In MCF-7 and HT-29 cells, PX-12 prevents the hypoxia (1% oxygen)-induced increase in HIF-1alpha protein, and decreases HIF-1-trans-activating activity, VEGF formation, and inducible nitric oxide synthase. PX-12 also inhibits the growth of MCF-7 and HT-29 cells with IC50s of 1.9 μM and 2.9μM, respectively. PX-12 also inhibits HIF-1α protein levels through an Nrf2/PMF-1-mediated increase. In A549 cells, PX-12 inhibits cell growth via G2/M phase arrest, and Bax-mediated and ROS-dependent apoptosis. In hepatocelluar carcinoma cells, PX-12 exerts a synergistic effect with 5-FU to significantly suppress tumorigenicity.
In vivo
In mice bearing MCF-7 tumor xenografts, PX-12 (12 mg/kg, i.p.) decreases HIF-1α and VEGF protein levels and microvessel density.
