Bcl-2 and Bax localize at the outer membrane of mitochondrial. The balance between them prevents translocation of cytochrome-c from the mitochondria and

determines the apoptosis resistance. see more Inhibition of Bcl-2 or induction of Bax breaks the balance between two genes (as showed in Fig.5B), resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction and cytochrome-c release [21, 22]. Researches have demonstrated that several Bcl-2 family members are regulated by NF-kB [24, 25]. Promoter analysis showed Bcl-2 had multiple putative NF-kB binding sites [26, 27]. Meanwhile, inhibition of NF-kB depressed Bcl-2 expression [28]. Caspases, a family of cysteine proteases, play a critical role in the execution of apoptosis [29] which are modulated by several upstream genes, especially cytochrome-c [30]. Once cytochrome-c is released into cytoplasm, it binds to the adaptor molecule, Apaf-1, and forms the apoptosome that activates caspase-9. Activated caspase-9 cleaves and activates procaspase-3 [31]. In our study data showed that Bcl-2 and procaspase-3 proteins were down-regulated after PTL treatment with the Bax and caspase-9 protein

up-regulated. Mitochondrial involvement contributing to the mechanism of PTL-induced apoptosis included NF-kB-mediated Bcl-2 down-regulation and Bax up-regulation, release of mitochondrial cytochrome-c to the cytoplasm and activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3. In summary, PTL might be a new agent which can effectively inhibit proliferation, invasion and induce apoptosis in AZD6738 mw pancreatic cancer. Although the molecular mechanisms for the PTL-induced effect still need to be clarified, our data showed that the Bcl-2 family molecules and caspase cascade reaction may be involved. Further studies in vivo should be designed to verify the PTL-induced effect. Conclusions NF-kB inhibitor PTL may be an agent which can effective against

Verteporfin in vitro pancreatic cancer, because they can effectively inhibit cell proliferation, induce cell apoptosis and suppress metastatic Anlotinib price activity. Although the molecular mechanism(s) for the PTL-induced cancer cell apoptosis are poorly understood, the Bcl-2 family molecules and caspase cascade reaction might be involved. Therefore, NF-kB specific inhibitors include PTL may be applicable to a chemotherapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer. But this possibility should be followed-up with further comprehensive studies. Acknowledgements This study is supported by grants from the Science and Technology Department of Zhejiang Province (No. 021107241 and No. 2005C23037) and the Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Zhejiang Province (No. 2002C042). References 1. Jemal A, Tiwari RC, Murray T, Ghafoor A, Samuels A, Ward E, Feuer EJ, Thun MJ: Cancer statistics, 2004. CA-Cancer J Clin 2004, 54:8–29.PubMedCrossRef 2. Safioleas MC, Moulakakis KG: Pancreatic cancer today. Hepatogastroenterology 2004, 51:862–868.