Inorganic arsenic is widely distributed in the environment, and epidemiologic data show a strong association between arsenic exposure and risk of liver cancer. An understanding of the mechanisms underlying development of liver cancer and metastasis would be useful in reducing the incidence and mortality of liver cancer. MicroRNAs (miRs) act as regulators in liver cancer. Here, we show that acute or chronic exposure of human liver epithelial L-02 cells to arsenite increased expression of miR-191. There were decreased levels of BASP-1 and E-cadherin and increased levels of WT-1 and N-cadherin, indicating that arsenite induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, arsenite increased EpCAM and CD90 mRNA levels, showing the acquisition of stem cell-like properties by these cells. Suppression of miR-191 resulted in repression of EMT and reduced expression of stem-cell markers. Further, a miR-191 inhibitor blocked spheroid formation and production of side population cells. Luciferase reporter assays indicated that miR-191 was a target of HIF-2α, and inhibition of miR-191 decreased the neoplastic and metastatic properties of arsenite-transformed L-02 cells. Thus, in arsenite-transformed liver epithelial cells, transcriptional activation of the miR-191 promoter by HIF-2α is involved in EMT and in the acquisition of a stem cell-like phenotype.

The present study elucidated the prospective of Azadirachta indica supplementation, if any, in affording chemoprevention by modulating the altered cancer markers and ultrastructural changes in DMH-induced colorectal carcinogenesis in rats. The rats were segregated into four groups viz., normal control, DMH treated, A. indica treated, and DMH+AI treated. Initiation and induction of colon carcinogenesis were achieved through weekly subcutaneous injections of DMH (30 mg/kg body weight) for both 10 and 20 weeks. A. indica extract was supplemented to rats at a dose rate of 100 mg/kg body weight of animals thrice a week on alternative days, ad libitum for two different time durations of 10 and 20 weeks. The study observed a significant increase in the number of aberrant crypt foci in colons of DMH-treated rats at both the time intervals which were decreased significantly upon AI supplementation. Also, a significant increase was seen in the enzyme activity of alkaline phosphatase, which, however, was moderated upon AI administration to DMH-treated rats. Changes in the ultrastructural architecture of colonic cells were apparent following both the treatment schedules of DMH; however, the changes were prominent following 20 weeks of DMH treatment. The most obvious changes were seen in the form of altered nuclear shape and disruption of cellular integrity, which were appreciably improved upon AI supplementation. In conclusion, the study shows the chemopreventive abilities of AI against DMH-induced colorectal carcinogenesis in rats.