This study investigated potential apoptotic and anti-proliferative effects of the phytochemicals, genistein and anthocyanin extract, as single and combined treatments in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Cells were exposed to single and combined treatments with the phytochemiclas for 48 and 72 hours. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT bioassay. Apoptosis induction was assessed using acridine orange ethidium bromide and rhodamine 123 ethidium bromide fluorescence assays. Both singe and combination treatments induced dose- and time-dependent apoptotic cell death in MCF-7 cells. The percentage of apoptosis was higher in combination treatments than single treatments with either phytochemical, although the difference was not statistically significant. The combination of genistein and anthocyanin extract peaked in efficacy at 48 hours of treatment, to exhibit significantly greater (P<. O5) dose- and time-dependent cell cytotoxicity than single treatments. This study reveals potential chemopreventive implications for the complementary effects of genistein and anthocyanin extract. / by Corine M. Stinson. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2011. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2011. Mode of access: World Wide Web.

Chu Wai Kit. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 87-96). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Acknowledgments --- p.ii / Publication --- p.iii / List of Abbreviations --- p.iv / List of Tables --- p.v / List of Figures --- p.vi / Abstract --- p.vii / 摘要 --- p.x / Table of Contents --- p.xii / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Epidemiology of gastric cancer --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Risk factors associated with gastric cancer --- p.7 / Chapter 1.3 --- Prevention of Gastric Cancer --- p.9 / Chapter 1.4 --- H. pylori eradication and gastric cancer development --- p.11 / Chapter 1.5 --- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and gastric cancer prevention --- p.13 / Chapter 1.6 --- COX-2 independent pathway --- p.14 / Chapter 1.7 --- Animal model of gastric cancer --- p.15 / Chapter 1.8 --- Microarray system --- p.16 / Chapter 1.9 --- Hypothesis --- p.18 / Chapter 1.10 --- Aim of study --- p.19 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Chemoprevention of gastric cancer by celecoxib --- p.20 / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.20 / Chapter 2.2 --- Material and Methods --- p.22 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Animals --- p.22 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Chemicals --- p.22 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Study design --- p.23 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Cell Culture --- p.24 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Celecoxib treatment --- p.24 / Chapter 2.2.6 --- Cell proliferation assay --- p.25 / Chapter 2.3 --- Results --- p.26 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Chemoprevention of gastric cancer by celecoxib in rats --- p.26 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Effects of celecoxib on growth of human gastric cancer cells --- p.29 / Chapter 2.4 --- Discussion --- p.30 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- MNNG induced gastric cancer effectively --- p.30 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Celecoxib significantly suppressed gastric carcinogenesis in rats --- p.31 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Celecoxib inhibited the growth of MKN 45 in a concentration-dependent manner --- p.31 / Chapter 2.4.4 --- Celecoxib may exert its anti-tumor property through COX independent pathway --- p.32 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Gene expression profiles of celecoxib treated rat gastric tumor and human gastric cells --- p.34 / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.34 / Chapter 3.2 --- Material and Methods --- p.34 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- RNA extraction --- p.34 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Target preparation and Array hybridization --- p.35 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Post-hybridization processing and Scanning --- p.36 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Microarray data analysis --- p.36 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- Quantitative RT-PCR --- p.37 / Chapter 3.3 --- Results --- p.39 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Gene expression profiles of rat gastric tumors --- p.39 / Chapter 3.3.1.1 --- Genes differentially expressed in MNNG induced gastric tumors --- p.39 / Chapter 3.3.1.2 --- Genes differentially expressed in celecoxib treated group --- p.42 / Chapter 3.3.1.3 --- Mechanisms underlying chemoprevention of celecoxib --- p.43 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Verification of gene expression by quantitative RT-PCR --- p.55 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Confirmation of the gene expression profiles in human by quantitative RT-PCR --- p.59 / Chapter 3.4 --- Discussions --- p.63 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Effects of celecoxib on Akt pathway in gastric cancer cells --- p.68 / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.68 / Chapter 4.2 --- Material and methods --- p.72 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Protein extraction --- p.72 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Western blotting --- p.72 / Chapter 4.3 --- Results --- p.74 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Expression of the Akt pathway after treatment with celecoxib --- p.74 / Chapter 4.4 --- Discussions --- p.78 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- Conclusion --- p.82 / References --- p.87

Wang Huan. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 148-158). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.I / LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES --- p.VIII / ABSTRACT --- p.1 / 摘要 --- p.3 / Chapter CHAPTER 1 --- GENERAL INTRODUCTION / Chapter I. --- The essential factors related to cancer --- p.5 / Chapter a. --- Carcinogens --- p.5 / Chapter b. --- Carcinogenesis pathways --- p.7 / Chapter c. --- DNA adducts formation and breast cancer --- p.7 / Chapter II. --- Cytochrome P450 I enzyme family --- p.8 / Chapter a. --- CYP450 superfamily --- p.8 / Chapter b. --- CYP1A1 --- p.10 / Chapter c. --- CYP1B1 --- p.11 / Chapter III. --- Transactivation of CYP1 enzymes by aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) --- p.12 / Chapter IV. --- Phase II enzyme UGT and cancer prevention --- p.13 / Chapter V. --- Estrogen metabolism and the hormone-dependent breast cancer --- p.15 / Chapter a. --- Estrogen and breast cancer initiation --- p.15 / Chapter b. --- Estrogen Receptor (ER) --- p.15 / Chapter c. --- Estradiol hydroxylation pathways --- p.15 / Chapter VI. --- Phytochemicals and cancer prevention --- p.18 / Chapter VII. --- Outline of this study --- p.20 / Chapter CHAPTER 2 --- MATERIALS AND METHODS / Chapter I. --- Chemicals --- p.21 / Chapter II. --- Cell culture and treatments --- p.21 / Chapter 1. --- Maintenance of cells --- p.21 / Chapter 2. --- Preparation of cell stock --- p.22 / Chapter 3. --- Cell recovery from liquid nitrogen stock --- p.22 / Chapter 4. --- Measurement of cell viability --- p.22 / Chapter 5. --- Preparation of cell lysates --- p.23 / Chapter 6. --- XRE-luciferase gene reporter assay --- p.23 / Chapter a. --- Transient transfection of cell using lipofectamine PLUS reagent --- p.23 / Chapter b. --- Dual Luciferase Assay --- p.24 / Chapter III. --- Enzyme Activities --- p.24 / Chapter 1. --- Isolation of microsomes --- p.24 / Chapter 2. --- EROD activities in intact cells --- p.24 / Chapter 3. --- EROD inhibition assay --- p.25 / Chapter IV. --- Manipulation of Nuclear Acid --- p.26 / Chapter 1. --- Preparation of transfected DNA --- p.26 / Chapter a. --- Separation and purification of DNA from agarose gel --- p.26 / Chapter b. --- Restriction digestion --- p.26 / Chapter c. --- Ligation of DNA fragments --- p.27 / Chapter d. --- Transformation of DH5a --- p.27 / Chapter e. --- Small scale plasmid purification from DH5a (mini prep) --- p.28 / Chapter f. --- Large scale plasmid isolation from DH5a (maxi-prep) --- p.28 / Chapter g. --- Construction of XRE activated luciferase reporter gene --- p.29 / Chapter 2. --- Measurement of DMBA-DNA adduct formation --- p.29 / Chapter 3. --- Semi-quantitative RT-PCR Assay --- p.30 / Chapter a. --- Isolation of RNA using TRIzol® Reagent --- p.30 / Chapter b. --- RT-PCR --- p.31 / Chapter V. --- Phase II enzyme-UGT activity assay --- p.32 / Chapter VI. --- HPLC for estradiol-hydroxylation analysis --- p.33 / Chapter 1. --- HPLC condition for hydroxyestradiol separation and measurement --- p.33 / Chapter 2. --- Determination of microsomal estradiol hydroxylase activity --- p.34 / Chapter 3. --- Assay of estradiol metabolism in MCF-7 cells --- p.34 / Chapter VII. --- Statistical Analysis --- p.35 / Chapter CHAPTER 3 --- CHALCONES ANTAGONIZE DMBA-INDUCED CARCINOGENESIS BY MODULATION OF CYP1A1/1B1 AND UGT ACTIVITIES / Chapter Part One --- Introduction --- p.36 / Chapter Part Two --- Results --- p.40 / Chapter Section One --- Chalcones antagonize DMBA carcinogenesis by inhibiting CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 activities --- p.40 / Chapter I. --- Chalcones inhibited DMBA-induced EROD activities in MCF-7 cells --- p.40 / Chapter II. --- Inhibition of chalcones on microsomal CYP1A1 & 1B1 enzyme activities --- p.43 / Chapter III. --- Reduction of DMBA-induced DNA adduct by chalcones --- p.52 / Chapter IV. --- Chalcones antagonized CYP1A1 XRE transactivation --- p.54 / Chapter V. --- Chalcones suppressed DMBA-induced CYP1 gene expression --- p.56 / Chapter Section Two --- Chalcones modulate DMBA carcinogenesis by regulating UGT activities --- p.63 / Chapter I . --- Chalcones regulated UGT1A1 gene expression in MCF-7 cells --- p.63 / Chapter II. --- Chalcones affected UGT enzyme activity in HepG2 cells --- p.70 / Chapter III. --- Chalcones regulated UGT1A1 gene expression in HepG2 cells --- p.73 / Chapter Part Three --- Discussion --- p.80 / Chapter I . --- Chalcones are potential chemopreventive agents --- p.80 / Chapter II. --- Chalcones modulated Phase I enzyme activities --- p.80 / Chapter III. --- Chalcones regulated Phase II enzyme activities --- p.82 / Chapter IV. --- Chalcones suppressed DMBA-induced DNA-adduct formation in MCF-7 cells --- p.82 / Chapter V. --- The anti-carcinogenic properties of chalcones and their structures --- p.83 / Chapter CHAPTER 4 --- EFFECTS OF PERILLYL ALCOHOL AND LIMONENE ON CYP1 AND UGT ENZYMES / Chapter Part One --- Introduction --- p.85 / Chapter Part Two --- Results --- p.87 / Chapter I. --- Perillyl alcohol and limonene modulated DMBA-induced CYP1A1/1B1 activities in MCF-7 cells --- p.87 / Chapter II. --- Perillyl alcohol and limonene regulated microsomal CYP1A1/1B1 activities --- p.89 / Chapter III. --- Perillyl alcohol and limonene regulated DMBA-induced DNA adduct formation in MCF-7 cells --- p.93 / Chapter IV. --- Perillyl alcohol and limonene regulated CYP1A1 & CYP1B1 gene expressions in MCF-7 cells --- p.95 / Chapter V. --- Effect of perillyl alcohol on CYP1A1 XRE transactivation --- p.97 / Chapter VI. --- Cytotoxic effect of perillyl alcohol and limonene on MCF-7 cells --- p.98 / Chapter VII. --- Perillyl alcohol and limonene modulated UGT1A1 gene expression in MCF-7 cells --- p.99 / Chapter VIII. --- Perillyl alcohol and limonene modulated UGT enzyme in HepG2 cells --- p.101 / Chapter Part Three --- Discussion --- p.106 / Chapter CHAPTER 5 --- LYCOPENE MEDIATED DMBA-INDUCED PHASE I & PHASE II ENZYME ACTIVITIES AND GENE EXPRESSIONS / Chapter Part Three --- Introduction --- p.109 / Chapter I. --- Biochemical properties of lycopene --- p.109 / Chapter II. --- Bioavailability of lycopene --- p.110 / Chapter III. --- Lycopene and cancers in hormonal sensitive tissues --- p.110 / Chapter Part Two --- Results --- p.111 / Chapter I . --- Lycopene modulated DMBA-induced CYP1A1/1B1 activities in MCF-7 cells --- p.111 / Chapter II. --- Lycopene competitively inhibited microsomal CYP1A1 & CYP1B1 activities --- p.113 / Chapter III. --- Lycopene suppressed DMBA-induced DNA adduct formation in MCF-7 cells --- p.115 / Chapter IV. --- Lycopene regulated CYP1A1 & CYP1B1 gene expression in MCF-7 cells --- p.116 / Chapter V. --- Effect of lycopene on CYP1A1 XRE trasactivation --- p.117 / Chapter VI. --- Cytotoxic effect of lycopene on MCF-7 cells --- p.118 / Chapter VII. --- Lycopene modulated UGT enzyme in MCF-7 cells --- p.119 / Chapter VIII. --- Lycopene modulated UGT enzyme in HepG2 cells --- p.121 / Chapter Part Three --- Discussion --- p.123 / Chapter CHAPTER 6 --- CHALCONES AND PERILLYL ALCOHOL REGULATEDCYP1A1 & CYP1B1 MEDIATED ESTRADIOL METABOLIZING PATHWAYS / Chapter Part One --- Introduction --- p.125 / Chapter I . --- Estrogen hydroxylation and human breast cancer risk --- p.125 / Chapter II. --- CYP1 enzymes catalyze estradiol-hydroxylation in human breast cancer cells --- p.126 / Chapter III. --- Phytochemicals mediate estrogen-hydroxylation pathways --- p.126 / Chapter Part Two --- Estrogen metabolite detection and separation by HPLC --- p.127 / Chapter Part Three --- Results --- p.129 / Chapter I . --- Perillyl alcohol modulated CYP1A1 & CYP1B1-mediated Estradiol hydroxylation --- p.129 / Chapter II. --- Kinetics assays of chalcones on CYP1A1 & CYP1B1 microsomes induced estradiol hydroxylation --- p.131 / Chapter III. --- Chalcones suppressed Estradiol-hydroxylase activities in MCF-7 cells --- p.137 / Chapter Part Four --- Discussion --- p.140 / Chapter CHAPTER 7 --- SUMMARY / Chapter I . --- Chalcones displayed inhibitory effects on DMBA-induced carcinogenesis --- p.142 / Chapter II. --- Perillyl alcohol and limonene modulated DMBA-induced carcinogenesis --- p.143 / Chapter III. --- Lycopene also possessed chemoproventive properties --- p.143 / APPENDIX 1 ABBREVIATIONS --- p.144 / APPENDIX 2 REAGENTS --- p.145 / APPENDIX 3 PRIMER LISTS --- p.147 / REFERENCE --- p.148

O câncer é a segunda maior causa de morte no Brasil, atrás apenas de doenças cardíacas. Por isto, é evidente que grandes recursos sejam direcionados para a pesquisa no descobrimento de novas opções com a finalidade de erradicar esta doença. Dentre estas opções, a quimioprevenção do câncer tem chamado a atenção já que, mesmo com os imensos avanços no conhecimento sobre os mecanismos da carcinogênese e conseqüente desenvolvimento de novas drogas, os dados estatísticos de mortalidade não se tornaram menores. Somando-se a estes fatos, deve ser considerado que no Brasil o tratamento padrão do câncer não chega a todas as pessoas por ser extremamente caro. Desta forma, a quimioprevenção do câncer com fatores presentes na dieta ou oriundos de fontes consideradas baratas como fitoterápicos, deve ser apreciada. Assim, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos quimiopreventivos e antineoplásicos de uma planta brasileira, o guaraná (Paullinia cupana Mart var. sorbilis). Foram utilizados alguns experimentos em camundongos como indução genotóxica em fígado pela Dietilnitrosamina (DEN); carcinogênese pulmonar induzida pela 4-(metilnitrosamino)-1-(3-piridil)-1-butanona (NNK), uma nitrosamina presente no tabaco; tumor ascítico de Ehrlich; disseminação hematógena de melanoma B16/f10; e cultivo de células tumorais e não tumorais. Além disso, caracterizou-se o papel da Conexin43 na carcinogênese pulmonar induzida pelo NNK e os efeitos do guaraná sobre o receptor CAR e sua ação quando da administração do ligante do CAR, 1,4-bis[2-(3,5-dichloropiridiloxi)]benzeno (TCPOBOP). Pudemos observar efeitos quimiopreventivos e antineoplásicos do guaraná dependendo do modelo utilizado, demonstrando que seu modo de ação principal é a redução da proliferação celular. Além disso, observamos que os tumores de pulmão dos animais tratados com a planta apresentavam menor tamanho, menor grau maligno, menor índice de proliferação celular e menor ativação do fator de transcrição CREB. Observamos também que a Conexina43 (Cx43) tem importante papel na carcinogênese pulmonar induzida pelo NNK, atuando como supressor tumoral e em fases tardias possivelmente tendo papel inverso, ou seja, como um oncogene. Caracterizamos os efeitos do guaraná sobre a ativação do receptor CAR e demonstramos que, por si só, o guaraná induz a expressão do CAR, além de alterar a expressão de alguns de seus transcritos como a CYP2B10 e CYP3A11. Ao analisarmos os efeitos de extratos de guaraná sobre células de tumor de pulmão (E9) in vitro, verificamos o mesmo efeito antiproliferativo, diminuindo a expressão do PCNA e da Conexina43 de maneira dose-dependente, além de verificar um aumento da expressão do receptor CAR. Ao fim propomos uma hipótese de mecanismo de ação baseando-se nas alterações encontradas oriundas da administração do guaraná. Concluímos que o guaraná apresenta componentes com ação antitumoral em camundongos, tendo efeito quimiopreventivo ou antineoplásico dependendo do modelo utilizado. / Cancer is the second biggest cause of deaths in Brazil, only behind of cardiac diseases. As a result, it is evident that great resources for research will be directed towards the discovery of new options to eradicate this disease. Among these options, cancer chemoprevention has calling for attention since the huge advances in the knowledge of carcinogenesis and development of new drugs did not decrease statistical data on mortality due to cancer. In addition, it must be considered that in Brazil, cancer therapy is not available for all given that it is too expensive. Therefore, cancer chemoprevention with dietary factors or from medicinal plants has got to be treasured. Following these lines, the aim of this work was to evaluate the chemopreventive and antineoplastic effects of a Brazilian plant, Paullinia cupana Mart var. sorbilis, most known as guarana. It was used several experiments in mice and cell culture essays as: protection against DEN-induced DNA damage; NNK-induced lung carcinogenesis; Ehrlich Ascitic Tumor; metastasis of B16/f10 melanoma cells; and cell culture of a tumorigenic and a non-tumorigenic cell lines. Additionally, it was characterized the role of Connexin43 in the NNK-induced lung carcinogenesis and the effects of guarana on the CAR receptor before and after the administration of TCPOBOP. We note a chemopreventive or antineoplastic effect of guarana depending on the model employed and showed that the mode of action responsible for these effects was reduced cell proliferation. Also, the lung tumors of guarana-treated animals were smaller, less aggressive, with decreased cell proliferation and CREB activation. On the other hand, we observed that Connexin43 have an important role on NNK-induced lung carcinogenesis because it may act as a tumor suppressor and in advanced stages as an oncogene. The effects of guarana on the CAR activation were characterized and we showed that guarana induces CAR mRNA expression, altering the levels of its transcripts as CYP2B10 and CYP3A11. We also examined the effects of guarana extracts on a lung tumor cell culture (E9 cells) and demonstrated the same antiproliferative effect observed previously, by decreased PCNA and Connexin43 proteins in a dose-dependent manner along with an increase in CAR protein. At last we hypothesized a mechanism of action for guarana effects basing in our findings. We concluded that guarana presents substances that have antitumoral effects in mice, enclosing a chemopreventive or antineoplastic effect depending on the model studied.

O câncer é a segunda maior causa de morte no Brasil, atrás apenas de doenças cardíacas. Por isto, é evidente que grandes recursos sejam direcionados para a pesquisa no descobrimento de novas opções com a finalidade de erradicar esta doença. Dentre estas opções, a quimioprevenção do câncer tem chamado a atenção já que, mesmo com os imensos avanços no conhecimento sobre os mecanismos da carcinogênese e conseqüente desenvolvimento de novas drogas, os dados estatísticos de mortalidade não se tornaram menores. Somando-se a estes fatos, deve ser considerado que no Brasil o tratamento padrão do câncer não chega a todas as pessoas por ser extremamente caro. Desta forma, a quimioprevenção do câncer com fatores presentes na dieta ou oriundos de fontes consideradas baratas como fitoterápicos, deve ser apreciada. Assim, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos quimiopreventivos e antineoplásicos de uma planta brasileira, o guaraná (Paullinia cupana Mart var. sorbilis). Foram utilizados alguns experimentos em camundongos como indução genotóxica em fígado pela Dietilnitrosamina (DEN); carcinogênese pulmonar induzida pela 4-(metilnitrosamino)-1-(3-piridil)-1-butanona (NNK), uma nitrosamina presente no tabaco; tumor ascítico de Ehrlich; disseminação hematógena de melanoma B16/f10; e cultivo de células tumorais e não tumorais. Além disso, caracterizou-se o papel da Conexin43 na carcinogênese pulmonar induzida pelo NNK e os efeitos do guaraná sobre o receptor CAR e sua ação quando da administração do ligante do CAR, 1,4-bis[2-(3,5-dichloropiridiloxi)]benzeno (TCPOBOP). Pudemos observar efeitos quimiopreventivos e antineoplásicos do guaraná dependendo do modelo utilizado, demonstrando que seu modo de ação principal é a redução da proliferação celular. Além disso, observamos que os tumores de pulmão dos animais tratados com a planta apresentavam menor tamanho, menor grau maligno, menor índice de proliferação celular e menor ativação do fator de transcrição CREB. Observamos também que a Conexina43 (Cx43) tem importante papel na carcinogênese pulmonar induzida pelo NNK, atuando como supressor tumoral e em fases tardias possivelmente tendo papel inverso, ou seja, como um oncogene. Caracterizamos os efeitos do guaraná sobre a ativação do receptor CAR e demonstramos que, por si só, o guaraná induz a expressão do CAR, além de alterar a expressão de alguns de seus transcritos como a CYP2B10 e CYP3A11. Ao analisarmos os efeitos de extratos de guaraná sobre células de tumor de pulmão (E9) in vitro, verificamos o mesmo efeito antiproliferativo, diminuindo a expressão do PCNA e da Conexina43 de maneira dose-dependente, além de verificar um aumento da expressão do receptor CAR. Ao fim propomos uma hipótese de mecanismo de ação baseando-se nas alterações encontradas oriundas da administração do guaraná. Concluímos que o guaraná apresenta componentes com ação antitumoral em camundongos, tendo efeito quimiopreventivo ou antineoplásico dependendo do modelo utilizado. / Cancer is the second biggest cause of deaths in Brazil, only behind of cardiac diseases. As a result, it is evident that great resources for research will be directed towards the discovery of new options to eradicate this disease. Among these options, cancer chemoprevention has calling for attention since the huge advances in the knowledge of carcinogenesis and development of new drugs did not decrease statistical data on mortality due to cancer. In addition, it must be considered that in Brazil, cancer therapy is not available for all given that it is too expensive. Therefore, cancer chemoprevention with dietary factors or from medicinal plants has got to be treasured. Following these lines, the aim of this work was to evaluate the chemopreventive and antineoplastic effects of a Brazilian plant, Paullinia cupana Mart var. sorbilis, most known as guarana. It was used several experiments in mice and cell culture essays as: protection against DEN-induced DNA damage; NNK-induced lung carcinogenesis; Ehrlich Ascitic Tumor; metastasis of B16/f10 melanoma cells; and cell culture of a tumorigenic and a non-tumorigenic cell lines. Additionally, it was characterized the role of Connexin43 in the NNK-induced lung carcinogenesis and the effects of guarana on the CAR receptor before and after the administration of TCPOBOP. We note a chemopreventive or antineoplastic effect of guarana depending on the model employed and showed that the mode of action responsible for these effects was reduced cell proliferation. Also, the lung tumors of guarana-treated animals were smaller, less aggressive, with decreased cell proliferation and CREB activation. On the other hand, we observed that Connexin43 have an important role on NNK-induced lung carcinogenesis because it may act as a tumor suppressor and in advanced stages as an oncogene. The effects of guarana on the CAR activation were characterized and we showed that guarana induces CAR mRNA expression, altering the levels of its transcripts as CYP2B10 and CYP3A11. We also examined the effects of guarana extracts on a lung tumor cell culture (E9 cells) and demonstrated the same antiproliferative effect observed previously, by decreased PCNA and Connexin43 proteins in a dose-dependent manner along with an increase in CAR protein. At last we hypothesized a mechanism of action for guarana effects basing in our findings. We concluded that guarana presents substances that have antitumoral effects in mice, enclosing a chemopreventive or antineoplastic effect depending on the model studied.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / The proteasome is responsible for breaking down the majority of the proteins in the cell. However, a complete understanding of how this large multi-subunit protease is assembled is currently lacking. Proper and timely assembly of the proteasome is critical for the functioning of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, defects in which have been associated with several different cancers. A recently discovered heterodimeric proteasome assembly chaperone, Pba1p-Pba2p, has been suggested to prevent the assembly process from straying off path. Pba1p-Pba2p associates with proteasomal assembly intermediates via C-terminal HbYX motifs. The HbYX motif is a tri-peptide sequence containing a hydrophobic residue (Hb) followed by a tyrosine (Y), then any amino acid (X). This motif was originally identified in proteasomal activators, and shown to mediate the association of activators with the proteasome by inserting into intersubunit pockets on either end of the proteasome. There are seven unique intersubunit binding pockets, located between neighboring α subunits on the proteasome, to which a HbYX-containing protein can bind; which of these pockets Pba1p-Pba2p binds to remains elusive. I attempted to identify where Pba1p and Pba2p bind via a crosslinking approach. Specific residues were mutagenized to cysteines on Pba1p, Pba2p, and the individual α subunits in order to generate crosslinkable species. By exposing yeast cells expressing these crosslinkable proteins to mild oxidizing conditions, I attempted to trap the Pba1p and Pba2p α intersubunit pocket interactions. In order to optimize crosslinking conditions, the assay was modified several ways. Additionally, measures were taken to increase detection of the crosslinked species via immunoblotting. Despite the efforts to improve the crosslinking and detection, I was unable to successfully detect a crosslinked species. However, crosslinking is a reasonable method to identify the Pba1p and Pba2p proteasomal binding sites, having been successfully used to identify binding sites for other HbYX-motif-containing proteins; further assay optimization should yield Pba1p and Pba2p proteasomal crosslinks.

Absorption study showed that gossypetin was methoxylated and conjugated to form glucuronide during the first-pass metabolism after oral administration. Glucuronide conjugate was the major circulating form in the plasma. As determined by HPLC analysis, the total gossypetin concentration in the plasma was higher than the unchanged gossypetin indicating that most of gossypetin underwent first-pass metabolism. Moreover, urinary excretion was not a main elimination route. / Uses of foods and dietary supplements present a safe chemopreventive strategy. The application of phytochemicals for cancer prevention currently receives a great deal of attention. Flavonoids are known to be antiproliferative and may play an important role in the prevention of carcinogenesis. In addition to epidemiologic studies, basic science research to elucidate mechanisms and evaluate chemopreventive potential of phytochemicals is also necessary. In this study, gossypetin was found to have stronger antiproliferative activity when compared with quercetin, a well studied flavonoid, in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells and human breast carcinoma (MCF-7) cells. The results demonstrated that gossypetin induced growth inhibition in MCF-7 cell line by arresting cell cycle at G0/G1 phase. The inhibition of cell cycle progression was associated with the decrement of cyclin D1 expression, cdk6 kinase activity and phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (pRb). Although the cdk inhibitor p21 could not be detected, its upstream protein, p53 tumor suppressor protein, was activated by gossypetin in the MCF-7 cell line. Also, the proliferation of MCF-7 cells was suppressed through down-regulating the Erk1/2 pathway. / Ngai Lei-ka. / "August 2005." / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 67-11, Section: B, page: 6156. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 222-250). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / School code: 1307.

Qin, Jing. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 162-218). / Abstract also in Chinese. / Acknowledgment --- p.i / Abstract --- p.ii / 摘要 --- p.iv / Table of Content --- p.vi / List of Figures --- p.x / List of Tables --- p.xv / Abbreviations --- p.xvii / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Ganoderma spp --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Introduction of Ganoderma spp --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Bioactivities of Ganoderma spp --- p.3 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Endocrine system and breast cancer --- p.11 / Chapter 1.1.3.1 --- Estrogen --- p.11 / Chapter 1.1.3.2 --- Estrogen receptors --- p.12 / Chapter 1.1.3.3 --- Estrogen responsive genes --- p.15 / Chapter 1.1.3.3.1 --- pS2 --- p.15 / Chapter 1.1.3.3.2 --- Progesterone receptor --- p.18 / Chapter 1.1.3.4 --- Androgen --- p.21 / Chapter 1.1.3.5 --- Androgen receptor --- p.23 / Chapter 1.1.3.6 --- Androgen responsive gene --- p.24 / Chapter 1.1.3.6.1 --- Transmembrane prostate androgen-induced RNA --- p.24 / Chapter 1.1.3.6.2 --- Uridine diphosphate glucose dehydrogenase --- p.26 / Chapter 1.1.3.7 --- Breast cancer --- p.26 / Chapter 1.2 --- "Endocrine Disruption of p,p '-DDE" --- p.28 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Introduction of p´ةp '-DDE --- p.28 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- "p,p '-DDE in environments" --- p.29 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- "p,p '-DDE in human body" --- p.32 / Chapter 1.2.4 --- "p,p '-DDE and reproductive system" --- p.33 / Chapter 1.2.5 --- Endocrine disruptor --- p.35 / Chapter 1.2.6 --- "Action mechanism of p,p '-DDE on endocrine system" --- p.37 / Chapter 1.2.7 --- Apoptosis --- p.39 / Chapter 1.3 --- Food therapy against endocrine disruption --- p.41 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Food therapy and functional food --- p.41 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Ganoderma as a Functional food --- p.47 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- Cancer prevention by dietary agents --- p.47 / Chapter 1.3.4 --- Hormone therapy --- p.48 / Chapter 1.3.5 --- Hormone-related properties of Ganoderma spp --- p.50 / Chapter 1.4 --- The aim of the study --- p.51 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.52 / Chapter 2.1 --- Ganoderma samples --- p.52 / Chapter 2.2 --- Artificial cultivation of Ganoderma spp --- p.54 / Chapter 2.3 --- Molecular identification of Ganoderma spp --- p.55 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Extraction of genomic DNA --- p.55 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Gene-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) --- p.56 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Gel electrophoresis --- p.56 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Purification of PCR amplified product for sequencing --- p.57 / Chapter 2.3.5 --- Cycle-sequencing --- p.57 / Chapter 2.3.6 --- Sequencing --- p.58 / Chapter 2.3.7 --- Sequence analysis --- p.58 / Chapter 2.4 --- Chemical analyses of Ganoderma spp --- p.59 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Polysaccharide preparations --- p.59 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Terpene profile --- p.60 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Fatty acid profile --- p.60 / Chapter 2.5 --- Anti-oxidation activities --- p.61 / Chapter 2.5.1 --- Superoxide radical scavenging assay --- p.61 / Chapter 2.5.2 --- DPPH radical scavenging assay --- p.62 / Chapter 2.6 --- Anti-proliferation effect on human breast cancer cells --- p.62 / Chapter 2.7 --- Hormone-like effects --- p.63 / Chapter 2.7.1 --- E-screen test --- p.63 / Chapter 2.7.2 --- In vitro estrogen receptors (ERs) competitor binding assays --- p.64 / Chapter 2.7.3 --- "Recombinant yeast cell based ER-, AR- and PGR-responsible promoter assays" --- p.65 / Chapter 2.7.3.1 --- Recombinant yeasts --- p.65 / Chapter 2.7.3.2 --- Growth medium for recombinant yeasts --- p.66 / Chapter 2.7.3.3 --- "ER, AR and PGR assays" --- p.67 / Chapter 2.7.3.4 --- β-Galactosidase assay --- p.67 / Chapter 2.7.4 --- Real time PCR --- p.68 / Chapter 2.8 --- Flow cytometry --- p.71 / Chapter 2.9 --- Comet assay --- p.71 / Chapter 2.10 --- DNA microarray --- p.73 / Chapter 2.10.1 --- Total RNA isolation --- p.73 / Chapter 2.10.2 --- cDNA synthesis --- p.73 / Chapter 2.10.3 --- Preparation of labelled cDNA --- p.74 / Chapter 2.10.4 --- cDNA purification --- p.74 / Chapter 2.10.5 --- Oligo GEArray hybridization --- p.75 / Chapter 2.10.6 --- Chemiluminescent detection --- p.76 / Chapter 2.10.7 --- Data analysis --- p.77 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Results --- p.78 / Chapter 3.1 --- Analysis of Ganderma spp --- p.78 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Mycelia and fruiting bodies --- p.78 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Identification of Ganoderma spp --- p.79 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- Chemical properties of samples --- p.80 / Chapter 3.1.4 --- Anti-oxidation activities --- p.90 / Chapter 3.1.5 --- Anti-proliferation effect on human breast cancer cells --- p.90 / Chapter 3.1.6 --- Hormone-like bioactivities --- p.93 / Chapter 3.1.6.1 --- E-screen test --- p.93 / Chapter 3.1.6.2 --- In vitro estrogen receptors (ERs) competitor binding assays --- p.94 / Chapter 3.1.6.3 --- "Recombinant yeast cell-based ER-, AR- and PGR-responsible promoter assays" --- p.95 / Chapter 3.1.6.4 --- ER- and AR-pathway gene expression by real time PCR --- p.97 / Chapter 3.2 --- "Action mechanism of p,p' -DDE" --- p.99 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- E-screen --- p.99 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- In vitro estrogen receptors (ERs) competitor binding assays --- p.101 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Recombinant yeast cell based ER- and AR-responsible promoter assays --- p.103 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- ER- and AR-pathway gene expression by real time PCR --- p.106 / Chapter 3.3 --- Ganoderma tsugae mycelia extract against p.p' -DDE --- p.109 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- E-screen test --- p.109 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- ER- and AR-pathway gene expression by real time PCR --- p.110 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Analysis of cell cycle --- p.112 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- Analysis of DNA damage --- p.114 / Chapter 3.3.5 --- Analysis of sub-G1 peak --- p.117 / Chapter 3.3.6 --- DNA damage and apoptosis relative gene expression by real time PCR --- p.120 / Chapter 3.3.7 --- DNA microarray --- p.121 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Discussion --- p.131 / Chapter 4.1 --- Analysis of Ganoderma spp --- p.131 / Chapter 4.2 --- Effects of p.p´ة-DDE --- p.144 / Chapter 4.3 --- Protective effects of G. tsugae against p.p' -DDE --- p.151 / Chapter 4.4 --- Further investigation --- p.159 / Chapter 4.5 --- Conclusion --- p.160 / References --- p.162

We have studied aspirin as a potential chemopreventive for colorectal cancer, completing Phase I studies on aspirin pharmacology and potential biomarker assays (prostaglandins, PGE2 and PGF(2α) and cyclooxygenase modulation) in normal human subjects. These studies have determined the optimal dose of aspirin for future Phase IIa and IIb chemopreventive trials in high-risk cohorts of patients for colon cancer. Aspirin's effects on rectal prostaglandins are prolonged, detectable even after aspirin and its metabolite are removed from the plasma. Aspirin-mediated inhibition of prostaglandin production in the human rectal epithelium may be related to direct suppression of cyclooxygenase transcription and not to enzyme inactivation by acetylation. A systematic method to monitor adherence (self- report, telephone contact, pill count, and microelectronic monitoring) has been established for future trials. Strategies to improve recruitment of high-risk cohorts have been developed. Phase IIa non-randomized studies with aspirin at 81 mg in high-risk cohorts (resected Duke's A colon cancer, Duke's C colon cancer treated with adjuvant therapy and disease-free at 5 years, history of colon adenomas > 1 cm, two or more first-degree relatives with colon cancer, and familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer syndromes) are currently being conducted for surrogate end- point biomarker (prostaglandins, cyclooxygenase, cellular mucins, and proliferation) modulation.

Epidemiological, experimental, and clinical observations provide support for a colorectal cancer chemopreventive role for aspirin. We have evaluated the effects of aspirin on proliferation biomarkers in normal-risk and high-risk human subjects for colorectal cancer. Colorectal biopsies were obtained at baseline and at 24h after 28 daily doses of 81mg of aspirin from 13 high-risk and 15 normal-risk subjects for colorectal cancer. We evaluated aspirin's effects on proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemistry and epithelial mucin histochemistry using the lectin, Amaranthus caudatus agglutinin (ACA) in crypt sections from rectal biopsies. The baseline whole crypt PCNA LIs differed significantly between normal-risk and high-risk subjects. PCNA LIs are not affected by 28 days of aspirin at 81mg daily. ACA LIs are decreased by 28 days of aspirin at 81mg daily in both normal-risk and high-risk subjects. Aspirin's effects on ACA LIs may have mechanistic and biological implications that deserve further attention. PCNA and ACA LIs are not useful as proliferation biomarkers for aspirin's chemopreventive activity in morphologically normal human colorectal mucosa.