Anti-inflammation effect of methyl salicylate 2-O-β-D-lactoside on adjuvant induced-arthritis rats and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated murine macrophages RAW264.7 cells

Anti-arthritic studies of ethnomedicine Gaultheria trichophylla Royle extract and salicylate-rich fraction using complete Freud's adjuvant-induced rats: molecular docking and network pharmacology analysis

Gaultheria trichophylla Royle is a traditional treatment for inflammatory conditions including arthritis. The objective was to evaluate the anti-arthritic activity of the extracts and salicylate-rich fractions through adjuvant-induced arthritis, histopathological analysis, radiological imaging, hematological, biochemical parameters along with using bioinformatic tools. In vivo anti-arthritic efficacy of the extract and SRF (at 100, 200, 300, and 150 mg/kg doses) was assessed using healthy albino rats. Molecular docking of identified compounds along with network pharmacology analysis helped to determine the route of action of drug. Both the extract and SRF showed dose-dependent anti-arthritic activity by decreasing the joint diameter, increase in pain threshold and body weight compared with negative control group. Along with SRF (150 mg/kg), EEGT (300 and 200 mg/kg) shows significant (P < 0.01) anti-arthritic activity by lowering levels of WBC, platelets, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), and rheumatoid factor (RF) and raising levels of RBC and Hb. The modified biochemical measures (AST, ALT, ALP, and total protein level) further supported the anti-arthritic action. Histopathology and radiology study showed that EEGT (300 and 200 mg/kg), SRF (150 mg/kg) and diclofenac (10 mg/kg) inhibited joint destruction. GCMS analysis showed the presence of methyl salicylate, sitosterol, calcifediol, and ergosta-5,22-dien-3-ol, acetate as important bioactive constituents. Moreover, as the significant node in the pharmacology network and docking against TNF-α, a classical therapeutic target in RA showed potential of G. trichophylla in treatment of RA. The results showed that G. trichophylla have effectively reduced the inflammation of the joints.

Phytochemistry and Biological Profile of Gaultheria procumbens L. and Wintergreen Essential Oil: From Traditional Application to Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets

Gaultheria procumbens L. is a medicinal plant whose aerial parts (leaves, stems, and fruits) and methyl salicylate-rich essential oil (wintergreen oil) are used in phytotherapy to treat inflammation, muscular pain, and infection-related disorders. This overview summarises the current knowledge about ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, molecular mechanisms, biocompatibility, and traditional use of G. procumbens and the wintergreen oil distilled from different plant organs. Over 70 hydrophilic compounds, including methyl salicylate glycosides, flavonoids, procyanidins, free catechins, caffeoylquinic acids, and simple phenolic acids, have been identified in G. procumbens plant parts. Moreover, aliphatic compounds, triterpene acids, and sterols have been revealed in lipophilic fractions. Furthermore, over 130 volatile compounds have been detected in wintergreen oil with dominating methyl salicylate (96.9-100%). The accumulated research indicates that mainly hydrophilic non-volatiles are responsible for the pharmacological effects of G. procumbens, primarily its potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and photoprotective activity, with mechanisms verified in vitro and ex vivo in cellular and cell-free assays. The biological effectiveness of the dominant methyl salicylate glycoside-gaultherin-has also been confirmed in animals. Wintergreen oil is reported as a potent anti-inflammatory agent exhibiting moderate antioxidant and antimicrobial activity in vitro and significant insecticidal and larvicidal capacity. Together, G. procumbens accumulate a diverse fraction of polyphenols, triterpenes, and volatiles with validated in vitro and ex vivo biological activity but with the absence of in vivo studies, especially clinical trials concerning effective dose determination and toxicological verification and technological research, including drug formulation.

Has the COVID-19 Pandemic Affected Brain Death Notifications and Organ Donation Time?

OBJECTIVES

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019, known as COVID-19, has rapidly evolved to a global pandemic. This pandemic represents an unprecedented public health issue not only for the general population but also for patients on the transplant wait list. Multiple organizations around the world have published recommendations for the proper conduct of transplant procedures, including donor and recipient screening and perioperative management. We investigated the efficacy of these new recommendations and the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the deceased donation rate, donor organ management, and the time from family consent to procurement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The characteristics of potential donors diagnosed with brain death between July 15, 2019, and November 18, 2020, were evaluated retrospectively.Demographic and clinical features,the time elapsed from the clinical diagnosis until confirmation, and rates of acceptance were recorded. Potential donors diagnosed with brain death before the pandemic and during the pandemic were compared according to these variables.

RESULTS

Within the study period, 40 patients were diagnosed with brain death: 13 before the pandemic and 27 during the pandemic. The organs from 2 donors were procured before the pandemic. Organs from 3 of 8 donors were procured during the pandemic (the organs from 5 of these 8 patients were not donated). The organ donation time was 8.5 ± 2.12 hours (minimum-maximum, 7-10 hours) in the period before the pandemic and 54 ± 11.53 hours (minimummaximum, 45-67 hours) during the pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS

The number of donors decreased significantly in our hospital during the pandemic and was similarto the overallrate inTurkey.The duration of the donation process has been prolonged, and strategies to improve rates of organ donation, including infection control, have become a focus of concern.

Isolation, structural and bioactivities of polysaccharides from Anoectochilus roxburghii (Wall.) Lindl.: A review

Anoectochilus roxburghii (Wall.) Lindl. (A. roxburghii), a valuable herbal medicine in China, has great medicinal and edible value. Polysaccharides, as one of the main active components of A. roxburghii, comprise glucose, arabinose, xylose, galactose, rhamnose, and mannose in different molar ratios and glycosidic bond types. By varying the sources and extraction methods of A. roxburghii polysaccharides (ARPS), different structural characteristics and pharmacological activities can be elucidated. ARPS has been reported to exhibit antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, and immune regulation activities. This review summarizes the available literature on the extraction and purification methods, structural features, biological activities, and applications of ARPS. The shortcomings of the current research and potential focus in future studies are also highlighted. This review provides systematic and current information on ARPS to promote their further exploitation and application.

The Effective Treatment of Purpurin on Inflammation and Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis

Rubia cordifolia L. (Rubiaceae), one of the traditional anti-rheumatic herbal medicines in China, has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) since ancient times. Purpurin, an active compound of Rubia cordifolia L., has been identified in previous studies and exerts antibacterial, antigenotoxic, anticancer, and antioxidant effects. However, the efficacy and the underlying mechanism of purpurin to alleviate RA are unclear. In this study, the effect of purpurin on inflammation was investigated using macrophage RAW264.7 inflammatory cells, induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rat was established to explore the effect of purpurin on joint damage and immune disorders; the network pharmacology and molecular docking were integrated to dig out the prospective target. Purpurin showed significantly anti-inflammatory effect by reducing the content of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β and increasing IL-10. Besides, purpurin obviously improved joint injury and hypotoxicity in the liver and spleen and regulated the level of FOXP3 and CD4+/CD8+. Furthermore, purpurin reduced the MMP3 content of AIA rats. Network pharmacology and molecular docking also suggested that MMP3 may be the key target of purpurin against RA. The results of this study strongly indicated that purpurin has a potential effect on anti-RA.

Modulation of Cytoskeleton, Protein Trafficking, and Signaling Pathways by Metabolites from Cucurbitaceae, Ericaceae, and Rosaceae Plant Families

One promising frontier within the field of Medical Botany is the study of the bioactivity of plant metabolites on human health. Although plant metabolites are metabolic byproducts that commonly regulate ecological interactions and biochemical processes in plant species, such metabolites also elicit profound effects on the cellular processes of human and other mammalian cells. In this regard, due to their potential as therapeutic agents for a variety of human diseases and induction of toxic cellular responses, further research advances are direly needed to fully understand the molecular mechanisms induced by these agents. Herein, we focus our investigation on metabolites from the Cucurbitaceae, Ericaceae, and Rosaceae plant families, for which several plant species are found within the state of Florida in Hillsborough County. Specifically, we compare the molecular mechanisms by which metabolites and/or plant extracts from these plant families modulate the cytoskeleton, protein trafficking, and cell signaling to mediate functional outcomes, as well as a discussion of current gaps in knowledge. Our efforts to lay the molecular groundwork in this broad manner hold promise in supporting future research efforts in pharmacology and drug discovery.

Screening for the Active Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Polyphenols of Gaultheria procumbens and Their Application for Standardisation: From Identification through Cellular Studies to Quantitative Determination

Aerial parts, leaves, and stems of Gaultheria procumbens are polyphenol-rich herbal medicines with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The present study focused on identifying active markers of the G. procumbens extracts in an integrated approach combining phytochemical and biological capacity tests. The target compounds, representing all classes of Gaultheria polyphenols, were pre-selected by LC-ESI-PDA-MS/MS. For unambiguous identification, the key analytes, including a rare procyanidin trimer (cinnamtannin B-1), miquelianin potassium salt, and two new natural products: quercetin and kaempferol 3-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-glucuronopyranosides, were isolated by preparative HPLC and investigated by spectroscopy (HR-ESI-MS, UV-vis, CD, 1D- and 2D-NMR), thiolysis, flame photometry, optical rotation experiments, and absolute configuration studies. The significant contribution of the pre-selected compounds to the biological effects of the extracts was confirmed in vitro: the analytes significantly and in a dose-dependent manner down-regulated the pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory functions of human neutrophils ex vivo (inhibited the release of reactive oxygen species, IL-1β, TNF-α, and neutrophils elastase, ELA-2), inhibited two key pro-inflammatory enzymes (cyclooxygenase, COX-2, and hyaluronidase), and most of them, except gaultherin, exerted potent direct antioxidant activity (ferric reducing antioxidant power and superoxide anion scavenging capacity). Moreover, cellular safety was confirmed for all compounds by flow cytometry. Eventually, as these mechanisms have been connected to the health benefits of G. procumbens, 11 polyphenols were accepted as active markers, and a simple, accurate, reproducible, and fully validated RP-HPLC-PDA method for standardisation of the target extracts was proposed.

Gaultheria leucocarpa var. yunnanensis for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis-An Assessment Combining Machine Learning-Guided ADME Properties Prediction, Network Pharmacology, and Pharmacological Assessment

Background: Dianbaizhu (Gaultheria leucocarpa var. yunnanensis), a traditional Chinese/ethnic medicine (TC/EM), has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for a long time. The anti-rheumatic arthritis fraction (ARF) of G. yunnanensis has significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities and is mainly composed of methyl salicylate glycosides, flavonoids, organic acids, and others. The effective ingredients and rudimentary mechanism of ARF remedying RA have not been elucidated to date. Purpose: The aim of the present study is to give an insight into the effective components and mechanisms of Dianbaizhu in ameliorating RA, based on the estimation of the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties, analysis of network pharmacology, and in vivo and in vitro validations. Study design and methods: The IL-1β-induced human fibroblast-like synoviocytes of RA (HFLS-RA) model and adjuvant-induced arthritis in the rat model were adopted to assess the anti-RA effect of ARF. The components in ARF were identified by using UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MSⁿ. The quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models were developed by using five machine learning algorithms, alone or in combination with genetic algorithms for predicting the ADME properties of ARF. The molecular networks and pathways presumably referring to the therapy of ARF on RA were yielded by using common databases and visible software, and the experimental validations of the key targets conducted in vitro. Results: ARF effectively relieved RA in vivo and in vitro. The five optimized QSAR models that were developed showed robustness and predictive ability. The characterized 48 components in ARF had good biological potency. Four key signaling pathways were obtained, which were related to both cytokine signaling and cell immune response. ARF suppressed IL-1β-induced expression of EGFR, MMP 9, IL2, MAPK14, and KDR in the HFLS-RA . Conclusions: ARF has good druggability and high exploitation potential. Methyl salicylate glycosides and flavonoids play essential roles in attuning RA. ARF may partially attenuate RA by regulating the expression of multi-targets in the inflammation-immune system. These provide valuable information to rationalize ARF and other TC/EMs in the treatment of RA.

Celastrol inhibits rheumatoid arthritis through the ROS-NF-κB-NLRP3 inflammasome axis

Emerging evidence indicates that NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-induced inflammation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Celastrol (Cel) is a quinone-methylated triterpenoid extracted from Tripterygium wilfordii that is used to treat RA. However, researchers have not determined whether Cel exerts anti-RA effects by regulating the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. In the present study, complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)- induced rats and human mononuclear macrophages (THP-1 cells) were used to explore the anti-RA effects of Cel and its underlying mechanism. Joint swelling, the arthritis index score, inflammatory cell infiltration, and synovial hyperplasia in CFA-induced rats were correspondingly reduced after Cel treatment. The secretion of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 in the serum of CFA-induced rats and supernatants of THP-1 cells exposed to Cel was significantly decreased. These inhibitory effects occurred because Cel blocked the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and inhibited the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Furthermore, Cel inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) production induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). We speculated that Cel relieves RA symptoms and inhibits inflammation by inhibiting the ROS-NF-κB-NLRP3 axis.

Biological and chemical insight into Gaultheria procumbens fruits: a rich source of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant salicylate glycosides and procyanidins for food and functional application

The fruits of Gaultheria procumbens are traditionally used for culinary and healing purposes as anti-inflammatory agents. In the present work, the active components of the fruits were identified (UHPLC-PDA-ESI-MS3, preparative HPLC isolation, and NMR structural studies), and their biological capacity was evaluated in vitro in cell-based and non-cellular models. The fruits were revealed to be the richest known dietary source of salicylates (38.5 mg per g fruit dw). They are also rich in procyanidins (28.5 mg per g fruit dw). Among five tested solvents, acetone was the most efficient in concentrating the phenolic matrix (39 identified compounds; 191.3 mg g-1, 121.7 mg g-1, and 50.9 mg g-1 dry extract for total phenolics, salicylates, and procyanidins, respectively). In comparison to positive controls (dexamethasone, indomethacin, and quercetin), the extract (AE) and pure salicylates exhibited strong inhibitory activity towards pro-inflammatory enzymes (cyclooxygenase-2 and hyaluronidase). The analytes were found to be non-cytotoxic (flow cytometry) towards human neutrophils ex vivo. Moreover, they significantly, in a dose-dependent manner, downregulated the release of ROS, TNF-α, IL-1β, and elastase-2 and slightly inhibited the secretion of IL-8 and metalloproteinase-9 in the cells. The observed effects might support the usage of G. procumbens fruits as functional components of an anti-inflammatory diet and indicate the potential of AE for use in adjuvant treatment of inflammatory disorders cross-linked with oxidative stress and associated with the excessive production of TNF-α, IL-1β, and elastase-2.

Methyl Salicylate Glycosides in Some Italian Varietal Wines

Glycosides are ubiquitous plant secondary metabolites consisting of a non-sugar component called an aglycone, attached to one or more sugars. One of the most interesting aglycones in grapes and wine is methyl salicylate (MeSA), an organic ester naturally produced by many plants, particularly wintergreens. To date, nine different MeSA glycosides from plants have been reported, mainly spread over the genera Gaultheria, Camellia, Polygala, Filipendula, and Passiflora. From a sensorial point of view, MeSA has a balsamic-sweet odor, known as Wintergreen. MeSA was found in Vitis riparia grapes, in Vitis vinifera sp. and in the Frontenac interspecific hybrid. We found that the MeSA glycosides content in Verdicchio wines and in some genetically related varieties (Trebbiano di Soave and Trebbiano di Lugana) was very high. In order to understand which glycosides were present in wine, the methanolic extract of Verdicchio wine was injected into a UPLC-Q-TOF-HDMS and compared to the extracts of different plants rich in such glycosides. Using pure standards, we confirmed the existence of two glycosides in wine: MeSA 2-O--d-glucoside and MeSA 2-O--d-xylopyranosyl (1-6) -d-glucopyranoside (gaultherin). For the first time, we also tentatively identified other diglycosides in wine: MeSA 2-O--l-arabinopyranosyl (1-6)--d-glucopyranoside (violutoside) and MeSA 2-O--d-apiofuranosyl (1-6)--d-glucopyranoside (canthoside A), MeSA 2-O--d-glucopyranosyl (1-6)-O--d-glucopyranoside (gentiobioside) and MeSA 2-O--l-rhamnopyranosyl (1-6)--d-glucopyranoside (rutinoside). Some of these glycosides have been isolated from Gaultheria procumbens leaves by preparative liquid chromatography and structurally annotated by ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR analysis. Two of the peaks isolated from Gaultheria procumbens leaves, namely MeSA sambubioside and MeSA sophoroside, were herein observed for the first time. Six MeSA glycosides were quantified in 64 Italian white wines, highlighting the peculiar content and pattern in Verdicchio wines and related cultivars. The total concentration in bound and free MeSA in Verdicchio wines varied in the range of 456-9796 g/L and 5.5-143 g/L, respectively, while in the other wines the bound and free MeSA was below 363 g/L and 12 g/L, respectively. As this compound's olfactory threshold is between 50 and 100 g/L, our data support the hypothesis that methyl salicylate can contribute to the balsamic scent, especially in old Verdicchio wines.

Biological Activity and Pharmacological Application of Pectic Polysaccharides: A Review

Pectin is a polymer with a core of alternating α-1,4-linked d-galacturonic acid and α-1,2-l-rhamnose units, as well as a variety of neutral sugars such as arabinose, galactose, and lesser amounts of other sugars. Currently, native pectins have been compared to modified ones due to the development of natural medicines and health products. In this review, the results of a study of the bioactivity of pectic polysaccharides, including its various pharmacological applications, such as its immunoregulatory, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, antibacterial, antioxidant and antitumor activities, have been summarized. The potential of pectins to contribute to the enhancement of drug delivery systems has been observed.

Do Androgens Modulate the Pathophysiological Pathways of Inflammation? Appraising the Contemporary Evidence

The role of testosterone in the pathophysiology of inflammation is of critical clinical importance; however, no universal mechanism(s) has been advanced to explain the complex and interwoven pathways of androgens in the attenuation of the inflammatory processes. PubMed and EMBASE searches were performed, including the following key words: "testosterone", "androgens", "inflammatory cytokines", "inflammatory biomarkers" with focus on clinical studies as well as basic scientific studies in human and animal models. Significant benefits of testosterone therapy in ameliorating or attenuating the symptoms of several chronic inflammatory diseases were reported. Because anti⁻tumor necrosis factor therapy is the mainstay for the treatment of moderate-to-severe inflammatory bowel disease; including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and because testosterone therapy in hypogonadal men with chronic inflammatory conditions reduce tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-1β, and IL-6, we suggest that testosterone therapy attenuates the inflammatory process and reduces the burden of disease by mechanisms inhibiting inflammatory cytokine expression and function. Mechanistically, androgens regulate the expression and function of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and CRP (C-reactive protein). Here, we suggest that testosterone regulates multiple and overlapping cellular and molecular pathways involving a host of immune cells and biochemical factors that converge to contribute to attenuation of the inflammatory process.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Cytotoxic Evaluation of Some Newly Substituted Diazene Candidates

A series of azocompounds containing methyl salicylate 4a–k and 1-naphthyl moiety 6–8 was synthesized and tested as anticancer agents. Nitrosation of methyl 5-amino-2-hydroxybenzoate or 1-aminonaphthalene by using NaNO2 in the presence of HCl afforded diazonium salt derivatives 2 and 5, which were treated with substituted imino or substituted amino derivatives, to give the corresponding substituted amino-pent-2-en-3-yl-diazenylbenzoate 4a–k or 2-substituted-1-(naphthalen-1-yl)diazene derivatives 6a–h, 7a,b, and 8a,b. All the synthesized compounds were elucidated by elemental analysis and spectroscopic evidence.

Structural characterization of polysaccharides from Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc wines: Anti-inflammatory activity in LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 cells

The structural characterization of the polysaccharides and in vitro anti-inflammatory properties of Cabernet Franc (WCF), Cabernet Sauvignon (WCS) and Sauvignon Blanc (WSB) wines were studied for the first time in this work. The polysaccharides of wines gave rise to three fractions of polysaccharides, namely (WCF) 0.16%, (WCS) 0.05% and (WSB) 0.02%; the highest one was chosen for isolation of polysaccharides (WCF). It was identified the presence of mannan, formed by a sequence of α-d-Manp (1 → 6)-linked and side chains O-2 substituted for α-d-mannan (1 → 2)-linked; type II arabinogalactan, formed by (1 → 3)-linked β-d-Galp main chain, substituted at O-6 by (1 → 6)-linked β-d-Galp side chains, and nonreducing end-units of arabinose 3-O-substituted; type I rhamnogalacturonan formed by repeating (1 → 4)-α-d-GalpA-(1 → 2)-α-L-Rhap groups; and traces of type II rhamnogalacturonan. The polysaccharide mixture and isolated fractions inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) and mediator (NO) in RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with LPS.

The Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Toonaciliatin K against Adjuvant Arthritis

Toonaciliatin K is a natural limonoid purified from the Toona ciliata Roem. var. ciliata (Meliaceae). This study is to reveal the inflammatory suppression effect of toonaciliatin K and further the intrinsic mechanism. Firstly, anti-inflammatory effect of toonaciliatin K was evaluated in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced RAW264.7 cells. RT-PCR results indicated that the mRNA expressions of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were downregulated by toonaciliatin K. The toonaciliatin K inhibited TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels stimulated by LPS. Furthermore, LPS elicited the excess iNOS and COX-2 mRNA and protein production and toonaciliatin K attenuated the excess production. Western blot assay demonstrated that MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways play critical roles in the toonaciliatin K's anti-inflammatory activity. Secondly, toonaciliatin K inhibited carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats. Thirdly, toonaciliatin K alleviated the paw swelling and improved arthritis clinical scores in the adjuvant arthritis rats. Toonaciliatin K decreased the proinflammatory cytokines levels and Mankin scores in adjuvant arthritis rats. The HE staining, safranin O-fast green, and toluidine blue staining results demonstrated that toonaciliatin K alleviated the histological changes of paw, for example, pannus formation, focal loss of cartilage, bone erosion, and presence of extra-articular inflammation. Hence, toonaciliatin K is a promising agent for treatment of arthritis.

Tamarixinin A Alleviates Joint Destruction of Rheumatoid Arthritis by Blockade of MAPK and NF-κB Activation

Background: Tamarixinin A, a natural tannin isolated from Myricaria bracteata, has been confirmed to have moderate anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo. However, how it effects rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is still unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the therapeutic effects of tamarixinin A on experimental RA, and explore the underlying mechanism.

Methods: The anti-arthritic effects of tamarixinin A were evaluated on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice and adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats. The hind paw thickness, inflammatory cytokine levels in serum, and histopathological assessments were determined. The arthritis score was evaluated. Activation of p38 and p65 in AIA rats was also determined. The anti-inflammatory effect in vitro was also tested in LPS induced macrophages, and its related anti-inflammatory signaling pathways were explored.

Results: Treatment with tamarixinin A significantly suppressed the progression and development of RA in CIA mice and AIA rats. Both in CIA mice and AIA rats, arthritis scores decreased, paw swelling and thickness were reduced, and joint destruction was alleviated. In AIA rats, tamarixinin A significantly inhibited the expression of p38, p-p38 and p65. In addition, tamarixinin A inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, the phosphorylation of p38, ERK, JNK and p65, as well as the nuclear translocation of p38 in LPS- induced macrophages.

Conclusion: Tamarixinin A is a potential effective candidate compound for human RA treatment, which executes anti-arthritic effects potentially through down-regulating MAPK and NF-κB signal pathway activation.

Eburicoic acid from Laetiporus sulphureus (Bull.:Fr.) Murrill attenuates inflammatory responses through inhibiting LPS-induced activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR/NF-κB pathways in RAW264.7 cells

Excessive activation of macrophages has been implicated in various types of inflammatory injury. Suppression of macrophage activation would have therapeutic benefits, leading to the alleviation of the progression of inflammatory diseases. Eburicoic acid (EA) is one of main bioactive components isolated from Laetiporus sulphureus (Bull.:Fr.) Murrill. In our previous study, we found that EA possessed anti-inflammatory activities. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-inflammatory activities remain to be poorly understood. The present study aimed to further evaluate its effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. We investigated the anti-inflammatory effect by modulating LPS-induced activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway in RAW264.7 cells. The results showed that EA caused no obvious cytotoxicity, and its suitable concentrations on RAW264.7 cells were in the range from 0.02 to 0.08 μM. EA significantly inhibited the releases of inflammatory mediators, nitrite oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂); suppressed mRNA and protein expression levels of inducible nitrite oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 COX-2 and pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β; and reduced levels of phosphorylated PI3K, Akt, mTOR, and NF-κBp65 in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells in dose- and time-dependent manners. These aforementioned results indicated that EA executed anti-inflammatory effect on LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells, and this effect might be achieved via suppressing the PI3K/Akt/mTOR/NF-κB signaling pathway and inhibiting the LPS-induced productions of inflammatory mediators and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Alliin, a garlic organosulfur compound, ameliorates gut inflammation through MAPK-NF-κB/AP-1/STAT-1 inactivation and PPAR-γ activation

SCOPE

In this study, the anti-inflammatory effects and the molecular mechanism of alliin were analyzed in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cell model.

METHODS

The phenotype of mice was recorded in the DSS-induced and/or alliin (500 mg/kg) groups. Histopathological alterations were analyzed by H&E staining. MPO and MDA of colon tissues were measured. The mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors were determined by qRT-PCR, and protein expressions of inflammatory factors or activation of kinases were determined by Western blotting.

RESULTS

Oral administration of alliin significantly inhibited the decrease of body weight, improved the DAI and decreased the infiltration of inflammatory cells in colonic tissues. The content of NO, MDA, and MPO, the expression of iNOS and inflammatory factors as well as MAPK and the phosphorylation of PPAR-γ were inhibited in alliin-treated group. Treatment with alliin significantly repressed the expression of inflammatory factors in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Further research demonstrated that alliin repressed LPS-induced AP-1/NF-κB/STAT-1 activation by inhibiting the phosphorylations of p38, JNK, and ERK1/2-regulated PPAR-γ activation.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that alliin ameliorates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis and inhibits the inflammatory responses in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells partly through inhibiting ERK1/2-, JNK-/PPAR-γ-stimulated NF-κB/AP-1/STAT-1 activations.

Heliangin inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation through signaling NF-κB pathway on LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells

The heliangin is a natural agent mainly isolated from Helianthus tuberosus L. (Asteraceae). In order to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of heliangin, several typical models in vivo and in vitro were performed. The RAW264.7 mouse macrophages cells were employed in vitro and dexamethasone were conducted as positive. The cytotoxicity results of heliangin on RAW 264.7 cells provided the safety in vitro for further study. The mRNA of TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS and COX-2 were degraded under heliangin exposure in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The protein expression of iNOS, COX-2 were decreased via heliangin exposure in a dose-dependent manner. Heliangin inhibited TNF-α, NO, IL-6 and PGE2 expression levels in macrophage cells lysate. The immunocytochemistry assay showed the fluorescence image of heliangin treatment intercepted the p65 translocation process from outside to inside of nuclei triggered by LPS. Moreover, we founded that MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathway play important roles in heliangin's activity on RAW264.7 cells. Secondly, the acute toxic study results of heliangin manifested the safety in vivo. Heliangin exerted anti-inflammation effect in a xylene-induced ear swelling in BALB/C mice and carrageenan-induced paw edema model in SD rats. The cytokines levels (TNF-α, IL-6 and PGE2) were decreased. The paw tissue immunochemistry assay demonstrated the IL-6 protein level changes in carrageenan-induced paw edema model under heliangin administration.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Methyl Salicylate Derivatives Bearing Piperazine Moiety

In this study, a new series of 16 methyl salicylate derivatives bearing a piperazine moiety were synthesized and characterized. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activities of target compounds were investigated against xylol-induced ear edema and carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice. The results showed that all synthesized compounds exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activities. Especially, the anti-inflammatory activities of compounds M15 and M16 were higher than that of aspirin and even equal to that of indomethacin at the same dose. In addition, the in vitro cytotoxicity activities and anti-inflammatory activities of four target compounds were performed in RAW264.7 macrophages, and compound M16 was found to significantly inhibit the release of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, compound M16 was found to attenuate LPS induced cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 up-regulation. The current preliminary study may provide information for the development of new and safe anti-inflammatory agents.

C19-Norditerpenoid Alkaloids from Aconitum szechenyianum and Their Effects on LPS-Activated NO Production

Three new C₁₉-norditerpenoid alkaloids (1–3), along with two known C₁₉-norditerpenoid alkaloids (4–5) have been isolated from Aconitum szechenyianum. Their structures were established by extensive spectroscopic techniques and chemical methods as szechenyianine A (1), szechenyianine B (2), szechenyianine C (3), N-deethyl-3-acetylaconitine (4), and N-deethyldeoxyaconitine (5). Additionally, compounds 1–5 were tested for the inhibition of NO production on LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells with IC₅₀ values of 36.62 ± 6.86, 3.30 ± 0.11, 7.46 ± 0.89, 8.09 ± 1.31, and 11.73 ± 1.94 μM, respectively, while the positive control drug dexamethasone showed inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ value of 8.32 ± 1.45 μM. The structure-activity relationship of aconitine alkaloids were discussed.

Role of testosterone in regulating induction of TNF-α in rat spleen via ERK signaling pathway

Spleen is a pivotal organ for regulating immune homeostasis. It has been shown that testosterone diminishes secretion of various inflammatory molecules under multiple conditions. However, the mechanisms of action of endogenous testosterone affecting immune responses in the spleen remain unknown. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the immune functions of the spleen in response to testosterone withdrawal after orchidectomy, and the impact of splenocytes on the bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced secretion of inflammatory molecules. Male rats were divided into 3 groups, i.e. intact, orchidectomized (Orch) and orchidectomized plus replacement of testosterone propionate (TP) (Orch+TP). The Orch and Orch+TP rats underwent bilateral orchidectomy one week before TP replacement (2mg/kg body weight) or sesame oil in intact rats as controls for seven days. Orch resulted in a significant increase of spleen weight and basal secretion of nitric oxide (NO) from splenocytes. Additionally, LPS up-regulated cell proliferation and the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in splenocytes of Orch rats. Orch further up-regulated phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases. Interestingly, the plasma corticosterone concentration in the Orch group was higher than that in the intact and Orch+TP groups. Deficiency of testosterone-elevated TNF-α and NO secretion in response to LPS were confirmed in the rat splenocytes. Testosterone also significantly attenuated LPS-elicited release of TNF-α and NO in a dose-dependent manner. However, testosterone did not suppress splenic blastogenesis at doses in the 10(-10)-10(-7)M concentration range. In this context, testosterone might have a protective role against inflammatory responses in the spleen. The present study provides evidence to indicate that testosterone might modulate the immune system.

Mechanisms Underlying the Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Clinacanthus nutans Lindau Extracts: Inhibition of Cytokine Production and Toll-Like Receptor-4 Activation

Clinacanthus nutans has had a long history of use in folk medicine in Malaysia and Southeast Asia; mostly in the relief of inflammatory conditions. In this study, we investigated the effects of different extracts of C. nutans upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced inflammation in order to identify its mechanism of action. Extracts of leaves and stem bark of C. nutans were prepared using polar and non-polar solvents to produce four extracts, namely polar leaf extract (LP), non-polar leaf extract (LN), polar stem extract (SP), and non-polar stem extracts (SN). The extracts were standardized by determining its total phenolic and total flavonoid contents. Its anti-inflammatory effects were assessed on LPS induced nitrite release in RAW264.7 macrophages and Toll-like receptor (TLR-4) activation in TLR-4 transfected human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-Blue(TM)-hTLR4 cells). The levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12p40, and IL-17) in treated RAW264.7 macrophages were quantified to verify its anti-inflammatory effects. Western blotting was used to investigate the effect of the most potent extract (LP) on TLR-4 related inflammatory proteins (p65, p38, ERK, JNK, IRF3) in RAW264.7 macrophages. All four extracts produced a significant, concentration-dependent reduction in LPS-stimulated nitric oxide, LPS-induced TLR-4 activation in HEK-Blue(TM)-hTLR4 cells and LPS-stimulated cytokines production in RAW264.7 macrophages. The most potent extract, LP, also inhibited all LPS-induced TLR-4 inflammatory proteins. These results provide a basis for understanding the mechanisms underlying the previously demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity of C. nutans extracts.

The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis using Chinese medicinal plants: From pharmacology to potential molecular mechanisms

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common worldwide public health problem. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) achieved some results to some extent in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Especially in China, TCM formulas are used in the clinic because of their advantages. Some of these TCM formulas have been used for thousands of years in ancient China, they pays much attention to strengthening healthy qi, cleaning heat, and wet, activating blood, etc. So TCM in anti-RA drug is considered as a simple and effective method. In addition, TCM are also traditionally used as extracts and many Chinese herbs which are considered to be effective for RA. With the advancement of technologies and research methods, researchers have devoted themselves to exploring new therapeutic materials from troves of TCM. The components of TCM are identified and purified, which include alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, saponins and so on. However, little or no review works are found in the research literature on the anti-RA drugs from TCM. The present review aims to provide systematically reorganized information on the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology of TCM used traditionally against RA. The information recorded in this review will provide new directions for researchers in the future.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Relevant scientific literatures were collected from Chinese traditional books and Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Several important pharmacology data, clinical observations, animal experiments on effects of anti-RA drugs from TCM and their mechanisms were extracted from a library and electric search (Pubmed, PubChem Compound, Science Direct, Spring Link, Elsevier, Web of Science, CNKI, Wan Fang, Bai du, The Plant List, etc.). We collected information published between 2002 and 2015 on Chinese medicine in the treatment of RA. Information was also acquired from local classic herbal literature, conference papers, government reports, and PhD and MSc dissertations.

RESULTS

This review mainly introduces the current research on anti-RA TCM formulas, extracts and compounds from TCM, pharmacological data and potential mechanisms (inhibit osteoclast proliferation, suppress fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) growth, decrease the expression of inflammatory cytokines, blocking signal pathways, etc.).

CONCLUSIONS

TCM, as a multi-component and multi-target approach, which is a perfect match with the holistic concept of systems biology, is applicable in the treatment of RA. The synergistic connections of Chinese herbs and mechanisms of related active compounds on RA increase the trust for TCM. TCM as alternative remedies for RA not only has an important position in the world market, but also has an irreplaceable role in the treatment of RA in future.

Lobeline improves acute lung injury via nuclear factor-κB-signaling pathway and oxidative stress

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe, life-threatening medical condition whose pathogenesis is linked to neutrophil infiltration of the lung. Activation and recruitment of neutrophils to the lung is mostly attributed to the production of chemokines NO, IL-6, for instance. This study aims to investigate lobeline ability in reducing NO production, and nitric oxide synthase (iNOs) expression. Lobeline was tested by inhibiting phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), NF-κB and IκBα in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. When RAW 264.7 macrophages were given lobeline with LPS, a significant concentration-dependent inhibition of NO production was detected. In vivo tests, mice were either treated with normal saline, 10mg/kg dexmethasone or 5, 10, 20mg/kg lobeline intraperitoneally, and after an hour, the administration of 5mg/kg of LPS was given intratracheally. External performance, cytokines, MAPK pathways and antioxidative enzymes (AOEs) were also carried out to evaluate the effects of these drugs. This is the first investigation in which lobeline was found to effectively inhibit acute lung edema, which may provide a potential target for treating ALI. Lobeline may utilize MAPKs pathways as well as AOEs activity to attenuate LPS-induced nonspecific pulmonary inflammation.

Discovery and modelling studies of natural ingredients from Gaultheria yunnanensis (FRANCH.) against phosphodiesterase-4

Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) is an anti-inflammatory target for treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Here, we report the isolation and characterization of 13 compounds (G1-G13) by bioassay-guided fractionation of the ethyl acetate extraction of Gaultheria yunnanensis (FRANCH.), one of which pentacyclic triterpene (G1) has never been reported. Four of them (G1, G2, G4, and G5) inhibit PDE4 with the IC50 values < 20 μM and G1 is the most potent ingredient with an IC50 of 245 nM and moderate selectivity over other PDE families. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that G1 forms a hydrogen bond with Asn362, in addition to the hydrogen bond with Gln369 and π-π interactions with Phe372, which are commonly observed in the binding of most PDE4 inhibitors. The calculated binding free energies for the interactions of PDE4-G1 and PDE4-G2 are -19.4 and -18.8 kcal/mol, in consistence with the bioassay that G1 and G2 have IC50 of 245 nM and 542 nM, respectively. The modelling results of these active compounds may aid the rational design of novel PDE4 inhibitors as anti-inflammatory agents.

Hypothemycin inhibits tumor necrosis factor-α production by tristetraprolin-dependent down-regulation of mRNA stability in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages

Hypothemycin, a resorcylic acid lactone polyketide, has been shown to inhibit oncogenic ras-transformation and T cell activation. In the present study, we investigated the effect of hypothemycin on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production in macrophages and the molecular mechanisms involved in this effect. Hypothemycin potently suppressed the TNF-α production without affecting nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. However, hypothemycin had no effect on the activity of TNF-α-converting enzyme, a key enzyme for converting membrane-bound pro-TNF-α into soluble TNF-α. Further study demonstrated that the stability of TNF-α mRNA was decreased by hypothemycin treatment. In addition, hypothemycin suppressed LPS-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and ERK. Moreover, knockdown of tristetraprolin (TTP), which is an important trans-acting regulator of TNF-α mRNA stability and downstream target of p38 MAPK and ERK, reversed hypothemycin-mediated inhibition of TNF-α mRNA expression. Collectively, our results suggest that hypothemycin suppresses TNF-α production by TTP-dependent destabilization of TNF-α mRNA and this is mediated, at least in part, by blocking the activation of p38 MAPK and ERK.

The effect of curcumin and its nanoformulation on adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), induced by the prolonged inappropriate inflammatory responses, is one of the most prevalent of all chronic inflammatory joint diseases. Curcumin (CM), a yellow hydrophobic polyphenol derived from the herb turmeric, has various pharmacological activities against many chronic diseases and acts by inhibiting cell proliferation and metastasis and downregulating various factors, including nuclear factor kappa B, interleukin-1β and TNF-α. Given the pathogenesis of RA, we hypothesized that the drug also has antiarthritic effects. The aims of the present study included the following: 1) examining the therapeutic effect of CM administered via intravenous (iv) injection on RA and 2) formulating the drug into oil–water nanoemulsions (Ns) to overcome the low oral bioavailability of CM and achieve oral delivery of the drug.

Methods

The effect of CM administered through iv injection on adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats was studied in terms of paw swelling, weight indices of the thymus and spleen, and pathological changes in nuclear factor kappa B expression and inflammatory cytokines. Methotrexate was used as a positive control. The CM-Ns were prepared using a high-pressure homogenizing method and characterized with respect to the particle size and morphology. The stability of the CM-Ns in simulated gastrointestinal (GI) fluids and in vitro release were also investigated. A pharmacokinetic study of the CM-Ns and suspensions in which the plasma levels were determined using an high performance liquid chromatography method and the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated based on a statistical moment theory was also performed in rats.

Results

CM administered via iv injection had a therapeutic effect on RA similar to methotrexate. CM-Ns with a diameter of approximately 150 nm were successfully prepared, and the drug was well encapsulated into the Ns without degradation in simulated GI conditions. The area under the curve (AUC) and C_max for the CM-Ns were more than threefold greater than those for the suspensions; moreover, similar decreases in the levels of TNF-α and interleukin-1β in both synovial fluid and blood serum were obtained from oral administration of CM-Ns and iv injection.

Conclusion

CM was an effective antiarthritic agent, and the present N formulation appeared to be a promising system that allowed RA therapy with CM to be converted from iv to oral administration.