Anna Wróbel

Effect of bisphenol-A on the expression of selected genes involved in cell cycle and apoptosis in the OVCAR-3 cell line

To support the argument that bisphenol-A (BPA) poses a risk for ovarian cancer, OVCAR-3 cell line was exposed to environmentally relevant concentration of BPA. Expression of selected genes involved in cell cycle and apoptosis were evaluated by real-time PCR. In a dose-dependent manner, BPA increased OVCAR-3 cell proliferation and decreased caspase-3 activity, but it had no effect on DNA fragmentation. We noted 1.2-1.5-fold induction of genes responsible for inducing cell proliferation and 1.2-46-fold suppression of genes responsible for inhibition of proliferation. Moreover, 1.6-8-fold suppression of genes involved in the extrinsic apoptotic pathway was observed. In parallel, 1.3-2.5-fold suppression pro-apoptotic genes and 1.6-51-fold induction of pro-survival genes involved in the intrinsic apoptotic pathway were observed. Additionally, 1.7-fold induction of p53 and 5-fold induction of endonuclease G genes involved in CAD-independent DNA fragmentation were noted under the influence of BPA. In conclusion, we hypothesize that induction of p53 and suppression of caspase-3 and 7 gene expression observed in this study activate the DNA repair process. Therefore, despite the observed induction of endo G gene expression, the action of BPA on DNA fragmentation was not observed.

Effects of single and repeated in vitro exposure of three forms of parabens, methyl-, butyl- and propylparabens on the proliferation and estradiol secretion in MCF-7 and MCF-10A cells

BACKGROUND Here, we analyzed the dose- (0.2, 2, 20, 200 nM or 2 μM) and time- (48, 96, 144 and 196 h) dependent activity of a single or repeated exposure of methyl-, butyl- and propylparaben on the proliferation of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells and MCF-10A human breast epithelial cells. Additionally, the effect on estradiol secretion, gene and protein expression of aromatase (CYP19A1) was investigated. METHODS Cell proliferation was determined by AlamarBlue assay, and estradiol secretion by ELISA kits. Gene and protein expression of CYP19A1 was measurement using real time PCR and western blot, respectively. RESULTS Stimulatory effect of a single exposure of all doses of tested parabens and time dependent effect of repeated exposure to methylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben, the same as that of 17β-estradiol, on proliferation of MCF-7 cells was observed. Only at low doses methyl- and butylparabens increased MCF-10A cells proliferation after single exposure, but no effect of repeated exposure was noted. Exposure at low doses of all of the parabens significantly increased 17β-estradiol (E2) secretion in MCF-7 cells but had the opposite effect on MCF-10A cells. It was correlated with gene and protein expression of CYP19A1 in MCF-7 and MCF-10 cells. CONCLUSIONS In summary, present study indicates a different mechanism of proliferative action of parabens in investigated cell lines. In MCF-7 breast cancer cell line it is probably due to stimulatory action on estradiol secretion and aromatase activity. In MCF-10A by an unknown mechanism, independent on stimulatory action on estradiol section, which requires further investigation.

Actions of methyl-, propyl- and butylparaben on estrogen receptor-α and -β and the progesterone receptor in MCF-7 cancer cells and non-cancerous MCF-10A cells.

Numerous studies have shown that widely used parabens possess estrogenic properties. In the present study, we examined the effects of methyl-, propyl- and butylparaben on the mRNA and protein expression of estrogen receptor (ER)-α (ESR1) and -β (ESR2) and the progesterone receptor (PGR). Human MCF-7 breast cancer cells and MCF-10A non-transformed breast epithelial cells were exposed to parabens at a concentration of 20nM; 17β-estradiol at a concentration of 10nM, was used as a positive control. Both propyl- and butylparaben stimulated PGR mRNA expression in MCF-7 cells, whereas methyl- and propylparaben PGR protein expression. In MCF-10A cells, butyl- and propylparaben increased only PGR mRNA expression. All parabens increased ESR1 gene and protein expression in MCF-7 and with the exception of butylparaben in MCF-10A cells. All parabens significantly increased ESR2 mRNA and protein expression in MCF-7 cells, but in MCF-10A cells only ESR2 protein expression. In summary, by virtue of their stimulatory action on the expression of ESR1, ESR2 and PGR in cancer cells, parabens can be viewed as potential contributors to breast cancer progression. Extension, the actions of these parabens on the expression of ERs and PGR in non-cancerous cells point to possible actions on breast cancer initiation.

Action of methyl-, propyl- and butylparaben on GPR30 gene and protein expression, cAMP levels and activation of ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in MCF-7 breast cancer cells and MCF-10A non-transformed breast epithelial cells

In the present study, we examined cAMP levels and activation of the MAPK/ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in response to the actions of parabens on GPR30 in MCF-7 and MCF-10A cells. Cells were exposed to methyl-, propyl- or butylparaben at a concentration of 20nM; 17-β-estradiol (10nM) was used as a positive control. 17β-estradiol and all tested parabens increased GPR30 gene and protein expression in MCF-7 and MCF-10A cells. No parabens affected cAMP levels in either cell line, with the exception of propylparaben in MCF-10A cells. 17β-estradiol, propylparaben, and butylparaben increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in MCF-7 cells, whereas 17β-estradiol, methyl- and butylparaben, but not propylparaben, increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in MCF-10A cells. Akt activation was noted only in MCF-7 cells and only with propylparaben treatment. Collectively, the data presented here point to a nongenomic mechanism of action of parabens in activation GPR30 in both cancer and non-cancer breast cell lines through βγ dimer-mediated activation of the ERK1/2 pathway, but not the cAMP/PKA pathway. Moreover, among investigated parabens, propylparaben appears to inhibit apoptosis in cancer cells through activation of Akt kinases, confirming conclusions suggested by our previously published data. Nevertheless, continuing research on the carcinogenic action of parabens is warranted.

Differential effect of methyl-, butyl- and propylparaben and 17β-estradiol on selected cell cycle and apoptosis gene and protein expression in MCF-7 breast cancer cells and MCF-10A non-malignant cells.

Parabens are alkyl esters of p‐hydroxybenzoic acid used widely as antimicrobial preservatives in consumer products, including pharmaceuticals, foods and cosmetics. We showed previously that methyl‐, butyl‐ and propylparaben parabens, even at low doses, stimulate the proliferation of MCF‐7 breast cancer cells and non‐transformed MCF‐10A breast epithelial cells. The present study was undertaken to determine whether this represents a direct effect on cell cycle and apoptotic gene expression. MCF‐7 and MCF‐10A cells were exposed to methyl, butyl‐ and propylparaben (20 nm) or 17β‐estradiol (10 nm). Cell cycle and apoptotic gene expression were evaluated by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and protein expression by Western blot. 17β‐estradiol upregulated G1/S phase genes and downregulated cell cycle progression inhibitors in both MCF‐7 and MCF‐10A. Upregulation of Bcl‐xL and downregulation of caspase 9 was observed in MCF‐7, while upregulation of Bcl‐xL, BCL2L2 and caspase 9 was noted in MCF‐10A. Cyclins in MCF‐7 cells were not affected by any of the parabens. Methyl‐ and butylparaben had no effect on the expression of selected apoptotic genes in MCF‐7. In MCF‐10A, all parabens tested increased the expression of G1/S phase genes, and downregulated cell cycle inhibitors. Methylparaben increased pro‐survival gene. Butylparaben increased BCL2L1 gene, as did 17β‐estradiol, while propylparaben upregulated both the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways. There are differences in cell cycle and apoptosis gene expression between parabens and 17β‐estradiol in MCF‐7 cells. In MCF‐10A cells, most of the genes activated by parabens were comparable to those activated by 17β‐estradiol. Copyright

Resistin is a survival factor for porcine ovarian follicular cells

Previously, we demonstrated the expression of resistin in the porcine ovary, the regulation of its expression and its direct effect on ovarian steroidogenesis. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of resistin on cell proliferation and apoptosis in a co-culture model of porcine granulosa and theca cells. First, we analysed the effect of resistin at 1 and 10  ng/ml alone or in combination with FSH- and IGF1 on ovarian cell proliferation with an alamarBlue assay and protein expression of cyclins A and B using western blot. Next, the mRNA and protein expression of selected pro-apoptotic and pro-survival regulators of cell apoptosis, caspase-9, -8 and -3 activity and DNA fragmentation using real time PCR, western blot, fluorescent assay and an ELISA kit, respectively, were analysed after resistin treatment. Furthermore, we determined the effect of resistin on the protein expression of ERK1/2, Stat and Akt kinase. Using specific inhibitors of these kinases, we also checked caspase-3 activity and protein expression. We found that resistin, at both doses, has no effect on cell proliferation. The results showed that resistin decreased pro-apoptotic genes, which was confirmed on protein expression of selected factors. We demonstrate an inhibitory effect of resistin on caspase activity and DNA fragmentation. Finally, resistin stimulated phosphorylation of the ERK1/2, Stat and Akt and kinases inhibitors reversed resistin action on caspase-3 activity and protein expression to control. All of these results showed that resistin has an inhibitory effect on porcine ovarian cell apoptosis by activation of the MAPK/ERK, JAK/Stat and Akt/PI3 kinase signalling pathways.

Valproic acid, but not levetiracetam, selectively decreases HDAC7 and HDAC2 expression in human ovarian cancer cells

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are often overexpressed in cancer cells, leading to altered expression and activity of numerous proteins involved in carcinogenesis. Recent evidence suggests that expression of class I HDACs is increased in ovarian carcinomas and plays a significant role in carcinogenesis and resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. Two compounds, valproic acid (VPA) and levetiracetam (LEV), exhibit HDAC inhibitor (HDACI) activity in various cell types, but data concerning their activity in ovarian cancer are lacking. Here we compared the effects of VPA and LEV as HDACIs, using a human ovarian cancer cell line, OVCAR-3. Cells were cultured with VPA or LEV at concentrations between 1 and 10 mM for 1-24h. HDAC activity was determined by fluorometric assay and confirmed by western blotting. Expression of HDAC genes was determined by real-time PCR and HDAC proteins expression was evaluated by western blotting. Additionally, we used high-performance liquid chromatography to determine whether OVCAR-3 cells can metabolize LEV to its major metabolite, 2-pyrrolidinone-n-butyric acid (PBA), which might exert HDACI activity. LEV, however, had no apparent effect on HDAC activity, or gene and protein expression. The OVCAR-3 cell line was able to metabolize LEV to PBA, but the effect was small. Our observations suggest that VPA should be considered as a possible adjunctive drug in ovarian cancer treatment.

Ghrelin Negatively Affects the Function of Ovarian Follicles in Mature Pigs by Direct Action on Basal and Gonadotropin-Stimulated Steroidogenesis:

We previously showed that expression of ghrelin messenger RNA is significantly increased in the ovaries of cycling pigs but not in prepubertal animals and that ghrelin stimulates estradiol (E2) secretion by ovarian follicles in prepubertal animals. The present study investigated in vitro the role of ghrelin in regulating the ovarian steroidogenesis during estrus cycle in mature pigs. Small (SFs), medium (MFs), and large (LFs) ovarian follicles were collected on days 4 to 6, 10 to 12, and 16 to 18 of the estrous cycle from cycling pigs and exposed to 20, 100, and 500 pg/mL ghrelin for 24 hours. In additional experiments, MFs were exposed to ghrelin plus 100 ng/mL follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or luteinizing hormone (LH). Levels of progesterone (P4), testosterone (T), and E2 in culture medium were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the expression of the steroid pathway enzymes 3β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD), 17β-HSD, and cytochrome P450 aromatase (CYP19) was evaluated by Western blotting. Ghrelin had no effect on steroid secretion when present at 20 pg/mL, its concentration in follicular fluid, whereas at 100 pg/mL and 500 pg/mL, its concentration in serum, ghrelin significantly decreased secretion of P4, T, and E2. Moreover, all concentrations of ghrelin decreased steroid secretion in FSH- and LH-stimulated follicles. Western blot analysis showed that ghrelin inhibited expression of 3β-HSD, 17β-HSD, and CYP19 proteins. These results suggest that ghrelin, by direct inhibition of 3β-HSD, 17β-HSD, and CYP19 protein expression, inhibits LH- and FSH-stimulated steroid secretion by ovarian follicles, thus negatively affecting ovarian steroidogenesis in mature pigs.

Patterns of the lemma micromorphology: a useful tool in taxonomy of the Middle Asian Eragrostis species (Poaceae)

Abstract We examined all taxa of the genus Eragrostis noted so far in Middle Asia, namely: Eragrostis amurensis, Eragrostis cilianensis, Eragrostis minor agg., Eragrostis pilosa and Eragrostis virescens. By means of scanning electron microscope, such structures as long cells, short cells (cork and silica cells), prickles, microhairs and glands were scrutinized and compared among taxa. Additionally, several macromorphological characteristics were investigated. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis were conducted in order to reveal the morphological relationships and differences among species. Micromorphology of the lemma epidermis, together with selected macromorphological characteristics of spikelets, appear to be important for taxonomy of the Middle Asian lovegrasses.

Spread of Eragrostis albensis (Poaceae) and Dittrichia graveolens (Asteraceae) in the southern Poland

Abstract New localities of Eragrostis albensis H. Scholz and Dittrichia graveolens (L.) Greuter have been found in the southern Poland. The former taxon is currently considered a kenophyte (epecophyte and holoagriophyte) in the country. It occurs on sandy alluvia along Vistula, Oder and San River Valleys as well as on anthropogenic sites mainly in the eastern and south-eastern Poland. The latter species is a recent newcomer regarded as an ephemerophyte, which so far has been reported from only one locality in Śląskie Province. In 2017 we discovered 16 new localities of E. albensis and five of D. graveolens on the territory of the southern Poland. Populations of both species consisted of few to several dozen individuals which grew within anthropogenic habitats, mainly roadsides. Distribution maps of both species in the southern Poland were presented.