Yuwen02f1 suppresses LPS-induced endotoxemia and adjuvant-induced arthritis primarily through blockade of ROS formation, NFkB and MAPK activation

NRF1 coordinates mitochondrial adaptations to dampen intracellular ROS and inflammatory responses during ischemia reperfusion

Ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) is commonly seen in surgical procedures involving cardiopulmonary bypass and post-shock reperfusion. Sudden restoration of blood flow after a period of ischemia triggers a rapid accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress that promote pathological injury. Macrophage-derived inflammatory responses are also thought to contribute to such injury, but how ROS influences tissue macrophages and their elaboration of inflammatory cytokines in IRI remains poorly understood. In this study, we showed that macrophages mobilize mitochondrial adaptations during reoxygenation, including mitochondrial fission and ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) flux. Furthermore, the transcription factor Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2 Like 1 (NRF1) is rapidly induced during reoxygenation in response to rising levels of ROS. Induction of NRF1 upregulates ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) and mitophagy pathways to mediate mitochondrial fusion/fission dynamics and dampen ROS production, allowing for alleviation of oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. Conversely, the absence of myeloid NRF1 leads to increased ROS, driving enhanced inflammation and kidney injury in a mouse model of IRI. We thus identify macrophage NRF1 as a master regulator of mitochondrial homeostasis, antioxidant defense, and inflammatory responses in IRI.

Astragaloside IV Relieves Central Sensitization by Regulating Astrocytic ROS/NF-κB Nuclear Translocation Signaling in Chronic Migraine Male Rats

Chronic migraine (CM) is a disabling neurological disease. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), a natural product derived from Astragalus membranaceus , shows great potential in treating chronic pain by relieving inflammation and oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of action of AS-IV on CM. An inflammatory soup comprising histamine, bradykinin, serotonin, and prostaglandin E2 was used to establish a CM rat model, while lipopolysaccharide was applied to induce an inflammatory response in primary astrocytes. Pain threshold measurements were used to evaluate nociceptive hypersensitivity, while qPCR and Western blotting were applied to detect inflammatory indicators and synaptic protein expression, and Golgi-Cox staining was applied to observe dendritic spine density, while transmission electron microscopy was used to observe synaptic ultrastructure. Mitochondrial function and oxidative stress were assessed using JC-1 staining, Mitotracker staining, reactive oxygen species (ROS) quantification, and glutathione content. AS-IV pretreatment alleviated central sensitization and ameliorated astrocyte activation and neuroinflammation. AS-IV pretreatment alleviated mitochondrial dysfunction in vitro, and reduced the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and the production of IL-1β, which were reversed by ROS scavengers in vitro or mitochondrial respiratory chain disruptors in vivo. Our study indicates that AS-IV can inhibit neuroinflammation by alleviating astrocyte mitochondrial dysfunction to mitigate central sensitization in CM, thereby providing an experimental basis for AS-IV and A. membranaceus in CM prevention and treatment.

The Generation of ROS by Exposure to Trihalomethanes Promotes the IκBα/NF-κB/p65 Complex Dissociation in Human Lung Fibroblast

Background: Disinfection by-products used to obtain drinking water, including halomethanes (HMs) such as CH2Cl2, CHCl3, and BrCHCl2, induce cytotoxicity and hyperproliferation in human lung fibroblasts (MRC-5). Enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) modulate these damages through their biotransformation processes, potentially generating toxic metabolites. However, the role of the oxidative stress response in cellular hyperproliferation, modulated by nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), remains unclear. Methods: In this study, MRC-5 cells were treated with these compounds to evaluate reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, lipid peroxidation, phospho-NF-κB/p65 (Ser536) levels, and the activities of SOD, CAT, and GPx. Additionally, the interactions between HMs and ROS with the IκBα/NF-κB/p65 complex were analyzed using molecular docking. Results: Correlation analysis among biomarkers revealed positive relationships between pro-oxidant damage and antioxidant responses, particularly in cells treated with CH2Cl2 and BrCHCl2. Conversely, negative relationships were observed between ROS levels and NF-κB/p65 levels in cells treated with CH2Cl2 and CHCl3. The estimated relative free energy of binding using thermodynamic integration with the p65 subunit of NF-κB was -3.3 kcal/mol for BrCHCl2, -3.5 kcal/mol for both CHCl3 and O2•, and -3.6 kcal/mol for H2O2. Conclusions: Chloride and bromide atoms were found in close contact with IPT domain residues, particularly in the RHD region involved in DNA binding. Ser281 is located within this domain, facilitating the phosphorylation of this protein. Similarly, both ROS interacted with the IPT domain in the RHD region, with H2O2 forming a side-chain oxygen interaction with Leu280 adjacent to the phosphorylation site of p65. However, the negative correlation between ROS and phospho-NF-κB/p65 suggests that steric hindrance by ROS on the C-terminal domain of NF-κB/p65 may play a role in the antioxidant response.

Network pharmacology-based approach to explore the underlying mechanism of sinomenine on sepsis-induced myocardial injury in rats

Background: Sepsis, a systemic disease, usually induces myocardial injury (MI), and sepsis-induced MI has become a significant contributor to sepsis-related deaths in the intensive care unit. The objective of this study is to investigate the role of sinomenine (SIN) on sepsis-induced MI and clarify the underlying mechanism based on the techniques of network pharmacology. Methods: Cecum ligation and puncture (CLP) was adopted to induce sepsis in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Serum indicators, echocardiographic cardiac parameters, and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining were conducted to gauge the severity of cardiac damage. The candidate targets and potential mechanism of SIN against sepsis-induced MI were analyzed via network pharmacology. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed for detecting the serum concentration of inflammatory cytokines. Western blot was applied for evaluating the levels of protein expression. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP biotin nick end labeling assay was applied to assess cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Results: SIN significantly improved the cardiac functions, and attenuated myocardial structural damage of rats as compared with the CLP group. In total, 178 targets of SIN and 945 sepsis-related genes were identified, and 33 overlapped targets were considered as candidate targets of SIN against sepsis. Enrichment analysis results demonstrated that these putative targets were significantly associated with the Interleukin 17 (IL-17) signal pathway, inflammatory response, cytokines-mediated signal pathway, and Janus Kinase-Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway. Molecular docking suggested that SIN had favorable binding affinities with Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 8 (MAPK8), Janus Kinase 1 (JAK1), Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2), Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3), and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB). SIN significantly reduced the serum concentration of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin 1 Beta (IL-1β), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 8 (CXCL8), lowered the protein expression of phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1), JAK1, JAK2, STAT3, NF-κB, and decreased the proportion of cleaved-caspase3/caspase3. In addition, SIN also significantly inhibited the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes as compared with the CLP group. Conclusion: Based on network pharmacology analysis and corresponding experiments, it was concluded that SIN could mediate related targets and pathways to protect against sepsis-induced MI.

Molecular Engineering of E. coli Bacterioferritin: A Versatile Nanodimensional Protein Cage

Currently, intense interest is focused on the discovery and application of new multisubunit cage proteins and spherical virus capsids to the fields of bionanotechnology, drug delivery, and diagnostic imaging as their internal cavities can serve as hosts for fluorophores or bioactive molecular cargo. Bacterioferritin is unusual in the ferritin protein superfamily of iron-storage cage proteins in that it contains twelve heme cofactors and is homomeric. The goal of the present study is to expand the capabilities of ferritins by developing new approaches to molecular cargo encapsulation employing bacterioferritin. Two strategies were explored to control the encapsulation of a diverse range of molecular guests compared to random entrapment, a predominant strategy employed in this area. The first was the inclusion of histidine-tag peptide fusion sequences within the internal cavity of bacterioferritin. This approach allowed for the successful and controlled encapsulation of a fluorescent dye, a protein (fluorescently labeled streptavidin), or a 5 nm gold nanoparticle. The second strategy, termed the heme-dependent cassette strategy, involved the substitution of the native heme with heme analogs attached to (i) fluorescent dyes or (ii) nickel-nitrilotriacetate (NTA) groups (which allowed for controllable encapsulation of a histidine-tagged green fluorescent protein). An in silico docking approach identified several small molecules able to replace the heme and capable of controlling the quaternary structure of the protein. A transglutaminase-based chemoenzymatic approach to surface modification of this cage protein was also accomplished, allowing for future nanoparticle targeting. This research presents novel strategies to control a diverse set of molecular encapsulations and adds a further level of sophistication to internal protein cavity engineering.

Macrophage Polarization Towards M2 Phenotype by Curcuminoids Through NF-κB Pathway Inhibition in Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis

Macrophage polarization is decisive for homeostasis maintenance and tissue repair. Anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin (CUR) have been demonstrated in several studies. It used in the treatment of bone disorders includingrheumatoid arthritis. The present study aims to explore the potential mechanisms of curcumin on macrophage polarization, expression, activation, and cytokine secretion in adjuvant-induced arthritis as well as its possible role in enhancing the therapeutic action of methotrexate (MTX) together with minimizing MTX initiated side-effects. Rats were divided into eight groups as follows; Control group, MTX group: was weekly injected with MTX, CUR group: was treated with a daily oral dose of curcumin, MTX + CUR group: was treated with both methotrexate and curcumin, Adjuvant arthritis group (AIA): was injected with complete Freund's adjuvant for arthritis induction, AIA/MTX group: arthritic rats treated with methotrexate, AIA/CUR group: arthritic rats treated with curcumin and AIA/MTX + CUR: arthritic rats treated with both methotrexate and curcumin. Paw swelling, haematological analysis, immunological studies, histological observations and quantitative immunohistochemical investigations were performed. The present results showed that treating arthritic rats with curcumin either alone or in combination with methotrexate resulted in amelioration in paws inflammation, growth rate, absolute and relative spleen weights, and haematological analyses. Antinuclear antibodies, IL-1β, IL-8, IL-10, NF-kB levels, and CD68 + joint expression were also ameliorated. The microscopic examination of joint and spleen showed more improvement as apparently normal tissues in treated groups. It can be concluded that curcumin seems to be most promising in regulating macrophage expression, activation, cytokine secretion, and polarization, thus providing a novel insight in the application of curcumin-based treatments.

HC067047 as a potent TRPV4 inhibitor repairs endotoxemia colonic injury

Colonic injury causes severe inflammation during systemic infections in patients with endotoxemia. The prevention of colonic injury could effectively reduce the progression of endotoxemia. We investigated the protective effects and detailed mechanisms of the TRPV4 inhibitor HC067047 in the treatment of colonic injury caused by endotoxemia. An LPS-induced endotoxemia colonic injury model was used to assess the in vivo effects of HC067047. Colon slices were detected by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and immunofluorescence assays. Spectrophotometry was used to determine the levels of MDA, calcium, GSH, and GSSG. Alterations in oxidative stress/mitophagy/inflammatory pyroptosis-related markers were evaluated by Q-PCR and western blot assays. HC067047 reduced the body weight loss and spleen weight index of endotoxemic mice and partly recovered the normal morphology of the colonic mucous layer. As an inhibitor of the calcium permeant cation channel, HC067047 suppressed the phosphorylation of the CAMKIIɑ protein and levels of MDA and calcium, upregulated the ratio of GSH/GSSG, shortened the expression of oxidative stress-related proteins, and enhanced the expression of the anti-oxidative protein CAT in damaged colon tissues. Additionally, HC067047 maintained normal mitochondrial functions in endotoxemia colons by promoting mitochondrial fusion and biosynthesis and suppressing mitochondrial fission and the PINK/Parkin/mitophagy pathway. HC067047 potently blocked inflammatory pyroptosis and protected the colonic tight junction barrier. HC067047 restores endotoxemia colons against oxidative stress, mitophagy, inflammatory pyroptosis, and colonic barrier dysfunction. Hence, HC067047 therapy may be potentially useful in the treatment of colonic injury in endotoxemia.

Synthesis, Characterization and Anticancer Efficacy Evaluation of Benzoxanthone Compounds toward Gastric Cancer SGC-7901

Three benzoxanthone derivatives were synthesized through a new photochemical strategy. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of these compounds was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and their partition coefficients (logP) were measured by shake flask method. The pK_a values of the compounds were detected by potentionmetric titration. The interaction of the compounds with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) was investigated by electronic absorption, luminescence spectra and viscosity. A molecular docking analysis was performed. The antitumor efficacy of the compounds was evaluated by cell apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, intracellular Ca²⁺ concentrations and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. The mitochondrial membrane potential was assayed using JC-1 (5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1,3′,3′-tetraethyl-imidacarbocyanine iodide) as the fluorescence probe. The expression of Bcl-2 family protein, caspase 3 and poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) was explored by western blot. The results showed that the compounds induced apoptosis through a ROS-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction pathway. This work provides an efficient approach to synthesize benzoxanthone derivatives, and is helpful for understanding the apoptotic mechanism.

A comprehensive systematic review of the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action of quercetin in sepsis

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Several studies have indicated that flavonoids exhibit a wide variety of biological actions including free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities. Quercetin, one of the most extensively distributed flavonoids in the vegetables and fruits, presents various biological activities including modulation of oxidative stress, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activities.

METHODS

The present systematic review was conducted according to the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statements. We searched Web of Sciences, Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases up to February 2021 by using the relevant keywords.

RESULTS

Out of 672 records screened, 35 articles met the study criteria. The evidence reviewed here indicates that quercetin supplementation may exert beneficial effects on sepsis by attenuating inflammation and oxidative stress, downregulating the mRNA expression of toll-like receptors (TLRs), modulating the immune response, and alleviating sepsis-related organ dysfunctions.

CONCLUSION

Due to the promising therapeutic effects of quercetin on sepsis complications and the lack of clinical trials in this regard, future human randomized clinical trials are warranted.

Preservation of mitochondrial homeostasis is responsible for the ameliorative effects of Suhuang antitussive capsule on non-resolving inflammation via inhibition of NF-κB signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome activation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Suhuang antitussive capsule (Suhuang), one of traditional antitussive Chinese patent medicines, has been used for the treatment of post-infectious cough and cough variant asthma in clinical practice. It has been demonstrated to show numerous biological actions including antitussive and anti-inflammatory effects.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to investigate the effects of Suhuang on non-resolving inflammation and its underlying molecular mechanism.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In vitro, mitochondrial membrane potential and ROS were detected by flow cytometry analysis. mtDNA release and mPTP fluorescence were determined by Q-PCR and fluorescence microplate reader analysis. Cytochrome C release and 8-OHdG levels were evaluated by ELISA. Additionally, the effects of Suhuang on Drp1, MMP9, IκBα/NF-κB and NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 expression were determined by Q-PCR, gelatin zymography or immunoblot analysis. In vivo, C57/BL6 mice were orally administrated for 2 weeks with Suhuang, then lung injury was induced by LPS. Inflammatory mediators mRNA, histological assessment and NF-κB/Caspase-1/IL-1β levels were evaluated by Q-PCR, H&E staining and immunoblot analysis. Two sepsis models of mice were further used to evaluate its anti-inflammatory effects.

RESULTS

Suhuang restored mitochondrial homeostasis by inhibiting Drp1 activation and mitochondrial fission. Besides, Suhuang reduced mPTP opening, mitochondrial membrane potential collapse, ROS overproduction and mtDNA release. Moreover, Suhuang down-regulated MMP9 expression. As a consequence of preserved mitochondrial homeostasis, Suhuang inhibited NF-κB pathway activation by prevention of NF-κB-p65 phosphorylation and IκBα degradation. Suhuang also limited NLRP3 inflammasome activation by blocking NLRP3-ASC interaction and promoting NLRP3 ubiquitination degradation. Drp1 knockdown in vitro diminished the inhibitory effects of Suhuang on inflammatory responses, indicating the essential role of Drp1 in the Suhuang's activity. Consistently, the therapeutic effects of Suhuang were confirmed in LPS-inhaled mice, which recapitulated the protective actions of Suhuang in mitochondrial homeostasis in vitro. Additionally, two sepsis models of mice confirmed the inhibitory effects of Suhuang on uncontrolled inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

Altogether, our work reveals that Suhuang inhibits non-resolving inflammation through inhibition of NF-κB signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome activation by preserving mitochondrial homeostasis, providing new pharmacological data for the clinical use of Suhuang. Our study also suggests mitochondrial homeostasis as a potential intrinsic regulatory strategy for treating inflammatory diseases.

Structure-based discovery of potent and selective small-molecule inhibitors targeting signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)

STAT3 has been validated as an attractive anticancer target due to its important roles in cancer initiation and progression. However, discovery of potent and selective STAT3 small-molecule inhibitors with druglike properties is still challenging. In this study, two series of substituted 2-phenylquinolines and 2-arylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines were designed through structure-based drug discovery approach by condensing the privileged structures of STX-119 and SH4-54. Our study has resulted in the discovery of a number of highly potent and selective STAT3 inhibitors, exemplified by compound 39 with the privileged structure of 2-phenylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine, which selectively inhibits phosphorylation of STAT3 and suppresses subsequent signaling pathway. Moreover, 39 inhibits cell growth, migration and invasion of human triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells lines. Consistently, it achieves significant and dose-dependent tumor growth inhibition in both cell line-derived and patient-derived xenograft tumor models in mice. These results clearly indicate that 39 is a highly potent and selective STAT3 inhibitor.

Isoimperatorin exerts anti-inflammatory activity by targeting the LPS-TLR4/MD-2-NF-κB pathway

Isoimperatorin (QHS) is a phytoconstituent found in the methanolic extracts obtained from the roots of Angelica dahurica, which contains anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, analgesic, anti-tumor, and vasodilatory activities. QHS possesses potent antagonistic activity against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation; however, the mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of QHS and explored the underlying mechanisms. The QHS was purchased from Jiangsu Yongjian Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Jiangsu, China). We performed MTT assay, real-time PCR, ELISA, and western blotting experiments to assess the anti-inflammatory activity and the possible mechanism of QHS in vitro. Molecular docking was performed to study the binding of QHS and myeloid differentiation protein-2 (MD-2) and elucidate the possible anti-inflammatory mechanism. QHS had no significant effect on cell viability. Moreover, pre-treatment with QHS significantly decreased the release of inflammatory cytokines and mediators including NO, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. In addition, real-time PCR showed that QHS decreased the mRNA expressions of iNOS, COX-2 TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Western blotting indicated that QHS could inhibit the expression of the proteins associated with the LPS-TLR4/MD-2-NF-κB signaling pathway. Lastly, molecular docking revealed a possible binding mechanism between QHS and MD-2. QHS exhibited anti-inflammatory activity when combined with MD-2, regulating the LPS-TLR4/MD-2-NF-κB signaling pathway, and inhibiting the release and expression of inflammatory cytokines and mediators. Furthermore, QHS can be used as a potential TLR4 antagonist, which blocks MD-2 binding, for treating inflammatory responses induced by LPS.

Anti-inflammatory Activity of Mollugo cerviana Methanolic Extract in LPS-induced Acute Inflammatory RAW 264.7 Macrophages

BACKGROUND

The management of acute inflammation, which arises from complex biological responses to harmful stimuli, is an important determinant in recovery of the system from an otherwise detrimental outcome such as septicemia. However, the side effects and limitations of current therapeutics necessitate the development of newer and safer alternatives. Mollugo cerviana is a common medicinal herb of the Indian subcontinent and has been traditionally used for its fever mitigating, anti-microbial and hepatoprotective action. We have already reported the rich presence of radical scavenging phytochemicals in the plant extracts and their strong antioxidant properties.

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, we have evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of methanolic extract (ME) of the areal parts of M. cerviana in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute inflammatory cell culture model.

METHOD

RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages cell were stimulated by the bacterial endotoxin LPS at a concentration of 1 µg/mL. Cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory potential of ME were carried out.

RESULTS

M. cerviana extract concentration up to 150 µg/ml was found to be non-toxic to cells (MTT and NRU assay). LPS induces acute inflammation by binding to TLR-4 receptors, initiating downstream signalling cascade that result in pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion. Extract treatment at 100 µg/ml suppressed LPS-induced gene expression (qPCR) and secretion (ELISA) of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, and the chemokine CCL2, indicating a dampening of the acute inflammatory cascade. LPS-induced elevation of ROS level (DCFDA method) was significant reduced by extract treatment. Nitric oxide production, as indicated by nitrite level, was significantly reduced post extract treatment.

CONCLUSION

From this study, it is demonstrated that M. cerviana methanolic extract has potent anti-inflammatory effect in the in vitro acute inflammation model of LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. There is not reported study so far on the anti-inflammatory properties of M. cerviana in an LPS-induced acute inflammatory model which closely mimics a human bacteremia response. Hence, this study highlights the therapeutic potential of this extract as a source of anti-inflammatory lead molecules.

ROS-responsive and multifunctional anti-Alzheimer prodrugs: Tacrine-ibuprofen hybrids via a phenyl boronate linker

Current drugs available in clinic for Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment can only alleviate disease symptoms without clearly curing or delaying the process of AD. And some AD drugs failed in Phase III clinical trials are only focused on targeting amyloid-β (Aβ). Therefore, an alternative strategy in AD drug design is meaningful to be involved in the multiple pathogenic factors which can affect each other at multiple levels. Herein, we report a series of ROS-responsive prodrugs based on multi-target-directed ligands (MTDLs) approach, which can specifically release tacrine derivatives and ibuprofen under oxidation of ROS and show acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-inhibiting, neuron-protective and anti-inflammatory effects in extracellular or intracellular assays. Related biological study illustrated that compound 22 was able to permeate blood-brain-barrier (BBB) showing little hepatotoxicity in comparison to tacrine. Besides, 22 hinted a therapeutic clue in AD-treatment by regulating proinflammatory factors (IL-1β and TNF-α) and apoptosis related proteins (Bax, Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase-3). Further spatial memory assays in Aβ-induced AD model showed that 22 enhanced the ability of learning and memory. Our study proves that the strategy of ROS-responsive prodrugs has promise for AD treatments in future and offers a way for AD drug development.

Halo and Pseudohalo Gold(I)-NHC Complexes Derived from 4,5-Diarylimidazoles with Excellent In Vitro and In Vivo Anticancer Activities Against HCC

A series of halo and pseudohalo gold(I)-NHC complexes (NHC-Au-X) (X = Cl, Br, I, NCO, and OAc) derived from 4,5-diarylimidazoles were synthesized, structurally characterized, and analyzed for their biological activities. The most active complex was iodo(1,3-diethyl-4,5-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene)gold(I) (6), which was at least 2-fold more cytotoxic than cisplatin and auranofin against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. In vivo studies indicated that complex 6 exhibited a considerably higher anticancer efficacy (IRT = 75.7%) than cisplatin (IRT = 44.4%) in a HepG2 xenograft mouse model and ameliorated liver injury caused by CCl₄ in chronic HCC. Further studies revealed that complex 6 can inhibit the expression of the thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) both in vitro and in vivo, block the HepG2 cells in the G2/M phase, induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, damage mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and promote HepG2 cell apoptosis.

Soybean protein-derived peptides inhibit inflammation in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages via the suppression of TLR4-mediated MAPK-JNK and NF-kappa B activation

This study aimed to determine the effect of soybean protein-derived peptides (SBP) on the inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cell inflammation. The mRNA of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Lymphocyte Antigen 96 (LY96), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) were detected with RT-qPCR. The concentrations of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) secreted were detected by ELISA Kit. The results indicated that SBP inhibited the inflammatory stress induced by LPS in RAW264.7 cells. Western blot analysis was used to examine this anti-inflammatory molecular mechanism. The findings showed that SBP impeded the increase of toll-like receptor 4 activity by restricting LY96, while also inhibiting the mitogen-activated protein kinase-c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway in cells, as well as LPS-induced NF-κB activation caused by the degradation of nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha (IκBα). Consequently, the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) was inhibited, preventing LPS-induced inflammation of RAW 264.7 cells. Therefore, this research highlighted the potential application of SBP in the development of anti-inflammatory foods that prevented inflammatory-immune diseases. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Inflammation is the root cause of almost all pathology and is related to many human diseases, including arthritis, obesity, cancer and atherosclerosis. Therefore, the development of products that can regulate and intervene inflammation has a broad application prospect. Soybean protein and soybean peptide have many functional properties, including immunoregulation, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation and so on. However, there are still some shortcomings in the development of soy protein supplements, such as solubility and absorption. Compared with soybean protein, derived peptide is easy to digest, and has high solubility. As a good nutritional supplement, the nutritional support of soybean protein-derived peptides may help to reduce inflammation and improve the level of cytokines combined with drugs.

Pterostilbene prevents LPS-induced early pulmonary fibrosis by suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in vivo

Early pulmonary fibrosis after acute lung injury leads to poor prognosis and high mortality. Pterostilbene (Pts), a bioactive component in blueberries, possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and antifibrotic properties. However, the effects of Pts on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pulmonary fibrosis are still unknown. In our study, the Pts group showed lower lung injury and fibrosis scores, and lower levels of hydroxyproline and protein (collagen I and transforming growth factor-β) than the scores and levels in mice treated with LPS. MMP-1 was the degrading enzyme of collagen I and LPS caused the inhibition of MMP-1, disturbing the degradation of collagen. Additionally, Pts remarkably reversed the LPS-induced inhibition of interleukin-10 and the release of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and interleukin-1β. In terms of cellular pathways, Pts treatment ameliorated LPS-activated nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and NOD-like receptor NLRP3 signaling. Besides, LPS-induced low levels of A20 could be activated by Pts. In addition, Pts treatment reversed the high levels of Caspase-3, poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) and Bcl2-associated X protein (Bax) expression and the low levels of B cell lymphoma/lewkmia-2 (Bcl2) that had been induced by LPS. Moreover, oxidative stress is also involved in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. Our findings indicate that LPS injection triggered the production of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and the depletion of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH), and that these effects were notably reversed by treatment with Pts. In addition, Pts induced the dissociation of Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-associated protein-1 (Keap-1) and NF-E2 related factor-2 (Nrf2) and the activation of downstream genes (heme oxygenase-1, NAD(P)H:quinine oxidoreductase, glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit and glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier). In conclusion, oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammation are involved in early pulmonary fibrosis and Pts exerts a protective effect by activating Keap-1/Nrf2, inhibiting caspase-dependent A20/NF-κB and NLRP3 signaling pathways.

Exenatide ameliorates experimental non-alcoholic fatty liver in rats via suppression of toll-like receptor 4/NFκB signaling: Comparison to metformin

AIMS

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver disease. This study aimed to evaluate the role of exenatide compared with metformin in halting the progression of fatty liver stimulated by a high-fat diet (HiFD) in rats.

MAIN METHODS

Thirty male Wistar rats were allocated into 6 groups, 5 rats per each group. Group I: maintained on normal diet (normal group) for fourteen weeks. The other five groups were kept on HiFD throughout the experiment, HiFD was administered beside pharmacological treatments/or vehicle. Group II: (NAFLD control group), group III: received metformin (60 mg/kg/day, P.O.), group IV-VI: received exenatide (10, 20, and 40 μg/kg/day, S.C.) respectively for 7 weeks. At the end of the therapeutic period, fasting blood glucose was determined, and body weight was registered. Rats were sacrificed, and blood samples were taken to measure serum insulin, lipids, and liver enzymes. The liver index and homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index were calculated. Further, livers were dissected for histopathological examination and Western blot analysis.

KEY FINDINGS

NAFLD control group showed hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, increased liver enzymes, hypertriglyceridemia, elevated hepatic lipid peroxides, and inflammatory mediators (interlukin 6, nuclear factor-κB, tumor necrosis factor-α and Toll-like receptor4) in addition to hepatic fatty degeneration. In a dose-dependent manner, exenatide significantly improved most of the above mentioned markers in comparsion with NAFLD at P≤0.05.

SIGNIFICANCE

The current results suggest that exenatide is equivalent to metformin in controlling insulin resistance, body weight gain, improving liver function, suppressing inflammation, and attenuating NAFLD progression in male rats.

Ethanol extract of Ophiorrhiza pumila suppresses liver cancer cell proliferation and migration

Background

Ophiorrhiza pumila, belonging to the genus Ophiorrhiza (Rubiaceae), is distributed throughout tropical and subtropical Asia. In this study, we evaluated for the first time the anti-proliferation and anti-migration effects of ethanol extract of O. pumila (OPE) on HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells, and explored the related mechanism.

Methods

OPE was prepared by percolation with 95% ethanol and its main compounds were analyzed by HPLC-MS². The anti-proliferation effect of OPE was evaluated by the CCK-8 assay and colony formation assay. Cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level were detected by flow cytometry. Migration and invasion abilities were detected by Transwell migration/invasion assays. The expression of correlated proteins was determined using western blotting.

Results

A total of 5 tentative compounds were identified from OPE, including pumiloside, deoxypumiloside, camptothecin, aknadinine, and β-stigmasterol. OPE displayed strong cytostatic effects on HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells. OPE induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest, increased apoptosis, and augmented ROS production in these cell lines. In addition, OPE possessed a significant inhibition on cell migration and invasion by reduction of MMP-9 and MMP-2 expression. Moreover, OPE significantly suppressed the phosphorylation of p65.

Conclusions

Our data showed that OPE suppresses liver cancer cell proliferation and migration, which is possibly involved with the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway.

A simultaneously GSH-depleted bimetallic Cu(ii) complex for enhanced chemodynamic cancer therapy

A bimetallic Cu(ii) complex was developed as a novel antitumor chemodynamic therapy agent with glutathione depletion properties.

β-Defensin 129 Attenuates Bacterial Endotoxin-Induced Inflammation and Intestinal Epithelial Cell Apoptosis

Defensins have attracted considerable research interest worldwide because of their potential to serve as a substitute for antibiotics. In this study, we characterized a novel porcine β-defensin (pBD129) and explored its role in alleviating bacterial endotoxin-induced inflammation and intestinal epithelium atrophy. The pBD129 gene was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. A recombinant pBD129 protein was also purified. To explore its role in alleviating the endotoxin-induced inflammation, mice, with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge were treated by pBD129 at different doses. The recombinant pBD129 showed significant antimicrobial activities against the E. coli and Streptococcus with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MICs) of 32 μg/mL. Hemolytic assays showed that the pBD129 had no detrimental impact on cell viabilities. Interestingly, we found that pBD129 attenuated LPS-induced inflammatory responses by decreasing serum concentrations of inflammatory cytokines, such as the IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P < 0.05). Moreover, pBD129 elevated the intestinal villus height (P < 0.05) and enhanced the expression and localization of the major tight junction-associated protein ZO-1 in LPS-challenged mice. Additionally, pDB129 at a high dose significantly decreased serum diamine oxidase (DAO) concentration (P < 0.05) and reduced intestinal epithelium cell apoptosis (P < 0.05) in LPS-challenged mice. Importantly, pBD129 elevated the expression level of Bcl-2-associated death promoter (Bcl-2), but down-regulated the expression levels of apoptosis-related genes such as the B-cell lymphoma-2-associated X protein (Bax), BH3-interacting domain death agonist (Bid), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3 (Caspase-3), and caspase-9 in the intestinal mucosa (P < 0.05). These results suggested a novel function of the mammalian defensins, and the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of pBD129 may allow it a potential substitute for conventionally used antibiotics or drugs.

Theranostic Lysosomal Targeting Anticancer and Antimetastatic Agents: Half-Sandwich Iridium(III) Rhodamine Complexes

Two rhodamine-modified half-sandwich Ir(III) complexes with the general formula [(Cp^x)Ir(ĈN) Cl] were synthesized and characterized, where Cp^x is 1-biphenyl-2,3,4,5-tetramethylcyclopentadienyl (Cp^xbiph). Both complexes showed potent anticancer activity against A549, HeLa, and HepG2 cancer cells and normal cells, and altered ligands had an effect on proliferation resistance. The complex enters cells through energy dependence, and because of the different ligands, not only could it affect the anticancer ability of the complex but also could affect the degree of complex lysosome targeting, lysosomal damage, and further prove the antiproliferative mechanism of the complex. Excitingly, antimetastatic experiments demonstrated that complex 1 has the ability to block the migration of cancer cells. Furthermore, although the complex did not show a stronger ability to interfere with the coenzyme NAD⁺/NADH pair by transfer hydrogenation, the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content has shown a marked increase. NF-κB activity is increased by ROS regulation, and the role of ROS-NF-κB signaling pathway further induces apoptosis. Moreover, cell flow experiments also demonstrated that complex 1 blocked the cell cycle in S phase, but the complex did not cause significant changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential.

Effects of Left Gastric Artery Ligation Versus Sleeve Gastrectomy on Obesity-Induced Adipose Tissue Macrophage Infiltration and Inflammation in Diet-Induced Obese Rats

Background

Bariatric procedures such as left gastric artery ligation (LGAL) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) have emerged as important procedures for treating morbid obesity. In this study, we compared the effects of LGAL vs. SG on obesity-induced adipose tissue macrophage infiltration and inflammation in diet-induced obese rats.

Material/Methods

Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks to induce obesity. SG, GLAL, or corresponding sham surgeries were performed in anesthetized rats. Inflammatory factor expression in serum and epididymal and retroperitoneal adipose tissues were analyzed 4 weeks after surgery. Macrophage infiltration and phenotype transformation were also assessed with Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence.

Results

Both LGAL and SG strongly attenuated high-fat diet (HFD)-induced fat accumulation in retroperitoneal and epididymal tissues. The expressions of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-agr;, interleukin (IL)-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 were downregulated after LGAL and after SG by promoting activation of M2 macrophages, despite continued exposure to HFD. Furthermore, both LGAL and SG resulted in increased macrophage infiltration, but did not contribute to phenotype transformation of macrophages to M1.

Conclusions

LGAL and SG both reduced fat accumulation caused by HFD feeding. Therapies designed to ameliorate the inflammatory response by promoting activation of M2 macrophages may be valuable.

TRAF1 meditates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury by up regulating JNK activation

Acute lung injury (ALI) is served as a severe life-threatening disease. However, the pathogenesis that contributes to ALI has not been fully understood. Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 1 (TRAF1) interacts with multiple regulators, performing its diverse role in biological functions. However, the effects of TRAF1 on ALI remain unknown. In this study, we attempted to explore the role of TRAF1 in ALI progression. The findings suggested that TRAF1-knockout (KO) markedly attenuated LPS-induced severe mortality rate in murine animals. LPS-elicited histological alterations in pulmonary tissues were significantly alleviated by TRAF1-deletion. Additionally, TRAF1 knockout effectively attenuated lung injury, as evidenced by the reduced lung wet/dry (W/D) weight ratio, as well as decreased bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) protein levels and neutrophil infiltration. Meanwhile, TRAF1 deletion markedly lessened inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis in BALF and/or lung tissues. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines stimulated by LPS were down-regulated by TRAF1 ablation, along with the inactivation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). LPS-promoted reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was decreased in TRAF1-KO mice, partly through the improvement of anti-oxidants. Apoptosis was also inhibited by TRAF1 deletion in lung tissues of LPS-challenged mice through the suppression of cleaved Caspase-3. Moreover, TRAF1 knockout significantly decreased c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation and its down-streaming signal of c-Jun in pulmonary samples of LPS-induced mice. Importantly, the in vitro study suggested that promoting JNK activation markedly abrogated TRAF1 knockdown-attenuated inflammation, ROS production and apoptosis in LPS-exposed A549 cells. Therefore, our experimental results provided evidence that TRAF1 suppression effectively protected LPS-induced ALI against inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis through the suppression of JNK activity.

Hepatitis C: From inflammatory pathogenesis to anti-inflammatory/hepatoprotective therapy

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection commonly causes progressive liver diseases that deteriorate from chronic inflammation to fibrosis, cirrhosis and even to hepatocellular carcinoma. A long-term, persistent and uncontrolled inflammatory response is a hallmark of these diseases and further leads to hepatic injury and more severe disease progression. The levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines change with the states of infection and treatment, and therefore, they may serve as candidate biomarkers for disease progression and therapeutic effects. The mechanisms of HCV-induced inflammation involve classic pathogen pattern recognition, inflammasome activation, intrahepatic inflammatory cascade response, and oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are the first-choice therapy for effectively eliminating HCV, but DAAs alone are not sufficient to block the uncontrolled inflammation and severe liver injury in HCV-infected individuals. Some patients who achieve a sustained virologic response after DAA therapy are still at a long-term risk for progression to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, coupling with anti-inflammatory/hepatoprotective agents with anti-HCV effects is a promising therapeutic regimen for these patients during or after treatment with DAAs. In this review, we discuss the relationship between inflammatory mediators and HCV infection, summarize the mechanisms of HCV-induced inflammation, and describe the potential roles of anti-inflammatory/hepatoprotective drugs with anti-HCV activity in the treatment of advanced HCV infection.

Bicyclol Attenuates Liver Inflammation Induced by Infection of Hepatitis C Virus via Repressing ROS-Mediated Activation of MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) cures most patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the real world. However, some patients, especially those with the underlying advanced liver disease, have a limited reduction of liver injury after achieving a sustained viral response (SVR). Bicyclol was widely used in clinics for the treatment of a variety of liver injuries but with an unknown mechanism for the treatment of hepatitis C. We investigated the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of bicyclol in HCV-infected hepatocytes and further confirmed the putative results in a mouse hepatitis model induced by the coinjection of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly (I:C)] and D-galactosamine (D-GalN). The results showed that the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and the subsequent increase of inflammatory factors were directly induced by HCV infection and were persistent after clearance of the virus in Huh7.5 cells. Bicyclol decreased the activation of NF-κB and the levels of inflammatory factors in HCV-infected hepatocytes by inhibiting the activation of the ROS-MAPK-NF-κB pathway, and the effect was synergistic with DAAs in HCV-infected hepatocytes. Bicyclol attenuated the ROS-MAPK-NF-κB axis via recovering mitochondrial function without a dependence on dihydronicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase and superoxide dismutases. The anti-inflammatory effects and mechanism of bicyclol were verified in mouse hepatitis induced by the coinjection of poly(I:C)/D-GalN. Bicyclol directly ameliorates the chronic inflammation caused by HCV infection and might be used with DAAs or after DAA therapy for ultimately curing chronic hepatitis C.

Neochlorogenic acid inhibits against LPS-activated inflammatory responses through up-regulation of Nrf2/HO-1 and involving AMPK pathway

Acute and chronic inflammatory diseases are associated with excessive inflammation due to the accumulation of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines produced by macrophages. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of neochlorogenic acid (nCGA) from Lonicera japonica on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated inflammation in macrophages and participation of the AMPK/Nrf2 pathway. nCGA pretreatment significantly reduced the production of nitric oxide, prostaglandin E₂, TNF-α, reactive oxygen species, IL-1β, and IL-6 by LPS-activated macrophages. Moreover, both transcript and protein levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 were reduced by nCGA in LPS-activated macrophages. nCGA inhibited NF-κB activation by attenuating IKKα/β and IκBα phosphorylation in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Moreover, nCGA attenuated LPS-elevated JAK-1, STAT-1, and MAPK phosphorylation. We further evaluated the possible role of nCGA in the induction of AMPK/Nrf2 signal pathways required for the protein expression of HO-1 and NQO-1. nCGA induced AMPK activation via phosphorylation of LKB1 and CaMKII and by the inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK3β. It stimulated the overexpression of Nrf2/ARE-regulated downstream proteins, such as NQO-1 and HO-1. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory effects of nCGA were attenuated in macrophages subjected to siRNAs specific for HO-1, NQO-1, Nrf2, and AMPK. Accordingly, these results indicate that nCGA, as an AMPK/Nrf2 signal activator, prevents excessive macrophage-mediated responses associated with acute and chronic inflammatory disorders.

Responses of Transgenic Melatonin-Enriched Goats on LPS Stimulation and the Proteogenomic Profiles of Their PBMCs

The anti-inflammatory activity of melatonin (MT) has been well documented; however, little is known regarding endogenously occurring MT in this respect, especially for large animals. In the current study, we created a MT-enriched animal model (goats) overexpressing the MT synthetase gene Aanat. The responses of these animals to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation were systematically studied. It was found that LPS treatment exacerbated the inflammatory response in wild-type (WT) goats and increased their temperature to 40 °C. In addition, their granulocyte counts were also significantly elevated. In contrast, these symptoms were not observed in transgenic goats with LPS treatment. The rescue study with MT injection into WT goats who were treated with LPS confirmed that the protective effects in transgenic goats against LPS were attributed to a high level of endogenously produced MT. The proteomic analysis in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from the transgenic animals uncovered several potential mechanisms. MT suppressed the lysosome formation as well as its function by downregulation of the lysosome-associated genes Lysosome-associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP2), Insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R), and Arylsulfatase B (ARSB). A high level of MT enhanced the antioxidant capacity of these cells to reduce the cell apoptosis induced by the LPS. In addition, the results also uncovered previously unknown information that showed that MT may have protective effects on some human diseases, including tuberculosis, bladder cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis, by downregulation of these disease-associated genes. All these observations warranted further investigations.

Potential cancer chemopreventive and anticancer constituents from the fruits of Ficus hispida L.f. (Moraceae)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ficus hispida L.f. (Moraceae) has been used as alternative for traditional medicine in the treatment of various ailments including cancer-cure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cancer chemopreventive and anticancer activities of crude extracts of F. hispida, with the objective to screen the inhibition of Epstein-Barr virus early antigen, and cytotoxic active components, and provide foundation for potential applications of this promising medical plant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Compounds were isolated from the MeOH extract of F. hispida fruits, and their structure elucidation was performed on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory activities against the Epstein-Barr virus early antigen (EBV-EA) activation induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) in Raji cells, and cytotoxic activities against human cancer cell lines (HL60, A549, SKBR3, KB, Hela, HT29, and HepG2) and a normal cell (LO2) using MTT method. For the compound with potent cytotoxic activity, its apoptosis inducing activity was evaluated by the observation of ROS generation level expression, and membrane phospholipid exposure and DNA fragmentation in flow cytometry. The mechanisms of the apoptosis induction were analyzed by Western blotting.

RESULTS

Nineteen compounds, 1-19, including two new isoflavones, 3'-formyl-5,7-dihydroxy-4'-methoxyisoflavone (2) and 5,7-dihydroxy-4'-methoxy-3'- (3-methyl-2-hydroxybuten-3-yl)isoflavone (3), were isolated from the MeOH extract of F. hispida fruits. Five compounds, isowigtheone hydrate (1), 2, 3, 9, and 19, showed potent inhibitory effects on EBV-EA induction with IC₅₀ values in the range of 271-340 molar ratio 32 pmol^-1 TPA. In addition, five phenolic compounds, 1-3, 10, and 13, exhibited cytotoxic activity against two or more cell lines (IC₅₀ 2.5-95.8μM), as well as compounds 1 and 3 were also displayed high selectivity for LO2/HepG2 (SI 23.5 and 11.8, respectively), while the compound 1-induced ROS generation leads to activated caspases-3, -8, and -9 apoptotic process in HL60 cells.

CONCLUSION

This study has established that the MeOH extract of F. hispida fruits contains isoflavones, coumarins, caffeoylquinic acids, along with other compounds including phenolics and steroid glucoside as active principles, and has demonstrated that the chemical constituents of F. hispida may be valuable as potential chemopreventive and anticancer agents.

[Chrysin inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses of macrophages via JAK-STATs signaling pathway]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mechanism of chrysin in regulating lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 cells.

METHODS

RAW264.7 cells were treated with different concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 150, and 200 µg/mL) of chrysin for 24 h, and the cell viability was measured using CCK-8. RAW264.7 cells were pre-treated with 10, 30, or 60 µg/mL chrysin for 2 h before stimulation with LPS for different times. The levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and MCP-1 were detected by ELISA, and Western blotting was used to detect the phosphorylation of JAK- 1, JAK-2, STAT-1 and STAT-3. The level of reactive oxygen species in RAW264.7 cells was detected by CM-H2DCFDA fluorescence probe. The effect of ROS on LPS-induced JAK-STATs signal and the inflammatory response of RAW264.7 cells was detected by ROS scavenger NAC. The transcription factors STAT-1 and STAT-3 nuclear translocation were observed by laser confocal microscopy.

RESULTS

Chrysin below 60 µg/mL did not significantly affect the viability of RAW264.7 cells. At 10, 30, and 60 µg/mL, chrysin dose-dependently inhibited the expression of iNOS induced by LPS. Chrysin treatment also inhibited LPS-induced phosphorylation of JAK-STATs, nuclear translocation of STAT1 and STAT3, release of TNF-α, IL-6 and MCP-1, and the production of ROS in RAW264.7 cells; ROS acted as an upstream signal to mediate the activation of JAK-STATs signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

Chrysin blocks the activity of JAK-STATs mediated by ROS to inhibit LPS-induced inflammatory response in RAW264.7 cells.

Andrographolide ameliorates OVA-induced lung injury in mice by suppressing ROS-mediated NF-κB signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome activation

In this study, we attempted to explore the effect and possible mechanism of Andrographolide on OVA-induced asthma. OVA challenge induced significant airway inflammatory cell recruitment and lung histological alterations, which were ameliorated by Andrographolide. The protein levels of cytokines in bron-choalveolar fluid (BALF) and serum were reduced by Andrographolide administration as well as the mRNA levels in lung tissue. Mechanically, Andrographolide markedly hampered the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and NLRP3 inflammasome both in vivo and vitro thus decreased levels of TNF-α and IL-1β. Finally, we confirmed that ROS scavenging was responsible for Andrographolide's inactivation of NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling. Our study here revealed the effect and possible mechanism of Andrographolide on asthma, which may represent a new therapeutic approach for treating this disease.

Regulation of immune response by bioactive ions released from silicate bioceramics for bone regeneration

Silicate bioceramics have been considered to possess a wide prospect of clinical application for orthopedic tissue regeneration due to their excellent osteogenesis and angiogenesis. However, the mechanism for silicate bioceramics stimulating bone formation is not fully understood. The host immune defense to implants is proved to greatly influence the osteogenesis and new bone formation, but up to now, few studies are focused on the silicate bioceramics modulated host immune responses. In our present study, two representative silicate bioceramics, akermanite (AKT) and nagelschmidtite (NAGEL) were used as model materials to investigate the inflammation responses in vitro and in vivo, and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) bioceramics were used as a control. It was found that the mouse macrophage cell RAW264.7 that cultured on AKT and NAGEL bioceramics displayed not only less viability and proliferation, but also a significant less inflammatory cytokine secretion than those on β-TCP in vitro. The formation of foreign body giant cells and fibrous capsules, the invasion of macrophages, as well as the detected inflammatory cytokines around the implanted materials were much lower in both AKT and NAGEL bioceramic groups as compared with those in the β-TCP controls in vivo. Furthermore, it was found that not just the certain concentration of extracellular Si-containing ionic products released from the silicate bioceramics, but also the separate Si, Mg and Ca ions revealed the activity to inhibit the macrophage inflammatory responses by the way of suppressing the activated inflammatory MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathway and promoting the caspase-dependent apoptosis of macrophages. In general, our study suggests that the silicate bioceramics could regulate immune responses by altering the ionic microenvironment between the implants and hosts, which may offer new insight about the mechanism of the bioactivity of silicate bioceramics in bone regeneration and provide profitable guidance for designing new biomaterials for bone tissue engineering.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Silicate bioceramics have been widely used for orthopedic tissue regeneration because of their excellent characteristics in bone formation. However, there are few studies concerning their interrelationships with the host immune defense that has been proved to greatly influence osteogenesis. In our present study, the akermanite and nagelschmidtite were used as two representative silicate bioceramics to investigate the inflammation responses in vitro and in vivo; and for the first time, the bioactive ions released from the silicate bioceramics were discovered to regulate the macrophage immune responses through both inhibiting the inflammatory signaling and activating apoptosis of macrophages. Our findings in this study may not only increase the understanding in osteogenic activity of silicate bioceramics, but also provide profitable guidance for designing and manufacturing new biomaterials for bone tissue engineering.

MicroRNA-146a suppresses rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes proliferation and inflammatory responses by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-kB signaling

This study investigated whether microRNA-146a (miR-146a) mediating TLR4/NF-κB pathway affected proliferation and inflammatory responses of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes from 12 RA patients (RA-FLSs). FLSs in the logarithmic growth phase were assigned into the control, miR-146a mimic miR-146a inhibitor, Tak-242 (treated with TLR4/NF-κB pathway inhibitor) and mimic + lipopolysaccharide (LPS) groups. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected using CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. The expression of miR-146a, TLR4/NF-κB pathway-related proteins and cytokines were determined by RT-qPCR, western blotting and ELISA, and the release of NO by Greiss reaction. RA rat models were constructed and the primary cells were classified into the control, negative control (NC), miR-146a mimic, miR-146a inhibitor, Tak-242, mimic + LPS, and TLR4 groups. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and intercellular adhesion molecular-1 (ICAM-1). The results showed that miR-146a levels were lower in RA-FLSs than control fibroblasts. miR-146a mimic and Tak-242 decreased RA-FLS proliferation and increased RA-FLS apoptosis, while miR-146a inhibitor had an opposite trend. miR-146a mimic and Tak-242 also decreased expression of TLR4, NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, COX-2, MMP-3, Seprase, and iNOS, as well as reduced NO level in RA-FLSs while miR-146a inhibitor and TLR4 increased them. TLR4 and NF-κB levels and the positive rates of PCNA and ICAM-1 expressions were lower in RA-FLSs from RA rats given miR-146a mimic from control or miR-146a inhibitor-treated rats. These results suggest that miR-146a inhibits the proliferation and inflammatory response of RA-FLSs by down-regulating TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

The Antioxidant Procyanidin Reduces Reactive Oxygen Species Signaling in Macrophages and Ameliorates Experimental Colitis in Mice

Management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a real clinical challenge. Despite intense investigation, the mechanisms of IBD remain substantially unidentified. Some inflammatory conditions, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome signaling pathways, are reported to contribute to the development and maintenance of IBD. Regulation of their common upstream signaling, that is, reactive oxygen species (ROS), may be important to control the progression of IBD. In the present study, we found that procyanidin, a powerful antioxidation flavonoid, has a significant effect on ROS clearance on THP-1 macrophages after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or LPS-combined adenosine triphosphate stimulation, thus downregulating MMP9 expression, suppressing NF-κB signaling, and interrupting the formation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Moreover, our in vivo data showed that procyanidin attenuated Dextran sulfate sodium-induced experimental colitis in a dose-dependent fashion by suppressing the expression of MMP9, NF-κB, and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling in colonic tissues in mice. Overall, our results suggested that targeting ROS could be a potential therapeutic choice for colonic inflammation.

Hispolon Suppresses LPS- or LTA-Induced iNOS/NO Production and Apoptosis in BV-2 Microglial Cells

Hispolon (HIS) is an active polyphenol compound derived from Phellinus linteus (Berkeley & Curtis), and our previous study showed that HIS effectively inhibited inflammatory responses in macrophages [Yang, L.Y., S.C. Shen, K.T. Cheng, G.V. Subbaraju, C.C. Chien and Y.C. Chen. Hispolon inhibition of inflammatory apoptosis through reduction of iNOS/NO production via HO-1 induction in macrophages. J. Ethnopharmacol. 156: 61-72, 2014]; however, its effect on neuronal inflammation is still undefined. In this study, HIS concentration- and time-dependently inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and lipoteichoic acid (LTA)-induced inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS)/NO production with increased heme oxygenase (HO)-1 proteins in BV-2 microglial cells. Accordingly, HIS protected BV-2 cells from LPS- or LTA-induced apoptosis, characterized by decreased DNA ladder formation, and caspase-3 and poly(ADP ribose) polymerase (PARP) protein cleavage in BV-2 cells. Similarly, the NOS inhibitor, N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (NAME), inhibited LPS- or LTA-induced apoptosis of BV-2 cells, but neither NAME nor HIS showed any inhibition of NO production or cell death induced by the NO donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), indicating the involvement of NO in the inflammatory apoptosis of microglial cells. Activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and nuclear factor (NF)-[Formula: see text]B contributed to LPS- or LTA-induced iNOS/NO production and apoptosis of BV-2 cells, and that was suppressed by HIS. Additionally, HIS possesses activity to induce HO-1 protein expression via activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in BV-2 cells, and application of the HO inhibitor, tin protoporphyrin (SnPP), or knockdown of HO-1 protein by HO-1 small interfering (si)RNA significantly reversed HIS inhibition of NO production and cell death in BV-2 cells stimulated by LPS. Results of an analysis of the effects of HIS and two structurally related chemicals, i.e. dehydroxy-HIS (D-HIS) and HIS-methyl ester (HIS-ME), showed that HIS expressed the most potent inhibitory effects on iNOS/NO production, JNK activation, and apoptosis in BV-2 microglial cells activated by LPS with increased HO-1 protein expression. Overall these results suggested that HIS possesses inhibitory activity against LPS- or LTA-induced inflammatory responses including iNOS/NO production and apoptosis in BV-2 microglial cells and that the mechanisms involve upregulation of the HO-1 protein and downregulation of JNK/NF-[Formula: see text]B activation. A critical role of hydroxyl at position C3 in the anti-inflammatory actions of HIS against activated BV-2 microglial cells was suggested.

Carnosic acid (CA) attenuates collagen-induced arthritis in db/db mice via inflammation suppression by regulating ROS-dependent p38 pathway

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease, characterized by inflammation of synovial joints. Carnosic acid (CA) is a phenolic diterpene isolated from Rosmarinus officinailis, playing a central role in cytoprotective responses to oxidative stress and inflammation response. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of CA on RA progression in diabetic animals. Carnosic acid (CA) was used to treat collagen-induced arthritis (CIA)-induced db/db mice. Blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were investigated to explore insulin resistance. CA significantly down-regulated fasting blood glucose, glucose level in OGTT and ITT, ameliorated CIA-induced bone loss, and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in db/db mice with arthritis induced by CIA. In vitro, CA suppressed Receptor Activator for Nuclear Factor-κ B Ligand (RANKL)- and Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF)-induced osteoclastogenesis. The osteoclastic specific markers were inhibited by CA. Signal transduction studies showed that CA significantly decreased the expression of molecules contributing to ROS and increased anti-oxidants. Additionally, CA inactivated the RANKL- and M-CSF-induced p38 mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK), inhibited NF-κB phosphorylation, causing pro-inflammatory cytokines down-regulation. Together, CA ameliorated osteoclast formation and CIA-induced bone loss in db/db mice through inflammation suppression by regulating ROS-dependent p38 pathway.

Exercise training decreases NADPH oxidase activity and restores skeletal muscle mass in heart failure rats

We have recently demonstrated that NADPH oxidase hyperactivity, NF-κB activation, and increased p38 phosphorylation lead to atrophy of glycolytic muscle in heart failure (HF). Aerobic exercise training (AET) is an efficient strategy to counteract skeletal muscle atrophy in this syndrome. Therefore, we tested whether AET would regulate muscle redox balance and protein degradation by decreasing NADPH oxidase hyperactivity and reestablishing NF-κB signaling, p38 phosphorylation, and proteasome activity in plantaris muscle of myocardial infarcted-induced HF (MI) rats. Thirty-two male Wistar rats underwent MI or fictitious surgery (SHAM) and were randomly assigned into untrained (UNT) and trained (T; 8 wk of AET on treadmill) groups. AET prevented HF signals and skeletal muscle atrophy in MI-T, which showed an improved exercise tolerance, attenuated cardiac dysfunction and increased plantaris fiber cross-sectional area. To verify the role of inflammation and redox imbalance in triggering protein degradation, circulating TNF-α levels, NADPH oxidase profile, NF-κB signaling, p38 protein levels, and proteasome activity were assessed. MI-T showed a reduced TNF-α levels, NADPH oxidase activity, and Nox2 mRNA expression toward SHAM-UNT levels. The rescue of NADPH oxidase activity induced by AET in MI rats was paralleled by reducing nuclear binding activity of the NF-κB, p38 phosphorylation, atrogin-1, mRNA levels, and 26S chymotrypsin-like proteasome activity. Taken together our data provide evidence for AET improving plantaris redox homeostasis in HF associated with a decreased NADPH oxidase, redox-sensitive proteins activation, and proteasome hyperactivity further preventing atrophy. These data reinforce the role of AET as an efficient therapy for muscle wasting in HF.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrates, for the first time, the contribution of aerobic exercise training (AET) in decreasing muscle NADPH oxidase activity associated with reduced reactive oxygen species production and systemic inflammation, which diminish NF-κB overactivation, p38 phosphorylation, and ubiquitin proteasome system hyperactivity. These molecular changes counteract plantaris atrophy in trained myocardial infarction-induced heart failure rats. Our data provide new evidence into how AET may regulate protein degradation and thus prevent skeletal muscle atrophy.

2-Phenylnaphthalene Derivatives Inhibit Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Pro-Inflammatory Mediators by Downregulating of MAPK/NF-κB Pathways in RAW 264.7 Macrophage Cells

The anti-inflammatory pharmacological effect of eight 2-phenylnaphthalenes (PNAP-1−PNAP-8) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 (a mouse cell line) was investigated. Among them, 6,7-dihydroxy-2-(4′-hydroxyphenyl)naphthalene (PNAP-6) and 2-(4′-aminophenyl)-6,7-dimethoxynaphthalene (PNAP-8) exhibited the best anti-inflammatory activity in this study. PNAP-6 and PNAP-8 not only significantly decreased the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-II, but also inhibited the production of nitric oxide, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α in LPS stimulated cells. Moreover, PNAP-6 and PNAP-8 inhibited nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation by decreasing the degradation of IκB and nuclear translocation of NF-κB subunit (p65). In addition, PNAP-6 and PNAP-8 also attenuated the phosphorylation of ERK, p38, and JNK. These results suggest that PNAP-6 and PNAP-8 exert anti-inflammatory activities by down regulating NF-κB activation and the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway in LPS-stimulated Raw 264.7 cells. This is the first study demonstrating that PNAPs can inhibit LPS-induced pro-inflammatory mediators in macrophages cells.

Quercetin Inhibits Peripheral and Spinal Cord Nociceptive Mechanisms to Reduce Intense Acute Swimming-Induced Muscle Pain in Mice

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the flavonoid quercetin (3,3´,4´,5,7-pentahydroxyflavone) in a mice model of intense acute swimming-induced muscle pain, which resembles delayed onset muscle soreness. Quercetin intraperitoneal (i.p.) treatment dose-dependently reduced muscle mechanical hyperalgesia. Quercetin inhibited myeloperoxidase (MPO) and N-acetyl-β-D- glucosaminidase (NAG) activities, cytokine production, oxidative stress, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and gp91^phox mRNA expression and muscle injury (creatinine kinase [CK] blood levels and myoblast determination protein [MyoD] mRNA expression) as well as inhibited NFκB activation and induced Nrf2 and HO-1 mRNA expression in the soleus muscle. Beyond inhibiting those peripheral effects, quercetin also inhibited spinal cord cytokine production, oxidative stress and glial cells activation (glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP] and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 [Iba-1] mRNA expression). Concluding, the present data demonstrate that quercetin is a potential molecule for the treatment of muscle pain conditions related to unaccustomed exercise.

Coagulin-L ameliorates TLR4 induced oxidative damage and immune response by regulating mitochondria and NOX-derived ROS

Withanolides possess diverse biological and pharmacological activity but their immunomodulatory function is less realized. Hence, coagulin-L, a withanolide isolated from Withania coagulans Dunal has been studied for such an effect in human and murine cells, and mice model. Coagulin-L (1, 3, 10μM) exhibited immunomodulatory effect by suppressing TLR4 induced immune mediators such as cytokines (GMCSF, IFNα, IFNγ, IL-1α, IL-1Rα, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-2R, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-10, IL-12 (p40/p70), IL-13, IL-15, IL-17), chemokines (IL-8/CXCL8, MIG/CXCL9, IP-10/CXCL10, KC, MCP-1/CCL2, MIP-1α/CCL3, MIP-1β/CCL4, RANTES/CCL5, eotaxin/CCL11), growth factors (FGF-basic, VEGF), nitric oxide and intracellular superoxide. Mechanistically, coagulin-L abrogated LPS induced total and mitochondrial ROS generation, NOX2, NOX4 mRNA expression, IRAK and MAPK (p38, JNK, ERK) activation. Coagulin-L also attenuated IκBα degradation, which prevented NFκB downstream iNOS expression and pro-inflammatory cytokine release. Furthermore, coagulin-L (10, 25, 50mg/kg, p.o.), undermined the LPS (10mg/kg, i.p.) induced endotoxemia response in mice as evinced from diminished cytokine release, nitric oxide, aortic p38 MAPK activation and endothelial tissue impairment besides suppressing NOX2 and NOX4 expression in liver and aorta. Moreover, coagulin-L also alleviated the ROS mediated oxidative damage which was assessed through protein carbonyl, lipid hydroperoxide, 8-isoprostane and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine quantification. To extend, coagulin-L also suppressed carrageenan-induced paw edema and thioglycollate-induced peritonitis in mice. Therefore, coagulin-L can be of therapeutic importance in pathological conditions induced by oxidative damage.

Exenatide and metformin express their anti-inflammatory effects on human monocytes/macrophages by the attenuation of MAPKs and NFκB signaling

Metformin and exenatide are effective antidiabetic drugs, and they seem to have pleiotropic properties improving cardiovascular outcomes. Macrophages' phenotype is essential in the development of atherosclerosis, and it can be modified during antidiabetic therapy, resulting in attenuated atherogenesis. The mechanism orchestrating this phenomenon is not fully clear. We examined the impact of exenatide and metformin on the level of TNF alpha, MCP-1, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta (C/EBP beta) in human monocytes/macrophages. We found that both drugs reduced levels of TNF alpha, ROS, and NFκB binding activity to a similar extent. Compared to metformin, exenatide was more effective in reducing MCP-1 levels. We noted that Compound C (AMPK inhibitor) reduced the impact of exenatide on cytokines, ROS, and NFκB in cultures. Both drugs elevated the C/EBP beta phosphorylation level. Experiments on MAPKs showed effective inhibitory potential of exenatide toward p38, JNK, and ERK, whereas metformin inhibited JNK and ERK only. Exenatide was more effective in the inhibition of JNK than metformin. Interestingly, an in vitro setting additive effect of drugs was absent. In conclusion, here, we report that metformin and exenatide inhibit the proinflammatory phenotype of human monocytes/macrophages via influence on MAPK, C/EBP beta, and NFκB. Exenatide was more effective than metformin in reducing MCP-1 expression and JNK activity. We also showed that some effects of exenatide relied on AMPK activation. This shed light on the possible mechanisms responsible for pleiotropic effects of metformin and exenatide.