Protective Effect of Polysaccharides Extracted from Cudrania tricuspidata Fruit against Cisplatin-Induced Cytotoxicity in Macrophages and a Mouse Model.

Although cisplatin is one of most effective chemotherapeutic drugs that is widely used to treat various types of cancer, it can cause undesirable damage in immune cells and normal tissue because of its strong cytotoxicity and non-selectivity. This study was conducted to investigate the cytoprotective effects of Cudrania tricuspidata fruit-derived polysaccharides (CTPS) against cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in macrophages, lung cancer cell lines, and a mouse model, and to explore the possibility of application of CTPS as a supplement for anticancer therapy. Both cisplatin alone and cisplatin with CTPS induced a significant cytotoxicity in A549 and H460 lung cancer cells, whereas cytotoxicity was suppressed by CTPS in cisplatin-treated RAW264.7 cells. CTPS significantly attenuated the apoptotic and necrotic population, as well as cell penetration in cisplatin-treated RAW264.7 cells, which ultimately inhibited the upregulation of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), cytosolic cytochrome c, poly (adenosine diphosphateribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage, and caspases-3, -8, and -9, and the downregulation of B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2). The CTPS-induced cytoprotective action was mediated with a reduction in reactive oxygen species production and mitochondrial transmembrane potential loss in cisplatin-treated RAW264.7 cells. In agreement with the results obtained above, CTPS induced the attenuation of cell damage in cisplatin-treated bone marrow-derived macrophages (primary cells). In in vivo studies, CTPS significantly inhibited metastatic colonies and bodyweight loss as well as immunotoxicity in splenic T cells compared to the cisplatin-treated group in lung metastasis-induced mice. Furthermore, CTPS decreased the level of CRE and BUN in serum. In summation, these results suggest that CTPS-induced cytoprotective action may play a role in alleviating the side effects induced by chemotherapeutic drugs.

Bombyx batryticatus Protein-Rich Extract Induces Maturation of Dendritic Cells and Th1 Polarization: A Potential Immunological Adjuvant for Cancer Vaccine.

Bombyx batryticatus, a protein-rich edible insect, is widely used as a traditional medicine in China. Several pharmacological studies have reported the anticancer activity of B. batryticatus extracts; however, the capacity of B. batryticatus extracts as immune potentiators for increasing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy is still unverified. In the present study, we investigated the immunomodulatory role of B. batryticatus protein-rich extract (BBPE) in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) and DC vaccine-immunized mice. BBPE-treated BMDCs displayed characteristics of mature immune status, including high expression of surface molecules (CD80, CD86, major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-I, and MHC-II), increased production of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-12p70), enhanced antigen-presenting ability, and reduced endocytosis. BBPE-treated BMDCs promoted naive CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell proliferation and activation. Furthermore, BBPE/ovalbumin (OVA)-pulsed DC-immunized mice showed a stronger OVA-specific multifunctional T-cell response in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and a stronger Th1 antibody response than mice receiving differently treated DCs, which showed the enhanced protective effect against tumor growth in E.G7 tumor-bearing mice. Our data demonstrate that BBPE can be a novel immune potentiator for a DC-based vaccine in anticancer therapy.

Chrysin Derivative CM1 and Exhibited Anti-Inflammatory Action by Upregulating Toll-Interacting Protein Expression in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated RAW264.7 Macrophage Cells.

Although our previous study revealed that gamma-irradiated chrysin enhanced anti-inflammatory activity compared to intact chrysin, it remains unclear whether the chrysin derivative, CM1, produced by gamma irradiation, negatively regulates toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling. In this study, we investigated the molecular basis for the downregulation of TLR4 signal transduction by CM1 in macrophages. We initially determined the appropriate concentration of CM1 and found no cellular toxicity below 2 µg/mL. Upon stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), CM1 modulated LPS-stimulated inflammatory action by suppressing the release of proinflammatory mediators (cytokines TNF-α and IL-6) and nitric oxide (NO) and downregulated the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways. Furthermore, CM1 markedly elevated the expression of the TLR negative regulator toll-interacting protein (Tollip) in dose- and time-dependent manners. LPS-induced expression of cell surface molecules (CD80, CD86, and MHC class I/II), proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6), COX-2, and iNOS-mediated NO were inhibited by CM1; these effects were prevented by the knockdown of Tollip expression. Additionally, CM1 did not affect the downregulation of LPS-induced expression of MAPKs and NF-κB signaling in Tollip-downregulated cells. These findings provide insight into effective therapeutic intervention of inflammatory disease by increasing the understanding of the negative regulation of TLR signaling induced by CM1.

Neuroprotective effect of Annona muricata-derived polysaccharides in neuronal HT22 cell damage induced by hydrogen peroxide.

Crude extracts and phytochemical compounds derived from Annona muricata leaves have been demonstrated to exert neuroprotective effects. However, the neuroprotective effects of Annona muricata leaves-derived polysaccharide extracts (ALPs) have not been investigated. ALP treatment was shown to induce concentration-dependent antioxidant activity in HT22 cells, and to increase cell viability in H2O2-treated HT22 cells. These effects were correlated with a decrease in major components of oxidation, including: Ca2+, ROS, and malondialdehyde (MDA). Mediators of the intracellular response to oxidation, including Bax, cytochrome c, and cleaved caspases-3, -8, -9, MAPKs, and NF-κB, were positively influenced by ALP treatment under conditions of H2O2-mediated oxidative stress. In addition, ALP restored the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and associated signaling pathways (PARP, PI3K/AKT and Nrf2-mediated HO-1/NQO-1) following H2O2 treatment. These results provide new pharmacological evidence that ALP facilitates neuroprotection via prevention of neuronal oxidative stress and promotion of cell survival signaling pathways.Abbreviations: ABTS: 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonicacid); AD: Alzheimer's disease; ALP: polysaccharide extracts isolated from Annona muricata leaves; ARE: antioxidant response element; DPPH: 1,1-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl; DCFH-DA: 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate; ECL: electrochemiluminescence; ERK: extracellular regulated kinase; FBS: Fetal bovine serum; FITC: fluorescein isothiocyanate; FRAP: ferric reducing antioxidant power; HO-1: Heme oxygenase-1; JNK: c-jun N-terminal kinase; MAPKs: mitogen-activated protein kinases; MDA: malondialdehyde; MMP: mitochondrial membrane potential; MTT: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide; NQO1: NAD(P)H:quinine oxidoreductase 1, Nrf2: nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2; PD: parkinson's disease; PI3K: phosphatidylinositol-3kinase; PVDF: polyvinylidene difluoride; ROS: reactive oxygen species; SOD: Superoxidedismutase; TPTZ: tripydyltriazine.

4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde Restricts the Intracellular Growth of Toxoplasma gondii by Inducing SIRT1-Mediated Autophagy in Macrophages.

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite that infects approximately one third of the human popu- lation worldwide. Considering the toxicity and side effects of anti-toxoplasma medications, it is important to develop effec- tive drug alternatives with fewer and less severe off-target effects. In this study, we found that 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (4- HBA) induced autophagy and the expression of NAD-dependent protein deacetylase sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) in primary murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). Interestingly, treatment of BMDMs with 4-HBA significantly reduced the number of macrophages infected with T. gondii and the proliferation of T. gondii in infected cells. This effect was impaired by pretreating the macrophages with 3-methyladenine or wortmannin (selective autophagy inhibitors) or with sirtinol or EX527 (SIRT1 inhibitors). Moreover, we found that pharmacological inhibition of SIRT1 prevented 4-HBA-mediated expres- sion of LC3-phosphatidylethanolamine conjugate (LC3-II) and the colocalization of T. gondii parasitophorous vacuoles with autophagosomes in BMDMs. These data suggest that 4-HBA promotes antiparasitic host responses by activating SIRT1- mediated autophagy, and 4-HBA might be a promising therapeutic alternative for the treatment of toxoplasmosis.

Therapeutic Potential of Gamma-Irradiated Resveratrol in Ulcerative Colitis via the Anti-Inflammatory Activity and Differentiation of Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: New therapeutic strategies and the development of treatments against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) require the initiation of immune tolerance and inhibition of excessive inflammation. Resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound, is a powerful immunosuppressor, but it can lead to apoptotic death of normal cells at high concentrations. When we induced a structural modification of resveratrol by gamma irradiation, we were able to investigate the potential tolerogenic and anti-inflammatory effect of a new radiolysis product (named γ-Res) during dendritic cell (DC) activation/differentiation. METHODS: The potential tolerogenic and anti-inflammatory effect of γ-Res were investigated by cytokine secretion, surface molecule expression, antigen uptake ability, antigen presenting ability, signaling pathway, and mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) assay using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blot and flow cytometry. RESULTS: LPS-activated DCs treated with γ-Res exhibited alterations in their mature and functional statuses including a strongly inhibited cytokine production, surface molecule expression, antigen-presenting ability, and activated DC-induced T cell proliferation/activation. In addition, the DCs generated by the γ-Res treatment during DC differentiation induced a decreased surface molecule expression and increased IL-10 production without altering the levels of TNF-α and IL-12p70, thereby promoting the inhibition of T cell proliferation/activation and the induction of regulatory T cells via interaction with DCs in vitro. Furthermore, in the in vivo DSS-induced colitis model, γ-Res treatment conferred protective immunity with a decrease in IFN-γ+CD4+ and IL-17A+CD4+ T cells and imparted protection by reducing the disease activity and histological disease score and increasing the survival rate in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. CONCLUSION: Thus, our results suggest that γ-Res may be an excellent candidate for use in IBD treatment.

Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Regulates Anti-Inflammatory Action Through 67-kDa Laminin Receptor-Mediated Tollip Signaling Induction in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a condition that involves chronic inflammation in all or part of the digestive tract. Often painful and debilitating, IBD can lead to life-threatening complications and increase the risk for colon cancer. In this study, we investigated the epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) mediated anti-inflammation response in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human colorectal cells through the negative regulator of Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling. METHODS: human intestinal epithelial cells (HT-29) were used in all experiments. Cell cytotoxicity and nitric oxide (NO) were evaluated by WST-1 and the Griess reagent. Western blot analysis and ELISA were used to determine inflammatory mediators and 67-kDa laminin receptor (67LR)-mediated Tollip signaling pathways. RESULTS: Treatment of EGCG and LPS did not affect the cytotoxicity in HT-29 cells. LPS treatment dose-dependently increased the pro-inflammatory cytokine, such as interleukin (IL)-8, whereas EGCG significantly reduced the LPS-stimulated IL-8 production. Additionally, EGCG treatment markedly increased the Toll-interacting protein (Tollip) expression, which negatively regulates the TLR signaling in a dose and time-dependent manner. In particular, in the result from an RNA interference-mediated assay, our finding showed that silencing of Tollip resulted in abrogation of the inhibitory action of EGCG on LPS-induced production of pro-inflammatory mediators (inducible nitric oxide synthase-mediated NO/COX2, and IL-8) and activation of MAPKs and NF-κB signaling pathways. Interestingly, we also found that Tollip expression induced by EGCG could be modulated through 67LR expressed on the surface of HT-29 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our novel finding indicates that 67LR and Tollip signaling activated by EGCG treatment is essential for inhibition of inflammation in human intestinal epithelial cells.

Neuroprotective effect of Capsicum annuum var. abbreviatum against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in HT22 hippocampus cells.

Phenolic compounds isolated from pepper (Capsicum annum) have been demonstrated to have neuroprotective effects, whereas the physiological properties of Capsicum annuum var. abbreviatum (CAA) have not been studied. Thus, we investigate the chemical composition and neuroprotective activity of CAA extract (CAAE) in HT22 hippocampus cells against H2O2-induced neurotoxicity. CAAE treatment resulted in a significant protection of H2O2-exposed HT22, this protection ultimately occurred through an inhibition of MDA and ROS levels and an induction of SOD activity. Furthermore, CAAE treatment reduced H202-induced apoptosis though decreasing the expression of pro-apoptotic factors (Bax, cytochrome c, and cleaved caspases-3) while increasing the expression of the anti-apoptotic factors (Bcl-2), as well as the accumulation of nucleus-Nrf2-mediated HO-1 signaling. Interestingly, CAAE has a high concentration of unique phenolic compositions (chlrogenic acid, tangeretin, etc.) than other capsicum annum extracts. Altogether, these findings suggest that CAAE can be a useful natural resource for alleviating neurodegenerative diseases.

Neuroprotective effect of polysaccharide separated from Perilla frutescens Britton var. acuta Kudo against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in HT22 hippocampus cells.

This study was carried out to evaluate the neuroprotective activity of polysaccharide extracts isolated from Perilla frutescens (PEPF) in H2O2-treated HT22 hippocampus cells. The PEPF treatment was found to increase the anti-oxidant activities of HT22 hippocampus cells. PEPF treatment resulted in a significant protection of HT22 hippocampus cells against H2O2-induced neurotoxicity, this protection ultimately occurred through an inhibition of ROS-mediated intracellular Ca2+ levels leading to MAPKs and NF-κB, as well as the accumulation of PI3K/AKT and Nrf2-mediated HO-1/NQO1 pathways. Furthermore, PEPF not only decreased the expression of Bax, cytochrome c, and cleaved caspases-3, -8, and -9, but also increased the expression of PARP and Bcl-2 in the H2O2-treated HT22 hippocampus cells, which overall contributed to the neuroprotective action. PEPF retains its mitochondrial membrane potential and reduces the elevated levels of sub-G1 phase and apoptotic morphological features induced by H2O2. It also reduces the malondialdehyde levels and enhances the intracellular SOD activity.

Gamma-irradiated ß-glucan induces immunomodulation and anticancer activity through MAPK and NF-κB pathways.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate the antitumor activity of low-molecular-weight ß-glucan (LMBG) produced by gamma irradiation (50 kGy), using in vivo and in vitro models. RESULTS: The results indicate that treatment with LMBG increased the proliferation of murine peritoneal macrophages, and their production of tumor necrosis factor α and nitric oxide, to a greater extent than treatment with high-molecular-weight ß-glucan (HMBG). The activation of peritoneal macrophages by LMBG was mediated by both mitogen-activated protein kinases and nuclear factor-κB signaling. Interestingly, when administered prophylactically, LMBG significantly inhibited tumor growth and lung metastasis in mice injected with B16BL6 melanoma cells compared with the HMBG-treated group. In comparison with HMBG treatment, LMBG treatment also elevated cell proliferation, cytokine (interferon-γ and interleukin-2) production, and CD8(+) T cell populations in splenocytes from tumor-bearing mice. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that LMBG is important in eliciting antitumor activity through a non-specific immune response and may play a major role as a value-added product in the medical industry.

Capsicum annuum var. abbreviatum Induces a Macrophage M2-Like Phenotype Mediated by Nrf2/HO-1 in LPS-Stimulated Macrophages.

Capsicum annuum var. abbreviatum (CAAE), which is in the genus Capsicum L. (Solanaceae), was found to be richer in polyphenols and flavonoids than other prevalent peppers of Capsicum annuum var. angulosum and Capsicum annuum. L. Yet, it is still unclear how CAAE reduces inflammation. In this study, we used the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cell line and bone marrow-derived macrophages to assess its anti-inflammatory activities. Initially, we discovered that CAAE decreased the levels of nitric oxide and inducible nitric oxide synthase. In addition, CAAE decreased the intracellular reactive oxygen species levels and increased the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 and heme oxygenase-1 compared with the phenotype of M2 macrophages. CAAE inhibited the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including extracellular signal-regulated kinases, c-Jun N-terminal kinases, and p38 MAPKs. CAAE also inhibited the translocation of nuclear factor kappa B into nuclear, hence preventing the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Therefore, we suggest that CAAE might have potential as a candidate therapeutic agent for inflammatory diseases.

Immunostimulatory potential of extruded plant-based meat: effect of extrusion moisture level on macrophage activation.

In this study, the effect of different moisture levels in extruded plant-based meat on macrophage immunostimulation, and the potential of this meat as a protein source and a solution to environmental and economic challenges associated with conventional meat was investigated. To determine the effects of the extruded plant-based meat, cell viability assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry, and western blotting were performed. Low-moisture (LMME) and high-moisture meat extracts (HMME) showed higher potential to activate macrophages and regulate cytokine production than raw material extract. Treatment with LMME and HMME resulted in increased expression of CD80, CD86, and MHC class I/II proteins, indicating their potential to activate macrophages. Western blotting suggested that the immune activation observed in a previous study of macrophages was because of the phosphorylation of MAPKs and NF-κB. These findings suggest that extruded plant-based meat can potentially be used as an immunostimulatory food ingredient.

Mycobacterium paratuberculosis CobT activates dendritic cells via engagement of Toll-like receptor 4 resulting in Th1 cell expansion.

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is the causative agent of Johne disease in animals and MAP involvement in human Crohn disease has been recently emphasized. Evidence from M. tuberculosis studies suggests mycobacterial proteins activate dendritic cells (DCs) via Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, eventually determining the fate of immune responses. Here, we investigated whether MAP CobT contributes to the development of T cell immunity through the activation of DCs. MAP CobT recognizes TLR4, and induces DC maturation and activation via the MyD88 and TRIF signaling cascades, which are followed by MAP kinases and NF-κB. We further found that MAP CobT-treated DCs activated naive T cells, effectively polarized CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells to secrete IFN-γ and IL-2, but not IL-4 and IL-10, and induced T cell proliferation. These data indicate that MAP CobT contributes to T helper (Th) 1 polarization of the immune response. MAP CobT-treated DCs specifically induced the expansion of CD4(+)/CD8(+)CD44(high)CD62L(low) memory T cells in the mesenteric lymph node of MAP-infected mice in a TLR4-dependent manner. Our results indicate that MAP CobT is a novel DC maturation-inducing antigen that drives Th1 polarized-naive/memory T cell expansion in a TLR4-dependent cascade, suggesting that MAP CobT potentially links innate and adaptive immunity against MAP.

Quercetin negatively regulates TLR4 signaling induced by lipopolysaccharide through Tollip expression.

Polyphenolic compounds have been regarded as one of the most promising dietary agents for the prevention and treatment of inflammation-related chronic diseases; however, the anti-inflammatory activities of flavonoids, such as quercetin, are not completely characterized, and many features remain to be elucidated. In this study, we showed the molecular basis for the downregulation of TLR4 signal transduction by quercetin. Quercetin markedly elevated the expression of the Toll-interacting protein, a negative regulator of TLR signaling. Lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of cell surface molecules (CD80, CD86, and MHC class I/II) and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-12p70) were inhibited by quercetin, and this action was prevented by Toll-interacting protein silencing. In addition, quercetin-treated macrophages inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and the translocation of nuclear factor-κB and p65 through Toll-interacting protein. Treatment with quercetin resulted in a significant decrease in prostaglandin E2 and cyclooxygenase-2 levels as well as inducible nitric oxide synthase-mediated nitric oxide production induced by lipopolysaccharide. Taken together, these findings represent new insights into the understanding of negative regulatory mechanisms of the TLR4 signaling pathway and effective therapeutic intervention for the treatment of inflammatory disease.

Procyanidin dimer B2-mediated IRAK-M induction negatively regulates TLR4 signaling in macrophages.

Polyphenolic compounds have been found to possess a wide range of physiological activities that may contribute to their beneficial effects against inflammation-related diseases; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying this anti-inflammatory activity are not completely characterized, and many features remain to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the molecular basis for the down-regulation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signal transduction by procyanidin dimer B2 (Pro B2) in macrophages. Pro B2 markedly elevated the expression of the interleukin (IL)-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK)-M protein, a negative regulator of TLR signaling. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of cell surface molecules (CD80, CD86, and MHC class I/II) and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-12p70) were inhibited by Pro B2, and this action was prevented by IRAK-M silencing. In addition, Pro B2-treated macrophages inhibited LPS-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase and the translocation of nuclear factor κB and p65 through IRAK-M. We also found that Pro B2-treated macrophages inactivated naïve T cells by inhibiting LPS-induced interferon-γ and IL-2 secretion through IRAK-M. These novel findings provide new insights into the understanding of negative regulatory mechanisms of the TLR4 signaling pathway and the immune-pharmacological role of Pro B2 in the immune response against the development and progression of many chronic diseases.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv0577, a novel TLR2 agonist, induces maturation of dendritic cells and drives Th1 immune response.

Tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis constitutes an ongoing threat to global health. An antigen that can induce dendritic cell (DC) maturation and lead to enhanced cellular immunity is crucial to the development of an effective TB vaccine. Here, we investigated the functional roles and the related signaling mechanism of the Rv0577 protein, a M. tuberculosis complex-restricted secreted protein involved in the methylglyoxal detoxification pathway. Rv0577 recognizes Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and functionally induces DC maturation by augmenting the expression of cell surface molecules (CD80, CD86, and MHC class I and II) and proinflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-12p70) in DCs on MyD88-dependent signaling, mitogen-activated protein kinases, and nuclear factor κB signaling pathways. In addition, Rv0577-treated DCs activated naive T cells, effectively polarized CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells to secrete IFN-γ and IL-2, and induced T-cell proliferation, indicating that this protein possibly contributes to Th1-polarization of the immune response. More important, unlike LPS, Rv0577-treated DCs specifically induced the proliferation of memory CD4(+)/CD8(+)CD44(high)CD62L(low) T cells in the spleen of M. tuberculosis-infected mice in a TLR2-dependent manner. Taken together, these findings suggest that Rv0577 may regulate innate and adaptive immunity by interacting with TLR2, a finding that could be helpful in the design of new TB vaccines.

Polysaccharides from Annona muricata leaves protect against cisplatin­induced cytotoxicity in macrophages by alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction.

Cisplatin is a prominent chemotherapeutic agent that can induce significant damage to normal cells. Therefore, it is important to develop agents that protect normal cells without influencing the chemotherapeutic effect of cisplatin. The present study was conducted to explore the protective effects of Annona muricata leaf polysaccharides (ALPS) against cisplatin­induced toxicity in macrophages. Apoptosis was assessed in macrophages and lung cancer cells to investigate the cytoprotective effect of ALPS, their effect on the production of cisplatin­induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the loss of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MTP). Cisplatin, when used alone or in combination with ALPS, showed significant toxicity against A549 and H460 lung cancer cells. However, cisplatin­induced cytotoxicity was suppressed by cotreatment of RAW 264.7 macrophages with ALPS. ALPS significantly inhibited the upregulation of Bax, cytosolic cytochrome c and caspases­3, ­8 and ­9. Moreover, ALPS resulted in the cleavage of PARP and downregulation of Bcl­2 levels in a concentration­dependent manner, which ultimately led to a reduction in the apoptotic and necrotic populations of cisplatin­treated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The suppression of the apoptotic signaling pathways was mediated through the reduction of ROS and MTP loss in cisplatin­treated RAW 264.7 macrophages. In addition, ALPS alleviated cell damage by suppressing the mitochondrial apoptotic pathways in cisplatin­treated bone marrow­derived macrophages. Together, these findings suggested that ALPS may alleviate the toxic side effects of chemotherapeutic agents and act as a potential candidate for use as an effective adjuvant therapy.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv0652 stimulates production of tumour necrosis factor and monocytes chemoattractant protein-1 in macrophages through the Toll-like receptor 4 pathway.

Mycobacterial proteins interact with host macrophages and modulate their functions and cytokine gene expression profile. The protein Rv0652 is abundant in culture filtrates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis K-strain, which belongs to the Beijing family, compared with levels in the H37Rv and CDC1551 strains. Rv0652 induces strong antibody responses in patients with active tuberculosis. We investigated pro-inflammatory cytokine production induced by Rv0652 in murine macrophages and the roles of signalling pathways. In RAW264.7 cells and bone marrow-derived macrophages, recombinant Rv0652 induced predominantly tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 production, which was dependent on mitogen-activated protein kinases and nuclear factor-κB. Specific signalling pathway inhibitors revealed that the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), p38 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathways were essential for Rv0652-induced TNF production, whereas the ERK1/2 and PI3K pathways, but not the p38 pathway, were critical for MCP-1 production in macrophages. Rv0652-stimulated TNF and MCP-1 secretion by macrophages occurred in a Toll-like receptor 4-dependent and MyD88-dependent manner. In addition, Rv0652 significantly up-regulated the expression of the mannose receptor, CD80, CD86 and MHC class II molecules. These results suggest that Rv0652 can induce a protective immunity against M. tuberculosis through the macrophage activation.

Green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate inhibits TLR4 signaling through the 67-kDa laminin receptor on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated dendritic cells.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major active polyphenol of green tea, has been shown to down-regulate inflammatory responses in dendritic cells (DCs); however, the underlying mechanism has not been understood. Recently, we identified the 67-kDa laminin receptor (67LR) as a cell-surface EGCG receptor. In this study, we showed the molecular basis for the down-regulation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signal transduction by EGCG in DCs. The expressions of CD80, CD86, and MHC class I and II, which are molecules essential for antigen presentation by DCs, were inhibited by EGCG via 67LR. In addition, EGCG-treated DCs inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interleukin [IL]-1ß, and IL-6) and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), e.g., extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65 translocation through 67LR. Interestingly, we also found that EGCG markedly elevated the expression of the Tollip protein, a negative regulator of TLR signaling, through 67LR. These novel findings provide new insight into the understanding of negative regulatory mechanisms of the TLR4 signaling pathway and consequent inflammatory responses that are implicated in the development and progression of many chronic diseases.

Evaluation of the Immunological Activity of Gryllus bimaculatus Water Extract.

Edible insects are commonly consumed across the world because of their size, availability, and nutritional benefits. They have also been recommended as a potential solution to food shortage because of their high nutritional value. In this study, we demonstrated the immunological effects of Gryllus bimaculatus on RAW 264.7 cells and splenocytes obtained from mouse. This is the first study to evaluate the immunological effects of G. bimaculatus water extract. Innate and adaptive immunity were evaluated and measured in RAW 264.7 cells and/or mouse splenocytes using a cell viability assay; changes in cytokine abundance, nitric oxide production, and cell surface molecule abundance were determined using flow cytometry; and western blotting analysis was performed for various immune signaling pathways. G. bimaculatus water extract showed no cytotoxicity in cells, and the results suggest that treatment with G. bimaculatus water extract can induce macrophage activation through mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-κB signaling, induction of proinflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1ß, and tumor necrosis factor-α] and activation of the expression of cell surface molecules [cluster of differentiation (CD)80, CD86, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I, and MHC class II]. Treatment with G. bimaculatus water extract increased the production of cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, and interferon-γ) in splenocytes. The results indicate that G. bimaculatus water extract can regulate innate and adaptive immunity via modulation macrophages and splenocytes activation and can serve as an immunological agent. We inferred that G. bimaculatus is a safe and efficient natural material that enhances immunological activity.