Piper retrofractum ameliorates imiquimod-induced skin inflammation via modulation of TLR4 axis and suppression of NF-κB activity

The potential effects of ticagrelor and/or sodium butyrate on imiquimod-induced psoriasis in mice model: The role of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease with a huge negative impact on patients' quality of life and an increasing need to discover new alternatives for psoriasis treatment with better efficacy and fewer adverse effects. This study was designed to investigate the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of ticagrelor (TICA) and/or sodium butyrate (NaB) in imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis model.

METHODS

Mice were randomly allocated into five equal groups: control group, untreated IMQ group, IMQ + TICA group, IMQ + NaB group, and IMQ + TICA + NaB group. IMQ cream (62.5 mg) was applied topically on the shaved dorsal skin and 5 mg on the right ear for 7 consecutive days. The treatment protocol started post-induction and for 10 days with daily intraperitoneal injection of (10 mg/kg TICA) and (500 mg/kg NaB). The effects of these drugs on inflammatory, immune-modulatory, pyroptosis, and multi drug resistance 1 (MDR1) levels were assessed.

RESULTS

IMQ + TICA + NaB group showed enhanced amelioration of disease activity, with significant improvements in body weight, Psoriasis area severity index (PASI) score, ear thickness, and spleen index. The levels of the inflammatory and immune markers [interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-17] and MDR1 level, as well as the immunohistochemical expression of NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB/p65), were significantly alleviated. Moreover, the superiority of the combination extended to histopathological findings, epidermal thickness, and Baker's scoring.

CONCLUSION

TICA and NaB might be considered promising candidates for psoriasis treatment via modulation of IL-17 and NF-κB/NLRP3/IL-1β pathway.

A Mechanistic Review on Therapeutic Potential of Medicinal Plants and their Pharmacologically Active Molecules for Targeting Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) therapy with phytochemicals is an emerging field of study with therapeutic potential. Obesity, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and abnormal lipid profiles are all components of metabolic syndrome, which is a major public health concern across the world. New research highlights the promise of phytochemicals found in foods, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices, as a sustainable and innovative method of treating this illness. Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and insulin-sensitizing qualities are just a few of the many positive impacts shown by bioactive substances. Collectively, they alleviate the hallmark symptoms of metabolic syndrome by modulating critical metabolic pathways, boosting insulin sensitivity, decreasing oxidative stress, and calming chronic low-grade inflammation. In addition, phytochemicals provide a multimodal strategy by targeting not only adipose tissue but also the liver, skeletal muscle, and vascular endothelium, all of which have a role in the pathogenesis of MetS. Increasing evidence suggests that these natural chemicals may be useful in controlling metabolic syndrome as a complementary treatment to standard medication or lifestyle changes. This review article emphasizes the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals, illuminating their varied modes of action and their ability to alleviate the interconnected causes of metabolic syndrome. Phytochemical-based interventions show promise as a novel and sustainable approach to combating the rising global burden of metabolic syndrome, with the ultimate goal of bettering public health and quality of life.