KOTMIN13, a Korean herbal medicine alleviates allergic inflammation in vivo and in vitro.

BACKGROUND: The ethanol extract of KOTMIN13, composed of Inula japonica Flowers, Trichosanthes kirilowii Semen, Peucedanum praeruptorum Radix, and Allium macrostemon Bulbs, was investigated for its anti-asthmatic and anti-allergic activities. METHODS: The anti-asthmatic effects of KOTMIN13 were evaluated on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced murine asthma model. Anti-allergic properties of KOTMIN13 in bone-marrow derived mast cells (BMMC) and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in vivo were also examined. RESULTS: In asthma model, KOTMIN13 effectively suppressed airway hyperresponsiveness induced by aerosolized methacholine when compared to the levels of OVA-induced mice. KOTMIN13 treatment reduced the total leukocytes, eosinophil percentage, and Th2 cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids in OVA-induced mice. The increased levels of eotaxin and Th2 cytokines in the lung as well as serum IgE were decreased by KOTMIN13. The histological analysis shows that the increased inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus secretion were also reduced. In addition, the degranulation and leukotriene C4 production were inhibited in BMMC with IC50 values of 3.9 µg/ml and 1.7 µg/ml, respectively. Furthermore, KOTMIN13 treatment attenuated mast-mediated PCA reaction. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that KOTMIN13 has anti-asthmatic and anti-allergic effects in vivo and in vitro models.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Juncus effusus extract (JEE) on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and edema models.

CONTEXT: Juncus effusus L. var. decipiens BUCHEN. f. leschenaultii GAY has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of ethanol extract from the pith of Juncus effusus (JEE) on anti-inflammatory activities in RAW 264.7 cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The production of inflammatory mediators and the underlying mechanisms using 3.1, 6.3, and 12.5 µg/mL concentrations of JEE were investigated. In addition, the topical anti-inflammatory effects of JEE (0.5, 1, and 2 mg/mL) on 12-O-tetradecanoylphorobol-13 acetate (TPA)-induced ear edema and oral administration of JEE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) on carrageenan-induced paw-edema were studied in mice. RESULTS: JEE reduced the release of nitric oxide (NO, IC50 value = 1.98 µg/mL), prostaglandin E2 (IC50 value = 5.5 µg/mL), and pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1ß (IC50 value = 4.74 µg/mL) and IL-6 (IC50 value = 20.48 µg/mL). JEE also suppressed the protein expression of inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Mechanism studies showed attenuation of LPS-induced activation of NF-κB by JEE via abrogation of IκBα degradation and a subsequent decrease in nuclear p65 level. Phosphorylation of all three MAP kinases (ERK, JNK, and p38) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells was also suppressed in a dose-dependent manner. In acute inflammation models of mice, topical application (1 and 2 mg) and oral administration (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) of JEE ameliorated TPA-induced ear edema and carrageenan-induced paw edema, respectively, in dose-dependent manners. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: These results indicate that JEE exhibited anti-inflammatory activities by suppressing the production of inflammatory mediators in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and by attenuating edema in mice.

Anti-allergic effect of a Korean traditional medicine, Biyeom-Tang on mast cells and allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Biyeom-Tang, a medicine prescribed by oriental clinics, has been used for the treatment of the allergic rhinitis (AR). In the present study, an ethanol extract of Biyeom-Tang (EBT) was investigated for anti-allergic properties on bone-marrow derived mast cells (BMMC) and in vivo models. METHODS: The anti-allergic properties of EBT were evaluated by measuring ß-Hex release and the production of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) and leukotriene C4 (LTC4) on BMMC in vitro and PCA and OVA-induced AR models in vivo. RESULTS: EBT strongly inhibited a degranulation reaction in a dose dependent manner with an IC50 value of 35.6 µg/ml. In addition, the generation of PGD2 and LTC4 was inhibited in BMMC in a concentration-dependent manner with IC50 values of 7.0 µg/ml and 10.9 µg/ml, respectively. When administrated orally, EBT ameliorated the mast cell-mediated PCA reaction. In the OVA-induced AR model, the increased levels of IgE were reduced by EBT. The levels of cytokines, such as IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13 decreased in the splenocytes of EBT-treated mice. The histological analysis shows that the infiltration of inflammatory cells increased by OVA-sensitization was also reduced. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these results suggested that EBT has anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo models.

Association of heat shock protein 8 with atopic march in a murine experimental model.

Background: Atopic march (AM), a unique characteristic of allergic diseases, refers to the sequential progression of atopic dermatitis (AD) in infants to allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis in children and young adults, respectively. Although there are several studies on AM, the establishment of an AM murine model to expand our understanding of the underlying mechanism and to identify the potential biomarkers is yet to be achieved. In this study, an improved murine model was established by applying a method to minimize skin irritation in inducing AD, and it was used to perform integrated analyses to discover candidate biomarkers. Methods: To induce atopic dermatitis, 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) was applied to the ear skin once a week, and this was continued for 5 weeks. From the second application of DNCB, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp) extract was applied topically 2 days after each DNCB application; this was continued for 4 weeks. Dp sensitization and intranasal challenges were then performed for 4 weeks to develop conditions mimicking AM. Results: Exacerbated airway inflammation and allergic responses observed in the AM-induced group suggested successful AM development in our model. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and mass spectrometry analysis identified 753 candidate proteins from 124 2-DE spots differentially expressed among the experimental groups. Functional analyses, such as Gene Ontology (GO) annotation and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis were conducted to investigate the relationship among the candidate proteins. Seventy-two GO terms were significant between the two groups; heat shock protein 8 (Hspa8) was found to be included in six of the top 10 GO terms. Hspa8 scored high on the PPI parameters as well. Conclusion: We established an improved murine model for AM and proposed Hspa8 as a candidate biomarker for AM.

Alterations of lung microbial communities in obese allergic asthma and metabolic potential.

In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in microbiome studies to explore microbial alterations causing disease status and unveil disease pathogenesis derived from microbiome environmental modifications. Convincing evidence of lung microbial changes involving asthma has been collected; however, whether lung microbial changes under obesity leads to severe asthma in a state of allergen exposure has not been studied sufficiently. Here, we measured bacterial alterations in the lung of an allergen mouse model induced by a high fat diet (HFD) by using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A total of 33 pathogen­free 3­week­old male C57BL/6 mice were used, and they divided randomly into two groups. The Chow diet (n = 16) and high fat diet (n = 17) was administrated for 70 days. Mice were sensitized with PBS or Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus extract (Der.p), and concentration levels of total IgE and Der.p-IgE in the blood were measured to quantify immune responses. Although there were no meaningful differences in bacterial species richness in the HFD mouse group, momentous changes of bacterial diversity in the HFD mouse group were identified after the mouse group was exposed to allergens. At a genus level, the fluctuations of taxonomic relative abundances in several bacteria such as Ralstonia, Lactobacillus, Bradyrhizobium, Gaiella, PAC001932_g, Pseudolabrys, and Staphylococcus were conspicuously observed in the HFD mouse group exposed to allergens. Also, we predicted metabolic signatures occurring under microbial alterations in the Chow group versus the Chow group exposed to allergens, as well as in the HFD mouse group versus the HFD group exposed to allergens. We then compared their similarities and differences. Metabolic functions associated with macrophages such as propanoate metabolism, butanoate metabolism, and glycine-serine-threonine metabolism were identified in the HFD group versus the Chow group. These results provide new insights into the understanding of a microbiome community of obese allergic asthma, and shed light on the functional roles of lung microbiota inducing the pathogenesis of severe asthma.

Anti-inflammatory Effects of KOTMIN13: A Mixed Herbal Medicine in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 Cells and Mouse Edema Models.

BACKGROUND: A Korean herbal medicine, KOTMIN13, composed of Inula japonica Thunberg, Trichosanthes kirilowii Maximowicz var. japonica kitamura, Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn, and Allium macrostemon Bge, has been used for anti-allergic and anti-asthmatic treatment in oriental clinics, but its activity has not been investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of KOTMIN13 for in vitro study, LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells were used to induce the production and expression of inflammatory mediators and its mechanisms. 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorobol-13 aceate (TPA)-induced ear edema and carrageenan-induced paw edema models were also used to evaluate the effect of KOTMIN13 on acute inflammation in vivo. RESULTS: KOTMIN13 reduced the release of inflammatory mediators [nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, interleukin (IL)-1ß, and IL-6] and the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Mechanism studies showed the attenuation of LPS-induced NF-κB activation by KOTMIN13 via IκBα degradation abrogation and a subsequent decrease in nuclear p65 levels. Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (ERK, JNK, and p38) was also suppressed. Furthermore, KOTMIN13 ameliorated the development of TPA-induced ear edema and carrageenan-induced paw edema in acute inflammatory edema mouse models. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that KOTMIN13 inhibits inflammatory mediators through the inhibitions of NF-κB and MAPK activities in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells, as well as acute inflammation in edema models, indicating that KOTMIN13 is an effective suppressor for anti-inflammatory activities. SUMMARY: KOTMIN13 decrease the production of No, PGE2, and proinflammatory cytokine (TNF-∝, IL-1ß,IL-6).KOTMIN13 Suppressed the degradation of NF-kß and IKßα and the phosorylation of MAP Kinases.Topical application of KOTMIN13 reduced mouse ear edema.Oral administration of KOTMIN13 decreased carrageenan-induced paw edema. Abbreviations used: NO: nitric oxide; PGE2: prostaglandin E2; iNOS: inducible NO synthase; COX-2: cyclooxygenase-2; TNF-α: tumor necrosis factor-α; IL: interleukin; NF-κB: nuclear factor kappaB; MAPK: mitogen-activated protein kinases; ERK: extracellular signal regulated kinase; JNK: c-jun N terminal kinase; TPA: 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate.

Britanin attenuates ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation in a murine asthma model.

We previously demonstrated the alleviation of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced airway inflammation by Inulae flos. In the present study, the effects of britanin, a sesquiterpene compound isolated from Inulae flos, were evaluated in an in vivo animal model for anti-asthma activity through observation of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), eosinophil recruitment, Th2 cytokine and IgE levels, and lung histopathology. Britanin administration effectively reduced AHR induced by aerosolized methacholine, airway eosinophilia, Th2 cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids and the supernatant of cultured splenocytes compared with OVA-induced mice. Histological studies showed that increased inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus secretion were reduced by britanin administration. Thus, britanin may have therapeutic potential for treating allergic asthma.

Imperatorin Suppresses Degranulation and Eicosanoid Generation in Activated Bone Marrow-Derived Mast Cells.

Imperatorin has been known to exert many biological functions including anti-inflammatory activity. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of imperatorin on the production of inflammatory mediators in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC). Imperatorin inhibited degranulation and the generation of eicosanoids (leukotriene C4 (LTC4) and prostaglandin D2 (PGD2)) in IgE/antigen (Ag)-stimulated BMMC. To elucidate the molecular mechanism involved in this process, we investigated the effect of imperatorin on intracellular signaling in BMMC. Biochemical analyses of the IgE/Ag-mediated signaling pathway demonstrated that imperatorin dramatically attenuated degranulation and the production of 5-lipoxygenase-dependent LTC4 and cyclooxygenase-2-dependent PGD2 through the inhibition of intracellular calcium influx/phospholipase Cγ1, cytosolic phospholipase A2/mitogen-activated protein kinases and/or nuclear factor-κB pathways in BMMC. These results suggest that the effects of imperatorin on inhibition of degranulation and eicosanoid generation through the suppression of multiple steps of IgE/Ag-mediated signaling pathways would be beneficial for the prevention of allergic inflammation.

Potential Wound Healing Activities of Galla Rhois in Human Fibroblasts and Keratinocytes.

Wound healing is a complex process orchestrated by the regeneration of the epithelium and the remodeling of the extracellular matrix through processes like collagen deposition. Galla Rhois has been widely used in traditional Korean medicine for its various pharmacological effects, including an anticoccidial effect, however, little is known about its healing activity. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of Galla Rhois ethanol extract (GRE) on wound healing activities, including H2O2-induced oxidative stress, cell migration, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays using human keratinocyte (HaCaT) and dermal fibroblasts (CCD-986SK). In addition, total soluble collagen deposition and collagen gene expression for Type I and III collagen were evaluated in CCD-986SK. Total tannin and flavonoid contents for GRE were measured. GRE induced a significant increase in the number and migration of cells, along with a decrease in cell death and LDH release. In addition, it also induced the over-expression of collagen Type I and III mRNA and caused increased synthesis of total soluble collagen. The contents of total tannin and flavonoid for GRE were 55.7% ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mg/g) and 62.9% ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mg/g), respectively. The results suggest that GRE can cause accelerated wound healing by increasing cell survival, proliferation, migration, and collagen synthesis along with a potential anti-oxidant property. This evidence provides novel insight into natural therapy for tissue injury.

Uremic toxin indoxyl 3-sulfate regulates the differentiation of Th2 but not of Th1 cells to lessen allergic asthma.

Immune system dysfunctions including the increased Th1/Th2 ratio are common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, and a wide variety of skin diseases including Th1-mediated uremic pruritis are associated with CKD. Although there are more than 90 uremic toxins reported, it is yet to be known which uremic solute is associated with the unbalanced Th1/Th2 ratio and how it works. Indoxyl 3-sulfate (I3S), one of uremic toxins and a potent aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligand, accumulates in blood and tissues, increasing up to 81.04 µM in CKD patients, compared with 1.03 µM in healthy subjects. I3S activates NF-κB and AhR. Thus, we investigated roles of I3S in the differentiation of Th1 and Th2 cells. I3S inhibited Th2 differentiation but showed little or no effect on Th1 differentiation. I3S suppressed Th2-mediated ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma in mice and decreased the frequency of IL-4 producing CD4 T cells in the lungs. I3S inhibited phosphorylation of STAT5 and STAT6, transcription factors associated with Th2 differentiation. Effects of I3S on Th2 differentiation were suppressed by α-naphtoflavone, an AhR antagonist, indicating that I3S regulates Th2 differentiation AhR-dependently.

Suppressive effects of britanin, a sesquiterpene compound isolated from Inulae flos, on mast cell-mediated inflammatory responses.

Mast cells are central players in immediate-type hypersensitvity and inflammatory responses. In the present study, the effects of britanin on the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction in mice and on the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI)-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in human mast cell line (HMC-1) were evaluated. The oral administration of britanin (10-20 mg/kg) decreased the mast cell-mediated PCA reaction in IgE-sensitized mice. In the activity and mechanism of britanin in vitro assay, britanin suppressed the gene expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a dose-dependent manner in HMC-1. In addition, britanin attenuated PMACI-induced activation of NF-κB as indicated by the inhibition of the degradation of IκBα, nuclear translocation of NF-κB, NF-κB/DNA binding activity assay, and blocked the phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase, in a dose-dependent manner. We conclude that britanin may have potential as a treatment for allergic-inflammatory diseases.

FICZ, a tryptophan photoproduct, suppresses pulmonary eosinophilia and Th2-type cytokine production in a mouse model of ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma.

Most studies about functions of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in the pathogenesis of asthma have been carried out with non-physiological industrial by-products such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and benzo(a)pyrene. In the present study, effects of 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ), a tryptophan photoproduct postulated as a candidate physiological ligand of AhR, on the pathogenesis of asthma were examined and then underlying mechanisms of its immumodulatory effects were investigated. FICZ significantly reduced pulmonary eosinophilia and Th2 cytokine expression in the lungs. Flow cytometric analysis of mediastinal lymph nodes showed that IL-4 producing cells decreased in FICZ-treated mice compared with PBS control. Next, effects of FICZ on in vitro Th2 differentiation and expression of the Th2 transcription factor GATA-3 were examined. CD4+ T cells were isolated from the spleen and incubated under the Th2 differentiation conditions. FICZ inhibited both Th2 differentiation and the expression of GATA-3. Finally, activation of STAT6, which is necessary for Th2 differentiation, was inhibited by FICZ.

SDS3 interacts with ARNT in an AhR ligand-specific manner regulating expression of cKrox and S100A4 in CD4+CD8+ DPK thymocytes differentiation.

To study mechanisms underlying differential effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) on thymocyte differentiation, we examined effects of AhR ligands on the differentiation of DPK cells, a CD4(+)CD8(+) thymic lymphoma cell line which can differentiate into CD4(+)CD8(-) thymocytes. In contrast to TCDD, which inhibited the differentiation, B(a)P showed little effect. Antigen-mediated up-regulation of S100A4, S100A6, galectin-1, and TRAF5-like protein was remarkably suppressed by TCDD, but slightly by B(a)P. Immunoprecipitation using anti-ARNT Ab revealed that SDS3, a component of the Sin3/HDAC repressor complex, was associated with ARNT only when DPK cells were incubated with TCDD. Expression of cKrox S100A4 was derepressed when SDS3 protein was reduced. These results indicate that although it is generally known that many AhR ligands such as TCDD and B(a)P function mainly by the AhR/ARNT complex, ligand-specific interaction between SDS3 and ARNT exerts differential effects on the expression of genes associated with thymocyte differentiation.