The Flavonoid 7,4'-Dihydroxyflavone Prevents Dexamethasone Paradoxical Adverse Effect on Eotaxin Production by Human Fibroblasts

Metabolome analysis of egg yolk and white following dietary supplementation with Ampelopsis grossedentata extract

Eggs are recognized for their rich nutrient profile, providing essential proteins and lipids with notable functional properties. This study examines the effects of incorporating Water Extract of Ampelopsis grossedentata (WEA) into poultry feed on egg quality, focusing on lipid content, choline, L-carnitine levels, and flavonoid compound deposition. Our results show significant increases in essential amino acids, flavonoids, and other bioactive compounds in eggs from WEA-treated hens, suggesting enhanced cardiovascular, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory benefits. Additionally, we observed elevated levels of choline and betaine in egg yolks, alongside increased L-carnitine content, which may contribute to improved lipid metabolism and reduced cardiovascular disease risk. KEGG pathway analysis revealed upregulation of metabolites involved in critical metabolic pathways, enhancing the nutritional profile of eggs. Flavonoid compounds, traditionally associated with plant-based foods, were also significantly increased, with notable levels of 7, 4'-dihydroxyflavone, daidzein, and glycitein identified in WEA-treated eggs, indicating potential health benefits. These findings suggest that WEA supplementation can produce functional eggs with improved nutritional quality, offering a novel approach to enhancing egg production and meeting the growing demand for functional foods. Further research is needed to fully understand the bioavailability and health impacts of these enriched compounds.

Total flavonoids from the aerial parts of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum prevent LPS-induced ALI by modulating the TLR4/NF-κB pathway in mice

BACKGROUND

The traditional Chinese medicine Tetrastigma Hemsleyanum (TH) is employed in treating respiratory diseases; however, the aerial parts by which its total flavonoids alleviate acute lung injury (ALI) are still unknown. This study investigated the protective effect and mechanism of Tetrastigma Hemsleyanum flavonoids (THF) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI in mice.

METHODS

Firstly, the total flavonoids from the above-ground part of TH were extracted. Subsequently, the composition of THF was analyzed using LC-MS. In vivo, the impact of THF on ALI mice was assessed through lung histopathology and the evaluation of various inflammatory factors' expression in mice. After treating RAW264.7 cells with THF in vitro, changes in inflammatory markers were examined upon LPS stimulation, and mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors were detected using RT-qPCR. Finally, Western blot analysis was performed to determine TLR4/NF-κB pathway-associated proteins expression.

RESULTS

In summary, a total of 24 flavonoids have been identified in THF. In vivo and vitro results show that THF effectively reduces the damage caused by LPS inflammation by blocking the expression and release of inflammatory factors. THF alleviates inflammatory injury by modulating the TLR4/NF-KB pathway.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that flavonoids exhibit a potent anti-inflammatory effect and effectively mitigate LPS-induced injury both in vivo and in vitro. We suggested that these flavonoids exert their therapeutic effects by modulating the TLR4/NF-KB pathway. In conclusion, the development of THF is anticipated to represent a promising new pharmaceutical for treatingALI.

Development of an Oral Isoliquiritigenin Self-Nano-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System (ILQ-SNEDDS) for Effective Treatment of Eosinophilic Esophagitis Induced by Food Allergy

Isoliquiritigenin (ILQ) is a natural flavonoid with various pharmacological activities. In this study, we optimized the preparation method of self-nano-emulsion-loaded ILQ to further improve its bioavailability based on our previous study. In addition, its effect on the treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis was also evaluated. Combined surfactants and co-surfactants were screened, and the optimal formulation of ILQ-SNEDDS was determined according to droplet size, droplet dispersity index (DDI), and drug loading. The formulation was composed of ethyl oleate (oil phase), Tween 80 & Cremophor EL (surfactant, 7:3), and PEG 400 & 1,2-propylene glycol (cosurfactant, 1:1), with a mass ratio of 3:6:1. Its physicochemical properties, including drug loading, droplets' size, Zeta potential, appearance, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, were characterized. In vitro release profile, in situ intestinal absorption, and in vivo pharmacokinetics were applied to confirm the improvement of oral ILQ bioavailability by NEDDS. Finally, the efficacy of ILQ-SNEDDS in the treatment of food allergy-induced eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE) was further evaluated. When the ILQ drug loading was 77.9 mg/g, ILQ-SNEDDS could self-assemble into sub-spherical uniform droplets with an average size of about 33.4 ± 2.46 nm (PDI about 0.10 ± 0.05) and a Zeta potential of approximately -10.05 ± 3.23 mV. In situ intestinal absorption showed that optimized SNEDDS significantly increased the apparent permeability coefficient of ILQ by 1.69 times, and the pharmacokinetic parameters also confirmed that SNEDDS sharply increased the max plasma concentration and bioavailability of ILQ by 3.47 and 2.02 times, respectively. ILQ-SNEDDS also significantly improved the apparent signs, allergic index, hypothermia and body weight of EoE model mice. ILQ-SNEDDS treatment significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-5, and the level of PPE-s-IgE in serum, and significantly inhibited the expression of TGF-β1 in esophageal tissue. SNEDDS significantly improved the solubility and bioavailability of ILQ. Additionally, ILQ-SNEDDS treatment attenuated symptomatology of EoE model mice, which was associated with inhibiting the production of T_H2 inflammatory cytokines and PPE-s-IgE and the expression of TGF-β1. The above results shows that ILQ-SNEDDS has great potential as a good candidate for the treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis.

Risk of anaphylaxis in cluster vs standard subcutaneous multiallergen immunotherapy

BACKGROUND

Cluster schedules for subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (AIT) require significantly fewer injections, but there have been conflicting reports regarding the risk of systemic reactions (SR).

OBJECTIVE

To compare the incidence of SRs during the build-up stages of multiallergen standard vs cluster immunotherapy.

METHODS

Data on SRs were collected prospectively from 91 urban adult patients who underwent either standard or cluster AIT at the Johns Hopkins Allergy and Asthma Center from 2014 to 2022. The SRs were recorded during the build-up phase and compared for both protocols using Pearson's χ², Fisher exact test, and multivariate logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Overall, SR rates were 21% for patients in the standard schedule and 37% for patients in the cluster immunotherapy schedule, which was not statistically different (P = .08). However, the SR rate for each injection was 0.69% per injection in the standard protocol and 2.29% per injection in the cluster schedule (incident rate ratio = 3.3). All SRs (100%) in both groups occurred in the second half of the build-up phase. Multivariate regression revealed that the target prescription protein nitrogen units and the number of allergens in the treatment vial did not influence SR rates (odds ratio = 1.00 and 1.06, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The overall incidence of SR was not statistically different for cluster and standard AIT protocols. However, because cluster patients received approximately half the number of injections, the risk for SR per individual injection is more than 3-fold higher than that of standard immunotherapy.

Time-dependent dual beneficial modulation of interferon-γ, interleukin 5, and Treg cytokines in asthma patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells by ganoderic acid B

Th2 cytokines play a dominant role in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma. Interferon gamma (IFN-γ), a Th1 cytokine, links to therapeutic mechanisms of allergic asthma. Interleukin (IL)-10, a regulatory cytokine, is involved in the induction of immune tolerance. We previously demonstrated that Anti-Asthma Simplified Herbal Medicine Intervention (ASHMI) suppressed Th2 and increased IFN-γ in patients with asthma and in animal models, but its bioactive compound is unknown. Ganoderic acid beta (GAB) was isolated from Ganoderma lucidum (one herb in ASHMI). Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from adult patients with asthma were cultured with GAB or dexamethasone (Dex) in the presence of environmental allergens. The cytokine levels of IL-10, IFN-γ, IL-5, transcription factors T-bet, Foxp-3, and GATA3 were measured. Following 3-day culture, GAB, but not Dex, significantly increased IL-10 and IFN-γ levels by allergic patients' PBMCs. Following 6-day treatment, GAB inhibited IL-5 production, but IL-10 and IFN-γ remained high. Dex suppressed production of all three cytokines. GAB suppressed GATA3 and maintained Foxp-3 and T-bet gene expression, while Dex significantly suppressed GATA3 and T-bet expression. GAB simultaneously increased IL-10, IFN-γ associated with induction of T-bet and Foxp3, while suppressing IL-5, which was associated with suppression of GATA3, demonstrating unique beneficial cytokine modulatory effect, which distinguishes from Dex's overall suppression.

Sophora flavescens Alkaloids and Corticosteroid Synergistically Augment IL-10/IL-5 Ratio with Foxp3-Gene-Epigenetic Modification in Asthma PBMCs

Background

It has been demonstrated that ASHMI (antiasthma-simplified herbal medicine intervention) can improve airway function and reduce inflammation in human asthmatic patients with high safety and tolerability. In addition, ASHMI significantly suppresses Th2 cytokine production and increases Th1 cytokine production in treating asthma.

Objective

Allergic asthma is associated with dysregulation of cytokines. We focused on IL-5 and IL-10 as signature Th2 and Treg cytokines to characterize ASHMI immunomodulatory components.

Methods

The effects of ASHMI and individual herbal constituents on IL-5 and IL-10 production by PBMCs from asthmatic subjects were determined ex vivo. Sophora flavescens (SF)-F2, containing alkaloid compounds, effects on PBMC IL-10 and IL-5 production in the presence or absence of dexamethasone (Dex), and on DNA methylation levels at the foxp3 gene promoter were determined.

Results

The ratio of anti-CD3/CD28 stimulated IL-10/IL-5 production by PBMCs from asthmatic subjects was significantly reduced compared to healthy subjects. In PBMCs from asthmatic subjects, ASHMI significantly reduced IL-5 production and increased IL-10 secretion in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05–0.01). SF-F2 was most effective in increasing IL-10, whereas SF-F4 (flavonoid compounds) was most effective in suppressing IL-5 production. Dex-treated PBMCs from asthma subjects showed a trend of increasing ratio of IL-10/IL-5 while demonstrating reduced levels in both IL-5 and IL-10 (p < 0.05). Co-culture with Dex and SF-F2 significantly prevented Dex suppression of IL-10, while retained Dex-suppression of IL-5 production, and increased IL-10/IL-5 ratio by Dex. Co-culture with SF-F2 and Dex significantly reduced DNA methylation levels at the foxp3 gene promoter at CpG⁻¹²⁶.

Conclusion

The SF alkaloid-rich fraction may be responsible for ASHMI induction of IL-10 production by PBMCs and plays a synergistic effect with Dex for augmenting IL-10/IL-5 ratio.

Traditional Chinese medicine for food allergy and eczema

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the recent evidence of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for food allergy and eczema.

DATA SOURCES

Published literature from PubMed database and abstract conference presentations.

STUDY SELECTIONS

Studies relevant to TCM for food allergy and eczema were included.

RESULTS

TCM is the main component of complementary and alternative medicine in the United States. Food Allergy Herbal Formula 2 (FAHF-2) (derived from the classical formula Wu Mei Wan) prevented systemic anaphylaxis in murine models and was found to have safety and preliminary immunomodulatory effects on T cells and basophils. The phase II trial of combined TCM with oral immunotherapy and omalizumab for multiple food allergy is ongoing. Retrospective practice-based evidence study revealed that comprehensive TCM therapy effectively prevented frequent and severe food anaphylaxis triggered by skin contact or protein inhalation. The traditional Japanese herbal medicine Kakkonto suppressed allergic diarrhea and decreased mast cells in intestinal mucosa in a murine model. The active compounds from TCM were found to have potent inhibition of immunoglobulin (Ig) E, mast cell activation, and proinflammatory cytokine or signaling pathway (tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 8, NF-κB) suggesting value for both IgE and non-IgE-mediated food allergy. Triple TCM therapy including ingestion, bath, and cream markedly improved skin lesion, itching, and sleep loss in patients with corticosteroid dependent, recalcitrant, or topical steroid withdrawal. Xiao Feng San and Japanese and Korean formulas were found to have effectiveness in eczema. Furthermore, acupuncture reduced wheal size, skin itching, and basophil activation in atopic dermatitis. Moreover, TCM is generally safe.

CONCLUSION

TCM has potential as safe and effective therapy for food allergy and eczema. Further research is needed for botanical drug development and to further define the mechanisms of actions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

FAHF-2: https://ichgcp.net/clinical-trials-registry/NCT00602160; ethyl acetate and butanol purified FAHF-2: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02879006.

Development of an Orally Bioavailable Isoliquiritigenin Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System to Effectively Treat Ovalbumin-Induced Asthma

Purpose

Isoliquiritigenin (ILQ), an important component of Anti-Asthma Herbal Medicine Intervention (ASHMI), had shown potent anti-asthma effect in vitro in our previous study. However, poor solubility and low bioavailability hindered in vivo application to treat asthma. This study was to develop a novel ILQ loaded self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (ILQ-SMEDDS) with enhanced bioavailability.

Methods

The optimized SMEDDS formulation was composed of ethyl oleate (oil phase), Tween 80 (surfactant) and PEG400 (co-surfactant) at a mass ratio of 3:6:1. The physiochemical properties of ILQ-SMEDDS, including drug content, globule size, zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, were characterized. And the in vitro release profile, in situ intestinal absorption, in vivo pharmacokinetic parameters and the anti-asthma effect of ILQ suspension and ILQ-SMEDDS were evaluated.

Results

The ILQ-SMEDDS had an average globule size of 20.63 ± 1.95 nm with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.11 ± 0.03, and its zeta potential was −12.64 ± 2.12 mV. The cumulative release rate of ILQ from ILQ-SMEDDS to the simulated gastrointestinal tract was significantly higher than that of free ILQ suspension. And area under curve with ILQ-SMEDDS was found to be 3.95 times higher than that of ILQ suspension indicating improved bioavailability by SMEDDS. Although ILQ-SMEDDS showed a slight less effective inhibitory effect on eotaxin-1 in human lung fibroblast (HFL-1) cells than free ILQ, in an ovalbumin-induced asthma model, ILQ-SMEDDS exhibited more efficacy than ILQ suspension in improving asthma-associated inflammation, including eosinophil production, ovalbumin-specific immunoglobulin E (OVA-sIgE), interleukin 4 (IL 4), interleukin 5 (IL 5) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Even the low dose of ILQ-SMEDDS group (10 mg/kg) showed better anti-asthma effect than that of the ILQ suspension group (20 mg/kg).

Conclusion

Compared with ILQ suspension, ILQ-SMEDDS showed significantly improved bioavailability and anti-asthma effect, revealing its potential as a favorable pharmaceutical agent for treating asthma.

Resveratrol Protects Osteoblasts Against Dexamethasone-Induced Cytotoxicity Through Activation of AMP-Activated Protein Kinase

Purpose

Glucocorticoids are used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, but glucocorticoid treatment is associated with bone damage. Resveratrol is a phytoalexin found in many plants, and we investigated its protective role on dexamethasone-induced dysfunction in MC3T3-E1 cells and primary osteoblasts.

Materials and Methods

MC3T3-E1 cells and primary osteoblasts were treated with dexamethasone in the presence/absence of different doses of resveratrol for 24 or 48 h. Then, 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays were used to evaluate cell viability. Apoptosis was analyzed by a flow cytometry. An alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay and Alizarin Red S staining were used to study osteoblast differentiation. Expression of osteoblast-related genes was measured by real-time reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway and mitochondrial expression of superoxide dismutase were evaluated by Western blotting. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, mitochondrial-complex activity, and mitochondrial DNA content were measured to evaluate mitochondrial function.

Results

Resveratrol induced the proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of osteoblasts in the presence of dexamethasone. Resveratrol increased the ALP activity and mineralization of osteoblasts. Resveratrol also attenuated dexamethasone-induced inhibition of mRNA expression of osteogenesis maker genes, including bone morphogenetic protein-2, osteoprotegerin, runt-related transcription factor-2, and bone Gla protein. Resveratrol alleviated dexamethasone-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Resveratrol strongly stimulated expression of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α and sirtuin-3 genes, as well as their downstream target gene superoxide dismutase-2. Resveratrol induced phosphorylation of AMPK and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). Blockade of AMPK signaling using compound C reversed the protective effects of resveratrol against dexamethasone.

Conclusion

Resveratrol showed protective effects against dexamethasone-induced dysfunction of osteoblasts by activating AMPK signaling.

Erythromycin Releasing PVA/sucrose and PVA/honey Hydrogels as Wound Dressings with Antibacterial Activity and Enhanced Bio-adhesion

The present study deals with preparation and characterization of thermally crosslinked PVA-based hydrogels containing honey and sucrose for the purpose of erythromycin delivery. The hydrogels have been characterized and compared by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and bio-adhesion tests. Swelling measurements showed that addition of sucrose and honey decreased the equilibrium swelling of the hydrogels. Results of release studies showed that the amount of erythromycin, released at the early hours was higher for PVA/sucrose and PVA/honey hydrogels compared to PVA hydrogel while the drug released at later times was highly reduced for PVA/honey hydrogel. Both Peppas-Sahlin and Korsmeyer-Peppas models fitted well to the release data. Fitting Peppas-Sahlin model to the release data showed that at the initial times, release of drug from the hydrogel network was mainly governed by Fickian mechanism; however, at later times the drug is dominantly released by relaxational mechanism due to swelling of the network,. Addition of honey improved the bio-adhesion of PVA/honey hydrogel as compared to PVA/sucrose and pure PVA hydrogel. Results of antibacterial tests showed growth inhibitory action of erythromycin-loaded PVA hydrogels against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. This study indicates that these hybrid hydrogels are capable of being used as functional wound dressings aiming to control the rate of antibiotic delivery to the wound site and prevent the wounds from infection.