Comparative Effects of Schisandrin A, B, and C on Acne-Related Inflammation

The Antioxidant Power of a Diet May Improve the Quality of Life of Young Women with Acne Vulgaris

Acne vulgaris (AV) significantly reduces the quality of life (QoL) of young people, so it is important to look for factors that can improve their QoL. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between dietary antioxidants measured using the new DAQI index and QoL measured using standardized tests. The DAQI included the following elements: antioxidant vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, polyphenols, phytosterols, lignans, and the total antioxidant capacity of the diet. The study involved 165 young women with AV, mainly students. A self-report survey was used to collect basic data on their sociodemographic status, anthropometric information, and lifestyle. The energy value of the diet and the content of vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids with antioxidant activity in the diet were estimated using 3-day food diaries and the Diet 6.0 program. The antioxidant potential of the diet and the content of polyphenols, phytosterols, lignans, and selenium were calculated based on the consumption of individual food products and available databases. The results of this study showed that the QoL of the young women with AV was impaired. However, greater adherence to an antioxidant diet reduces the risk of AV impact on the QoL by approximately 30-32% and the risk of depression by 33%. The DAQI may be used as a new indicator of diet quality in acne vulgaris.

The combination of Schisandrin C and Luteolin synergistically attenuates hepatitis B virus infection via repressing HBV replication and promoting cGAS-STING pathway activation in macrophages

BACKGROUND

HBV infection can result in severe liver diseases and is one of the primary causes of liver cell carcinoma-related mortality. Liuwei Wuling tablet (LWWL) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula, with a protecting liver and decreasing enzyme activity, usually used to treat chronic hepatitis B with NAs in clinic. However, its main active ingredients and mechanism of action have not been fully investigated. Hence, we aimed to screen the active ingredient and effective ingredient combinations from Liuwei Wuling tablet to explore the anti-herpatitis B virus activity and mechanism.

METHODS

Analysis and screening of effective antiviral components in LWWL by network pharmacology, luteolin (Lut) may be a compound with significant antiviral activity. The mechanism of antiviral action of Lut was also found by real-time PCR detection and western blotting. Meanwhile, we established a co-culture model to investigate the antiviral mechanism of Schisandrin C (SC), one of the main active components of Schisandra chinensis fructus (the sovereign drug of LWWL). Next, HBV-infected mice were established by tail vein injection of pAAV-HBV1.2 plasmid and administered continuously for 20 days. And their antiviral capacity was evaluated by checking serum levels of HBsAg, HBeAg, levels of HBV DNA, and liver levels of HBcAg.

RESULTS

In this study, we conducted network pharmacology analysis on LWWL, and through in vitro experimental validation and data analysis, we found that luteolin (Lut) possessed obviously anti-HBV activity, inhibiting HBV replication by downregulating hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) via the ERK pathway. Additionally, we established a co-culture system and proved that SC promoted activation of cGAS-STINIG pathway and IFN-β production in THP-1 cells to inhibit HBV replication in HepG2.2.15 cells. Moreover, we found the combination of SC and Lut shows a greater effect in inhibiting HBV compared to SC or Lut alone in HBV-infected mice.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our study suggests that combination of SC and Lut may be potential candidate drug for the prevention and treatment of chronic hepatitis B.

Adipose-derived stem cells attenuate acne-related inflammation via suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome

Background

Acne is a chronic facial disease caused by Propionibacterium acnes, which proliferates within sebum-blocked skin follicles and increases inflammatory cytokine production. Several therapeutic drugs and products have been proposed to treat acne, yet no single treatment that ensures long-term treatment efficacy for all patients is available. Here, we explored the use of facial autologous fat transplant of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) to dramatically reduce acne lesions.

Methods

THP-1 cells were treated with active P. acnes for 24 h at different multiplicities of infection, and alterations in inflammatory factors were detected. To study the effect of THP-1 on inflammasome-related proteins, we first co-cultured ADSCs with THP-1 cells treated with P. acnes and evaluated the levels of these proteins in the supernatant. Further, an acne mouse model injected with ADSCs was used to assess inflammatory changes.

Results

Propionibacterium acnes-mediated stimulation of THP-1 cells had a direct correlation with the expression of active caspase-1 and interleukin (IL)-1β in an infection-dependent manner. ADSCs significantly reduced the production of IL-1β induced by P. acnes stimulation through the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/Nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3)/caspase-1 pathway. The results showed that ADSCs inhibit the skin inflammation induced by P. acnes by blocking the NLRP3 inflammasome via reducing the secretion of IL-1β in vivo.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that ADSCs can alter IL-1β secretion by restricting the production of mitochondria ROS, thereby inhibiting the NLRP3/caspase-1 pathway in P. acnes-induced inflammatory responses. This study indicates that anti‐acne therapy can potentially be developed by targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-03007-7.

Schisandrin C improves leaky gut conditions in intestinal cell monolayer, organoid, and nematode models by increasing tight junction protein expression

BACKGROUND

Leaky gut symptoms and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are associated with damaged intestinal mucosa, intestinal permeability dysfunction by epithelial cell cytoskeleton contraction, disrupted intercellular tight junction (TJ) protein expression, and abnormal immune responses and are intractable diseases.

PURPOSE

We evaluated the effects of schisandrin C, a dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan from Schisandra chinensis, on intestinal inflammation and permeability dysfunction in gut mimetic systems: cultured intestinal cells, intestinal organoids, and a Caenorhabditis elegans model.

METHODS

Schisandrin C was selected from 9 lignan compounds from S. chinensis based on its anti-inflammatory effects in HT-29 human intestinal cells. IL-1β and Pseudomonas aeruginosa supernatants were used to disrupt intestinal barrier formation in vitro and in C. elegans, respectively. The effects of schisandrin C on transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and intestinal permeability were evaluated in intestinal cell monolayers, and its effect on intestinal permeability dysfunction was tested in mouse intestinal organoids and C. elegans by measuring fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran efflux. The effect of schisandrin C on TJ protein expression was investigated by western blotting and fluorescence microscopy. The signaling pathway underlying these effects was also elucidated.

RESULTS

Schisandrin C ameliorated intestinal permeability dysfunction in three IBD model systems and enhanced epithelial barrier formation via upregulation of ZO-1 and occludin in intestinal cell monolayers and intestinal organoids. In Caco-2 cells, schisandrin C restored IL-1β-mediated increases in MLCK and p-MLC expression, in turn blocking cytoskeletal contraction and subsequent intestinal permeabilization. Schisandrin C inhibited NF-ĸB and p38 MAPK signaling, which regulates MLCK expression and structural reorganization of the TJ complex in Caco-2 cells. Schisandrin C significantly improved abnormal FITC-dextran permeabilization in both intestinal organoids and C. elegans.

CONCLUSION

Schisandrin C significantly improves abnormal intestinal permeability and regulates the expression of TJ proteins, long MLCK, p-MLC, and inflammation-related proteins, which are closely related to leaky gut symptoms and IBD development. Therefore, schisandrin C is a candidate to treat leaky gut symptoms and IBDs.

Targeting NF-κB pathway by dietary lignans in inflammation: expanding roles of gut microbiota and metabolites

Inflammation is a major factor affecting human health. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) plays a vital role in the development of inflammation, and the promoters of most inflammatory cytokine genes have NF-κB-binding sites. Targeting NF-κB could be an exciting route for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases. As important constituents of natural plants, lignans are proved to have numerous biological functions. There are growing pieces of evidence demonstrate that lignans have the potential anti-inflammatory activities. In this work, the type, structure and source of lignans and the influence on mitigating the inflammation are systematically summarized. This review focuses on the targeting NF-κB signaling pathway in the inflammatory response by different lignans and their molecular mechanisms. Lignans also regulate gut microflora and change gut microbial metabolites, which exert novel pathway to prevent NF-κB activation. Taken together, lignans target NF-κB with various mechanisms to inhibit inflammatory cytokine expressions in the inflammatory response. It will provide a scientific theoretical basis for further research on the anti-inflammatory effects of lignans and the development of functional foods.

Schisandrin C Affects Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Secretion in Pancreatic β-Cells and Glucose Uptake in Skeletal Muscle Cells

The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of three lignans (schisandrol A, schisandrol B, and schisandrin C) on insulin secretion in rat INS-1 pancreatic β-cells and glucose uptake in mouse C2C12 skeletal muscle cells. Schisandrol A and schisandrin C enhanced insulin secretion in response to high glucose levels with no toxic effects on INS-1 cells. The effect of schisandrin C was superior to that of gliclazide (positive control), a drug commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes (T2D). In addition, western blot analysis showed that the expression of associated proteins, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX-1), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt, and insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2), was increased in INS-1 cells after treatment with schisandrin C. In addition, insulin secretion effect of schisandrin C were enhanced by the Bay K 8644 (L-type Ca²⁺ channel agonist) and glibenclamide (K⁺ channel blocker), were abolished by the nifedipine (L-type Ca²⁺ channel blocker) and diazoxide (K⁺ channel activator). Moreover, schisandrin C enhanced glucose uptake with no toxic effects on C2C12 cells. Western blot analysis showed that the expression of associated proteins, including insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), PI3K, Akt, glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT-4), was increased in C2C12 cells after treatment with schisandrin C. Schisandrin C may improve hyperglycemia by enhancing insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells and improving glucose uptake into skeletal muscle cells. Our findings may provide evidence that schisandrin C may be beneficial in devising novel anti-T2D strategies.

Schisandrol A Exhibits Estrogenic Activity via Estrogen Receptor α-Dependent Signaling Pathway in Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer Cells

The aim of this study was to examine the estrogen-like effects of gentiopicroside, macelignan, γ-mangostin, and three lignans (schisandrol A, schisandrol B, and schisandrin C), and their possible mechanism of action. Their effects on the proliferation of the estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) were evaluated using Ez-Cytox reagents. The expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), AKT, and estrogen receptor α (ERα) was measured by performing Western blot analysis. 17β-estradiol (E2), also known as estradiol, is an estrogen steroid and was used as a positive control. ICI 182,780 (ICI), an ER antagonist, was used to block the ER function. Our results showed that, except for gentiopicroside, all the compounds promoted proliferation of MCF-7 cells, with schisandrol A being the most effective; this effect was better than that of E2 and was mitigated by ICI. Consistently, the expression of ERK, PI3K, AKT, and ERα increased following treatment with schisandrol A; this effect was slightly better than that of E2 and was mitigated by ICI. Taken together, the ERα induction via the PI3K/AKT and ERK signaling pathways may be a potential mechanism underlying the estrogen-like effects of schisandrol A. This study provides an experimental basis for the application of schisandrol A as a phytoestrogen for the prevention of menopausal symptoms.

Ameliorative effects of Schisandrin B on Schistosoma mansoni-induced hepatic fibrosis in vivo

Schistosomiasis is second only to malaria as the most devastating parasitic disease in the world. It is caused by the helminths Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni), S. haematobium, or S. japonicum. Typically, patients with schistosomiasis suffer from symptoms of liver fibrosis and hepatosplenomegaly. Currently, patients were treated with praziquantel. Although praziquantel effectively kills the worm, it cannot prevent re-infection or resolve liver fibrosis. Also, current treatment options are not ample to completely cure liver fibrosis and splenic damages. Moreover, resistance of praziquantel has been reported in vivo and in vitro studies. Therefore, finding new effective treatment agents is urgently needed. Schisandrin B (Sch B) of Schisandra chinensis has been shown to protect against different liver injuries including fatty liver disease, hepatotoxicity, fibrosis, and hepatoma. We herein investigate the potential of using Sch B to treat S. mansoni-induced liver fibrosis. Results from the present study demonstrate that Sch B is beneficial in treating S. mansoni-induced liver fibrosis and splenic damages, through inhibition of inflammasome activation and apoptosis; and aside from that regulates host immune responses. Besides, Sch B treatment damages male adult worm in the mice, consequently helps to reduce egg production and lessen the parasite burden.

Bioactive Indole Diketopiperazine Alkaloids from the Marine Endophytic Fungus Aspergillus sp. YJ191021

Six new prenylated indole diketopiperazine alkaloids, asperthrins A–F (1–6), along with eight known analogues (7–14), were isolated from the marine-derived endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. YJ191021. Their planar structures and absolute configurations were elucidated by HR-ESI-MS, 1D/2D NMR data, and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT)/ECD calculation. The isolated compounds were assayed for their inhibition against three agricultural pathogenic fungi, four fish pathogenic bacteria, and two agricultural pathogenic bacteria. Compound 1 exhibited moderate antifungal and antibacterial activities against Vibrioanguillarum, Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryzicola, and Rhizoctoniasolani with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 8, 12.5, and 25 μg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, 1 displayed notable anti-inflammatory activity with IC₅₀ value of 1.46 ± 0.21 μM in Propionibacteriumacnes induced human monocyte cell line (THP-1).

Schisandrol A Suppresses Catabolic Factor Expression by Blocking NF-κB Signaling in Osteoarthritis

Schisandrol A possesses pharmacological properties and is used to treat various diseases; however, its effects on osteoarthritis (OA) progression remain unclear. Here, we investigated Schisandrol A as a potential therapeutic agent for OA. In vitro, Schisandrol A effects were confirmed based on the levels of expression of catabolic factors (MMPs, ADAMTS5, and Cox2) induced by IL-1β or Schisandrol A treatment in chondrocytes. In vivo, experimental OA in mice was induced using a destabilized medial meniscus (DMM) surgical model or oral gavage of Schisandrol A in a dose-dependent manner, and demonstrated using histological analysis. In vitro and in vivo analyses demonstrated that Schisandrol A inhibition attenuated osteoarthritic cartilage destruction via the regulation of Mmp3, Mmp13, Adamts5, and Cox2 expression. In the NF-κB signaling pathway, Schisandrol A suppressed the degradation of IκB and the phosphorylation of p65 induced by IL-1β. Overall, and Schisandrol A reduced the expression of catabolic factors by blocking NF-κB signaling and prevented cartilage destruction. Therefore, Schisandrol A attenuated OA progression, and can be used to develop novel OA drug therapies.

Schisandrin Inhibits NLRP1 Inflammasome-Mediated Neuronal Pyroptosis in Mouse Models of Alzheimer's Disease

BACKGROUND

In recent years, schisandrin (SCH) was proved to improve Alzheimer's Disease (AD). The aim of our study is to explore the effect of SCH on neuronal pyroptosis in the disease.

METHODS

A Morris water maze test was performed to evaluate the spatial learning and memory retention of AD mouse. ELISA was fulfilled to examine the concentration of Aβ, IL-1β, and IL-18. Western blot was performed to detect the expression of apoptosis- and pyroptosis-related proteins. Besides, the neuronal apoptosis rate was examined using TUNEL assay. Immunohistochemistry was utilized to detect the activation of NLRP1 inflammasome.

RESULTS

Here, AD mice have serious cognitive impairment. Meantime, Aβ was highly expressed in the brains of AD mice. SCH could effectively rescue the cognitive impairment in AD mice and impede the production of Aβ. Subsequently, we further demonstrated that SCH repressed neuronal apoptosis, pyroptosis-related proteins expression, and the activation of NLRP1 inflammasome in the hippocampus of AD mice. We also proved that Aβ induced neuronal apoptosis and pyroptosis in vitro. However, the effects of Aβ on neuronal apoptosis and pyroptosis were partly reversed by SCH treatment.

CONCLUSION

Overall, our data indicated that SCH improved cognitive impairment in AD mice through inhibition of NLRP1 inflammasome-mediated neuronal pyroptosis and neuronal apoptosis. Our works provided new evidence to support SCH acting as a potential treatment method in AD.

Pharmacodynamic effects and molecular mechanisms of lignans from Schisandra chinensis Turcz. (Baill.), a current review

Fruit of Schisandra chinensis Turcz. (Baill.) (S. chinensis) is a traditional herbal medicine widely used in China, Korea, and many other east Asian countries. At present, S. chinensis commonly forms Chinese medicinal formulae with other herbal medicines to treat liver disease and neurological disease in clinical. Modern researches indicated that lignans were the main active ingredients of S. chinensis with high content and novel dibenzocyclooctadiene skeletal structure, exhibited considerable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Additionally, some of these lignans also showed certain potentials in anti-cancer, anti-fibrosis, and other effects. In the current review, we summarize literature reported lignans from S. chinensis in the past five years, and highlight the molecular mechanisms of lignans in exerting their biological functions. Also, we point out some deficiencies of existing researches and discuss the future direction of lignans study.

Enhancement of anti-acne effect of Scutellaria baicalensis extract by fermentation with symbiotic fungus Penicillium decumbens

Inflammatory responses stimulated by Propionibacterium acnes have been shown to be major etiological factors in the pathogenesis of acne. Scutellaria baicalensis, a popular traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, primary component analysis and primary effective component analysis were conducted. The results showed that wogonin (1.15 mg/g S. baicalensis extract) possessed better anti-acne effects than wogonoside (8.71 mg/g S. baicalensis extract) in inhibiting the up-regulation of IL-1β and IL-8 level caused by P. acnes via inactivation of the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. To enhance the anti-acne effects of S. baicalensis extract, an environmentally friendly and healthy plant fermentation strategy was used to efficiently convert glycoside-type constituents into bioactive aglycone. S. baicalensis extract was fermented by symbiotic fungus Penicillium decumbens f3-1 to transform wogonoside into wogonin with a conversion rate of 91.0% after 4 days. Fermented S. baicalensis extract (FSE) showed higher potential anti-acne effects than non-fermented S. baicalensis extract (NSE) by inhibiting the up-regulation of IL-1β and IL-8. Thus, P. decumbens-fermented S. baicalensis Extract may be used for developing new anti-acne cosmetic ingredients.

A Review of the Potential Benefits of Plants Producing Berries in Skin Disorders

During the last 30 years, berries have gained great attention as functional food against several risk factors in chronic diseases. The number of related publications on Pubmed rose from 1000 items in 1990 to more than 11,000 in 2019. Despite the fact that a common and clear definition of "berries" is not shared among different scientific areas, the phytochemical pattern of these fruits is mainly characterized by anthocyanins, flavanols, flavonols, and tannins, which showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in humans. Skin insults, like wounds, UV rays, and excessive inflammatory responses, may lead to chronic dermatological disorders, conditions often characterized by long-term treatments. The application of berries for skin protection is sustained by long traditional use, but many observations still require a clear pharmacological validation. This review summarizes the scientific evidence, published on EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Scholar, to identify extraction methods, way of administration, dose, and mechanism of action of berries for potential dermatological treatments. Promising in vitro and in vivo evidence of Punica granatum L. and Vitis vinifera L. supports wound healing and photoprotection, while Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. and Vaccinium spp. showed clear immunomodulatory effects. Oral or topical administrations of these berries justify the evaluation of new translational studies to validate their efficacy in humans.

Schizandrin attenuates inflammation induced by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli in chicken type II pneumocytes

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is a kind of highly pathogenic parenteral bacteria, which adheres to chicken type II pneumocytes through pili, causing inflammatory damage of chicken type II pneumocytes. Without affecting the growth of bacteria, anti-adhesion to achieve anti-inflammatory effect is considered to be a new method for the treatment of multi-drug-resistant bacterial infections. In this study, the anti-APEC activity of schizandrin was studied in vitro. By establishing the model of chicken type II pneumocytes infected with APEC-O78, the adhesion number, the expression of virulence genes, the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways were detected. The results showed that schizandrin reduced the release of LDH and the adherence of APEC on chicken type II pneumocytes. Moreover, schizandrin markedly decreased the levels of IL-1β, IL-8, IL-6, and TNF-α, the mechanism responsible for these effects was attributed to the inhibitory effect of schizandrin on NF-κB and MAPK signaling activation. In conclusion, our findings revealed that schizandrin could reduce the inflammatory injury of chicken type II pneumocytes by reducing the adhesion of APEC-O78 to chicken type II pneumocytes. The results indicate that schizandrin can be a potential agent to treat inflammation caused by avian colibacillosis.

Schisandrin B Attenuates Inflammation in LPS-Induced Sepsis Through miR-17-5p Downregulating TLR4

To investigate the mechanism of Schisandrin B (Sch B) on the inflammation in LPS-induced sepsis. Sepsis mouse model was established by injecting LPS. qRT-PCR and western blot were used to measure the expression of miR-17-5p and TLR4. ELISA was used to test the concentrations of IL-1β and TNF-α. Sch B could increase miR-17-5p expression, promote inflammation, and decrease TLR4 expression in sepsis mice and LPS-induced macrophages. Moreover, miR-17-5p could negatively regulate TLR4. Overexpression of miR-17-5p suppressed the concentrations of inflammatory factors (IL-1β and TNF-α) in LPS induced-macrophages, while pcDNA-TLR4 could change the inhibition effect. Additionally, miR-17-5p inhibitor changed the inhibitory effects of Sch B on TLR4 expression and the concentrations of IL-1β and TNF-α in LPS induced-macrophages. Sch B could attenuate inflammation in LPS-induced sepsis through miR-17-5p downregulating TLR4.

Curdepsidones B⁻G, Six Depsidones with Anti-Inflammatory Activities from the Marine-Derived Fungus Curvularia sp. IFB-Z10

Six new depsidones, curdepsidones B-G (1-6), were obtained from the marine-derived fungus Curvularia sp. IFB-Z10. Their planar structures were determined by comprehensive analysis of HRESIMS and 1D/2D-NMR data. The absolute configuration of curdepsidones B-C (1-2) were established by synergistic use of DFT/NMR (density functional theory/nuclear magnetic resonance) and TDDFT/ECD (time-dependent density functional theory/electronic circular dichroism) calculations. Partial isolated compounds were tested for their anti-inflammatory activities in Propionibacterium acnes-induced THP-1 cells. Curdepsidone C (2) displayed significant anti-inflammatory properties with an IC50 value of 7.47 ± 0.35 μM, and reduced the P. acnes-induced phosphorylation levels of JNK and ERK in a dose-dependent mechanism. The possible anti-inflammatory mechanism of 2 was also investigated by molecular docking.

Bioactive A-ring rearranged limonoids from the root barks of Walsura robusta

Screening active natural products, rapid identification, and accurate isolation are of great important for modern natural lead compounds discovery1. We hereby reported the isolation of seven new neotecleanin-type limonoids (1-7), seven new limonoids with 5-oxatricyclo[5.4.0.11., 4.]hendecane ring system (8-14), and two new precursors (15-16) together with four known limonoids (17-20) from the root barks of Walsura robusta. Their structures, including their absolute configurations, were elucidated based on analyses of HR-ESI-MS, 1D/2D NMR, ECD spectrum calculations and single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. Compounds 2, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 18 showed significant anti-inflammatory activities in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cell line, BV2 microglial cells, and Propionibacterium acnes-stimulated THP-1 human monocytic cells. Walrobsin M (11) exhibited anti-inflammatory activity with IC50 value of 7.96±0.36 μmol/L, and down-regulated phosphorylation levels of ERK and p38 in a dose-dependent manner.

Impact of dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans from Schisandra chinensis on the redox status and activation of human innate immune system cells

Redox signaling has been established as an essential component of inflammatory responses, and redox active compounds are of interest as potential immunomodulatory agents. Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans isolated from Schisandra chinensis, a medicinal plant with widespread use in oriental medicine, have been implicated to possess immunomodulatory properties but their effects on the human innate immune system cells have not been described. In this contribution, data are presented on the impact of schisandrin, schisandrin B and schisandrin C on human monocytic cell redox status, as well as their impact on dendritic cell maturation and T cell activation capacity and cytokine production. In THP-1 cells, levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were elevated after 1 h exposure to schisandrin. Schisandrin B and schisandrin C decreased cellular glutathione pools, which is a phenotype previously reported to promote anti-inflammatory functions. Treatment of human primary monocytes with the lignans during their maturation to dendritic cells did not have any effect on the appearance of surface markers HLA-DR and CD86 but schisandrin B and schisandrin C suppressed the secretion of cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and IL-12 by the mature dendritic cells. Dendritic cells maturated in presence of schisandrin C were further cocultured with naïve CD4+ T cells, resulting in reduced IL-12 production. In THP-1 cells, schisandrin B and schisandrin C reduced the IL-6 and IL-12 production triggered by E. coli lipopolysaccharide and IL-12 production induced by an infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae. In conclusion, the studied lignans act as immunomodulatory agents by altering the cytokine secretion, but do not interfere with dendritic cell maturation. And the observed effects may be associated with the ability of the lignans to alter cellular redox status.

Schisandrin A Inhibits the IL-1β-Induced Inflammation and Cartilage Degradation via Suppression of MAPK and NF-κB Signal Pathways in Rat Chondrocytes

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disease in the elderly population. Its development has been reported to be associated with cartilage degradation and inflammatory responses. Schisandrin A, a bioactive lignin in Schisandra sphenanthera, has shown its anti-inflammatory potential in various inflammation diseases. However, the effects of Schisandrin A on OA remain to explore. In this study, rat chondrocytes were treated with IL-1β (10 ng/ml) with or without different concentrations of Schisandrin A for 24 h. Cell viability was evaluated by CCK-8 assay. Production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was measured by the Griess reaction and ELISA. The MAPK/NF-κB-related signaling molecules expression and the protein production of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (Cox)-2, MMPs (MMP1, MMP3, MMP13), ADAMTS5, Collagen II, aggrecan, and Sox9 were detected by Western blot. Protein expression of Collagen II, aggrecan, and p65 nuclear translocation was evaluated by immunofluorescence. In vivo, intra-articular injection of 50 μM Schisandrin A or equal volume of vehicle was performed on rat OA models. Severity of cartilage damage was evaluated by HE and Safranin-O-Fast green staining. Our results revealed that Schisandrin A could suppress the IL-1β-induced production of NO and PGE2 in rat chondrocytes. Consistent with these findings, the upregulation of iNOS and Cox2 could also been decreased by Schisandrin A. Additionally, Schisandrin A could inhibit IL-1β-induced cartilage matrix catabolic enzymes including MMPs and ADAMTS5. Moreover, the IL-1β-induced downregulation of Collagen II, aggrecan, and Sox9 could be ameliorated by Schisandrin A. Mechanistically, Schisandrin A functioned by suppressing MAPK and NF-κB signal pathways. In vivo, Schisandrin A prevented cartilage damage in rat OA model. In conclusion, this study elucidates that Schisandrin A inhibits the IL-1β-induced inflammation and cartilage degradation via suppression of MAPK and NF-κB signal pathways, indicating its potential role in OA therapy.

Propionibacterium acnes related anti-inflammation and skin hydration activities of madecassoside, a pentacyclic triterpene saponin from Centella asiatica

Madecassoside is a major pentacyclic triterpene saponin from Centella asiatica with multiple pharmaceutical activities. In this study, we focused on its Propionibacterium acnes related anti-inflammation and skin hydration activities, both of which play important roles in skin homeostasis and barrier function. Madecassoside significantly inhibited the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β, TLR2 and nuclear translocation of NF-κB in P. acnes stimulated THP-1 human monocytic cells. In addition, madecasssoside exhibited significant effects on enhancement of skin hydration through increasing the key moisturizing contributors of aquaporin-3, loricrin and involucrin in HaCaT keratinocytes as well as hyaluronan (HA) secretion in human dermal fibroblasts. The upregulation of HA synthases (HAS1, HAS2, HAS3) and inhibition to ROS formation accounted for the increment of HA content. Together, the in vitro study implied the potential medical and cosmetic application of madecassoside in skin protection.

Schisandrin B ameliorated chondrocytes inflammation and osteoarthritis via suppression of NF-κB and MAPK signal pathways

Introduction

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent joint disorder in the elderly population, and inflammatory mediators like IL-1β were thought to play central roles in its development. Schisandrin B, the main active component derived from Schisandra chinensis, exhibited anti-oxidative and antiinflammatory properties.

Methods

In the present study, the protective effect and the underlying mechanism of Schisan-drin B on OA was investigated in vivo and in vitro.

Results

The results showed that Schisandrin B decreased IL-1β-induced upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3), MMP13, IL-6, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and increased IL-1β-induced downregulation of collagen II, aggrecan, and sox9 as well. Schisandrin B significantly decreased IL-1β-induced p65 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of p65 in rat chondrocytes. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation was also inhibited by Schisandrin B, as evidenced by the reduction of p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk), and c-Jun amino-terminal kinase (Jnk) phosphorylation. In addition, Schisandrin B prevented cartilage degeneration in rat OA model with significantly lower Mankin’s score than the control group.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that Schisandrin B ameliorated chondrocytes inflammation and OA via suppression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and MAPK signal pathways, indicating a therapeutic potential in OA treatment.