Physiologically, vitamins K1 and K2 (VK) act as co-factors for γ-carboxylation of prothrombin and other coagulation factors. In previous studies, VK analogs have been found to have potent negative effects on the survival of various cancer cells. We hypothesized that the well-tolerated and naturally occurring VK1

and VK2 may be used to inhibit pancreatic cancer cell survival. Methods:  Four pancreas cancer cell lines were tested. Two of these (MiaPaCa2 and PL5) were found to be sensitive check details to VK1 and VK2 (IC50 values ≤150 µM). To address the mechanisms of this effect on cell survival, we performed cell cycle and apoptosis studies using VK2 (the more potent compound). Results:  We found that VK induced caspase-dependent apoptosis in over 60% of cells in the sensitive lines at the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) range. Further, this induction in apoptosis Everolimus chemical structure was antagonized by a caspase inhibitor. Accompanying apoptosis, a dose- and time-dependent

induction of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation occurred when sensitive lines were treated with either VK1 or VK2 at inhibitory doses. Simultaneous co-treatment of cells with a MEK1 inhibitor and VK prevented both the induction of ERK phosphorylation and the apoptosis, showing that the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway is central for VK-mediated apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells. Conclusion:  These data show that naturally-occurring, non-toxic K vitamins can inhibit the survival of some pancreatic cancer cell lines. These novel, safe and clinically-utilized agents initiate a caspase-dependent

apoptosis via the MAP kinase pathway and could potentially benefit patients with pancreatic cancer either as a single agent or in combination with chemotherapy for treatment, or for prevention of recurrence of pancreas cancer post resection. “
“Ischemia and reperfusion-elicited tissue injury contributes to morbidity and mortality of hepatic surgery and during liver transplantation. Previous studies implicated extracellular adenosine signaling in liver protection. Based on the notion that extracellular adenosine signaling is terminated by uptake from the extracellular towards the intracellular compartment by selleck products way of equilibrative nucleoside transporters (ENTs), we hypothesized a functional role of ENTs in liver protection from ischemia. During orthotopic liver transplantation in humans, we observed higher expressional levels of ENT1 than ENT2, in conjunction with repression of ENT1 and ENT2 transcript and protein levels following warm ischemia and reperfusion. Treatment with the pharmacologic ENT inhibitor dipyridamole revealed elevations of hepatic adenosine levels and robust liver protection in a murine model of liver ischemia and reperfusion. Studies in gene-targeted mice for Ent1 or Ent2 demonstrated selective protection from liver injury in Ent1−/− mice.