The glucagon-like peptide 1 analog liraglutide reduces TNF-α-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in endothelial cells

ObjectiveGlucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), one of the incretin hormones, has been reported to increase positive inotropic activity in cardiac myocytes and protect against myocardial injury. However, the effects upon endothelial cells and the mechanisms involved are not fully understood. We assessed the hypothesis that GLP-1 has protective effects against inflammation and oxidative stress on human endothelial cells.Methods and resultsThe effects of the GLP-1 analog liraglutide upon TNF-α-induced injury of the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were evaluated. First, ROS induced by TNF-α was measured by staining with CM-H₂DCFDA. Intracellular ROS production of HUVECs was significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner until 30 nM while liraglutide inhibited the induction of gp91^phox and p22^phox, subunit of NADPH oxidase, by TNF-α? In addition, protein levels of SOD-2, catalase and GPx were significantly increased by liraglutide. Second, rapid translocation of PKC-α into the membrane following TNF-α was evident. Liraglutide significantly inhibited this very rapid TNF-α-induced translocation of PKC-α into membrane at 2.5 min. Third, liraglutide significantly inhibited NF-κB activation and upregulated I-κB family while phosphorylation of IKK-α/β, which is upstream of NF-κB signaling, was also downregulated after 15 min of TNF-α treatment. Finally, liraglutide inhibited apoptosis of HUVEC and expression of Pentraxin-3 induced by TNF-α.ConclusionLiraglutide exerts marked anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects on endothelial cells with inhibition of PKC-α, NADPH oxidase, NF-κB signaling and upregulation of protective anti-oxidative enzymes.     

利拉鲁肽通过抑制核因子κB p65磷酸化调控人脐静脉内皮细胞一氧化氮合酶的表达

目的 探讨利拉鲁肽在高糖环境下对人脐静脉内皮细胞（HUVECs）功能的影响及其可能机制.方法 高糖环境下（25 mmol/L葡萄糖）培养人脐静脉内皮细胞,分别给予10、100、1 000 μg/L利拉鲁肽进行干预,采用实时定量聚合酶链反应（RT-PCR）和Western blotting法分别检测内皮型一氧化氮合酶（eNOS）、诱导型一氧化氮合酶（iNOS）以及核因子κB p65 （NF-κB p65）的mRNA、蛋白表达水平;应用肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）干预利拉鲁肽处理后的HUVECs,观察eNOS、iNOS、NF-κB p65的mRNA、蛋白表达水平的变化.研究结果多组间采用单因素方差分析,两组间比较采用SLD分析.结果 与普通培养基（7 mmol/L葡萄糖）组相比,高糖环境下HUVECs的eNOS mRNA和蛋白表达均降低,iNOS mRNA和蛋白表达及磷酸化NF-κB p65蛋白表达均增高（t=2.79、5.75、4.32、4.85、7.12,均P＜0.05）.与0μg/L组相比,1 000μg/L利拉鲁肽干预组HUVECs的eNOS mRNA、eNOS蛋白表达均上调,iNOS mRNA、iNOS蛋白表达及NF-κB p65磷酸化蛋白表达均下调（t=5.12、9.34、6.70、5.50、8.94,均P＜0.05）.与单独使用利拉鲁肽组相比,TNF-α联合利拉鲁肽组HUVECs的eNOSmRNA和蛋白表达均下调,iNOS mRNA和蛋白表达及磷酸化NF-κB p65蛋白表达均上调（t=3.33～7.87,均P＜0.05）.结论 利拉鲁肽可通过抑制NF-κB p65磷酸化在转录和翻译水平上增加eNOS表达、降低iNOS的表达,从而改善内皮细胞功能,预防糖尿病动脉粥样硬化.     

Tetrandrine prevents acquired drug resistance of K562 cells through inhibition of mdr1 gene transcription

Introduction

There have been no reports describing successful drug resistance reversal in tumors in the clinic until now. Conversion of drug resistance reversal studies to drug resistance prevention studies may assist in the development of more efficient anti-tumor strategies. The present study demonstrates the prevention of doxorubicin-induced drug resistance by tetrandrine on leukemia cells.

Materials and methods

K562 cells were either solely treated with doxorubicin (0.6 mg/ml) or pretreated with tetrandrine of different concentrations (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 μg/ml) for 24 h followed by combined-treatment with doxorubicin (0.6 μg/ml).

Results

The results showed that doxorubicin treatment only resulted in elevated levels of mdr1 mRNA/P-gp expression. Doxorubicin also induced up-regulation of P-gp functional activities, as intracellular retention of rhodamine was decreased; however, 2.0 μg/ml tetrandrine significantly inhibited the overexpression of doxorubicin-induced mdr1 mRNA/P-gp. Consistently, the functional activity of P-gp was also inhibited, which led to increased intracellular drug retention and the recovery of cell sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs in combined treatment groups. Both mRNA and protein levels of NF-κB were up-regulated in the cells treated with doxorubicin only. Results from an electrophoretic mobility shift assay and a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated the enhanced binding to the promoter region of mdr1 gene compared to the control group. However, tetrandrine could markedly inhibit the doxorubicin-induced expression of NF-κB mRNA and protein. In addition, it also attenuated the NF-κB DNA-binding activity.

Conclusion

In summary, tetrandrine can prevent doxorubicin-induced mdr1 mRNA/P-gp expression and P-gp functions in a dose-dependent manner through a mechanism that may involve inhibition of doxorubicin-induced NF-κB mRNA expression and protein activity.     

Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Receptor Promotes the Growth and Chemoresistance of Pancreatic Cancer

Background

Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) plays important roles in the progression of pancreatic cancer. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of IGF1R knockdown on the proliferation, apoptosis and chemosensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells, and explore the possible mechanisms.

Methods

Pancreatic cancer cells expressing IGF1R shRNA were established, and the cell proliferation, colony formation, and chemosensitivity to gemcitabine were examined in vitro. The activation of AKT and NF-κB was detected by Western blot analysis and luciferase assay, respectively. Xenograft mice models were established to evaluate the in vivo anti-tumor effects of IGF1R knockdown.

Results

IGF1R knockdown notably inhibited pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and colony formation, induced apoptosis, and inhibited xenograft tumor growth. Moreover, IGF1R knockdown significantly enhanced chemosensitivity to gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer cells, and this was correlated with the inhibition of PI3K/AKT and NF-κB pathways.

Conclusions

IGF1R knockdown suppresses tumor growth and enhances chemosensitivity in pancreatic cancer via the inhibition of PI3K/AKT and NF-κB pathways, and is a promising approach to overcome the chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer.     

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist treatment reduces beta cell mass in normoglycaemic mice

Aims/hypothesis

Incretin-based therapies improve glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. In animal models of diabetes, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) increase beta cell mass. GLP-1RAs are also evaluated in non-diabetic individuals with obesity and cardiovascular disease. However, their effect on beta cell mass in normoglycaemic conditions is not clear. Here, we investigate the effects of the GLP-1RA liraglutide on beta cell mass and function in normoglycaemic mice.

Methods

C57BL/6J mice were treated with the GLP-1RA liraglutide or PBS and fed a control or high-fat diet (HFD) for 1 or 6 weeks. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests were performed after 6 weeks. BrdU was given to label proliferating cells 1 week before the animals were killed. The pancreas was taken for either histology or islet isolation followed by a glucose-induced insulin-secretion test.

Results

Treatment with liraglutide for 6 weeks led to increased insulin sensitivity and attenuation of HFD-induced insulin resistance. A reduction in beta cell mass was observed in liraglutide-treated control and HFD-fed mice at 6 weeks, and was associated with a lower beta cell proliferation rate after 1 week of treatment. A similar reduction in alpha cell mass occurred, resulting in an unchanged alpha to beta cell ratio. In contrast, acinar cell proliferation was increased. Finally, islets isolated from liraglutide-treated control mice had enhanced glucose-induced insulin secretion.

Conclusions/interpretation

Our data show that GLP-1RA treatment in normoglycaemic mice leads to increases in insulin sensitivity and beta cell function that are associated with reduced beta cell mass to maintain normoglycaemia.     

Deguelin, an Akt Inhibitor, Down-Regulates NF-κB Signaling and Induces Apoptosis in Colon Cancer Cells and Inhibits Tumor Growth in Mice

Background

Deguelin, a naturally occurring rotenoid, is known to be an Akt inhibitor and to have an anti-tumor effect on several cancers.

Aims

This study was performed to elucidate the effect of deguelin on apoptotic pathways related to NF-κB signaling in colon cancer cells and on the anti-tumor effect in colon cancer xenograft mice.

Methods

We studied COLO 205 and HCT116 cells in the presence or absence of deguelin. NF-κB signaling was examined by real-time RT-PCR for interleukin (IL)-8, by Western blotting for IκB phosphorylation/degradation, and by the electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Cell death was determined by the MTT assay, and apoptosis by Annexin V-FITC staining and caspase-3 activity. We also assessed the expression of antiapoptotic and proapoptotic factors by use of RT-PCR. In colon cancer xenograft mice, we evaluated the effect of deguelin on inoculated tumor growth, and apoptotic index was measured by the in vivo TUNEL assay.

Results

Deguelin significantly inhibited IL-8 gene expression, IκB phosphorylation/degradation, and DNA binding activity of NF-κB in colon cancer cells. Deguelin induced cell death and apoptosis in colon cancer cells in a dose and time-dependent manner. Deguelin down-regulated expression of NF-κB-mediated antiapoptotic factors such as cFLIP, Bcl-2, and Bcl-X_L. In the colon cancer xenograft model, the volume of the tumor treated with deguelin was significantly lower than that of the control, and the apoptotic index for deguelin-treated mice was much higher.

Conclusion

Deguelin might be a potential therapeutic agent for treatment of colorectal cancer.     

Nuclear factor-κB activation by type II collagen peptide in articular chondrocytes: its inhibition by hyaluronan via the receptors

Objective

This study aimed to examine nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation by a synthetic peptide from type II collagen fragment (CB12-II) and its inhibition by hyaluronan (HA) via its receptors, CD44, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in chondrocytes.

Methods

Osteoarthritic cartilage explants or chondrocytes in monolayer were cultured with CB12-II. Secreted levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 in conditioned media and NF-κB activation in chondrocytes were determined by immunoblotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cultures were pretreated with HA to evaluate the inhibitory effect on CB12-II action, and the role of HA receptors in HA effect was investigated using antibodies to CD44 and ICAM-1.

Results

CB12-II stimulated phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB, leading to increased MMP-13 production. HA suppressed NF-κB activation and MMP-13 induction by CB12-II. The individual antibody to CD44 or ICAM-1 partially reversed HA effect on CB12-II action, and both antibodies in combination completely blocked the HA effect.

Conclusions

This study clearly demonstrates that CB12-II activates NF-κB for MMP-13 induction and that HA inhibits CB12-II action through interaction with CD44 and ICAM-1 in chondrocytes. HA administration into osteoarthritic joints could suppress the catabolic action of matrix degradation products such as CB12-II as a potent NF-κB inhibitor.     

KRAS Mutation and NF-κB Activation Indicates Tolerance of Chemotherapy and Poor Prognosis in Colorectal Cancer

Background

Evidence shows a strong relationship between KRAS mutations and the NF-κB signaling pathway. In colorectal cancer, however, the study of this subject has been very limited and results are inconsistent.

Aims

To examine the relationship between KRAS mutations and NF-κB activation and their effect on chemotherapy response and survival of colorectal cancer patients.

Materials and Methods

NF-κB activation was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in 167 primary colorectal cancer specimens in which the KRAS mutation status was confirmed. Clinical and pathologic data were extracted from the medical records and reviewed.

Results

Of 167 tumors screened, 63 (37.7?%) had NF-κB activation, 59 (35.3?%) had KRAS mutations, and 30 (18.0?%) had both NF-κB activation and KRAS mutations. The frequency of NF-κB activation in tumors with KRAS mutations was significantly higher than in tumors with wild type KRAS; 50.8 versus 30.6?%, P?=?0.012. Patients with both KRAS mutations and NF-κB activation had a lower objective response to first-line chemotherapy than patients with other tumors, 23.8 versus 49.4?% (P?=?0.035). Compared to patients with both KRAS mutations and NF-κB activation, overall survival of patients in other groups was significantly higher; median overall survival was 28.4?months (95?% CI 21.0–35.8) versus 46.3?months (95?% CI 39.4–53.2), hazard ratio 0.259 (95?% CI 0.125–0.538), P?=?0.005.

Conclusions

NF-κB activation was associated with KRAS mutation, and both KRAS mutation and NF-κB activation were indicative of high tolerance of chemotherapy and poor prognosis for colorectal cancer patients. Tumors with KRAS mutations and NF-κB activation may be a unique subtype of colorectal cancer.     

Effectiveness of IκB kinase inhibitors in murine colitis-associated tumorigenesis

Purpose

Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation is involved in various inflammatory illnesses, for example inflammatory bowel disease, and is thought to be a key factor in the tumor-promoting mechanism of inflammation-associated tumorigenesis. This study investigated whether inhibitors of IKKβ, which is a critical kinase for NF-κB activation, reduce colitis-associated tumorigenesis in mice.

Methods

We used a mouse model of the disease whereby administration of azoxymethane (AOM) followed by repeated dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) ingestion causes severe colonic inflammation and the subsequent development of multiple tumors. Effects of IKKβ inhibitors, NBD peptide, and IMD-0354 were examined.

Results

In a colitis-associated cancer model, treatment with the IKKβ inhibitors NBD peptide and IMD-0354 significantly reduced the number of tumors compared with the untreated group. The tumors were also significantly smaller in the inhibitor-treated mice than in the untreated mice. Macrophage and neutrophil infiltration decreased with the inhibitor treatment. NF-κB activation and the expression of Cox-2 and iNOS were observed in tumor tissues, and the inhibitors ameliorated their expression. These inhibitors blocked NF-κB activation and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines mediated by the culture supernatant of inflamed colon in murine primary macrophages. In-vitro and in-vivo experiments showed that these drugs, especially NBD peptide, could also inhibit the proliferation of colonic epithelial cells.

Conclusion

These results imply that IKKβ-targeted NF-κB blockade is an attractive therapeutic approach for the prevention of colitis-associated tumors.     

Betaine Protects Against High-Fat-Diet-Induced Liver Injury by Inhibition of High-Mobility Group Box 1 and Toll-Like Receptor 4 Expression in Rats

Background and Objectives

Previous studies have shown that betaine prevents alcohol-induced liver injury and improves liver function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of betaine on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and to observe changes of HMGB1/TLR4 signaling.

Methods

Thirty rats were randomly divided into control, model, and betaine groups. The rats in the model and betaine groups were fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks to induce an animal model of NAFLD. The rats in the betaine group were then intragastrically administered betaine solution at a dose of 400 mg/kg per day for four weeks. Liver histology was examined. Serum levels of ALT, AST, TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, FFA, HMGB1, NF-κB, TLR4, and tHcy were determined and intrahepatic TC, TG, and Hcy levels were assayed. mRNA expression and protein levels of HMGB1, NF-κB, and TLR4 in liver tissue were also determined.

Results

Compared with the control group, rats in the model group developed severe liver injury, accompanied by significant increases in serum levels of ALT, AST, TC, TG, LDL-C, FFA, HMGB1, NF-κB, and TLR4, intrahepatic TC, TG, and Hcy content, histological scores for steatosis, inflammation, and necrosis, and mRNA expression and protein levels of HMGB1, NF-κB, and TLR4, and a significant decrease in serum HDL-C (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, all these indicators were significantly improved by administration of betaine (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Betaine effectively protects against high-fat-diet-induced NAFLD and improves liver function; the mechanism is probably related to inhibition of HMGB1/TLR4 signaling pathways.     

Abnormal Expression of Toll-Like Receptor 4 Is Associated with Susceptibility to Ethanol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Injury in Mice

Background and Aims

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) contributes to ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury. This study aimed to determine its precise role in this pathogenic state and the related signaling pathway.

Methods

Ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury models were generated in TLR4^?/? mice (C3H/HeJ: point mutation; C57BL/10ScNJ: gene deletion), their respective TLR4^+/+ wild-type counterparts, and heterozygous TLR4^+/? mice. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) was injected intraperitoneally 1 h or 30 min before ethanol administration. At 1 h post-ethanol treatment, gastric or serum specimens were evaluated.

Results

Ethanol intra-gastric administration induced significant gastric mucosal injury in all mice, but the damaged area was larger in TLR4^?/? mice. LPS preconditioning and up-regulated TLR4 expression led to significantly larger areas of gastric mucosal damage. Upon ethanol administration, TLR4^+/+, and not TLR4^?/?, mice showed significant increases in TLR4, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), cytoplasmic high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), and nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65). PDTC pretreatment significantly attenuated the ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damaged areas, inhibited nuclear NF-κB p65 expression, and suppressed HMGB1 translocation out of the nucleus. In addition, PDTC pretreatment reduced ethanol-stimulated expression of the inflammatory modulators, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), in serum.

Conclusions

Both deficient and excessive expression of TLR4 promotes ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury. The underlying mechanism involves the MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway and the HMGB1, TLR4 activator ligand. The increased expression of HMGB1 may lead to increased secretion and binding to TLR4, further stimulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway and aggravating the ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury.     

Wilms’ tumor 1 gene modulates Fas-related death signals and anti-apoptotic functions in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

The Wilms’ tumor 1 (WT1) gene is known to be overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to upregulate tumor growth and oncogenic potential, although the detailed mechanisms remain to be elucidated.

Methods

We identified host genes involved in WT1 gene modulation of human liver cancer cell lines in vitro, and further characterized genes related to apoptosis. Moreover, we evaluated the alteration of genes by WT1 in 40 HCC and 58 non-HCC human liver samples collected at resection.

Results

Analysis of the effect of small interfering RNAs-mediated knock-down of WT1 on apoptosis using an annexin V labeling assay, and on modulation of the activity of caspases-3, -8 and -9, indicated that WT1 has an anti-apoptotic role. We identified three apoptosis-related genes that were modulated by WT1; the cellular FLICE-inhibitory proteins (cFLIP) gene was upregulated, and Fas-associated death domain (FADD) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were downregulated. Interestingly, knock-down of FADD or NF-κB resulted in the upregulation of WT1, and the expression of cFLIP changed in parallel with WT1 expression. We further evaluated WT1-mediated alteration of genes in HCC and non-HCC human liver samples. Both HCC and non-HCC tissues that expressed relatively high levels of WT1 showed cFLIP overexpression.

Conclusions

WT1 modulates cFLIP, FADD and NF-κB, and has an anti-apoptotic role in HCC. This mechanism of action of WT1 could be related to the tumor growth and oncogenic potential of HCC.     

Palmitate induces a pro-inflammatory response in human pancreatic islets that mimics CCL2 expression by beta cells in type 2 diabetes

Aims/hypothesis

Beta cell failure is a crucial component in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. One of the proposed mechanisms of beta cell failure is local inflammation, but the presence of pancreatic islet inflammation in type 2 diabetes and the mechanisms involved remain under debate.

Methods

Chemokine and cytokine expression was studied by microarray analysis of laser-capture microdissected islets from pancreases obtained from ten non-diabetic and ten type 2 diabetic donors, and by real-time PCR of human islets exposed to oleate or palmitate at 6 or 28 mmol/l glucose. The cellular source of the chemokines was analysed by immunofluorescence of pancreatic sections from individuals without diabetes and with type 2 diabetes.

Results

Microarray analysis of laser-capture microdissected beta cells showed increased chemokine and cytokine expression in type 2 diabetes compared with non-diabetic controls. The inflammatory response in type 2 diabetes was mimicked by exposure of non-diabetic human islets to palmitate, but not to oleate or high glucose, leading to the induction of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1) and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2). Interference with IL-1β signalling abolished palmitate-induced cytokine and chemokine expression but failed to prevent lipotoxic human islet cell death. Palmitate activated nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) in human pancreatic beta and non-beta cells, and chemically induced endoplasmic reticulum stress caused cytokine expression and NF-κB activation similar to that occurring with palmitate.

Conclusions/interpretation

Saturated-fatty-acid-induced NF-κB activation and endoplasmic reticulum stress may contribute to IL-1β production and mild islet inflammation in type 2 diabetes. This inflammatory process does not contribute to lipotoxicity ex vivo, but may lead to local chemokine release.     

Arginine bioavailability and endothelin-1 system in the regulation of vascular function of umbilical vein endothelial cells from intrauterine growth restricted newborns

Background and aims

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a major risk factor for perinatal morbidity and mortality, leading to long-term adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The present study aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms in IUGR-associated vascular endothelial dysfunction.

DPP-4 Inhibitors Repress NLRP3 Inflammasome and Interleukin-1beta via GLP-1 Receptor in Macrophages Through Protein Kinase C Pathway

Background

Anti-atherosclerotic effects of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors have been shown in many studies. Since inflammation and immune response play a key role in atherogenesis, we examined the effect of DPP-4 inhibitors on the expression of nod-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) Inflammasome and Interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) in human macrophages.

Methods and Results

THP-1 macrophages were incubated with oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) with or without DPP-4 inhibitors (sitagliptin and NVPDPP728). The effects of DPP-4 inhibitors on the expression of NLRP3, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β were studied. Both DPP-4 inhibitors induced a significant reduction in NLRP3, TLR4 and IL-1β expression; concurrently, there was an increase in glucagon like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) expression. Simultaneously, DPP-4 inhibitors reduced phosphorylated-PKC, but not PKA, levels. To determine the role of PKC activation in the effects of DPP-4 inhibitors, cells were treated with PMA- which blocked the effect of DPP-4 inhibitors on NLRP3 and IL-1β as well as TLR4 and GLP-1R. Over-expression of GLP-1R in macrophages with its agonist liraglutide also blocked the effects of PMA.

Conclusion

DPP-4 inhibitors suppress NLRP3, TLR4 and IL-1β in human macrophages through inhibition of PKC activity. This study provides novel insights into the mechanism of inhibition of inflammatory state and immune response in atherosclerosis by DPP-4 inhibitors.     

高糖上调内皮细胞间黏附分子1和血管细胞黏附分子1表达的作用机制

目的探讨高糖上调内皮细胞间黏附分子1(ICAM-1)和血管细胞黏附分子1(VCAM-1)表达的作用机制。方法高浓度葡萄糖(20mmol/L)处理分离培养的人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVECs),以2′-7′-二氯荧光素双醋酸盐(DCFH-DA)标记流式细胞仪检测细胞内活性氧(ROS)。Western blot分析细胞内抑制性蛋白κB(IκB)和核转录因子-κB(NF-κB)蛋白表达和磷酸化水平。免疫荧光法检测NF-κB的活化。结果高糖处理HUVECs后,伴随ROS的显著升高,IκB蛋白明显下调,磷酸化的IκB和NF-κB均增多,使NF-κB移位至细胞核内,导致ICAM-1、VCAM-1的表达明显增强。结论高糖通过刺激ROS的产生和NF-κB的活化上调内皮细胞ICAM-1和VCAM-1黏附因子的表达。     

Guggulsterone enhances antitumor activity of gemcitabine in gallbladder cancer cells through suppression of NF-κB

Purpose

Patients with gallbladder cancer usually have a poor prognosis, and effective standard chemotherapeutic regimens have not been established. The anticancer activities of guggulsterone have been demonstrated in various cancer cells. The aims of the study were to determine the effect of guggulsterone on gallbladder cancer cells and to investigate whether treatment with guggulsterone influences the antitumor activities of gemcitabine.

Methods

The Dojindo Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was used to determine the inhibition of proliferation by drugs in TGBC1 and TGBC2 cells. Cell migration and invasion were examined using 24-well inserts and Matrigel?-coated invasion chambers. The activities of NF-κB p65, VEGF-C, and MMP-2 were measured by ELISA.

Results

Guggulsterone inhibited the proliferation and suppressed migration and invasion of gallbladder cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Guggulsterone significantly decreased NF-κB p65, VEGF-C, and MMP-2 activities in the gallbladder cancer cells examined. Gallbladder cancer cells treated with a combination of guggulsterone and gemcitabine demonstrated significant inhibition of cell proliferation and invasion when compared to treatment with gemcitabine alone. In addition, NF-κB p65 activation decreased significantly in cells treated with a combination of guggulsterone and gemcitabine when compared to treatment with gemcitabine alone.

Conclusions

Guggulsterone exhibits anticancer activities and enhances the antitumor activities of gemcitabine through the suppression of NF-κB activation in gallbladder cancer cells. These results suggest that guggulsterone could be a potential therapeutic option for patients with gallbladder cancer.