A general one-pot, solvent-free solid-state synthesis of biocompatible metal nanoparticles using dextran as a tool: Evaluation of their catalytic and anti-cancer activities.

We propose a general green method coupled with a solid-state vibration ball milling strategy for the synthesis of various metal nanoparticles (MNPs), employing a polymeric carbohydrate dextran (Dx) as a reducing and stabilizing molecule. The synthesis of size-controlled Dx-based MNPs (Dx@MNPs), featuring comparatively narrow size distributions, was achieved by controlling the mass ratio of the reactants, reaction time, frequency of the vibration ball mill, and molecular weight of Dx. Notably, this process was conducted at ambient temperatures, without the aid of solvents and accelerating agents, such as NaOH, and conventional reductants as well as stabilizers. Thermal properties of the resulting Dx@MNPs nanocomposites were extensively investigated, highlighting the influence of metal precursors and reaction conditions. Furthermore, the catalytic activity of synthesized nanocomposites was evaluated through the reduction reaction of 4-nitrophenol, exhibiting great catalytic performance. In addition, we demonstrated the excellent biocompatibility of the as-prepared Dx@MNPs toward human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cells, revealing their potential for anticancer activities. This novel green method for synthesizing biocompatible MNPs with Dx expands the horizons of carbohydrate-based materials as well as MNP nanocomposites for large-scale synthesis and controlled size distribution for various industrial and biomedical applications.

Tabetri™ (Tabebuia avellanedae Ethanol Extract) Ameliorates Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms in Mice.

Tabebuia avellanedae has been traditionally used as an herbal remedy to alleviate various diseases. However, the plant's pharmacological activity in allergic and inflammatory diseases and its underlying mechanism are not fully understood. Therefore, we investigated the pharmacological activity of Tabetri (T. avellanedae ethanol extract (Ta-EE)) in the pathogenesis of AD. Its underlying mechanism was explored using an AD mouse model and splenocytes isolated from this model. Ta-EE ameliorated the AD symptoms without any toxicity and protected the skin of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene- (DNCB-) induced AD mice from damage and epidermal thickness. Ta-EE reduced the secreted levels of allergic and proinflammatory cytokines, including histamine, immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin- (IL-) 4, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in the DNCB-induced AD mice. Ta-EE suppressed the mRNA expression of T helper 2-specific cytokines, IL-4 and IL-5, and the proinflammatory cytokine IFN-γ in the atopic dermatitis skin lesions of AD mice. Moreover, Ta-EE suppressed the mRNA expression of IL-4, IL-5, IFN-γ, and another proinflammatory cytokine, IL-12, in the Con A-stimulated splenocytes. It also suppressed IL-12 and IFN-γ in the LPS-stimulated splenocytes. Taken together, these results suggest that Ta-EE protects against the development of AD through the inhibition of mRNA expression of T helper 2-specific cytokines and other proinflammatory cytokines.

The skin protective effects of compound K, a metabolite of ginsenoside Rb1 from Panax ginseng.

BACKGROUND: Compound K (CK) is a ginsenoside, a metabolite of Panax ginseng. There is interest both in increasing skin health and antiaging using natural skin care products. In this study, we explored the possibility of using CK as a cosmetic ingredient. METHODS: To assess the antiaging effect of CK, RT-PCR was performed, and expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase-1, cyclooxygenase-2, and type I collagen were measured under UVB irradiation conditions. The skin hydrating effect of CK was tested by RT-PCR, and its regulation was explored through immunoblotting. Melanin content, melanin secretion, and tyrosinase activity assays were performed. RESULTS: CK treatment reduced the production of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 in UVB irradiated NIH3T3 cells and recovered type I collagen expression level. Expression of skin hydrating factors-filaggrin, transglutaminase, and hyaluronic acid synthases-1 and -2-were augmented by CK and were modulated through the inhibitor of κBα, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, or extracellular signal-regulated kinases pathway. In the melanogenic response, CK did not regulate tyrosinase activity and melanin secretion, but increased melanin content in B16F10 cells was observed. CONCLUSION: Our data showed that CK has antiaging and hydrating effects. We suggest that CK could be used in cosmetic products to protect the skin from UVB rays and increase skin moisture level.

Artemisia asiatica ethanol extract exhibits anti-photoaging activity.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Artemisia asiatica Nakai is a traditional herbal plant that has long been used in anti-inflammatory, anti-infective and skin protective remedies. AIM OF THE STUDY: In this study, traditionally known skin-protective activity of Artemisia asiatica Nakai was examined with its ethanol extract (Aa-EE) under various photoaging conditions using skin-originated cells, and the underlying mechanism was also examined using various types of cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Effects of Aa-EE on cell viability, photocytotoxicity, and expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and moisturizing factors were measured in B16F10, HEK293, NIH3T3, and HaCaT cells under untreated and ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiation conditions. Anti-melanogenic effect of Aa-EE was also examined by measuring both melanin content in B16F10 cells and tyrosinase activity. Anti-photoaging mechanism of Aa-EE was explored by determining the activation levels of signaling molecules by immunoblotting analysis. RESULTS: Aa-EE protected HaCaT cells from UVB irradiation-induced death. Aa-EE increased the expression of a type 1 pro-collagen gene and decreased the expression of matrix metalloproteinases, and COX-2 in NIH3T3 cells induced by UVB. Aa-EE increased the expression of transglutamase-1, hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS)-2, and HAS-3 in HaCaT cells and decreased the production of melanin in α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone-stimulated B16F10 cells by suppressing tyrosinase activity and the expression of tyrosinase, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)-1 and TRP-2. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that Aa-EE could be skin-protective remedy with anti-photoaging, anti-apoptotic, skin remodeling, moisturizing, and anti-melanogenesis properties.

Photoaging protective effects of BIOGF1K, a compound-K-rich fraction prepared from Panax ginseng.

BACKGROUND: BIOGF1K, a compound-K-rich fraction, has been shown to display anti-inflammatory activity. Although Panax ginseng is widely used for the prevention of photoaging events induced by UVB irradiation, the effect of BIOGF1K on photoaging has not yet been examined. In this study, we investigated the effects of BIOGF1K on UVB-induced photoaging events. METHODS: We analyzed the ability of BIOGF1K to prevent UVB-induced apoptosis, enhance matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression, upregulate anti-inflammatory activity, reduce sirtuin 1 expression, and melanin production using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, melanin content assay, tyrosinase assay, and flow cytometry. We also evaluated the effects of BIOGF1K on the activator protein-1 signaling pathway, which plays an important role in photoaging, by immunoblot analysis and luciferase reporter gene assays. RESULTS: Treatment of UVB-irradiated NIH3T3 fibroblasts with BIOGF1K prevented UVB-induced cell death, inhibited apoptosis, suppressed morphological changes, reduced melanin secretion, restored the levels of type I procollagen and sirtuin 1, and prevented mRNA upregulation of MMP-1, MMP-2, and cyclo-oxygenase-2; these effects all occurred in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, BIOGF1K markedly reduced activator-protein-1-mediated luciferase activity and decreased the activity of mitogen-activated protein kinases (extracellular response kinase, p38, and C-Jun N-terminal kinase). CONCLUSION: Our results strongly suggest that BIOGF1K has anti-photoaging activity and that BIOGF1K could be used in anti-aging cosmeceutical preparations.

Syk and Src-targeted anti-inflammatory activity of aripiprazole, an atypical antipsychotic.

Aripiprazole (ARP) is a partial agonist of dopamine D2 receptors that is commonly prescribed to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The anti-inflammatory effect of ARP was recently documented in a few studies, but its molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. In this study, peptidoglycan (PGN)-treated macrophages (RAW264.7 cells), reporter gene assay, an overexpression strategy, immunoprecipitation, and immunoblotting analysis were employed to clarify the anti-inflammatory mechanism of ARP. ARP was found to dose-dependently inhibit production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) without exhibiting cytotoxicity. In agreement with this result, ARP was found to suppress the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory genes such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible NO synthase (iNOS), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Luciferase assay and immunoblotting analysis with nuclear fractions showed that activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB are targeted by ARP. Similar to these data, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4 (MKK4), MKK7, and transforming growth factor beta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) for AP-1 activation, and inhibitor of κBα (IκBα), IκBαkinase α/ß (IKKα/ß), AKT, phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases (PI3K), spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), and Src for NF-κB activation were revealed to be inhibited by ARP treatment. These results suggest that ARP can suppress inflammatory responses triggered by Gram positive bacteria through suppression of both AP-1 and NF-κB pathways.

Beauvericin, a cyclic peptide, inhibits inflammatory responses in macrophages by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway.

Beauvericin (BEA), a cyclic hexadepsipeptide produced by the fungus Beauveria bassiana, is known to have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial actions. However, how BEA suppresses macrophage-induced inflammatory responses has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we explored the anti-inflammatory properties of BEA and the underlying molecular mechanisms using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells. Levels of nitric oxide (NO), mRNA levels of transcription factors and the inflammatory genes inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and interleukin (IL)-1, and protein levels of activated intracellular signaling molecules were determined by Griess assay, semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), luciferase reporter gene assay, and immunoblotting analysis. BEA dose-dependently blocked the production of NO in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells without inducing cell cytotoxicity. BEA also prevented LPS-triggered morphological changes. This compound significantly inhibited nuclear translocation of the NF-κB subunits p65 and p50. Luciferase reporter gene assays demonstrated that BEA suppresses MyD88-dependent NF-κB activation. By analyzing upstream signaling events for NF-κB activation and overexpressing Src and Syk, these two enzymes were revealed to be targets of BEA. Together, these results suggest that BEA suppresses NF-κB-dependent inflammatory responses by suppressing both Src and Syk.

In vitro antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of the compound K-rich fraction BIOGF1K, prepared from Panax ginseng.

BACKGROUND: BIOGF1K, a compound K-rich fraction prepared from the root of Panax ginseng, is widely used for cosmetic purposes in Korea. We investigated the functional mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities of BIOGF1K by discovering target enzymes through various molecular studies. METHODS: We explored the inhibitory mechanisms of BIOGF1K using lipopolysaccharide-mediated inflammatory responses, reporter gene assays involving overexpression of toll-like receptor adaptor molecules, and immunoblotting analysis. We used the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay to measure the antioxidative activity. We cotransfected adaptor molecules, including the myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) and Toll/interleukin-receptor domain containing adaptor molecule-inducing interferon-ß (TRIF), to measure the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3). RESULTS: BIOGF1K suppressed lipopolysaccharide-triggered NO release in macrophages as well as DPPH-induced electron-donating activity. It also blocked lipopolysaccharide-induced mRNA levels of interferon-ß and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Moreover, BIOGF1K diminished the translocation and activation of IRF3 and NF-κB (p50 and p65). This extract inhibited the upregulation of NF-κB-linked luciferase activity provoked by phorbal-12-myristate-13 acetate as well as MyD88, TRIF, and inhibitor of κB (IκBα) kinase (IKKß), and IRF3-mediated luciferase activity induced by TRIF and TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1). Finally, BIOGF1K downregulated the NF-κB pathway by blocking IKKß and the IRF3 pathway by inhibiting TBK1, according to reporter gene assays, immunoblotting analysis, and an AKT/IKKß/TBK1 overexpression strategy. CONCLUSION: Overall, our data suggest that the suppression of IKKß and TBK1, which mediate transcriptional regulation of NF-κB and IRF3, respectively, may contribute to the broad-spectrum inhibitory activity of BIOGF1K.

Tabetri™ (Tabebuia avellanedae Ethanol Extract) Ameliorates Osteoarthritis Symptoms Induced by Monoiodoacetate through Its Anti-Inflammatory and Chondroprotective Activities.

Although osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative joint disease characterized by the degradation of joint articular cartilage and subchondral bones, is generally regarded as a degenerative rather than inflammatory disease, recent studies have indicated the involvement of inflammation in OA pathogenesis. Tabebuia avellanedae has long been used to treat various diseases; however, its role in inflammatory response and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, the pharmacological effects of Tabetri (Tabebuia avellanedae ethanol extract (Ta-EE)) on OA pathogenesis induced by monoiodoacetate (MIA) and the underlying mechanisms were investigated using experiments with a rat model and in vitro cellular models. In the animal model, Ta-EE significantly ameliorated OA symptoms and reduced the serum levels of inflammatory mediators and proinflammatory cytokines without any toxicity. The anti-inflammatory activity of Ta-EE was further confirmed in a macrophage-like cell line (RAW264.7). Ta-EE dramatically suppressed the production and mRNA expressions of inflammatory mediators and proinflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells without any cytotoxicity. Finally, the chondroprotective effect of Ta-EE was examined in a chondrosarcoma cell line (SW1353). Ta-EE markedly suppressed the mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase genes. The anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective activities of Ta-EE were attributed to the targeting of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) signaling pathways in macrophages and chondrocytes.

In vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities of Korean Red Ginseng-derived components.

BACKGROUND: Although Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) has been traditionally used for a long time, its anti-inflammatory role and underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms have been poorly understood. In this study, the anti-inflammatory roles of KRG-derived components, namely, water extract (KRG-WE), saponin fraction (KRG-SF), and nonsaponin fraction (KRG-NSF), were investigated. METHODS: To check saponin levels in the test fractions, KRG-WE, KRG-NSF, and KRG-SF were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The anti-inflammatory roles and underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of these components were investigated using a macrophage-like cell line (RAW264.7 cells) and an acute gastritis model in mice. RESULTS: Of the tested fractions, KGR-SF (but not KRG-NSF and KRG-WE) markedly inhibited the viability of RAW264.7 cells, and splenocytes at more than 500 µg/mL significantly suppressed NO production at 100 µg/mL, diminished mRNA expression of inflammatory genes such as inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interferon-ß at 200 µg/mL, and completely blocked phagocytic uptake by RAW264.7 cells. All three fractions suppressed luciferase activity triggered by interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), but not that triggered by activator protein-1 and nuclear factor-kappa B. Phospho-IRF3 and phospho-TBK1 were simultaneously decreased in KRG-SF. Interestingly, all these fractions, when orally administered, clearly ameliorated the symptoms of gastric ulcer in HCl/ethanol-induced gastritis mice. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that KRG-WE, KRG-NSF, and KRG-SF might have anti-inflammatory properties, mostly because of the suppression of the IRF3 pathway.