Andrographolide Attenuates Oxidized LDL-Induced Activation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages and Mitigates HFCCD-Induced Atherosclerosis in Mice.

Andrographolide (AND) is a bioactive component of the herb Andrographis paniculata and a well-known anti-inflammatory agent. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the vasculature, and oxidized LDL (oxLDL) is thought to contribute heavily to atherosclerosis-associated inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether AND mitigates oxLDL-mediated foam cell formation and diet-induced atherosclerosis (in mice fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol, high-cholic acid [HFCCD] diet) and the underlying mechanisms involved. AND attenuated LPS/oxLDL-mediated foam cell formation, IL-1[Formula: see text] mRNA and protein (p37) expression, NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) mRNA and protein expression, caspase-1 (p20) protein expression, and IL-1[Formula: see text] release in BMDMs. Treatment with oxLDL significantly induced protein and mRNA expression of CD36, lectin-like oxLDL receptor-1 (LOX-1), and scavenger receptor type A (SR-A), whereas pretreatment with AND significantly inhibited protein and mRNA expression of SR-A only. Treatment with oxLDL significantly induced ROS generation and Dil-oxLDL uptake; however, pretreatment with AND alleviated oxLDL-induced ROS generation and Dil-oxLDL uptake. HFCCD feeding significantly increased aortic lipid accumulation, ICAM-1 expression, and IL-1[Formula: see text] mRNA expression, as well as blood levels of glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), total cholesterol, and LDL-C. AND co-administration mitigated aortic lipid accumulation, the protein expression of ICAM-1, mRNA expression of IL-1[Formula: see text] and ICAM-1, and blood levels of GPT. These results suggest that the working mechanisms by which AND mitigates atherosclerosis involve the inhibition of foam cell formation and NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent vascular inflammation as evidenced by decreased SR-A expression and IL-1[Formula: see text] release, respectively.

Andrographolide Inhibits Lipotoxicity-Induced Activation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages.

Andrographolide is the major bioactive component of the herb Andrographis paniculata and is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. Obesity leads to an excess of free fatty acids, particularly palmitic acid (PA), in the circulation. Obesity also causes the deposition of ectopic fat in nonadipose tissues, which leads to lipotoxicity, a condition closely associated with inflammation. Here, we investigated whether andrographolide could inhibit PA-induced inflammation by activating autophagy, activating the antioxidant defense system, and blocking the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were primed with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and then activated with PA. LPS/PA treatment increased both the mRNA expression of NLRP3 and IL-1[Formula: see text] and the release of IL-1[Formula: see text] in BMDMs. Andrographolide inhibited the LPS/PA-induced protein expression of caspase-1 and the release of IL-1[Formula: see text]. Furthermore, andrographolide attenuated LPS/PA-induced mtROS generation by first promoting autophagic flux and catalase activity, and ultimately inhibiting activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Our results suggest that the mechanisms by which andrographolide downregulates LPS/PA-induced IL-1[Formula: see text] release in BMDMs involve promoting autophagic flux and catalase activity. Andrographolide may thus be a candidate to prevent obesity- and lipotoxicity-driven chronic inflammatory disease.

14-Deoxy-11,12-Didehydroandrographolide Ameliorates Glucose Intolerance Enhancing the LKB1/AMPK[Formula: see text]/TBC1D1/GLUT4 Signaling Pathway and Inducing GLUT4 Expression in Myotubes and Skeletal Muscle of Obese Mice.

14-Deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide (deAND), a bioactive component of Andrographis paniculata, has antidiabetic activity. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulates glucose transport and ameliorates insulin resistance. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether activation of AMPK is involved in the mechanism by which deAND ameliorates insulin resistance in muscles. deAND amounts up to 40 [Formula: see text]M dose-dependently activated phosphorylation of AMPK[Formula: see text] and TBC1D1 in C2C12 myotubes. In addition, deAND significantly activated phosphorylation of LKB1 at 6 h after treatment, and this activation was maintained up to 48 h. deAND increased glucose uptake at 18 h after treatment, and this increase was time dependent up to 72 h. Compound C, an inhibitor of AMPK, suppressed deAND-induced phosphorylation of AMPK[Formula: see text] and TBC1D1 and reversed the effect on glucose uptake. In addition, the expression of GLUT4 mRNA and protein in C2C12 myotubes was up-regulated by deAND in a time-dependent manner. Promotion of GLUT4 gene transcription was verified by a pGL3-GLUT4 (837 bp) reporter assay. deAND also increased the nuclear translocation of MEF-2A and PPAR[Formula: see text]. After 16 weeks of feeding, the high-fat diet (HFD) inhibited phosphorylation of AMPK[Formula: see text] and TBC1D1 in skeletal muscle of obese C57BL/6JNarl mice, and deactivation of AMPK[Formula: see text] and TBC1D1 by the HFD was abolished by deAND supplementation. Supplementation with deAND significantly promoted membrane translocation of GLUT4 compared with the HFD group. Supplementation also significantly increased GLUT4 mRNA and protein expression in skeletal muscle compared with the HFD group. The hypoglycemic effects of deAND are likely associated with activation of the LKB1/AMPK[Formula: see text]/TBC1D1/GLUT4 signaling pathway and stimulation of MEF-2A- and PPAR[Formula: see text]-dependent GLUT4 gene expression, which account for the glucose uptake into skeletal muscle and lower blood glucose levels.

Andrographis paniculata Improves Insulin Resistance in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice and TNFα-Treated 3T3-L1 Adipocytes.

Pro-inflammatory cytokines interfere with blood glucose homeostasis, which leads to hyperglycemia. Andrographis paniculata (AP) has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory activity and to reduce blood glucose levels in diabetes. The two major bioactive diterpenoids in AP, andrographolide (AND) and 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide (deAND), have potent anti-inflammatory activity. We studied whether APE (an ethanolic extract of AP), AND, and deAND could improve a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperglycemia in vivo and TNF[Formula: see text]-induced impairment of insulin signaling in vitro. Male C57BL/6JNarl mice were fed a normal diet (ND) or the HFD, and the fatty mice were treated with APE, deAND, or AND for 16 weeks. 3T3-L1 cells were used to study the underlying mechanisms by which APE, deAND, or AND attenuated TNF[Formula: see text]-induced insulin resistance. The HFD significantly induced obesity, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and inflammation, whereas APE and deAND significantly ameliorated HFD-induced obesity, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and TNF[Formula: see text] production. The HFD significantly impaired insulin signaling by decreasing the protein expression of p-IRS1 tyr632 and p-AKT ser473, as well as the membrane translocation of GLUT4 in response to insulin stimulation in epididymal adipose tissue. HFD-impaired the membrane translocation of GLUT4 was significantly reversed by deAND and APE. In addition, deAND and APE markedly reversed the detrimental effect of TNF[Formula: see text] on the insulin signaling pathway and glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 cells. Despite no significant positive effect on p-AS160, a trend for recovery by deAND and APE was observed. These results suggest that deAND and APE protect against HFD-induced insulin resistance by ameliorating inflammation-driven impairment of insulin sensitivity.

A Diterpenoid, 14-Deoxy-11, 12-Didehydroandrographolide, in Andrographis paniculata Reduces Steatohepatitis and Liver Injury in Mice Fed a High-Fat and High-Cholesterol Diet.

14-Deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide (deAND), a diterpenoid in Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees, acts as a bioactive phytonutrient that can treat many diseases. To investigate the protective effects of deAND on reducing fatty liver disease, male mice were fed a high-fat and high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet without or with 0.05% and 0.1% deAND supplementation. Cholesterol accumulation, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities in liver and liver injury were evaluated after deAND treatment. The results show that deAND treatment for seven weeks reduced plasma alanine aminotransferase activity and lowered hepatic cholesterol accumulation, tumor nuclear factor-α, and histological lesions. The 0.1% deAND treatment reduced HFHC diet-induced apoptosis by lowering the caspase 3/pro-caspase 3 ratio. After 11 weeks of deAND treatment, increased NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), capase-1, and interleukin-1ß protein levels in liver were suppressed by deAND treatment. In addition, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) mRNA expression, heme oxygenase-1 protein expression, and the activities of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase were increased in mice fed the HFHC diet. However, those activities of antioxidant enzymes or proteins were also upregulated by 0.1% deAND treatment. Furthermore, deAND treatment tended to lower hepatic lipid peroxides. Finally, deAND treatment reversed the depletion of hepatic glutamate level induced by the HFHC diet. These results indicate that deAND may ameliorate HFHC diet-induced steatohepatitis and liver injury by increasing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Bioavailability of the diterpenoid 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide in rats and up-regulation of hepatic drug-metabolizing enzyme and drug transporter expression.

BACKGROUND: 14-Deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide (deAND) is the second most abundant diterpenoid in Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees, a traditional medicine used in Asia. To date, the biological activity of deAND has not been clearly investigated. PURPOSE: In this study, we intended to examine the modulatory effect of deAND on hepatic drug metabolism as well as its bioavailability. STUDY DESIGN: deAND prepared from A. paniculata was orally given to Sprague-Dawley rats and changes in plasma deNAD were determined by HPLC-MS. Modulation of deAND on drug-metabolizing enzyme and drug transporter expression as well as the possible mechanism involved was examined in primary rat hepatocytes. RESULTS: After a single oral administration of 50 mg/kg deAND to rats, the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), time to reach the Cmax, area under the curve (AUC0-24h), mean retention time, and half-life (t1/2) of deAND were 2.65 ± 0.68 µg/ml, 0.29 ± 0.15 h, 6.30 ± 1.66 µg/ml•h, 5.55 ± 2.52 h, and 3.56 ± 1.05 h, respectively. The oral bioavailability was 3.42%. In primary rat hepatocytes treated with up to 10 µM deAND, a dose-dependent increase was noted in the expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1/2, CYP2C6, and CYP3A1/2; UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A1, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1), π form of GSH S-transferase (GSTP), multidrug resistance-associated protein 2, p-glycoprotein, and organic anion transporter protein 2B1. Immunoblotting assay and EMSA revealed that deAND increases the nuclear translocation and DNA binding activity of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), pregnane X receptor (PXR), and nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Knockdown of AhR and Nrf2 expression abolished deAND induction of CYP isozymes and UGT1A1, NQO1, and GSTP expression, respectively. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that deAND quickly passes through enterocytes in rats and effectively up-regulates hepatic drug-metabolizing enzyme and drug transporter expression in an AhR-, PXR-, and Nrf2-dependent manner.

Andrographis paniculata diterpenoids and ethanolic extract inhibit TNFα-induced ICAM-1 expression in EA.hy926 cells.

BACKGROUND: Andrographis paniculata (A. paniculata), a traditional herb in Southeastern Asia, is used to treat inflammation-mediated diseases. PURPOSE: The two major bioactive diterpenoids in A. paniculata are andrographolide (AND) and 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide (deAND). Because of the anti-inflammatory evidence for AND, we hypothesized that deAND might possess similar potency for inhibiting monocyte adhesion to the vascular endothelium, which is a critical event for atherosclerotic lesion formation. MATERIAL: In the present study, we used 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay to determine cell viability. We evaluated the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) by using DCFDA assay. We assayed the protein expression by using Western blot analysis, the mRNA expression by using RT-PCR, and the nuclear protein-DNA binding activity by using EMSA. RESULTS: We showed that pretreatment of EA.hy926 cells with A. paniculata ethanolic extract (APE), deAND, and AND significantly inhibited TNFα-induced ICAM-1 protein and mRNA expression, ICAM-1 promoter activity, and monocyte adhesion. TNFα-stimulated IKKß phosphorylation, IκBα phosphorylation and degradation, p65 nuclear translocation, and NFκB nuclear protein-DNA binding activity were attenuated by pretreatment with APE, deAND, and AND. APE, deAND, and AND attenuated TNFα-induced Src phosphorylation and membrane translocation of the NOX subunits p47phox and p67phox. Both APE and AND induced protein expression of heme oxygenase 1 and the glutamate cysteine ligase modifier subunit and enhanced glutathione content. Pretreatment with AND and deAND inhibited TNFα-induced ROS generation. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the mechanism by which APE, deAND, and AND down-regulates TNFα-induced ICAM-1 expression in EA.hy926 cells is via attenuation of activation of the IKK/IκB/NFκB pathway.

14-Deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide suppresses adipogenesis of 3 T3-L1 preadipocytes by inhibiting CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein ß activation and AMPK-mediated mitotic clonal expansion.

Obesity is highly correlated with several metabolic disorders. Adipocyte differentiation is a key process in determining obesogenesis. 14-Deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide (deAND) is a diterpenoid rich in Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees., a herbal medicine commonly used to treat colds, infections, and liver diseases. We investigated whether deAND inhibits the adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells and the underlying mechanisms. We found that deAND (0-15 µM) dose-dependently inhibits the mRNA and protein expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c, fatty acid synthase, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1. Cellular lipid accumulation was decreased by deAND, and the early phase of adipocyte differentiation was critical for this inhibition. Immunoblotting revealed that deAND attenuated differentiation medium-induced protein kinase A (PKA) and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) activation, which leads to down-regulating C/EBPß transcription. Moreover, deAND inhibited ERK- and GSK3ß-mediated C/EBPß transcriptional activity. Flow cytometry analysis showed that deAND impaired the progression of mitotic clonal expansion (MCE) by arresting the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase, while the expression of cyclin D1, cyclin E, CDK6, and CDK2 was attenuated. deAND increased the phosphorylation of AMPK and raptor, an mTOR-interacting partner, which inhibited the mTOR-driven phosphorylation of P70S6K and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein. In the presence of compound C, deAND modulation of AMPK-mTOR signaling and inhibition of cell cycle regulator expression were reversed. Our results reveal that the anti-adipogenic effect of deAND is likely through inhibition of the PKA-CREB-C/EBPß and AMPK/mTOR pathways, which leads to down-regulating C/EBPß-driven lipogenic protein expression and halting MCE progression.

Freshwater clam extract reduces liver injury by lowering cholesterol accumulation, improving dysregulated cholesterol synthesis and alleviating inflammation in high-fat, high-cholesterol and cholic acid diet-induced steatohepatitis in mice.

Freshwater clam (Corbicula fluminea) is a traditional liver-protective food in Asia. Recent studies have renewed attention on high cholesterol accumulation and dysregulated cholesterol synthesis in the liver as a critical factor in the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In this study, we investigated the protective effects of freshwater clam extract (FCE) and its fat fraction (FCE oil) on high-fat, high-cholesterol and cholic acid (HFHC) diet-induced lean steatohepatitis in mice. Mice were fed a HFHC diet containing FCE or FCE oil for 6 weeks. FCE, but not FCE oil, feeding reduced liver injury as indicated by decreased plasma alanine aminotransferase activity. Liver total cholesterol accumulation was reduced after FCE and FCE oil treatment. Accumulation of squalene and desmosterol, the precursors of cholesterol, in the liver was reduced by FCE but not by FCE oil. The caspase-1 (p10) and interleukin (IL)-1ß (p17) protein expressions in the liver were suppressed by both FCE and FCE oil. Therefore, FCE may act as functional food that can reduce steatohepatitis and liver injury by reducing cholesterol accumulation, improving dysregulated cholesterol synthesis and attenuating inflammation.

Shikonin upregulates the expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes and drug transporters in primary rat hepatocytes.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Shikonin, a naphthoquinone pigment abundant in the root of the Chinese herb Lithospermum erythrorhizon, has been widely used to treat inflammatory diseases for thousands of years. Whether shikonin changes drug metabolism remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: We investigated whether shikonin modulates the expression of hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters as well as the possible mechanisms of this action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Primary hepatocytes isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 0-2 µM shikonin and the protein and mRNA levels of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters as well as the activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) were determined. RESULTS: Shikonin dose-dependently increased the protein and RNA expression of phase I enzymes, i.e., cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1/2, CYP3A2, CYP2D1, and CYP2C6; phase II enzymes, i.e., glutathione S-transferase (GST), NADP(H) quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), and UDP glucuronosyltransferase 1A1; and phase III drug transporters, i.e., P-glycoprotein, multidrug resistance-associated protein 2/3, organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) 1B1, and OATP2B1. Immunoblot analysis and EMSA revealed that shikonin increased AhR and Nrf2 nuclear contents and DNA binding activity. AhR and Nrf2 knockdown by siRNA attenuated the ability of shikonin to induce drug-metabolizing enzyme expression. In addition, shikonin increased p38, JNK, and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and inhibitors of the respective kinases inhibited shikonin-induced Nrf2 nuclear translocation. CONCLUSIONS: Shikonin effectively upregulates the transcription of CYP isozymes, phase II detoxification enzymes, and phase III membrane transporters and this function is at least partially through activation of AhR and Nrf2. Moreover, Nrf2 activation is dependent on mitogen-activated protein kinases.

Andrographolide Inhibits Oxidized LDL-Induced Cholesterol Accumulation and Foam Cell Formation in Macrophages.

oxLDL is involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic lesions through cholesterol accumulation in macrophage foam cells. Andrographolide, the bioactive component of Andrographis paniculata, possesses several biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anticancer functions. Scavenger receptors (SRs), including class A SR (SR-A) and CD36, are responsible for the internalization of oxLDL. In contrast, receptors for reverse cholesterol transport, including ABCA1 and ABCG1, mediate the efflux of cholesterol from macrophage foam cells. Transcription factor liver X receptor [Formula: see text] (LXR[Formula: see text] plays a key role in lipid metabolism and inflammation as well as in the regulation of ABCA1 and ABCG1 expression. Because of the contribution of inflammation to macrophage foam cell formation and the potent anti-inflammatory activity of andrographolide, we hypothesized that andrographolide might inhibit oxLDL-induced macrophage foam cell formation. The results showed that andrographolide reduced oxLDL-induced lipid accumulation in macrophage foam cells. Andrographolide decreased the mRNA and protein expression of CD36 by inducing the degradation of CD36 mRNA; however, andrographolide had no effect on SR-A expression. In contrast, andrographolide increased the mRNA and protein expression of ABCA1 and ABCG1, which were dependent on LXR[Formula: see text]. Andrographolide enhanced LXR[Formula: see text] nuclear translocation and DNA binding activity. Treatment with the LXR[Formula: see text] antagonist GGPP and transfection with LXR[Formula: see text] siRNA reversed the ability of andrographolide to stimulate ABCA1 and ABCG1 protein expression. In conclusion, inhibition of CD36-mediated oxLDL uptake and induction of ABCA1- and ABCG1-dependent cholesterol efflux are two working mechanisms by which andrographolide inhibits macrophage foam cell formation, which suggests that andrographolide could be a potential candidate to prevent atherosclerosis.

Andrographolide inhibits hypoxia-induced HIF-1α-driven endothelin 1 secretion by activating Nrf2/HO-1 and promoting the expression of prolyl hydroxylases 2/3 in human endothelial cells.

Andrographolide, the main bioactive component of the medicinal plant Andrographis paniculata, has been shown to possess potent anti-inflammatory activity. Endothelin 1 (ET-1), a potent vasoconstrictor peptide produced by vascular endothelial cells, displays proinflammatory property. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), the regulatory member of the transcription factor heterodimer HIF-1α/ß, is one of the most important molecules that responds to hypoxia. Changes in cellular HIF-1α protein level are the result of altered gene transcription and protein stability, with the latter being dependent on prolyl hydroxylases (PHDs). In this study, inhibition of pro-inflammatory ET-1 expression and changes of HIF-1α gene transcription and protein stability under hypoxia by andrographolide in EA.hy926 endothelial-like cells were investigated. Hypoxic conditions were created using the hypoxia-mimetic agent CoCl2. We found that hypoxia stimulated the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the expression of HIF-1α mRNA and protein, and the expression and secretion of ET-1. These effects, however, were attenuated by co-exposure to andrographolide, bilirubin, and RuCO. Silencing Nrf2 and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) reversed the inhibitory effects of andrographolide on hypxoia-induced HIF-1α mRNA and protein expression. Moreover, andrographolide increased the expression of prolyl hydroxylases (PHD) 2/3, which hydroxylate HIF-1α and promotes HIF-1α proteasome degradation, with an increase in HIF-1α hydroxylation was noted under hypoxia. Inhibition of p38 MAPK abrogated the hypoxia-induced increases in HIF-1α mRNA and protein expression as well as ET-1 mRNA expression and secretion. Taken together, these results suggest that andrographolide suppresses hypoxia-induced pro-inflammatory ET-1 expression by activating Nrf2/HO-1, inhibiting p38 MAPK signaling, and promoting PHD2/3 expression. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 918-930, 2017.

Andrographolide inhibits adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells by suppressing C/EBPß expression and activation.

Andrographolide, a diterpenoid, is the most abundant terpenoid in Andrographis paniculata, a popular Chinese herbal medicine. Andrographolide displays diverse biological activities including hypoglycemia, hypolipidemia, anti-inflammation, and anti-tumorigenesis. Recent evidence indicates that andrographolide displays anti-obesity property by inhibiting lipogenic gene expression, however, the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In this study, the effects of andrographolide on transcription factor cascade and mitotic clonal expansion in 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation into adipocyte were determined. Andrographolide dose-dependently (0-15µM) inhibited CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα) and C/EBPß mRNA and protein expression as well as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) protein level during the adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells. Concomitantly, fatty acid synthase and stearoyl-CoA desaturase expression and lipid accumulation were attenuated by andrographolide. Oil-red O staining further showed that the first 48h after the initiation of differentiation was critical for andrographolide inhibition of adipocyte formation. Andrographolide inhibited the phosphorylation of PKA and the activation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) in response to a differentiation cocktail, which led to attenuated C/EBPß expression. In addition, ERK and GSK3ß-dependent C/EBPß phosphorylation was attenuated by andrographolide. Moreover, andrographolide suppressed cyclin A, cyclin E, and CDK2 expression and impaired the progression of mitotic clonal expansion (MCE) by arresting the cell cycle at the Go/G1 phase. Taken together, these results indicate that andrographolide has a potent anti-obesity action by inhibiting PKA-CREB-mediated C/EBPß expression as well as C/EBPß transcriptional activity, which halts MCE progression and attenuates C/EBPα and PPARγ expression.

Andrographis paniculata extract attenuates pathological cardiac hypertrophy and apoptosis in high-fat diet fed mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees (Acanthaceae) has a considerable medicinal reputation in most parts of Asia as a potent medicine in the treatment of Endocrine disorders, inflammation and hypertension. AIM OF THE STUDY: Water extract of A. paniculata and its active constituent andrographolide are known to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. Our aim is to identify whether A. paniculata extract could protect myocardial damage in high-fat diet induced obese mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The test mice were divided into three groups fed either with normal chow or with high fat diet (obese) or with high fat diet treated with A. paniculata extract (2g/kg/day, through gavage, for a week). RESULTS: We found that the myocardial inflammation pathway related proteins were increased in the obese mouse which potentially contributes to cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial apoptosis. But feeding with A. paniculata extract showed significant inhibition on the effects of high fat diet. CONCLUSION: Our study strongly suggests that supplementation of A. paniculata extract can be used for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease in obese patients.

18-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids ameliorate palmitate-induced inflammation and insulin resistance in mouse C2C12 myotubes.

Skeletal muscle is a major site of insulin action. Intramuscular lipid accumulation results in inflammation, which has a strong correlation with skeletal muscle insulin resistance (IR). The aim of this study was to explore the effects of linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), 18-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), on palmitic acid (PA)-induced inflammatory responses and IR in C2C12 myotubes. Our data demonstrated that these three test 18-carbon PUFAs can inhibit PA-induced interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α messenger RNA (mRNA) expression and IR as evidenced by increases in phosphorylated AKT and the 160-kD AKT substrate, mRNA and plasma membrane protein expression of glucose transporter 4, and glucose uptake. Moreover, the 18-carbon PUFAs blocked the effects of PA on activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), protein kinase C-θ (PKC-θ), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Of note, supplementation with GLA-rich borage oil decreased proinflammatory cytokine production and hindered the activation of MAPKs, PKC-θ and NF-κB in the skeletal muscles of diabetic mice. The 18-carbon PUFAs did not reverse PA-induced inflammation or IR in C2C12 myotubes transfected with a constitutively active mutant IκB kinase-ß plasmid, which suggests the importance of the inhibition of NF-κB activation by the 18-carbon PUFAs. Moreover, blockade of AMPK activation by short hairpin RNA annulled the inhibitory effects of the 18-carbon PUFAs on PA-induced IR but not inflammation. Our findings suggest that the 18-carbon PUFAs may be useful in the management of PA-induced inflammation and IR in myotubes.

Sulforaphane inhibits TNF-α-induced adhesion molecule expression through the Rho A/ROCK/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Endothelial dysfunction is an early indicator of cardiovascular diseases. Increased stimulation of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) triggers the inflammatory mediator secretion of endothelial cells, leading to atherosclerotic risk. In this study, we investigated whether sulforaphane (SFN) affected the expression of intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in TNF-α-induced ECV 304 endothelial cells. Our data showed that SFN attenuated TNF-α-induced expression of ICAM-1 in ECV 304 cells. Pretreatment of ECV 304 cells with SFN inhibited dose-dependently the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and IL-8. SFN inhibited TNF-α-induced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) DNA binding activity. Furthermore, SFN decreased TNF-α-mediated phosphorylation of IκB kinase (IKK) and IκBα, Rho A, ROCK, ERK1/2, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels. Collectively, SFN inhibited the NF-κB DNA binding activity and downregulated the TNF-α-mediated induction of ICAM-1 in endothelial cells by inhibiting the Rho A/ROCK/NF-κB signaling pathway, suggesting the beneficial effects of SFN on suppression of inflammation within the atherosclerotic lesion.

Effect of commercially available green and black tea beverages on drug-metabolizing enzymes and oxidative stress in Wistar rats.

The effect of commercially available green tea (GT) and black tea (BT) drinks on drug metabolizing enzymes (DME) and oxidative stress in rats was investigated. Male Wistar rats were fed a laboratory chow diet and GT or BT drink for 5 weeks. Control rats received de-ionized water instead of the tea drinks. Rats received the GT and BT drinks treatment for 5 weeks showed a significant increase in hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 and CYP1A2, and a significant decrease in CYP2C, CYP2E1 and CYP3A enzyme activities. Results of immunoblot analyses of enzyme protein contents showed the same trend with enzyme activity. Significant increase in UDP-glucuronosyltransferase activity and reduced glutathione content in liver and lungs were observed in rats treated with both tea drinks. A lower lipid peroxide level in lungs was observed in rats treated with GT drink. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay revealed that both tea drinks decreased pregnane X receptor binding to DNA and increased nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 binding to DNA. These results suggest that feeding of both tea drinks to rats modulated DME activities and reduced oxidative stress in liver and lungs. GT drink is more effective on reducing oxidative stress than BT drink.

Andrographis paniculata Extract and Andrographolide Modulate the Hepatic Drug Metabolism System and Plasma Tolbutamide Concentrations in Rats.

Andrographolide is the most abundant terpenoid of A. paniculata which is used in the treatment of diabetes. In this study, we investigated the effects of A. paniculata extract (APE) and andrographolide on the expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes in rat liver and determined whether modulation of these enzymes changed the pharmacokinetics of tolbutamide. Rats were intragastrically dosed with 2 g/kg/day APE or 50 mg/kg/day andrographolide for 5 days before a dose of 20 mg/kg tolbutamide was given. APE and andrographolide reduced the AUC0-12 h of tolbutamide by 37% and 18%, respectively, compared with that in controls. The protein and mRNA levels and enzyme activities of CYP2C6/11, CYP1A1/2, and CYP3A1/2 were increased by APE and andrographolide. To evaluate whether APE or andrographolide affected the hypoglycemic action of tolbutamide, high-fat diet-induced obese mice were used and treated in the same manner as the rats. APE and andrographolide increased CYP2C6/11 expression and decreased plasma tolbutamide levels. In a glucose tolerance test, however, the hypoglycemic effect of tolbutamide was not changed by APE or andrographolide. These results suggest that APE and andrographolide accelerate the metabolism rate of tolbutamide through increased expression and activity of drug-metabolizing enzymes. APE and andrographolide, however, do not impair the hypoglycemic effect of tolbutamide.

Indigofera suffruticosa Mill extracts up-regulate the expression of the π class of glutathione S-transferase and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 in rat Clone 9 liver cells.

Because induction of phase II detoxification enzyme is important for chemoprevention, we study the effects of Indigofera suffruticosa Mill, a medicinal herb, on the expression of π class of glutathione S-transferase (GSTP) and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in rat Clone 9 liver cells. Both water and ethanolic extracts of I. suffruticosa significantly increased the expression and enzyme activities of GSTP and NQO1. I. suffruticosa extracts up-regulated GSTP promoter activity and the binding affinity of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) with the GSTP enhancer I oligonucleotide. Moreover, I. suffruticosa extracts increased nuclear Nrf2 accumulation as well as ARE transcriptional activity. The level of phospho-ERK was augmented by I. suffruticosa extracts, and the ERK inhibitor PD98059 abolished the I. suffruticosa extract-induced ERK activation and GSTP and NQO-1 expression. Moreover, I. suffruticosa extracts, especially the ethanolic extract increased the glutathione level in mouse liver and red blood cells as well as Clone 9 liver cells. The efficacy of I. suffruticosa extracts in induction of phase II detoxification enzymes and glutathione content implies that I. suffruticosa could be considered as a potential chemopreventive agent.

Suppressive effects of Indigofera suffruticosa Mill extracts on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in murine RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Indigofera suffruticosa Mill is used as an herbal medicine for the treatment of inflammation. The aim of this study is to assess the anti-inflammatory potency of I. suffruticosa and its likely molecular mechanisms of action in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. Both water and ethanolic extracts of I. suffruticosa significantly decreased LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) as well as the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-α, and pro-interleukin-1ß. Moreover, LPS-induced inhibitory factor-κB-α phosphorylation, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) nuclear protein-DNA binding affinity, and NF-κB reporter gene activity were dramatically inhibited by I. suffruticosa extracts. Exogenous addition of I. suffruticosa significantly induced heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression, and the presence of HO-1 small interfering RNA partly reversed the inhibitory effects of I. suffruticosa on LPS-induced NO production and iNOS expression. Furthermore, I. suffruticosa induced HO-1 expression may be through activation of the ERK/nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 pathway. Eight phenolic compounds were found in the I. suffruticosa extracts, but salicylic acid was the only one detected in the plasma of mice fed with I. suffruticosa extracts. In summary, I. suffruticosa have a strong anti-inflammatory property that diminishes pro-inflammatory mediator expressions by lessening LPS-induced NF-κB activation and inducing HO-1 expression in macrophages.