Curcumin Ameliorates Particulate Matter-Induced Pulmonary Injury through Bimodal Regulation of Macrophage Inflammation via NF-κB and Nrf2

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) reduced lipopolysaccharide-stimulated inflammatory response of RAW264.7 cells via the miR-125b-5p/CREB axis

Inflammation represents an adaptive physiological response of body immune system to infection or tissue damage, which may be regulated by food supplementation. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) has multi-functions and its anti-inflammatory effect has gained great attention. This study aimed to address the exact molecular mechanism underlying its inflammatory control. The results showed that EPA decreased lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response in RAW264.7 cells by modulating the production of cellular cytokines. In addition, EPA downregulated miR-125b-5p, which showed pro-inflammatory effect and its forced expression attenuated EPA's anti-inflammatory activity. Moreover, the cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB) is targeted by miR-125b-5p. CREB overexpression reduced inflammation probably via modulating the PGC-1α/NF-κB pathway, which resembled the effect of EPA pre-treatment. Therefore, EPA exhibited anti-inflammatory activity by targeting the miR-125b-5p/CREB axis, which modulated the production of inflammatory mediators probably via transcription control. This study provides insights into microRNA-mediated action mechanism and facilitates the relief of inflammation-associated diseases by food ingredients.

Nanocurcumin-enhanced zein nanofibers: Advancing macrophage polarization and accelerating wound healing

Introduction

Chronic wounds continue to pose a significant global challenge, incurring substantial costs and necessitating extensive research in wound healing. Our previous work involved synthesizing zein nanofibers embedded with 5 %, 10 %, and 15 % nano-curcumin (Zein/nCUR 5, 10, and 15 % NFs), and examining their physicochemical and biological properties. This study aims to explore the potential of these nanofibers in macrophage (MØ) polarization and wound healing.

Methods

We assessed the survival of RAW264.7 cells cultured on Zein/nCUR 5, 10, and 15 % NFs using the MTT assay. To evaluate MØ polarization, we measured the expression of iNOS and Arg-1 genes in MØs cultured on Zein/nCUR 10 % NFs through real-time PCR. Furthermore, we examined the nanofibers' impact on pro-inflammatory cytokine expression (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) in MØs via real-time PCR. The wound healing efficacy of Zein/nCUR 10 % NFs was tested on 54 male rats with full-thickness wounds, with assessments conducted on days 3, 7, and 14. Wound closure, re-epithelialization, and collagen secretion were evaluated through photographic analysis and tissue staining. Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism 6, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results

Zein/nCUR 10 % NFs significantly enhanced the survival of RAW264.7 cells compared to other groups. They also markedly reduced iNOS expression and increased Arg-1 expression, indicating successful polarization of M1 to M2 MØs. Additionally, these nanofibers decreased the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and significantly improved wound closure, re-epithelialization, and collagen deposition compared to control and Zein groups.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that Zein/nCUR 10 % NFs effectively polarize MØs from M1 to M2, significantly enhancing wound healing, thus offering a promising therapeutic approach for improved wound care.

Human Monocyte-Derived Macrophages Demonstrate Distinct Responses to Ambient Particulate Matter in a Polarization State- and Particle Seasonality-Specific Manner

Macrophages are professional phagocytic immune cells that, following activation, polarize on a spectrum between the proinflammatory M1 and the proresolution M2 states. Macrophages have further been demonstrated to retain plasticity, allowing for the reprogramming of their polarization states following exposure to new stimuli. Particulate matter (PM) has been repeatedly shown to modify macrophage function and polarization while also inducing worsening respiratory infection morbidity and mortality. However, limited work has considered the impact of the initial macrophage polarization state on subsequent responses to PM exposure. PM composition can demonstrate seasonality-specific compositional changes based on differences in seasonal weather patterns and energy needs, introducing the need to consider the seasonality-specific effects of airborne PM when investigating its impact on human health. This study sought to determine the impact of airborne PM collected during different seasons of the year in Xinxiang, China, on macrophage function in a polarization state-dependent manner. Macrophages were differentiated using the macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) on CD14+CD16- monocytes isolated from the blood of healthy human volunteers. The resulting macrophages were polarized into indicated states using well-characterized polarization methods and assessed for phagocytic function, bioenergetic properties, and secretory profile following exposure to PM collected during a single day during each season of the year. Macrophages demonstrated clear polarization state-dependent phagocytic, bioenergetic, and secretory properties at the baseline and following PM exposure. Specific PM seasonality had a minimal impact on phagocytic function and a minor effect on bioenergetic properties but had clear impacts on the secretory profile as demonstrated by the enriched secretion of well-characterized mediator clusters by particle season. Together, these data suggest that both particle seasonality and macrophage polarization state must be considered when investigating the impact of PM on macrophage function. These factors may contribute to the negative outcomes linked to PM exposure during respiratory infections.

Therapeutic Potential of Herbal Medicines in Combating Particulate Matter (PM)-Induced Health Effects: Insights from Recent Studies

Particulate matter (PM), particularly fine (PM2.5) and ultrafine (PM0.1) particles, originates from both natural and anthropogenic sources, such as biomass burning and vehicle emissions. These particles contain harmful compounds that pose significant health risks. Upon inhalation, ingestion, or dermal contact, PM can penetrate biological systems, inducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage, which contribute to a range of health complications. This review comprehensively examines the protective potential of natural products against PM-induced health issues across various physiological systems, including the respiratory, cardiovascular, skin, neurological, gastrointestinal, and ocular systems. It provides valuable insights into the health risks associated with PM exposure and highlights the therapeutic promise of herbal medicines by focusing on the natural products that have demonstrated protective properties in both in vitro and in vivo PM2.5-induced models. Numerous herbal medicines and phytochemicals have shown efficacy in mitigating PM-induced cellular damage through their ability to counteract oxidative stress, suppress pro-inflammatory responses, and enhance cellular defense mechanisms. These combined actions collectively protect tissues from PM-related damage and dysfunction. This review establishes a foundation for future research and the development of effective interventions to combat PM-related health issues. However, further studies, including in vivo and clinical trials, are essential to evaluate the safety, optimal dosages, and long-term effectiveness of herbal treatments for patients under chronic PM exposure.

Dynamics of Inflammatory and Pathological Changes Induced by Single Exposure of Particulate Matter (PM2.5) in Mice: Potential Implications in COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive disorder of lungs marked by chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Particulate matter (PM2.5), a major component of air pollution has been correlated with COPD incidence. The present work aimed to understand dynamics of cellular/molecular players behind PM2.5-mediated COPD pathogenesis in mice by conducting dose and time-course studies. Single intratracheal exposure of PM2.5 at a dose of either 100 or 200 μg induced inflammatory response in lungs at 4 days. Time course studies showed that inflammation once triggered by PM2.5 is progressive in nature as reflected by data on BALF inflammatory cells at 7/14 days. Similarly, various cytokines/chemokines (KC/IL-6/TNF-α/IL-1β/G-CSF/MCP-1) peak at either 7 or 14 days. However, inflammation declined sharply at 21 days. Data on LPO/GSH and activities of SOD/Catalase show induction of continuous oxidative stress in lung tissue. Next, enhanced mtROS in the CD11b+ inflammatory cells confirms the redox imbalance in neutrophils/macrophages. A continuous decline in lung function was observed till 28 days. Further, histological analysis of lung tissues at 28 days confirmed the presence of emphysematous lesions, validating the potency of PM2.5 to cause irreversible damage to lungs through complex interplay of various cellular/molecular players which may be exploited as potential preventive/therapeutic targets.

Palmatine Alleviates Particulate Matter-Induced Acute Lung Injury by Inhibiting Pyroptosis via Activating the Nrf2-Related Pathway

Particulate matter (PM) induces and enhances oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to a variety of respiratory diseases, including acute lung injury. Exploring new treatments for PM-induced lung injury has long been of interest to researchers. Palmatine (PAL) is a natural extract derived from plants that has been reported in many studies to alleviate inflammatory diseases. Our study was designed to explore whether PAL can alleviate acute lung injury caused by PM. The acute lung injury model was established by instilling PM (4 mg/kg) into the airway of mice, and PAL (50 mg/kg and 100 m/kg) was administrated orally as the treatment groups. The effect and mechanism of PAL treatment were examined by immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, Western Blotting, ELISA, and other experiments. The results showed that oral administration of PAL (50 mg/kg and 100 m/kg) could significantly alleviate lung inflammation and acute lung injury caused by PM. In terms of mechanism, we found that PAL (50 mg/kg) exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-damage effects mainly by enhancing the activation of the Nrf2-related antioxidant pathway and inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3-related pyroptosis pathway in mice. These mechanisms have also been verified in our cell experiments. Further cell experiments showed that PAL may reduce intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) by activating Nrf2-related pathways, thereby inhibiting the activation of NLRP3-related pyroptosis pathway induced by PM in Beas-2B cell. Our study suggests that PAL can be a new option for PM-induced acute lung injury.

CKD-497 inhibits NF-kB signaling and ameliorates inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis in ovalbumin-induced asthma and particulate matter-induced airway inflammatory diseases

Introduction: Air pollution, allergens, and bacterial infections are major contributors to pathological respiratory disorders worldwide. CKD-497, derived from the rhizome of Atractylodes japonica and the fruits of Schisandra chinensis, is known for its ability to relieve cough and facilitate phlegm expectoration. However, its protective action against allergic asthma and fine dust-induced lung inflammation, along with its underlying mechanisms, have not been thoroughly investigated. Methods: In this study, we established mouse models of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma and particulate matter (PM)-induced pulmonary inflammation to evaluate the effects of CKD-497. Mice were administered CKD-497 orally, and various parameters such as airway inflammation, mucus production, and proinflammatory cytokine levels (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) were measured. Additionally, the macrophage cell line RAW264.7 was pretreated with CKD-497 and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to assess inflammation via the NF-kB signaling pathway. Results: Oral administration of CKD-497 effectively attenuated airway inflammation and mucus production in both OVA-induced asthma and PM-induced lung inflammation models. It also significantly decreased the production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. CKD-497 alleviated leukocyte infiltration, including neutrophils, and reduced fibrillary collagen deposition in PM10-treated mice. In vitro, CKD-497 pretreatment inhibited LPS-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 cells through the suppression of the NF-kB signaling pathway. Discussion: CKD-497 shows potent anti-inflammatory effects in mouse models of asthma and PM-induced lung inflammation, potentially mediated by the inhibition of the NF-kB pathway. These findings suggest that CKD-497 could serve as a functional supplement to protect against respiratory diseases by mitigating pulmonary and airway inflammation induced by allergens and air pollution.

Effects of Bosentan on Hypoxia, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Experimental Blunt Thoracic Trauma Model

Background and Objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of bosentan, an endothelin receptor antagonist, on endothelin-1 (ET-1), hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α as inflammation markers, pro-oxidant antioxidant balance (PAB), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels as oxidative stress parameters in lung tissues of rats in an experimental model of pulmonary contusion (PC) induced by blunt thoracic trauma. Materials and Methods: Thirty-seven male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups. C: The control group (n = 6) consisted of unprocessed and untreated rats. PC3 (n = 8) underwent 3 days of PC. PC-B3 (n = 8) received 100 mg/kg bosentan and was given orally once a day for 3 days. The PC7 group (n = 7) underwent 7 days of PC, and PC-B7 (n = 8) received 100 mg/kg bosentan and was given orally once a day for 7 days. Results: ET-1, NF-κB, TNF-α, HIF-1α, and PAB levels were higher, while TAC activity was lower in all groups compared with the control (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in ET-1 and TNF-α levels between the PC-B3 and PC-B7 groups and the control group (p < 0.05), while NF-κB, HIF-1α, and PAB levels were still higher in both the PC-B3 and PC-B7 groups than in the control group. Bosentan decreased ET-1, NF-κB, TNF-α, HIF-1α, and PAB and increased TAC levels in comparison to the nontreated groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Bosentan decreased the severity of oxidative stress in the lungs and reduced the inflammatory reaction in rats with PC induced by blunt thoracic trauma. This suggests that bosentan may have protective effects on lung injury mechanisms by reducing hypoxia, inflammation, and oxidative stress. If supported by similar studies, bosentan can be used in both pulmonary and emergency clinics to reduce ischemic complications, inflammation, and oxidative stress in some diseases that may be accompanied by ischemia.

Biomimetic Lung-Targeting Nanoparticles with Antioxidative and Nrf2 Activating Properties for Treating Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Acute Lung Injury

Ischemia/reperfusion (IR)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) has a high mortality rate. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial role in causing cellular damage and death in IR-induced ALI. In this work, we developed a biomimetic lung-targeting nanoparticle (PC@MB) as an antioxidative lung protector for treating IR-induced ALI. PC@MBs showed excellent ROS scavenging and Nrf2 activation properties, along with a lung-targeting function through autologous cell membrane coating. The PC@MBs exhibited an impressive antioxidative and pulmonary protective role via redox homeostasis recovery through Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 activation. PC@MBs could maintain cell viability by effectively scavenging the intracellular ROS and restoring the redox equilibrium in the lesion. In the IR mouse model, the PC@MBs preferentially accumulated in the lung and distinctly repaired the pneumonic damage. Our strategy has the potential to offer a promising therapeutic paradigm for treating IR-induced ALI through the incorporation of different therapeutic mechanisms.

Curcumin Electrochemistry-Antioxidant Activity Assessment, Voltammetric Behavior and Quantitative Determination, Applications as Electrode Modifier

Curcumin (CU) is a polyphenolic compound extracted from turmeric, a well-known dietary spice. Since it has been shown that CU exerts beneficial effects on human health, interest has increased in its use but also in its analysis in different matrices. CU has an antioxidant character and is electroactive due to the presence of phenolic groups in its molecule. This paper reviews the data reported in the literature regarding the use of electrochemical techniques for the assessment of CU antioxidant activity and the investigation of the voltammetric behavior at different electrodes of free or loaded CU on various carriers. The performance characteristics and the analytical applications of the electrochemical methods developed for CU analysis are compared and critically discussed. Examples of voltammetric investigations of CU interaction with different metallic ions or of CU or CU complexes with DNA as well as the CU applications as electrode modifiers for the enhanced detection of various chemical species are also shown.

Untapping the Potential of Astragaloside IV in the Battle Against Respiratory Diseases

Respiratory diseases are an emerging public health concern, that pose a risk to the global community. There, it is essential to establish effective treatments to reduce the global burden of respiratory diseases. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is a natural saponin isolated from Radix astragali (Huangqi in Chinese) used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine. This compound has become increasingly popular due to its potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. In the last decade, accumulated evidence has indicated the AS-IV protective effect against respiratory diseases. This article presents a current understanding of AS-IV roles and mechanisms in combatting respiratory diseases. The ability of the agent to suppress oxidative stress, cell proliferation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), to attenuate inflammatory responses, and modulate programmed cell death (PCD) will be discussed. This review highlights the current challenges in respiratory diseases and recommendations to improve disease management.