Rosmarinic Acid Attenuates Sodium Taurocholate-Induced Acute Pancreatitis in Rats by Inhibiting Nuclear Factor-κB Activation

Ameliorative potential of rosmarinic acid in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome: Targeting MCP-1 and VEGF: A histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical study

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multidisciplinary endocrinopathy that affects women of reproductive age. It is characterized by menstrual complications, hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular issues. The current research investigated the efficacy of rosmarinic acid in letrozole-induced PCOS in adult female rats as well as the potential underlying molecular mechanisms. Forty female rats were divided into the control group, the rosmarinic acid group (50 mg/kg per orally, po) for 21 days, PCOS group; PCOS was induced by administration of letrozole (1 mg/kg po) for 21 days, and rosmarinic acid-PCOS group, received rosmarinic acid after PCOS induction. PCOS resulted in a marked elevation in both serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone levels and LH/follicle-stimulating hormone ratio with a marked reduction in serum estradiol and progesterone levels. A marked rise in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor (messenger RNA) in the ovarian tissue was reported. The histological analysis displayed multiple cystic follicles in the ovarian cortex with markedly thin granulosa cell layer, vacuolated granulosa and theca cell layers, and desquamated granulosa cells. Upregulation in the immune expression of TNF-α and caspase-3 was demonstrated in the ovarian cortex. Interestingly, rosmarinic acid ameliorated the biochemical and histopathological changes. In conclusion, rosmarinic acid ameliorates letrozole-induced PCOS through its anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenesis effects.

Unveiling the Dual Nature of Heavy Metals: Stressors and Promoters of Phenolic Compound Biosynthesis in Basilicum polystachyon (L.) Moench In Vitro

The global industrial revolution has led to a substantial rise in heavy metal levels in the environment, posing a serious threat to nature. Plants synthesize phenolic compounds under stressful conditions, which serve as protective agents against oxidative stress. Basilicum polystachyon (L.) Moench is an herbaceous plant of the Lamiaceae family. Some species within this family are recognized for their capacity to remediate sites contaminated with heavy metals. In this study, the effects of mercury (II) chloride and lead (II) nitrate on the in vitro propagation of B. polystachyon were investigated. Shoot tips from in vitro plantlets were cultured in Murashige and Skoog's (MS) media with heavy metals ranging from 1 to 200 µM to induce abiotic stress and enhance the accumulation of phenolic compounds. After three weeks, MS medium with 1 µM of lead (II) supported the highest shoot multiplication, and the maximum number of roots per explant was found in 100 µM of lead (II), whereas a higher concentration of heavy metals inhibited shoot multiplication and root development. The plantlets were hardened in a greenhouse with a 96% field survival rate. Flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS) was used to detect heavy metal contents in plant biomass. At both 200 µM and 50 µM concentrations, the greatest accumulation of mercury (II) was observed in the roots (16.94 ± 0.44 µg/g) and shoots (17.71 ± 0.66 µg/g), respectively. Similarly, lead (II) showed the highest accumulation in roots (17.10 ± 0.54 µg/g) and shoots (7.78 ± 0.26 µg/g) at 200 µM and 50 µM exposures, respectively. Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) identified and quantified various phenolic compounds in B. polystachyon leaves, including gallic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, ellagic acid, rosmarinic acid, and trans-cinnamic acid. These compounds were found in different forms, such as free, esterified, and glycosylated. Mercury (II)-exposed plants exhibited elevated levels of vanillic acid (1959.1 ± 3.66 µg/g DW), ellagic acid (213.55 ± 2.11 µg/g DW), and rosmarinic acid (187.72 ± 1.22 µg/g DW). Conversely, lead (II)-exposed plants accumulated higher levels of caffeic acid (42.53±0.61 µg/g DW) and p-coumaric acid (8.04 ± 0.31 µg/g DW). Trans-cinnamic acid was the predominant phenolic compound in control plants, with a concentration of 207.74 ± 1.45 µg/g DW. These results suggest that sublethal doses of heavy metals can act as abiotic elicitors, enhancing the production of phenolic compounds in B. polystachyon. The present work has the potential to open up new commercial opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry.

The role of inflammation in cadmium nephrotoxicity: NF-κB comes into view

Kidney diseases are major health problem and understanding the underlined mechanisms that lead to kidney diseases are critical research points with a marked potential impact on health. Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal that occurs naturally and can be found in contaminated food. Kidneys are the most susceptible organ to heavy metal intoxication as it is the main route of waste excretion. The harmful effects of Cd were previously well proved. Cd induces inflammatory responses, oxidative injury, mitochondrial dysfunction and disturbs Ca²⁺ homeostasis. The nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) is a cellular transcription factor that regulates inflammation and controls the expression of many inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, great therapeutic benefits can be attained from NF-κB inhibition. In this review we focused on certain compounds including cytochalasin D, mangiferin, N-acetylcysteine, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, roflumilast, rosmarinic acid, sildenafil, sinapic acid, telmisartan and wogonin and certain plants as Astragalus Polysaccharide, Ginkgo Biloba and Thymus serrulatus that potently inhibit NF-κB and effectively counteracted Cd-associated renal intoxication. In conclusion, the proposed NF-κB involvement in Cd-renal intoxication clarified the underlined inflammation associated with Cd-nephropathy and the beneficial effects of NF-κB inhibitors that make them the potential to substantially optimize treatment protocols for Cd-renal intoxication.

A Comprehensive Review of Rosmarinic Acid: From Phytochemistry to Pharmacology and Its New Insight

Polyphenolic acids are the widely occurring natural products in almost each herbal plant, among which rosmarinic acid (RA, C18H16O8) is well-known, and is present in over 160 species belonging to many families, especially the Lamiaceae. Aside from this herbal ingredient, dozens of its natural derivatives have also been isolated and characterized from many natural plants. In recent years, with the increasing focus on the natural products as alternative treatments, a large number of pharmacological studies have been carried out to demonstrate the various biological activities of RA such as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-diabetes, anti-virus, anti-tumor, neuroprotection, hepatoprotection, etc. In addition, investigations concerning its biosynthesis, extraction, analysis, clinical applications, and pharmacokinetics have also been performed. Although many achievements have been made in various research aspects, there still exist some problems or issues to be answered, especially its toxicity and bioavailability. Thus, we hope that in the case of natural products, the present review can not only provide a comprehensive understanding on RA covering its miscellaneous research fields, but also highlight some of the present issues and future perspectives worth investigating later, in order to help us utilize this polyphenolic acid more efficiently, widely, and safely.

Biomedical features and therapeutic potential of rosmarinic acid

For decades, the use of secondary metabolites of various herbs has been an attractive strategy in combating human diseases. Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a bioactive phenolic compound commonly found in plants of Lamiaceae and Boraginaceae families. RA is biosynthesized using amino acids tyrosine and phenylalanine via enzyme-catalyzed reactions. However, the chemical synthesis of RA involves an esterification reaction between caffeic acid and 3,4-dihydroxy phenyl lactic acid contributing two phenolic rings to the structure of RA. Several studies have ascertained multiple therapeutic benefits of RA in various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, inflammatory disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, and liver diseases. Many previous scientific papers indicate that RA can be used as an anti-plasmodic, anti-viral and anti-bacterial drug. In addition, due to its high anti-oxidant capacity, this natural polyphenol has recently gained attention for its possible application as a nutraceutical compound in the food industry. Here we provide state-of-the-art, flexible therapeutic potential and biomedical features of RA, its implications and multiple uses. Along with various valuable applications in safeguarding human health, this review further summarizes the therapeutic advantages of RA in various human diseases, including cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, the challenges associated with the clinical applicability of RA have also been discussed.

Cardioprotective effect of rosmarinic acid against myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury via suppression of the NF-κB inflammatory signalling pathway and ROS production in mice

CONTEXT

Rosmarinic acid (RosA), a natural poly-phenolic compound isolated from a variety of Labiatae herbs, has been reported to have a range of biological effects.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the cardioprotective effects of RosA against myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male C57BL/6J mice were given RosA (100 mg/kg) via intragastric administration. After 1 week of administration, the mice were subjected to 30 min/24 h myocardial I/R injury. The mice were randomly subdivided into 4 groups: Vehicle, RosA, Vehicle + I/R, and RosA + I/R. Infarct size (IS), cardiac function (including EF, FS), histopathology, serum enzyme activities, ROS changes, cis aconitase (ACO) activity, and specific mRNA and protein levels were assessed in vivo. HL-1 cells were pre-treated with or without RosA (50 μM), followed by stimulation with 9 h/6 h of oxygen and glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation (OGD/R). The cells were randomly subdivided into 4 groups: Vehicle, RosA, Vehicle + OGD/R, and RosA + OGD/R. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, ACO activity, ROS changes and protein levels were measured in vitro.

RESULTS

Treatment with RosA reduced the following indicators in vivo (p < 0.05): (1) IS (14.5%); (2) EF (-23.4%) and FS (-18.4%); (3) the myocardial injury enzymes CK-MB (20.8 ng/mL) and cTnI (7.7 ng/mL); (4) DHE-ROS: (94.1%); (5) ACO activity (-2.1 mU/mg protein); (6) ogdh mRNA level (122.9%); and (7) OGDH protein level (69.9%). Moreover, treatment with RosA attenuated the following indicators in vitro (p < 0.05): (1) LDH level (191 U/L); (2) DHE-ROS: (165.2%); (3) ACO activity (-3.2 mU/mg protein); (4) ogdh mRNA level (70.0%); and (5) OGDH (110.1%), p-IκB-a (56.8%), and p-NF-κB (57.7%) protein levels.

CONCLUSIONS

RosA has the potential to treat myocardial I/R injury with potential application in the clinic.

Rosmarinic acid suppresses inflammation, angiogenesis, and improves paclitaxel induced apoptosis in a breast cancer model via NF3 κB-p53-caspase-3 pathways modulation

Rosmarinic acid is a natural polyphenolic compound that is found in different plant species and used for different medicinal purposes. This study aimed to investigate the chemo-preventive effect of rosmarinic acid and evaluate its antitumor efficacy alone or in combination with Paclitaxel in breast cancer mice model. Ehrlich induced mice mammary solid tumor model was used in the study. Mice were treated with oral rosmarinic acid and intraperitoneal Paclitaxel. Inflammation, angiogenesis, and apoptosis were checked. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), quantitative real time PCR, and immunohistochemical methods were performed. Rosmarinic acid used prior to tumor induction suppressed NF-κB, TNF-α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) serum levels, and VEGF receptors. It also triggered apoptosis by restoring the levels of P53, Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3. Furthermore, in Ehrlich solid tumor mice, rosmarinic acid, and/or Paclitaxel significantly suppressed tumor growth with an increase in apoptotic markers P53 and Caspase-3 levels, and suppressed the Bcl2/Bax ratio. Rosmarinic acid exerted chemo-preventive and therapeutic potential alone or in combination with Paclitaxel. Moreover, rosmarinic acid targets numerous signaling pathways associated with breast cancer.

Rosmarinic acid ameliorated cardiac dysfunction and mitochondrial injury in diabetic cardiomyopathy mice via activation of the SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway

Mitochondrial injury plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). Previous studies demonstrated that rosmarinic acid (RA) treatment prevented high glucose-induced mitochondrial injury in vitro. However, whether RA can ameliorate cardiac function by preventing mitochondrial injury in DCM is unknown. The SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway has emerged as an important regulator of metabolic control and other mitochondrial functions. The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of RA on mitochondrial and cardiac function in DCM as well as the involvement of the SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway. Our results revealed that RA improved cardiac systolic and diastolic function and prevented mitochondrial injury in DCM, as shown by the reduced blood glucose and lipid levels, increased mitochondrial membrane potential levels, improved adenosine triphosphate synthesis, and inhibited apoptosis (P < 0.05). Moreover, RA upregulated the expression of SIRT1 and PGC-1α in DCM mice and high glucose-treated H9c2 cardiomyocytes (P < 0.05). Further mechanistic studies in H9c2 cardiomyocytes revealed that suppression of SIRT1 by Sh-SIRT1 counteracted the effects of RA on high glucose-induced abnormal metabolism of glucose and lipids, oxidative stress and apoptosis (P < 0.05). Taken together, these data indicate that RA prevented mitochondrial injury and cardiac dysfunction in DCM mice, and the SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway mediated the protective effects of RA.

Asiaticoside ameliorates acinar cell necrosis in acute pancreatitis via toll-like receptor 4 pathway

Acinar cell necrosis is one of the most prominent pathophysiological changes of acute pancreatitis (AP). Asiaticoside (AS) is a triterpene compound with confirmed apoptosis-and necrosis-related activities. However, the specific effects of AS on AP have not been determined. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of AS on AP using two mouse models. In the caerulein-induced mild acute pancreatitis (MAP) model, We found that AS administration reduced serum amylase levels and alleviated the histopathological manifestations of pancreatic tissue in a dose-dependent manner. And the levels of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and necrotic related proteins (RIP3 and p-MLKL) of pancreatic tissue were reduced after AS administration. In addition, TLR4 deficiency eliminated the protective effect of AS on AP induced by caerulein in mice. Correspondingly, we elucidated the effect of AS in vitro and found that AS protected against pancreatic acinar cells necrosis and TAK-242 counteracted this protective effect. Meanwhile, we found that AS ameliorated the severity of pancreatic tissue injury and pancreatitis-associated lung injury in a severe acute pancreatitis model induced by l-arginine. Furthermore, Molecular docking results revealed interaction between AS and TLR4. Taken together, our data for the first time confirmed the protective effects of AS on AP in mice via TLR4 pathway.

The effects of rosmarinic acid on oxidative stress parameters and inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide-induced peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a potential herbal medicine and has received considerable attention due to its strong antioxidant properties. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of RA on inflammation and oxidative stress induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). PBMCs were pre-treated with various contents of RA (20, 40, 80 µM) for 24 h, then, stimulated with LPS (10 ng/ml) for more 6 h. ELISA and Real-time PCR were done to detect the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, COX-2, IL-1β and IL-10. Western blot was done to investigate the phosphorylated amounts of P65-NF-κB and JNK. Inflammatory cytokines and oxidant-antioxidant parameters were determined by colorimetric and ELISA methods. The results indicated that LPS augmented the protein levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β cytokines as well as the mRNA levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2, and IL-10 cytokines in in PBMCs. However, pretreatment with RA could reduce the impact of LPS on inflammatory markers. In addition, RA inhibited P65-NF-κB and JNK phosphorylation. LPS also caused a decrease in antioxidant enzymes, total thiol, and total antioxidant capacity as well as an increment in malondialdehyde and nitric oxide metabolite contents that RA abrogated them. Collectively, our finding demonstrated that RA ameliorates LPS-induced inflammation in PBMCs. RA reduces oxidative stress by preventing lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide production as well as restarting the activity of the GPx and SOD enzymes. Furthermore, our findings indicated that RA was able to protect PBMCs from inflammation via inhibiting the NF-κB and JNK MAPK pathways. This evidence shows a promising therapeutic role for RA in inflammatory status.

A Review of the Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Rosmarinic Acid on Inflammatory Diseases

Inflammatory diseases are caused by abnormal immune responses and are characterized by an imbalance of inflammatory mediators and cells. In recent years, the anti-inflammatory activity of natural products has attracted wide attention. Rosmarinic acid (RosA) is a water-soluble phenolic compound that is an ester of caffeic acid and 3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl lactic acid. It is discovered in many plants, like those of the Boraginaceae and Lamiaceae families. RosA has a wide range of pharmacological effects, including anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic, anti-tumorigenic, and anti-inflammatory effects. The anti-inflammatory effects of RosA have been revealed through in vitro and in vivo studies of various inflammatory diseases like arthritis, colitis, and atopic dermatitis. This article mainly describes the preclinical research of RosA on inflammatory diseases and depicts a small amount of clinical research data. The purpose of this review is to discuss the anti-inflammatory effects of RosA in inflammatory diseases and its underlying mechanism.

Rosmarinic acid ameliorates hypoxia/ischemia induced cognitive deficits and promotes remyelination

Rosmarinic acid, a common ester extracted from Rosemary, Perilla frutescens, and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, has been shown to have protective effects against various diseases. This is an investigation into whether rosmarinic acid can also affect the changes of white matter fibers and cognitive deficits caused by hypoxic injury. The right common carotid artery of 3-day-old rats was ligated for 2 hours. The rats were then prewarmed in a plastic container with holes in the lid, which was placed in 37°C water bath for 30 minutes. Afterwards, the rats were exposed to an atmosphere with 8% O₂ and 92% N₂ for 30 minutes to establish the perinatal hypoxia/ischemia injury models. The rat models were intraperitoneally injected with rosmarinic acid 20 mg/kg for 5 consecutive days. At 22 days after birth, rosmarinic acid was found to improve motor, anxiety, learning and spatial memory impairments induced by hypoxia/ischemia injury. Furthermore, rosmarinic acid promoted the proliferation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells in the subventricular zone. After hypoxia/ischemia injury, rosmarinic acid reversed to some extent the downregulation of myelin basic protein and the loss of myelin sheath in the corpus callosum of white matter structure. Rosmarinic acid partially slowed down the expression of oligodendrocyte marker Olig2 and myelin basic protein and the increase of oligodendrocyte apoptosis marker inhibitors of DNA binding 2. These data indicate that rosmarinic acid ameliorated the cognitive dysfunction after perinatal hypoxia/ischemia injury by improving remyelination in corpus callosum. This study was approved by the Animal Experimental Ethics Committee of Xuzhou Medical University, China (approval No. 20161636721) on September 16, 2017.

Modified Da-chai-hu Decoction regulates the expression of occludin and NF-κB to alleviate organ injury in severe acute pancreatitis rats

Modified Da-chai-hu Decoction (MDD), a traditional Chinese medicinal formulation, which was empirically generated from Da-chai-hu decoction, has been utilized to treat severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) for decades. The aim of the present study was to explore its potential organprotective mechanism in SAP. In the present study, rat SAP model was induced by retrograde injection of 3.5% sodium taurocholate into the biliopancreatic duct, MDD (23.35 g/kg body weight, twelve times the clinical dose) were orally given at 2 h before and 10 h after injection. At 12 h after model induction, blood was taken from vena cava for analysis of amylase, diamine oxidase (DAO), pulmonary surfactant protein-A (SP-A), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Histopathological change of pancreas, ileum and lung was assayed by H&E staining, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were determinated using colorimetric assay, and the expressions of occludin and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) were detected by real-time RT-PCR and western blot, respectively. In addition, the tissue concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that in SAP rats, MDD significantly alleviated histopathological damage, depressed the MPO activity and the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, and MCP-1 of pancreas, ileum and lung, and reduced the serum levels of amylase [(3283.4 ± 585.5) U·L^-1vs (5626.4 ± 795.1)U·L^-1], DAO [(1100.1 ± 334.3) U·L^-1vs (1666.4 ± 525.3) U·L^-1] and CRP [(7.6 ± 1.2) μg·mL^-1vs (17.8 ± 3.8) μg·mL^-1]. However, the serum SP-A concentration [(106.1 ± 16.6) pg·mL^-1vs (90.1 ± 14.9) pg·mL^-1] was elevated when treated SAP rats with MDD. Furthermore, MDD increased the occludin expression and reduced the NF-κB expression in pancreas, ileum and lung of SAP rats. Our findings suggested that MDD administration was an effective therapeutic approach for SAP treatment. It could up-regulate occludin expression to protect intercellular tight junction and down-regulate NF-κB expression to inhibit inflammatory reaction of pancreas, ileum and lung.

Hepatoprotective effects of rosmarinic acid: Insight into its mechanisms of action

Liver diseases such as hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma are one of the major health challenges in the world and many conditions such as inadequate nutrition, viral infection, ethanol and drug abuse, xenobiotic exposure, and metabolic diseases have been implicated in the development and progression of liver diseases. Several factors including lipid peroxidation, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), peroxynitrite formation, complement factors and proinflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and chemokines, are involved in hepatic diseases. Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a natural phenolic compound found mainly in the family Lamiaceae consisting of several medicinal plants, herbs and spices. Several biological activities have been reported for RA and these include antioxidant properties as a ROS scavenger and lipid peroxidation inhibitor, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and antiangiogenic among others. This review is aimed at discussing the effects of RA on the liver, highlighting its hepatoprotective potential and the underlying mechanisms.

Effect of Rosmarinic Acid on the Serum Parameters of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism and Oxidative Stress in Estrogen-Deficient Rats

Rosmarinic acid is found in medicinal and spice plants such as rosemary, lemon balm, and mint. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of rosmarinic acid on parameters of glucose and lipid metabolism and parameters of oxidative stress in rats in the early phase of estrogen deficiency. The study was carried out on mature female Wistar rats divided into the following groups: sham-operated control rats, ovariectomized control rats, and ovariectomized rats treated orally with rosmarinic acid at a dose of 10 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg daily for 28 days. The concentration of sex hormones, parameters related to glucose and lipid metabolism as well as parameters of antioxidant abilities and oxidative damage were determined in the blood serum. In the ovariectomized control rats, the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index and cholesterol concentration increased, the superoxide dismutase activity increased, and the reduced glutathione concentration decreased. Administration of rosmarinic acid at both doses induced decreases in the fructosamine concentration and HOMA-IR, an increase in the concentration of reduced glutathione, and a decrease in the concentration of advanced oxidation protein products in ovariectomized rats. Moreover, rosmarinic acid at a dose of 50 mg/kg induced a decrease in the total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. The results indicate that rosmarinic acid may be useful in the prevention of metabolic disorders associated with estrogen deficiency, however further studies are necessary.

Inhibition of macrophage migration inhibitory factor attenuates inflammation and fetal kidney injury in a rat model of acute pancreatitis in pregnancy

Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy (APIP) is a severe disease during pregnancy that mostly occurs during the third trimester. It can lead to additional complications including preterm delivery and high fetal mortality. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of (S, R)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4, 5dihydro-5-isoxazole acetic methyl ester (ISO-1), an inhibitor of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), on fetal kidney injury associated with the maternal acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) and its potential mechanisms in a rat model. The APIP rat model was induced by retrograde infusion of sodium taurocholate saline solution into biliopancreatic duct. ISO-1 was given by intraperitoneally injection 30 min before the model was induced. The levels of maternal serum amylase, lipase, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukins (IL)-1β were measured. Maternal pancreas and fetal kidney injury were evaluated, and the expressions of MIF, phospho-p38MAPK (p-p38), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), TNF-α, IL-1β in fetal kidneys were detected. The results showed that fetal rats exhibited obvious acute kidney injury during APIP, and pregnant rats pretreated with ISO-1 notably attenuated the lesions. ISO-1 also significantly reduced the expression of MIF and the activations of p38MAPK, NF-κB, as well as the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β. These results indicated that ISO-1 could attenuate fetal kidney injury in pregnant rats with ANP by inhibiting MIF mediated p38MAPK/NF-κB signal pathways to reduce inflammatory response.

Xanthoceraside modulates neurogenesis to ameliorate cognitive impairment in APP/PS1 transgenic mice

Neuronal loss is reported to be an important pathological process in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Neurogenesis is a process of generation of new neurons to fill the neuronal loss. Xanthoceraside has been shown to attenuate the cognitive deficits in several AD animal models. However, little is known about the effect of xanthoceraside on neurogenesis in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Thus, in this study, we investigated whether xanthoceraside can ameliorate learning and memory impairment by promoting NSCs proliferation and neuronal differentiation. The results suggested that xanthoceraside significantly ameliorated the cognitive impairment and induced NSCs proliferation and neuronal differentiation in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Meanwhile, in vitro study revealed that xanthoceraside increased the size of NSCs and induced NSCs differentiation into neurons compared with amyloid beta-peptide (25-35) (Aβ25-35) treatment. Furthermore, we found that xanthoceraside significantly increased the expression of Wnt3a and p-GSK3β, decreased the expression of p-β-catenin, and induced nuclear translocation of β-catenin in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Furthermore, in vitro study found that the effect of xanthoceraside on inducing NSCs proliferation and neuronal differentiation were inhibited by Wnt pathway inhibitor Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1). Our data demonstrated that xanthoceraside may promote the proliferation and differentiation of NSCs into neurons by up-regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway to fill the neuronal loss, thereby improving learning and memory impairment in APP/PS1 transgenic mice.

Proteomics analysis demonstrating rosmarinic acid suppresses cell growth by blocking the glycolytic pathway in human HepG2 cells

Rosmarinic acid (RA), isolated from herbal balm mint plants, has demonstrated potent anti-tumor properties against liver cancer. However, the precise underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of RA in HepG2 cells. RA anti-tumor activity was assessed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays, and Hoechst 33258 staining. Apoptosis and the cell cycle distribution were evaluated by flow cytometry. A proteomics approach was used to identify differentially expressed proteins following RA treatment in HepG2 cells, and quantitative reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to validate the results. Bioinformatics analysis was also implemented to further understand the identified proteins, and western blotting was used to analyze the associated proteins. Our results suggested that RA treatment significantly inhibits the viability of HepG2 cells. The MTT and LDH assays indicated dose-dependent decreases in cell proliferation following RA treatment. Hoechst 33258 staining and flow cytometry analysis showed that RA exhibits an apoptosis-inducing effect and induces cell cycle arrest in G1. The proteomics analysis successfully identified 16 differentially expressed proteins. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the identified proteins participated in several biological processes and exhibited various molecular functions, mainly related to inactivation of the glycolytic pathway. Further western blotting analysis showed that RA could downregulate the expression of glucose transporter-1 and hexokinase-2, leading to the suppression of glucose consumption and generation of lactate and ATP. Taken together, our study found that RA exhibits significant cytotoxic effects by inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, possibly by blocking the glycolytic pathway in human HepG2 cells.

Lipophilic ester and amide derivatives of rosmarinic acid protect cells against H2O2-induced DNA damage and apoptosis: The potential role of intracellular accumulation and labile iron chelation

Phenolic acids represent abundant components contained in human diet. However, the negative charge in their carboxylic group limits their capacity to diffuse through biological membranes, thus hindering their access to cell interior. In order to promote the diffusion of rosmarinic acid through biological membranes, we synthesized several lipophilic ester- and amide-derivatives of this compound and evaluated their capacity to prevent H2O2-induced DNA damage and apoptosis in cultured human cells. Esterification of the carboxylic moiety with lipophilic groups strongly enhanced the capacity of rosmarinic acid to protect cells. On the other hand, the amide-derivatives were somewhat less effective but exerted less cytotoxicity at high concentrations. Cell uptake experiments, using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS), illustrated different levels of intracellular accumulation among the ester- and amide-derivatives, with the first being more effectively accumulated, probably due to their extensive hydrolysis inside the cells. In conclusion, these results highlight the hitherto unrecognized fundamental importance of derivatization of diet-derived phenolic acids to unveil their biological potential.

Chronic diseases, inflammation, and spices: how are they linked?

Extensive research within the last several decades has revealed that the major risk factors for most chronic diseases are infections, obesity, alcohol, tobacco, radiation, environmental pollutants, and diet. It is now well established that these factors induce chronic diseases through induction of inflammation. However, inflammation could be either acute or chronic. Acute inflammation persists for a short duration and is the host defense against infections and allergens, whereas the chronic inflammation persists for a long time and leads to many chronic diseases including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, respiratory diseases, etc. Numerous lines of evidence suggest that the aforementioned risk factors induced cancer through chronic inflammation. First, transcription factors NF-κB and STAT3 that regulate expression of inflammatory gene products, have been found to be constitutively active in most cancers; second, chronic inflammation such as pancreatitis, prostatitis, hepatitis etc. leads to cancers; third, activation of NF-κB and STAT3 leads to cancer cell proliferation, survival, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis; fourth, activation of NF-κB and STAT3 leads to resistance to chemotherapy and radiation, and hypoxia and acidic conditions activate these transcription factors. Therefore, targeting these pathways may provide opportunities for both prevention and treatment of cancer and other chronic diseases. We will discuss in this review the potential of various dietary agents such as spices and its components in the suppression of inflammatory pathways and their roles in the prevention and therapy of cancer and other chronic diseases. In fact, epidemiological studies do indicate that cancer incidence in countries such as India where spices are consumed daily is much lower (94/100,000) than those where spices are not consumed such as United States (318/100,000), suggesting the potential role of spices in cancer prevention.

Absorption Properties of Luteolin and Apigenin in Genkwa Flos Using In Situ Single-Pass Intestinal Perfusion System in the Rat

The flower bud of Daphne genkwa (Genkwa Flos) is a commonly used herbal medicine in Asian countries. Luteolin and apigenin are two recognized active flavonoids in Genkwa Flos. The aim of this study was to investigate the intestinal absorption mechanisms of Genkwa Flos flavonoids using in situ single-pass intestinal perfusion rat model. Using HPLC, we determined its major effective flavonoids luteolin, apigenin, as well as, hydroxygenkwanin and genkwanin in biological samples. The intestinal absorption mechanisms of the total flavonoids in Genkwa Flos (TFG) were investigated using in situ single-pass intestinal perfusion rat model. Comparing the TFG absorption rate in different intestinal segments, data showed that the small intestine absorption was significantly higher than that of the colon ([Formula: see text]). Compared with duodenum and ileum, the jejunum was the best small intestinal site for TFG absorption. The high TFG concentration (61.48[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/ml) yielded the highest permeability ([Formula: see text]). Subsequently, three membrane protein inhibitors (verapamil, pantoprazole and probenecid) were used to explore the TFG absorption pathways. Data showed probenecid, a multidrug resistance protein (or MRP) inhibitor, effectively enhanced the TFG absorption ([Formula: see text]). Furthermore, by comparing commonly used natural absorption enhancers on TFG, it was observed that camphor was the most effective. In Situ single-pass intestinal perfusion experiment shows that TFG absorption is much higher in the small intestine than in the colon, and the TFG is absorbed mainly via an active transport pathway with MRP-mediated efflux mechanism. Camphor obviously enhanced the TFG absorption, and this could be an effective TFG formulation preparation method to increase clinical effectiveness after Genkwa Flos administration. Our study elucidated the TFG absorption mechanisms, and provided new information for its formulation preparation.

Hepatoprotective activities of rosmarinic acid against extrahepatic cholestasis in rats

Though rosmarinic acid possesses nutritional, pharmaceutical, and toxic properties and shows therapeutic potential on liver diseases, its therapeutic effects against cholestatic liver diseases have not been proven. Using an extrahepatic cholestasis rat model by bile-duct ligation (BDL), daily oral administration of rosmarinic acid showed improvement effects on liver histology, serum biochemicals, ductular reaction, oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. Rosmarinic acid alleviated BDL-induced transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) production and hepatic collagen deposition, and the anti-fibrotic effects were accompanied by reductions in matrix-producing cells and Smad2/3. BDL rats showed increased hepatic NF-κB/AP-1 activities, inflammatory cell infiltration/accumulation, and cytokine production, and these signs of hepatic inflammation were ameliorated by rosmarinic acid. Mechanistic study revealed an inhibitory effect of rosmarinic acid on the axis of the high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1)/toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) in BDL rats. Results of cultured hepatic stellate cells further showed the impacts of rosmarinic acid which attenuated TGF-β1-induced stellate cell mitogenic and fibrogenic activation. Our findings support the concept that rosmarinic acid could serve as a hepatoprotective agent, and dietary rosmarinic acid supplementation may be beneficial in terms of improving cholestasis-related liver injury via mechanisms involving resolution of oxidative burden and down-regulation of HMGB1/TLR4, NF-κB, AP-1, and TGF-β1/Smad signaling.

Rosmarinic Acid suppressed high glucose-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells by ameliorating the mitochondrial function and activating STAT3

Mitochondrial injury characterized by intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation plays a critical role in hyperglycemia-induced myocardium dysfunction. Previous studies have demonstrated that Rosmarinic Acid (RA) treatment and activating Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway have protective effects on mitochondrial dysfunction in cardiomyocyte, but there is little data regarding cardiomyocyte under condition of high-glucose. The present study was undertaken to determine the relationship between RA and STAT3 activation, as well as their effects on high glucose-induced mitochondrial injury and apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyocyte. Our results revealed that RA pretreatment suppressed high glucose-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells. Moreover, the effect of RA on apoptosis was related with improved mitochondrial function, which was demonstrated by that RA attenuated high glucose-induced ROS generation, inhibited mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) activation, suppressed cytochrome c release and caspase-3 activation. In addition, the phosphorylation of STAT3 in H9c2 cells was inhibited under condition of high-glucose, but RA improved STAT3 phosphorylation. Importantly, inhibition of STAT3 expression by using STAT3-siRNA partly suppressed the effect of RA on high glucose-induced apoptosis. Taken together, pretreatment with RA suppressed high glucose-induced apoptosis in cardiomyocyte by ameliorating mitochondrial function and activating STAT3.