Ferulic acid ethyl ester diminished Complete Freund’s Adjuvant-induced incapacitation through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity

Management of metabolic syndrome by nutraceuticals prepared from chitosan and ferulic acid with or without beta-sitosterol and their nanoforms

Dyslipidemia, steatohepatitis and insulin resistance are among the components of metabolic syndrome (MS). Nutraceuticals containing chitosan, beta-sitosterol and/or ferulic acid and their nanostructures could have a potential role for management of MS. The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of the aforementioned nutraceuticals in treatment of MS in rat and their interaction with atorvastatin, a hypolipidemic drug. The two nutraceuticals and their nanostructures were prepared and the nanostructures were assessed by transmission electron microscope and Fourier-Transform Infra-red Spectrometry. MS was induced in rats by feeding high fructose-high fat diet (HFFD). Different groups of rats fed HFFD and treated with the different nutraceuticals, atorvastatin and atorvastatin in combination with different nutraceuticals, control fed on balanced diet and control consumed HFFD without treatments were run. Plasma glucose, lipid profile, aminotransferases activity, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, urea, creatinine, insulin, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, and adiponectin were assessed along with calculation of insulin resistance. Liver fat and histopathology were investigated. All nutraceuticals in original and nanostructures showed beneficial effects in the treatment of MS, superiority was ascribed to nutraceuticals composed of chitosan and ferulic acid in both forms. A more promising treatment of MS belonged to atorvastatin administered with the different nutraceuticals.

FAEE exerts a protective effect against osteoporosis by regulating the MAPK signalling pathway

CONTEXT

Ferulic acid ethyl ester (FAEE) is abundant in Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (Apiaceae) and grains, and possesses diverse biological activities; but the effects of FAEE on osteoporosis has not been reported.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated whether FAEE can attenuate osteoclastogenesis and relieve ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis via attenuating mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We stimulated RAW 264.7 cells with receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) followed by FAEE. The roles of FAEE in osteoclast production and osteogenic resorption of mature osteoclasts were evaluated by tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, expression of osteoclast-specific genes, proteins and MAPK. Ovariectomized (OVX) female Sprague-Dawley rats were administered FAEE (20 mg/kg/day) for 12 weeks to explore its potential in vivo, and then histology was undertaken in combination with cytokines analyses.

RESULTS

FAEE suppressed RANKL-induced osteoclast formation (96 ± 0.88 vs. 15 ± 1.68) by suppressing the expression of osteoclast-specific genes, proteins and MAPK signalling pathway related proteins (p-ERK/ERK, p-JNK/JNK and p-P38/P38) in vitro. In addition, OVX rats exposed to FAEE maintained their normal calcium (Ca) (2.72 ± 0.02 vs. 2.63 ± 0.03, p < 0.05) balance, increased oestradiol levels (498.3 ± 9.43 vs. 398.7 ± 22.06, p < 0.05), simultaneously reduced levels of bone mineral density (BMD) (0.159 ± 0.0016 vs. 0.153 ± 0.0025, p < 0.05) and bone mineral content (BMC) (0.8 ± 0.0158 vs. 0.68 ± 0.0291, p < 0.01).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggested that FAEE could be used to ameliorate osteoporosis by the MAPK signalling pathway, suggesting that FAEE could be a potential therapeutic candidate for osteoporosis.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of the Indole-Derived N-Salicyloyltryptamine on Peritonitis and Joint Disability Induced by Carrageenan in Rodents

Purpose

To investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of N-salicyloyltryptamine (NST) in experimental models of carrageenan (Cg)-induced peritonitis in mice, and evaluation of the effects of NST on Cg-induced joint disability in rats.

Methods

Female Swiss mice were submitted to Cg-induced peritonitis in mice or Cg-induced joint disability in rats after intraperitoneal injection of NST (100 or 200 mg/kg). Total leukocyte count, total protein concentration, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and catalase (CAT) activities, and nitrite (NO₂⁻) and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) levels were determined.

Results

NST significantly decrease the migration of leukocytes to peritoneal exudate. Cg induces inflammatory responses mediated by expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The results further showed that NST significantly decreased MPO and CAT activities, as well as reduced NO₂⁻ and TBARS levels, compared with the vehicle group. Animals treated with NST significantly reduced paw elevation time (PET) on the first hour after induction of joint injury, and this effect was sustained throughout the analysis.

Conclusion

NST presented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in experimental models of carrageenan-induced peritonitis and joint disability in mice and rats, respectively, which may be related to the modulation of neutrophils migration as well as the involvement of antioxidant mechanisms.

Ethyl ferulate protects against lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury by activating AMPK/Nrf2 signaling pathway

Ethyl ferulate (EF) is abundant in Rhizoma Chuanxiong and grains (e.g., rice and maize) and possesses antioxidative, antiapoptotic, antirheumatic, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) is still unknown. In the present study, we found that EF significantly alleviated LPS-induced pathological damage and neutrophil infiltration and inhibited the gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) in murine lung tissues. Moreover, EF reduced the gene expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and iNOS and decreased the production of NO in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and BMDMs. Mechanistic experiments revealed that EF prominently activated the AMPK/Nrf2 pathway and promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation. AMPK inhibition (Compound C) and Nrf2 inhibition (ML385) abolished the beneficial effect of EF on the inflammatory response. Furthermore, the protective effect of EF on LPS-induced ALI was not observed in Nrf2 knockout mice. Taken together, the results of our study suggest that EF ameliorates LPS-induced ALI in an AMPK/Nrf2-dependent manner. These findings provide a foundation for developing EF as a new anti-inflammatory agent for LPS-induced ALI/ARDS therapy.

Benefits of electroacupuncture and a swimming association when compared with isolated protocols in an osteoarthritis model

Background and aim

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by pain and inflammation. Electroacupuncture (EA) and swimming (SW) are non-pharmacological interventions recommended for treating OA. The study evaluated the benefits of electroacupuncture (EA) and swimming (SW) association when compared with isolated protocols in an OA rodent model. Experimental.

Procedures

An ankle monoarthritis model was induced in rats by applying Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA). After seven days of induced OA, the groups were submitted to EA (ST36 and the GB 30 Acupoint), SW, or the EA + SW protocol. The nociceptive behavior was measured by the Von Frey test, the Cold Stimulation test, and the Paw Flick Immersion test. Inflammatory activity was evaluated by measuring TNF levels, myeloperoxidase, NAGase, immunological parameters and the histology from the subcutaneous tissue.

Results

Compared to CFA group, EA decreased the nociceptive scores in the cold stimulation test (p < 0.05), and it also increased the latency time in thermal cold (p < 0.01) and heat hyperalgesia (p < 0.001). Also, EA reduced NAGase (p < 0.01). SW reduced the edema (p < 0.05) and did not increase the inflammatory infiltrates or congestion, neither in the histological measurements nor by analyzing the levels of TNF. The association of EA + SW decreased the neutrophils and the monocytes, MPO (p < 0.05), and the glutamate levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

There were statistical differences between combination therapy and monotherapy as seen by the inflammatory parameters, which could be associate to the delay of the chronification osteoarthritis retardation. However, EA + SW did not show benefits when compared to isolated protocols in nociceptive behavior.

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Electroacupuncture (EA) extended the latency time in the thermal hyperalgesia assay.

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The swimming protocol did not increase the inflammatory infiltrates.

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EA and swimming decreased the glutamate levels in the cerebral spinal fluid.

Ethyl ferulate, a lipophilic phenylpropanoid, prevents diabetes-associated renal injury in rats by amelioration of hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress via activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2

Diabetic nephropathy affects approximately 20%-40% of diabetes patients worldwide and is the leading cause of end-stage renal failure. Oxidative stress has been identified as a major causative factor in the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy; Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation protects the body against oxidative stress by induction of antioxidant enzymes. The renoprotective effect of ethyl ferulate was investigated in diabetes-induced renal injury. Ethyl ferulate was administered orally at three doses (50 mg/kg, 75 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg). Metformin (500 mg/kg, p.o.) was used as a standard. Ethyl ferulate treatment decreased serum advanced glycation end products, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, renal oxidative stress, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) level, and kidney hypertrophy index. It restored serum lipid profile, biomarkers of renal function, and mitigated histopathological signs of renal damage. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated higher Nrf2 protein levels in kidney sections of ethyl ferulate-treated rats. These findings suggest that ethyl ferulate ameliorated hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress by increasing renal Nrf2 levels, thereby preventing diabetes-induced kidney injury. In conclusion, the present study endorses the usefulness of Nrf2 activators, such as ethyl ferulate, as adjuvant therapy for preventing the diabetic nephropathy. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Ethyl ferulate (ethyl-3-hydroxyl-4-methoxycinnamate), a phenylpropanoid, is a naturally occurring ethyl ester of ferulic acid and is widely present in plants and especially grains, such as rice and maize. Our study has highlighted the renoprotective effect of ethyl ferulate in preventing diabetes-associated renal injury. The observed effect of ethyl ferulate is due to amelioration of diabetes-induced oxidative stress and inflammation, by activation of the Nrf2 pathway. These results indicate the potential of ethyl ferulate as a nutraceutical or adjuvant therapy in prevention of diabetic nephropathy.

A Simple and Efficient Method for Synthesis and Extraction of Ethyl Ferulate from γ-Oryzanol

Ethyl ferulate (EF) is a ferulic acid (FA) derivative with high commercial value. It is not found naturally and is mostly synthesized from FA via esterification with ethanol. The present work aimed to synthesize the EF from γ-oryzanol, a natural antioxidant from rice bran oil via acid-catalyzed transethylation at refluxing temperature of ethanol. The reaction was optimized by central composite design (CCD) under response surface methodology. Based on the CCD, the optimum condition for the synthesis of EF from 0.50 g of γ-oryzanol was as follows: γ-oryzanol to ethanol ratio of 0.50:2 (g/mL), 12.30% (v/v) H₂SO₄, and a reaction time of 9.37 h; these conditions correspond to a maximum EF yield of 87.11%. Moreover, the optimized transethylation condition was further validated using 12.50 g of γ-oryzanol. At the end of the reaction time, distilled water was added as antisolvent to selectively crystallize the co-products, phytosterol and unreacted γ-oryzanol, by adjusting the ethanol concentration to 49.95% (v/v). The recovery yield of 83.60% with a purity of 98% of EF was achieved. In addition, the DPPH and ABTS assays showed similar antioxidant activities between the prepared and commercial EF.

α-Phellandrene attenuates tissular damage, oxidative stress, and TNF-α levels on acute model ifosfamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in mice

Hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is the major dose-limiting adverse effect of the clinical use ifosfamide (IFOS). The incidence of this side effect can be as high as 75%. Mesna has been used to reduce the risk of HC, although 5% of patients who get IFOS treatment may still suffer from HC. In previous studies, our group demonstrated that α-phellandrene (α-PHE) possesses anti-inflammatory activity, which opens the door for its study in the attenuation of HC. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential uroprotective effect of the α-PHE in the mouse model of IFOS-induced HC. In order to analyze the reduction of the urothelial damage, the bladder wet weight, hemoglobin content, and the Evans blue dye extravasation from the bladder matrix were evaluated. To investigate the involvement of neutrophil migration and lipid peroxidation and involvement of enzymatic and endogenous non-enzymatic antioxidants, the tissue markers myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde, nitrite/nitrate (NOx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were evaluated. TNF-α and IL-1β were measured by ELISA immunoassay technique. The results show that pretreatment with α-PHE significantly reduced urothelial damage that was accompanied by a decrease in the activity of MPO, MDA, and NOx levels and prevention of the depletion of SOD and GSH in bladder tissues. In the assessment of cytokines, α-PHE was able to significantly reduce TNF-α level. However, it does not affect the activities of IL-1β. These data confirm that α-PHE exerts potent anti-inflammatory properties and demonstrates that α-PHE represents a promising therapeutic option for this pathological condition.

Anti-arthritic activity of ferulic acid in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in rats: JAK2 inhibition

Ferulic acid (FA), a hydroxycinnamic acid, is an organic compound found in several plant species. Previous studies have shown that FA contains anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties. This study aimed to investigate the anti-arthritic activity and possible mechanism(s) of action of FA in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis. The progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involves the activation of the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway by proinflammatory cytokines. Molecular docking of FA showed promising Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) inhibition with a docking score of - 6.7, which is comparable with that of ruxolitinib, a standard inhibitor. However, in vitro JAK2 inhibition assay showed a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 6.67 ± 0.88 µg/ml. Both doses of FA (25 and 50 mg/kg) significantly attenuated primary (volume of paw edema) and secondary lesions. CFA-induced arthritic rats showed a significant decrease in body weight, A/G ratio, and Hb but showed a greater arthritic index, ESR levels, and percentage of lymphocytes. These alterations were significantly reduced in rats treated with FA and prednisolone. FA also reversed changes to biochemical parameters and inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and rhematoid factor (RF). Additionally, we found CFA-induced arthritis triggered the secretion of TNF- α, increased JAK2 levels, and reduced TGF-β levels in tissue homogenates. However, in rats treated with FA, such alterations significantly improved. Thus, our results reveal that FA contains anti-arthritic activity, which is possibly mediated by the inhibition of the JAK/STAT pathway.

Inhibition of neutrophil migration and reduction of oxidative stress by ethyl p-coumarate in acute and chronic inflammatory models

BACKGROUND

It is well known that medicinal plants and their products are relevant candidates for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Ethyl p-coumarate is a phenylpropanoid that has similar structure to others anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances. However, these activities have never been tested.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ethyl p-coumarate on inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters.

STUDY DESIGN

This is an experimental study to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of ethyl p-coumarate in acute and chronic models of inflammation.

METHODS

The anti-inflammatory effect of ethyl p-coumarate was evaluated in Swiss mice by carrageenan-induced paw edema model (1%, 50 μl), followed by histological analysis, and edema induced by compound 48/80 (12 µg/paw), histamine (100  µg/paw), serotonin (100 µg/paw) and prostaglandin E2 (3 nmol/paw) in comparison to indomethacin treatment (10 mg/kg, p.o.). In addition, peritonitis was induced by carrageenan (500 μg/cavity) to neutrophil and total leukocytes counting, myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and 8 (IL-8), nitrite (NO₂^-), glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) measurements. The arthritis model was induced with Freund's complete adjuvant (id. 0.1 ml) in female Wistar rats, with measurement of joint diameter and X-ray. Changes in gastric tissue of Swiss mice were analyzed in comparison to indomethacin (20  mg/kg, p.o.).

RESULTS

After treatment with ethyl p-coumarate, the animals had no apparent toxic effects, and significantly inhibited paw edema induced by edematogenic agents, neutrophil (p < 0.001) and total leukocyte (p < 0.001) migration, MPO (p < 0.01), IL-6 (p < 0.05) and IL-8 (p < 0.5), MDA (p < 0.5), GSH (p < 0.5), NO₂^- (p < 0.001), joint thickness and bones changes. Furthermore, were not observed significant formation of gastric lesions.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these results suggest that ethyl p-coumarate exhibits anti-inflammatory activity through the inhibition of inflammatory mediators and leukocyte migration without causing gastric lesions.

Comparative anti-arthritic investigation of iridoid glycosides and crocetin derivatives from Gardenia jasminoides Ellis in Freund's complete adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats

BACKGROUND

Discovering novel compounds with higher activities is a key aim of natural products research. Gardenia jasminoides Ellis is a herb with anti-inflammatory properties. Iridoid glycosides (mainly geniposide) and crocetin derivatives (crocins) are the two major active constituents in this herb and are considered its active ingredients. However, which components are responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties of gardenia have remained to be investigated.

PURPOSE

Here, we prepared total iridoid glycocides (TIG) and total crocins (TC) from G. jasminoides Ellis, determined their main chemical constituents, and performed animal studies to evaluate their anti-adjuvant arthritis activities, thus, proposing a reasonable mechenism to explain the anti-inflammatory activities of the active components in this herbal remedy.

STUDY DESIGN

TIG and TC were prepared by using HPD-100 macroporous resin, and characterized by UHPLC-DAD-MS and UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Then, freund's complete adjuvant-injected rats underwent drug treatments with TIG (160 mg/kg) and TC (160 mg/kg) for 14 days, and their ankle diameters were measured. Moreover, X-ray radiographs of the adjuvant injected hind paws were evaluated. Finally, histopathological examinations of the ankle joints, spleens and thymus were carried out to evaluate inflammatory reactions, and immunohistochemical measurements were conducted to evaluate TNF-α and TGF-β1 expression in the ankle joint of the rats.

RESULTS

The chemical composition determination of the current study showed that TIG was mainly composed of geniposide and TC was a fraction predominantly with crocin-1, crocin-2 and crocin-3. Calculation of results showed that TIG and TC contained 58.2% total iridoid glycosides and 54.7% total crocins, respectively. Our study suggested TIG and TC treatments markedly decreased paw swelling and ankle diameters of AA rats (both p < 0.05). The radiological analysis showed that administration of TIG and TC ameliorated bone destruction, and reduced the radiological bone destruction scores (TIG p < 0.05, TC p>0.05). Moreover, data from histological assessment demonstrated considerable mitigation of inflammation in the joints (both p < 0.01), spleen and thymus of AA rats treated with TIG and TC. TNF-α and TGF-β1 protein expression according to immunohistochemistry staining also supported the anti-arthritis activities of TIG and TC (TNF-α: TIG p < 0.01 and TC p < 0.05, TGF-β1: TIG p < 0.01 and TC p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

In the current study, fractionation of gardenia prior to further in vivo investigation has for the first time provided reasonable explanation for the anti-inflammatory activity of this herbal remedy. Our study showed that both TIG and TC from gardenia have anti-inflammatory properties. Overall, these experimental findings suggest that gardenia could be regarded as a potential therapeutic target for arthritis. However, as geniposide has a higher content than crocins in this herbal drug, TIG (mainly geniposide) seems to be primarily responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties of gardenia. Taken together, this maiden attempt demonstrated that TIG (mainly geniposide) is more important in evaluating the anti-inflammatory activity of G. jasminoides Ellis.

Mansoa alliacea extract presents antinociceptive effect in a chronic inflammatory pain model in mice through opioid mechanisms

In some chronic disorders, as in arthritis, the inflammatory pain persists beyond the inflammation control becoming pathological. Its treatment shows limited efficacy and adverse effects which compromises patients' quality of life. Mansoa alliacea, known as 'cipo alho', is popularly used as analgesic and others species of this genus show anti-inflammatory actions. We investigated the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive potential of M. alliacea extract in an inflammatory pain model which presents inflammatory characteristics similar to those caused by arthritis, through of the intraplantar injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in mice. The extract chromatographic analysis revealed the presence of ρ-coumaric, ferulic and chlorogenic acids, luteolin, and apigenin. The treatment with M. alliacea prevented and reversed the CFA-induced mechanical allodynia with maximum inhibition (I_max) of 100% and 90 ± 10%, respectively. The co-administration of M. alliacea extract plus morphine enhanced the anti-allodynic effect with I_max of 100%. The M. alliacea extract also reverted the CFA-induced thermal hyperalgesia with I_max of 3.6 times greater compared to the vehicle and reduced the thermal threshold under physiological conditions. However, M. alliacea extract did not reduce the CFA-induced edema and myeloperoxidase activity. Additionally, non-selective and δ-selective opioid receptor antagonists, but not κ-opioid, prevented extract anti-allodynic effect with I_max of 98 ± 2% and 93 ± 2%, respectively. Moreover, M. alliacea extract did not induce adverse effects commonly caused by opioids and other analgesic drugs, at least in the tested pharmacological doses after the acute treatment. M. alliacea extract presents antinociceptive activity in an inflammatory pain model, which presents inflammatory characteristics similar to those arthritis-induced, without causing adverse effects in tested pharmacological doses. These effects seem to be mediated mainly via δ-opioid receptors.

Ferulic acid, a dietary polyphenol suppresses osteoclast differentiation and bone erosion via the inhibition of RANKL dependent NF-κB signalling pathway

AIMS

Bone erosion induced by enhanced osteoclast formation is a debilitating pathological phenomenon in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recent finding has revealed that ferulic acid is associated with reduced osteoclast differentiation and bone erosion. However, the underlying mechanism through which ferulic acid inhibited osteoclast differentiation and bone erosion still remains to be elucidated. This study assessed the therapeutic effects of ferulic acid on osteoclast differentiation and bone erosion by targeting RANKL dependent NF-κB pathway.

MAIN METHODS

RAW 264.7 monocyte/macrophage cells were left untreated/treated with 25, 50 and 100 μM ferulic acid prior to stimulation with/without RANKL and M-CSF. Osteoclast differentiation and formation was assessed by SEM and TRAP analysis whereas its functional activity of bone erosion was determined by pit formation assay. Crucial transcription factors (NF-κBp-65, NFATc1 and c-Fos) and osteoclast specific genes (TRAP, MMP-9 and Cathepsin K) were evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR. Further, the protein level expression of NF-κBp-65, NFAtc1, c-Fos and MMP-9 was assessed using western blot analysis.

KEY FINDINGS

Our results demonstrated that ferulic acid significantly attenuated RANKL induced osteoclast differentiation as evidenced from SEM and TRAP staining analysis. A remarkable decrease in the bone resorption activity of osteoclasts was also noticed upon ferulic acid treatment. In addition, the down-regulation of RANKL induced NF-κB activation and its associated downstream factors like NFATc1, c-Fos, TRAP, Cathepsin K and MMP-9 was also observed upon ferulic acid treatment.

SIGNIFICANCE

Thus, our findings evidence the anti-stimulatory and anti-resorptive role of ferulic acid via the inhibition of RANKL dependent NF-κB signalling pathway.

Esterification of trans-aconitic acid improves its anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-induced acute arthritis

trans-Aconitic acid (TAA) is an abundant constituent in the leaves of Echinodorus grandiflorus, a medicinal plant used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in Brazil. Esterification was explored as a strategy to increase lipophilicity and biopharmaceutical properties of TAA, a highly polar tricarboxylic acid. We herein report the synthesis of TAA esters via Fischer esterification with ethanol, n-butanol and n-octanol. The reaction kinetics was investigated to produce mono-, di- and tri- derivatives. Mono- and diesters of TAA were obtained as a mixture of positional isomers, whereas the triesters were recovered as pure compounds. The obtained esters were screened in a model of acute arthritis induced by the injection of LPS in the knee joint of Swiss mice. The diesters were the most active compounds, regardless of the alcohol employed in the reaction, whereas bioactivity of the derivatives improved by increasing the length of the aliphatic chain of the alcohol employed in esterification. In general, the esters showed higher potency than TAA. When administered orally to mice at doses of 0.017-172.3 μmol/Kg, the diethyl, di-n-butyl and di-n-octyl esters of TAA reduced the cellular infiltration into the knee joint, especially of neutrophils. The study identified diesters of TAA as potential useful derivatives for the management of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.

Rutinosylated Ferulic Acid Attenuates Food Allergic Response and Colitis by Upregulating Regulatory T Cells in Mouse Models

The purpose of this study was to screen phytochemicals capable of inducing immune tolerance via enhanced transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) secretion and investigate their effects in a mouse model of food allergy and colitis. In a screening test using THP-1-derived dendritic cells, a significant increase in TGF-β1 levels was observed upon treatment with ferulic acid and its glycosides, among which ferulic acid rutinoside (FAR) induced the highest level of TGF-β1 secretion. Oral administration of FAR suppressed serum levels of immunoglobulin E and histamine in ovalbumin-sensitized mice and triggered the differentiation of regulatory T (Treg) cells. In comparison to the control, FAR treatment also induced stronger TGF-β1 secretion from splenic dendritic cells. FAR treatment attenuated dextran-sulfate-sodium-induced colitis in the model mice and induced Treg differentiation. These results suggest that FAR exerts potent immunomodulatory effects against allergic and intestinal inflammatory responses by inducing Treg differentiation.

Cardiovascular Activity of the Chemical Constituents of Essential Oils

Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death in developed and developing countries and decrease the quality of life, which has enormous social and economic consequences for the population. Recent studies on essential oils have attracted attention and encouraged continued research of this group of natural products because of their effects on the cardiovascular system. The pharmacological data indicate a therapeutic potential for essential oils for use in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, this review reports the current studies of essential oils chemical constituents with cardiovascular activity, including a description of their mechanisms of action.

Highly Efficient Synthesis of an Emerging Lipophilic Antioxidant: 2-Ethylhexyl Ferulate

Ferulic acid in ester form has shown a stronger ability in ameliorating certain pathological conditions and inhibiting lipid oxidation. In present study, a solvent-free and reduced pressure evaporation system was developed for lipase-catalyzed synthesis of 2-ethylhexyl ferulate (2-EF) from ferulic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. A Box-Behnken design with response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) was selected to model and optimize the process. Based on the yields of 2-EF, reaction temperature was shown to be the most important process factor on the molar conversion among all variables. The residual values and the coefficient of determination (R²) calculated from the design data indicated that ANN was better than RSM in data fitting. Overall, the present lipase-catalyzed approach for 2-EF synthesis at low reaction temperature in a reduced pressure evaporation system shows high 2-EF production efficiency. Notably, this approach can reduce the enzyme denaturation and ferulic acid oxidation that usually occur during long-term biosynthetic operations at high temperature.