stilbenes and Carcinoma--Non-Small-Cell-Lung

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Germany. Improvements in our understanding of cancer biology have led to the development of novel agents that inhibit the tumour vasculature in order to induce subsequent tumour cell death. In this context, the inhibition of tumour-related angiogenesis - the growth of new vessels from pre-existing vessels - has become an attractive target for anticancer therapy. Bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), has already been approved in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without predominant squamous cell histology. Moreover, small molecule inhibitors targeting multiple angiogenic receptors have also shown promise when combined with standard chemotherapy. As a different approach, vascular disrupting agents (VDAs) have been designed to particularly target preexisting blood vessels which may lead to a vascular shut-down. In the present review, both principles of action and current clinical data on anti-angiogenic agents and VDAs in the treatment of patients with NSCLC are reviewed.

Topics: Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Death; Drug Approval; Drug Delivery Systems; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Stilbenes

Targeting vasculature, essential in oxygen and nutrient supply, represents a new frontier in the treatment of cancer. Apart from angiogenesis inhibitors that compromise the formation of new blood vessels, a second class of vascular disrupting agents (VDAs) targets endothelial cells and pericytes of the already established tumor vasculature, resulting in tumor ischemia and necrosis. VDAs have been divided into two types: ligand-directed VDAs and small molecules. Ligand-directed VDAs consist of targeting and effector moieties that are linked together. Their clinical efficacy appears limited because of cost and a lack of specificity and toxicity. Small molecules include two classes: the synthetic flavonoids, which work through induction of local cytokine production, and the tubulin-binding agents. The aim of this review is to discuss the hypothesized molecular mechanisms of action of VDAs and their early preclinical and clinical results, emphasizing ASA404, combretastatin A-4 disodium phosphate, ABT-751, and NPI-2358, reported in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and also to discuss future developments in this cancer population.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Clinical Trials as Topic; Diketopiperazines; Endothelial Cells; Humans; Imidazoles; Lung Neoplasms; Pericytes; Piperazines; Stilbenes; Sulfonamides; Xanthones

The vascular disrupting agent combretastatin-A4-phosphate (CA4P) demonstrated antitumour activity in preclinical studies when combined with radiation.. Patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), prostate adenocarcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) received 27 Gy in 6 fractions treating twice weekly over 3 weeks, 55 Gy in 20 fractions over 4 weeks, and 66 Gy in 33 fractions over 6 weeks respectively. CA4P was escalated from 50 mg/m2 to 63 mg/m2. CA4P exposure was further increased from one to three to six doses. Patients with SCCHN received cetuximab in addition.. Thirty-nine patients received 121 doses of CA4P. Dose-limiting toxic effects (DLTs) of reversible ataxia and oculomotor nerve palsy occurred in two patients with prostate cancer receiving weekly CA4P at 63 mg/m2. DLT of cardiac ischaemia occurred in two patients with SCCHN at a weekly dose of 50 mg/m2 in combination with cetuximab. Three patients developed grade 3 hypertension. Responses were seen in 7 of 18 patients with NSCLC. At 3 years, 3 of 18 patients with prostate cancer had prostate-specific antigen relapse.. Radiotherapy with CA4P appears well tolerated in most patients. The combination of CA4P, cetuximab, and radiotherapy needs further scrutiny before it can be recommended for clinical studies.

Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Chemoradiotherapy; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Prostatic Neoplasms; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; Stilbenes

Resveratrol has well-known anticancer properties; however, its oligomers, including α-viniferin, ε-viniferin, and kobophenol A, have not yet been well investigated. This is the first study examining the anti-epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) effects of α-viniferin and ε-viniferin on A549, NCI-H460, NCI-H520, MCF-7, HOS, and U2OS cells. The results showed that α-viniferin and ε-viniferin significantly inhibited EMT, invasion and migration in TGF-β1- or IL-1β-induced non-small cell lung cancer. α-Viniferin and ε-viniferin also reversed TGF-β1-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), MMP2, vimentin, Zeb1, Snail,

Topics: Animals; Benzofurans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Movement; Down-Regulation; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Mice; Stilbenes; Transforming Growth Factor beta1; Vimentin

This study investigated the effects and molecular mechanisms of ε-viniferin and α-viniferin in non-small cell lung cancer cell line A549, melanoma cell line A2058, and osteosarcoma cell lines HOS and U2OS. Results showed ε-viniferin having antiproliferative effects on HOS, U2OS, and A549 cells. Compared with ε-viniferin at the same concentration, α-viniferin had higher antiproliferative effects on HOS cells, but not the same effect on U2OS and A549 cells. Lower dose combination of α-viniferin and ε-viniferin had more synergistic effects on A549 cells than either drug alone. α-Viniferin induced apoptosis in HOS cells by decreasing expression of phospho-c-Jun-N-terminal kinase 1/2 (p-JNK1/2) and increasing expression of cleaved Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), whereas α-viniferin in combination with ε-viniferin induced apoptosis in A549 cells by decreasing expression of phospho-protein kinase B (p-AKT) and increasing expression of cleaved PARP and cleaved caspase-3. ε-Viniferin and α-viniferin have not been studied using in vivo tumor models for cancer. This research is the first showing that ε-viniferin treatment resulted in significant inhibition of tumor growth in A549-cell xenograft-bearing nude mice compared with the control group. Consequently, ε-viniferin and α-viniferin may prove to be new approaches and effective therapeutic agents for osteosarcoma and lung cancer treatment.

Topics: A549 Cells; Antineoplastic Agents; Apoptosis; Benzofurans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Necrosis; Osteosarcoma; Stilbenes

Fatty acid synthase (FASN) is a lipogenic enzyme that is selectively upregulated in malignant cells. There is growing consensus on the oncogenicity of FASN-driven lipogenesis and the potential of FASN as a druggable target in cancer. Here, we report the synthesis and FASN inhibitory activities of two novel galloyl esters of trans-stilbene EC1 and EC5. Inhibition of FASN was accompanied by a loss in AKT activation and profound apoptosis in several non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells at the growth inhibitory concentrations of EC1 and EC5. Both FASN and phospho-AKT levels were concurrently downregulated. However, addition of a lipid concentrate to the treated cells reinstated cell viability and reversed the loss of FASN and AKT protein levels, thus recapitulating the causal relationship between FASN inhibition and the loss in cell viability.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Cell Survival; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Esters; Fatty Acid Synthase, Type I; Gallic Acid; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Molecular Structure; Stilbenes; Structure-Activity Relationship

Monotherapy with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) still leads to incomplete responses in most EGFR-mutation positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, often due to acquired resistance through activation of parallel compensatory pathways. We have previously shown that co-targeting EGFR, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and Src-yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) was highly synergistic in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we treated EGFR-mutation positive cell lines with the combination of osimertinib plus a natural compound, pterostilbene, which has been reported to abrogate Src and STAT3 activation.

Topics: Acrylamides; Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; Aniline Compounds; Antigens, Neoplasm; Antineoplastic Agents; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Adhesion Molecules; Cell Line, Tumor; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Drug Synergism; ErbB Receptors; Humans; Phosphorylation; STAT3 Transcription Factor; Stilbenes; Transcription Factors; Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms; YAP-Signaling Proteins

Use of solid phase microextraction (SPME) for cell culture metabolomic analysis allows for the attainment of more sophisticated data from in vitro cell cultures. Moreover, considering that SPME allows the implementation of multiple extractions from the same sample due to its non/low-depletive nature, time course studies using the same set of samples are thus facilitated via this method. Such an approach results in a reduction in the number of samples needed for analysis thus eliminates inter-batch variability related to biological variation occurring during cell culturing. The current work aims to demonstrate the capability of SPME for measurements of combretastatin A4 (CA4) effectiveness on non-small cell cancer cell line. A cultivation protocol was established in the 96-well plate, and a fiber format of SPME was selected for metabolite extraction. The extracellular metabolic pattern of cells was changed after administration of the tested drug. This suggests pharmacological activity of the administered compound towards the studied cell line model. Results support that the use of direct immersion SPME for analysis of cell cultures does not affect cells growth or contaminate sample. Consequently, SPME allows the attainment of accurate information regarding drug uptake, metabolism, and metabolomic changes in the studied cells induced by exposure to the drug simultaneously in a single experiment.

Topics: A549 Cells; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Metabolomics; Solid Phase Extraction; Stilbenes

Despite initial dramatic efficacy of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) in EGFR-mutant lung cancer patients, subsequent emergence of acquired resistance is almost inevitable. Resveratrol and its derivatives have been found to exert some effects on EGFR-TKI resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We screened several NSCLC cell lines with gefitinib resistance by MTT assay and analysed the miR-345/miR-498 expression levels. NSCLC cells were pre-treated with a resveratrol derivative, trans-3,5,4-trimethoxystilbene (TMS) and subsequently challenged with gefitinib treatment. The changes in apoptosis and miR-345/miR-498 expression were analysed by flow cytometry and q-PCR respectively. The functions of miR-345/miR-498 were verified by CCK-8 assay, cell cycle analysis, dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and immunoblotting analysis. Our results showed that the expression of miR-345 and miR-498 significantly decreased in gefitinib resistant NSCLC cells. TMS pre-treatment significantly upregulated the expression of miR-345 and miR-498 increasing the sensitivity of NSCLC cells to gefitinib and inducing apoptosis. MiR-345 and miR-498 were verified to inhibit proliferation by cell cycle arrest and regulate the MAPK/c-Fos and AKT/Bcl-2 signalling pathways by directly targeting MAPK1 and PIK3R1 respectively. The combination of TMS and gefitinib promoted apoptosis also by miR-345 and miR-498 targeting the MAPK/c-Fos and AKT/Bcl-2 signalling pathways. Our study demonstrated that TMS reduced gefitinib resistance in NSCLCs via suppression of the MAPK/Akt/Bcl-2 pathway by upregulation of miR-345/498. These findings would lay the theoretical basis for the future study of TMS for the treatment of EGFR-TKI resistance in NSCLCs.

Topics: A549 Cells; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Gefitinib; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Heterografts; Humans; MAP Kinase Kinase 1; MicroRNAs; Oncogene Protein v-akt; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; Signal Transduction; Stilbenes

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer death. Particularly, inflammation is crucial for the progression of NSCLC. In the past few decades, the anti-tumor effects of some traditional Chinese medicinal herbs have caused much attention. This study was designed to investigate the effects of polydatin in the progression of NSCLC. CCK-8 assay, wound healing assay and western blot assay were used to assess the anti-cancer property. Consequently, we showed that polydatin inhibited proliferation and migration of NSCLC cells (A549 and H1299 cells) in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, polydatin suppressed the expression of NLRP3, ASC and pro-caspase-1in NSCLC cells. Activation of NLRP3 inflammasome counteracted the inhibitory effect of polydatin on proliferation and migration of NSCLC cells, suggesting that polydatin suppressed progression of NSCLC through inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Furthermore, polydatin was found to down-regulate relative expression of phosphor-NF-κB p65 and activation of NF-κB pathway by TNF-α also abolished the inhibitory effect of polydatin on proliferation and migration of NSCLC cells. In conclusion, our data showed that polydatin acted as an anti-tumor agent to suppress proliferation and metastasis of NSCLC cells. The anti-tumor effect of polydatin was possibly related to the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammation via the NF-κB pathway. Our finding suggested that polydatin might be a potential therapeutic candidate in the treatment of NSCLC.

Topics: Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Movement; Cell Proliferation; Glucosides; Humans; Inflammasomes; Neoplasm Metastasis; NF-kappa B; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein; Signal Transduction; Stilbenes

Alpinia nantoensis (Zingiberaceae) is an aromatic plant endemic to Taiwan, which is used as food flavoring and traditional herbal medicine. The biological activities of compounds isolated from this plant are rarely investigated.. The present study was aimed to investigate the anti-metastatic potential of trans-3‑methoxy‑5-hydroxystilbene (MHS) a major stilbene isolated from the rhizomes of A. nantonensis.. We investigated the anti-metastatic potential of MHS on human non-small cell lung carcinoma (A549) cell line using wound healing, trans-well, western blot, zymography and immunofluorescence assays.. Initial cytotoxicity assay showed that treatment with MHS did not exhibit cytotoxicity to A549 cells up to the concentration of 40 µM. Further in vitro wound healing and transwell chamber assays revealed that MHS significantly inhibited tumor cell migration in a dose-dependent manner, which is associated with inhibition of matrix mettalloprotinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix mettalloprotinase-9 (MMP-9) at both enzyme and protein levels. The inhibition of MMPs activity by MHS was reasoned by suppression of their corresponding transcription factor, β-catenin as indicated by reduced levels of β-catenin in the nucleus. MHS also regulates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by increasing E-cadherin and occludin as well as decreasing N-cadherin levels in A549 cells. Furthermore, pre-treatment with MHS significantly inhibited A549 cells migration and EMT in TGF-β induced A549 cells.. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating that MHS, a plant-derived stilbene has a promising ability to inhibit lung cancer cell metastasis in vitro.

Topics: A549 Cells; Alpinia; Antigens, CD; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; beta Catenin; Cadherins; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Movement; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9; Neoplasm Metastasis; Rhizome; Stilbenes; Taiwan; Transforming Growth Factor beta

Antivascular therapy is a promising approach to the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), where an imaging modality capable of longitudinally monitoring treatment response could provide early prediction of the outcome. In this study, we sought to investigate the feasibility of using intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) diffusion MRI to quantitatively assess the efficacy of the treatments of a vascular-disrupting agent CA4P or its combination with bevacizumab on experimental NSCLC tumors. CA4P caused a strong but reversible effect on tumor vasculature; all perfusion-related parameters-D*, f, fD*, and K

Topics: A549 Cells; Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Animals; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Bevacizumab; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Motion; Random Allocation; Stilbenes; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Cellular senescence is characterized by permanent cell cycle arrest, triggered by a variety of stresses, such as telomerase inhibition, and it is recognized as a tumor-suppressor mechanism. In recent years, telomerase has become an important therapeutic target in several cancers; inhibition of telomerase can induce senescence via the DNA damage response (DDR). Pterostilbene (PT), a dimethyl ether analog of resveratrol, possesses a variety of biological functions, including anticancer effects; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects are not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the possible mechanisms of PT-induced senescence through telomerase inhibition in human non-small cell lung cancer cells and delineated the role of p53 in senescence. The results indicated that PT-induced senescence is characterized by a flattened morphology, positive staining for senescence-associated-β galactosidase activity, and the formation of senescence-associated heterochromatic foci. Telomerase activity and protein expression was significantly decreased in H460 (p53 wild type) cells compared with H1299 (p53 null) cells and p53 knockdown H460 cells (H460-p53-). A more detailed mechanistic study revealed that PT-induced senescence partially occurred via a p53-dependent mechanism, triggering inhibition of telomerase activity and protein expression, and leading to the DDR, S phase arrest and, finally, cellular senescence. This study is the first to explore the novel anticancer mechanism of PT senescence induction via the inhibition of telomerase in lung cancer cells.

Topics: Blotting, Western; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Line, Tumor; Cellular Senescence; Comet Assay; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Stilbenes; Telomerase; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53

Pterostilbene (PT), the natural dimethylated analog of resveratrol (RSV), is a potent anticarcinogen for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but its anti-NSCLC mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we show that PT treatment time- and dose-dependently enhanced the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) signaling (i.e., p-PERK, IRE1, ATF4, CHOP), thus decreasing the cell viability and inducing apoptosis in human PC9 and A549 NSCLC cell lines. Moreover, the decreased migratory and adhesive abilities, downregulation of intracellular glutathione (GSH) level, enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, Caspase 3 activity and mitochondrial membrane depolarization were observed in NSCLC cells treated with PT. These effects were reversed by CHOP siRNA which inhibited the ERS signaling pathway, but were promoted by thapsigargin (a classical ERS inducer) in vitro. Besides, in vivo studies also verify that PT exerted anticancer activity by mobilizing ERS signaling and apoptosis-related proteins, and these effects were enhanced by thapsigargin. Therefore, ERS activation may represent a new mechanism of anti-NSCLC action by PT, and a novel therapeutic intervention for lung cancer.

Topics: A549 Cells; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Apoptosis; Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Line; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Survival; Down-Regulation; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Mice; Mice, Nude; Reactive Oxygen Species; RNA, Small Interfering; Signal Transduction; Stilbenes; Thapsigargin

In this study, we have aimed to prepare folic acid-conjugated dextran stearate (DF) polymeric micelles to target resveratrol in lung cancers. The polymeric micelle was nanosized and exhibited a controlled drug release pattern. The resveratrol (RSV)-loaded dextran stearate (RSV-DF) micelles exhibited an enhanced cellular uptake in A549 cells due to the folic acid-based receptor interactions. We have demonstrated that RSV-DF polymeric micelles retain the cytotoxic and metabolic effects of RSV on A549 cancer cells with potencies similar to that of the free compound. Furthermore, RSV-DF showed an enhanced cellular apoptosis of cancer cells compared to that of free RSV. We have found that apoptosis induced by RSV-DF was associated with the higher expression of p53, caspase-3, and BAX than the free RSV. The higher level of BAX and caspase-3 further indicates the involvement of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in the anticancer efficacy of formulations. Based on these results, it can be concluded that natural compound like RSV could be an interesting prospect to treat lung cancers and the fact that folic acid-conjugated dextran stearate could be a potential carrier to deliver the drug in the cancer cells.

Topics: A549 Cells; Antineoplastic Agents; Apoptosis; bcl-2-Associated X Protein; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Caspase 3; Dextrans; Drug Liberation; Folic Acid; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Mitochondria; Particle Size; Resveratrol; Stilbenes; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53

Fluorescent light-up probes with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics have been focused on recently. In this report, a new fluorescent probe, namely, DEVD-TPE, which consisted of the substrate peptide Asp-Glu-Val-Asp (DEVD) and the AIE reporter group tetraphenylethene (TPE), was developed for detecting caspase-3 in living cells. In a slightly alkaline solution, the DEVD-TPE probe displayed almost no fluorescence owing to the dynamic rotation of the phenyl rings in solution. However, DEVD-TPE exhibited significant fluorescence when it was cleaved by caspase-3, as well as when the reporter group TPE underwent aggregation. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor gefitinib was used for determining the screening efficacy of the probe for different non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cell lines, namely, HCC827, A549 and H1650 cells. Cell proliferation and apoptosis assays indicated that the three cell lines had different sensitivities to gefitinib. The results of analysis by living-cell fluorescence imaging and flow cytometry were consistent with those of the cell proliferation and apoptosis assays. This demonstrated that our probe could detect caspase-3 in living cells, which confirmed the apoptosis of NSCLC cells. Furthermore, our probe indicated that gefitinib was more efficient against HCC827 cells than against the other two NSCLC cell lines. This report proves that the fluorescent probe DEVD-TPE is highly sensitive to caspase-3 and has potential prospects in the rapid screening of NSCLC.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Line, Tumor; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Fluorescent Dyes; Gefitinib; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Optical Imaging; Peptides; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Quinazolines; Stilbenes

Resveratrol is identified as a natural cancer chemoprevention agent. There has been a lot of interest in designing and developing resveratrol analogs with cancer chemoprevention activity superior to that of parent molecule and exploring their action mechanism in the past several decades. In this study, we have synthesized resveratrol analogs of compounds A-C via conjugated chain elongation based on isoprene unit retention strategy. Remarkably, cytotoxic activity analysis results indicated that compound B possesses the best proliferation inhibition activity for NCI-H460 cells in all the test compounds. Intriguingly, compound B displayed a higher cytotoxicity against human non-small cell lung cancer cells (NCI-H460) compared to normal human embryonic lung fibroblasts (MRC-5). Afterward, flow cytometry analysis showed that compound B would induce cell apoptosis. We further researched the action mechanism. When NCI-H460 cells were incubated by compound B for 6 or 9 h, respectively, the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was enhanced obviously. With elevation of intracellular ROS level, flow cytometry measurement verified mitochondrial transmembrane potential collapse, which was accompanied by the up-regulation of Bax and down-regulation of Bcl-2. More interestingly, compound B increased the expression of caspase-9 and caspase-3, which induced cell apoptosis. Moreover, compound B arrested cell cycle in G0/G1 phase. These are all to provide useful information for designing resveratrol-based chemoprevention agent and understanding the action mechanism.

Topics: Anticarcinogenic Agents; Apoptosis; bcl-2-Associated X Protein; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Caspase 3; Caspase 9; Cell Line; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Cell Survival; Drug Design; Humans; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Lung; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial; Neoplasm Proteins; Phenols; Polyenes; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; Reactive Oxygen Species; Resting Phase, Cell Cycle; Stilbenes

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) polarized to the M2 phenotype play key roles in tumor progression in different cancer types, including lung cancer. MUC1 expression in various types of cancer is an indicator of poorer prognosis. Elevated MUC1 expression has been reported in inflammatory lung macrophages and is associated with lung cancer development. Here, we investigated the role of M2-polarized TAMs (M2-TAMs) in the generation of lung cancer stem cells (LCSCs) and tested pterostilbene, a small-molecule agent that modulates MUC1 expression in lung cancer cells, with the goal of subverting the microenvironment toward a favorable anti-tumor impact. We found that MUC1 was overexpressed in lung cancer patients, which was associated with poor survival rates. M2-TAMs and cancer cell lines were co-cultured in an experimental tumor microenvironment model. The expression levels of MUC1 and cancer stemness genes significantly increased in lung cancer cells in the presence of the M2-TAM cells. Intriguingly, pterostilbene dose-dependently suppressed self-renewal ability in M2-TAMs-co-cultured lung cancer cells, and this suppression was accompanied by downregulation of MUC1, NF-κB, CD133, β-catenin, and Sox2 expression. Moreover, MUC1-silenced M2-TAMs exhibited a significantly lower ability to promote LCSC generation and decreased levels of NF-κB, CD133, and Sox2. The results suggest that MUC1 plays an important role in TAM-induced LCSC progression. Pterostilbene may have therapeutic potential for modulating the unfavorable effects of TAMs in lung cancer progression.

Topics: A549 Cells; AC133 Antigen; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Separation; Coculture Techniques; Disease Progression; Flow Cytometry; Gene Expression Profiling; Gene Silencing; Humans; Immune System; Inflammation; Lung Neoplasms; Macrophages; Mucin-1; Neoplastic Stem Cells; Phenotype; Prognosis; Stilbenes; Treatment Outcome; Tumor Microenvironment

Among the many stilbenoids found in a variety of berries, resveratrol and pterostilbene are of particular interest given their potential for use in cancer therapeutics and prevention. We purified four stilbenoids from R. undulatum and found that pterostilbene inhibits cancer cell proliferation more efficiently than rhapontigenin, piceatannol and resveratrol. To investigate the underlying mechanism of this superior action of pterostilbene on cancer cells, we utilized a reverse-phase protein array followed by bioinformatic analysis and found that the ATM/CHK pathway is modified by pterostilbene in a lung cancer cell line. Given that ATM/CHK signaling requires p53 for its biological effects, we hypothesized that p53 is required for the anticancer effect of pterostilbene. To test this hypothesis, we used two molecularly defined precancerous human bronchial epithelial cell lines, HBECR and HBECR/p53i, with normal p53 and suppressed p53 expression, respectively, to represent premalignant states of squamous lung carcinogenesis. Pterostilbene inhibited the cell cycle more efficiently in HBECR cells compared to HBECR/p53i cells, suggesting that the presence of p53 is required for the action of pterostilbene. Pterostilbene also activated ATM and CHK1/2, which are upstream of p53, in both cell lines, though pterostilbene-induced senescence was dependent on the presence of p53. Finally, pterostilbene more effectively inhibited p53-dependent cell proliferation compared to the other three stilbenoids. These results strongly support the potential chemopreventive effect of pterostilbene on p53-positive cells during early carcinogenesis.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Cycle; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Checkpoint Kinase 1; Checkpoint Kinase 2; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Proteome; Respiratory Mucosa; Resveratrol; Rheum; Signal Transduction; Stilbenes; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53

Deregulation of glycolysis was often observed in human cancer cells. In the present study, we reported resveratrol, a small polyphenol, which has been intensively studied in various tumor models, has a profound anti-tumor effect on human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) via regulation of glycolysis. Resveratrol impaired hexokinase II (HK2)-mediated glycolysis, and markedly inhibited anchorage-dependent and -independent growth of NSCLC cells. Exposure to resveratrol decreased EGFR and downstream kinases Akt and ERK1/2 activation. Moreover, we revealed that resveratrol impaired glucose metabolism by mainly inhibiting expression of HK2 mediated by the Akt signaling pathway, and exogenous overexpression of constitutively activated Akt1 in NSCLC cells substantially rescued resveratrol-induced glycolysis suppression. The in vivo data indicated that resveratrol obviously suppressed tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model. Our results suggest targeting HK2 or metabolic enzymes appears to be a new approach for clinical NSCLC prevention or treatment.

Topics: Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Glycolysis; Hexokinase; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Resveratrol; Signal Transduction; Stilbenes

Resveratrol has demonstrated many beneficial effects against cancers; however, the mechanism remains unclear. Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for 80% of lung cancers. The present study was designed to observe the effects and related mechanisms of resveratrol on non-small cell lung cancer in in vitro A549 cells.. The anticancer effects of resveratrol were analyzed on cell viability, migration and invasion, proliferation and apoptosis. Cell viability was determined by sulphorhodamine B assays. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry and migration and invasion by transwell chamber analysis. Expression of STAT-3 was examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Overexpressing vector of STAT-3 was also constructed and transfected into A549 cells to observe the effects of resveratrol on STAT-3 signaling.. The results showed that resveratrol displayed a dose-dependent and time-dependent cytotoxicity action on A549 cell viability. Resveratrol also inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion and promoted apoptosis in a time-dependent manner from 0-72 hours. Further study showed that resveratrol inhibited the messenger RNA and protein expression of STAT-3, and overexpressed STAT-3 abolished the effects of resveratrol on proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion totally or in part.. These results suggest that the anticancer effects of resveratrol are mediated by STAT-3 signaling.

Topics: A549 Cells; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Movement; Cell Proliferation; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Gene Transfer Techniques; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Resveratrol; STAT3 Transcription Factor; Stilbenes

Resveratrol is a potential polyphenol drug used in cancer treatment. We examined the relationship between autophagy and apoptosis in RSV-treated non-small lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. Resveratrol treatment increased autophagy and autophagy-mediated degradation of P62. Immunocytochemistry revealed P62 co-localized with Fas/Cav-1 complexes, known to induce apoptosis. However, siRNA-mediated P62 downregulation enhanced formation of Fas/Cav-1 complexes, suggesting that P62 inhibited Fas/Cav-1 complex formation. Fas/Cav-1 complexes triggered caspase-8 activation and cleavage of Beclin-1, releasing a C-terminal Beclin-1 peptide that translocated to the mitochondria and initiate apoptosis. Inhibition of autophagy by siRNA-mediated repression of Beclin-1 also blocked RSV-induced apoptosis, showing a dependence of apoptosis on autophagy. P62 knockdown by siRNA accelerated the activation of caspase-8 and initiate apoptosis, while Cav-1 knockdown inhibited apoptosis, but increased autophagy. Inhibition of autophagy by 3-MA prevented both P62 degradation and induction of apoptosis, whereas inhibition of apoptosis by z-IETD-FMK or z-DEVD-FMK enhanced both P62 induction and autophagic cell death. In conclusion, P62 links resveratrol-induced autophagy to apoptosis. P62 blocks apoptosis by inhibiting Fas/Cav-1 complex formation, but RSV-induced autophagic degradation of P62 enables formation of Fas/Cav-1 complexes which then activate caspase-8-mediated Beclin-1 cleavage, resulting in translocation of the Beclin-1 C-terminal fragment to the mitochondria to initiate apoptosis.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Apoptosis; Autophagy; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Caveolin 1; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; fas Receptor; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Resveratrol; RNA-Binding Proteins; Stilbenes; Transfection

Previously, we reported that the prepared resveratrol (RSV) loaded gelatin nanoparticles (GNPs) possessed enhanced anticancer effect than free RSV in non-small cell lung carcinoma cells and Swiss albino mice. The present study aims to explore the relevant mechanism of cell death induced by the combination of RSV-GNPs in NCI-H460 cells.. To increase its bioavailability and anticancer efficacy, we have encapsulated RSV-GNPs by Coacervation method. The detailed methods of preparation and characterization of RSV-GNPs were reported in our earlier publication. RSV-GNPs treated cells showed a further increased level of lipid peroxidative markers, i.e. TBARS and LHP in NCI-H460 cells. Activities of antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH levels were decreased upon the treatment with RSV-GNPs in NCI-H460 cells. The nuclear fragmentation was evaluated by DAPI staining and data showed condensed apoptotic bodies upon treatment with the combination of RSV-GNPs compared to RSV alone treatment group. In addition, cell death induced by RSV-GNPs was mainly due to apoptosis which was characterized by a nuclear DNA fragmentation in a ladder-pattern was obtained from the genomic DNA analysis. Moreover, Western blotting analysis showed that apoptosis induced by RSV-GNPs is associated with the increased Bax, p53, p21, caspase-3 protein levels, and decreased Bcl-2 and NF-κB proteins expression, which indicates the involvement of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in the anticancer efficacy of RSV-GNPs in NCI-H460 cells. It was also found that this enhanced anticancer efficacy of RSV-GNPs induced cell arrest in the G0/G1 phase of cell cycle.. Taken together, the results of our study clearly suggested that the cell death induced by the combination of RSV-GNPs would involve alteration in expression of p53, p21, caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2 and NF-κB, indicating oxidative mechanism in NCI-H460 cells. Based on these results, it is concluded that GNPs is an ideal way to deliver RSV because of its high loading efficiency and superior efficacy in NCI-H460 cells.

Topics: Animals; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cattle; Cell Cycle; Cell Line, Tumor; Drug Synergism; Gelatin; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Mice; Nanoparticles; NF-kappa B; Resveratrol; Stilbenes

Treatment of human non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) often involves uses of multiple therapeutic strategies with different mechanisms of action. Here we found that resveratrol (RV) enhanced the anti-tumor effects of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor erlotinib in NSCLC cells.. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay and clonogenicity assay. Western blot was applied to assess the protein expression levels of target genes. Cell apoptosis was monitored by AnnexinV-FITC assay and sub-G1 population assay. Intracellular ROS were measured by flow cytometric analysis. Cell caspase activities were carried out by fluorometric assays.. Exposure of H460, A549, PC-9 and H1975 cells to minimal or non-toxic concentrations of RV and erlotinib synergistically reduced cell viability, colony formation and induced cell apoptosis. Furthermore, RV synergistically enhanced erlotinib-induced apoptosis was involved in ROS production. Additionally, co-treatment with RV and erlotinib repressed the expressions of anti-apoptosis proteins, such as survivin and Mcl-1, whereas promoted p53 and PUMA expression and caspase 3 activity. Moreover, the combination was also more effective at inhibiting the AKT/mTOR/S6 kinase pathway. Subsequently, small interfering RNA (siRNA) depletion of PUMA and overexpression of survivin significantly attenuated NSCLC cells apoptosis induced by the combination of the two drugs.. Our findings suggested that RV synergistically enhanced the anti-tumor effects of erlotinib in NSCLC cells were involved in decrease of survivin expression and induction of PUMA expression. In conclusion, based on the observations from our study, we indicated that the combined administration of these two drugs might be considered as a novel therapeutic regimen for treating NSCLC.

Topics: Apoptosis; Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Caspase 3; Cell Line, Tumor; Down-Regulation; Drug Synergism; Erlotinib Hydrochloride; Humans; Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins; Lung Neoplasms; Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein; Proto-Oncogene Proteins; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Reactive Oxygen Species; Resveratrol; Ribosomal Protein S6 Kinases; Signal Transduction; Stilbenes; Survivin; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; Up-Regulation

Etoposide (VP-16), a topoisomerase II inhibitor, is an effective anti-cancer drug used for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound that has been proved to have anti-cancer activity. XRCC1 is an important scaffold protein involved in base excision repair that is regulated by ERK1/2 and AKT signals and plays an important role in the development of lung cancer. However, the role of ERK1/2 and AKT-mediated XRCC1 expression in etoposide treatment alone or combined with resveratrol-induced cytotoxicity in NSCLC cells has not been identified. In this study, etoposide treatment increased XRCC1 mRNA and protein expression through AKT and ERK1/2 activation in two NSCLC cells, H1703 and H1975. Knockdown of XRCC1 in NSCLC cells by transfection of XRCC1 siRNA or inactivation of ERK1/2 and AKT resulted in enhancing cytotoxicity and cell growth inhibition induced by etoposide. Resveratrol inhibited the expression of XRCC1 and enhanced the etoposide-induced cell death and anti-proliferation effect in NSCLC cells. Furthermore, transfection with constitutive active MKK1 or AKT vectors could rescue the XRCC1 protein level and also the cell survival suppressed by co-treatment with etoposide and resveratrol. These findings suggested that down-regulation of XRCC1 expression by resveratrol can enhance the chemosensitivity of etoposide in NSCLC cells.

Topics: Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Cell Survival; DNA-Binding Proteins; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Down-Regulation; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Etoposide; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; MAP Kinase Kinase 1; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3; Phosphorylation; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Resveratrol; RNA Interference; Signal Transduction; Stilbenes; Time Factors; Transfection; X-ray Repair Cross Complementing Protein 1

To investigate the effects of 3,4,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene (3,4,4'-THS), an analogue of resveratrol, on human non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells in vitro.. Cell viability of NSCLC A549 cells was determined by MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was evaluated using flow cytometry and TUNEL assay. Cell necrosis was evaluated with LDH assay. The expression of apoptosis- or autophagy-associated proteins was measured using Western blotting. The formation of acidic compartments was detected using AO staining, neutral red staining and Lysotracker-Red staining. LC3 punctae were analyzed with fluorescence microscopy.. Treatment with 3,4,4'-THS (10-80 μmol/L) concentration-dependently inhibited the cell viability. It did not cause cell necrosis, but induced apoptosis accompanied by up-regulation of cleavaged PARP, caspase3/9 and Bax, and by down-regulation of Bcl-2 and surviving. It also increased the formation of acidic compartments, LC3-II accumulation and GFP-LC3 labeled autophagosomes in the cells. It inhibited the mTOR-dependent pathway, but did not impair autophagic flux. 3,4,4'-THS-induced cell death was enhanced by the autophagy inhibitors 3-MA (5 mmol/L) or Wortmannin (2 μmol/L). Moreover, 3,4,4'-THS treatment elevated the ROS levels in the cells, and co-treatment with 3-MA further elevated the ROS levels. 3,4,4'-THS-induced apoptosis and autophagy in the cells was attenuated by NAC (10 mmol/L)Conclusion:3,4,4'-THS induces both apoptosis and autophagy in NSCLC A549 cells in vitro. Autophagy inhibitors promote 3,4,4'-THS-induced apoptosis of A549 cells, thus combination of 3,4,4'-THS and autophagy inhibitor provides a promising strategy for NSCLC treatment.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Apoptosis; Autophagy; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Line, Tumor; Humans; Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Reactive Oxygen Species; Signal Transduction; Stilbenes; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases

Microtubules are critical elements that are involved in a wide range of cellular processes, and thus, they have become an attractive target for many anticancer drugs. A novel synthesised compound, 12P, was identified as new microtubule inhibitor. This compound inhibits tubulin polymerisation through binding to the colchicine-binding site of tubulin. 12P exhibits excellent anti-proliferative activities against a panel of human cancer cell lines, with IC₅₀ values range from 9 to 55nM. Interestingly, compound 12P also displayed equally potent cytotoxicity against several drug-resistant cell lines, and it showed high selectivity for active human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Further flow cytometric analysis showed that 12P induces G₂/M phase arrest and apoptosis in A549 cells. Cellular studies have revealed that the induction of apoptosis by 12P was associated with a collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), alterations in the expression of some cell cycle-related proteins (e.g. Cyclin B1, Cdc25c, Cdc2) and some apoptosis-related proteins (e.g. Bax, Bad, Bcl-2, Bcl-xl). Importantly, 12P significantly reduced the growth of xenograft tumours of A549 cells in vivo (tumour inhibitory rate of 12P: 84.2%), without any loss of body weight. Taken together, these in vitro and in vivo results suggested that 12P may become a promising lead compound for the development of new anticancer drugs.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Apoptosis; Benzodiazepinones; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Cells, Cultured; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Drugs, Investigational; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Nude; Microtubules; Molecular Docking Simulation; Organophosphates; Random Allocation; Stilbenes; Tubulin; Tubulin Modulators; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death. About 80% of lung cancers are non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). Radiotherapy is widely used in treatment of NSCLC. However, the outcome of NSCLC remains unsatisfactory. In this study, a vascular disrupting agent (VDA) combretastatin-A4-phosphate (CA4P) was used to provide massive necrosis targets. (131)I labeled necrosis-avid agent protohypericin ((131)I-prohy) was explored for therapy of NSCLC using tumor necrosis targeted radiotherapy (TNTR). Gamma counting, autoradiography, fluorescence microscopy and histopathology were used for biodistribution analysis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to monitor tumor volume, ratios of necrosis and tumor doubling time (DT). The biodistribution data revealed 131I-prohy was delivered efficiently to tumors. Tracer uptake peaked at 24 h in necrotic tumor of (131)I-prohy with and without combined CA4P (3.87 ± 0.38 and 2.96 ± 0.34%ID/g). (131)I-prohy + CA4P enhanced the uptake of (131)I-prohy in necrotic tumor compared to (131)I-prohy alone. The TNTR combined with CA4P prolonged survival of tumor bearing mice relative to vehicle control group, CA4P control group and (131)I-prohy control group with median survival of 35, 20, 22 and 27 days respectively. In conclusion, TNTR appeared to be effective for the treatment of NSCLC.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Autoradiography; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Chemoradiotherapy; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Iodine Radioisotopes; Lung Neoplasms; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Nude; Necrosis; Perylene; Radiography; Radiopharmaceuticals; Stilbenes; Tissue Distribution; Tumor Burden; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Resveratrol is a plant-derived natural compound which possesses potential anticancer properties. However, there are scarce reports on its anticancer effects in non-small cell lung cancer and its auxiliary function on the anticancer effects of cisplatin. In the present study, we investigated the effects of resveratrol on the cell viability and apoptosis in human non-small cell lung cancer H838 and H520 cell lines. It has been found that resveratrol inhibited the proliferation of H838 and H520 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and apoptosis was increased in cells treated with resveratrol which was associated with the depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytosol, and abnormal expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins. Above all, resveratrol enhanced the effects of cisplatin on inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, induction of cell apoptosis, depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome c and regulation on expression of Bcl-2 and Bax. Results from the present study demonstrated that resveratrol exhibited its anticancer effects on non-small cell lung cancer H838 and H520 cell lines, and enhanced the antitumor effects of cisplatin by regulating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. These results have put forward the rationale for further basic research and preclinical investigation on the anticancer effects of resveratrol against human non-small cell lung cancer.

Topics: Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Apoptosis; Blotting, Western; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Survival; Cisplatin; Flow Cytometry; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Mitochondria; Resveratrol; Stilbenes

Gefitinib (Gef) provides clinical benefits to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with activating EGFR mutations. However, acquired resistance (AR) is a major obstacle to effective Gef therapy. This study demonstrated that resveratrol (Res) could synergize with Gef to inhibit the proliferation of Gef-resistant NSCLC cells. The underlying mechanisms of synergism were investigated, and the results showed that cotreatment with Gef and Res could inhibit EGFR phosphorylation by increasing intracellular Gef accumulation through the impairment of Gef elimination from PC9/G cells. Consistently, CYP1A1 and ABCG2 expression were inhibited. Meanwhile, the cotreatment significantly induced cell apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle arrest and senescence accompanied by increased expression of cleaved caspase-3, LC3B-II, p53 and p21. Further studies revealed that autophagy inhibition enhanced apoptosis and abrogated senescence while apoptosis inhibition had no notable effect on cell autophagy and senescence during cotreatment with Gef and Res. These results indicated that in addition to apoptosis, senescence promoted by autophagy contributes to the antiproliferation effect of combined Gef and Res on PC9/G cells. In conclusion, combined treatment with Gef and Res may represent a rational strategy to overcome AR in NSCLC cells.

Topics: Apoptosis; ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Member 2; ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; Autophagy; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Cellular Senescence; Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Drug Synergism; Gefitinib; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; Neoplasm Proteins; Quinazolines; Resveratrol; Stilbenes

MicroRNAs have emerged as promising molecular factors with potential for clinical applications in cancer diagnosis and therapy. In the present study, we demonstrated that the level of miR-200c in lung cancer tissues was lower than that in normal tissues using real-time PCR. To further investigate the effects of miR-200c expression in lung cancer cells, we upregulated miR-200c levels in H460 cells using transfection. We found that the percentage of apoptotic cells was higher in the cells expressing miR-200c than that in the untransfected cells. Furthermore, the antitumor activities of miR-200c were demonstrated in vivo. Notably, we confirmed that reservatol (RESV) showed stronger antitumor activities in miR-200c-positive cells than in miR-200c-negative cells. Finally, we demonstrated that expression of miR-200c in H460 cells suppressed cell growth by targeting RECK, followed by activation of the JNK signaling pathway and ER stress. Collectively, these data show that miR-200c expression sensitizes H460 cells to RESV and this is likely due to RECK expression.

Topics: Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; GPI-Linked Proteins; Humans; JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Lung Neoplasms; MAP Kinase Signaling System; Mice; Mice, Nude; MicroRNAs; Neoplasm Transplantation; Resveratrol; Ribonucleotide Reductases; Stilbenes; Transfection; Transplantation, Heterologous

To enhance the anticancer efficacy of gemcitabine in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the potential synergistic effect of piceatannol on gemcitabine cytotoxicity was investigated in the human NSCLC A459 cell line. The MTT cell viability assay showed that piceatannol significantly enhanced the cytotoxic effects of gemcitabine by lowering the gemcitabine IC50 value. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that piceatannol exerted its pharmacological effect mainly by increasing the late apoptotic population. Western blot analysis showed that gemcitabine induced the expression of the proapoptotic proteins Bad and Bak, and pretreatment with piceatannol further increased Bak expression, leading to an increased number of cells undergoing late apoptosis. The findings from this study show that piceatannol can enhance the cytotoxic effects of gemcitabine by enhancing expression of the proapoptotic protein Bak, thereby providing the rational basis for a novel combination strategy for the treatment of NSCLC.

Topics: Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Apoptosis; bcl-2 Homologous Antagonist-Killer Protein; bcl-Associated Death Protein; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Survival; Deoxycytidine; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Synergism; Gemcitabine; Humans; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Lung Neoplasms; Stilbenes; Up-Regulation

The multitargeted antifolate pemetrexed has demonstrated certain clinical activities against nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Resveratrol (3,5,4-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a polyphenol found in grapes and other plants and has great potential as a preventative and therapeutic agent due to its anticarcinogenic activity. The efficacy of adding resveratrol to pemetrexed to prolong the survival of patients with NSCLC still remains unclear. The excision repair cross-complementation 1 (ERCC1) is a DNA repair gene coding 5' endonuclease in nucleotide excision repair and is overexpressed in chemo- or radioresistant carcinomas. In this study, resveratrol (10-50 μM) inhibited cell survival in two NSCLC cells, H520 and H1975. Treatment with resveratrol increased ERCC1 messenger RNA and protein levels in a MKK3/6-p38 MAPK signal activation-dependent manner. Furthermore, blocking p38 MAPK activation by SB202190 or knocking down ERCC1 expression by transfection with small interfering RNA of ERCC1 enhanced the cytotoxicity of resveratrol. Combining resveratrol with pemetrexed resulted in a synergistic cytotoxic effect, accompanied with the reduction of phospho-p38 MAPK and ERCC1 protein levels, and a DNA repair capacity. Expression of constitutively active MKK6 (MKK6E) or HA-p38 MAPK vectors significantly rescued the decreased p38 MAPK activity, and restored ERCC1 protein levels and cell survival in resveratrol and pemetrexed cotreated NSCLC cells. In this study, for the first time, we have demonstrated the synergistic effect of combined treatment with resveratrol and pemetrexed in human NSCLC cells through downregulation of the MKK3/6-p38 MAPK-ERCC1 signal, suggesting a potential benefit of combining resveratrol and pemetrexed to treat lung cancer in the future.

Topics: Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Survival; DNA Repair; DNA-Binding Proteins; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Down-Regulation; Endonucleases; Enzyme Activation; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Glutamates; Guanine; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; MAP Kinase Kinase 3; MAP Kinase Kinase 6; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Pemetrexed; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Resveratrol; RNA Interference; RNA, Messenger; Signal Transduction; Stilbenes; Time Factors; Transfection

Radiotherapy is used in >50% of patients during the course of cancer treatment both as a curative modality and for palliation. However, radioresistance is a major obstacle to the success of radiation therapy and contributes significantly to tumor recurrence and treatment failure, highlighting the need for the development of novel radiosensitizers that can be used to overcome tumor radioresistance and, thus, improve the efficacy of radiotherapy. Previous studies indicated that resveratrol (RV) may sensitize tumor cells to chemotherapy and ionizing radiation (IR). However, the mechanisms by which RV increases the radiation sensitivity of cancer cells have not been well characterized. Here, we show that RV treatment enhances IR-induced cell killing in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells through an apoptosis-independent mechanism. Further studies revealed that the percentage of senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal)-positive senescent cells was markedly higher in cells treated with IR in combination with RV compared with cells treated either with IR or RV alone, suggesting that RV treatment enhances IR-induced premature senescence in lung cancer cells. Comet assays demonstrate that RV and IR combined treatment causes more DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) than IR or RV treatment alone. DCF-DA staining and flow cytometric analyses demonstrate that RV and IR combined treatment leads to a significant increase in ROS production in irradiated NSCLC cells. Furthermore, our investigation show that inhibition of ROS production by N-acetyl-cysteine attenuates RV-induced radiosensitization in lung cancer cells. Collectively, these results demonstrate that RV-induced radiosensitization is associated with significant increase of ROS production, DNA-DSBs and senescence induction in irradiated NSCLC cells, suggesting that RV treatment may sensitize lung cancer cells to radiotherapy via enhancing IR-induced premature senescence.

Topics: Acetylcysteine; Antioxidants; Apoptosis; beta-Galactosidase; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Cycle Checkpoints; Cell Line, Tumor; Cellular Senescence; DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Phosphorylation; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Radiation Tolerance; Radiation-Sensitizing Agents; Reactive Oxygen Species; Resveratrol; Ribonucleotide Reductases; Stilbenes; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases

Phytochemical compounds are emerging as a new generation of anticancer agents with limited toxicity in cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential effcts of thymoquinone, caffeic acid phenylester (CAPE) and resveratrol on inflammatory markers, oxidative stress parameters, mRNA expression levels of proteins and survival of lung cancer cells in Vitro.. The A549 cell line was treated with benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(a)pyrene plus caffeic acid phenylester (CAPE), benzo(a)pyrene plus resveratrol (RES), and benzo(a)pyrene plus thymoquinone (TQ). Inflammatory markers, oxidative stress parameters, mRNA expression levels of apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins and cell viability were assessed and results were compared among study groups.. TQ treatment up-regulated Bax and down-regulated Bcl2 proteins and increased the Bax/Bcl2 ratio. CAPE and TQ also up-regulated Bax expression. RES and TQ down-regulated the expression of Bcl-2. All three agents decreased the expression of cyclin D and increased the expression of p21. However, the most significant up-regulation of p21 expression was observed in TQ treated cells. CAPE, RES and TQ up-regulated TRAIL receptor 1 and 2 expression. RES and TQ down-regulated the expression of NF-kappa B and IKK1. Viability of CAPE, RES and TQ treated cells was found to be significantly decreased when compared with the control group (p=0.004).. Our results revealed up-regulation of the key upstream signaling factors, which ultimately cause increase in their regulatory p53 levels affecting the induction of G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Overall these results provide mechanistic insights for understanding the molecular basis and utility of the anti-tumor activity of TQ, RES and CAPE.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Apoptosis; Benzo(a)pyrene; Benzoquinones; Caffeic Acids; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Proliferation; Cytokines; Glutathione; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Malondialdehyde; NF-kappa B; Nitric Oxide; Phenylethyl Alcohol; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Resveratrol; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Messenger; Stilbenes; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular process during which epithelial polarized cells become motile mesenchymal-appearing cells, which in turn promotes carcinoma invasion and metastasis. Resveratrol (trans-3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene) is a natural polyphenolic compound found in grapes, red wine and several other plants. Numerous reports in the literature indicate that resveratrol can suppress cancer invasion and metastasis. However, the underlying mechanisms of inhibiting metastasis by resveratrol are complex, not fully elucidated and the subject of intense scientific debate. Despite evidence indicating that EMT can be a target for resveratrol, little is known about the effect of resveratrol on lung cancer cells. Our previous studies demonstrated that TGF-β1 induces EMT to promote lung adenocarcinoma invasion and metastasis. To understand the repressive role of resveratrol in lung cancer invasion and metastasis, we sought to investigate the potential use of resveratrol as an inhibitor of TGF-β1-induced EMT development in A549 lung cancer cells in vitro. Here we show that when A549 cells are treated with TGF-β1 and resveratrol, the latter inhibits the initiation of TGF-β1-induced EMT. Our results show that 20 μM resveratrol increases expression of the epithelial phenotype marker E-cadherin and represses the expression of the mesenchymal phenotype markers, Fibronectin and Vimentin during the initiation of TGF-β1-induced EMT. Resveratrol also inhibits expression of EMT-inducing transcription factors Snail1 and Slug, although the expression of the Twist1 transcription factor remained unchanged. Resveratrol inhibits the TGF-β1-induced increase in cell adhesion, migration and invasion of A549 lung cancer cells. Taken together, our findings provide new evidence that resveratrol suppresses lung cancer invasion and metastasis in vitro through inhibiting TGF-β1-induced EMT.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Cadherins; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Adhesion; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Movement; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition; Fibronectins; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Neoplasm Metastasis; Resveratrol; Stilbenes; Transforming Growth Factor beta1; Vimentin

Riccardin D is a macrocyclic bisbibenzyl compound extracted from liverwort plant Dumortiera hirsuta. Our previous study showed that riccardin D induced apoptosis of human leukemia cells by targeting DNA topoisomerase II (topo II). Riccardin D has been considered as a novel DNA topo II inhibitor and potential chemotherapeutic agent for treatment of cancers. In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of riccardin D on growth of human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) both in vitro and in vivo. Riccardin D effectively inhibited the proliferation of NSCLC cells as estimated by the MTT assay. Further examination showed that the ability of invasion and migration of NSCLC cells was suppressed on exposure to riccardin D as estimated by the assays of scratch and transwell chamber. The anticancer activity of riccardin D was verified in mice bearing human NSCLC H460 xenografts. Riccardin D injection produced a 44.5% inhibition of cancer growth without apparent signs of toxicity to animals. Further, riccardin D induced apoptosis of NSCLC cells as evidenced by the increases of cells with externalization of phosphatidylserine and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-positive in H460 xenografts. The analysis of apoptotic proteins showed that riccardin D activated the caspases cascade signaling pathway as demonstrated by the increases of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP in NSCLC cells in vitro and in H460 xenografts in mice. The pBR322 DNA relaxation assay indicated that riccardin D inhibited the activity of DNA topo II in H460 and A549 cells, suggesting the mechanism of riccardin D in induction of NSCLC apoptosis. In addition, we studied the activity and expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in NSCLC cells. The activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in supernatants of NSCLC cells were suppressed on exposure to riccardin D as estimated by gelatin zymography assay. The inhibitory effects of riccardin D on expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were verified in H460 xenografts in mice and the decreases of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Erk1/2 might associate with the inhibition of MMPs and NSCLC growth. Together, our results suggest that riccardin D has a high inhibitory effect on human NSCLC growth through induction of apoptosis.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Movement; Cell Proliferation; DNA Topoisomerases, Type II; Female; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Nude; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3; Phenyl Ethers; Stilbenes; Topoisomerase II Inhibitors; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

A number of 2,4,5-triaryl-1H-imidazole derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their antiproliferative activities against the growth of five cell lines including three non-small cell lung cancers (H460, H1299, and A549), one breast cancer (MCF-7), and one normal diploid embryonic lung cell line (MRC-5). Preliminary results indicated that both 2-(5-bromofuran-2-yl)-4,5-bis{4-[3-(dimethylamino) propoxy] phenyl}-1H-imidazole (10f) and 4,5-bis{4-[3-(dimethylamino)propoxy]phenyl}-2-(5-nitrofuran-2-yl)-1H -imidazole (10g) were selectively active against the growth of H1229 with an IC(50) of less than 0.1 μM, thus were more active than topotecan (IC(50) > 10.0 μ M). However, both 10f and 10g exhibited only marginal cytotoxicity against H460, A549, MCF-7, and MRC-5 requiring an IC (50) of at least 4.16 μM. Our results also indicated that 10f induced H1299 cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 through the inactivation of p38 MAPK, JNK, ERK, as well as the expression of SIRT1 and survivin. These results suggested that 10f might have therapeutic potential against H1299 (non-small cell lung cancer cell).

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Humans; Imidazoles; Immunoblotting; Stilbenes; Transition Temperature

Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is an exciting new target in cancer therapy. Repair protein Rad51 is involved in protecting non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines against chemotherapeutic agent-induced cytotoxicity. This study investigated the role of Rad51 expression in HSP90 inhibitor 17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG)-induced cytotoxicity in two NSCLC cell lines, A549 and H1975. The 17-AAG treatment decreased cellular Rad51 protein and mRNA levels and phosphorylated MKK1/2-ERK1/2 protein levels, and disrupted the HSP90 and Rad51 interaction. This triggered Rad51 protein degradation through the 26S proteasome pathway. The 17-AAG treatment also decreased the NSCLC cells' DNA repair capacity, which was restored by the forced expression of the Flag-Rad51 vector. Specific inhibition of Rad51 expression by siRNA further enhanced 17-AAG-induced cytotoxicity. In contrast, enhanced ERK1/2 activation by the constitutively active MKK1/2 (MKK1/2-CA) vector significantly restored the 17-AAG-reduced Rad51 protein levels and cell viability. Arachidin-1, an antioxidant stilbenoid, further decreased Rad51 expression and augmented the cytotoxic effect and growth inhibition of 17-AAG. The 17-AAG and arachidin-1-induced synergistic cytotoxic effects and decreased DNA repair capacity were abrogated in lung cancer cells with MKK1/2-CA or Flag-Rad51 expression vector transfection. In conclusion, HSP90 inhibition induces cytotoxicity by down-regulating Rad51 expression and DNA repair capacity in NSCLC cells.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Benzoquinones; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Survival; DNA Repair; Down-Regulation; Drug Synergism; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins; Humans; Lactams, Macrocyclic; Lung Neoplasms; Rad51 Recombinase; RNA, Messenger; RNA, Small Interfering; Stilbenes

The BH3-only Bcl-2 subfamily member Bim is a well known apoptosis promoting protein. However, the mechanisms upstream of mitochondrion membrane permeability by which Bim is involved in apoptosis have been poorly investigated, particularly in response to agents capable of interfering with the cytoskeleton architecture and arresting cells in mitosis. Based on the observation that Bim is sequestered on the microtubule-array by interaction with the light chain of dynein, we have investigated upon depolymerisation, whether Bim could be involved in the commitment of apoptosis. With this purpose H460 Non Small Lung Cancer Cells (NSLC) were treated with the microtubule damaging agent combretastatin-A4 (CA-4) (7.5 nM; 8-48 h), and various parameters were investigated. Upon treatment, cells arrested in mitosis and died through a caspase-3-dependent mitotic catastrophe. Transient knock down of Bim drastically reduced apoptosis, indicating that this protein was involved in cell death as induced by microtubules disorganisation. In response to increasing conditions of microtubules depolymerisation, we found that the protein level of Bim was strongly upregulated in a time-dependent manner at transcriptional level. Furthermore, Bim was released from microtubule-associated components. Bim was translocated to mitochondria, even in a condition of protein synthesis inhibition, where it showed a markedly increased interaction with Bcl-2. In turn, the fraction of Bax bound to Bcl-2 decreases in response to treatment, thereby indicating that Bim possibly promotes Bax release from the pro-survival protein Bcl-2. Overall, we demonstrated that Bim is required for the CA-4-induced cell death in the H460 lung cancer cell line via activation of the mitochondrial signalling pathway. Defining the contribution of Bim to the mechanism of apoptosis may offer some different clues in view of developing new strategies for chemotherapy with CA-4, underlining the relevance of the cytoskeleton integrity in the apoptotic response.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Apoptosis; Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins; Bcl-2-Like Protein 11; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Caspase 3; Cell Line, Tumor; Cytosol; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; Immunoprecipitation; M Phase Cell Cycle Checkpoints; Membrane Proteins; Microscopy, Confocal; Microtubules; Mitochondria; Protein Transport; Proto-Oncogene Proteins; RNA, Small Interfering; Signal Transduction; Stilbenes; Transfection

Resveratrol is a plant phenolic phytoalexin that has been reported to have antitumor properties in several types of cancers. In particular, several studies have suggested that resveratrol exerts antiproliferative effects against A549 human non-small cell lung cancer cells; however, its mechanism of action remains incompletely understood. Deregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small, noncoding, regulatory RNA molecules involved in gene expression, is strongly correlated with lung cancer. In this study, we demonstrated that resveratrol treatment altered miRNA expression in A549 cells. Using microarray analysis, we identified 71 miRNAs exhibiting greater than 2-fold expression changes in resveratrol-treated cells relative to their expression levels in untreated cells. Furthermore, we identified target genes related to apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, cell proliferation, and differentiation using a miRNA target-prediction program. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that resveratrol induces considerable changes in the miRNA expression profiles of A549 cells, suggesting a novel approach for studying the anticancer mechanisms of resveratrol.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Cycle; Cell Differentiation; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Gene Expression Profiling; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; Lung; Lung Neoplasms; MicroRNAs; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; Resveratrol; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Stilbenes

Trimethoxyl stilbene (TMS) is a derivative of resveratrol, a compound shown to inhibit development of a variety of tumor types. We aimed to evaluate the effect of TMS on cell proliferation and apoptosis in the A549 non-small cell lung cancer cell line. Growth inhibition rate and colony formation was measured and apoptosis was determined with Hoechst 33258 staining. Protein expression levels of caspase-3, STAT3, STAT5b, JAK2, NF-κB, and IκB were examined by Western blotting. Furthermore, localization of NF-κB protein was also explored. TMS inhibited proliferation (IC50 8.6 μmol/L) and induced apoptosis of the cells in a concentration-dependent manner., also inducing apoptosis accompanied by up-regulated expression and cleavage activation of caspase-3, up-regulation of IκB and down-regulation of NFκB, STAT3, STAT5b, and JAK2 signal transduction. TMS has potential as a new drug for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer patients with anti-proliferation and apoptosis inducing effect of TMS to A549 cells apparently related to its inhibitory effect on STATs and NF-κB signal transduction. Up-regulation of caspase-3 further supports the potential clinical use of TMS for the treatment of non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma.

Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Caspase 3; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Down-Regulation; Humans; I-kappa B Proteins; Janus Kinase 2; Lung Neoplasms; NF-kappa B; Signal Transduction; STAT3 Transcription Factor; STAT5 Transcription Factor; Stilbenes; Up-Regulation

Combretastatin A-4 (CA-4) is a tubulin-binding compound currently in phase II trial as a tumor vascular-targeting agent. The present study evaluates the anti-tumor activities and establishes the mechanism of the action of 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-amine(XN0502), a novel synthesized CA-4 analogue, in an effort towards finding the favorable therapeutics of CA-4 derivatives. XN0502 is characterized by its more potent anti-proliferative activities against non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells (IC(50): 1.8 +/- 0.6 microM), than that on the normal human liver HL-7702 cells (IC(50): 9.1 +/- 0.4 microM). Of note, using tubulin polymerization assay, western blot and immuofluorescence analyses, XN0502 was showed to inhibit microtubule assembly at both molecular and cellular levels in A549 cells. Further studies indicated that XN0502 induced time- and dose-dependent G2/M arrest, accompanying with the reduction of CDC2/p34 expression and the downregulation of CDK7. The protein level alteration and the nuclear translocation of cyclinB1 were observed, denoting the M phase arrest in XN0502-treated cells. Moreover, XN0502 caused caspase-mediated apoptosis, as indicated by the cleavage of PARP, the reduction of procaspase-3 and procaspase-9, and the down-regulation of XIAP. Taken together, the current study demonstrates that the novel CA-4 analogue XN0502 is a promising anti-cancer agent with potent G2/M arrest- and apoptotic-inducing activities via targeting tubulin deserving further research and development, and helps provide data for exploiting new CA-4 analogues.

Topics: Anisoles; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Caspases; Cell Cycle; Cell Line; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase-Activating Kinase; Cyclin-Dependent Kinases; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Pyrazoles; Signal Transduction; Stilbenes; Tubulin Modulators

Resveratrol exhibits potential anti-carcinogenic activities. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is involved in angiogenesis and tumor metastasis. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are key enzymes in the degradation of extracellular matrix, and their expression may be dysregulated in lung cancer metastasis. In this study, we investigated the anti-invasive mechanism of resveratrol in lung cancer cells. HO-1 was shown to be elevated (approximately 4.7-fold) in lung cancer tumor samples as compared with matched normal tissues. After treatment of lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 cells with resveratrol (50 microM) for 24 h, the migratory and invasive abilities (38 and 30% inhibition, respectively) of A549 cells were significantly reduced. Resveratrol significantly inhibited HO-1-mediated MMP-9 (35% inhibition) and MMP-2 (28% inhibition) expression in lung cancer cells. Nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB inhibitor induced a marked reduction in MMP-9 and MMP-2 expression, suggesting NF-kappaB pathway could play an important role. Furthermore, HO-1 inhibition and silencing significantly suppressed MMPs and invasion of lung cancer cells. Our results suggest that resveratrol inhibited HO-1 and subsequently MMP-9 and MMP-2 expression in lung cancer cells. The inhibitory effects of resveratrol on MMP expression and invasion of lung cancer cells are, in part, associated with the HO-1-mediated NF-kappaB pathway.

Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Movement; Cell Survival; Down-Regulation; Gene Silencing; Heme Oxygenase-1; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9; Matrix Metalloproteinases; Neoplasm Invasiveness; NF-kappa B; Osmolar Concentration; Resveratrol; RNA, Small Interfering; Signal Transduction; Stilbenes

The relationship between microtubular dynamics, dismantling of pericentriolar components and induction of apoptosis was analysed after exposure of H460 non-small lung cancer cells to anti-mitotic drugs. The microtubule destabilising agent, combretastatin-A4 (CA-4) led to microtubular array disorganization, arrest in mitosis and abnormal metaphases, accompanied by the presence of numerous centrosome-independent "star-like" structures containing tubulin and aggregates of pericentrosomal matrix components like gamma-tubulin, pericentrin and ninein, whereas the structural integrity of centrioles was not affected by treatment. On the contrary, in condition of prolonged exposure or high concentrations of CA-4 such aggregates never formed. Treatment with 7.5 nM CA-4, which produced a high frequency "star-like" aggregates, was accompanied by mitotic catastrophe commitment characterized by translocation of the proapoptotic Bim protein to mitochondria activation of caspases-3/9 and DNA fragmentation as a result of either prolonged metaphase arrest or attempt of cells to divide. Drug concentrations which fail to block cells at mitosis were also unable to activate apotosis. A detailed time-course analysis of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis indicated that after CA-4 washout the number of metaphases with "star-like" structures decreased as a function of time and arrested cells proceeded in anaphase. After 4 h, the multiple alpha- and gamma-tubulin aggregates coalesced into two well-defined spindles in a bipolar mitotic spindle organization. Overall, our findings suggest that the maintenance of microtubular integrity plays a relevant role in stabilising the pericentriolar matrix, whose dismantling can be associated with apoptosis after exposure to microtubule depolymerising agents.

Topics: Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Line, Tumor; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Microscopy, Confocal; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Microtubules; Mitosis; Stilbenes; Tubulin Modulators

Combretastatin A-4 (CA-4), a natural stilbenoid isolated from Combretum caffrum, is a new vascular targeting agent (VTA) known for its antitumor activity due to its anti-tubulin properties. We investigated the molecular mechanisms leading to cell death in non-small cell lung cancer H460 cells induced by natural (CA-4) and synthetic stilbenoids (ST2151) structurally related to CA-4. We found that both compounds induced depolymerization and rearrangement of spindle microtubules, as well as an increasingly aberrant organization of metaphase chromosomes in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Prolonged exposition to ST2151 led cells to organize multiple sites of tubulin repolymerization, whereas tubulin repolymerization was observed only after CA-4 washout. H460 cells were arrested at a pro-metaphase stage, with condensed chromosomes and a triggered spindle assembly checkpoint, as evaluated by kinetochore localization of Bub1 and Mad1 antibodies. Persistent checkpoint activation led to mitochondrial membrane permeabilization (MMP) alterations, cytochrome c release, activation of caspase-9 and -3, PARP cleavage and DNA fragmentation. On the other hand, caspase-2, and -8 were not activated by the drug treatment. The ability of cells to reassemble tubulin in the presence of an activated checkpoint may be responsible for ST2151-induced multinucleation, a recognized sign of mitotic catastrophe. In conclusion, we believe that discovery of new agents able to trigger mitotic catastrophe cell death as a result of mitotic block and prolonged spindle checkpoint activation is particularly worthwhile, considering that tumor cells have a high proliferative rate and mitotic failure occurs irrespective of p53 status.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Caspase 3; Cell Line, Tumor; Cytochromes c; Enzyme Activation; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Microscopy, Electron; Microtubules; Mitochondria; Mitosis; Spindle Apparatus; Stilbenes

Resveratrol is a polyphenolic chemopreventive agent that has been shown to influence cellular redox reactions. As a systematic approach to elucidating the complex effects of resveratrol on eukaryotic cells, we studied its dose-dependent effects on the transcript levels of genes and activities of enzymes related to redox metabolism, cell cycle regulation, and apoptotic cascades in the cancer cell line A549. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx)1 mRNA levels, as well as GPx and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) activities, were significantly increased after resveratrol treatment, whereas total glutathione concentrations decreased. Increased transcript levels were also detected for selenophosphate synthetase 2 and superoxide dismutase 2. However, mRNA levels of thioredoxin, TrxR, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase 1, and catalase were not altered. Among the 12 genes studied that are related to the cell cycle, differentiation and apoptosis, mRNA levels of six genes, including P53, FAS, and BCL2, were upregulated, while the mRNA level of survivin was reduced. The results suggest that GPx and other selenoproteins are important targets of resveratrol. Furthermore, genes supporting cell survival and differentiation, as well as genes involved in proliferation inhibition and apoptosis, are induced by resveratrol, resulting in a delicate balance that is likely to contribute to the chemopreventive effects of resveratrol.

Topics: Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Count; Cell Cycle; Cell Proliferation; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Glutathione; Glutathione Peroxidase; Glutathione Peroxidase GPX1; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Oxidation-Reduction; Phosphotransferases; Resveratrol; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Messenger; Sensitivity and Specificity; Stilbenes; Structure-Activity Relationship; Transcription, Genetic; Tumor Cells, Cultured

The tumor vascular effects of radiotherapy and subsequent administration of the vascular disrupting agent combretastatin A4 phosphate (CA4P) were studied in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer using volumetric dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT).. Following ethical committee approval and informed consent, 8 patients receiving palliative radiotherapy (27 Gy in six fractions, twice weekly) also received CA4P (50 mg/m(2)) after the second fraction of radiotherapy. Changes in dynamic CT parameters of tumor blood volume (BV) and permeability surface area product (PS) were measured for the whole tumor volume, tumor rim, and center after radiotherapy alone and after radiotherapy in combination with CA4P.. After the second fraction of radiotherapy, 6 of the 8 patients showed increases in tumor PS (23.6%, p = 0.011). Four hours after CA4P, a reduction in tumor BV (22.9%, p < 0.001) was demonstrated in the same 6 patients. Increase in PS after radiotherapy correlated with reduction in BV after CA4P (r = 0.77, p = 0.026). At 72 h after CA4P, there was a sustained reduction in tumor BV of 29.4% (p < 0.001). Both increase in PS after radiotherapy and reduction in BV after CA4P were greater at the rim of the tumor. The BV reduction at the rim was sustained to 72 h (51.4%, p = 0.014).. Radiotherapy enhances the tumor antivascular activity of CA4P in human non-small-cell lung cancer, resulting in sustained tumor vascular shutdown.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Blood Volume; Capillary Permeability; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Combined Modality Therapy; Contrast Media; Female; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Stilbenes; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Resveratrol, a polyphenol in red wine, possesses many pharmacological activities including cardioprotection, chemoprevention, anti-tumor effects, and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) inactivation. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects and possible mechanism of resveratrol in enhancing radiosensitivity of lung cancer cells. Human non-small cell lung cancer NCI-H838 cells were irradiated with or without resveratrol pretreatment. The surviving fraction and sensitizer enhancement ratio (SER) were estimated by using a colony formation assay and linear-quadratic model. The cell-cycle distribution was evaluated by using propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry. An ELISA-based assay with immobilized oligonucleotide was performed to assess the DNA binding activity of NF-kappaB. Resveratrol had no direct growth-inhibitory effect on NCI-H838 cells treated for 24 hours with doses up to 25 microM. Pretreatment with resveratrol significantly enhanced cell killing by radiation, with an SER up to 2.2. Radiation activated NF-kappaB, an effect reversed by resveratrol pretreatment. Resveratrol resulted in a decrease of cells in the G0/G1 phase and an increase in the S phase. Our results demonstrate that resveratrol enhances the radiosensitivity of NCI-H838 cells accompanied by NF-kappaB inhibition and S-phase arrest.

Topics: Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Cycle; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Survival; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; Humans; NF-kappa B; Radiation Dosage; Radiation Tolerance; Radiation-Sensitizing Agents; Resveratrol; Stilbenes

Combretastatin A-4 prodrug (CA-4PD) has been identified as a potent antivascular agent in various rodent tumor models. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of CA-4PD on human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).. Cytostatic and cytotoxic effects of CA-4PD on selected NSCLC cells, Colo-699 and KNS-62, were studied in vitro. After subcutaneous xenotransplantation the effect of systemically administrated CA-4PD on tumor growth was investigated in vivo. A newly established orthotopic xenotransplant model was employed to estimate prolongation of survival after intrapulmonary tumor induction with secondary metastatic disease.. In vitro, CA-4PD displayed a time and dose dependent antiproliferative effect on human lung cancer cells. In vivo, CA-4PD significantly delayed growth of subcutaneously induced lung cancer. This growth delay was translated into a prolongation of survival in the metastasizing orthotopic xenotransplant model.. In vitro CA-4PD inhibits proliferation of NSCLC cells, most likely by disruption of microtubule assembly. In vivo, systemic treatment inhibits growth of subcutaneously xenotransplanted tumors by an antivascular effect. In the case of metastasizing human lung cancer this translated into a prolongation of survival.

Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cell Division; Cell Survival; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Mice; Mice, SCID; Neoplasm Transplantation; Prodrugs; Stilbenes; Tumor Cells, Cultured