Potential anti-inflammatory effects of legumes: a review.

Legumes are a staple of diets all around the world. In some least developed countries, they are the primary source of protein; however, their beneficial properties go beyond their nutritional value. Recent research has shown that legumes have bioactive compounds like peptides, polyphenols and saponins, which exhibit antioxidant, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory and other biological activities. Thus, these compounds could be an alternative treatment for inflammatory diseases, in particular, chronic inflammation such as arthritis, obesity and cancer. Nowadays, there is a growing interest in alternative therapies derived from natural products; accordingly, the present review has compiled the bioactive compounds found in legumes that have demonstrated an anti-inflammatory effect in non-clinical studies.

LDH-A Promotes Metabolic Rewiring in Leucocytes from the Intestine of Rats Treated with TNBS.

Although the aetiology of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) is still unknown, one of their main characteristics is that the immune system chronically affects the permeability of the intestinal lamina propria, in turn altering the composition of the microbiota. In this study, the TNBS rat model of colitis was used because it contains a complex inflammatory milieu of polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) and lymphocytes infiltrating the lamina propria. The aim of the present study was to investigate six dehydrogenases and their respective adaptations in the tissue microenvironment by quantifying enzymatic activities measured under substrate saturation conditions in epithelial cells and leukocytes from the lamina propria of rats exposed to TNBS. Our results show that in the TNBS group, an increased DAI score was observed due to the presence of haemorrhagic and necrotic areas in the colon. In addition, the activities of G6PDH and GADH enzymes were significantly decreased in the epithelium in contrast to the increased activity of these enzymes and increased lactate mediated by the LDH-A enzyme in leukocytes in the lamina propria of the colon. Over the past years, evidence has emerged illustrating how metabolism supports aspect of cellular function and how a metabolic reprogramming can drive cell differentiation and fate. Our findings show a metabolic reprogramming in colonic lamina propria leukocytes that could be supported by increased superoxide anion.

Exploratory toxicology studies of 2,3-substituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Background: Trichomoniasis and amoebiasis are neglected diseases and still remain as a global health burden not only for developing countries, from where are endemic, but also for the developed world. Previously, we tested the antiparasitic activity of a number of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives (IMPYs) on metronidazole-resistant strains of Entamoeba Hystolitica (HM1:IMSS), and Trichomonas Vaginalis (GT3). Their anti-inflammatory activity was also evaluated. Objective: The present work is a part of a project whose aim is to find new alternatives to standard treatments for these maladies, and to address the current concern of emerging resistant parasite strains. Here we report a non-clinical study focused on exploratory toxicology assays of seven IMPYs that showed the best antiparasitic and/or anti-inflammatory properties. Methods: Acute, and subacute toxicity tests were carried out. After 14-day oral treatment, liver and kidney functionality assays in combination with chemometric methods were implemented to detect hepatic and/or kidney damage. Results: Some compounds produced off-target effects. Vehicle effects were also detected. However, no signs of hepatic or renal toxicity were observed for any IMPY. Conclusion: These compounds can continue non-clinical evaluations, and if possible, clinical trials as new candidates to treat trichomoniasis and amoebiasis, and inflammatory diseases. Further studies are also needed to fully elucidate a proposed dual effect that may exert these molecules against trichomoniasis and amoebiasis, which may also signify a novel mechanism of action to treat these infections.

Liposomes Containing Amaranth Unsaponifiable Matter and Soybean Lunasin Suppress ROS Production in Fibroblasts and Reduced Interleukin Production in Macrophages.

Inflammation is a normal response in defense to agents that may cause damage to the human body. When inflammation becomes chronic, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced; which could lead to diseases such as cancer. The aim was to assess liposomes' antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity loaded with amaranth unsaponifiable matter and soybean lunasin (UM + LunLip) in an in vitro model using fibroblasts and macrophages. To evaluate ROS production, fibroblasts CHON-002 ABAP were added to promote ROS production; and the cells were treated with UM + LunLip. For inflammation markers production, lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 and peritoneal macrophages were treated with empty liposomes (EmLip), liposomes loaded with unsaponifiable matter (UMLip), liposomes loaded with lunasin (LunLip), and UM + LunLip. ROS production was significantly decreased by 77% (p < 0.05) when fibroblasts were treated with UM + LunLip at 2 mg lunasin/mL compared with the control treated with ABAP. Treatment with UMLip was the most effective in reducing tumor necrosis factor-α (71-90%) and interleukin-6 (43-55%, p < 0.001). Both liposomes containing unsaponifiable matter (UMLip and UM + LunLip) were more effective than EmLip or LunLip. In conclusion, amaranth unsaponifiable matter-loaded liposomes are effective in decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokine production.