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ABSTRACT: In the present study, we investigated whether treatment with cepharanthine, a biscoclaurine alkaloid extracted from Stephania cepharantha improves the response to radiotherapy in the oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines, HSC2, HSC3 and HSC4. We examined the potential mechanisms that may contribute to the enhanced radiation response induced by cepharanthine. Growth inhibition was observed in vitro with radiation or cepharanthine. A co-operative anti-proliferative effect was obtained when cancer cells were treated with cepharanthine followed by radiation. Cepharanthine also promoted the mitotic death of 3 cell lines by radiation. The results from DNA damage repair analysis in the cultured OSCC cells demonstrated that cepharanthine had a strong inhibitory effect on DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair after radiation. The combined treatment of cepharanthine and radiation led to an increase in the sub-G1 peak as shown by flow cytometry, and markedly induced apoptosis through the activation of caspase-3. Tumor xenograft studies demonstrated that the combination of cepharanthine and radiation caused growth inhibition and tumor regression of OSCC tumors in athymic mice; tumor volume was reduced from 765.7 to 226.3 mm3 in HSC2 cells (p<0.01), 391.6 to 43.7 mm3 in HSC3 (p<0.01), and from 572.6 to 174.2 mm3 in HSC4 cells (p<0.01). In addition, combined therapy markedly increased tumor cell apoptosis. Overall, we conclude that cepharanthine enhances tumor radioresponse by multiple mechanisms that may involve the induction of apoptosis and the inhibition of DNA DSB repair after exposure to radiation.
International Journal of Oncology 05/2012; 41(2):565-72. · 2.40 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Contradictory results have been reported regarding the association between vascularity (used as an index of angiogenesis) and thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) in human tumours. In previous studies, the reported association was based on the estimated average TSP-1 value per tumour, with a sufficient number of specimens collectively analysed per tumour type. Given the extent of intra-tumour heterogeneity, we determined the association between TSP-1 and vascularity within individual specimens, based on the average values of TSP-1 and vascularity in 10-20 pre-selected areas per tumour. Cells expressing TSP-1 mRNA were visualised by in situ hybridisation and quantified by point counting. Vascularity was quantified by point counting and vessel density of von Willebrand Factor-positive vessels. In 10 ductal breast carcinomas, a direct correlation between TSP-1 and vascularity was found in 4 tumours, no correlation in 3 and an inverse correlation in 3. The effect of TSP-1 on endothelial cell migration in vitro was assessed in the Boyden chamber assay. TSP-1 stimulated cell migration at low concentrations (0.1-10 microg/ml) and was inhibitory at high concentrations (25-100 microg/ml). These results suggest that TSP-1 may elicit a concentration-dependent, bi-phasic, effect on angiogenesis.
The Histochemical Journal 04/2012; 34(8-9):411-21.
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ABSTRACT: It has previously been demonstrated that apatite may be coated on the surface of titanium (Ti) at room temperature when the titanium is blasted with apatite powder. This method is known as the blast coating (BC) method. In this study, the osteoconductivity and tissue response to Ti implants blast-coated with apatite (BC implants) were evaluated using apatite-coated Ti implants produced using the flame spraying (FS) method (FS implants) and pure Ti implants as a control. Initial evaluation using simulated body fluid demonstrated higher osteoconductivity in BC implants than in FS implants. Therefore, specimens were implanted in rat tibias for 1, 3 and 6 weeks. At one week after implantation, BC implants showed much higher bone contact ratio when compared with FS implants; the bone contact ratio of BC implants was 75.7%, while the FS and pure Ti implants had ratios of 30.8% and 5.5%, respectively. The difference in bone contact ratio between BC and FS implants decreased with implantation time and the ratios were equal after 6 weeks. In conclusion, BC implants show higher osteoconductivity than FS implants, and thus BC implants are beneficial for early fixation of implants to bone tissue.
Dental Materials Journal 07/2011; 30(4):431-7. · 1.14 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The identification of novel stratification biomarkers would benefit the clinical management of patients with salivary gland tumours. Migration-stimulating factor (MSF) is a potent stimulator of cell invasion, matrix remodelling and angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to determine whether MSF was expressed in salivary gland tumours and its potential value as a diagnostic biomarker.
Paraffin-embedded archival specimens of small salivary gland tumours were stained with an MSF-specific antibody. The specimens included 27 malignant and seven benign tumours; histologically normal salivary gland adjacent to the tumour was present in 16 specimens. MSF expression was assessed by consensus of 2-4 independent observers according to various indices, including 'overall MSF grade', 'percentage of area stained' and 'intensity of the staining'. The motogenic effect of MSF on a salivary gland tumour cell line, HSG, was examined in the transmembrane assay.
Overall MSF expression increased significantly in a step-wise fashion from normal salivary gland to benign and malignant tumours (P = 0.04-0.0001); with moderate/strong positive specimens representing 6%, 33% and 74% of the normal, benign and malignant specimens, respectively. MSF was heterogeneously expressed in both carcinoma and stromal cell compartments, its expression being higher in malignant than benign tumours regarding various MSF indices. In tissue culture studies, exogenous MSF stimulated the migration of HSG cells.
These immunohistochemical and functional studies suggest that MSF expression is a potentially useful biomarker of salivary gland tumour progression.
Journal of Oral Pathology and Medicine 04/2011; 40(10):747-54. · 1.63 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Chemotherapy has shown little antitumor activity against advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop more effective therapeutic methods for patients with advanced OSCC. Lentinan, beta-(1-->3)-D-glucan, an extract from the edible mushroom, Lentinus edodes, has been reported to show direct antitumor effects and various immunomodulatory effects. S-1 is an oral antineoplastic agent that can induce apoptosis in various types of cancer cells, including OSCC. Hence, combined treatment of cancer cells with Lentinan and S-1 might exert dramatic antitumor effects on OSCC cells. In this study, the response of human OSCC cells to Lentinan alone and in combination with S-1 was examined using nude mouse xenograft models. S-1 (6.9 mg/kg/day, 7 times/week) was administered orally and Lentinan (0.1 mg/kg/day, 2 times/week) was injected into peritumoral tissue for three weeks. Apoptotic cells were detected by a TUNEL method. The gene expression level of thymidylate synthase (TS), dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) and orotate phosphoribosyl transferase (OPRT) was determined using microdissection and RT-PCR, and their protein levels were determined using ELISA. Combined therapy of Lentinan and S-1 markedly exerted antitumor effects on human OSCC xenografts and significantly induced apoptotic cells in tumors treated with Lentinan plus S-1. Microdissection and RT-PCR revealed that the expression of TS and DPD mRNA was down-regulated and that expression of OPRT mRNA was up-regulated in tumors administered the combined treatment. Moreover, ELISA indicated that the protein levels of TS and DPD were down-regulated, and that OPRT was up-regulated in tumors treated with the combined therapy. During the experimental period, no loss of body weight was observed in mice treated with the combined therapy. These findings demonstrate that the combination of Lentinan and S-1 is effective against OSCC and has the potential of being a new therapeutic tool for future treatment of these tumors.
International Journal of Oncology 09/2010; 37(3):623-31. · 2.40 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Cepharanthine is a biscoclaurine alkaloid extracted from Stephania cepharantha Hayata, which is widely used for the treatment of many acute and chronic diseases, and can exert antitumor effects on several human cancer cell lines. However, little is known about the detailed mechanisms of the antitumor activity of Cepharanthine. In the present study, we determined whether Cepharanthine could suppress angiogenesis and growth of human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells in vitro and in vivo. Cepharanthine significantly inhibited expression of two major pro-angiogenic molecules, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-8 (IL-8), in cultured cells and in cells implanted into the subcutaneous tissue of nude mice. Also, Cepharanthine inhibited the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activity in human OSCC cells in vitro and in vivo. The decreased expression of VEGF and IL-8 correlated with decreased tumor cell growth and decreased vascularization in vitro and in vivo. These findings suggest that Cepharanthine can suppress angiogenesis and growth of OSCC cells by inhibiting expression of VEGF and IL-8 involved in the blockade of NF-kappaB activity.
International Journal of Oncology 11/2009; 35(5):1025-35. · 2.40 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Chemotherapy has shown little antitumor activity against advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop more effective therapeutic methods for patients with advanced OSCC. Cepharanthine is a biscoclaurine alkaloid extracted from Stephania cepharantha Hayata, which is widely used for the treatment of many acute and chronic diseases, and can exert antitumor effects on several human cancer cells. S-1 is a new oral antineoplastic agent that can induce apoptosis in various types of cancer cells, including OSCC. Hence combined treatment of cancer cells with cepharanthine and S-1 might exert dramatic antitumor effects on OSCC cells.
In this study, the response of human OSCC cells to cepharanthine alone and in combination with S-1 was examined using nude mouse xenograft models. S-1 (10 mg/kg/day, 5 times/week) was administered orally and cepharanthine (20 mg/kg, 5 times/week) was injected into peritumoral tissue for three weeks. Apoptotic cells were detected by a TUNEL method. The protein expression of thymidylate synthase (TS), dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), and orotate phosphoribosyl transferase (OPRT) were assessed using immunohistochemistry; their gene expression was determined using microdissection and RT-PCR, and their protein levels using ELISA.
Combined therapy of cepharanthine and S-1 exerted antitumor effects on human OSCC xenografts markedly and significantly induced apoptotic cells in tumors treated with cepharanthine plus S-1. Immunohistochemistry showed that the expressions of TS and DPD were down-regulated, and that OPRT expression was up-regulated in tumors treated with cepharanthine plus S-1. In the same way, microdissection and RT-PCR revealed that the expression of TS and DPD mRNA was down-regulated and that expression of OPRT mRNA was up-regulated in tumors administered the combined treatment. Moreover, ELISA indicated that the protein levels of TS and DPD were down-regulated, and that OPRT was up-regulated in tumors treated with the combined therapy. During the experimental period, no loss of body weight was observed in mice treated with the combined therapy.
These findings demonstrate that the combination of cepharanthine and S-1 is effective against OSCC and has the potential of being a new therapeutic tool for future treatment of these tumors.
Anticancer research 05/2009; 29(4):1263-70. · 1.73 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The role of TSP-1 in tumour growth and angiogenesis remains controversial, with both stimulatory and inhibitory roles proposed. The effects of TSP-1 on the migration of endothelial cells, fibroblast and oral tumour cell lines were examined using the transmembrane assay. TSP-1 induced a bi-phasic effect on human and bovine endothelial cells: stimulation at low concentrations (0.1-10 microg/ml) and inhibition at high concentrations (25-100 microg/ml). FGF-2-stimulated endothelial cell migration was either further stimulated or inhibited by TSP-1, following the same bi-phasic dose response as in the absence of FGF-2. In contrast, TSP-1 stimulated the migration of human fibroblast and oral tumour cells in a dose dependent manner; a plateau was reached with 5-25 microg/ml and no inhibitory effect was observed. These effects were partly neutralised by antibodies to alphavbeta3 integrin. TGF-beta1 (0.1-200 ng/ml tested) mimicked the effects of TSP-1 on cell migration. Function-neutralising antibodies to TGF-beta1 completely abolished both the stimulatory and inhibitory effects of TSP-1 on endothelial migration, but had no effect on TSP-1-stimulated migration of fibroblast and oral tumour cells. The effects of TGF-beta1 were not affected by antibodies to TSP-1. These results indicate that the effects of TSP-1 on endothelial cell migration are mediated by TGF-beta1, whereas the effects on fibroblast and tumour cell migration are TGF-beta1-independent.
Experimental Cell Research 06/2008; 314(13):2323-33. · 3.58 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of an oral fluoropyrimidine anticancer agent, S-1, in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. Patients with pathologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma and at least one measurable lesion were enrolled. Oral administration of S-1 (40 mg/m2 twice daily) for 28 days was followed by a 14-day rest period. A total of 41 consecutive eligible patients were enrolled in the study between October 2002 and August 2004. The sites of the primary tumor were the gingiva (n=18), the tongue (n=12), the palate (n=5), the oral floor (n=4), the buccal mucosa (n=1), and the labial mucosa (n=1). A median of two cycles of treatment (range, 1-5) was administered. A complete response was achieved in nine patients and a partial response in eight patients, for an overall response rate of 41.5% (95% confidence interval, 26.4-56.5%). The 3-year survival rate was 76.4% (95% confidence interval, 62.8-90.0%). Although grade 3 anemia and anorexia occurred in two patients each (4.9%), and grade 3 neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, nausea, vomiting, stomatitis, and diarrhea in one patient each (2.4%), no grade 4 toxicities were observed. S-1 exhibits definite antitumor activity in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma and is well tolerated.
Anti-Cancer Drugs 02/2008; 19(1):85-90. · 2.41 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: In the present study, we examined the appropriate schedule of S-1 medication in the combination with radiation by investigating the safety, the clinical efficacy, and antitumor effects on tumors in nude mice. In the patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), S-1 was given orally according to a 4-week application followed by 2-week rest regimen (4-week regimen), or a 2-week application followed by a 1-week rest regimen (2-week regimen). Radiation was given (2 Gy/day; 5 days/week) for a total of 60 Gy. In nude mouse models, human oral cancer cell lines were used as subcutaneous xenografts in nude mice. The mice were treated by S-1 (10 mg/kg) and radiation (1 Gy) with a 4-week regimen or a 2-week regimen. Apoptotic cells were detected by TUNEL method. In the patients with OSCC, the response rate with the 4-week regimen was 100% and the response rate with the 2-week regimen was 92.3%. However, a high frequency of adverse effect was found in the 4-week regimen when compared to the 2-week regimen. Grade 3 toxicity of leukopenia, neutropenia and stomatitis were seen in 3 cases, grade 3 toxicity of anorexia and nausea were seen in 2 cases, and grade 3 toxicity of decrease of hemoglobin level, heartburn/dyspepsia and increase of bilirubin level were seen in a case of the 4-week regimen. On the other hand, grade 3 toxicity of stomatitis, anorexia, nausea, heartburn/dyspepsia and increase of bilirubin level were seen in a case of the 2-week regimen. In nude mouse models, the 2-week regimen was more effective than the 4-week regimen. In addition, significant increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells was observed in the tumors treated with the 4-week regimen when compared with the tumors treated with the 2-week regimen. No loss of body weight was observed in mice treated with the 2-week regimen during the experimental period. These results suggested that the 2-week regimen might reduce adverse effects, and enhance therapeutic effects compared to the 4-week regimen. Briefly, this 2-week regimen may be a useful concurrent chemo-radiotherapy improving the quality of life (QOL) of patients with OSCC.
Oncology Reports 12/2007; 18(5):1077-83. · 1.84 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A 76-year-old patient with oral squamous cell carcinoma was treated by chemotherapy with S-1. S-1 (100 mg/body/day) was orally administered for 4 weeks followed by a 2-week rest period as one course. The primary lesion markedly decreased at 7 days after the beginning of S-1 treatment, and disappeared after one course of S-1. After two courses, the primary lesion was assessed to show a complete response (CR),and no tumor cells were identified as a result of biopsy. In addition, the value of tumor marker SCC decreased from 2.13 ng/mL before treatment to 0.68 ng/mL after two courses of S-1. Although the patient is still taking UFT, she is well with no signs of recurrence 50 months from the initial treatment.
Gan to kagaku ryoho. Cancer & chemotherapy 10/2007; 34(9):1455-8.
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ABSTRACT: A 68-year-old patient with advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (T3N2bM0, Stage IVA) was treated by concurrent radiotherapy with S-1.S-1 (120 mg/body/day) was orally administered for 4 weeks followed by a 2-week rest period as one course, and radiation was given (1.8 Gy/day; 5 days/week) for a total of 61.2 Gy. After 61.2 Gy radiation and two courses of S-1, the primary region showed a complete response (CR), and that the tumor cell was not identified as a result of biopsy. In addition, the metastatic lymph nodes in the neck were no longer seen on head and neck computed tomography (CT). Although the patient is still taking UFT, he is well with no signs of recurrence 27 months from the initial treatment.
Gan to kagaku ryoho. Cancer & chemotherapy 06/2007; 34(5):745-7.
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ABSTRACT: It has been reported that S-1 can exert antitumor effects on various human cancers including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, little is known about the detailed mechanisms of the antitumor activity of S-1. In the present study, we determined whether S-1 could suppress the angiogenesis and growth of human OSCC cells in vitro and in vivo. The S-1 component (5-FU plus CDHP) significantly suppressed the growth and migration of OSCC cells and BAEC, which inhibited tubule formation in HUVECs in vitro. Also, S-1 inhibited the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activity in human OSCC cells in vitro. Moreover, S-1 inhibited the expression of survival signal, phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), and of two major proangiogenic molecules, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), in cells implanted into the subcutaneous tissue of nude mice. The decreased expression of p-Akt, VEGF and FGF-2 correlated with decreased tumorigenicity and decreased vascularization of lesions in vivo. These findings suggest that S-1 can suppress the angiogenesis and growth of OSCC cells by inhibiting the expression of p-Akt, VEGF and FGF-2 involved in the blockade of Akt/NF-kappaB pathway.
International Journal of Oncology 03/2007; 30(2):365-74. · 2.40 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: S-1 is a novel oral fluoropyrimidine inhibitory for dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD). In the present study, we have examined the appropriate dose of S-1 in the combination with radiation and the safety and clinical efficacy. Radiation was given (2 Gy/day; 5 days/week) for a total of 60 Gy. S-1 was given orally every day for 2 weeks and then S-1 was stopped for 1 week. The levels were divided accordingly to the S-1 application as follows; level 0, 50 mg/m2/day; level 1, 65 mg/m2/day; level 2, 80 mg/m2/day. grade 3 toxicity of anorexia and the grade 3 toxicity increase in bilirubin level were observed in 2 cases of level 2. We decided that level 1 (65 mg/m2/day) was the recommended dose of the S-1 application as observed in compliance and efficacy. This therapy is a useful concurrent chemo-radiotherapy which may improve the response rate and quality of life (QOL) of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Gan to kagaku ryoho. Cancer & chemotherapy 07/2006; 33 Suppl 1:179-83.
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ABSTRACT: The purpose of this research was to evaluate the predictive value of expression of thymidylate synthase (TS), dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), thymidine phosphorylase (TP), or orotate phosphoribosyltransferase (OPRT) genes for response to S-1. Twenty-five patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) received S-1 80 mg/m2/day. Pretreatment tumor biopsies were analyzed for TS, DPD, TP or OPRT mRNA expression by real-time reverse transcription-PCR. TS protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry using a polyclonal TS antibody. Twenty-five patients were evaluable for response and gene expression. Six of the 25 (24%) achieved complete remission and 4 of the 25 (16%) had a partial response. Median TS/beta-actin was 2.51 (range 0.98-7.07). Median TS/beta-actin was 1.26 in responding patients and 3.43 in non-responders (P=0.0001). Ten of 11 patients with TS/beta-actin <1.80 and 0 of 15 with higher values responded (P<0.0001). Overall survival was 29.7 months in patients with TS/beta-actin <1.80 and 41.7 months in patients with higher values (P=0.0013). No correlations were seen between expression of DPD, TP or OPRT mRNA and response or survival. Weak TS staining was seen in 6 of 25 tumors evaluable for immunohistochemistry, including 5 responders. All 4 of the patients with both weak staining and TS/beta-actin <1.80 responded. High TS mRNA expression predicts non-response to S-1. On the other hand, high levels of DPD or TP mRNA and low levels of OPRT mRNA are not associated with S-1 resistance. TS mRNA expression is considered to be a useful prognostic factor in OSCC patients with S-1 single-agent therapy.
Oncology Reports 07/2006; 15(6):1417-23. · 1.84 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This study was designed to disclose detailed genetic mechanisms in salivary gland tumors (SGTs) for development of novel independent marker. We constructed an in-house cDNA microarray carrying 2,201 cDNA clones derived from SGT and oral squamous cell carcinoma cDNA libraries. Four cell lines that originated from the SGT-derived cell lines were analyzed using this microarray system. The genes identified by our microarray system were further analyzed at the mRNA or protein expression level in other types of human cancer cell lines and clinical samples (ten normal salivary glands [NSGs], eleven pleomorphic adenomas, ten adenoid cystic carcinomas and three adenocarcinomas). Two up-regulated genes and six down-regulated genes were identified in common when compared with the control RNA. Of the up-regulated genes, WISP-2, which plays an important role in breast carcinogenesis, was selected for further analyses. We found a higher expression of the WISP-2 gene in the SGT-derived cell lines compared with other types of human cancer cell lines. Furthermore, WISP-2 mRNA and protein expression levels in NSGs were significantly higher than those in SGTs. These results suggest that WISP-2 could be a reliable independent marker and that down-regulation or loss of the WISP-2 gene may be associated with the development of SGTs.
International Journal of Molecular Medicine 05/2006; 17(4):567-73. · 1.98 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The human salivary glands have a variety of histologic features such as intercalated duct cells, myoepithelial cells and acinar cells. A neoplastic human salivary intercalated duct cell line (HSG) and its derivatives, HSG with a myoepithelial cell phenotype (HSG-AZA1) and HSG with an acinar cell phenotype (HSG-AZA3) induced by 5-aza-2'-dC treatment of HSG cells, have been reported. To identify characterization of intercalated duct cells, myoepithelial cells and acinar cells in the salivary gland, we selected HSG, HSG-AZA1 and HSG-AZA3 cell lines to perform two-dimensional electrophoresis analysis. We used a fluorescent two-dimensional differential in-gel electrophoresis (2-D-DIGE) for comparative proteomics, which improved the reproducibility and reliability of differential protein expression analysis between the samples. Furthermore, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF) was used to identify the proteins. These methods were combined to approach the protein profiles associated with characterization between HSG, HSG-AZA1 and HSG-AZA3 cells. Using these strategies, we identified seven HSG associated proteins, such as actin-beta, hydrocephalus inducing protein, L-plastin, KIAA0657 protein, septin 6 isoform A, lamin A/C isoform 2 and superoxide dismutase 2, three HSG-AZA1 associated proteins such as ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal esterase L1, myosin light chain 2 and muscle creatine kinase, and two HSG-AZA3 associated proteins, microtubule-associated protein 6 and Annexin A3. These results suggest that the proteins are associated with characterization of the salivary gland.
International Journal of Molecular Medicine 03/2006; 17(2):253-60. · 1.98 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Vesnarinone is a synthesized positive oral inotropic agent that has multiple biological activities on mammalian cells both in vitro and in vivo. This agent has been reported in relation to its antitumor effect with apoptosis-inducing activity. In the present study, we determined whether vesnarinone could suppress angiogenesis and growth of human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Vesnarinone significantly inhibited the in vitro and in vivo expression of two major proangiogenic molecules, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-8 (IL-8), in cultured cells and in cells implanted into the subcutaneous tissue of nude mice. Also, vesnarinone inhibited the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) activity in human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells in vitro. The decreased expression of VEGF and IL-8 correlated with decreased tumorigenicity and decreased vascularization of lesions in vivo. These findings suggest that vesnarinone can suppress the angiogenesis and growth of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells by inhibiting the expression of VEGF and IL-8 involved in blockade of NF-kappaB activity.
International Journal of Oncology 01/2006; 27(6):1489-97. · 2.40 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor p27Kip1 is a diagnostic and prognostic marker of various malignancies. Low expression of p27Kip1 reflects poor prognosis, and an inverse correlation between the expression of p27Kip1 and degree of tumor malignancy has been reported. Because p27Kip1 mutation is extremely rare in human tumors, expression of p27Kip1 protein is thought to be controlled by post-transcriptional mechanism involved in inactivator, S-phase kinase associated protein 2 (Skp2) and Jun activation domain-binding protein 1 (Jab1). In this study, we investigated the role of gene therapy targeting p27Kip1 in human head and neck cancer cells. Human head and neck cancer (HNt and HSY) cells expressed p27Kip1, Skp2 and Jab1. To determine the function of p27Kip1, Skp2 and Jab1, we transfected head and neck cancer cells with pcDNA3.1-p27Kip1 wt, pcDNA3.1-p27Kip1 mt or treated with Skp2 antisense oligonucleotide (AS) or Jab1 AS. The transfections or treatments inhibited the growth of HNt and HSY cells. The growth inhibition mediated by pcDNA3.1-p27Kip1 mt or Skp2 AS or Jab1 AS specifically due to a significant induction of apoptosis characterized by an increase in fragmentation of nuclei and activation of caspase-3. The transfection of pcDNA3.1-p27Kip1 mt or treatment with Skp2 AS and Jab1 AS induced a strong growth inhibition of xenograft tumors. These findings suggest that p27Kip1 mt, Skp2 AS and Jab1 AS have the potential to become a novel and powerful gene therapy tool, and that stability of p27Kip1 protein may improve therapeutic benefits to patients with head and neck cancer.
International Journal of Oncology 10/2005; 27(3):627-35. · 2.40 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To examine the effect of an oral fluoropyrimidine anti-cancer agent (S-1) on the radiosensitivity of a human oral cancer cell line with focusing on inhibition of survival signal, Akt/PKB. A human oral cell cancer cell line B88 was used. Activation of Akt/PKB in vivo was examined by immunohistochemistry, and apoptotic cells were detected by TUNEL method. Activation of Akt/PKB in vitro was investigated by Western blot and ELISA, and apoptotic cells were detected by Hoechst 33258 staining. S-1 (10 mg/kg/day or 50 microg/ml) greatly enhanced radiosensitivity in B88 cells by suppressing the activation of Akt/PKB. Significant increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells was observed in S-1 treated B88 cells. Survival signals Akt/PKB may be involved in determining radiosensitivity. S-1, an oral fluoropyrimidine anti-cancer agent can exert the enhancing effect on radiation by suppressing the activation of Akt/PKB.
Cancer Letters 09/2005; 226(2):161-168. · 4.24 Impact Factor
