Parainfluenza virus infection enhances NSAIDs-induced inhibition of PGE2 generation and COX-2 expression in human airway epithelial cells

Prostaglandin E2 promotes Th17 differentiation induces corneal epithelial cell apoptosis and participates in the progression of dry eye

This study is mainly based on T helper type 17 (Th17) cells analysis of the mechanism of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) promoting the progression of dry eye (DE). Scopolamine and dry environment were used to induce mice DE model. Celecoxib was used to inhibit PGE2. Corneal epithelial cells and CD4+ T cells were used to construct a co-culture system. The osmotic pressure was increased by adding NaCl to simulate DE in vitro. AH6809 and E7046 were used to pre-culture to inhibit EP2/4 in T cells to verify the effect of exogenous PGE2 on Th17 cell differentiation and corneal epithelial cell apoptosis. The function of Th17 cells was analyzed by detecting RORγt and interleukin-17 (IL-17). PGE2 was instilled on the ocular surface to induce DE symptoms of mice. AH6809 and E7046 were used to inhibit EP2/4. The corneal epithelial cell apoptosis was observed by TUNEL. The proportion of Th17 cells in corneal tissue and draining lymph nodes (DLNs) was detected by flow cytometry. In DE mice, the concentration of PGE2 and IL-17 increased in tears, and the proportion of Th17 increased, while inhibition of PGE2 alleviated the symptoms of DE and inhibited Th17 differentiation. Hypertonic environment induces corneal epithelial cells to secrete PGE2. PGE2 promoted the expression of EP2/4 and the differentiation of Th17 cells in vitro. The hypertonic environment promoted PGE2 level and the apoptosis of corneal epithelial cells in the co-culture system. PGE2 alone did not cause corneal epithelial cell apoptosis, while PGE2 promoted apoptosis by promoting Th17. Blocking EP2/4 reduced the induction of Th17 differentiation by PGE2 and the promoted corneal epithelial cell apoptosis. Animal experiments showed that exogenous PGE2 induced DE symptoms. Blocking EP2/4 not only inhibited the proportion of Th17, but also alleviated the apoptosis of corneal epithelial cells caused by PGE2. PGE2 induces aggravation of inflammation by promoting the level of Th17 in the ocular surface, and causes corneal epithelial cell apoptosis, thereby participating in the progression of DE.

Anti-inflammatory chemical constituents of Flos Chrysanthemi Indici determined by UPLC-MS/MS integrated with network pharmacology

Flos Chrysanthemi Indici (FCI), the flower of Chrysanthemum indicum L., is a common functional food and a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Previous studies have revealed that FCI has anti-inflammatory activity, but little is known about its anti-inflammatory chemical profile. In this study, the potential anti-inflammatory constituents of FCI were investigated by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) combined with the network pharmacology approach, and further confirmed on a LPS activated RAW264.7 macrophage model. As a result, a total of forty-two compounds, including thirty-two flavonoids, nine phenolic acids and one sesquiterpene, were identified. Among them, fourteen compounds including eight flavonoids (11, 17, 24, 28, 32, 39, 41 and 42) and six caffeoylquinic acids (3, 4, 5, 13, 15 and 20) were recognized as potential key anti-inflammatory constituents of FCI through network pharmacology analysis, because they accounted for 92% of the relative peak area in the UPLC-Q-TOF/MS chromatogram and acted on 87 of 97 the inflammatory targets of FCI. However, only 16 targets were shared between the flavonoids and caffeoylquinic acids, indicative of both acting on more different targets. Further the anti-inflammatory effects of the fourteen constituents were validated with the decreased levels of NO, TNF-α, IL-6 and PGE2 in RAW264.7 macrophage cells treated with LPS. Our results indicated that both flavonoids and caffeoylquinic acids were responsible for the anti-inflammatory effect of FCI through synergetic actions on multi-targets. Moreover, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (15), luteolin (24) and linarin (28) were the most important active constituents of FCI and could be selected as chemical markers for quality control of FCI. Overall, the findings not only explore the anti-inflammatory chemical constituents of FCI, but also provide novel insights into the effective constituents and mechanism of TCMs.

Anti-Infective, Anti-Inflammatory, and Immunomodulatory Properties of Breast Milk Factors for the Protection of Infants in the Pandemic From COVID-19

COVID-19 pandemic since the end of 2019 spreads worldwide, counting millions of victims. The viral invasion, systemic inflammation, and consequent organ failure are the gravest features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and they are associated with a high mortality rate. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of breast milk in the COVID-19 pandemic, analyzing its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory effects due to its bioactive components, so numerous and important for the protection of infants. The study tried to demonstrate that all the components of human milk are capable of performing functions on all the pathogenic events recognized and described in COVID-19 disease. Those human milk factors are well-tolerated and practically free of side effects, so breast milk should become a research topic to discover therapies even in this epidemic. In the first part, the mechanisms of protection and defense of the breast milk elements will be delineated; in the second section, it will describe the human milk effects in viral infections and it will be hypothesized how the known mechanisms could act in COVID infection.

Therapeutic Role of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B in Parkinson's Disease via Antineuroinflammation and Neuroprotection In Vitro and In Vivo

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most widespread neurodegenerative diseases. However, the currently available treatments could only relieve symptoms. Novel therapeutic targets are urgently needed. Several previous studies mentioned that protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) acted as a negative regulator of the insulin signal pathway and played a significant role in the inflammation process. However, few studies have investigated the role of PTP1B in the central nervous system. Our study showed that suramin, an inhibitor of PTP1B, could improve neuronal damage. It could significantly attenuate the interferon-gamma-induced upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines, including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). It enhanced M2 type microglia markers, such as arginase-1 and Ym-1 in BV2 murine microglial cells. PTP1B inhibition also reversed 6-hydroxydopamine- (6-OHDA-) induced downregulation of phospho-cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in SH-SY5Y cells. Besides, we knocked down and overexpressed PTP1B in the SH-SY5Y cells to confirm its role in neuroprotection. We also verified the effect of suramin in the zebrafish PD model. Treatment with suramin could significantly reverse 6-OHDA-induced locomotor deficits and improved tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) via attenuating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress biomarkers. These results support that PTP1B could potentially regulate PD via antineuroinflammation and antiapoptotic pathways.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and organ damage: A current perspective

Owing to the efficacy in reducing pain and inflammation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are amongst the most popularly used medicines confirming their position in the WHO's Model List of Essential Medicines. With escalating musculoskeletal complications, as evident from 2016 Global Burden of Disease data, NSAID usage is evidently unavoidable. Apart from analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic efficacies, NSAIDs are further documented to offer protection against diverse critical disorders including cancer and heart attacks. However, data from multiple placebo-controlled trials and meta-analyses studies alarmingly signify the adverse effects of NSAIDs in gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, cerebral and pulmonary complications. Although extensive research has elucidated the mechanisms underlying the clinical hazards of NSAIDs, no review has extensively collated the outcomes on various multiorgan toxicities of these drugs together. In this regard, the present review provides a comprehensive insight of the existing knowledge and recent developments on NSAID-induced organ damage. It precisely encompasses the current understanding of structure, classification and mode of action of NSAIDs while reiterating on the emerging instances of NSAID drug repurposing along with pharmacophore modification aimed at safer usage of NSAIDs where toxic effects are tamed without compromising the clinical benefits. The review does not intend to vilify these 'wonder drugs'; rather provides a careful understanding of their side-effects which would be beneficial in evaluating the risk-benefit threshold while rationally using NSAIDs at safer dose and duration.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in management of COVID-19; A systematic review on current evidence

BACKGROUND

Since there is still no definitive conclusion regarding which non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are most effective and safe in viral respiratory infections, we decided to evaluate the efficacy and safety of various NSAIDs in viral respiratory infections so that we can reach a conclusion on which NSAID is best choice for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

METHODS

A search was performed in Medline (via PubMed), Embase and CENTRAL databases until 23 March 2020. Clinical trials on application of NSAIDs in viral respiratory infections were included.

RESULTS

Six clinical trials were included. No clinical trial has been performed on COVID-19, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome infections. Studies show that ibuprofen and naproxen not only have positive effects in controlling cold symptoms, but also do not cause serious side effects in rhinovirus infections. In addition, it was found that clarithromycin, naproxen and oseltamivir combination leads to decrease in mortality rate and duration of hospitalisation in patients with pneumonia caused by influenza.

CONCLUSION

Although based on existing evidence, NSAIDs have been effective in treating respiratory infections caused by influenza and rhinovirus, since there is no clinical trial on COVID-19 and case-reports and clinical experiences are indicative of elongation of treatment duration and exacerbation of the clinical course of patients with COVID-19, it is recommended to use substitutes such as acetaminophen for controlling fever and inflammation and be cautious about using NSAIDs in management of COVID-19 patients until there are enough evidence. Naproxen may be a good choice for future clinical trials.

Quantification of prostaglandins E2 and D2 using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in a mouse ear edema model

A sensitive, specific, and accurate high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the quantification of prostaglandins D2 (PGD2) and E2 (PGE2) in a mouse ear edema model. We used activated charcoal to obtain PG-free ear samples. The chromatographic separation was performed using a Hypersil Gold C18 column. The limit of detection of each PG was 0.4 ng mL-1, and the intra- and inter-assay estimates of precision and accuracy were <14.5 and 94.2-102.9%, respectively. Stability studies showed that all analytes were stable under various storage conditions and analytical processes. The developed and validated method was successfully used to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of cultured bear bile powder (CBBP) by quantitatively determining PGE2 and PGD2 levels in mouse ear edema samples. These results showed that CBBP significantly inhibited the xylene-induced ear edema in mice and reversed the xylene-induced elevation of PGE2 and PGD2 levels. These results provide useful data about the anti-inflammatory bioactivities in tissues, mediated by the reduction of PGE2 and PGD2 levels, and may further encourage research and development studies of CBBP for its use as an anti-inflammatory agent.

(E)-2-Cyano-3-(1H-Indol-3-yl)-N-Phenylacrylamide, a Hybrid Compound Derived from Indomethacin and Paracetamol: Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of the Anti-Inflammatory Potential

The compound (E)-2-cyano-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-N-phenylacrylamide (ICMD-01) was designed and developed based on the structures of clinically relevant drugs indomethacin and paracetamol through the molecular hybridization strategy. This derivative was obtained by an amidation reaction between substituted anilines and ethyl 2-cyanoacetate followed by a Knoevenagel-type condensation reaction with indole aldehyde that resulted in both a viable synthesis and satisfactory yield. In order to assess the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity, in vitro assays were performed in J774 macrophages, and significant inhibitions (p < 0.05) of the production of nitrite and the production of cytokines (IL-1β and TNFα) in noncytotoxic concentrations were observed. The anti-inflammatory effect was also studied via CFA-induced paw edema in vivo tests and zymosan-induced peritonitis. In the paw edema assay, ICMD01 (50 mg kg-1) showed satisfactory activity, as did the group treated with dexamethasone, reducing edema in 2-6 h. In addition, there was no significant inhibition of PGE2, IL-1β or TNFα in vivo. Moreover, in the peritonitis assay that assesses leukocyte migration, ICMD-01 exhibited promising results. Therefore, these preliminary studies demonstrate this compound to be a strong candidate for an anti-inflammatory drug together with an improved gastrointestinal safety profile when compared to the conventional anti-inflammatory drugs.

Therapeutic Role of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B in Parkinson's Disease via Antineuroinflammation and Neuroprotection In Vitro and In Vivo

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most widespread neurodegenerative diseases. However, the currently available treatments could only relieve symptoms. Novel therapeutic targets are urgently needed. Several previous studies mentioned that protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) acted as a negative regulator of the insulin signal pathway and played a significant role in the inflammation process. However, few studies have investigated the role of PTP1B in the central nervous system. Our study showed that suramin, an inhibitor of PTP1B, could improve neuronal damage. It could significantly attenuate the interferon-gamma-induced upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines, including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). It enhanced M2 type microglia markers, such as arginase-1 and Ym-1 in BV2 murine microglial cells. PTP1B inhibition also reversed 6-hydroxydopamine- (6-OHDA-) induced downregulation of phospho-cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in SH-SY5Y cells. Besides, we knocked down and overexpressed PTP1B in the SH-SY5Y cells to confirm its role in neuroprotection. We also verified the effect of suramin in the zebrafish PD model. Treatment with suramin could significantly reverse 6-OHDA-induced locomotor deficits and improved tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) via attenuating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress biomarkers. These results support that PTP1B could potentially regulate PD via antineuroinflammation and antiapoptotic pathways.