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As the sixth most prevalent cancer, liver cancer has been reported as the second cause of cancer-induced deaths globally. Lysionotin, a flavonoid compound widely distributed in Lysionotus pauciflorus Maxim, has attracted considerable attention due to its multiple biological activities. The present study analyzes the anti-liver cancer effects of lysionotin in cells and mouse models. In HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells, lysionotin significantly reduced the viability of cells, inhibited cell proliferation and migration, enhanced cell apoptosis, promoted the increase of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and alternated the content of apoptosis-related proteins. In HepG2-and SMMC-7721-xenograft tumor mouse models, lysionotin inhibited tumor growth, reduced the expression levels of anti-apoptotic proteins and enhanced the expression levels of pro-apoptotic proteins in tumor tissues. Additionally, the pre-treatment of Ac-DEVD-CHO, an inhibitor of caspase-3, strongly restored the low cell viability, the enhanced apoptosis rate, the dissipation of MMP caused by lysionotin exposure, as well as prevented the lysionotin-caused enhancement on expressions of apoptosis related proteins, especially cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), Fas Ligand (FasL), cleaved caspase-3 and Bax in both HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells. Altogether, lysionotin showed significant anti-liver cancer effects related to caspase-3 mediated mitochondrial apoptosis., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

A facile method of assembling oxindole and phthalide units through a Lewis based catalyzed allylic alkylation reaction of Morita-Baylis-Hillman carbonates of isatins and 3-cyanophthalides was recently developed. The method efficiently delivers a hybrid of 3,3'-disubstituted oxindole with a valuable phthalide pharmacophore. In the present study, we proved the deleterious effects of 5h2c, a screened synthesis compound, against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in both in vitro and in vivo models. 5h2c strongly decreased cell viability, caused over-release of lactate dehydrogenase, inhibited cell migration, and enhanced the apoptosis rate in HepG2 and PLC/PRF/5 cells. 5h2c led to an increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species levels and a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential. In HepG2-and PLC/PRF/5-xenograft tumor mouse models, treatment with 5h2c inhibited tumor growth without affecting the animals' bodyweight or organ functions. Proteome profiling of tumor tissues after 24-h exposure to 5h2c showed significantly enhanced expression levels of Bcl-2 associated X protein, cleaved caspase -3, -8, and -9, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), heme oxygenase-2, paraoxonase 2, catalase, and factor associated suicide ligand, and reduced the expression levels of B-cell lymphoma-2, B-cell lymphoma-extra large, heat shock protein 27, heat shock protein 60, and heat shock protein 70 in HepG2 and PLC/PRF/5 cells. All of our data confirmed that oxidative stress-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis (especially the Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway) is responsible for 5h2c-induced HCC damage., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The microbial world presents a complex palette of opportunities and dangers to animals, which have developed surveillance and response strategies to hints of microbial intent. We show here that the mitochondrial homeostatic response pathway of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans responds to Escherichia coli mutations that activate free radical detoxification pathways. Activation of C. elegans mitochondrial responses could be suppressed by additional mutations in E. coli, suggesting that C. elegans responds to products of E. coli to anticipate challenges to its mitochondrion. Out of 50 C. elegans gene inactivations known to mediate mitochondrial defense, we found that 7 genes were required for C. elegans response to a free radical producing E. coli mutant, including the bZip transcription factor atfs-1 (activating transcription factor associated with stress). An atfs-1 loss-of-function mutant was partially resistant to the effects of free radical-producing E. coli mutant, but a constitutively active atfs-1 mutant growing on wild-type E. coli inappropriately activated the pattern of mitochondrial responses normally induced by an E. coli free radical pathway mutant. Carbonylated proteins from free radical-producing E. coli mutant may directly activate the ATFS-1/bZIP transcription factor to induce mitochondrial stress response: feeding C. elegans with H2O2-treated E. coli induces the mitochondrial unfolded protein response, and inhibition of a gut peptide transporter partially suppressed C. elegans response to free radical damaged E. coli.

The incidence of wooden breast (WB) meat of commercial broiler chicken has been increasing in recent years. Histological examination found that the occurrence of WB myopathy was accompanied by the pectoralis major (PM) muscle damage. So far, the potential mechanisms are not fully understood. This study aimed to explore the underlying mechanism of the damage of WB-affected PM muscle caused by changes in mitochondrial function, mitochondrial redox status and Ca2+ homeostasis. A total of 80 market-age Arbor Acres male broiler chickens were sampled and categorized into control (CON) and WB groups based on the evaluation of myopathic lesions. PM muscle samples were collected (n = 8 in each group) for histopathological evaluation and biochemical analyses. Ultrastructural examination and histopathological changes suggested the occurrence of PM muscle damage in broiler chickens with WB myopathy. The WB group showed an increased level of reactive oxygen species and enhanced antioxidant capacities in mitochondria of PM muscle. These changes were related to impaired mitochondria morphology and mitochondrial dysfunction. In addition, abnormal expressions of Ca2+ channels led to substantial Ca2+ loss in SR and cytoplasmic Ca2+ overload, as well as Ca2+ accumulation in mitochondria, resulting in Ca2+ dyshomeostasis in PM muscle of broiler chickens with WB myopathy. Combined, these findings indicate that WB myopathy is related to mitochondrial dysfunction, mitochondrial redox status imbalance and Ca2+ dyshomeostasis, leading to WB-affected PM muscle damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carnosic acid (CA), an important bioactive phenolic diterpene mainly found in labiate plants, exerts various biological functions, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and neuroprotective activities. In the present study, we proved the deleterious effects of CA against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in both in vitro and in vivo models. In vitro , CA significantly decreased cell viability, inhibited cell proliferation and migration, enhanced apoptosis, and increased caspase-3, -8, and -9 activities in HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells. Specifically, CA led to a decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and increases in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and apoptosis-related protein expression. Pre-incubation of HCC cells with N -Acetyl- l -cysteine (NAC), a ROS inhibitor, strongly suppressed CA-induced apoptotic phenomena, including reduced cell viability, excessive ROS levels, MMP decreases, and abnormal protein expression, suggesting an association of CA-induced apoptosis with oxidative stress-mediated mitochondrial pathways. In HepG2-and SMMC-7721-xenograft tumor mouse models, treatment with CA inhibited tumor growth and modulated apoptosis-related protein expression, confirming the anti-HCC effects of this chemical. Moreover, the CA-mediated anti-HCC effects associated with oxidative stress provide experimental evidence to support the potential use of CA as a drug therapy for HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Carnosic acid-loaded liposomes (LP-CA) were prepared by ethanol injection method. • The post-insertion method was used to conjugate transferrin (Tf) to LP-CA (Tf-LP-CA). • Tf-LP-CA can target liver cancer cells to achieve the precise delivery of CA. • Tf-LP-CA suppressed tumor growth of liver cancer cell-xenotransplanted mice. • Mitochondria-related endogenous pathway was involved in Tf-LP-CA caused apoptosis. Our previous studies have proven that carnosic acid (CA) induces apoptosis of liver cancer cells. However, the poor chemical properties of CA limit its in vivo anti-cancer effects. In this study, CA was loaded into liposomes (LP-CA), and LP-CA was further conjugated with transferrin (Tf-LP-CA) to overcome the shortcomings of poor solubility and absorption at the lesion site. In HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells, compared with CA and LP-CA, more Tf-LP-CA was absorbed by liver cancer cells, which induced higher levels of apoptosis and reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential more effectively. In HepG2- and SMMC-7721-xenotransplanted mice, Tf-LP-CA inhibited tumor growth with no cytotoxicity to the liver, spleen, or kidney. Furthermore, compared with CA and LP-CA, Tf-LP-CA targeted the tumor site more effectively, enhanced the expressions of cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, and Caspase-3 and -9, and regulated the expression levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) family members in the tumor tissues. Tf-LP-CA was taken up by tumor cells and targeted at tumor tissues, ensuring the precise delivery of CA, which further promoted mitochondria-mediated intrinsic apoptosis in the liver cancer cells. These results provide evidence for the clinical application of the Tf-LP-based CA drug delivery system for liver cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]