Orientin Ameliorates LPS-Induced Inflammatory Responses through the Inhibitory of the NF-κB Pathway and NLRP3 Inflammasome

Orientin: a comprehensive review of a promising bioactive flavonoid

Medicinal herbs continue to play an important part in modern drugs and healthcare because customers think that most of them have fewer or milder side effects than traditional modern medicines. Bioactive compounds are typically isolated from plants before being used as a source of therapeutic medicines. As a result, extracting bioactive compounds from medicinal plants is an important step in developing plant-based medications. Orientin is a flavonoid C-glycoside found in many plants, is frequently used in bioactivity studies due to its numerous beneficial properties, which include antioxidants, antiaging, anti-inflammation, vasodilation and cardioprotective, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and adaptogenic effects. In this review, the comprehensive search for the health benefits of orientin was traced. The findings reflected that orientin could be considered one of the important natural candidates as a potential nutraceutical. This underscores its promising attributes and potential applications in health and wellness. Further research may be guaranteed to fully elucidate its benefits and mechanisms of action.

Natural flavonoid Orientin restricts 5-Fluorouracil induced cancer stem cells mediated angiogenesis by regulating HIF1α and VEGFA in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Cancer stem cells are a small subpopulation of cells which are responsible for tumor metastasis, angiogenesis, drug resistance etc. 5-Fluorouracil (5FU), a common therapeutic drug used in colorectal cancer treatment is reported to enrich CSCs, tumor recurrence and induces severe organ toxicities resulting in poor clinical outcome in patients. Therefore, we introduced a natural flavonoid Orientin in combination with 5FU to mitigate the CSC mediated angiogenesis and induced toxicities.

METHODS

Tumorosphere generation, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence assay, and western blotting were performed by using 5FU and Orientin individually and both treated colorectal cells and CSCs. In silico study was carried out to check the interaction between HIF1α and Orientin. In ovo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay and tube formation assay using HUVECs were performed to monitor CSC mediated angiogenesis. In vivo CT26 syngeneic mice model was used to validate in silico and ex vivo results.

RESULTS

We found that 5FU treatment significantly increased the CD44+/CD133+ CSC population. In contrast, this CSC population in CSC enriched spheres (CES) derived from HCT116 cells were decreased by combination of Orientin and 5FU. Decrease of CSC's stemness properties was also noted, as evidenced by the downregulation of NANOG, SOX2 and OCT4. This new therapeutic strategy also inhibited CSC mediated angiogenesis by downregulating 5FU induced ROS, NO and LPO in those tumorospheres. Combination of Orientin and 5FU significantly reduced CSC mediated angiogenesis in HUVEC and CAM. Additionally, in silico study predicted that Orientin can bind to the PAS domain of HIF1α, a crucial factor for promoting angiogenesis. Expression of HIF1α and VEGFA were also decreased when the CESs were exposed to the combinatorial treatment. Additionally, we found that treatment with 5FU alone resulted reduction in tumor volume but it enriched CSCs and produced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in vivo. Combined treatment also considerably reduced the CD44+/CD133+ CSC population and hindered angiogenesis in a therapeutic in vivo model in BALB/c mice.

CONCLUSIONS

This novel treatment strategy of "Orientin with 5FU" is likely to improve the efficiency of conventional chemotherapy and may suppress disease recurrence in colorectal cancer by limiting CSC mediated angiogenesis.

Protective effect of orientin on diabetic nephropathy in rat models of high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced diabetes

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) represents the primary cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) worldwide. Orientin is a natural bioactive flavonoid with profound immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative effects. This study aimed to investigate the nephroprotective effect of orientin on rat prototypes of high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DN. 75 male rats were divided into 5 groups of 15 rats each. Rats were fed a HFD for 4 weeks, injected with a single dose of STZ 30 mg/kg, and continued on HFD for 15 weeks. Orientin was administered daily at 40 mg/kg for 15 weeks. The diabetic group reported substantially greater fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and renal function measures than normal controls, as well as notable kidney histological abnormalities such as interstitial inflammation, glomerular shrinkage, and tubular necrosis. Additionally, the diabetic group showed dramatically greater amounts of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β1, MDA, and a much lower level of GSH than the control group. However, orientin had no effect on the glycaemic parameters, but it dramatically reduced blood creatinine levels, prevented the development of histopathological irregularities, and minimized the renal concentrations of inflammatory and oxidative markers. Orientin may be a promising natural medication for improving diabetic nephropathy thanks to its robust anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties.

Predictive Production of a New Highly Soluble Glucoside, Corylin-7-O-β-Glucoside with Potent Anti-inflammatory and Anti-melanoma Activities

Computational tools can now facilitate screening precursors and selecting suitable biotransformation enzymes for producing new bioactive compounds. This study applied the data-mining approach to screen for candidate precursors of glycosyltransferases to produce new glucosides from 412 commercial natural compounds. Among five candidates, experimental results showed that only corylin could be glycosylated by the bacterial glycosyltransferase, BsUGT489. Analysis of interaction potential between candidates and glycosyltransferase by molecular docking tools also found that corylin was the only compatible substrate. The new glucoside was purified and confirmed to be corylin-7-O-β-glucoside. The aqueous solubility of corylin-7-O-β-glucoside was 14.2 times more than its precursor aglycone, corylin. Corylin-7-O-β-glucoside retained anti-inflammatory activity in lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production of murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells, with an IC50 value of 121.1 ± 9.5 µM. Further, corylin-7-O-β-glucoside exhibited more potent anti-melanoma activity against murine B16 and human A2058 melanoma cells than corylin. Together, predictive studies facilitate the production of a new glucoside, corylin-7-O-β-glucoside, which is highly soluble and possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-melanoma activities and therefore has promising future applications in pharmacology.

A strategy of Q-markers identification based on effect, property flavour material basis and rapid quantitative evaluation via near-infrared spectroscopy and chemometric methods for the quality control of Flos Trollii (FT)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Flos Trollii (FT) is the dried flower of Trollius Chinensis Bunge of Ranunculaceae with the pharmacological properties of anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-oxidative. The herb FT is not only a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) but also an extensively utilized ethnic medicine, employed by diverse ethnic groups including Mongolian, Tibetan, and Kazakh.

AIM OF STUDY

FT was taken as an example to construct a strategy of quality markers (Q-markers) identification based on effect, property flavor material basis, and rapid quantitative evaluation using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and chemometric methods of TCM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Initially, the anti-inflammatory efficacy of FT from three places of origin was evaluated using the RAW264.7-cell inflammatory model, and the bitter property flavor was characterized using an electronic tongue. The high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) fingerprint of FT was generated, and the quality of FT from different origins was evaluated employing chemometrics. Next, potential anti-inflammatory and bitter property flavor compounds were screened utilizing a fingerprinting-effect relationship and fingerprinting-property flavor relationship model using partial least squares regression (PLSR). The Q-markers of the FT were confirmed based on the testability principle. Then, a swift, uncomplicated, and precise Q-marker content of the FT prediction model was developed by adopting NIR.

RESULTS

The main common fingerprinting peaks affecting FT's efficacy and property flavor were screened. Five of these compounds, 2″-O-beta-L-galactopyranosylorientin, orientin, vitexin, veratric acid, and isoquercitrin, characterized using HPLC and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS), could be regarded as Q-markers of FT. Q-marker content of the FT prediction model developed adopting NIR spectroscopy was rapid and effective.

CONCLUSION

According to the strategy proposed in this study, a quantitative NIR spectroscopic method to identify Q-markers could be a tool to improve the QC efficiency of TCM.

Orientin: a natural glycoside with versatile pharmacological activities

Orientin is one of the flavonoid glycosides with diverse biological properties such as anticancer, antioxidant, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, antiallergic, and anti-inflammatory. It is found in several plants like rooibos tea, Ocimum sanctum, Trollius, Passiflora, and Phyllostachys species. This review aimed to summarise the various medicinal properties of the orientin focusing on its underlying molecular mechanism reported based on in-vitro and in-vivo studies. The data were collected using various search engines, incorporating PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and SpringerLink. Our findings showed that orientin exhibited promising anticancer, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. Hopefully, this information could assist drug researchers and pharmaceutical entities in finding an effective herbal drug for the treatment of different disorders with potential mechanisms of action. Meanwhile, further investigations are warranted such as oral bioavailability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic characteristics of orientin to establish fully drug profiling suitable for clinical trials.

Primary Protection of Diosmin Against Doxorubicin Cardiotoxicity via Inhibiting Oxido-Inflammatory Stress and Apoptosis in Rats

Doxorubicin (DOX) is the cornerstone of chemotherapy. However, it has dose-dependent cardiotoxic events that limit its clinical use. This study was intended to investigate the efficiency of DOX as an anti-cancer against the MCF-7 cell line in the presence of diosmin (DIO) and to appraise the protective impact of DIO against DOX cardiotoxicity in vivo. In vitro study was carried out to establish the conservation of DOX cytotoxicity in the presence of DIO. In vivo study was conducted on 42 adult female Wistar rats that were equally allocated into 6 groups; control, DIO (100 mg/kg), DIO (200 mg/kg), DOX (20 mg/kg, single dose i.p.), DIO (100 mg/kg) + DOX, received DIO orally (100 mg/kg) for 30 days, then administrated with a single dose of DOX and DIO (200 mg/kg) + DOX, received DIO orally (200 mg/kg) for 30 days, then administrated with DOX. In vitro study showed preservation of cytotoxic activity of DOX on MCF-7 in the presence of DIO. In vivo study indicated that DOX altered electrocardiograph (ECG) parameters. Also, it yielded a significant rise in CK-MB, cTnT and LDH serum levels and cardiac contents of MDA, IL-1β; paralleled by a significant drop in cardiac IL-10 and SOD. Moreover, significant upregulation of Bax, TNF-α, and HIF-1α, in concomitant with significant downregulation of Bcl-2 mRNA in cardiac tissue have been recorded in the DOX group. Furthermore, histopathological description of cardiac tissues showed that DOX alters normal cardiac histoarchitecture. On the opposite side, DIO pretreatment could ameliorate ECG parameters, suppress IL-1β and enhanceIL-10, promote activity of SOD and repress MDA. Additionally, downregulation of Bax, TNF-α, HIF-1α and upregulation of Bcl-2 have been demonstrated in DIO-pretreated rats. Furthermore, the histopathological examination of cardiac tissues illustrated that DIO had a favorable impact on the protection of heart histoarchitecture. DIO is suggested for protection against acute cardiotoxicity caused by DOX without affecting antitumor activity.

Trollius chinensis Bunge: A Comprehensive Review of Research on Botany, Materia Medica, Ethnopharmacological Use, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Quality Control

Trollius chinensis Bunge, a perennial herb belonging to the Ranunculaceae family, has been extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine. Documented in the Supplements to the Compendium of Materia Medica, its medicinal properties encompass a spectrum of applications, including heat clearance, detoxification, alleviation of oral/throat sores, earaches, eye pain, cold-induced fever, and vision improvement. Furthermore, T. chinensis is used in clinical settings to treat upper respiratory infections, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, esoenteritis, canker, bronchitis, etc. It is mainly used to treat inflammation, such as inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and nasal mucosa. This comprehensive review explores the evolving scientific understanding of T. chinensis, covering facets of botany, materia medica, ethnopharmacological use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and quality control. In particular, the chemical constituents and pharmacological research are reviewed. Polyphenols, mainly flavonoids and phenolic acids, are highly abundant among T. chinensis and are responsible for antiviral, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. The flower additionally harbors trace amounts of volatile oil, polysaccharides, and other bioactive compounds. The active ingredients of the flower have fewer side effects, and it is used in children because of its minimal side effects, which has great research potential. These findings validate the traditional uses of T. chinensis and lay the groundwork for further scientific exploration. The sources utilized in this study encompass Web of Science, Pubmed, CNKI site, classic monographs, Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Chinese Medicine Dictionary, and doctoral and master's theses.

Carnosic acid mitigates doxorubicin-induced cardiac toxicity: Evidence from animal and cell model investigations

Objectives

Utilization of doxorubicin (DOX) as a chemotherapy medication is limited due to its cardiotoxic effects. Carnosic acid exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, besides cytoprotective effects. The objective of this study was to investigate the ability of carnosic acid to protect rat hearts and the MCF7 cell line against cardiotoxicity induced by DOX.

Materials and Methods

The study involved the classification of male Wistar rats into seven groups: 1) Control 2) DOX (2 mg/kg, every 48h, IP, 12d), 3-5) Carnosic acid (10, 20, 40 mg/kg/day, IP, 16d)+ DOX, 6) Vitamin E (200 mg/kg, every 48h, IP, 16d)+ DOX 7) Carnosic acid (40 mg/kg/day, IP, 16d). Finally, cardiac histopathological alterations, ECG factors, carotid blood pressure, left ventricular function, heart-to-body weight ratio, oxidative (MDA, GSH), inflammatory (IL-1β, TNF-α), plus apoptosis (caspase 3, 8, 9, Bcl-2, Bax) markers were evaluated. DOX toxicity and carnosic acid ameliorative effect were evaluated on MCF7 cells using the MTT assay.

Results

DOX augmented the QRS duration, QA, RRI, STI, and heart-to-body weight ratio, and reduced HR, LVDP, Min dP/dt, Max dP/dt, blood pressure, boosted MDA, TNF-α, IL1-β, caspase 3,8,9, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, decreased GSH content, caused fibrosis, necrosis, and cytoplasmic vacuolization in cardiac tissue but carnosic acid administration reduced the toxic effects of DOX. The cytotoxic effects of DOX were not affected by carnosic acid at concentrations of 5 and 10 μM.

Conclusion

Carnosic acid as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substance is effective in reducing DOX-induced damage by enhancing antioxidant defense and modifying inflammatory signal pathway activity and can be used as an adjunct in treating DOX cardiotoxicity.

Orientin Reduces the Effects of Repeated Procedural Neonatal Pain in Adulthood: Network Pharmacology Analysis, Molecular Docking Analysis, and Experimental Validation

Background

Premature infants often undergo painful procedures and consequently experience repeated procedural neonatal pain. This can elicit hyperalgesia and cognitive impairment in adulthood. Treatments for neonatal pain are limited. Orientin is a flavonoid C-glycoside that has repeatedly been shown to have pharmacological effects in the past decades. The aim of this study was to systematically explore the effect of orientin on repeated procedural neonatal pain using network pharmacology, molecular docking analysis, and experimental validation.

Methods

Several compound-protein databases and disease-protein databases were employed to identify proteins that were both predicted targets of orientin and involved in neonatal pain. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed to explore the potential mechanism of action. Molecular docking analysis was employed to calculate the binding energy and visualize the interactions between orientin and potential target proteins. Finally, a mouse model of repeated procedural neonatal pain was established and orientin was administered for 6 days. The mechanical and thermal pain thresholds were assessed in neonates and adult mice. A Morris water maze was employed to investigate cognitive impairment in adult mice.

Results

A total of 286 proteins that were both predicted targets of orientin and involved in neonatal pain were identified. The hub proteins were SRC, HSP90AA1, MAPK1, RHOA, EGFR, AKT1, PTPN11, ESR1, RXRA, and HRAS. GO analysis indicated that the primary biological process (BP), molecular function (MF), and cellular component (CC) were protein phosphorylation, protein kinase activity, and vesicle lumen, respectively. KEGG analysis revealed that the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway may be the key to the mechanism of action. Molecular docking analysis showed the high binding affinities of orientin for MAPK1, MAPK8, and MAPK14. In mice, orientin inhibited the hyperalgesia in the pain threshold tests in neonates and adult mice and cognitive impairment in adult mice. Immunofluorescence showed that phosphorylated MAPK1 (p-ERK) protein levels in the hippocampus and spinal dorsal horn were downregulated by orientin.

Conclusion

The findings suggested that orientin alleviates neonatal pain, and the MAPK signaling pathway is involved.

Polyherbal formulation PL02 alleviates pain, inflammation, and subchondral bone deterioration in an osteoarthritis rodent model

Introduction

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating disease with significant personal and socioeconomic burdens worldwide.

Methods

To address this, we developed a multitargeted formulation called PL02, which includes standardized extracts of Rosa canina L, Hippophae rhamnoides, and collagen peptide. We tested the pharmacological efficacy of PL02 in a rodent model of OA induced by Monosodium iodoacetate (MIA).

Results

Our results demonstrate that oral administration of PL02 has antioxidant effects by down-regulating NOS, reduces pain-related behavior, and mitigates inflammation by inhibiting IL-1b and TNF-α production, as well as downregulating CGRP1 and COX-II. PL02 also exhibits anti-catabolic and chondroprotective activity by significantly downregulating MMP13 and upregulating BCL2. Additionally, PL02 demonstrates chondrogenic activity by significantly upregulating SOX-9 (a master regulator of chondrogenesis), Coll-I, and aggrecan, which are major components of articular cartilage. Furthermore, PL02 prevents microarchitectural deterioration of subchondral bone.

Conclusion

Overall, PL02 is an orally active, multi-targeted therapy that not only alleviates pain and inflammation but also effectively halts cartilage and subchondral bone deterioration. It represents a safe and promising candidate for the treatment and management of OA.

Orientin regulates the proliferation and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Orientin is a flavone isolated from medicinal plants used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that suppresses the growth of cancer cells in vitro. The effects of orientin in hepatoma carcinoma cells remain unknown. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effects of orientin on the viability, proliferation, and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro. In this study, we found that orientin could inhibit the proliferation, migration, and the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. An activator of NF-κB signaling pathway, PMA, could abolish the inhibitory effect of orientin on NF-κB signaling pathway and proliferation and migration of Huh7 cells. These findings raise the possibility that orientin can be used in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Anti-Inflammatory and Gut Microbiota Modulation Potentials of Flavonoids Extracted from Passiflora foetida Fruits

This study aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory and gut microbiota modulation potentials of flavonoid-rich fraction (PFF) extracted from Passiflora foetida fruits. The results showed that PFF markedly reduced the production of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Meanwhile, PFF treatment also effectively decreased the phosphorylation levels of MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and NF-κB signaling-pathway-related proteins (ERK, JNK, p38, Akt, and p65). Moreover, PFF had an impact on microbial composition and metabolites in a four-stage dynamic simulator of human gut microbiota (BFBL gut model). Specifically, PFF exhibited the growth-promoting ability of several beneficial bacteria, including Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, and Roseburia, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) generation ability in gut microbiota. In addition, spectroscopic data revealed that PFF mainly contained five flavonoid compounds, which may be bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and gut microbiota modulation potentials. Therefore, PFF could be utilized as a natural anti-inflammatory agent or supplement to health products.

The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Low Molecular Weight Fucoidan from Sargassum siliquastrum in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Macrophages via Inhibiting NF-κB/MAPK Signaling Pathways

Brown seaweed is a rich source of fucoidan, which exhibits a variety of biological activities. The present study discloses the protective effect of low molecular weight fucoidan (FSSQ) isolated from an edible brown alga, Sargassum siliquastrum, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated inflammatory responses in RAW 264.7 macrophages. The findings of the study revealed that FSSQ increases cell viability while decreasing intracellular reactive oxygen species production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages dose-dependently. FSSQ reduced the iNOS and COX-2 expression, inhibiting the NO and prostaglandin E2 production. Furthermore, mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α was downregulated by FSSQ via modulating MAPK and NF-κB signaling. The NLRP3 inflammasome protein complex, including NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1, as well as the subsequent release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β and IL-18, release in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages was inhibited by FSSQ. The cytoprotective effect of FSSQ is indicated via Nrf2/HO-1 signaling activation, which is considerably reduced upon suppression of HO-1 activity by ZnPP. Collectively, the study revealed the therapeutic potential of FSSQ against inflammatory responses in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Moreover, the study suggests further investigations on commercially viable methods for fucoidan isolation.

Garcinia morella extract confers dopaminergic neuroprotection by mitigating mitochondrial dysfunctions and inflammation in mouse model of Parkinson's disease

Dopaminergic neuroprotection is the main interest in designing novel therapeutics against Parkinson's disease (PD). In the process of dopaminergic degeneration, mitochondrial dysfunctions and inflammation are significant. While the existing drugs provide symptomatic relief against PD, a therapy conferring total neuroprotection by targeting multiple degenerative pathways is still lacking. Garcinia morella is a common constituent of Ayurvedic medication and has been used for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. The present study investigates whether administration of G. morella fruit extract (GME) in MPTP mouse model of PD protects against dopaminergic neurodegeneration, including the underlying pathophysiologies, and reverses the motor behavioural abnormalities. Administration of GME prevented the loss of dopaminergic cell bodies in the substantia nigra and its terminals in the corpus striatum of PD mice. Subsequently, reversal of parkinsonian behavioural abnormalities, viz. akinesia, catalepsy, and rearing, was observed along with the recovery of striatal dopamine and its metabolites in the experimental model. Furthermore, reduced activity of the mitochondrial complex II in the nigrostriatal pathway of brain of the mice was restored after the administration of GME. Also, MPTP-induced enhanced activation of Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the nigrostriatal pathway, which are the markers of inflammatory stress, were found to be ameliorated on GME treatment. Thus, our study presented a novel mode of dopaminergic neuroprotection by G. morella in PD by targeting the mitochondrial dysfunctions and neuroinflammation, which are considered to be intricately associated with the loss of dopaminergic neurons.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Phytochemical Components of Clinacanthus nutans

Recent studies on the ethnomedicinal use of Clinacanthus nutans suggest promising anti-inflammatory, anti-tumorigenic, and antiviral properties for this plant. Extraction of the leaves with polar and nonpolar solvents has yielded many C-glycosyl flavones, including schaftoside, isoorientin, orientin, isovitexin, and vitexin. Aside from studies with different extracts, there is increasing interest to understand the properties of these components, especially regarding their ability to exert anti-inflammatory effects on cells and tissues. A major focus for this review is to obtain information on the effects of C. nutans extracts and its phytochemical components on inflammatory signaling pathways in the peripheral and central nervous system. Particular emphasis is placed on their role to target the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-NF-kB pathway and pro-inflammatory cytokines, the antioxidant defense pathway involving nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1); and the phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) pathway linking to cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and production of eicosanoids. The ability to provide a better understanding of the molecular targets and mechanism of action of C. nutans extracts and their phytochemical components should encourage future studies to develop new therapeutic strategies for better use of this herb to combat inflammatory diseases.

Orientin Prolongs the Longevity of Caenorhabditis elegans and Postpones the Development of Neurodegenerative Diseases via Nutrition Sensing and Cellular Protective Pathways

Age is the major risk factor for most of the deadliest diseases. Developing small molecule drugs with antiaging effects could improve the health of aged people and retard the onset and progress of aging-associated disorders. Bioactive secondary metabolites from medicinal plants are the main source for development of medication. Orientin is a water-soluble flavonoid monomer compound widely found in many medicinal plants. Orientin inhibits fat production, antioxidation, and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we explored whether orientin could affect the aging of C. elegans. We found that orientin improved heat, oxidative, and pathogenic stress resistances through activating stress responses, including HSF-1-mediated heat shock response, SKN-1-mediated xenobiotic and oxidation response, mitochondria unfolded responses, endoplasmic unfolded protein response, and increased autophagy activity. Orientin also could activate key regulators of the nutrient sensing pathway, including AMPK and insulin downstream transcription factor FOXO/DAF-16 to further improve the cellular health status. The above effects of orientin reduced the accumulation of toxic proteins (α-synuclein, β-amyloid, and poly-Q) and delayed the onset of neurodegenerative disorders in AD, PD, and HD models of C. elegans and finally increased the longevity and health span of C. elegans. Our results suggest that orientin has promising antiaging effects and could be a potential natural source for developing novel therapeutic drugs for aging and its related diseases.

Orientin, a Bio-Flavonoid from Trigonella hamosa L., Regulates COX-2/PGE-2 in A549 Cell Lines via miR-26b and miR-146a

Cancer is a severe health condition and considered one of the major healthcare issues and is in need of innovative strategy for a cure. The current study aimed to investigate the chemical profile of Trigonella hamosa L. and a potential molecular approach to explain its regulation in cancer progression through an inflammatory mediator (COX-2) in A549 non-small lung cancer cell lines via in silico, mechanistic and molecular aspects. T. hamosa was extracted and then subjected to a CCK-8 cell viability assay in different cancer cell lines including MDA-MB-231, A549 and HCT-116. Total extract was subjected to several chromatographic techniques to yield orientin (OT); the structure was elucidated by inspection of NMR spectroscopic data. To achieve anticancer effects of OT, a cell viability assay using a CCK-8 kit, immunoprecipitation by Western blot, cell migration using a wound healing assay, cell invasion using a Matrigel-Transwell assay, apoptosis by AO/EB dual staining, flow cytometric analysis and DAPI staining, a silenced COX-2 model to determine PGE-2 production and real-time PCR and Western blot of BCL-2, CYP-1A1, iNOS and COX-2 markers were carried out. The results demonstrated that OT decreased the cell proliferation and controlled cell migration and invasive properties. OT destabilized the COX-2 mRNA and downregulated its expression in A549 cell lines. Virtual binding showed interaction (binding energy −10.43) between OT and COX-2 protein compared to the selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib (CLX) (binding energy −9.4). The OT-CLX combination showed a superior anticancer effect. The synergistic effect of OT-CLX combination was noticed in controlling the migration and invasion of A549 cell lines. OT-CLX downregulated the expression of BCL-2, iNOS and COX-2 and activated the proapoptotic gene CYP-1A1. OT mitigated the COX-2 expression via upregulation of miR-26b and miR-146a. Interestingly, COX-2-silenced transfected A549 cells exhibited reduced expression of miR-26b and miR-146a. The findings confirmed the direct interaction of OT with COX-2 protein. PGE-2 expression was quantified in both naïve and COX-2-silenced A549 cells. OT downregulated the release of PGE-2 in both tested conditions. These results confirmed the regulatory effect of OT on A549 cell growth in a COX-2-dependent manner. OT activated apoptosis via activation of CYP-1A1 expression in an independent manner. These results revealed that the OT-CLX combination could serve as a potential synergistic treatment for effective inflammatory-mediated anticancer strategies.

Screening of heat stress-regulating active fractions in mung beans

Introduction

Heat stress caused by high temperatures has important adverse effects on the safety and health status of humans and animals, and dietary interventions to alleviate heat stress in daily life are highly feasible.

Methods

In this study, the components of mung bean that have heat stress-regulating effects were characterized by in vitro antioxidant indicators and heat stress cell models.

Results

As a result, 15 target monomeric polyphenol fractions were identified based on untargeted analysis on an ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with high field quadrupole orbit high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QE-HF-HRMS) platform and available reports. The results of DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging showed that mung bean polyphenols (crude extract) and 15 monomeric polyphenols had better antioxidant activity, followed by oil and mung bean peptides, while protein and polysaccharides had relatively poor antioxidant activity. Qualitative and quantitative assays for 20 polyphenols (15 polyphenols and 5 isomers) were then established based on platform targets. Vitexin, orientin, and caffeic acid were identified as monomeric polyphenols for heat stress control in mung beans based on their content. Finally, mild (39°C), moderate (41°C), and severe (43°C) heat stress models were successfully constructed based on mouse intestinal epithelial Mode-k cells and human colorectal adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cell lines, all with an optimal heat stress modeling time of 6 h. Screening of mung bean fractions using HSP70 mRNA content, a key indicator of heat stress. As a result, HSP70 mRNA content was significantly up-regulated by different levels of heat stress in both cell models. The addition of mung bean polyphenols (crude extract), vitexin, orientin, and caffeic acid resulted in significant down-regulation of HSP70 mRNA content, and the higher the level of heat stress, the more significant the regulation effect, with orientin having the best effect. Mung bean proteins, peptides, polysaccharides, oils and mung bean soup resulted in increased or no change in HSP70 mRNA levels after most heat stresses.

Discussion

The polyphenols were shown to be the main heat stress regulating components in mung bean. The results of the validation experiments confirm that the above three monomeric polyphenols may be the main heat stress regulating substances in mung bean. The role of polyphenols in the regulation of heat stress is closely linked to their antioxidant properties.

Brazilian passion fruit as a new healthy food: from its composition to health properties and mechanisms of action

The Brazilian biodiversity is one of the largest in the world, with about 41 000 species cataloged within two global biodiversity hotspots: Atlantic Forest and Cerrado, the Brazilian savannah. Passiflora, known also as passion flowers, is a genus of which 96% of its species are distributed in the Americas, mainly Brazil and Colombia. Passion fruit extracts have a commercial value on a global scale through the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, self-care, and food and beverage industries. Passiflora are widely studied due to their potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, antidepressant and vascular and neuronal protective effects, probably owing to their content of polyphenols. Passiflora setacea DC is a species of wild passion fruit from the Brazilian Cerrado, rich in flavonoid C-glycosides, homoorientin, vitexin, isovitexin and orientin. Intake of these plant food bioactives has been associated with protection against chronic non-communicable diseases (CNDCs), including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we aimed to discuss the varieties of Passiflora, their content in plant food bioactives and their potential molecular mechanisms of action in preventing or reversing CNDCs.

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) as a Potential Anti-neuroinflammatory Agent: NLRP3 Priming and Activating Signal Pathway Modulation

Neurological disorders have been demonstrated to be associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. This impairment may lead to oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, specifically promoted by NLRP3 expression. Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) has been studied in this field, since it presents important biological activities. We investigated açaí extract's anti-neuroinflammatory capacity, through NLRP3 inflammasome modulation. Microglia (EOC 13.31) were exposed to LPS and nigericin, as agents of inflammatory induction, and treated with açaí extract. Additionally, we used lithium (Li) as an anti-inflammatory control. Three different experiment models were conducted: (1) isolated NLRP3 priming and activation signals; (2) combined NLRP3 priming and activation signals followed by açaí extract as a therapeutic agent; and (3) combined NLRP3 priming and activation signals with açaí extract as a preventive agent. Cells exposed to 0.1 µg/mL of LPS presented high proliferation and increased levels of NO, and ROS, while 0.1 µg/mL of açaí extract was capable to reduce cellular proliferation and recover levels of NO and ROS. Primed and activated cells presented increased levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1β, while açaí, Li, and orientin treatments reversed this impairment. We found that açaí, Li, and orientin were effective prophylactic treatments. Preventative treatment with Li and orientin was unable to avoid overexpression of IL-1β compared to the positive control. However, orientin downregulated NLRP3 and caspase-1. Lastly, primed and activated cells impaired ATP production, which was prevented by pre-treatment with açaí, Li, and orientin. In conclusion, we suggest that açaí could be a potential agent to treat or prevent neuropsychiatric diseases related to neuroinflammation.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Adelia ricinella L. aerial parts

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the main chemical components and the anti-inflammatory activity of extracts of Adelia ricinella L. aerial parts.

METHODS

Three extracts obtained by soxhlet extraction and ethanol/water mixtures were evaluated in their chemical composition by UPLC-DAD-MS/MS. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the prepared extracts was assessed through three different assays: COX-1 and COX-2 enzymatic inhibition, cell-based COX assays on RAW264.7 macrophages (ATCC) measuring the COX-2 protein expression by Western blot and the measurement of the PGE2 concentration in the supernatants of the culture medium. Also was determinate the effect of the three extracts on the RAW 264.7 cell viability.

KEY FINDINGS

Few differences in the phytochemical profile were found between the three prepared extracts, identifying a blend of thirteen flavonoids derived from luteolin and apigenin, with orientin as main constituent. Plant extracts (alcoholic and aqueous) did not affect the macrophage cell viability (IC50 > 256 μg/ml) and significantly reduced COX-1 and COX-2 enzyme activities. Additionally, COX-2 expression and PGE2 release were suppressed after 24 h of LPS stimulation and treatment with plant extracts (8-64 µg/ml).

CONCLUSIONS

A. ricinella extracts showed the ability to reduce the inflammatory effect exerted by LPS in murine macrophages. However, further studies should confirm their anti-inflammatory activity.

Orientin relieves lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice: The involvement of its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties

Oxidative stress and inflammatory responses are nearly involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including acute lung injury (ALI). Orientin (Ori), a flavonoid component extracted from natural plants, displayed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in our previous studies. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the amelioration effect of Ori on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI, and we further explored the potential molecular mechanisms. The present results indicated that Ori effectively alleviated LPS-induced ALI by improving the histological changes of lung; decreasing the lung W/D ratio and protein levels, the release of inflammatory cells and cytokines into the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF); inhibiting nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein expression; reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) formation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation; and increasing the content of glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) contents. Moreover, Ori treatment not only significantly suppressed the LPS-induced nucleotide-binding domain (NOD)-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway activation, but also obviously restored the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), NAD (P) H: quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1), glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic (GCLC), and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) expression in the lung; all of which are reduced by LPS. Taken together, these data suggested that Ori plays an important role in the protection against ALI by suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress which may be strongly related to the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-κB activation, as well as the upregulation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Natural products from Vitex polygama and their antimycobacterial and anti-inflammatory activity

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a worldwide public health threat because of the emergence of resistant strains and subsequent inappropriate response to current therapy. We have been studying the restinga plants' antimycobacterial and anti-inflammatory potential. Dichloromethane fraction (DCM) from Vitex polygama Cham. showed high activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) H37Rv. In this context, DCM fraction and isolated compounds were investigated against Mtb H37Rv and M299 (MDR strain) and for their immunomodulatory and cytotoxicity actions. Orientin showed the best antimycobacterial effect against Mtb M299 MDR strain (MIC₅₀ 15.4 ± 1.6 µg/mL), capacity of inhibiting NO production by macrophages (IC₅₀ 6.5 ± 1.2 µg/mL) and no significant cytotoxicity. The antimycobacterial effect of orientin was also observed on Mtb H37Rv intracellular growth in RAW 264.7 macrophages (MIC₅₀ 3.5 ± 1.1 and MIC₉₀ 9.1 ± 1.0 µg/mL). This is the first report describing the antimycobacterial effect of orientin, in both extra- and intracellular growth.

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) presents anti-neuroinflammatory capacity in LPS-activated microglia cells

INTRODUCTION

Neuropsychiatric diseases are responsible for one of the highest burden of morbidity and mortality worldwide. These illnesses include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. Individuals affected by these diseases may present mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Additionally, patients also have increased peripheral and neural chronic inflammation. The Brazilian fruit, açaí, has been demonstrated to be a neuroprotective agent through its recovery of mitochondrial complex I activity. This extract has previously shown anti-inflammatory effects in inflammatory cells. However, there is a lack of understanding of potential anti-neuroinflammatory mechanisms, such as cell cycle involvement.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to evaluate the anti-neuroinflammatory potential of an açaí extract in lipopolysaccharide-activated BV-2 microglia cells.

METHODS

Açaí extract was produced and characterized through high performance liquid chromatography. Following açaí extraction and characterization, BV-2 microglia cells were activated with LPS and a dose-response curve was generated to select the most effective açaí dose to reduce cellular proliferation. This dose was then used to assess reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, double-strand DNA release, cell cycle modulation, and cytokine and caspase protein expression.

RESULTS

Characterization of the açaí extract revealed 10 bioactive molecules. The extract reduced cellular proliferation, ROS production, and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and caspase 1 protein expression under 1 μg/mL in LPS-activated BV-2 microglia cells but had no effect on double strand DNA release. Additionally, açaí treatment caused cell cycle arrest, specifically within synthesis and G2/Mitosis phases.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the freeze-dried hydroalcoholic açaí extract presents high anti-neuroinflammatory potential.

Anti-inflammatory and Cytoprotective Effect of Clinacanthus nutans Leaf But Not Stem Extracts on 7-Ketocholesterol Induced Brain Endothelial Cell Injury

Clinacanthus nutans (Lindau) (C. nutans) has diverse uses in traditional herbal medicine for treating skin rashes, insect and snake bites, lesions caused by herpes simplex virus, diabetes mellitus and gout in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and China. We previously showed that C. nutans has the ability to modulate the induction of cytosolic phospholipase A₂ (cPLA₂) expression in SH-SY5Y cells through the inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACs). In the current study, we elucidated the effect of C. nutans on the hCMEC/D3 human brain endothelial cell line. Endothelial cells are exposed to high levels of the cholesterol oxidation product, 7-ketocholesterol (7KC), in patients with cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and this process is thought to mediate pathological inflammation. 7KC induced a dose-dependent loss of hCMEC/D3 cell viability, and such damage was significantly inhibited by C. nutans leaf extracts but not stem extracts. 7KC also induced a marked increase in mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in brain endothelial cells, and these increases were significantly inhibited by C. nutans leaf but not stem extracts. HPLC analyses showed that leaf extracts have a markedly different chemical profile compared to stem extracts, which might explain their different effects in counteracting 7KC-induced inflammation. Further study is necessary to identify the putative phytochemicals in C. nutans leaves that have anti-inflammatory properties.

Discovery and Development of Inflammatory Inhibitors from 2-Phenylchromonone (Flavone) Scaffolds

Flavonoids are compounds based on a 2-phenylchromonone scaffold. Flavonoids can be divided into flavonoids, flavonols, dihydroflavones, anthocyanins, chalcones and diflavones according to the oxidation degree of the central tricarbonyl chain, the connection position of B-ring (2-or 3-position), and whether the tricarbonyl chain forms a ring or not. There are a variety of biological activities about flavonoids, such as anti-inflammatory activity, anti-oxidation and anti-tumor activity, and the antiinflammatory activity is apparent. This paper reviews the anti-inflammatory activities and mechanisms of flavonoids and their derivatives reported in China and abroad from 2011 till date (2011-2020), in order to find a good drug scaffold for the study of anti-inflammatory activities.

Natural compounds flavonoids as modulators of inflammasomes in chronic diseases

The use of dietary or medicinal plant based natural compounds to disease treatment has become a unique trend in clinical research. Flavonoids, a group of polyphenolic compounds have drawn significant attention due to their modulatory effects on inflammasomes associated with the initiation and progression of chronic disorders including metabolic, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. In this article, the role of most commonly studied natural flavonoids with their disease-specific impact via inflammasomes as a potential molecular target has been described. Since the role of inflammation is evident in multiple diseases, flavonoids may serve as a promising tool in drug discovery for the intervention of chronic diseases by manipulating the status of inflammation via inflammasome targeting.

Inhibitory effects of orientin in mast cell-mediated allergic inflammation

BACKGROUND

Mast cells are immune effector cells mediating allergic inflammation by the secretion of inflammatory mediators such as histamine and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Orientin is a naturally occurring bioactive flavonoid that possesses diverse biological properties, including anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative, anti-tumor, and cardio protection. The objective of this study was to rule out the effectiveness of orientin in mast cell-mediated allergic inflammation.

METHODS

In this study, in vitro effects of orientin were evaluated in RBL-2H3, mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells, rat peritoneal mast cells, and in vivo effects were evaluated by inducing passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in Imprinting Control Region (ICR) mice.

RESULTS

Findings show that orientin suppressed the immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated mast cell degranulation by reducing intracellular calcium level in a concentration-dependent manner. Orientin suppressed the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in mast cells. This inhibitory effects of orientin was through inhibition of FcεRI-mediated signaling proteins. In addition, oral administration of orientin suppressed the IgE-mediated PCA reactions in a dose-dependent manner, which was evidenced by reduced Evan's blue pigmentation and ear swelling.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on these findings, we suggest that orientin might have potential to alleviate allergic reaction and mast cell-mediated allergic disease.

Orientin suppresses oxidized low-density lipoproteins induced inflammation and oxidative stress of macrophages in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a main reason for peripheral vascular disease. The present study aims to investigate the effects of macrophage foam cells which is an initial part in atherosclerosis. RAW 264.7 were treated with 80 μg/mL oxidized low-density lipoproteins (ox-LDL) to mimic atherosclerosis in vitro. Orientin, a flavonoid from plants, inhibited ox-LDL induced TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β expression increase. In addition, Orientin also can inhibit the emergence of ox-LDL-induced lipid droplets. The scavenger receptor CD 36 of ox-LDL was significantly downregulated after the treatment of orientin. Inhibition of ROS generation and increasing of eNOS expression by Orientin treatment was used to show the alteration of oxidative stress. Moreover, the expression levels of Angiopoietin-like 2 (angptl2) and NF-κB were significantly upregulated after cells induced by ox-LDL, whereas orientin significantly reversed the effects of ox-LDL. Orientin inhibited ox-LDL-induced inflammation and oxidative stress, and CD36 may be the key regulator during Orientin action.

Protective effects of olmesartan and l-carnitine on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats

Doxorubicin (DOX), an anthracycline antibiotic, is an important antineoplastic agent due to its high antitumor efficacy in hematological as well as in solid malignancies. The clinical use of DOX is limited due to its cardiotoxic effects. The present study aimed to investigate the possible protective effect of olmesartan (Olm), l-carnitine (L-CA), and their combination in cardiotoxicity induced by DOX in rats. Male albino rats were randomly divided into seven experimental groups (n = 8): group I: normal control, group II: L-CA, group III: Olm, group IV: DOX. The other three groups were treated with Olm (10 mg/kg), L-CA (300 mg/kg), and their combination for 2 weeks after induction of cardiotoxicity by a single dose of DOX (20 mg/kg). In the results, DOX showed a significant elevation in serum troponin I, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) together with increased inflammation manifested by the rise of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), intercellular adhesion molecules-1 (ICAM-1), interleukin IL-1β (IL-1β), myeloperoxidase (MPO), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) in cardiac tissues as well as DOX-induced oxidative stress by increasing in malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreasing in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) in heart tissues. In addition, caspase-3 activity was boosted as indication of increased apoptosis. On the other hand, administration of L-CA and Olm attenuated the DOX-evoked disturbances in the abovementioned parameters. In addition, DOX exhibited echocardiographic changes and severe histopathological changes, which were significantly reversed by L-CA and Olm treatment. In conclusion, the present study data confirm the protective role of L-CA and Olm in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, which may be related to its antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and antiapoptotic agents.

Towards Therapeutic Alternatives for Mercury Neurotoxicity in the Amazon: Unraveling the Pre-Clinical Effects of the Superfruit Açaí (Euterpe oleracea, Mart.) as Juice for Human Consumption

Methylmercury (MeHg) exposure is a serious problem of public health, especially in the Amazon. Exposure in riverine populations is responsible for neurobehavioral abnormalities. It was hypothesized that consumption of Amazonian fruits could protect by reducing mercury accumulation. This work analyzed the effects of commercial samples of Euterpe oleracea (EO) for human consumption (10 μL/g) against MeHg i.p. exposure (2.5 mg/Kg), using neurobehavioral (open field, rotarod and pole tests), biochemical (lipid peroxidation and nitrite levels), aging-related (telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) mRNA expression) and toxicokinetic (MeHg content) parameters in mice. Both the pole and rotarod tests were the most sensitive tests accompanied by increased lipid peroxidation and nitrite levels in brains. MeHg reduced TERT mRNA about 50% demonstrating a strong pro-aging effect. The EO intake, similar to that of human populations, prevented all alterations, without changing the mercury content, but avoiding neurotoxicity and premature aging of the Central Nervous System (CNS). Contrary to the hypothesis found in the literature on the possible chelating properties of Amazonian fruits consumption, the effect of EO would be essentially pharmacodynamics, and possible mechanisms are discussed. Our data already support the regular consumption of EO as an excellent option for exposed Amazonian populations to have additional protection against MeHg intoxication.

In Vitro Vascular-Protective Effects of a Tilapia By-Product Oligopeptide on Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertensive Endothelial Injury in HUVEC by Nrf2/NF-κB Pathways

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is closely involved in endothelial injury during the development of hypertension. In this study, the protective effects of the tilapia by-product oligopeptide Leu-Ser-Gly-Tyr-Gly-Pro (LSGYGP) on oxidative stress and endothelial injury in Angiotensin II (Ang II)-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were evaluated. LSGYGP dose-dependently suppressed the fluorescence intensities of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibited the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, and reduced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and endothelin-1 (ET-1) expression, as shown by western blot. In addition, it attenuated the expression of gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), as well as increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) expression through the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. Other experiments revealed that LSGYGP increased the apoptotic inhibition ratio between cleaved-caspase-3/procaspase-3, reduced expressions of pro-apoptotic ratio between Bcl-2/Bax, inhibited phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), and increased phosphorylation of the serine/threonine kinase (Akt) pathway. Furthermore, LSGYGP significantly decreased Ang II-induced DNA damage in a comet assay, and molecular docking results showed that the steady interaction between LSGYGP with NF-κB may be attributed to hydrogen bonds. These results suggest that this oligopeptide is effective in protecting against Ang II-induced HUVEC injury through the reduction of oxidative stress and alleviating endothelial damage. Thus, it has the potential for the therapeutic treatment of hypertension-associated diseases.

1 H-NMR metabolomics for evaluating the protective effect of Clinacanthus nutans (Burm. f) Lindau water extract against nitric oxide production in LPS-IFN-γ activated RAW 264.7 macrophages

INTRODUCTION

Clinacanthus nutans, a small shrub that is native to Southeast Asia, is commonly used in traditional herbal medicine and as a food source. Its anti-inflammation properties is influenced by the metabolites composition, which can be determined by different binary extraction solvent ratio and extraction methods used during plant post-harvesting stage.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the relationship between the chemical composition of C. nutans and its anti-inflammatory properties using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics approach.

METHODOLOGY

The anti-inflammatory effect of C. nutans air-dried leaves extracted using five different binary extraction solvent ratio and two extraction methods was determined based on their nitric oxide (NO) inhibition effect in lipopolysaccharide-interferon-gamma (LPS-IFN-γ) activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The relationship between extract bioactivity and metabolite profiles and quantifications were established using ¹ H-NMR metabolomics and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The possible metabolite biosynthesis pathway was constructed to further strengthen the findings.

RESULTS

Water and sonication prepared air-dried leaves possessed the highest NO inhibition activity (IC₅₀  = 190.43 ± 12.26 μg/mL, P < 0.05). A total of 56 metabolites were tentatively identified using ¹ H-NMR metabolomics. A partial least square (PLS) biplot suggested that sulphur containing glucoside, sulphur containing compounds, phytosterols, triterpenoids, flavones and some organic and amino acids were among the potential NO inhibitors. LC-MS/MS targeted quantification further supported sonicated water extract was among the extract that possessed the most abundant C-glycosyl flavones.

CONCLUSION

The present study may serve as a preliminary reference for the selection of optimum extract in further C. nutans in vivo anti-inflammatory study.

Carvedilol (CAR) combined with carnosic acid (CAA) attenuates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by suppressing excessive oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and autophagy

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a wide spectrum antitumor drug. However, its clinical application is limited due to the cardiotoxicity. Carvedilol (CAR) is a β-blocker used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. Accordingly, supplementation with natural antioxidants or plant extracts exerts protective effects against various injury in vivo. Carnosic acid (CAA), the principal constituent of rosemary, has various biological activities, including antioxidant, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory. Here, heart injury mouse model was established using DOX (20 mg/kg) in vivo. And cardiac muscle cell line of H9C2 was subjected to 0.5 μM of DOX for 24 h in vitro. Then, the protective effects of CAA and CAR alone, or the two in combination on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in vivo and in vitro were explored. The results indicated that both CAA and CAR, when used alone, were moderately effective in attenuating DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. The combination of two drugs functioned synergistically to ameliorate cardiac injury caused by DOX, as evidenced by the significantly reduced collagen accumulation and improved dysfunction of heart. CAA and CAR exhibited stronger anti-oxidative role in DOX-treated mice partly by augmenting the expression and activities of the anti-oxidative enzymes. In addition, inflammatory response was significantly suppressed by the two in combination, proved by the decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines (COX2, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and IL-18), which was associated with the inactivation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Furthermore, DOX-stirred apoptosis and autophagy were dramatically attenuated by the co-treatments of CAA and CAR through down-regulating cleaved Caspase-3 and LC3B signaling pathways. The effects of CAA and CAR combination against cardiotoxicity were observed in H9C2 cells with DOX stimulation. Our findings above suggested that the use of CAR and CAA in combination could be expected to have synergistic efficacy and significant potential against cardiotoxicity induced by DOX.

Orientin-mediated Nrf2/HO-1 signal alleviates H2O2-induced oxidative damage via induction of JNK and PI3K/AKT activation

Oxidative stress is closely associated with the pathogenesis of various diseases. Orientin (Ori), a flavonoid component isolated from natural plants, possesses antioxidant activity. Accordingly, we focused on exploring the potential therapeutic effects of Ori on hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative impairment in RAW 264.7 cells and the underlying antioxidative mechanisms. Our findings suggested that Ori exposure effectively alleviated H₂O₂-stimulated cytotoxicity, inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and glutathione (GSH) depletion, which were involved in induction of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) by enhancing the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) translocation, decreasing the Keap1 protein expression, and increasing the antioxidant response element (ARE) activity. However, knockdown of Nrf2 and HO-1 with siRNA mostly abolished the cytoprotective effects against H₂O₂-induced cell oxidative injury, reduced the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1, respectively. Moreover, Ori exposure significantly induced a c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/serine/threonine kinase (AKT) phosphorylation, but JNK and PI3K/AKT inhibitors treatment effectively reduced levels of Ori-enhanced Nrf2 nuclear translocation and HO-1 protein expression, and blocked Ori-inhibited cytotoxicity and ROS accumulation triggered by H₂O₂ respectively. Taken together, Ori might exhibit a protective role against H₂O₂-stimulated oxidative damage by the induction of HO-1 expression through the activation of the JNK- and PI3K/AKT-Nrf2 signaling pathways.

[Effect of vimentin on activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in the brain of mice with EV71 infection]

OBJECTIVE

To explore whether vimentin (VIM) mediates the activation of inflammasome in mice with EV71 infection in the central nervous system.

METHODS

Forty VIM knockout mice (VIM^-/-, 3 to 5 days old) were randomly divided into control group and infection group. The infection group was intraperitoneally injected with EV71 (10⁸ TCID₅₀), while the control group was injected with PBS (10 µL); another 40 wild-type mice (WT, 3 to 5 days old) were grouped in the same manner. The general conditions of mice were observed each day. Western blotting, ELISA, and RT-PCR were used to measure the levels of IL-1β and casepase-1 in the brain or cerebrospinal fluid. The pathological changes in the cerebella and brain were observed using immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the VIM^-/- mice infected with EV71 showed no significant changes in NLRP3, IL-1β or caspase-1 expression. The WT mice infected with EV71 showed obviously increased NLRP3, IL-1β, and caspase-1 expressions in the central nervous system. The neurons of infected VIM^-/- mice exhibited milder cell damage than the those in WT mice.

CONCLUSION

VIM mediates the activation of inflammasome and promotes brain inflammation and neuronal damage in mice with EV71 infection in the central nervous system.

[Effect of vimentin on activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in the brain of mice with EV71 infection]

OBJECTIVE

To explore whether vimentin (VIM) mediates the activation of inflammasome in mice with EV71 infection in the central nervous system.

METHODS

Forty VIM knockout mice (VIM-/-, 3 to 5 days old) were randomly divided into control group and infection group. The infection group was intraperitoneally injected with EV71 (108 TCID50), while the control group was injected with PBS (10 µL); another 40 wild-type mice (WT, 3 to 5 days old) were grouped in the same manner. The general conditions of mice were observed each day. Western blotting, ELISA, and RT-PCR were used to measure the levels of IL-1β and casepase-1 in the brain or cerebrospinal fluid. The pathological changes in the cerebella and brain were observed using immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the VIM-/- mice infected with EV71 showed no significant changes in NLRP3, IL-1β or caspase-1 expression. The WT mice infected with EV71 showed obviously increased NLRP3, IL-1β, and caspase-1 expressions in the central nervous system. The neurons of infected VIM-/- mice exhibited milder cell damage than the those in WT mice.

CONCLUSION

VIM mediates the activation of inflammasome and promotes brain inflammation and neuronal damage in mice with EV71 infection in the central nervous system.

Orientin Reduces Myocardial Infarction Size via eNOS/NO Signaling and Thus Mitigates Adverse Cardiac Remodeling

Orientin is a flavonoid extracted from Chinese traditional herb, Polygonum orientale L. Previous study has reported that orientin protected myocardial from ischemia reperfusion injury. However, whether orientin could protect against cardiac remodeling after myocardial injury remains unclear. The aim of our study is to investigate the effects of orientin in the progression of cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). Mice cardiac remodeling model was established by left coronary artery ligation surgery. Experimental groups were as follows: vehicle-sham, orientin-sham, vehicle-MI, and orientin-MI. Animals were treated with vehicle or orientin (40 mg/kg) for 25 days starting 3 days after surgery. After 4 weeks of MI, mice with orientin treatment had decreased mortality and improved cardiac function. Significantly, at 4 weeks post-MI, orientin treatment decreased fibrosis, inflammatory response, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Furthermore, orientin treatment attenuated the hypoxia-induced neonatal rat cardiomyocyte apoptosis and increased cell viability. Additionally, orientin supplementation mitigated oxidative stress in remodeling heart tissue and cardiomyocytes exposed to hypoxia as measured by 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate fluorescent probe. Mechanistically, orientin promotes cardioprotection by activating the eNOS/NO signaling cascades, which was confirmed by eNOS inhibitor (L-NAME) in vitro and in vivo. Inhibition of oxidative stress by orientin via eNOS/NO signaling cascades in the heart may represent a potential therapy for cardiac remodeling.

Anti-inflammatory properties of the stem bark from the herbal drug Vitex peduncularis Wall. ex Schauer and characterization of its polyphenolic profile

Vitex spp. have been reported as constituents of herbal preparations, namely Vitex peduncularis, commonly used in Asian countries. Unlike other species extensively investigated, reports on the biological activities and chemical profile of V. peduncularis are still scarce. In this work, the polyphenolic profile of V. peduncularis stem bark was unveiled, revealing a high content of apigenin and luteolin derivatives. More than 20 polyphenols were identified and quantitated for the first time, including C-rhamnosyl flavones infrequently reported. Regarding potential anti-inflammatory properties, the methanolic extract of the stem bark significantly reduced the levels of NO in macrophages, which may be a consequence of scavenging effect upon ^•NO. Significant inhibition of phospholipase A₂ activity was also noted. Consequently, the therapeutic applicability of this edible plant is also broadened due to the anti-inflammatory properties found.