Naringin attenuates the development of carrageenan-induced acute lung inflammation through inhibition of NF-κb, STAT3 and pro-inflammatory mediators and enhancement of IκBα and anti-inflammatory cytokines

The evolving landscape of IL-10, IL-22 and IL-26 in pleurisy especially in tuberculous pleurisy

Pleurisy can be categorized as primary or secondary, arising from immunological, tumorous, or microbial conditions. It often results in lung structure damage and the development of various respiratory issues. Among the different types, tuberculous pleurisy has emerged as a prominent focus for both clinical and scientific investigations. The IL-10 family, known for its anti-inflammatory properties in the human immune system, is increasingly being studied for its involvement in the pathogenesis of pleurisy. This review aims to present a detailed overview of the intricate role of IL-10 family members (specifically IL-10, IL-22, and IL-26) in human and animal pleuritic diseases or relevant animal models. These insights could serve as valuable guidance and references for further studies on pleurisy and potential therapeutic strategies.

Piperine-hydroxybenzoate as phytochemistry antiosteoarthritis combination: Structural, solubility, and in vivo antiinflammatory study

This study discusses the composition and structure determination of a new multicomponent system from antiinflammatory natural ingredients, consisting of piperine (Pip) and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA), named Pip-HBA. In addition, this research studied its solubility and anti-inflammatory activity. After screening the stoichiometric proportions, this multicomponent system formation reaction was carried out using the solvent-dropped grinding and evaporation methods. Characterizations using solid analysis including differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray diffractometry (PXRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), confirmed the formation of Pip-HBA. These multicomponent systems showed different thermograms and diffractograms. Furthermore, the FTIR spectrum of Pip-HBA multicomponent system differs from the physical mixture and its constituent components. Single crystal diffractometry (SCXRD) determined Pip-HBA to be a new multicomponent system structure in three dimensions. Pip-HBA showed increased solubility and anti-inflammatory activity compared to single piperine. Therefore, Pip-HBA multicomponent system has quite potential for further preparation development.

Regulatory mechanism and therapeutic potentials of naringin against inflammatory disorders

Naringin is a natural flavonoid with therapeutic properties found in citrus fruits and an active natural product from herbal plants. Naringin has become a focus of attention in recent years because of its ability to actively participate in the body's immune response and maintain the integrity of the immune barrier. This review aims to elucidate the mechanism of action and therapeutic efficacy of naringin in various inflammatory diseases and to provide a valuable reference for further research in this field. The review provided the chemical structure, bioavailability, pharmacological properties, and pharmacokinetics of naringin and found that naringin has good therapeutic potential for inflammatory diseases, exerting anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidative stress, anti-ulcerative and detoxifying effects in the disease. Moreover, we found that the great advantage of naringin treatment is that it is safe and can even alleviate the toxic side effects associated with some of the other drugs, which may become a highlight of naringin research. Naringin, an active natural product, plays a significant role in systemic diseases' anti-inflammatory and antioxidant regulation through various signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms.

Oxyphenbutazone ameliorates carfilzomib induced cardiotoxicity in rats via inhibition of oxidative free radical burst and NF-κB/IκB-α pathway

Carfilzomib (CFZ), a chemotherapeutic agent used for multiple myeloma treatments reported to cause high incidence of cardiac events either new onset and/or exacerbate formerly diagnosed heart failure with ventricular and myocardial dysfunction. Purpose: Current research designed to explore and examine the preventive effect of oxyphenbutazone in the CFZ -instigated cardiotoxicity. Methodology: Female Wistar Rats weighing 200-250 g selected randomly and grouped as follows: Group 1 designated as the Normal control and receive normal saline only. Group 2 served toxic control and exposed to CFZ (4 mg/kg, intraperitoneally [i.p.]). Group 3 & 4 served as treatment groups and administered with CFZ concomitantly orally fed with oxyphenbutazone at doses of 35 and 70 mg/kg/three times a week, respectively. The total duration of experimental protocol was of 21 days. After completion of the experiments animals subjected to blood collection using light ether anesthesia and serum was separated for biochemical analysis further. The serum levels of Mg+2, Ca+2 and cardiac enzymes (aspartate transaminase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) levels were estimated. Later animals sacrificed and heart tissue isolated for further examinations. Intracellular proteins NFkB and IkBα were estimated by western blot. Results: The serum analysis revealed that CFZ administration significantly elevated the levels of LDH, CK and CKMB in CFZ exposed animals when compared to normal animals while administration of oxyphenbutazone significantly reduced these biochemical changes, Intracellular antioxidant enzymes and NF-kB in treatment groups as compared to disease control animals. Conclusion: Findings of the research protocol suggests significant injuries to cardiac tissues when animals exposed to CFZ and Oxyphenbutazone protected the cardiac tissues.

Antinociceptive and antiinflammatory activities of crude leave extract and solvent fractions of Commelina latifolia Hochst. ex C.B.Clarke (Commelinaceae) leaves in murine model

Ethnopharmacological relevance: In the past, Ethiopian traditional medicine employed the leaves of the native Commelina latifolia Hochst. ex C.B. Clarke plant to treat wounds, pain, and malaria. Aim of the study: The crude extract and solvent fractions of C. latifolia Hochst. ex C.B. Clarke leaves were examined in the present investigation to determine their ability to have an antiinflammatory effect and provide an antinociceptive effect in animal models. Materials and methods: The leaves of C. latifolia were extracted with 80% methanol, and the CL crude extract was further fractionated with chloroform, pure methanol, and distilled water. The carrageenan-induced paw edema model was used to test the extracts' ability to reduce inflammation. The hotplate model and the acetic acid-induced writhing test on rodents were used to test the extracts' potential antinociceptive effect to reduce pain. Results: Inflammation was decreased by 64.59% with CL crude extract (400 mg/kg); 56.34% (400 mg/kg) of methanol fraction, 64.59% of aqueous fraction (400 mg/kg), and 38.27% of chloroform fraction in the carrageenan-induced inflammatory model. All extracts demonstrated a considerable lengthening of the nociception reaction time in the hot plate test, with a maximum antinociceptive effect of 78.98% (crude extract) and 71.65% (solvent fractions). At a dosage of 400 mg/kg, the natural C. latifolia crude extract and aqueous fraction demonstrated considerable antinociceptive effects against acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) during the writhing test (48.83% and 45.37than%, respectively). The current findings support Ethiopia's traditional user's assertions that the herb can alleviate inflammation and pain.

Ketogenic diet alleviates cognitive dysfunction and neuroinflammation in APP/PS1 mice via the Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB signaling pathways

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by cognitive decline and chronic inflammation within the brain. The ketogenic diet, a widely recognized therapeutic intervention for refractory epilepsy, has recently been proposed as a potential treatment for a variety of neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. However, the efficacy of ketogenic diet in treating Alzheimer's disease and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The current investigation aimed to explore the effect of ketogenic diet on cognitive function and the underlying biological mechanisms in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Male amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1 (APP/PS1) mice were randomly assigned to either a ketogenic diet or control diet group, and received their respective diets for a duration of 3 months. The findings show that ketogenic diet administration enhanced cognitive function, attenuated amyloid plaque formation and proinflammatory cytokine levels in APP/PS1 mice, and augmented the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-p45 derived factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 signaling pathway while suppressing the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway. Collectively, these data suggest that ketogenic diet may have a therapeutic potential in treating Alzheimer's disease by ameliorating the neurotoxicity associated with Aβ-induced inflammation. This study highlights the urgent need for further research into the use of ketogenic diet as a potential therapy for Alzheimer's disease.

Naringin inhibits P2X4 receptor expression on satellite glial cells in the neonatal rat dorsal root ganglion

Naringin inhibits inflammation and oxidative stress, the P2 purinoreceptor X4 receptor (P2X4R) is associated with glial cell activation and inflammation, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of naringin on P2X4 receptor expression on satellite glial cells (SGCs) and its possible mechanisms. ATP promoted the SGC activation and upregulated P2X4R expression; naringin inhibited SGC activation, decreased expression of P2X4R, P38 MAPK/ERK, and NF-κB, and reduced levels of Ca2+, TNF-α, and IL-1β in SGCs in an ATP-containing environment. These findings suggest that naringin attenuates the ATP-induced SGC activation and reduces P2X4R expression via the Ca2+-P38 MAPK/ERK-NF-κB pathway.

Therapeutic Effect and Safety Evaluation of Naringin on Klebsiella pneumoniae in Mice

Critically ill patients with Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) often develop secondary bacterial infections that pose a significant threat to patient life safety, making the development of drugs to prevent bacterial infections in the lungs critical to clinical care. Naringin (NAR) is one of the significant natural flavonoids rich in Pummelo Peel (Hua Ju Hong), with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities, and is commonly used in treating respiratory tract infectious diseases. In this study, the in vitro and in vivo findings revealed that, after Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kpn) infection, NAR inhibited overactivation of the nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB) signaling pathway in alveolar macrophages of mice, reduced neutrophil (NEs) recruitment, and lowered the induced production of proinflammatory markers, such as Interleukin-6(IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α). Thus, it suppressed excessive immune responses in the lungs, as well as attenuated the induced pulmonary fibrosis and inflammatory infiltrates. These results suggest that NAR has a preventive effect against Kpn in mice. In addition, the study evaluated NAR's potential toxicity, demonstrating that NAR is safe at effective doses. These results suggested that NAR effectively reduces excessive inflammatory damage in the lungs induced by Kpn and enhances the body's ability to clear bacteria. Therefore, NAR may be an effective and safe healthcare drug for preventing and caring for bacterial pneumonia.

Naringin-Dextrin Nanocomposite Abates Diethylnitrosamine/Acetylaminofluorene-Induced Lung Carcinogenesis by Modulating Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Apoptosis, and Cell Proliferation

Nanotechnology has proven advantageous in numerous scientific applications, one being to enhance the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents. This present study aims to evaluate the mechanisms underlying the chemopreventive action of naringin-dextrin nanocomposites (Nar-Dx-NCs) against diethylnitrosamine (DEN)/2-acetylaminofluorene (2AAF)-induced lung carcinogenesis in male Wistar rats. DEN was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) (150 mg/kg/week) for two weeks, followed by the oral administration of 2AAF (20 mg/kg) four times a week for three weeks. Rats receiving DEN/2AAF were concurrently treated with naringin or Nar-Dx-NCs orally at a dose of 10 mg/kg every other day for 24 weeks. Naringin and Nar-Dx-NCs treatments prevented the formation of tumorigenic cells within the alveoli of rats exposed to DEN/2AAF. These findings were associated with a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation, upregulation of antioxidant enzyme (glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) activity, and enhanced glutathione and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 expression in the lungs. Naringin and Nar-Dx-NCs exerted anti-inflammatory actions manifested by a decrease in lung protein expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β and mRNA expression of interleukin-6, interferon-γ, nuclear factor-κB, and inducible nitric oxide synthase, with a concurrent increase in interleukin-10 expression. The anti-inflammatory effect of Nar-Dx-NCs was more potent than naringin. Regarding the effect on apoptosis, both naringin and Nar-Dx-NCs significantly reduced Bcl-2 and increased Bax and P53 expressions. Moreover, naringin or Nar-Dx-NCs induced a significant decrease in the expression of the proliferator marker, Ki-67, and the effect of Nar-Dx-NCs was more marked. In conclusion, Nar-Dx-NCs improved naringin's preventive action against DEN/2AAF-induced lung cancer and exerted anticarcinogenic effects by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation and improving apoptotic signal induction and propagation.

Tailoring Deep Eutectic Solvents to Provoke Solubility and Bioavailability of Naringin: Implications of a Computational Approach

Recently, the applications of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as green and sustainable solvents for the solubilization of functional foods and phytophenols have dramatically risen concerning global issues on the utilization of organic solvents. Nevertheless, developing a suitable DES system for phytocomponents to enhance its solubility and bioavailability is complex and requires a sound experimental setup. Herein, we have attempted to develop DES encompassing the choline chloride (ChCl) along with oxalic acid (OA), l-glutamine (l-Glu), urea (U), and glycerol (Gro) at different ratios to elicit the solubility and bioavailability of naringin (NAR). Several DES systems were designed and tested for solubility, kinematic viscosity, and pH. Among these, DES-NAR encompassing ChCl/Gro in a 1:3 ratio exhibited the maximum solubility of NAR (232.56 ± 7.1 mg/mL) and neutral characteristic and thus considered suitable for NAR. Further, the conductor-like screening model for real solvents (COSMO-RS) has been employed to estimate the molecular and electrostatic interactions. DES-NAR was evaluated by polarized optical microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and ¹H NMR to investigate the molecular transition and interaction. Further, diffusion and permeability studies were performed, which suggest significant improvements in DES-NAR. Likewise, the pharmacokinetic studies revealed a two times increase in the oral bioavailability of NAR in a designed DES system. Thus, the work represents a systematic and efficient development of the DES system for a potential phytocomponent considering the biosafety impact, which may widen the interest in pharmaceutical and food sciences.

Preclinical Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Investigation of 5'-Methoxynobiletin from Ageratum conyzoides: In vivo and In silico Approaches

PURPOSE

5'-methoxynobiletin (5'-MeONB), a polymethoxyflavone isolated from A. conyzoides, has shown anti-inflammatory property. Nevertheless, the antinociceptive activity and pre-clinical pharmacokinetics (PK) characteristics of 5'-MeONB remain unknown. Considering the anti-inflammatory potential of the 5'-MeONB, this study aimed to investigate the pre-clinical PK behavior of 5'-MeONB, as well as its time course antinociceptive activity.

METHODS

5'-MeONB plasma concentrations were determined in Wistar rats after intravenous (i.v.) (10 mg/kg) and oral (50 mg/kg) administration, and in Swiss mice after oral administration (100 mg/kg). Plasma samples were deproteinization and 5'-MeONB quantified by a validated UPLC-MS method. Additionally, the antinociceptive activity of 5'-MeONB was evaluated after 15, 30, 60, 180 and 360 min following oral administration on the acute nocifensive behavior of mice induced by formalin.

RESULTS

5'-MeONB rats and mice plasma concentration-time profiles were best one-compartment model. After i.v. administration to rats, a short half-life, a high clearance and moderate volume of distribution at steady state were observed. Similar results were obtained after oral administration. The oral bioavailability ranged from 8 to 11%. Additionally, 5'-MeONB exhibited antinociceptive activity in both formalin phases, especially in the inflammatory phase of the model, inhibiting 68% and 91% of neurogenic and inflammatory responses, respectively, after 30 min of oral administration.

CONCLUSIONS

The results described here provide novel insights on 5'-MeONB pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic effect, serving as support for future studies to confirm this compound as anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effective agent.

Oxidative Stress in Ageing and Chronic Degenerative Pathologies: Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Counteracting Oxidative Stress and Chronic Inflammation

Ageing and chronic degenerative pathologies demonstrate the shared characteristics of high bioavailability of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress, chronic/persistent inflammation, glycation, and mitochondrial abnormalities. Excessive ROS production results in nucleic acid and protein destruction, thereby altering the cellular structure and functional outcome. To stabilise increased ROS production and modulate oxidative stress, the human body produces antioxidants, “free radical scavengers”, that inhibit or delay cell damage. Reinforcing the antioxidant defence system and/or counteracting the deleterious repercussions of immoderate reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) is critical and may curb the progression of ageing and chronic degenerative syndromes. Various therapeutic methods for ROS and oxidative stress reduction have been developed. However, scientific investigations are required to assess their efficacy. In this review, we summarise the interconnected mechanism of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation that contributes to ageing and chronic degenerative pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), cardiovascular diseases CVD, diabetes mellitus (DM), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). We also highlight potential counteractive measures to combat ageing and chronic degenerative diseases.

Anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenetic and antiviral activities of dammarane-type triterpenoid saponins from the roots of Panax notoginseng

Panax notoginseng has been used both as a traditional medicine and as a functional food for hundreds of years in Asia. However, the active constituents from P. notoginseng and their pharmacologic properties still need to be further explored. In this study, one new dammarane-type triterpenoid saponin (1), along with fourteen known analogs (2-15) were isolated and identified from the roots of P. notoginseng. The anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenetic and anti-dengue virus effects of these isolated compounds were further evaluated. Compounds 1, 3, 5-7 and 10-12 exerted anti-inflammatory effects in two different zebrafish inflammatory models. Among them, 11, with the most significant activities, alleviated the inflammatory response by blocking the MyD88/NF-κB and STAT3 pathways. Moreover, compound 15 showed anti-angiogenetic activities in Tg(fli1:EGFP) and Tg(flk1:GFP) zebrafish, while 3 and 5 only inhibited angiogenesis in Tg(fli1:EGFP) zebrafish. Additionally, compounds 1, 3, 6, 8, 9 and 12 suppressed the replication of dengue virus either at the viral adsorption and entry stages or at the intracellular replication step. In conclusion, these findings enrich knowledge of the diversity of saponins in P. notoginseng and suggest that the dammarane-type triterpenoid saponins from P. notoginseng may be developed as potential functional foods to treat inflammation, angiogenesis or dengue-related diseases.

Amentoflavone Ameliorates Carrageenan-Induced Pleurisy and Lung Injury by Inhibiting the NF-κB/STAT3 Pathways via Nrf2 Activation

Many natural flavonoids can activate nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which is pivotal for alleviating various diseases related to inflammation and oxidative stress, including pleurisy. Amentoflavone (AMF), a biflavonoid extracted from many plants, has some beneficial bioactivities, especially anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities. We aimed to investigate whether AMF protects against pleurisy and lung injury induced by carrageenan (Car) by activating Nrf2. Pleurisy was induced in wild-type (WT) and Nrf2-deficient (Nrf2^-/-) mice. Then, pleural exudate and lung tissue were collected for biochemical analysis, H&E staining, immunocytochemistry and western blotting. Our results indicated that AMF protected against Car-induced pleurisy and lung injury. The Wright-Giemsa and H&E staining results showed that AMF alleviated inflammatory effusion and pathological injury. In addition, AMF decreased SOD and GSH depletion and MDA and MPO generation in the lung tissue of mice. AMF activated Nrf2 through keap-1 dissociation and subsequently increased heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), and γ-glutamylcysteine ligase (GCL) levels. Furthermore, AMF suppressed IL-1β and TNF-α levels and increased IL-10 levels in pleural exudate by blocking the proinflammatory NF-κB, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathways induced by Car. However, these antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects were weakened in Nrf2^-/- mice. Moreover, AMF failed to suppress the NF-κB and STAT3 pathways in Nrf2^-/- mice. Our results demonstrated that AMF exerted anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects in Car-induced lung injury and pleurisy in a Nrf2-dependent manner.

Naringin Exerts Therapeutic Effects on Mice Colitis: A Study Based on Transcriptomics Combined With Functional Experiments

Naringin has been shown to exert protective effects in an animal model of ulcerative colitis, but detailed mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate function and signaling mechanisms underlying naringin-induced therapeutic effects on colitis. Two mouse models were established to mimic human Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by treating drinking water with dextran sodium sulphate or intra-colonic administration of 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid. Transcriptomics combined with functional experiments were used to investigate underlying mechanisms. Colitis symptoms, including weight loss and high disease activity index were significantly reversed by naringin. The inflammatory response, oxidative reactions, and epithelial cell apoptosis that occur with colitis were also alleviated by naringin. After naringin treatment, transcriptomics results identified 753 differentially expressed mRNAs that were enriched in signaling pathways, including the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, calcium signaling, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling. The naringin-induced alleviation of colitis was significantly inhibited by the PPAR-γ inhibitor BADGE. In IEC-6 and RAW264.7 cells incubated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), NF-κB-p65, a downstream protein of PPAR-γ, was significantly increased. Naringin suppressed LPS-induced high expression of NF-κB-p65, which was inhibited by small interfering RNA targeting PPAR-γ. Our study clarifies detailed mechanisms underlying naringin-induced therapeutic effects on mice colitis, and PPAR-γ was found to be the main target of naringin by functional experiments both in vivo and in vitro. Our study supplies new scientific information for the use of naringin in colitis treatment.

Flavonoids as potential phytotherapeutics to combat cytokine storm in SARS-CoV-2

Emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, COVID-19, has become the global panic since December 2019, which urges the global healthcare professionals to identify novel therapeutics to counteract this pandemic. So far, there is no approved treatment available to control this public health issue; however, a few antiviral agents and repurposed drugs support the patients under medical supervision by compromising their adverse effects, especially in emergency conditions. Only a few vaccines have been approved to date. In this context, several plant natural products-based research studies are evidenced to play a crucial role in immunomodulation that can prevent the chances of infection as well as combat the cytokine release storm (CRS) generated during COVID-19 infection. In this present review, we have focused on flavonoids, especially epicatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, hesperidin, naringenin, quercetin, rutin, luteolin, baicalin, diosmin, ge nistein, biochanin A, and silymarin, which can counteract the virus-mediated elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines leading to multiple organ failure. In addition, a comprehensive discussion on available in silico, in vitro, and in vivo findings with critical analysis has also been evaluated, which might pave the way for further development of phytotherapeutics to identify the potential lead candidatetoward effective and safe management of the SARS-CoV-2 disease.

Bioactivity, bioavailability, and gut microbiota transformations of dietary phenolic compounds: implications for COVID-19

The outbreak of mysterious pneumonia at the end of 2019 is associated with widespread research interest worldwide. The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) targets multiple organs through inflammatory, immune, and redox mechanisms, and no effective drug for its prophylaxis or treatment has been identified until now. The use of dietary bioactive compounds, such as phenolic compounds (PC), has emerged as a putative nutritional or therapeutic adjunct approach for COVID-19. In the present study, scientific data on the mechanisms underlying the bioactivity of PC and their usefulness in COVID-19 mitigation are reviewed. In addition, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects of dietary PC are studied. Moreover, the implications of digestion on the putative benefits of dietary PC against COVID-19 are presented by addressing the bioavailability and biotransformation of PC by the gut microbiota. Lastly, safety issues and possible drug interactions of PC and their implications in COVID-19 therapeutics are discussed.

Evaluation of Naringenin as a Promising Treatment Option for COPD Based on Literature Review and Network Pharmacology

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by incompletely reversible airflow limitation and seriously threatens the health of humans due to its high morbidity and mortality. Naringenin, as a natural flavanone, has shown various potential pharmacological activities against multiple pathological stages of COPD, but available studies are scattered and unsystematic. Thus, we combined literature review with network pharmacology analysis to evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of naringenin on COPD and predict its underlying mechanisms, expecting to provide a promising tactic for clinical treatment of COPD.

Citrus Flavonoids as Promising Phytochemicals Targeting Diabetes and Related Complications: A Systematic Review of In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

The consumption of plant-based food is important for health promotion, especially concerning the prevention and management of chronic diseases. Flavonoids are the main bioactive compounds in citrus fruits, with multiple beneficial effects, especially antidiabetic effects. We systematically review the potential antidiabetic action and molecular mechanisms of citrus flavonoids based on in vitro and in vivo studies. A search of the PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection databases for articles published since 2010 was carried out using the keywords citrus, flavonoid, and diabetes. All articles identified were analyzed, and data were extracted using a standardized form. The search identified 38 articles, which reported that 19 citrus flavonoids, including 8-prenylnaringenin, cosmosiin, didymin, diosmin, hesperetin, hesperidin, isosiennsetin, naringenin, naringin, neohesperidin, nobiletin, poncirin, quercetin, rhoifolin, rutin, sineesytin, sudachitin, tangeretin, and xanthohumol, have antidiabetic potential. These flavonoids regulated biomarkers of glycemic control, lipid profiles, renal function, hepatic enzymes, and antioxidant enzymes, and modulated signaling pathways related to glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity that are involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its related complications. Citrus flavonoids, therefore, are promising antidiabetic candidates, while their antidiabetic effects remain to be verified in forthcoming human studies.

Design and synthesis of 1,3-benzothiazinone derivatives as potential anti-inflammatory agents

A series of 1,3-benzothiazinone derivatives were designed and synthesized for pharmacological assessments. Among the synthesized 19 compounds, some compounds showed high activities on inhibiting LPS-induced nitrite oxide and TNF-α production, down-regulating COX-2 and increasing IL-10 production in RAW264.7 cells. All the compounds had no obvious cytotoxicity in in vitro assay. LD₅₀ value of compound 25 was greater than 2000 mg/kg, which was safer than meloxicam. Compound 25 significantly inhibited phosphorylation of NF-κB and STAT3 in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Inhibition of synthesized compounds on COX activity was weaker than meloxicam. Compound 25 displayed lower gastrointestinal toxicity than meloxicam. Besides, compound 25 decreased the swelling in carrageenan-induced paw edema models of inflammation and reduced PGE₂ level significantly. In summary, 1,3-benzothiazinone derivatives are unique scaffolds with anti-inflammatory activity and low toxicity.

Naringin-loaded polymeric micelles as buccal tablets: formulation, characterization, in vitro release, cytotoxicity and histopathology studies

Naringin (NG) has been proved to have numerous notable biological effects, including anti-inflammatory effect, anti-cancer effect, and anti-ulcer effect, yet there are no clinical preparations of naringin due to its poor solubility and low dissolution rate after oral administration. In this study, in order to overcome these problems, NG was encapsulated into MPEG-PCL micelles (NGMs) by using a thin-film hydration method. NMGs were in a typical core-shell structure, with a mall particle size (23.95 ± 0.51 nm), high drug loading, and encapsulation efficiency. In vitro release of NGMs indicated that the dissolution of NG was increased after being encapsulated in the micelles. NGMs were nontoxic in the cytotoxicity and histopathology studies. Furthermore, when the freeze-dried NGMs were compressed into buccal tablets (NGBTs) by direct compression, the release speed of NG under simulated oral cavity condition from NGBTs was higher than the control tablets, with the accumulated dissolution at 93.13% in 8 hours. In conclusion, NGMs and NGBTs represent a promising drug delivery system for NG, which has the potential to improve the current treatment of oral diseases.

Metabolite Profiling of Naringin in Rat Urine and Feces Using Stable Isotope-Labeling-Based Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Naringin has been documented to possess various bioactivities. Due to thorny endogenous interferences, the metabolism pathways of naringin and exact amounts of derived phenolic catabolites have not been definitely assigned. In this work, stable isotope-labeling-based liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry methods were developed to eliminate the endogenous interferences. [2',3',5',6'-D₄]-naringin was orally administrated to rats. Urine and feces samples were collected and then analyzed with ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS). A total of 21 flavonoid metabolites and 11 phenolic catabolites were screened. The metabolism and catabolism pathways were proposed. Furthermore, deuterated naringin and its main metabolites were determined with rapid resolution liquid chromatography tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (RRLC-QqQ-MS/MS). The overall recovery of ingested deuterated naringin was calculated as 56.9% without endogenous interferences. The obtained results provide essential information for further pharmacological studies of naringin.

Naringin Protects Against Interleukin 1β (IL-1β)-Induced Human Nucleus Pulposus Cells Degeneration via Downregulation Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB) Pathway and p53 Expression

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is regarded as a frequent disease that causes disability. We aimed to explore the effect of naringin on intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) in IL-1β-induced human nucleus pulposus (NP) cells and its corresponding molecular mechanisms.

Material/Methods

Human NP cells were identified by toluidine blue and Safranin O staining. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. The expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-3, MMP-13, ADAMTS-4, ADAMTS-5, collagen II, aggrecan), inflammatory genes (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interleukin [IL]-6), kappa B kinase α (IκBα), p65 and p53 were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blotting. Immunofluorescence study was performed to detect the position and expression of p65 protein in IL-1β-induced human NP cells.

Results

Human NP cells were successfully separated from intervertebral disc tissue. We found that naringin could significantly reduce the expressions of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-3, MMP-13, ADAMTS-4, and ADAMTS-5) and inflammatory genes in IL-1β-stimulated human NP cells, while collagen II and aggrecan were increased at mRNA and protein level. Immunofluorescence showed that naringin pretreatment decreased the p65 protein expression in the nucleus and suppressed the phosphorylation of IκBα and p65.

Conclusions

These results demonstrated that naringin could attenuate matrix metalloproteinase catabolism and inflammation in IL-1β-treated human nucleus pulposus cells via downregulating NF-κB pathway and p53 expression, suggesting that naringin has the potential to prevent and treat IDD.

Effects of Total Flavonoids from Exocarpium Citri Grandis on Air Pollution Particle-Induced Pulmonary Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Mice

Exocarpium Citri Grandis (ECG) is a famous traditional Chinese medicine, which has been commonly used to alleviate cough and phlegm for more than several hundred years, and total flavonoids are the main effective components of this medicine. This study investigated the effects of total flavonoids from ECG (TFECG) on pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress induced by PM_2.5 in mice. Model mice received an intratracheal instillation of PM_2.5 (10 mg/mL) once at day 0. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected after 72 hr to measure the total number of white blood cell (WBC), neutrophils (NEUT), lymphocytes (LYMPH), and monocytes (MONO). The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) in BALF were quantified by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Lung tissues were used to determine the contents of total protein (TP), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Glutathione Peroxidase (GSH-Px), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). We found that TFECG significantly inhibited PM_2.5 -stimulated overproduction of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18 and increased the numbers of WBC, NEUT, LYMPH, and MONO in BALF. TFECG observably relieved the PM_2.5 -induced increases in the contents of TP, MDA, and NO, and the activities of LDH and iNOS. TFECG also alleviated PM_2.5 -induced decreases in the activities of iNOS and GSH-Px as well as GSH/GSSG ratio. The results indicate that TFECG has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, which may potentially contribute to the treatment of PM_2.5 -induced lung injury. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Exocarpium Citri Grandis (ECG) is rich in flavonoids, which are beneficial to improve anti-inflammation and antioxidant capacity. We proved that total flavonoids of ECG had a positive therapeutic effect on PM_2.5 -induced lung injury, which expands the potential applications of ECG in the dietary supplement industries.

Green Tea Polyphenol (-)-Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) Attenuates Neuroinflammation in Palmitic Acid-Stimulated BV-2 Microglia and High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Obesity is closely associated with neuroinflammation in the hypothalamus, which is characterized by over-activated microglia and excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The present study was aimed at elucidating the effects of (−)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on palmitic acid-stimulated BV-2 microglia and high-fat-diet-induced obese mice. The results indicated the suppressive effect of EGCG on lipid accumulation, pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) release, and microglial activation in both cellular and high-fat-diet rodent models. These results were associated with lower phosphorylated levels of the janus kinase 2/signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway. In conclusion, EGCG can attenuate high-fat-induced hypothalamic inflammation via inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways in microglia.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of methanol extract of Helianthus annuus Linn. (Asteraceae) leaf

This study evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of Helianthus annuus Linn. in rats. Methanol extract of Helianthus annuus (HAE) leaf was used in this study. Formalin- and egg-albumin induced-paw edema were used to investigate the anti-inflammatory activities while acetic acid-induced writhing reflex and tail flick models were used to evaluate the analgesic properties. The doses of HAE used were 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) was used as reference drug in the anti-inflammatory and writhing reflex models while pentazocine (reference drug) was used in tail flick model. The negative control was dosed 5% tween-20 (10 ml/kg). The HAE exhibited significant (P < 0.05) dose-dependent anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. At 3 hour (h) post treatment, the HAE (300 mg/kg) produced 33.33% and 32.94% while ASA produced 36.36% and 35.29% reduction in paw volume in the formalin and egg-albumin induced paw edema models respectively when compared with negative control. In the acetic acid-induced writhing reflex, ASA and HAE (600 mg/kg) produced 67.89% and 35.78% reduction in the number of writhing, respectively when compared with the negative control. Pentazocine and HAE (300 mg/kg) caused 67.62% and 35.24% increase in pain reaction time when compared with the negative control. The study affirms the folkloric uses of Helianthus annuus in the management of pain and inflammation.

Pharmacokinetics, Tissue Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion of Naringin in Aged Rats

Aging is an inevitable biological process characterized by the loss of functional capacity and associated with changes in all phases of pharmacokinetic processes. Naringin, a dietary flavanone glycoside, has been proved to be beneficial for the treatment of multiple age-associated chronic diseases. To date, the pharmacokinetic processes of naringin in aged individuals are still unknown. Thus, a rapid resolution liquid chromatography tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (RRLC-QQQ-MS/MS) method was established for the determination of naringin and its metabolite naringenin in rat plasma, urine, feces, and tissue homogenate. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated and a higher exposure of naringin and naringenin were observed in aged rats. Naringin and naringenin were mostly distributed in gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidney, lung, and trachea. Furthermore, a total of 39 flavonoid metabolites (mainly glucuronides and sulfates) and 46 microbial-derived phenolic catabolites were screened with ultra-fast liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UFLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS). Naringenin, hippuric acid, and 3-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid were predominated metabolites. This study systemically investigated the pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, metabolism, and excretion of naringin in aged rats, revealing age- and gender-related changes in the in vivo behavior of naringin. These results would be helpful for the interpretation of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of naringin in aged population.

Effects of (-)-Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) on Energy Expenditure and Microglia-Mediated Hypothalamic Inflammation in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

Obesity is an escalating global epidemic caused by an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. (−)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the major polyphenol in green tea, has been reported to be conducive to preventing obesity and alleviating obesity-related chronic diseases. However, the role of EGCG in energy metabolism disorders and central nervous system dysfunction induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) remains to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of EGCG on brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis and neuroinflammation in HFD-induced obese C57BL/6J mice. Mice were randomly divided into four groups with different diets: normal chow diet (NCD), normal chow diet supplemented with 1% EGCG (NCD + EGCG), high-fat diet (HFD), and high-fat diet supplemented with 1% EGCG (HFD + EGCG). Investigations based on a four-week experiment were carried out including the BAT activity, energy consumption, mRNA expression of major inflammatory cytokines in the hypothalamus, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation, and immunofluorescence staining of microglial marker Iba1 in hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC). Experimental results demonstrated that dietary supplementation of EGCG significantly inhibited HFD-induced obesity by enhancing BAT thermogenesis, and attenuated the hypothalamic inflammation and microglia overactivation by regulating the NF-κB and STAT3 signaling pathways.

Antioxidant and Oxidative Stress: A Mutual Interplay in Age-Related Diseases

Aging is the progressive loss of organ and tissue function over time. Growing older is positively linked to cognitive and biological degeneration such as physical frailty, psychological impairment, and cognitive decline. Oxidative stress is considered as an imbalance between pro- and antioxidant species, which results in molecular and cellular damage. Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the development of age-related diseases. Emerging research evidence has suggested that antioxidant can control the autoxidation by interrupting the propagation of free radicals or by inhibiting the formation of free radicals and subsequently reduce oxidative stress, improve immune function, and increase healthy longevity. Indeed, oxidation damage is highly dependent on the inherited or acquired defects in enzymes involved in the redox-mediated signaling pathways. Therefore, the role of molecules with antioxidant activity that promote healthy aging and counteract oxidative stress is worth to discuss further. Of particular interest in this article, we highlighted the molecular mechanisms of antioxidants involved in the prevention of age-related diseases. Taken together, a better understanding of the role of antioxidants involved in redox modulation of inflammation would provide a useful approach for potential interventions, and subsequently promoting healthy longevity.

Antipleuritic and Vascular Permeability Inhibition of the Ethyl Acetate-Petroleum Ether Stem Bark Extract of Maerua angolensis DC (Capparaceae) in Murine

Maerua angolensis has been used traditionally in the management of pain, arthritis, and rheumatism in Ghana and Nigeria but no scientific evidence is currently available to give credence to its folkloric use. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of a stem bark extract of Maerua angolensis DC (MAE) in acute inflammatory models. The effects of MAE (30-300 mg kg⁻¹) on neutrophil infiltration, exudate volume, and endogenous antioxidant enzymes in lung tissues and lung morphology were evaluated with the carrageenan induced pleurisy model in Sprague Dawley rats. The effects of MAE (30-300 mg kg⁻¹) on vascular permeability were also evaluated in the acetic acid induced vascular permeability in ICR mice. MAE significantly reduced neutrophil infiltration, exudate volume, and lung tissue damage in carrageenan induced pleurisy. MAE increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in lung tissues. The extract was also able to reduce myeloperoxidase activity and lipid peroxidation in lung tissues in carrageenan induced rat pleurisy. Vascular permeability was also attenuated by the extract with marked reduction of Evans blue dye leakage in acetic acid induced permeability assay. The results indicated that Maerua angolensis is effective in ameliorating inflammation induced by carrageenan and acetic acid. It also has the potential of increasing the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes.

Simultaneous determination of rosuvastatin, naringin and naringenin in rat plasma by RRLC-MS/MS and its application to a pharmacokinetic drug interaction study

A rapid resolution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of rosuvastatin, naringin and naringenin in rat plasma. Chromatographic separation of analytes and internal standard (fluvastatin for rosuvastatin, while isoquercitrin for naringin and naringenin) was performed on Agilent Poroshell 120 EC-C18 column (3.0 × 50 mm, 2.7 μm) using gradient elution with a mobile phase of methanol and water, both with 0.1% formic acid (v/v). The detection was operated in multiple reaction monitoring mode to monitor the precursor-to-product ion transitions of m/z 579.1→270.8 for naringin, m/z 270.9→150.7 for naringenin, m/z 463.1→299.8 for isoquercitrin in negative ionization mode, and m/z 482.2→258.1 for rosuvastatin, m/z 412.1→224.1 for fluvastatin in positive ionization mode. Polarity switch (negative-positive-negative ionization mode) was performed in a total runtime of 5.0 min. The method was validated over a concentration range of 10-2,000 ng/mL for the above three analytes. The intra-day and inter-day precisions and accuracies of the quality control samples at low, medium and high concentration levels exhibited relative standard deviations <10% and the accuracy values ranged from -7.2% to 8.4%. The proposed method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic drug interaction study of rosuvastatin combined with naringin in rats.

A novel ultradeformable liposomes of Naringin for anti-inflammatory therapy

Ultradeformable liposomes were formulated using naringin (NA), a flavanone glycoside, at different concentrations (3, 6 and 9mg/mL). Nanovesicles were small size (∼100nm), regardless of the NA concentration used, and monodisperse (PI<0.30). All formulations showed a high entrapment efficiency (∼88%) and a highly negative zeta potential (around -30mV). The selected formulations were highly biocompatible as confirmed by in vitro studies using 3T3 fibroblasts. In vitro assay showed that the amounts (%) of NA accumulated in the epidermis (∼10%) could explain the anti-inflammatory properties of ultradeformable liposomes. In vivo studies confirmed the higher effectiveness of ultradeformable liposomes respect to betamethasone cream and NA dispersion in reducing skin inflammation in mice. Overall, it can conclude that NA ultradeformable liposomes can be considered as a promising formulation for the treatment of skin inflammatory diseases.

Naringin protects myocardial cells from doxorubicin‑induced apoptosis partially by inhibiting the p38MAPK pathway

Doxorubicin (DOX) has been widely used to treat cancers as a first-line antitumor drug. However, it causes severe, irreversible, dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. To evaluate the protective effects of naringin (NRG) on cardiotoxicity, the authors investigated the molecular mechanism of the p38MAPK signaling pathway. H9c2 cells were treated for 24 h by using 5 µmol/l DOX without or with being pretreated by 1 µM NRG for 150 min or by 3 µM SB203580 for 60 min. Cell viability was detected by cell counting kit-8 assay. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected based on the oxidative conversion of 2′,7′-dichlorfluorescein-diacetate (cell-permeable) to dichlorofluorescein (fluorescent). The expression of p38MAPK was determined by western blotting. The expression level of p-p38MAPK in H9c2 cells, which was significantly increased by exposure to 5 µM DOX for 60 min (P<0.01), was significantly decreased by pretreatment with 1 µM NRG for 150 min beforehand (P<0.01). The viability of H9c2 cells pretreated for 150 min with 1 µM NRG was significantly enhanced compared with that using DOX directly (P<0.01). Intracellular ROS levels were significantly reduced by being pretreated with 1 µM NRG for 150 min or with 3 µM SB203580 for 60 min before the cells were exposed to 5 µM DOX. Collectively, NRG protected H9c2 cells against the cardiotoxicity induced by DOX through suppressing the expression and activity of the p38MAPK pathway. The findings provided valuable evidence for the possible use of NRG to relieve DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.

Rutin Attenuates Carfilzomib-Induced Cardiotoxicity Through Inhibition of NF-κB, Hypertrophic Gene Expression and Oxidative Stress

Carfilzomib is a proteasome inhibitor, commonly used in multiple myeloma, but its clinical use may be limited due to cardiotoxicity. This study was aimed to evaluate the influence of rutin in carfilzomib-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Wistar albino male rats weighing 200-250 g (approximately 10 weeks old) were taken for this study. Animals were divided into four groups of six animals each. Group 1 served as normal control (NC), received normal saline; group 2 animals received carfilzomib (dissolved in 1 % DMSO) alone; group 3 animals received rutin (20 mg/kg) + carfilzomib; and group 4 animals received rutin (40 mg/kg) + carfilzomib. Hematological changes, biochemical changes, oxidative stress, hypertrophic gene expression, apoptotic gene expression, NFκB and IκB-α protein expression and histopathological evaluation were done to confirm the finding of carfilzomib-induced cardiotoxicity. Treatment with rutin decreased the carfilzomib-induced changes in cardiac enzymes such as lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase (CK) and CK-MB. For the assessment of cardiotoxicity, we further evaluated cardiac hypertrophic gene and apoptotic gene expression such as α-MHC, β-MHC and BNP and NF-κB and p53 gene expression, respectively, using RT-PCR. Western blot analysis showed that rutin treatment prevented the activation of NF-κB by increasing the expression of IκB-α. Rutin also attenuated the effects of carfilzomib on oxidant-antioxidant including malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione. Histopathological study clearly confirmed that rutin attenuated carfilzomib-induced cardiotoxicity in rats.

Transcription factors Nrf2 and NF-κB contribute to inflammation and apoptosis induced by intestinal ischemia-reperfusion in mice

Intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (IIR) is a common pathological event associated with intestinal injury and apoptosis with high mortality. Nuclear factor (NF)-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) is a key transcription factor that interacts with NF-κB and has a vital anti-inflammatory effect. However, whether Nrf2 has a role in IIR-induced apoptosis and the possible underlining mechanisms, such as modulation of the inflammation regulation pathway, have remained to be fully elucidated. In the present study, IIR was identified to cause significant intestinal injury and apoptosis, with high expression levels of inflammatory cytokines, as well as the apoptotic proteins B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein (Bax) and caspase-3, while simultaneously decreasing the protein levels of Bcl-2. The effect was more pronounced after pretreatment of the animals with all-trans retinoic acid or brusatol, potent inhibitors of Nrf2. t-Butylhydroquinone, an Nrf2 activator, significantly attenuated IIR-induced intestinal injury and apoptosis, with inhibition of the overexpression of the inflammatory cytokines, Bax and caspase-3 protein and partial restoration of Bcl-2 protein expression. Taken together, these results indicated that increased Nrf2 expression reduced IIR-induced intestinal apoptosis and that the protective function of Nrf2 may be based on its anti-inflammatory effects through the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway.

Naringin attenuates thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis in rats through modulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway

AIMS

Naringin (NR) is a flavanone glycoside extracted from grapefruits and citrus fruits. The aim of this study is to investigate the antifibrotic efficacy of NR in thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats through evaluating NR effect on the PI3K/Akt pathway.

MAIN METHODS

Hepatic fibrosis was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of TAA (200mg/kg) twice per week for 6weeks. Simultaneously, NR (40mg/kg/day, p.o.) was given along with TAA injection. The ratio of P-Akt/Akt was assessed in hepatic homogenate as well as antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)) and lipid peroxidation marker, malondialdehyde (MDA). Serum level of interleukin (IL)-6 were measured using ELISA. Hepatic tissues were examined histopathologically using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson trichome staining. Tissue expression of alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), caspase-3 and fibronectin were scored immunohistochemically. Finally, the mRNA level of cytokine genes (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, interferon gamma (IFN-γ)), caspase-3, TGF-β1 and fibronectin were quantified using qPCR.

KEY FINDINGS

NR significantly suppressed Akt phosphorylation associated with increased number of caspase-3 positive cells especially in the fibrotic areas. Liver tissues of treated rats showed restoration of normal liver histology and decrease in collagen and fibronectin deposition. Furthermore, NR treatment ameliorated oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokine production.

SIGNIFICANCE

NR alleviated experimental liver fibrosis through inhibition of PI3K/Akt pathway beside its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Therefore, NR is a promising therapeutic candidate for hepatic fibrosis.

The Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Citrus wilsonii Tanaka Extract in LPS-Induced RAW 264.7 and Primary Mouse Bone Marrow-Derived Dendritic Cells

‘Zhique’ (Citrus wilsonii Tanaka) is a traditional Chinese medicine. Its fruits have been used to treat inflammation-related symptoms, such as cough and sputum, though the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of ‘Zhique’ pulp extract (ZQE) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages and primary mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs). The flavonoid profiles of the ZQE were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in LPS-induced inflammatory RAW 264.7 macrophages and BMDCs through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot assays. Naringin was a predominant flavonoid occurring in ZQE, followed by eriocitrin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, rhoifolin, naringenin, and poncirin. ZQE exhibited a very low cytotoxicity in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Meanwhile, ZQE significantly inhibited the production of prostaglandins E2 and secretion of cyclooxygenase-2 protein in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, and markedly suppressed the mRNA expression of inflammatory mediators, such as cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and IL-6 in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages and/or primary BMDCs. The ZQE inhibited the inflammatory responses in RAW 264.7 macrophages and BMDCs triggered by LPS. The results suggested that ‘Zhique’ has a high potential as a novel therapeutic agent to treat chronic inflammatory diseases.

Beneficial effect of Ageratum conyzoides Linn (Asteraceae) upon inflammatory response induced by carrageenan into the mice pleural cavity

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ageratum conyzoides Linn (Asteraceae), a tropical plant that is very common in West Africa and some parts of Asia and South America, has been used to treat inflammatory disorders. In Brazil, teas made from A. conyzoides L. are used as anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-diarrheic agents. Therefore, it is necessary to study the mechanism of anti-inflammatory action of A. conyzoides L. to support its medicinal use for treating inflammatory conditions. These studies will also support the development of effective pharmacological agents with potent anti-inflammatory properties.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of the crude extract (CE), its derived fractions: ethanol (EtOH-F), hexane (HEX-F), ethyl acetate (EtOAc-F) and dichloromethane (DCM-F) and isolated compounds, such as 5'-methoxy nobiletin (MeONOB), 1,2-benzopyrone and eupalestin, which are obtained from the aerial parts of A. conyzoides L.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

These evaluations were performed using an animal model of inflammation induced by carrageenan. The following inflammatory parameters were analysed: leukocyte influx, protein concentration of the exudate, myeloperoxidase (MPO), adenosine deaminase (ADA) and nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) concentrations, interleukin 10 (IL-10), interleukin 17A (IL-17A), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and phosphorylation of p65 subunit of NF-κB (p-p65 NF-κB), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p-p38 MAPK) were also analysed.

RESULTS

CE, its EtOH-F, HEX-F, EtOAc-F and DCM-F and the isolated compounds, including MeONOB, 1,2-benzopyrone and eupalestin, significantly reduced leukocyte influx, protein concentration of the exudate, MPO, ADA, and NOx concentrations (p<0.05). CE, EtOH-F and isolated compounds significantly reduced IL-17A, IL-6, TNF and IFN-γ levels (p<0.05). CE, EtOH-F and isolated compound 1,2-benzopyrone also increased IL-10 levels (p<0.05). Isolated compounds, MeONOB, 1,2-benzopyrone and eupalestin, reduced p-p65 NF-κB and p-p38 MAPK (p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that A. conyzoides L. exerts its important anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting leukocyte influx and protein concentration of the exudate, as well as reducing the levels of several pro-inflammatory mediators. The anti-inflammatory action of A. conyzoides L. may be because of the inhibition of p65 NF-κB and MAPK activation by the isolated compounds.

Anti-Inflammation of Natural Components from Medicinal Plants at Low Concentrations in Brain via Inhibiting Neutrophil Infiltration after Stroke

Inflammation after stroke consists of activation of microglia/astrocytes in situ and infiltration of blood-borne leukocytes, resulting in brain damage and neurological deficits. Mounting data demonstrated that most natural components from medicinal plants had anti-inflammatory effects after ischemic stroke through inhibiting activation of resident microglia/astrocytes within ischemic area. However, it is speculated that this classical activity cannot account for the anti-inflammatory function of these natural components in the cerebral parenchyma, where they are detected at very low concentrations due to their poor membrane permeability and slight leakage of BBB. Could these drugs exert anti-inflammatory effects peripherally without being delivered across the BBB? Factually, ameliorating blood-borne neutrophil recruitment in peripheral circulatory system has been proved to reduce ischemic damage and improve outcomes. Thus, it is concluded that if drugs could achieve effective concentrations in the cerebral parenchyma, they can function via crippling resident microglia/astrocytes activation and inhibiting neutrophil infiltration, whereas the latter will be dominating when these drugs localize in the brain at a low concentration. In this review, the availability of some natural components crossing the BBB in stroke will be discussed, and how these drugs lead to improvements in stroke through inhibition of neutrophil rolling, adhesion, and transmigration will be illustrated.

Protective effect of naringin against ankylosing spondylitis via ossification, inflammation and oxidative stress in mice

Naringin is an abundant flavanone in pomelo, grapefruit as well as lime and its variants, has been shown to exhibit certain antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and hypoglycemic effects. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the protective effects of naringin against ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and to elucidate the potential underlying mechanism. Firstly, a mouse model of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) was established. Next, osteocalcin (OC), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and triglyceride (TG) activity values, inflammatory factor and oxidative stress were evaluated in the AS mice. Then, the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) protein expression levels in the AS mice were investigated using western blot analysis. The results showed that naringin increased OC, ALP and TG activity values in the AS mouse model. Furthermore, inflammatory factor and oxidative stress levels in the AS mice were restrained by treatment with naringin. Furthermore, JAK2 and STAT3 protein expression levels were reduced by treatment with naringin. In conclusion, the present results indicated that the protective effects of naringin against AS are exerted via the induction of ossification, suppression of inflammation and oxidative stress and the downregulation of JAK2/STAT3 in mice.

Design and Synthesis of N-Arylphthalimides as Inhibitors of Glucocorticoid-Induced TNF Receptor-Related Protein, Proinflammatory Mediators, and Cytokines in Carrageenan-Induced Lung Inflammation

N-Arylphthalimides (1-10P) derived from thalidomide by insertion of hydrophobic groups were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity, and (4-(1,3-dioxo-1,3-dihydro-2H-isoindol-2-yl)-N'-[(4-ethoxyphenyl)methylidene]benzohydrazide 6P was identified as a promising anti-inflammatory agent. Further testing confirmed that compared with the control, 6P treatment resulted in a considerable decrease in CD4(+), NF-κB p65(+), TNF-α(+), IL-6(+), GITR(+), and IL-17(+) cell populations and an increase in the Foxp3(+), CD4(+)Foxp3(+), and IκBα(+) populations in whole blood and pleural fluid of a mouse model of lung inflammation. Moreover, treatment with compound 6P decreased the proteins associated with inflammation including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17, GITR, NF-κB, COX-2, STAT-3, and iNOS and increased the anti-inflammatory mediators such as IL-10 and IL-4. Further, histopathological examination confirmed the potent anti-inflammatory effects of compound 6P. Thus, the N-arylphthalimide derivative 6P acts as a potent anti-inflammatory agent in the carrageenan-induced lung inflammation model, suggesting that this compound may be useful for the treatment of inflammation in a clinical setting.