The therapeutic effects of tuberostemonine against cigarette smoke-induced acute lung inflammation in mice

Farfarae Flos Mitigates Cigarette Smoking-Induced Lung Inflammation by Regulating the Lysophosphatidylcholine Biosynthesis and Tryptophan Metabolism

An increased risk of developing respiratory diseases has been linked to exposure to cigarette smoking (CS). The flower buds of Tussilago farfara L., also known as Farfarae Flos (FF), can be used for the treatment of cough, bronchitis, and asthmatic disorders in China. In the present study, we used lung and fecal metabolomics, as well as the intestinal flora analysis, aimed to investigate the protective effect of FF against the CS exposure induced lung inflammation on mice. The results showed that FF administration could relieve the lung inflammation as demonstrated by lung index, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels, as well as the pulmonary pathological change. The lung metabolomics coupled with molecular docking showed that FF could alleviate lung inflammation by regulating lysophosphatidylcholine biosynthesis through the caffeoyl quinic acids distributed in the lung tissue. In addition, fecal metabolome coupled with 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that FF could regulate the tryptophan metabolism by regulating the intestinal flora disorders. This study provided new insights of FF to relieve CS-induced pulmonary inflammation with the multimechanism.

The protective effects of medicinal plants against cigarette smoking: A comprehensive review

BACKGROUNDS

Cigarette smoking remains a pervasive and harmful habit, and it poses a significant public health concern globally. Tobacco smoke contains numerous toxicants and carcinogens that contribute to the incidence of various diseases, including respiratory ailments, cancer, and cardiovascular disorders. Over the past decade, there has been a growing interest in exploring natural remedies to mitigate the harmful effects of cigarette smoke (CS). Medicinal plants, with their rich phytochemical compositions, have emerged as potential sources of protective agents against CS-induced damage.

OBJECTIVES

The current review attempts to comprehensively review and provide a thorough analysis of the protective effects of medicinal plants, including ginseng, Aloe vera, Olea europaea, Zea mays, green tea, etc. against CS-related toxicities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive research and compilation of existing literature were conducted. We conducted a literature search using the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. We selected articles published in English between 1987 and 2025. The search was performed using keywords including cigarette smoking, cigarette smokers, second-hand smokers, natural compounds, plant extracts, naturally derived products, natural resources, phytochemicals, and medicinal plants.

RESULTS

This review critically investigated recent literature focusing on the effects of medicinal plant extracts, essential oils, and isolated compounds on reducing the adverse consequences of CS exposure. These investigations encompassed several in vivo, in vitro, and clinical trials, clarifying the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of these plants. The notable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying properties of these botanical interventions were also highlighted.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, this review emphasizes the potential of medicinal plants in alleviating the harmful effects of CS. The rich active constituents present in these plants offer various mechanisms that counteract oxidative stress, inflammation, and carcinogenesis induced by CS exposure. Further research is warranted to reveal the precise molecular mechanisms, derive dosing recommendations, and explore the efficacy of botanical interventions in large-scale clinical trials, ultimately improving public health outcomes and providing valuable insights for the smoking population worldwide.

The Bufei Nashen pill inhibits the PI3K/AKT/HIF-1 signaling pathway to regulate extracellular matrix deposition and improve COPD progression

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

According to the theory and practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be classified as "cough," "dyspnea," or "lung distention disease." Bufei Nashen pill (BFNSP) is a classic Chinese herbal formula with certain activity against the above syndromes. FNSP has previously been shown to improve clinical symptoms (cough, lumbar and knee weakness, tinnitus) in patients with occupationally related interstitial lung disease.

AIM OF THE STUDY

There is a lack of convincing evidence supporting the use of BFNSP for the treatment of COPD. This study aimed to investigate the effect of BFNSP on COPD and explore its underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) was used to analyze the main components of BFNSP and BFNSP-containing serum. A COPD rat model was generated, and the rats were treated with different doses of BFNSP. Lung function indices were analyzed by a pulmonary function testing system, and lung histopathology was assessed by HE staining and scanning electron microscopy. The levels of TGF-β1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, MMP3, MMP-9, and TIMP1 in BALF and the levels of MMP3, MMP-9, TIMP1, and HA in serum were detected by ELISA. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to determine the expression of Col-I, Col-III, and LN in lung tissues. RT‒qPCR was performed to detect the mRNA expression of PI3K, Akt, HIF-1α, MMP-9, TGF-β1, TIMP1, and ERK1/2 in lung tissue, and Western blotting was performed to detect the protein expression of PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, HIF-1α, MMP-9, TGF-β1, TIMP1, and p-ERK1/2 in lung tissue. In addition, in vitro cellular assays were performed for validation.

RESULTS

The results showed that BFNSP effectively improved the functional status of pulmonary ventilation, attenuated pathological damage in lung tissue, inhibited the release of inflammatory factors, reduced extracellular matrix deposition, and inhibited the activation of the PI3K/AKT/HIF-1 signaling pathway in lung tissue in COPD rats (P<0.05) and may alleviate COPD progression by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/HIF-1 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

BFNSP inhibits the PI3K/AKT/HIF-1 signaling pathway to regulate extracellular matrix deposition and improve COPD progression.

Characteristic alkaloids from Stemona sessilifolia with lung protective effects

In the research on lung protective effects from the roots of Stemona sessilifolia, twenty-five Stemona alkaloids have been isolated, including four undescribed components (1, 3-5), a new natural product (2) and 20 known alkaloids (6-25). Their structures were analyzed by NMR spectra, high-resolution mass spectrum data, and other chemical methods. UPLC-QTOF/MS method was used to identify the Stemona alkaloids and summarize the fragmentation patterns of mass spectrometry. The lung-protective effects of these compounds were evaluated using MLE-12 cells induced by NNK and nm SiO2. The results showed that compounds 3, 5, 8, 10-11, 17-21 and 23 exhibited protective effects on NNK-induced cell injury. Compounds 2, 8-11, 14, 17-19 and 22 showed improvement in nm SiO2-induced lung epithelial cell injury. Compound 10 (tuberostemonine D), a representative alkaloid with a high content in Stemona sessilifolia, significantly protected C57BL/6 lung injury mice induced by nm SiO2, suggesting it a key component of Stemona alkaloids that play a protective role in lung injury. The results of in vivo activity showed that compound 10 could improve the lung injury of mice, reduce ROS content, and recover the levels of SOD and MDA in serum. Its protective effect on lung injury might be related to Nrf2 activation.

Tuberostemonine may alleviates proliferation of lung fibroblasts caused by pulmonary fibrosis

OBJECTIVES

Tuberostemonine has several biological activity, the aim of study examined the impact of tuberostemonine on the proliferation of TGF-β1 induced cell model, and its ability to alleviate pulmonary fibrosis stimulated by bleomycin in mice.

METHODS

In vitro, we assessed the effect of tuberostemonine (350, 550 and 750 µM) on the proliferation of cells stimulated by TGF-β1 (10 μg/L), as well as on parameters such as α-SMA vitality, human fibronectin, collagen, and hydroxyproline levels in cells. In vivo, we analyzed inflammation, hydroxyproline, collagen activity and metabolomics in the lungs of mice. Additionally, a comprehensive investigation into the TGF-β/smad signaling pathway was undertaken, targeting lung tissue as well as HFL cells.

RESULTS

Within the confines of an in vitro setup, the tuberostemonine manifested a discerned IC50 of 1.9 mM. Furthermore, a significant reduction of over fifty percent was ascertained in the secretion levels of hydroxyproline, fibronectin, collagen type I, collagen type III and α-SMA. In vivo, tuberostemonine obviously improved the respiratory function percentage over 50% of animal model and decreased the hydroxyproline, lung inflammation and collagen deposition. A prominent decline in TGF-β/smad pathway functioning was identified within both the internal and external cellular contexts.

CONCLUSIONS

Tuberostemonine is considered as a modulator to alleviate fibrosis and may become a new renovation for pulmonary fibrosis.

Tuberostemonine alleviates high-fat diet-induced obesity and hepatic steatosis by increasing energy consumption

Obesity is of public concern worldwide, and it increases the probability of developing a number of comorbid diseases, including NAFLD. Recent research on obesity drugs and health demands have shown the potential of natural plant extracts for preventing and treating obesity and their lack of toxicity and treatment-related side effects. We have demonstrated that tuberostemonine (TS), an alkaloid extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Stemona tuberosa Lour can inhibit intracellular fat deposition, reduce oxidative stress, increase cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and increase mitochondrial membrane potential. It effectively reduced weight gain and fat accumulation caused by a high-fat diet, and regulated liver function and blood lipid levels. Moreover, it regulate glucose metabolism and improved energy metabolism in mice. TS also decreased high-fat diet-induced obesity and improved lipid and glucose metabolism disorders in mice, with no significant side effects. In conclusion, TS was shown to be a safe alternative for obese patients and might be developed as an antiobesity and anti-nonalcoholic fatty liver drug.

Verapamil attenuates oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in cigarette smoke (CS)-induced murine models of acute lung injury and CSE-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages via inhibiting the NF-κB pathway

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), severe form of ALI, are characterized by overwhelming of lung inflammation, and no treatment is currently available to treat ALI/ARDS. Cigarette smoke (CS) is one of the prime causes to induce ALI/ARDS via oxidative stress. Despite extensive research, no appropriate therapy is currently available to treat ALI/ARDS. Hence, new potential approaches are needed to treat ALI/ARDS. Consequently, this project was designed to explore the protective effects of verapamil against CS-induced ALI by in vivo and in vitro method. In vivo data obtained from respiratory mechanics, pulmonary morphometric analyses and lung histopathology revealed that verapamil dose-dependently and strikingly decreased the lung weight coefficient, attenuated the albumin exudation into lungs, minimized the infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils into lungs, reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC)) production, and improved the hypoxemia and lung histopathological changes. Similarly, verapamil also reduced the production of TNF-α, IL-6 and KC from cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage. Importantly, verapamil dose-dependently and remarkably suppressed the CS-induced oxidative stress via not only reducing the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity of lungs, total oxidative stress (TOS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the lungs and supernatant of RAW 264.7 macrophage but also improving total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) production. Finally, verapamil strikingly decreased the NF-κB expression both in in vivo and in vitro models. Hence, verapamil has positive therapeutic effects against CS-induced ALI via suppressing uncontrolled inflammatory response, oxidative stress and NF-κB p65 signaling.

Potential Natural Small Molecular Compounds for the Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: An Overview

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the major diseases threatening human life and health. According to the report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020, COPD has become the third leading cause of death in the world, featuring a sustainable growth of incidence rate as well as population age. The purpose of this review focuses on the advancement of bioactive natural compounds, such as baicalin, quercetin, resveratrol, and curcumin, which demonstrate promising therapeutic/interventional effects on CODP in vitro and in vivo. Information emphasizing on COPD was systematically collected from several authoritative internet databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Elsevier, Wiley Online Library, and Europe PMC, with a combination of keywords containing “COPD” and “natural small molecular compounds”. The new evidence indicated that these valuable molecules featured unique functions in the treatment of COPD through various biological processes such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-apoptosis, and anti-airway fibrosis. Moreover, we found that the promising effects of these natural compounds on COPD were mainly achieved through JAK3/STAT3/NF-κB and MAPK inflammatory signaling pathways, Nrf2 oxidative stress signaling pathway, and TGF-β1/Smad 2/3 fibrosis signaling pathway, which referenced to multiple targets like TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, TIMP-1, MMP, AKT, JAK3, IKK, PI3K, HO-1, MAPK, P38, ERK, etc. Current challenges and future directions in this promising field are also discussed at the end of this review. For the convenience of the readers, this review is divided into ten parts according to the structures of potential natural small molecular compounds. We hope that this review brings a quick look and provides some inspiration for the research of COPD.

Effects of Betulinic Acid Derivative on Lung Inflammation in a Mouse Model of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Induced by Particulate Matter 2.5

BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is mainly induced by the increased content of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) in the atmosphere. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of betulinic acid derivative on lung inflammation in a mouse model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease induced by particulate matter 2.5. MATERIAL AND METHODS The mice were given a PM2.5 (25 μl) suspension for 7 days by the intranasal route to establish a COPD model. The content of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in the BALF samples was measured by commercially available ELISA kits. RESULTS The PM2.5-induced higher LDH and ACP levels were significantly alleviated in mouse lung tissues by treatment with betulinic acid derivative. Treatment with betulinic acid derivative also suppressed PM2.5-induced increase in AKP and ALB levels in mouse lung tissues. Betulinic acid derivative reversed PM2.5-mediated suppression of SOD activity and elevation of NOS level in mouse BALF. Moreover, the PM2.5-induced excessive NO and MDA levels in mouse BALF were significantly reduced (P.

Preventive effect of ursolic acid derivative on particulate matter 2.5-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease involves suppression of lung inflammation

Respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are associated with the presence of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) in the air. In the present study, the effect of synthesized ursolic acid derivatives on mice model of PM2.5-induced COPD was investigated in vivo. The mice model of COPD was established by the administration of 25 μL of PM2.5 suspension through intranasal route daily for 1 week. The levels of oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factors-α and interleukin-6 in the mice bronchoalveolar fluids increased markedly on administration with PM2.5. However, treatment with ursolic acid derivative caused a significant suppression in PM2.5-induced increase in oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cytokines in dose-dependent manner. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed excessive inflammatory cell infiltration in pulmonary tissues in mice with COPD. The inflammatory cell infiltration was inhibited on treatment of the mice with ursolic acid derivative. The ursolic acid derivative treatment increased level of superoxide dismutase in mice with COPD. The lung injury induced by PM2.5 in mice was also prevented on treatment with ursolic acid derivative. Thus, ursolic acid derivative inhibits pulmonary tissues damage in mice through suppression of inflammatory cytokine and oxidative enzymes. Therefore, ursolic acid derivative can be of therapeutic importance for treatment of PM2.5-induced COPD.

Glucocorticoid receptor dysfunction orchestrates inflammasome effects on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-induced depression: A potential mechanism underlying the cross talk between lung and brain

Depression is highly prevalent among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, depression with COPD comorbidity is often underdiagnosed and undertreated, and pathogenic research is also insufficient. In the present study, we characterised pulmonary and hippocampal dysfunction by researching the interaction between inflammasome-regulated cytokines and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signalling by investigating the role of fluoxetine (FLU), one of the most widely used antidepressants in clinical practice. Mice were exposed to cigarette smoke (CS) to induce the model of COPD with comorbid depression, and pathological alterations in serum, hippocampus, lung, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were determined. Our results showed that the CS procedure induced the accumulation of inflammatory cells (macrophages, neutrophils, and lymphocytes), the production of cytokines, the activation of inflammasome components (NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1), depression-related behaviours, and the stimulation of GR signalling. Intriguingly, glucocorticoid resistance occurred in CS-exposed mice, with elevated serum corticosterone and suppressed hippocampal GR levels, which suggested a novel potential regulatory mechanism underlying COPD-induced depression comorbidity. Furthermore, chronic CS exposure decreased the pGR-S211/pGR-S226 ratio, increased the active nuclear GR, and impaired cytosolic GR binding capacity and GR transcriptional activity, which might be responsible for the activation of the inflammasome-induced inflammatory cascade. These alterations were reversed by chronic FLU treatment, indicating that FLU-mediated GR signalling was involved in the COPD induced inflammasome activation. Our research explored the underlying molecular mechanism of comorbid COPD/depression and provided in vivo evidence that glucocorticoid resistance occurred during CS-induced central nervous system inflammation, a potential mechanism underlying the cross talk between the lung and brain.

Pistacia weinmannifolia ameliorates cigarette smoke and lipopolysaccharide‑induced pulmonary inflammation by inhibiting interleukin‑8 production and NF‑κB activation

Pistacia weinmannifolia (PW) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat headaches, dysentery, enteritis and influenza. However, PW has not been known for treating respiratory inflammatory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The present in vitro analysis confirmed that PW root extract (PWRE) exerts anti-inflammatory effects in phorbol myristate acetate- or tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)-stimulated human lung epithelial NCI-H292 cells by attenuating the expression of interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6 and Mucin A5 (MUC5AC), which are closely associated with the pulmonary inflammatory response in the pathogenesis of COPD. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of PWRE on pulmonary inflammation induced by cigarette smoke (CS) and lipopoly-saccharide (LPS). Treatment with PWRE significantly reduced the quantity of neutrophils and the levels of inflammatory molecules and toxic molecules, including tumor TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, neutrophil elastase and reactive oxygen species, in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of mice with CS- and LPS-induced pulmonary inflammation. PWRE also attenuated the influx of inflammatory cells in the lung tissues. Furthermore, PWRE downregulated the activation of nuclear factor-κB and the expression of phosphodiesterase 4 in the lung tissues. Therefore, these findings suggest that PWRE may be a valuable adjuvant treatment for COPD.

CRTH2 antagonist, CT‑133, effectively alleviates cigarette smoke-induced acute lung injury

AIMS

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), characterized by overwhelming lung inflammation, are associated with high mortality. Cigarette smoke (CS) is one of the major causes of ALI/ARDS. Since high expression of prostaglandin (PG) D2 has been observed in CS-induced lung injury. Currently, no effective pharmacological therapies are available to treat ALI, and supportive therapies remain the mainstay of treatment. Therefore, we investigated the protective effect of CT‑133, a newly discovered selective CRTH2 antagonist, on CS-induced ALI in vivo and in vitro.

MAIN METHODS

CT‑133 (10 and 30 mg/kg), dexamethasone (1 mg/kg) and normal saline were intratracheally administrated 1 hr prior to whole-body CS-exposure for seven consecutive days to study the key characteristics of ALI. Subsequently, CSE (4%)- and PGD2-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages were used to evaluate the protective effect of CT‑133.

KEY FINDINGS

CT‑133 remarkably attenuated infiltration of inflammatory cells, neutrophils, and macrophages in the BALF, albumin contents, expression of IL‑1β, IL‑6, TNF‑α and KC, lung myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and lung histopathological alterations caused by CS exposure in mice. Moreover, CT‑133 not only reversed the uncontrolled secretion of IL‑1β, IL-6, TNF‑α and KC from CSE- and PGD2-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages but also augmented IL-10 production in both in vivo and in vitro studies. Additionally, CT‑133 alleviated in vitro neutrophil migration chemoattracted by PGD2.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our results provide the first evidence that targeting CRTH2 could be a new potential therapeutic option to treat CS-induced ALI.

Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor attenuates lung inflammation and injury in a murine model of pulmonary emphysema

Pulmonary inflammation and progressive lung destruction are the major causes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), resulting in emphysema and irreversible pulmonary dysfunction. Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF), is known to play a protective role in the process of various inflammatory diseases. However, its effect on COPD is poorly understood. This study was designed to determine the effect of HB-EGF on lung inflammation and injury in a murine model of pulmonary emphysema. HB-EGF promoted percent survival and body weight, attenuated lung injury, inflammatory cells, and cytokines infiltration, and prevented lung function decline. Additionally, treatment of rHB-EGF suppressed the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)/p65, decreased TUNEL-positive cells and the expression of caspase 3, and increased the expression of PCNA, HB-EGF, and EGF receptor (EGFR). We conclude that HB-EGF attenuates lung inflammation and injury, probably through the activation of EGFR, followed by suppression of NF-ΚB signalling, promotion of cell proliferation, and inhibition of apoptosis.

Preventive Effect of Garlic Oil and Its Organosulfur Component Diallyl-Disulfide on Cigarette Smoke-Induced Airway Inflammation in Mice

Garlic (Allium sativum) has traditionally been used as a medicinal food and exhibits various beneficial activities, such as antitumor, antimicrobial, hypolipidemic, antiarthritic, and hypoglycemic activities. The aim of this study was to explore the preventive effect of garlic oil (GO) and its organosulfur component diallyl disulfide (DADS) on cigarette smoke (CS)-induced airway inflammation. Mice were exposed to CS daily for 1 h (equivalent to eight cigarettes per day) for two weeks, and intranasally instilled with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on day 12 after the initiation of CS exposure. GO and DADS were administered to mice by oral gavage, both at rates of 20 and 40 mg/kg, for 1 h before CS exposure for two weeks. In the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, GO and DADS inhibited the elevation in the counts of inflammatory cells, particularly neutrophils, which were induced in the CS and LPS (CS + LPS) group. This was accompanied by the lowered production (relative to the CS + LPS group) of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Histologically, GO and DADS inhibited the CS- and LPS-induced infiltration of inflammatory cells into lung tissues. Additionally, GO and DADS inhibited the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in the lung tissues. Taken together, these findings indicate that GO and DADS could be a potential preventive agent in CS-induced airway inflammation.

COPD rat model is more susceptible to cold stress and PM2.5 exposure and the underlying mechanism

The purpose of this study is to verify the hypothesis that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) model rat is more susceptible to cold stress and fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) exposure than the healthy rat, and explore the related mechanism. COPD rat model, established with cigarette smoke and lipopolysaccharide intratracheal instillation, were exposed to cold stress (0 °C) and PM_2.5 (0, 3.2, 12.8 mg/ml). After that, the levels of superoxide dismutase, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) and angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang-Ⅱ) in lung were measured, as well as the expression levels of lung 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). There were significant positive relationships between PM_2.5 and lung level of iNOS, TNF-α, MCP-1 and Ang-Ⅱ, lung function and pathologic damage in COPD rats. The HO-1, NF-κB and 8-OHdG were found highly expressed in COPD rat lung, particularly at the higher PM_2.5 dose of cold stress groups, while Nrf2 was found declined. Thus, COPD rats may be more susceptible to cold stress and PM_2.5 exposure. Cold stress may aggravate PM_2.5-induced toxic effects in the lung of COPD rats through increasing Ang-Ⅱ/NF-κB signaling pathway and suppressing Nrf2 signaling pathway.

So-Cheong-Ryoung-Tang Attenuates Pulmonary Inflammation Induced by Cigarette Smoke in Bronchial Epithelial Cells and Experimental Mice

So-Cheong-Ryoung-Tang is a traditionally used herbal formula for the treatment of pulmonary diseases in China, Korea, and Japan. We investigated the protective effects of So-Cheong-Ryong-Tang water extract (SCWE) in cigarette smoke concentrate (CSC) stimulated human airway epithelial cell line NCI-H292 and mice exposed cigarette smoke (CS) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In the CSC-stimulated NCI-H292 cells, SCWE inhibited proinflammatory cytokines in a concentration-dependent manner, as evidenced by a reduction in their mRNA levels. Also, SCWE significant reduced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) phosphorylation in CSC-stimulated cells. The mice were exposed to CS for 1 h per day (a total of eight cigarettes per day) for 7 days and received LPS intranasally on day 5. The mice were administered a dose of SCWE (100 and 200 mg/kg) 1 h before CS exposure. In in vivo, SCWE decreased the inflammatory cell count and reduced the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines in the broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) compared with CS and LPS exposed mice. SCWE attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration in airway induced by CS and LPS exposure, and this decrease was accompanied by a reduction in the expression levels of iNOS and MMP-9 in lung tissue. The extract also inhibited the phosphorylation of inhibitor of kappa B alpha (IκBα) and NF-κB induced by CS and LPS exposure in lung tissue. These results suggest that SCWE may effectively inhibit airway inflammatory responses induced by CS and LPS exposure via the NF-κB pathway. Therefore, SCWE may be a potential treatment for airway inflammatory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Cigarette Smoking Triggers Colitis by IFN-γ+ CD4+ T Cells

The increased incidence of Crohn’s disease in smokers has been recently reported, suggesting a strong association of cigarette smoke (CS) with colitis. However, the mechanism of the action of CS on colitis has not yet been explored. Here, we demonstrate that CS exposure is sufficient to induce colitis in mice. Interestingly, the colitis is mainly mediated by Th1, but not Th17, responses. CD4⁺ T-cell depletion or T-bet/IFN-γ deficiency protects against the development of colitis induced by CS. Additionally, IFN-γ-producing CD4⁺ T cells play a substantial role in CS-induced colitis. The adoptive transfer (AT) of effector T cells from CS-exposed WT mice into colitis-prone mice caused these mice to develop colitis, while the AT of effector T cells from IFN-γ knock-out mice did not. These findings have implications for broadening our understanding of CS-induced pathology and for the development of novel therapeutic strategies to treat Crohn’s disease.

Physalis peruviana L. inhibits airway inflammation induced by cigarette smoke and lipopolysaccharide through inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and induction of heme oxygenase-1

Physalis peruviana L. (PP) is a medicinal herb that has been confirmed to have several biological activities, including anticancer, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of PP on cigarette smoke (CS)- and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pulmonary inflammation. Treatment with PP significantly reduced the influx of inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung of mice with CS- and LPS-induced pulmonary inflammation. PP also decreased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the BALF. PP effectively attenuated the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in the lung. In addition, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression were increased by PP treatment. In an in vitro experiment, PP reduced the mRNA expression of TNF-α and MCP-1, and the activation of ERK in CS extract-stimulated A549 epithelial cells. Furthermore, PP increased the activation of Nrf2 and the expression of HO-1 in A549 cells. These findings suggest that PP has a therapeutic potential for the treatment of pulmonary inflammatory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Therapeutic effects of stemonine on particulate matter 2.5-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in mice

Particulate matter 2.5 (PM_2.5) is a growing concern worldwide due to its association with respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Stemonine, a traditional Chinese herb, has been demonstrated to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a potential drug for the treatment of respiratory diseases. The therapeutic effects of stemonine on mice with PM_2.5-induced COPD were investigated in the present study. Kunming mice were randomly divided into the following five groups (n=10/group): Control, model, low-dose stemonine, moderate-dose stemonine and high-dose stemonine. The model mice received an intranasal instillation of PM_2.5 suspension (40 mg/kg). The levels of specific enzymes, markers of oxidative stress, and the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 were measured in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of the mice using ELISA kits. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to determine inflammatory changes to the lung tissue. It was demonstrated that stemonine could significantly alleviate lung injury by decreasing the levels of enzymes and cytokines associated with inflammation and oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, stemonine dose-dependently increased the amount of superoxide dismutase. These results suggest that stemonine reduces lung inflammation in mice with PM_2.5-induced COPD, providing a novel approach for the treatment of PM_2.5-induced respiratory diseases.

Neutrophilic Inflammation in the Immune Responses of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Lessons from Animal Models

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of mortality worldwide, which is characterized by chronic bronchitis, destruction of small airways, and enlargement/disorganization of alveoli. It is generally accepted that the neutrophilic airway inflammation observed in the lungs of COPD patients is intrinsically linked to the tissue destruction and alveolar airspace enlargement, leading to disease progression. Animal models play an important role in studying the underlying mechanisms of COPD as they address questions involving integrated whole body responses. This review aims to summarize the current animal models of COPD, focusing on their advantages and disadvantages on immune responses and neutrophilic inflammation. Also, we propose a potential new animal model of COPD, which may mimic the most characteristics of human COPD pathogenesis, including persistent moderate-to-high levels of neutrophilic inflammation.

Metabolic profiles of neotuberostemonine and tuberostemonine in rats by high performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Neotuberostemonine (NS) and tuberostemonine (TS), a pair of stereoisomers, are the active components contained in Stemona tuberosa, an antitussive herbal medicine in China. Two isomers have different pharmacological efficacies, which will be related with their in vivo disposition. However, the metabolic fates of NS and TS remain unknown. A method of high performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry coupled with mass detect filter technique was established to investigate the metabolites in rat plasma, bile, urine, and feces after oral administration of the equal doses of NS and TS. The results showed that NS produced 48 phase I metabolites, including NS, 3 hydrolyzed, 14 hydroxylated, 20 monohydrolyzed+hydroxylated and 10 dihydrolyzed+hydroxylated metabolites. The number of detected NS metabolites was 11, 39, 22 and 30 in plasma, bile, urine and feces. TS yielded 23 phase I metabolites, including TS, 3 hydrolyzed, 7 hydroxylated, 9 monohydrolyzed+hydroxylated and 3 dihydrolyzed+hydroxylated metabolites. Besides, TS yielded 9 phase II metabolites, including 1 glucuronic acid and 2 glutathione conjugates, and the later further degraded and modified into cysteine-glycine, cysteine and N-acetylcysteine conjugates. The number of detected TS metabolites was 9, 24, 24 and 15 in plasma, bile, urine and feces. Different metabolic patterns may be one of the main reasons leading to different pharmacological effects of NS and TS.