Lumbricus Extract Prevents LPS-Induced Inflammatory Activation of BV2 Microglia and Glutamate-Induced Hippocampal HT22 Cell Death by Suppressing MAPK/NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling and Oxidative Stress.

Microglia-induced inflammatory signaling and neuronal oxidative stress are mutually reinforcing processes central to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies have shown that extracts of dried Pheretima aspergillum (Lumbricus) can inhibit tissue fibrosis, mitochondrial damage, and asthma. However, the effects of Lumbricus extracts on neuroinflammation and neuronal damage have not been previously studied. Therefore, to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Lumbricus extract for neurodegenerative diseases, the current study assessed the extract's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in BV2 microglial cultures stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) along with its neuroprotective efficacy in mouse hippocampal HT22 cell cultures treated with excess glutamate. Lumbricus extract dose-dependently inhibited the LPS-induced production of multiple proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1ß) and reversed the upregulation of proinflammatory enzymes (inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2). Lumbricus also activated the antioxidative nuclear factor erythroid 2-relayed factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 pathway and inhibited LPS-induced activation of the nuclear factor-κB/mitogen-activated protein kinases/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammatory pathway. In addition, Lumbricus extract suppressed the glutamate-induced necrotic and apoptotic death of HT22 cells, effects associated with upregulated expression of antiapoptotic proteins, downregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins, and reduced accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Chromatography revealed that the Lumbricus extract contained uracil, hypoxanthine, uridine, xanthine, adenosine, inosine, and guanosine. Its effects against microglial activation and excitotoxic neuronal death reported herein support the therapeutic potential of Lumbricus for neurodegenerative diseases.

The Neuroprotective Effects of Arecae Pericarpium against Glutamate-Induced HT22 Cell Cytotoxicity.

Arecae Pericarpium has been found to exert anti-migraine, antidepressant, and antioxidative effects. However, the mechanisms involved are unclear. This study explored the possibility that Arecae Pericarpium ethanol extract (APE) exerts neuroprotective effects against oxidative stress-induced neuronal cell death. Since glutamate excitotoxicity has been implicated in the pathogenesis and development of several neurodegenerative disorders, we explored the mechanisms of action of APE on oxidative stress-induced by glutamate. Our results revealed that pretreatment with APE prevents glutamate-induced HT22 cell death. APE also reduced both the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species and the apoptosis of cells, while maintaining glutamate-induced mitochondrial membrane potentials. Western blotting showed that pretreatment with APE facilitates the upregulation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation; the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2); and the production of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase, glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunits, NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1, and heme oxygenase (HO)-1. The administration of LY294002, a PI3K/Akt inhibitor, attenuated the neuroprotective effects of APE on oxidative stress-induced neuronal cell damage. This allowed us to infer that the protective effects of APE on oxidative damage to cells can be attributed to the PI3K/Akt-mediated Nrf-2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Selaginella tamariscina Inhibits Glutamate-Induced Autophagic Cell Death by Activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathways.

Glutamate-induced neural toxicity in autophagic neuron death is partially mediated by increased oxidative stress. Therefore, reducing oxidative stress in the brain is critical for treating or preventing neurodegenerative diseases. Selaginella tamariscina is a traditional medicinal plant for treating gastrointestinal bleeding, hematuria, leucorrhea, inflammation, chronic hepatitis, gout, and hyperuricemia. We investigate the inhibitory effects of Selaginella tamariscina ethanol extract (STE) on neurotoxicity and autophagic cell death in glutamate-exposed HT22 mouse hippocampal cells. STE significantly increased cell viability and mitochondrial membrane potential and decreased the expression of reactive oxygen species, lactate dehydrogenase release, and cell apoptosis in glutamate-exposed HT22 cells. In addition, while glutamate induced the excessive activation of mitophagy, STE attenuated glutamate-induced light chain (LC) 3 II and Beclin-1 expression and increased p62 expression. Furthermore, STE strongly enhanced the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) phosphorylation activation. STE strongly inhibited glutamate-induced autophagy by activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. In contrast, the addition of LY294002, a PI3K/Akt inhibitor, remarkably suppressed cell viability and p-Akt and p62 expression, while markedly increasing the expression of LC3 II and Beclin-1. Our findings indicate that autophagy inhibition by activating PI3K/Akt/mTOR phosphorylation levels could be responsible for the neuroprotective effects of STE on glutamate neuronal damage.

Saussureae Radix Attenuates Neuroinflammation in LPS-Stimulated Mouse BV2 Microglia via HO-1/Nrf-2 Induction and Inflammatory Pathway Inhibition.

The activation of microglial cells and their subsequent neuroinflammatory reactions are related to various degenerative brain diseases. Therefore, the regulation of microglial cell activation is an important point for the research of therapeutic agents for treating or preventing neurodegenerative disorders. Saussureae Radix (SR) is the root of Saussurea lappa Clarke, and it has been used for a long time as an herbal medicine in East Asia to treat indigestion and inflammation of the digestive system. In previous studies, however, the effect of SR ethanolic extract on microglial cell-mediated neuroinflammation was not fully explained. In this study, we explored the antineuroinflammatory activities and molecular mechanisms of SR in microglial cells stimulated with LPS (lipopolysaccharide). Our results illustrated that SR does not cause cytotoxicity and significantly weakens the production of nitric oxide (NO) and inflammatory cytokines. SR treatment also inhibited the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase- (COX-) 2, induced heme oxygenase- (HO-) 1, and activated the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) pathway. In addition, SR significantly repressed the transcriptional activities of the nuclear factor- (NF-) κB and activator protein- (AP-) 1. Furthermore, SR effectively inhibited the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT). Isolation and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis indicated two major sesquiterpenoids (costunolide and dehydrocostuslactone). These compounds significantly inhibited the production of neuroinflammatory mediators and induced HO-1 expression. These findings show that SR could be a potential candidate for the treatment of inflammation-related degenerative brain diseases.

Hoveniae Semen Seu Fructus Ethanol Extract Exhibits Anti-Inflammatory Activity via MAPK, AP-1, and STAT Signaling Pathways in LPS-Stimulated RAW 264.7 and Mouse Peritoneal Macrophages.

Hoveniae semen seu fructus (HSF, fruit and seed of Hovenia dulcis Thunb) is an important traditional herbal medicine and food supplement in East Asia for the treatment of liver diseases, alcohol poisoning, obesity, allergy, and cancer. HSF has also been reported to have anti-inflammatory activity, but the cellular mechanism of action is not fully understood. We assessed the anti-inflammatory properties of an HSF ethanol (HSFE) extract and explored its precise mechanism. The ability of HSFE to suppress inflammatory responses was investigated in a murine macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7, and mouse primary macrophages. Secretions of NO, proinflammatory cytokines, inflammatory factors, and related proteins were measured using the Griess assay, ELISA, Western blot analysis, and real-time PCR, respectively. In addition, the main components of HSFE were analyzed by HPLC, and their anti-inflammatory activity was confirmed. Our results showed that pretreatment of HSFE markedly reduced the expression of NO and iNOS without causing cytotoxicity and significantly attenuated secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß. In addition, HSFE strongly suppressed phosphorylation of MAPK and decreased the activation of AP-1, JAK2/STAT, and NF-κB in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, HSFE strongly suppressed the inflammatory cytokine levels in mouse peritoneal macrophages. Also, as a result of HPLC analysis, three main components, ampelopsin, taxifolin, and myricetin, were identified in the HSFE extract, and each compound effectively inhibited the secretion of inflammatory mediators induced by LPS. These findings show that HSFE exerts anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing the activation of MAPK, AP-1, JAK2/STAT, and NF-κB signaling pathways in LPS-stimulated macrophages. In addition, the anti-inflammatory efficacy of HSFE appears to be closely related to the action of the three main components. Therefore, HSFE appears to be a promising candidate for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba Attenuates Neuroinflammation in BV2 Microglia upon LPS Stimulation by Inducing HO-1 Activity and Inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK.

Microglial activation and the resulting neuroinflammation are associated with a variety of brain diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Thus, the control of microglial activation is an important factor in the development of drugs that can treat or prevent inflammation-related neurodegenerative disorders. Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba (ARA) has been reported to exhibit antioxidant, gastroprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effects of ARA ethanolic extract (ARAE) on microglia-mediated neuroinflammation have not been fully elucidated. In this work, we explored the anti-neuroinflammatory properties and underlying molecular mechanisms of ARAE in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated microglial BV2 cells. Our results showed that ARAE significantly attenuates the production of nitric oxide (NO) and inflammatory cytokines induced by LPS. ARAE treatment also inhibited the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 without causing cytotoxicity. ARAE markedly attenuated the transcriptional activities of nuclear factor (NF)-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) phosphorylation, and induced heme oxygenase (HO)-1 expression. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed that ARAE contains three main components-atractylenolide I, atractylenolide III, and atractylodin-all compounds that significantly inhibit the production of inflammatory factors. These findings indicate that ARAE may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammation-related neurodegenerative diseases.

Angelicae Gigantis Radix Regulates LPS-Induced Neuroinflammation in BV2 Microglia by Inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK Activity and Inducing Nrf-2 Activity.

Angelicae Gigantis Radix (AGR) has been widely used as a traditional medicine in East Asia. The effects of AGR on neuroinflammation have not previously been studied in detail. In the study presented here, we investigated the antineuroinflammatory properties of this herb and its mechanism of operation. The effects of AGR on neuroinflammation were studied by measuring the production of inflammatory factors and related enzymes, and analyzing the expression levels of proteins and genes involved its activity, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglia. We found that AGR pretreatment strongly inhibits the production of nitric oxide (NO), cytokines, and the enzymes inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and effectively induces the activation of heme oxygenase (HO)-1 and its regulator, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2). We also found that AGR effectively regulates the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). We confirmed the antineuroinflammatory effects of the main constituents of the plant as identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Our results indicate that the neuroinflammation inhibitory activity of AGR occurs through inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK and activation of Nrf-2.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Rhapontici Radix Ethanol Extract via Inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK and Induction of HO-1 in Macrophages.

Rhapontici Radix (RR) has been used in traditional medicine in East Asia and has been shown to have various beneficial effects. However, its biological properties or mechanism on inflammation-related diseases is unknown. The goal of this study was to determine the anti-inflammatory activity and underlying molecular mechanisms of Rhapontici Radix ethanol extract (RRE). The inhibitory effect of RRE on the production of NO, cytokines, inflammatory-related proteins, and mRNAs in LPS-stimulated macrophages was determined by the Griess assay, ELISA, Western blot analysis, and real-time RT-PCR, respectively. Our results indicate that treatment with RRE significantly inhibited the secretion of NO and inflammatory cytokines in RAW 264.7 cells and mouse peritoneal macrophages without cytotoxicity. We also found that RRE strongly suppressed the expression of iNOS and COX-2 and induced HO-1 expression. It also prevented nuclear translocation of NF-κB by inhibiting the phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of MAPKs in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells was significantly inhibited by RRE. These findings suggest that RRE may operate as an effective anti-inflammatory agent by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways and inducing HO-1 expression in macrophages. Our results suggest that RRE has potential value as candidate to inflammatory therapeutic phytomedicine.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Viola yedoensis and the application of cell extraction methods for investigating bioactive constituents in macrophages.

BACKGROUND: Viola yedoensis (VY, Violaceae) is a popular medicinal herb used in traditional eastern medicine for treating lots of diseases, including inflammation and its related symptoms. However, the anti-inflammatory properties of VY have not been demonstrated. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of VY ethanol extract (VYE) on macrophages and attempted to identify the bioactive components of VYE. METHODS: We assessed the effects of VYE on secretion of nitric oxide (NO) and inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1ß. In addition, we explored the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and changes in heme oxygenase (HO)-1, nuclear factor (NF)-kB, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways in RAW 264.7 macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In addition, a rapid and useful approach to identify potential bioactive components in VYE with anti-inflammatory effects was developed using murine macrophage cell extraction coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS). RESULTS: We found that VYE exerted anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the production of key inflammation mediators and related products, as well as suppression of HO-1, NF-kB, and MAPK signaling pathway activation in RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, we identified two compounds in VYE via the cell extraction method. CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed that VYE exerts anti-inflammatory activities and its detailed inhibitory mechanism in macrophages. Furthermore, we identified bioactive components of VYE.

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

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

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of pyeongwisan on LPS-stimulated murine macrophages and mouse models of acetic acid-induced writhing response and xylene-induced ear edema.

Pyeongwisan (PW) is an herbal medication used in traditional East Asian medicine to treat anorexia, abdominal distension, borborygmus and diarrhea caused by gastric catarrh, atony and dilatation. However, its effects on inflammation-related diseases are unknown. In this study, we investigated the biological effects of PW on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated inflammation in macrophages and on local inflammation in vivo. We investigated the biological effects of PW on the production of inflammatory mediators, pro-inflammatory cytokines and related products as well as the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Additionally, we evaluated the analgesic effect on the acetic acid-induced writhing response and the inhibitory activity on xylene-induced ear edema in mice. PW showed anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the production of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß). In addition, PW strongly suppressed inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), a NO synthesis enzyme, induced heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression and inhibited NF-κB activation and MAPK phosphorylation. Also, PW suppressed TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß cytokine production in LPS-stimulated peritoneal macrophage cells. Furthermore, PW showed an analgesic effect on the writhing response and an inhibitory effect on mice ear edema. We demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects and inhibitory mechanism in macrophages as well as inhibitory activity of PW in vivo for the first time. Our results suggest the potential value of PW as an inflammatory therapeutic agent developed from a natural substance.

Oryeongsan inhibits LPS-induced production of inflammatory mediators via blockade of the NF-kappaB, MAPK pathways and leads to HO-1 induction in macrophage cells.

BACKGROUND: Oryeongsan (OR) is an herbal medication used in east-Asian traditional medicine to treat dysuresia, such as urinary frequency, hematuria, and dysuria due to renal disease and chronic nephritis. Recent studies showed that protective effect against acute gastric mucosal injury and an inhibitory effect on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone pathway of OR. However, its effect on inflammation still remains unknown. In this study, to provide insight into the biological effects of OR, we investigated their effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated inflammation in the RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. METHODS: We investigated the pharmacological and biological effects of OR on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inflammatory mediators, and related products through Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. Also, we examined the activation and suppression of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathways in LPS-stimulated macrophages via Western blot analysis in order to explore inhibitory mechanism of OR. RESULTS: OR had anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the production of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1 beta. In addition, it strongly suppressed cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), NO synthesizing enzymes. It also induced heme oxygenase (HO)-1 expression and inhibited NF-kappaB signaling pathway activation and phosphorylation of MAPKs. CONCLUSIONS: We further demonstrate the anti-inflammatory effects and inhibitory mechanism of OR in LPS-stimulated macrophages for the first time. OR contains strong anti-inflammatory activity and affects various mechanism pathways including NF-kappaB, MAPKs and HO-1. Our results suggest that OR has potential value to be developed as an inflammatory therapeutic agent from a natural substance.

Inhibitory effects of palmultang on inflammatory mediator production related to suppression of NF-κB and MAPK pathways and induction of HO-1 expression in macrophages.

Palmultang (PM) is an herbal decoction that has been used to treat anorexia, anemia, general prostration, and weakness due to chronic illness since medieval times in Korea, China, and Japan. The present study focused on the inhibitory effects of PM on the production of inflammatory factors and on the activation of mechanisms in murine macrophages. PM suppressed the expression of nitric oxide (NO), inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory proteins by inhibiting nuclear factor (NF)-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways and by inducing heme oxygenase (HO)-1 expression. Collectively, our results explain the anti-inflammatory effect and inhibitory mechanism of PM in macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

A Novel Herbal Medicine KIOM-MA Exerts an Anti-Inflammatory Effect in LPS-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Macrophage Cells.

KIOM-MA was recently reported as a novel herbal medicine effective for atopic dermatitis and asthma. In this study, we have demonstrated the inhibitory effect of KIOM-MA on proinflammatory mediator produced in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. KIOM-MA significantly inhibited the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) as well as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)). Consistent with the inhibitory effect on PGE(2), KIOM-MA suppresses the LPS-induced migration of macrophages and gelatinase activity and the expression of matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9) in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, KIOM-MA showed a strong suppressive effect on the inflammatory cytokines production such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). We also found that KIOM-MA inhibits the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and represses the activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, and c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Taken together, we elucidated the mechanism of anti-inflammatory effect of KIOM-MA using RAW 264.7 cells stimulated by LPS.

Fermentation by Lactobacillus enhances anti-inflammatory effect of Oyaksungisan on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cells.

BACKGROUND: Oyaksungisan (OY) has been used as a traditional drug in east-Asian countries. However, its effect on inflammation still remains unknown. In this study, to provide insight into the biological effects of OY and OY fermented by Lactobacillus, we investigated their effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated inflammation in the RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells. METHODS: The investigation was focused on whether OY and fermented OYs could inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin (PG) E2 as well as the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, nuclear factor (NF)-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. RESULTS: We found that OY inhibits a little LPS-induced NO, PGE2, TNF-α and IL-6 productions as well as the expressions of iNOS and COX-2. Interestingly, the fermentation significantly increased its inhibitory effect on the expression of all pro-inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, the fermented OYs exhibited elevated inhibition on the translocation of NF-κB p65 through reduced IκBα degradation as well as the phosphorylations of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38 and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) MAPKs than untreated control or original OY. CONCLUSIONS: Finally, the fermentation by Lactobacillus potentiates the anti-inflammatory effect of OY by inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK activity in the macrophage cells.

Menthae Herba Attenuates Neuroinflammation by Regulating CREB/Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway in BV2 Microglial Cells.

Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress cause microglia to be abnormally activated in the brain, resulting in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Menthae Herba (MH) has been widely used as a medicinal plant with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. In this study, we sought to evaluate the effects of MH on the inflammatory response and possible molecular mechanisms in microglia stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Transcriptional and translational expression levels of the proinflammatory factors were measured using ELISA, RT-qPCR, and Western blot analysis. MH extract inhibited the production of proinflammatory enzymes and mediators nitric oxide (NO), NO synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 in LPS-stimulated cells. Our molecular mechanism study showed that MH inhibited the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor (NF)-κB. In contrast, MH activated HO-1 and its transcriptional factors, cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathways. Thus, MH reduces ROS and NF-κB-mediated inflammatory signaling and induces CREB/Nrf2/HO-1-related antioxidant signaling in microglia. Together, these results may provide specific prospects for the therapeutic use of MH in the context of neuroinflammatory diseases, including AD.

Neuroprotective and Anti-Neuroinflammatory Properties of Vignae Radiatae Semen in Neuronal HT22 and Microglial BV2 Cell Lines.

The important factors in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders include oxidative stress and neuron-glia system inflammation. Vignae Radiatae Semen (VRS) exhibits antihypertensive, anticancer, anti-melanogenesis, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory properties. However, the neuroprotective effects and anti-neuroinflammatory activities of VRS ethanol extract (VRSE) remained unknown. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory activities of VRSE against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced neuronal cell death in mouse hippocampal HT22 cells and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglial activation, respectively. This study revealed that VRSE pretreatment had significantly prevented H2O2-induced neuronal cell death and attenuated reactive oxygen species generations in HT22 cells. Additionally, VRSE attenuated the apoptosis protein expression while increasing the anti-apoptotic protein expression. Further, VRSE showed significant inhibitory effects on LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines in BV2 microglia. Moreover, VRSE pretreatment significantly activated the tropomyosin-related kinase receptor B/cAMP response element-binding protein, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, and heme oxygenase-1 signaling pathways in HT22 cells exposed to H2O2 and inhibited the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-κB mechanism in BV2 cells stimulated with LPS. Therefore, VRSE exerts therapeutic potential against neurodegenerative diseases related to oxidative stress and pathological inflammatory responses.

In Vitro and In Vivo Antibacterial Activity of Punica granatum Peel Ethanol Extract against Salmonella.

Punica granatum is commonly used in Korea as a traditional medicine for the treatment of pathogenic bacteria. In this study, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activity of P. granatum peel EtOH extract (PGPE) against 16 strains of Salmonella. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of PGPE were in the range of 62.5-1000 x03BCg mL(-1). In addition, the in vivo antibacterial activity of the PGPE extract was examined in a S. typhimurium infection mouse model. Mice were initially infected with S. typhimurium and then with PGPE. The extract was found to have significant effects on mortality and the numbers of viable S. typhimurium recovered from feces. Although clinical signs and histological damage were rarely observed in the treated mice, the untreated controls showed signs of lethargy and histological damage in the liver and spleen. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that PGPE has the potential to provide an effective treatment for salmonellosis.

Anti-allergic effects of sinomenine by inhibition of prostaglandin D2 and leukotriene C4 in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells.

Sinomenine is an alkaloid compound and a prominent anti-allergic agent found in the root of the climbing plant Sinomenium acutum. However, its effects on the bone marrow-derived mast cell (BMMC) mediated allergy and inflammation mechanism remain unknown. In this study, the biological effects of sinomenine were evaluated while focusing on its effects on the allergic mediator in PMA plus A23187-stimulated BMMCs. An investigation was also conducted to determine its effects on the production of several allergic mediators including interleukin-6 (IL-6), prostaglandin D(2) (PGD(2)), leukotriene C(4) (LTC(4)), ß-Hexosaminidase (ß-Hex), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein. The results revealed that sinomenine inhibited the PMA plus A23187-induced production of IL-6, PGD(2), LTC(4), ß-Hex, and COX-2 protein. Taken together, these findings indicate that sinomenine has the potential for use in the treatment of allergy.

Gomisin N has anti-allergic effect and inhibits inflammatory cytokine expression in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells.

Gomisin N is a bioactive compound and a prominent anti-allergic agent found in the fruits of tree Schizandra chinensis. However, its effects on the bone marrow-derived mast cell (BMMC)-mediated allergy and inflammation mechanism remain unknown. In this study, the biological effects of gomisin were evaluated while focusing on its effects on the allergic mediator in PMA + A23187-stimulated BMMCs. The anti-allergic effect of gomisin has shown that inhibited PMA + A23187-induced interleukin-6 (IL-6) production. An investigation was also conducted to determine its effects on the production of several allergic mediators including prostaglandin D(2) (PGD(2)), leukotriene C(4) (LTC(4)), ß-hexosaminidase (ß-Hex), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein. The results revealed that gomisin inhibited the PMA + A23187-induced production of IL-6, PGD(2), LTC(4), ß-Hex, and COX-2 protein. Taken together, these findings indicate that gomisin N has the potential for use in the treatment of allergy.