Reverse effects of saikoside on multidrug resistance of human leukemic cell line K562/ADM in vitro

AIM: To study the reverse effects of saikoside (SS) on the multidrug resistance (MDR) of human leukemic cell line K562/ADM and to investigate the related mechanism. METHODS: K562 cells and K562/ADM cells in the culture were treated with SS at the concentrations of 1~100 mg/L. The inhibitory rate of the cell proliferation was measured by MTT assay. Non-cytotoxic dose of SS was determined. K562/ADM cells were treated with SS at non-cytotoxic doses of 1.25, 2.5 and 5.0 mg/L with different concentrations of adriamycin (ADM,0.05~100 mg/L). The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) and the reversal index in all groups were determined. The cell morphology was observed after treated with SS+ADM. The effects of SS on ADM accumulation in K562/ADM cells, the cell cycle profile and apoptosis were examined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The inhibitory rates were significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner when the cells were treated with different doses of SS (1~100 mg/L). The available reversal concentration of SS was 5.0 mg/L and the reversal index was 21.5 folds for K562/ADM cells. After treated with SS+ADM, the number of tumor cells was decreased and apoptotic cells were increased in a dose-response relationship. ADM accumulation in K562/ADM cells treated with SS was significantly higher than that in control cells (P<0.05). SS may significantly enhanced the apoptosis of K562/ADM cells treated with ADM (P<0.05). K562/ADM cells treated with SS were blocked in the stage of G₀/G₁. CONCLUSION: SS has effect on proliferation inhibition and MDR reversal in K562/ADM cell line. The reversal mechanisms of SS may be due to increasing the accumulation of chemo therapeutics in the cell, inducing the cell apoptosis and arresting the cells in G₀/G₁ phase.     

Salinomycin inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of Gleevec-resistant chronic myeloid leukemic cell line K562/Glv

AIM: To study the effect of salinomycin on inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis of Gleevec-resistant chronic myeloid leukemia cell line K562/Glv. METHODS: The inhibitory effect of salinomycin on the growth of K562/Glv cells was detected by CCK-8 assay in vitro. Flow cytometry was used to observe apoptosis, mitochondria membrane potential (ΔΨ_m), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the concentration of intracellular Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_i) in K562/Glv cells. The activity of caspase-3, -8 and -9 was measured by the method of colorimetry. The levels of cytochrome C, Bcl-2, Bax, β-catenin and phosphorylated low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (p-LRP6) were determined by Western blotting. RESULTS: Salinomycin inhibited the growth of K562/Glv cells in a dose-dependent manner. Salinomycin at concentration of 0.2 μmol/L inhibited the growth of the cells with the inhibitory rate of (36.70±2.31)%. The cell apoptotic rate was (19.66±2.23)%. Salinomycin at concentration of 0.2 μmol/L decreased the level of ΔΨ_m, and increased the levels of ROS, cytochrome C and[Ca²⁺]_i in the cells. Salinomycin also increased the activity of caspase-3, -8 and -9 in the cells, reduced the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax, and attenuated the levels of β-catenin and p-LRP6. CONCLUSION: Salinomycin induces the apoptosis of Gleevec-resistant myeloid leukemia cell line K562/Glv via Bcl-2/Bax and mitochondria-dependent pathways, and inhibits the cell growth through Wnt signal pathway.     

Study of establishment of K562/HHT cell line and reversal of multidrug resistance by antiprogestin drug mifepristone

AIM: To study the mechanism of multidrug resistance (MDR) of leukemia cells induced by homoharringtonine (HHT) and the reversal effect of mifepristone on MDR.METHODS: Human leukemia cell line K562 was induced into MDR cell line by intermittent administration of high dose of HHT.MTT assay was used to detect the sensitivity of these MDR cells to all sorts of chemotherapeutic agents with or without mifepristone.The cytotoxicity of mifepristone was also observed.RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of MDR1 gene and glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) gene.Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of P-glucoprotein and the accumulative value of intracellular daunorubicin (DNR) in these MDR cells with or without mifepristone.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of Bcl-2,Bax and caspase-3 in these MDR cells with or without mifepristone.RESULTS: MDR cell line K562/HHT was acquired after induced by HHT for 2 months.This MDR cell line possessed the ability of 462.6 fold resistance to HHT and cross-resistance to adriamycin,vincristine and etoposide.The expression of MDR1 gene,GCS gene,P-glucoprotein and Bcl-2/Bax ratio in K562/HHT cells were significantly higher than those in K562 cells (P<0.05).The caspase-3 expression and the accumulative value of intracellular DNR in K562/HHT cells were significantly lower than those in K562 cells (P<0.05).10 μmol/L mifepristone reversed the resistance of K562/HHT cells to HHT,adriamycin,vincristine and etoposide at different levels.The Bcl-2/Bax ratio,caspase-3 expression and accumulative value of intracellular DNR in K562/HHT cells treated with RU486 were significantly different compared with K562/HHT cells without RU486 treatment (P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: Leukemia cell line K562 can be induced into MDR cell line K562/HHT by HHT.P-glucoprotein,GCS,Bcl-2/Bax ratio and caspase-3 may play an important role in K562/HHT cells.Mifepristone can reverse MDR in K562/HHT cells by decreasing the accumulative value of intracellular drug and regulating the expression of Bcl-2,Bax and caspase-3.     

Valproate enhances imatinib-induced apoptosis and down-regulates Bcr/Abl mRNA and phosphorylated protein kinase B in chronic myeloid leukemia cell line K562

AIM：To investigate the effects of valproate and imatinib on the apoptosis of chronic myeloid leukemic cell line K562. METHODS：K562 cells were divided into 3 groups and treated with valproate, imatinib and cotreatment, respectively. Cell cycle, apoptosis, the mRNA expression of Bcr/Abl, total protein kinase B (PKB) and phosphorylated PKB (p-PKB) were analyzed. RESULTS：The apoptotic rates in valproate group, imatinib group and cotreatment group were (11.47±0.25)%, (28.43±1.70)% and (57.73±4.38)%, respectively (P<0.05). No obvious difference was observed in cell cycle between cotreatment group and monodrug group. Bcr/Abl mRNA and p-PKB in the above 3 groups were (0.00±0.00), (64.17±12.27), and (0.00±0.00) ×10 9 copies/(g total mRNA), respectively (P<005), and 0.25±0.02, 0.17±0.01 and 0.08±0.01, respectively (P<0.05). No apparent difference of PKB was found in the 3 groups. CONCLUSION：Valproate enhances imatinib-induced apoptosis and may link to the down-regulation of Bcr/Abl mRNA and p-PKB in chronic myeloid leukemic cell line K562.     

Establishment of arsenic trioxide-resistant K562/AS2 cell line and the mechanism of multidrug resistance

AIM:To establish a arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃ )-resistant leukemic cell line to explore the mechanism of resistance to As₂O₃, and the relationship between the resistant cell line and the multidrug resistance was also investigated. METHODS:The arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃ )-resistant leukemic cell line was established by exposing the cells to the increasing concentration of As₂O₃. MTT assay was used to detect the cytotoxicity. Cell cycle was detected by PI assay. Flow Cytometry was used to detect the P-glycoprotein on the surface of the cells, the intracellular concentration of DNR, and the immuetype of the cells. RESULTS:The cell doublings time and the cell cycle of the arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃ )-resistant leukemic cell line, K562/AS2, is similar to that of K562. The relative resistant fold of K562/AS2 to As₂O₃, DNR, VP16 and Ara-C was 7.4, 2.9, 3.8 and 1.1, respectively. The relative resistant fold of multidrug resistant cell line, K562/ A02, to As₂O₃, DNR, VP16 and Ara-C was 0.8、94、2.5 and 0.9, respectively. The fluorescence of the P-glycoprotein on the surface or of the DNR inside the cells detected was not significantly different between the K562 and the K562/AS2 cell lines. CONCLUSIONS:A cell line, K562/AS2, resistant to clinical achieving level (2 μmol/L) of As₂O₃ has been established. The relative resistant fold of K562/ AS2 to As₂O₃ is about 7.4 fold to the parent K562 line sensitive to As₂O₃. Partial resistance of K562/AS2 to DNR and VP16 is observed , the mechanism of which is unrelated to the P-gp, the expression product of multidrug resistance gene 1 (mdr1).     

Knockdown of RALA by siRNA inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in human leukemic K562 cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of siRNA-induced knockdown of v-ral simian leukemia viral oncogene homolog A(RALA) on proliferation and apoptosis of chronic myelogenous leukemia(CML) K562 cells. METHODS: The chemically synthesized siRNA targeting to RALA gene was transfected into K562 cells using Lipofectamine^TM 2000. The proliferation and viability of K562 cells were detected by MTT assay and trypan blue dye exclusion. The expression levels of RALA mRNA and protein were determined by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting,respectively. The cell apoptosis was analyzed using flow cytometry by double staining with annexin V and propidium iodide, and the apoptotic morphological changes were detected by Hoechst 33258 staining. RESULTS: RALA siRNA significantly down-regulated RALA mRNA and protein expression in K562 cells(P<0.05). The proliferation of K562 cells in RALA siRNA group was inhibited compared with control group(P<0.05). The apoptotic rate was much higher in RALA siRNA group than that in negative control group(P<0.05). The apoptotic morphological changes were observed in the nuclei of K562 cells transfected with RALA siRNA. CONCLUSION: The siRNA-mediated knockdown of RALA results in inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis in K562 cells, indicating that RALA might be used as a potential therapeutic target in chronic myelogenous leukemia.     

Transition of WT1 isoforms inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of human leukemia cell line HL-60

AIM: To study the potential effects of exogenous Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) isoforms on the proliferation and apoptosis of human leukemia cell line HL-60. METHODS: WT1 (17AA－/KTS－) gene obtained by RT-PCR was cloned into a PCDH1-MCS1-EF1-copGFP plasmid. The recombinant plasmid was confirmed by enzyme digestion and sequencing, and was transfected into HL-60 cells by LipofectamineTM 2000. The stable transformants were selected by G418 screening. WT1(17AA－/KTS－) expression was identified by real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting. The proliferation of the cells was measured by MTT assay. The apoptosis of the cells was determined by morphological observation and flow cytometry analysis. RESULTS: The eukaryotic expression vector PCDH1-MCS1-EF1-copGFP-WT1 (17AA－/KTS－) was successfully constructed. The recombinant cells exhibited high mRNA and protein levels of WT1(17AA－/KTS－). The growth of recombinant cells was slower than that of HL-60 cells transfected with control vector and normal HL-60 cells. After exposed to As2O3 at 2 μmol/L for 48 h, both recombinant cells and control cells exhibited the morphological characteristics of apoptosis, but the former was more typical than the latter. The apoptosis was enhanced in the recombinant cells after the cells were exposed to As2O3 for 24 h. CONCLUSION: Exogenous WT1(17AA-/KTS-) isoform inhibits the proliferation and promotes the apoptosis of leukemic cells.     

Quercitrin promotes apoptosis of gastric cancer cell line SGC7901 by inhibiting PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

AIM: To investigate whether quercitrin induces apoptosis of gastric cancer cell line SGC7901 by inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. METHODS: The human gastric cancer SGC7901 cells were selected as the research object. The cytotoxicity of quercitrin was detected by MTT assay, and IC₅₀ value of quercitrin was calculated. The SGC7901 cells were divided into control group, quercitrin group (incubated with 200 μmol/L quercitrin), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) group (incubated with 100 μg/L IGF-1) and quercitrin+IGF-1 group (incubated with 200 μmol/L quercitrin and 100 μg/L IGF-1). After 48 h, the apoptosis of SGC7901 cells was analyzed by flow cytometry, and the protein levels of cleaved caspase-3, p-AKT (Ser473), AKT, p-PI3K (Tyr508) and PI3K were determined by Western blot. RESULTS: The viability of SGC7901 cells was significantly decreased as the concentration of quercitrin increased, starting at 100 μmol/L (P<0.05). The IC₅₀ value of quercitrin for 48 h was 275.40 μmol/L. After treatment with 200 μmol/L quercitrin for 48 h, the apoptosis rate and the protein level of cleaved caspase-3 in quercitrin group were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the phosphorylated levels of AKT and PI3K were significantly decreased compared with control group (P<0.05). Treatment with quercitrin and IGF-1 inhibited the effect of quercitrin on SGC7901 cells compared with quercitrin group. CONCLUSION: Quercitrin may induce apoptosis of gastric cancer cell line SGC7901 by inhibiting the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.     

Ethyl acetate extract of Pleione bulbocodioides (Franch.) Rolfe induces apoptosis of human leukemia K562 and HL-60 cells through intrinsic mitochondrial apoptosis pathway

AIM:To investigate the effects of ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract of Pleione bulbocodioides (Franch.) Rolfe on proliferation and apoptosis of human leukemia K562 and HL-60 cells and the possible apoptosis pathway. METHODS:Human leukemia cell lines were treated with EtOAc extract of Pleione bulbocodioides at different concentrations. XTT method was used to evaluate the viability of K562 cells and HL-60 cells. The cell growth inhibition was calculated by Trypan blue exclusion test. The percentage of apoptotic cells was determined by flow cytometry, and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) was used to observe morphological changes of the cells. The cell cycle was observed by propidium iodide (PI) staining. The protein expression of Bcl-2, Bax, cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), cleaved caspase-3, cytochrome C and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) wase determined by Western blot. RESULTS:The cell viability and proliferation were inhibited by EtOAc extract of Pleione bulbocodioides with IC₅₀ of (42.14±2.54) mg/L for HL-60 cells and (51.28±3.12) mg/L for K562 cells at 24 h. The results of Annexin V-FITC/PI and DAPI staining showed that EtOAc extract of Pleione bulbocodioides induced cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. The apoptotic rate was increased compared with control group (P<0.05). The G₂ phase increased with typical cell apoptosis-induced morphological changes. The levels of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax, cleaved PARP and cleaved caspase-3 were increased, while Bcl-2 was down-regulated (P<0.05). Cytochrome C and AIF in cytosol, characteristic proteins of intrinsic mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, also increased with the concentration of EtOAc extract of Pleione bulbocodioides increasing (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:EtOAc extract of Pleione bulbocodioides significantly inhibits cell proliferation and induces cell apoptosis in human leukemia cell lines HL-60 and K562 through intrinsic mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.     

Knockdown of astrocyte elevated gene-1 by siRNA inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in human neuroblastoma cell line

AIM: To investigate the effect of siRNA-induced astrocyte elevated gene-1 ( AEG-1 ) down-regulation on the proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle of neuroblastoma cells. METHODS: An siRNA targeting to AEG-1 mRNA (AEG-1 siRNA) was constructed and transfected into neuroblastoma cells with Lipofectamine 2000. A non-specific siRNA (control siRNA) and non-treatment were used as negative control and blank control,respectively . The cell proliferation was detected by MTT method and colony formation assay. The apoptosis and cell cycle were analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Compared with control groups, the expression of AEG-1 mRNA was evidently declined in the cells transfected with AEG-1 siRNAs (P<0.05). AEG-1 siRNA significantly decreased the cell proliferation. After treated with AEG-1 siRNA for 48 h, the percentage of apoptotic cells was significant increased and the cell cycle was arrested in G₀/G₁ phase compared with the control cells (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The mRNA expression of AEG-1 is down-regulated by AEG-1 siRNA in neuroblastoma cells. Knockdown of AEG-1 expression in human neuroblastoma cells significantly inhibits cell proliferation and apoptosis, and induces cell arrest in G₀/G₁ phase of the cell cycle.     

ARHI gene inhibits cell growth,induces G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis of acute myeloid leukemia cell line U937

AIM: To investigate the expression of aplasia rashomolog member I (ARHI) gene in acute myeloid leukemia cells (AML) and to study the effects of ARHI on the growth of AML cell line U937.METHODS: The mRNA expression of ARHI in AML cells, 293FT cells, AML primary cells and healthy volunteer blood cells were detected by RT-PCR. After transfection with the MSCV-IRES-GFP-ARHI plasmid to the U937 cells, the growth curve was analyzed by MTT assay. U937 cells were re-suspended by fresh medium and cultured for 24 h, then the cell cycle distribution and apoptotic rate were determined. RESULTS: The mRNA of ARHI was positively detectable in 293FT cells and healthy volunteer blood cells instead of AML cell line and AML primary cells. The growth curve showed that cell viability in U937 cells with high expression of ARHI (U937-ARHI) was lower than that in the control cells (U937-GFP) on 6th~8th day. The ratio of G₂/M phase and apoptotic rate in the U937-ARHI cells were increased compare with control group(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The mRNA level of ARHI is low in AML cells. High expression of ARHI gene in U937 cells inhibits cell growth, arrests the cells at G₂/M phase and induces apoptosis.     

Salinomycin inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of cisplatin-resistant human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549/DDP

AIM: To investigate the effect of salinomycin on the proliferation and apoptosis of cisplatin-resistant human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549/DDP. METHODS: The inhibitory effect of salinomycin on the growth of A549/DDP cells was tested by MTT method in vitro . The apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ_m) of A549/DDP cells were assayed by flow cytometry. The activity of caspase-3, 8 and 9 was determined by the method of colorimetry. The levels of cytochrome C, Bcl- 2, Bax, β-catenin, and phosphorylated low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6(p-LRP6) were measured by Western blotting. RESULTS: Salinomycin inhibited the growth of A549/DDP cells in a dose-dependent manner. Salinomycin at concentration of 0.2 μmol/L decreased ΔΨ_m level, and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), cytochrome C and cytosolic Ca²⁺ release in the cells. Salinomycin also increased the acti-vity of caspase-3, 8, and 9 in the cells, reduced the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax, and decreased the levels of β-catenin and p-LRP6. CONCLUSION: Salinomycin depresses the cell growth by inhibiting Wnt signaling, and induces the apoptosis of cisplatin-resistant human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549/DDP via mitochondria-dependent and Bcl-2/Bax pathways.     

Shikonin induces apoptosis and autophagy of human cervical cancer HeLa cells by PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway

AIM:To observe the effects of shikonin on the apoptosis and autophagy of human cervical cancer HeLa cells, and to explore the possible role of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in these processes. METHODS:The HeLa cells were treated with shikonin, and the cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay. The apoptosis was detected by Annexin V/PI double staining. The autophagosome was observed by transfection with GFP-LC3 into the HeLa cells. After the treatment with shikonin combined with autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) or apoptosis inhibitor Z-DEVD-FMK, the protein levels of autophagy-and apoptosis-related molecules microtuble-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and cleaved caspase-3 in the HeLa cells were determined by Western blot. The protein levels of phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K), phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) and phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR) were also determined by Western blot. RESULTS:Shikonin significantly inhibited the viability of HeLa cells (P<0.05). Compared with control group, shikonin significantly induced apoptosis of HeLa cells (P<0.05). The results of GFP-LC3 plasmid transfection analysis showed that green dot-like congregate autophagosomes appeared in the cytoplasm of the HeLa cells after shikonin treatment, while the autophagosomes were rarely observed in control group. Compared with shikonin group, LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-I was significantly decreased and cleaved caspase-3 was significantly increased in shikonin+3-MA group (P<0.05). Compared with shikonin group, LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-I was significantly increased and cleaved caspase-3 was significantly decreased in shikonin+Z-DEVD-FMK group (P<0.05). Compared with control group, shikonin significantly decreased the protein levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt and p-mTOR (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:The apoptosis and autophagy of the HeLa cells are induced by shikonin, these two processes are complementary. The mechanism may be related to inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.     

Effects of Buzhong Yiqi decoction-medicated serum on drug resistance of human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549/DDP to cisplatin

AIM:To investigate the effects of Buzhong Yiqi decoction-medicated serum on the drug resistance of human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549/DDP to cisplatin. METHODS:Medicated serum containing Buzhong Yiqi decoction was prepared. The optimal dose of the medicated serum was selected by MTT assay. The A549 cells and A549/DDP cells were treated with the optimal medicated serum and cisplatin at different concentrations. The IC 50, resistance index and reversal index were determined. The cells were divided into control serum group, optimal medicated serum group, LY294002 group, LY294002 + optimal medicated serum group (combination group) and negative group. The expression of PI3K and Akt at mRNA and protein levels was detected by the methods of immunocytochemistry, Western blotting and real-time PCR. RESULTS:Treatment with 10% middle dose of medicated serum for 48 h was the optimal dose and time for medicated serum. The sensitivity of A549/DDP cells to cisplatin was obviously enhanced when the cells were exposed to the optimal medicated serum with the reversal index of 2.46. The expression of PI3K and Akt at mRNA and protein levels in optimal medicated serum group and combination group was significantly decreased. CONCLUSION:Buzhong Yiqi decoction decreases the resistance index by reducing the expression of PI3K in A549/DDP cells, thus increasing the sensitivity of A549/DDP cells to cisplatin.     

Effect of growth arrest-specific protein 6 on H9c2 cell apoptosis induced by anoxia-reoxygenation via PI3K/Akt survival pathway

AIM: To investigate the effect of growth arrest-specific protein 6(Gas 6) on H9c2 cell apoptosis induced by anoxia-reoxygenation (A/R) and its possible relationship with PI3K/Akt pathway. METHODS: Cultured H9c2 cell line of cardiomyocytes was randomly divided into 4 groups: normal control group, anoxia-reoxygenation group (A/R), anoxia-reoxygenation+Gas6 group (A/R+Gas6) and anoxia/reoxygenation+Gas6+LY294002 group (A/R+Gas6+LY294002). The procedure of A/R was performed in cultured H9c2 cells by 3 h of anoxia and then 3 h of reoxygenation. The viability of the cells and the activity of caspase-3 were detected by automatic biochemistry analytic instrument. Cell apoptotic rates were evaluated by flow cytometry. The protein level of phosphorylated Akt(p-Akt) was determined by Western blotting. RESULTS: Compared with control group, the cell viability was significantly decreased, and caspase-3 activity, cell apoptotic rate and the protein level of p-Akt were increased in A/R group. Compared with A/R group, the caspase-3 activity and cell apoptotic rate reduced markedly, while the cell viability and the protein level of p-Akt were significantly increased in A/R+Gas6 group .The effect of Gas6 was inhibited by LY294002. CONCLUSION: Gas6 may protect the H9c2 cells from anoxia-reoxygenation-induced apoptosis. Its mechanism is possibly involved in the activation of PI3K/Akt survival pathway via increasing the phosphorylation of Akt protein.