Standardized fraction of Xylocarpus moluccensis inhibits inflammation by modulating MAPK-NFκB and ROS-HIF1α-PKM2 activation.

OBJECTIVE: Present study investigates the effect of Xylocarpus moluccensis (Lamk.) M. Roem fruit fraction (CDR) on endotoxemia and explores the underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect of CDR (1-100 µg/ml) was assessed on cytokines, MAPKs, ROS, and metabolic reprogramming in LPS-induced cells (J774.2 and THP-1) by the conventional methodology of ELISA, PCR, and Western blotting. The effect of CDR (1-50 mg/kg, p.o.) was also evaluated in the mice model of endotoxemia and sepsis. RESULTS: CDR prevents LPS-induced cytokine production from murine and human whole blood and cell lines. CDR suppressed total cellular and mitochondrial superoxide generation and preserved mitochondrial function in LPS-stimulated phagocytes. Additionally, CDR abrogated LPS-induced MAPK's phosphorylation and IκBα degradation in J774.2 cells. Moreover, CDR suppressed LPS-induced glycolytic flux as indicated from PKM2, HK-2, PDK-2, and HIF-1α expression in J774.2 cells. In vivo, CDR pre-treatment inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines release, metabolic reprogramming from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis in both LPS-induced endotoxemia and cecal slurry-induced sepsis mice model. CONCLUSION: Present study demonstrates the protective effect of CDR on LPS-induced inflammation and sepsis and identifies MAPK-NFκB and ROS-HIF1α-PKM2 as the putative target axis.

Modulation of Insulin Resistance, Dyslipidemia and Serum Metabolome in iNOS Knockout Mice following Treatment with Nitrite, Metformin, Pioglitazone, and a Combination of Ampicillin and Neomycin.

Oxidative and nitrosative stress plays a pivotal role in the incidence of metabolic disorders. Studies from this lab and others in iNOS-/- mice have demonstrated occurrence of insulin resistance (IR), hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia highlighting the importance of optimal redox balance. The present study evaluates role of nitrite, L-arginine, antidiabetics (metformin, pioglitazone) and antibiotics (ampicillin-neomycin combination, metronidazole) on metabolic perturbations observed in iNOS-/- mice. The animals were monitored for glucose tolerance (IPGTT), IR (insulin, HOMA-IR, QUICKI), circulating lipids and serum metabolomics (LC-MS). Hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and IR were rescued by nitrite, antidiabetics, and antibiotics treatments in iNOS-/- mice. Glucose intolerance was improved with nitrite, metformin and pioglitazone treatment, while ampicillin-neomycin combination normalised the glucose utilization in iNOS-/- mice. Increased serum phosphatidylethanolamine lipids in iNOS-/- mice were reversed by metformin, pioglitazone and ampicillin-neomycin; dyslipidemia was however marginally improved by nitrite treatment. The metabolic improvements were associated with changes in selected serum metabolites-purines, ceramide, 10-hydroxydecanoate, glucosaminate, diosmetin, sebacic acid, 3-nitrotyrosine and cysteamine. Bacterial metabolites-hippurate, indole-3-ethanol; IR marker-aminoadipate and oxidative stress marker-ophthalmate were reduced by pioglitazone and ampicillin-neomycin, but not by nitrite and metformin treatment. Results obtained in the present study suggest a crucial role of gut microbiota in the metabolic perturbations observed in iNOS-/- mice.

Role of pyruvate kinase M2 in oxidized LDL-induced macrophage foam cell formation and inflammation.

Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) links metabolic and inflammatory dysfunction in atherosclerotic coronary artery disease; however, its role in oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL)-induced macrophage foam cell formation and inflammation is unknown and therefore was studied. In recombinant mouse granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor-differentiated murine bone marrow-derived macrophages, early (1-6 h) Ox-LDL treatment induced PKM2 tyrosine 105 phosphorylation and promotes its nuclear localization. PKM2 regulates aerobic glycolysis and inflammation because PKM2 shRNA or Shikonin abrogated Ox-LDL-induced hypoxia-inducible factor-1α target genes lactate dehydrogenase, glucose transporter member 1, interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß) mRNA expression, lactate, and secretory IL-1ß production. PKM2 inhibition significantly increased Ox-LDL-induced ABCA1 and ABCG1 protein expression and NBD-cholesterol efflux to apoA1 and HDL. PKM2 shRNA significantly inhibited Ox-LDL-induced CD36, FASN protein expression, DiI-Ox-LDL binding and uptake, and cellular total cholesterol, free cholesterol, and cholesteryl ester content. Therefore, PKM2 regulates lipid uptake and efflux. DASA-58, a PKM2 activator, downregulated LXR-α, ABCA1, and ABCG1, and augmented FASN and CD36 protein expression. Peritoneal macrophages showed similar results. Ox-LDL induced PKM2- SREBP-1 interaction and FASN expression in a PKM2-dependent manner. Therefore, this study suggests a role for PKM2 in Ox-LDL-induced aerobic glycolysis, inflammation, and macrophage foam cell formation.

S-Glutathionylation of p47phox sustains superoxide generation in activated neutrophils.

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) induced conformational changes of proteins can cause their activation or inactivation. Neutrophils clear pathogen through phagocytosis and oxidative burst generation, while participate in inflammation through sustained and uncontrolled generation of ROS. In activated PMNs, cytosolic NOX-2 subunit p47phox following phosphorylation interacts with p67phox, p40phox and along with Rac2 translocate to the membrane. Phosphorylation of p47phox subunit occurs in both short spurts as well as sustained ROS generation, suggesting towards the unidentified molecular mechanism(s) driving these two diverse outcomes by various stimuli. The present study demonstrates that in PMA or NO treated neutrophils a subunit of NOX2, p47phox gets glutathionylated to sustain ROS generation along with a decrease in catalase, Grx-1 activity and change in GSH/GSSG ratio. Surprisingly, fMLP treated cells neither showed sustained ROS production nor glutathionylation of p47phox. S-Glutathionylation was always secondary to phosphorylation of p47phox and inhibition of glutathionylation did not alter phosphorylation but specifically impaired sustained ROS production. Interestingly, forced S-glutathionylation of p47phox converted the fMLP induced ROS generation into sustained release of ROS. We then identified the glutathionylation susceptible cysteine residues of p47phox by LC-MS/MS with IAM switch mapping. Site-directed mutagenesis of cysteine residues further mitigated p47phox S-glutathionylation. Thus, we demonstrate that p47phox S-glutathionylation plays an essential key role in the sustained ROS generation by human neutrophils.

Bacterial Siderophores Hijack Neutrophil Functions.

Neutrophils are the primary immune cells that respond to inflammation and combat microbial transgression. To thrive, the bacteria residing in their mammalian host have to withstand the antibactericidal responses of neutrophils. We report that enterobactin (Ent), a catecholate siderophore expressed by Escherichia coli, inhibited PMA-induced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in mouse and human neutrophils. Ent also impaired the degranulation of primary granules and inhibited phagocytosis and bactericidal activity of neutrophils, without affecting their migration and chemotaxis. Molecular analysis revealed that Ent can chelate intracellular labile iron that is required for neutrophil oxidative responses. Other siderophores (pyoverdine, ferrichrome, deferoxamine) likewise inhibited ROS and NETs in neutrophils, thus indicating that the chelation of iron may largely explain their inhibitory effects. To counter iron theft by Ent, neutrophils rely on the siderophore-binding protein lipocalin 2 (Lcn2) in a "tug-of-war" for iron. The inhibition of neutrophil ROS and NETs by Ent was augmented in Lcn2-deficient neutrophils compared with wild-type neutrophils but was rescued by the exogenous addition of recombinant Lcn2. Taken together, our findings illustrate the novel concept that microbial siderophore's iron-scavenging property may serve as an antiradical defense system that neutralizes the immune functions of neutrophils.

Aspirin & clopidogrel non-responsiveness & its association with genetic polymorphisms in patients with myocardial infarction.

Background & objectives: Cytochrome P450, P2Y 12, cyclooxygenase-1 (COX1) and glycoprotein V1 (GPVI) gene polymorphisms are known to affect patient responsiveness towards aspirin and clopidogrel dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). The present study was undertaken to identify aspirin and clopidogrel non-responsiveness and its association with genetic polymorphism in patients with myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: A total of 207 MI patients who were on DAPT, were included. The DAPT non-responsiveness was determined by light transmittance aggregometry using arachidonic acid and adenosine diphosphate and high platelet reactivity by collagen. Platelet activation biomarkers, thromboxane B2 (TxB2)andsoluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) were measured in plasma. Patient compliance was checked by estimating drug and its metabolite levels (aspirin and clopidogrel) in plasma using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. Genomic DNA was extracted, amplified by polymerase chain reaction and subsequently sequenced to identify CYP450, P2Y 12, COX1 and GPVI gene polymorphisms. Results: Of the 207 patients, 32 were non-responders. The DAPT non-responsiveness was found in 15.5 per cent patients. The non-responsiveness showed a significant and an independent association with gender [odds ratio (OR)=0.18, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.01-0.78, P=0.023], TxB2(OR=1.00, 95% CI=1.00-1.01, P=0.013), CYP2C19*2 G>A (OR=3.33, 95% CI=1.04-10.69, P=0.044) and GPVI T>C (OR=0.23, 95% CI=0.08-0.67, P=0.007) after adjusting the demographic, clinical and genetic confounding factors when assessed between non-responder and responder compliant patients. Interpretation & conclusions: The study showed a significant association of genetic polymorphisms (CYP2C19*2 G>A and GPVI T>C) with DAPT non-responsiveness in MI patients. The findings of this study need further validation in a large cohort of patients with clinical follow up.

IRAK regulates macrophage foam cell formation by modulating genes involved in cholesterol uptake and efflux.

Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-1 (IRAK1) is linked to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis; however, its role in macrophage foam cell formation is not known. Therefore, the present study investigated the role of IRAK1 in lipid uptake, biosynthesis, and efflux in THP-1 derived macrophages and human monocyte-derived macrophages (HMDMs). Ox-LDL (40 µg/mL, 15 minutes-48 hours) treatment induced time-dependent increase in IRAK1, IRAK4, and Stat1 activation in THP-1 derived macrophages. IRAK1/4 inhibitor (INH) or IRAK1 siRNA significantly attenuated cholesterol accumulation, DiI-Ox-LDL binding, and uptake while cholesterol efflux to apoAI and HDL was enhanced in THP-1 derived macrophages and HMDMs. Ox-LDL treatment significantly increased the mRNA expression of CD36, LOX-1, SR-A, ABCA1, ABCG1, Caveolin-1, CYP27A1 while that of SR-BI was decreased. IRAK1/4 inhibition or IRAK1 knockdown, however, attenuated Ox-LDL-induced CD36 expression; augmented ABCA1 and ABCG1 expression while expression of others was unaffected in THP-1 derived macrophages and HMDMs. Moreover, IRAK1/4 inhibition had no significant effect on genes involved in lipid biosynthesis. In IRAK1/4 INH pre-treated THP-1 derived macrophages Ox-LDL-induced Stat1 phosphorylation and its binding to CD36 promoter was significantly attenuated while LXRα expression and its binding to the ABCA1/ABCG1 locus, NFATc2 activation and its binding to ABCA1 locus was enhanced. The present study thus demonstrates that IRAK regulates lipid accumulation by modulating CD36-mediated uptake and ABCA1-, ABCG1-dependent cholesterol efflux. Therefore, IRAK1 can be a potential target for preventing macrophage foam cell formation.

Cellular and plasma nitrite levels in myeloid leukemia: a pathogenetic decrease.

Nitric oxide (NO) has a contributory role in hemopoietic cell growth and differentiation. The effects of NO on leukemic cell growth have been predominantly studied in in vitro settings. This study was done to assess the alterations in nitrite level in myeloid leukemias. Thirty-six newly diagnosed cases of myeloid leukemia (16 AML and 20 CML) were enrolled in the study. Neutrophil precursors from the marrow aspirate and peripheral blood were separated into cell bands using the Percoll density gradient method of Borregard and Cowland. The blood plasma and marrow fluid was also collected. Nitrite (stable non-volatile end product of NO) was estimated in the cell bands, blood plasma and marrow fluid using Griess reagent. The mean nitrite level in all cell bands from peripheral blood, bone marrow, blood plasma, and marrow fluid of cases was significantly lower as compared to corresponding value in the controls. No significant difference between AML and CML was seen. On follow-up, analysis of 13 CML patients higher nitrite levels were seen (p>0.05). The significant decrease in nitrite levels in myeloid leukemia suggests a decrease in nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity. Further work may unfold molecular targets for therapeutic role of NO modulators.

Progression and Characterization of the Accelerated Atherosclerosis in Iliac Artery of New Zealand White Rabbits: Effect of Simvastatin.

OBJECTIVE: Although atherosclerosis is described in New Zealand White rabbit's iliac artery, yet details of time-dependent atherosclerosis progression are not well known. Further, a well characterized accelerated model of atherosclerosis is also required for the screening of candidate drugs to target specific steps of atherosclerosis development. The present study extensively characterizes the time-dependent plaque composition and functional responses of the atherosclerosis in rabbit iliac artery and its modification by simvastatin. METHODS: Atherosclerosis was induced with a combination of balloon injury and atherogenic diet (AD) (1% cholesterol, 6% peanut oil) in rabbit's iliac artery. Atherosclerosis progression was evaluated on days 8, 10, 15, 21, 35, and 56 after AD feeding. The plaque characterization was done using histology, real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and vasoreactivity experiments. The standard anti-hyperlipidemic drug, simvastatin (5 mg·kg·d), was used to investigate its effect on atherosclerotic changes. RESULTS: Plasma lipids were elevated in a progressive manner after AD feeding from days 8 to 56. Similarly, arterial lipids, Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1) level along with infiltration of macrophages in the lesion area were also increased from day 15 onward. This resulted in a significant increase in the plaque area and intimal-medial thickness ratio in contrast to normal animals. Inflammatory milieu was observed with a significant increase in expression of pro-inflammatory regulators like MCP-1, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) and Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (VCAM-1), whereas anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 10 decreased as disease progressed. Endothelial dysfunction was also observed, specifically Acetylcholine (ACh)-induced vasorelaxation was reduced from day 8 onward, whereas the phenylephrine-induced vasoconstriction response was progressively reduced from day 15 in the iliac artery. Ground substances including proteoglycans, α-actin, and collagen content along with metalloproteinase-9 and Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) inhibitors were significantly augmented at later time points, day 21 onward. Simvastatin treatment for 35 days, at a dose having no significant effect on plasma lipid levels, significantly reduced atherosclerotic progression as evident by reduced macrophage content, inflammatory burden, and extracellular matrix component like proteoglycans and metalloproteinase-9. CONCLUSIONS: The authors observed that AD feeding with balloon injury in the rabbit iliac artery accelerated the progression of atherosclerosis and exhibited predominant features of type III human lesion within 8 weeks (56 days). Simvastatin treatment for 35 days exhibited anti-atherosclerotic efficacy without significantly lowering the circulating lipids. The current study thus provides an insight into the time-dependent atherosclerotic progression in rabbit iliac artery and highlights its utility for anti-atherosclerotic evaluation of the candidate drugs.

High oxidative stress adversely affects NFκB mediated induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase in human neutrophils: Implications in chronic myeloid leukemia.

Increasing evidence support bimodal action of nitric oxide (NO) both as a promoter and as an impeder of oxygen free radicals in neutrophils (PMNs), however impact of high oxidative stress on NO generation is less explored. In the present study, we comprehensively investigated the effect of high oxidative stress on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and NO generation in human PMNs. Our findings suggest that PMA or diamide induced oxidative stress in PMNs from healthy volunteers, and high endogenous ROS in PMNs of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients attenuate basal as well as LPS/cytokines induced NO generation and iNOS expression in human PMNs. Mechanistically, we found that under high oxidative stress condition, S-glutathionylation of NFκB (p50 and p65 subunits) severely limits iNOS expression due to its reduced binding to iNOS promoter, which was reversed in presence of DTT. Furthermore, by using pharmacological inhibitors, scavengers and molecular approaches, we identified that enhanced ROS generation via NOX2 and mitochondria, reduced Grx1/2 expression and GSH level associated with NFκB S-glutathionylation in PMNs from CML patients. Altogether data obtained suggest that oxidative status act as an important regulator of NO generation/iNOS expression, and under enhanced oxidative stress condition, NOX2-mtROS-NFκB S-glutathionylation is a feed forward loop, which attenuate NO generation and iNOS expression in human PMNs.

Simultaneous quantitation of acetylsalicylic acid and clopidogrel along with their metabolites in human plasma using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

The interest in therapeutic drug monitoring has increased over the last few years. Inter- and intra-patient variability in pharmacokinetics, plasma concentration related toxicity and success of therapy have stressed the need of frequent therapeutic drug monitoring of the drugs. A sensitive, selective and rapid liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed for the simultaneous quantification of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), salicylic acid, clopidogrel and carboxylic acid metabolite of clopidogrel in human plasma. The chromatographic separations were achieved on Waters Symmetry Shield(TM) C18 column (150 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) using 3.5 mm ammonium acetate (pH 3.5)-acetonitrile (10:90, v/v) as mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.75 mL/min. The present method was successfully applied for therapeutic drug monitoring of aspirin and clopidogrel in 67 patients with coronary artery disease.

Regioselective Metal-Free Decarboxylative Multicomponent Coupling of α-Amino Acids, Aldehydes and Isonitriles Leading to N-Substituted Azacyclic-2-carboxamides with Antithrombotic Activity.

An atom-economical regioselective synthesis of N-substituted prolinamides or N-substituted piperidine-2-carboxamides via a metal-free decarboxylative multicomponent coupling between l-proline or pipecolic acid, aldehydes, and isonitriles is described. The cascade event involves sequential imine formation, decarboxylation, isonitrile insertion, and hydrolysis to afford the product in one-pot. Two of the prolinamides were found to display appreciable antithrombotic activity via inhibition of platelet aggregation.

Curcuma oil attenuates accelerated atherosclerosis and macrophage foam-cell formation by modulating genes involved in plaque stability, lipid homeostasis and inflammation.

In the present study, the anti-atherosclerotic effect and the underlying mechanism of curcuma oil (C. oil), a lipophilic fraction from turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), was evaluated in a hamster model of accelerated atherosclerosis and in THP-1 macrophages. Male golden Syrian hamsters were subjected to partial carotid ligation (PCL) or FeCl3-induced arterial oxidative injury (Ox-injury) after 1 week of treatment with a high-cholesterol (HC) diet or HC diet plus C. oil (100 and 300 mg/kg, orally). Hamsters fed with the HC diet were analysed at 1, 3 and 5 weeks following carotid injury. The HC diet plus C. oil-fed group was analysed at 5 weeks. In hyperlipidaemic hamsters with PCL or Ox-injury, C. oil (300 mg/kg) reduced elevated plasma and aortic lipid levels, arterial macrophage accumulation, and stenosis when compared with those subjected to arterial injury alone. Similarly, elevated mRNA transcripts of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, cluster of differentiation 45 (CD45), TNF-α, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-1ß and IL-6 were reduced in atherosclerotic arteries, while those of transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) and IL-10 were increased after the C. oil treatment (300 mg/kg). The treatment with C. oil prevented HC diet- and oxidised LDL (OxLDL)-induced lipid accumulation, decreased the mRNA expression of CD68 and CD36, and increased the mRNA expression of PPARα, LXRα, ABCA1 and ABCG1 in both hyperlipidaemic hamster-derived peritoneal and THP-1 macrophages. The administration of C. oil suppressed the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6 and IFN-γ and increased the expression of TGF-ß in peritoneal macrophages. In THP-1 macrophages, C. oil supplementation prevented OxLDL-induced production of TNF-α and IL-1ß and increased the levels of TGF-ß. The present study shows that C. oil attenuates arterial injury-induced accelerated atherosclerosis, inflammation and macrophage foam-cell formation.

Curcuma oil ameliorates insulin resistance & associated thrombotic complications in hamster & rat.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Curcuma oil (C. oil) isolated from turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) has been shown to have neuro-protective, anti-cancer, antioxidant and anti-hyperlipidaemic effects in experimental animal models. However, its effect in insulin resistant animals remains unclear. The present study was carried out to investigate the disease modifying potential and underlying mechanisms of the C. oil in animal models of diet induced insulin resistance and associated thrombotic complications. METHODS: Male Golden Syrian hamsters on high fructose diet (HFr) for 12 wk were treated orally with vehicle, fenofibrate (30 mg/kg) or C. oil (300 mg/kg) in the last four weeks. Wistar rats fed HFr for 12 wk were treated orally with C. oil (300 mg/kg) in the last two weeks. To examine the protective effect of C. oil, blood glucose, serum insulin, platelet aggregation, thrombosis and inflammatory markers were assessed in these animals. RESULTS: Animals fed with HFr diet for 12 wk demonstrated hyperlipidaemia, hyperglycaemia, hyperinsulinaemia, alteration in insulin sensitivity indices, increased lipid peroxidation, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, platelet free radical generation, tyrosine phosphorylation, aggregation, adhesion and intravascular thrombosis. Curcuma oil treatment for the last four weeks in hamsters ameliorated HFr-induced hyperlipidaemia, hyperglycaemia, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, platelet activation, and thrombosis. In HFr fed hamsters, the effect of C. oil at 300 mg/kg [ ] was comparable with the standard drug fenofibrate. Curcuma oil treatment in the last two weeks in rats ameliorated HFr-induced hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinaemia by modulating hepatic expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma co-activator 1 (PGC-1)α and PGC-1ß genes known to be involved in lipid and glucose metabolism. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: High fructose feeding to rats and hamsters led to the development of insulin resistance, hyperglycaemia, endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress. C. oil prevented development of thrombotic complications associated with insulin resistance perhaps by modulating genes involved in lipid and glucose metabolism. Further studies are required to confirm these findings.

PKCδ-IRAK1 axis regulates oxidized LDL-induced IL-1ß production in monocytes.

This study examined the role of interleukin (IL)-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK) and protein kinase C (PKC) in oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL)-induced monocyte IL-1ß production. In THP1 cells, Ox-LDL induced time-dependent secretory IL-1ß and IRAK1 activity; IRAK4, IRAK3, and CD36 protein expression; PKCδ-JNK1 phosphorylation; and AP-1 activation. IRAK1/4 siRNA and inhibitor (INH)-attenuated Ox-LDL induced secreted IL-1ß and pro-IL-1ß mRNA and pro-IL-1ß and mature IL-1ß protein expression, respectively. Diphenyleneiodonium chloride (NADPH oxidase INH) and N-acetylcysteine (free radical scavenger) attenuated Ox-LDL-induced reactive oxygen species generation, caspase-1 activity, and pro-IL-1ß and mature IL-1ß expression. Ox-LDL-induced secretory IL-1ß production was abrogated in the presence of JNK INH II, Tanshinone IIa, Ro-31-8220, Go6976, Rottlerin, and PKCδ siRNA. PKCδ siRNA attenuated the Ox-LDL-induced increase in IRAK1 kinase activity, JNK1 phosphorylation, and AP-1 activation. In THP1 macrophages, CD36, toll-like receptor (TLR)2, TLR4, TLR6, and PKCδ siRNA prevented Ox-LDL-induced PKCδ and IRAK1 activation and IL-1ß production. Enhanced Ox-LDL and IL-1ß in systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) patient plasma demonstrated positive correlation with each other and with disease severity scores. Ox-LDL-containing plasma induced PKCδ and IRAK1 phosphorylation and IL-1ß production in a CD36-, TLR2-, TLR4-, and TLR6-dependent manner in primary human monocytes. Results suggest involvement of CD36, TLR2, TLR4, TLR6, and the PKCδ-IRAK1-JNK1-AP-1 axis in Ox-LDL-induced IL-1ß production.

Curcuma oil reduces endothelial cell-mediated inflammation in postmyocardial ischemia/reperfusion in rats.

Endothelial cells initiated inflammation persisting in postmyocardial infarction needs to be controlled and moderated for avoiding fatal complications. Curcuma oil (C.oil, Herbal Medicament), a standardized hexane soluble fraction of Curcuma longa has possessed neuroprotective effect. However, its effect on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/RP) and endothelial cells remains incompletely defined. Here, using in vivo rat MI/RP injury model and in vitro cellular approaches using EA.hy926 endothelial cells, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and myograph, we provide evidence that with effective regimen and preconditioning of rats with C.oil (250 mg/kg, PO), before and after MI/RP surgery protects rats from MI/RP-induced injury. C.oil treatment reduces left ventricular ischemic area and endothelial cell-induced inflammation, specifically in the ischemic region (*P < 0.0001) and improved endothelial function by reducing the expression of proinflammatory genes and adhesion factors on endothelial cells both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, mechanistic studies have revealed that C.oil reduced the expression of adhesion factors like E-selectin (#P = 0.0016) and ICAM-1 ($P = 0.0069) in initiating endothelial cells-induced inflammation. In line to the real-time polymerase chain reaction expression data, C.oil reduced the adhesion of inflammatory cells to endothelial cells as assessed by the interaction of THP-1 monocytes with the endothelial cells using flow-based adhesion and under inflammatory conditions. These studies provide evidence that salutary effect of C.oil on MI/RP could be achieved with pretreatment and posttreatment of rats, C.oil reduced MI/RP-induced injury by reducing the endothelial cell-mediated inflammation, specifically in the ischemic zone of MI/RP rat heart.

Comparative profiling of gut microbiota and metabolome in diet-induced obese and insulin-resistant C57BL/6J mice.

Diet-based models are commonly used to investigate obesity and related disorders. We conducted a comparative profiling of three obesogenic diets HFD, high fat diet; HFHF, high fat high fructose diet; and HFCD, high fat choline deficient diet to assess their impact on the gut microbiome and metabolome. After 20 weeks, we analyzed the gut microbiota and metabolomes of liver, plasma, cecal, and fecal samples. Fecal and plasma bile acids (BAs) and fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were also examined. Significant changes were observed in fecal and cecal metabolites, with increased Firmicutes and decreased Bacteroidetes in the HFD, HFHF, and HFCD-fed mice compared to chow and LFD (low fat diet)-fed mice. Most BAs were reduced in plasma and fecal samples of obese groups, except taurocholic acid, which increased in HFCD mice's plasma. SCFAs like acetate and butyrate significantly decreased in obesogenic diet groups, while propionic acid specifically decreased in the HFCD group. Pathway analysis revealed significant alterations in amino acid, carbohydrate metabolism, and nucleic acid biosynthesis pathways in obese mice. Surprisingly, even LFD-fed mice showed distinct changes in microbiome and metabolite profiles compared to the chow group. This study provides insights into gut microbiome dysbiosis and metabolite alterations induced by obesogenic and LFD diets in various tissues. These findings aid in selecting suitable diet models to study the role of the gut microbiome and metabolites in obesity and associated disorders, with potential implications for understanding similar pathologies in humans.

A methionine-choline-deficient diet induces nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and alters the lipidome, metabolome, and gut microbiome profile in the C57BL/6J mouse.

The methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in mice is a well-established model. Our study aims to elucidate the factors influencing liver pathology in the MCD mouse model by examining physiological, biochemical, and molecular changes using histology, molecular techniques, and OMICS approaches (lipidomics, metabolomics, and metagenomics). Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a standard chow diet, a methionine-choline-sufficient (MCS) diet, or an MCD diet for 10 weeks. The MCD diet resulted in reduced body weight and fat mass, along with decreased plasma triglyceride, cholesterol, glucose, and insulin levels. However, it notably induced steatosis, inflammation, and alterations in gene expression associated with lipogenesis, inflammation, fibrosis, and the synthesis of apolipoproteins, sphingolipids, ceramides, and carboxylesterases. Lipid analysis revealed significant changes in plasma and tissues: most ceramide non-hydroxy-sphingosine lipids significantly decreased in the liver and plasma but increased in the adipose tissue of MCD diet-fed animals. Oxidized glycerophospholipids mostly increased in the liver but decreased in the adipose tissue of the MCD diet-fed group. The gut microbiome of the MCD diet-fed group showed an increase in Firmicutes and a decrease in Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria. Metabolomic profiling demonstrated that the MCD diet significantly altered amino acid biosynthesis, metabolism, and nucleic acid metabolism pathways in plasma, liver, fecal, and cecal samples. LC-MS data indicated higher total plasma bile acid intensity and reduced fecal glycohyodeoxycholic acid intensity in the MCD diet group. This study demonstrates that although the MCD diet induces hepatic steatosis, the mechanisms underlying NASH in this model differ from those in human NASH pathology.

iNOS regulates hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells via mitochondrial signaling and is critical for bone marrow regeneration.

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) replenish blood cells under steady state and on demand, that exhibit therapeutic potential for Bone marrow failures and leukemia. Redox signaling plays key role in immune cells and hematopoiesis. However, the role of reactive nitrogen species in hematopoiesis remains unclear and requires further investigation. We investigated the significance of inducible nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide (iNOS/NO) signaling in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) and hematopoiesis under steady-state and stress conditions. HSCs contain low levels of NO and iNOS under normal conditions, but these increase upon bone marrow stress. iNOS-deficient mice showed subtle changes in peripheral blood cells but significant alterations in HSPCs, including increased HSCs and multipotent progenitors. Surprisingly, iNOS-deficient mice displayed heightened susceptibility and delayed recovery of blood progeny following 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) induced hematopoietic stress. Loss of quiescence and increased mitochondrial stress, indicated by elevated MitoSOX and MMPhi HSCs, were observed in iNOS-deficient mice. Furthermore, pharmacological approaches to mitigate mitochondrial stress rescued 5-FU-induced HSC death. Conversely, iNOS-NO signaling was required for demand-driven mitochondrial activity and proliferation during hematopoietic recovery, as iNOS-deficient mice and NO signaling inhibitors exhibit reduced mitochondrial activity. In conclusion, our study challenges the conventional view of iNOS-derived NO as a cytotoxic molecule and highlights its intriguing role in HSPCs. Together, our findings provide insights into the crucial role of the iNOS-NO-mitochondrial axis in regulating HSPCs and hematopoiesis.

Collinsella aerofaciens linked with increased ethanol production and liver inflammation contribute to the pathophysiology of NAFLD.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an emerging global health problem and a potential risk factor for metabolic diseases. The bidirectional interactions between liver and gut made dysbiotic gut microbiome one of the key risk factors for NAFLD. In this study, we reported an increased abundance of Collinsella aerofaciens in the gut of obese and NASH patients living in India. We isolated C. aerofaciens from the fecal samples of biopsy-proven NASH patients and observed that their genome is enriched with carbohydrate metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, and pro-inflammatory functions and have the potency to increase ethanol level in blood. An animal study indicated that mice supplemented with C. aerofaciens had increased levels of circulatory ethanol, high levels of hepatic hydroxyproline, triglyceride, and inflammation in the liver. The present findings indicate that perturbation in the gut microbiome composition is a key risk factor for NAFLD.