Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Resveratrol Derivatives via the Downregulation of Oxidative-Stress-Dependent and c-Src Transactivation EGFR Pathways on Rat Mesangial Cells.

In Taiwan, the root extract of Vitis thunbergii Sieb. et Zucc. (Vitaceae, VT) is rich in stilbenes, with resveratrol (Res) and its derivatives being the most abundant. Previously, we showed that the effect of Res derivatives against tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-stimulated inflammatory responses occurs via cPLA2/COX-2/PGE2 inhibition. This study compared and explored the underlying anti-inflammatory pharmacological mechanisms. Before stimulation with TNF-α, RMCs were treated with/without pharmacological inhibitors of specific protein kinases. The expression of inflammatory mediators was determined by Western blotting, gelatin zymography, real-time PCR, and luciferase assay. Cellular and mitochondrial ROS were measured by H2DHFDA or DHE and MitoSOX™ Red staining, respectively. The RNS level was indirectly measured by Griess reagent assay. Kinase activation and association were assayed by immunoprecipitation followed by Western blotting. TNF-α binding to TNFR recruited Rac1 and p47phox, thus activating the NAPDH oxidase-dependent MAPK and NF-κB pathways. The TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation via c-Src-driven ROS was independent from the EGFR signaling pathway. The anti-inflammatory effects of Res derivatives occurred via the inhibition of ROS derived from mitochondria and NADPH oxidase; RNS derived from iNOS; and the activation of the ERK1/2, JNK1/2, and NF-κB pathways. Overall, this study provides an understanding of the various activities of Res derivatives and their pharmacological mechanisms. In the future, the application of the active molecules of VT to health foods and medicine in Taiwan may increase.

Fisetin Suppresses the Inflammatory Response and Oxidative Stress in Bronchial Epithelial Cells.

Fisetin is isolated from many fruits and vegetables and has been confirmed to improve airway hyperresponsiveness in asthmatic mice. However, whether fisetin reduces inflammatory response and oxidative stress in bronchial epithelial cells is unclear. Here, BEAS-2B human bronchial epithelial cells were treated with various concentrations of fisetin and then stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) or TNF-α/interleukin-4. In addition, ovalbumin-sensitized mice were treated with fisetin to detect inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress expression. Fisetin significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in TNF-α-stimulated BEAS-2B cells. Fisetin also attenuated intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression in TNF-α-stimulated BEAS-2B cells, suppressing THP-1 monocyte adhesion. Furthermore, fisetin significantly suppressed airway hyperresponsiveness in the lungs and decreased eosinophil numbers in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of asthmatic mice. Fisetin decreased cyclooxygenase-2 expression, promoted glutathione levels, and decreased malondialdehyde levels in the lungs of asthmatic mice. Our findings indicate that fisetin is a potential immunomodulator that can improve the pathological features of asthma by decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation.

CORM-2 prevents human gingival fibroblasts from lipoteichoic acid-induced VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 expression by inhibiting TLR2/MyD88/TRAF6/PI3K/Akt/ROS/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Periodontal diseases are prevalent worldwide. Lipoteichoic acid (LTA), a major component of gram-positive bacteria, may play a key role in periodontally inflammatory diseases. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a critical messenger in many biological processes. It can elicit various biological properties, especially anti-inflammatory effects. As the straight administration of CO remains difficult, CO-releasing molecules (CO-RMs) are emerging as promising alternatives. To explore the pharmacological actions and signaling pathways of CO battling LTA-induced periodontal inflammation, this study investigated the cytoprotective effects of CORM-2 against the adhesion of THP-1 monocytes to human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and the underlying molecular mechanism. After exposing HGFs to LTA with or without CORM-2 pretreatment, monocyte adhesion was determined. VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 expression in HGFs was measured by real-time PCR. To identify the signaling pathways of CO involved in the cytoprotective effects of CORM-2, HGFs underwent pharmacological or genetical interventions before LTA incubation. The expression and/or activity of possible regulatory molecules were determined. The release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α, were measured using ELISA. The results showed that LTA increased cytokine production and upregulated VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 expression in HGFs, promoting monocyte adhesion. These events were dependent on TLR2/MyD88/TRAF6- and PI3K/Akt/NADPH oxidase/ROS-regulated NF-κB activation. CORM-2 inhibited LTA-induced inflammatory cascades in HGFs, in which CO seemed to be the hitman. To conclude, CO released from CORM-2 can prevent the LTA-stimulated HGFs from increasing VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 expression and promoting monocyte adhesion by inhibiting TLR2/MyD88/TRAF6 association and PI3K/Akt/NADPH oxidase/ROS signaling, both converge on the canonical NF-κB activation.

Anticancer Effects of Helminthostachys zeylanica Ethyl acetate Extracts on Human Gastric Cancer Cells through Downregulation of the TNF-α-activated COX-2-cPLA2-PGE2 Pathway.

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is the second most prevalent cancer worldwide and the eighth most common cause of tumor-related death in Taiwan. Helminthostachys zeylanica, a flavonoid compound, has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anticancer effects. We examined whether an extract of H. zeylanica (E1 and E2) has potential as a treatment for GC. Methods: We investigated the effects (pro-apoptosis, pro-autophagy, and antiproliferation ability) of H. zeylanica-E2 on cell viability in healthy gastric epithelial (GES-1) and GC cells (AGS and BGC823). H. zeylanica-E2 was toxic to GC cells but had little or no toxicity to normal cells. Results: In this study, H. zeylanica-E2 induced apoptosis through caspase 3/7, Bcl-2, Bax, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase pathways in GC cells. In addition, it increased autophagy by stimulating autophagy-related protein (ATG)5, ATG7, LC3-I/LC3-II, and inhibiting COX-2 activity in GC cells. We also found that H. zeylanica-E2 exhibited antiproliferation ability through cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 and G2/M and suppressed the migration of GC cells. The anticancer effects of H. zeylanica-E2 in GC cells might be mediated partly through inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-activated proinflammatory cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2)-COX-2-prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) pathway. Conclusions: Our results suggest that H. zeylanica-E2 has potential as a novel adjunctive agent for the treatment of GC.

The Beneficial Effects of Moxibustion on Overweight Adolescent Girls.

Among adolescent girls, overweight or obesity has both physical and psychological involvement. We conducted a randomized controlled trial of moxibustion using a moxa burner. Fifty-four eligible girls aged 15-18 years with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25.3 were enrolled in the study. The girls were randomly allocated to the treatment (n = 27) and control (n = 27) groups. The girls underwent treatment three times per week for 8 weeks (24 treatments). Moxibustion was applied to the RN12, RN6, ST25, ST36, and SP6 acupoints. Physical assessments were BMI, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and body fat ratio (BFR). Psychological outcomes were measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE). Data were collected at the beginning of the study (baseline), week 4, and week 8. Of the 54 participants, 46 completed the trial. The difference in mean BMI from baseline between the two groups was 0.097 (p=0.655) at week 4 and -0.794 (p=0.001) at week 8. The mean WHR of the treatment group was significantly reduced compared with baseline, with a -0.011 (p=0.017) and -0.035 (p < 0.001) mean change at weeks 4 and 8, respectively. The mean BFR was slightly reduced (-0.253;p=0.474 ) at week 4 compared with baseline in the treatment group. At week 8, it was significantly reduced (-2.068; p < 0.001) from baseline in the treatment group. The mean RSE in the treatment group showed no significant increase from baseline at week 4 (0.155 points, p=0.803), but it improved significantly from baseline at week 8 (1.606 points, p=0.021) compared to that in the control group. No obvious adverse effect was reported during this study. Moxibustion using a moxa burner may be an effective and safe intervention for overweight adolescent girls, having both physical and psychological benefits.

Nrf2/HO-1 partially regulates cytoprotective effects of carbon monoxide against urban particulate matter-induced inflammatory responses in oral keratinocytes.

INTRODUCTION: Exposure to airborne particulate matter (PM) increases the proportion of oral inflammatory diseases. During the formation of inflammatory conditions, the nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation plays an important regulator. Carbon monoxide (CO) arising from heme degradation, catalyzed particularly by heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), has been shown to own cytoprotective effects including anti-inflammation and antioxidant. Here, we determined the novel mechanisms of carbon monoxide releasing molecule-2 (CORM-2) on PM-induced inflammatory responses in human oral keratinocytes (HOKs). METHODS: The effects of CORM-2 on the expression of various inflammatory proteins induced by PM were determined by Western blot, real-time PCR, promoter assay, and ELISA. The involvement of signaling molecules in these responses was studied by using the selective pharmacological inhibitors and siRNAs. RESULTS: We proved that PM enhanced C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, NLRP3 inflammasome and caspase-1 activation, and IL-1ß release, which were reduced by preincubation with CORM-2. Transfection with PKCα siRNA and preincubation with the ROS scavenger (N-acetyl-cysteine, NAC), an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase (diphenyleneiodonium, DPI), or the mitochondria-specific superoxide scavenger (MitoTEMPO) inhibited PM-mediated inflammatory responses. In addition, PM-regulated PKCα and NADPH oxidase activation as well as NADPH oxidase- and mitochondria-derived ROS generation were inhibited by CORM-2, but not inactivate CORM-2 (iCORM-2) pretreatment. At the end, we confirmed that CORM-2 improved PM-induced inflammatory responses via the induction of Nrf2 activation and HO-1 expression. CONCLUSION: We suggest that CORM-2 inhibits PM-induced inflammatory responses in HOKs via the inhibition of PKCα/ROS/NLRP3 inflammasome activation combined with the induction of Nrf2/HO-1 expression.

1,4-Disubstituted 1H-1,2,3-Triazoles for Renal Diseases: Studies of Viability, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antioxidant Activities.

Inflammation is a hallmark of many metabolic diseases. We previously showed that ferrocene-appended 1H-1,2,3-triazole hybrids inhibit nitric oxide (NO) production in in vitro models of lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in the BV-2 cell. In the present study, we explored the viability, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant potential of ferrocene-1H-1,2,3-triazole hybrids using biochemical assays in rat mesangial cells (RMCs). We found that, among all the ferrocene-1H-1,2,3-triazole hybrids, X2-X4 exhibited an antioxidant effect on mitochondrial free radicals. Among all the studied compounds, X4 demonstrated the best anti-inflammatory effect on RMCs. These results were supplemented by in silico studies including molecular docking with human cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) enzymes as well as absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) profiling. Besides, two new crystal structures of the compounds have also been reported. In addition, combining the results from the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cPLA2, COX-2, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) enzymatic activity analysis and NO production also confirmed this argument. Overall, the results of this study will be a valuable addition to the growing body of work on biological activities of triazole-based compounds.

Percutaneous absorption of resveratrol and its oligomers to relieve psoriasiform lesions: In silico, in vitro and in vivo evaluations.

Resveratrol was shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects in experimental models of psoriasis. Several natural oligomers of resveratrol have been extracted from plants. We investigated the antipsoriatic activity of topical administration of resveratrol oligomers and explored the effect of the number of resveratrol subunits on skin absorption to establish the structure-permeation relationship (SPR). Three oligomers, ε-viniferin (dimer), ampelopsin C (trimer) and vitisin A (tetramer), extracted from Vitis thunbergii root were compared to the resveratrol glycoside polydatin. Delivery to porcine skin was assessed in vitro using the Franz cell. Keratinocytes activated with imiquimod (IMQ) were utilized to evaluate cytokine/chemokine inhibition. Topical application of resveratrol and oligomers was characterized in vivo by assessing cutaneous absorption, skin physiology, proinflammatory mediator expression, and histopathology in IMQ-treated mice. Skin deposition decreased as the molecular size and lipophilicity of the permeants increased. Resveratrol exhibited highest absorption, followed by ε-viniferin. The monomers resveratrol and polydatin exhibited higher flux across skin than the larger oligomers. In silico modeling revealed the permeants that strongly interacted with stratum corneum (SC) lipids exhibited lower transport to viable skin and the receptor compartment. In vitro, resveratrol and its derivatives had comparable ability to inhibit IMQ-induced IL-1ß, IL-6, and CXCL8 secretion in activated keratinocytes. In vivo, topically applied ε-viniferin accumulated at higher levels than resveratrol (0.067 versus 0.029 nmol/mg) in psoriasis-like mouse skin with impaired barrier capacity. Topical ε-viniferin alleviated psoriasiform symptoms and reduced IL-23 secretion (by 58% vs. 37%) more effectively than resveratrol. ε-Viniferin has potential as an anti-inflammatory agent to prevent or treat psoriasis.

Fricative productions of Mandarin-speaking children with cerebral palsy: the case of five-year-olds.

This study aimed at improving the understanding of speech characteristics of fricatives produced by five-year-old Mandarin-acquiring children with cerebral palsy (CP). Productions from nine CP children and nine gender-and-age-matched typically developing (TD) children were collected and analyzed. Results from transcription indicated that the CP group had lower production accuracy rates for all the five fricatives in Mandarin Chinese. Additionally, when the CP children failed to articulate the target fricative segments, they tended to delete them or convert them into non-continuant segments. Results from acoustic analyses indicated that the M2 values of the labiodental [f] and the M1 and M2 values of the alveolar [s] were higher among the CP children. The experimental results revealed that: (1) Observable differences were available once the age of the groups was properly controlled and acoustical measurements were adopted; (2) the lack of finer-grained speech motor control abilities among CP children were reflected in the M1 and M2 values; (3) for segments at the anterior places, the clinical group failed to extend the articulatory gestures to the desirable positions. It is suggested that future studies focusing on different age groups and children with different native languages would help to approach the nature of articulatory barriers among individuals with CP.

Quercetin Inhibits the Production of IL-1ß-Induced Inflammatory Cytokines and Chemokines in ARPE-19 Cells via the MAPK and NF-κB Signaling Pathways.

Quercetin, a bioflavonoid derived from vegetables and fruits, exerts anti-inflammatory effects in various diseases. Our previous study revealed that quercetin could suppress the expression of matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) to achieve anti-inflammatory effects in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-stimulated human retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19) cells. The present study explored whether quercetin can inhibit the interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß)-induced production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in ARPE-19 cells. Prior to stimulation by IL-1ß, ARPE-19 cells were pretreated with quercetin at various concentrations (2.5-20 µM). The results showed that quercetin could dose-dependently decrease the mRNA and protein levels of ICAM-1, IL-6, IL-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). It also attenuated the adherence of the human monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1 to IL-1ß-stimulated ARPE-19 cells. We also demonstrated that quercetin inhibited signaling pathways related to the inflammatory process, including phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), inhibitor of nuclear factor κ-B kinase (IKK)α/ß, c-Jun, cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65, and blocked the translocation of NF-κB p65 into the nucleus. Furthermore, MAPK inhibitors including an extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 inhibitor (U0126), a p38 inhibitor (SB202190) and a c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor (SP600125) decreased the expression of soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1), but not ICAM-1. U0126 and SB202190 could inhibit the expression of IL-6, IL-8 and MCP-1, but SP600125 could not. An NF-κB inhibitor (Bay 11-7082) also reduced the expression of ICAM-1, sICAM-1, IL-6, IL-8 and MCP-1. Taken together, these results provide evidence that quercetin protects ARPE-19 cells from the IL-1ß-stimulated increase in ICAM-1, sICAM-1, IL-6, IL-8 and MCP-1 production by blocking the activation of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways to ameliorate the inflammatory response.

Anti-inflammatory property of quercetin through downregulation of ICAM-1 and MMP-9 in TNF-α-activated retinal pigment epithelial cells.

Quercetin is a flavonoid polyphenolic compound present in fruits and vegetables that has proven anti-inflammatory activity. The goal of the present investigation was to investigate the effects of quercetin on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced inflammatory responses via the expression of ICAM-1 and MMP-9 in human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19 cells). Real-time PCR, gelatin zymography, and Western blot analysis showed that TNF-α induced the expression of ICAM-1 and MMP-9 protein and mRNA in a time-dependent manner. These effects were attenuated by pretreatment of ARPE-19 cells with quercetin. Quercetin inhibited the TNF-α-induced phosphorylation of PKCδ, JNK1/2, ERK1/2. Quercetin, rottlerin, SP600125 and U0126 attenuated TNF-α-stimulated c-Jun phosphorylation and AP-1-Luc activity. Pretreatment with quercetin, rottlerin, SP600125, or Bay 11-7082 attenuated TNF-α-induced NF-κB (p65) phosphorylation, translocation and RelA/p65-Luc activity. TNF-α significantly increased MMP-9 promoter activity and THP-1 cell adherence, and these effects were attenuated by pretreatment with quercetin, rottlerin, SP600125, U0126, tanshinone IIA or Bay 11-7082. These results suggest that quercetin attenuates TNF-α-induced ICAM-1 and MMP-9 expression in ARPE-19 cells via the MEK1/2-ERK1/2 and PKCδ-JNK1/2-c-Jun or NF-κB pathways.

Protective mechanisms of resveratrol derivatives against TNF-α-induced inflammatory responses in rat mesangial cells.

INTRODUCTION: Resveratrol has been reported to alleviate inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in mesangial cells and in several types of renal injury in animal models. Previously, the active resveratrol derivatives from the roots of Vitis thunbergii Sieb. & Zucc. (Vitaceae) were shown to have significant anti-platelet and anti-oxidative activities. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of these resveratrol derivatives in rat mesangial cells (RMCs) have not been clarified fully. METHODS: The protective mechanisms of resveratrol derivatives involved in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced inflammatory responses were assessed by Western blot analysis, real-time PCR, and RT-PCR. The involvement of various signaling molecules in these responses was investigated using selective pharmacological inhibitors. RESULTS: Nontoxic concentrations of the resveratrol derivatives significantly attenuated cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) expression in RMCs challenged by TNF-α. These resveratrol derivatives inhibited TNF-α-activated ERK1/2 and JNK1/2 without affecting p38 phosphorylation. Next, we demonstrated that TNF-α induced NF-κB activation, translocation, and promoter activity, which was inhibited by pretreatment with resveratrol derivatives in RMCs. CONCLUSION: The protective mechanisms of resveratrol derivatives against TNF-α-stimulated inflammatory responses via cPLA2/COX-2/PGE2 inhibition was caused by the attenuation of the JNK1/2, ERK1/2, and NF-κB signaling pathways in RMCs.

Fisetin Protects Against Hepatic Steatosis Through Regulation of the Sirt1/AMPK and Fatty Acid ß-Oxidation Signaling Pathway in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Fisetin is a naturally abundant flavonoid isolated from various fruits and vegetables that was recently identified to have potential biological functions in improving allergic airway inflammation, as well as anti-oxidative and anti-tumor properties. Fisetin has also been demonstrated to have anti-obesity properties in mice. However, the effect of fisetin on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is still elusive. Thus, the present study evaluated whether fisetin improves hepatic steatosis in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice and regulates lipid metabolism of FL83B hepatocytes in vitro. METHODS: NAFLD was induced by HFD in male C57BL/6 mice. The mice were then injected intraperitoneally with fisetin for 10 weeks. In another experiment, FL83B cells were challenged with oleic acid to induce lipid accumulation and treated with various concentrations of fisetin. RESULTS: NAFLD mice treated with fisetin had decreased body weight and epididymal adipose tissue weight compared to NAFLD mice. Fisetin treatment also reduced liver lipid droplet and hepatocyte steatosis, alleviated serum free fatty acid, and leptin concentrations, significantly decreased fatty acid synthase, and significantly increased phosphorylation of AMPKα and the production of sirt-1 and carnitine palmitoyltransferase I in the liver tissue. In vitro, fisetin decreased lipid accumulation and increased lipolysis and ß-oxidation in hepatocytes. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that fisetin is a potential novel treatment for alleviating hepatic lipid metabolism and improving NAFLD in mice via activation of the sirt1/AMPK and ß-oxidation pathway.

Infection with Staphylococcus aureus elicits COX-2/PGE2/IL-6/MMP-9-dependent aorta inflammation via the inhibition of intracellular ROS production.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) can lead to many life-threatening diseases. It has the ability to invade normal endovascular tissue. The molecular mechanisms and pathological changes of endothelial cells after S. aureus infection are of interest, but the basic understanding of how S. aureus destroys this barrier is not clear. Here, we showed that S. aureus enhanced COX-2 expression and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) secretion in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). In addition, S. aureus induced PGE2/interleukin-6 (IL-6)/matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9)-dependent cell migration. S. aureus-induced COX-2, IL-6, and MMP-9 levels were inhibited by transfection with siRNA of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), p38, p42, p44, p50, or p65. S. aureus also induced p38 MAPK, ATF2, ERK1/2, and NF-κB p65 activation. Interestingly, we proved that S. aureus decreased intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which suggests that the inhibition of ROS production promoted inflammatory responses. Finally, we showed that S. aureus enhanced a variety of biomarkers of inflammation in cardiovascular diseases. However, the free radical scavenger (MCI-186) or antioxidant (N-acetyl-L-cysteine, NAC) markedly enhanced S. aureus-induced COX-2 mRNA levels in the aorta tissues. Taken together, these findings established that S. aureus promoted aorta inflammation via activation of p38 MAPK, ERK1/2, and NF-κB and inhibition of ROS generation.

Protective Effects of Casticin From Vitex trifolia Alleviate Eosinophilic Airway Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in a Murine Asthma Model.

Casticin has been isolated from Vitex trifolia and found to have anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. We also previously discovered that casticin can reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and ICAM-1 expression in inflammatory pulmonary epithelial cells. In the present study, we evaluated whether casticin reduced airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR), airway inflammation, and oxidative stress in the lungs of a murine asthma model and alleviated inflammatory and oxidative responses in tracheal epithelial cells. Female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups: normal controls, ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma, and OVA-induced asthma treated with intraperitoneal injection of casticin (5 or 10 mg/kg) or prednisolone (5 mg/kg). Casticin reduced AHR, goblet cell hyperplasia, and oxidative responses in the lungs of mice with asthma. Mechanistic studies revealed that casticin attenuated the levels of Th2 cytokine in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids and regulated the expression of Th2 cytokine and chemokine genes in the lung. Casticin also significantly regulated oxidative stress and reduced inflammation in the lungs of mice with asthma. Consequently, inflammatory tracheal epithelial BEAS-2B cells treated with casticin had significantly suppressed levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and eotaxin, and reduced THP-1 monocyte cell adherence to BEAS-2B cells via suppressed ICAM-1 expression. Thus, casticin is a powerful immunomodulator, ameliorating pathological changes by suppressing Th2 cytokine expression in mice with asthma.

Bactericidal Effect of Lauric Acid-Loaded PCL-PEG-PCL Nano-Sized Micelles on Skin Commensal Propionibacterium acnes.

Acne is the over growth of the commensal bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) on human skin. Lauric acid (LA) has been investigated as an effective candidate to suppress the activity of P. acnes. Although LA is nearly insoluble in water, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) has been reported to effectively solubilize LA. However, the toxicity of DMSO can limit the use of LA on the skin. In this study, LA-loaded poly(ɛ-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ɛ-caprolactone) micelles (PCL-PEG-PCL) were developed to improve the bactericidal effect of free LA on P. acnes. The block copolymers mPEG-PCL and PCL-PEG-PCL with different molecular weights were synthesized and characterized using ¹H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (¹H NMR), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). In the presence of LA, mPEG-PCL diblock copolymers did not self-assemble into nano-sized micelles. On the contrary, the average particle sizes of the PCL-PEG-PCL micelles ranged from 50⁻198 nm for blank micelles and 27⁻89 nm for LA-loaded micelles. The drug loading content increased as the molecular weight of PCL-PEG-PCL polymer increased. Additionally, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of free LA were 20 and 80 µg/mL, respectively. The MICs and MBCs of the micelles decreased to 10 and 40 µg/mL, respectively. This study demonstrated that the LA-loaded micelles are a potential treatment for acne.

Expression of retinoic acid-binding proteins and retinoic acid receptors in sebaceous cell carcinoma of the eyelids.

BACKGROUND: Sebaceous cell carcinoma of the eyelid is a malignant tumor. However, the pathoetiology of sebaceous cell carcinoma is not clear. Retinoic acid (RA) signaling is essential for skin epidermal differentiation including the eyelids. In this study, we investigate the expression of ß-catenin, RA-binding proteins and RA receptors in sebaceous cell carcinoma of the eyelid and try to estimate their influence on its pathoetiology. METHODS: Retrospective, noncomparative, consecutive interventional case series. Sixteen cases of eyelid sebaceous gland carcinoma who received tumor excision at our hospital between 2001 and 2011 were included. Immunohistochemical staining for ß-catenin, cellular retinoic acid binding protein 1 (CRABP1), cellular retinoic acid binding protein 2 (CRABP2), fatty acid-binding protein 5 (FABP5), retinoic acid receptors (RAR-α, -ß, -γ), and retinoid X receptors (RXR-α, -ß, -γ) was performed on tissue samples obtained from tumor excision. RESULTS: Of the 16 sebaceous cell carcinoma cases reviewed, six were male and 10 female. The mean follow-up period was 6.7 ± 3.66 years (range, 0.3-13 years). Of these 16 cases, the expression of ß-catenin was significantly increased in sebaceous cell carcinoma cases. CRABP1 was similarly expressed in the sebaceous cell carcinoma and control groups. CRABP2 and FABP5 were expressed in hair follicles of lid skin in both groups, whereas the CRABP2 and FABP5 were aberrantly expressed in the tumor cells of the sebaceous glands. Notably, the expression of retinoic acid receptor (RAR-ß) and retinoid X receptors (RXR-ß, -γ) was significantly upregulated in sebaceous cell carcinoma of the eyelids. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that retinoic acid signaling is related to the pathogenesis of sebaceous cell carcinoma of the eyelids.

Characterization of the modified chitosan membrane cross-linked with genipin for the cultured corneal epithelial cells.

OBJECTIVES: To modify a chitosan membrane (CM) by cross-linking the chitosan with genipin, a naturally occurring cross-linker extracted from Gardenia jasminoides fructus, with the aim of developing a new cell culture support and to observe the phenotypes of cultured human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) on genipin-cross-linked chitosan membrane (GCM). METHODS: We tested the cross-linking characteristics and mechanical strength of the GCM. CMs modified by cross-linking with different concentrations of genipin were prepared to investigate the rate of membrane degradation. The biocompatibility of the GCMs was investigated by determining the viability of HCECs cultured on them in vitro. The morphology of the HCECs cultured on CM or GCM was analyzed by confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Immunocytochemical staining was conducted to determine the phenotypes of the cultured cells. RESULTS: The fixation index of the GCM was 31 ± 3% after treatment of CM with 0.5mM genipin. A stress-strain test showed that the GCM could tolerate three times the mechanical force of noncross-linked CM. The biodegradation rate of GCM was much slower than for CM. A 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed that cell viability was not affected by cross-linking with 5.0mM genipin. SEM showed that the cultured HCECs adhered to and grew well on the surface of the GCM. Immunocytochemical staining showed keratin 3 (K3) and connexin 43 (Cx-43) immunoreactive HCECs on the GCM and their proliferative ability was not significantly affected by strong immunoreactivity of Ki-67 and p63 markers. CONCLUSIONS: GCM has potential as a scaffold for corneal epithelium in ocular surface surgery and greater mechanical strength and slower degradation than unmodified CM.

Wnt5A regulates ABCB1 expression in multidrug-resistant cancer cells through activation of the non-canonical PKA/ß-catenin pathway.

Multidrug resistance in cancer cells arises from altered drug permeability of the cell. We previously reported activation of the Wnt pathway in ABCB1-overexpressed human uterus sarcoma drug-resistant MES-SA/Dx5 cells through active ß-catenin and associated transactivation activities, and upregulation of Wnt-targeting genes. In this study, Wnt5A was found to be significantly upregulated in MES-SA/Dx5 and MCF7/ADR2 cells, suggesting an important role for the Wnt5A signaling pathway in cancer drug resistance. Higher cAMP response elements and Tcf/Lef transcription activities were shown in the drug-resistant cancer cells. However, expression of Wnt target genes and CRE activities was downregulated in Wnt5A shRNA stably-transfected MES-SA/Dx5 cells. Cell viability of the drug-resistant cancer cells was also reduced by doxorubicin treatment and Wnt5A shRNA transfection, or by Wnt5A depletion. The in vitro data were supported by immunohistochemical analysis of 24 paired breast cancer biopsies obtained pre- and post-chemotherapeutic treatment. Wnt5A, VEGF and/or ABCB1 were significantly overexpressed after treatment, consistent with clinical chemoresistance. Taken together, the Wnt5A signaling pathway was shown to contribute to regulating the drug-resistance protein ABCB1 and ß-catenin-related genes in antagonizing the toxic effects of doxorubicin in the MDR cell lines and in clinical breast cancer samples.