Genistein is an isoflavone extracted from soybean (Glycine max). This compound has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-cancer effects; however, the mechanism underlying the effects of genistein on IL-1β-stimulated human osteoarthritis (OA) chondrocytes remains unknown. Our objectives in this study were to explore the anti-inflammatory effects of genistein on IL-1β-stimulated human OA chondrocytes and to investigate the potential mechanisms which underlie them. Our results from an in-vitro model of osteoarthritis indicate that genistein inhibits the IL-1β-induced expression of the catabolic factors nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Genistein was shown to stimulate Ho-1 expression, which has been associated with Nrf-2 pathway activation in human chondrocytes. In a rat model, genistein was also shown to attenuate the progression of traumatic osteoarthritis. Taken together, these results demonstrate the effectiveness of genistein in mediating the inflammation associated with joint disorders. Our results also indicate that genistein could potentially serve as an alternative therapeutic treatment for OA.
Background and purpose: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-g (PPAR-g), COX-2 and 15-lipoxygenase (LOX)-1 have been shown to be involved in tumour growth. However, the roles of PPAR-g, COX-2 or 15-LOX-1 in gastric tumourigenesis remain unclear. Here, we investigate the role of 15-LOX-1 induction by honokiol, a small-molecular weight natural product, in PPAR-g and COX-2 signalling during gastric tumourigenesis. Experimental approach: Human gastric cancer cell lines (AGS, MKN45, N87 and SCM-1) were cultured with or without honokiol. Gene and protein expressions were analysed by RT-PCR and Western blotting respectively. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) for COX-2, PPAR-g and 15-LOX-1 were used to interfere with the expressions of these genes. A xenograft gastric tumour model in mouse was used for in vivo study. Key results: PPAR-g and COX-2 proteins were highly expressed in gastric cancer cells. Inhibitors, or siRNA for COX-2 or PPAR-g, significantly decreased cell viability. Honokiol markedly inhibited PPAR-g and COX-2 expressions in gastric cancer cells and tumours of xenograft mice, and induced apoptosis and cell death. Honokiol markedly activated cellular 15-LOX-1 expression and 13-S-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (a primary product of 15-LOX-1 metabolism of linoleic acid) production. 15-LOX-1 siRNA could reverse the honokiol-induced down-regulation of PPAR-g and COX-2, and cell apoptosis. 15-LOX-1 was markedly induced in tumours of xenograft mice treated with honokiol. Conclusions and implications: These findings suggest that induction of 15-LOX-1-mediated down-regulation of a PPAR-g and COX-2 pathway by honokiol may be a promising therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer.
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