Synthesis of new ent-labdane diterpene derivatives from andrographolide and evaluation of their anti-inflammatory activities

Two series of andrographolide derivatives with nitrogen-containing heterocycles, phenols and aromatic acids as bioisostere moiety of lactone ring were synthesized. 8 from 18 tested compounds showed stronger inhibitory effect on LPS-induced NO production in RAW264.7 macrophage than hydrocortisone. Among them, compound 8m exhibited the most potent inhibition with IC₅₀ of 3.38 ± 1.03 μM. The structure-activity relationships (SARs) suggested that the replacement of lactone ring with small-molecule phenols could improve the anti-inflammatory efficacy. Furthermore, compound 8m significantly reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β and IL-6 with no influence on cell survival, decreased the expression of iNOS and COX-2, and down-regulated the level and phosphorylation of IκBα, as well as the expression of NF-κB. Also it blocked the nuclear translocation of NF-κB in LPS-induced macrophage. Therefore, the anti-inflammation mechanism of compound 8m was related to the inhibition of COX-2, iNOS and NF-κB signal pathway.

Fisetin, a plant flavonoid ameliorates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in experimental rats: the decisive role of caspase-3, COX-II, cTn-I, iNOs and TNF-α

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a widely used anthracycline antibiotic for the management of carcinoma. However, it is associated with cardiotoxicity. Fisetin is a plant flavonoid reported to have anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic potential. To evaluate the cardioprotective potential of fisetin in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in experimental rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were pre-treated with either fisetin (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) or sitagliptin (10 mg/kg, p.o.) for 7 days. Cardiac toxicity was induced in rats (except the normal group) by doxorubicin (15 mg/kg i.p.) on 8th day. Various behavioral, biochemical, molecular and histological parameters were assessed in cardiac tissue. DOX-induced alterations in electrocardiographic, hemodynamic and left ventricular function were significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited by fisetin (20 and 40 mg/kg) treatment. Fisetin significantly decrease (p < 0.05) DOX-induced elevated serum CK-MB, LDH, AST, ALT and ALP levels. DOX-induced elevated cardiac oxido-nitrosative (SOD, GSH, MDA and NO) was significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) by fisetin. Up-regulated cardiac caspase-3, COX-II, cTn-I, iNOs, TNF-α, and IL-1β mRNA, as well as protein expressions were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) by fisetin treatment. It also significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated DOX-induced histopathological alterations in cardiac tissue. In conclusion, the fisetin exerts its cardioprotective potential against DOX-induced toxicity via inhibition of multiple pathways including oxidative stress (SOD, GSH, MDA and NO), inflammation (COX-II, TNF-α, and IL-1β), and apoptosis (Caspase-3). Therefore, fisetin can be considered as a potential cardioprotective agent during the management of carcinoma using doxorubicin anthracyclines.

Anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective potential of leaf essential oil of Cinnamomum glanduliferum in ethanol-induced rat experimental gastritis

CONTEXT

Nothing could be found in the literature concerning Cinnamomum glanduliferum (Wall) Meissn (Lauraceae) bark (CG) in Egypt.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate CG volatile oil chemically and its anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Essential oils were investigated by GC-MS. Leaves oil was assessed at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg for its anti-inflammatory effect against carrageenan-induced rat oedema model. Serum inflammation markers were measured. The gastro-protective effect of the same doses of the volatile oil was also tested in ethanol-induced non-ulcerative gastritis model in rats. Stomach oxidative stress markers were examined following 1 h after intragastric ethanol administration.

RESULTS

Twenty-five and 20 compounds were identified from leaf and branch oils, respectively (98.85 and 99.13%). The major ones were: eucalyptol (59.44%; 55.74%), sabinene (14.99%; 7.12%), α-terpineol (6.44%; 9.81%), α-pinene (5.27%; 4.71%). Following 4 h of treatment leaves volatile oil at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg significantly reduced paw volume to 94, 82 and 69%, respectively. The same doses significantly reduced COX-2 activity to 73.8, 50.7 and 21.4 nmol/min/mL, respectively. A significant reduction of PGE2 concentration was observed (2.95 ± 0.2, 2.45 ± 0.15 and 1.75 ± 0.015 pg/mL). CG oil exhibited a significant modulatory effect on ethanol-induced gastritis in rats as the level of NO reduced to 32, 37 and 41 μM nitrate/g and also a significant inhibition of lipid peroxidation was observed via reduction of MDA concentration (1.15, 1.11 and 1.04 nmol/g).

CONCLUSION

CG volatile oil exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect and protected against ethanol-induced non-ulcerative gastritis.

Anti-inflammatory Effect of Essential Oil from Citrus aurantium L. var. amara Engl

Essential oil has been popularly used as an alternative for the treatment of inflammation. The bioactivities of essential oil from blossoms of Citrus aurantium L. var. amara Engl (CAVAO) showed greater anti-inflammation potential than that of antioxidant, anticancer, and 3T3-L1 proliferation inhibition. CAVAO (250 μg/mL) significantly inhibited production of nitric oxide (NO) (99.54 ± 2.81%), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (98.11 ± 1.62%), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (41.84 ± 1.52%), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) (56.09 ± 2.21%) as well as their gene expression level. CAVAO also markedly decreased the expression levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene and protein. Furthermore, CAVAO inhibited nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation, which was justified by the inhibitory effect on NF-κB nuclear translocation, IκBα phosphorylation and degradation, and phosphorylation-dependent IκB kinase activation in RAW264.7 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharides. CAVAO also suppressed the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38, indicating that mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways were also blocked. The major constituents of CAVAO were characterized as linalool (64.6 ± 0.04%), α-terpineol (7.61 ± 0.03%), (R)-limonene (6.15 ± 0.04%), and linalyl acetate (5.02 ± 0.03%), which might be responsible for its observed anti-inflammation activity. It is concluded that CAVAO has great potential to be developed into a functional food for the treatment of inflammatory-associated diseases.

The Novel HDAC8 Inhibitor WK2-16 Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Activated Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Expression in Human Monocytic Cells and Improves Hypercytokinemia In Vivo

Dysregulated human monocytes/macrophages can synthesize and secrete matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which play important roles in the progression of sepsis. In this study, we investigated the effects and mechanism of a novel histone deacetylase (HDAC8) inhibitor, (E)-N-hydroxy-4-methoxy-2-(biphenyl-4-yl)cinnamide (WK2-16), on MMP-9 production and activation in stimulated human monocytic THP-1 cells. Our results demonstrated that the acetylation level of structural maintenance of chromosomes 3 (SMC3) was up-regulated by WK2-16 in THP-1 cells. Consistently, an in vitro enzyme study demonstrated that WK2-16 selectively inhibited HDAC8 activity. Moreover, the WK2-16 concentration dependently suppressed MMP-9-mediated gelatinolysis induced by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Additionally, WK2-16 significantly inhibited both MMP-9 protein and mRNA expression without cellular toxicity. Nevertheless, WK2-16 suppressed the extracellular levels of interleukin (IL)-6 from LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells. For the signaling studies, WK2-16 had no effect on LPS/TLR4 downstream signaling pathways, such as the NF-κB and ERK/JNK/P38 MAPK pathways. On the other hand, WK2-16 enhanced the recruitment of acetylated Yin Yang 1 (YY1) with HDAC1. Finally, in vivo studies indicated that WK2-16 could reduce the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in endotoxemic mice. These results suggested that HDAC8 inhibition might provide a novel therapeutic strategy of hypercytokinemia in sepsis.

Anti-inflammatory 12,20-Epoxypregnane and 11,12-seco-Pregnane Glycosides from the Stems of Hoya kerrii

Five 12,20-epoxypregnane glycosides (1-3, 5, and 6) and two 11,12-seco-pregnane glycosides (4 and 7) with spirodilactone motifs, as well as spirodilactone cleavage products 8 and 9, were isolated from the stems of Hoya kerrii. The relative configurations of the three related skeletons were supported by ROESY experiments and X-ray crystallographic analyses. The isolates were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity based on the inhibition of NO production in RAW264.7 cells, and some showed IC₅₀ values ranging from 12.6 to 96.5 μM. The most potent compound, 9a, was also examined for its anti-inflammatory mechanism against mRNA expression and was found to down-regulate mRNA expression of iNOS and COX-2 in a dose-dependent manner.

Coordinated Regulation Among Progesterone, Prostaglandins, and EGF-Like Factors in Human Ovulatory Follicles

CONTEXT

In animal models, the luteinizing hormone surge increases progesterone (P4) and progesterone receptor (PGR), prostaglandins (PTGs), and epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like factors that play essential roles in ovulation. However, little is known about the expression, regulation, and function of these key ovulatory mediators in humans.

OBJECTIVE

To determine when and how these key ovulatory mediators are induced after the luteinizing hormone surge in human ovaries.

DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS

Timed periovulatory follicles were obtained from cycling women. Granulosa/lutein cells were collected from in vitro fertilization patients.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The in vivo and in vitro expression of PGR, PTG synthases and transporters, and EGF-like factors were examined at the level of messenger RNA and protein. PGR binding to specific genes was assessed. P4 and PTGs in conditioned media were measured.

RESULTS

PGR, PTGS2, and AREG expressions dramatically increased in ovulatory follicles at 12 to 18 hours after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). In human granulosa/lutein cell cultures, hCG increased P4 and PTG production and the expression of PGR, specific PTG synthases and transporters, and EGF-like factors, mimicking in vivo expression patterns. Inhibitors for P4/PGR and EGF-signaling pathways reduced hCG-induced increases in PTG production and the expression of EGF-like factors. PGR bound to the PTGS2, PTGES, and SLCO2A1 genes.

CONCLUSIONS

This report demonstrated the time-dependent induction of PGR, AREG, and PTGS2 in human periovulatory follicles. In vitro studies indicated that collaborative actions of P4/PGR and EGF signaling are required for hCG-induced increases in PTG production and potentiation of EGF signaling in human periovulatory granulosa cells.

Evaluation of the antioxidant properties of carexanes in AGS cells transfected with the Helicobacter pylori's protein HspB

Naturally derived compounds represent a potential source of pharmacologically active drugs able to contrast different diseases, including gastric cancer, a multifactorial disease, in which the important role played by H. pylori infection has been demonstrated. Carexanes, stilbene derivatives, isolated from plants of the Carex distachya Desf., are unusual secondary metabolites with a tetracyclic skeleton arising from a cyclization of prenylstilbenoid precursors. In this study we firstly showed the ability of three purified carexanes CxB, CxG, and CxI to enhance the antioxidant response of AGS cells and to contrast the effect of the H. pylori's protein HspB. Among them CxI was the molecule that best modified the expression of genes involved in the antioxidant response. In particular, CxI was able to reduce Keap-1 gene expression and induce NQO1 gene expression, both at 4 and 24 h in AGS cells, as showed by real time PCR. Nrf2 induction was evident only at 24 h. Interestingly, the effect of CxI was stronger in HspB-transfected AGS cells, where Keap-1 gene expression was nearly abrogated. Finally, we demonstrated that CxI was able to reduce also COX-2 gene expression in HspB-transfected AGS cells, compared with untreated HspB-transfected cells, both at 4 and 24 h. This study first report that carexanes might represent candidate molecules able to contrast the deleterious effect of HspB protein but also to reduce the inflammatory process induced by H. pylori infection.

Coptisine Prevented IL-β-Induced Expression of Inflammatory Mediators in Chondrocytes

Interleukin 1β (IL-1β) is a pleiotropic pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a critical role in the development of osteoarthritis (OA). Coptisine is an isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from Coptidis rhizome and has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory activity. However, the anti-inflammatory effects of coptisine on interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)-stimulated chondrocytes have not been reported. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of coptisine on IL-1β-induced inflammation in human articular chondrocytes. Our results showed that coptisine greatly inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), as well as suppressed the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in human OA chondrocytes induced by IL-1β. It also inhibited the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) and MMP-13 in IL-1β-stimulated human OA chondrocytes. Furthermore, coptisine significantly inhibited the IL-1β-induced NF-kB activation in human OA chondrocytes. Taken together, these data suggest that coptisine inhibits the IL-1β-induced inflammatory response by suppressing the NF-kB signaling pathway. Thus, coptisine may be a potential agent in the treatment of OA.

The inhibitory effect of resveratrol on COX-2 expression in human colorectal cancer: a promising therapeutic strategy

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to investigate the mechanism of resveratrol (RSVL) on the inhibitory effect on the expression of COX-2 in human colorectal cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we used the HCT-116 cells as the observation group, and the normal cells as the control group. The inhibitory effect induced by RSVL on the COX-2 expression in human colorectal cancer was investigated. For the observation group, cells were cultured in the nutrition solution with RSVL, while the cells in both control group (normal colon epithelial cells) and blank control group (none-treated HCT-116 cells) were cultured in the regular nutrition solution. We assayed the mRNA expression and the protein expression of COX-2 in different groups using Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot methods, respectively. Also, we measured the cell growth and apoptosis in different treatment groups by using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay (MTT) method, and detected the differences in COX-2 expression among different groups through immunohistochemistry staining RESULTS: Compared with blank control group, the rate of cell proliferation in the observation group treated with RSVL was significantly reduced. The results of RT-qPCR revealed that the mRNA expression of COX-2 of the observation group was affected compared with the blank control group. According to the results from enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot, the expression of the COX-2 protein in the observation group treated with RSVL was significantly lower than that in the blank control group; however, results from the observation group and the control group were similar. Also, the immunohistochemistry results showed the positive rate of COX-2 expression in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

RSVL (in a certain concentration) can suppress the human colorectal cancer through inhibition of COX-2 expression.

[Analgesic effects of ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonists MK-801 and NBQX on collagen-induced arthritis rats]

OBJECTIVE

The ionotropic glutamate receptorantagonists include two types: MK-801, antagonist of N-methyl-D-asparticacid (NMDA) receptor, and NBQX, antagonist of non-NMDA receptor.The above-mentioned ionotropic antagonists can block the glutamate and its corresponding receptor binding to produce analgesic effect. The objective of this research was to study two antagonists in analgesic effect on rat behavior,as well as to investigate the down-regulation and up-regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and Janus-activated kinase (Jak3) in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat serum and tissue fluid after the application of these antagonists, that is, the effect on molecular biology.

METHODS

This study used the ionotropic glutamate receptors as the target and established CIA rat model. Vivo studies were used to observe changes in behavior and molecular biology of the CIA rat.Behavioral assessment includedmechanical allodynia and joint swelling in the CIA rat,where themechanical allodynia was measured using the paw-withdrawal threshold (PWT) with VonFrey filaments according to the "Up-Down" method,and the drainage volume was used to assess joint swelling. Then the blood samples taken from the heart of the rat and the tissue homogenate were collected to detect the down-regulation and up-regulation of COX-2 and Jak3 in the serum and tissue fluid after the antagonists wereused.

RESULTS

Using MK-801, NBQX alone or using the combination of these two antagonists,these three methods all could alleviate pain(P<0.01).The analgesic effect lasted more than 24 h.Both antagonists reached the peak of analgesia at the end of 4 hours post-injection. NBQX had stronger analgesic effect than MK-801 (P<0.05).Whether alone or combined use of these two antagonists,could not change the CIA rats' swelling of the joint (P>0.05). MK-801 could decrease the expression of COX-2 (P<0.01).At the same time, NBQX did not have this effect (P>0.05). Using MK-801, NBQX alone or combination of these two antagonists could not affect the increased expression of Jak3 caused by the CIA (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

MK-801 and NBQX could both alleviate pain, NBQX was much better than MK-801. Neither MK-801 nor NBQX had the effect on the swelling of the joint. NMDA receptor and COX-2 inflammatory pathways had certain interactions. For Jak3, it could not be found to have cross-function with ionotropic glutamate signaling pathways by this experiment.

Metformin represses bladder cancer progression by inhibiting stem cell repopulation via COX2/PGE2/STAT3 axis

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a sub-population of tumor cells playing essential roles in initiation, differentiation, recurrence, metastasis and development of drug resistance of various cancers, including bladder cancer. Although multiple lines of evidence suggest that metformin is capable of repressing CSC repopulation in different cancers, the effect of metformin on bladder cancer CSCs remains largely unknown. Using the N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)-induced rat orthotropic bladder cancer model, we demonstrated that metformin is capable of repressing bladder cancer progression from both mild to moderate/severe dysplasia lesions and from carcinoma in situ (CIS) to invasive lesions. Metformin also can arrest bladder cancer cells in G1/S phases, which subsequently leads to apoptosis. And also metformin represses bladder cancer CSC repopulation evidenced by reducing cytokeratin 14 (CK14+) and octamer-binding transcription factor 3/4 (OCT3/4+) cells in both animal and cellular models. More importantly, we found that metformin exerts these anticancer effects by inhibiting COX2, subsequently PGE2 as well as the activation of STAT3. In conclusion, we are the first to systemically demonstrate in both animal and cell models that metformin inhibits bladder cancer progression by inhibiting stem cell repopulation through the COX2/PGE2/STAT3 axis.

Betulin Derivatives Effectively Suppress Inflammation in Vitro and in Vivo

Betulin is a pharmacologically active triterpenoid found in the bark of the birch tree (Betula sp. L.). Betulin and betulinic acid are structurally related to anti-inflammatory steroids, but little is known about their potential anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, the inflammatory gene expression and the anti-inflammatory properties of betulin, betulinic acid, and 16 semisynthetic betulin derivatives were investigated. Betulin derivatives 3, 4, and 5 selectively inhibited the expression of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in a post-transcriptional manner. They also inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production but had no effect on the other inflammatory factors studied. More interestingly, a new anti-inflammatory betulin derivative 9 with a wide-spectrum anti-inflammatory activity was discovered. Compound 9 was found to suppress the expression of cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), as well as that of prostaglandin synthase-2 (COX-2) in addition to iNOS. The in vivo anti-inflammatory effect of compound 9 was indicated via significant suppression of the carrageenan-induced paw inflammation in mice. The results show, for the first time, that the pyrazole-fused betulin derivative (9) and related compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that could be utilized in drug development.

Dihydroisocoumarin Derivatives from Marine-Derived Fungal Isolates and Their Anti-inflammatory Effects in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced BV2 Microglia

Chemical investigation of the EtOAc extracts of marine-derived fungal isolates Aspergillus sp. SF-5974 and Aspergillus sp. SF-5976 yielded a new dihydroisocoumarin derivative (1) and 12 known metabolites. The structures of the isolated metabolites were established by extensive spectroscopic analyses, including 1D and 2D NMR spectra and MS data. Among the metabolites, the absolute configuration of 5'-hydroxyasperentin (6) was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The in vitro antineuroinflammatory effects of the metabolites were also evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated microglial cells. Among the isolated metabolites, dihydroisocoumarin derivatives 1-6 (10-80 μM) were shown to inhibit LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production by suppressing the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), respectively, in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia. Further, 1 (20-80 μM) was found to suppress the phosphorylation of the inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B-α (IκB-α), interrupt the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and decrease the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK).

Briarenolides U-Y, New Anti-Inflammatory Briarane Diterpenoids from an Octocoral Briareum sp. (Briareidae)

Five new 13,14-epoxybriarane diterpenoids, briarenolides U–Y (1–5), were isolated from the octocoral Briareum sp. The structures of briaranes 1–5 were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Briarenolides U–Y (1–5) were found to significantly inhibit the expression of the pro-inflammatory inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells.

Toxicological Effect of Manganese on NF-κB/iNOS-COX-2 Signaling Pathway in Chicken Testes

Manganese (Mn) pollution can cause tissue and organ dysfunction and structural damage. The toxicity of Mn in poultry was reported, but inflammatory damage that Mn induced in the testicular tissue has not been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Mn poisoning on NF-κB/iNOS-COX-2 signaling pathway in chicken testes. One hundred eighty Hyline male chickens at 7 days of age were fed either commercial diet or MnCl2-added commercial diet containing 600, 900, and 1800 mg/kg Mn for 30, 60, and 90 days, respectively. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nitric oxide (NO) content, iNOS activity, and histopathology were examined in chicken testes. The results showed that excess Mn upregulated mRNA expression of NF-κB, COX-2, TNF-α, and iNOS, NO content, and iNOS activity at 60th and 90th day. Mn had a time-dependent effect on NF-κB and TNF-α mRNA expression. Mn had a dose- and time-dependent effect on NO content and iNOS activity. Mn exposure induced chicken testis histological changes in dose- and time-dependent manner. It indicated that Mn exposure resulted in inflammatory injury of chicken testis tissue through NF-κB/iNOS-COX-2 signaling pathway.

Effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza on CNS Neuronal Injury and Degeneration: A Plausible Complementary Role of Tanshinones and Depsides

Salvia miltiorrhiza is a very important herbal drug of traditional Chinese medicine. Bioactive constituents are represented by two main groups of secondary metabolites, the lipophilic diterpenic quinones known as tanshinones and the hydrophilic depsides known as salvianolic acids. S. miltiorrhiza extracts and single constituents have been shown to have positive effects in central nervous system neuronal injury and degeneration in several animal models by various biological mechanisms. Both tanshinones and depsides protect against β-amyloid-induced toxicity, but their mechanisms are complementary due to their different structure, the lipophilic tanshinones and the hydrophilic depsides. A number of anti-inflammatory mechanisms is also reported for both tanshinones and depsides. Common mechanisms are the effects on cytokines, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and glial fibrillary acidic protein. In addition, depsides are inhibitors of nitric oxide and cyclooxygenase-2, while tanshinones inhibit hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and nuclear factor kappa β. Both constituents can also modulate the protection of the central nervous system from oxidative stress with different but complementary mechanisms: tanshinones can enhance the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, while depsides can decrease reactive oxygen species.Furthermore, neuronal death underlies the symptoms of many human neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases, stroke, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Both classes of constituents can enhance the antiapoptotic B-cell leukemia protein-2 family members and decrease the translocation of cytochrome c, and, in addition, depsides decrease caspase-3 and intracellular Ca(2+). Again, both classes of constituents have an activity on vascular endothelial growth factor but it is opposite, whereas tanshinones are inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase.Besides the extensive studies reporting on the biological mechanisms of depsides and tanshinones, pharmacokinetics studies are still very limited and not conclusive, especially for brain distribution. Further research is warranted to address the mechanisms of the multitarget actions of S. miltiorrhiza constituents and to translate this knowledge into clinical practice.

Parecoxib Increases Blood Pressure Through Inhibition of Cyclooxygenase-2 Messenger RNA in an Experimental Model

BACKGROUND

Cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitors have been developed to alleviate pain and inflammation; however, the use of a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor is associated with mild edema, hypertension, and cardiovascular risk.

AIM

To evaluate, in an experimental model in normotensive rats, the effect of treatment with parecoxib in comparison with diclofenac and aspirin and L-NAME, a non-selective nitric oxide synthetase, on mean arterial blood pressure, and cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 messenger RNA and protein expression in aortic tissue.

METHODS

Rats were treated for seven days with parecoxib (10 mg/kg/day), diclofenac (3.2 mg/kg/day), aspirin (10 mg/kg/day), or L-NAME (10 mg/kg/day). Mean arterial blood pressure was evaluated in rat tail; cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 were evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis in aortic tissue.

RESULTS

Parecoxib and L-NAME, but not aspirin and diclofenac, increased mean arterial blood pressure by about 50% (p < 0.05) without changes in cardiac frequency. Messenger RNA cyclooxygenase-1 expression in aortic tissue was not modified with any drug (p < 0.05). L-NAME and parecoxib treatment decreased messenger RNA cyclooxygenase-2 and cyclooxygenase-2 (p < 0.05). While cyclooxygenase-1 protein decreased with the three drugs tested but not with L-NAME (p < 0.05), the cyclooxygenase-2 protein decreased only with aspirin and parecoxib (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Parecoxib increases the blood pressure of normotensive rats by the suppression of COX-2 gene expression, which apparently induced cardiovascular control.

Combined Therapy with Rheum tanguticum Polysaccharide and Low-dose 5-ASA Ameliorates TNBS-Induced Colitis in Rats by Suppression of NF-κB

The most common conventional therapy for inflammatory bowel disease in clinical practice involves the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as 5-amino salicylic acid. However, a high dose of 5-amino salicylic acid may bring about severe side effects. Chinese people have used Rheum tanguticum as a folk remedy for gastrointestinal disease for two thousand years. Our group has isolated R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1 from R. tanguticum and verified that it can attenuate 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis in murines/rats. The present study aims to evaluate whether the addition of R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1 can improve efficacy and limit subsequent side effects of conventional treatment (5-amino salicylic acid) in rats with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis. Sixty Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomized into five groups and treated with (1) saline (saline, 0.2 mL/day × 5, p. o.), (2) 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid alone (saline, 0.2 mL/day × 5, p. o.), (3) 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid + 5-amino salicylic acid (5-amino salicylic acid, 75 mg/kg/day × 5, p.o), (4) 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid + R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1 (R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1, 200 mg/kg/day × 5, p. o.), and (5) 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid + 5-amino salicylic acid + R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1 (5-amino salicylic acid, 25 mg/kg/day × 5, p.o; R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1, 200 mg/kg/day × 5, p. o.). All the rats were sacrificed on the 6th day after treatment using an overdose of anesthesia. A histological assessment was performed using semiquantitative scores; nuclear factor-kappa B and tumor necrosis factor-α were measured with Western blot, cyclooxygenase 1 and cyclooxygenase 2 protein expressions were investigated by RT-polymerase chain reaction, and prostoglandin E2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase productions were investigated by ELISA. The extent and severity of histological signs were attenuated significantly in the 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid + 5-amino salicylic acid + R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1 group. Treatment with R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1 plus 5-amino salicylic acid markedly decreased nuclear factor-kappa Bp65 and tumor necrosis factor-α protein expressions. R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1 and 5-amino salicylic acid had no effect on cyclooxygenase 1 protein expression, but inhibited the overexpression of the cyclooxygenase 2 protein. After treatment with 5-amino salicylic acid and R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1, the prostoglandin E2 level increased significantly and the inducible nitric oxide synthase level decreased considerably in the 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid + 5-amino salicylic acid + R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1 group compared with the 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid alone group. These results demonstrate that combined therapy with R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1 and low-dose 5-amino salicylic acid had more favorable effects on 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis in rats, and its effects may be associated with inhibiting nuclear factor-kappa Bp65 protein expression and tumor necrosis factor-α production, resulting in a decrease of cyclooxygenase 2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase protein expressions.

Vitamin D inhibits ovarian cancer cell line proliferation in combination with celecoxib and suppresses cyclooxygenase-2 expression

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D exhibits multiple anti-proliferative and pro-differentiating actions. Prostaglandin-(PG)E2 is a tumor-promoting tissue hormone anabolized by cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Recently, a link between the PG and vitamin D metabolism was reported.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The influence of calcitriol and celecoxib on the proliferation of ovarian cancer cell lines was measured and the impact of calcitriol on the protein and mRNA expression of COX-2 was quantified by western blot and qRT-PCR, respectively.

RESULTS

After COX-2 induction with interleukin (IL)-1β, 10 μM celecoxib did not significantly inhibit the proliferation of OVCAR-3 cells, whereas calcitriol showed such an effect; however, the combination of the two substances had an additive influence. After induction by IL-1β, calcitriol inhibited the COX-2 protein, as well as its mRNA expression significantly in OVCAR-3 and SKOV-3 cells.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest a correlation between PG and vitamin D metabolism in their anti-tumorigenic activity in ovarian carcinomas.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester protects lung alveolar epithelial cells from cigarette smoke-induced damage

BACKGROUND/AIM

To evaluate the influence of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on cigarette smoke (CS)-induced cell damage, oxidative stress, and inflammation in human alveolar epithelial cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A549 alveolar epithelial cells were divided into control, CS exposure, CAPE, and CS+CAPE treatment groups. Undiluted CS-exposed medium (100%) and three dilutions (50%, 25%, and 10%) of CS-exposed media were applied to cultured A549 cells, which were analyzed after 3 h of incubation. Viability was measured by MTT assay, the gene expressions were evaluated by real-time PCR, and spectrophotometric techniques were used for biochemical assessments.

RESULTS

While CS exposure markedly reduced cellular viability by 32% after 3 h of incubation, 2.5 µM CAPE treatments prevented CS-induced cell death by 40% in the cells. CS exposure triggered lipid peroxidation and depleted antioxidant capacity through inhibiting catalase activity and depleting glutathione levels. Moreover, CS increased nitric oxide production via upregulation of iNOS expression. CAPE treatment significantly restored antioxidant capacity and prevented lipid peroxidation. Cigarette smoke exposure induced inflammation by significantly upregulating TNF-α, IL-1β, and COX-2 mRNA expressions (3-, 2- and 25-fold, respectively). CAPE treatment of A549 cells significantly reversed the inflammation.

CONCLUSION

CAPE may potentially represent a new therapeutic option in the prevention of CS-induced lung damages.

Anti-inflammatory activity of fisetin in human gingival fibroblasts treated with lipopolysaccharide

Fisetin is an anti-inflammatory flavonoid; however, its anti-inflammatory mechanism is not yet understood. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of fisetin and its association with mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa-beta pathways in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) obtained from Porphyromonas gingivalis. The cell signaling, cell viability, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression of HGFs treated with various concentrations (0, 1, 5, 10, and 15 μM) of fisetin were measured by cell viability assay (MTT), Western blotting, and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis on COX-2. We found that fisetin significantly reduced the synthesis and expression of prostaglandin E2 in HGFs treated with LPS. Activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38 MAPK was suppressed consistently by fisetin in HGFs treated with LPS. The data indicate that fisetin inhibits MAPK activation and COX-2 expression without affecting cell viability. These findings may be valuable for understanding the mechanism of the effect of fisetin on periodontal disease.

Effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in mandibular condylar chondrocytes

AIMS

To determine the effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and related mechanisms by using cultured articular chondrocytes derived from porcine mandibular condyles after treatment with interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β).

METHODS

Chondrocytes were derived from porcine mandibular condylar cartilage and cultured. The cells were treated with or without 10 ng/mL IL-1β. At the same time, the cells were exposed to LIPUS for 20 minutes. After LIPUS exposure, the conditioned medium was changed to a fresh one without IL-1β, and the cells were incubated for 0 to 24 hours. The effects of LIPUS on IL-1β-treated chondrocytes were examined in terms of the expression of p-integrin β1, COX-2, and phosphorylated extracellular signal-related kinase (p-ERK) 1/2 by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot analyses. Differences in the means among multiple groups were examined by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for all groups at each time point, followed by a Scheffé multiple comparison test as a post-hoc test; Student t test was also used.

RESULTS

COX-2 mRNA level was upregulated by the treatment with IL-1β and was suppressed significantly (P < .01) by LIPUS exposure. Furthermore, LIPUS enhanced gene expression and phosphorylation of integrin β, and it inhibited the expression of p-ERK 1/2.

CONCLUSION

LIPUS exposure inhibited IL-1β-induced COX-2 expression through the integrin β1 receptor followed by the phosphorylation of ERK 1/2. Despite the restricted duration of its effect, LIPUS is suggested to be a potential candidate as a preventive and auxiliary treatment to suppress the degradation of articular chondrocytes in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis.

Piroxicam inhibits Masitinib-induced cyclooxygenase 2 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells in vitro

Development and characterization of animal models for human cancers is important for the improvement of diagnosis and therapy. The oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) of domestic animals resembles human OSCC in many aspects; thus, cell lines derived from OSCC of cats and dogs are a valuable model for human OSCC. We characterized 1 feline OSCC (FeOSCC-Sidney) and 1 canine OSCC (K9OSCC-Abby) cell line and compared their characteristics with human OSCC cell line hSCC-25. We calculated the doubling time of the new OSCC cell lines and evaluated the expression profiles of cancer-related markers and cell-cycle proteins such as c-kit, platelet-derived growth factor receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor, cyclooxygenase (COX)-1, COX-2, and p27 by immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis. We evaluated the effects of novel receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (Masitinib, AB1010) and the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug piroxicam on the previously mentioned OSCC cells. Interestingly, AB1010 increased expression levels of COX-2 in all tested OSCCs. Cotreatment of piroxicam with Masitinib significantly inhibited cell proliferation of OSCC as compared to either drug alone through the c-kit and AKT signaling pathways. Piroxicam inhibited Masitinib-induced COX-2 expression in all tested OSCCs. Therefore, targeting these two signaling pathways simultaneously was more efficient for inhibition of OSCCs across these species.

Febuxostat ameliorates diabetic renal injury in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress and inflammation are known to play central roles in the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Febuxostat is a novel non-purine xanthine oxidase (XO)-specific inhibitor developed to treat hyperuricemia. In this study, we investigated whether febuxostat could ameliorate DN via renoprotective mechanisms such as alleviation of oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory actions.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: a normal group, a diabetes group (DM group), and a febuxostat-treated diabetes group (DM+Fx group). We administered 5 mg/kg of febuxostat to experimental rats for 7 weeks and evaluated clinical and biochemical parameters and XO and xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) activity in hepatic tissue. The degree of oxidative stress and extent of inflammation were evaluated from urine samples and renal tissue collected from each group.

RESULTS

Diabetic rats (DM and DM+Fx groups) had higher blood glucose and kidney weight relative to body weight than normal rats. Albuminuria was significantly reduced in febuxostat-treated diabetic rats compared with untreated diabetic rats. Quantitative analysis showed that hepatic XO and XDH activities were higher in the DM groups, but decreased after treatment with febuxostat. Urinary 8-OHdG concentrations and renal cortical nitrotyrosine also indicated reduced oxidative stress in the DM+Fx group relative to the DM group. The number of ED-1-stained cells in the glomerulus and tubule of diabetic renal tissue decreased in febuxostat-treated diabetic rats relative to that of non-treated diabetic rats. Diabetic rats also expressed higher transcript levels of inflammatory genes (E-selectin and VCAM-1), an inflammation-induced enzyme (COX-2), and inflammatory mediators (ED-1 and NF-κB) than control rats; expression of these genes was significantly reduced by treatment with febuxostat.

CONCLUSIONS

Febuxostat prevents diabetic renal injury such as albuminuria. This renoprotective effect appears to be due to attenuation of the inflammatory and oxidative effects of diabetes-induced renal damage through inhibition of XO and XDH activities.