The effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in vitro and in vivo

The visual field-testing maze and vision maze: Feasible techniques to evaluate visual field loss in animals

Visual field loss due to glaucoma is a severe and concerning problem, leading to limited visual range and poor quality vision. The progression of this loss begins with a para-central arcuate scotoma which eventually advances to a ring scotoma and constricted visual fields in later stages. Currently, no animal model is available for screening this pattern of vision loss. However, we have successfully developed two mazes to evaluate visual field loss - the visual field-testing maze (VFTZ) for peripheral vision loss and the vision maze (VM) for central vision loss. Our studies involved inducing glaucoma in Wistar and Sprague Dawley rats using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and testing them in VFTZ and VM. We used Latanoprost and dorzolamide eye drops as standard drug candidates during the study. We evaluated the animals for intraocular pressure, retinal vasculature imaging, and anxiety using tonometry, ophthalmoscopy, and light and dark model techniques. Furthermore, we quantified the antioxidant parameters of the retina using UV spectroscopy. Our findings showed that animals with peripheral visual field loss in VFTZ took significantly more time to reach the goal and spent more time within the maze compared to normal or drug-treated animals (P < 0.001). Additionally, animals with compromised central visual field in VM spent more time in a particular arm and changed arms less frequently (P < 0.001) compared to normal or drug-treated animals. Moreover, we observed that glaucomatous rats exhibited elevated anxiety levels and impaired performance in the mazes, emphasizing the impact of vision loss on anxiety. Finally, the antioxidant and ATPase alterations in the retinal layers verified the glaucomatous changes in the experimental animals. Based on our remarkable findings, we strongly recommend the use of VFTZ and VM to evaluate visual field loss in animals.

Oxymatrine impedes the progression of endotoxin-induced glaucoma via redox system modulations

This study aimed to provide irrefutable evidence of the preventive effects of oxymatine (OMT) on a model of endotoxin induced glaucoma in Wistar rats which can be attributed to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and TNF-α antagonistic properties. To assess the impact of OMT on uveitic glaucoma, the normal group received 100 μL distilled water topically for 15 days, while the glaucoma control group was induced with uveitic glaucoma by applying 10 μL of 10 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS) topically for 3 consecutive days. The treatment groups were then given OMT solution at a volume of 50 μL with varying doses of 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% once a day via topical administration for 15 days. In addition, as a standard, the animals were also given 100 μL of 1% dorzolamide topically for 15 days. All ophthalmic dosing was carried out by pulling the lower eye-lid of the experimental animals and administration of the respective solutions. The study uses cutting-edge real-time imaging of the retinal vasculature in anesthetized animals, postsacrifice lenticular picturization and biochemical evidence to support the changes in the retinal layers. LPS induced animals demonstrated increased IOP, disrupted antioxidant systems, massive lipid damage, enhanced TNF-α activity and changes in intracellular ATPase and ionic activities. The damaged retinal vasculature and lenticular opacification further supported the biochemical evidence. However, using OMT at a 1% dosage effectively enhanced the antioxidant levels, regulated intracellular ion concentration and ATPases, decreased TNF-α activity, and counteracted mechanobiological changes in the visual front and retina. Moreover, OMT can successfully normalize intraocular pressure, making it a highly beneficial treatment option for glaucoma.

Herbal and Natural Treatments for the Management of the Glaucoma: An Update

Glaucoma causes the degeneration of the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons, inducing a tissue reshaping that affects both the retina and the optic nerve head. Glaucoma care especially focuses on reducing intraocular pressure, a significant risk factor for progressive damage to the optic nerve. The use of natural treatments, such as herbs, vitamins, and minerals, is becoming increasingly popular today. While plants are a rich source of novel biologically active compounds, only a small percentage of them have been phytochemically examined and evaluated for their medicinal potential. It is necessary for eye care professionals to inform their glaucoma patients about the therapy, protection, and efficacy of commonly used herbal medicines, considering the widespread use of herbal medicines. The purpose of this review is to examine evidence related to the most widely used herbal medicines for the management and treatment of glaucoma, to better understand the potential benefits of these natural compounds as supplementary therapy.

Next-generation nanomaterials: advancing ocular anti-inflammatory drug therapy

Ophthalmic inflammatory diseases, including conjunctivitis, keratitis, uveitis, scleritis, and related conditions, pose considerable challenges to effective management and treatment. This review article investigates the potential of advanced nanomaterials in revolutionizing ocular anti-inflammatory drug interventions. By conducting an exhaustive analysis of recent advancements and assessing the potential benefits and limitations, this review aims to identify promising avenues for future research and clinical applications. The review commences with a detailed exploration of various nanomaterial categories, such as liposomes, dendrimers, nanoparticles (NPs), and hydrogels, emphasizing their unique properties and capabilities for accurate drug delivery. Subsequently, we explore the etiology and pathophysiology of ophthalmic inflammatory disorders, highlighting the urgent necessity for innovative therapeutic strategies and examining recent preclinical and clinical investigations employing nanomaterial-based drug delivery systems. We discuss the advantages of these cutting-edge systems, such as biocompatibility, bioavailability, controlled release, and targeted delivery, alongside potential challenges, which encompass immunogenicity, toxicity, and regulatory hurdles. Furthermore, we emphasize the significance of interdisciplinary collaborations among material scientists, pharmacologists, and clinicians in expediting the translation of these breakthroughs from laboratory environments to clinical practice. In summary, this review accentuates the remarkable potential of advanced nanomaterials in redefining ocular anti-inflammatory drug therapy. We fervently support continued research and development in this rapidly evolving field to overcome existing barriers and improve patient outcomes for ophthalmic inflammatory disorders.

Three Major Causes of Metabolic Retinal Degenerations and Three Ways to Avoid Them

An imbalance of homeostasis in the retina leads to neuron loss and this eventually results in a deterioration of vision. If the stress threshold is exceeded, different protective/survival mechanisms are activated. Numerous key molecular actors contribute to prevalent metabolically induced retinal diseases-the three major challenges are age-related alterations, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. These diseases have complex dysregulation of glucose-, lipid-, amino acid or purine metabolism. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on possible ways of preventing or circumventing retinal degeneration by available methods. We intend to provide a unified background, common prevention and treatment rationale for these disorders and identify the mechanisms through which these actions protect the retina. We suggest a role for herbal medicines, internal neuroprotective substances and synthetic drugs targeting four processes: parainflammation and/or glial cell activation, ischemia and related reactive oxygen species and vascular endothelial growth factor accumulation, apoptosis and/or autophagy of nerve cells and an elevation of ocular perfusion pressure and/or intraocular pressure. We conclude that in order to achieve substantial preventive or therapeutic effects, at least two of the mentioned pathways should be targeted synergistically. A repositioning of some drugs is considered to use them for the cure of the other related conditions.

Puerarin@Chitosan composite for infected bone repair through mimicking the bio-functions of antimicrobial peptides

It is important to eliminate lipopolysaccharide (LPS) along with killing bacteria in periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) therapy for promoting bone repair due to its effect to regulate macrophages response. Although natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) offer a good solution, the unknown toxicity, high cost and exogenetic immune response hamper their applications in clinic. In this work, we fabricated a nanowire-like composite material, named P@C, by combining chitosan and puerarin via solid-phase reaction, which can finely mimic the bio-functions of AMPs. Chitosan, serving as the bacteria membrane puncture agent, and puerarin, serving as the LPS target agent, synergistically destroy the bacterial membrane structure and inhibit its recovery, thus endowing P@C with good antibacterial property. In addition, P@C possesses good osteoimmunomodulation due to its ability of LPS elimination and macrophage differentiation modulation. The in vivo results show that P@C can inhibit the LPS induced bone destruction in the Escherichia coli infected rat. P@C exhibits superior bone regeneration in Escherichia coli infected rat due to the comprehensive functions of its superior antibacterial property, and its ability of LPS elimination and immunomodulation. P@C can well mimic the functions of AMPs, which provides a novel and effective method for treating the PJI in clinic.

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P@C was fabricated through solid reaction with chitosan and puerarin.

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P@C punctures bacteria membrane and eliminates LPS, thus sterilizes bacteria.

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P@C improves bone formation of PEEK under infection via polarizing macrophage to M2.

Bilobalide Exerts Anti-Inflammatory Effects on Chondrocytes Through the AMPK/SIRT1/mTOR Pathway to Attenuate ACLT-Induced Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis in Rats

Although osteoarthritis (OA) significantly affects the quality of life of the elderly, there is still no effective treatment strategy. The standardized Ginkgo biloba L. extract preparation has been shown to have a wide range of therapeutic effects. Bilobalide, a unique ingredient of Ginkgo biloba, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pharmacological properties, but its mechanism of action on OA remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of bilobalide on the development of OA through in vivo and in vitro experiments, as well as its potential anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The in vitro experiments demonstrated that bilobalide significantly inhibited the production of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) in ATDC5 chondrocytes induced by Interleukin-1β (IL-1β). At the molecular level, bilobalide induced chondrocyte autophagy by activating the AMPK/SIRT1/mTOR signaling pathway, which increased the expression of autophagy-related Atg genes, up-regulated the expression of LC3 protein, and reduced the expression of the p62 protein. In vivo, bilobalide exerted significant anti-inflammatory and anti-extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation effects in a rat model of post-traumatic OA (PTOA) induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). Bilobalide could relieve joint pain in PTOA rats, inhibit the expression of iNOS and COX-2 protein in cartilage via the AMPK/SIRT1/mTOR pathway, and reduce the level of ECM degradation biomarkers in serum. In conclusion, bilobalide exhibits vigorous anti-inflammatory activity, presenting it as an interesting potential therapeutic agent for OA.

Systemic and topical Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (Egb-761) ameliorated rat paw inflammation in comparison to dexamethasone

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ginkgo Biloba leaf extract (Egb-761) is used for treating various inflammatory disease conditions therefore this study was performed.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study aimed at comparing the ameliorative effects of both systemic and topical Egb-761 versus dexamethasone on carrageenan-induced hind paw inflammation in rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Wistar albino rats were injected with carrageenan solution in the sub-planter region of the right hind paw. Egb-761 and dexamethasone were administered systemically to two groups while Egb-761 ointment 2% and dexamethasone sodium phosphate ointment were applied topically for another two groups. Vernier Caliper was used to assess rat paw thickness. Tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels have been estimated.

RESULTS

Carrageenan induced a significant rat paw edema and inflammation noticed 1 h post-injection as well as an increase of MDA, NO, and TNF-α in the inflamed skin tissues compared to the control group. Systemic and topical administration of Egb-761 and dexamethasone resulted in a significant reduction in carrageenan-induced rat paw edema. They reduced the tissue levels of MDA, NO, and TNF-α. Dexamethasone showed a little bit superior anti-inflammatory and antioxidant efficacy over Egb-761.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate the possibility of the therapeutic value of Egb-761 for alleviation of local inflammation by attenuating the increased MDA, NO and TNF-α levels.

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract improves growth, intestinal histomorphometry, immunity, antioxidant status and modulates transcription of cytokine genes in hapa-reared Oreochromis niloticus

This study was designed to evaluate the impacts of dietary supplementation with Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (GBL) on the growth, intestinal histomorphometry, immunity, antioxidant status, and expression of cytokine genes in Nile tilapia reared in the hapas. A control diet was enriched with different GBL levels (0.0, 5.0, 7.0, and 9.0 g/kg) to form 4 experimental diets and were fed to Nile tilapia for 8 weeks. The findings illustrated that dietary GBL significantly enhanced the growth and feed utilization indices compared to those reared in the control group. A dose-dependent increase of hepatic catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities alongside a decline of hepatic malondialdehyde levels were recorded in GBL groups compared with the control. Serum lysozyme activity, complement C3, and immunoglobulin M levels were significantly increased in GBL groups compared with the control group. Moreover, dietary GBL maintained the normal intestinal and hepatopancreatic histological structures with a significant increase of some histomorphometric measurements of proximal, middle, and distal intestinal parts of the treated fish. Interestingly, dietary GBL supplementation significantly increased the mRNA expression of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interferon gamma (INF-γ) genes in the splenic tissues of treated fish over the control group. To conclude, it could be recommended to use GBL as a functional phytogenic feed additive to improve the growth, hepatic and intestinal health status, hepatic antioxidant status, and immunity of treated Nile tilapia. Besides, the second order polynomial regression revealed that 7.50 g GBL/kg diet is the optimal inclusion level to improve growth with no negative impacts on the overall health condition of treated Nile tilapia.

Bilobalide Alleviated Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Experimental Colitis by Inhibiting M1 Macrophage Polarization Through the NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Bilobalide, a unique Ginkgo biloba constituent has attracted significant interest as a novel therapeutic option for neuronal protection. However, there is paucity of data on its effect on colitis. This work sought to evaluate the effect of bilobalide on macrophage polarization in vitro and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced colitis in vivo. Through the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and annexin V/PI assay, it was shown that bilobalide has no significant toxicity on macrophage. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) induced macrophage activation and polarization were significantly suppressed by bilobalide as indicated by reduced expression of cytokine, major histocompatibility complex II (MHC-II), and CD11c. Pertinently, the signaling pathway study showed that the phosphorylation of p65 and its nuclear translocation were decreased while STAT1 was not affected. In DSS-treated mice, administration (i.g) of three doses of bilobalide na\mely 1.25 mg/kg (low dose group), 2.5 mg/kg (medium dose group), and 5 mg/kg (high dose group) was performed daily starting from day 1 to day 10. Medium and high dose bilobalide markedly reduced the inflammation of colitis proved via elevation of bodyweight, decrement in disease activity index (DAI), alleviation of colon damage as well as reduction in activity of colon tissue myeloperoxidase activity. In accordance with the in vitro results, the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) in serum as well as messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in colon were obviously reduced in the bilobalide treated groups. Also, factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway was decreased significantly by bilobalide treatment. Collectively, these results indicated that administration of bilobalide improved experimental colitis via inhibition of M1 macrophage polarization through the NF-κB signaling pathway. Thus, bilobalide could act as a potential drug for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the not-too-distant future.

Ginkgo Biloba Extract in Ophthalmic and Systemic Disease, With a Focus on Normal-Tension Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative eye disease that results in retinal ganglion cell loss and ultimately loss of vision. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the most common known risk factor for retinal ganglion cell damage and visual field loss, and the only modifiable risk factor proven to reduce the development and progression of glaucoma. This has greatly influenced our approach and assessment in terms of diagnosis and treatment. However, as many as ≥50% of patients with progressive vision loss from primary open angle glaucoma without IOP elevation (≤22 mm Hg) have been reported in the United States and Canada; 90% in Japan and 80% in Korea. Extensive research is currently underway to identify the etiology of risk factors for glaucoma other than or in addition to elevated IOP (so-called "normal-tension" glaucoma; NTG) and use this knowledge to expand available treatment options. Currently, Food and Drug Administration-approved medications for glaucoma exclusively target elevated IOP, suggesting the need for additional approaches to treatment options beyond the current scope as the definition of glaucoma changes to encompass cellular and molecular mechanisms. This review focuses on alternative medical approaches, specifically Ginkgo Biloba extract, as a potential treatment option for normal-tension glaucoma.

Dietary Ginkgo biloba leaf extracts supplementation improved immunity and intestinal morphology, antioxidant ability and tight junction proteins mRNA expression of hybrid groupers (Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂ × Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀) fed high lipid diets

For many years, Ginkgo biloba has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (GBLE) supplementation on immune response, intestinal morphology, antioxidant ability and tight junction proteins mRNA expression of hybrid groupers fed high lipid diets. Basal diets supplemented with GBLE at 0, 0.50, 1.00, 2.00, 4.00 and 10.00 g/kg were fed to hybrid grouper for 8 weeks. The study showed that dietary GBLE supplementation significantly improved immune ability by increasing plasma complement 3, complement 4 and Immunoglobulin M content. Dietary supplementation of 0.50-2.00 g/kg GBLE improved intestinal morphology and increased the expression of zonula occludens 1, zonula occludens 2, zonula occludens 3, occludin and claudin 3a. Dietary supplementation of 0.50-2.00 g/kg GBLE improved antioxidant ability by increasing activities and expressions of glutathione peroxidase, catalase and glutathione reductase, suppressed inflammatory by increasing expression of interleukin 10, transforming growth factor β1 and target of rapamycin, and decreased apoptotic responses by reducing the expression of caspase 3, caspase 8 and caspase 9 in the intestine of hybrid grouper fed high lipid diets. This study indicated that dietary GBLE supplementation was clearly beneficial for intestinal health and immunity in hybrid groupers fed high lipid diets and it could be used as a functional feed additive in aquaculture to promote the application of high lipid diets.

Protective effects of Ginkgo biloba L. against natural toxins, chemical toxicities, and radiation: A comprehensive review

Nowadays in our developing and industrial world, humans' health or even their life is threatened by exposure to poisons. In this situation, detecting a protective compound could be helpful and interesting. In the present article, we collected and reviewed all studies, which have been conducted so far about the protective effects of Ginkgo biloba L. (GB), one of the most ancient medicinal tree species, against toxicities induced by chemical toxic agents, natural toxins, and also radiation. In overall, investigations showed that GB exerts the antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antigenotoxicity effects in different toxicities. There are also some special mechanisms about its protective effects against some specific toxic agents, such as acetylcholine esterase inhibition in the aluminium neurotoxicity or membrane-bond phosphodiesterase activation in the triethyltin toxicity. Ginkgolide A was the most investigated active ingredient of G. biloba leaf extract as a protective compound against toxicities, which had the similar effects of total extract. A few clinical studies have been conducted in this field, which demonstrated the beneficial effects of GB against toxic agents. However, the promising effects of this valuable herbal extract will practically remain useless without carrying out more clinical studies and proving its effects on human beings.

Chinese Medicines Improve Perimenopausal Symptoms Induced by Surgery, Chemoradiotherapy, or Endocrine Treatment for Breast Cancer

The application of surgery, chemoradiotherapy, and endocrine treatment successfully increases survival rates of breast cancer patients. However, perimenopausal symptoms, the main side effects of these treatments, often afflict patients and reduce their quality of life. Perimenopausal symptoms include vasomotor symptoms, sleep problems, arthromuscular symptoms, and osteoporosis. Currently, there are no satisfactory treatments for perimenopausal symptoms that result from these treatments. Therefore, alternative and complementary therapies including herbal medicines represented by Chinese medicines (CMs), acupuncture, massage, and psychotherapy are increasingly being expected and explored. In this paper, we review the effects and potentials of several CM formulae, along with some active ingredients or fractions from CMs, Chinese herbal extracts, and other herbal medicines, which have drawn attention for improving perimenopausal symptoms in breast cancer patients. We also elaborate their possible mechanisms. Moreover, further studies for evaluation of standardized clinical efficacy should be scientifically well-designed and continuously performed to investigate the efficacy and mechanisms of CMs for perimenopausal symptoms due to breast cancer therapy. The safety and value of estrogen-containing CMs for breast cancer should also be clarified.

Bevacizumab Diminishes Inflammation in an Acute Endotoxin-Induced Uveitis Model

Introduction: Uveitis is an eye disease characterized by inflammation of the uvea and an early and exhaustive diagnosis is essential for its treatment. The aim of our study is to assess the potential toxicity and anti-inflammatory efficacy of Bevacizumab in an experimental uveitis model by subcutaneously injecting lipopolysaccharide into Lewis rats and to clarify its mechanism. Material and Methods: Blood-aqueous barrier integrity was assessed 24 h after endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) by analyzing two parameters: cell count and protein concentration in aqueous humors. Histopathology of all eye structures was also studied. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent analyses of the aqueous humor samples were performed in order to calculate the diverse chemokine and cytokine protein levels and oxidative stress-related markers were also evaluated. Results: The aqueous humor's cellular content significantly increased in the group treated with only Bevacizumab, but it had no effect on retina histopathological grading. Nevertheless, the inflammation noted in ocular structures when administering Bevacizumab with endotoxin was mostly prevented since aqueous humor cell content considerably lowered, and concomitantly with a sharp drop in uveal, vitreous, and retina histopathological grading. The values of the multi-faceted cytokine IL-2 also significantly decreased (p < 0.05 vs. endotoxin group), and the protective IL-6 and IL-10 cytokines values rose with related anti-oxidant system recovery (p < 0.05 vs. endotoxin group). Concurrently, some related M1 macrophage chemokines substantially increased, e.g., GRO/KC, a chemokine that also displays any kind of protective role. Conclusion: All these results revealed that 24 h after being administered, Bevacizumab treatment in EIU significantly prevented inflammation in various eye structures and correct results in efficacy vs. toxicity balance were obtained.

Effects of dietary ginkgo biloba leaf extract on growth performance, plasma biochemical parameters, fish composition, immune responses, liver histology, and immune and apoptosis-related genes expression of hybrid grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus♂ × Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀) fed high lipid diets

For thousands of years, leaves from the Ginkgo biloba tree have been a common treatment in Chinese medicine. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary ginkgo biloba leaf extract (GBE) supplementation on growth performance, plasma biochemical parameters, fish composition, immune responses, liver histology, and immune and apoptosis-related genes expression of hybrid grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus♂ × Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀) fed high lipid diets. A basal diet supplemented with GBE at 0, 0.50, 1.00, 2.00, 4.00 and 10.00 g kg^-1 was fed to hybrid grouper for 8 weeks. The study indicated that dietary GBE did not improve growth performance and feed utilization but it reduced intraperitoneal fat rate. There were no significant differences in condition factor, viscerosomatic index, hepatosomatic index, spleen index, relative gut length, food intake, protein deposit rate and survival among all groups (P > 0.05). Dietary supplementation with 0.50-4.00 g GBE kg^-1 diets effectively increased plasma HDL content and decreased plasma GLU, LDL and TG content in fish. Furthermore, dietary GBE had a significant effect on moisture, crude protein and lipid in the liver, and protein in the whole body of fish (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with 0.50-1.00 g GBE kg^-1 diets effectively decreased occurrence rates of the hepatocyte swelling, hepatocyte vacuolization, and nuclei shifting to the cellular periphery cytoplasmic vacuolization, meanwhile hepatic antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT and T-AOC) activities significantly increased whereas MDA content significantly decreased in fish fed diets supplemented with GBE (P < 0.05). Moreover, dietary GBE up-regulated the expression of antioxidant genes (CAT, GPx and GR), immune-related genes (MHC2 and TLR3) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β1), while dietary supplementation with 0.50-4.00 g GBE kg^-1 diets down-regulated apoptosis-related genes (p53, caspase-9, caspase-8 and caspase-3) expression in the head kidney of hybrid grouper. These results indicated that hybrid grouper fed diets supplemented with GBE did not improve growth performance and feed utilization but it had hypolipidemic effects, improved hepatic antioxidant status, maintained normal liver histology and preserved liver function, increased immune-related genes expression and decreased apoptosis-related genes expression in the head kidney of hybrid grouper.

Oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species: a review of their role in ocular disease

For many years, oxidative stress arising from the ubiquitous production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various eye diseases. While emerging research has provided some evidence of the important physiological role of ROS in normal cell function, disease may arise where the concentration of ROS exceeds and overwhelms the body’s natural defence against them. Additionally, ROS may induce genomic aberrations which affect cellular homoeostasis and may result in disease. This literature review examines the current evidence for the role of oxidative stress in important ocular diseases with a view to identifying potential therapeutic targets for future study. The need is particularly pressing in developing treatments for conditions which remain notoriously difficult to treat, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.

Therapeutic Potential of Medicinal Plants and Their Constituents on Lung Inflammatory Disorders

Acute bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) are essentially lung inflammatory disorders. Various plant extracts and their constituents showed therapeutic effects on several animal models of lung inflammation. These include coumarins, flavonoids, phenolics, iridoids, monoterpenes, diterpenes and triterpenoids. Some of them exerted inhibitory action mainly by inhibiting the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and nuclear transcription factor-κB activation. Especially, many flavonoid derivatives distinctly showed effectiveness on lung inflammation. In this review, the experimental data for plant extracts and their constituents showing therapeutic effectiveness on animal models of lung inflammation are summarized.

[Results of the use of antioxidant and angioprotective agents in type 2 diabetes patients with diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration]

AIM

to investigate changes in clinical, functional, and morphological parameters of the retina in type 2 diabetes patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) and those with combined fundus pathology (DR plus age-related macular degeneration (AMD)) before and after a course of antioxidants and angioprotectors in the form of mono- or combination therapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 180 patients (180 eyes) with type 2 diabetes divided into 6 groups of 30 each. DR was graded according to E. Kohner and M. Porta classification, AMD--AREDS classification. Thus, group 1 consisted of patients with DRO,; group 2--DR1 without DM, group 3--DR1 with DM, group 4--DRO and "dry" AMD (AREDS 1-3), group 5--DR1 with no DM but with AMD (AREDS 1-3), and group 6--DR1 with DM and AMD (AREDS 1-3). A drug containing lutein 6 mg, zeaxanthin 0.5 mg, vitamin C 60 mg, vitamin E 7 mg, vitamin A 1.5 mg, vitamin B2 1.2 mg, rutin 25 mg, zinc 5 mg, selenium 25 mcg, and bilberry extract 60 mg was used for antioxidative therapy. Ginkgo biloba leaf extract 60 mg was chosen as the angioprotector. In all patients visual acuity, macular thickness and morphology (OCT) as well as light sensitivity (microperimetry) were assessed before and after the treatment course.

RESULTS

Analysis of baseline measurements demonstrated a significant decrease in best corrected visual acuity (p < 0.05) in study groups 2-6 as compared with group 1. Macular thickness was increased in all groups, however, the changes were statistically significant only in groups 3 and 6 (p<0.05). Light sensitivity of the macula showed a reduction, which was statistically significant in groups 4-6 (p < 0.05). After the course of antioxidant and angioprotective therapy, these parameters improved in all groups. The greatest effect was achieved with simultaneous antioxidant and double-dose angioprotective therapy (240 mg per day): visual acuity increased significantly (p < 0.05) in all groups except group 1; macular thickness decreased in all groups, however, the changes were statistically significant (p < 0.05) only in groups 1-3 and 5; light sensitivity also improved in all groups, significantly (p < 0.05) in groups 1-3 and 4.

CONCLUSIONS

Extended analysis of clinical, functional and morphological changes in the retina at the onset of DR in type 2 diabetes patients with concomitant "dry" AMD enables timely diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, and early treatment. Conservative treatment with antioxidant and angioprotective agents has been proved effective in type 2 diabetes patients with preclinical (DRO) and early (DR1) diabetic retinopathy and those with DR and "dry" AMD (AREDS 1-3) in terms of functional and morphological parameters of the retina. From all the regimens, a combined antioxidant and double-dose angioprotective (240 mg) therapy appeared to be the most effective and can be considered not only a preventive, but also a therapeutic measure in type 2 diabetes patients with initial stages of DR (DRO, DR1) or those with DR and DM or combined DR and AMD (AREDS 1-3).

Treatment with melatonin after onset of experimental uveitis attenuates ocular inflammation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Uveitis is a prevalent intraocular inflammatory disease and one of the most damaging ocular conditions. Pretreatment with melatonin prevented ocular inflammation induced by an intravitreal injection of bacterial LPS in the Syrian hamster. Here, we have assessed the anti-inflammatory effects of melatonin administered after the onset of ocular inflammation.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The eyes of male Syrian hamsters were intravitreally injected with vehicle or LPS. Melatonin was injected i.p. every 24 h, starting 12 or 24 h after the LPS injection. A clinical evaluation (with a score index based on clinical symptoms), the number of infiltrating cells, protein concentration and PGE2 and PGF2α levels in the aqueous humour, as well as retinal NOS activity, lipid peroxidation and TNF-α levels were assessed. Retinal function was assessed by scotopic electroretinography, and light microscopy and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the state of the retinal structure.

KEY RESULTS

Both treatment regimens with melatonin decreased clinical symptoms, reduced the leakage of cells and proteins, and decreased PG levels in aqueous humour from eyes injected with LPS. In addition, melatonin treatment blocked the decrease in scotopic electroretinogram a- and b-wave amplitude, protected the retinal structure and reduced the increase in NOS activity, lipid peroxidation and TNF-α levels, induced by LPS.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

These results indicate that treatment with melatonin, starting after the onset of uveitis, attenuated ocular inflammation induced by LPS in the Syrian hamster and support the use of melatonin as a therapeutic resource for uveitis treatment.

Application of Cornelian Cherry Iridoid-Polyphenolic Fraction and Loganic Acid to Reduce Intraocular Pressure

One of the most common diseases of old age in modern societies is glaucoma. It is strongly connected with increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and could permanently damage vision in the affected eye. As there are only a limited number of chemical compounds that can decrease IOP as well as blood flow in eye vessels, the up-to-date investigation of new molecules is important. The chemical composition of the dried Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) polar, iridoid-polyphenol-rich fraction was investigated. Loganic acid (50%) and pelargonidin-3-galactoside (7%) were found as the main components. Among the other constituents, iridoid compound cornuside and the anthocyans cyanidin 3-O-galactoside, cyanidin 3-O-robinobioside, and pelargonidin 3-O-robinobioside were quantified in the fraction. In an animal model (New Zealand rabbits), the influence of loganic acid and the polyphenolic fraction isolated from Cornelian cherry fruit was investigated. We found a strong IOP-hypotensive effect for a 0.7% solution of loganic acid, which could be compared with the widely ophthalmologically used timolol. About a 25% decrease in IOP was observed within the first 3 hours of use.

EGb761 Ameliorates Neuropathic Pain by Scavenging Reactive Oxygen Species

BACKGROUND

Neuropathic pain is a well-known type of chronic pain caused by damage to the nervous system. Until recently, researchers have found that increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) contributes to the development of exaggerated pain hypersensitivity during neuropathic pain.

METHODS

In this study, we investigated the antinociceptive efficacy of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb761) in chronic constriction injury (CCI) model of neuropathic pain of rats. To explore the underlying mechanisms, the effects of EGb761 on the excitability of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and activation of JNK in DRG were explored.

RESULTS

We showed that systemic administration of EGb761 inhibited the behavioral responses of neuropathic pain and found that EGb761 treatment could inhibit the H2O2-induced depolarization in the acutely dissociated DRG neurons. In addition, we found that EGb761 treatment could inhibit the expression of p-JNK in DRG.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our results suggest that administration of EGb761 can ameliorate neuropathic pain, and further indicate that JNK, which is activated by both exogenous and endogenous ROS, might be the mechanism underlying the effects of EGb761 on CCI neuropathic pain.

An anti-interleukin-2 receptor drug attenuates T- helper 1 lymphocytes-mediated inflammation in an acute model of endotoxin-induced uveitis

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory efficacy of Daclizumab, an anti-interleukin-2 receptor drug, in an experimental uveitis model upon a subcutaneous injection of lipopolysaccharide into Lewis rats, a valuable model for ocular acute inflammatory processes. The integrity of the blood-aqueous barrier was assessed 24 h after endotoxin-induced uveitis by evaluating two parameters: cell count and protein concentration in aqueous humors. The histopathology of all the ocular structures (cornea, lens, sclera, choroid, retina, uvea, and anterior and posterior chambers) was also considered. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays of the aqueous humor samples were performed to quantify the levels of the different chemokine and cytokine proteins. Similarly, a biochemical analysis of oxidative stress-related markers was also assessed. The inflammation observed in the anterior chamber of the eyes when Daclizumab was administered with endotoxin was largely prevented since the aqueous humor protein concentration substantially lowered concomitantly with a significant reduction in the uveal and vitreous histopathological grading. Th1 lymphocytes-related cytokines, such as Interleukin-2 and Interferon-γ, also significantly reduced with related anti-oxidant systems recovery. Daclizumab treatment in endotoxin-induced uveitis reduced Th1 lymphocytes-related cytokines, such as Interleukin-2 and Interferon gamma, by about 60–70% and presented a preventive role in endotoxin-induced oxidative stress. This antioxidant protective effect of Daclizumab may be related to several of the observed Daclizumab effects in our study, including IL-6 cytokine regulatory properties and a substantial concomitant drop in INFγ. Concurrently, Daclizumab treatment triggered a significant reduction in both the uveal histopathological grading and protein concentration in aqueous humors, but not in cellular infiltration.

Neuropeptides, trophic factors, and other substances providing morphofunctional and metabolic protection in experimental models of diabetic retinopathy

Vision is the most important sensory modality for many species, including humans. Damage to the retina results in vision loss or even blindness. One of the most serious complications of diabetes, a disease that has seen a worldwide increase in prevalence, is diabetic retinopathy. This condition stems from consequences of pathological metabolism and develops in 75% of patients with type 1 and 50% with type 2 diabetes. The development of novel protective drugs is essential. In this review we provide a description of the disease and conclude that type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes lead to the same retinopathy. We evaluate existing experimental models and recent developments in finding effective compounds against this disorder. In our opinion, the best models are the long-term streptozotocin-induced diabetes and Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty and spontaneously diabetic Torii rats, while the most promising substances are topically administered somatostatin and pigment epithelium-derived factor analogs, antivasculogenic substances, and systemic antioxidants. Future drug development should focus on these.

Lipoic acid lessens Th1-mediated inflammation in lipopolysaccharide-induced uveitis reducing selectively Th1 lymphocytes-related cytokines release

Inflammation results in the production of free radicals. We evaluated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity of lipoic acid in an experimental uveitis model upon a subcutaneous injection of endotoxin into Lewis rats. The role of oxidative stress in the endotoxin-induced uveitis model is well-known. Besides, the Th1 response classically performs a central part in the immunopathological process of experimental autoimmune uveitis. Exogenous sources of lipoic acid have been shown to exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Our results show that lipoic acid treatment plays a preventive role in endotoxin-induced oxidative stress at 24 h post-administration and reduced Th1 lymphocytes-related cytokines by approximately 50-60%. Simultaneously, lipoic acid treatment caused a significant reduction in uveal histopathological grading and in the protein concentration in aqueous humors, but not in cellular infiltration.

Fortified extract of red berry, Ginkgo biloba, and white willow bark in experimental early diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a complex condition where inflammation and oxidative stress represent crucial pathways in the pathogenesis of the disease. Aim of the study was to investigate the effects of a fortified extract of red berries, Ginkgo biloba and white willow bark containing carnosine and α-lipoic acid in early retinal and plasma changes of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by a single streptozotocin injection in Sprague Dawley rats. Diabetics and nondiabetic (control) rats were treated daily with the fortified extract for the ten days. Retina samples were collected and analyzed for their TNF-α and VEGF content. Moreover, plasma oxidative stress was evaluated by thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS). Increased TNF-α and VEGF levels were observed in the retina of diabetic rats. Treatment with the fortified extract significantly lowered retinal cytokine levels and suppressed diabetes-related lipid peroxidation. These data demonstrate that the fortified extract attenuates the degree of retinal inflammation and plasma lipid peroxidation preserving the retina in early diabetic rats.

Antihyperglycemic effect of Ginkgo biloba extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats

The Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) has been reported to have a wide range of health benefits in traditional Chinese medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antihyperglycemic effects of GBE on streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetes in rats. Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by the administration of STZ (60 mg/kg b.w.) intraperitoneally. GBE (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg b.w.) was administered orally once a day for a period of 30 days. Body weight and blood glucose levels were determined in different experimental days. Serum lipid profile and antioxidant enzymes in hepatic and pancreatic tissue were measured at the end of the experimental period. Significant decreases in body weight and antioxidant ability and increases in blood glucose, lipid profile, and lipid peroxidation were observed in STZ-induced diabetic rats. The administration of GBE and glibenclamide daily for 30 days in STZ-induced diabetic rats reversed the above parameters significantly. GBE possesses antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, and antihyperlipidemia activities in STZ-induced chronic diabetic rats, which promisingly support the use of GBE as a food supplement or an adjunct treatment for diabetics.

Carnosic acid attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury in rats via fortifying cellular antioxidant defense system

The study investigated the protective effects of carnosic acid (CA), the principal constituent of rosemary, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced oxidative/nitrosative stress and hepatotoxicity in rats. CA was administered orally to rats at doses of 15, 30 and 60 mg/kg body weight before LPS challenge (single intraperitoneal injection, 1 mg/kg body weight). The results revealed that CA inhibited LPS-induced liver damage and disorder of lipid metabolism, which were mainly evidenced by decreased serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. CA also inhibited LPS-induced oxidative/nitrosative stress by decreasing lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, and serum levels of nitric oxide. Histopathological examination demonstrated that CA could improve pathological abnormalities and reduce the immigration of inflammatory cells in liver tissues with LPS challenge. Concurrently, CA potently inhibited the LPS-induced rise in serum levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6. CA supplementation markedly enhanced the body's cellular antioxidant defense system by restoring the levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione in serum and liver after the LPS challenge. In conclusion, the present study suggests that CA successfully and dose dependently attenuates LPS-induced hepatotoxicity possibly by preventing cytotoxic effects of oxygen free radicals, NO and cytokines.

In vivo effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on interleukin-6 cytokine levels in patients with neurological disorders

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGB) on the serum levels of cytokines in patients suffering from chronic, age-related neurological disorders (NDs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients received 9.6 mg of EGB twice daily for 8 weeks. Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) before and after treatment.

RESULTS

The serum level of IL-6 was significantly higher in ND patients as compared to the healthy controls. After these patients underwent 4 and 8 weeks of EGB treatment, their IL-6 levels were shown a statistically significant (P<0.05) decline to near normal values. No significant changes were observed in serum levels of IL-1β and TNF-α after EGB treatment. We also observed an inverse relationship between ND and serum cholesterol levels.

CONCLUSIONS

EGB may exert its beneficial effects in patients suffering from NDs through down-regulation and suppression of IL-6 secretion.

Effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on endotoxin-induced labyrinthitis

OBJECTIVE

There are no reports on the therapeutic effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) on otitis media-induced labyrinthitis. The present study examined whether GBE can protect against cochlear damage induced by intratympanic instillation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced labyrinthitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experiments were performed in 20 healthy young male guinea pigs. The control group (n=10) received an intratympanic instillation of LPS (20 μl, 3mg/ml). The experimental group (n=10) received intratympanic instillation of LPS immediately after instillation of GBE (10mg/kg) and then experimental groups received GBE (100mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection every day for 3 days. Instillation of LPS or LPS immediately after GBE was done in the right ear; the untreated left ear was considered normal. Physiological and morphological changes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis of treatment of GBE revealed significantly less hearing loss than LPS group (p<0.05). The ratio of the value of cochlear blood flow (CBF) compared to untreated left side was significantly higher in the GBE treated group than in the LPS-treated group (p<0.05). This result indicated the recovery of CBF in GBE treated group compared to LPS treated group. In the LPS group, scanning electron microscopy revealed hair cell damage with edema. Missing stereocilia in the third layer of the outer hair cell was revealed. However, both the inner hair cells and the outer hair cells had normal appearance in the GBE group. LPS group showed that cochlear Evans blue extravasation was increased strongly in the stria vascularis, spiral limbus, and in the spiral ligament compared with the GBE treated group.

CONCLUSION

GBE significantly minimizes cochlear damage against LPS-induced otitis media with labyrinthitis in a guinea pig model. GBE has potential as an adjunctive therapy to antibiotics in the treatment of acute otitis media with complicated labyrinthitis.

Central and local administration of Gingko biloba extract EGb 761® inhibits thermal hyperalgesia and inflammation in the rat carrageenan model

BACKGROUND

Oral administration of the standardized Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761® has been shown to inhibit thermal hyperalgesia in rodent models of inflammatory and postsurgical pain, but the mechanism underlying these effects is not known. We sought to determine the site of action of EGb 761 by investigating the antihyperalgesic and antiinflammatory properties of EGb 761 after local and central drug administration in the rat carrageenan model of inflammation.

METHODS

Adult male Wistar rats received an intraplantar injection of carrageenan (3%) or saline into the left hindpaw followed 3 hours later by an intraplantar injection of EGb 761 (30, 100, or 300 μg) or vehicle into the left paw; or intrathecal injection of EGb 761 (0.5, 1, 3, 10, or 100 μg) or vehicle into the lumbar spinal cord region. Diclofenac (100 μg) was administered as a positive control. Hindpaw withdrawal latency (in seconds) to thermal stimulation, response threshold (in grams) to mechanical stimulation, and paw volume were measured at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 24 hours after carrageenan injection.

RESULTS

Both intraplantar (30, 100, and 300 μg) and intrathecal (0.5 and 1 μg) EGb 761 significantly inhibited carrageenan-induced thermal hyperalgesia and were equally as effective as diclofenac, but had no effect on mechanical hypersenitivity. Application ≥3 μg EGb 761 to the spinal cord induced adverse behavioral effects, which precluded further nociceptive testing. Intraplantar (300 μg) and intrathecal (1 μg) EGb 761 also significantly reduced paw edema.

CONCLUSION

These studies show that EGb 761 acts both at the site of inflammation and centrally at the spinal cord level to inhibit inflammation and thermal hyperalgesia, and may be useful in the treatment of inflammatory pain.

Protective effects of Ginkgo biloba extract in rats with hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced intestinal injury

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to investigate the protective effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) in rat pups with hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced bowel injury.

METHODS

One-day-old Wistar albino rat pups (n = 21) were randomly divided into 3 groups: group 1 (control, untreated and not exposed to H/R, n = 7), group 2 (untreated but exposed to H/R, n = 7), and group 3 (EGb 761 + H/R, n = 7). Ginkgo biloba extract was administered (100 mg/kg per day, subcutaneously) to group 3 for 3 days. On the fourth day, all animals except controls were exposed to H/R and were killed 6 hours after H/R. Histopathologic injury scores (HIS), malondialdehyde, glutathione (GSH), GSH-peroxidase (Px) activities, and nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured on intestinal samples.

RESULTS

Although the control group had normal HIS, group 2 had grade 3 HIS. In contrast, group 3 had minimal HIS, and these results were significantly better than those of group 2 (P < .001). Malondialdehyde and NO levels of group 3 were significantly lower than those of group 2 (P < .01). Glutathione and GSH-Px activities of group 1 were higher than those of groups 2 and 3 (P < .05). However, there were no significant differences for GSH and GSH-Px activities between groups 2 and 3.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that hypoxia and NO contributed to the pathogenesis of H/R-induced intestinal injury and that prophylactically administered EGb 761 had a protective effect on bowel injury.

Emerging role of antioxidants in the protection of uveitis complications

Current understanding of the role of oxidative stress in ocular inflammatory diseases indicates that antioxidant therapy may be important to optimize the treatment. Recently investigated antioxidant therapies for ocular inflammatory diseases include various vitamins, plant products and reactive oxygen species scavengers. Oxidative stress plays a causative role in both non-infectious and infectious uveitis complications, and novel strategies to diminish tissue damage and dysfunction with antioxidant therapy may ameliorate visual complications. Preclinical studies with experimental animals and cultured cells demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory effects of a number of promising antioxidant agents. Many of these antioxidants are under clinical trial for various inflammatory diseases other than uveitis such as cardiovascular, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. Well planned interventional clinical studies in the field of ocular inflammation will be necessary to sufficiently investigate the potential medical benefits of antioxidant therapies for uveitis. This review summarizes the recent investigations of novel antioxidant agents for ocular inflammation, with selected studies focused on uveitis.

Intravitreal Injection of Bevacizumab Induces Inflammatory Alterations in a Uveitis Experimental Model

Purpose

Bevacizumab is currently used as an intravitreal agent in the treatment of inflammatory-associated eye diseases. The aim of the current study is to explore the effects of the intravitreal injection of bevacizumab on aqueous humour cytokines and chemokines in an experimental uveitis model.

Methods

Endotoxin-induced uveitis was induced in rats by footpad injections. Bevacizumab was administered by intravitreal injection (75 μg in 3–μL samples) and different chemokine and cytokine proteins were quantified in aqueous humor.

Results

Intravitreal administration of bevacizumab led to a several-fold increase of RANTES, MCP-1, and IFN-γ concentrations in aqueous humor of endotoxin-treated rats.

Conclusions

Given the exacerbating effect of bevacizumab on inflammation agents and considering the increasing use of bevacizumab as an off-label intravitreal agent, care should be taken if an underlying inflammatory disease is present.

Expression of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in HMC-1 cells treated with bisphenol A is attenuated by plant-originating glycoprotein (75 kDa) by blocking p38 MAPK

Bisphenol A (BPA) is known as an estrogen-mimic environmental hormone which has the ability to indirectly stimulate the production of allergic inflammation-related cytokines. Cudrania tricuspidata Bureau (CTB) has been used in Korean folk medicine for a long time. In order to determine the inhibitory effect of a glycoprotein (CTB glycoprotein, 75 kDa) isolated from CTB fruits on the activities of allergic inflammation-related cytokines (TNF-alpha and IL-6) caused by BPA, we evaluated the activities of protein kinase C (PKC), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB, and inflammation-related cytokine (TNF-alpha and IL-6) in the BPA-induced HMC-1 cells using immunoblot analysis and RT-PCR. The results obtained from this study revealed that CTB glycoprotein (100 microg/ml) inhibits the translocation of PKC from cytosol to the membrane, the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, the activation of NF-kappaB, and the expression levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6. Taken together, the results in this study suggest that CTB glycoprotein inhibits the expression of allergic inflammation-related cytokines (TNF-alpha and IL-6) by blocking NF-kappaB and p38 kinase in BPA-induced HMC-1 cells.

Prevention of endotoxin-induced uveitis in rats by benfotiamine, a lipophilic analogue of vitamin B1

PURPOSE

To study the amelioration of ocular inflammation in endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) in rats by benfotiamine, a lipid-soluble analogue of thiamine.

METHODS

EIU in Lewis rats was induced by subcutaneous injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) followed by treatment with benfotiamine. The rats were killed 3 or 24 hours after LPS injection, eyes were enucleated, aqueous humor (AqH) was collected, and the number of infiltrating cells, protein concentration, and inflammatory marker levels were determined. Immunohistochemical analysis of eye sections was performed to determine the expression of inducible-nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (Cox)-2, protein kinase C (PKC), and transcription factor NF-kappaB.

RESULTS

Infiltrating leukocytes, protein concentrations, and inflammatory cytokines and chemokines were significantly elevated in the AqH of EIU rats compared with control rats, and benfotiamine treatment suppressed these increases. Similarly increased expression of inflammatory markers iNOS and Cox-2 in ciliary body and retinal wall was also significantly inhibited by benfotiamine. The increased phosphorylation of PKC and the activation of NF-kappaB in the ciliary body and in the retinal wall of EIU rat eyes were suppressed by benfotiamine.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that benfotiamine suppresses oxidative stress-induced NF-kappaB-dependent inflammatory signaling leading to uveitis. Therefore, benfotiamine could be used as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of ocular inflammation, especially uveitis.

Piroxicam nanoparticles for ocular delivery: Physicochemical characterization and implementation in endotoxin-induced uveitis

To investigate the anti-inflammatory impacts of piroxicam nanosuspension, in the current investigation, piroxicam:Eudragit RS100 nanoformulations were used to control inflammatory symptoms in the rabbits with endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU). The nanoparticles of piroxicam:Eudragit RS100 was formulated using the solvent evaporation/extraction technique. The morphological and physicochemical characteristics of nanoparticles were studied using particle size analysis, X-ray crystallography, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Drug release profiles were examined by fitting the data to the most common kinetic models. Selected nanosuspensions were used to assess the anti-inflammatory impacts of piroxicam nanoparticles in the rabbits with EIU. The major symptoms of EIU (i.e. inflammation and leukocytes numbers in the aqueous humor) were examined. All the prepared piroxicam formulations using Eudragit RS100 resulted in a nano-range size particles and displayed spherical smooth morphology with positively charged surface, however, the formulated particles of drug alone using same methodology failed to manifest such characteristics. The Eudragit RS100 containing nanoparticles displayed lower crystallinity than piroxicam with no chemical interactions between the drug and polymer molecules. Kinetically, the release profiles of piroxicam from nanoparticles appeared to fit best with the Weibull model and diffusion was the superior phenomenon. The in vivo examinations revealed that the inflammation can be inhibited by the drug:polymer nanosuspension more significantly than the microsuspension of drug alone in the rabbits with EIU. Upon these findings, we propose that the piroxicam:Eudragit RS100 nanosuspensions may be considered as an improved ocular delivery system for locally inhibition of inflammation.