Echinocystic acid, a metabolite of lancemaside A, inhibits TNBS-induced colitis in mice

Toll-like receptors in inflammatory bowel disease: A review of the role of phytochemicals

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract with a remarkable impact on patients' quality of life. Toll-like receptors (TLR), as a key contributor of immune system in inflammation, has a critical role in the pathogenesis of IBD and thus, can be a suitable target of therapeutic agents. Medicinal plants have long been considered as a source of bioactive agents for different diseases, including IBD.

PURPOSE

This review discusses current state of the art on the role of plant-derived compounds for the management of IBD with a focus on TLRs.

METHODS

Electronic database including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched up to January 2023 and all studies in which anticolitis effects of a phytochemical was assessed via modulation of TLRs were considered.

RESULTS

Different categories of phytochemicals, including flavonoids, lignans, alkaloids, terpenes, saccharides, and saponins have demonstrated modulatory effects on TLR in different animal and cell models of bowel inflammation. Flavonoids were the most studied phytochemicals amongst others. Also, TLR4 was the most important type of TLRs which were modulated by phytochemicals. Other mechanisms such as inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, nuclear factor-κB pathway, nitric oxide synthesis pathway, cyclooxygenase-2, lipid peroxidation, as well as induction of endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms were also reported for phytochemicals in various IBD models.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, a growing body of pre-clinical evidence support the efficacy of herbal compounds for the treatment of IBD via modulation of TLRs. Future clinical studies are recommended to assess the safety and efficacy of these compounds in human.

Codonopsis lanceolata Extract Restores Smooth Muscle Vasorelaxation in Rat Carotid Arteries Even under High Extracellular K+ Concentrations

Recent studies showed that Codonopsis lanceolata (CL) has antihypertensive effects. However, to date, no study has examined the effects of CL on vascular tone under a high extracellular K+ concentration ([K+]o). Thus, the present study examined the effect of an extract of Codonopsis lanceolata (ECL) on the vascular tension of rat carotid arteries exposed to high [K+]o. We used myography to investigate the effect of an ECL on the vascular tension of rat carotid arteries exposed to high [K+]o and the underlying mechanism of action. In arteries with intact endothelia, the ECL (250 μg/mL) had no effect on vascular tension in arteries exposed to normal or high [K+]o. In contrast, the ECL significantly increased vasorelaxation in endothelium-impaired arteries exposed to a physiologically normal or high [K+]o compared with control arteries exposed to the same [K+]o conditions in the absence of ECL. This vasorelaxing action was unaffected by a broad-spectrum K+ channel blocker and an ATP-sensitive K+ channel blocker. The ECL significantly inhibited the vasoconstriction induced by Ca2+ influx through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCCs) but not Ca2+ influx induced via receptor-operated Ca2+ channels or the release of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum in the vascular smooth muscle. In summary, our study reveals that the ECL acts through VDCCs in vascular smooth muscle to promote the recovery of vasorelaxation even in arteries exposed to high [K+]o in the context of endothelial dysfunction and provides further evidence of the vascular-protective effects of ECL.

Echinocystic Acid Ameliorates Arthritis in SKG Mice by Suppressing Th17 Cell Differentiation and Human Rheumatoid Arthritis Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes Inflammation

Echinocystic acid (EA), a pentacyclic triterpene, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic activities to counteract pathological effects in various diseases. Here, we aimed to determine the immunomodulatory effect of EA on zymosan-induced arthritis in SKG mice and how it would influence Th17 differentiation and human rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes inflammation. Our results showed that EA (10 and 25 mg/kg) attenuated arthritis symptoms, including high arthritis scores, infiltrating inflammatory cells, synovial hyperplasia, bone erosion, and the high levels of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β in paw tissues, and reduced the number of splenic Th17 cells. Mechanistically, we found that in vitro treatment of EA inhibited both IL-6- and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-induced Th17 cell differentiation by suppressing the phosphorylation of signal transducers and transcriptional activators, especially STAT3. In line with the in vivo result, EA significantly reduced the protein and mRNA expression of IL-6 and IL-1β in human RA-FLA cells, MH7A cells. Furthermore, the production of both cytokines was confirmed with the downregulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways under the stimulation of TNF-α. In conclusion, these findings revealed that EA was capable of amelioration of arthritic disorders in SKG mice through inhibiting Th17 cell differentiation and synovial fibroblast inflammation, supporting that EA is a promising therapeutic candidate for treating RA patients.

Effects of Echinocystic Acid on Atopic Dermatitis and Allergic Inflammation of the Skin and Lungs

BACKGROUND

Echinocystic acid (ECA), a pentacyclic triterpene enriched in various herbs, promotes anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity; however, its therapeutic effects on atopic dermatitis (AD) or atopic march and the underlying mechanisms of action have not yet been fully elucidated.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to elucidate the effects and molecular mechanisms of ECA on AD and allergic inflammation.

METHODS

We evaluated the inhibitory effects of ECA using a house dust mite (HDM)-induced AD mouse model and human keratinocytes.

RESULTS

The results revealed that ECA improved AD symptoms by decreasing epidermal/dermal thickness, immune cell infiltration, and restoring skin barrier function, as well as an imbalanced immune response. In addition, repeated epicutaneous HDM challenges aggravated allergic inflammation in mice lungs, which was caused by the infiltration of immune cells and collagen deposition, whereas ECA alleviated these symptoms. Moreover, ECA suppressed the expression of T helper cell-derived cytokines, phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 in the skin and lungs of mice with HDM-induced AD, as well as inhibited the translocation of nuclear factor-κB in HaCaT keratinocytes.

CONCLUSION

This is the meaningful study to demonstrate that ECA improves allergic inflammation of the skin and lungs through recovery of the skin barrier, regulation of immune balance, and alleviation of lung inflammation, suggesting that ECA has therapeutic potential as an antiatopic and antiallergic agent that blocks the progression of AD to atopic march.

Validation of the Anticolitis Efficacy of the Jian-Wei-Yu-Yang Formula

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality due to its repetitive remission and relapse. The Jian-Wei-Yu-Yang (JW) formula has a historical application in the clinic to combat gastrointestinal disorders. The investigation aimed to explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms of JW.

Methods

2% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) was diluted in drinking water and given to mice for 5 days to establish murine models of experimental colitis, and different doses of JW solution were administered for 14 days. Network pharmacology analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were utilized to predict the therapeutic role of JW against experimental colitis and colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC). 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics were conducted using murine feces. Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, and wound healing experiments were performed to confirm the molecular mechanisms.

Results

(1) Liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry was utilized to confirm the validity of the JW formula. The high dose of JW treatment markedly attenuated DSS-induced experimental colitis progression, and the targets were enriched in inflammation, infection, and tumorigenesis. (2) The JW targets were related to the survival probability in patients with colorectal cancer, underlying a potential therapeutic value in CRC intervention. (3) Moreover, the JW therapy successfully rescued the decreased richness and diversity of microbiota, suppressed the potentially pathogenic phenotype of the gut microorganisms, and increased cytochrome P450 activity in murine colitis models. (4) Our in vitro experiments confirmed that the JW treatment suppressed caspase3-dependent pyroptosis, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α), and interleukin-1b (IL-1b) in the colon; facilitated the alternative activation of macrophages (Mφs); and inhibited tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in intestinal organoids (IOs).

Conclusion

The JW capsule attenuated the progression of murine colitis by a prompt resolution of inflammation and bloody stool and by re-establishing a microbiome profile that favors re-epithelization and prevents carcinogenesis.

An integrated strategy for anti-inflammatory quality markers screening of traditional Chinese herbal medicine Mume Fructus based on phytochemical analysis and anti-colitis activity

BACKGROUND

Mume Fructus (MF) is used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine (TCM) to treat chronic cough, prolonged diarrhea, and other inflammation-related diseases. It is processed from Prunus mume fruit (PM) by drying at low temperature according to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The standard quality control method includes measurement of citric acid content, which is not sufficient to determine its clinical efficacy. In addition, the quality markers, that would ensure consistent drug composition and stability during extraction and processing of the drug, are currently not available.

PURPOSE

This study sought to determine and analyze the bioactive compounds in MF and to establish the quality maker evaluation system, which would enable accurate assessment of different processing and extraction approaches for MF preparation.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

First, a UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS method was established to identify the chemical constituents of PM and MF. Second, the 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-treated rats were used to assess anti-inflammatory activity of water and ethanol extracts of PM and MF. Third, correlation analysis and multivariate statistical analysis was used to seek the candidate quality markers of MF. Fourth, molecular docking was used to predict the potential mechanism of identified compounds for the anti-inflammatory activity. Finally, a UPLC method was established to quantify the selected quality markers in MF products, that were prepared by different drying processes.

RESULTS

99 components (28 newly reported) were identified from PM and MF. During the drying process several changes in the composition were observed; caffeoylquinic acids were degraded to p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, protocatechuic acid, or p-hydroxybenzoic acid; multi-acetyl p-coumaroyl sucroses were degraded to mumeose R and p-coumaroyl-3-O-sucrose. On the other hand, contents of mumefural and amygdalin increased after drying process. In colitis rats, MF reduced more NO levels to greater extent in comparison to PM, which could be attributed to the presence of caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, protocatechuic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, mumefural, p-coumaroyl-3-O-sucrose, mumeose R, and amygdalin in MF. Moreover, water extracts were better than ethanol extracts in alleviating the IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17 levels, possibly on account of citric acid and caffeoylquinic acids. The predicted mechanism of action could be through inhibition of the production of NLRP3, TLR4, and NF-κB proteins. Finally, 7 compounds (citric acid, 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid, caffeic acid, protocatechuic acid, and p-coumaric acid) were selected as quality markers of MF that could be used for the process quality control.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed the material basis of PM and MF for anti-colitis activity and discovered the quality markers of MF which could reflect the anti-inflammatory activity and the processing process of MF.

Protective effect of sarsasapogenin in TNBS induced ulcerative colitis in rats associated with downregulation of pro-inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel condition considered by oxido-nitrosative stress and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines that affects the mucosal lining of the colon. Sarsasapogenin (SG), as an active component, has been found in many plants, and it exhibits potential protective effects, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-psoriasis, anti-arthritis, anti-asthma, anti-depressant and anti-cancer. However, the effects of SG on UC remain unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of SG on 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced UC in rats.

METHOD

Thirty Wistar rats were randomized into five groups: (i) Normal control, (ii) Disease control (TNBS), (iii) Sarsasapogenin (SG) (50 µg/rat), (iv) Fluticasone (FC) (50 µg/rat), (v) Sarsasapogenin + Fluticasone (SG + FC) (25 µg/rat). UC was induced in rats by trans-rectal instillation of TNBS (10 mg/kg). SG, FC and SG + FC were administered for 11 days and on the 8th day colitis was induced. Several molecular, biochemical and histological alterations were evaluated in the colon tissue. All treatment group results were compared to the TNBS group results.

RESULT

The study results revealed that treatment of rats with SG and SG + FC combination significantly decreased the colon weight/length ratio, macroscopic inflammation score, lesions score, diarrhea score and adhesion score. Combination treatment in rats significantly reduced the production of biochemical parameters, proinflammatory cytokines, haematological parameters, serum IgE levels and restored the oxidative stress markers. SG and SG + FC treatment also considerably restored the histopathological changes induced by TNBS.

CONCLUSION

Thus, SG and SG + FC combination could alter the disease progression and could be a hopeful therapeutic target for the management of UC by reducing its dose in combination with FC to elude the long term adverse effects of FC.

Echinocystic acid provides a neuroprotective effect via the PI3K/AKT pathway in intracerebral haemorrhage mice

Background

Echinocystic acid (EA), a natural extract from plants of Gleditsia sinensis Lam, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and analgesic activities in different diseases. In this study, we explored the pharmacological effects of EA on intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) in a collagenase-induced ICH mouse model.

Methods

EA (50 mg/kg, i.p. q.d) was injected after the establishment of ICH, and we measured the amount of degraded neurons in brain tissue with Fluoro-Jade C staining and the haemorrhagic injury volume with Luxol fast blue staining on day 3 after ICH. We also assessed animal behaviour by rotarod test, claw force test and modified neurological severity score (mNSS) score. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins such as Bcl-2, Bax and cleaved caspase-3 was analysed by Western blot.

Results

EA reduced both the death of neurons and the volume of haemorrhagic injury after ICH. The haemorrhage infarct volume of the ICH+EA group was 9.84%±3.32% lower than that in the ICH group of mice (P<0.01). The mNSS score of the ICH+EA treated group was 4.75±0.55 lower than that in the ICH group (P<0.01). With the administration of EA after ICH, the expression of Bcl-2 was upregulated while the Bax level was downregulated. The cleaved caspase-3 level was also significantly decreased. We further investigated the neuroprotective mechanism of EA. Western blot results showed that the expression of P-AKT increased after EA treatment and decreased after LY294002, an inhibitor of the PI3K/AKT pathway, treatment.

Conclusions

EA may provide neuroprotection via activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Given the safety of EA has been proven, further studies are required to investigate whether EA is a potential agent for the treatment of ICH.

Echinocystic acid, a natural plant extract, alleviates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury via inhibiting the JNK signaling pathway

Echinocystic acid (EA) was found to possess antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidation activities. A recent study showed the antiapoptotic effects of EA on acute myocardial infarction. In this study, we demonstrated the potential neuroprotective effects of EA on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in mice. Intraperitoneal injection of EA 1 h before ischemia significantly reduced the cerebral infarct volume and neurological deficit after 60 min of ischemia and 24 h of reperfusion. The neuroprotective effects of EA occurred in a dose-dependent manner. Then, we explored the mechanisms of neuroprotection by EA. This compound exerted antiapoptotic activity by upregulating the level of Bcl-2 and simultaneously downregulating the levels of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax. Furthermore, EA also possessed anti-inflammatory activity and prevented the excessive phosphorylation of NF-κB (p-P65) and the increase in IL-1β and IL-6 levels. Finally, our data indicated that EA treatment decreased the level of phosphorylated JNK in vivo, and the JNK activator anisomycin (AN) reversed the neuroprotective effects of EA, indicating that the JNK pathway is involved in the antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of EA. In summary, our findings suggest that EA provides neuroprotective effects through its antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory activities by inhibiting the JNK signaling pathway in cerebral I/R injury. Due to its safety and lack of toxicity, EA is a potential candidate for the treatment of ischemic stroke in future clinical trials.

Gut microbial transformation, a potential improving factor in the therapeutic activities of four groups of natural compounds isolated from herbal medicines

Herbal medicines (HMs) have attracted widespread attention because of their significant contributions to the prevention and treatment of many human diseases. Recently, gut microbiota has become an important frontier to understand the therapeutic mechanisms of medicines. Gut microbiota-mediated transformation is a microbial metabolic form after oral administrations of HMs compounds. A great number of studies showed that gut microbiota could transform some HMs compounds by the variation of chemical structures into several active metabolites, which exerted better bioavailabilities and therapeutic activities than their parent compounds. Among these HMs compounds, alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols and terpenoids were the representative ones. However, there is no systemic review focusing on the potential improved therapeutic activities of these natural compounds caused by gut microbial transformation. Here, this review summarizes the therapeutic activities that are more potent in microbial transformed metabolites than in their parent compounds (alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols and terpenoids) from HMs. We hope this review will be conducive to deepening the understanding of the relationship between gut microbial transformation and therapeutic activities of HMs compounds.

Saponins regulate intestinal inflammation in colon cancer and IBD

The saponins are natural surface-active glycosides which are the principal components of many popular herbal medicinal plants such as ginseng, astragalus, and bupleurum. Recent studies have suggested that saponins can exert strong anti-inflammatory effects and induce immune homeostasis in many diseases. Intestinal-inflammation-related digestive diseases include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury, necrotizing enterocolitis and radiation proctitis, as well as intestinal inflammation caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The pathogenesis of these diseases is poorly understood, and the patients with these diseases suffer from mental stress and physical pain, while their families (and society) experience heavy economic losses. Results from animal experiments suggest that saponins can suppress intestinal inflammation, promote intestinal barrier repair, maintain the diversity of the intestinal flora, and decrease the incidence rate of colon-inflammation-related colon cancer. In this review, we discuss new findings regarding the effects of saponins on intestinal inflammation and digestive diseases with intestinal inflammation. In addition, we provide a summary of the underlying mechanism for saponins-induced treatment on intestinal-inflammation-related disease.

Lancemaside A, a major triterpene saponin of Codonopsis lanceolata enhances regulation of nitric oxide synthesis via eNOS activation

Background

Many studies on the effect of saponin-rich Codonopsis lanceolata as a bioactive source for improving physical health have been performed. C. lanceolata contains triterpenoid saponins, including lancemasides. These saponins are known to be particularly involved in the regulation of blood pressure or hypertension. This study investigated whether lancemaside A (LA), a major triterpenoid saponin from C. lanceolata, regulates nitric oxide (NO) production via the activation of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Methods

Upon separation with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol, LA was found to be abundant in the n-butanol-soluble portion. For further purification of LA, HPLC was performed to collect fraction, and LA was identified using analysis of LC/MSMS and ¹³C-NMR values. In in vitro, the effects of LA on NO release mechanism in HUVECs were investigated by Griess assay, quantitative real-time reverse-transcription PCR, and Western blotting.

Results

Our results showed that NO production was efficiently improved by treatment with LA in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the LA treatment resulted in extensive recovery of the NO production suppressed by the eNOS inhibitor, L-NAME, compared with that in the control group. Additionally, the level of eNOS mRNA was increased by this treatment in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggested that LA is an inducer of NO synthesis via eNOS mRNA expression. Also, the study indicated that LA is involved in activating the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway.

Conclusion

These results suggested that LA is an inducer of NO synthesis via eNOS mRNA expression. Also, the study indicated that LA is involved in activating the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway. These findings suggest the value of using LA as a component of functional foods and natural pharmaceuticals.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12906-019-2516-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Methionine restriction on oxidative stress and immune response in dss-induced colitis mice

A strong correlation exists between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and oxidative stress involving alterations of several key signaling pathways. It is known that methionine promotes reactive oxygen species (ROS) production; we therefore hypothesize that a methionine restriction diet would reduce ROS production, inflammatory responses, and the course of IBD. We generated a murine colitis model by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) treatment and tested the effects of the methionine restriction diet. Forty-eight mice were randomly divided into four groups of equal size, which included a control (CON) group, an MR (methionine restriction diet) group, a DSS treated group and an MR-DSS treated group. Mice in the first two groups had unrestricted access to water for one week. Mice in the two DSS-treated groups had unrestricted access to 5% DSS solution supplied in the drinking water for the same period. Mice in the CON and DSS groups were given a basal diet, whereas mice in the MR-DSS and MR groups were fed a 0.14% MR diet. We found that DSS reduced daily weight gain, suppressed antioxidant enzyme expression, increased histopathology scores and activated NF-κB and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Nrf2/Keap1) signaling. We also showed that the MR diet upregulated catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, decreased myeloperoxidase (MPO), TNF-α and IL-1β, and reversed activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway in MR-DSS mice. Taken together, our results imply that the MR diet may be considered as an adjuvant in IBD therapeutics.

Melatonin alters amino acid metabolism and inflammatory responses in colitis mice

Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic inflammatory dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract. This study explored the hypothesis that melatonin has beneficial functions in the mouse model of colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS), with a specific focus on the expression of intestinal inflammatory cytokines and the serum levels of amino acids. The results revealed that mice with melatonin supplementation had a reduction in weight loss and disease index induced by DSS treatment. Melatonin stifled the expression of colonic IL-17 in mice with DSS-induced colitis. Melatonin also lowered the serum levels of Asp, Ser, Met, and Leu (p < 0.05), but increased those of Glu and Cys (p < 0.05). Thus, melatonin treatment is promising and may function as a potential adjuvant therapy to alleviate the clinical symptoms of patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Echinocystic Acid Inhibits IL-1β-Induced COX-2 and iNOS Expression in Human Osteoarthritis Chondrocytes

Echinocystic acid (EA), a pentacyclic triterpene isolated from the fruits of Gleditsia sinensis Lam, displays a range of pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, the effect of EA on IL-1β-stimulated osteoarthritis chondrocyte has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of EA on IL-1β-stimulated human osteoarthritis chondrocyte. Chondrocytes were stimulated with IL-1β in the absence or presence of EA. NO and PGE2 production were measured by Griess reagent and ELISA. The expression of COX-2, iNOS, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), inhibitory kappa B (IκBα), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) were detected by Western blot analysis. The results showed that EA suppressed IL-1β-induced collagenase-3 (MMP-13), NO, and PGE2 production in a dose-dependent manner. IL-1β up-regulated the expression of COX-2 and iNOS, and the increase was inhibited by EA. Furthermore, IL-1β-induced NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation were inhibited by EA. In conclusion, EA effectively attenuated IL-1β-induced inflammatory response in osteoarthritis chondrocyte which suggesting that EA may be a potential agent in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidant Effects of p-Chloro-phenyl-selenoesterol on TNBS-Induced Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Mice

This study aims to investigate the protective effect of p-chloro-phenyl-selenoesterol [PCS; 0,2 mg/kg; 10 ml/kg i.g.) in colitis induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid [TNBS; 2 mg/100 µl 50% ethanol; intrarectally) in mice. Several parameters including weight, length, histological analyses determination, thiobarbituric acid reactive species, reactive species levels, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity of colon were evaluated. The serum levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α) and interleukin 6 [IL-6) were also assessed. Treatment with PCS reduced the clinical and histopathologic severity of TNBS-induced colitis, characterized by colon length reduction and increased colon weight and microscopic intestinal inflammation. The therapeutic effects of PCS in this model were associated with significant decrease in proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 and decrease in MPO activity. Furthermore, combined with improvements in inflammatory parameters, treatment with the PCS was able to decrease oxidative stress and to prevent the decrease in antioxidant defenses in animals with TNBS-induced colitis. This finding suggests that PCS can improve experimental colitis in mice and it could be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of patients with IBD. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 709-717, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled superiority trial of the Yiqigubiao pill for the treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at a stable stage

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the Yiqigubiao pill is commonly used to enhance physical fitness. The current clinical trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Yiqigubiao pill as an adjuvant therapy for patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The current trial was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled superiority trial. The participants were recruited from outpatients at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital affiliated with Xinjiang Medical University (Ürümqi, China) between February and September 2012. All participants were patients with stable COPD that were randomized to the Yiqigubiao pill (YQGB; n=84) or placebo (Pb; n=87) groups. The occurrences of acute exacerbation (AE) of COPD during the trial were recorded. Lung function value assessments, scoring of life quality and exercise endurance, arterial blood gas analysis and serum inflammatory cytokines level determination were performed prior to and throughout the study. A total of 139 participants completed the intervention and 132 participants completed the study. The interval between the initial intervention and the first AECOPD was greater in the YQGB group compared with the Pb group (P<0.01). The incidence rate of AECOPD was lower in the YQGB group than in the Pb group (P<0.01). Subsequent to the intervention or at the end of the study, the 6-min walking distance difference was longer in the YQGB group compared with the Pb group (P<0.01). The scores reflecting life quality decline became lower in the YQGB group (P<0.01). The serum levels of proinflammatory factors were downregulated to a greater extent in the YQGB group compared with the Pb group. Thus, the Yiqigubiao pill is an efficient and safe adjuvant therapy for the treatment of stable patients with COPD.

Ferulic acid ameliorates TNBS-induced ulcerative colitis through modulation of cytokines, oxidative stress, iNOs, COX-2, and apoptosis in laboratory rats

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic immune-inflammatory disorder characterized by oxido-nitrosative stress, the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis. Ferulic acid (FA), a phenolic compound is considered to possess potent antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory activities. The aim is to evaluate possible mechanism of action of FA against trinitrobenzensulfonic acid (TNBS) induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in rats. UC was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats (150-200 g) by intrarectal administration of TNBS (100 mg/kg). FA was administered (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg, p.o.) for 14 days after colitis was induced. Various biochemical, molecular and histological changes were assessed in the colon. Intrarectal administration of TNBS caused significant induction of ulcer in the colon with an elevation of oxido-nitrosative stress, myeloperoxidase and hydroxyproline activity in the colon. Administration of FA (20 and 40 mg/kg) significantly decrease oxido-nitrosative stress, myeloperoxidase, and hydroxyproline activities. Up-regulated mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2, and iNOs, as well as down-regulated IL-10 mRNA expressions after TNBS administration, were significantly inhibited by FA (20 and 40 mg/kg) treatment. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that intrarectal administration of TNBS-induced significantly enhanced the colonic apoptosis whereas administration of FA (20 and 40 mg/kg) significantly restored the elevated apoptosis. FA administration also significantly restored the histopathological aberration induced by TNBS. The findings of the present study demonstrated that FA ameliorates TNBS-induced colitis via inhibition of oxido-nitrosative stress, apoptosis, proinflammatory cytokines production, and down- regulation of COX-2 synthesis.Graphical Abstract: TNBS caused activation of T cells which interact with CD40 on antigen presenting cells i.e. dendritic cells (DC) that induce the key Interleukin 12 (IL-12)-mediated Th1 T cell immune inflammatory response. It releases interferon-γ (IFN-γ), which in turn induces macrophages (MAC) to produce TNF-α and other pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-1β, IL-6). This inflammatory influx resulted in induction of ulcerative colitis (UC). Administration of FA may inhibit this IFN-γ induced inflammatory cascade via a decrease in the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines to ameliorate TNBS-induced colitis.

Anti-Tumor Effect of Steamed Codonopsis lanceolata in H22 Tumor-Bearing Mice and Its Possible Mechanism

Although previous studies confirmed that steaming and the fermentation process could significantly improve the cognitive-enhancement and neuroprotective effects of Codonopsis lanceolata, the anti-tumor efficacy of steamed C. lanceolata (SCL) and what mechanisms are involved remain largely unknown. The present study was designed to evaluate the anti-tumor effect in vivo of SCL in H22 tumor-bearing mice. The results clearly indicated that SCL could not only inhibit the tumor growth, but also prolong the survival time of H22 tumor-bearing mice. Besides, the serum levels of cytokines, such as interferon gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-2 (IL-2), were enhanced by SCL administration. The observations of Hoechst 33258 staining demonstrated that SCL was able to induce tumor cell apoptosis. Finally, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that SCL treatment significantly increased Bax expression and decreased Bcl-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression of H22 tumor tissues in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, LC/MS analysis of SCL indicated that it mainly contained lobetyolin and six saponins. Taken all together, the findings in the present study clearly demonstrated that SCL inhibited the H22 tumor growth in vivo at least partly via improving the immune functions, inducing apoptosis and inhibiting angiogenesis.

Amelioration of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis in mice by liquiritigenin

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The anti-inflammatory effects of liquiritigenin, a major flavonoid isolated from Glycyrrhizae uralensis, have been reported in many inflammation models. However, its protective effects have not been reported in a colitis model. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effect and mechanism of liquiritigenin for trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in mice.

METHODS

Male mice imprinting control regions (ICR) were randomly divided into five groups: normal, TNBS-induced colitis, colitis treated with liquiritigenin at low dose (10 mg/kg) and high dose (20 mg/kg), or mesalazine (10 mg/kg). TNBS colitis induction was performed except for in the normal group, and they were treated with liquiritigenin or mesalazine except control group. The treatment effect was measured after three days treatment, by body weight, colon length, macroscopic score, histological score, levels of cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, and IL-10) in colon tissue as well as the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer pathway of activated B cells (NF-κB) activation.

RESULTS

Mice treated with high-dose liquiritigenin showed significant body weight gain, inhibition of colon shortening, protective effect on histological damages, and myeloperoxidase activity of colon tissue compared with the control group. Furthermore, mice treated with high-dose liquiritigenin experienced significantly suppressed tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 as well as enhanced IL-10 expression (all P < 0.05). High-dose liquiritigenin treatment group showed significant decreases in TNBS-induced phosphorylation of IKKβ, p65, and IκB-α.

CONCLUSION

Liquiritigenin may ameliorate TNBS-induced colitis in mice by suppressing expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines through NF-κB pathway.

Lancemaside A from Codonopsis lanceolata modulates the inflammatory responses mediated by monocytes and macrophages

In this study, we aimed to examine the cellular and molecular mechanisms of lancemaside A from Codonopsis lanceolata (Campanulaceae) in the inflammatory responses of monocytes (U937 cells) and macrophages (RAW264.7 cells). Lancemaside A significantly suppressed the inflammatory functions of lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) treated RAW264.7 cells by suppressing the production of nitric oxide (NO), the expression of the NO-producing enzyme inducible NO synthase (iNOS), the upregulation of the costimulatory molecule CD80, and the morphological changes induced by LPS exposure. In addition, lancemaside A diminished the phagocytic activity of RAW264.7 cells and boosted the neutralizing capacity of these cells when treated with the radical generator sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Interestingly, lancemaside A strongly blocked the adhesion activity of RAW264.7 cells to plastic culture plates, inhibited the cell-cell and cell-fibronectin (FN) adhesion of U937 cells that was triggered by treatment with an anti-β1-integrin (CD29) antibody and immobilized FN, respectively. By evaluating the activation of various intracellular signaling pathways and the levels of related nuclear transcription factors, lancemaside A was found to block the activation of inhibitor of κB kinase (IKK) and p65/nuclear factor- (NF-) κB. Taken together, our findings strongly suggest that the anti-inflammatory function of lancemaside A is the result of its strong antioxidative and IKK/NF-κB inhibitory activities.