AKT1-targeted proapoptotic activity of compound K in human breast cancer cells
JOURNAL OF GINSENG RESEARCH
Authors: Choi, Eunju; Kim, Eunji; Kim, Ji Hye; Yoon, Keejung; Kim, Sunggyu; Lee, Jongsung; Cho, Jae Youl
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer is a severe disease and the second leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. To surmount this, various diagnosis and treatment options for breast cancer have been developed. One of the most effective strategies for cancer treatment is to induce apoptosis using naturally occurring compounds. Compound K (CK) is a ginseng saponin metabolite generated by human intestinal bacteria. CK has been studied for its cardioprotective, antiinflammatory, and liver-protective effects; however, the role of CK in breast cancer is not fully understood. Methods: To investigate the anticancer effects of CK in SKBR3 and MDA-MB-231 cells, cell viability assays and flow cytometry analysis were used. In addition, the direct targets of CK anticancer activity were identified using immunoblotting analysis and overexpression experiments. Invasion, migration, and clonogenic assays were carried out to determine the effects of CK on cancer metastasis. Results: CK-induced cell apoptosis in SKBR3 cells as determined through 3-(4-5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2-5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays, propidium iodide (PI) and annexin V staining, and morphological changes. CK increased the cleaved forms of caspase-7, caspase-8, and caspase-9, whereas the expression of Bcl-2 was reduced by CK. In assays probing the cell survival pathway, CK activated only AKT1 and not AKT2. Moreover, CK inhibited breast cancer cell invasion, migration, and colony formation. Through regulation of AKT1 activity, CK exerts anticancer effects by inducing apoptosis. Conclusion: Our results suggest that CK could be used as a therapeutic compound for breast cancer. (C) 2019 The Korean Society of Ginseng, Published by Elsevier Korea LLC.
Effect of different fractions of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) on glucose metabolism, in vivo and in vitro
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS
Authors: Enes, Barbara Nery; Dias Moreira, Luiza de Paula; Lopes Toledo, Renata Celi; Moraes, Erica Aguiar; de Castro Moreira, Maria Eliza; Miranda Hermsdorff, Helen Hermana; Noratto, Giuliana; Mertens-Talcott, Susanne Ursula; Talcott, Stephen; Duarte Martino, Hercia Stampini
Abstract
The influence of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) flour and oil on glucose metabolism (GM) in insulin resistant (IR) Wistar rats and the effect of chia hydrolyzed phenolics extract (CHPE) on GM in IR HepG2 cells were evaluated. In vivo study: animals were divided into four groups: AIN-93M, high-fat and high-fructose (HFHF), HFHF with chia flour (14.7%) or chia oil (4%). In vitro study: IR HepG2 cells were treated with CHPE (80 ppm). In vivo, chia flour and oil reduced adiposity and increased AMPK mRNA. Chia oil improved glucose tolerance, increased AKT1[pS473] protein level, mRNA of insulin receptor, FOXO1 and glycolysis enzymes. In vitro, CHPE decreased gluconeogenesis enzymes mRNA. Chia flour and oil decreased adiposity, but only chia oil was able to improve glucose tolerance and restore energy fuel system in liver of rats fed HFHF diet. CHPE decreased mRNA levels of gluconeogenesis enzymes.