Resveratrol Downregulates miR-31 to Promote T Regulatory Cells during Prevention of TNBS-Induced Colitis

Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Phytochemicals Against Inflammation-Associated Diseases and Viral Infection

Inflammation-associated diseases have become widespread and pose a significant threat to human health, and the therapeutic methods for diverse diseases are inadequate due to the undesirable effects of synthetic ingredients. Recently, more and more evidence indicated that phytochemicals, plant secondary metabolites, have numerous therapeutic functions against human diseases via affecting a variety of mechanisms with their distinct advantages of high efficiency and low toxicity. Here, we highlight the mechanisms of phytochemicals to hinder inflammation-associated diseases (including Inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, neurological disorders, skin diseases, respiratory diseases, kidney diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, retinal diseases, viral infections) by regulating the crosstalk among various signal cascades (including MicroRNAs, SIRT1, DNMTs, NF-κB, NLRP3, TGF-β, the Gasdermin-mediated pyroptosis pathway), which can be considered as a novel and potential therapeutic strategy. Furthermore, phytochemicals could prevent virus infection by disturbing different targets in the virus replication cycle. However, natural plants have shown limited bioavailability due to their low water solubility, the use of adjuvants such as liposomal phytochemicals, phytochemical nanoparticles and phytochemicals-phospholipid complex promote their bioavailability to exhibit beneficial effects against various diseases. The purpose of this review is to explore the molecular mechanisms and promising applications of phytochemicals in the fields of inflammation-associated diseases and virus infection to provide some direction.

Natural products for the treatment of ulcerative colitis: focus on the JAK/STAT pathway

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an autoimmune disease with an incompletely understood pathogenesis. The Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway plays a key role in immune response and inflammation. More and more studies demonstrated that JAK/STAT signaling pathway is associated with the pathogenesis of UC. The JAK/STAT pathway affects UC in multiple ways by regulating intestinal inflammatory response, affecting intestinal mucosal barrier, modulating T cell homeostasis, and regulating macrophages. Encouragingly, natural products are promising candidates for the treatment of UC. Natural products have the advantage of being multi-targeted and rich in therapeutic modalities. This review summarized the research progress of JAK/STAT pathway-mediated UC. Furthermore, the latest studies on natural products targeting the JAK/STAT pathway for the treatment of UC were systematically summarized, including active ingredients such as arbutin, aloe polysaccharide, berberine, matrine, curcumin, Ginsenoside Rh2, and so on. The aim of this paper is to provide new ideas for drug development to regulate JAK/STAT signaling for treating UC.

Engeletin attenuates the inflammatory response via inhibiting TLR4-NFκB signaling pathway in Crohn's disease-like colitis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Smilax glabra rhizome has a long history been used for clinical purposes in traditional Chinese medicinal for treating various inflammatory conditions. Engeletin1 (ENG) is one of the most abundant bioactive compounds found in Smilax glabra rhizome, with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and ulcer-preventing activities.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of ENG to alleviate inflammatory symptoms and improve epithelial barrier integrity utilize a 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid2 (TNBS)-induced murine model in Crohn's disease3 (CD)-like colitis, and to characterize the underlying anti-inflammatory mechanisms of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A colitis model was established in BALB/c mice and treated with ENG for 7 days. RAW264.7 macrophages were pre-treated with ENG and lipopolysaccharide4 (LPS) stimulation. The mice's weight and colon length were assessed. qPCR and Western blotting were used to analyze gene expression and TLR4-NFκB pathway. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the polarization states of the macrophages.

RESULTS

Treatment with ENG was sufficient to significantly alleviate symptoms of inflammation and colonic epithelial barrier integrity in treated mice. Significant inhibition of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 expression was observed following ENG treatment in vivo and in vitro. ENG was also determined to be capable of inhibiting the expression of iNOS and CD86, inhibited M1 macrophage polarization in vitro, as well as the TLR4-NFκB signaling pathway. Molecular docking showed a highly stable binding between ENG and TLR4.

CONCLUSION

ENG has been proven to alleviate inflammation and ameliorate the damage of epithelial barrier in CD-like colitis. ENG also suppressed the M1 macrophages polarization and the inhibited inflammatory cytokines. TLR4-NFκB signaling pathway, especially TLR4, may be the target of ENG. These data offer a new insight into the therapeutic mechanisms of ENG.

Inhibition SIRT1 to regulate FOXP3 or RORγt can restore the balance of Treg/Th17 axis in ulcerative colitis and enhance the anti-inflammatory effect of moxibustion

Introduction

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease. Patients with UC typically exhibit disruption of the Treg/Th17 immune axis, but its exact mechanism is still unclear.

Methods

This study first analyzed RNA- seq data from public databases of humans and mice, and in vitro cytology experiments were conducted to induce or inhibit the expression of SIRT1. In vivo, UC mice were treated with moxibustion and SIRT1 inhibitor EX-527 to confirm the changes in the transcription factors identified through analysis of the datasets.

Results

The results show that Treg/Th17 axis disruption is an important feature of UC. Differential gene expression and immune infiltration analysis showed that upstream transcription factors, including Forkhead box P3 (FOXP3), were significantly disrupted. In vitro cytology experiments, the results indicate that SIRT1 is activated in LPS induced inflammation, subsequently perturbing the Treg/Th17 immune balance axis. Finally, in vivo studies, the results have shown that administering EX-527 to inhibit SIRT1 leads to an increasing in FOXP3 expression and a decreasing in RORγt expression in UC colon tissue. In addition, the results indicate that traditional Chinese moxibustion can down regulate the expression of SIRT1, directly affecting the balance of Th17/Treg axis, and the combined use of EX-527 further improves the therapeutic effect of moxibustion.

Conclusion

Our research shows that inhibition SIRT1 can regulate Treg and Th17 immune balance axis. This finding indicates a new important potential target for the treatment of UC.

Chronic Gastrointestinal Disorders and miRNA-Associated Disease: An Up-to-Date

Chronic gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) impose significant health burdens globally. IBDs, encompassing Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are multifactorial disorders characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. On the other hand, IBS is one of the principal gastrointestinal tract functional disorders and is characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. Although the precise etiopathogenesis of these disorders remains unclear, mounting evidence suggests that non-coding RNA molecules play crucial roles in regulating gene expression associated with inflammation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and tissue permeability, thus influencing disease progression. miRNAs have emerged as possible reliable biomarkers, as they can be analyzed in the biological fluids of patients at a low cost. This review explores the roles of miRNAs in IBDs and IBS, focusing on their involvement in the control of disease hallmarks. By an extensive literature review and employing bioinformatics tools, we identified the miRNAs frequently studied concerning these diseases. Ultimately, specific miRNAs could be proposed as diagnostic biomarkers for IBDs and IBS. Their ability to be secreted into biofluids makes them promising candidates for non-invasive diagnostic tools. Therefore, understanding molecular mechanisms through the ways in which they regulate gastrointestinal inflammation and immune responses could provide new insights into the pathogenesis of IBDs and IBS and open avenues for miRNA-based therapeutic interventions.

Comprehensive omics analysis of the fecal microbiome and serum metabolome in Dezhou donkey foals at the end of weaning and after weaning

Weaning is essential for foal growth and development. We determined the intestinal flora structure of donkey foals at the end of weaning (PreW_4d) and three stages after weaning (PostW_4d, PostW_8d, and PostW_15d) to explore the effects of weaning on intestinal development of donkey foals. The results showed that the main microbial flora in the gut of the donkey foal were Firmicutes and Bacteroides, and the proportion of Firmicutes gradually increased with weaning, which was an important reflection of the donkey foal's adaptability to the transition from lactose liquid feed to plant fiber solid feed. We also identified important microorganisms that maintain intestinal stability and boost immune, such as oscillospiraceae, Firmicutes, and lachnospiraceae. The metabolome showed that serum metabolites were mainly enriched in arachidonic acid metabolism and the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle), which can influence energy metabolism, growth, and immunity in weaned donkey foals. We also found that the metabolite resveratrol was positively correlated with g_NK4A214_group and lactobacillus, which may have important implications for the prevention of diseases such as colon-inflammation in donkey foals. In summary, we provide a theoretical basis for studying the mechanism of intestinal microbiome and serum metabolite changes in weaning and postweaning donkey foals.

Ulcerative colitis: molecular insights and intervention therapy

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and weight loss. The pathogenesis and treatment of UC remain key areas of research interest. Various factors, including genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and alterations in the gut microbiota, are believed to contribute to the pathogenesis of UC. Current treatments for UC include 5-aminosalicylic acids, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics. However, study reported that the one-year clinical remission rate is only around 40%. It is necessary to prompt the exploration of new treatment modalities. Biologic therapies, such as anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody and JAK inhibitor, primarily consist of small molecules targeting specific pathways, effectively inducing and maintaining remission. Given the significant role of the gut microbiota, research into intestinal microecologics, such as probiotics and prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) shows promising potential in UC treatment. Additionally, medicinal herbs, such as chili pepper and turmeric, used in complementary therapy have shown promising results in UC management. This article reviews recent findings on the mechanisms of UC, including genetic susceptibility, immune cell dynamics and cytokine regulation, and gut microbiota alterations. It also discusses current applications of biologic therapy, herbal therapy, microecologics, and FMT, along with their prospects and challenges.

MiRNAs: a new target for Chinese medicine to repair the intestinal barrier in the treatment of ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic nonspecific inflammatory bowel disease whose pathogenesis remains unclear. Dysfunction of the intestinal mucosal barrier is closely related to the pathogenesis of UC, which is characterised by damage to the colon epithelial barrier, disruption of immune homeostasis, and persistent inflammatory cell infiltration. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) exhibit specific or differential expression in both UC animal models and patients, implicating their involvement in the pathogenesis of UC. In recent years there has been progress in using Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to regulate miRNA expression for repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier in UC, as demonstrated in animal and cell experiments. However, it has not been applied in a clinical setting and its underlying molecular mechanisms require further investigation. Therefore, this study systematically described the role of miRNAs in UC-induced intestinal barrier damage and the application of TCM to repair this intestinal barrier by regulating miRNA expression, offering new therapeutic targets for UC treatment.

Advances in the role of resveratrol and its mechanism of action in common gynecological tumors

The incidence of common gynecological malignancies remains high, with current treatments facing multiple limitations and adverse effects. Thus, continuing the search for safe and effective oncologic treatment strategies continues. Resveratrol (RES), a natural non-flavonoid polyphenolic compound, is widely found in various plants and fruits, such as grapes, Reynoutria japonica Houtt., peanuts, and berries. RES possesses diverse biological properties, including neuroprotective, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and osteoporosis inhibition effects. Notably, RES is broadly applicable in antitumor therapy, particularly for treating gynecological tumors (cervical, endometrial, and ovarian carcinomas). RES exerts antitumor effects by promoting tumor cell apoptosis, inhibiting cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, regulating tumor cell autophagy, and enhancing the efficacy of antitumor drugs while minimizing their toxic side effects. However, comprehensive reviews on the role of RES in combating gynecological tumors and its mechanisms of action are lacking. This review aims to fill this gap by examining the RES antitumor mechanisms of action in gynecological tumors, providing valuable insights for clinical treatment.

Resveratrol for inflammatory bowel disease in preclinical studies: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that can be managed with treatment, but it is challenging to get IBD cured. Resveratrol, a non-flavonoid polyphenolic organic compound derived from various plants, has a potential effect on IBD. The current research was set out to investigate the therapeutic effects of resveratrol on animal models of IBD. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Chinese databases was performed. The literature search process was completed independently by two people and reviewed by a third person. The risk of bias in the included literature was assessed using the Collaborative Approach to Meta Analysis and Review of Animal Data from Experimental Stroke (CAMARADES) 10-point quality checklist. The meta-analysis utilized Review Manager 5.4 software to evaluate the efficacy of resveratrol, with histopathological index as the primary outcome measure. Subgroup analysis was conducted based on this indicator. Additionally, meta-analyses were carried out on different outcomes reported in the literature, including final disease activity index, final body weight change, colon length, splenic index, and inflammatory factors. Results: After conducting a thorough literature search and selection process, a total of 28 studies were ultimately included in the analysis. It was found that over half of the selected studies had more than five items with low risk of bias in the bias risk assessment. Relevant datas from included literature indicated that the histopathological index of the resveratrol group was significantly lower than that of the control group (WMD = -2.58 [-3.29, -1.87]). Subgroup analysis revealed that higher doses of resveratrol (>80 mg/kg) had a better efficacy (WMD = -3.47 [-4.97, -1.98]). Furthermore, The data summary and quantitative analysis results of SI and colon length also showed that resveratrol was effective in alleviating intestinal mucosal pathological injury of IBD. In terms of biochemical indicators, the summary analysis revealed that resveratrol affected interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) significantly. These effects may be attributed to the mechanism of resveratrol in regulating immune response and inhibiting oxidative stress. Conclusion: This review suggests that resveratrol demonstrated a notable therapeutic impact in preclinical models of IBD, particularly at doses exceeding 80 mg/kg. This efficacy is attributed to the protective mechanisms targeting the intestinal mucosa involved in the pathogenesis of IBD through various pathways. As a result, resveratrol holds promising prospects for potential clinical use in the future.

Resveratrol attenuates intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction via Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in dextran sulfate sodium-induced Caco-2 cells

INTRODUCTION

The intestinal tract serves as an innate barrier, safeguarding the internal milieu from microorganisms and toxins. Various intestinal inflammatory diseases have a strong association with intestinal barrier dysfunction. The primary functional cells within the intestinal tract, intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and their tight junctions (TJs), are crucial in preserving the integrity of this mechanical barrier. Resveratrol (Res), a plant-derived phenolic compound, exhibits a range of health-promoting benefits attributed to its anti-inflammatory properties. This study aims to examine Res's efficacy in bolstering IECs barrier function.

METHODS

Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was employed to induce barrier dysfunction in IECs. Inflammatory cytokines in supernatants (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-1β, tumor necrotic factor [TNF]-α, and IL-10) were quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Then we assessed monolayer integrity using transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). TJ protein expression (zonula occludens [ZO]-1 and Occludin) in IECs was evaluated through immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis. Network pharmacology helped identify the biological processes, signaling pathways, and key targets involved in Res's mitigation of DSS-induced IECs barrier dysfunction. The efficacy of the primary target was further corroborated using Western blot.

RESULTS

Res was shown to increase cell viability and IL-10 expression while reducing TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels, thus mitigating the inflammatory response. It enhanced TEER values and upregulated TJ protein expression (ZO-1 and Occludin). Network pharmacology revealed that Res potentially targets the NFE2L2 (nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2, Nrf2), a vital antioxidant factor. Significantly, Res augmented Nrf2 and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) protein levels, counteracting oxidative stress in the IECs barrier dysfunction model.

CONCLUSION

Overall, our findings suggested that Res ameliorated DSS-induced IECs barrier dysfunction by activating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, showcasing significant therapeutic potential in the early stages of colitis.

Dietary Zinc Ameliorates TNBS-Induced Colitis in Mice Associated with Regulation of Th1/Th2/Th17 Balance and NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are chronic relapsing inflammatory gastrointestinal tract diseases of uncertain origin, which are frequently associated with zinc deficiency. Animal models have a considerable value in elucidating the process of IBD. In this study, 50 male C57BL/6 J mice were randomly assigned to five groups: control group (Con), 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) group, and three zinc supplementation groups, namely 160 ppm group, 400 ppm group, and 1000 ppm group. The results showed that supplementation of dietary zinc with zinc oxide could effectively relieve the severity of ulcerative colitis induced by TNBS in mice. We demonstrate that the protective mechanism involves the immunomodulation of dietary zinc by increasing CD3+, CD3+CD8+, and Th2 cells, suppressing Th1 and Th17 cells, and decreasing the production of serum IL-1β and IL-18. The dietary zinc oxide seems to be able to suppress the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway by downregulating the mRNA and protein expression of NIK, IKK, NF-κB, and NLRP3. The results suggest that dietary supplementation of zinc oxide may protect against colitis, and proper daily zinc supplementation may reduce the risk of IBD.

Advanced application of nanotechnology in active constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicines

Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) have been used for centuries for the treatment and management of various diseases. However, their effective delivery to targeted sites may be a major challenge due to their poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and potential toxicity. Nanocarriers, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles and organic/inorganic nanohybrids based on active constituents from TCMs have been extensively studied as a promising strategy to improve the delivery of active constituents from TCMs to achieve a higher therapeutic effect with fewer side effects compared to conventional formulations. This review summarizes the recent advances in nanocarrier-based delivery systems for various types of active constituents of TCMs, including terpenoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, and quinones, from different natural sources. This review covers the design and preparation of nanocarriers, their characterization, and in vitro/vivo evaluations. Additionally, this review highlights the challenges and opportunities in the field and suggests future directions for research. Nanocarrier-based delivery systems have shown great potential in improving the therapeutic efficacy of TCMs, and this review may serve as a comprehensive resource to researchers in this field.

Diet as an epigenetic factor in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has as a main characteristic the exacerbation of the immune system against enterocytes, compromising the individual's intestinal microbiota. This inflammatory cascade causes several nutritional deficiencies, which further compromise immunological functioning and, as a result, worsen the prognosis. This vicious cycle can be interrupted as the patient's dietary pattern meets their needs according to their clinical condition, acting directly on the inflammatory process of IBD through the interaction of food, intestinal microbiota, and epigenome. Specific nutritional intervention for IBD has a crucial role in preventing and managing disease activity. This review addresses epigenetic modifications through dietary compounds as a mechanism for modulating the intestinal microbiota of patients with IBD.

MicroRNA-based therapeutics for inflammatory disorders of the microbiota-gut-brain axis

An emerging but less explored shared pathophysiology across microbiota-gut-brain axis disorders is aberrant miRNA expression, which may represent novel therapeutic targets. miRNAs are small, endogenous non-coding RNAs that are important transcriptional repressors of gene expression. Most importantly, they regulate the integrity of the intestinal epithelial and blood-brain barriers and serve as an important communication channel between the gut microbiome and the host. A well-defined understanding of the mode of action, therapeutic strategies and delivery mechanisms of miRNAs is pivotal in translating the clinical applications of miRNA-based therapeutics. Accumulating evidence links disorders of the microbiota-gut-brain axis with a compromised gut-blood-brain-barrier, causing gut contents such as immune cells and microbiota to enter the bloodstream leading to low-grade systemic inflammation. This has the potential to affect all organs, including the brain, causing central inflammation and the development of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. In this review, we have examined in detail miRNA biogenesis, strategies for therapeutic application, delivery mechanisms, as well as their pathophysiology and clinical applications in inflammatory gut-brain disorders. The research data in this review was drawn from the following databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, and Clinicaltrials.gov. With increasing evidence of the pathophysiological importance for miRNAs in microbiota-gut-brain axis disorders, therapeutic targeting of cross-regulated miRNAs in these disorders displays potentially transformative and translational potential. Further preclinical research and human clinical trials are required to further advance this area of research.

Resveratrol induces apoptosis by modulating the reciprocal crosstalk between p53 and Sirt-1 in the CRC tumor microenvironment

Introduction

P53 represents a key player in apoptosis-induction in cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC) that ranks third worldwide in cancer prevalence as well as mortality statistics. Although a pro-apoptotic effect of resveratrol has been repeatedly proven in CRC cells, its pathway mechanisms are not completely understood, as there are controversial statements in the literature regarding its activation or inhibition of the counteracting proteins Sirt-1 and p53.

Methods

CRC cells as wild-type (HCT-116 WT) or p53-deficient (HCT-116 p53-/-) were cultured using multicellular tumor microenvironment (TME) cultures containing T-lymphocytes and fibroblasts to elucidate the role of p53/Sirt-1 modulation in resveratrol's concentration-dependent, pro-apoptotic, and thus anti-cancer effects.

Results

Resveratrol dose-dependently inhibited viability, proliferation, plasticity as well as migration, and induced apoptosis in HCT-116 WT more effectively than in HCT-116 p53-/- cells. Moreover, resveratrol stimulated Sirt-1 expression when administered at low concentrations (<5µM) but suppressed it when added at high concentrations (>10µM) to CRC-TME. In parallel, similar to the knockdown of Sirt-1 at the mRNA level, treatment with high-concentration resveratrol boosted the acetylation of p53, the expression of p21, Bax, cytochrome C, caspase-3, and ultimately induced apoptosis in CRC WT but not in CRC p53-/- cells. Notably, increasing concentrations of resveratrol were found to promote hyperacetylation of p53 and FOXO3a as post-translational substrates of Sirt-1, indicating a negative regulatory loop between Sirt-1 and p53.

Discussion

These results demonstrate for the first time, a negative reciprocal crosstalk between the regulatory circuits of p53 and Sirt-1, consequently, apoptosis induction by higher resveratrol concentrations in CRC-TME.

Resveratrol plays an anti-fibrotic and anti-autophagy role by stimulating miR-192-5p expression in urethral fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Resveratrol (RSV) exerts anti-fibrotic effects on various fibrotic diseases. Whereas the biological role of RSV on urethral fibrosis remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to determine the mechanisms by which RSV affects urethral fibrosis and autophagy.

METHODS

Sprague‒Dawley rats and primary fibroblasts were treated with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1) to generate in vivo and in vitro fibrosis models. Then, those were treated with RSV, and autophagy and fibrosis-related indicators were tested.

RESULTS

Firstly, we found that RSV reversed the upregulation of indicators related to TGFβ1-induced fibrosis (TGFβ1, α-smooth muscle actin, collagen type I, and collagen type III), autophagy (TFEB and LC3), and TGFβR1/Smad4 pathway, as well as the downregulation of p62 and miR-192-5p expression both in vivo and in vitro. Overexpression of miR-192-5p suppressed the upregulation of fibrosis-related markers expression, as well as TFEB and LC3 expression, induced by TGFβ1, while the expression trend of p62 was the opposite. Inhibiting miR-192-5p reversed the effects of RSV on the model group cells. It was also shown that RSV combined with sh-Smad4 inhibited autophagy more effectively than RSV alone.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that RSV inhibits urinary fibrosis and autophagy via the miR-192-5p/TGFβR1/Smad4 pathway. RAV may be a potential drug for alleviating urethral fibrosis.

Future Modulation of Gut Microbiota: From Eubiotics to FMT, Engineered Bacteria, and Phage Therapy

The human gut is inhabited by a multitude of bacteria, yeasts, and viruses. A dynamic balance among these microorganisms is associated with the well-being of the human being, and a large body of evidence supports a role of dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of several diseases. Given the importance of the gut microbiota in the preservation of human health, probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics have been classically used as strategies to modulate the gut microbiota and achieve beneficial effects for the host. Nonetheless, several molecules not typically included in these categories have demonstrated a role in restoring the equilibrium among the components of the gut microbiota. Among these, rifaximin, as well as other antimicrobial drugs, such as triclosan, or natural compounds (including evodiamine and polyphenols) have common pleiotropic characteristics. On one hand, they suppress the growth of dangerous bacteria while promoting beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiota. On the other hand, they contribute to the regulation of the immune response in the case of dysbiosis by directly influencing the immune system and epithelial cells or by inducing the gut bacteria to produce immune-modulatory compounds, such as short-chain fatty acids. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has also been investigated as a procedure to restore the equilibrium of the gut microbiota and has shown benefits in many diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, chronic liver disorders, and extraintestinal autoimmune conditions. One of the most significant limits of the current techniques used to modulate the gut microbiota is the lack of tools that can precisely modulate specific members of complex microbial communities. Novel approaches, including the use of engineered probiotic bacteria or bacteriophage-based therapy, have recently appeared as promising strategies to provide targeted and tailored therapeutic modulation of the gut microbiota, but their role in clinical practice has yet to be clarified. The aim of this review is to discuss the most recently introduced innovations in the field of therapeutic microbiome modulation.

Taurohyodeoxycholic acid alleviates trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid induced ulcerative colitis via regulating Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg cells balance

AIMS

Taurohyodeoxycholic acid (THDCA), a natural 6α-hydroxylated bile acid, exhibits intestinal anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to explore the efficacy of THDCA on ulcerative colitis and to reveal its mechanisms of action.

MAIN METHODS

Colitis was induced by intrarectal administration of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) to mice. Mice in the treatment group were gavage THDCA (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg/day) or sulfasalazine (500 mg/kg/day) or azathioprine (10 mg/kg/day). The pathologic markers of colitis were comprehensively assessed. The levels of Th1-/Th2-/Th17-/Treg-related inflammatory cytokines and transcription factors were detected by ELISA, RT-PCR, and Western blotting. The balance of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg cells was analyzed by Flow cytometry.

KEY FINDINGS

THDCA significantly alleviated colitis by improving the body weight, colon length, spleen weight, histological characteristics, and MPO activity of colitis mice. THDCA reduced the secretion of Th1-/Th17-related cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-12p70, IL-6, IL-17A, IL-21, IL-22, and TNF-α) and the expressions of transcription factors (T-bet, STAT4, RORγt, and STAT3), but increase the production of Th2-/Treg-related cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β1) and the expressions of transcription factors (GATA3, STAT6, Foxp3, and Smad3) in the colon. Meanwhile, THDCA inhibited the expressions of IFN-γ, IL-17A, T-bet, and RORγt, but improved the expression of IL-4, IL-10, GATA3, and Foxp3 in the spleen. Furthermore, THDCA restored the proportion of Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cells, and balanced the Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg immune response of colitis mice.

SIGNIFICANCE

THDCA can alleviate TNBS-induced colitis via regulating Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg balance, which may represent a promising treatment for patients with colitis.

Resveratrol attenuates staphylococcal enterotoxin B-activated immune cell metabolism via upregulation of miR-100 and suppression of mTOR signaling pathway

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is triggered by a variety of insults, such as bacterial and viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2, leading to high mortality. In the murine model of ARDS induced by Staphylococcal enterotoxin-B (SEB), our previous studies showed that while SEB triggered 100% mortality, treatment with Resveratrol (RES) completely prevented such mortality by attenuating inflammation in the lungs. In the current study, we investigated the metabolic profile of SEB-activated immune cells in the lungs following treatment with RES. RES-treated mice had higher expression of miR-100 in the lung mononuclear cells (MNCs), which targeted mTOR, leading to its decreased expression. Also, Single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA seq) unveiled the decreased expression of mTOR in a variety of immune cells in the lungs. There was also an increase in glycolytic and mitochondrial respiration in the cells from SEB + VEH group in comparison with SEB + RES group. Together these data suggested that RES alters the metabolic reprogramming of SEB-activated immune cells, through suppression of mTOR activation and its down- and upstream effects on energy metabolism. Also, miR-100 could serve as novel potential therapeutic molecule in the amelioration of ARDS.

Modulating Effects of Cancer-Derived Exosomal miRNAs and Exosomal Processing by Natural Products

Cancer-derived exosomes exhibit sophisticated functions, such as proliferation, apoptosis, migration, resistance, and tumor microenvironment changes. Several clinical drugs modulate these exosome functions, but the impacts of natural products are not well understood. Exosome functions are regulated by exosome processing, such as secretion and assembly. The modulation of these exosome-processing genes can exert the anticancer and precancer effects of cancer-derived exosomes. This review focuses on the cancer-derived exosomal miRNAs that regulate exosome processing, acting on the natural-product-modulating cell functions of cancer cells. However, the role of exosomal processing has been overlooked in several studies of exosomal miRNAs and natural products. In this study, utilizing the bioinformatics database (miRDB), the exosome-processing genes of natural-product-modulated exosomal miRNAs were predicted. Consequently, several natural drugs that modulate exosome processing and exosomal miRNAs and regulate cancer cell functions are described here. This review sheds light on and improves our understanding of the modulating effects of exosomal miRNAs and their potential exosomal processing targets on anticancer treatments based on the use of natural products.

Systematic Insight of Resveratrol Activated SIRT1 Interactome through Proximity Labeling Strategy

SIRT1 functions by regulating the modification of proteins or interacting with other proteins to form complexes. It has been widely studied and found to play significant roles in various biological processes and diseases. However, systematic studies on activated-SIRT1 interactions remain limited. Here, we present a comprehensive SIRT1 interactome under resveratrol stimulation through proximity labeling methods. Our results demonstrated that RanGap1 interacted with SIRT1 in HEK 293T cells and MCF-7 cells. SIRT1 regulated the protein level of RanGap1 and had no obvious effect on RanGap1 transcription. Moreover, the overexpression of Rangap1 increased the ROS level in MCF-7 cells, which sensitized cells to resveratrol and reduced the cell viability. These findings provide evidence that RanGap1 interacts with SIRT1 and influences intracellular ROS, critical signals for mitochondrial functions, cell proliferation and transcription. Additionally, we identified that the SIRT1-RanGap1 interaction affects downstream signals induced by ROS. Overall, our study provides an essential resource for future studies on the interactions of resveratrol-activated SIRT1. There are conflicts about the relationship between resveratrol and ROS in previous reports. However, our data identified the impact of the resveratrol-SIRT1-RanGap1 axis on intracellular ROS.

Polyphenols and inflammatory bowel disease: Natural products with therapeutic effects?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a long-life disease with periods of recurrence and relief. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of this disease. Recent years' studies in the field of IBD treatment mostly have focused on targeting cytokines and immune cell trafficking using antibodies and inhibitors, altering the composition of intestinal bacteria in the line of attenuation of inflammation using probiotics and prebiotics, and attenuating oxidative stress through antioxidant supplementation. Studies in animal models of IBD have shown that some polyphenolic compounds including curcumin, quercetin, resveratrol, naringenin, and epigallocatechin-3-gallate can affect almost all of the above aspects and are useful compounds in the treatment of IBD. Clinical studies performed on IBD patients have also confirmed the findings of animal model studies and have shown that supplementation with some of the above-mentioned polyphenolic compounds has positive effects in reducing disease clinical and endoscopic activity, inducing and maintaining remission, and improving quality of life. In this review article, in addition to a detailed reviewing the effects of the above-mentioned polyphenolic compounds on the events involved in the pathogenesis of IBD, the results of these clinical studies will also be reviewed.

Total flavonoids of Sophora flavescens and kurarinone ameliorated ulcerative colitis by regulating Th17/Treg cell homeostasis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is relevant to dysregulation of inflammation and immune processes. Sophora flavescens Aiton is a classic medicine widely used in the treatment of UC in ancient and modern China, alkaloids and flavonoids are the main components. Previous studies reveal that Sophora flavescens Aiton total flavonoids extracts (SFE) exert an anti-UC effect by regulating the intestinal microbe structure and restoring the balance of the "host-microbe" co-metabolic network in UC mice. However, whether SFE influences immune inflammation remains unclear, which is the core link to UC disease. It also remains to be verified flavonoids are the material basis that plays a role in SFE.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To identify the action mechanism of the immune-inflammatory regulation of SFE and its main active component Kurarinone against UC.

METHODS

This study constructed UC mice and abnormal immune RAW 264.7 cell models, and subsequently used western blotting and flow cytometry (FCM) to evaluate the effects of SFE on the NF-κB pathway and the regulation of immunity in UC mice. Kurarinone was screened from flavonoid compounds of SFE by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells, and its effect was subsequently investigated in UC mice. Western blotting, ELISA, FCM, and RT-PCR were used to determine the regulation of Kurarinone on the Th17/Treg differentiation and the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

RESULTS

SFE regulated the differentiation of Th17/Treg in peripheral blood and inhibited immune-inflammatory response to treat UC. Various flavonoid components in SFE inhibited the synthesis of IL-6 and TNF-α in RAW 264.7 cells, among which Kurarinone had better effect. This study revealed the therapeutic effects of Kurarinone in UC mice for the first time. Kurarinone promoted the secretion of SIgA to improve the regulation of the intestinal mucosal barrier and resistance to pathogens. It also regulated the transcription level of RORγt and Foxp3 in colon, decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory factor IL-17A and up-regulated the expression of immunosuppressive factors TGF-β1 and IL-10 in colon. Furthermore, Kurarinone restored intestinal immune system homeostasis by down-regulating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and regulating the balance of Th17/Treg cell differentiation in UC.

CONCLUSIONS

SFE, especially the flavonoid ingredients represented by Kurarinone, has significant effects on immunoregulation against UC. And their mechanism of effect is related to inhibiting the activation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and regulating differentiation of Th17/Treg cells.

KEYWORK

Immunoregulatory; Kurarinone; Th17 cells; Treg cells; Ulcerative colitis.

Impact of the Exposome on the Epigenome in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients and Animal Models

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract that encompass two main phenotypes, namely Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. These conditions occur in genetically predisposed individuals in response to environmental factors. Epigenetics, acting by DNA methylation, post-translational histones modifications or by non-coding RNAs, could explain how the exposome (or all environmental influences over the life course, from conception to death) could influence the gene expression to contribute to intestinal inflammation. We performed a scoping search using Medline to identify all the elements of the exposome that may play a role in intestinal inflammation through epigenetic modifications, as well as the underlying mechanisms. The environmental factors epigenetically influencing the occurrence of intestinal inflammation are the maternal lifestyle (mainly diet, the occurrence of infection during pregnancy and smoking); breastfeeding; microbiota; diet (including a low-fiber diet, high-fat diet and deficiency in micronutrients); smoking habits, vitamin D and drugs (e.g., IBD treatments, antibiotics and probiotics). Influenced by both microbiota and diet, short-chain fatty acids are gut microbiota-derived metabolites resulting from the anaerobic fermentation of non-digestible dietary fibers, playing an epigenetically mediated role in the integrity of the epithelial barrier and in the defense against invading microorganisms. Although the impact of some environmental factors has been identified, the exposome-induced epimutations in IBD remain a largely underexplored field. How these environmental exposures induce epigenetic modifications (in terms of duration, frequency and the timing at which they occur) and how other environmental factors associated with IBD modulate epigenetics deserve to be further investigated.

Resveratrol and resveratrol nano-delivery systems in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disorder associated with the inflammation in the digestive tract. The exact cause of IBD is unknown; nevertheless, in IBD, the homeostasis of key regulatory factors involved in intestinal immunity has been documented to be disrupted. Despite the lack of a viable treatment for IBD, synthetic drugs and monoclonal antibodies are currently used to treat it. However, these treatments have side effects, and the high relapse rate limits their usage. Dietary polyphenols constitute a great variety of compounds and have shown an array of biological properties. Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol found in grapevines and berries. The therapeutic ability of resveratrol against IBD is amply demonstrated in many in vivo studies. Resveratrol can interact with several molecular targets (Nf-kB, SIRT1, mTOR, HIF-1α, miRNAs, and TNF-α) and effectively prevent/ alleviate IBD symptoms with promising results. Although resveratrol has profound anti-inflammatory properties against IBD, its therapeutic employment is limited due to its low water solubility, less chemical stability, less bioavailability, and rapid metabolism in vivo. Hence, resveratrol encapsulation using different carries and its controlled release has become a promising strategy to overcome limitations. Herein, we meticulously review, talk-over the anti-inflammatory effect and mechanisms of resveratrol in IBD. We further provide the latest information on resveratrol formulations and nano-delivery systems used in oral delivery of resveratrol for the treatment of IBD and offer our view on future research on resveratrol in IBD treatment.

miRNAs Can Affect Intestinal Epithelial Barrier in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The most obvious pathological characterization of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is intestinal epithelium erosion and severe inflammation invasion. Micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNA or microRNA), single-stranded noncoding RNAs of ~22 nucleotides, have been considered as the potential therapeutic targets in the pathogenesis of IBD. Many previous studies have focused on the mechanisms that miRNAs use to regulate inflammation, immunity, and microorganisms in IBD. The review highlights in detail the findings of miRNAs in the intestinal epithelial barrier of IBD, and focuses on their gene targets, signaling pathways associated with IBD, and some potential therapies. It will be beneficial for the elucidation of the interaction between miRNAs and the intestinal epithelial barrier in IBD and provide a theoretical reference for preventing and treating IBD in the future.

An update on the roles of immune system-derived microRNAs in cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a leading cause of human death worldwide. Over the past two decades, the emerging field of cardioimmunology has demonstrated how cells of the immune system play vital roles in the pathogenesis of CVD. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators of cellular identity and function. Cell-intrinsic, as well as cell-extrinsic, roles of immune and inflammatory cell-derived miRNAs have been, and continue to be, extensively studied. Several 'immuno-miRNAs' appear to be specifically expressed or demonstrate greatly enriched expression within leucocytes. Identification of miRNAs as critical regulators of immune system signalling pathways has posed the question of whether and how targeting these molecules therapeutically, may afford opportunities for disease treatment and/or management. As the field of cardioimmunology rapidly continues to advance, this review discusses findings from recent human and murine studies which contribute to our understanding of how leucocytes of innate and adaptive immunity are regulated-and may also regulate other cell types, via the actions of the miRNAs they express, in the context of CVD. Finally, we focus on available information regarding miRNA regulation of regulatory T cells and argue that targeted manipulation of miRNA regulated pathways in these cells may hold therapeutic promise for the treatment of CVD and associated risk factors.

Targeting miRNA by Natural Products: A Novel Therapeutic Approach for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver

The increasing prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as multifactorial chronic liver disease and the lack of a specific treatment have begun a new era in its treatment using gene expression changes and microRNAs. This study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of natural compounds in NAFLD by regulating miRNA expression. MicroRNAs play essential roles in regulating the cell's biological processes, such as apoptosis, migration, lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and adipocyte differentiation, by controlling the posttranscriptional gene expression level. The impact of current NAFLD pharmacological management, including drug and biological therapies, is uncertain. In this context, various dietary fruits or medicinal herbal sources have received worldwide attention versus NAFLD development. Natural ingredients such as berberine, lychee pulp, grape seed, and rosemary possess protective and therapeutic effects against NAFLD by modifying the gene's expression and noncoding RNAs, especially miRNAs.

Identification of candidate miRNA biomarkers for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy using DUX4-based mouse models

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is caused by misexpression of DUX4 in skeletal myocytes. As DUX4 is the key therapeutic target in FSHD, surrogate biomarkers of DUX4 expression in skeletal muscle are critically needed for clinical trials. Although no natural animal models of FSHD exist, transgenic mice with inducible DUX4 expression in skeletal muscles rapidly develop myopathic phenotypes consistent with FSHD. Here, we established a new, more-accurate FSHD-like mouse model based on chronic DUX4 expression in a small fraction of skeletal myonuclei that develops pathology mimicking key aspects of FSHD across its lifespan. Utilizing this new aged mouse model and DUX4-inducible mouse models, we characterized the DUX4-related microRNA signatures in skeletal muscles, which represent potential biomarkers for FSHD. We found increased expression of miR-31-5p and miR-206 in muscles expressing different levels of DUX4 and displaying varying degrees of pathology. Importantly, miR-206 expression is significantly increased in serum samples from FSHD patients compared with healthy controls. Our data support miR-31-5p and miR-206 as new potential regulators of muscle pathology and miR-206 as a potential circulating biomarker for FSHD. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.

Phytochemicals as regulators of Th17/Treg balance in inflammatory bowel diseases

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory intestinal disorder that is difficult to cure and characterized by periods of relapse. To face the challenges of limited treatment strategies and drawbacks of conventional medications, developing new and promising strategies as well as safe and effective drugs for treatment of IBD has become an urgent demand for clinics. The imbalance of Th17/Treg is a crucial event for the development of IBD, and studies have verified that correcting the imbalance of Th17/Treg is an effective strategy for preventing and treating IBD. Recently, a growing body of studies has indicated that phytochemicals derived from natural products are potent regulators of Th17/Treg, and exert preferable protective benefits against colonic inflammation. In this review, the great potential of anti-colitis agents derived from natural products through targeting Th17/Treg cells and their action mechanisms for the treatment or prevention of IBD in recent research is summarized, which may help further the development of new drugs for IBD treatment.

Gegen Qinlian decoction relieved DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice by modulating Th17/Treg cell homeostasis via suppressing IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling

BACKGROUND

Gegen Qinlian decoction (GQ) is a traditional Chinese herbal prescription that has been widely used for the treatment of bacterial dysentery and enteric typhoid fever. Recently, GQ has been clinically reported to be a potential candidate for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the immunoregulatory function of GQ in the treatment of UC has not been fully elucidated.

PURPOSE

This study focused on the role of immune imbalance in the pathogenesis of UC and the immunomodulatory effect of GQ in the treatment of UC.

METHODS

The UC model was established by treating female mice with 3.0% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 7 days, and GQ was orally administered at dosages of 1.5 and 7.5 g/kg/day. Inflammatory factors were detected by ELISA and qRT-PCR. Treg and Th17 cell dysregulation was analyzed by qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Proteins related to IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling were detected by western blotting.

RESULTS

GQ significantly alleviated the symptoms of UC mice and suppressed the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO). Furthermore, the production of proinflammatory factors, such as IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6, was dramatically reduced after GQ administration. Furthermore, GQ improved the infiltration of Treg and Th17 cells into the colons and decreased the expression of inflammatory factors, such as TGF-β1 and IL-17. The frequencies of Treg and Th17 cells in the Peyer's patches and spleen were reduced by GQ administration; however, GQ had no significant regulatory effect on normal mice. The western blotting results showed that GQ markedly suppressed the phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3 and decreased the transcription function of phosphorylated STAT3.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these results indicated that GQ alleviated DSS-induced UC by suppressing IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling to restore Treg and Th17 cell homeostasis in colonic tissue.

An Insight into the Roles of Dietary Tryptophan and Its Metabolites in Intestinal Inflammation and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is complex, chronic, and relapsing gastrointestinal inflammatory disorders, which includes mainly two conditions, namely ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Development of IBD in any individual is closely related to his/her autoimmune regulation, gene-microbiota interactions, and dietary factors. Dietary tryptophan (Trp) is an essential amino acid for intestinal mucosal cells, and it is associated with the intestinal inflammation, epithelial barrier, and energy homeostasis of the host. According to recent studies, Trp and its three major metabolic pathways, namely kynurenine (KYN) pathway, indole pathway, and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) pathway, have vital roles in the regulation of intestinal inflammation by acting directly or indirectly on the pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines, functions of various immune cells, as well as the intestinal microbial composition and homeostasis. In this review, recent advances in Trp- and its metabolites-associated intestinal inflammation are summarized. It further discusses the complex mechanisms and interrelationships of the three major metabolic pathways of Trp in regulating inflammation, which could elucidate the value of dietary Trp to be used as a nutrient for IBD patients.

Astaxanthin inhibits microglia M1 activation against inflammatory injury triggered by lipopolysaccharide through down-regulating miR-31-5p

AIMS

Astaxanthin is a natural carotenoid, can readily cross the blood-brain barrier and exerts a powerful neuroprotective effect. In this study, experiments were performed to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms of which Astaxanthin inhibiting the microglia M1 activation.

MAIN METHODS

BV2 cells and mice were pre-treated with Astaxanthin and treated by Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The expressions of M1-related factors (pro-inflammatory cytokines and M1 markers) were measured by RT-qPCR and western blot. The target association between miR-31-5p and Numb was explored via luciferase activity assay. MiR-31-5p mimic was transfected into BV2 cells, then the cells were treated with Astaxanthin in combination with LPS. The expression of M1-related factors and Notch pathway-related molecules were measured via RT-qPCR, western blot and immunofluorescence assay.

KEY FINDINGS

Precondition of BV2 cells with Astaxanthin inhibited the expression of M1-related factors triggered by LPS. In addition, Astaxanthin decreased the number of Iba1-positive microglia and downregulated the levels of M1-related factors in hippocampus in LPS-treated mice. Further investigation revealed that Astaxanthin-mediated suppression of M1-related factors levels was reversed by miR-31-5p mimic in BV2 cells stimulated by LPS. Subsequently, we verified that miR-31-5p repressed Numb expression by binding to the 3'-UTR of Numb mRNA. Also, Astaxanthin suppressed the expression of Notch1, Hes1 and Hes5 and improved the expression of Numb in BV2 cells challenged by LPS, but this alteration can be reversed by miR-31-5p mimic.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our study demonstrated that down-regulating miR-31-5p by Astaxanthin could be a potential therapeutic approach to suppress neuroinflammation via regulating microglia M1 activation.

Immunotoxicity studies of trans-resveratrol in male B6C3F1/N mice

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenol that is being investigated to treat and prevent various diseases, both experimentally and in the clinic. Despite increased use and interest in resveratrol due to its immunomodulatory properties, there is a lack of studies evaluating potential toxicities, particularly immunotoxicity, associated with resveratrol use. A previous 2-week study found decreasing thymus weight in male B6C3F1/N mice with increasing exposure to trans-resveratrol. This study is a follow-up on those findings by evaluating immune function. Male adult B6C3F1/N mice were given trans-resveratrol (0, 156, 312, 625, 1250, 2500 mg/kg/day) via oral gavage for 28 days and functional immune tests and histopathology were evaluated. There were no treatment-related effects on body weight during the study. Humoral, cell-mediated, and innate immune function were not altered after 28 days of trans-resveratrol treatment. There were also no changes in organ weight or microscopic alterations in immune organs. Overall, under the conditions of this study, there was no evidence of immunotoxicity or improvements in immune function associated with oral exposure to trans-resveratrol in male mice. Importantly, the immunomodulatory benefits of resveratrol may require a prerequisite level of inflammatory activity and may not be observable in healthy individuals.

Resveratrol Modulates Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β) Signaling Pathway for Disease Therapy: A New Insight into Its Pharmacological Activities

Resveratrol (Res) is a well-known natural product that can exhibit important pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, anti-diabetes, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory. An evaluation of its therapeutic effects demonstrates that this naturally occurring bioactive compound can target different molecular pathways to exert its pharmacological actions. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is an important molecular pathway that is capable of regulating different cellular mechanisms such as proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. TGF-β has been reported to be involved in the development of disorders such as diabetes, cancer, inflammatory disorders, fibrosis, cardiovascular disorders, etc. In the present review, the relationship between Res and TGF-β has been investigated. It was noticed that Res can inhibit TGF-β to suppress the proliferation and migration of cancer cells. In addition, Res can improve fibrosis by reducing inflammation via promoting TGF-β down-regulation. Res has been reported to be also beneficial in the amelioration of diabetic complications via targeting the TGF-β signaling pathway. These topics are discussed in detail in this review to shed light on the protective effects of Res mediated via the modulation of TGF-β signaling.

Recent Advances on the Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Red Grape Polyphenols: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

In this review, special emphasis will be placed on red grape polyphenols for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, their capacity to inhibit major pathways responsible for activation of oxidative systems and expression and release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines will be discussed. Furthermore, regulation of immune cells by polyphenols will be illustrated with special reference to the activation of T regulatory cells which support a tolerogenic pathway at intestinal level. Additionally, the effects of red grape polyphenols will be analyzed in obesity, as a low-grade systemic inflammation. Also, possible modifications of inflammatory bowel disease biomarkers and clinical course have been studied upon polyphenol administration, either in animal models or in clinical trials. Moreover, the ability of polyphenols to cross the blood-brain barrier has been exploited to investigate their neuroprotective properties. In cancer, polyphenols seem to exert several beneficial effects, even if conflicting data are reported about their influence on T regulatory cells. Finally, the effects of polyphenols have been evaluated in experimental models of allergy and autoimmune diseases. Conclusively, red grape polyphenols are endowed with a great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential but some issues, such as polyphenol bioavailability, activity of metabolites, and interaction with microbiota, deserve deeper studies.