow Cytometry; Liver Neoplasms; Mice; Plants, Medicinal; Reactive Oxygen Species; Resveratrol; Stilbenes

We previously showed that SIRT1 deacetylase inhibits proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells expressing hepatitis B virus (HBV) X protein (HBX), by destabilization of β-catenin. Here, we report another role for SIRT1 in HBX-mediated resistance to oxidative stress. Ectopic expression and enhanced activity of SIRT1 sensitize Hep3B cells stably expressing HBX to oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. SIRT1 mutant analysis showed that nuclear localization of SIRT1 is not required for sensitization of oxidation-mediated apoptosis. Furthermore, ectopic expression of SIRT1 and treatment with resveratrol (a SIRT1 activator) attenuated JNK phosphorylation, which is a prerequisite for resistance to oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. Conversely, suppression of SIRT1 activity with nicotinamide inhibited the effect of resveratrol on JNK phosphorylation, leading to restoration of resistance to oxidation-induced apoptosis. Taken together, these results suggest that up-regulation of SIRT1 under oxidative stress may be a therapeutic strategy for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma cells related to HBV through inhibition of JNK activation.

Topics: Antioxidants; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Nucleus; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; MAP Kinase Kinase 4; Oxidative Stress; Phosphorylation; Resveratrol; RNA, Small Interfering; Sirtuin 1; Stilbenes; Trans-Activators; Up-Regulation; Viral Regulatory and Accessory Proteins

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most lethal cancers, results in more than one million fatalities worldwide every year. In view of the limited therapeutic alternatives and poor prognosis of liver cancer, preventive control approaches, notably chemoprevention, have been considered to be the best strategy in lowering the present prevalence of the disease. Resveratrol, a naturally occurring antioxidant and antiinflammatory agent found in grapes and red wine, inhibits carcinogenesis with a pleiotropic mode of action. Recently, we have reported that dietary resveratrol significantly prevents chemically-induced liver tumorigenesis in rats. One of the mechanisms of resveratrol-mediated chemoprevention of hepatocarcinogenesis could be related to its antiinflammatory action through hepatic cyclooxygenase (COX-2) inhibition. Although several COX-2 inhibitors are known to exert chemopreventive efficacy, not all are considered ideal candidates for chemoprevention due to the risk of adverse cardiovascular events. Accordingly, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the role of resveratrol on cardiac performance during experimental hepatocarcinogenesis initiated with diethylnitrosamine and promoted by phenobarbital. Rats had free access to diet supplemented with resveratrol four weeks before the carcinogen injection and 14 weeks thereafter. The cardiotoxicity of resveratrol was assessed by monitoring the cardiac function using transthoracic echocardiography as well as Western blot analysis of cardiac tissue. Long-term dietary administration of resveratrol dose-dependently suppressed hepatic tumor multiplicity, the principal endpoint for evaluating the chemopreventive potential of a candidate agent. The chemopreventive effects of resveratrol were also reflected in histopathological assessment of hepatic tissues. Resveratrol did not exhibit any cardiotoxicity but rather improved the cardiac function in a dose-responsive fashion. Our results indicate that resveratrol-mediated chemoprevention of rat liver carcinogenesis is devoid of any adverse cardiovascular events. Resveratrol may be developed as a chemopreventive as well as therapeutic drug for human HCC.

Topics: Animals; Behavior, Animal; Blotting, Western; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cardiotoxins; Chemoprevention; Disease Models, Animal; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Echocardiography; Feeding Behavior; Female; Heart; Hepatocytes; Humans; Liver; Liver Neoplasms; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Resveratrol; Stilbenes; Systole

This study is to investigate the mechanism underlying the anti-apoptotic effects of freeze-dried grape powder (FDGP) and identify the polyphenolic compounds involved. We examined apoptotic signaling pathways affected by FDGP and by its active components, including epicatechin, cyanidin, quercetin, and resveratrol, in human Huh7 hepatoma cells by assaying cell viability assays, the activities of caspase 3 and caspase 7, and the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated proteins. FDGP dramatically decreased taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA)-induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Assessment of individual active components revealed that at concentrations corresponding to 300 μg/mL FDGP, only quercetin demonstrated cytoprotective effects against mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. In contrast, increased concentrations of other individual polyphenolic compounds were required to produce measurable cytoprotective effect. Only combinations of all four polyphenolic compounds (epicatechin, cyanidin, quercetin, and resveratrol) restored a degree of the anti-apoptotic effects seen with FDGP. The pretreatment of FDGP at 30 μg/mL concentration could reverse the thapsigargin-induced effects on the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated proteins. In conclusion, FDGP reduced oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and apoptosis. The mechanisms involved in the anti-apoptotic effects of FDGP included reduced generation of ROS, and reduced processing of certain caspases. We demonstrated that quercetin, epicatechin, and cyanidin are active compounds within FDGP that attenuate apoptosis. These findings contribute to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidant effects of grape and are expected to assist in developing clinical protocols to treat a variety of stress-mediated conditions.

Topics: Anthocyanins; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Caspase 3; Caspase 7; Catechin; Cell Death; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Survival; Endoplasmic Reticulum; Food, Preserved; Freeze Drying; Fruit; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Mitochondria, Liver; Oxidative Stress; Quercetin; Reactive Oxygen Species; Resveratrol; Stilbenes; Taurodeoxycholic Acid; Vitis

INTRODUATION: Resveratrol, a phytoestrogen present at a high concentration in red wine, has been reported to possess many health benefit effects that are protective against age-related diseases. Protein S (PS), an important anticoagulant factor in the protein C (PC) anticoagulant pathway, is mainly synthesized by hepatocytes, and its plasma level is decreased in high-estrogen conditions such as pregnancy and oral contraceptive use. The aim of this study was to investigate whether resveratrol affects PS expression in HepG2 cells.. The secreted and intracellular levels of PS were determined by an enzyme-linked ligandsorbent assay and Western blotting. The mRNA expressions of PS, PC and β chain of C4b-binding protein (C4BP-β) were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The PS gene promotor activities in HepG2 cells transiently expressing estrogen receptor (ER) α were examined by a luciferase reporter assay.. Resveratrol dose- and time-dependently down-regulated the PS expression in HepG2 cells at a transcriptional level, resulting in a significant decrease in secreted PS; however, the PC and C4BP-β mRNA expressions were not affected. This action of resveratrol was not mediated through either the ER signaling or those of mitogen-activated protein kinases and protein kinase C. Piceatannol, a hydroxylated metabolite of resveratrol, and genistein, an isoflavone found in soy products, also down-regulated the PS expression.. Resveratrol down-regulates the PS expression in HepG2 cells in an ER-independent manner, and the two phenolic hydroxyls at carbon-3 and -5 of resveratrol may be involved in this function.

Topics: Blood Proteins; Blotting, Western; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Down-Regulation; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Estrogen Receptor alpha; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Genistein; Hep G2 Cells; Histocompatibility Antigens; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Molecular Structure; Phytoestrogens; Promoter Regions, Genetic; Protein C; Protein S; Resveratrol; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Messenger; Stilbenes; Structure-Activity Relationship; Time Factors; Transcription, Genetic; Transfection; Wine

Both resveratrol and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) are frequently used in complementary and alternative medicine. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms for potential health benefits of resveratrol and its interactions with ascorbic acid.. The antioxidant enzymes heme oxygenase-1 and paraoxonase-1 were analysed for their mRNA and protein levels in HUH7 liver cells treated with 10 and 25 μmol/l resveratrol in the absence and presence of 100 and 1000 μmol/l ascorbic acid. Additionally the transactivation of the transcription factor Nrf2 and paraoxonase-1 were determined by reporter gene assays.. Here, we demonstrate that resveratrol induces the antioxidant enzymes heme oxygenase-1 and paraoxonase-1 in cultured hepatocytes. Heme oxygenase-1 induction by resveratrol was accompanied by an increase in Nrf2 transactivation. Resveratrol mediated Nrf2 transactivation as well as heme oxygenase-1 induction were partly antagonized by 1000 μmol/l ascorbic acid.. Unlike heme oxygenase-1 (which is highly regulated by Nrf2) paraoxonase-1 (which exhibits fewer ARE/Nrf2 binding sites in its promoter) induction by resveratrol was not counteracted by ascorbic acid. Addition of resveratrol to the cell culture medium produced relatively low levels of hydrogen peroxide which may be a positive hormetic redox-signal for Nrf2 dependent gene expression thereby driving heme oxygenase-1 induction. However, high concentrations of ascorbic acid manifold increased hydrogen peroxide production in the cell culture medium which may be a stress signal thereby disrupting the Nrf2 signalling pathway.

Topics: Antioxidants; Aryldialkylphosphatase; Ascorbic Acid; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Line, Tumor; Drug Interactions; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; Heme Oxygenase-1; Hepatocytes; Humans; Hydrogen Peroxide; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Plant Extracts; Resveratrol; RNA, Messenger; Stilbenes; Transcriptional Activation

NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), a phase II enzyme, plays an important role in the detoxification or chemoprotection of carcinogens, and induction of this enzyme is a target for the prevention of carcinogenesis. Natural stilbenoids have potential cancer chemopreventive activities, potentially through affecting NQO1 activity. Along this line, several stilbenoids were evaluated to procure more potent compounds for inducing NQO1 activity in cultured murine Hepa 1c1c7 cells. As a result, we found that 3,5-dimethoxy-trans-stilbene (DMS) possesses potent NQO1 induction activity through up-regulation of both protein and mRNA expression of NQO1 as determined by Western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis, respectively. DMS also increased protein expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), another phase II enzyme. This induction of NQO1 and HO-1 by DMS was closely related to the regulation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). The translocation and activation of Nrf2 by DMS was also involved in the modulation of the upstream signal transduction molecule, protein kinase C δ. These findings suggest that DMS might have a cancer chemopreventive activity by inducing detoxifying enzymes such as NQO1 and HO-1.

Topics: Animals; Anticarcinogenic Agents; Antioxidants; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Nucleus; DNA-Binding Proteins; Enzyme Induction; Genes, Reporter; Heme Oxygenase-1; Liver Neoplasms; Membrane Proteins; Mice; NAD(P)H Dehydrogenase (Quinone); NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Promoter Regions, Genetic; Protein Kinase C-delta; Protein Transport; Response Elements; RNA, Messenger; Signal Transduction; Stilbenes

Resveratrol is a plant-derived polyphenol that extends lifespan and healthspan in model organism. Despite extensive investigation, the biological processes mediating resveratrol's effects have yet to be elucidated. Because repression of translation shares many of resveratrol's beneficial effects, we hypothesized that resveratrol was a modulator of protein synthesis. We studied the effect of the drug on the H4-II-E rat hepatoma cell line. Initial studies showed that resveratrol inhibited global protein synthesis. Given the role of the mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) in regulating protein synthesis, we examined the effect of resveratrol on mTOR signaling. Resveratrol inhibited mTOR self-phosphorylation and the phosphorylation of mTOR targets S6K1 and eIF4E-BP1. It attenuated the formation of the translation initiation complex eIF4F and increased the phosphorylation of eIF2α. The latter event, also a mechanism for translation inhibition, was not recapitulated by mTOR inhibitors. The effects on mTOR signaling were independent of effects on AMP-activated kinase or AKT. We conclude that resveratrol is an inhibitor of global protein synthesis, and that this effect is mediated through modulation of mTOR-dependent and independent signaling.

Topics: AMP-Activated Protein Kinases; Animals; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Proliferation; Cell Survival; Enzyme Activation; Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-2; Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-4F; Liver; Liver Neoplasms; Phosphorylation; Protein Biosynthesis; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Protein Stability; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Rats; Resveratrol; Signal Transduction; Sirolimus; Stilbenes; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Transcription Factors

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer and is also highly metastatic. Metastasis is considered to be the major cause of death in cancer patients. Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene) and related analogues have been reported as candidates to prevent cancer growth and invasion. The bioactivity of resveratrol-related analogues could be altered due to the presence and positioning of methoxy groups on the basic resveratrol chemical structure. This study investigated the effects and mechanism of action of resveratrol and its methoxy analogues on invasion of human hepatocarcinoma cells. The migratory and invasive abilities of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-treated HepG2 and PMA-untreated Hep3B cells were both reduced in a dose-dependent manner by treatment with resveratrol and 3,5,4'-trimethoxy-trans-stilbene (MR-3). Upon incubation of PMA-treated HepG2 cells with resveratrol (0-50 microM) or MR-3 (0-50 microM), the MMP-9 activity decreased but TIMP-1 protein increased in a dose-dependent manner. With resveratrol (0-50 microM) or MR-3 (0-1 microM) treatment on PMA-untreated Hep3B cells, both of the MMP-9 and MMP-2 activities decreased but TIMP-2 protein increased in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that resveratrol and its related methoxy analogue MR-3 might exert anti-invasive activity against hepatoma cells through regulation of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2. Further analysis with semiquantitative RT-PCR showed that the regulation of MMP-9 and TIMP-2 expressions by resveratrol and MR-3 in hepatoma cells may be on the transcriptional level but on the translational or post-translational level for TIMP-1.

Topics: Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Line, Tumor; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Resveratrol; Stilbenes

Resveratrol has been shown to possess anticancer, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective activities. In this study, we examined the antiproliferative properties of resveratrol and its molecular mechanism(s) of action in Huh-7 cells, a new human hepatoma cell line system for hepatitis C virus. Results showed that resveratrol significantly inhibited Huh-7 cell proliferation (50% inhibitory concentration = 22.4 μg/mL) and effectively induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. It up-regulated p21/WAF1 expression in a p53-independent manner, but the expressions of cyclin E, cyclin A, and cyclin-dependent kinase 2 were down-regulated. It also caused an increase in the ratio of pro-apoptotic/anti-apoptotic protein, which was associated with the mitochondrial membrane depolarization and the increase in caspase activity. Resveratrol showed no effect on Fas, Fas ligand, extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, and p38 expression but down-regulated phospho-ERK and phospho-p38 expression. In addition, resveratrol was noted to trigger autophagic cell death through the increased expression of autophagy-related Atg5, Atg7, Atg9, and Atg12 proteins. These results suggest that resveratrol could be an important chemoprevention agent for hepatoma of hepatitis C virus infection.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Apoptosis; Autophagy; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Cycle; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Cell Survival; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21; Cyclins; Down-Regulation; Humans; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Liver Neoplasms; MAP Kinase Signaling System; Resveratrol; S Phase; Stilbenes; Time Factors; Up-Regulation

Resveratrol (RES), an estrogen analog, is considered as a potential cancer chemo-preventive agent. However, it remains unclear how RES is transported into cells. In this study, we observed that Caveolin-1(CAV1) expression can increase the cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic activity of RES in a dose- and time-dependent manner both in vitro and in vivo in a Hepatocellular Carcinoma animal model.. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) demonstrated that RES intra-cellular concentration is increased about 2-fold in cells stably expressing CAV1 or CAVM1 (a scaffolding domain (81-101AA)-defective CAV1 mutant) compared to the untransduced human Hepatoblastoma cell line (HepG2) or after transduction with the green fluorescent protein (GFP) control vector. The increased intra-cellular transport of RES was abolished in cells stably expressing CAVM2 (a cholesterol shuttle domain (143-156AA)-defective CAV1 mutant) or CAVRNAi. In order to further characterize CAV1-dependent RES transport, we synthesized RES-dansyl chloride derivatives as fluorescent probes to visualize the transport process, which demonstrated a distribution consistent with that of CAV1 in HepG2 cells.. In addition, RES endocytosis was not mediated by estrogen receptor (ER) alpha and beta, as suggested by lack of competitive inhibition by estrogen or Tamoxifen. Pathway analysis showed that RES can up-regulate the expression of endogenous CAV1; this activates further the MAPK pathway and caspase-3 expression.. This study provides novel insights about the role played by CAV1 in modulating cellular sensitivity to RES through enhancement of its internalization and trafficking.

Topics: Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Animals; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Caveolin 1; Cell Death; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Survival; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Drug Synergism; Endocytosis; Genes, Reporter; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Mice; Mice, Nude; Resveratrol; Sequence Deletion; Stilbenes; Transfection

Pterostilbene, a natural dimethylated analog of resveratrol, is known to have diverse pharmacologic activities including anticancer, anti-inflammation, antioxidant, apoptosis, anti-proliferation and analgesic potential. However, the effects of pterostilbene in preventing invasion of cancer cells have not been studied. Here, we report our finding that pterostilbene significantly suppressed 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA)-induced invasion, migration and metastasis of human hepatoma cells (HepG(2) cells). Increase in the enzyme activity, protein and messenger RNA levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 were observed in TPA-treated HepG(2) cells, and these were blocked by pterostilbene. In addition, pterostilbene can inhibit TPA-induced expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor and epidermal growth factor receptor. Transient transfection experiments also showed that pterostilbene strongly inhibited TPA-stimulated nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1)-dependent transcriptional activity in HepG(2) cells. Moreover, pterostilbene can suppress TPA-induced activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinases 1/2 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt and protein kinase C that are upstream of NF-kappaB and AP-1. Significant therapeutic effects were further demonstrated in vivo by treating nude mice with pterostilbene (50 and 250 mg/kg intraperitoneally) after inoculation with HepG(2) cells into the tail vein. Presented data reveal that pterostilbene is a novel, effective, anti-metastatic agent that functions by downregulating MMP-9 gene expression.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Movement; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Liver Neoplasms; Lung Neoplasms; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9; Mice; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Neoplasm Transplantation; NF-kappa B; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Signal Transduction; Stilbenes; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate; Transcription Factor AP-1; Transplantation, Heterologous

Resveratrol (RES) has been shown to prolong lifespan and prevent cancer formation. At present, the precise cellular mechanisms of RES actions are still not clearly understood, and this is the focus of this study.. Using human hepatocellular carcinoma-derived HepG2 cells as a model, we studied RES-induced changes in cell growth, cell cycle progression and apoptosis.. RES at lower concentrations induced a strong but reversible S-phase delay and mild DNA synthesis inhibition, yet without causing apoptotic or necrotic cell death. At high concentrations, RES induced apoptosis, which is mainly mediated by the mitochondrial pathway. Overall, RES was a relatively weak apoptotic agent. Mechanistically, MEK inhibition was identified as an important early signalling event for RES-induced apoptosis. In comparison, activation of CDK2 and checkpoint kinase 2, and inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase/Akt signalling pathway contributed to the induction by RES of a reversible, non-cytotoxic S-phase delay.. It is hypothesized that the induction of a non-cytotoxic S-phase delay may represent a useful mechanistic strategy for lifespan prolongation and cancer prevention. When cell cycles are selectively slowed down in the S phase, it would cumulatively increase the total lifespan of an organism if the total numbers of cell divisions of a given organism are assumed to remain basically constant. Likewise, when cells proceed through the cell cycles at a reduced pace during DNA replication, it may allow cells more time to repair the damaged DNA, and thereby reduce the chances for mutagenesis and tumour initiation.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Cycle; Cell Line, Tumor; DNA; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial; Resveratrol; S Phase; Signal Transduction; Stilbenes

The present data showed that a novel synthesized compound, N-acetyl-N-(4-(4-methoxyphenyl-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)isoxazol-5-yl)acetamide (XN05), exhibited potent antitumor activity against various cancer cells in vitro. XN05-treatment in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells resulted in the accumulation of G2/M phase cells and finally induced apoptosis assessed by flow cytometry analysis. Western blot and immunofluorescence experiments indicated that XN05 depolymerized microtubules similar to the effect of combretastatin-A4. In addition, XN05-treatment influenced the expression of cell cycle and apoptosis related proteins in BEL-7402 cells, which was associated with the appearance of phosphorylated Bcl-2. Taken together, all the data demonstrated that XN05 exhibited its antitumor activity through disrupting the microtubule assembly, causing cell cycle arrest and consequently inducing apoptosis in BEL-7402 cells. Therefore, the novel compound XN05 is a promising microtubule inhibitor that has great potentials for therapeutic treatment of various malignancies.

Topics: Acetamides; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Caspases; Cell Cycle; Cell Cycle Proteins; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme Activation; Humans; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Isoxazoles; Liver Neoplasms; Microtubules; Phosphorylation; Protein Multimerization; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; Stilbenes; Time Factors; Tubulin; Tubulin Modulators

To explore the anti-tumor effect of resveratrol on the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Bel-7402 both in vitro and in vivo.. MTT colorimetry was used to measure the tumor cell growth repression rate. The level of Bcl-2 was measured by Western blotting. The cell cycle of Bel-7402 and intracellular IL-8 were analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of IL-8 mRNA was determined by semiquantitative RT-PCR and quantification assay of IL-8 was determined by ELISA.. Our findings indicated that resveratrol inhibited proliferation, induced apoptosis, and influenced cell cycle of Bel-7402 cells at a dose-and time-dependent manner in vitro. Furthermore, resveratrol could exert a dose-related down-regulatory effect on IL-8 in Bel-7402 bearing mice.. It suggestes resveratrol might have chemotherapeutic potential and immunomodulation action to Bel-7402 to cellular carcinoma both in vitro and in vivo.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Cycle; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Flow Cytometry; Interleukin-8; Liver Neoplasms; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; Resveratrol; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Messenger; Stilbenes

Combretastatin A4 (CA4) is a novel vascular disrupting agent that has promising clinical efficacy because of its ability to inhibit microtubule assembly and subsequently disrupt tumor blood flow. In this study, we demonstrate that mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are critically involved in the cytotoxicity of CA4. CA4 stimulates both extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) and p38 MAPK in the BEL-7402 hepatocellular carcinoma cell line in a time- and dose-dependent manner. This stimulation is a result of CA4-induced microtubule disassembly, which is a reversible process. Reversibility of microtubule disassembly is evidenced by the ability of disassembled microtubules to reassemble just a few hours after CA4 treatment. p38 MAPK, but not ERK1/2, contributes to this microtubule reassembly following CA4 exposure, and only inhibition of p38 MAPK, but not ERK1/2, synergistically enhances CA4-induced G(2)/M cell cycle arrest. Consistent with this, p38 MAPK inhibitors such as SB203580 and SB202190 also synergistically enhance the cytotoxicity of CA4 in cells where p38 MAPK is activated by CA4. This enhancement appears to be specific for CA4 because the cytotoxicity of other microtubule-targeted agents such as paclitaxel, vinorelbine and colchicine was not affected by p38 MAPK inhibitors. These data indicate that p38 MAPK is a potential anticancer target and that the combination of CA4 with p38 MAPK inhibitors may be a novel and promising strategy for cancer therapy.

Topics: Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Blotting, Western; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Line, Tumor; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme Inhibitors; Female; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Humans; Imidazoles; Liver Neoplasms; Male; Microtubules; Ovarian Neoplasms; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Pyridines; Stilbenes; Time Factors

To observe the effects of resveratrol on proliferation of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SMMC-7721 cells and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in vitro.. SMMC-7721 cells were treated with different concentrations of resveratrol for 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. The effect of resveratrol on proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells was assessed with methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT). The expression of MMP-9 mRNA was determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). MMP-9 protein was identified by Western blot analysis.. Resveratrol could inhibit the proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells with dose- and time-dependent effects. Moreover, both MMP-9 mRNA expression and MMP-9 protein production were markedly reduced after resveratrol treatment.. Resveratrol can inhibit the proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells and down-regulate MMP-9 expression. It is presumed that resveratrol may suppress the invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Proliferation; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Down-Regulation; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9; Resveratrol; RNA, Messenger; Stilbenes; Tumor Cells, Cultured

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a cytosolic receptor which upon activation by its agonists, translocates into the nucleus and forms a dimer with ARNT (aryl hydrocarbon nuclear translocator). The AHR/ARNT dimer regulates the expression of its target genes by binding to DNA recognition elements termed dioxin responsive elements (DREs). Many AHR agonists, like the polyaromatic hydrocarbons and polyhalogenated hydrocarbons are known human carcinogens. Human exposure to these compounds is common due to their presence in air pollution and cigarette smoke. Interestingly, many dietary constituents that have chemo preventative properties have been found to also act as antagonists of the AHR pathway. Thus, a chemopreventive approach that may be effective in decreasing the incidences of many human cancers may involve a dietary regimen that includes a number of these naturally occurring AHR antagonists. With this idea in mind, we have assayed the ability of 15 flavonoids to inhibit AHR activated reporter activity and selected kaempferol for further analysis. Kaempferol proved to be capable of inhibiting binding of agonist and agonist-induced formation of the AHR/ARNT DNA-binding complex and upregulation of the AHR target gene, CYP1A1. Using an in vitro paradigm of events that are thought to occur during cigarette-smoke-induced lung cancer, we found that kaempferol also inhibited the ability of cigarette smoke condensate to induce growth of immortalized lung epithelial (BEAS-2B) cells in soft agar. Taken together, these results illustrate the promise associated with the use of flavonoids, that inhibit both AHR signaling and the carcinogenic actions of AHR agonists, for chemopreventive purposes.

Topics: Anticarcinogenic Agents; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; Dimethyl Sulfoxide; Flavanones; Flavones; Flavonoids; Humans; Kaempferols; Liver Transplantation; Luteolin; Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon; Resveratrol; Smoking; Stilbenes

trans-Resveratrol is a polyphenol present in several plant species. Its chemopreventive properties against several diseases have been largely documented. To validate a model for the study of the factors influencing its biological fate at the hepatic level, the metabolism and the efflux of resveratrol were studied in the human hepatoblastoma cell line, HepG2. Comparative high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of cell culture media before and after deconjugation showed that resveratrol was rapidly conjugated; at the concentration of 10 microM, it was entirely metabolized at 8 h of incubation. Two main resveratrol metabolites, monosulfate and disulfate, were identified by atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-mass spectrometry, thanks to their quasi-molecular ion and their characteristic fragmentation. To correlate with the auto-induction of resveratrol metabolism evidenced in HepG2 cells after a pretreatment for 48 h with 10 microM resveratrol, the inducibility of phase II enzymes by resveratrol was studied by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry. Observed, in particular, were an increase in mRNA expression levels of three metabolizing enzymes, two isoforms of UDP-glucuronosyltransferases, UGT1A1 and UGT2B7 (5-fold increased), and a sulfotransferase, ST1E1, in cells pretreated for 24 h with 10 microM resveratrol. These results were correlated with an increase in protein expression, especially after 48 h of treatment. On the other hand, the intracellular resveratrol retention in cells treated with MK571 (3-[[3-[2-(7-chloroquinolin-2-yl)vinyl]phenyl]-(2-dimethylcarbamoylethylsulfanyl)methylsulfanyl] propionic acid), a multidrug resistance-associated protein inhibitor, strongly suggests the involvement of this ABC transporter family in the efflux of resveratrol conjugates from human liver.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Line, Tumor; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Enzyme Induction; Enzymes; Flow Cytometry; Glucuronosyltransferase; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Mass Spectrometry; Metabolic Detoxication, Phase II; Multidrug Resistance-Associated Proteins; Propionates; Quinolines; Resveratrol; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Messenger; Stilbenes; Sulfotransferases; Time Factors; Tritium

A non-transformed (Vero) and two tumor cell lines (HepG2 and MCF-7) were treated with 10nM to 100 microM formaldehyde. Lower doses (10nM to 10 microM) enhanced the viability of the cultured cells, measured by MTT assay. Higher doses (75-100 microM) decreased viability of the cells by 50% or more. The 100 microM concentration of HCHO has been chosen for combination treatment of the three cell lines with a series of concentrations (0.2-100 microM) of resveratrol, a phytoestrogen occurring in various fruits. Resveratrol decreased the cytotoxicity of formaldehyde depending on cell line and point of time, especially in case of MCF-7 cells at 24 and 72 h, Vero cells at 24h and HepG2 cells at 48 h after treatment. Possible modes of interactions are discussed, considering the role of resveratrol in formaldehyde metabolism and also the estrogen receptor positivity of MCF-7 cells.

Topics: Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Breast Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Survival; Cells, Cultured; Chlorocebus aethiops; Disinfectants; Formaldehyde; Liver Neoplasms; Receptors, Estrogen; Resveratrol; Stilbenes; Vero Cells

Resveratrol (trans-3,5,4',-trihydroxystilbene) is assumed to possess cancer-preventive and cancer-therapeutic properties. The aim of this project was to analyze cellular effects of resveratrol in metabolically active H4IIE rat hepatoma cells in comparison to metabolically poorly active C6 rat glioma cells. Resveratrol is rapidly taken up by both cell types and acts as a potent intracellular antioxidant. On the other hand, resveratrol in higher concentrations is relatively toxic to both cell lines as measured by the neutral red accumulation assay. In H4IIE cells, resveratrol concentrations rapidly decline to very low levels during the first hours of incubation due to formation of resveratrol glucuronides. The first resveratrol effect found at 3h after the start of resveratrol treatment was the induction of mild DNA damage as detected by the comet assay. Cell death was caused via induction of apoptosis as detected by caspase activation, oligonucleosomal DNA fragmentation and formation of apoptotic nuclei. Following DNA damage, resveratrol led to an activation of caspases 2 and 8/10 at 6h and consequently of caspase 3 at 12h, but failed to activate caspase 9. In contrast to H4IIE cells, resveratrol is not metabolised in C6 glioma cells and accumulates to concentrations which are assumed to drive the cell into necrosis. This suggests that the mode of cell death caused by resveratrol and the usefulness of resveratrol for cancer prevention and treatment critically depends on the metabolic capacity of the tumor cell to be eradicated.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Antioxidants; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Caspases; Cell Line; Cell Survival; Comet Assay; DNA Damage; DNA Fragmentation; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Glioma; Necrosis; Rats; Resveratrol; Stilbenes

To investigate the effects of the resveratrol on proliferation and gap-junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in human liver cancer cell line HepG2.. MTT assay was used to observe the effects of resveratrol on HepG2 cell growth, and the distribution of cell cycles was detected with flow cytometry (FCM). The effects of resveratrol on GJIC of HepG2 cells labeled with 5'-CFDA/AM was examined with fluorescence redistribution after photobleaching (FRAP) and confocal microscope.. The results of MTT assay indicated that the proliferation of HepG2 cells was significantly inhibited by resveratrol in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Resveratrol could arrest HepG2 cell growth in S phase, inhibit DNA synthesis and induce cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the levels of GJIC increased sharply after resveratrol treatment of the cells.. Resveratrol is capable of inhibiting HepG2 cell proliferation, causing cell growth arrest at S phase and inducing cell apoptosis. Increased GJIC level contributes to the effect of resveratrol in HepG2 cell proliferation inhibition and its cancer chemopreventive activity.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Communication; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Cell Survival; Gap Junctions; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Resveratrol; S Phase; Stilbenes

Because polyphenols may have beneficial effects on dyslipidemia, which accelerates atherosclerosis in diabetes, we examined the effect of polyphenols on hepatocellular AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity and lipid levels, as well as hyperlipidemia and atherogenesis in type 1 diabetic LDL receptor-deficient mice (DMLDLR(-/-)). In HepG2 hepatocytes, polyphenols, including resveratrol (a major polyphenol in red wine), apigenin, and S17834 (a synthetic polyphenol), increased phosphorylation of AMPK and its downstream target, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and they increased activity of AMPK with 200 times the potency of metformin. The polyphenols also prevented the lipid accumulation that occurred in HepG2 cells exposed to high glucose, and their ability to do so was mimicked and abrogated, respectively, by overexpression of constitutively active and dominant-negative AMPK mutants. Furthermore, treatment of DMLDLR(-/-) mice with S17834 prevented the decrease in AMPK and ACC phosphorylation and the lipid accumulation in the liver, and it also inhibited hyperlipidemia and the acceleration of aortic lesion development. These studies 1) reveal that inactivation of hepatic AMPK is a key event in the pathogenesis of hyperlipidemia in diabetes, 2) point to a novel mechanism of action of polyphenols to lower lipids by activating AMPK, and 3) emphasize a new therapeutic avenue to benefit hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis specifically in diabetes via activating AMPK.

Topics: Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase; AMP-Activated Protein Kinases; Animals; Apigenin; Atherosclerosis; Benzopyrans; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Line, Tumor; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Enzyme Activation; Flavonoids; Glucose; Humans; Hypolipidemic Agents; Lipid Metabolism; Lipids; Liver; Liver Neoplasms; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Multienzyme Complexes; Phenols; Phosphorylation; Polyphenols; Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases; Receptors, LDL; Resveratrol; Stilbenes

The stilbene resveratrol exerts antiproliferative and proapoptotic actions on a number of different cancer cell lines, through diverse mechanisms, including antioxidant effects, enzyme, growth factor and hormone receptor binding, and nucleic acid direct or indirect interactions. Although resveratrol accumulates in the liver, its effect on hepatocellular carcinoma has not been extensively studied. We have used the human hepatocyte-derived cancer cell line HepG2 to address the possible action of resveratrol on cell growth and to examine some possible mechanisms of action. Our results indicate that the stilbene inhibits potently cell proliferation, reduces the production of reactive oxygen species and induces apoptosis, through cell cycle arrest in G1 and G2/M phases. Furthermore it modulates the NO/NOS system, by increasing iNOS and eNOS expression, NOS activity and NO production. Inhibition of NOS enzymes attenuates its antiproliferative effect. These data could be of value in possible prevention or adjuvant treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, through an increased consumption of resveratrol-rich foods and beverages.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Cycle; Cell Proliferation; G1 Phase; G2 Phase; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Reactive Oxygen Species; Resveratrol; Stilbenes; Time Factors; Transcription, Genetic; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Resveratrol, a phytochemical present in grapes, has been demonstrated to inhibit tumourigenesis in animal models. However, the specific mechanism by which resveratrol exerts its anticarcinogenic effect has yet to be elucidated. In the present study, the inhibitory effects of resveratrol on cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated in the human leukaemia cell line HL-60 and the human hepatoma derived cell line HepG2. We found that after a 2 h incubation period, resveratrol inhibited DNA synthesis in a concentration-dependent manner. The IC50 value was 15 microm in both HL-60 and HepG2 cells. When the time of treatment was extended, an increase in IC50 value was observed; for example, at 24 h the IC50 value was 30 microm for HL-60 cells and 60 microm for HepG2 cells. Flow cytometry revealed that cells accumulated in different phases of the cell cycle depending on the resveratrol concentration. Furthermore, an increase in nuclear size and granularity was observed in the G1 and S phases of HL-60 treated and HepG2-treated cells. Apoptosis was also stimulated by resveratrol in a concentration-dependent manner in HL-60 and HepG2 cells. In conclusion, resveratrol inhibits cell proliferation in a concentration- and time-dependent manner by interfering with different stages of the cell cycle. Furthermore, resveratrol treatment causes stimulation of apoptosis as well as an increase in nuclear size and granularity.

Topics: Annexin A5; Anticarcinogenic Agents; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Cycle; Cell Nucleus Size; DNA Fragmentation; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Flow Cytometry; HL-60 Cells; Humans; Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute; Liver Neoplasms; Resveratrol; Stilbenes; Thymidine; Tritium

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) is overexpressed in many human tumors and their metastases, and is closely associated with a more aggressive tumor phenotype. In this study, we investigated the effect of resveratrol, a natural product commonly found in grapes and various other fruits, on hypoxia-induced HIF-1alpha protein accumulation and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in human tongue squamous cell carcinomas and hepatoma cells. Our results showed that resveratrol significantly inhibited both basal level and hypoxia-induced HIF-1alpha protein accumulation in cancer cells, but did not affect HIF-1alpha mRNA levels. Pretreatment of cells with resveratrol significantly reduced hypoxia-induced VEGF promoter activities and VEGF expression at both mRNA and protein levels. The mechanism of resveratrol inhibition of hypoxia-induced HIF-1alpha accumulation seems to involve a gradually shortened half-life of HIF-1alpha protein caused by an enhanced protein degradation through the 26S proteasome system. In addition, resveratrol remarkably inhibited hypoxia-mediated activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and Akt, leading to a marked decrease in hypoxia-induced HIF-1alpha protein accumulation and VEGF transcriptional activation. Functionally, we observed that resveratrol also significantly inhibited the hypoxia-stimulated invasiveness of cancer cells. These data suggested that HIF-1alpha/VEGF could be a promising drug target for resveratrol in the development of an effective chemopreventive and anticancer therapy in human cancers.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cell Hypoxia; Cell Line, Tumor; Humans; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit; Liver Neoplasms; MAP Kinase Signaling System; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Phosphoinositide-3 Kinase Inhibitors; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Resveratrol; RNA, Messenger; Stilbenes; Tongue Neoplasms; Transcriptional Activation; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors

To study the anti-tumor effect of resveratrol and in combination with 5-FU on murine liver cancer.. Transplantable murine hepatoma22 model was used to evaluate the anti-tumor activity of resveratrol (RES) alone or in combination with 5-FU in vivo. H22 cell cycles were analyzed with flow cytometry.. Resveratrol could inhibit the growth of murine hepatoma22, after the mice bearing H22 tumor were treated with 10 mg/kg or 15 mg/kg resveratrol for ten days, and the inhibition rates were 36.3% (n = 10) and 49.3% (n = 9), respectively, which increased obviously compared with that in control group (85+/-22 vs 68+/-17, P<0.01). RES could induce the S phase arrest of H22 cells, and increase the percentage of cells in S phase from 59.1% (n = 9) to 73.5% (n = 9) in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). The enhanced inhibition of tumor growth by 5-FU was also observed in hepatoma22 bearing mice when 5-FU was administered in combination with 10 mg/kg resveratrol. The inhibition rates for 20 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg 5-FU in combination with 10 mg/kg resveratrol were 77.4% and 72.4%, respectively, compared with the group of 20 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg 5-FU alone, in which the inhibition rates were 53.4% and 43.8%, respectively (n = 8). There was a statistical significance between the combination group and 5-FU group.. RES could induce the S phase arrest of H22 cells and enhance the anti-tumor effect of 5-FU on murine hepatoma22 and antagonize its toxicity markedly. These results suggest that resveratrol, as a biochemical modulator to enhance the therapeutic effects of 5-FU, may be potentially useful in cancer chemotherapy.

Topics: Animals; Anticarcinogenic Agents; Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Cycle Proteins; Drug Synergism; Drug Therapy, Combination; Fluorouracil; Liver Neoplasms; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Neoplasm Transplantation; Resveratrol; Stilbenes; Survival Rate

The human paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) is a high-density lipoprotein-associated enzyme, mainly secreted by the liver, that displays protective properties toward cardiovascular disease and organophosphate intoxication. Resveratrol is a polyphenolic phytoalexin found in grapes and wine and is thought to display cardioprotective effects. It is able to interact with transcriptional modulators such as the estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha). We investigated the effect of resveratrol on the PON-1 gene expression.. PON-1 activity assays, Northern blot, and transfection experiments showed that resveratrol increased the PON-1 gene expression in human hepatocyte primary cultures and in the HuH7 hepatoma cell line involving a transcriptional mechanism. The resveratrol effect was not ERalpha-dependent and was surprisingly mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and an unconventional AhR responsive element in the PON-1 gene promoter. This agonist effect of resveratrol was specific for this DNA motif and was not observed on classical AhR responsive elements.. These observations suggest that the PON-1 gene induction may be involved in the cardioprotective properties of resveratrol. They also highlight a ligand-dependent differential modulation of AhR-sensitive genes.

Topics: Aryldialkylphosphatase; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Line; Cell Line, Tumor; Chromosome Mapping; Enzyme Induction; Estrogen Receptor alpha; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; Hepatocytes; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Promoter Regions, Genetic; Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon; Response Elements; Resveratrol; Stilbenes; Transcriptional Activation; Transfection; Xenobiotics

Previously it was reported that various hydroxystilbene compounds strongly inhibit human cytochrome P-450 1 enzymes and were postulated as candidate chemopreventive agents. In this study, the inhibitory potential of P-450 1 enzyme activities by 3,5,3,4,5-pentamethoxystilbene (PMS), a synthetic stilbene compound, was evaluated with the Escherichia coli (E. coil) membranes of recombinant human cytochrome P-450 1A1, 1A2, or 1B1 coexpressed with human NADPH-P-450 reductase. PMS produced a significant inhibition of ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation (EROD) activities with IC50 values of 0.14, 934, and 3.2 M for 1A1, 1A2, and 1B1, respectively. PMS did not significantly inhibit EROD activities in human liver microsomes. To elucidate the mechanism of inhibition by PMS, kinetic studies were performed. Analysis of the mode of inhibition indicated a mixed-type inhibition of P-450 1A1. The inhibition of P-450 1A1-mediated EROD activity by PMS was not irreversible-mechanism based. The loss of EROD activity of P-450 1A1 with PMS was blocked by trapping agents such as glutathione, N-acetylcysteine, or dithiothreitol. Moreover, PMS significantly suppressed P-450 1A1-mediated EROD activity and P-450 1A1 gene expression in HepG2 cells induced by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Taken together, the results suggested that PMS is a potent and selective inhibitor of human P-450 1A1 and may be considered for use as a cancer chemopreventive agent in humans.

Topics: Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Membrane; Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1; Enzyme Inhibitors; Escherichia coli; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Microsomes, Liver; Stilbenes; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Resveratrol, present in grapes and other plants, is a polyphenolic compound with strong antioxidative activity. In our previous studies, we found that reactive oxygen species (ROS) accelerated the invasive capacity of a rat ascites hepatoma cell line of AH109A in culture and that resveratrol and resveratrol-loaded rat sera suppressed the ROS-potentiated invasion of the hepatoma cells. To study mechanisms by which resveratrol and its in vivo metabolite(s) suppress the invasion, we estimated intracellular peroxide level and expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a known cell motility factor, in AH109A cells. Exogenously added ROS promoted the intracellular peroxide level and the expression of HGF. Resveratrol and resveratrol-loaded rat sera canceled the rise in the peroxide level and HGF expression in ROS-stimulated tumor cells. These results suggest an involvement of the antioxidative property of resveratrol and sera from rats orally given resveratrol in their suppressive effects on ROS-potentiated invasion of AH109A cells.

Topics: Animals; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Free Radical Scavengers; Gene Expression; Hepatocyte Growth Factor; Hypoxanthine; Liver Neoplasms; Male; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Rats; Reactive Oxygen Species; Resveratrol; Stilbenes; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Xanthine Oxidase

To study the antitumor and immunomodulatory activity of resveratrol on experimentally implanted tumor of H22 in Balb/c mice.. The cytotoxicity of peritoneal macrophages (Mphi) against H22 cells was measured by the radioactivity of ((3)H)TdR assay, mice with H22 tumor were injected with different concentrations of resveratrol, and the inhibitory rates were calculated and IgG contents were determined by single immunodiffusion method. the plaque forming cell (PFC) was measured by improved Cunningham method, the levels of serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were measured by cytotoxic assay against L929 cells.. Resveratrol 2.5 mg x L(-1), 5.0 mg x L(-1), 10.0 mg x L(-1), 20.0 mg x L(-1) (E:T=10:1, 20:1) promoted the cytotoxicity of Mphi against H22 cells. Resveratrol ip 500 mg x kg(-1), 1 000 mg x kg(-1) and 1,500 mg x kg(-1) could curb the growth of the implanted tumor of H22 in mice. The inhibitory rates were 31.5 %, 45.6 % and 48.7 %, respectively (P<0.05), which could raise the level of serum IgG and PFC response to sheep red blood cell. Resveratrol 1,000 mg x kg(-1) and 1,500 mg x kg(-1) and BCG 200 mg x kg(-1) ip could increase the production of serum TNF-alpha in mice H22 tumor. However, the effect of resveratrol was insignificant (P>0.05).. Resveratrol could inhibit the growth of H22 tumor in Balb/c mice. The antitumor effect of resveratrol might be related to directly inhibiting the growth of H22 cells and indirectly inhibiting its potential effect on nonspecific host immunomodulatory activity.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; Antibody-Producing Cells; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Erythrocytes; Immunoglobulin G; Liver Neoplasms, Experimental; Macrophages, Peritoneal; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Neoplasm Transplantation; Resveratrol; Sheep; Stilbenes; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Resveratrol, a phytoalexin found in many plants, has been reported to possess a wide range of pharmacological properties and is one of the promising chemopreventive agents for cancer. Here, we examined the antiproliferation effect of resveratrol in two human liver cancer cell lines, Hep G2 and Hep 3B. Our results showed that resveratrol inhibited cell growth in p53-positive Hep G2 cells only. This anticancer effect was a result of cellular apoptotic death induced by resveratrol via the p53-dependent pathway. Here we demonstrated that the resveratrol-treated cells were arrested in G1 phase and were associated with the increase of p21 expression. In addition, we also illustrated that the resveratrol-treated cells had enhanced Bax expression but they were not involved in Fas/APO-1 apoptotic signal pathway. In contrast, the p53-negative Hep 3B cells treated with resveratrol did not show the antiproliferation effect neither did they show significant changes in p21 nor Fas/APO-1 levels. In summary, our study demonstrated that the resveratrol effectively inhibited cell growth and induced programmed cell death in Hepatoma cells on a molecular basis. Furthermore, these results implied that resveratrol might also be a new potent chemopreventive drug candidate for liver cancer as it played an important role to trigger p53-mediated molecules involved in the mechanism of p53-dependent apoptotic signal pathway.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Apoptosis; bcl-2-Associated X Protein; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Cycle; Cell Division; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21; Cyclins; fas Receptor; Growth Inhibitors; Humans; Kinetics; Liver Neoplasms; Proto-Oncogene Proteins; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; Resveratrol; Stilbenes; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53

To study the anti-tumor effect of resveratrol alone and the synergistic effects of resveratrol with 5-FU on the growth of H22 cells line in vitro.. The number of cells was measured by MTT method the morphological changes of H22 cells were investigated under microscopy and electron microscopy examination.. Resveratrol inhibited the growth of hepatoma cells line H22 in a dose- and time-dependent manner, IC50 of the resveratrol on H22 cells was 6.57mg x L(-1),The synergistic anti-tumor effects of resveratrol with 5-FU increased to a greater extent than for H22 cells treated with 5-FU alone (70.2% vs 28.4%) P<0.05 .Under microscope and electron microscope, characteristics of apoptosis such as typical apoptotic bodies were commonly found in tumor cells in the drug-treated groups.. Resveratrol can suppresses the growth of H22 cells in vitro,its anti-tumor activity may occur through the induction of apoptosis.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Division; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Liver Neoplasms; Resveratrol; Stilbenes; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Thirty-seven naturally occurring withanolides (1-37), previously isolated in our laboratories, were evaluated for their potential to induce quinone reductase with cultured murine hepatoma cells (Hepa 1c1c7). Spiranoid (29, 32) and 18-functionalized withanolides (2-5, 7-9, 24) were found to be potent inducers of the enzyme, while 5alpha-substituted derivatives exhibited weak activity. Preliminary studies were performed with compound 29 to evaluate enzyme-inducing capacity in multiple organ sites of BALB/c mice. Significant induction was observed in liver and colon, but not in lung, stomach, or mammary gland.

Topics: Animals; Brassicaceae; Breast; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Colon; Enzyme Induction; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Liver; Lung; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Molecular Structure; Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular; Plants, Medicinal; Quinone Reductases; Solanaceae; Stereoisomerism; Steroids; Stilbenes; Stomach; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Resveratrol, found in grapes, is a phytoalexin with antioxidative activity. The compound (100 and 200 microM) inhibited the proliferation of hepatoma cells, although this phytoalexin exerted little influence up to 50 microM. Resveratrol, however, suppressed the invasion of the hepatoma cells even at a concentration of 25 microM. Sera from rats orally given resveratrol restrained only the invasion of AH109A cells. Resveratrol and resveratrol-loaded rat serum suppressed reactive oxygen species-potentiated invasive capacity. These results suggest that the anti-invasive activity of resveratrol is independent of the anti-proliferative activity, and that the antioxidative property of resveratrol may be involved in its anti-invasive action.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Antioxidants; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Division; Hypoxanthine; Liver Neoplasms; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Rats; Resveratrol; Stilbenes; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Xanthine Oxidase

We have shown that liver myofibroblasts stimulate in vitro invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines through a hepatocyte growth factor/urokinase-dependent mechanism. Resveratrol, a grapevine-derived polyphenol, has been shown to inhibit cellular events associated with tumor initiation, promotion and progression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of trans-resveratrol on invasion of the human hepatoma cell line HepG2. Cell invasion was assessed using a Boyden chamber assay. Activation of the HGF signal transduction pathways was evaluated by Western blot with phospho-specific antibodies. Urokinase expression was measured by RT-PCR and zymography. Trans-resveratrol decreased hepatocyte growth factor-induced cell scattering and invasion. It also decreased cell proliferation without evidence for cytotoxicity or apoptosis. Trans-resveratrol did not decrease the level of the hepatocyte growth factor receptor c-met and did not impede the hepatocyte growth factor-induced increase in c-met precursor synthesis. Moreover, trans-resveratrol did not decrease hepatocyte growth factor-induced c-met autophosphorylation, or Akt-1 or extracellular-regulated kinases-1 and -2 activation. Finally, it did not decrease urokinase expression and did not block the catalytic activity of urokinase. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that trans-resveratrol decreases hepatocyte growth factor-induced HepG2 cell invasion by an as yet unidentified post-receptor mechanism.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Division; Cell Survival; Flavonoids; Hepatocyte Growth Factor; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Phenols; Phosphorylation; Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerases; Polymers; Polyphenols; Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases; Proto-Oncogene Proteins; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met; Receptors, Cell Surface; Receptors, Urokinase Plasminogen Activator; Resveratrol; RNA, Messenger; Stilbenes; Tetrazolium Salts; Thiazoles; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator

Resveratrol, a compound present in a variety of plants, was recently shown to have potent chemopreventive activity against aryl hydrocarbon-induced tumorigenesis in mice. Therefore, in the present study, we examined the effect of resveratrol on the function of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and the transcription of CYP1A1 in human HepG2 hepatoma cells. Resveratrol inhibited the increase in cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 mRNA caused by the AHR ligand 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in a concentration-dependent manner. The induction of transcription of an aryl hydrocarbon-responsive reporter vector containing the CYP1A1 promoter by TCDD was likewise inhibited by resveratrol. Resveratrol also inhibited the constitutive level of CYP1A1 mRNA and reporter vector transcription in HepG2 cells. The increase in CYP1A1 enzyme activity induced by TCDD was inhibited by resveratrol. Resveratrol prevented the TCDD-induced transformation of the cytosolic AHR to its nuclear DNA-binding form. However, resveratrol had no effect on the binding of TCDD to the cytosolic AHR. These data demonstrate that resveratrol inhibits CYP1A1 expression in vitro, and that it does this by preventing the binding of the AHR to promoter sequences that regulate CYP1A1 transcription. This activity may be an important part of the chemopreventive activity of resveratrol.

Topics: Anticarcinogenic Agents; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1; Cytosol; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins; Promoter Regions, Genetic; Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon; Resveratrol; RNA, Messenger; Stilbenes; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Examinations were made on substances that enhance or inhibit the induction of hepatoma in rats previously fed 3'-methyl-4-(dimethylamino)azobenzene (3'-Me-DAB) for a brief period. The substances tested were stilbene, 4-nitrostilbene, 4,4'-dihydroxystilbene, diethylstilbestrol, 17beta-estradiol, and methyltestosterone. Male Donryu rats were fed 0.5 g of 3'-Me-DAB by being maintained on a diet containing 0.06% 3'-Me-DAB, and then they were fed 0.25 or 0.5 g of a test substance with the basal diet. Comparison of the development and yield of hepatomas indicated that 4-nitrostilbene and methyltestosterone had an activity of enhancing 3'-Me-DAB carcinogenesis, whereas diethylstilbestrol and 17beta-estradiol had an activity to retard it. Other substances showed no such activities. The enhancement by 4-nitrostilbene and inhibition by diethylstilbestrol of 3'-Me-DAB carcinogenesis was correlated with their effect on liver nucleic acid metabolism. Feeding of 4-nitrostilbene caused a selective inhibition of Mn2+-(NH4)2SO4-activated RNA polymerase activity of liver nuclei and reduced liver RNA content. The deleterious alteration of liver RNA metabolism was followed by the enhancement in the incorporation of ip-injected 3H-thymidine into DNA of liver nuclei. On the other hand, feeding of diethylstilbestrol increased tissue RNA content without effect on RNA polymerase activity of liver nuclei, and had an activity of increasing the incorporation of 3H-thymidine into DNA. The possible implication of these results with regard to the enhancement and inhibition of hepatocarcinogenesis is discussed.

Topics: Animals; Azo Compounds; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; DNA; Drug Synergism; Estradiol; Female; Liver; Liver Neoplasms; Male; Methyltestosterone; Neoplasms, Experimental; Rats; Stilbenes

Topics: Animals; Antibody Formation; Antineoplastic Agents; Blood Coagulation; Carcinoma, Ehrlich Tumor; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Chemical Phenomena; Chemistry; Cyclophosphamide; Depression, Chemical; Drug Synergism; Female; Fibrinolysis; Fluorescent Dyes; Hemolysin Proteins; Hyaluronoglucosaminidase; Liver Neoplasms; Lymphatic Metastasis; Male; Mice; Mitomycins; Mononuclear Phagocyte System; Neoplasm Metastasis; Neoplasm Transplantation; Neoplasms, Experimental; Neuraminidase; Phagocytosis; Rats; Sarcoma, Yoshida; Skin Transplantation; Stilbenes; Transplantation, Heterologous; Triazines