Licochalcone D ameliorates lipid metabolism in hepatocytes by modulating lipogenesis and autophagy.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease is a metabolic disease caused by abnormal lipid accumulation in the liver. Excessive lipid accumulation results in liver inflammation and fibrosis. Previous studies have demonstrated that the chalcone licochalcone D, which is isolated from Glycyrrhiza inflata Batal, has anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory effects. The present study explored whether licochalcone D can regulate lipid accumulation in fatty liver cells. FL83B hepatocytes were incubated with oleic acid to establish a fatty liver cell model, and then treated with licochalcone D to evaluate the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of lipid metabolism. In addition, male C57BL/6 mice were fed a methionine/choline-deficient diet to induce an animal model of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and given 5 mg/kg licochalcone D by intraperitoneal injection. In cell experiments, licochalcone D significantly reduced lipid accumulation in fatty liver cells and reduced sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c expression, blocking fatty acid synthase production. Licochalcone D increased adipose triglyceride lipase and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 expression, enhancing lipolysis and fatty acid ß-oxidation, respectively. Licochalcone D also significantly increased SIRT-1 and AMPK phosphorylation, reducing acetyl-CoA carboxylase phosphorylation and inhibiting fatty acid synthesis. Licochalcone D also increased the fusion of autophagosomes and lysosomes to promote autophagy, reducing oil droplet accumulation in fatty liver cells. In the animal experiments, licochalcone D effectively reduced the number of lipid vacuoles and degree of fibrosis in liver tissue and inhibited liver inflammation. Thus, licochalcone D can improve MASH by reducing lipid accumulation, inhibiting inflammation, and increasing autophagy.

Effects of Lactobacillus salivarius ssp. salicinius SA-03 Supplementation on Reversing Phthalate-Induced Asthma in Mice.

Probiotics may protect against asthma. We want to investigate whether probiotics can reverse the adverse effects of phthalate exposure on asthma. We selected the female offspring of BALB/c mice, born from pregnant female mice fed with diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). They were continuously administrated DEHP and Lactobacillus salivarius ssp. salicinius SA-03 when they were 5 weeks old, and ovalbumin (OVA) for asthma induction started at 6 weeks for 32 days. The mice were divided into four groups (n = 6/group): 1. control group (C), 2. OVA/DEHP group (OD), 3. OVA/DEHP/probiotics low-dose group (ODP-1X), and OVA/DEHP/probiotics high-dose group (ODP-5X). We found that the administration of probiotics significantly reduced the asthma severity of the mice, as well as serum IgE and IL-5. In the ODP-5X group, the proportion of CD4+ cells in the lung was reduced, whereas IL-10 in serum and CD8+ cells in BALF were increased. In histopathology, the ODP group showed reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells, bronchial epithelial cell hyperplasia, and tracheal mucus secretion. These results might indicate that high-dose probiotics may affect anti-inflammatory cytokines and reduce asthma-relative indicators. The above results may provide evidence that high-dose probiotics supplementation might play a modulating role in DEHP causes of allergic asthma in the pediatric animal model.

Punicalagin from pomegranate ameliorates TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced inflammatory responses in HaCaT cells via regulation of SIRT1/STAT3 axis and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Punicalagin (PUN) was isolated from the peel of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), is a polyphenol with anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant activities. However, it remains unclear whether PUN alleviates the inflammation and anti-inflammatory mechanisms in pro-inflammatory cytokines-induced human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. Here, we investigated that tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) mixture-stimulated HaCaT cells were treated with various concentrations of PUN, followed by analyzed the expression of inflammation-related mediators and evaluate anti-inflammatory-related pathways. Our results demonstrated that PUN ≤ 100 µM did not reduce HaCaT cell viability, and PUN ≥ 3 µM was sufficient to decrease interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5), CCL17 and CCL20 concentrations. We found that PUN ≥ 10 µM and ≥ 3 µM significantly increased sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression and inhibited signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation, respectively. PUN downregulated inflammation-related proteins cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), enhanced nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression. Moreover, PUN decreased intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression and inhibited monocyte adhesion to inflamed HaCaT cells. PUN also suppressed inflammatory-related pathways, including mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways in TNF-α/IFN-γ- stimulated HaCat cells. Collectively, there is significant evidence that PUN has effective protective defenses against TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced skin inflammation by enhancing SIRT1 to mediate STAT3 and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Gypenoside XIII regulates lipid metabolism in HepG2 hepatocytes and ameliorates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in mice.

Gypenoside XIII is isolated from Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino. In mice, G. pentaphyllum extract and gypenoside LXXV have been shown to improve non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This study investigated whether gypenoside XIII can regulate lipid accumulation in fatty liver cells or attenuate NASH in mice. We used HepG2 hepatocytes to establish a fatty liver cell model using 0.5 mM oleic acid. Fatty liver cells were treated with different concentrations of gypenoside XIII to evaluate the molecular mechanisms of lipid metabolism. In addition, a methionine/choline-deficient diet induced NASH in C57BL/6 mice, which were given 10 mg/kg gypenoside XIII by intraperitoneal injection. In fatty liver cells, gypenoside XIII effectively suppressed lipid accumulation and lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, gypenoside XIII significantly increased SIRT1 and AMPK phosphorylation to decrease acetyl-CoA carboxylase phosphorylation, reducing fatty acid synthesis activity. Gypenoside XIII also decreased lipogenesis by suppressing sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c and fatty acid synthase production. Gypenoside XIII also increased lipolysis and fatty acid ß-oxidation by promoting adipose triglyceride lipase and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1, respectively. In an animal model of NASH, gypenoside XIII effectively decreased the lipid vacuole size and number and reduced liver fibrosis and inflammation. These findings suggest that gypenoside XIII can regulate lipid metabolism in fatty liver cells and improve liver fibrosis in NASH mice. Therefore, gypenoside XIII has potential as a novel agent for the treatment of NASH.

Consumption of a Taiwanese cafeteria diet induces metabolic disorders and fecal flora changes in obese rats.

OBJECTIVES: Among diet-induced obesity animal models, the cafeteria diet, which contains human junk food and processed foods, is a popular experimental animal diets in Western countries. Consumption of a cafeteria diet can lead to the development of obesity and non-alcoholic liver disease in as soon as 2 mo, which more accurately reflects human eating patterns. The aim of this study was to establish a Taiwanese cafeteria diet and compare it with a traditional lard-based, 60% high-fat diet in a 12-wk animal model. METHODS: Six-wk-old male Wistar rats were assigned to the following three groups: control diet (C; LabDiet 5001); high-fat diet (HFD; 60% HFD); and the Taiwanese cafeteria diet (CAF). RESULTS: At the end of the study, weight gain and steatosis were observed in the HF and CAF groups. Compared with the HFD group, rats in the CAF group showed significantly higher plasma triacylglycerol concentrations and insulin resistance, which may have been correlated with increased inflammatory responses. Significantly lower hepatic sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c and insulin receptor substrate-1 protein expressions were observed in the CAF group compared with the HFD group. Additionally, disruption of the microbiotic composition followed by increased obesity-related bacteria was observed in the CAF group. CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirmed that the Taiwanese cafeteria diet-induced rat model provided a potential platform for investigating obesity-related diseases.

Protective effects of myricetin on airway inflammation and oxidative stress in ovalbumin-induced asthma mice.

Myricetin, a flavonoid isolated from many edible vegetables and fruits, has multiple biological effects, including anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects. Myricetin could inhibit mast cell degranulation in vitro, and it reduced the eosinophil content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice. However, it remains unclear whether myricetin alleviates airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), airway inflammation, and oxidative stress in asthma. Here, we investigated whether myricetin attenuated AHR, airway inflammation, and eosinophil infiltration in lungs of asthmatic mice. Mice were sensitized with OVA, then injected intraperitoneally with myricetin to investigate anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of myricetin. Moreover, we examined its effects on human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells stimulated with TNF-α and IL-4, in vitro. Myricetin effectively mitigated eosinophil infiltration, AHR, and goblet cell hyperplasia in lung, and it reduced Th2 cytokine expression in BALF from asthmatic mice. Myricetin effectively promoted glutathione and superoxide dismutase productions and mitigated malondialdehyde expressions in mice by promoting Nrf2/HO-1 expression. Myricetin also reduced the production of proinflammatory cytokines, eotaxins, and reactive oxygen species in BEAS-2B cells. Myricetin effectively suppressed ICAM-1 expression in inflammatory BEAS-2B cells, which suppressed monocyte cell adherence. These results suggested that myricetin could effectively improve asthma symptoms, mainly through blocking Th2-cell activation, which reduced oxidative stress, AHR, and airway inflammation.

Alleviative Effect of Ficus formosana Extract on Peripheral Neuropathy in Ovariectomized Diabetic Mice.

In diabetes mellitus, Ficus formosana has been reported to ameliorate blood sugar levels and inhibit inflammation through its polyphenol and flavonoid contents. However, its effect on diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Ficus formosana extract (FFE) on DPN in ovariectomized diabetic mice. Ovariectomized female C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet plus streptozotocin injections to induce type 2 diabetes were orally administered FEE at 20 or 200 mg/kg BW daily, for 6 weeks. To evaluate the pain responses in the paws of the mice, a von Frey filament test and a thermal hyperalgesia test were performed. Additionally, the intraepidermal and sciatic nerve sections were examined, along with an assessment of inflammation- and pain response-related mRNA expression in the paws of the mice. The results showed that the oral administration of both 20 and 200 mg/kg BW FEE significantly alleviated the hypersensitivity of the paw and the abnormal proliferation and rupture of the C fiber, and reduced the mRNA expression of interleukin-1ß, interleukin-6, interferon-γ, cyclooxygenase-2, and voltage-gated sodium channel 1.8 in the sciatic nerve of ovariectomized diabetic mice. We propose that FFE ameliorates peripheral neuropathy by suppressing oxidative damage in ovariectomized diabetic mice.

Mulberroside F improves airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in asthmatic mice.

Mulberroside F is isolated from the leaves and roots of Morus alba L. Here, we investigated whether mulberroside F could alleviate airway inflammation and eosinophil infiltration in the lungs of asthmatic mice. We also examined whether mulberroside F attenuated inflammatory responses in human tracheal epithelial BEAS-2B cells. Female BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA), and administered different doses of mulberroside F via intraperitoneal injection. Additionally, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-stimulated BEAS-2B cells were treated with various doses of mulberroside F, followed by detection of the expressions of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The results demonstrated that mulberroside F mitigated the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and CCL11, in inflammatory BEAS-2B cells. Mulberroside F also suppressed reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and ICAM-1 expression in TNF-α-stimulated BEAS-2B cells, which effectively suppressed monocyte cell adherence. In an animal model of asthma, mulberroside F treatment attenuated airway hyperresponsiveness, eosinophil infiltration, and goblet cell hyperplasia. Mulberroside F treatment also decreased lung fibrosis and airway inflammation in OVA-sensitized mice. Moreover, mulberroside F significantly reduced expressions of Th2-associated cytokines (including interleukin(IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid compared to OVA-sensitized mice. Our results confirmed that mulberroside F is a novel bioactive compound that can effectively reduce airway inflammation and eosinophil infiltration in asthmatic mice via inhibition of Th2-cell activation.

Acrolein adducts and responding autoantibodies correlate with metabolic disturbance in Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is caused by many intertwining pathologies involving metabolic aberrations. Patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) generally show hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, which can lead to the formation of aldehydic adducts such as acrolein on peptides in the brain and blood. However, the pathogenesis from MetS to AD remains elusive. METHODS: An AD cell model expressing Swedish and Indiana amyloid precursor protein (APP-Swe/Ind) in neuro-2a cells and a 3xTg-AD mouse model were used. Human serum samples (142 control and 117 AD) and related clinical data were collected. Due to the involvement of MetS in AD, human samples were grouped into healthy control (HC), MetS-like, AD with normal metabolism (AD-N), and AD with metabolic disturbance (AD-M). APP, amyloid-beta (Aß), and acrolein adducts in the samples were analyzed using immunofluorescent microscopy, histochemistry, immunoprecipitation, immunoblotting, and/or ELISA. Synthetic Aß1-16 and Aß17-28 peptides were modified with acrolein in vitro and verified using LC-MS/MS. Native and acrolein-modified Aß peptides were used to measure the levels of specific autoantibodies IgG and IgM in the serum. The correlations and diagnostic power of potential biomarkers were evaluated. RESULTS: An increased level of acrolein adducts was detected in the AD model cells. Furthermore, acrolein adducts were observed on APP C-terminal fragments (APP-CTFs) containing Aß in 3xTg-AD mouse serum, brain lysates, and human serum. The level of acrolein adducts was correlated positively with fasting glucose and triglycerides and negatively with high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, which correspond with MetS conditions. Among the four groups of human samples, the level of acrolein adducts was largely increased only in AD-M compared to all other groups. Notably, anti-acrolein-Aß autoantibodies, especially IgM, were largely reduced in AD-M compared to the MetS group, suggesting that the specific antibodies against acrolein adducts may be depleted during pathogenesis from MetS to AD. CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic disturbance may induce acrolein adduction, however, neutralized by responding autoantibodies. AD may be developed from MetS when these autoantibodies are depleted. Acrolein adducts and the responding autoantibodies may be potential biomarkers for not only diagnosis but also immunotherapy of AD, especially in complication with MetS.

Alleviative effects of α-lipoic acid on muscle atrophy via the modulation of TNF-α/JNK and PI3K/AKT pathways in high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is often accompanied by clinical complications such as sarcopenia. Previous studies have indicated that oxidative stress and insulin resistance (IR) are highly associated with the pathogenesis of diabetic myopathy. α-lipoic acid (ALA), a potent biological antioxidant, exists abundantly in a variety of plants and vegetables. This study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effect of ALA on muscle atrophy in type 2 diabetic rats induced by high-fat diet feeding (HFD) plus streptozotocin (STZ) injection. The HFD/STZ-induced diabetic rats were orally administered 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg body weight ALA once a day for 13 weeks. The results showed that ALA at the tested concentrations significantly increased the soleus muscle mass and muscle fibers in diabetic rats. Proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, were found to decrease in both the serum and muscle of ALA-treated diabetic rats. ALA significantly reduced the protein-expression levels of phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (pJNK)/JNK, forkhead box O3 (FOXO3), and muscle ring-finger protein-1 (Murf1); whereas, it enhanced the protein-expression levels of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), phosphorylated protein kinase B (pAKT)/AKT, myogenin determination gene D (MyoD), the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), and myosin heavy chain (MyHC) in the soleus muscle of diabetic rats. The results from this study suggested that ALA treatment may preserve soleus muscle mass, alleviate muscle atrophy by suppressing the TNF-α/JNK pathway, and ameliorate the PI3K/AKT pathway in HFD/STZ-induced type 2 diabetic rats.

Oleuropein attenuates inflammation and regulates immune responses in a 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis mouse model.

BACKGROUND: Olive (Olea europaea Linn) leaves contain a phenolic compound oleuropein (Ole) has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities. However, whether Ole might be an effective treatment for atopic dermatitis (AD) remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the functional role of oleuropein in a 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced AD-like mouse model, with a focus on allergic inflammation. METHODS: We evaluated cytokine gene expression, COX-2 inflammatory protein production, and Th2 related cytokine regulation of mast cells and eosinophils that infiltrated AD-like skin lesions. RESULTS: A topical application of Ole significantly reduced Th2-related cytokine gene expression (IL-4 and IL-5) and inflammatory COX-2 protein production in AD-like skin lesions. Additionally, Ole suppressed serum IgE levels. Furthermore, Ole effectively reduced ear swelling and epidermal and dermal thickening. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that, mechanistically, Ole treatment improved allergic inflammation by blocking the Th2-driven inflammatory axis. In conclusion, our findings indicated that Ole showed promise in treating AD by regulating serum IgE and Th2 cytokine levels. Although the effects of Ole on AD in humans require clinical trials, our results provided insights into how AD treatments might be improved.

Perilla Fruit Water Extract Attenuates Inflammatory Responses and Alleviates Neutrophil Recruitment via MAPK/JNK-AP-1/c-Fos Signaling Pathway in ARDS Animal Model.

Airway respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is usually caused by a severe pulmonary infection. However, there is currently no effective treatment for ARDS. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been shown to effectively treat inflammatory lung diseases, but a clear mechanism of action of TCM is not available. Perilla fruit water extract (PFWE) has been used to treat cough, excessive mucus production, and some pulmonary diseases. Thus, we propose that PFWE may be able to reduce lung inflammation and neutrophil infiltration in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine model. C57BL/6 mice were stimulated with LPS (10 µg/mouse) by intratracheal (IT) injection and treated with three doses of PFWE (2, 5, and 8 g/kg) by intraperitoneal (IP) injections. To investigate possible mechanisms, A549 cells were treated with PFWE and stimulated with LPS. Our results showed that PFWE decreased airway resistance, neutrophil infiltration, vessel permeability, and interleukin (IL)-6 and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2/MCP-1) expressions in vivo. In addition, the PFWE inhibited the expression of IL-6, CCL2/MCP-1, chemokine (CXC motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1/GROα), and IL-8 in vitro. Moreover, PFWE also inhibited the MAPK/JNK-AP-1/c-Fos signaling pathway in A549 cells. In conclusion, we demonstrated that PFWE attenuated pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine levels and downregulated neutrophil recruitment through the MAPK/JNK-AP-1/c-Fos pathway. Thus, PFWE can be a potential drug to assist the treatment of ARDS.

Gypenoside A from Gynostemma pentaphyllum Attenuates Airway Inflammation and Th2 Cell Activities in a Murine Asthma Model.

Our previous study found that oral administration of Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract can attenuate airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and reduce eosinophil infiltration in the lungs of asthmatic mice. Gypenoside A is isolated from G. pentaphyllum. In this study, we investigated whether gypenoside A can effectively reduce asthma in mice. Asthma was induced in BALB/c mice by ovalbumin injection. Asthmatic mice were treated with gypenoside A via intraperitoneal injection to assess airway inflammation, AHR, and immunomodulatory effects. In vitro, gypenoside A reduced inflammatory and oxidative responses in inflammatory tracheal epithelial cells. Experimental results showed that gypenoside A treatment can suppress eosinophil infiltration in the lungs, reduce tracheal goblet cell hyperplasia, and attenuate AHR. Gypenoside A significantly reduced Th2 cytokine expression and also inhibited the expression of inflammatory genes and proteins in the lung and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In addition, gypenoside A also significantly inhibited the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and reduced oxidative expression in inflammatory tracheal epithelial cells. The experimental results suggested that gypenoside A is a natural compound that can effectively reduce airway inflammation and AHR in asthma, mainly by reducing Th2 cell activation.

Sophoraflavanone G from Sophora flavescens Ameliorates Allergic Airway Inflammation by Suppressing Th2 Response and Oxidative Stress in a Murine Asthma Model.

Sophoraflavanone G (SG), isolated from Sophora flavescens, has anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor bioactive properties. We previously showed that SG promotes apoptosis in human breast cancer cells and leukemia cells and reduces the inflammatory response in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. We investigated whether SG attenuates airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR) and airway inflammation in asthmatic mice. We also assessed its effects on the anti-inflammatory response in human tracheal epithelial cells. Female BALB/c mice were sensitized with ovalbumin, and asthmatic mice were treated with SG by intraperitoneal injection. We also exposed human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells to different concentrations of SG to evaluate its effects on inflammatory cytokine levels. SG treatment significantly reduced AHR, eosinophil infiltration, goblet cell hyperplasia, and airway inflammation in the lungs of asthmatic mice. In the lungs of ovalbumin-sensitized mice, SG significantly promoted superoxide dismutase and glutathione expression and attenuated malondialdehyde levels. SG also suppressed levels of Th2 cytokines and chemokines in lung and bronchoalveolar lavage samples. In addition, we confirmed that SG decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine, chemokine, and eotaxin expression in inflammatory BEAS-2B cells. Taken together, our data demonstrate that SG shows potential as an immunomodulator that can improve asthma symptoms by decreasing airway-inflammation-related oxidative stress.

Fisetin Suppresses the Inflammatory Response and Oxidative Stress in Bronchial Epithelial Cells.

Fisetin is isolated from many fruits and vegetables and has been confirmed to improve airway hyperresponsiveness in asthmatic mice. However, whether fisetin reduces inflammatory response and oxidative stress in bronchial epithelial cells is unclear. Here, BEAS-2B human bronchial epithelial cells were treated with various concentrations of fisetin and then stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) or TNF-α/interleukin-4. In addition, ovalbumin-sensitized mice were treated with fisetin to detect inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress expression. Fisetin significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in TNF-α-stimulated BEAS-2B cells. Fisetin also attenuated intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression in TNF-α-stimulated BEAS-2B cells, suppressing THP-1 monocyte adhesion. Furthermore, fisetin significantly suppressed airway hyperresponsiveness in the lungs and decreased eosinophil numbers in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of asthmatic mice. Fisetin decreased cyclooxygenase-2 expression, promoted glutathione levels, and decreased malondialdehyde levels in the lungs of asthmatic mice. Our findings indicate that fisetin is a potential immunomodulator that can improve the pathological features of asthma by decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Acacetin Protects against Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Regulating Lipid Accumulation and Inflammation in Mice.

We previously demonstrated that acacetin reduces adipogenesis in adipocytes, and decreases lipid accumulation in visceral adipocyte tissue. Here we investigated whether acacetin regulated the mechanisms of lipogenesis and inflammation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in obese mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD), and then administered acacetin by intraperitoneal injection. Acacetin reduced body weight and liver weight in obese mice. Acacetin-treated obese mice exhibited decreased lipid accumulation, increased glycogen accumulation, and improved hepatocyte steatosis. Acacetin regulated triglycerides and total cholesterol in the liver and serum. Acacetin decreased low-density lipoprotein and leptin concentrations, but increased high-density lipoprotein and adiponectin levels in obese mice. Acacetin effectively weakened the gene expressions of transcription factors related to lipogenesis, and promoted the expressions of genes related to lipolysis and fatty acid ß-oxidation in liver. Acacetin also reduced expressions of inflammation-related cytokines in the serum and liver. Oleic acid induced lipid accumulation in murine FL83B hepatocytes, and the effects of acacetin treatment indicated that acacetin may regulate lipid metabolism through the AMPK pathway. Acacetin may protect against hepatic steatosis by modulating inflammation and AMPK expression.

Urolithin A Inactivation of TLR3/TRIF Signaling to Block the NF-κB/STAT1 Axis Reduces Inflammation and Enhances Antioxidant Defense in Poly(I:C)-Induced RAW264.7 Cells.

Urolithin A is an active compound of gut-microbiota-derived metabolites of polyphenol ellagic acid that has anti-aging, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effects of urolithin A on polyinosinic acid-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C))-induced inflammation remain unclear. Poly(I:C) is a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) similar to a virus and is recognized by Toll-like receptor-3 (TLR3), inducing an inflammatory response in immune cells, such as macrophages. Inflammation is a natural defense process of the innate immune system. Therefore, we used poly(I:C)-induced RAW264.7 cells and attenuated the inflammation induced by urolithin A. First, our data suggested that 1-30 µM urolithin A does not reduce RAW264.7 cell viability, whereas 1 µM urolithin A is sufficient for antioxidation and the decreased production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and C-C chemokine ligand 5. The inflammation-related proteins cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase were also downregulated by urolithin A. Next, 1 µM urolithin A inhibited the levels of interferon (INF)-α and INF-ß. Urolithin A was applied to investigate the blockade of the TLR3 signaling pathway in poly(I:C)-induced RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, the TLR3 signaling pathway, subsequent inflammatory-related pathways, and antioxidation pathways showed changes in nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling and blocked ERK/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. Urolithin A enhanced catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, but decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in poly(I:C)-induced RAW264.7 cells. Thus, our results suggest that urolithin A inhibits TLR3-activated inflammatory and oxidative-associated pathways in macrophages, and that this inhibition is induced by poly(I:C). Therefore, urolithin A may have antiviral effects and could be used to treat viral-infection-related diseases.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Resveratrol Derivatives via the Downregulation of Oxidative-Stress-Dependent and c-Src Transactivation EGFR Pathways on Rat Mesangial Cells.

In Taiwan, the root extract of Vitis thunbergii Sieb. et Zucc. (Vitaceae, VT) is rich in stilbenes, with resveratrol (Res) and its derivatives being the most abundant. Previously, we showed that the effect of Res derivatives against tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-stimulated inflammatory responses occurs via cPLA2/COX-2/PGE2 inhibition. This study compared and explored the underlying anti-inflammatory pharmacological mechanisms. Before stimulation with TNF-α, RMCs were treated with/without pharmacological inhibitors of specific protein kinases. The expression of inflammatory mediators was determined by Western blotting, gelatin zymography, real-time PCR, and luciferase assay. Cellular and mitochondrial ROS were measured by H2DHFDA or DHE and MitoSOX™ Red staining, respectively. The RNS level was indirectly measured by Griess reagent assay. Kinase activation and association were assayed by immunoprecipitation followed by Western blotting. TNF-α binding to TNFR recruited Rac1 and p47phox, thus activating the NAPDH oxidase-dependent MAPK and NF-κB pathways. The TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation via c-Src-driven ROS was independent from the EGFR signaling pathway. The anti-inflammatory effects of Res derivatives occurred via the inhibition of ROS derived from mitochondria and NADPH oxidase; RNS derived from iNOS; and the activation of the ERK1/2, JNK1/2, and NF-κB pathways. Overall, this study provides an understanding of the various activities of Res derivatives and their pharmacological mechanisms. In the future, the application of the active molecules of VT to health foods and medicine in Taiwan may increase.

Serum levels of 4-hydroxynonenal adducts and responding autoantibodies correlate with the pathogenesis from hyperglycemia to Alzheimer's disease.

OBJECTIVE: Hyperglycemia leads to lipid peroxidation, producing 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) adducts which correlate with the production of amyloid-beta (Aß), one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study is to investigate the interactions of Aß, HNE adducts and responding autoantibodies during the pathogenesis from hyperglycemia to AD. METHODS: A total of 239 Taiwanese serum samples from a healthy control group and patients with hyperglycemia, and AD with and without hyperglycemia were analyzed. Aß was immunoprecipitated from randomly pooled serum in each group and immunoblotted. Synthetic Aß1-16 and Aß17-28 peptides were modified with HNE in vitro and verified with LC-MS/MS. The levels of Aß, HNE adducts, and autoantibody isotypes IgG and IgM against either native or HNE-modified Aß were determined with ELISA. The diagnostic power of potential biomarkers was evaluated. RESULTS: Increased fasting glucose and decreased high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol in AD groups indicated abnormal metabolism in the pathogenesis progression from hyperglycemia to AD. Indeed, serum Aß, HNE adducts and most of the autoantibodies recognizing either native or HNE-modified Aß were increased in the diseased groups. However, HNE adducts had better diagnostic performances than Aß for both hyperglycemia and AD. Additionally, HNE-Aß peptide levels were increased, and the responding autoantibodies (most notably IgM) were decreased in hyperglycemic AD group compared to the hyperglycemia only group, suggesting an immunity disturbance in the pathogenesis progression from hyperglycemia to AD. CONCLUSION: Hyperglycemia increases the level of HNE adducts which may be neutralized by responding autoantibodies. Depletion of these autoantibodies promotes AD-like pathogenesis. Thus, levels of a patient's HNE adducts and associated responding autoantibodies are potential biomarkers for AD with diabetes.

Oleuropein Protects Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells from IL-1ß-Induced Inflammation by Blocking MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathways.

Proinflammatory mediators such as interleukin (IL)-1ß cause retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) inflammation, which is related to visual deterioration, including age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Oleuropein is a polyphenol compound that shows potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer activities, but its effects on IL-1ß-induced inflammation have not been examined in the adult RPE cell line ARPE-19. Here, we assessed the ability of oleuropein to attenuate this inflammation in ARPE-19 cells. IL-1ß induced secretion of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP)-1, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM)-1. As measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, oleuropein significantly inhibited levels of all three proteins and led to decreased monocyte adhesiveness to ARPE-19 cells. To clarify the underlying anti-inflammatory mechanisms, we used western blots to evaluate the effect of oleuropein on inactivation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. The results showed that oleuropein significantly decreased levels of the inflammatory mediator cyclooxygenase-2 and increased anti-inflammatory protein HO-1 expression. We next examined if the anti-inflammatory activity of oleuropein arises via inactivated NF-κB. We found that suppressing phosphorylation of the JNK1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways inhibited IL-6, MCP-1, and sICAM-1 secretion, implicating these pathways and NF-κB suppression in the effects of oleuropein. These results indicate that oleuropein shows potential for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases of the retina.