Preventive effects of a Kampo medicine, Shosaikoto, on inflammatory responses in LPS-treated human gingival fibroblasts

Multitargeted Herbal Prescription So Shiho Tang: A Scoping Review on Biomarkers for the Evaluation of Therapeutic Effects

Alternative medicines, especially herbal remedies, have been employed to treat infections and metabolism-related chronic inflammation because their safety and multidimensional therapeutic potential outweigh those of synthetic drugs. So Shiho Tang (SSHT), a well-known Oriental prescription (Xiao Chai Hu Tang in Chinese) composed of seven herbs, is traditionally prescribed to treat various viral infections and chronic metabolic disorders in Asia with or without the support of other natural medicines. To provide a general background on how SSHT is used as a medicinal alternative, we conducted a scoping review using the PubMed database system. Among the 453 articles, 76 studies used aqueous extracts of SSHT alone. This result included seven clinical studies and 69 basic studies: cell-based, animal-based, and ex vivo studies. The in vitro and clinical reports mainly focus on hepatic infection and hepatocarcinoma, and the documentation of in vivo tests of SSHT presents a wide range of effects on cancer, fibrosis, inflammation, and several metabolic disorder symptoms. Additionally, among the seven clinical records, two reverse-effect case studies were reported in middle-aged patients. In brief, this systematic review provides general knowledge on the natural remedy SSHT and its potential in phytotherapeutic primary health care.

Effects of shokyo (Zingiberis Rhizoma) and kankyo (Zingiberis Processum Rhizoma) on prostaglandin E2 production in lipopolysaccharide-treated mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells

We previously reported that shokyo and kankyo, which are water-extracted fractions of ginger, reduced LPS-induced PGE₂ production in human gingival fibroblasts. In this study, we examined the effects of these herbs on LPS-treated mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells. Both shokyo and kankyo reduced LPS-induced PGE₂ production in a concentration-dependent manner. Shokyo and kankyo did not inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) activity, nor did they alter the expression of molecules in the arachidonic acid cascade. In addition, these herbs did not alter NF-κB p65 translocation into nucleus, or phosphorylation of p65 or ERK. These results suggest that shokyo and kankyo inhibit cPLA₂ activity. Although 6-shogaol produced similar results to those of shokyo and kankyo, the concentration of 6-shogaol required for the reduction of PGE₂ production were higher than those of 6-shogaol in shokyo and kankyo. Therefore, several gingerols and shogaols other than 6-shogaol may play a role in the reduction of LPS-induced PGE₂ production. Thus, 6-shogaol, and other gingerols and shogaols inhibit cPLA₂ activity and reduce LPS-induced PGE₂ production via a different mechanism from traditional anti-inflammatory drugs. Moreover, kampo medicines that contain shokyo or kankyo are considered to be effective for inflammatory diseases.

In Vitro Effect of the Traditional Medicine Hainosan (Painongsan) on Porphyromonas gingivalis

Background: Hainosan (Painongsan) is a traditional Japanese and Chinese medicine that is used to treat several purulent diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis. This formulation contains three crude drug components: The dried immature fruit of Citrus aurantium (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus), the dried root of Paeonia lactiflora (Paeoniae Radix), and the dried root of Platycodon grandiflorum (Platycodi Radix). Here we evaluated the in vitro antibacterial effects of hainosan extract (HNS) and extracts of its three components against Porphyromonas gingivalis, one of the pathogenic bacteria that causes periodontitis. Methods: The antibacterial activities of HNS and its components were examined by counting the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) and through transmission electron microscopy. Results: We found that HNS had direct antibacterial activity against three P. gingivalis isolates (JCM12257, JCM8525, and JCM19600), with HNS-treated cells being significantly smaller than those of untreated bacteria. Extracts of Platycodi Radix and Paeoniae Radix significantly suppressed the growth of P. gingivalis in a dose-dependent manner, with Platycodi Radix extract having the greatest antibacterial effect. In addition, P. gingivalis that were treated with Platycodi Radix extract were significantly larger than those treated with Aurantii Fructus Immaturus or Paeoniae Radix extracts. Further analysis showed that platycodin D, which is one of the ingredients of Platycodi Radix, reduced bacterial growth. Conclusions: Platycodi Radix is the active component in Hainosan and may represent a useful agent for the treatment of P. gingivalis-induced gingivitis and periodontitis.

The Biological Efficacy of Natural Products against Acute and Chronic Inflammatory Diseases in the Oral Region

The oral inflammatory diseases are divided into two types: acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. In this review, we summarize the biological efficacy of herbal medicine, natural products, and their active ingredients against acute and chronic inflammatory diseases in the oral region, especially stomatitis and periodontitis. We review the effects of herbal medicines and a biscoclaurin alkaloid preparation, cepharamthin, as a therapy against stomatitis, an acute inflammatory disease. We also summarize the effects of herbal medicines and natural products against periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease, and one of its clinical conditions, alveolar bone resorption. Recent studies show that several herbal medicines such as kakkonto and ninjinto reduce LPS-induced PGE2 production by human gingival fibroblasts. Among herbs constituting these herbal medicines, shokyo (Zingiberis Rhizoma) and kankyo (Zingiberis Processum Rhizoma) strongly reduce PGE2 production. Moreover, anti-osteoclast activity has been observed in some natural products with anti-inflammatory effects used against rheumatoid arthritis such as carotenoids, flavonoids, limonoids, and polyphenols. These herbal medicines and natural products could be useful for treating oral inflammatory diseases.

Anti-Helicobacter pylori and Anti-Inflammatory Effects and Constituent Analysis of Modified Xiaochaihutang for the Treatment of Chronic Gastritis and Gastric Ulcer

Chronic gastritis and gastric ulcers are prevalent throughout the world and are considered to be a global health problem. Modified Xiaochaihutang (MXCHT) prescription is broadly used in traditional medicine hospital for the treatment of gastritis. In order to assess the anti-Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) effect of MXCHT, agar diffusion method in vitro and fluid dilution method for the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) were established. The anti-inflammatory effects were then evaluated using mouse ear edema model and rat paw edema model. The ethanol-induced gastric ulcer method was employed to verify the gastroprotective effect of active extracts in MXCHT. HPLC-TOF-MS/MS was used for analyzing the possible active constituents after oral administration of effective extracts in ethanol-induced gastric ulcer models. MXCHT and 4 different extracts of the bacterial inhibition diameter and MIC were dramatically decreased compared with control group, showing anti-Helicobacter pylori effects. High dose groups of MXCHT, water extract, EtOAc extract, and n-BuOH extract displayed significant anti-inflammatory effects in xylene-induced mouse ear edema model and carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model test. MXCHT and all active extracts exhibited gastroprotective activity and prevented gastric lesions induced by ethanol in rats. 4 prototype components and 4 metabolites were identified after oral administration of EtOAc extract. In addition, 6 prototype components and 6 metabolites were identified in n-BuOH extract. MXCHT, EtOAc extract, and n-BuOH extract demonstrate gastroprotective effects through anti-Helicobacter pylori and anti-inflammatory activities. Thus, this prescription may be a suitable natural source for the prevention and treatment of chronic gastritis and gastric ulcers.

A Review of Evidence for a Therapeutic Application of Traditional Japanese Kampo Medicine for Oral Diseases/Disorders

Kampo medicines prescribed by specialized medical practitioners and Japanese physicians have gradually reemerged in Japan as alternatives to Western medications. Kampo formulations are composed of several plant extracts and, as such, the broad variety of phytochemicals they contain likely act synergistically to provide their beneficial effects. Kampo medicines have traditionally been prescribed for a number of health conditions, including chronic hepatitis, bronchial asthma, anemia, etc. The aim of this article is to review the beneficial effects of Kampos with respect to oral health. Pertinent papers published between 1970 and 2017 were retrieved by searching in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Scopus using key words followed by evaluation of the relevant articles. In vitro studies have identified a number of properties that give credence to the potential of Kampos for treating or preventing oral diseases/disorders. Given their anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, they may be promising agents for controlling periodontal diseases, oral mucositis, xerostomia, and drug-induced gingival overgrowth. Since some oral diseases have a complex etiology that involves microbial pathogens and the host immune response, agents with dual functionality such as Kampo phytochemicals may offer a therapeutic advantage.

Effects of shinbuto and ninjinto on prostaglandin E2 production in lipopolysaccharide-treated human gingival fibroblasts

Previously, we revealed that several kampo medicines used for patients with excess and/or medium patterns (kakkonto (TJ-1), shosaikoto (TJ-9), hangeshashinto (TJ-14), and orento (TJ-120)) reduced prostaglandin (PG)E₂ levels using LPS-treated human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Recently, we examined other kampo medicines used for patients with the deficiency pattern [bakumondoto (TJ-29), shinbuto (TJ-30), ninjinto (TJ-32), and hochuekkito (TJ-41)] and the herbs comprising shinbuto and ninjinto using the same experimental model. Shinbuto and ninjinto concentration-dependently reduced LPS-induced PGE₂ production by HGFs, whereas hochuekkito weakly reduced and bakumondoto did not reduce PGE₂ production. Shinbuto and ninjinto did not alter cyclooxygenase (COX) activity or the expression of molecules involved in the arachidonic acid cascade. Therefore, we next examined which herbs compromising shinbuto and ninjinto reduce LPS-induced PGE₂ production. Among these herbs, shokyo (Zingiberis Rhizoma) and kankyo (Zingiberis Processum Rhizoma) strongly and concentration-dependently decreased LPS-induced PGE₂ production. However, both shokyo and kankyo increased the expression of cytosolic phospholipase (cPL)A₂ but did not affect annexin1 or COX-2 expression. These results suggest that shokyo and kankyo suppress cPLA₂ activity. We demonstrated that kampo medicines suppress inflammatory responses in patients with the deficiency pattern, and in those with excess or medium patterns. Moreover, kampo medicines that contain shokyo or kankyo are considered to be effective for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

The Daiokanzoto (TJ-84) Kampo Formulation Reduces Virulence Factor Gene Expression in Porphyromonas gingivalis and Possesses Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Protease Activities

Kampo formulations used in Japan to treat a wide variety of diseases and to promote health are composed of mixtures of crude extracts from the roots, bark, leaves, and rhizomes of a number of herbs. The present study was aimed at identifying the beneficial biological properties of Daiokanzoto (TJ-84), a Kampo formulation composed of crude extracts of Rhubarb rhizomes and Glycyrrhiza roots, with a view to using it as a potential treatment for periodontal disease. Daiokanzoto dose-dependently inhibited the expression of major Porphyromonas gingivalis virulence factors involved in host colonization and tissue destruction. More specifically, Daiokanzoto reduced the expression of the fimA, hagA, rgpA, and rgpB genes, as determined by quantitative real-time PCR. The U937-3xκB-LUC monocyte cell line transfected with a luciferase reporter gene was used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties of Daiokanzoto. Daiokanzoto attenuated the P. gingivalis-mediated activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. It also reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and CXCL8) by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated oral epithelial cells and gingival fibroblasts. Lastly, Daiokanzoto, dose-dependently inhibited the catalytic activity of matrix metalloproteinases (-1 and -9). In conclusion, the present study provided evidence that Daiokanzoto shows potential for treating and/or preventing periodontal disease. The ability of this Kampo formulation to act on both bacterial pathogens and the host inflammatory response, the two etiological components of periodontal disease, is of high therapeutic interest.

Pitanga (Eugenia uniflora L.) fruit juice and two major constituents thereof exhibit anti-inflammatory properties in human gingival and oral gum epithelial cells

Pitanga, Eugenia uniflora L., is a tropical fruit, which may be consumed as juice. While beneficial health effects of Eugenia uniflora L. leaf extracts have extensively been studied, limited data are available on an anti-inflammatory potential of pitanga juice. The aim of the presented study was to investigate anti-inflammatory properties of pitanga juice with regards to a prevention of inflammation-related periodontal diseases. For this purpose, six healthy volunteers swirled pitanga juice, containing 35% pitanga pulp, for 10 min. Thereafter, oral gum epithelial cells were harvested using a sterile brush and stimulated with lipopolysaccharides from Porphyromonas gingivalis (PG-LPS) for 6 h. Furthermore, human gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1) were used to elucidate the anti-inflammatory potential of pitanga juice constituents, cyanidin-3-glucoside and oxidoselina-1,3,7(11)-trien-8-one, in juice representative concentrations of 119 μg ml(-1) and 30 μg ml(-1), respectively. For the first time, an anti-inflammatory impact of pitanga juice on gingival epithelial cells was shown by means of an attenuation of IL-8 release by 55 ± 8.2% and 52 ± 11% in non-stimulated and PG-LPS-stimulated cells, respectively. In addition, both cyanidin-3-glucoside and oxidoselina-1,3,7(11)-trien-8-one reduced the LPS-stimulated CXCL8 mRNA expression by 50 ± 15% and 37 ± 18% and IL-8 release by 52 ± 9.9% and 45 ± 3.7% in HGF-1 cells, when concomitantly incubated with 10 μg ml(-1)PG-LPS for 6 h, revealing an anti-inflammatory potential of the volatile compound oxidoselina-1,3,7(11)-trien-8-one for the first time.

Preventive effect of Daiokanzoto (TJ-84) on 5-fluorouracil-induced human gingival cell death through the inhibition of reactive oxygen species production

Daiokanzoto (TJ-84) is a traditional Japanese herbal medicine (Kampo formulation). While many Kampo formulations have been reported to regulate inflammation and immune responses in oral mucosa, there is no evidence to show that TJ-84 has beneficial effects on oral mucositis, a disease resulting from increased cell death induced by chemotherapeutic agents such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). In order to develop effective new therapeutic strategies for treating oral mucositis, we investigated (i) the mechanisms by which 5-FU induces the death of human gingival cells and (ii) the effects of TJ-84 on biological events induced by 5-FU. 5-FU-induced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and pore formation in gingival cells (Sa3 cell line) resulted in cell death. Incubating the cells with 5-FU increased the expression of nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat containing PYD-3 (NLRP3) and caspase-1. The cleavage of caspase-1 was observed in 5-FU-treated cells, which was followed by an increased secretion of interleukin (IL)-1β. The inhibition of the NLRP3 pathway slightly decreased the effects of 5-FU on cell viability and LDH release, suggesting that NLRP3 may be in part involved in 5-FU-induced cell death. TJ-84 decreased 5-FU-induced LDH release and cell death and also significantly inhibited the depolarization of mitochondria and the up-regulation of 5-FU-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) production. The transcriptional factor, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) was not involved in the 5-FU-induced cell death in Sa3 cells. In conclusion, we provide evidence suggesting that the increase of ROS production in mitochondria, rather than NLRP3 activation, was considered to be associated with the cell death induced by 5-FU. The results also suggested that TJ-84 may attenuate 5-FU-induced cell death through the inhibition of mitochondrial ROS production.

Biological activities and possible dental application of three major groups of polyphenols

The present article reviewed the biological activities and possible dental application of three major polyphenols, i.e., lignin-carbohydrate complexes, tannins, and flavonoids, citing mostly our in vitro studies together with those from other groups. All these polyphenols showed much lower tumor-selective cytotoxicity against oral squamous cell carcinoma cells vs. normal oral cells (gingival fibroblast, pulp cell, periodontal ligament fibroblast), in comparison to popular chemotherapeutic antitumor drugs. Several compounds showing higher tumor-selectivity did not induce internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, a biochemical hallmark of apoptosis, in oral carcinoma cell lines. Lignin-carbohydrate complex protected the cells from the cytopathic effects of HIV infection and UV irradiation more efficiently than other polyphenols. Limited digestion of lignin-carbohydrate complex suggests that the lignin moiety is involved in the prominent anti-HIV activity, whereas the carbohydrate moiety may function in immunopotentiating activity through a cell surface receptor. Alkaline extract of plant leaf, which contains higher amounts of lignin-carbohydrate complex, showed potent anti-inflammatory action against IL-1β-stimulated human gingival fibroblasts. Local application of lignin-carbohydrate complex through oral mucosa is recommended, considering its poor intestinal absorption.

The Kampo medicine Rokumigan possesses antibiofilm, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties

Periodontal diseases, which are inflammatory diseases of bacterial origin affecting the tooth-supporting tissues, are characterized by inflammation and destruction of gingival connective tissue and alveolar bone, and may lead to tooth loss. The aim of the study was to investigate Rokumigan, a Kampo Japanese traditional medicine made of six different plants, for its capacity to prevent biofilm formation by Fusobacterium nucleatum, to inhibit interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) secretion by mucosal cells, and to promote wound healing in a fibroblast model. Using a microplate colorimetric assay, Rokumigan prevented biofilm formation by F. nucleatum, while it had no effect on bacterial growth. Rokumigan inhibited IL-6 secretion in both epithelial cells and fibroblasts stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. However, it caused no significant inhibition of IL-8 secretion by both cell types. Rokumigan significantly increased proliferation and migration of gingival fibroblasts in a wound healing assay. In conclusion, the Kampo formulation Rokumigan, through suppression of biofilm formation by F. nucleatum, inhibition of IL-6 secretion by gingival epithelial cells and fibroblasts, and promotion of wound healing in a fibroblast model, may have potential application for periodontal diseases.

Preventive Effects of a Kampo Medicine, Kakkonto, on Inflammatory Responses via the Suppression of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Phosphorylation in Lipopolysaccharide-Treated Human Gingival Fibroblasts

Periodontal disease is accompanied by inflammation of the gingiva and destruction of periodontal tissues, leading to alveolar bone loss in severe clinical cases. The chemical mediator prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and cytokines such as interleukin- (IL-)6 and IL-8 have been known to play important roles in inflammatory responses and tissue degradation. In the present study, we investigated the effects of a kampo medicine, kakkonto (TJ-1), on the production of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), IL-6, and IL-8 by human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Porphyromonas gingivalis. Kakkonto concentration dependently suppressed LPS-induced PGE₂ production but did not alter basal PGE₂ levels. In contrast, kakkonto significantly increased LPS-induced IL-6 and IL-8 production. Kakkonto decreased cyclooxygenase- (COX-)1 activity to approximately 70% at 1 mg/mL but did not affect COX-2 activity. Kakkonto did not affect cytoplasmic phospholipase A₂ (cPLA₂), annexin1, or LPS-induced COX-2 expression. Kakkonto suppressed LPS-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation, which is known to lead to ERK activation and cPLA₂ phosphorylation. These results suggest that kakkonto decreased PGE₂ production by inhibition of ERK phosphorylation which leads to inhibition of cPLA₂ phosphorylation and its activation. Therefore, kakkonto may be useful to improve gingival inflammation in periodontal disease.

Effects of Japanese traditional herbal medicines (Kampo) on growth and virulence properties of Porphyromonas gingivalis and viability of oral epithelial cells

CONTEXT

Kampos, commonly used in Japanese traditional medicine, are standardized herbal mixtures that have been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. We hypothesized that Kampos may have unidentified properties that may be beneficial in periodontitis, an inflammatory disease affecting the tooth-supporting tissues.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to investigate various Kampos and their natural ingredients for their effects on Porphyromonas gingivalis growth, adherence to epithelial cells and proteinase activity. In addition, their effects on oral epithelial cell viability were evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Growth inhibition of P. gingivalis by various Kampos and their natural ingredients was evaluated by a microdilution broth assay method. Their effects on P. gingivalis proteinase activity and adherence to oral epithelial cells were determined by fluorometric assays. The cytotoxicity of test compounds towards oral epithelial cells was evaluated by MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] test.

RESULTS

Of the 27 Kampos tested, 7 were found to inhibit the growth of P. gingivalis. The lowest minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) (250 µg/ml) was obtained with TJ-113. Analysis of the composition of the seven active Kampos showed that they contain Chinese rhubarb as a common ingredient. Therefore, additional growth inhibitory assays on P. gingivalis were carried out with purified anthraquinones known to be present in rhubarb. Aloe-emodin and rhein possessed the strongest antibacterial effects towards P. gingivalis with an MIC of 0.78 µg/ml. The seven Kampos containing rhubarb and purified anthraquinones also exhibited the capacity to decrease the adherence of P. gingivalis to oral epithelial cells and to reduce its proteinase activity. The most important anti-adherence effect of Kampo was obtained with TJ-126; at 250 µg/ml it reduced adherence of P. gingivalis to epithelial cells by 83%. Purified anthraquinones were found to be less active than Kampos. Kampo TJ-113 was found to be the most effective for inhibition of gelatin degradation (49% inhibition at 62.5 µg/ml). Again, purified anthraquinones inhibited gelatin degradation to a lesser extent. Lastly, none of the tested compounds showed cytotoxicity towards oral epithelial cells at the effective concentrations.

CONCLUSION

Kampos containing rhubarb and its anthraquinone derivatives may represent promising molecules for controlling periodontal diseases through their capacity to inhibit P. gingivalis growth and virulence properties.

Curcumin attenuates cyclooxygenase-2 expression via inhibition of the NF-κB pathway in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human gingival fibroblasts

Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces the expression of the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which contributes to the process of periodontitis. Curcumin, a constituent of turmeric, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. We have investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) stimulated by P. gingivalis LPS and its mechanism of action. HGFs pretreated with curcumin were stimulated by P. gingivalis LPS. COX-2 mRNA and protein expressions were analysed by real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. Activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) was analysed by the NF-κB-dependent luciferase activity and electrophoretic mobility-shift assay (EMSA). Curcumin inhibited COX-2 mRNA and protein synthesis in LPS-stimulated HGFs in a dose-dependent manner. P. gingivalis LPS activated NF-κB-dependent transcription in HGFs, which were also downregulated by pretreatment with curcumin. Therefore, curcumin can inhibit P. gingivalis LPS-induced COX-2 expression, which may be due to the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway.

Systematic review of herbals as potential anti-inflammatory agents: Recent advances, current clinical status and future perspectives

Many synthetic drugs reported to be used for the treatment of inflammatory disorders are of least interest now a days due to their potential side effects and serious adverse effects and as they are found to be highly unsafe for human assistance. Since the last few decades, herbal drugs have regained their popularity in treatment against several human ailments. Herbals containing anti-inflammatory activity (AIA) are topics of immense interest due to the absence of several problems in them, which are associated with synthetic preparations. The primary objective of this review is to provide a deep overview of the recently explored anti-inflammatory agents belonging to various classes of phytoconstituents like alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, steroids, polyphenolic compounds, and also the compounds isolated from plants of marine origin, algae and fungi. Also, it enlists a distended view on potential interactions between herbals and synthetic preparations, related adverse effects and clinical trials done on herbals for exploring their AIA. The basic aim of this review is to give updated knowledge regarding plants which will be valuable for the scientists working in the field of anti-inflammatory natural chemistry.

The traditional Japanese formula keishibukuryogan inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines by dermal endothelial cells

Keishibukuryogan (KBG) is one of the traditional herbal formulations widely administered to patients with blood stagnation for improving blood circulation; currently, it is the most frequently prescribed medicine in Japan. KBG has been reported to improve conjunctional microcirculation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of KBG and paeoniflorin, a bioactive compound of KBG, in inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines using human dermal microvessel endothelial cells (HDMECs). The authors observed that lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 1 μg/mL) stimulated the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in HDMECs. KBG treatment (10 mg/mL) significantly suppressed the mRNA levels of migration inhibitory factor (MIF), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in LPS-stimulated cultured HDMECs. Similarly, paeoniflorin significantly suppressed the mRNA levels of these cytokines in LPS-stimulated cultured HDMECs. ELISA showed that KBG and paeoniflorin suppressed the production of MIF, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated HDMECs. Moreover, KBG and paeoniflorin decreased the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in these cells. These results suggest that KBG may be useful for improving microvascular inflammation in patients with skin diseases.

Preventive effects of a kampo medicine, orento on inflammatory responses in lipopolysaccharide treated human gingival fibroblasts

In the present study, we investigated the effects of a Kampo medicine Orento (TJ-120) on the production of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 by human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) treated with lipopolysaccharide from Porphyromonas gingivalis (PgLPS). HGFs proliferation was dose-dependently decreased with Orento at days 3 and 7. However, treatment with PgLPS (10 ng/ml), Orento (up to 1 mg/ml) and their combinations for 24 h did not affect the viability of HGFs. Orento suppressed PgLPS-induced PGE(2) production in a dose-dependent manner but did not alter basal PGE(2) level. In contrast, Orento did not alter PgLPS-induced IL-6 and IL-8 productions. These alterations by Orento were similar to those by a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK/MEK) inhibitor, PD98059. A Orento showed no effect on cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 activities, and increased cytoplasmic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) expression and increased PgLPS-induced COX-2 expression. Orento suppressed PgLPS-induced mobility retardation of cPLA(2) band on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) gels, that is cPLA(2) phosphorylation and its activation, while Orento alone did not alter cPLA(2) phosphorylation. Orento suppressed PgLPS-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation, which is known to lead to ERK activation and cPLA(2) phosphorylation. These results suggest that Orento decreased PGE(2) production by inhibition of cPLA(2) phosphorylation and its activation via inhibition of ERK phosphorylation, and also that Orento may be useful to improve gingival inflammation in periodontal disease.

Micro-organism and Cell Viability on Antimicrobially Modified Titanium

When titanium is anodized by discharge in NaCl solution, both antimicrobial activity and osteoconductivity are conferred. The viability of adherent micro-organisms and cells on antimicrobial titanium remains uncertain. We hypothesized that a thin peroxidation barrier would efficiently destroy adherent bacteria, whereas adherent osteoblastic cells would be viable, since these cells adhere to the surface indirectly though serum proteins. The efficacy of antimicrobial titanium appears to be based on peroxidation, since peroxidation products were detected in parallel with the destruction of bacterial cell-surface structures. The peroxidation effect of antimicrobial titanium was confined to the surface within narrow limits. The viability of osteoblastic cells on the surface was strongly dependent on the presence of serum protein, whereas that of adherent Streptococcus mutans was not affected by the presence of serum proteins. Therefore, differences in the adherent systems used by bacteria and osteoblastic cells are important determinants of their viability on antimicrobial titanium.

Shosaikoto increases calprotectin expression in human oral epithelial cells

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Oral epithelial cells help to prevent against bacterial infection in the oral cavity by producing antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). A broad-spectrum AMP, calprotectin (a complex of S100A8 and S100A9 proteins), is expressed by oral epithelial cells and is up-regulated by interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha). Shosaikoto (SST) is a traditional Japanese herbal medicine that has immunomodulatory effects and is reported to enhance the levels of IL-1alpha in epithelial cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of SST on the expression of calprotectin and other AMPs through the regulation of IL-1alpha in oral epithelial cells.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Human oral epithelial cells (TR146) were cultured with SST (at concentrations ranging from 10 to 250 microg/mL) in the presence or absence of anti-IL-1alpha or IL-1 receptor antagonist. The expression of S100A8- and S100A9-specific mRNAs was examined by northern blotting. Calprotectin expression and IL-1alpha secretion were investigated by immunofluorescent staining or ELISA. The expression of other AMPs and IL-1alpha was analyzed by RT-PCR and by quantitative real-time PCR.

RESULTS

Shosaikoto (25 microg/mL) significantly increased the expression of S100A8- and S100A9-specific mRNAs and calprotectin protein. Shosaikoto increased S100A7 expression, but had no effect on the expression of other AMPs. The expression of IL-1alpha-specific mRNA and its protein were slightly increased by SST. A neutralizing antibody against IL-1alpha or IL-1 receptor antagonist inhibited SST up-regulated S100A8/S100A9 mRNA expression.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that SST increases the expression of calprotectin and S100A7 in oral epithelial cells. In response to SST, up-regulation of calprotectin may be partially induced via IL-1alpha.

Effect of eel galectin AJL-1 on periodontopathic bacterial biofilm formation and their lipopolysaccharide-mediated inflammatory cytokine induction

Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, infectious pathogenic bacteria found in oral biofilm, cause periodontal disease. The inhibitory effect of AJL-1, a galectin present in the skin mucus of the Japanese eel Anguilla japonica, on biofilm formation by each of these strains was investigated by staining adherent bacteria on culture plates with crystal violet. An ATP bioluminescence assay was used to determine whether inhibition of biofilm formation was due to the bactericidal activity of AJL-1. The effect of AJL-1 on cytokine induction in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) isolated from A. actinomycetemcomitans was also investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). AJL-1 significantly inhibited biofilm formation by A. actinomycetemcomitans strains Y4, ATCC 29523 and ATCC 29524 but not by any strain of P. gingivalis or P. intermedia, and showed no bactericidal activity against A. actinomycetemcomitans strains. AJL-1 markedly suppressed interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 induction in HUVECs by LPS from A. actinomycetemcomitans strains Y4 and ATCC 29523. These observations indicate that AJL-1 is an effective inhibitor of biofilm formation by A. actinomycetemcomitans as well as of inflammatory cytokine induction in HUVECs by LPS. These finding indicate that AJL-1 may be of therapeutic value in A. actinomycetemcomitans-associated periodontal diseases.