Inhibitory Effect of Zingerone on Secretory Group IIA Phospholipase A2

The expression of secretory group IIA phospholipase A2 (sPLA2-IIA) has been shown to be elevated in various inflammatory diseases, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) up-regulates the expression of sPLA2-IIA in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Zingerone (ZGR), a phenolic alkanone isolated from ginger, has been reported to have various pharmacological activities. Here, we examined the effects of ZRG on the expression and activity of sPLA2-IIA in LPS-activated HUVECs and in mouse models of endotoxemia and sepsis. Treatment of cells or mice with ZRG inhibited LPS-induced expression and activity of sPLA2-IIA. In addition, ZRG suppressed LPS-mediated activation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2. These results suggest that ZRG inhibits LPS-mediated activation of sPLA2-IIA expression by suppressing cPLA2 and ERK 1/2.

Ameliorative effects of pine bark extract on cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury in rats

Objective: This study investigated the dose–response effects of pine bark extract (PBE, pycnogenol^®) on oxidative stress-mediated apoptotic changes induced by cisplatin (Csp) in rats.

Materials and methods: The ameliorating potential of PBE was evaluated after orally administering PBE at doses of 10 or 20 mg/kg for 10 days. Acute kidney injury was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of Csp at 7 mg/kg on test day 5.

Results: Csp treatment caused acute kidney injury manifested by elevated levels of serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CRE) with corresponding histopathological changes, including degeneration of tubular epithelial cells, hyaline casts in the tubular lumen, and inflammatory cell infiltration (interstitial nephritis). Csp also induced significant apoptotic changes in renal tubular cells. In addition, Csp treatment induced high levels of oxidative stress, as evidenced by an increased level of malondialdehyde, depletion of the reduced glutathione (GSH) content, and decreased activities of glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in kidney tissues. On the contrary, PBE treatment lowered BUN and CRE levels and effectively attenuated histopathological alterations and apoptotic changes induced by Csp. Additionally, treatment with PBE suppressed lipid peroxidation, prevented depletion of GSH, and enhanced activities of the antioxidant enzymes in kidney tissue.

Conclusions: These results indicate that PBE has a cytoprotective effect against oxidative stress-mediated apoptotic changes caused by Csp in the rat kidney, which may be attributed to both increase of antioxidant enzyme activities and inhibition of lipid peroxidation.

3-Deoxysappanchalcone Promotes Proliferation of Human Hair Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells and Hair Growth in C57BL/6 Mice by Modulating WNT/β-Catenin and STAT Signaling

3-Deoxysappanchalcone (3-DSC) has been reported to possess anti-allergic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. In the present study, we investigated the effects of 3-DSC on the proliferation of human hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HDPCs) and mouse hair growth in vivo. A real-time cell analyzer system, luciferase assay, Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were employed to measure the biochemical changes occurring in HDPCs in response to 3-DSC treatment. The effect of 3-DSC on hair growth in C57BL/6 mice was also examined. 3-DSC promoted the proliferation of HDPCs, similar to Tofacitinib, an inhibitor of janus-activated kinase (JAK). 3-DSC promoted phosphorylation of β-catenin and transcriptional activation of the T-cell factor. In addition, 3-DSC potentiated interleukin-6 (IL-6)-induced phosphorylation and subsequent transactivation of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3), thereby increasing the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase-4 (Cdk4), fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). On the contrary, 3-DSC attenuated STAT6 mRNA expression and IL4-induced STAT6 phosphorylation in HDPCs. Finally, we observed that topical application of 3-DSC promoted the anagen phase of hair growth in C57BL/6 mice. 3-DSC stimulates hair growth possibly by inducing proliferation of follicular dermal papilla cells via modulation of WNT/β-catenin and STAT signaling.

Comparative toxicity and biodistribution assessments in rats following subchronic oral exposure to copper nanoparticles and microparticles

Background

Copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) have great potential in electronics and biomedical fields because of their efficient thermodynamic and anti-microbial properties. However, their potential toxic effects and kinetic data following repeated exposure are still unclear.

Methods

We evaluated the physicochemical properties of Cu NPs (25 nm) and copper microparticles (Cu MPs, 14–25 μm). Comparative in vivo toxicity of Cu NPs and Cu MPs was evaluated by conducting a 28-day repeated oral dose study at equivalent dose levels of 0, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day (vehicle, 1 % hydroxypropyl methylcellulose). We determined Cu levels in the blood, tissues, urine, and feces by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Results

The solubility of Cu NPs and Cu MPs was 84.5 and 17.2 %, respectively, in an acidic milieu; however, they scarcely dissolved in vehicle or intestinal milieus. The specific surface area of Cu NPs and Cu MPs was determined to be 14.7 and 0.16 m²/g, respectively. Cu NPs exhibited a dose-dependent increase of Cu content in the blood and tested organs, with particularly high levels of Cu in the liver, kidney, and spleen. Only for liver and kidney increased Cu levels were found in Cu MPs-treated rats. Cu NPs caused a dose-related increase in Cu levels in urine, whereas Cu MPs did not affect the urine Cu levels. Extremely high levels of Cu were detected in the feces of Cu MPs-treated rats, whereas much lower levels were detected in the feces of Cu NPs-treated rats. A comparative in vivo toxicity study showed that Cu NPs caused damages to red blood cells, thymus, spleen, liver, and kidney at ≥200 mg/kg/days, but Cu MPs did not cause any adverse effects even at the highest dose.

Conclusions

Overall, the in vivo repeated dose toxicity study of Cu NPs and Cu MPs demonstrated that large surface area and high solubility in physiological milieus could directly influence the toxicological responses and biodistribution of Cu particles when administered orally. Under these experimental conditions, the no-observed-adverse-effect levels of Cu NPs and Cu MPs were determined to be 100 and ≥400 mg/kg/day, respectively.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12989-016-0169-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Comparative toxicity and biodistribution of copper nanoparticles and cupric ions in rats

Despite widespread use and prospective biomedical applications of copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs), their biosafety issues and kinetics remain unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the detailed in vivo toxicity of Cu NPs and cupric ions (CuCl₂; Cu ions) after a single oral dose. We determined the physicochemical characteristics of Cu NPs, including morphology, hydrodynamic size, zeta potential, and dissolution in gastric (pH 1.5), vehicle (pH 6.5), and intestinal (pH 7.8) conditions. We also evaluated the kinetics of Cu following a single equivalent dose (500 mg/kg) of Cu NPs and Cu ions. Cu NPs had highest dissolution (84.5%) only in gastric conditions when compared with complete dissolution of Cu ions under various physiological milieus. Kinetic analysis revealed that highest Cu levels in blood and tested organs of Cu NP-treated rats were 15%–25% lower than that of Cu ions. Similar to the case of Cu ions, Cu levels in the tested organs (especially liver, kidney, and spleen) of Cu NP-treated rats increased significantly when compared with the vehicle control. However, delay in reaching the highest level and biopersistence of Cu were observed in the blood and tested organs of Cu NP-treated rats compared with Cu ions. Extremely high levels of Cu in feces indicated that unabsorbed Cu NPs or absorbed Cu ions were predominantly eliminated through liver/feces. Cu NPs exerted apparent toxicological effects at higher dose levels compared with Cu ions and showed sex-dependent differences in mortality, biochemistry, and histopathology. Liver, kidney, and spleen were the major organs affected by Cu NPs. Collectively, the toxicity and kinetics of Cu NPs are most likely influenced by the release of Cu dissociated from Cu NPs under physiological conditions.

Copper oxide nanoparticle induces inflammatory response and mucus production via MAPK signaling in human bronchial epithelial cells

Copper nanoparticles (CuONPs) can pose risks to industrial workers. With increase of its applications especially in electronic fields, it is necessary to assess the toxicity of CuONPs, including pulmonary toxicity. In this study, we investigated the effect of CuONPs on human epithelial cell line H292. CuONPs treatment caused a significant increase in IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA expression and protein levels in H292 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The mRNA expression and protein levels of MUC5AC were consistent with those of proinflammatory mediators. Additionally, CuONPs treatment increased phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), Erk, JNK, and p-38 compared to that of control in a concentration-dependent manner. However, co-treatment with CuONPs and each MAPK inhibitor significantly decreased the phosphorylation of each MAPK, resulting in decreased mRNA expression and protein levels of proinflammatory mediators and MUC5AC compared to that in H292 cells only treated with CuONPs. In summary, CuONPs-induced inflammatory mediators and MUC5AC associated with MAPKs phosphorylation. Our results will provide useful information on CuONPs-induced pulmonary toxicity.

Withaferin-A--A Natural Anticancer Agent with Pleitropic Mechanisms of Action

Cancer, being the second leading cause of mortality, exists as a formidable health challenge. In spite of our enormous efforts, the emerging complexities in the molecular nature of disease progression limit the real success in finding an effective cancer cure. It is now conceivable that cancer is, in fact, a progressive illness, and the morbidity and mortality from cancer can be reduced by interfering with various oncogenic signaling pathways. A wide variety of structurally diverse classes of bioactive phytochemicals have been shown to exert anticancer effects in a large number of preclinical studies. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that withaferin-A can prevent the development of cancers of various histotypes. Accumulating data from different rodent models and cell culture experiments have revealed that withaferin-A suppresses experimentally induced carcinogenesis, largely by virtue of its potent anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing properties. Moreover, withaferin-A sensitizes resistant cancer cells to existing chemotherapeutic agents. The purpose of this review is to highlight the mechanistic aspects underlying anticancer effects of withaferin-A.

Copper oxide nanoparticles aggravate airway inflammation and mucus production in asthmatic mice via MAPK signaling

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs), metal oxide nanoparticles were used in multiple applications including wood preservation, antimicrobial textiles, catalysts for carbon monoxide oxidation and heat transfer fluid in machines. We investigated the effects of CuONPs on the respiratory system in Balb/c mice. In addition, to investigate the effects of CuONPs on asthma development, we used a murine model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma. CuONPs markedly increased airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR), inflammatory cell counts, proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS). CuONPs induced airway inflammation and mucus secretion with increases in phosphorylation of the MAPKs (Erk, JNK and p38). In the OVA-induced asthma model, CuONPs aggravated the increased AHR, inflammatory cell count, proinflammatory cytokines, ROS and immunoglobulin E induced by OVA exposure. In addition, CuONPs markedly increased inflammatory cell infiltration into the lung and mucus secretions, and MAPK phosphorylation was elevated compared to OVA-induced asthmatic mice. Taken together, CuONPs exhibited toxicity on the respiratory system, which was associated with the MAPK phosphorylation. In addition, CuONPs exposure aggravated the development of asthma. We conclude that CuONPs exposure has a potential toxicity in humans with respiratory disease.

Time-course and molecular mechanism of hepatotoxicity induced by 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol in rats

This study investigated the time-course of 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol (1,3-DCP)-induced hepatotoxicity and the molecular mechanism of its oxidative stress and apoptotic changes in rats. Thirty-six male rats were randomly assigned to six groups of six rats each and were administered a single oral dose of 1,3-DCP (90 mg/kg) or its vehicle. 1,3-DCP caused acute hepatic damage, as evidenced by marked increases in serum aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and histopathological alterations. These functional and histopathological changes in the liver peaked at 12h after administration and then decreased progressively. Oxidative stress indices were increased significantly at 6h, peaked at 12h, and then decreased progressively. The number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)- and caspase-3-positive cells increased after 6h, peaked at 12 and 24h, and then decreased. The protein levels of phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) including p-Erk1/2 and p-JNK showed a similar trend to the numbers of TUNEL- and caspase-3-positive cells. These results indicate that 1,3-DCP increases oxidative stress, nuclear translocation of Nrf2, and expression of Nrf2-targeted genes, followed by increased functional and histopathological alterations in the liver. The increase in hepatocellular apoptosis induced by 1,3-DCP may be related to oxidative stress-mediated MAPK activation.

Inhibitory effects of rutin on the endothelial protein C receptor shedding in vitro and in vivo

Endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR) has important functions in regulation of coagulation and inflammation. EPCR shedding from the cell surface is mediated by tumor necrosis factor-α converting enzyme (TACE). Rutin is one of the major flavonoids from the buckwheat plant Fagopyrum tataricum. In this study, we investigated the effects of rutin on phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and on cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-mediated EPCR shedding. We used a CLP model because this model more closely resembles human sepsis. Data showed rutin was a potent inhibitor of PMA, TNF-α, IL-1β, and CLP-induced EPCR shedding by suppression of TACE expression. Treatment with rutin resulted in a decrease of PMA-stimulated phosphorylation of p38, extracellular regulated kinases 1/2, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. These results suggest the potential application of rutin for treatment of PMA and CLP-mediated EPCR shedding.

Protective effects of diallyl disulfide on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity through activation of Nrf2

This study was conducted to investigate the potential effects of diallyl disulfide (DADS) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 )-induced acute hepatotoxicity and to determine the molecular mechanisms of protection offered by DADS in rats. DADS was administered orally at 50 and 100 mg/kg/day once daily for 5 consecutive days prior to CCl4 administration. The single oral dose of CCl4 (2 mL/kg) caused a significant elevation in serum aspartate and alanine aminotransferase activities, which decreased upon pretreatment with DADS. Histopathological examinations showed extensive liver injury, characterized by extensive hepatocellular degeneration/necrosis, fatty changes, inflammatory cell infiltration, and congestion, which were reversed following pretreatment with DADS. The effects of DADS on cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), the major isozyme involved in CCl4 bioactivation, were also investigated. DADS pretreatment resulted in a significant decrease in CYP2E1 protein levels in dose-dependent manner. In addition, CCl4 caused a decrease in protein level of cytoplasmic nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and suppression of nuclear translocation of Nrf2 concurrent with downregulation of detoxifying phase II enzymes and a decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities. In contrast, DADS prevented the depletion of cytoplasmic Nrf2 and enhanced nuclear translocation of Nrf2, which, in turn, upregulated antioxidant and/or phase II enzymes. These results indicate that the protective effects of DADS against CCl4 -induced hepatotoxicity possibly involve mechanisms related to its ability to induce antioxidant or detoxifying enzymes by activating Nrf2 and block metabolic activation of CCl4 by suppressing CYP2E1.

Melatonin attenuates neutrophil inflammation and mucus secretion in cigarette smoke-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases via the suppression of Erk-Sp1 signaling

The incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has substantially increased in recent decade. Cigarette smoke (CS) is the most important risk factor in the development of COPD. In this study, we investigated the effects of melatonin on the development of COPD using a CS and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced COPD model and cigarette smoke condensate (CSC)-stimulated NCI-H292 cells, a human mucoepidermoid carcinoma cell. On day 4, the mice were treated intranasally with LPS. The mice were exposed to CS for 1 hr per day (8 cigarettes per day) from day 1 to day 7. Melatonin (10 or 20 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 1 hr before CS exposure. Melatonin markedly decreased the neutrophil count in the BALF, with reduction in the proinflammatory mediators and MUC5AC. Melatonin inhibited Erk phosphorylation and Sp1 expression induced by CS and LPS treatment. Additionally, melatonin decreased airway inflammation with a reduction in myeloperoxidase expression in lung tissue. In in vitro experiments, melatonin suppressed the elevated expression of proinflammatory mediators induced by CSC treatment. Melatonin reduced Erk phosphorylation and Sp1 expression in CSC-stimulated H292 cells. In addition, cotreatment of melatonin and Erk inhibitors significantly limited the proinflammatory mediators with greater reductions in Erk phosphorylation and Sp1 expression than that observed in H292 cells treated with Erk inhibitor alone. Taken together, melatonin effectively inhibited the neutrophil airway inflammation induced by CS and LPS treatment, which was closely related to downregulation of Erk phosphorylation. These findings suggest that melatonin has a therapeutic potential for the treatment of COPD.

Anti-inflammatory functions of purpurogallin in LPS-activated human endothelial cells

Enzymatic oxidation of commercially available pyrogallol was efficiently transformed to an oxidative product, purpurogallin. Purpurogallin plays an important role in inhibiting glutathione S-transferase, xanthine oxidase, catechol O-methyltransferase activities and is effective in the cell protection of several cell types. However, the anti-inflammatory functions of purpurogallin are not well studied. Here, we determined the effects of purpurogallin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated proinflammatory responses. The results showed that purpurogallin inhibited LPS-mediated barrier hyper-permeability, monocyte adhesion and migration and such inhibitory effects were significantly correlated with the inhibitory functions of purpurogallin on LPS-mediated cell adhesion molecules (vascular cell adhesion molecules, intracellular cell adhesion molecule, E-selectin). Furthermore, LPS-mediated nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) releases from HUVECs were inhibited by purpurogallin. Given these results, purpurogallin showed its anti-inflammatory activities and could be a candidate as a therapeutic agent for various systemic inflammatory diseases. [BMB reports 2012; 45(3): 200-205].

Antioxidative Activity of Blueberry Leaf Extract Prevents High-fat Diet-induced Obesity in C57BL/6 Mice

Background:

Health beneficial effects of blueberry have been well documented. Obesity is health hazard that is associated with metabolic abnormalities. We investigated the effect of blueberry leaf extract (BBLE) on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in C57BL/6J mice.

Methods:

C57BL/6 mice were fed HFD with or without BBLE for 10 weeks. Body weight, serum parameter, and adipose tissues morphology were assessed. The expression of mRNA associated with adipogenesis was measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis.

Results:

Administration of BBLE to mice challenged with HFD significantly decreased the body weight gain, the levels of plasma triglyceride (TG) and liver lipid peroxidation, and reduced the adipocyte size and improved hepatic status compared with the group treated with HFD only. BBLE treatment significantly improved glucose control compared with the HFD group. Moreover, BBLE showed an inhibitory effect on adipocyte differentiation in obese mice together with significant decrease in the lipid accumulation by downregulating gene expression of adipocyte-specific transcription factors, such as peroxisome proliferation-activity receptor and acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase and upregulating the mRNA expression of adiponectin, which are critical for adipogenesis.

Conclusion:

BBLE suppressed the body weight gain in the HFD-fed C57BL/6 mice. Intake of BBLE reduced body weight in HFD-fed mice by 20%. Furthermore, BBLE supplementation significantly decreased the TG level in the liver and inhibited leptin secretion. BBLE supplementation also improved insulin resistance. Therefore, BBLE is a possible agent to prevent obesity.

Protective effect of diallyl disulfide on cyclophosphamide-induced testicular toxicity in rats

This study investigated the protective effects of diallyl disulfide (DADS) against cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced testicular toxicity in male rats. DADS was gavaged to rats once daily for 3 days at 100 mg/kg/day. One hour after the final DADS treatment, the rats were given a single intraperitoneal dose of 150 mg/kg CP. All rats were killed and necropsied on day 56 after CP treatment. Parameters of testicular toxicity included reproductive organ weight, testicular sperm head count, epididymal sperm motility and morphology, epididymal index, and histopathologic examinations. The CP treatment caused a decrease in body weight, testicular sperm head count, epididymal sperm motility, and epididymal index. The histopathological examination revealed various morphological alterations, characterized by degeneration of spermatogonia/spermatocytes, vacuolization, and decreased number of spermatids/spermatocytes in the testis, and cell debris and mild oligospermia in the ductus epididymis. In contrast, DADS pretreatment effectively attenuated the testicular toxicity caused by CP, including decreased sperm head count, epididymal sperm motility, and epididymal index and increased histopathological alterations in the testis and epididymis. These results indicate that DADS attenuates testicular toxicity induced by CP in rats.

The involvement of Nrf2 in the protective effects of diallyl disulfide on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic oxidative damage and inflammatory response in rats

This study investigated the potential effect of diallyl disulfide (DADS) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced oxidative hepatic damage and inflammatory response in rat liver. DADS at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg/day was administered orally once daily for 5 days, prior to CCl4 administration. Pretreatment with DADS attenuated CCl4-induced elevated serum transaminase activities and histopathological alterations in liver. It prevented the hepatocellular apoptotic changes with induction of Bcl-2-associated X (Bax), cytochrome c, and caspase-3 caused by CCl4. An increase in the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) and phosphorylation of I kappaB alpha (IκBα) was observed in the livers of CCl4-treated rats that coincided with induction of inflammatory mediators or cytokines. In contrast, DADS inhibited NF-κB translocation and IκBα phosphorylation, and that subsequently decreased inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, DADS prevented CCl4-induced depletion of cytosolic nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and suppression of nuclear translocation of Nrf2, which, in turn, up-regulated phase II/antioxidant enzyme activities. Taken together, these results demonstrate that DADS increases the expression of phase II/antioxidant enzymes and simultaneously decreases the expression of inflammatory mediators in CCl4-induced liver injury. These findings indicate that DADS induces antioxidant defense mechanism by activating Nrf2 pathway and reduces inflammatory response by inhibiting NF-κB activation.