Piper longum L. ameliorates gout through the MAPK/PI3K-AKT pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Gout, a painful joint disease with a prevalence ranging from 0.86% to 2.2% in China over the past decade. Traditional medicine has long utilized the medicinal and edible Piper longum L. (PL) fruit spikes for treating gout and other joint conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. However, the exact mechanisms behind its effectiveness remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the potential of alcoholic extracts from PL fruit spikes as a safe and effective treatment for gout. We used a combined network pharmacology and experimental validation approach to evaluate the mechanisms behind the anti-gout properties of PL.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

UPLC-Q/TOF-MS analysis determined the major components of PL. Subsequently, network pharmacology analysis predicted potential molecular targets and related signaling pathways for the anti-gout activity of PL. Molecular docking simulations further explored the interactions between PL compounds and proteins and characterized the properties of potential bioactive secondary metabolites. Mouse models of air pouch inflammation and hyperuricemia were further established, and the anti-gout mechanism of PL was confirmed by examining the expression of proteins related to the MAPK and PI3K-AKT pathways in the tissue.

RESULTS

Our analysis revealed 220 bioactive secondary metabolites within PL extracts. Network pharmacology and molecular docking results indicated that these metabolites primarily combat gout by modulating the PI3K-AKT and MAPK signaling pathways. In vivo experiments have also proven that PL at a dose of 100 mg/kg can optimally reduce acute inflammation of gout and kidney damage caused by high uric acid. The anti-gout mechanism involves the PI3K-AKT/MAPK signaling pathway and its downstream NF-κB pathway.

CONCLUSION

This study provides compelling evidence for PL's therapeutic potential in gout management by modulating key inflammatory pathways. The findings offer a strong foundation for future clinical exploration of PL as a gout treatment option.

Therapeutic potential of hydrogen sulfide in osteoarthritis development

The pathological mechanisms and treatments of osteoarthritis (OA) are critical topics in medical research. This paper reviews the regulatory mechanisms of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in OA and the therapeutic potential of H2S donors. The review highlights the importance of changes in the endogenous H2S pathway in OA development and systematically elaborates on the role of H2S as a third gaseous transmitter that regulates inflammation, oxidative stress, and pain associated with OA. It also explains how H2S can lessen bone and joint inflammation by inhibiting leukocyte adhesion and migration, reducing pro-inflammatory mediators, and impeding the activation of key inflammatory pathways such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Additionally, H2S is shown to mitigate mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress, and to modulate Nrf2, NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK pathways, thereby decreasing oxidative stress-induced chondrocyte apoptosis. Moreover, H2S alleviates bone and joint pain through the activation of Kv7, K-ATP, and Nrf2/HO-1-NQO1 pathways. Recent developments have produced a variety of H2S donors, including sustained-release H2S donors, natural H2S donors, and synthetic H2S donors. Understanding the role of H2S in OA can lead to the discovery of new therapeutic targets, while innovative H2S donors offer promising new treatments for patients with OA.

Allicin ameliorates sepsis-induced acute kidney injury through Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a complication that can be induced by different factors. Allicin is a class of organic sulfur compounds with anticancer and antibacterial effects, and has not been reported in sepsis-induced AKI (S-AKI). S-AKI was induced in c57BL/6 mice by cecal ligation puncture. In response to the treatment of allicin, the survival rate of mice with S-AKI was increased. Reduced levels of serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, UALB, KIM-1 and NGAL indicated an improvement in renal function of S-AKI mice. Allicin inhibited the inflammation and cell apoptosis, which evidenced by decreased levels of inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis-related proteins. Oxidative stress was evaluated by the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers, and suppressed by allicin. In addition, allicin-alleviated mitochondrial dysfunction was characterized by decreased JC-1 green monomer. These effects of allicin were also evidenced in HK2 cells primed with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Both in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and the expression of HO-1 increased after allicin treatment, which was confirmed by ML385 and CDDO-Me. In summary, this study revealed the alleviating effect of allicin on S-AKI and demonstrated the promotive effect of allicin on nuclear translocation of Nrf2 for the first time. It was inferred that allicin inhibited the progression of S-AKI through Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. This study makes contributions to the understanding of the roles of allicin in S-AKI.

Cucurbitacin E reduces IL-1β-induced inflammation and cartilage degeneration by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt pathway in osteoarthritic chondrocytes

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease. Cartilage degeneration is the earliest and most important pathological change in osteoarthritis, and persistent inflammation is one of the driving factors of cartilage degeneration. Cucurbitacin E, an isolated compound in the Cucurbitacin family, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, but its role and mechanism in osteoarthritic chondrocytes are unclear.

METHODS

For in vitro experiments, human chondrocytes were stimulated with IL-1β, and the expression of inflammatory genes was measured by Western blotting and qPCR. The expression of extracellular matrix proteins was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining, Western blotting and saffron staining. Differences in gene expression between cartilage from osteoarthritis patients and normal cartilage were analysed by bioinformatics methods, and the relationship between Cucurbitacin E and its target was analysed by a cellular thermal shift assay, molecular docking analysis and molecular dynamics simulation. For in vivo experiments, knee osteoarthritis was induced by DMM in C57BL/6 mouse knee joints, and the effect of Cucurbitacin E on knee joint degeneration was evaluated.

RESULTS

The in vitro experiments confirmed that Cucurbitacin E effectively inhibited the production of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β(IL-1β) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) by IL-1β-stimulated chondrocytes and alleviates extracellular matrix degradation. The in vivo experiments demonstrated that Cucurbitacin E had a protective effect on the knee cartilage of C57BL/6 mice with medial meniscal instability in the osteoarthritis model. Mechanistically, bioinformatic analysis of the GSE114007 and GSE117999 datasets showed that the PI3K/AKT pathway was highly activated in osteoarthritis. Immunohistochemical analysis of PI3K/Akt signalling pathway proteins in pathological slices of human cartilage showed that the level of p-PI3K in patients with osteoarthritis was higher than that in the normal group. PI3K/Akt were upregulated in IL-1β-stimulated chondrocytes, and Cucurbitacin E intervention reversed this phenomenon. The cellular thermal shift assay, molecular docking analysis and molecular dynamics experiment showed that Cucurbitacin E had a strong binding affinity for the inhibitory target PI3K. SC79 activated Akt phosphorylation and reversed the effect of Cucurbitacin E on IL-1β-induced chondrocyte degeneration, demonstrating that Cucurbitacin E inhibits IL-1β-induced chondrocyte inflammation and degeneration by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway.

CONCLUSION

Cucurbitacin E inhibits the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, thereby alleviating the progression of OA. In summary, we believe that Cucurbitacin E is a potential drug for the treatment of OA.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of allicin in the kidney of an experimental model of metabolic syndrome

Background

Recent studies have suggested that metabolic syndrome (MS) encompasses a group of risk factors for developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). This work aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of allicin in the kidney from an experimental model of MS.

Methods

Male Wistar rats (220-250 g) were used, and three experimental groups (n = 6) were formed: control (C), metabolic syndrome (MS), and MS treated with allicin (16 mg/Kg/day, gastric gavage) (MS+A). MS was considered when an increase of 20% in at least three parameters (body weight, systolic blood pressure (SBP), fasting blood glucose (FBG), or dyslipidemia) was observed compared to the C group. After the MS diagnosis, allicin was administered for 30 days.

Results

Before the treatment with allicin, the MS group showed more significant body weight gain, increased SBP, and FBG, glucose intolerance, and dyslipidemia. In addition, increased markers of kidney damage in urine and blood. Moreover, the MS increased oxidative stress and inflammation in the kidney compared to group C. The allicin treatment prevented further weight gain, reduced SBP, FBG, glucose intolerance, and dyslipidemia. Also, markers of kidney damage in urine and blood were decreased. Further, the oxidative stress and inflammation were decreased in the renal cortex of the MS+A compared to the MS group.

Conclusion

Allicin exerts its beneficial effects on the metabolic syndrome by considerably reducing systemic and renal inflammation as well as the oxidative stress. These effects were mediated through the Nrf2 pathway. The results suggest allicin may be a therapeutic alternative for treating kidney injury induced by the metabolic syndrome risk factors.

Determination and Mechanism of Antidiarrheal Chemical Constituents of Paederia scandens Determined by HPLC-ESI-MS Integrated with Network Pharmacology

Paederia scandens is a natural medicinal plant that is widely used for its various pharmacological effects including antiviral, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities. However, there is no scientific evidence to support its antidiarrheal effect. In this study, the antidiarrheal activity of P. scandens was evaluated using several validated models. By using HPLC-ESI-MS in conjunction with a network pharmacology approach, the possible antidiarrheal mechanisms of P. scandens active fragments were studied, and they were subsequently verified in a mouse model of diarrhea. Finally, utilizing molecular docking, active compounds that might have antidiarrheal properties were hypothesized. The results show that the main antidiarrheal part of P. scandens has 10 chemical components in the n-butanol fraction (PSNB). The key targets of PSNB and diarrhea, EGFR, AKT1, and PIK3CA, were screened by network pharmacology analysis. And the mechanism of PSNB in the treatment of diarrhea may be highly related to the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Besides, through the qRT-PCR and western-blot experiments, it was found that PSNB could inhibit the gene expression of proinflammatory factors by reducing the protein expression of AKT1 and PI3K and regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway in mice. In addition, asperuloside, paederosidic acid, paederoside, paederosidic acid methyl ester, and 6'-O-E-feruloylmonotropein have better docking energies than other chemical components in PSNB with EGFR, AKT1, and PIK3CA. In conclusion, the main antidiarrheal active site of P. scandens is the n-butanol site. PSNB may exert an antidiarrheal effect by regulating the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway. Among them, asperuloside, paederosidic acid, paederoside, paederosidic acid methyl ester, and 6'-O-E-feruloylmonotropein may be the active ingredients that exert an antidiarrheal effect.

Prevention and treatment of inflammatory arthritis with traditional Chinese medicine: Underlying mechanisms based on cell and molecular targets

Inflammatory arthritis, primarily including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, is a group of chronic inflammatory diseases, whose general feature is joint dysfunction with chronic pain and eventually causes disability in older people. To date, both Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have developed a variety of therapeutic methods for inflammatory arthritis and achieved excellent results. But there is still a long way to totally cure these diseases. TCM has been used to treat various joint diseases for thousands of years in Asia. In this review, we summarize clinical efficacies of TCM in inflammatory arthritis treatment after reviewing the results demonstrated in meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and clinical trials. We pioneered taking inflammatory arthritis-related cell targets of TCM as the entry point and further elaborated the molecular targets inside the cells of TCM, especially the signaling pathways. In addition, we also briefly discussed the relationship between gut microbiota and TCM and described the role of drug delivery systems for using TCM more accurately and safely. We provide updated and comprehensive insights into the clinical application of TCM for inflammatory arthritis treatment. We hope this review can guide and inspire researchers to further explore mechanisms of the anti-arthritis activity of TCM and make a great leap forward in comprehending the science of TCM.

MicroRNA-149 improves osteoarthritis via repression of VCAM-1 and inactivation of PI3K/AKT pathway

OBJECTIVE

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators in osteoarthritis (OA). While the role of miR-149 in OA has not been fully understood yet. This study investigated the mechanism in which miR-149 inhibited vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) via depressing PI3K/AKT pathway, thereby alleviating OA.

METHODS

A mouse OA model was constructed. The mice were injected with miR-149, VCAM-1- PI3K/AKT pathway-related sequences to figure their roles in OA. Inflammation and apoptosis were detected in the cartilage tissues of mice. MiR-149 and VCAM-1expression were detected.

RESULTS

Decreased miR-149 and enhanced VCAM-1 existed in cartilage tissues of patients with OA. Elevated miR-149 or suppressed VCAM-1 limited inflammation and apoptosis in cartilage tissues of mice with OA, which was related to PI3K/AKT pathway inactivation.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides evidence that up-regulated miR-149 alleviates OA via inhibition of VCAM-1 and PI3K/AKT pathway, which is helpful for OA treatment.

Corynoline Alleviates Osteoarthritis Development via the Nrf2/NF-κB Pathway

Purpose

OA is a multifactorial joint disease in which inflammation plays a substantial role in the destruction of joints. Corynoline (COR), a component of Corydalis bungeana Turcz., has anti-inflammatory effects.

Materials and Methods

We evaluated the significance and potential mechanisms of COR in OA development. The viabilities of chondrocytic cells upon COR exposure were assessed by CCK-8 assays. Western blot, qPCR, and ELISA were used to assess extracellular matrix (ECM) degeneration and inflammation. The NF-κB pathway was evaluated by western blot and immunofluorescence (IF). Prediction of the interacting proteins of COR was done by molecular docking, while Nrf2 knockdown by siRNAs was performed to ascertain its significance. Micro-CT, H&E, Safranin O-Fast Green (S-O), toluidine blue staining, and immunohistochemical examination were conducted to assess the therapeutic effects of COR on OA in destabilization of medial meniscus (DMM) models.

Results

COR inhibited ECM degeneration and proinflammatory factor levels and modulated the NF-κB pathway in IL-1β-treated chondrocytes. Mechanistically, COR bound Nrf2 to downregulate the NF-κB pathway. Moreover, COR ameliorated the OA process in DMM models.

Conclusion

We suggest that COR ameliorates OA progress through the Nrf2/NF-κB axis, indicating COR may have a therapeutic potential for OA.

Theaflavin-3,3 ′ -Digallate Protects Cartilage from Degradation by Modulating Inflammation and Antioxidant Pathways

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease that may be closely linked to inflammation and oxidative stress destroying the balance of cartilage matrix. Theaflavin-3,3′-digallate (TFDG), a natural substance derived from black tea, has been reported to restrict the activity of inflammatory cytokines and effectively eliminate reactive oxygen species (ROS) in various diseases. However, it is not clear whether TFDG can improve OA.

Methods

Chondrocytes were treated with or without IL-1β and 20 μM and 40 μM TFDG. The effect of TFDG on the proliferation of chondrocytes was detected by CCK8. RT-qPCR was used to detect the gene expression of inflammatory factors, extracellular matrix synthesis, and degradation genes. Western blot and immunofluorescence assays were used to detect the protein expression. The fluorescence intensity of reactive oxygen species labeled by DCFH-DA was detected by flow cytometry. We established an OA rat model by performing destabilized medial meniscus (DMM) surgery to observe whether TFDG can protect chondrocytes under arthritis in vivo.

Results

TFDG was found to inhibit proinflammatory factors (IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS, and PGE) and matrix-degrading enzymes (MMP13, MMP3, and ADAMTS5) expression and protected extracellular matrix components of chondrocytes (ACAN, COL2, and SOX9). TFDG accelerated the scavenging of ROS caused by IL-1β according to the Nrf2 signaling pathway activation. At the same time, TFDG suppressed the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways to delay the inflammatory process. The cartilage of DMM rats receiving TFDG showed lower Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scores and expressed higher levels of COL2 and Nrf2 compared with those of rats in the DMM group.

Conclusion

TFDG could protect cartilage from degradation and alleviate osteoarthritis in rats, which suggests that TFDG has potential as a drug candidate for OA therapy.

Allicin in Digestive System Cancer: From Biological Effects to Clinical Treatment

Allicin is the main active ingredient in freshly-crushed garlic and some other allium plants, and its anticancer effect on cancers of digestive system has been confirmed in many studies. The aim of this review is to summarize epidemiological studies and in vitro and in vivo investigations on the anticancer effects of allicin and its secondary metabolites, as well as their biological functions. In epidemiological studies of esophageal cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and biliary tract cancer, the anticancer effect of garlic has been confirmed consistently. However, the results obtained from epidemiological studies in gastric cancer and colon cancer are inconsistent. In vitro studies demonstrated that allicin and its secondary metabolites play an antitumor role by inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, controlling tumor invasion and metastasis, decreasing angiogenesis, suppressing Helicobacter pylori, enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs, and reducing the damage caused by chemotherapeutic drugs. In vivo studies further demonstrate that allicin and its secondary metabolites inhibit cancers of the digestive system. This review describes the mechanisms against cancers of digestive system and therapeutic potential of allicin and its secondary metabolites.

Allicin supressed Escherichia coli-induced urinary tract infections by a Novel MALT1/NF-κB pathway

Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains cause the majority of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and are resistant to various antibiotics. Therefore, it is imperative to explore novel host-target therapies. As a...

Glycyrrhizin regulates rat TMJOA progression by inhibiting the HMGB1-RAGE/TLR4-NF-κB/AKT pathway

To investigate the role of glycyrrhizin on the progression of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) and the underlying mechanism by regulation of the high‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE)/toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)‐nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway. After a rat model of TMJOA was built by intra‐articular injection of monosodium iodoacetate, glycyrrhizin was intragastrically administered at low concentration (20 mg/kg) or high concentration (50 mg/kg). Micro‐computed tomography, histological and immunohistochemical analysis were used to reveal the progression of TMJOA. Rat TMJ chondrocytes and disc cells were cultured in inflammatory condition with different doses of glycyrrhizin. Western blot was used to evaluate the effect of glycyrrhizin on the HMGB1‐RAGE/TLR4‐NF‐κB/AKT pathway. Administration of glycyrrhizin alleviated cartilage degeneration, lowered the levels of inflammatory and catabolic mediators and reduced the production of HMGB1, RAGE and TLR4 in TMJOA animal model. Increased production of RAGE and TLR4, and activated intracellular NF‐κB and/or AKT signalling pathways in chondrocytes and disc cells were found in inflammatory condition. Upon activation, matrix metalloprotease‐3 and interleukin‐6 were upregulated. Glycyrrhizin inhibited not only HMGB1 release but also RAGE and TLR4 in inflammatory condition. Glycyrrhizin alleviated the pathological changes of TMJOA by regulating the HMGB1‐RAGE/TLR4‐NF‐kB/AKT signalling pathway. This study revealed the potential of glycyrrhizin as a novel therapeutic drug to suppress TMJ cartilage degradation.

Baicalin ameliorates APEC-induced intestinal injury in chicks by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is the causative agent of avian colibacillosis. Baicalin (BA) possesses multiple pharmacological effects, but the mechanism underlying its activity in APEC-induced intestinal injury remains unknown. This study aims to investigate the protective effects and possible mechanism of BA against APEC-induced intestinal injury. Sixty 1-day-old chicks were randomly divided into 4 groups: the control group (basal diet), E. coli group (basal diet), BAI10 group (10 mg/kg BA), and BAI20 group (20 mg/kg BA). After pretreatment with BA for 15 d and subsequent induction of APEC infection by pectoralis injection, the ileum was collected and analyzed. The results showed that BA-pretreatment demonstrated an alleviation of chicks in diarrhea rate, mortality, and histopathological changes in intestinal tissues after APEC infection. Additionally, following APEC infection, BA improved the intestinal barrier by elevating zona occludens (ZO)s (ZO-1, 2, 3), Claudins (Claudin1, 2, 3), Occludin, avian β-defensin (AvBD)s (AvBD1, 2, 4), lysozyme (Lyz) mRNA levels and ZO-1, Claudin1, and Occludin protein levels. Besides, the activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and the SOD-1 and CAT mRNA levels and SOD-1 protein level were elevated by BA pretreatment. BA pretreatment also decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NADH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) mRNA levels, and HO-1 protein level after APEC infection. BA alleviated the APEC-induced inflammatory response, including downregulating the mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, IL-8) and upregulating the mRNA levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, transforming growth factor-β [TGF-β]). Furthermore, BA decreased the mRNA and protein levels of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) as well as the expression of the phosphorylated forms of these proteins after APEC infection. Collectively, our findings indicate that BA exerts a protective effect against APEC-induced intestinal injury in chicks by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT-mediated NF-κB pathway, suggesting that BA may be a potential therapeutic approach for avian colibacillosis.

Nesfatin-1 facilitates IL-1β production in osteoarthritis synovial fibroblasts by suppressing miR-204-5p synthesis through the AP-1 and NF-κB pathways

The progression of osteoarthritis (OA) is mediated by adipokines, one of which is nesfatin-1, which is responsible for the production of inflammatory cytokines. However, how this molecule may affect the synthesis of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) in OA is unclear. Our analyses of records from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset and clinical specimens of synovial tissue revealed higher levels of nesfatin-1 and IL-1β in OA samples compared with normal healthy tissue. We found that nesfatin-1 facilitates IL-1β synthesis in human OA synovial fibroblasts (OASFs) and suppresses the generation of micro-RNA (miR)-204-5p, as the miR-204-5p levels in OA patients were lower than those in healthy controls. Nesfatin-1-induced stimulation of IL-1β in human OASFs occurred via the suppression of miR-204-5p synthesis by the PI3K, Akt, AP-1 and NF-κB pathways. We suggest that nesfatin-1 is worth targeting in OA treatment.

Curcumol Alleviates the Inflammation of Nucleus Pulposus Cells via the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB Signaling Pathway and Delays Intervertebral Disk Degeneration

BACKGROUND

Intervertebral disk degeneration (IVDD) is closely associated with inflammatory environments. Curcumol has been shown to alleviate inflammation in various disease models, but its effects on IVDD remain unclear. In this study, we sought to determine the mechanism of curcumol in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced nucleus pulposus cells and a mouse IVDD model.

METHODS

Nucleus pulposus cells were pretreated with curcumol and then exposed to TNF-α. Cell viability was analyzed using CCK-8, and the messenger ribonucleic acid and protein levels of inflammatory cytokines and PI3K/Akt/NF-κB-related signaling molecules were detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and western blotting. The mouse IVDD model was established by puncturing the C6/7 level of the caudal spine, and then it was treated with curcumol after surgery. Alcian blue/orange G staining was performed to evaluate the severity of intervertebral disk damage, and immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expression of TNF-α. Toxicologic effects of curcumol were measured by performing hematoxylin-eosin staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Curcumol reduced IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α production in NPCs, and the phosphorylation of proteins in the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway was also decreased. The PI3K/Akt/NF-κB-related signaling molecules decreased when TNF-α-induced NPCs were treated with a PI3K inhibitor; however, curcumol did not reverse these effects. In vivo, curcumol ameliorated the progression of IVDD at the early stage and did not exert toxicologic effects.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest a potential therapeutic use of curcumol to alleviate inflammation via the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway and delay the progression of IVDD.

A review on corona virus and treatment approaches with Allium sativam

Background

Recently reported cases of Covid-19 globally remind us that new diseases are coming while we are unable to provide the treatment for the same. The entire world is facing this viral attack; deaths are increasing day by day as well as infected patients too. Today, in the period of this disease, can we go to the shelter of our traditional medicines?

Main body

In this article, we have taken medicines related to corona and conceptualized their mechanism, which gave us a chance to understand Garlic's mechanism of action, how Garlic can be a weapon in the lane with this disease. This article also tells how we can treat new diseases with our traditional herbs if no modern medicine has been discovered yet.

Conclusion

The present review is based on the structure of the virus and the targeted site for the drug discovery process with important constituents of Allium sativam. The review work also explains the allicin chemical constituent of Allium sativam which has targeted therapeutic sites related to Covid-19.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Allicin Associated with Fibrosis in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling. Recent evidence supports that inflammation plays a key role in triggering and maintaining pulmonary vascular remodeling. Recent studies have shown that garlic extract has protective effects in PAH, but the precise role of allicin, a compound derived from garlic, is unknown. Thus, we used allicin to evaluate its effects on inflammation and fibrosis in PAH. Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control (CON), monocrotaline (60 mg/kg) (MCT), and MCT plus allicin (16 mg/kg/oral gavage) (MCT + A). Right ventricle (RV) hypertrophy and pulmonary arterial medial wall thickness were determined. IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, NFκB p65, Iκβ, TGF-β, and α-SMA were determined by Western blot analysis. In addition, TNF-α and TGF-β were determined by immunohistochemistry, and miR-21-5p and mRNA expressions of Cd68, Bmpr2, and Smad5 were determined by RT-qPCR. Results: Allicin prevented increases in vessel wall thickness due to TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and Cd68 in the lung. In addition, TGF-β, α-SMA, and fibrosis were lower in the MCT + A group compared with the MCT group. In the RV, allicin prevented increases in TNF-α, IL-6, and TGF-β. These observations suggest that, through the modulation of proinflammatory and profibrotic markers in the lung and heart, allicin delays the progression of PAH.

Effect of silymarin on intestinal injury and PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways in rats with severe acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Acute pancreatitis is a very common clinical acute abdomen. Excessive release of inflammatory factors can damage the intestinal mucosa, induce cell apoptosis, and accelerate the course of the disease. Silymarin has anti-oxidative, immunoregulatory, anti-inflammatory, liver-protecting, anti-tissue fibrosis, and other effects. However, there is no relevant research on the effect of silymarin on the intestinal injury in severe acute pancreatitis.

AIM

To study the effects of silymarin on intestinal injury and PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways in rats with severe acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

Rats were divided into a control group, a severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) model group, and low-, medium, and high-dose silymarin groups (severe acute pancreatitis rats given 60, 120 , and 240 mg/kg silymarin, respectively). Rats treated with glutamine (1.5 g/kg) were used as positive controls. The death of rats was recorded. Serum amylase and lipase levels were detected using an automatic biochemical analyzer. Serum IL-1β and TNF-α levels were detected by ELISA. Pancreatic and ileal pathology scores were scalculated. The expression of Bcl-2, Bax, PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, NF-κBp65, and Bcl-2 in ileal tissues was detected by Western blot. TUNEL method was used to detect cell apoptosis in ileal tissues.

RESULTS

The SAP group, control group, and low-, medium, and high-dose silymarin groups had 3, 0, 2, 1, and 0 deaths, respectively. Compared with the control group, the levels of serum amylase, lipase, IL-1β, and TNF-α , the pancreatic and ileal pathology scores, the levels of Bax, p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and NF-κBp65, and the apoptosis index increased, while Bcl-2 protein expression decreased in the SAP group. Compared with the SAP group, the levels of serum amylase, lipase, IL-1β, and TNF-αased, the pancreatic and ileal pathology scores, the levels of Bax, p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and NF-κBp65 protein levels, and the apoptosis index gradually decreased, while Bcl-2 protein expression gradually increased in the low-, medium, and high-dose silymarin groups. Compared with the SAP group, the serum levels of amylase, lipase, IL-1β, and TNF-α, the pancreatic and ileal pathology scores, the levels of Bax, p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and NF-κBp65, and the apoptosis index decreased, while Bcl-2 protein expression increased in the glutamine group.

CONCLUSION

Silymarin can reduce intestinal injury in rats with SAP, inhibit inflammation, reduce cell apoptosis, and inhibit the activation of the PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways.

Chondroitin Sulfate in USA Dietary Supplements in Comparison to Pharma Grade Products: Analytical Fingerprint and Potential Anti-Inflammatory Effect on Human Osteoartritic Chondrocytes and Synoviocytes

The biological activity of chondroitin sulfate (CS) and glucosamine (GlcN) food supplements (FS), sold in USA against osteoarthritis, might depend on the effective CS and GlcN contents and on the CS structural characteristics. In this paper three USA FS were compared to two pharmaceutical products (Ph). Analyses performed by HPAE-PAD, by HPCE and by SEC-TDA revealed that the CS and GlcN titers were up to −68.8% lower than the contents declared on the labels and that CS of mixed animal origin and variable molecular weights was present together with undesired keratan sulfate. Simulated gastric and intestinal digestions were performed in vitro to evaluate the real CS amount that may reach the gut as biopolymer. Chondrocytes and synoviocytes primary cells derived from human pathological joints were used to assess: cell viability, modulation of the NF-κB, quantification of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP-2), hyaluronate synthase enzyme (HAS-1), pentraxin (PTX-3) and the secreted IL-6 and IL-8 to assess inflammation. Of the three FS tested only one (US FS1) enhanced chondrocytes viability, while all of them supported synoviocytes growth. Although US FS1 proved to be less effective than Ph as it reduced NF-kB, it could not down-regulate COMP-2; HAS-1 was up-regulated but with a lower efficacy. Inflammatory cytokines were markedly reduced by Ph while a slight decrease was only found for US-FS1.

Decursin alleviates the aggravation of osteoarthritis via inhibiting PI3K-Akt and NF-kB signal pathway

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disease that takes joint degeneration or aging as its pathological basis, and joint swelling, pain or dysfunction as its main clinical manifestations. Decursin (DE), the major active component isolated from Angelica gigas Nakai, has been demonstrated to possess anti-inflammatory effect in many diseases. But, the specific physiological mechanism of DE on OA is not clear yet. Therefore, the object of this study was to assess the therapeutic effect of DE on OA, and to explore its potential anti-inflammatory mechanisms. In vitro cell experiments, the inflammatory response in chondrocytes is mediated via interleukin-1β (IL-1β), which led to abnormal secretion of pro-inflammatory factors, such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nitric oxide (NO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). These cytokines were all decreased by the preconditioning of DE in a dose-dependent form of 1, 5, and 10 µM. Moreover, DE could restrain IL-1β-mediated inflammatory reaction and the collapse of extracellular matrix (ECM) via reducing the secretion of ADAMTS (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs) and MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases). In short, DE restrained IL-1β-mediated abnormal excitation of PI3K/AKT/NF-κB axis. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis showed that DE has a strong binding affinity with the inhibitory targets of PI3K. In vivo animal studies, DE treatment could helped to improve destruction of articular cartilage and decreased the serum inflammatory factor levels in an operationally induced mouse OA model. To sum up, these data obtained from the experiment indicate that DE has good prospects for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Isovitexin Depresses Osteoarthritis Progression via the Nrf2/NF-κB Pathway: An in vitro Study

Purpose

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifactorial joint disease and inflammatory processes contribute to joint destruction. Isovitexin (IVX) is a flavone component found in passion flower, Cannabis and, and the palm that is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Materials and Methods

This study investigated in vitro the role and underlying mechanism used by IVX in its regulation of OA development. Effects of IVX on the viability of chondrocytes were measured by CCK-8 assays. The phenotypes of extracellular matrix (ECM) degeneration and inflammation were measured by qPCR, Western blot, and ELISA; and NF-κB pathway was detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot. Molecular docking was applied to predict the interacting protein of IVX, while Nrf2 was knocked down by siRNAs to confirm its role.

Results

We demonstrated that IVX suppressed ECM degeneration and suppressed pro-inflammatory factors in IL-1β-treated chondrocytes. Additionally, IVX impact on NF-κB signaling in IL-1β-exposed chondrocytic cells; Mechanistically, it was also demonstrated in molecular docking and knock down studies that IVX might bind to Nrf2 to suppress NF-κB pathway.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that IVX halts OA disease advancement through the Nrf2/NF-κB axis, suggesting a possibility of IVX as a target for OA therapy.

Allicin Reversed the Process of Frailty in Aging Male Fischer 344 Rats With Osteoporosis

The research and development of pharmaceutical intervention is insufficient for the frail older adults, especially in preclinical stage for the frail individuals with osteoporosis. Garlic exerts an antiosteoporotic effect and its vital component allicin could protect organisms against aging. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of long-term intragastric administration of allicin (low dose of 4 mg·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹; middle dose of 8 mg·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹; high dose of 16 mg·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹) on frailty with osteoporosis in aging male Fischer 344 rats. Frailty was assessed with a 27-item frailty index based on quantifying health-related deficits in adult male rats varied from 13 to 21 months and in control rats from 6 to 9 months. Osteoporosis was appraised by bone mineral density detected by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, biomechanical properties measured by a three-point bending test, and bone metabolic analysis using ELISA. Allicin could attenuate frailty index scores by reducing the accumulation of health deficits in aging male Fischer 344 rats. Meanwhile, allicin could protect against senile osteoporosis, and the underlying mechanism may involve in increasing low bone turnover through elevation of both bone formation and bone resorption, and subsequently lead to increase of bone mineral density, contributing to reversing deleterious bone biomechanical features associated with aging. The present study reveals firstly that long-term oral administration with allicin attenuated frailty with osteoporosis during the process of aging, which provides a preclinical evidence for intervention of frailty.

Remifentanil repairs cartilage damage and reduces the degradation of cartilage matrix in post-traumatic osteoarthritis, and inhibits IL-1β-induced apoptosis of articular chondrocytes via inhibition of PI3K/AKT/NF-κB phosphorylation

Background

Remifentanil (RFT) is an opioid analgesic with a unique pharmacokinetic profile, and plays an important role in the intra- and post-operative periods. Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTO) is a particular type of osteoarthritis (OA) that occurs secondary to a traumatic injury. In the present study, we investigated the effects of RFT both in vivo and in vitro.

Methods

In vivo, 50 Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (7 weeks old) were randomly divided into five groups. Four groups of rats received RFT (0.2, 0.5, and 1 µg) or vehicle (PTO group), while the remaining group served as the control. A PTO model in rats was established using the Hulth method. The cartilage damage, articular cartilage formation, and the degradation of cartilage matrix were evaluated. The effects of RFT on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and nuclear factor (NF)-κB phosphorylation were also examined.

Results

The results indicated that RFT improved cartilage damage, enhanced articular cartilage formation, and inhibited the degradation of cartilage matrix in PTO model rats. Compared with the control group, the protein levels of Osterix (OSX), Collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1), and osteocalcin (OC) were down-regulated in PTO model rats. RFT also inhibited the interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-induced apoptosis of chondrocytes in vitro. Furthermore, the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/NF-κB pathway was inhibited both in vitro and in vitro.

Conclusions

RFT has significant potential as a therapeutic intervention to ameliorate PTO and provides a foundation for further clinical studies.

Inhibition of PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling by Aloin for ameliorating the progression of osteoarthritis: In vitro and in vivo studies

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive and degenerative joint disease. Aloin is a bitter and yellow-brown-coloured compound from the Aloe plant and is allowed for use in foods as a "natural flavour". In our study, we examined the protective effects of Aloin on the inhibition of OA development as well as its underlying mechanism in both in vitro and vivo experiments. In in-vitro experiments, the protective effect of aloin on the anabolism and catabolism of the extracellular matrix (ECM) induced by IL-1 β in chondrocytes by inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory factors, including TNF-α (p = 0.016), IL-6 (p = 0.006), iNOS (p = 0.001) and COX-2 (p = 0.006). Mechanistically, Aloin suppressed the IL-1β-induced activation of the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signalling pathway cascades. Moreover, molecular docking studies demonstrated that Aloin bound strongly to PI3K. In vivo, Aloin ameliorated the OA process in the destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) model. In summary, our findings demonstrate that Aloin ameliorates the progression of OA via the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signalling pathways, which supports Aloin as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of OA.

Dietary Allicin Improved the Survival and Growth of Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea) Larvae via Promoting Intestinal Development, Alleviating Inflammation and Enhancing Appetite

A 30-day feeding experiment was conducted to investigate effects of dietary allicin on survival, growth, antioxidant capacity, innate immunity and expression of inflammatory and appetite related genes in large yellow croaker larvae. Four iso-nitrogenous (53% crude protein) and iso-lipidic (19% crude lipid) diets were formulated via supplementing graded levels of allicin (0.0 (the control), 0.005, 0.01, and 0.02% dry diet, respectively). Results showed that, among dietary treatments, larvae fed the diet with 0.005% allicin had the highest survival rate (SR) (P < 0.05), while larvae fed the diet with 0.01% allicin had the highest specific growth rate (SGR) (P < 0.05). Activities of α-amylase in both pancreatic (PS) and intestine segments (IS) of larvae fed the diet with 0.01% allicin were significantly lower than that in the control (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the supplementation of 0.01% allicin in diets significantly increased activities of alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) in the intestinal brush border membrane (BBM) of larvae than the control (P < 0.05), indicating the promoting roles of allicin on fish larval intestinal development. Moreover, compared to the control, both the nitric oxide (NO) content and the activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) were significantly up-regulated in larvae fed the diet with 0.005% allicin, and catalase (CAT) were significantly upregulated in larvae fed the diet with 0.02% allicin (P < 0.05). Transcriptional levels of pro-inflammatory genes including cyclooxygenase-2 (cox-2), interleukin-1β (il-1β) and interleukin-6 (il-6) significantly decreased with increasing allicin, compared to the control. The expression of appetite genes including npy, ghrelin and leptin significantly increased with the prolonged fasting period, and dietary allicin supplementation significantly increased the transcriptional level of neuropeptide Y (npy) at 0.01%, while increased the transcriptional level of leptin in larvae at 0.02% dosages (P < 0.05). These results showed that the supplementation of 0.005% – 0.01% allicin in diets could improve the survival and growth of large yellow croaker larvae probably by promoting intestinal development, alleviating inflammation and enhancing appetite.

miRNA-103 promotes chondrocyte apoptosis by down-regulation of Sphingosine kinase-1 and ameliorates PI3K/AKT pathway in osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of miRNA-103 on chondrocyte apoptosis and molecular mechanisms in osteoarthritis (OA) progression.

METHODS

The cell proliferation, apoptosis, and recovery ability were measured by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry, and wound healing assays. The interaction of miRNA-103 and Sphingosine kinase-1 (SPHK1) were determined by using luciferase reporter assay. The expression of mRNA and proteins were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blot. OA rat model was established by surgery stimulation.

RESULTS

miRNA-103 expression was significantly increased in the cartilage of OA patients and surgery-induced OA rat models. miRNA-103 transfection into primary rat chondrocytes reduced SPHK1 expression, induced apoptosis, inhibited cell proliferation, and impeded scratch assay wound closure. Moreover, expression of total AKT, and p-AKT were significantly reduced in miRNA-103-overexpressing chondrocytes while SPHK1 up-regulation increased the expression of phosphatidylinsitol-3-kinase (PI3K) and p-AKT, and reversed the proliferation suppression induced by the miRNA-103 mimic.

CONCLUSIONS

Our studies suggest that miRNA-103 contributes to chondrocyte apoptosis, promoting OA progression by down-regulation of PI3K/AKT pathway through the reduction in SPHK1 activity.

High follicle-stimulating hormone levels accelerate cartilage damage of knee osteoarthritis in postmenopausal women through the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway

Osteoarthritis is the main cause of pain and disability in the elderly, with the most commonly affected joint being the knee. The prevalence of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is significantly increased in postmenopausal women, although the mechanisms underlying KOA remain unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the association between follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) and postmenopausal women with KOA aged between 50 and > 70 years, as well as explore its underlying molecular mechanisms. Here, we report that the 50–60 years age group had the highest level of serum FSH. Compared to the low FSH group (< 40 mIU·mL⁻¹) in the same age group, the high FSH group (> 40 mIU·mL⁻¹) showed more severe cartilage damage. Furthermore, phosphorylated (p)‐phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/PI3K, p‐AKT/AKT and p‐nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB)/NF‐κB levels were significantly higher in the high FSH group compared to the low FSH group. Immunofluorescence experiments showed that FSH stimulation promoted the translocation of NF‐κB p65 into the nucleus, and decreased type II collagen and aggrecan in ATDC5 cells. Moreover, we used western blotting in ATDC5 cells to demonstrate that FSH decreased type II collagen and increased p‐PI3K/PI3K, p‐AKT/AKT, p‐NF‐κB/NF‐κB and p‐IKB/IKB in a concentration‐dependent manner. Our results suggest that increased FSH levels are associated with KOA for postmenopausal women aged 50–60 years and that high FSH levels might damage the cartilage tissues through the PI3K/AKT/NF‐κB pathway.

Pathogenesis of Osteoarthritis: Risk Factors, Regulatory Pathways in Chondrocytes, and Experimental Models

As the most common chronic degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis (OA) is the leading cause of pain and physical disability, affecting millions of people worldwide. Mainly characterized by articular cartilage degradation, osteophyte formation, subchondral bone remodeling, and synovial inflammation, OA is a heterogeneous disease that impacts all component tissues of the articular joint organ. Pathological changes, and thus symptoms, vary from person to person, underscoring the critical need of personalized therapies. However, there has only been limited progress towards the prevention and treatment of OA, and there are no approved effective disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs). Conventional treatments, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and physical therapy, are still the major remedies to manage the symptoms until the need for total joint replacement. In this review, we provide an update of the known OA risk factors and relevant mechanisms of action. In addition, given that the lack of biologically relevant models to recapitulate human OA pathogenesis represents one of the major roadblocks in developing DMOADs, we discuss current in vivo and in vitro experimental OA models, with special emphasis on recent development and application potential of human cell-derived microphysiological tissue chip platforms.

Geraniol-mediated osteoarthritis improvement by down-regulating PI3K/Akt/NF-κB and MAPK signals: In vivo and in vitro studies

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease that has received increasing attention among the elderly. Its clinical manifestation is primarily long-term joint pain. Evidence for the pharmacological effects of geraniol in various diseases is accumulating. However, whether geraniol has a therapeutic effect against OA remains to be determined. In this study, we discussed the anti-inflammatory effects of geraniol in IL-1β-induced chondrocytes and the anti-cartilage degradation effects in a mouse model of destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM). In cell experiments, we found that the treatment of geraniol inhibited the expression of IL-1β-induced PGE2, NO, COX-2, iNOS, TNF-α and IL-6 by western blot, qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining. Besides, geraniol inhibited the expression of MMP-9 and ADAMTS-5, and reversed the degradation of aggrecan and type II collagen. Mechanistically, we revealed that geraniol suppressed IL-1β-stimulated PI3K/Akt/NF-κB and MAPK activation. Importantly, we have found in animal experiments that oral treatment of geraniol was beneficial in protecting articular cartilage from degradation. Overall, these data indicated that geraniol may have the potential to be developed as an effective treatment for OA.

Natural ingredients-derived antioxidants attenuate H2O2-induced oxidative stress and have chondroprotective effects on human osteoarthritic chondrocytes via Keap1/Nrf2 pathway

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common disabling joint disease and its pathological process is closely related to oxidative stress. Recent studies have shown that antioxidants allicin, sulforaphane, and lycopene derived from natural ingredients garlic, broccoli, and tomato can reduce the degree of oxidative stress and the expression of inflammatory markers, indicating that theses antioxidants might be helpful for OA treatment. In this study, we investigated the effects of allicin, sulforaphane, and lycopene on H₂O₂-stimulated human osteochondral samples and osteoarthritic chondrocytes. Our results revealed that allicin, sulforaphane, and lycopene effectively reduced the oxidative stress-induced cell apoptosis, and increased gene expression of antioxidant enzymes. Besides, these natural ingredients-derived antioxidants reduced the expression of inflammatory factors, enhanced the chondrogenic matrix synthesis, and reduced the hypertrophic differentiation of osteoarthritic chondrocytes. These regulations were mainly through the activation of Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. Our findings suggest that these antioxidants might be a potential therapeutic strategy for OA.

Apelin enhances IL-1β expression in human synovial fibroblasts by inhibiting miR-144-3p through the PI3K and ERK pathways

Much data suggests intersecting activities between the adipokine apelin (APLN) and the pathologic processes of obesity and osteoarthritis (OA), with APLN modulating cartilage, synovium, bone, and various immune cell activities. The synovium plays an important role in the pathogenesis of OA. We investigated the crosstalk between APLN, a major OA-related adipokine, and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), a major proinflammatory cytokine, in human OA synovial fibroblasts (OASFs). We showed that APLN stimulated the synthesis of IL-1β in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, which was mitigated by blockade of the PI3K and ERK pathway. We also showed that APLN inhibited the expression of miRNA-144-3p, which blocks IL-1β transcription; this suppression activity was reversed via blockade of the PI3K and ERK pathway. Moreover, pathologic changes in OA cartilage were rescued when APLN was silenced by shAPLN transfection both in vitro and in vivo. Our evidence is the first to show that APLN stimulates the expression of IL-1β by activating the PI3K and ERK pathway and suppressing downstream expression of miRNA-144-3p in OASFs. We also demonstrate that knockdown of APLN expression by shAPLN transfection ameliorated changes in OA cartilage severity. These results shed light on OA pathogenesis and suggest a novel treatment pathway.

Garlic and its Active Compounds: A Potential Candidate in The Prevention of Cancer by Modulating Various Cell Signalling Pathways

BACKGROUND

Cancer is a multi-factorial disease including alterations in the cell signalling pathways. Currently, several drugs are in use to treat cancer but such drugs show negative side effects on normal cells and cause severe toxicity.

METHODS

The current research is mainly focused on medicinal plants with potential therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of cancer without any adverse effects on normal cells. In this regard, garlic and its active compounds including diallyl sulfide, diallyl trisulfide, ajoene, and allicin have been established to suppress the growth of cancer and killing of cancer cells.

RESULT

The review focuses on garlic and its active compounds chemopreventive effect through modulating various cell signalling pathways. Additionally, garlic and its active compound were established to induce cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase and G2/M phases in cancer cells, increase the expression of tumor suppressor genes, inhibit the angiogenesis process, induction of apoptosis and modulation of various other genetic pathways.

CONCLUSION

This review sketches the diverse chemopreventive activities of garlic and their active ingredients in the management of cancer mainly focusing on cell signalling pathways.

An Evidence-based Review of Medicinal Plants used in Traditional Persian Medicine for Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is known to be the leading cause of pain and disability in the elderly. The prevalence of this disease in adults over 60 years was 9.6% in men and 18% in women. The therapeutic goals of this disease generally include pain relief with the least side effects, improvement of articular function and improvement of life, in which pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments are performed in different protocols. Due to the common side effects of pain relievers and complaints after invasive joint surgeries, there is a growing interest in the use of Traditional and Complementary protocols in OA treatment. In this paper, different sources of Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) were searched to obtain any evidence evaluating any medicinal plants in the management of OA. Over 250 effective medicinal plants for the treatment of OA have been introduced in these sources, and by searching electronic databases including PubMed and Scopus, we have found that of these plants, 39 have direct or indirect evidence in the treatment of this complication by different mechanism of actions such as effect on Body mass index (BMI), obesity and dyslipidemia, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and antioxidant activity. The most important medicinal plants with direct evidence in the management of OA are Allium sativum, Commiphora mukul, Linum usitatissimum, Matricaria chamomilla, Nigella sativa, Zingiber officinale, and Piper nigrum. Medicinal plants seem to be a valuable source for discovering and identifying new drugs for treatment of OA; however, since most of the studies are preclinical, further clinical trials are required to achieve more conclusive results.

Allicin pharmacology: Common molecular mechanisms against neuroinflammation and cardiovascular diseases

According to investigations in phytomedicine and ethnopharmacology, the therapeutic properties of garlic (Allium sativum) have been described by ancestral cultures. Notwithstanding, it is of particular concern to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying this millenary empirical knowledge. Allicin (S-allyl prop-2-ene-1-sulfinothioate), a thioester of sulfenic acid, is one of the main bioactive compounds present in garlic, and it is responsible for the particular aroma of the spice. The pharmacological attributes of allicin integrate a broad spectrum of properties (e.g., anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antibiotic, antifungal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, nephroprotective, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and anti-tumoral activities, among others). The primary goal of the present article is to review and clarify the common molecular mechanisms by which allicin and its derivates molecules may perform its therapeutic effects on cardiovascular diseases and neuroinflammatory processes. The intricate interface connecting the cardiovascular and nervous systems suggests that the impairment of one organ could contribute to the dysfunction of the other. Allicin might target the cornerstone of the pathological processes underlying cardiovascular and neuroinflammatory disorders, like inflammation, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) hyperactivation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Indeed, the current evidence suggests that allicin improves mitochondrial function by enhancing the expression of HSP70 and NRF2, decreasing RAAS activation, and promoting mitochondrial fusion processes. Finally, allicin represents an attractive therapeutic alternative targeting the complex interaction between cardiovascular and neuroinflammatory disorders.

Protective effects of Erdosteine on interleukin-1β-stimulated inflammation via inhibiting the activation of MAPK, NF-κB, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways in rat osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative arthropathy, is featured with progressive degradation of cartilage and a chondrocyte inflammatory response. Erdosteine (ER) showed the anti-oxidant properties and various anti-inflammatory effects in various diseases. However, whether it protects against OA remains unknown. In this study, we explore the potential therapeutic properties of ER on IL-1β-stimulated rat chondrocytes and its underlying mechanism in vitro and vivo. Cell viability, pro-inflammatory cytokines and the degradation of ECM biomarkers were tested to determine the effects of ER at 10, 20, and 40 μM doses on IL-1β-induced rat chondrocytes for 24 h in virto. In vivo, intra-articular injections of 50 μl of 100 mg/ml ER twice a week for 8 weeks. The results showed ER significantly suppressed the expressions of IL-1β-induced the production of inflammatory factors in a dose-dependent pattern (4.30-fold decrease in COX-2, p < 0.05; 4.77-fold decrease in iNOS, p < 0.05 at 40 μM in protein levels). Moreover, ER could attenuate the degradation of ECM in IL-1β-induced rat chondrocytes by repressing the expression of OA-related factors (2.40-fold decrease in ADAMTS-5, p < 0.05; 3.12-fold decrease in MMP1, p < 0.05; 3.97-fold decrease in MMP3, p < 0.05; and 2.62-fold decrease in MMP-13, p < 0.05 at 40 μM in protein levels). Furthermore, our study revealed that ER could inhibit the activations of IL-1β-induced MAPK and Wnt/β-catenin. Besides, ER could suppress the process of IL-1β-induced P65 from the cytoplasm into the nucleus. In vivo, ER delaied the osteoarthritis progression in rat OA models. Collectively, ER might become a new therapeutic agent for OA.

Cedrol attenuates collagen-induced arthritis in mice and modulates the inflammatory response in LPS-mediated fibroblast-like synoviocytes

Ginger has been used as a flavouring agent and traditional medicine for a long time in Asian countries.

Scutellarin suppresses cartilage destruction in osteoarthritis mouse model by inhibiting the NF-κB and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways

Osteoarthritis (OA), a common and severe disease, is predominantly characterized by cartilage destruction, which results in the degeneration of joint surfaces. Nowadays, it is accepted that TNFα plays a critical role in OA. Scutellarin, the main bioactive flavonoid glycoside extracted form Erigeron breviscapus, has been reported to exert positive effects on anti-inflammatory reactions. However, the effect of scutellarin in OA is still unknown. In this study, we isolated and cultured primary murine chondrocytes, stimulating TNF-α, in the presence or absence of scutellarin treatment. We found that the inflammatory response stimulated by TNF-α was significantly inhibited by the addition of scutellarin. Moreover, we established OA mouse models induced by surgery. In this mouse model, both inflammatory reaction and cartilage degeneration were markedly inhibited by oral administration of scutellarin. Furthermore, the cellular mechanism underlying the protective effect of scutellarin in OA was clearly associated with the NF-κB and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Collectively, this study proposes scutellarin as a potential therapeutic to treat joint degenerative diseases, including OA.

Comparative Analyses of Pharmaceuticals or Food Supplements Containing Chondroitin Sulfate: Are Their Bioactivities Equivalent?

Introduction

Oral supplementation of chondroitin sulfate (CS) and glucosamine (GlcN), symptomatic slow-acting molecules, is recommended by European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) and other European Union (EU) guidelines for the restoration of the articular cartilage surface in patients affected by osteoarthritis (OA). They are commercialized as pharmaceutical grade products and as food supplements in combination with plant extracts hyaluronic acid, methylsulfonylmethane, and other components. Food supplements do not need to undergo the strict regulatory controls of pharmaceutical grade products; thus, composition and contaminants that could be present may not be evidenced before commercialization and these uncertainties may give rise to concerns about the bioactivity of these formulations.

Methods

In this paper 10 different food supplements (FS) from diverse European countries were analyzed in comparison with two pharmaceutical grade products (Ph) using updated analytical approaches and biochemical cell-based assays. The purity, the titer, and the origin of CS in Ph and FS samples were initially assessed in order to successively compare the biological function. Both food supplements and pharmaceutical formulations were tested in vitro, using the same final CS concentration, on primary chondrocytes and synoviocytes in terms of (i) cell viability, (ii) activation of the NF-κB-mediated inflammation pathway, (iii) cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP-2), IL-6, and IL-8 production.

Results

All the FS presented a certain insoluble fraction; the CS and the GlcN contents were lower than the declared ones in 9/10 and 8/10 samples, respectively. All FS contained keratan sulfate (KS) at up to 50% of the total glycosaminoglycan amount declared on the label. Primary cells treated with the samples diluted to present the same CS concentration in the medium showed cytotoxicity in 7/10 FS while Ph preserved viability and reduced NF-κB, COMP-2, and secreted inflammatory cytokines.

Conclusion

Among all samples tested, the pharmaceutical grade products demonstrated effective modulation of biomarkers counteracting the inflammation status and improving viability and the physiological condition of OA human primary chondrocyte and synoviocyte cells. In contrast to that, most FS were cytotoxic at the tested concentrations, and only 3/10 of them showed similarities to Ph sample behavior in vitro.

Funding

This work was partially supported by PON01_1226 NUTRAFAST, MIUR Ministero dell’Università e della Ricerca Scientifica. Bioteknet financed two short-term grants for graduate technicians. The journal’s Rapid Service and Open Access fees were funded by IBSA CH.

Allicin alleviates lead-induced hematopoietic stem cell aging by up-regulating PKM2

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) aging is associated with hematopoietic dysfunction and diseases. Our previous study showed that lead exposure induced a functional decline in HSCs. Allicin, a chemical extracted from the garlic (Allium sativum L.), has been reported to have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the biological activities of allicin on lead-induced toxicity, especially in the hematopoietic system, remain unclear. Here, we found that lead exposure elicited aging phenotypes in HSCs, including perturbed cell quiescence, disabled self-renewal function and colony-forming ability, and myeloid-biased differentiation, all of which contributed to significant hematopoietic disorders in mice. Intragastric administration of allicin substantially ameliorated lead-induced HSCs aging phenotypes in vivo. Lead exposure induced a peroxide condition in HSCs leading to DNA damage, which reduced expression of the glycolytic enzyme pyruvate kinase M2 isoform (PKM2), a phenotype which was significantly ameliorated by allicin treatment. These findings suggested that allicin alleviated lead-induced HSCs aging by up-regulating PKM2 expression; thus, it could be a natural herb for preventing lead toxicity.

Dihydroartemisinin derivative DC32 inhibits inflammatory response in osteoarthritic synovium through regulating Nrf2/NF-κB pathway

Synovitis is an aseptic inflammation that leads to joint effusion, pain and swelling. As one of the main drivers of pathogenesis in osteoarthritis (OA), the presence of synovitis contributes to pain, incidence and progression of OA. In our previous study, DC32 [(9α,12α-dihydroartemisinyl) bis(2'-chlorocinnmate)], a dihydroartemisinin derivative, was found to have an antirheumatic ability via immunosuppression, but the effect of DC32 on synovitis has not been fully illuminated. In this study, we chose to evaluate the effect and mechanism of DC32 on attenuating synovial inflammation. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) of papain-induced OA rats were isolated and cultured. And DC32 significantly inhibited the invasion and migration of cultured OA-FLSs, as well as the transcription of IL-6, IL-1β, CXCL12 and CX3CL1 in cultured OA-FLSs measured by qPCR. DC32 remarkably inhibited the activation of ERK and NF-κB pathway, increased the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in cultured OA-FLSs detected by western blot. DC32 inhibited the degradation and phosphorylation of IκBα which further prevented the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and the effect of DC32 could be relieved by siRNA for Nrf2. In papain-induced OA mice, DC32 significantly alleviated papain-induced mechanical allodynia, knee joint swelling and infiltration of inflammatory cell in synovium. DC32 upregulated the mRNA expression of Type II collagen and aggrecan, and downregulated the mRNA expression of MMP2, MMP3, MMP13 and ADAMTS-5 in the knee joints of papain-induced OA mice measured by qPCR. The level of TNF-α in the serum and secretion of TNF-α in the knee joints were also reduced by DC32 in papain-induced OA mice. In conclusion, DC32 inhibited the inflammatory response in osteoarthritic synovium through regulating Nrf2/NF-κB pathway and attenuated OA. In this way, DC32 may be a potential agent in the treatment of OA.

Immunomodulatory Effects of the Nutraceutical Garlic Derivative Allicin in the Progression of Diabetic Nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is presently the primary cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It has been suggested that inflammation and oxidative stress, in addition to or in concert with the metabolic changes, plays an important role in the maintenance and progression of the disease. Therefore, attenuating or blocking these mechanisms may be a therapeutic target to delay the progression of the disease. Diallyl thiosulfinate (allicin), a compound derived from garlic, inhibits free radical formation, increases glutathione synthesis and decreases the levels of proinflammatory molecules in vitro. This research aimed to assess the effect of allicin on oxidative stress and inflammation-induced diabetes. Animals were divided into control and diabetes (streptozotocin 50 mg/kg i.p.), and maintained for 30 days. After 30 days, the group of diabetic animals was subdivided into diabetes and allicin-treated diabetes (16 mg/kg/day oral gavage). The three experimental groups were maintained for another month. We analyzed the status of renal function, oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokines. The untreated diabetic group showed hyperglycemia and increased diuresis, creatinine clearance, proteinuria, glycosuria and urinary excretion of N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAG), as well as increased oxidative stress and the expression of interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, nuclear factor kappa beta (NFκβ) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in plasma and kidney. In contrast, the inhibitor of NFκβ (Iκβ) is decreased in the cortex. It has been demonstrated that the allicin treatment decreases hyperglycemia, polyuria, and NAG excretion. The oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokines were also reduced by the allicin treatment. In conclusion, allicin delays the progression of diabetic nephropathy through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.