Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom improves survival and lung inflammation in lethal sepsis induced by CLP in mice

The Protective Effects of a Single Dose Myricetin Application on CLP-Induced Rat Sepsis Model by Analyzing Some Immune Mechanisms

INTRODUCTION

In this study, our aim was to investigate the protective effects of myricetin (single dose-100 mg/kg) on CLP-induced rat sepsis model by analyzing some immune mechanisms including inflammation and oxidative stress by different techniques such as Immunohistochemistry, ELISA, tissue biochemistry and Western Blotting.

METHODS

Twenty-eight Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 groups. The pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels were measured by ELISA technique. CD68 and Nuclear-Factor-Kappa-B (NF-κB) positivity rates were detected by IHC. Some of oxidative stress parameters were measured by tissue biochemistry, while Toll-lke Receptor-4 (TLR4) expression others were detected by Western blot technique.

RESULTS

Sepsis caused a significant increase in all pro-inflammatory cytokine and oxidant levels. Also, it led to an increase in the positivity of CD68 and NF-κB markers as well as the expression levels of TNF-alpha, IL-1-beta, TLR4, Keap-1. However, single dose myricetin application normalized pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, increased anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels, decreased positivity of CD68 and NF-κB and increased NRF2 and HO-1 expressions.

DISCUSSION

As a conclusion, the beneficial effect of myricetin on lung injury also involved inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB pathway, suppression of proinflammatory cytokines and induction of anti-inflammatory cytokine production, regulation of oxidant and anti-oxidant system parameters, and activating the NRF2/Keap1/HO-1 pathway.

Prophylactic use of standardized extract of propolis of Apis mellifera (EPP-AF®) reduces lung inflammation and improves survival in experimental lethal sepsis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sepsis poses one of the biggest public health problems, necessitating the search for new therapeutic alternatives. For centuries, propolis has been widely used in folk medicine to treat various inflammatory and infectious diseases. Given its extensive use, it has excellent potential as an adjuvant treatment for patients with sepsis.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated prophylactic treatment with standardized propolis extract (EPP-AF®) and followed the prognosis of sepsis induced by ligation and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP).

METHODS

Initially, for survival assessment, Swiss mice were separated into five groups: Sham (false operated), control (PBS), ATB (received antibiotic, 8 mg/kg), P10 (received EPP-AF®, 10 mg/kg), and P100 (received EPP-AF®, 100 mg/kg). The animals received PBS, antibiotic, or EPP-AF® by the subcutaneous route 6 h before the CLP procedure. Animal survival was assessed every 12 h for five days when all of them were euthanized.

RESULTS

We show that the treatment with EPP-AF® significantly increased the life expectancy of animals with sepsis compared to the control group. Interestingly, prophylactic treatment with EPP-AF® showed no effect on the number of colony-forming units in the peritoneum, blood, or lung. However, there was a decrease in cellular influx in the peritoneum. This alteration was unrelated to the number of bone marrow cells or the differential counting of peripheral blood cells. The coagulogram remained unchanged, including the number of platelets and prothrombin time-activated partial thromboplastin time. However, the inflammatory infiltrate and bleeding in the lung tissue were lower in the animals that received EPP-AF®.

CONCLUSION

Thus, it was possible to conclude that prophylactic treatment with EPP-AF® preserved the lung parenchyma, resulting in an increased lifespan of mice with sepsis. It can be a helpful adjuvant in prophylactic treatment with antibiotics in presurgical conditions.

Glucans: A Therapeutic Alternative for Sepsis Treatment

Sepsis treatment is a challenging condition due to its complexity, which involves host inflammatory responses to a severe and potentially fatal infection, associated with organ dysfunction. The aim of this study was to analyze the scientific literature on the immunomodulatory effects of glucans in a murine model of systemic infection induced by cecal ligation and puncture. This study comprises an integrative literature review based on systematic steps, with searches carried out in the PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases. In most studies, the main type of glucan investigated was β-glucan, at 50 mg/kg, and a reduction of inflammatory responses was identified, minimizing the occurrence of tissue damage leading to increased animal survival. Based on the data obtained and discussed in this review, glucans represent a promising biotechnological alternative to modulate the immune response and could potentially be used in the clinical management of septic individuals.

The anti-infective and immunologic effect of babassu (Attalea speciosa, Mart. ex Spreng) reduces mortality induced by MRSA-Staphylococcus aureus

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Babassu mesocarp, derived from the Attalea speciosa fruits, is used in folk medicine for infections, inflammatory diseases, and skin wounds.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the antimicrobial and immunological effect of babassu mesocarp aqueous extract (BAE) in Swiss mice lethally infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The animals (n = 14/group) received an overload of MRSA (3.0 × 108 CFU/mL, via intraperitoneal) and were treated 6 h later with the BAE (125 and 250 mg/kg, subcutaneously). Two experiments were performed with four groups each (Control, ATB, BAE125 and BAE 250). The first was to determine the survival (n = 7 animals/group). The second is to evaluate 24h after infection the number of Colony Forming Units (CFU) and cells in the blood, peritoneum and bronchoalveolar fluid. Cytometric Bead Assay - CBA quantified the cytokines and flow cytometry to determine the cellular distribution in the mesenteric lymph node.

RESULTS

Treatment with BAE improved the survival (60%) in all groups, reduced the number of colony-forming units in the peritoneum and blood, the number of peritoneal and bronchoalveolar cells, and the levels of pro-inflammatory IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-17 cytokines. Additionally, BAE increased: IL-10 and INF-γ levels, nitric oxide release, CD4+ T helper cells, CD14+/IaIe + activated macrophages and Ly6G + neutrophils in the mesenteric lymph node.

CONCLUSIONS

BAE can be used as a complementary treatment during infections due to its antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effect and the ability to protect animals from death after MRSA lethal infection.

Scorpion venom exhibits adjuvant effect by eliciting HBsAg-specific Th1 immunity through neuro-endocrine interactions

The Hottentotta rugiscutis scorpion venom (Hrv) contains neurotoxins, which elicit a strong innate immune response through the activation of the Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, which could improve the quality of adaptive immunity. Hence, the Hrv was used as an adjuvant for the Hepatitis-B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) and assessed its ability in the activation of innate (NGF, CORT, cellularity, NO) and adaptive (IgM, IgG, IgG1/IgG2a/IgG2b/IgG3, Th1/Th2 cytokines, avidity) immunity. Here, the Hrv and HBsAg were given in the mixed form (HBsAg-Hrv) as well as in a separate form (HBsAg+Hrv). The NGF levels in plasma/spleen and CORT in plasma were found to be elevated optimally at 5 h and 6 h post-Hrv injection, respectively. Further studies showed that CORT and NGF levels were also highly upregulated in the HBsAg-Hrv group. The HBsAg-specific IgM titer was found to be increased in the HBsAg+Hrv group and total IgG was relatively similar among alum and Hrv-test groups, but IgG2a/IgG2b/IgG3 levels were higher along with IL-1β in HBsAg-Hrv groups. The study showed that the venom from H. rugiscutis acts as a vaccine adjuvant for HBsAg to develop strong antigen-specific Th1 immunity. The Hrv also enhances the antibody-avidity which may improve the neutralizing ability of antibodies with systemic infectious agents. The study also elucidated that the venom acts by neuroendocrine-immune mechanism and majorly impacts splenocytes through NGF and corticosterone.

Cinnamaldehyde Increases the Survival of Mice Submitted to Sepsis Induced by Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli

Several natural products have been investigated for their bactericidal potential, among these, cinnamaldehyde. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the activity of cinnamaldehyde in the treatment of animals with sepsis induced by extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli. Initially, the E. coli F5 was incubated with cinnamaldehyde to evaluate the minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentration. Animal survival was monitored for five days, and a subset of mice were euthanized after 10 h to evaluate histological, hematological, and immunological parameters, as well as the presence of bacteria in the organs. On the one hand, inoculation of bacterium caused the death of 100% of the animals within 24 h after infection. On the other hand, cinnamaldehyde (60 mg/kg) was able to keep 40% of mice alive after infection. The treatment significantly reduced the levels of cytokines in serum and peritoneum and increased the production of cells in both bone marrow and spleen, as well as lymphocytes at the infection site. Cinnamaldehyde was able to reduce tissue damage by decreasing the deleterious effects for the organism and contributed to the control of the sepsis and survival of animals; therefore, it is a promising candidate for the development of new drugs.

Elevated lncRNA-UCA1 upregulates EZH2 to promote inflammatory response in sepsis-induced pneumonia via inhibiting HOXA1

Sepsis is characterized by a dysregulated inflammatory response. We aimed to explore the role of the long non-coding RNA urothelial carcinoma associated 1 (lncRNA UCA1)/enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2)/homeobox A1 (HOXA1) axis in sepsis-induced pneumonia. The sepsis rat models and RLE-6TN cellular sepsis-induced pneumonia models were established using ligation and puncture (CLP) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The expression of UCA1, EZH2 and HOXA1 in rat lung tissues and RLE-6TN cells was detected. Then, the CLP rats were respectively treated with UCA1 up-regulation or UCA1 silencing, EZH2 overexpression to measure their roles in the pathology, apoptosis, inflammation and NF-κB mRNA and phosphorylated NF-κB p-65 levels in CLP rat lung tissues. The cells were subjected to same treatment to examine the effects of UCA1, EZH2 and HOXA1 on viability, apoptosis, inflammation and NF-κB mRNA and phosphorylated NF-κB p-65 levels in LPS-induced RLE-6TN cells. The interactions among UCA1, EZH2 and HOXA1 were identified. UCA1 and EZH2 were upregulated while HOXA1 was downregulated in CLP rat lung tissues and LPS-induced RLE-6TN cells. Elevated UCA1 or increased EZH2 aggravated pathology and promoted apoptosis, inflammation and NF-κB mRNA and phosphorylated NF-κB p-65 levels in CLP rat lung tissues, and inhibited viability while facilitated apoptosis, inflammation and NF-κB mRNA and phosphorylated NF-κB p-65 levels in LPS-induced RLE-6TN cells. UCA1 inhibition exerted contrary effects. Silenced EZH2 reversed the effects of UCA1 elevation on sepsis-induced pneumonia. UCA1 targeted EZH2 that interacted with HOXA1. UCA1 overexpression upregulates EZH2 to repress HOXA1 expression, thus aggravating the progression of sepsis-induced pneumonia, which could be alleviated by EZH2 inhibition.

Investigation of oxidant/antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of apigenin on apoptosis in sepsis-induced rat lung

We suppose that apigenin may inhibit the cellular process of sepsis-induced lung injury, which is considered to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality, and may improve inflammation and oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential protective effect of apigenin in a rat model of polymicrobial sepsis. Eight groups consisting of a total of 64 female Wistar albino rats were used for this study. Pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1-β, IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (TGF-β, IL-10) cytokine levels were measured with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique, oxidant/antioxidants parameters were measured using the spectrophotometric method and Bax and Caspase-3 immunohistochemical methods. TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels significantly increased in the sepsis-induced group than in the control groups, while IL-10 levels decreased. Lipid peroxidase (LPO), an oxidative stress marker, increased, while the antioxidant defense parameters of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activities, glutathione (GSH) levels decreased. Although Bax and Caspase-3 immunoreactivity and H score levels significantly increased in the sepsis group, significant decreases were found in the groups treated with apigenin. In conclusion, we are of the opinion that apigenin treatment improves lung injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory cell damage.

The immunomodulatory activity of Chenopodium ambrosioides reduces the parasite burden and hepatic granulomatous inflammation in Schistosoma mansoni-infection

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Folk medicine reports have described the use of Chenopodium ambrosioides as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anthelmintic herb. These effects, including its activity against intestinal worms, are already scientifically observed. However, the immunological mechanisms of this species in the treatment of Schistosoma mansoni infection are unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the immunological and anti-Schistosoma mansoni effects of a crude Chenopodium ambrosioides hydro-alcoholic extract (HCE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For the in vitro analysis, cercariae and adult worms were exposed to different concentrations (0 to 10,000 μg/mL) of the HCE. For the in vivo evaluation, Swiss mice were infected with 50 cercariae of S. mansoni and separated into groups according to treatment as follows: a negative control (without treatment), a positive control (treated with Praziquantel®), HCE1 Group (treated with HCE during the cutaneous phase), HCE2 Group (treated with HCE during the lung phase), HCE3 Group (treated with HCE during the young worm phase), and HCE4 Group (treated with HCE during the adult worm phase). The animals treated with HCE received daily doses of 50 mg/kg, by gavage, for seven days, corresponding to the different developmental stages of S. mansoni. For comparison, a clean control group (uninfected and untreated) was also included. All animals were euthanized 60 days post-infection to allow the following assessments to be performed: a complete blood cells count, counts of eggs in the feces and liver, the quantification of cytokines and IgE levels, histopathological evaluations of the livers, and the analysis of inflammatory mediators.

RESULTS

HCE treatment increased the mortality of cercariae and adult worms in vitro. The HCE treatment in vivo reduced the eggs in feces and liver. The number and area of liver granulomas, independent of the phase of treatment, were also reduced. The treatment with HCE reduced the percentage of circulating eosinophils, IgE, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-4. In contrast, the treatment with the HCE, dependent on the phase, increased IL-10 levels and the number of peritoneal and bone marrow cells, mainly of T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and macrophages. This effect could be due to secondary compounds presents in this extract, such as kaempferol, quercetin and derivatives.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that Chenopodium ambrosioides has antiparasitic and immunomodulatory activity against the different phases of schistosomiasis, reducing the granulomatous inflammatory profile caused by the infection and, consequently, improving the disease prognosis.

Pic-Producing Escherichia coli Induces High Production of Proinflammatory Mediators by the Host Leading to Death by Sepsis

Escherichia coli is an important pathogen responsible for a variety of diseases. We have recently shown that Pic, a serine protease secreted by E. coli, mediates immune evasion by the direct cleavage of complement molecules. The aim of this study was to investigate the action of a Pic-producing bacteria in a murine model of sepsis. Mice were infected with Pic-producing E. coli (F5) or F5∆pic mutant. Animal survival was monitored for five days, and a subset of mice was euthanized after 12 h for sample acquisition. The inoculation of Pic-producing bacteria induced 100% death within 24 h. The colony forming units count in the organs was significantly higher in F5. Hematological analysis showed a decrease of total leukocytes. Nitric oxide and cytokines were detected in serum, as well as on peritoneal lavage of the F5 group in higher levels than those detected in the other groups. In addition, immunophenotyping showed a decrease of activated lymphocytes and macrophages in the F5 group. Therefore, Pic represents an important virulence factor, allowing the survival of the bacterium in the bloodstream and several organs, as well as inducing a high production of proinflammatory mediators by the host, and concomitantly a cellular immunosuppression, leading to sepsis and death.

Hippocampus and cerebellum damage in sepsis induced by lipopolysaccharide in aged rats - Pregabalin can prevent damage

BACKGROUNDS

The aim of this study was to investigate the oxidative damage and inflammatory effects in the hippocampus and cerebellum in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis model and possible ameliorating effects of pregabalin (PG).

METHODS

Twenty four female Wistar Albino rats (12 month old) were divided into 3 groups as follows: Group I (Control; 0.1 ml/gavage and i.p. saline, single dose), Group II (LPS; 5 mg/kg LPS, i.p, single dose), Group III (LPS + PG; 5 mg/kg LPS, i.p, single dose + 30 mg/kg, gavage, single dose). DNA damage, ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS) oxidative stress index (OSI), leukocyte (WBC), lymphocyte, neutrophil, hemoglobin (HGB), erythrocyte (RBC), and thrombocyte counts were measured in blood and brain tissues. Histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation of Caspase- 3, G-CSF, IL-6, SAA, iNOS expressions were conducted using hippocampus and cerebellum tissues.

RESULTS

Comet analysis score, lymphocytes, neutrophils, WBC, IMA, TOS and OSI values were increased in Group II compared with to Group I (p < 0.05). IMA levels in blood, TOS and OSI levels in the brain were significantly decreased in Group III compared to Group II (p < 0.05). We observed increased hemorrhages, neutrophils, leukocytes infiltrations and neuron degeneration in Group II compared to Group I. Caspase 3, G-CSF, IL-6, SAA, iNOS expressions were increased in group II compared to Group I (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Pregabalin partly ameliorated the damage caused by the exposure to LPS in hippocampus and cerebellum; however, further studies are needed to determine pregabalin's possible protective effects at different doses and with different techniques.

Prophylactic Treatment With Simvastatin Modulates the Immune Response and Increases Animal Survival Following Lethal Sepsis Infection

Chronic use of statins may have anti-inflammatory action, promoting immunomodulation and survival in patients with sepsis. This study aimed to analyze the effects of pretreatment with simvastatin in lethal sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Male Swiss mice received prophylactic treatment with simvastatin or pyrogen-free water orally in a single daily dose for 30 days. After this period, the CLP was performed. Naïve and Sham groups were performed as non-infected controls. Animal survival was monitored for 60 h after the CLP. Half of mice were euthanized after 12 h to analyze colony-forming units (CFUs); hematological parameters; production of IL-10, IL-12, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and MCP-1; cell counts on peritoneum, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), bone marrow, spleen, and mesenteric lymph node; immunephenotyping of T cells and antigen presenting cells and production of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Simvastatin induced an increase in survival and a decrease in the CFU count on peritoneum and on BAL cells number, especially lymphocytes. There was an increase in the platelets and lymphocytes number in the Simvastatin group when compared to the CLP group. Simvastatin induced a greater activation and proliferation of CD4+ T cells, as well as an increase in IL-6 and MCP-1 production, in chemotaxis to the peritoneum and in H₂O₂ secretion at this site. These data suggest that simvastatin has an impact on the survival of animals, as well as immunomodulatory effects in sepsis induced by CLP in mice.

Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of apigenin in a rat model of sepsis: an immunological, biochemical, and histopathological study

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesize that apigenin may inhibit some cellular process of sepsis-induced spleen injury and simultaneously improve inflammation and oxidative stress. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential protective effects of apigenin in a polymicrobial sepsis rat model of by cecal ligation and puncture.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

64 female Wistar albino rats were divided into 8 groups. The pro-inflammatory (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1-beta) and anti-inflammatory (tumor growth factor-beta and interleukin-10) cytokine levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CD3, CD68, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) positivity rates were detected by immunohistochemical methods. Oxidative stress parameters were measured by tissue biochemistry.

RESULTS

Sepsis caused a significant increase in TNF-alpha, IL-1-beta, IL-6, and TGF-beta levels whereas it reduced IL-10 level. Additionally, it led to an increase in CD3, CD68, and NF-κB positivity rates as well as oxidative stress parameters levels. However, apigenin inhibited the inflammation process, increased the IL-10 level and normalized the oxidative stress parameters.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Pretreatment with apigenin results in a significant reduction in the amount of inflammatory cells. The beneficial effect of apigenin on spleen injury also involved inhibition of NF-κB pathway, suppression of proinflammatory cytokines, and induction of anti-inflammatory cytokine production. Additionally, it led to a decrease in oxidative stress in spleen tissue. Taking everything into account, apigenin may be an alternative therapeutic option for prevention of sepsis-induced organ.

Chenopodium ambrosioides L. Improves Phagocytic Activity and Decreases Bacterial Growth and the Systemic Inflammatory Response in Sepsis Induced by Cecal Ligation and Puncture

Chenopodium ambrosioides L. (Amaranthaceae) is often used in different kinds of vegetal preparations for medicinal purposes in many clinical situations. Some studies have demonstrated its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of prophylactic treatment with the hydroalcoholic crude extract (HCE) of C. ambrosioides and its hexanic fraction (HEX) on the control of bacterial growth, the activation of phagocytes and the control of the systemic inflammatory response in a sepsis experimental model. Animals were divided into three groups (n = 5/group): Control, which received only NaCl 0.9% solution; HCE, which received the crude extract; and HEX, which received the HEX of the extract. The animals received saline, HCE or HEX (5 mg/kg), subcutaneously (SC), 6 h before cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Twelve hours after the CLP, the blood was collected to measure the serum cytokines and the animals were killed for the evaluation of colony-forming units (CFUs), cellular influx, and activation of phagocytes in the peritoneal cavity, measured by the secretion of hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide production. The results showed that only HEX treatment inhibited bacterial growth in the peritoneum and inflammatory cellular influx, especially influx of macrophages and neutrophils. However, HCE and HEX treatments increased ex vivo hydrogen peroxide secretion and nitric oxide production by phagocytes and decreased the pro-inflammatory cytokines in the serum, indicating a systemic anti-inflammatory effect of both. In conclusion, C. ambrosioides treatment decreases bacterial growth likely by activation of phagocytes and, in parallel, ameliorates the general state of mice by reducing the systemic inflammatory response usually observed in sepsis.

Tityus serrulatus venom--A lethal cocktail

Tityus serrulatus (Ts) is the main scorpion species of medical importance in Brazil. Ts venom is composed of several compounds such as mucus, inorganic salts, lipids, amines, nucleotides, enzymes, kallikrein inhibitor, natriuretic peptide, proteins with high molecular mass, peptides, free amino acids and neurotoxins. Neurotoxins are considered the most responsible for the envenoming syndrome due to their pharmacological action on ion channels such as voltage-gated sodium (Nav) and potassium (Kv) channels. The major goal of this review is to present important advances in Ts envenoming research, correlating both the crude Ts venom and isolated toxins with alterations observed in all human systems. The most remarkable event lies in the Ts induced massive releasing of neurotransmitters influencing, directly or indirectly, the entire body. Ts venom proved to extremely affect nervous and muscular systems, to modulate the immune system, to induce cardiac disorders, to cause pulmonary edema, to decrease urinary flow and to alter endocrine, exocrine, reproductive, integumentary, skeletal and digestive functions. Therefore, Ts venom possesses toxins affecting all anatomic systems, making it a lethal cocktail. However, its low lethality may be due to the low venom mass injected, to the different venom compositions, the body characteristics and health conditions of the victim and the local of Ts sting. Furthermore, we also described the different treatments employed during envenoming cases. In particular, throughout the review, an effort will be made to provide information from an extensive documented studies concerning Ts venom in vitro, in animals and in humans (a total of 151 references).