Vitamin D and Beta-Glucans Synergically Stimulate Human Macrophage Activity.

Vitamin D and beta-glucans are both immunostimulants. Vitamin D exerts its beneficial effects on many components of the immune system. In macrophages, the hormone modulates both phagocytic activity and cytokine production; therefore, it plays an important role in mediating the innate immune response to infection. The immunomodulatory properties of beta-glucans are attributed to the ability of these fungal cell wall polysaccharides to bind to different receptors expressed on the cell surface of phagocytic and cytotoxic innate immune cells, including monocytes and macrophages. The intracellular signaling pathways activated by beta-glucans lead to enhanced phagocytosis and cytokine response. In this study we investigated the possible potentiation of immunomodulatory properties of the combined treatment with vitamin D and beta-glucans. The effects of 100 nM 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 or 100 µg/mL beta-glucans were evaluated in human macrophages in terms of cytokine production, intracellular vesicle acidification and changes in energy metabolism, three hallmarks of macrophage antimicrobial activation. We found that all the analyzed parameters were enhanced by the co-treatment compared to the response to single molecules. The results of this study support the validity of a novel therapeutic approach that could boost the immune response, taking advantage of the synergy between two natural compounds.

Anti-neuroinflammatory responses in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV2 microglial cells upon treatment with methanol extract of Panax ginseng root.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anti-neuroinflammatory properties of Panax ginseng (P. ginseng) root by measuring the levels of nitric oxide (NO), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglia cells. METHODS: Maximal non-toxic dose (MNTD) of methanol extract of P. ginseng root culture on BV2 microglia cells was first determined via 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, followed by treatment and LPS stimulation of cells, and the measurement of NO using Griess assay and TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 using ELISA assay. RESULTS: The MNTD of P. ginseng root extract was determined to be (587 ± 57) µg/mL. Following that, NO and IL-6 levels were found to be insignificantly reduced by 6.88% and 0.14% respectively in stimulated cells upon treatment with MNTD. Treatment with MNTD yielded similar insignificant result, with only a reduction of 3.58% and 0.08% in NO and IL-6 levels respectively. However, TNF-α and IL-10 levels were significantly downregulated by 15.64% and 34.96% respectively upon treatment with P. ginseng root extract at MNTD. CONCLUSION: Methanol extract of P. ginseng root culture did not show any significant anti-inflammatory effects on NO and IL-6 levels, but might potentially possess both anti-neuroinflammatory and pro-neuroinflammatory properties through the downregulation of TNF-α and IL-10 respectively.

Efficacy of extract from Ononis spinosa L. on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of the extract from Ononis spinosa L. (O. spinosa) on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats. METHODS: Phytochemical constituents of the extract from O. spinosa were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Rats were classified into 4 equal groups; ulcer control received oral vehicle; positive control was administered with 40 mg/kg esomeprazole (standard drug) and 2 groups received 0.5 and 1 g/kg of O. spinosa extract, respectively. Gastric ulcer was induced by absolute ethanol (5 mL/kg) orally to all groups. Measurement of ulcer index, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and determination of total glutathione level in gastric mucosa were performed. RESULTS: Oral administration of the extract from O. spinosa at doses 0.5 and 1 g/kg lowered the ulcer indices by 80.39% and 98.71% , respectively, compared to 67.89% by esomeprazole (40 mg/kg). Histologically, treatment with the extract decreased necrosis and hemorrhage in mucosa and edema and infiltration by inflammatory cells in submucosa. Using immunohistochemical technique, it was demonstrated that COX-2 expression increased in mucosa of animals treated with the extract as well as by esomeprazole. O. spinosa and esomeprazole increased total glutathione level in the stomach compared to control. Ononin was the major compound of the extract followed by trifolirhizin, myricitrin, gentisic acid, cycloartenol and quercetin. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that the extract from O. spinosa was able to protect gastric mucosa from ethanol injury by at least 2 mechanisms, namely the induction of COX-2 and decreasing oxidative stress in the stomach.

Phenolic and Steroidal Metabolites from the Cultivated Edible Inonotus hispidus Mushroom and Their Bioactivities.

A chemical study on the fruiting bodies of cultivated edible mushroom Inonotus hispidus resulted in 14 metabolites including three new hispolon congeners, named inonophenols A-B and one new lanostane triterpenoid, named inonoterpene A. These structures were identified by NMR, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS), and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data analysis. All metabolites were assessed for neurotrophic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative activities. Among them, inonophenols B and C were the most active in promoting PC-12 cell neurite outgrowth at a concentration of 10 µM. The phenolic derivatives reduced NO generation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV-2 microglial cells by suppressing the expression of toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) and the nuclear factor-kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway as well as the inflammatory mediators including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Moreover, the phenolics showed antioxidant effects in DPPH scavenging assay with the IC50 values of 9.82-21.43 µM. These findings showed that I. hispidus may be a new source of neurotrophic and protective agents against neurodegenerative disorders.

Combination of white tea and peppermint demonstrated synergistic antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities.

BACKGROUND: White tea, considered to be the oldest form of tea, is becoming a popular beverage for its organoleptic characteristics. Peppermint tea, used as a herbal remedy for centuries, is now also very popular throughout the world as herbal tea. What interested us was that in ancient China, peppermint was used in combination with tea as a detoxification or anti-inflammatory agent. However, there are few reports on the combined use of white tea and peppermint. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of white tea in combination with peppermint. RESULTS: A synergistic inhibitory effect against four bacterial strains, especially against Staphylococcus argenteus, was observed in the combination of white tea and peppermint in vitro. In addition, the combined formula demonstrated a stronger anti-inflammatory effect in vivo than either of the two used alone, which was associated with the decrease of the pro-inflammatory cytokines of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). In a further mechanism study, it was found that white tea and peppermint inhibited the phosphorylation of p-IκB-α and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) at different degrees. While the enhanced anti-inflammatory effect of the combined formula was associated with the combination of NF-κB down-regulation and p-MAPK inhibition. CONCLUSION: In our study, it was for the first time shown that when white tea was combined with peppermint, the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects were enhanced. The results suggested an effective application of white tea in combination with peppermint as a potential antibacterial and anti-inflammatory functional food. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Intervention with the crude polysaccharides of Physalis pubescens L. mitigates colitis by preventing oxidative damage, aberrant immune responses, and dysbacteriosis.

In this study, a colitis mouse model induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was used to investigate the mechanisms of action of an extract of crude polysaccharides (POL) from Physalis pubescens L. as a dietary intervention for colitis. Our results showed that the administration of POL prior to DSS-induced colitis protected the colon mucosal layer; maintained intestinal barrier integrity; alleviated oxidative damage; and lowered neutrophil infiltration by downregulating intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression. More importantly, POL pretreatment reduced the expression of the proinflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), thereby modulating the nuclear factor-κB/iNOS-COX-2 signal transduction pathway. In addition, POL reversed DSS-induced gut dysbiosis, accompanied by reducing the relative abundance of Helicobacter, Mucispirillum, and Erysipelatoclostridium. In conclusion, POL ameliorated DSS-induced intestinal injury in mice, indicating that POL could be a useful dietary nutrient to protect against colitis. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Physalis pubescens L. is an edible fruit. The results of this study show that the intervention with Physalis pubescens L. crude polysaccharides may help prevent ulcerative colitis.

Brazilian berry extract (Myrciaria jaboticaba): A promising therapy to minimize prostatic inflammation and oxidative stress.

BACKGROUND: Brazilian berry is a fruit popularly known as "Jaboticaba," rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Senescence and overweight are increasing worldwide and are considered risk factors to prostatic pathogenesis mainly due to oxidative and inflammatory processes induction. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of two increasing doses of the patented jaboticaba peel extract (PJE) on oxidative-stress and inflammation in the prostate of aging or high-fat-fed aging mice. METHODS: PJE and/or high-fat diet (HFD) treatments started with 11-month-old mice and lasted 60 days. The levels or the immunoexpression of different inflammatory (nuclear factor κB [NFκB], CD3+, cyclooxygenase 2 [COX-2], toll-like receptor 4 [TLR4], phosphorylated signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 [pSTAT-3], tumor necrosis factor α [TNF-α], interleukin 6 [IL-6], and IL-1ß) and oxidative-stress (catalase, superoxide dismutase 2 [SOD2], glutathione reductase [GSR], reduced glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase 3 [GPx3]) related molecules were analyzed by western-blotting, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS: Both PJE doses reduced the levels of oxidative-stress-related molecules (GPx3, GSR, catalase), lipid peroxidation (4-hydroxynonenal), inflammatory mediators (COX-2, TNF-α, and pSTAT-3) and CD3+ T cells number, which were associated with the maintenance of the glandular morphological integrity in aging and HFD-fed-aging mice. Nevertheless, only the high PJE dose reduced the NFκB and TLR4 levels in aging mice; and SOD2, IL-6, and IL-1ß levels in HFD-aging mice. Aging itself promoted an oxidative inflammation in the prostate, interfering in the levels of the different oxidative-stress, lipid peroxidation, and inflammatory mediators evaluated, in association with high incidence of prostate epithelial and stromal damages. The HFD intake intensified aging alterations, showing an unfavorable prostatic microenvironment prone to oxidative and inflammatory damages. CONCLUSIONS: PJE exerted a dose-dependent effect controlling inflammation and oxidative-stress in aging and HFD-fed aging mice prostate. This fact contributed to prostate microenvironment balance recovery, preserving the tissue architecture of this gland. Thus, the PJE emerges as a potential therapy to prevent inflammation and oxidative stress in the prostate.

Effect of beta- and alpha-glucans on immune modulating factors expression in enterocyte-like Caco-2 and goblet-like LS 174T cells.

Glucans are complex polysaccharides consisting of repeated units of d-glucose linked by glycosidic bonds. The nutritional contribution in α-glucans is mainly given by starch and glycogen while in ß-glucans by mushrooms, yeasts and whole grains, such as barley and spelt well represented in the Mediterranean Diet. Numerous and extensive studies performed on glucans highlighted their marked anti-tumor, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activity. It has recently been shown that rather than merely being a passive barrier, the intestinal epithelium is an essential modulator of immunity. Indeed, epithelial absorptive enterocytes and mucin secreting goblet cells can produce specific immune modulating factors, driving innate immunity to pathogens as well as preventing autoimmunity. Despite the clear evidence of the effects of glucans on immune system cells, there are only limited data about their effects on immune activity of mucosal intestinal cells strictly related to intestinal barrier integrity. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of α and ß glucans, alone or in combination with other substances with antioxidant properties, on reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, on the expression of ROS-generating enzyme DUOX-2 and of the immune modulating factors Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-α), Interleukin 1 ß (IL-1ß) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in two intestinal epithelial cells, the enterocyte-like Caco-2 cells and goblet cell-like LS174T. In our research, the experiments were carried out incubating the cells with glucans for 18 h in culture medium containing 0.2% FBS and measuring ROS levels fluorimetrically as dihydrodichlorofluoresce diacetate (DCF-DA) fluorescence, protein levels of DUOX-2 by Western blotting and mRNA levels of, TNF-α, IL-1ß and COX-2 by qRT-PCR. α and ß glucans decreased ROS levels in Caco-2 and LS 174T cells. The expression levels of COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-1ß were also reduced by α- and ß-glucans. Additive effects on the expression of these immune modulating factors were exerted by vitamin C. In Caco-2 cells, the dual oxidase DUOX-2 expression is positively modulated by ROS. Accordingly, in Caco-2 or LS174T cells treated with α and ß-glucans alone or in combination with Vitamin C, the decrease of ROS levels was associated with a reduced expression of DUOX-2. The treatment of cells with the NADPH oxidase (NOX) inhibitor apocynin decrease ROS, DUOX-2, COX-2, TNF-α and IL-1ß levels indicating that NOX dependent ROS regulate the expression of immune modulating factors of intestinal cells. However, the combination of vitamin C, α and ß-glucans with apocynin did not exert an additive effect on COX-2, TNF-α and IL-1ß levels when compared with α-, ß-glucans and Vitamin C alone. The present study showing a modulatory effect of α and ß-glucans on ROS and on the expression of immune modulating factors in intestinal epithelial cells suggests that the assumption of food containing high levels of these substances or dietary supplementation can contribute to normal immunomodulatory function of intestinal barrier.

Propacin, a coumarinolignoid isolated from durian, inhibits the lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response in macrophages through the MAPK and NF-κB pathways.

Durian, known as the king of fruits, is rich in nutrients and bioactive phytochemicals. Propacin is a bioactive coumarinolignoid isolated from durian. In this study, we demonstrated its anti-inflammatory effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells and explored the underlying mechanism. Propacin suppressed nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in LPS-stimulated macrophages significantly by downregulating the mRNA and protein expression of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Moreover, propacin decreased the overexpression of the LPS-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and maintained the mitochondrial integrity in active macrophages. Furthermore, propacin inhibited the translocation of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 subunit into the nucleus and the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), especially JNK and ERK. Collectively, these data indicated that propacin may have the potential to be developed as a novel therapeutic agent for inflammatory-related diseases.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Vaccinium oldhamii stems through inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK/ATF2 signaling activation in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells.

BACKGROUND: Vaccinium oldhamii (V. oldhamii) has been reported to exert a variety of the pharmacological properties such as anti-oxidant activity, anti-cancer activity, and inhibitory activity of α-amylase and acetylcholinesterase. However, the anti-inflammatory activity of V. oldhamii has not been studied. In this study, we aimed to investigate anti-inflammatory activity of the stem extracts from V. oldhamii, and to elucidate the potential mechanisms in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. METHODS: Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay. The determination of NO and PGE2 production was performed using Griess reagent and Prostaglandin E2 ELISA Kit, respectively. The change of mRNA or protein level was evaluated by RT-PCR and Western blot. RESULTS: Among VOS, VOL and VOF, the inhibitory effect of NO and PGE2 production induced by LPS was highest in VOS treatment. Thus, VOS was selected for the further study. VOS dose-dependently blocked LPS-induced NO and PGE2 production by inhibiting iNOS and COX-2 expression, respectively. VOS inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α. In addition, VOS suppressed TRAP activity and attenuated the expression of the osteoclast-specific genes such as NFATc1, c-FOS, TRAP, MMP-9, cathepsin K, CA2, OSCAR and ATPv06d2. VOS inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB signaling activation through blocking IκB-α degradation and p65 nuclear accumulation. VOS inhibited MAPK signaling activation by attenuating the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 and JNK. Furthermore, VOS inhibited ATF2 phosphorylation and blocked ATF2 nuclear accumulation. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that VOS may exert anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK/ATF2 signaling. From these findings, VOS has potential to be a candidate for the development of chemopreventive or therapeutic agents for the inflammatory diseases.

Heracleum moellendorffii roots inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory mediators through the inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK signaling, and activation of ROS/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells.

BACKGROUND: Heracleum moellendorffii roots (HM-R) have been long treated for inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, backache and fever. However, an anti-inflammatory effect and the specific mechanism of HM-R were not yet clear. In this study, we for the first time explored the anti-inflammatory of HM-R. METHODS: The cytotoxicity of HM-R against RAW264.7 cells was evaluated using MTT assay. The inhibition of NO and PGE2 production by HM-R was evaluated using Griess reagent and Prostaglandin E2 ELISA Kit, respectively. The changes in mRNA or protein level following HM-R treatment were assessed by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. RESULTS: HM-R dose-dependently blocked LPS-induced NO and PGE2 production. In addition, HM-R inhibited LPS-induced overexpression of iNOS, COX-2, IL-1ß and IL-6 in RAW264.7 cells. HM-R inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB signaling activation through blocking IκB-α degradation and p65 nuclear accumulation. Furthermore, HM-R inhibited MAPK signaling activation by attenuating the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 and JNK. HM-R increased nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 and HO-1 expression. However, NAC reduced the increased nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 and HO-1 expression by HM-R. In HPLC analysis, falcarinol was detected from HM-R as an anti-inflammatory compound. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that HM-R may exert anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK signaling, and activating ROS/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. These findings suggest that HM-R has a potential as a natural material for the development of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Rice bran oil ameliorates inflammatory responses by enhancing mitochondrial respiration in murine macrophages.

Previous studies have revealed the anti-inflammatory properties of rice bran oil (RBO), but the detailed mechanisms are poorly understood. Recent studies on the molecular/cellular anti-inflammatory mechanisms of dietary components have demonstrated that mitochondrial respiration plays a key role in macrophage functioning. Since dietary lipids are major substrates for mitochondrial respiration through ß-oxidation, the current study examined whether RBO regulates inflammatory responses by modulating mitochondrial energy metabolism. Palm oil (PO), enriched with palmitic acid which are known to be effectively taken up by cells and used for oxidative phosphorylation, served as a positive control. In the in vitro model of LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 murine cells, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) in the culture supernatant were significantly reduced by RBO treatment. In contrast, secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was upregulated by RBO. Transcription of genes encoding inflammatory mediator molecules (COX-2 and iNOS) and expression of activation markers (CD80, CD86, and MHC-II) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells were suppressed by RBO. Mitochondrial respiration (as assessed by an extracellular flux analyzer) increased upon RBO treatment, as the basal respiration, maximal respiration, ATP production, and spare respiratory capacity were upregulated. In an in vivo study, C57BL/6 mice were fed a negative control diet containing corn oil (CO), PO, or RBO for 4 weeks, and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) were isolated from their tibias and femurs. In pro-inflammatory M1-polarized BMDM (M1-BMDM), the RBO-induced suppression of IL-6 and TNF-α was recapitulated in vivo. Mitochondrial respiration in M1-BMDM also increased following the RBO intervention and the PO control treatment as compared to CO fed negative control. Overall, the current study for the first time demonstrates that RBO regulates inflammatory responses in murine macrophages by upregulating mitochondrial respiration. Further clinical studies are required to validate the animal study.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Canavalia gladiata in Macrophage Cells and DSS-Induced Colitis Mouse Model.

Canavalia gladiata, known as sword bean, has been used as a Chinese traditional medicine for anti-inflammatory effects. However, the action mechanisms of sword bean have not yet been clearly defined. In the present study, the whole parts of a ripened sword bean (RSB) and the green sword bean (GSB) containing bean pod were extracted with ethanol by reflux extraction. The two crude extracts (RSBE and GSBE) from RSB and GSB were validated by a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) analysis of gallic acid as a reference chemical. The anti-inflammatory effects of two sword bean extracts were extensively investigated using LPS-stimulated macrophage cells. First, RSBE and GSBE significantly inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), prostaglandinE2 (PGE2), and nitric oxide (NO) in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. RSBE and GSBE showed no cytotoxicity to RAW264.7 cells and mouse peritoneal macrophage cells. In addition, the overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) induced by LPS in RAW264.7 cells was significantly decreased by RSBE and GSBE. Western blotting and immunostaining analysis showed that RSBE and GSBE inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-κB subunits, which correlated with the inhibitory effects on inhibitor kappa B (IκB) degradation. In dextran sulfated sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice model, RSBE restored body weight, colon length, and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6, interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). In addition, RSBE significantly suppressed the expression of COX-2, iNOS, and NF-κB.

The Wound Healing Property of N-Methyl-(2S,4R)-trans-4-Hydroxy-L-Proline from Sideroxylon obtusifolium is Related to its Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Actions.

Wound healing involves the interaction of blood cells, proteins, proteases, growth factors, and extracellular matrix components. Inflammation is one of the first events occurring during this process. Previously, we showed that the N-Methyl-(2S,4R)-trans-4-Hydroxy-L-Proline (NMP) from Sideroxylon obtusifolium leaves (a Brazilian medicinal species) presents an anti-inflammatory action. Considering inflammation as an important event in the wound healing process, the objectives were to investigate the topical effects of the NMP gel on a mice wound-induced model. Male Swiss mice were divided into 4 groups: Sham (surgical procedure only), Control (gel-base treated), and 3% or 10% NMP gel-treated groups. Measurements of wound areas and microscopic analyses (HE [hematoxylin-eosin] and PSR [picrosirius red] stainings) were carried out, at the 7th and 12th, days after the wound induction. Furthermore, immunohistochemical assays for iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) and COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) and biochemical measurements for TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), GSH (glutathione), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were also performed, at the second day after the wound induction. The work showed that NMP decreases the wound areas, after topical application, relatively to the Sham and Control groups. In addition, microscopic alterations were reduced and collagen deposition was increased, at the 7th and 12th days, in the 10% NMP group. While iNOS and COX-2 immunostainings and GSH contents increased, in relation to the Sham and Control groups, TBARS and MPO decreased. Altogether, the results showed NMP to improve the wound healing process, by upregulating iNOS and COX-2 activities, reducing lipid peroxidation and MPO activity, and increasing GSH contents. In addition, NMP certainly contributes to the increased collagen deposition. These data may stimulate translational studies dealing with the possible use of NMP from Sideroxylon obtusifolium or from other sources for the management of wound healing.

7-Deoxy-trans-dihydronarciclasine Isolated from Lycoris chejuensis Inhibits Neuroinflammation in Experimental Models.

Overactivated microglia and persistent neuroinflammation hold an important role in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. The extract of Lycoris chejuensis (CJ) and its active compound, 7-deoxy-trans-dihydronarciclasine (named E144), attenuated expressions of pro-inflammatory factors, including nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interleukin 6, secreted by lipopolysaccharide-activated BV-2 microglial cells, as measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or western blotting. In contrast, CJ extract and E144 promoted the secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin 10. Moreover, we found that E144 attenuated the expression of TNF-α and COX-2 in the cerebral cortex of lipopolysaccharide-treated mice and/or T2576 transgenic mice as well as reduced the reactive immune cells visualized by ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1. Our results suggest the possibility of E144 to serve as a potential anti-neuroinflammatory agent by preventing excess production of pro-inflammatory factors.

Downregulating NF-κB signaling pathway with triterpenoids for attenuating inflammation: in vitro and in vivo studies.

Acanthopanax trifoliatus (L.) Merr., an edible medicinal plant from Southeast Asia, exerts a wide range of bioactivities, such as anti-inflammatory activity. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of its action and active constituents remain unclear. Herein, the effects of two triterpenoids, namely impressic acid (IA) and acankoreanogenin A (AA), from A. trifoliatus in both in vitro and in vivo chronic inflammation models were investigated. The results indicated that AA and IA reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of nitroxide significantly in murine macrophage RAW246.7 cells. In addition, AA and IA down-regulated the activation of NF-κB and decreased the release of inflammatory mediators (iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-6) and tumorigenesis-associated factors (MMP-9 and VEGF) in RAW246.7 cells. Furthermore, in a tetradecanoylphorbolacetate (TPA)-treated mouse model, AA and IA could effectively attenuate mouse ear edema and pathological damage and reduced levels of cytokines including iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-1ß. Taken together, AA and IA, being of natural origin, are promising anti-inflammatory agents and may contribute to the overall anti-inflammatory effect of A. trifoliatus.

Vaccaria n-Butanol Extract Lower the Production of Proinflammatory Cytokines and the Infection Risk of T. spiralis In Vivo.

INTRODUCTION: Trichinellosis is a severe zoonosis involving the activation of inflammatory cells, accompanied by the prominent expressions of proinflammatory cytokines in the host. Semen vaccariae, the seeds of Vaccaria segetalis (Neck.) Garcke. ex Asch. (Caryophyllaceae), is a famous traditional herb that is rich in vaccaria n-butanol extract (VNE). Vaccarin is one major active component of VNE, and it is reported in the treatment of stranguria disease. Hypaphorine is another main active component of VNE and has good anti-inflammatory effect, whereas the potential bioactivity of VNE in trichinellosis treatment is still unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was designed to evaluate the potential anthelmintic and anti-inflammatory activity of VNE toward T. spiralis infection. ICR mice were used to assess the effect of VNE on repression larvae and adult worms in vivo. Immunohistochemistry analysis was performed to evaluate the expression levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2. RESULTS: Our results showed that VNE could effectively depress the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2. The adult worms were decreased by 79.53%, while the muscle larvae were diminished by 77.70% as compared to the control. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrated that VNE may be a promising therapeutic agent against the inflammation and diseases caused by T. spiralis infection.

Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Leaf Oil from Cinnamomum subavenium In Vitro and In Vivo.

The study determined the chemical constituents and anti-inflammatory effects of leaf oil from Cinnamomum subavenium (CS-LO) that has been used in folk medicine to treat various symptoms including inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effects of the oil were evaluated by LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and the Carr-induced hind mouse paw edema model, respectively. In vitro, nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß were significantly decreased by CS-LO, and the expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) protein was blocked as well. In in vivo, the malondialdehyde (MDA) and paw edema levels were decreased by CS-LO, and the same result came up on the NO and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-a) of serum at the 5th h after Carr injection. In addition, iNOS and COX-2 immunoreactive cells of the paw tissue were decreased significantly by CS-LO (200 mg/kg) in histological examination. The present findings indicated that CS-LO have anti-inflammatory properties, and the effects might be caused through inhibiting iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 expression via affecting NF-κB pathway, which will provide a power scientific basis for CS-LO to be used as the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Chemopreventive Activity of Red Ginseng Oil in a Mouse Model of Azoxymethane/Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Inflammation-Associated Colon Carcinogenesis.

Our previous studies have demonstrated antioxidant and cytoprotective properties of red ginseng oil (RGO). However, the role of RGO in models of intestinal inflammation has not been elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the chemopreventive effect of RGO in a mouse model of azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium (AOM/DSS)-induced colitis and explored its underlying mechanisms. Male C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with a single dose of AOM (10 mg/kg), followed by 1.5% DSS in drinking water for 7 days to produce colon carcinogenesis. RGO at 10 or 100 mg/kg was orally given for 17 weeks. RGO supplementation reduced the plasma nitric oxide (NO) concentration as well as lipid peroxidation and inhibited the production of proinflammatory factors such as inducible NO synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, interleukin 1ß, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α in the mouse colitis tissue. Increased phosphorylation levels of p65 and IκB by AOM/DSS exposure were attenuated by the presence of RGO. In addition, RGO supplementation induced the activity of primary antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase as well as the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-mediated antioxidant enzyme hemeoxygenase-1 in the colons of AOM/DSS-treated mice. These findings indicate that RGO may be a potent natural chemopreventive agent for ameliorating inflammatory bowel diseases.

Aloin reduces inflammatory gene iNOS via inhibition activity and p-STAT-1 and NF-κB.

Aloin is the major anthraquinone glycoside obtained from the Aloe species and exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities. Here, we aimed to determine the effects of aloin on heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) induction and on the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX) 2 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). To the end, aloin was tested whether aloin reduces iNOS protein expression and inflammatory markers (interleukin (IL)-1ß and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α) in LPS-treated mice lung tissue. The results indicated that aloin affected HO-1 induction and reduced LPS-activated NF-κB-luciferase activity showed to preferential inhibition of iNOS/NO and COX-2/PGE2 that was partly related to inhibition of STAT-1 phosphorylation. In particular, aloin induced translocation of Nrf2 from cytosol into the nucleus by an increased Nrf2-ARE binding activity, and reduced IL-1ß production in LPS-activated HUVECs. The reduced expression of iNOS/NO by aloin was reversed by siHO-1RNA-transfection. In LPS-treated mice, aloin significantly reduced iNOS protein in lung tissues, and TNF-α levels in the BALF. We concluded that aloin may be beneficial for treatment of lung injury.