Ankaflavin, a novel Nrf-2 activator for attenuating allergic airway inflammation

Allergic Inflammation Caused by Dimerized Translationally Controlled Tumor Protein is Attenuated by Cardamonin

We demonstrated in our previous reports that dimeric form of translationally controlled tumor protein (dTCTP) initiates a variety of allergic phenomena. In the present study, we examined whether and how dTCTP's role in allergic inflammation can be modulated or negated. The possible potential of cardamonin as an anti-allergic agent was assessed by ELISA using BEAS-2B cells and OVA-challenged allergic mouse model. The interaction between cardamonin and dTCTP was confirmed by SPR assay. Cardamonin was found to reduce the secretion of IL-8 caused by dTCTP in BEAS-2B cells by interacting with dTCTP. This interaction between dTCTP and cardamonin was confirmed through kinetic analysis (K_D = 4.72 ± 0.07 μM). Also, cardamonin reduced the migration of various inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), inhibited OVA specific IgE secretion and bronchial remodeling. In addition, cardamonin was observed to have an anti-allergic response by inhibiting the activity of NF-κB. Cardamonin exerts anti-allergic anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting dTCTP, suggesting that it may be useful in the therapy of allergic diseases.

A review of pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties of Forsythiaside A

Traditional Chinese medicine plays a significant role in the treatment of various diseases and has attracted increasing attention for clinical applications. Forsythiae Fructus, the dried fruit of Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl, is a widely used Chinese medicinal herb in clinic for its extensive pharmacological activities. Forsythiaside A is the main active index component isolated from Forsythiae Fructus and possesses prominent bioactivities. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that Forsythiaside A exhibits significant activities in treating various diseases, including inflammation, virus infection, neurodegeneration, oxidative stress, liver injury, and bacterial infection. In this review, the pharmacological activities of Forsythiaside A have been comprehensively reviewed and summarized. According to the data, Forsythiaside A shows remarkable anti-inflammation, antivirus, neuroprotection, antioxidant, hepatoprotection, and antibacterial activities through regulating multiple signaling transduction pathways such as NF-κB, MAPK, JAK/STAT, Nrf2, RLRs, TRAF, TLR7, and ER stress. In addition, the toxicity and pharmacokinetic properties of Forsythiaside A are also discussed in this review, thus providing a solid foundation and evidence for further studies to explore novel effective drugs from Chinese medicine monomers.

Medical Application of Substances Derived from Non-Pathogenic Fungi Aspergillus oryzae and A. luchuensis-Containing Koji

Although most fungi cause pathogenicity toward human beings, dynasties of the East Asian region have domesticated and utilized specific fungi for medical applications. The Japanese dynasty and nation have domesticated and utilized koji fermented with non-pathogenic fungus Aspergillus oryzae for more than 1300 years. Recent research has elucidated that koji contains medicinal substances such as Taka-diastase, acid protease, koji glycosylceramide, kojic acid, oligosaccharides, ethyl-α-d-glucoside, ferulic acid, ergothioneine, pyroglutamyl leucine, pyranonigrin A, resistant proteins, deferriferrichrysin, polyamines, Bifidobacterium-stimulating peptides, angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitor peptides, 14-dehydroergosterol, beta-glucan, biotin, and citric acid. This review introduces potential medical applications of such medicinal substances to hyperlipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular and cognitive diseases, chronic inflammation, epidermal permeability barrier disruption, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and anti-cancer therapy.

Overview of Cellular Mechanisms and Signaling Pathways of Piceatannol

Stilbenoids are a group of naturally occurring phenolic compounds found in various plant species. They share a common backbone structure known as stilbene. However, differences in the nature and position of substituents have made it possible to produce many derivatives. Piceatannol [PT], a hydroxylated derivative from resveratrol, exerts various biological activities ranging from cancer prevention, cardio- protection, neuro-protection, anti-diabetic, depigmentation and so on. Although positive results were obtained in most cell culture and animal studies, the relevant cellular and molecular mechanisms of cytokines and signaling pathway about their biological effects still unclear. Thus, in the current review, we focus on the latest findings of PT on cellular biology in order to better understand the underlying therapeutic mechanisms of PT among various diseases.

Targeting the phosphoinositide-3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway in airway innate immunity

The airway innate immune system maintains the first line of defense against respiratory infections. The airway epithelium and associated immune cells protect the respiratory system from inhaled foreign organisms. These cells sense pathogens via activation of receptors like toll-like receptors and taste family 2 receptors (T2Rs) and respond by producing antimicrobials, inflammatory cytokines, and chemokines. Coordinated regulation of fluid secretion and ciliary beating facilitates clearance of pathogens via mucociliary transport. Airway cells also secrete antimicrobial peptides and radicals to directly kill microorganisms and inactivate viruses. The phosphoinositide-3-kinase/protein kinase B (Akt) kinase pathway regulates multiple cellular targets that modulate cell survival and proliferation. Akt also regulates proteins involved in innate immune pathways. Akt phosphorylates endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) enzymes expressed in airway epithelial cells. Activation of eNOS can have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral roles. Moreover, Akt can increase the activity of the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor-2 that protects cells from oxidative stress and may limit inflammation. In this review, we summarize the recent findings of non-cancerous functions of Akt signaling in airway innate host defense mechanisms, including an overview of several known downstream targets of Akt involved in innate immunity.

Procyanidin A1 Alleviates Inflammatory Response induced by LPS through NF-κB, MAPK, and Nrf2/HO-1 Pathways in RAW264.7 cells

Inflammation is a complex physiological process that poses a serious threat to people’s health. However, the potential molecular mechanisms of inflammation are still not clear. Moreover, there is lack of effective anti-inflammatory drugs that meet the clinical requirement. Procyanidin A1 (PCA1) is a monomer component isolated from Procyanidin and shows various pharmacological activities. This study further demonstrated the regulatory role of PCA1 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated inflammatory response and oxidative stress in RAW264.7 cells. Our data showed that PCA1 dramatically attenuated the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as NO, iNOS, IL-6, and TNF-α in RAW264.7 cells administrated with LPS. PCA1 blocked IκB-α degradation, inhibited IKKα/β and IκBα phosphorylation, and suppressed nuclear translocation of p65 in RAW264.7 cells induced by LPS. PCA1 also suppressed the phosphorylation of JNK1/2, p38, and ERK1/2 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. In addition, PCA1 increased the expression of HO-1, reduced the expression of Keap1, and promoted Nrf2 into the nuclear in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Cellular thermal shift assay indicated that PCA1 bond to TLR4. Meanwhile, PCA1 inhibited the production of intracellular ROS and alleviated the depletion of mitochondrial membrane potential in vitro. Collectively, our data indicated that PCA1 exhibited a significant anti-inflammatory effect, suggesting that it is a potential agent for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Paris Polyphylla Inhibits Colorectal Cancer Cells via Inducing Autophagy and Enhancing the Efficacy of Chemotherapeutic Drug Doxorubicin

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide and chemotherapy is the main approach for the treatment of advanced and recurrent cases. Developing an effective complementary therapy could help to improve tumor suppression efficiency and control adverse effects from chemotherapy. Paris polyphylla is a folk medicine for treating various forms of cancer, but its effect on colorectal cancer is largely unexplored. The aim of the present study is to investigate the tumor suppression efficacy and the mechanism of action of the ethanolic extract from P. polyphylla (EEPP) in DLD-1 human colorectal carcinoma cells and to evaluate its combined effect with chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin. The data indicated that EEPP induced DLD-1 cell death via the upregulation of the autophagy markers, without triggering p53- and caspase-3-dependent apoptosis. Moreover, EEPP treatment in combination with doxorubicin enhanced cytotoxicity in these tumor cells. Pennogenin 3-O-beta-chacotrioside and polyphyllin VI were isolated from EEPP and identified as the main candidate active components. Our results suggest that EEPP deserves further evaluation for development as complementary chemotherapy for colorectal cancer.

A Comparative Study on the Effects of Different Parts of Panax ginseng on the Immune Activity of Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppressed Mice

The objective of the present study was to compare the effects of the immunological activity of various parts (root/stem/leaf/flower/seed) of five-year-old ginseng on the immune system of immunosuppressive mice. Immunosuppression was induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX) in the mouse model, whereas levamisole hydrochloride tablet (LTH) was used for the positive control group. We found that ginseng root (GRT), ginseng leaf (GLF), and ginseng flower (GFR) could relieve immunosuppression by increased viability of NK cells, enhanced immune organ index, improved cell-mediated immune response, increased content of CD4⁺ and ratio of CD4⁺/CD8⁺, and recovery of macrophage function, including carbon clearance, phagocytic rate, and phagocytic index, in immunodeficient mice. However, ginseng stem (GSM) and ginseng seed (GSD) could only enhance the thymus indices, carbon clearance, splenocyte proliferation, NK cell activities, and the level of IL-4 in immunosuppressed mice. In CTX-injected mice, GRT and GFR remarkably increased the protein expression of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, SOD1, SOD2, and CAT in the spleen. As expected, oral administration of GRT and GFR markedly enhanced the production of cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α, compared with the CTX-induced immunosuppressed mice, and GRT and GFR did this relatively better than GSM, GLF, and GSD. This study provides a theoretical basis for further study on different parts of ginseng.

Nrf2-Mediated Antioxidant Activity of the inner bark extracts obtained from Tabebuia rosea (Bertol) DC and Tabebuia chrysantha (JACQ) G. Nicholson

Background: Several ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological studies have shown the therapeutic potential of plants from the genus Tabebuia, which have long been used in traditional medicine in rural areas of South America, for the treatment of several human diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant activity of the inner bark extracts obtained from Tabebuia rosea and Tabebuia chrysantha. Methods: The antioxidant activity of extracts obtained from the inner bark of T. rosea and T. chrysantha was evaluated using the Oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) technique. The effect of extracts on the viability of HepG2 cells was determined using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. The translocation of Nrf2 to the nucleus after exposure of HepG2 cells to the extracts and controls (α-lipoic acid, curcumin and hydrogen peroxide) was evaluated using the Nrf2 transcription factor kit. Induction of the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response gene ( NQO1) was evaluated by real-time PCR. Results: The ethyl acetate extract obtained from both species displayed the highest ORAC activity (12,523 and 6,325 µmoles Eq Trolox/g extract). In addition, the extracts had the ability to activate and to translocate Nrf2 to the nucleus, as well as to induce the expression of NQO1. Conclusion: These results indicate that the ethyl acetate extracts obtained from the inner bark of T. chrysantha and T. rosea have an important antioxidant effect mediated by Nrf2 activation, and could be used as a new source of natural antioxidants.

Nrf2-Mediated Antioxidant Activity of the inner bark extracts obtained from Tabebuia rosea (Bertol) DC and Tabebuia chrysantha (JACQ) G. Nicholson

Background: Several ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological studies have shown the therapeutic potential of plants from the genus Tabebuia, which have long been used in traditional medicine in rural areas of South America, for the treatment of several human diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant activity of the inner bark extracts obtained from Tabebuia rosea and Tabebuia chrysantha.

Methods: The antioxidant activity of extracts obtained from the inner bark of T. rosea and T. chrysantha was evaluated using the Oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) technique. The effect of extracts on the viability of HepG2 cells was determined using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. The translocation of Nrf2 to the nucleus after exposure of HepG2 cells to the extracts and controls (α-lipoic acid, curcumin and hydrogen peroxide) was evaluated using the Nrf2 transcription factor kit. Induction of the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response gene ( NQO1) was evaluated by real-time PCR.

Results: The ethyl acetate extract obtained from both species displayed the highest ORAC activity (12,523 and 6,325 µmoles Eq Trolox/g extract). In addition, the extracts had the ability to activate and to translocate Nrf2 to the nucleus, as well as to induce the expression of NQO1.

Conclusion: These results indicate that the ethyl acetate extracts obtained from the inner bark of T. chrysantha and T. rosea have an important antioxidant effect mediated by Nrf2 activation, and could be used as a new source of natural antioxidants.

Protective effect of forsythiaside A on OVA-induced asthma in mice

Forsythiaside A (FSA), an active constituent isolated from the Chinese medicinal herb Forsythia suspensa, has been known to have anti-inflammatory effect. However, the effect of FSA on allergic airway inflammation remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of FSA on OVA-induced asthma in mice. Mice model of asthma was induced by OVA. OVA-induced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and inflammatory cells in BALF were detected. The production of IgE, IL-4, IL-5, IFN-γ, and IL-13 were detected by ELISA. The effects of FSA on Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling pathways were detected by western blot analysis. The results showed that treatment of FSA significantly attenuated OVA-induced lung histopathological changes. FSA inhibited OVA-induced AHR and inflammatory cells in BALF. OVA-induced IgE, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 production were also inhibited by FSA. Western blot analysis showed that treatment of FSA inhibited OVA-induced NF-κB activation. Treatment of FSA dose-dependently up-regulated the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1. In addition, we found that FSA up-regulated the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 both in A549 cells and MS-H cells. Taken together, FSA suppressed inflammatory responses in OVA-induced asthma through activating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. FSA may be a promising potential preventive agent for asthma treatment.

Antioxidant activities and molecular mechanisms of the ethanol extracts of Baccharis propolis and Eucalyptus propolis in RAW64.7 cells

Context Numerous studies have reported that propolis possesses strong antioxidant activities. However, their antioxidant molecular mechanisms are unclear. Objective We utilize ethanol extracts of Chinese propolis (EECP) as a reference to compare ethanol extracts of Eucalyptus propolis (EEEP) with ethanol extracts of Baccharis propolis (EEBGP) based on their antioxidant capacities and underlying molecular mechanisms. Materials and methods HPLC and chemical analysis are utilized to evaluate compositions and antioxidant activities. ROS-eliminating effects of EEBGP (20-75 μg/mL), EEEP (1.25-3.75 μg/mL) and EECP (1.25-5 μg/mL) are also determined by flow cytometry analysis. Moreover, we compared antioxidant capacities by determining their effects on expressions of antioxidant genes in RAW264.7 cells with qRT-PCR, western blot and confocal microscopy analysis. Results EEBGP mainly contains chlorogenic acid (8.98 ± 0.86 mg/g), kaempferide (11.18 ± 8.31 mg/g) and artepillin C (107.70 ± 10.86 mg/g), but EEEP contains 10 compositions, whereas EECP contains 17 compositions. Meantime, although EEEP shows DPPH (IC50 19.55 ± 1.28), ABTS (IC50 20.0 ± 0.31) and reducing power (2.70 ± 0.08 mmol TE/g) better than EEBGP's DPPH (IC50 43.85 ± 0.54), ABTS (IC50 38.2 ± 0.33) and reducing power (1.53 ± 0.05 mmol TE/g), EEBGP exerts much higher ROS inhibition rate (40%) than EEEP (under 20%). Moreover, EEBGP strengthen antioxidant system by activating p38/p-p38 and Erk/p-Erk kinase via accelerating nucleus translocation of Nrf2. EEEP and EECP improve antioxidant gene expression only via Erk/p-Erk kinase-Nrf2 signalling pathway. Discussion and conclusion EEBGP and EEEP exert antioxidant activities via different molecular mechanisms, which may depend on chemical compositions.

Ankaflavin ameliorates steatotic liver ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice

BACKGROUND

It is well-known that steatotic liver is more susceptible to ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury during liver transplantation, liver resection and other liver surgeries. The increasing incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) decreases the availability of liver donors. Although steatotic liver is now accepted as a source of liver for transplantation, NAFLD exacerbates the liver injury after liver surgery. The present study was to investigate the protective role of ankaflavin in steatotic liver I/R injury.

METHODS

The model of fatty liver mice was induced with high fat diet in four weeks, ankaflavin or vehicle (saline) was administrated by gavage once a day for one week. The animals were subjected to partial hepatic I/R. Blood samples were collected to measure serum aminotransferases. The liver tissues were used to examine liver steatosis, apoptosis of hepatocytes, hepatic oxidative stress, Kupffer cells and inflammatory cytokines. The effects of ankaflavin on inflammatory cytokines were evaluated in isolated Kupffer cells from the steatotic liver.

RESULTS

Ankaflavin reduced liver steatosis in high fat diet mice. Compared with normal mice, I/R induced more damage to the mice with steatosis, such as hepatocyte apoptosis, inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-1 beta), serum aminotransferases and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Importantly, ankaflavin administration significantly attenuated these changes. In addition, ankaflavin significantly decreased the proliferation of Kupffer cells and the expression of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-1 beta protein in isolated Kupffer cells stimulated by TNF-alpha.

CONCLUSION

Ankaflavin has protective effects against I/R injury through anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic mechanisms in fatty livers, these effects are at least partially mediated by inhibiting Kupffer cell functions.

Esculentoside A Attenuates Allergic Airway Inflammation via Activation of the Nrf-2 Pathway

BACKGROUND

The role of airway inflammation and inflammation-induced oxidative stress in the pathogenesis and progression of chronic inflammatory airway diseases has received increasing attention in recent years. We investigated the potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of esculentoside A (EsA), a saponin isolated from the Chinese herb Phytolacca esculenta, in comparison to dexamethasone, a potent corticosteroid, in a murine model of allergic asthma.

METHODS

EsA was added to cultures of A549 cells at different concentrations or for different lengths of time, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) translocation and heme oxygenase 1 expression were monitored. Mice treated with or without EsA and Nrf-2 siRNA were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) and developed airway inflammation and oxidative lung damage. The Th2-type cytokine levels and inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and the serum immunoglobulin production and adhesion molecule expression in the lung tissues were measured. The activities of related antioxidases and glutathione were measured using assay kits.

RESULTS

EsA enhanced nuclear Nrf-2 translocation in both A549 cells and the lungs of OVA-challenged mice. Airway inflammation induced by OVA was reduced. Additionally, EsA increased mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes regulated by Nrf-2, leading to a reduction in Th2 cytokines and the expression of adhesion molecule mRNA in the BALF and lung tissues. Inhibition of Nrf-2 by siRNA abrogated the regulatory effects of EsA on inflammation and oxidant stress.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to illustrate that EsA acts as a novel Nrf-2 activator, which modulates the oxidative stress pathway to improve lung injury and ameliorate the development of airway inflammation.

Resveratrol protects against methylglyoxal-induced hyperglycemia and pancreatic damage in vivo

Methylglyoxal (MG) has been found to cause inflammation and insulin resistance in vitro and in vivo in recent studies. Resveratrol has been proposed as an effective treatment that helps lower the risk of developing complications of diabetes. To study the significance of glycosylation-related stress on the pathology of diabetes, the effects of resveratrol were examined in a mouse model of diabetes induced by MG. Resveratrol was given via oral gavage in MG-treated mice, and diabetes-related tests and markers were assessed using biochemical and immunohistochemical analyses. Treatment with resveratrol markedly improved blood glucose level from the oral glucose tolerance test and promoted nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) phosphorylation (p < 0.05) in the pancreas of MG-treated mice. However, these effects were abolished by retinoic acid, Nrf2 inhibitor, in resveratrol and retinoic acid-treated and MG-induced mice. These findings support that resveratrol may be useful in the treatment of type-2 diabetes by protecting against pancreatic cell dysfunction.

Monascus secondary metabolites monascin and ankaflavin inhibit activation of RBL-2H3 cells

Monascus-fermented products have been used as dietary food and traditional medicine due to their beneficial effects on circulation and digestive systems in Asia for thousands of years. Besides, monascin and ankaflavin, secondary metabolites from Monascus-fermented products, have proven anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. In previous research, monascin and ankaflavin ameliorated ovalbumin-induced airway allergic reaction often used as a type I allergy asthma model. Additionally, mast cells play critical roles in type I allergy. Therefore, RBL-2H3 cells were used as the mast cell model to determine whether the improving effects on asthma of monascin and ankaflavin came from influencing mast cells. PMA and ionomycin are common activators of mast cells because they stimulate the main signaling molecules during mast cell activation. Forty micromolar monascin and ankaflavin inhibited PMA/ionomycin-induced mast cell degranulation and TNF-α secretion through suppressing the phosphorylation of PKC and MAPK family ERK, JNK, and p38. Consequently, monascin and ankaflavin affected the activation of mast cells and may have the potential to improve type I allergy.

Protective effects of the polyphenol sesamin on allergen-induced T(H)2 responses and airway inflammation in mice

Allergic asthma is a lifelong airway condition that affects people of all ages. In recent decades, asthma prevalence continues to increase globally, with an estimated number of 250,000 annual deaths attributed to the disease. Although inhaled corticosteroids and β-adrenergic receptor agonists are the primary therapeutic avenues that effectively reduce asthma symptoms, profound side effects may occur in patients with long-term treatments. Therefore, development of new therapeutic strategies is needed as alternative or supplement to current asthma treatments. Sesamin is a natural polyphenolic compound with strong anti-oxidative effects. Several studies have reported that sesamin is effective in preventing hypertension, thrombotic tendency, and neuroinflammation. However, it is still unknown whether sesamin can reduce asthma-induced allergic inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Our study has revealed that sesamin exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effects in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced murine asthma model. We found that treatments with sesamin after OVA sensitization and challenge significantly decreased expression levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, IL-13, and serum IgE. The numbers of total inflammatory cells and eosinophils in BALF were also reduced in the sesamin-treated animals. Histological results demonstrated that sesamin attenuated OVA-induced eosinophil infiltration, airway goblet cell hyperplasia, mucus occlusion, and MUC5AC expression in the lung tissue. Mice administered with sesamin showed limited increases in AHR compared with mice receiving vehicle after OVA challenge. OVA increased phosphorylation levels of IκB-α and nuclear expression levels of NF-κB, both of which were reversed by sesamin treatments. These data indicate that sesamin is effective in treating allergic asthma responses induced by OVA in mice.

Monascin and ankaflavin act as natural AMPK activators with PPARα agonist activity to down-regulate nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in high-fat diet-fed C57BL/6 mice

Yellow pigments monascin (MS) and ankaflavin (AK) are secondary metabolites derived from Monascus-fermented products. The hypolipidemic and anti-inflammatory effects of MS and AK indicate that they have potential on preventing or curing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Oleic acid (OA) and high-fat diet were used to induce steatosis in FL83B hepatocytes and NAFLD in mice, respectively. We found that both MS and AK prevented fatty acid accumulation in hepatocytes by inhibiting fatty acid uptake, lipogenesis, and promoting fatty acid beta-oxidation mediated by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α and AMP-activated kinase (AMPK). Furthermore, MS and AK significantly attenuated high-fat diet-induced elevation of total cholesterol (TC), triaceylglycerol (TG), free fatty acid (FFA), and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) in plasma. MS and AK promoted AMPK phosphorylation, suppressed the steatosis-related mRNA expression and inflammatory cytokines secretion, as well as upregulated farnesoid X receptor (FXR), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator (PGC)-1α, and PPARα expression to induce fatty acid oxidation in the liver of mice. We provided evidence that MS and AK act as PPARα agonists to upregulate AMPK activity and attenuate NAFLD. MS and AK may be supplied in food supplements or developed as functional foods to reduce the risk of diabetes and obesity.

Graptopetalum paraguayense Ameliorates Airway Inflammation and Allergy in Ovalbumin- (OVA-) Sensitized BALB/C Mice by Inhibiting Th2 Signal

Role of inflammation-induced oxidative stress in the pathogenesis and progression of chronic inflammatory airways diseases has received increasing attention in recent years. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 is the primary transcription factor that regulates the expression of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes. Graptopetalum paraguayense E. Walther, a vegetable consumed in Taiwan, has been used in folk medicine for protection against liver injury through elevating antioxidation. Recently, we found that gallic acid is an active compound of Graptopetalum paraguayense E. Walther, which has been reported to inhibit T-helper 2 cytokines. Currently, we assumed that Graptopetalum paraguayense E. Walther may potentially protect against ovalbumin-induced allergy and airway inflammation. Results demonstrated that Graptopetalum paraguayense E. Walther ethanolic extracts (GPE) clearly inhibited airway inflammation, mucus cell hyperplasia, and eosinophilia in OVA-challenged mice. Additionally, GPE also prevented T-cell infiltration and Th2 cytokines, including interleukin- (IL-)4, IL-5, and IL-13 generations in bronchial alveolar lavage fluid. The adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were substantially reduced by GPE treatment mediated by Nrf2 activation. Moreover, GPE attenuated GATA3 expression and inhibited Th2 signals of the T cells. These findings suggested that GPE ameliorated the development of airway inflammation through immune regulation.