Arabinogalactan Proteins From Baobab and Acacia Seeds Influence Innate Immunity of Human Keratinocytes In Vitro

Cyclosporine A-loaded colon-targeted oral nanomicelles self-assembly by galactosylated carboxymethyl chitosan for efficient ulcerative colitis therapy

An oral galactosylated carboxymethyl chitosan polymeric nanomicelles (Gal-N-CMCS NPs) embedded in chitosan-alginate hydrogel (CA-Gel) was developed to load cyclosporine A (CyA) as therapeutic agents against ulcerative colitis (UC). Galactose modified CMCS with macrophage targeting characteristic and CyA via a simple ultrasonication method to form Gal-N-CMCS/CyA NPs, and mixed CA-Gel to acquire the final formulation (Gal-N-CMCS/CyA Gel). The generated Gal-N-CMCS/CyA NPs displayed a desirable particle size (206.8 nm), negative surface charge (-19.5 mV), and high encapsulating efficiency (89.6%). The morphology and release profiles were also charactered by transmission electron microscope [1] and dialysis method, respectively. Strikingly, the mucus penetration of Gal-N-CMCS/CyA NPs exceeded 90% within 90 min. The Gal-N-CMCS NPs internalized by macrophages were 3.3-fold higher than CMCS-N NPs, thereby, enhancing the anti-inflammatory activities of NPs. Meanwhile, these NPs exhibited excellent biocompatibility, reduced the toxic effect of CyA, and targeting ability on inflammatory macrophages both in vitro and in vivo. Most importantly, in vivo studies revealed that CyA NPs could efficiently target the inflamed colon, remarkably alleviate inflammation, repair mucosal and reconstructed colonic epithelial barriers in UC mice induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) via Toll-like receptor 4 -Nuclear factor kappa-B (TLR4-NF-κB) pathway. Our findings suggest that these high-performance and facilely fabricated Gal-N-CMCS/CyA NPs could be developed as a promising drug carrier for oral UC treatment.

Analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry: An update for 2017-2018

This review is the tenth update of the original article published in 1999 on the application of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI) mass spectrometry to the analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates and brings coverage of the literature to the end of 2018. Also included are papers that describe methods appropriate to glycan and glycoprotein analysis by MALDI, such as sample preparation techniques, even though the ionization method is not MALDI. Topics covered in the first part of the review include general aspects such as theory of the MALDI process, new methods, matrices, derivatization, MALDI imaging, fragmentation and the use of arrays. The second part of the review is devoted to applications to various structural types such as oligo- and poly-saccharides, glycoproteins, glycolipids, glycosides, and biopharmaceuticals. Most of the applications are presented in tabular form. The third part of the review covers medical and industrial applications of the technique, studies of enzyme reactions, and applications to chemical synthesis. The reported work shows increasing use of combined new techniques such as ion mobility and highlights the impact that MALDI imaging is having across a range of diciplines. MALDI is still an ideal technique for carbohydrate analysis and advancements in the technique and the range of applications continue steady progress.

Characterization of immunomodulatory responses induced by manuka honey

Manuka honey (MH) is known for its wound-healing, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant and anti-tumor properties. However, there is conflicting evidence regarding the role of MH in inflammatory responses, with some studies highlighting its pro-inflammatory capacity and others showing that it has a predominantly anti-inflammatory activity. The current study is aimed at characterizing the immunomodulatory capacity of MH using both in vitro and in vivo approaches, focusing on the underlying mechanisms. Treatment of RAW 264.7 macrophages with 1% MH (w/v) resulted in a significant increase in the gene expression (~26-fold) and secretion (~27-fold) of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Similarly, an increase was observed in the gene expression of other inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), as well as the chemokines; (C-X-C motif) ligand 2 (CXCL2) and (C-C) motif ligand 2 (CCL2). Using an in vivo model, intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of MH in C57BL/6 mice elicited a peritoneal response characterized by a significant expansion in the number of peritoneal exudate cells (PECs), which was mainly due to a 35-fold increase in the recruitment of neutrophils. Importantly, this response was evident in toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-defective C3H/HeJ mice, indicating that the observed stimulatory effect occurs independently of TLR4 and unlikely to be mediated by any lipopolysaccharide (LPS) contaminant. MH administration also led to changes in the phenotypic expression and functional maturation of peritoneal macrophages, as evidenced by a shift towards the CD11blo F4/80lo phenotype and an increase in the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II proteins. In contrast, the MH-initiated peritoneal response was largely abrogated in mice deficient in myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) protein, a critical adaptor of most TLR signaling pathways. Thus, the current findings help to characterize the immunostimulatory properties of MH and their dependence on TLR signaling, and highlight the potential utility of MH as an immunomodulatory agent in a variety of disorders.

Potential Synergistic Action of Bioactive Compounds from Plant Extracts against Skin Infecting Microorganisms

The skin is an important organ that acts as a physical barrier to the outer environment. It is rich in immune cells such as keratinocytes, Langerhans cells, mast cells, and T cells, which provide the first line of defense mechanisms against numerous pathogens by activating both the innate and adaptive response. Cutaneous immunological processes may be stimulated or suppressed by numerous plant extracts via their immunomodulatory properties. Several plants are rich in bioactive molecules; many of these exert antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal effects. The present study describes the impact of plant extracts on the modulation of skin immunity, and their antimicrobial effects against selected skin invaders. Plant products remain valuable counterparts to modern pharmaceuticals and may be used to alleviate numerous skin disorders, including infected wounds, herpes, and tineas.

Immunological regulatory effect of flavonoid baicalin on innate immune toll-like receptors

As an essential component of the innate immune system, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of well-recognized ligand-binding receptors found in various organisms and initiate host immune responses. Activation of TLRs signaling pathways lead to the induction of numerous genes that function in host defense. Baicalin is a natural compound from the dry raw root of Scutellaria baicalensis (S. baicalensis) and it has been found to exhibit several pharmaceutical actions, such as anti-inflammation, anti-tumor and antivirus. These biological activities are mainly related to the regulatory effect of baicalin on the host immune response. In this review, we provide an overview of the regulation of baicalin on TLRs signaling pathways in various pathological conditions, and highlight potential targets for the development of the regulatory effect of natural compound from traditional Chinese medicine on innate immune system.