Walnut Polyphenol Extract Protects against Malathion- and Chlorpyrifos-Induced Immunotoxicity by Modulating TLRx-NOX-ROS

Chlorpyrifos-induced suppression of the antioxidative defense system leads to cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in macrophages

Chlorpyrifos, widely used for pest control, is known to have various harmful effects, although its toxic effects in macrophages and the mechanisms underlying its toxicity remain unclear. The present study investigated the toxic effects of chlorypyrifos in a macrophage cell line. Here, we found that chlorpyrifos induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in RAW264.7 macrophages. Moreover, chlorpyrifos induced intracellular ROS production, subsequently leading to lipid peroxidation. Chlorpyrifos reduced the activation of antioxidative enzymes including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Chlorpyrifos upregulated HO-1 expression and activated the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway, as indicated by enhanced Nrf2 phosphorylation and Keap1 degradation. Chlorpyrifos exerted effects on the following in a dose-dependent manner: cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, lipid peroxidation, intracellular ROS production, antioxidative enzyme activity reduction, HO-1 expression, Nrf2 phosphorylation, and Keap1 degradation. Notably, N-acetyl-L-cysteine successfully inhibited chlorpyrifos-induced intracellular ROS generation, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity. Thus, chlorpyrifos may induce cytotoxicity and genotoxicity by promoting intracellular ROS production and suppressing the antioxidative defense system activation in macrophages.

Nutritional strategies to reduce intestinal cell apoptosis by alleviating oxidative stress

The gut barrier is the first line of defense against harmful substances and pathogens in the intestinal tract. The balance of proliferation and apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the intestinal mucosa and its function. However, oxidative stress and inflammation can cause DNA damage and abnormal apoptosis of the IECs, leading to the disruption of the intestinal epithelial barrier. This, in turn, can directly or indirectly cause various acute and chronic intestinal diseases. In recent years, there has been a growing understanding of the vital role of dietary ingredients in gut health. Studies have shown that certain amino acids, fibers, vitamins, and polyphenols in the diet can protect IECs from excessive apoptosis caused by oxidative stress, and limit intestinal inflammation. This review aims to describe the molecular mechanism of apoptosis and its relationship with intestinal function, and to discuss the modulation of IECs' physiological function, the intestinal epithelial barrier, and gut health by various nutrients. The findings of this review may provide a theoretical basis for the use of nutritional interventions in clinical intestinal disease research and animal production, ultimately leading to improved human and animal intestinal health.

Niosomal hesperidin attenuates the M1/M2-macrophage polarization-based hepatotoxicity followed chlorpyrifos -induced toxicities in mice

Chlorpyrifos(CPF) is a well-known hepatotoxic agent that has side effects on several organs. On the contrary, hepatic macrophages are crucial in maintaining liver tissue integrity. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects and possible mechanisms of niosomal hesperidin (Nio + Hesp), a flavanone glycoside found in citrus fruits, on M1-M2 liver macrophage polarization and inflammatory cells in the brain, liver, and ovarian tissues. Forty C57 mice were divided into CPF(3 mg/kg), Sham(Dimethyl sulfoxide 40 μL/kg), CPF + Hesp(100 mg/kg), and CPF + Nio + Hesp (100 mg/kg) groups. The activity of sera superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA), brain, liver, and ovary tissues changes, and M1-M2 liver macrophage polarization were evaluated by examining the expression of CD163 and CD68 genes. Hepatic lesions consisting of sporadic foci of coagulation necrosis, inflammatory cell reaction, and regenerative fibrosis were seen following CPF injection, reflected by significant overexpression of CD163 and CD68 genes. In comparison, Nio + Hesp declined the amount of cell apoptosis in the liver and downregulated CD163 and CD68 gene expression. Both Nio + Hesp and Hesp alleviated CPF-induced hepatotoxicity, however, Nio + Hesp was superior to hesperidin in the downregulation of the CD163 and CD68 gene expression. Even though a significant difference between hesperidin and Nio + Hesp was observed in the number of Graafian follicles, corpus luteum, and peri-antral follicles, no substantial difference was observed in primary follicles. The ameliorative effects of Hesp and Nio + Hesp may be at least in part due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These findings showed that both M1- and M2-macrophages contributed to the development of hepatic lesions induced by CPF and provided information about macrophage activation, indicating the importance of analysis of macrophage phenotypes for hepatotoxicity based on M1/M2-polarization which can be downregulated by niosomal nesperidin.

In Vitro Effects of Cypermethrin and Glyphosate on LPS-Induced Immune Cell Activation

(1) Background: The insecticide cypermethrin (Cypm) and the herbicide glyphosate (Glyp) are among the most widely used pesticides. While the two pesticides have been considered to have low toxicity in mammals, some indication of potential immunotoxicity has emerged. The aim of this work was to investigate in vitro the effects of Cypm and Glyp on bacteria lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced immune cell activation and of Cypm on 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT)-induced maturation of dendritic cells (DCs). (2) Methods: The release of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-8, the expression of the surface markers CD54 and CD86 in human primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), and THP-1 cells were investigated together with CD83, HLA-DR, IL-6, and IL-18 in DCs. (3) Results: While no significant modulation on LPS-induced immune cell activation was observed following Glyp exposure, with only a trend toward an increase at the highest concentration tested, Cypm reduced the responses to LPS and to MBT, supporting a direct immunosuppressive effect. Overall, the present study contributes to our understanding of pesticide-induced immunotoxicity, and the results obtained support evidence showing the immunosuppressive effects of Cypm.

Influence of chlorpyrifos exposure on UVB irradiation induced toxicity in human skin cells

BACKGROUND

Although chlorpyrifos (CPS) has been banned in many developed countries, it still remains one of the best-selling pesticides in the world. Widespread environmental and occupational exposure to CPS pose a serious risk to human health. Another environmental factor that can adversely affect human health is ultraviolet radiation B (UVB, 280-315 nm wave length). Here we attempt determine if exposure to CPS can modify toxic effects of UVB. Such situation might be a common phenomenon in agriculture workers, where exposure to both factors takes place.

METHODS

Two skin cell lines; namely human immortalized keratinocytes HaCaT and BJ human fibroblasts were used in this study. Cytotoxicity was investigated using a cell membrane damage detection assay (LDH Cytotoxicity Assay), a DNA damage detection assay (Comet Assay), an apoptosis induction detection assay (Apo-ONE Homogeneous Caspase-3/7 Assay) and a cell reactive oxygen species detection assay (ROS-Glo H2O2 assay). Cytokine IL-6 production was also measured in cells using an ELISA IL-6 Assay.

RESULTS

Pre-incubation of skin cells with CPS significantly increased UVB-induced toxicity at the highest UVB doses (15 and 20 mJ/cm2). Also pre-exposure of BJ cells to CPS significantly increased the level of DNA damage, except for 20 mJ/cm2 UVB. In contrast, pre-exposure of HaCaT cells, to CPS prior to UVB radiation did not cause any significant changes. A decrease in caspase 3/7 activity was observed in HaCaT cells pre-exposed to 250 µM CPS and 5 mJ/cm2 UVB. Meanwhile, no statistically significant changes were observed in fibroblasts. In HaCaT cells, pre-exposure to CPS resulted in a statistically significant increase in ROS production. Also, in BJ cells, similar results were obtained except for 20 mJ/cm2. Interestingly, CPS seems to inhibited IL-6 production in HaCaT and BJ cells exposed to UVB (in the case of HaCaT cells for all UVB doses, while for BJ cells only at 15 and 20 mJ/cm2).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the present study indicates that CPS may contribute to the increased UVB-induced toxicity in skin cells, which was likely due to the induction of ROS formation along with the generation of DNA damage. However, further studies are required to gain better understanding of the mechanisms involved.

The Protective Role of Oleuropein Aglycone against Pesticide-Induced Toxicity in a Human Keratinocytes Cell Model

The extensive use of agricultural pesticides to improve crop quality and yield significantly increased the risk to the public of exposure to small but repeated doses of pesticides over time through various routes, including skin, by increasing the risk of disease outbreaks. Although much work was conducted to reduce the use of pesticides in agriculture, little attention was paid to prevention, which could reduce the toxicity of pesticide exposure by reducing its impact on human health. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), a major component of the Mediterranean diet, exerts numerous health-promoting properties, many of which are attributed to oleuropein aglycone (OleA), the deglycosylated form of oleuropein, which is the main polyphenolic component of EVOO. In this work, three pesticides with different physicochemical and biological properties, namely oxadiazon (OXA), imidacloprid (IMID), and glyphosate (GLYPHO), were compared in terms of metabolic activity, mitochondrial function and epigenetic modulation in an in vitro cellular model of human HaCaT keratinocytes to mimic the pathway of dermal exposure. The potential protective effect of OleA against pesticide-induced cellular toxicity was then evaluated in a cell pre-treatment condition. This study showed that sub-lethal doses of OXA and IMID reduced the metabolic activity and mitochondrial functionality of HaCaT cells by inducing oxidative stress and altering intracellular calcium flux and caused epigenetic modification by reducing histone acetylation H3 and H4. GLYPHO, on the other hand, showed no evidence of cellular toxicity at the doses tested. Pretreatment of cells with OleA was able to protect cells from the damaging effects of the pesticides OXA and IMID by maintaining metabolic activity and mitochondrial function at a controlled level and preventing acetylation reduction, particularly of histone H3. In conclusion, the bioactive properties of OleA reported here could be of great pharmaceutical and health interest, as they could be further studied to design new formulations for the prevention of toxicity from exposure to pesticide use.

Intermittent exposure to chlorpyrifos results in cardiac hypertrophy and oxidative stress in rats

Forbidden in some countries due to its proven toxicity to humans, chlorpyrifos (CPF) still stands as an organophosphate pesticide (OP) highly used worldwide. Cardiotoxicity assessment is an unmet need in pesticide regulation and should be deeply studied through different approaches to better inform and generate an appropriate regulatory response to OP use. In the present study, we used our 4-week intermittent OP exposure model in rats to address the CPF effects on cardiac morphology allied with cardiovascular functional and biomolecular evaluation. Rats were intermittently treated with CPF at doses of 7 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg or saline (i.p.) and assessed for cardiac morphology (cardiomyocyte diameter and collagen content), cardiopulmonary Bezold-Jarisch reflex (BJR) function, cardiac autonomic tone, left ventricle (LV) contractility, cardiac expression of NADPH oxidase (Nox2), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and cardiac levels of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Plasma butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) and brainstem acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were also measured. Intermittent exposure to CPF induced cardiac hypertrophy, increasing cardiomyocyte diameter and collagen content. An impairment of cardioinhibitory BJR responses and an increase in cardiac vagal tone were also observed in CPF-treated animals without changes in LV contractility. CPF exposure increased cardiac Nox-2, CAT, SOD1, and TBARS levels and inhibited plasma BuChE and brainstem AChE activities. Our data showed that intermittent exposure to CPF induces cardiac hypertrophy together with cardiovascular reflex impairment, imbalance of autonomic tone and oxidative stress, which may bring significant cardiovascular risk to individuals exposed to OP compounds seasonally.

Protective effect of plant compounds in pesticides toxicity

INTRODUCTION

The relationship between pesticide exposure and the occurrence of many chronic diseases, including cancer, is confirmed by literature data.

METHODS

In this review, through the analysis of more than 70 papers, we explore an increase in oxidative stress level caused by exposure to environmental pollutants and the protective effects of plant-origin antioxidants.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

One of the molecular mechanisms, by which pesticides affect living organisms is the induction of oxidative stress. However, recently many plant-based dietary ingredients with antioxidant properties have been considered as a chemopreventive substances due to their ability to remove free radicals. Such a food component must meet several conditions: eliminate free radicals, be easily absorbed and function at an appropriate physiological level. Its main function is to maintain the redox balance and minimize the cellular damage caused by ROS. Therefore, it should be active in aqueous solutions and membrane domains. These properties are characteristic for phenolic compounds and selected plant hormones. Phenolic compounds have proven antioxidant properties, while increasing number of compounds from the group of plant hormones with a very diverse chemical structure turn out to act as antioxidants, being potential food ingredients that can eliminate negative effects of pesticides.

ROS-directed activation of Toll/NF-κB in the hematopoietic niche triggers benzene-induced emergency hematopoiesis

Hematopoietic stem cells/progenitor cells (HSC/HPCs) orchestrate the hematopoietic process, effectively regulated by the hematopoietic niche under normal and stressed conditions. The hematopoietic niche provides various soluble factors which influence the differentiation and self-renewal of HSC/HSPs. Unceasing differentiation/proliferation/high metabolic activity of HSC/HPCs makes them susceptible to damage by environmental toxicants like benzene. Oxidative stress, epigenetic modifications, and DNA damage in the HSC/HPCs are the key factors of benzene-induced hematopoietic injury. However, the role of the hematopoietic niche in benzene-induced hematopoietic injury/response is still void. Therefore, the current study aims to unravel the role of the hematopoietic niche in benzene-induced hematotoxicity using a genetically tractable model, Drosophila melanogaster. The lymph gland is a dedicated hematopoietic organ in Drosophila larvae. A group of 30-45 cells called the posterior signaling center (PSC) in the lymph gland acts as a niche that regulates Drosophila HSC/HPCs maintenance. Benzene exposure to Drosophila larvae (48 h) resulted in aberrant hemocyte production, especially hyper-differentiation of lamellocytes followed by premature lymph gland dispersal and reduced adult emergence upon developmental exposure. Subsequent genetic experiments revealed that benzene-induced lamellocyte production and premature lymph gland dispersal were PSC mediated. The genetic experiments further showed that benzene generates Dual oxidase (Duox)-dependent Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in the PSC, activating Toll/NF-κB signaling, which is essential for the aberrant hemocyte production, lymph gland dispersal, and larval survival. Together, the study establishes a functional perspective of the hematopoietic niche in a benzene-induced hematopoietic emergency in a genetic model, Drosophila, which might be relevant to higher organisms.

Registered human trials addressing environmental and occupational toxicant exposures: Scoping review of immunological markers and protective strategies

Exposure to pollution is a worldwide societal challenge participating in the etiology and progression of different diseases. However, the scarce information hinders our understanding of the actual level of human exposure and its specific effects. Inadequate and excessive immune responses underlie diverse chronic diseases. Yet, it is unclear which and how toxicant exposures affect the immune system functions. There is a multiplicity of immunological outcomes and biomarkers being studied in human trials related to exposure to different toxicants but still without clear evidence of their value as biomarkers of exposure or effect. The main aim of this study was to collect scientific evidence and identify relevant immunological biomarkers used at the clinical level for toxicant exposures. We used the platform clinical trials.gov as a database tool. First, we performed a search combining research items related to toxicants and immunological parameters. The resulting117 clinical trials were examined for immune-related outcomes and specific biomarkers evaluated in subjects exposed to occupational and environmental toxicants. After categorization, relevant immunological outcomes and biomarkers were identified related to systemic and airway inflammation, modulation of immune cells, allergy and autoimmunity. In general, the immune markers related to inflammation are more frequently investigated for exposure to pollutants, namely IL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP) and nitric oxide (NO). Nevertheless, the data also indicated that prospective biomarkers of effect are gaining ground and a guiding representation of the established and novel biomarkers is suggested for upcoming trials. Finally, potential protective strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of specific toxicants are underlined for future studies.

A Common Feature of Pesticides: Oxidative Stress-The Role of Oxidative Stress in Pesticide-Induced Toxicity

Pesticides are important chemicals or biological agents that deter or kill pests. The use of pesticides has continued to increase as it is still considered the most effective method to reduce pests and increase crop growth. However, pesticides have other consequences, including potential toxicity to humans and wildlife. Pesticides have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and birth defects. Labels on pesticides also suggest limiting exposure to these hazardous chemicals. Based on experimental evidence, various types of pesticides all seem to have a common effect, the induction of oxidative stress in different cell types and animal models. Pesticide-induced oxidative stress is caused by both reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), which are associated with several diseases including cancer, inflammation, and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. ROS and RNS can activate at least five independent signaling pathways including mitochondrial-induced apoptosis. Limited in vitro studies also suggest that exogenous antioxidants can reduce or prevent the deleterious effects of pesticides.

Effects of Dietary Polyphenols from Olive Mill Waste Waters on Inflammatory and Apoptotic Effectors in Rabbit Ovary

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary polyphenols on the expression of the effectors involved in inflammation and apoptosis in rabbit ovary. New Zealand White female rabbits were fed a basal control diet (CTR), or the same diet supplemented with a polyphenolic concentrate (POL, 282.4 mg/kg) obtained from olive mill waste waters. The follicle counts and the relative mRNA (RT-qPCR) and protein (immunohistochemistry) expression of the effectors involved in inflammation (cyclooxygenase-2; interleukin-1beta; tumor necrosis factor-alpha, TNFA) and apoptosis (BCL2-associated X protein, BAX), detected in the ovaries of both groups, were examined. The POL diet increased the primary and total follicles number. Cyclooxygenase-2 gene expression was higher (p < 0.05) in the POL group than in the CTR group, whereas BAX was lower (p < 0.05) in POL than CTR. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of all the proteins examined, with weaker (p < 0.05) COX2 and BAX signals in POL. No differences between the CTR and POL groups were observed for IL1B and TNFA gene and protein expression. These preliminary findings show that dietary polyphenols modulate inflammatory and apoptotic activities in rabbit ovary, regulating cyclooxygenase-2 and BAX expression, thus suggesting a functional involvement of these dietary compounds in mammalian reproduction.

Effect of lotus seedpod oligomeric procyanidins on AGEs formation in simulated gastrointestinal tract and cytotoxicity in Caco-2 cells

This study explored the effects of lotus seedpod oligomeric procyanidins (LSOPC) and their main monomer catechin (CC) on the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and Caco-2 cytotoxicity during gastrointestinal digestion. Studies have found that LSOPC and CC inhibited the AGEs formation effectively in simulated gastrointestinal digestion and protected Caco-2 cells from AGEs attack. The effect of CC on the inhibition of AGEs formation was significantly better than that of LSOPC. Further, they could effectively inhibit the digestive enzyme activity, reactive oxygen species, RAGE-p38MAPK-NF-κB signaling pathway, inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6), and adhesion factors (intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1) to protect Caco-2 cells.

Ginsenoside Rg1 alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced neuronal damage by inhibiting NLRP1 inflammasomes in HT22 cells

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a toxic component of cell walls of Gram-negative bacteria that are widely present in gastrointestinal tracts. Increasing evidence showed that LPS plays important roles in the pathogeneses of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). NADPH oxidase s2 (NOX2) is a complex membrane protein that contributes to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in several neurological diseases. The NLRP1 inflammasome can be activated in response to an accumulation of ROS in neurons. However, it is still unknown whether LPS exposure can deteriorate neuronal damage by activating NOX2-NLRP1 inflammasomes. Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) has protective effects on neurons, although whether Rg1 alleviates LPS-induced neuronal damage by inhibiting NOX2-NLRP1 inflammasomes remains unclear. In the present study, the effect of concentration gradients and different times of LPS exposure on neuronal damage was investigated in HT22 cells, and further observed the effect of Rg1 treatment on NOX2-NLPR1 inflammasome activation, ROS production and neuronal damage in LPS-treated HT22 cells. The results demonstrated that LPS exposure significantly induced NOX2-NLRP1 inflammasome activation, excessive production of ROS, and neuronal damage in HT22 cells. It was also shown that Rg1 treatment significantly decreased NOX2-NLRP1 inflammasome activation and ROS production and alleviated neuronal damage in LPS-induced HT22 cells. The present data suggested that Rg1 has protective effects on LPS-induced neuronal damage by inhibiting NOX2-NLRP1 inflammasomes in HT22 cells, and Rg1 may be a potential therapeutic approach for delaying neuronal damage in AD.

Metabolic Reprogramming and Reactive Oxygen Species in T Cell Immunity

T cells undergo metabolic reprogramming and multiple biological processes to satisfy their energetic and biosynthetic demands throughout their lifespan. Several of these metabolic pathways result in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The imbalance between ROS generation and scavenging could result in severe damage to the cells and potential cell death, ultimately leading to T cell-related diseases. Interestingly, ROS play an essential role in T cell immunity. Here, we introduce the important connectivity between T cell lifespan and the metabolic reprogramming among distinct T cell subsets. We also discuss the generation and sources of ROS production within T cell immunity as well as highlight recent research concerning the effects of ROS on T cell activities.

Dietary intake of walnut prevented Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric cancer through rejuvenation of chronic atrophic gastritis

The fact that Fat-1 transgenic mice producing n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids via overexpressed 3-desaturase significantly mitigated Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-associated gastric tumorigenesis through rejuvenation of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) led us to study whether dietary intake of walnut plentiful of n-3 PUFAs can be nutritional intervention to prevent H. pylori-associated gastric cancer. In our model that H. pylori-initiated, high salt diet-promoted gastric carcinogenesis, pellet diet containing 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg walnut was administered up to 36 weeks. As results, control mice (24 weeks) developed significant chronic CAG, in which dietary walnuts significantly ameliorated chronic atrophic gastritis. Expressions of COX-2/PGE₂/NF-κB/c-Jun, elevated in 24 weeks control group, were all significantly decreased with walnut (p<0.01). Tumor suppressive enzyme, 15-PGDH, was significantly preserved with walnut. Control mice (36 weeks) all developed significant tumors accompanied with severe CAG. However, significantly decreased tumorigenesis was noted in group treated with walnuts, in which expressions of COX-2/PGE₂/NF-κB/IL-6/STAT3, all elevated in 36 weeks control group, were significantly decreased with walnut. Defensive proteins including HO-1, Nrf2, and SOCS-1 were significantly increased in walnut group. Proliferative index as marked with Ki-67 and PCNA was significantly regulated with walnut relevant to 15-PGDH preservation. Conclusively, walnut can be an anticipating nutritional intervention against H. pylori.

Walnut polyphenol extracts inhibit Helicobacter pylori-induced STAT3Tyr705 phosphorylation through activation of PPAR-γ and SOCS1 induction

The health beneficial effects of walnut plentiful of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid had been attributed to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties against various clinical diseases. Since we have published Fat-1 transgenic mice overexpressing 3-desaturase significantly mitigated Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-associated gastric pathologies including rejuvenation of chronic atrophic gastritis and prevention of gastric cancer, in this study, we have explored the underlying molecular mechanisms of walnut against H. pylori infection. Fresh walnut polyphenol extracts (WPE) were found to suppress the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) induced by H. pylori infection in RGM-1 gastric mucosal cells. Notably, H. pylori infection significantly decreased suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1), but WPE induced expression of SOCS1, by which the suppressive effect of walnut extracts on STAT3^Tyr705 phosphorylation was not seen in SOCS1 KO cells. WPE induced significantly increased nuclear translocation nuclear translocation of PPAR-γ in RGM1 cells, by which PPAR-γ KO inhibited transcription of SOCS1 and suppressive effect of WPE on p-STAT3^Tyr705 was not seen. WPE inhibited the expression of c-Myc and IL-6/IL-6R signaling, which was attenuated in the RGM1 cells harboring SOCS1 specific siRNA. Conclusively, WPE inhibits H. pylori-induced STAT3 phosphorylation in a PPAR-γ and SOCS1-dependent manner.