Efficient Use of a Crude Drug/Herb Library Reveals Ephedra Herb As a Specific Antagonist for TH2-Specific Chemokine Receptors CCR3, CCR4, and CCR8

Profiling CCR3 target pathways for discovering novel antagonists from natural products using label-free cell phenotypic assays

CC chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3) plays important roles in atopic dermatitis (AD) and other related allergic diseases. Activation of CCR3 receptor signaling pathways regulates the recruitment of eosinophils to related tissues, releasing inflammatory mediators and causing inflammatory responses. However, none of the known CCR3 antagonists exhibit promising efficacy in clinical trials. In this work, we sought new natural CCR3 antagonists for drug development. To construct a high-throughput screening model, we established a stably transfected CHO-K1-Gα15-CCR3 cell line, and receptor expression was demonstrated by real-time quantitative PCR, confocal detection and flow cytometry analysis. Then, we applied a label-free cell phenotyping technique to profile and deconvolute CCR3 target pathways in CHO-K1-Gα15-CCR3 cells and found that activation of CCR3 triggered the Gq-PLC-Ca2+ and MAPK-P38-ERK pathways. By in vitro and in silico experiments, we discovered a novel CCR3 antagonist emodin, with an IC50 value of 27.28 ± 1.71 μM out of 266 compounds that were identified in 15 traditional Chinese medicines used in the clinical treatment of skin diseases. Molecular docking graphically presented the binding mode of emodin on CCR3. This work reports a new approach for CCR3 antagonist screening and pathway detection and identifies a new antagonist that would benefit future drug development.

Ephedra Herb, Mao, Inhibits Antigen-Induced Mast Cell Degranulation by Induction of the Affinity Receptor for IgE Internalization

PURPOSE

Ephedra herb (Mao) exerts potent anti-allergic effects. This study aimed to examine the underlying mechanisms of Mao on allergic inflammation using in vitro cultured mast cells (MCs) and an in vivo model of MC-dependent anaphylaxis.

METHODS

Bone marrow-derived MCs (BMMCs) were presensitized with anti-2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) immunoglobulin E (IgE) and challenged with antigens (Ag; DNP-human serum albumin). Degranulation responses and cell surface high-affinity receptor for IgE (FcεRI) expression were assessed with/without Mao treatment. Passive systemic anaphylaxis (PSA)-treated mice were administered Mao and the pathophysiological responses were evaluated.

RESULTS

Mao inhibited Ag-induced BMMC degranulation, but not polyclonal activation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and ionomycin, indicating that Mao inhibits IgE-dependent activation of BMMCs. Mao-treated BMMCs exhibited significant reductions in expression of surface IgE and its receptor FcεRI. Analysis of subcellular localization revealed that Mao induces FcεRI internalization in BMMCs without degranulation. In the PSA mouse model, Mao administration prevented antigen-induced hypothermia. Mao administration significantly reduced cell surface expression of IgE-bound FcεRI on peritoneal MCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Mao induced FcεRI internalization in MCs, thereby inhibiting Ag-induced IgE-dependent degranulation. The inhibitory effects of Mao on MC degranulation may offer a novel therapeutic approach for allergic diseases.

Parathyroid hormone type 1 receptor regulates osteosarcoma K7M2 Cell growth by interacting with angiotensinogen

This study aimed to determine the interactions between parathyroid hormone type 1 receptor (PTHR1) and angiotensinogen (AGT) and the effects of these agents on osteosarcoma (OS). We constructed a stably transfected mouse OS K7M2 cell line (shPTHR1- K7M2) using shRNA and knocked down AGT in these cells using siRNA-AGT. The transfection efficiency and expression of AGT, chemokine C-C motif receptor 3 (CCR3), and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 9 (CCL9) were determined using real-time quantitative PCR. Cell viability and colony formation were assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8 and crystal violet staining, respectively. Cell apoptosis and cycle phases were assessed by flow cytometry, and cell migration and invasion were evaluated using Transwell assays. Interference with PTHR1 upregulated the expression of AGT and CCR3, and downregulated that of CCL9, which was further downregulated by AGT knockdown. Cell viability, migration, invasion and colony formation were significantly decreased, while cell apoptosis was significantly increased in shPTHR1-K7M2, compared with those in K7M2 cells (P < .05 for all). However, AGT knockdown further inhibited cell viability after 72 h of culture but promoted cell migration and invasion. PTHR1 interference decreased and increased the numbers of cells in the G0/G1 and G2/M phases, respectively, compared with those in K7M2 cells. Angiotensinogen knockdown increased the number of cells in the G0/G1 phase compared with that in the shPTHR1-K7M2 cells. Therefore, PTHR1 affects cell viability, apoptosis, migration, invasion and colony formation, possibly by regulating AGT/CCL9 in OS cells.

Chemokines in allergic conjunctivitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Chemokines are a large group of low molecular weight cytokines that attract and activate leukocytes throughout the body and therefore have a key role in the framework of late-phase allergic responses. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the main chemokines involved in allergic conjunctivitis, their primary functions and their physiological roles, and therapies targeted at chemokines and their receptors for ocular allergic diseases.

RECENT FINDINGS

In recent years, there have been considerable advances in the understanding of ocular pathophysiology of ocular surface inflammatory diseases including both allergic eye diseases and dry eye syndrome. Several therapies being developed for dry eye inflammation are recognized as possible therapies for ocular allergic diseases as there are often common chemokines involved in both disease spectra.

SUMMARY

Chemokines represent an integral part of the late-phase cascade of ocular allergic inflammation. A deep understanding of specific chemokines and their interactions will help in targeting therapies to effectively manage ocular clinical findings and symptoms of allergic eye disease.

A single institution experience of Eppikajutsuto for the treatment of lymphatic malformations in children

BACKGROUND

Eppikajutsuto (TJ-28) is an herbal medicine recently reported to be effective in treating lymphatic malformations (LMs). We report our experience concerning the clinical efficacy of TJ-28 for LMs.

METHODS

Medical records of 10 LM cases treated with TJ-28 between 2016 and 2018 were reviewed. TJ-28 was given at 0.3 g/kg/day and then increased to 0.5 if no improvement was noted after the first three months of treatment. Their clinical data were collected, and LM volume indices (depth×width×height) were measured with the first (LMVI-F) and latest (LMVI-L) imaging studies. The response rates were calculated as 1-LMVI-L / LMVI-F (%).

RESULTS

The median age at the diagnosis and treatment period was 1.5 years and 17.5 months, respectively. LMs were located in the neck (six), mesenterium or retroperitoneum (three), and inguinal region (one). The median response rate was 83%, including 100% in three cases and the apparent improvement of obstructive airway symptoms in one case. One case underwent surgery for insufficient improvement, and another that showed no effect is being considered for surgery. Most of the satisfactory outcomes were demonstrated in the first six months of treatment.

CONCLUSION

TJ-28 seems to be effective in treating LMs in children, especially early in treatment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

A Case of Suspected Adverse Reactions to Sirolimus in the Treatment of Generalized Lymphatic Anomaly

Generalized lymphatic anomaly (GLA) is characterized by diffuse or multicentric proliferation of dilated lymphatic vessels resembling common lymphatic malformation, and thoracic lesions can be related to a poor prognosis. Sirolimus, an inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin, is effective against vascular anomalies with few severe adverse drug reactions. Here, we report the case of a patient with intractable hemothorax pleural effusion due to GLA who was treated with sirolimus and experienced disseminated intravascular coagulation. Although a standard treatment for GLA has not been established, pleural fluid might be reduced using the Kampo medicine Eppikajyutsuto.

Ascorbic acid derivative DDH-1 ameliorates psoriasis-like skin lesions in mice by suppressing inflammatory cytokine expression

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease in which inflammatory cytokines play a major role in its pathogenesis. Because DDH-1, a novel amphipathic ascorbic acid derivative, has been recently shown to reduce inflammatory cytokine expression in human keratinocytes in vitro, we investigated its effect on imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin lesions in C57BL/6 mice. We first found that IL-1β and TNF-α mRNA expression was significantly decreased in the skin lesions treated with DDH-1. Furthermore, cutaneous administration of DDH-1 ameliorated psoriasis-like skin lesions. These results suggest that DDH-1 may be effective in the prevention and supplemental treatment of psoriasis.

A large retroperitoneal lymphatic malformation successfully treated with traditional Japanese Kampo medicine in combination with surgery

BACKGROUND

Current treatment options for lymphatic malformations (LMs) are multimodal. Recently, the effectiveness of treating LMs with Eppikajyutsuto (TJ-28) has been reported. TJ-28 is a kind of oral herbal medicine classified as the traditional Japanese Kampo medicine.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 12-year-old girl was admitted to our hospital for intermittent upper abdominal pain. Radiological examinations revealed a large (9.5 × 5.8 × 10.0 cm) retroperitoneal LM, which was suspected to adhering and stretching both pancreas head and duodenum. The large retroperitoneal tumor resection might induce involving complications because of the size and the location. Therefore, we used TJ-28 in order to diminish the tumor size before surgery. The patient received oral doses of 7.5 g/day (2.5 g × 3 times/day) of TJ-28. Six months after the medication, the tumor decreased markedly to 3.5 × 1.5 × 1.2 cm in size. Thereafter, the mass was sub-totally resected (95%) via a 3 cm trans-umbilical incision without any surgical complications.

CONCLUSIONS

We reported a case of successfully treated retroperitoneal LM with the combination treatment of TJ-28 and surgery. Based on our experience, this TJ-28 treatment option may be very useful in treating cases of LMs having surgical difficulties because of size and/or location.

Long-term follow-up for ossification of autologous bone plug and skin sinking after periosteum-preserved burr hole surgery

Background:

The demand of a burr hole surgery for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is increasing in the global aging society. Burr hole-derived autologous bone dusts are not associated with extra costs compared with other commonly used synthetic materials. In addition, postoperative calvarium ossification requires periosteum-mediated blood supply, which is lacking after using avascular synthetic materials. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that the combination of the bone plugs and the preserved periosteum during burr hole surgeries for CSDH would induce efficient calvarium ossification.

Methods:

We evaluated the long-term effects of bone plugs on the degree of ossification and cosmetic appearance of the skin covering the burr hole sites. We included 8 patients (9 burr holes) who received the autologous bone dust derived from burr holes. As the control group, 9 burr holes that did not receive any burr hole plugs were retrospectively selected. These burr holes were evaluated by computed tomography (CT) scan for the calvarium defect ratios, CT value-based ossification, and the degree of skin sinking.

Results:

Ossification was observed in all the bone plugs by the bone density CT scans; they maintained their volume at 12 months after the surgeries. The calvarium defect ratios (volume ratios of the unossified parts in the burr holes) gradually increased during the first 6 months and reached 0.44 at 12 months. The mean CT values also increased from 527 HU to 750 HU for the first 6 months and reached 905 HU at 12 months. The degrees of skin sinking at the burr hole sites with the bone plugs were 1.24 mm whereas those without the bone plugs were 2.69 mm (P = 0.004).

Conclusion:

Application of burr hole-derived autologous bone dust is associated with better ossification and objective cosmetic result following burr hole surgery after CSDH.