Costus speciosus extract protects against the oxidative damage of zearalenone via modulation of inflammatory cytokines, Nrf2 and iNOS gene expression in rats.

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a non-steroidal estrogenic mycotoxin that induces severe health disturbances in humans and animals. This study aimed to determine the bioactive compounds in Costus speciosus extract (CSE) using GC-MS and evaluate its protective capability against ZEN-induced oxidative damage, genotoxicity, and cytotoxicity in rats. Six groups of male Sprague Dawley rats were treated orally for 15 days including the control group, CSE-treated groups at low (200 mg/kg b. w) or high (400 mg/kg b. w) dose, ZEN-treated group (40 µg/kg b. w), and the groups treated with ZEN plus the low or the high dose of CSE. Blood and tissue samples were collected for different assays and pathological analyses. The results of GC-MS indicated the identification of 6 compounds and Azulene was the major. Animals that received ZEN showed severe disturbances in serum biochemical, cytokines, oxidative stress indicators, mRNA expression of iNOS, Nrf2, and inflammatory-related genes. ZEN also increased micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) and comet tail formation in bone marrow cells along with the disturbances in the histological architecture of the liver and kidney. Co-administration of CSE plus ZEN could normalize the majority of the tested parameters and the histological picture at a dose as low as 200 mg/kg b. w. Therefore, CSE protects against ZEN toxicity via its antioxidant activity, modulation of iNOS, inflammatory-related genes, and the Nrf2 pathway and it could be used in the endemic regions.

Targeting ROS/NF-κB sigaling pathway by the seedless black Vitis vinifera polyphenols in CCl4-intoxicated kidney, lung, brain, and spleen in rats.

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is an abundant environmental pollutant that can generate free radicals and induce oxidative stress in different human and animal organs like the kidney, lung, brain, and spleen, causing toxicity. The present study evaluated the alleviative mechanism of the isolated polyphenolic fraction from seedless (pulp and skin) black Vitis vinifera (VVPF) on systemic oxidative and necroinflammatory stress in CCl4-intoxicated rats. Here, we found that the administration of VVPF to CCl4-intoxicated rats for ten days was obviously ameliorated the CCl4-induced systemic elevation in ROS, NO and TBARS levels, as well as MPO activity. Also, it upregulated the cellular activities of the enzymatic (SOD, and GPx) and non-enzymatic (TAC and GSH) antioxidants. Furthermore, the gene expression of the ROS-related necroinflammatory mediators (NF-κB, iNOS, COX-2, and TNF-α) in the kidney, brain, and spleen, as well as IL-1ß, and IL-8 in the lung were greatly restored. The histopathological studies confirmed these biochemical results and showed a noticeable enhancing effect in the architecture of the studied organs after VVPF intake. Thus, this study indicated that VVPF had an alleviative effect on CCl4-induced necroinflammation and oxidative stress in rat kidney, lung, brain, and spleen via controlling the ROS/NF-κB pathway.

Phytochemical Profile and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Fraction from Artemisia lavandulaefolia.

Artemisia lavandulaefolia, a traditional herbal medicine, has been utilized as anti-inflammatory and analgesia agent in clinic. Bioassay-guided fractionation resulted in a fraction (ALDF) with anti-inflammatory effect obtained from A. lavandulaefolia. Its main constituents were analyzed and identified by UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS technology. ALDF showed the strong inhibitory activity on the nitrogen oxide (NO) production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages with an IC50 value of 1.64±0.41 µg/mL. Further results displayed that ALDF also significantly suppressed the secretion of key pro-inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 ) and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and the increase of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression induced by LPS stimulation. Mechanism study indicated that ALDF was able to block NF-κB signaling pathway through inhibiting IκB and p65 phosphorylation, as well as NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation. Furthermore, in vivo results in mice revealed that treatments with ALDF evoked significant inhibition on ear edema induced by xylene and on the writhing responses induced by acetic acid. These results suggest that ALDF holds great potential in the prevention and treatment of inflammatory disorders.

Effect of nitric oxide inhibition in Bacillus Calmette-Guerin bladder cancer treatment.

BACKGROUND: Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is the standard treatment for patients with high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (BC). Despite its success, about 30-50% of patients are refractory. It was reported that inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) tumor expression is presented in 50% of human BC, associated with bad prognosis and BCG failure. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate in human bladder tumors the association between iNOS expression and the tumor microenvironment focusing on the immunosuppressive protein S100A9. Also, investigate in a preclinical murine MB49-BC model the tumor immunoresponse induced by BCG in combination with the nitric oxide production inhibitor l-NAME. RESULTS: In human bladder tumors, we detected a positive association between iNOS and S100A9 tumor expression, suggesting a relationship between both immunomodulatory proteins. We also found a positive correlation between iNOS tumor expression and the presence of S100A9+ tumor-infiltrating cells, suggesting an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment induced by the nitric oxide production. Using the subcutaneous murine BC model, we show that similarly to the human pathology, MB49 tumors constitutively expressed iNOS and S100A9 protein. MB49 tumor-bearing mice presented an immunosuppressive systemic profile characterized by fewer cytotoxic cells (CD8+ and NK) and higher suppressor cells (Treg and myeloid-derived suppressor cells -MDSC-) compared to normal mice. BCG treatment reduced tumor growth, increasing local CD8+-infiltrating cells and induced a systemic increase in CD8+ and a reduction in Treg. BCG combined with l-NAME, significantly reduced tumor growth compared to BCG alone, diminishing iNOS and S100A9 tumor expression and increasing CD8+-infiltrating cells in tumor microenvironment. This local response was accompanied by the systemic increase in CD8+ and NK cells, and the reduction in Treg and MDSC, even more than BCG alone. Similar results were obtained using the orthotopic BC model, where an increase in specific cytotoxicity against MB49 tumor cells was detected. CONCLUSION: The present study provides preclinical information where NO inhibition in iNOS-expressing bladder tumors could contribute to improve BCG antitumor immune response. The association between iNOS and S100A9 in human BC supports the hypothesis that iNOS expression is a negative prognostic factor and a promising therapeutic target.

Safflower Yellow Improves Synaptic Plasticity in APP/PS1 Mice by Regulating Microglia Activation Phenotypes and BDNF/TrkB/ERK Signaling Pathway.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease that is always accompanied by synaptic loss in the brain. Safflower yellow (SY) is the extract of safflower, a traditional Chinese medicine, which has shown neuroprotective effects in recent studies. However, the mechanism of SY in protecting synapses remains unclear. In this study, we are going to study the mechanism of how SY treats AD in terms of synaptic plasticity. We found, via behavioral experiments, that SY treatment could improve the abilities of learning and memory in APP/PS1 mice. In addition, using Golgi staining and HE staining, we found that SY treatment could reduce the loss of dendritic spines in the pathological condition and could maintain the normal physiological state of the cells in cortex and in hippocampus. In addition, the results of immunofluorescence staining and western blotting showed that SY treatment could significantly increase the expression of synapse-related proteins. Moreover, after being treated with SY, the expression of iNOS (marker of M1 microglia) declined remarkably, and the level of Arginase-1 (marker of M2 microglia) increased significantly. Finally, we found BDNF/TrkB/ERK signaling cascade was activated. These results indicate that SY enhances synaptic plasticity in APP/PS1 mice by regulating microglia activation phenotypes and BDNF/TrkB/ERK signaling pathway.

Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Content and Biological Activities of Extracts and Isolated Compounds of Cytisus villosus Pourr.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the total phenolic and flavonoid content, and the in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, cytotoxicity, and antiprotozoal activities of the Algerian plant Cytisus villosus Pourr. (Syn. Cytisus triflorus L'Hérit.). Additionally, the radioligand displacement affinity on opioid and cannabinoid receptors was assessed for the extracts and isolated pure compounds. The hydro alcoholic extract of the aerial part of C. villosus was partitioned with chloroform (CHCl3), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and n-butanol (n-BuOH). The phenolic content of the C. villosus extracts was evaluated using a modified Folin-Ciocalteau method. The total flavonoid content was measured spectrometrically using the aluminum chloride colorimetric assay. The known flavonoids genistein (1), chrysin (2), chrysin-7-O-ß-d-glucopyranoside (3), and 2″-O-α-l-rhamnosylorientin (4) were isolated. The antioxidant activities of the extracts and isolated compounds were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DDPH) and cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) assays. The plant extracts showed moderate antioxidant activity. EtOAc and n-BuOH extracts showed moderate anti-inflammatory activity through the inhibition of induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) with IC50 values of 48 and 90 µg/mL, respectively. The isolated pure compounds 1 and 3 showed good inhibition of Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) with IC50 values of 9 and 20 µg/mL, respectively. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited lower inhibition of Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) with IC50 values of 28 and 38 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the extracts and isolated pure compounds have been shown to exhibit low affinity for cannabinoid and opioid receptors. Finally, n-BuOH extract was a potent inhibitor of Trypanosoma brucei with IC50 value of 7.99 µg/mL and IC90 value of 12.61 µg/mL. The extracts and isolated compounds showed no antimicrobial, antimalarial nor antileishmanial activities. No cytotoxic effect was observed on cancer cell lines. The results highlight this species as a promising source of anti-inflammatory and antitrypanosomal agents.

Mid-dose losartan mitigates diabetes-induced hepatic damage by regulating iNOS, eNOS, VEGF, and NF-κB expressions

Background/aim: Losartan, an antihypertensive drug, is highly preferred in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension because of its retarding effect on diabetic nephropathy. In this study, we investigated the potential therapeutic effect of different doses of losartan on hepatic damage in a streptozotocin (STZ, 50 mg/kg)-induced DM model in rats. Materials and methods: In this study, five different groups were formed: control, DM, low-dose losartan (5 mg/kg), mid-dose losartan (20 mg/kg), and high-dose losartan (80 mg/kg). Liver tissues of experimental groups were evaluated immunohistochemically for TUNEL, iNOS, eNOS, VEGF, and NF-κB pathways. In addition to immunohistochemical analysis, analyses of SOD and MDA, which are oxidative stress markers, were also performed and the results were evaluated together. Results: When biochemical and immunohistochemical findings were evaluated together, it was found that the results obtained from the mid-dose losartan group were closer to those of the control than the other groups. Conclusion: This study indicated that mid-dose losartan administration may have a therapeutic effect by inhibiting apoptosis and regulating iNOS, eNOS, VEGF, and NF-κB protein expressions in DM-induced hepatic damage.

Valproic acid promotes a decrease in mycobacterial survival by enhancing nitric oxide production in macrophages stimulated with IFN-γ.

Tuberculosis is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, it is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), a bacteria that employs several strategies to evade the host immune response. For instance, Mtb interferes with the overexpression of class II transactivator (CIITA) in macrophages exposed to IFN-γ by inhibiting histone acetylation at its promoter, which can be reverted by the histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) sodium butyrate. In this work, we evaluated whether a different HDACi, valproic acid (VPA), could revert the inhibition of gene expression induced by Mtb. J774 macrophages treated with VPA and IFN-γ unexpectedly induced a higher expression of the inducible nitric oxide synthase and a higher production of nitric oxide when exposed to the 19 kDa lipoprotein of Mtb or the whole bacteria. However, VPA was unable to revert the inhibition of CIITA expression induced by the 19 kDa lipoprotein of Mtb. Finally, macrophages infected with Mtb and treated with VPA and IFN-γ showed a significant reduction in intracellular bacteria. Our findings suggest a new therapeutic potential of VPA for the treatment of tuberculosis.

Preventive Effect of Lactobacillus fermentum CQPC03 on Activated Carbon-Induced Constipation in ICR Mice.

Background and objectives: Paocai (pickled cabbage), which is fermented by lactic acid bacteria, is a traditional Chinese food. The microorganisms of Paocai were isolated and identified, and the constipation inhibition effect of one of the isolated Lactobacillus was investigated. Materials and Methods: The 16S rDNA technology was used for microbial identification. A mouse constipation model was established using activated carbon. After intragastric administration of Lactobacillus (108 CFU/mL), the mice were dissected to prepare pathological sections of the small intestine. Serum indicators were detected using kits, and the expression of small intestine-related mRNAs was detected by qPCR assay. Results: One strain of Lactobacillus was identified and named Lactobacillus fermentum CQPC03 (LF-CQPC03). Body weight and activated carbon propulsion rate were all higher in mice intragastrically administered with LF-CQPC03 compared with the control group, while the time to the first black stool in treated mice was lower than that in the control group. Serum assays showed that gastrin (Gas), endothelin (ET), and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) levels were significantly higher in the LF-CQPC03-treated mice than in the control group, while somatostatin (SS) levels were significantly lower than in the control mice. Mouse small intestine tissue showed that c-Kit, stem cell factor (SCF), and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in the LF-CQPC03 treated mice than in control mice, while transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression levels were significantly lower in the LF-CQPC03 treated mice than in control mice. Conclusions: There is a better effect with high-dose LF-CQPC03, compared to the lower dose (LF-CQPC03-L), showing good probiotic potential, as well as development and application value.

Ex vivo immunomodulatory effect of ethanolic extract of propolis during Celiac Disease: involvement of nitric oxide pathway.

Celiac Disease (CeD) is a chronic immune-mediated enteropathy, in which dietary gluten induces an inflammatory reaction, predominantly in the duodenum. Propolis is a resinous hive product, collected by honeybees from various plant sources. Propolis is well-known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory effects, due to its major compounds, polyphenols and flavonoids. The aim of our study was to assess the ex vivo effect of ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) upon the activity and expression of iNOS, along with IFN-γ and IL-10 production in Algerian Celiac patients. In this context, PBMCs isolated from peripheral blood of Celiac patients and healthy controls were cultured with different concentrations of EEP. NO production was measured using the Griess method, whereas quantitation of IFN-γ and IL-10 levels was performed by ELISA. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, NFκB and pSTAT-3 activity were analyzed by immunofluorescence assay. Our results showed that PBMCs from Celiac patients produced high levels of NO and IFN-γ compared with healthy controls (HC). Interestingly, EEP reduced significantly, NO and IFN-γ levels and significantly increased IL-10 levels at a concentration of 50 µg/mL. Importantly, EEP downmodulated the iNOS expression as well as the activity of NFκB and pSTAT-3 transcription factors. Altogether, our results highlight the immunomodulatory effect of propolis on NO pathway and on pro-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, we suggest that propolis may constitute a potential candidate to modulate inflammation during Celiac Disease and has a potential therapeutic value.

Anti-inflammatory effect of diterpenes-enriched fractions from Pterodon polygalaeflorus through inhibition of macrophage migration and cytokine production.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of Pterodon polygalaeflorus hexane extract (HE) and its fractions on macrophage migration in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: Hexane extract from P. polygalaeflorus fruits was fractionated and yielded four fractions. RAW 264.7 cells were treated with samples to evaluate cell viability (MTT assay), cell migration (wound healing and transwell assays), CD14 expression (flow cytometry), iNOS and cytokine mRNA expression (RT-qPCR), NO (Griess reaction) and cytokine (ELISA) production. In vivo migration was evaluated on the thioglycollate-induced peritonitis model. Qualitative analysis was performed by GC-MS. KEY FINDINGS: All fractions inhibited the NO production by LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Fr3 and Fr4 presented the lowest IC50 values. The expressions of iNOS and IL-1ß, TNF-α and IL-10 cytokines were inhibited by Fr3 and Fr4, whereas the CD14 expression was only inhibited by Fr3. All the samples inhibited RAW 264.7 migration in the wound healing and transwell assays. Fr3 and Fr4 reduced the migration of Mac-1+ Gr-1- cells to the peritoneum and presented in their compositions: 6α-hydroxy-7ß-acetoxyvouacapan-17ß-oate, methyl 6α,7ß-dihydroxyvouacapan-17ß-oate, methyl 6α-acetoxy-7ß-hydroxyvouacapan-17ß-oate, geranylgeraniol and 14,15-epoxy-geranylgeraniol. CONCLUSIONS: The anti-inflammatory effects of Fr3 and Fr4 involve inhibition of cell migration, iNOS expression and NO production, cytokine expression (mRNA and proteins) and CD14 expression (Fr3).

Resveratrol Improves Neuroimmune Dysregulation Through the Inhibition of Neuronal Toll-Like Receptors and COX-2 Signaling in BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J Mice.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in qualitative impairments in communication, repetitive and social interaction, restricted, and stereotyped patterns of behavior. Resveratrol has been extensively studied pharmacologically and biologically and has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects on neuronal damage in neurodegenerative disorders. The BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) autistic mouse model has been explored for treatment of autism, which shows low reciprocal social interactions, impaired juvenile play, and decreased social approach. Here, we explored whether resveratrol treatment decreases neuroimmune dysregulation mediated through toll-like receptor (TLR4) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in BTBR mice. We investigated the effect of resveratrol treatment on TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, NF-κB, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS or NOS2) levels in CD4 spleen cells. We also assessed the effect of resveratrol treatment on TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, NF-κB, iNOS, and cyclooxygenase (COX-2) mRNA expression levels in the brain tissue. We further explored TLR2, TLR4, NF-κB, iNOS, and COX-2 protein expression levels in the brain tissue. Resveratrol treatment on BTBR mice significantly decreased CD4+TLR2+, CD4+TLR3+, CD4+TLR4+ CD4+NF-κB+, and CD4+iNOS+ levels in spleen cells. Resveratrol treatment on BTBR mice decreased TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, NF-κB, iNOS, and COX-2 mRNA expression levels in brain tissue. Moreover, resveratrol treatment resulted in decreased protein expression of TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, NF-κB, iNOS, and COX-2 in brain tissue. Taken together, these results indicate that resveratrol treatment improves neuroimmune dysregulation through the inhibition of proinflammatory mediators and TLRs/NF-κB transcription factor signaling, which might be help devise future therapies for neuroimmune disorders.

Mechanisms of Action of Vitamin D as Supplemental Therapy for Pneumocystis Pneumonia.

The combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is the most effective regimen for therapy of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). As many patients with PCP are allergic or do not respond to it, efforts have been devoted to develop alternative therapies for PCP. We have found that the combination of vitamin D3 (VitD3) (300 IU/kg/day) and primaquine (PMQ) (5 mg/kg/day) was as effective as TMP-SMX for therapy of PCP. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms by which vitamin D enhances the efficacy of PMQ. C57BL/6 mice were immunosuppressed by CD4+ cell depletion, infected with Pneumocystismurina for 8 weeks, and then treated for 9 days with the combination of VitD3 and PMQ (VitD3-PMQ) or with TMP-SMX or PMQ to serve as controls. The results showed that vitamin D supplementation increased the number of CD11c+ cells, suppressed the production of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α], gamma interferon [IFN-γ], and interleukin-6 [IL-6]) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and enhanced the expression of genes related to antioxidation (glutathione reductase and glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit), antimicrobial peptides (cathelicidin), and autophagy (ATG5 and beclin-1). These results suggest that the main action of vitamin D is enhancing the ability of the host to defend against Pneumocystis infection.

Alleviative effect of selenium on inflammatory damage caused by lead via inhibiting inflammatory factors and heat shock proteins in chicken testes.

The aim of this study was to investigate ameliorative effect of selenium (Se) on lead (Pb)-induced inflammatory damage in chicken testes. One hundred eighty 7-day-old male chickens were randomly assigned into the control group, the Se group, the Pb group, and the Pb/Se group. Lead acetate was added in drinking water (350 mg/L Pb). Sodium selenite was added in the standard commercial diet (1 mg/kg Se). On the 30th, 60th, and 90th days of the experiment, 15 chickens of each group were euthanized. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, hematoxylin and eosin staining, real-time quantitative PCR, and Western blot were used. The results indicated that excess Pb increased nitric oxide content; inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity; nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α, cyclooxygenase-2, prostaglandin E synthases, and iNOS mRNA levels in a time-dependent manner; NF-κB, iNOS, heat shock protein (HSP) 60, HSP70, and HSP90 protein levels; and Pb concentration. Excess Pb decreased Se concentration and induced histological changes. Se-alleviated Pb caused all of the above changes. Se improved Pb-caused inflammatory damage by decreasing the expression of inflammatory factors and heat shock proteins in the chicken testes. Our results provided theoretical basis of an alleviative effect of Se on Pb-induced bird testis damage.

Ginsenoside Rb2 enhances the anti-inflammatory effect of ω-3 fatty acid in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages by upregulating GPR120 expression.

Recent studies confirm that chronic low-grade inflammation is closely associated with metabolic syndromes, and anti-inflammatory therapy is a potential approach for treating cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Accumulating evidence suggests that GPR120 activation is a feasible solution to ameliorating chronic inflammation and improving glucose metabolism. In this study we investigated whether ginsenoside Rb2 (Rb2), which exhibited regulatory activities in glucose and lipid metabolism, affected GPR120 expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells, and examined the contribution of GPR120 activation to reducing the LPS-induced inflammatory response. LPS (100 ng/mL) activated the macrophages, resulting in dramatic increases in TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß and NO production. Treatment with a ω-3 fatty acid α-linolenic acid (ALA, 50 µmol/L) produced moderate reduction in LPS-stimulated inflammatory cytokines and NO production (TNF-α and IL-6 were decreased by 46% and 42%, respectively). Pre-incubation with Rb2 (1 or 10 µmol/L) for 12 h before ALA treatment dramatically amplified the inhibitory effects of ALA (TNF-α and IL-6 were decreased by 74% and 86%, respectively). Compared to the treatment with ALA alone, pre-incubation with Rb2 resulted in a more prominent reduction in LPS-stimulated expression of iNOS and COX-2 and LPS-stimulated IKK/NF-κB phosphorylation and MAPK pathway activation. Rb2 (0.1-100 µmol/L) dose- and time-dependently increased both mRNA and protein expression of GPR120 in RAW264.7 cells, but treatment with Rb2 alone did not exert anti-inflammatory effect in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells. In RAW264.7 cells transfected with GPR120 shRNA, the ameliorating effects of Rb2 on LPS-induced inflammation were abolished. In conclusion, Rb2 exerts anti-inflammatory effect in LPS-stimulated mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells in vitro by increasing GPR120 expression and subsequently enhancing ω-3 fatty acid-induced GPR120 activation.

Mucuna pruriens reduces inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in Parkinsonian mice model.

Parkinson's disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative disease found in aged peoples. Plentiful studies are being conducted to find a suitable and effective cure for this disease giving special impetus on use of herbal plants. The study aimed at investigating the effect of ethanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens (Mp) on level of nitric oxide (NO) in paraquat (PQ) induced Parkinson's disease (PD) mouse model and its subsequent contribution to lipid peroxidation. Twenty four Swiss albino mice were divided into three groups; Control, PQ and PQ+Mp. PQ doses were given intraperitoneally, twice in a week and oral dose of ethanolic extract of Mp seed was given for 9 weeks. Nitrite content and lipid peroxidation was measured in all treated groups along with respective controls. RNA was isolated from the nigrostriatal tissue of control and the treated mice and was reverse transcribed into cDNA. PCR was performed to amplify iNOS mRNA and western blot analysis was performed to check its protein level. We had also perfused the mice in all treated group and performed Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and iNOS immunoreactivity in substantia nigra region of mice brain. PQ-treatment increased nitrite content, expression of iNOS and lipid peroxidation compared to respective controls. Mp treatment resulted in a significant attenuation of iNOS expression, nitrite content and lipid peroxidation demonstrating that it reduces nitric oxide in PQ-induced Parkinson's disease. Interestingly; we also observed that mRNA, protein expression and immunoreactivity of iNOS was significantly decreased after Mp treatment and TH immunoreactivity was significantly improved after the treatment of Mp. Our results demonstrated that Mp protects the dopaminergic neurons from the NO injury in substantia nigra.

Molecular topology: a strategy to identify novel compounds against ulcerative colitis.

In the present paper, a strategy to identify novel compounds against ulcerative colitis (UC) by molecular topology (MT) is presented. Several quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models based on molecular topology have been developed to predict inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis factor alpha ([Formula: see text]) mediated anti-ulcerative colitis (UC) activity and protective activity against a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC model. Each one has been used for the screening of four previously selected compounds as potential therapeutic agents for UC: alizarin-3-methyliminodiacetic acid (AMA), Calcein, (+)-dibenzyl-L-tartrate, and Ro 41-0960. These four compounds were then tested in vitro and in vivo and confirmed AMA and Ro 41-0960 as the best lead candidates for further development against UC.

Gastrodin ameliorates subacute phase cerebral ischemia­reperfusion injury by inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis in rats.

Gastrodin (GAS), which is extracted from the Chinese herbal medicine Gastrodia elata Blume, has long been used to improve stroke, epilepsy, dizziness and dementia. However, the effects and underlying mechanisms of GAS on subacute phase cerebral ischemia­reperfusion (I/R) injury remain unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects and mechanisms of GAS on cerebral I/R injury in rats. The rats were pretreated with GAS by gavage for 7 days followed by I/R surgery, and were then treated with GAS for 7 days after I/R surgery. Neurological deficits were assessed on days 1, 3 and 7 post­cerebral I/R injury. 2,3,5­Triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining was using to measure the infarct volume; morphological alterations were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining under an optical microscope; apoptosis in the hippocampus and cortex was observed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining; and the level of mRNA and protein expression was tested by reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reation and western blot analysis, respectively. GAS markedly attenuated I/R­induced disability and histological damage, alleviated neuronal apoptosis, and reduced the mRNA and protein expression levels of inflammatory and proapoptotic factors, including interleukin­1ß, cyclooxygenase­2, inducible nitric oxide synthase and cleaved caspase­3. These findings suggested that GAS may ameliorate subacute phase cerebral I/R injury by inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis in rats; therefore, GAS may be considered a potential candidate for the treatment of cerebral ischemia.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Melandrii Herba Ethanol Extract via Inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK Signaling Pathways and Induction of HO-1 in RAW 264.7 Cells and Mouse Primary Macrophages.

Melandrii Herba (MH) is a traditional Asian medicinal herb used to treat breast cancer, anuria, and diseases of lactation. However, its biological properties and molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity and underlying molecular mechanism of MH ethanol extract (MHE) on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated inflammatory response in macrophages. MHE cytotoxicity was determined using a cell counting kit (CCK) assay. The effects of MHE on the production of NO, inflammatory cytokines, and related proteins and mRNAs were determined using the Griess test, ELISA, Western blotting, and real-time RT-PCR, respectively. In addition, intracellular signaling pathways, such as NF-κB, MAPK, and HO-1, were analyzed using Western blotting. Our results revealed that MHE treatment significantly inhibited the secretion of NO and inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß in macrophages, at sub-cytotoxic concentrations. Furthermore, MHE treatment inhibited iNOS expression and induced HO-1 expression. Finally, the transcriptional activities of NF-κB and MAPK activation were significantly suppressed by MHE in LPS-stimulated macrophages. The results indicate that MHE exerts anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing inflammatory mediator production via NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways inhibition and induction of HO-1 expression in macrophages. Therefore, our results suggest the potential value of MHE as an inflammatory therapeutic agent developed from a natural substance.

Berberine Decreased Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase mRNA Stability through Negative Regulation of Human Antigen R in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Macrophages.

Berberine, a major isoquinoline alkaloid found in medicinal herbs, has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory effects; however, the underlying mechanisms responsible for its actions are poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of berberine and the molecular mechanisms involved in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 and THP-1 macrophages and its effects in LPS-induced septic shock in mice. In both macrophage cell types, berberine inhibited the LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) protein expression, but it had no effect on iNOS mRNA transcription. Suppression of LPS-induced iNOS protein expression by berberine occurred via a human antigen R (HuR)-mediated reduction of iNOS mRNA stability. Molecular data revealed that the suppression on the LPS-induced HuR binding to iNOS mRNA by berberine was accompanied by a reduction in nucleocytoplasmic HuR shuttling. Pretreatment with berberine reduced LPS-induced iNOS protein expression and the cytoplasmic translocation of HuR in liver tissues and increased the survival rate of mice with LPS-induced endotoxemia. These results show that the suppression of iNOS protein expression by berberine under LPS-induced inflammatory conditions is associated with a reduction in iNOS mRNA stability resulting from inhibition of the cytoplasmic translocation of HuR.