Evaluation of the intracellular lipid-lowering effect of polyphenols extract from highland barley in HepG2 cells

Active ingredients from highland barley have received considerable attention as natural products for developing treatments and dietary supplements against obesity.In practical application,the research of food combinations is more significant than a specific food component.This study investigated the lipid-lowering effect of highland barley polyphenols via lipase assay in vitro and HepG2 cells induced by oleic acid(OA).Five indexes,triglyceride(TG),total cholesterol(T-CHO),low density lipoprotein-cholesterol(LDL-C),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),and alanine aminotransferase(ALT),were used to evaluate the lipidlowering effect of highland barley extract.We also preliminary studied the lipid-lowering mechanism by Realtime fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction(q PCR).The results indicated that highland barley extract contains many components with lipid-lowering effects,such as hyperoside and scoparone.In vitro,the lipase assay showed an 18.4%lipase inhibition rate when the additive contents of highland barley extract were 100μg/m L.The intracellular lipid-lowering effect of highland barley extract was examined using 0.25 mmol/L OA-induced HepG2 cells.The results showed that intracellular TG,LDL-C,and T-CHO content decreased by 34.4%,51.2%,and 18.4%,respectively.ALT and AST decreased by 51.6%and 20.7%compared with the untreated hyperlipidemic HepG2 cells.q PCR results showed that highland barley polyphenols could up-regulation the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes such as PPARγand Fabp4.

Continuous Lithium-Ion Extraction From Seawater and Mine Water With a Fuel Cell System and Ceramic Membranes

The demand for electronic devices that utilize lithium is steadily increasing in this rapidly advancing technological world.Obtaining high-purity lithium in an environmentally friendly way is challenging by using commercialized methods.Herein,we propose the first fuel cell system for continuous lithium-ion extraction using a lithium superionic conductor membrane and advanced electrode.The fuel cell system for extracting lithium-ion has demonstrated a twofold increase in the selectivity of Li^(+)/Na^(+)while producing electricity.Our data show that the fuel cell with a titania-coated electrode achieves 95%lithium-ion purity while generating 10.23 Wh of energy per gram of lithium.Our investigation revealed that using atomic layer deposition improved the electrode's uniformity,stability,and electrocatalytic activity.After 2000 cycles determined by cyclic voltammetry,the electrode preserved its stability.

Wild pink bayberry free phenolic extract induces mitochondria-dependent apoptosis and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest through p38/MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathway in MDA-MB-231 cancer cells

Polyphenol-rich foods have been shown to be good for cancer prevention as powerful antioxidants. In this study, the mechanisms of wild pink bayberry free phenolic extract(WPBFE)inhibiting the proliferation and inducing apoptotic of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells was examined. The main phenolic acids and flavonols in WPBFE were gallic acid((18.83 ± 0.44)μg/g FW)and myricetin((1.52 ± 0.05)μg/g FW), respectively. The maximum inhibition rate of WPBFE at non-cytotoxicity dose(below 80 mg/mL)was 81%. Western blotting analysis showed that WPBFE could cause the arrest of cell cycle in G0/G1 phase by down-regulating expression levels of PCNA, CDK4, cyclin D1 and up-regulating the expression level of p21. Meanwhile, WPBFE induced apoptosis through initiating the mitochondrial death pathway by up-regulating cleaved caspase-3 and enhancing the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, with the maximum expression levels of 1.29 and 2.03 folds that of control group, respectively. Further study of the upstream protein, we found that WPBFE down-regulated TRAF2, while upregulated p-ASK1, p-p38 and p-p53. Furthermore, WPBFE could down-regulate the expression of p-PI3K and p-Akt. These observations indicated that WPBFE might play an anticancer role through regulating the p38 MAPK together with PI3K/Akt pathway.

Effect of spinal cord extracts after spinal cord injury on proliferation of rat embryonic neural stem cells and Notch signal pathway in vitro

Objective:To investigate the effect of the spinal cord extracts(SCE)after spinal cord injuries(SCIs)on the proliferation of rat embryonic neural stem cells(NSCs)and the expressions of mRNA of Notch1 as well as of Hes1 in this process in vitro.Methods:The experiment was conducted in 4 different mediums:NSCs+PBS(Group A-blank control group),NSCs+SCE with healthy SD rats(Croup B-normal control group),NSCs+SCE with SD rats receiving sham-operation treatment(Croup C-sham-operation group)and NSCs+SCE with SCIs rats(Group D-paraplegic group).Proliferative abilities of 4 different groups were analyzed by MTT chromatometry after co-culture for 1,2,3,4 and 5 d,respectively.The expressions of Notch 1 and Hes1 mRNA were also detected with RT-PCR after co-culture for 24 and 48 h,respectively.Results:After co-culture for 1,2,3,4 and 5 d respectively,the MTT values of group D were significantly higher than those of group A,group B and group C(P<0.05).However,there were no significantly differences regarding MTT values between group A,group B and group C after co-culture for 1,2,3,4 and 5 d,respectively(P>0.05).Both the expressions of Notch1 and Hes1 mRNA of group D were significantly higher than those of other 3 groups after co-culture for 24 h and 48 h as well(P<0.05).But there was no difference oin expressions of Notch1 and Hes1 mRNA among group A,group B and group C after co-culture for 24 h and 48 h(P>0.05).There was no difference in expressions of Notch1and Hes1 mRNA between 24 h and 48 h treatment in group D.Conclusions:SCE could promote the proliferation of NSCs.It is demonstrated that the microenvironment of SCI may promote the proliferation of NSCs.Besides,SCE could increase the expression of Notch1 and Hes1 mRNA of NSC.It can be concluded that the Notch signaling pathway activation is one of the mechanisms that locally injured microenvironment contributes to the proliferation of ENSC after SCIs.This process may be performed by up-regulating the expressions of Notch1 and Hes1 gene.

Protective effects of organic extracts of Alpinia oxyphylla against hydrogen peroxide-induced cvtotoxicitv in PC12 cells

Alpinia oxyphylla,a traditional herb,is widely used for its neuroprotective,antioxidant and memory-improving effects.However,the neuroprotective mechanisms of action of its active ingredients are unclear.In this study,we investigated the neuroprotective effects of various organic extracts of Alpinia oxyphylla on PC12 cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative injury in vitro.Alpinia oxyphylla was extracted three times with 95%ethanol(representing extracts 1–3).The third 95%ethanol extract was dried and resuspended in water,and then extracted successively with petroleum ether,ethyl acetate and n-butanol(representing extracts 4–6).The cell counting kit-8 assay and microscopy were used to evaluate cell viability and observe the morphology of PC12 cells.The protective effect of the three ethanol extracts(at tested concentrations of 50,100 and 200μg/mL)against cytotoxicity to PC12 cells increased in a concentration-dependent manner.The ethyl acetate,petroleum ether and n-butanol extracts(each tested at 100,150 and 200μg/mL)had neuroprotective effects as well.The optimum effective concentration ranged from 50–200μg/mL,and the protective effect of the ethyl acetate extract was comparatively robust.These results demonstrate that organic extracts of Alpinia oxyphylla protect PC12 cells against apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide.Our findings should help identify the bioactive neuroprotective components in Alpinia oxyphylla.

Neuronal-like differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells induced by striatal extracts from a rat model of Parkinson's disease

A rat model of Parkinson＇s disease was established by 6-hydroxydopamine injection into the medial forebrain bundle. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells （BMSCs） were isolated from the femur and tibia, and were co-cultured with 10% and 60% lesioned or intact striatal extracts. The results showed that when exposed to lesioned striatal extracts, BMSCs developed bipolar or multi-polar morphologies, and there was an increase in the percentage of cells that expressed glial fibrillary acidic protein （GFAP）, nestin and neuron-specific enolase （NSE）. Moreover, the percentage of NSE-positive cells increased with increasing concentrations of lesioned striatal extracts. However, intact striatal extracts only increased the percentage of GFAP-positive cells. The findings suggest that striatal extracts from Parkinson＇s disease rats induce BMSCs to differentiate into neuronal-like cells in vitro.

Tissue Extracts From Infarcted Myocardium of Rats in Promoting the Differentiation of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Into Cardiomyocyte-like Cells

Objective To investigate whether cardiac tissue extracts from rats could mimic the cardiac microenvironment and act as a natural inducer in promoting the differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells （BMSCs） into cardiomyocytes. Methods Three kinds of tissue extract or cell lysate [infarcted myocardial tissue extract （IMTE）, normal myocardial tissue extract （NMTE） and cultured neonatal myocardial lysate （NML）] were employed to induce BMSCs into cardiomyocyte-like cells. The cells were harvested at each time point for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） detection, immunocytochemical analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. Results After a 7-day induction, BMSCs were enlarged and polygonal in morphology. Myofilaments, striated sarcomeres, Z-lines, and more mitochondia were observed under transmission electron microscope. Elevated expression levels of cardiac-specific genes and proteins were also confirmed by RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. Moreover, IMTE showed a greater capacity of differentiating BMSCs into cardiomyocyte-like cells. Conclusions Cardiac tissue extracts, especially IMTE, can effectively differentiate BMSCs into cardiomyocyte-like cells.

Protective effects of total triterpenoids extracts from Cyclocarya paliurus(Batal.)Iljinskaja on STZ-stimulated INS-1 cells through regulating of autophagy and apoptosis

OBJECTIVE To explore the protective effects of total triterpenoids extracts from Cyclocarya paliurus(Batal.)Iljinskaja on STZ-stimulated INS-1 cells through regulating of autophagy and apoptosis.METHODS INS-1cells were cultured in media containing 3n M STZ and different doses of total triterpenoids extracts from Cyclocarya paliurus(Batal.)Iljinskaja.The proliferation of cells was examined by MTT assay,ROS content were detected by fluorescence enzyme label.The levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),hydrogen peroxidase(CAT),malondialdehyde(MDA)were also measured by colorimetry.The activities of caspase-3,9 were also observed by Caspase colorimetric assay kit in each group.The expressions of Bcl-2 m RNA and Bax m RNA were detected by Real time PCR,protein expression of LC3-Ⅱand PARP were detected by Western blotting.RESULTS Compared with the control group,total triterpenoids extracts from Cyclocarya paliurus(Batal.)Iljinskaja could promote the proliferation of INS-1 cells no matter with STZ or not when its concentration lower than 25μg·m L-1;but when its concentration higher than 100μg·m L-(1use individually)or 50μg·m L-1(combined use),total triterpenoids extracts from Cyclocarya paliurus(Batal.)Iljinskaja might significantly inhibite the growth of the cells whether STZ existed or not.Total triterpenoids extracts from Cyclocarya paliurus(Batal.)Iljinskaja(6.25,12.5,25μg·m L-1)might inhibit INS-1cell apoptosis,decrease intra-cellular ROS contents,improve the s upernatant liquid SOD,GSH-PX,CAT activities,decrease MDA level,promote INS-1 cell secreting insulin,decrease the protein expressions of autophagy protein LC3Ⅱand apoptosis regulating protein cleaved PARP protein,up-regulate the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 m RNA expression,down-regulate the pro-apoptotic protein Bax m RNA expression and Bcl-2and Bax,reduce the activity of caspase-9 and caspase-3(P<0.05 or P<0.01).CONCLUSION Total triterpenoids extracts from Cyclocarya paliurus(Batal.)Iljinskaja has good protective effect on STZ-stimulated INS-1cells.It can inhibit STZ injured INS-1 cells to overproduce ROS production,enhance endogenous antioxidant enzymes(GSH-Px,SOD,CAT activities),reduce the expression of autophagy protein LC3Ⅱand apoptosisregulating protein cleaved PARP,up-reglute the antiapoptosis protein Bcl-2 expression,down-regulate the pro-apoptotic protein Bax expression,decrease the caspase-9 and caspase-3 activities,and improve the INS-1cell survival rate,and then play a protective effect on damaged INS-1 cells.

Bioassay of Eucalyptus extracts for anticancer activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma(eac) cells in Swiss albino mice

Objective:To evaluate the antineoplastic activity of Eucalyptus extract(EUE) against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma(EAC)in Swiss albino mice.Methods:Preliminary examination of four plant extracts(namely Eucalyptus,Costus,Azadirachla.Feroniai has been done by observing the reduction ability of number of EAC cells in previously inoculated Swiss alliino mice.Among them as EuE showed maximum capability,the whole study has been conducted with EuE only. Important parameters viz.enhancement of life span,reduction of average tumor weight etc.have been studied.In addition the effects of EuE on hematological parameters in both normal and EAC inoculated mice have been measured.Effect of EuE on normal peritoneal cells has also been studied.Results:EuE reduced tumor burden remarkably.It reduced the tumor growth rate and enhanced the life span of EAC bearing mice noticeably.It reversed back the hematological parameters towards normal,reduced the Irasplanlability of EAC cells and enhanced the immunomodulatory effects in mice.The host toxic effect of EuE in mice is minimum and mostly reversible with time.All such data have been compared with those obtained by running parallel experiments with bleomycin at dose 0.3 mg/kg(i.p.).Conclusions:The Eucalyptus extract may be considered as a potent anticancer agent for advanced researches.

Flavonoids in safflower extract reduce cisplatin-induced damage to human follicle dermal papilla cells by inhibiting DNA damage and Rad17/Chk1/Cdc25C signaling

Background:Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic agent commonly used clinically for the treatment of various human cancers.Patients often reduce the use of cisplatin due to its side effects,which in turn affects its treatment.This study explored the mechanism of action of safflower extract as an adjuvant traditional Chinese medicine for chemotherapy.Methods:Primary human follicle dermal papilla cells(HFDPCs)were used as target cells for cisplatininduced damage to hair cells.Western blotting was used to investigate the molecular targets of cisplatin and safflower extract in causing HFDPCs damage.Cell survival and cell cycle were analyzed by mitochondrial staining reagent WST-1 and propidium iodide.Results:Cisplatin could reduce the viability of HFDPCs without causing cell death.Cisplatin increased the level of phospho-Rad17 in HFDPCs and activated the Chk1/Cdc25C signaling to reduce the expression of Cdc2 protein,thereby arresting the cells in the G2/M phase.The combination of safflower extract and the flavonoids could effectively inhibit the signal transduction of Rad17/Chk1/Cdc25 in cisplatin-treated cells and reduce the cell population in the G2/M phase.Finally,we also confirmed that safflower extract could effectively inhibit the damage to HFDPCs caused by cisplatin,mainly at the level of reducing the DNA damage caused by cisplatin.Conclusions:Safflower extract can be used as an adjuvant Chinese medicine for chemotherapy to reduce the damage caused by chemotherapy to normal hair follicle cells.

Adenosine cyclic phosphate with ultrasonic-assisted pectinase extraction alleviated allergic reactions in RBL-2H3 through inhibiting the influx of intracellular Ca^(2+)

Jujube contains abundant cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)and the ultrasonic-assisted pectinase extraction(UAPE)conditions for obtaining the maximum cAMP yield from jujube were optimized.Orthogonal array design was applied to evaluate the effects of 4 variables by UAPE on cAMP yield.The results showed that the optimal cAMP yield(783.0μg/g)was derived at ratio of liquid to solid 5 mL/g,ratio of pectinase to raw material 1.5%,time 60 min and temperature 40℃.Moreover,the effect of cAMP on the anti-allergic function of action induced by immunoglobulin E(IgE)and its meschanism was investigated through establishing the sensitized cell model in rat basophilic leukemia(RBL-2 H3)cells using dinitrophenylated(DNP)-bovine serum albumin(BSA)-IgE.The results showed that cAMP interfered with sensitized cells,effectively inhibited the occurrence of basophil degranulation in dose dependence,and significantly reduced the activity ofβ-hexosamindase(β-hex),at the optimal concentration of 50μg/mL.The level of anti-inflammatory factor interleukin-10(IL-10)was promoted and the content of pro-inflammatory factor tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)was suppressed by cAMP.In addition,influx of intracellular Ca^(2+) was repressed effectively.Our results demonstrate that jujube cAMP regulated the cytokine balance in the allergy pathway through blocking the influx of extracellular Ca^(2+),with the prevention of allergy symptoms.

Inhibitory Effects of Propolis Water Extract on the Proliferation of Cervical Cancer Cells

[Objectives]To investigate the effects of propolis extract on HeLa cells to provide theoretical guidance for facilitating clinical treatment.[Methods]The effects of propolis on inflammation,and proliferation were analyzed based on the levels of DNA transcriptional regulation and mRNA and protein expression levels.[Results]Propolis water extract(PWE)could inhibit the cell proliferation and production of DNA damage in a dosedependent manner.Moreover,the propolis water extract could significantly downregulate the expression of iNOS-Luc,PTGS-2-Luc,and IL-8-Luc,and that it was related to the expression of the NF-κB family protein.After the induction of HeLa cells by propolis,the expression of the cell cycle inhibitor gene p21 was increased,while that of the cell proliferation gene Ki67 was decreased.[Conclusions]Propolis water extract could significantly inhibit the cell proliferation and production of DNA damage,suggesting propolis as a potential candidate for the development of adjunctive therapy against cervical cancer.

Optimization of the microwave-assisted extraction of phlorotannins from Saccharina japonica Aresch and evaluation of the inhibitory effects of phlorotannin-containing extracts on HepG2 cancer cells

The use of a microwave-assisted extraction （MAE） method for the extraction ofphlorotannins from Saccharinajaponica Aresch （S.japonica） has been evaluated with particular emphasis on the influential parameters, including the ethanol concentration, solid/liquid ratio, extraction time, extraction temperature, and microwave power. The MAE procedure was optimized using single-factor design and orthogonal array design （OAD）. The content of total phlorotannins in S. japonica was determined using a Folin-Ciocalteu （FC） assay. A maximum total phlorotannin content of 0.644 mg of phloroglucinol equivalent per gram of dry weight plant （mg PGE/g DW） was obtained using the optimized model, which included an ethanol concentration of 55%, solid/liquid ratio of 1：8, extraction time of 25 min, irradiation power of 400 W, and temperature of 60~C. Under similar conditions, the application of a conventional extraction method led to a lower phlorotarmin yield of 0.585 mg PGE/g WD. These results demonstrated that the MAE approach provided better results for the extraction ofphlorotarmins from S.japonica and was a promising technique for the extraction of phenolic compounds from S. japonica and other materials. In addition, screening tests for the inhibitory activity showed that the phlorotannin-containing extracts significantly inhibited the growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells （HepG2） by inducing their apoptosis. The morphological changes that occurred during cell apoptosis were characterized using Hoechst33258 staining.

Sequential extraction of RNA,DNA and protein from cultured cells of the same group

BACKGROUND Efficient extraction of nucleic acids and proteins(ENAP)from cells is a prerequisite for precise annotation of gene function,and has become laboratory routine for revealing the mysteries of life.However,cell samples are often from different culture dishes,resulting in inevitable experimental errors and sometimes poor repeatability.AIM To explore a method to improve the efficiency of ENAP,minimizing errors in ENAP processes,enhancing the reliability and repeatability of subsequent experimental results.METHODS A protocol for the sequential isolation of RNA,DNA,and proteins from the same cultured HepG2 cells using RNAzol reagent is presented here.The first step involves culturing HepG2 cells to the exponential phase,followed by the sequential isolation of RNA,DNA,and proteins from the same cultured cells in the second step.The yield of nucleic acids and proteins is detected in the third step,and their purity and integrity are verified in the last step.RESULTS The procedure takes as few as 3-4 d from the start to quality verification and is highly efficient.In contrast to the existing kits and reagents,which are primarily based on independent isolation,this RNAzol reagent-based method is characterized by the sequential isolation of RNA,DNA,and proteins from the same cells,and therefore saves time,and has low cost and high efficiency.CONCLUSION The RNA,DNA,and proteins isolated using this method can be used for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction,polymerase chain reaction,and western blotting,respectively.

Effects of Basella alba and Hibiscus macranthus extracts on testosterone production of adult rat and bull Leydig cells

Aim： To determine the androgenic effects of Basella alba and Hibiscus macranthus extracts in the rat and the bull, and to develop a novel in vitro test system using Leydig cells from bull testes. Methods： The effect of methanol extracts from both plants on testosterone production in isolated Leydig cells from the rat and the bull was analyzed using ^125I-radioimmunoassay （^125I-RIA）. Rat Leydig cells were obtained by common methods, whereas a novel technique was used to purify Leydig cells from bull testes. Results： Bull testes from the slaughter house were a cheap source of pure Leydig cells. In culture, these cells produced testosterone for 5-6 days, which can be stimulated by human chorionic gonadotrophin （hCG）. Basella alba extracts significantly enhanced testosterone production in bull and rat Leydig cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Hibiscus macranthus showed no androgenic effect but was shown to inhibit testosterone production at higher concentrations. Conclusion： Leydig cells purified from bull testes can be used as an alternative tool in experimental animal research. Certain fractions of Basella alba extract demonstrated androgenic potential whereas Hibiscus macranthus extracts did not.

Effects of regenerated tissue extracts after liver injury on the proliferation,differentiation,migration and invasion of SK-HEP1 cells

Objective: To study the effects of regenerated tissue extracts after liver injury on the proliferation, differentiation, migration and invasion of SK-HEP1 cells. Methods: Regenerated tissue extracts after liver injury were used to induce SK-HEP1 cells after enrichment, their effects on the proliferation, differentiation, migration and invasion of SK-HEPI cells were observed through in vitro cell culture, MTT, flow cytometry and transwell assays. Results:In response to the action of regenerated tissue extracts after liver injury, SK-HEP1 cells were blocked in G_0/G_1 phase, their growth rate was distinctly reduced. The number of SK-HEP1^(-fj)colonies decreased. The migration ability of SK-HEPI cells showed a decreased trend on day7 and day 11 after induction. SK-HEPl's invasion ability clearly decreased on days 7 and11 after induction, especially on day 7. Conclusions: To a certain extent, regenerated tissue extracts after liver injury can inhibit the proliferation, differentiation, migration and invasion of hepatoma cells, showing an important potential of being a differentiating agent for the treatment of liver cancer.

Effects of Root Extracts from <i>Panax ginseng</i>C. A. Meyer (Araliaceae) of Different Ages on K562 Cells

It is well accepted in China that elder ginsengs have more bioactivity and value than younger ones. However, there is little research about the comparison of beneficial effects of ginsengs with different ages. In this study, ginseng root extracts (GRE) were extracted from ginsengs of 5, 8, 12, 14, and 16 years old, respectively, using 55% ethanol and their effects on human leukemic K562 cells within 48 hours were tested by using Cell Counting Kit-8. The results show that there are significant increases in the cell viability of all the GRE groups compared with Control group within 32 hours. Furthermore, the growth curves of GRE groups were obviously distinct from each other. The cell viability of 5-year-old and 8-year-old GRE groups kept a rapid increase while that of 16-year-old GRE group showed a strong fluctuation within 28 hours. Our results demonstrate that root extracts from ginsengs of different ages contain different bioactivity constituents and have different effects on cell.

Gene Expression Changes and Signal Transduction Pathway Alterations in Primary Human Oral Epithelial Cells Exposed to Smokeless Tobacco Extracts

Smokeless tobacco (ST), an alternative to smoking, has gained wide popularity among tobacco users. This study is conducted to determine the time course of gene expression associated with specific signaling pathways in human oral epithelial cells after exposure to smokeless tobacco extract (STE). A differentiated layer of epithelial cell is created as a way to mimic reasonably similar physiological atmosphere. A dose and time dependent response is observed for cell viability and cell proliferation assays indicating that this model system is responsive to the treatment. Expressions of 84 genes representing 18 different signal transduction pathways are quantitated. This is accomplished by using real-time polymerase chain reaction arrays at 1 h, 3 h, 6 h and 24 h time points following exposure to STE. Changes in gene expression are observed on many cellular processes including cell cycle regulation, cell adhesion, inflammation, apoptosis, and DNA breaks-down including Akt pathway activation. Short time exposure (1 h) leads more genes to down regulate whereas longer incubation time results in more genes up regulation. Most notable differences in the expression of genes during the course of treatment are BCL2A1, BIRC3, CCL20, CDK2, EGR1, FOXA2, HOXA1, IGFBP3, IL1A, IL-8, MMP10, NOS2, NRIP1, PTGS2, SELPLG and TNF-a. This study provides an insight on gene expression on oral epithelial cells as a result of STE exposure. This may also postulate greater understanding on biological effects and the mechanism of action of STE particularly at the transcriptional level.

Replication of M13 single-stranded DNA bearing a sitespecific ethenocytosine lesion by Escherichia coil cell extracts

Previous investigation on the mutagenic effects of 3,N4-Ethenocytosine (εC), a nonpairing DNA lesion,revealed the existence of a novel SOS-independent inducible mutagenic mechanism in E. coli termed UVM for UV modulation of mutagenesis. To investigate whether UVM is mediated by an alteration of DNA replication, we have set up an in vitro replication system ill which phage M13 viral single-stranded DNA bearing a single site-specific (εC) residue is replicated by soluble protein extracts from E. coli cells. Replication products were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis and the frequency of translesion synthesis was determined by restriction endonuclease analyses. Our data indicate that DNA replication is strongly inhibited by εC, but that translesion DNA synthesis does occur in about 14% of the replicated DNA molecules. These results are very similar to those observed previously in vivo, and suggest that this experimental system may be suitable for evaluating alterations in DNA replication in UVM-induced cells.

Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Olive Leaf Extracts and Their Effect on Proliferation of Human Carcinoma Cell Lines

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of different olive leaf extracts (OLE) from different leaf growing stages on human carcinoma cell lines. OLE were tested in human carcinoma cell lines in vitro and cells were plated in 96-microtiter culture plates for each OLE concentration. Fresh (F) and freeze-dried (FD) leaves exhibited phenolic compounds in the range of 2.09 ± 0.10 to 8.44 ± 0.64 and 7.72 ± 0.56 to 24.65 ± 1.9 mg gallic acid equivalents/g leaves, respectively. OLE from several Portuguese olive tree cultivars were found to inhibit the growth of human carcinoma cell lines in a range of 2.09 - 8.44 μg phenolic compound/well (209 - 844 μg/ml) and 0.07 - 2.40 μg phenolic compounds/well (7 - 240 μg/ml) for fresh and freeze-dried leaves, respectively. Young (Y) leaves have revealed the highest cell growth inhibition ranging from about 95% for Cobran?osa, followed by 90% for Cobran?osa, 90% for Arbequina and 75% for Arbequina for cell lines A549, HeLa, A431 and OE21, respectively. The lowest cell growth inhibition (35%) was observed for Galega (Y) leaf extract on cell line A549. However, FD samples exhibited a distinctive pattern since cell growth inhibition was highest at highest extract dilution tested, for A431 (Galega Y) followed by A549 (Cobran?osa Y) with cell inhibition of 75% and 70%, respectively. The data presented in this work strongly suggest that OLEs inhibit the growth of human carcinoma cell lines.