Hydroxytyrosol ameliorates oxidative challenge and inflammatory response associated with lipopolysaccharide-mediated sepsis in mice

Hydroxytyrosol downregulates inflammatory responses via Nrf2/HO-1 axis during fungal keratitis and exerts antifungal effects

PURPOSE

This study aims to explore the protective effect and underlying mechanism of hydroxytyrosol (HT) in fungal keratitis.

METHODS

Mouse models with Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) keratitis, human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) and RAW 264.7 cells were used in this study. Methods employed included MIC assay, biofilm formation test, hyphal immunofluorescence staining and adhesion test to assess the antifungal activity of HT. The severity of keratitis was evaluated using slit-lamp examination and HE staining. Draize eye test was used to measure corneal tolerance to HT. Corneal macrophages were detected by immunofluorescence staining. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in cytoplasm was quantified using DCFH-DA. Mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by JC-1. RT-PCR, ELISA and western blot were used to measure the expression of cytokines, as well as Nrf2 and HO-1 levels.

RESULTS

HT inhibited A. fumigatus growth, biofilm formation and conidial adhesion, and downregulated the expression of genes related to cell-wall assembly and morphogenesis. In fungal keratitis mouse models, HT significantly alleviated corneal inflammation, decreased the expression of cytokines and the accumulation of macrophages. In vitro, HT attenuated A. fumigatus-induced cytokine overexpression in HCECs or RAW 264.7 cells, and this effect was counteracted by an Nrf2 inhibitor. In RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with A. fumigatus, HT downregulated M1 markers expression, upregulated M2 markers expression, reduced ROS production, and restored mitochondrial membrane potential. Notably, these effects of HT were negated by pretreatment with an Nrf2 inhibitor.

CONCLUSIONS

This study underscores HT's efficacy against A. fumigatus growth and corneal invasion, its ability to mitigate fungi-induced inflammation, and its capacity to eliminate ROS via activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. These findings suggest that HT holds therapeutic promise for fungal keratitis.

Hydroxytyrosol: A Promising Therapeutic Agent for Mitigating Inflammation and Apoptosis

Inflammation and apoptosis are interrelated biological processes that have a significant impact on the advancement and growth of certain chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular problems, neurological conditions, and osteoarthritis. Recent research has emphasized that focusing on these mechanisms could result in novel therapeutic approaches that aim to decrease the severity of diseases and enhance patient outcomes. Hydroxytyrosol (HT), which is well-known for its ability to prevent oxidation, has been identified as a possible candidate for regulating both inflammation and apoptosis. In this review, we will highlight the multifaceted benefits of HT as a therapeutic agent in mitigating inflammation, apoptosis, and associated conditions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest in vitro and in vivo research on the anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects of HT and the mechanisms by which it works. Based on these studies, it is strongly advised to use HT as a bioactive ingredient in pharmaceutical products intended for mitigating inflammation, as well as those with apoptosis applications.

Grape Pomace Polyphenols Reduce Acute Inflammatory Response Induced by Carrageenan in a Murine Model

Grape pomace (GP), a by-product of wine production, contains bioactive polyphenols with potential health benefits. This study investigates the anti-inflammatory properties of a polyphenolic fraction derived from GP, obtained by ultrasound-microwave hybrid extraction and purified using ion-exchange chromatography. In the inflammation model, mice were divided into six groups: intact, carrageenan, indomethacin, and three GP polyphenols treatment groups. Paw edema was induced by subplantar injection of carrageenan, and the GP polyphenols were administered intraperitoneally at doses of 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg. The anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated by measuring paw volume, and expression of inflammatory markers: cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6), along with lipid peroxidation levels. The GP polyphenols significantly reduced paw edema and expression levels of COX-2, MPO, and cytokines in a dose-dependent manner effect, with the highest dose showing the greatest reduction. Additionally, lipid peroxidation levels were also decreased by GP polyphenols treatment at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg. These findings suggest that ultrasound-microwave extraction combined with amberlite purification proved to be effective in obtaining a polyphenolic-rich fraction from GP. Thus, GP polyphenols may serve as a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent for treating inflammation and oxidative stress-related diseases.

Clinical efficacy of ulinastatin in the treatment of unliquefied pyogenic liver abscess complicated by septic shock: A randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

This study determined the therapeutic effect of ulinastatin (UTI) on unliquefied pyogenic liver abscesses complicated by septic shock (UPLA-SS).

METHODS

This was a randomized controlled trial involving patients with UPLA-SS who underwent treatment at our hospital between March 2018 and March 2022. The patients were randomly divided into control (n = 51) and study groups (n = 48). Both groups received routine treatment, but the study group received UTI (200,000 units q8h for >3 days). Differences in liver function, inflammatory indices, and effectiveness between the two groups were recorded.

RESULTS

Following treatment, the white blood cell count, and lactate, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 levels were significantly decreased in all patients compared to the admission values (p < .05). The study group had a faster decline with respect to the above indices compared to the control group (p < .05). The study group length of intensive care unit stay, fever duration, and vasoactive drug maintenance time were all significantly shorter than the control group (p < .05). The total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase levels were significantly lower in the study and control groups after treatment compared to before treatment (p < .05); however, the study group had a faster recovery of liver function than the control group (p < .05). The overall mortality rate was 14.14% (14/99); 10.41% of the study group patients died and 17.65% of the control group patients died, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p > .05).

CONCLUSION

UTI combined with conventional treatment significantly controlled the infection symptoms, improved organ function, and shortened the treatment time in patients with UPLA-SS.

Modulation of Beta-Amyloid-Activated Primary Human Neutrophils by Dietary Phenols from Virgin Olive Oil

The defense mechanism against harmful stimuli is inflammation. Indeed, neurodegenerative disorders can arise as a result of a persistent neuroinflammation. Beta-amyloid (Aβ_1-42) is an early trigger in the origination of Alzheimer's disease, leading to synaptic and cognitive impairments. Virgin olive oil (VOO) is correlated with a decreased risk of developing immune-inflammatory disorders, but the potential effects of the phenolic fraction (PF) from VOO in the modulation of neuroinflammatory processes in neutrophils remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the ability of the PF to modulate the activation of Aβ_1-42-stimulated primary human neutrophils, focusing on the expression of gene and surface markers and the release of pro-inflammatory and chemoattractant mediators. Down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression in Aβ_1-42-treated neutrophils, among other changes, was reported. Furthermore, pretreatment with PF prevented neutrophil activation. The beneficial effects in the modulation of inflammatory responses show the relevance of VOO to achieve a healthier diet that can help prevent inflammatory diseases.

Hydroxytyrosol: Its role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases

In recent years, non-pharmacology treatments and their effectiveness have gained popularity due to their beneficial properties in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Phenolic compounds intake provides a natural means of improving in vivo antioxidant status. Thus, the purpose of this review is to discuss the potential benefits of hydroxytyrosol (HT), a phenolic compound with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, in preventing and reducing cardiovascular risk factors, concretely atherosclerosis. Closer inspection of the studies showed a significant improvement of lipid profile, antioxidant capacity and inflammatory state. A note of caution is due in vitro studies because the lack of validated approaches difficult the goodness of fit with the in vivo and clinical research. However, animal and clinical studies were very encouraging, determining HT supplementation useful on inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial function and cardiovascular diseases in general.

Hydroxytyrosol Inhibits MDSCs and Promotes M1 Macrophages in Mice With Orthotopic Pancreatic Tumor

The poor immunotherapy of pancreatic cancer is mainly due to its complex immunosuppressive microenvironment. The Mediterranean diet contributes to low cancer incidence. Hydroxytyrosol (HT) derived from olive oil has multiple health-promoting effects, but its therapeutic effect on pancreatic cancer remains controversial. Here, we evaluated the inhibitory effect of HT on mouse pancreatic cancer, and the effect of HT on the immune microenvironment. We found that HT can inhibit the proliferation of Panc 02 cells through signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3/Cyclin D1 signaling pathway. In the tumor-bearing mice treated with HT, the orthotopic pancreatic tumors were suppressed, accompanied by a decrease in the proportion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and an increase in the proportion of M1 macrophages. In addition, we found that HT inhibited the expression of immunosuppressive molecules in bone marrow (BM)-derived MDSCs, as well as down-regulated CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta (C/EBPβ) and phosphorylation of STAT3. Moreover, HT enhanced the anti-tumor effect of anti-CD47 antibody in vivo. HT combined with plumbagin (PLB) induced more Panc 02 cells death than HT or PLB alone. This combination therapy not only inhibited the accumulation of MDSCs, but also promoted the infiltration of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells in the tumors. In summary, HT is a potential immunomodulatory drug for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway in Experimental Model of Fibromyalgia: Role of Hidrox®

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic condition characterized by persistent widespread pain that negatively affects the quality of life of patients. The WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway seems to be involved in central sensitization and different pain states. The objective of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of a new compound called Hidrox^® (HD), containing 40-50% hydroxytyrosol, in counteracting the pain associated with FM. An FM-like model was induced in rats by subcutaneous injections of reserpine (1 mg/kg) for three consecutive days. Later, HD (10 mg/kg) was administered orally to the animals for seven days. Reserpine injections induced WNT/β-catenin pathway activation, release of pro-inflammatory mediators as well as a significant increase in oxidative stress. Daily treatment with HD was able to modulate the WNT/β-catenin and Nrf2 pathways and consequently attenuate the behavioral deficits and microglia activation induced by reserpine injection. These results indicate that nutritional consumption of HD can be considered as a new therapeutic approach for human FM.