Salidroside attenuates inflammatory responses by suppressing nuclear factor-κB and mitogen activated protein kinases activation in lipopolysaccharide-induced mastitis in mice

Synthesis and bioactivity evaluation of mirror isomer salidroside derivatives as potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents

A series of derivatives of salidroside with mirror isomer glucose and different phenyl moieties were synthesized by Schmidt glycosylation in satisfactory yields, and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated by using LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. One of the synthesized derivatives ʟ-Sal-4, bearing ʟ-glycosyl and -OMe modification at the phenyl ring, exhibited high activity in inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress biomarker MDA as well as in enhancing the activity of SOD enzyme, compared with the natural product and its corresponding ᴅ-enantiomer. Further proteomic analysis suggested that ʟ-Sal-4 exerted its anti-inflammatory activity through metabolic reprogramming. The in vitro activity showed that ʟ-Sal-4 is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Our finding indicated that the ʟ-glucose-derived salidroside might be a promising lead compound in the development of salidroside derivatives as therapeutic agents.

Rhodiola rosea L. improved intestinal digestive enzyme activities, inflammatory response, barrier and microbiota dysbiosis in Lateolabrax maculatus juveniles fed with high-carbohydrate diets

A 56-d feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the influences of Rhodiola rosea L. on digestive enzyme activities, intestinal barrier, inflammatory response, and microbiota dysbiosis in Lateolabrax maculatus juveniles (9.37 ± 0.03 g) fed with high-carbohydrate diets. Six diets were designed: a control diet (20% corn starch, Control), high-carbohydrate diet (30% corn starch, HC1), and four high-carbohydrate diets supplemented with Rhodiola rosea L. at 30, 60, 90 and 120 mg/kg (HC2, HC3, HC4 and HC5, respectively). Compared with the control group, the HC1 diet remarkably increased α-amylase, lipase, and chymotrypsin activities in the intestine (p < 0.05), as well as the mRNA levels of Claudin-15, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8 (p < 0.05) and the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Photobacterium in the intestine, which belong to the phylum and genus level, respectively. But the opposite trend was found in muscular thickness and villus lengths (p < 0.05), the mRNA levels of Occludin, ZO-1, and TGF-β (p < 0.05), at the level of phylum and genus level in the HC1 group, and the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Bacillus in the intestine compared with the control group. Intestinal chymotrypsin activity was significantly higher in the HC3 group and intestinal muscular thickness and villus lengths were also significantly higher in the HC2, HC3, HC4, and HC5 groups compared to the HC1 group (p < 0.05). In addition, Occludin mRNA expression in the intestine was significantly increased in the HC2, HC4, and HC5 groups compared to the HC1 group. ZO-1 and TGF-β mRNA expression in the intestine were significantly increased in the HC2, HC3, HC4, and HC5 groups compared to the HC1 group (p < 0.05). At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes was higher in the intestine in the HC2, HC3, HC4, and HC5 groups than that in the HC1 group. On the contrary, intestinal lipase and chymotrypsin activities were significantly decreased in the HC2 group compared to the HC1 group, respectively (p < 0.05). The Claudin-15, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8 mRNA expression in the intestine were significantly decreased in the HC2, HC3, HC4, and HC5 groups compared to the HC1 group (p < 0.05). Besides, at the genus level, compared to the HC1 group, the relative abundance of Photobacterium in the intestine and the diversity of the intestinal microbiota in the HC2, HC3, HC4, and HC5 groups were all decreased. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that the addition of Rhodiola rosea L. in high-carbohydrate diets can improve intestinal digestive enzyme activities, inflammatory response and intestinal barrier-related gene expression, and microbiota dysbiosis in L. maculatus. The suitable supplemental level of Rhodiola rosea L. in high-carbohydrate diets of L. maculatus is 60 mg/kg.

The Prevention Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum 17-5 on Escherichia coli-Induced Mastitis in Mice

Mastitis is the most economically important disease affecting the dairy industry worldwide. Lactobacillus plantarum, an important probiotic with a wide range of applications, has potential anti-inflammatory properties and has become a currently strong candidate for mastitis therapies. In the current study, we evaluated the prevention effect of Lactobacillus plantarum 17-5 on Escherichia coli-induced mastitis in mice. The results showed that pretreatment with L. plantarum 17-5 maintained the integrity of tight junctions; improved inflammatory injury; decreased MPO activity and the mRNA expression levels of IL1β, IL6, and TNFα; and inhibited the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways in mice mammary tissue. The results indicated that Lactobacillus plantarum 17-5 had excellent anti-inflammatory activities and could be developed into microecological preparation for clinical use to prevent mastitis.

In vitro immunomodulatory activity study of Garcinia cowa Roxb. fraction

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study is to determine the activity of Garcinia cowa Roxb. n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and butanol fractions as an immunomodulator in vitro and obtain the fraction that has the potential as an immunomodulator.

METHODS

Raw 264.7 macrophages were used to asses G. cowa Roxb. immunomodulatory activity. The MTT assay was chosen to measure cell viability to evaluate the cytotoxic effect on cells. ELISA method was used to measure the concentration of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α) secreted by cells after being treated with G. cowa Roxb. fraction. The neutral red uptake assay determined the effect of Garcinia cowa Roxb. on the phagocytic activity.

RESULTS

After Raw 264.7 macrophages were given the Hexan fraction (Hex) at concentrations of 12.5 and 25 μg/mL, there was a decrease in the concentration of IL-6, TNF-α, and the phagocytosis index of cells. Administration of the Ethyl Acetate fraction (EtOAc) at concentrations of 12.5 and 25 μg/mL on cells caused a decrease in IL-6 and TNF-α levels but did not affect the phagocytosis index. There was an increase in the level of TNF-α and the phagocytosis index after being given the Butanol fraction (BuOH) with concentrations of 12.5 and 25 μg/mL but there was a slight decrease in the level of IL-6.

CONCLUSIONS

Both Hex and EtOAc fractions could suppress immune responses through decreasing IL-6, TNF-α, and slightly decreased phagocytic activity. BuOH fraction could stimulate immunomodulatory activities through enhanced TNF-α levels and phagocytic index, but less potent in enhancing IL-6 production. The BuOH fraction could be developed as an immunostimulant.

Anti-inflammation of isoliquiritigenin via the inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK in LPS-stimulated MAC-T cells

Background

The application of plant extracts has received great interest for the treatment of bovine mastitis. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is a rich dietary flavonoid that has significant antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. This study was conducted to explore the protective efficacy and related mechanism of ISL against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated oxidation and inflammation in bovine mammary epithelial cells (MAC-T) by in vitro experiments.

Results

Real-time PCR and ELISA assays indicated that ISL treatment at 2.5, 5 and 10 μg/mL significantly reduced the mRNA and protein expression of the oxidative indicators cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (P < 0.01), and of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (P < 0.05), interleukin-1β (P < 0.01) and tumor necrosis factor-α (P < 0.01) in LPS-stimulated MAC-T cells. Moreover, Western blotting and immunofluorescence tests indicated that the phosphorylation levels of nuclear factor kappa (NF-κB) p65 and the inhibitor of NF-κB were significantly decreased by ISL treatment, thus blocking the nuclear transfer of NF-κB p65. In addition, ISL attenuated the phosphorylation levels of p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase and c-jun NH2 terminal kinase.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrated that ISL downregulated the LPS-induced inflammatory response in MAC-T cells. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activity of ISL involves the NF-κB and MAPK cascades.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-022-03414-1.

Salidroside alleviates hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury during liver transplant in rat through regulating TLR-4/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammatory pathway

Salidroside has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. However, its effect on hepatic ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI), an unavoidable side effect associated with liver transplantation, remains undefined. Here, we aimed to determine whether salidroside alleviates hepatic IRI and elucidate its potential mechanisms. We used both in vivo and in vitro assays to assess the effect and mechanisms of salidroside on hepatic IRI. Hepatic IRI rat models were pretreated with salidroside (5, 10 or 20 mg/kg/day) for 7 days following liver transplantation while hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model of RAW 264.7 macrophages were pretreated with salidroside (1, 10 or 50 μM). The effect of salidroside on hepatic IRI was assessed using hematoxylin–eosin staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling staining, qRT-PCR, immunosorbent assay and western blotting. Our in vivo assays showed that salidroside significantly reduced pathological liver damage, serum aminotransferase levels and serum levels of IL-1, IL-18 and TNF-α. Besides, salidroside reduced the expression of TLR-4/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammatory pathway associated proteins (TLR-4, MyD88, p-IKKα, p-IKKβ, p-IKK, p-IκBα, p-P65, NLRP3, ASC, Cleaved caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18, TNF-α and IL-6) in rats after liver transplantation. On the other hand, data from the in vitro analysis demonstrated that salidroside blocks expression of TLR-4/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammatory pathway related proteins in the RAW264.7 cells treated with H/R. The salidroside-specific anti-inflammatory effects were partially inhibited by the TLR-4 agonist lipopolysaccharide. Taken together, our study showed that salidroside inhibits hepatic IRI following liver transplantation by modulating the TLR-4/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammatory pathway.

Structural characterization and immunoregulatory activity of a novel acidic polysaccharide from Scapharca subcrenata

A novel acidic polysaccharide named SSPA50-1 was isolated from Scapharca subcrenata using a simulated gastric fluid extraction method. SSPA50-1 is a heteropolysaccharide with an average molecular weight of 44.7 kDa that is composed of galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose, mannose, ribose, rhamnose, fucose, xylose and arabinose at a molar ratio of 1.00:5.40:9.04:3.10:1.59:4.01:2.10:2.21:2.28. The structural characterization based on the methylation and 1D/2D NMR analyses indicated that SSPA50-1 is composed of →3)-β-L-Rhap-(1→, →3)-β-L-2-O-Me-Fucp-(1→, →2)-α-D-Xylp-(1→, →5)-α-L-Araf-(1→, →3)-β-D-Galp-(1→, →6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, →3,4)-β-D-Manp-(1→, →3,4)-β-D-Galp-(1→, β-D-Ribf-(1→, α-D-Glcp-(1→, and α-D-GalAp6Me-(1→. Furthermore, SSPA50-1 possessed potent immunoregulatory activity by enhancing the phagocytosis and NO, iNOS, TNF-α and IL-6 secretion capacity of RAW264.7 cells. Otherwise, SSPA50-1 significantly promoted the proliferation of splenic lymphocytes and RAW264.7 macrophages. These results indicated that SSPA50-1 could be developed as a potential ingredient for immunostimulatory agents.

Dietary Supplementation of Salidroside Alleviates Liver Lipid Metabolism Disorder and Inflammatory Response to Promote Hepatocyte Regeneration via PI3K/AKT/Gsk3-β Pathway

Fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) is a chronic hepatic disease which occurs when there is a disorder in lipid metabolism. FLHS is often observed in caged laying hens and characterized by a decrease in egg production and dramatic increase of mortality. Salidroside (SDS) is an herbal drug which has shown numerous pharmacological activities, such as protecting mitochondrial function, attenuating cell apoptosis and inflammation, and promoting antioxidant defense system. We aimed to determine the therapeutic effects of SDS on FLHS in laying hens and investigate the underlying mechanisms through which SDS operates these functions. We constructed oleic acid (OA)-induced fatty liver model in vitro and high-fat diet-induced FLHS of laying hens in vivo. The results indicated that SDS inhibited OA-induced lipid accumulation in chicken primary hepatocytes, increased hepatocyte activity, elevated the mRNA expression of proliferation related genes PCNA, CDK2, and cyclinD1 and increased the protein levels of PCNA and CDK2 (P < 0.05), as well as decreased the cleavage levels of Caspase-9, Caspase-8, and Caspase-3 and apoptosis in hepatocytes (P < 0.05). Moreover, SDS promoted the phosphorylation levels of PDK1, AKT, and Gsk3-β, while inhibited the PI3K inhibitor (P < 0.05). Additionally, we found that high-fat diet-induced FLHS hens had heavier body weight, liver weight, and abdominal fat weight, and severe steatosis in histology, compared with the control group (Con). However, hens fed with SDS maintained lighter body weight, liver weight, and abdominal fat weight, as well as normal liver without hepatic steatosis. In addition, high-fat diet-induced FLHS hens had high levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) compared to the Con group, however, in the Model+SDS group, the levels of TC, TG, ALT, and AST decreased significantly, whereas the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased significantly (P < 0.05). We also found that SDS significantly decreased the mRNA expression abundance of PPARγ, SCD, and FAS in the liver, as well as increased levels of PPARα and MTTP, and decreased the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 in the Model+SDS group (P < 0.05). In summary, this study showed that 0.3 mg/mL SDS attenuated ROS generation, inhibited lipid accumulation and hepatocyte apoptosis, and promoted hepatocyte proliferation by targeting the PI3K/AKT/Gsk3-β pathway in OA-induced fatty liver model in vitro, and 20 mg/kg SDS alleviated high-fat-diet-induced hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response in laying hens in vivo.

Dorsal root ganglion toll-like receptor 4 signaling contributes to oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy

ABSTRACT

Activation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal cord contributes to the generation of paclitaxel-related chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Generalizability of TLR4 signaling in oxaliplatin-induced CIPN was tested here. Mechanical hypersensitivity developed in male SD rats by day 1 after oxaliplatin treatment, reached maximum intensity by day 14, and persisted through day 35. Western blot revealed an increase in TLR4 expression in the DRG of oxaliplatin at days 1 and 7 after oxaliplatin treatment. Cotreatment of rats with the TLR4 antagonist lipopolysaccharide derived from Rhodobacter sphaeroides ultrapure or with the nonspecific immunosuppressive minocycline with oxaliplatin resulted in significantly attenuated hyperalgesia on day 7 and 14 compared with rats that received oxaliplatin plus saline vehicle. Immunostaining of DRGs revealed an increase in the number of neurons expressing TLR4, its canonical downstream signal molecules myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) and TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β, at both day 7 and day 14 after oxaliplatin treatment. These increases were blocked by cotreatment with either lipopolysaccharide derived from Rhodobacter sphaeroides or minocycline. Double staining showed the localization of TLR4, MyD88, and TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β in subsets of DRG neurons. Finally, there was no significant difference in oxaliplatin-induced mechanical hypersensitivity between male and female rats when observed for 2 weeks. Furthermore, upregulation of TLR4 was detected in both sexes when tested 14 days after treatment with oxaliplatin. These findings suggest that the activation of TLR4 signaling in DRG neurons is a common mechanism in CIPN induced by multiple cancer chemotherapy agents.

Salidroside Activates the AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway to Suppress Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in Mice

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

NASH is becoming a leading cause of liver cirrhosis and HCC. Salidroside (p-hydroxyphenethyl-β-D-glucoside; SAL) has various biological and pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, -oxidant, and -cancer activities. However, the therapeutic effect and underlying molecular mechanism of SAL in NASH remain to be further clarified.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study, we found that SAL alleviated lipid accumulation and inflammatory response in primary hepatocytes after palmitic acid/oleic acid (PO) stimulation. In addition, SAL effectively prevented high-fat/high-cholesterol (HFHC)-diet-induced NASH progression by regulating glucose metabolism dysregulation, insulin resistance, lipid accumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis. Mechanistically, integrated RNA-sequencing and bioinformatic analysis showed that SAL promoted AMPK-signaling pathway activation in vitro and in vivo, and this finding was further verified by determining the phosphorylation levels of AMPK. Furthermore, the protective effects of SAL on lipid accumulation and inflammation in hepatocytes and livers induced by PO or HFHC stimulation were blocked by AMPK interruption.

CONCLUSIONS

Our studies demonstrate that SAL protects against metabolic-stress-induced NASH progression through activation of AMPK signaling, indicating that SAL could be a potential drug component for NASH therapy.

Anti-inflammation of epicatechin mediated by TMEM35A and TMPO in bovine mammary epithelial cell line cells and mouse mammary gland

Epicatechin (EC) has significant antiinflammation, antioxidation, and anticancer activities. It also provides a new alternative treatment for mastitis, which can result in great economic losses in the dairy industry if left untreated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of EC on mastitis and the underlying mechanism using in vivo and in vitro systems. The use of ELISA and immunohistochemistry assays showed that EC treatment at 1.5, 7.5, 15, and 30 mg/mL decreased protein expression of inflammatory mediators, including cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase; inflammatory cytokines, which were composed of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated bovine mammary epithelial cell line (MAC-T); and mouse mammary gland, together with reduced filtration of T lymphocytes in the mouse mammary gland. Furthermore, EC treatment reduced LPS-induced phosphorylation levels of p65 and inhibitor of NF-κB, and blocked nuclear translocation of p65 as revealed by western blot and immunofluorescence test in MAC-T cells and the mouse mammary gland. Epicatechin also attenuated LPS-induced phosphorylation levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase members (i.e., p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2 and extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2). Using RNA-seq and tandem mass tag analyses, upregulation of TMEM35A and TMPO proteins was disclosed in MAC-T cells cotreated with LPS and EC. Although clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9-based knockdown of TMEM35A and TMPO attenuated abundance of phosphorylated (p)-p65, p-p38, TNF-α, and iNOS, overexpression of TMEM35A reversed EC-mediated effects in TMPO knockdown cells. Moreover, interaction between TMEM35A and TMPO was detected using the co-immunoprecipitation method. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that EC inhibited LPS-induced inflammatory response in MAC-T cells and the mouse mammary gland. Importantly, TMEM35A mediated the transmembrane transport of EC, and the interaction between TMEM35A and TMPO inhibited MAPK and NF-κB pathways.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides alleviate LPS-induced inflammatory responses through PPARγ/MAPK/NF-κB pathway in bovine mammary epithelial cells

As the main component of the gram-negative bacterial cell wall, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is well-documented as an inducer of inflammation in bovine mammary cells. Lycium barbarum (goji) polysaccharides (LBP) have been used in non-ruminants as prebiotics to improve growth performance, immune ability and antioxidant capacity. We aimed to investigate the underlying effects of LBPs on pro-inflammatory responses in LPS-stimulated primary bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMECs). Cells were isolated from mammary tissue of 3 lactating Holstein cows without clinical disease (30.26 ± 3.1 kg/d of milk yield; 175 ± 6 DIM). For the pre-experimental treatment, bMECs were precultured with serum-free medium for 12 h. Treatments were as follows: pretreatment with culture medium devoid of LPS or LBP for 30 h (CON); CON for 24 h followed by challenge with 2 μg/mL LPS for 6 h (LPS); pretreatment with 100 μg/mL or 300 μg/mL LBP for 24 h followed by LPS challenge (2 μg/mL) for 6 h (LBP(100)+LPS; LBP(300)+LPS). To further determine if the effect of LBP on immune-regulation is PPARγ activation-dependent, an inhibitor of PPARγ, GW9662, at a concentration of 1 μM was used. Cells treated with LBP at 100, 300 and 500 μg/mL had upregulated protein abundance of PPARγ, while PGC1α had a higher expression only at 300 μg/mL of LBP treatment. Compared with CON, cells pretreated with LBP at 100 and 300 μg/mL had greater protein abundance of SCD1 and SREBP1. EdU staining and cell wound healing assays showed that the negative effect of LPS alone on cell proliferation was reversed by pretreatment with LBP at both 100 and 300 μg/mL. Upregulation of gene and protein abundance of proinflammatory factors and cytokines (COX-2, NLRP3, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) induced by LPS stimulation were alleviated by LBP pretreatment at 300 μg/mL (more than 2-fold decrease). Compared with LPS challenge alone, phosphorylation of proteins involved in NF-κB (IκBα and p65) and MAPK (p38, JNK and ERK) pathways was downregulated following LBP treatment. Additionally, inhibition of PPARγ by GW9662 weakened the protective effect of LBP on LPS-induced protein abundance of phosphorylated p65, COX-2, IL-1β and TNF-α. These results indicated that the protective effect of LBP on LPS-induced bMECs inflammatory responses is PPARγ activation-dependent. As such, this knowledge might help design strategies for intervening against the detrimental effects of bovine mastitis.

Salidroside alleviates liver inflammation in furan-induced mice by regulating oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress

Furan is a genotoxic and carcinogenic toxicant formed during the food thermal processing. Our previous studies confirmed that salidroside (SAL) displayed excellent protective effects against furan-induced hepatotoxicity and inflammation, whereas the underlying mechanism was still unclear. In the current study, Balb/c mice were divided to the control group (CON), the furan model group (FUR8, 8 mg/kg BW furan for 30 days) and SAL intervention groups (SAL10/20/40, 8 mg/kg BW furan for 30 days + 10/20/40 mg/kg BW SAL from day 16 to day 30). The alleviative effects and the mechanisms of SAL against furan-induced liver inflammation in mice were investigated through oxidative stress (OS) and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). Liver metabonomics data, molecular docking and Western-blotting results implied that SAL suppressed the activity and the high expression of hepatic CYP2E1, and alleviated liver OS induced by furan. Levels of key markers (GRP78, CHOP and Caspase-12) of ERS and proteins in IRE1α pathway of the UPR branch increased by furan were prominently reduced after SAL treatment. Levels of phosphorylated proteins JNK, ERK, p38, IKKα/β, IκB and p65 in MAPK and NF-κB pathways were also suppressed by SAL. We further confirmed that SAL inhibited furan-induced inflammation by reducing the levels of NLRP3, ASC, Cleaved Caspase-1 and IL-1β and decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Our results shed light into the alleviating mechanisms behind furan-induced liver inflammation, and suggested that SAL inhibited OS, ERS and related MAPK and NF-κB pathways and therefore inhibited the NLRP3 inflammasome activation, which may be its potential mechanism of alleviating liver inflammation.

Melatonin Ameliorates the Toxicity Induced by Deoxynivalenol in Murine Ovary Granulosa Cells by Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Melatonin is an important endogenous hormone that shows antioxidant functions and pleiotropic effects, playing a crucial role in animal reproduction. Ovary granulosa cells (GCs) surround the oocyte, which play an important role in regulating oocytes development. Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a common fusarium mycotoxin contaminant of feedstuff and food, posing a serious threat to human and animal reproductive systems. Herein, murine ovary GCs were studied as a reproduction cell model, aimed to assess the protective effect of melatonin on DON-induced toxicity in murine ovary GCs. The results showed that DON adversely affected the viability and growth of murine ovary GCs and increased the apoptosis rate, while melatonin administration ameliorated these toxic effects. We further reveal that DON exposure increased the intracellular reactive oxygen species level, reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP, and upregulated Tnfα (tumor necrosis factor α), Il6 (interleukin 6), and Il1β (interleukin 1 β) gene expression. Moreover, DON exposure downregulated reproductive hormone gene expression and significantly increased nuclear factor kappa B (p65) activation and mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation. Melatonin treatment attenuated all these effects, suggesting that melatonin protects GCs from the adverse effects of DON by ameliorating oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation. Overall, these results reveal the mechanisms of DON and melatonin in GCs and provide a theoretical basis for melatonin as a drug to improve mycotoxin contamination.

Morin Protects LPS-Induced Mastitis via Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome and NF-κB Signaling Pathways

Mastitis is one of the most common diseases that both affects human and animals. Morin is derived from the member of Moraceae family, which has been used in the treatment of many inflammatory diseases. The purpose of this study was to test the protective effect of morin on LPS-induced mastitis and to clarify the possible mechanism. In vivo, the mastitis model was established by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and morin was treated 1 h before stimulation of LPS. In vitro, peritoneal macrophages were used to test the regulation mechanisms of morin on mastitis. The inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) was tested by ELISA. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was measured by MPO kit. The expression of NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-κB signaling pathway proteins were detected by western blotting. The results showed that morin alleviated the pathological damage of mammary gland tissues, MPO activity, and the production of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in mammary gland tissues. In vitro, morin significantly suppressed the production of inflammatory cytokines. In addition, it also inhibited the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-κB signaling pathway induced by LPS. In conclusion, the present study suggested that the protective effect of morin against LPS-induced mastitis may be due to its ability to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome expression and NF-κB signaling pathway.

Artemisinin Protects Porcine Mammary Epithelial Cells against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Injury by Regulating the NF-κB and MAPK Signaling Pathways

Simple Summary

Sow mastitis is a serious breast disease that can cause severe inflammation, agalaxia and even lead to death of piglets. Porcine mammary epithelial cells (pMECs) are the main cell types that affect sow milk secretion, therefore, when swine mastitis occurs, the inflammatory response of pMECs directly affects the mammary gland health and sow’s lactation ability. Promoting the health of mammary gland epithelial cells is an important method for treating mastitis. Thus, in the current study, we investigated the effects of artemisinin on the inflammatory response of pMECs induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and proposed a potential anti-inflammatory mechanism. We confirmed that artemisinin can reduce the inflammatory damage of pMECs induced by LPS by inhibiting MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. Pretreatment of pMECs with artemisinin showed enhanced anti-inflammatory activity against LPS-induced inflammation. Artemisinin could be a useful, safe and natural anti-inflammatory feed additive to prevent sow mastitis.

Abstract

Artemisinin performs a variety of biological functions, such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-oxidant effects. However, the effects of artemisinin on sow mastitis have not been studied. The results of the current study showed that mRNA expression abundance and content of the inflammatory factors interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were significantly increased when using 50 μg/mL LPS to stimulate pMECs for 24 h (p < 0.05). Pretreatment with 20 μM artemisinin weakened LPS-induced inflammatory damage in pMECs and decreased mRNA expression abundance and the content of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) in pMECs (p < 0.05). Mechanistically, artemisinin inhibited LPS-induced activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways. In summary, the pretreatment of pMECs with artemisinin showed enhanced anti-inflammatory activity against LPS-induced inflammation.

Ligand fishing based on cell surface display of enzymes for inhibitor screening

Ligand fishing for screening of enzyme inhibitors from complex chemical systems using baits prepared by cell surface display of the enzyme is herein demonstrated for the first time. Tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), used as a model enzyme in this work, is displayed on the surface of E. coli cells by using ice nucleation protein (INP) as the anchoring motif. Infusion of PTP1B is characterized by western blot, immunofluorescence, proteinase K accessibility, and enzyme activity assays. Surface displayed PTP1B exhibits a maximum of 5.62 ± 0.251 U/OD₆₀₀ enzymatic activity and a better stability compared with free enzyme. PTP1B displayed cells are used as solid-phase extraction adsorbent in combination with HPLC-MS to screen the inhibitors from the extracts of Rhodiola rosea, a traditional Chinese medicinal plant. Among many well-known active ingredients only arbutin is fished out with an IC₅₀ value of 20.5 ± 0.873 μM, showing the inhibitor screening is highly selective. Furthermore, the equilibrium dissociation constant (K_D) of the complex of arbutin and PTP1B was determined to be 79.6 μM by localized surface plasma resonance (LSPR) assay. The proposed ligand fishing technique using recombinant cells as baits opens a new avenue for screening of active compounds from natural products with accuracy and specificity.

Salidroside: A review of its recent advances in synthetic pathways and pharmacological properties

Salidroside has been identified as one of the most potent compounds isolated from various Rhodiola plants, which have been used for a long time as adaptogens in traditional Chinese medicine. However, due to the severe growing environment of herbal medicine and large-scale excavation, the content of natural salidroside is extremely small. Most of the previous studies focused on herbal medicine, and there were few reviews on the synthesis of its main active ingredient salidroside. This paper presents different synthetic routes of salidroside to resolve the contradiction between supply and demand and lays the foundation for new drug research and development. Furthermore, emerging evidence indicates that salidroside, a promising environmentally-adapted drug with low toxicity and few side effects, possesses a wide spectrum of pharmacological properties, including activities on the cardiovascular system and central nervous system, anti-hypoxia, anti-fatigue and anti-aging activities, anticancer activity, anti-inflammatory activity, antioxidant activity, antivirus and immune stimulation activities, antidiabetic activity, anti-osteoporotic activity, and so on. Although the former researches have summarized the pharmacological effects of salidroside, focusing on the central nervous system, diabetes, and cancer, the overall pharmacological aspects of it have not been analyzed. This review highlights biological characteristics and mechanisms of action from 2009 to now as well as toxicological and pharmacokinetic data of the analyzed compound reported so far, with a view to providing a reference for further development and utilization of salidroside.

Hederacoside-C Inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus-Induced Mastitis via TLR2 & TLR4 and Their Downstream Signaling NF-κB and MAPKs Pathways In Vivo and In Vitro

Hederacoside-C (HDC) is a biological active ingredient, extracted from the leaves of Hedera helix. It has been reported to have anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effects of HDC on Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)-induced mastitis have not been reported yet. Here, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of HDC on S. aureus-induced mastitis both in vivo on mammary gland tissues and in vitro on RAW 264.7 cells. The ascertained histopathological changes and MPO activity revealed that HDC defended mammary glands from tissue destruction and inflammatory cell infiltration induced by S. aureus. The results of ELISA, western blot, and qRT-PCR indicated that HDC significantly inhibited the expressions IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α and enhanced the IL-10 by downregulating and upregulating their relevant genes, respectively. Furthermore, HDC markedly suppressed the TLR2 and TLR4 expressions by attenuating the MAPKs (p38, ERK, JNK) and NF-κB (p65 and IκBα) pathways followed by decreasing the phosphorylation of p38, ERK, JNK, p65, and IκBα. The above parameters enhanced the mammary gland defense and reduced inflammation. These findings suggested that HDC may have the potential to be an effective anti-inflammatory drug for the S. aureus-induced mice mastitis and in RAW 264.7 cells.

Chinese medicinal plants for the potential management of high-altitude pulmonary oedema and pulmonary hypertension

CONTEXT

Despite the abundance of knowledge regarding high-altitude pulmonary edoema (HAPE) and high-altitude pulmonary hypertension (HAPH), their prevalence continues to be on the rise. Thus, there is an urgent need for newer safe, effective, and relatively economic drug candidates. China is particularly known for the use of medicinal plants.

OBJECTIVE

This review summarizes the medicinal plants used for HAPE and HAPH in the past 30 years, as well as some potential plants.

METHODS

Publications on HAPE and HAPH from 1990 to 2020 were identified using Web of Science, PubMed, SCOPUS, Springer Link, Google Scholar databases, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry and CNKI with the following keywords: 'medicinal plants,' 'hypoxia,' 'high altitude pulmonary edema,' 'high altitude pulmonary hypertension,' 'pathophysiology,' 'mechanisms,' 'prevention,' 'treatment,' 'human,' 'clinical,' 'safety,' and 'pharmacokinetics.'

RESULTS

We found 26 species (from 20 families) out of 5000 plants which are used for HAPE and HAPH prevention or treatment. Rhodiola rosea Linn. (Crassulaceae) is the most widely utilized. The most involved family is Lamiaceae, which contains 5 species.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

We mainly reviewed the medicinal plants and mechanisms for the treatment of HAPE and HAPH, and we also assessed related toxicology experiments, pharmacokinetics and bioavailability. Potential medicinal plants were also identified. Further research is needed to determine the pharmacological effects and active ingredients of these potential medicinal plants.

Endopleura uchi - A review about its nutritional compounds, biological activities and production market

Endopleura uchi (Huber) Cuatrec, known as uxi, is a native plant from the Amazon region, which has been used by locals for some pathology treatments. This review aimed to find the main uxi studies carried out in scientific literature. This compilation includes the biological activities that have been proven, parts of the plant that were exploited, as well as its nutritional properties. Uxi fruit has compounds, such as vitamins A and E, minerals, bioactive phenolic and organic acids, along with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiabetic, and anti-cholesterol actions. Some E. uchi extract activities have been reported, such as: α-glucosidase and cyclooxygenases (COX1/COX2) inhibitions, in addition to anti-bactericidal properties. The isocoumarin compound, bergenin is responsible for many of the reported biological activities of this species. E. uchi can be used for manufacturing products in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, demonstrating its worth, regional economic growth, along the potential to dominate the worldwide market.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins Via Inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK in LPS-Stimulated MAC-T Cells

Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), classified as condensed tannins, have significant antioxidation, anti-inflammation and anti-cancer effects. This study was performed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of OPCs and the mechanism underlying these effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated bovine mammary epithelial cells (MAC-T). Real-time PCR and ELISA assays indicated that OPC treatment at 1, 3 and 5 μg/ml significantly reduced the mRNA and protein, respectively, of oxidant indicators cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) (p < 0.05) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) (p < 0.01) as well as inflammation cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 (p < 0.01), IL-1β (p < 0.01) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (p < 0.05) in LPS-induced MAC-T cells. Moreover, OPCs downregulated LPSinduced phosphorylation of p65 and inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) (IκB) in the NF-κB signaling pathway (p < 0.01), and they inhibited p65 translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus as revealed by immunofluorescence test and western blot. Additionally, OPCs decreased phosphorylation of p38, extracellular signal regulated kinase and c-jun NH₂-terminal kinase in the MAPK signaling pathway (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of OPCs involve NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, thus inhibiting expression of pro-inflammatory factors and oxidation indicators. These findings provide novel experimental evidence for the further practical application of OPCs in prevention and treatment of bovine mastitis.

Immunomodulatory effects of fucosylated chondroitin sulfate from Stichopus chloronotus on RAW 264.7 cells

Sea cucumbers were nutritional food and traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, fucosylated chondroitin sulfate from sea cucumber Stichopus chloronotus (fCS-Sc), a potential anticoagulant agent and immunological adjuvant, was investigated for its immune activation effects on RAW 264.7 macrophage for the first time. The results indicated that fCS-Sc could significantly promote the proliferation, the pinocytic activity of RAW 264.7 cells, and the production of NO, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. The fluorescence labeling assay indicated that fCS-Sc could bind to the macrophage. Moreover, the specific pattern recognition receptor inhibition assays showed that toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and TLR2 were involved in the recognition of fCS-Sc. Western blot assays indicated that fCS-Sc could induce degradation of cytoplasm IκB-α, and promotion of NF-κB p65 subunit translocation to nucleus, leading to a functional improvement of macrophage through NF-κB pathway. The results suggested that fCS-Sc might served as a promising candidate of immunomodulator.

Overview of Research Development on the Role of NF-κB Signaling in Mastitis

Simple Summary

NF-κB signaling has been widely studied for its role in inflammatory and immunity-related diseases. Mastitis is considered one of the inflammatory and immunity associated diseases which are a serious threat to the global dairy industry. Having such a critical role in immunity and inflammation, NF-κB signaling is currently under target for therapeutic purposes in mastitis control research. The virulent factor, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), of bacteria after attachment with relevant Toll-like receptors (TLRs) on mammary epithelial cells starts its pathogenesis by using NF-κB signaling to cause mastitis. Several studies have proved that the blocking of NF-κB signaling could be a useful strategy for mastitis control.

Abstract

Mastitis is the inflammation of the mammary gland. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus are the most common bacteria responsible for mastitis. When mammary epithelial cells are infected by microorganisms, this activates an inflammatory response. The bacterial infection is recognized by innate pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) in the mammary epithelial cells, with the help of Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Upon activation by lipopolysaccharides, a virulent agent of bacteria, the TLRs further trigger nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling to accelerate its pathogenesis. The NF-κB has an essential role in many biological processes, such as cell survival, immune response, inflammation and development. Therefore, the NF-κB signaling triggered by the TLRs then regulates the transcriptional expression of specific inflammatory mediators to initiate inflammation of the mammary epithelial cells. Thus, any aberrant regulation of NF-κB signaling may lead to many inflammatory diseases, including mastitis. Hence, the inhibiting of NF-κB signaling has potential therapeutic applications in mastitis control strategies. In this review, we highlighted the regulation and function of NF-κB signaling in mastitis. Furthermore, the role of NF-κB signaling for therapeutic purposes in mastitis control has been explored in the current review.

The effect of willow fodder feeding on immune cell populations in the blood and milk of late-lactating dairy goats

In a previous study, we showed that access to willow fodder decreased somatic cell counts (SCC) in the milk of local Mamber goats grazing in brushland at the end of lactation. To test whether the consumption of willow affects the cells of the immune system, Alpine crossbred dairy goats grazing in the same environment were either offered free access to freshly cut willow fodder (W, n = 24) or not (C, n = 24) for 2 weeks. The willow fodder contained 7.5 g/kg DM of salicin. The other major secondary compounds were catechin, myricitrin, hyperin and chlorogenic acid (2.2, 2.6, 1.0 and 0.75 g/kg DM, respectively). Udder health status was determined before the experiment, and each of the two groups included five (W) or six (C) goats defined as infected, as established by microbial cfu in milk, and 19 (W) or 18 (C) non-infected goats. Goats ingested, on average, 600 g of DM from willow (25% of food intake), resulting in minor changes in dietary quality compared to the controls, as established by faecal near-IR spectrometry. Throughout the 2 weeks of experiment, differences between groups in dietary CP contents were minor and affected neither by infection nor by access to willow; the dietary percentage of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) decreased in C and increased in W; dietary acid detergent fibre (ADF) increased; and the dietary tannin contents decreased for both treatments. However, milking performance and milk quality attributes in both W and C goats were similar. Initial SCC and milk neutrophil (cluster of differentiation (CD)18⁺ and porcine granulocyte (PG)68) cell counts were higher in infected than in non-infected goats; counts decreased significantly in W but not in C uninfected goats. The percentage of CD8⁺ T-cells increased in all C goats, while in the W group, a significant increase was found only for infected goats. The consumption of willow mitigated an increase in CD8⁺ in blood and triggered an increase in CD8⁺ in milk, suggesting an immune-regulatory effect independent of udder status. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a direct nutraceutical effect of fodder ingestion on the immune status of goats.

Short communication: Evaluation of α-linolenic acid-based intramammary nanosuspension for treatment of subclinical mastitis

The current study investigates the therapeutic efficacy of an α-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3)-based intramammary nanosuspension (ALA-NS) for treatment of subclinical mastitis. After confirmation of mastitis with the help of field-based testing, a total of 9 mixed-breed cows (23 udder quarter samples) were divided into 3 groups and treated with ALA-NS and cefoperazone intramammary suspension for 10 d. Subclinical mastitis on d 1 was confirmed through field-based tests such as pH, California Mastitis Test (CMT), Whiteside test (WST), and bromothymol blue test (BBT) scores. Treatment with ALA-NS (F1 and F2) exhibited significant effects on field-based parameters, along with curtailment of total microbial count [28 ± 3.16 (mean ± standard deviation) and 25 ± 4.24 cfu/50 µL] and somatic cell count (SCC; 3.9 and 2.8 log SCC cells/mL), respectively for ALA-NS F1 and F2, after 10-d treatment. The efficacy of ALA-NS was further affirmed using more stringent markers for inflammation (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, NFκB-p65), milk quality (sterol response element-binding protein-1c, SREBP-1c), and bacterial resistance (ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase-1, UCHL-1) in milk samples. Treatment with ALA-NS (at 2 concentrations of ALA, F1 and F2) significantly decreased expression of NFκB-p65, SREBP-1c, and UCHL-1 after d 10 of treatment. Apparently, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, peripheral analgesic properties of ALA could account for the therapeutic efficacy of the proposed regimen.

Salidroside Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-ethanol-induced Activation of Proinflammatory Macrophages via Notch Signaling Pathway

Activation of macrophages is a key event for the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases. Notch signaling pathway recently has been found to be a critical pathway in the activation of proinflammatory macrophages. Salidroside (Sal), one of main bioactive components in Rhodiola crenulata (Hook. F. et Thoms) H. ohba, reportedly possesses anti-inflammatory activity and ameliorates inflammation in alcohol-induced hepatic injury. However, whether Sal regulates the activation of proinflammatory macrophages through Notch signaling pathway remains unknown. The present study investigated the effects of Sal on macrophage activation and its possible mechanisms by using both alcohol and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to mimic the microenvironment of alcoholic liver. Detection of THP-1-derived macrophages exhibited that Sal could significantly decrease the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and IL-6 in the macrophages at both mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, Sal significantly suppressed NF-κB activation via Notch-Hes signaling pathway in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, in the microenvironment of alcoholic liver, the expression of Notch-dependent pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase 1 (PDP1) was elevated, and that of M1 gene expression [inducible NO synthase (NOS2)] was up-regulated. These changes could all be effectively ameliorated by Sal. The aforementioned findings demonstrated that Sal could inhibit LPS-ethanol-induced activation of proinflammatory macrophages via Notch signaling pathway.

Salidroside represses proliferation, migration and invasion of human lung cancer cells through AKT and MEK/ERK signal pathway

Salidroside, a glycoside of tyrosol, is isolated from Rhodiola rosea and shows anti-cancer functions in several cancers. However, the potentials of salidroside in the migration and invasion of lung cancer cells and its underlying mechanisms remain unknown. We aimed to investigate the functions and mechanisms of salidroside in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Human NSCLC cell line A549 was treated with different doses of salidroside. Cell viability, colony formation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were detected by CCK-8, crystal violet-staining assay, flow cytometry and transwell assay, respectively. qRT-PCR and western blot analysis were performed to assess the regulatory effects of salidroside on miR-195 expression and the activation of AKT and the MEK/ERK signal pathway. We found that, salidroside remarkably reduced cell viability, colony formation and Cyclin D1 expression, but increased p21 expression and apoptosis in A549 cells. Additionally, salidroside inhibited the migration and invasion of A549 cells by regulating expressions of migration- and invasion-related proteins. Finally, salidroside inhibited phosphorylation of AKT, MEK and ERK by upregulating miR-195 expression in A549 cells. In conclusion, salidroside inhibited the survival, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. Salidroside blocked AKT and the MEK/ERK signal pathway by upregulating miR-195 expression in A549 cells.

Salidroside Attenuates Denervation-Induced Skeletal Muscle Atrophy Through Negative Regulation of Pro-inflammatory Cytokine

Skeletal muscle atrophy is associated with pro-inflammatory cytokines. Salidroside is a biologically active ingredient of Rhodiola rosea, which exhibits anti-inflammatory property. However, there is little known about the effect of salidroside on denervation-induced muscle atrophy. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine whether salidroside could protect against denervation-induced muscle atrophy and to clarify potential molecular mechanisms. Denervation caused progressive accumulation of inflammatory factors in skeletal muscle, especially interleukin 6 (IL6) and its receptor, and recombinant murine IL6 (rmIL6) local infusion could induce target muscle atrophy, suggesting that denervation induced inflammation in target muscles and the inflammation may trigger muscle wasting. Salidroside alleviated denervation-induced muscle atrophy and inhibited the production of IL6. Furthermore, the inhibition of phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and the decreased levels of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS3), muscle RING finger protein-1 (MuRF1), atrophy F-box (atrogin-1), microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 beta (LC3B) and PTEN-induced putative kinase (PINK1) were observed in denervated muscles that were treated with salidroside. Finally, all of these responses to salidroside were replicated in neutralizing antibody against IL6. Taken together, these results suggest that salidroside alleviates denervation-induced inflammation response, thereby inhibits muscle proteolysis and muscle atrophy. Therefore, it was assumed that salidroside might be a potential therapeutic candidate to prevent muscle wasting.

Immunomodulatory effects of an acidic polysaccharide fraction from herbal Gynostemma pentaphyllum tea in RAW264.7 cells

A new acidic polysaccharide (GPTP-3) with a molecular weight of 2.49 × 10⁶ Da was extracted and purified from Gynostemma pentaphyllum tea.

Salidroside inhibits platelet-derived growth factor-induced proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells

Abnormal proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) have been found to be important for the airway remodeling during the pathogenesis of asthma. Salidroside a bioactive glucoside that exerts antitumor activity via inhibiting the cell proliferation and migration of cancer cells. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of salidroside on the proliferation and migration of ASMCs. Our results showed that salidroside inhibited the proliferation and migration of ASMCs in response to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulation. Salidroside markedly attenuated the PDGF-induced production of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 in ASMCs. The levels of contractile phenotype markers including smooth muscle α-actin and calponin were reduced in response to PDGF stimulation, which was attenuated by salidroside pretreatment. Salidroside diminished the increase in the expression levels of type I collagen and fibronectin in PDGF-stimulated ASMCs. Furthermore, salidroside blocked the PDGF-induced activation of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway in ASMCs. The results suggested that salidroside functionally regulated the proliferation, migration, phenotype plasticity, and extracellular matrix deposition in PDGF-induced ASMCs and the NF-κB pathway might be implicated in the effects of salidroside on ASMCs induced by PDGF.

Salidroside prevents hydroperoxide-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in retinal pigment epithelium cells

Salidroside (SAL) is the major pharmacologically active constituent of Rhodiola rosea, which possesses a wide range of pharmacological functions, including anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer and neuroprotective activities. However, the effects and mechanisms of SAL on oxidative stress in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) remain unclear. The present study investigated the protective effects of SAL and the underlying mechanisms against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in human RPE cells. ARPE-19 cells were treated with various doses of SAL for 24 h and then exposed to 200 µM H₂O₂ for 24 h. Cell viability was analyzed by a MTT assay, and the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species were measured using CellROX orange reagent. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by annexin V/propidium iodide double staining, followed by flow cytometry. The levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein, phospho (p)-protein kinase B (Akt), Akt, p-glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β and GSK-3β were evaluated using western blotting. The results demonstrated that SAL markedly attenuated H₂O₂-induced loss of cell viability. SAL also ameliorated H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in RPE cells. In addition, pretreatment with SAL significantly increased the phosphorylation levels of Akt and GSK-3β in H₂O₂-treated ARPE-19 cells. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that SAL protected RPE cells against H₂O₂-induced cell injury through the activation of the Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway. This suggests that SAL may be a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration.

Salidroside protects renal tubular epithelial cells from hypoxia/reoxygenation injury in vitro

Oxidative stress, inflammation and cell apoptosis are important mechanisms of renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Salidroside, a natural phenylpropanoid glycoside, possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-apoptotic effects. However, the effect of salidroside on renal I/R injury has not been fully elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of salidroside on renal I/R injury in vitro. Our results showed that salidroside improved the viability of human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) in response to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). Salidroside caused apparent decrease in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondiaidehyde (MDA), and significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in HK-2 cells. Pretreatment with salidroside markedly inhibited the production levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner. Salidroside treatment exhibited significant increase in Bcl-2 expressions, and decrease in Bax expressions and caspase-3 activity when compared with the H/R group. Salidroside decreased the levels of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and p-p65 in HK-2 cells. Overexpression of TLR4 significantly attenuated the effects of salidroside on cell viability, oxidative stress, cytokine production and cell apoptosis in HK-2 cells. These findings indicated that salidroside protected HK-2 cells from H/R stimulation, which was mediated by the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

Salidroside promotes human periodontal ligament cell proliferation and osteocalcin secretion via ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways

Salidroside modulates cell proliferation and serves as an anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic agent with efficacy against various diseases. The objective of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of salidroside in enhancing the proliferation of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs). hPDLCs were isolated and the effects of salidroside on cell viability, soluble osteocalcin levels and activation of proliferation-associated signaling pathways were determined using a CCK-8 assay, ELISA and Western blotting, respectively. The results indicated that salidroside induced proliferation of hPDLCs, increased secretion of soluble osteocalcin and enhanced activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathways. These factors were upregulated by salidroside in a dose-dependent manner. The results of the present study suggested that salidroside mediated hPDLC proliferation via the ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, as well as osteocalcin secretion. Salidroside may therefore be used as a novel therapeutic agent in the treatment of the tooth-supporting apparatus, progressive tooth destruction or periodontitis.

Effect of Low-Selenium/High-Fat Diet on Pig Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes: Perspectives from Selenoproteins, Heat Shock Proteins, and Cytokines

The aim of the present study was to clarify the effect of low selenium (Se)/high fat on the mRNA expression of selenoproteins, heat shock proteins (HSPs) and cytokines in pig peripheral blood lymphocytes. Forty crossbred boar piglets with healthy lean body weights of 10 kg were randomly divided into four treatment groups (group C, group L-Se, group H-fat, and group L-Se-H-fat) (n = 10/group) and fed with the corresponding diet for 16 weeks. The pig peripheral blood lymphocytes were extracted, and the mRNA expression of selenoproteins, HSPs, and cytokines was measured. Most mRNA levels for selenoproteins decreased in group L-Se, group H-fat, and group L-Se-H-fat, except Gpx1, Gpx2, Selt, and Selm, which were elevated in group H-fat. At the same time, low-Se/high-fat diet increased the expression of HSPs (HSP40, HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-9, iNOS, COX-2, NF-κB, and TNF-α) in group L-Se, group H-fat, and group L-Se-H-fat, and genes in group L-Se-H-fat showed greater increases. Also, low-Se/high-fat diet inhibits the expression of TGF-β1 and IFN-γ. In summary, a low-Se/high-fat diet can cause relevant selenoprotein expression changes and promote the expression of pro-inflammatory factors and HSPs, and low Se enhances the expression of HSPs and inflammation factors induced by high fat. This information is helpful for understanding the effects of low-Se and high-fat diet on pig peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Salidroside prevents skin carcinogenesis induced by DMBA/TPA in a mouse model through suppression of inflammation and promotion of apoptosis

Salidroside (SR) is a main component of Rhodiola rosea L. and exhibits a variety of pharmacologic properties. The present study was carried out to explore the potential effect of SR against skin cancer induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13‑acetate (TPA) in female Institute for Cancer Research (ICR) mice and to reveal the underlying molecular targets regulated by SR. The mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: control, DMBA/TPA, DMBA/TPA+SR (20 mg/kg) and DMBA/TPA+SR (40 mg/kg). SR was administered to mice five times a week after DMBA treatments. In our study, we found that SR dose-dependently ameliorated skin cancer incidence and the multiplicity in the animal models by reducing the release of inflammation-related cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) and transforming growth factor β-1 (TGF-β1). Suppression of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway by SR was effective to prevent skin carcinogenesis. Furthermore, TUNEL analysis indicated that compared to the DMBA/TPA group, enhanced apoptosis was observed in the DMBA/TPA+SR group. In addition, p53 expression levels were increased by SR in the DMBA/TPA-induced mice. Therefore, SR was effective for inducing apoptosis during skin cancer progression triggered by DMBA/TPA. Consistently, p21, p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA), Bax and caspase-3 were highly induced by SR to enhance the apoptotic response for preventing skin cancer. Moreover, in vitro, we found that SR dramatically reduced the inflammatory response, while enhancing the aoptotic response by blocking NF-κB and activating caspase-3 pathways, respectively. In addition, flow cytometric analysis further confirmed the induction of apoptosis by SR in DMBA-treated cells in vitro. Taken together, the in vivo and in vitro studies illustrated that SR might be a promising compound to reduce skin cancer risk.

Anti-inflammatory Effects of Rosmarinic Acid in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Mastitis in Mice

Rosmarinic acid (RA), a type of food additives mainly extracted from rosemary, has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory activities in some previous studies. However, the effects of RA on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mastitis have not been reported. Here, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of RA on LPS-induced mastitis in mice and elucidated the potential mechanisms in mouse mammary epithelial cells (mMECs). RA treatment significantly ameliorated the mammary structural damage, and reduced the activity of myeloperoxidase. ELISA and qPCR results indicated that RA dose-dependently decreased the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 both in tissues and mMECs. Furthermore, RA remarkably suppressed the protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, IRAK1, TRAF6, and p-IKKβ. In addition, RA was also found to inhibit LPS-induced NF-κB signaling pathway activation. These results suggest that RA effectively attenuates LPS-induced mastitis by inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Salidroside Inhibits HMGB1 Acetylation and Release through Upregulation of SirT1 during Inflammation

HMGB1, a highly conserved nonhistone DNA-binding protein, plays an important role in inflammatory diseases. Once released to the extracellular space, HMGB1 acts as a proinflammatory cytokine that triggers inflammatory reaction. Our previous study showed that salidroside exerts anti-inflammatory effect via inhibiting the JAK2-STAT3 signalling pathway. However, whether salidroside inhibits the release of HMGB1 is still unclear. In this study, we aim to study the effects of salidroside on HMGB1 release and then investigate the potential molecular mechanisms. In an experimental rat model of sepsis caused by CLP, salidroside administration significantly attenuated lung injury and reduced the serum HMGB1 level. In RAW264.7 cells, we investigated the effects of salidroside on LPS-induced HMGB1 release and then explored the underlying molecular mechanisms. We found that salidroside significantly inhibited LPS-induced HMGB1 release, and the inhibitory effect was correlated with the HMGB1 acetylation levels. Mechanismly, salidroside inhibits HMGB1 acetylation through the AMPK-SirT1 pathway. In addition, SirT1 overexpression attenuated LPS-induced HMGB1 acetylation and nucleocytoplasmic translocation. Furthermore, in SirT1 shRNA plasmid-transfected cells, salidroside treatment enhanced SirT1 expression and reduced LPS-activated HMGB1 acetylation and nucleocytoplasmic translocation. Collectively, these results demonstrated that salidroside might reduce HMGB1 release through the AMPK-SirT1 signalling pathway and suppress HMGB1 acetylation and nucleocytoplasmic translocation.

ANGPTL3 is part of the machinery causing dyslipidemia majorily via LPL inhibition in mastitis mice

Previous investigations have shown that inflammation induces changes in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, and increased expression of angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) contributes to the development of dyslipidemia. Here we investigated whether there is a correlation between increased ANGPTL3 expression and dyslipidemia in mastitis mice. Thirty mice were divided into two groups: control group and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)-induced mastitis mice group. Changes in the levels of blood lipids [total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)]; activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO); concentrations of plasma inflammation biomarkers [interferon-γ (IFNγ), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), and interleukin-1α (IL-1α)]; concentration of plasma ANGPTL3 protein; lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activities in postheparin plasma; expressions of hepatic N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 2 (GALNT2), hepatic ANGPTL3 and adipose LPL were determined. The major results indicated specific pathological mammary tissue changes, elevated MPO activity, reduced GALNT2 mRNA expression, elevated ANGPTL3 mRNA and protein expression and reduced LPL mRNA and protein expression. In plasma samples the S.aureus infused mice displayed elevated ANGPTL3 protein concentration, TG, TC and LDL-C levels, and reduced postheparin LPL activities and HDL-C level. The data suggests that ANGPTL3 is part of the machinery causing dyslipidemia majorily via LPL inhibition in mastitis mice.

Kaempferol modulates Angiopoietin-like protein 2 expression to lessen the mastitis in mice

BACKGROUND

Mastitis is inflammation of a breast (or udder). Angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL2) has been found as a key inflammatory mediator in mastitis. Purpose of this research was to investigate the mechanisms about repressing effect of kaempferol on mastitis.

METHODS

Forty mice were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=10): C57BL/6J control mice, untreated murine mastitis, 10mg/kg kaempferol treated murine mastitis (ip), and 30mg/kg kaempferol treated murine mastitis (ip). Primary cultured mouse mammary epithelial cells (MMEC) were indiscriminately divided into seven groups including control group, 10mmol/L vehicle of kaempferol group, 10μmol/L kaempferol treated group, 20μg/mL LPS treated group, 1μmol/L kaempferol plus LPS treated group, 3μmol/L kaempferol plus LPS treated group, and 10μmol/L kaempferol plus LPS treated group.

RESULTS

In murine mastitis, kaempferol (10 or 30mg/kg) treatment prevented mastitis development, decreased myeloperoxidase (MPO) production, interleukin (IL)-6 level, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentration, and ANGPTL2 expression. In MMEC, kaempferol (1, 3 or 10μM) reduced MPO production, TNF-α concentration, IL-6 level, and ANGPTL2 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

The results in present study show that kaempferol modulates the expression of ANGPTL2 to lessen the mastitis in mice.

Effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Rhodiola imbricata on growth performance, immunomodulation, antioxidant level and blood biochemical parameters in broiler chickens at high altitude cold desert

Extremes of climate and hypobaric hypoxia cause poor growth performance in broiler chickens at high altitude.The current study was designed to investigate the effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Rhodiola imbricata onantioxidant, cytokines, blood biochemical and growth performance of broilers at high altitude (3500 m). For invivostudy, one day-old broiler chicks of average initial body weight 36.40±0.42 g were randomly assigned to seven groups in three replicates (10 chicks in each replicate) as per completely randomized design. Experimental groups included control (fed basal diet), and treatment T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, and T6 which received hydro-alcoholic extract of Rhodiola imbricata in drinking water @ 100, 150, 200, 300, 400, and 800 mg/kg body weight of chicken respectively, along with basal diet. Blood samples were collected at 0, 21st, and 42nd day. HPLC analysis of extract revealed the presence of salidroside and p-tyrosol. As a result of this study, birds in T5 group had significantly higher body weight as compared to other groups. Furthermore, they had significantly higher total antioxidant capacity, free radical scavenging activity, interleukin-2, total protein, globulin, HDL level and lower malondialdehyde, interleukin-6, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, glucose, A/G, ALT, AST level as compared to control group. Our results suggest that, Rhodiola imbricata extract @ 400 mg/kg body weight of chicken, exhibited beneficial effect on growth performance and therefore, can be used as a phytogenic feed additive for broiler chickens.

Dihydroberberine exhibits synergistic effects with sunitinib on NSCLC NCI-H460 cells by repressing MAP kinase pathways and inflammatory mediators

Highly effective and attenuated dose schedules are good regimens for drug research and development. Combination chemotherapy is a good strategy in cancer therapy. We evaluated the antitumour effects of dihydroberberine combined with sunitinib (DCS) on the human non-small cell lung cancer cell lines (NSCLC), A549, NCI-H460, and NCI-H1299 in vitro and in vivo. DCS showed synergic effects on NCI-H460 cell proliferation, colony formation and transplantable tumour growth, which suggested dihydroberberine increases the sensitivity of lung carcinoma to sunitinib. Further studies indicated that DCS down-regulated phosphorylation of JNK, p38, and NF-κB in NCI-H460 cells and tumours and suppressed the IκB and COX-2 expression. In addition, DCS reduced the secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1 (IL-1), in tumours. Inhibition of p38 activation by DCS was a likely contributing factor in IL-1 and COX-2 down-regulation. Consistent with these results, a genomewide microarray analysis found that DCS induced the expression of cell cycle signal molecules that are known to be affected by JNK and p38. The change of cell cycle, in turn, led to down-regulation of JNK and p38, and further reduced IL-1 secretion. Collectively, these findings highlight potential molecular mechanisms of DCS chemotherapeutic activity and suggest that DCS is an efficacious strategy in NSCLC therapy.