Oroxylin A inhibits carcinogen-induced skin tumorigenesis through inhibition of inflammation by regulating SHCBP1 in mice.

Accumulating evidence has shown that SHC SH2 domain-binding protein 1 (SHCBP1) functions as an oncogene and participated in the progression of various cancers. Oroxylin A, an active ingredient extracted from Chinese Medicine Scutellaria baicalensis, shows strong anticancer effects on multiple cancers, however, the pharmacological effect of oroxylin A on skin cancer and the regulatory effect of SHCBP1 on this process have never been evaluated. The present study was aimed at elucidating the effect of oroxylin A on carcinogen (DMBA/TPA)-induced skin tumorigenesis, and to further clarify the role of SHCBP1 in oroxylin A induced antitumor effect. Pretreatment with oroxylin A remarkably inhibited DMBA/TPA-induced tumor formation and growth, and significantly reduced tumor incidence and the average number of tumors per mouse. Oroxylin A suppressed DMBA/TPA-induced skin hyperplasia and tumor proliferation. Oroxylin A significantly inhibited the expression of several inflammatory factors in vivo. In vitro experiments found that oroxylin A inhibited TPA-induced cell malignant transformation of skin epidermal JB6 P + cells. Besides, oroxylin A significantly suppressed the levels of TPA-induced inflammatory factors in vitro. Mechanistic studies showed that oroxylin A remarkably inhibited TPA-induced increased expression of SHCBP1. Overexpression of SHCBP1 attenuated the oroxylin A-induced anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, TPA increased the expression of nuclear NF-κB p65, and SHCBP1 siRNA notably decreased the nuclear NF-κB p65 expression in JB6 P + cells. Collectively, the anti-skin cancer effect of oroxylin A may possibly by inhibiting inflammation via suppression of SHCBP1. Oroxylin A might be a potential candidate compound for the treatment of skin cancer.

Red Ginseng Reduces Inflammatory Response via Suppression MAPK/P38 Signaling and p65 Nuclear Proteins Translocation in Rats and Raw 264.7 Macrophage.

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) cause systemic inflammatory responses, which are characterized by high mortality and multiple signs, including metabolic disturbances, respiratory acidosis, hypotension, and vital organs disorder. Cytokines secretion and oxidative stress are the main features of the disease. Diagnosis and treatment of systemic inflammation (SI) remain a challenge. Korean Red Ginseng (RG) is one of medicinal herbs that showed a potent anti-oxidant effect. We aimed to study the protective effects of RG on systemic inflammatory response in rats and RAW 264.7 macrophage cells induced by LPS. The rats were treated with water and alcohol extracts of RG for four weeks to prevent the inflammatory response. The result showed that LPS toxin increased morbidity and mortality, and induced liver, kidney, and lung injuries manifested by deteriorated biomarkers. Hypotension, hypomagnesemia, acidosis, and oxidative stress were observed in septic rats. However, RG extracts attenuated liver, kidney, and lung enzymes and metabolites in treated groups via its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Furthermore, RG improved magnesium and blood pressure in the treated groups. RAW 264.7 macrophage cells exposed to LPS disturbance in translocation of p65 and MAPK/p38. Nevertheless, RG-pretreated cells did not significantly alter. In conclusion, RG reduced the rates of mortality and morbidity of treated rats - liver, kidney, and lung injuries were protected in the treated groups through the potentiation of anti-oxidant defense. RG was able to conserve mitochondrial function, inhibiting the activation of MAPK/p38 signaling and suppressing NF-κB p65 cytoplasm-nucleus transport. Further studies are needed to examine the effects on chronic conditions in animal models and human.

1-Methylnicotinamide attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced cognitive deficits via targeting neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects cognition and behavior. The neuroinflammatory response in the brain is an important pathological characteristic in AD. In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of 1-Methylnicotinamide (MNA), known as the main metabolite of nicotinamide, on reducing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cognitive deficits via targeting neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis. We found that the mice treated with LPS exhibited cognitive deficits in the novel object recognition, Morris water maze and Y-maze avoidance tests. However, intragastric administration of MNA (100 or 200 mg/kg) for 3 weeks significantly attenuated LPS-induced cognitive deficits in mice. Importantly, MNA treatment suppressed the protein expression of nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65), pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) and decreased the activation of microglia and astrocytes in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of LPS-induced mice. In addition, MNA treatment suppressed neuronal apoptosis by reducing the number of TUNEL-positive cells, caspase-3 activation and increasing the level of Bcl-2/Bax ratio in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. These findings indicate that MNA could be a potential neuroprotective drug in neurodegenerative diseases such as AD.

Total polysaccharides of adlay bran (Coix lachryma-jobi L.) improve TNF-α induced epithelial barrier dysfunction in Caco-2 cells via inhibition of the inflammatory response.

Dysfunction of the intestinal epithelial barrier plays an important role in the pathogenesis of several intestinal diseases, including celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. The present research was carried out to investigate the protective effect of total polysaccharides of adlay bran (TPA) on TNF-α-evoked epithelial barrier dysfunction in Caco-2 cells. Caco-2 cells were treated with or without TPA in the absence or presence of TNF-α, and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and Phenol Red flux were assayed to evaluate the intestinal epithelial barrier function. The results indicated that TPA suppressed the TNF-α-induced release of pro-inflammatory factors. Furthermore, TPA obviously assuaged both the increased paracellular permeability and the decrease of TEER in TNF-α-challenged Caco-2 cells. Furthermore, TPA obviously assuaged TNF-α-evoked up-regulation of IL-8 and IL-6 expression, down-regulation of occludin and ZO-3 expression, and markedly suppressed the activation and protein expression of NF-κB p65. Our results indicated that TPA assuages the TNF-α-evoked dysfunction of the intestinal epithelial barrier by inhibiting the NF-κB p65-mediated inflammatory response.

Directed self-assembly of herbal small molecules into sustained release hydrogels for treating neural inflammation.

Self-assembling natural drug hydrogels formed without structural modification and able to act as carriers are of interest for biomedical applications. A lack of knowledge about natural drug gels limits there current application. Here, we report on rhein, a herbal natural product, which is directly self-assembled into hydrogels through noncovalent interactions. This hydrogel shows excellent stability, sustained release and reversible stimuli-responses. The hydrogel consists of a three-dimensional nanofiber network that prevents premature degradation. Moreover, it easily enters cells and binds to toll-like receptor 4. This enables rhein hydrogels to significantly dephosphorylate IκBα, inhibiting the nuclear translocation of p65 at the NFκB signalling pathway in lipopolysaccharide-induced BV2 microglia. Subsequently, rhein hydrogels alleviate neuroinflammation with a long-lasting effect and little cytotoxicity compared to the equivalent free-drug in vitro. This study highlights a direct self-assembly hydrogel from natural small molecule as a promising neuroinflammatory therapy.

Maternal pomegranate juice attenuates maternal inflammation-induced fetal brain injury by inhibition of apoptosis, neuronal nitric oxide synthase, and NF-κB in a rat model.

BACKGROUND: Maternal inflammation is a risk factor for neonatal brain injury and future neurological deficits. Pomegranates have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidant activities. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that pomegranate juice (POM) may attenuate fetal brain injury in a rat model of maternal inflammation. STUDY DESIGN: Pregnant rats (24 total) were randomized for intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide (100 µg/kg) or saline at time 0 at 18 days of gestation. From day 11 of gestation, 12 dams were provided ad libitum access to drinking water, and 12 dams were provided ad libitum access to drinking water with pomegranate juice (5 mL per day), resulting in 4 groups of 6 dams (saline/saline, pomegranate juice/saline, saline/lipopolysaccharide, pomegranate juice/lipopolysaccharide). All dams were sacrificed 4 hours following the injection and maternal blood and fetal brains were collected from the 4 treatment groups. Maternal interleukin-6 serum levels and fetal brain caspase 3 active form, nuclear factor-κB p65, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (phosphoneuronal nitric oxide synthase), and proinflammatory cytokine levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot. RESULTS: Maternal lipopolysaccharide significantly increased maternal serum interleukin-6 levels (6039 ± 1039 vs 66 ± 46 pg/mL; P < .05) and fetal brain caspase 3 active form, nuclear factor-κB p65, phosphoneuronal nitric oxide synthase, and the proinflammatory cytokines compared to the control group (caspase 3 active form 0.26 ± 0.01 vs 0.20 ± 0.01 U; nuclear factor-κB p65 0.24 ± 0.01 vs 0.1 ± 0.01 U; phosphoneuronal nitric oxide synthase 0.23 ± 0.01 vs 0.11 ± 0.01 U; interleukin-6 0.25 ± 0.01 vs 0.09 ± 0.01 U; tumor necrosis factor-α 0.26 ± 0.01 vs 0.12 ± 0.01 U; chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 0.23 ± 0.01 vs 0.1 ± 0.01 U). Maternal supplementation of pomegranate juice to lipopolysaccharide-exposed dams (pomegranate juice/lipopolysaccharide) significantly reduced maternal serum interleukin-6 levels (3059 ± 1121 pg/mL, fetal brain: caspase 3 active form (0.2 ± 0.01 U), nuclear factor-κB p65 (0.22 ± 0.01 U), phosphoneuronal nitric oxide synthase (0.19 ± 0.01 U) as well as the brain proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and chemokine [C-C motif] ligand 2) compared to lipopolysaccharide group. CONCLUSION: Maternal pomegranate juice supplementation may attenuate maternal inflammation-induced fetal brain injury. Pomegranate juice neuroprotective effects might be secondary to the suppression of both the maternal inflammatory response and inhibition of fetal brain apoptosis, neuronal nitric oxide synthase, and nuclear factor-κB activation.

Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit juice delays immunosenescence in the lymphocytes in lymph nodes of old F344 rats.

OBJECTIVE: Aging is associated with the development of diseases because of immunosuppression and altered functioning of the neuroendocrine system. The medicinal properties of Morinda citrifolia L. have been widely exploited for the treatment of age-associated diseases. This study aims to investigate the in vitro and in vivo effects of noni (M. citrifolia) fruit juice (NFJ) on neuro-immunomodulation in the lymph node lymphocytes of F344 rats. METHODS: Lymphocytes isolated from axillary and inguinal lymph nodes of young (3-4 months) and old (18-21 months) rats were treated in vitro with different concentrations (0.0001%, 0.01%, and 1%) of NFJ for a period of 24 h. In the in vivo study, old (16-17 months) male F344 rats were treated with 5 mL/kg body weight of 5%, 10% and 20% of NFJ, twice a day, by oral gavage, and lymph node lymphocytes were isolated after 60 d. Concanavalin A (Con A)-induced lymphocyte proliferation, interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production and expression of intracellular markers, such as phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK1/2), phospho-cAMP response element-binding protein, phospho-protein kinase B (p-Akt), phospho-tyrosine hydroxylase (p-TH), phospho-nuclear factor of κ light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor-α (p-IκB-α) and phospho-nuclear factor-κB (p-NF-κB p65 and p50) were examined in the lymphocytes of lymph nodes. RESULTS: NFJ increased Con A-induced lymphocyte proliferation, IL-2 and IFN-γ production, and p-ERK1/2 expression both in vitro and in vivo. In in vivo NFJ-treated old rats, lymph node lymphocytes showed increased expression of p-TH and Akt, nitric oxide production and decreased expression of p-NF-κB p65 and p50. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the immunostimulatory properties of NFJ are facilitated through intracellular signaling pathways involving ERK1/2, Akt and NF-κB.

Salvianolic acid A attenuates ischemia reperfusion induced rat brain damage by protecting the blood brain barrier through MMP-9 inhibition and anti-inflammation.

Salvianolic acid A (SAA) is a water-soluble component from the root of Salvia Miltiorrhiza Bge, a traditional Chinese medicine, which has been used for the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases for centuries. The present study aimed to determine the brain protective effects of SAA against cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury in rats, and to figure out whether SAA could protect the blood brain barrier (BBB) through matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) inhibition. A focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion model was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 1.5-h followed by 24-h reperfusion. SAA was administered intravenously at doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg·kg-1. SAA significantly reduced the infarct volumes and neurological deficit scores. Immunohistochemical analyses showed that SAA treatments could also improve the morphology of neurons in hippocampus CA1 and CA3 regions and increase the number of neurons. Western blotting analyses showed that SAA downregulated the levels of MMP-9 and upregulated the levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) to attenuate BBB injury. SAA treatment significantly prevented MMP-9-induced degradation of ZO-1, claudin-5 and occludin proteins. SAA also prevented cerebral NF-κB p65 activation and reduced inflammation response. Our results suggested that SAA could be a promising agent to attenuate cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury through MMP-9 inhibition and anti-inflammation activities.

Structural characterization and immunomodulatory activity of a pectic polysaccharide (CALB-4) from Fructus aurantii.

A purified polysaccharide, designated CALB-4, was acquired from Fructus aurantii that is the traditional edible/medicina plant in China. The present study was performed to characterize the CALB-4 and to evaluate its immunomodulatory activities on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The structure of CALB-4 was characterized by partial acid hydrolysis, periodate oxidation, Smith degradation, and methylation analysis combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Infrared Spectroscopy (IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that CALB-4 was elucidated as a pectic polysaccharide and its main chain is composed of Man, Gal UA and Gal, interspersed with Ara, Rha, Man and Gal. Furthermore, immunological tests showed that CALB-4 exhibits the immunoenhancement effects. The mechanism for this action might be attributed to the increase of the cytoplasmic concentration of pro-IL-1 via the up-regulation of several mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and the nuclear translocation of p65. This study clarified that CALB-4 could be as an efficacious biological response modifier in immunotherapy.

Pudilan xiaoyan oral liquid alleviates LPS-induced respiratory injury through decreasing nitroxidative stress and blocking TLR4 activation along with NF-ΚB phosphorylation in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Pudilan xiaoyan oral liquid (PDL), collected in Chinese Pharmacopoeia, has been used clinically for treating inflammatory diseases such as upper respiratory tract infection diseases. However, its potential anti-inflammation and the mechanism are still unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce respiratory inflammation of mice by intratracheal administration. UPLC/MS was performed for components analysis of PDL. Enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted for determining interleukin-6(IL-6), interleukin-1ß(IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in serum and supernatant of tracheal tissue while Nitric oxide assay kit for nitric oxide (NO) content. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining was applied to evaluate pathological lesions. Western blotting analysis (WB) and Immunohistochemistry(IHC) were employed for the determination of Toll-like receptors 4(TLR4), TNF-α, IL-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) and nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65) protein expressions. RESULTS: Seven major compounds of PDL were analyzed simultaneously. The treatment of PDL could attenuate LPS-induced histopathological damage of tracheal tissues, followed by reducing pro-inflammation mediators including TNF-α and IL-6 in serum and supernatant of tracheal tissue. LPS-induced nitroxidative stress including NO content and iNOS expression was inhibited significantly by PDL. Furthermore, PDL also down-regulated NF-kB p65 phosphorylation and TLR4 expressions. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that the PDL had a protective effect on LPS-induced respiratory inflammation injury in mice. Our findings for the first time provide experimental evidence for the application of PDL on respiratory inflammation injury in clinical practice.

Total tanshinones exhibits anti-inflammatory effects through blocking TLR4 dimerization via the MyD88 pathway.

Tanshinones belong to a group of lipophilic constituents of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen), which is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. A deluge of studies demonstrated that tanshinones exert anti-inflammatory effects, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear to date. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of total tanshinones (TTN). TTN suppressed the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the secretion of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß in RAW264.7 cells, bone marrow-derived macrophages, and THP-1 cells. TTN attenuated the LPS-induced transcriptional activity of NF-κB and decreased IκB-α and IKK phosphorylation and NF-κB/p65 nuclear translocation. Furthermore, TTN inhibited the LPS-induced transcriptional activity of AP-1, which was induced by the reduction of JNK1/2, ERK1/2, and p38MAPK phosphorylation. TTN blocked LPS-induced Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) dimerization, which consequently decreased MyD88 recruitment and TAK1 phosphorylation. In addition, TTN pretreatment effectively inhibited xylene-induced ear edema and LPS-induced septic death and improved LPS-induced acute kidney injury in mice. TTN exerts anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo by blocking TLR4 dimerization to activate MyD88-TAK1-NF-κB/MAPK signaling cascades, which provide the molecular basis of the anti-inflammatory effect of Danshen and suggest that TTN is a potential agent for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Polydatin reduces Staphylococcus aureus lipoteichoic acid-induced injury by attenuating reactive oxygen species generation and TLR2-NFκB signalling.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) causes severe inflammation in various infectious diseases, leading to high mortality. The clinical application of antibiotics has gained a significant curative effect. However, it has led to the emergence of various resistant bacteria. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the protective effect of polydatin (PD), a traditional Chinese medicine extract, on S. aureus lipoteichoic acid (LTA)-induced injury in vitro and in vivo. First, a significant improvement in the pathological conditions of PD in vivo was observed, suggesting that PD had a certain protective effect on LTA-induced injury in a mouse model. To further explore the underlying mechanisms of this protective effect of PD, LTA-induced murine macrophages were used in this study. The results have shown that PD could reduce the NF-κB p65, and IκBα phosphorylation levels increased by LTA, resulting in a decrease in the transcription of pro-inflammatory factors, such as TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6. However, LTA can not only activate NF-κB through the recognition of TLR2 but also increase the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby activating NF-κB signalling. We also detected high levels of ROS that activate caspases 9 and 3 to induce apoptosis. In addition, using a specific NF-κB inhibitor that could attenuate apoptosis, namely NF-κB p65, acted as a pro-apoptotic transcription factor in LTA-induced murine macrophages. However, PD could inhibit the generation of ROS and NF-κB p65 activation, suggesting that PD suppressed LTA-induced injury by attenuating ROS generation and TLR2-NFκB signalling.

Prevention of influenza virus induced bacterial superinfection by standardized Echinacea purpurea, via regulation of surface receptor expression in human bronchial epithelial cells.

Viral infections may predispose the airways to secondary bacterial infections that can lead to unfavorable progression of principally self-limiting illnesses. Such complicated respiratory infections include pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, acute otitis media, and sepsis, which cause high morbidity and lethality. Some of the pathogenic consequences of viral infections, like the expression of bacterial adhesion receptors and the disturbance of physical barrier integrity due to inflammation, may create permissive conditions for co-infections. Influenza virus A (H3N2) is a major pathogen that causes secondary bacterial infections and inflammation that lead to pneumonia. The herbal medicine Echinacea purpurea, on the other hand, has been widely used to prevent and treat viral respiratory infections, and recent clinical data suggest that it may prevent secondary infection complications as well. We investigated the role of standardized E. purpurea (Echinaforce® extract or EF) on H3N2-induced adhesion of live nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) and Staphylococcus aureus, along with the expression of bacterial receptors, intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), fibronectin, and platelet activating factor receptor (PAFr), by BEAS-2B cells. Inflammatory processes were investigated by determining the cellular expression of IL-6 and IL-8 and the involvement of Toll-like receptor (TLR-4) and NFκB p65. We found that influenza virus A infection increased the adhesion of H. influenzae and S. aureus to bronchial epithelial cells via upregulated expression of the ICAM-1 receptor and, to some extent, of fibronectin and PAFr. Echinaforce (EF) significantly reduced the expression of ICAM-1, fibronectin, and PAFr and consequently the adhesion of both bacterial strains. EF also effectively prevented the super-expression of inflammatory cytokines by suppressing the expression of NFκB and possibly TLR-4. These results indicate that E. purpurea has the potential to reduce the risk of respiratory complications by preventing virus-induced bacterial adhesion and through the inhibition of inflammation super-stimulation (cytokine storms).

Regulatory effects of glycyrrhizae radix extract on DSS-induced ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND: Glycyrrhizae Radix (GR) is a Korean traditional herb medicine that is widely-used in clinical health care. The clinical functions of GR include relief of toxicity, anti-cancer, regulating blood cholesterol and anti-inflammation. This study investigated the role of GR on ulcerative colitis in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mouse model of colitis. METHOD: Western blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analyses were done on male BALB/c mice administered 5 % DSS during the experimental period. Ethanol extracts of GR were orally administered at same time daily to control mice. The severity of colitis was measured by body weight change and colon length. RESULT: DSS-treated mice displayed weight loss and shortened colon length compared with control mice. Mice were administered GR showed less weight loss and longer colon length than the DSS-treated group. Inflammatory cytokines were decreased by GR treatment. Treatment also reduced DSS-induced microscopic damage to colon tissue. GR regulated the phosphorylation of transcription factors such as NF-κB p65 and IκB α. CONCLUSIONS: GR has beneficial effects in a colitis model. GR might be a useful herb medicine in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Modulatory effect of Senecio brasiliensis (Spreng) Less. in a murine model of inflammation induced by carrageenan into the pleural cavity.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Senecio brasiliensis (Spreng) Less (S. brasiliensis), known as "Flor-das-almas", "Margaridinha" or "Maria mole", is used in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory and to treat gastric ulcers and stomach pain. While the Senecio genus has been widely studied for its pharmacological activities to support its use in traditional medicine, few studies focus on the anti-inflammatory activities of the species. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the anti-inflammatory activities of S. brasiliensis, a specie native to Brazil, using a murine model of pleurisy induced by carrageenan. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The flowers of S. brasiliensis were air-dried for 3 days and subjected to ethanol (96%) extraction for 7 days to obtain the crude extract (CE). The CE was subjected to acid-base extraction to obtain the alkaloid fraction (AF). The hexane (HEX), dichloromethane (DCM) and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fractions were obtained by extracting from CE with different solvents. The alkaloids senecionine (Sen), integerrimine (Int) and senecionine N-oxide were obtained from AF by chromatographic fractionation and a mixture of 1,4-, 3,4-, 3,5- and 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acids (DCQs) were obtained from the EtOAc fraction. The isolated alkaloids were identified through spectroscopic analysis of IR, NMR and LC-MS coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and the dicaffeoylquinic acids through the hierarchical key method. Swiss mice were used in the in vivo experiments. We evaluated the effect of the CE, its derived fractions (AF, HEX, DCM and EtOAc), and the isolated compounds (Sen, Int, N-oxide senecionine, and DCQs) on: leukocyte migration, exudate concentrations, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and adenosine-deaminase (ADA) activities, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß) and interleukin 17A levels in the fluid leakage from the pleural cavity using a mouse model of pleurisy induced by carrageenan. The effects of the isolated compounds, Sen, Int, N-oxide senecionine and DCQs, were also analyzed for their ability to inhibit p65 phosphorylation (p-p65) in the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway in the lung tissue. MPO and ADA were analyzed by colorimetric assays, and the cytokines and protein p65 levels were determined using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA). RESULTS: The CE, its EtOAc and AF fractions, and its isolated compounds (Sen, Int and DCQs), significantly reduced leukocyte migration (P < 0.05), MPO and ADA activities (P < 0.01), and TNF-α (P < 0.05), and IL-17A levels (P < 0.01). The CE, the EtOAc and AF fractions, and the DCQs also decreased IL-1ß levels (P < 0.01). The isolated compounds, Sen, Int and the DCQs, inhibited p65 phosphorylation (NF-κB) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that S. brasiliensis has important anti-inflammatory properties that are capable of inhibiting activated leukocytes by decreasing neutrophil migration. This effect may be attributed to the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the reduction of the NF-κB pathway. The compounds Sen, Int, and DCQs may be responsible for the anti-inflammatory actions of S. brasiliensis.

[Study on effects of Tripterygium wilfordii polycoride in resisting macrophage inflammation and regulating inflammation via TLR4/NF-κB].

To investigate the effect of Tripterygium wilfordii polycoride (TWP) on LPS-induced macrophage inflammatory response, particularly the inhibitory effect on inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1ß and the regulatory effect on inflammation via TLR4/NF-κB. The MTT method was adopted to test the effects of tested drugs, TWP, dexamethasone (DXM) and azathioprine (AZA) on cell growth to define the appropriate concentration. LPS was used to induce the inflammatory reaction in mouse RAW264. 7 cell lines. The Elisa kit was adopted to test the release level of TNF-α and IL-1ß. The Western blotting was applied to test the protein expressions of TNF-α and IL-1ß. The RT-PCR was adopted to test the expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB. According to the results, TWP could inhibit the release of macrophage inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1ß in a dose dependent manner. All of TWP groups showed a weaker efficacy than that of the DXM group. But the TWP high dose group revealed a better effect on TNF-α and equal effect on IL-1ß compared with the AZA group. TWP show an equal or better effect in down-regulating TLR4 and NF-κB p65 expressions in a dose dependent manner than DXM and AZA. In conclusion, TWP could inhibit TLR4 and NF-κB p65, which may be related to the down-regulation of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 receptor expressions.

[Study on effect of total flavonoids of Oldenlendia difflusa on ulcerative colitis and its immunological mechanism].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of total flavonoids of Oldenlendia difflusa (FOD) on NF-kappaB and IL-8, TNF-alpha, IL-10 expressions of ulcerative colitis (UC) model rats, and explore its immunological mechanism of anti-UC. METHOD: Sixty Kunming male mice with the average weight of (20 +/- 2) g were randomly divided into six groups. The control group (cont) was orally administered with distilled water. Whereas the remaining five groups were fed with 4% dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) solution for seven days to induce acute UC, and orally administered with the following drugs: distilled water (for the DSS group), SASP at dose of 500 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) for the DSS + SASP group, FOD at dose of 60 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) for the DSS + FOD-H group, FOD at dose of 40 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) for the DSS + FOD-M group, and FOD at dose of 26.7 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) for the DSS + FOD-L group. During the modeling and drug administration, the mice were scored for DAI. Seven days later, the mice were put to death, and their colonic tissue samples were collected to evaluate colonic mucosal lesions. The NF-kappaB p65, IL-8, TNF-alpha, IL-10 expressions were tested by immunohistochemical staining and ELISA. RESULT: Seven-day feeding with 4% DSS solution could successfully induce acute UC in mice. Compared with the cont group, the DSS group showed significantly higher DAI and colonic mucosal lesions, remarkable increase in NF-kappaB p65, IL-8, TNF-alpha expression in colonic tissues, and notable decrease in IL-10 expression (P < 0.05). FOD could prevent acute UC in mice included by DSS. Seven-day administration of 60 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) or 40 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) FOD could completely or partially resist the above mentioned changes caused by DSS. Compared with the DSS group, the DSS + FOD-H group and the DSS + FOD-M group showed reduction in colonic mucosal lesions, down-regulation in IL-8, TNF-alpha and NF-kappaB p65 expressions and up-regulation in IL-10 expression (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: FOD could significantly resist UC in mice. Its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of NF-kappaB p65 activation, the reduction of IL-8 and TNF-alpha expressions and the increase in the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10.

Cepharanthine, an alkaloid from Stephania cepharantha Hayata, inhibits the inflammatory response in the RAW264.7 cell and mouse models.

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of cepharanthine (CEP) on inflammation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells in vitro and a LPS-induced lung injury model in vivo. RAW264.7 cells were treated with various concentrations of CEP for 1 h followed by incubation with or without 1 µg/ml LPS for 18 h. TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß in the supernatants were measured by ELISA. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways were analyzed by Western blot. Mice were randomly divided into control group, LPS group, CEP + LPS group, and dexamethasone + LPS group. A male BALB/c mouse model of acute lung injury was induced by LPS. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was collected for inflammatory cell count and cytokine assays. Histopathologic examination was performed on mice that were not subjected to bronchoalveolar lavage fluid collection. CEP dose-dependently inhibited the release of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Significantly, CEP dose-dependently suppressed NF-κB activation, IκBα degradation, and phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and p38 induced by LPS. In vivo, it was also observed that CEP attenuated lung histopathologic changes and down-regulated the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6, in the mouse acute lung injury model. These results suggest that CEP potentially decreases inflammation in vitro and in vivo and might be a therapeutic agent against inflammatory diseases.

[Effects of dihydromyricetin on tumor necrosis factor and NF-kappaB p65 of RAU rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of dihydromyricetin (DMY) on tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) and NF-kappaB p65 cells of the recurrent aphthous ulcer (RAU) rat. METHOD: Sixty of Sprague Dawley (SD) rats are randomly divided into 6 groups. The rat RAU models was established by injection of immunogen composed of the homogenate supernate of homogeneous oral mucosa from SD rats and Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) into rat backs subcutaneously once every two weeks for 5 times, and the only FCA injected as normal control. DMY(50,100, 200 mg x kg(-1)) and licorzine (67.5 mg x kg(-1)) were given intragastrically once daily for 7 days on the day of the last immunogen injection, respectively. Water was given instead of drugs in normal and model control groups. The blood was got from the fundus oculi vein of rats on the day after last administration, the serum was separated. Then the rats were put to death with the cervical dislocation and decollated on the ice stage. Two sides of rat buccal mucosal tissue were cut. One side of them was put into 4% neutral formalin and another was added into 10 times of phosphate buffer to homogenize it homogenate. The oral mucosa ulcer occurrence of rats was observed by the histopathology. The content of TNF-alpha in serum and oral mucosa was assayed with ELISA; the expression of NF-kappaB cells was determined by the immunohistochemisty and macrophagus was determined by azure-feosin-dyeing in oral mucosa tissue. The expression of TNF-alpha mRNA in serum and oral mucosa was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULT: In RAU rats, oral mucosa ulcer occurred, the content of TNF-alpha raised and the expression of TNF-alpha mRNA increased in serum and oral mucosa, the expression of positive NF-kappaB p65 cells and the amount of macrophages went up in oral mucosa. DMY and licorzine significantly reduced occurrence of oral mucosa ulcer in RAU rats, lowered content of TNF-alpha and the expression of TNF-alpha mRNA in serum and oral mucosa, reduced expression of positive NF-kappaB p65 cells and the amount of macrophages. CONCLUSION: It is considered that DMY could inhibited occurrence of oral mucosa ulcer in RAU rats. One principle of it's effects could be that DMY controlled NF-kappaB p65 regulation on transcription and release of TNF-alpha mRNA in macrophages in oral mucosa ulcer tissue and lead to fall of TNF-alpha content in oral mucosa tissue causing role of anti-oral mucosa ulcer.

[Effect of pretreatment with puerarin on activation of LPS-induced RAW264. 7 cells].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of pretreatment with puerarin on activation of LPS -induced RAW264. 7 cells and secretory cytokines, and discuss its anti-inflammatory mechanism. METHOD: Well-grown RAW264. 7 cells in the exponential phase were collected and randomly divided them into the blank control group, the LPS group and the puerarin pretreatment + LPS group. The cellular toxic effect of puerarin on RAW264. 7 cells was examined by CCK-8 assay, cell morphology was detected by Giemsa stain method, the changes in TNF-alpha and MIP-2 were tested by ELISA, and the expression of NF-kappaB p65 mRNA were determined by qRT-PCR. RESULTS: When puerarin was cultured with 1 mg x L(-1) LPS at a concentration of lower than 400 micromol x L(-1), it had not showed the cellular toxic effect (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the LPS group could significantly change the morphology of RAW264. 7 cells (increase in cell body, irregular shape, with a large number of pseudopodia extending). After intervention, the puerarin 100 micromol x L(-1) group could significantly inhibit LPS-induced cell morphological changes, while the puerarin 200 micromol x L(-1) and 400 micromol x L(-1) puerarin groups showed more notable inhibitory effects. However, there was no obvious difference between the two groups. The pretreatment with puerarin could inhibit the expression of TNF-alpha and MIP-2 in cell supernatant and NF-kappaB p65 mRNA in cells (P < 0.05). With increase in the puerarin concentration, its inhibitory effect gradually grew (P < 0.05), but did not reach the level of the blank control group. CONCLUSION: As a safe and effective natural anti-inflammatory drug, puerarin can significantly reduce the expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, MIP-2). Its mechanism may be related to the reduction of NF-kappaB p65 mRNA expression.