Prediction of the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of curcumin by module-based protein interaction network analysis

N-Salicyloyl Tryptamine Derivatives as Potent Neuroinflammation Inhibitors by Constraining Microglia Activation via a STAT3 Pathway

Neuroinflammation is an important factor that exacerbates neuronal death and abnormal synaptic function in neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Due to the complex pathogenesis and the presence of blood-brain barrier (BBB), no effective clinical drugs are currently available. Previous results showed that N-salicyloyl tryptamine derivatives had the potential to constrain the neuroinflammatory process. In this study, 30 new N-salicyloyl tryptamine derivatives were designed and synthesized to investigate a structure-activity relationship (SAR) for the indole ring of tryptamine in order to enhance their antineuroinflammatory effects. Among them, both in vitro and in vivo compound 18 exerted the best antineuroinflammatory effects by suppressing the activation of microglia, which is the culprit of neuroinflammation. The underlying mechanism of its antineuroinflammatory effect may be related to the inhibition of transcription, expression and phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) that subsequently regulated downstream cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and activity. With its excellent BBB permeability and pharmacokinetic properties, compound 18 exhibited significant neuroprotective effects in the hippocampal region of lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced mice than former N-salicyloyl tryptamine derivative L7. In conclusion, compound 18 has provided a new approach for the development of highly effective antineuroinflammatory therapeutic drugs targeting microglia activation.

An overview of the efficacy of inhaled curcumin: a new mode of administration for an old molecule

INTRODUCTION

Curcumin is a polyphenol with a variety of pharmacological actions. Despite its therapeutic effects and well-known safety profile, the utility of curcumin has been limited due to its deprived physical, chemical, and pharmacokinetic profile resulting from limited solubility, durability, prompt deterioration and pitiable systemic availability. Employment of an amalgamated framework integrating the potential advantages of a nanoscaffold alongside the beneficial traits of inhalational drug delivery system beautifully bringing down the restricting attributes of intended curative interventions and further assures its clinical success.

AREAS COVERED

Current review discussed different application of inhalable nanocurcumin in different medical conditions. Lung diseases have been the prime field in which inhalable nanocurcumin had resulted in significant beneficial effects. Apart from this several lung protective potentials of the inhaled nanocurcumin have been discussed against severe pulmonary disorders such as pulmonary fibrosis, radiation pneumonitis and IUGR induced bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Also, application of the disclosed intervention in the clinical management of COVID-19 and Alzheimer's Disease has been discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

In this portion, the potential of inhalable nanocurcumin in addressing various medical conditions along with ongoing advancements in nanoencapsulation techniques and the existing challenges in transitioning from pre-clinical models to clinical practice has been summarized.

Role of curcumin on miR-26a and its effect on DNMT1, DNMT3b, and MEG3 expression in A549 lung cancer cell

CONTEXT

Most of the patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are in their advanced stages and as a result might not be cured in spite of the advances in aimed therapy. In the recent years, the role of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) has been expanded to cancer as potential targets for RNA-based epigenetic therapies. Curcumin, as an active ingredient, is associated with epigenetic alterations, and it might modulate the expression of tumor suppressor and oncogenic microRNAs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we investigated the RNA-based epigenetic effects of curcumin on NSCLC, and the effect of curcumin on A549 cell viability was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The expression of miR-26a, MEG3, DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), and DNMT3 beta (DNMT3b) was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

Data analysis was done using Prism®6 software (GraphPad Software, Inc., La Jolla, CA, USA), and statistical analysis was performed using t-test between control and vitality samples.

RESULTS

The results showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) of miR-26a expression which in turn was associated with a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in expression of DNMTs and subsequently a significant increase in MEG3 expression (P < 0.05) in A549 cell line after adding curcumin in the media.

CONCLUSION

Considering all the data together, we could speculate the role of curcumin in ceasing the progression of cancer in its early stages and might be considered a potential drug for the treatment of NSCLC-derived lung cancer by establishing a meaningful relationship between epigenetic mechanisms and ncRNAs.

Exploring potential genes and pathways related to lung cancer: a graph theoretical analysis

Lung cancer is the primary and third most frequently detected form of cancer in both males and females. The present study tries to perform integrated analysis in male as well as female patients inclusively both smoker and non-smokers. This study aims to identify diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for lung cancer patients using human microarray profile datasets. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using a PPI network from the String database, and major modules or clusters were extracted using MCODE. The Cytohubba plug-in was used to find hub genes from the PPI network using centralities approaches. Twenty significant hub genes (CCND1, CDK1, CCNB1, CDH1, TP53, CTNNB1, EGFR, ESR1, CDK2, CCNA2, RHOA, EGF, FN1, HSP90AA1, STAT3, JUN, NOTCH1, IL6, SRC, and CD44) were identified as promising diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for lung cancer treatment. Survival analysis and hub gene validation were also conducted. GO enrichment and pathway analysis were conducted to identify their important functions. These hub genes were also used to identify targeted drugs. The findings suggest that the identified genes have the potential to be used as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for lung cancer treatment.

Decreased S100A9 expression alleviates Clostridium perfringens beta2 toxin-induced inflammatory injury in IPEC-J2 cells

Background

S100 calcium-binding protein A9 (S100A9) is a commonly known pro-inflammatory factor involved in various inflammatory responses. Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens ) type C is known to cause diarrhea in piglets. However, the role of S100A9 in C. perfringens type C-induced infectious diarrhea is unclear.

Methods

Here, the S100A9 gene was overexpressed and knocked down in the IPEC-J2 cells, which were treated with C. perfringens beta2 (CPB2) toxin. The role of S100A9 in CPB2 toxin-induced injury in IPEC-J2 cells was assessed by measuring the levels of inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species (ROS), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), cell proliferation, and tight junction-related proteins.

Results

The results showed elevated expression of S100A9 in diarrhea-affected piglet tissues, and the elevation of S100A9 expression after CPB2 toxin treatment of IPEC-J2 was time-dependent. In CPB2 toxin-induced IPEC-J2 cells, overexpression of S100A9 had the following effects: the relative expression of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL8, TNF-α, and IL-1β was increased; the ROS levels and LDH viability were significantly increased; cell viability and proliferation were inhibited; the G0/G1 phase cell ratio was significantly increased. Furthermore, overexpression of S100A9 reduced the expression of tight junction proteins in CPB2-induced IPEC-J2 cells. The knockdown of S100A9 had an inverse effect. In conclusion, our results confirmed that S100A9 exacerbated inflammatory injury in CPB2 toxin-induced IPEC-J2 cells, inhibited cell viability and cell proliferation, and disrupted the tight junctions between cells. Thus, decreased S100A9 expression alleviates CPB2 toxin-induced inflammatory injury in IPEC-J2 cells.

Decreased APOC1 expression inhibited cancer progression and was associated with better prognosis and immune microenvironment in esophageal cancer

Several studies have demonstrated the involvement of apolipoprotein C1 (APOC1) in multiple cancers. However, the role of APOC1 in esophageal cancer (ESCA) has not been elucidated. Hence, we examined the expression of APOC1 in ESCA tissues acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and clinical samples from our hospital. An investigation of the association of APOC1 with the clinicopathological characteristics, prognosis, and diagnosis of ESCA was carried out on the basis of survival, receiver operating characteristics, and correlation analyses. Gene ontology, KEGG analysis, and protein-protein interaction network showed that co-expressed APOC1 genes were involved in the functions, mechanisms, and action network. The effects of APOC1 expression on ESCA cells were explored using CCK-8, migration and invasion assays. The relationship between APOC1 expression and ESCA immune-infiltrating cells and cell markers were examined using correlation analysis. We found that APOC1 was overexpressed in TCGA ESCA tissues and the same was validated in clinical ESCA tissues, with the area under the curve for APOC1 being 0.887. Overexpression of APOC1 was associated with short overall survival, disease-specific survival, progression-free interval, T stage, pathological stage, body mass index, and histological grade. Inhibition of APOC1 expression significantly reduced the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ESCA cells. Furthermore, APOC1 expression positively correlated with the ESTIMATE, immune, and stromal scores in ESCA. Overexpression of APOC1 correlated with the tumor purity, B cells, T helper cells, natural killer cells, cytotoxic cells, and other immune cells. Moreover, APOC1 was involved in ESCA progression via T cell receptor, B cell receptor, and other immune signaling pathways. Thus, APOC1 overexpression is expected to be a biomarker for dismal prognosis and diagnosis of ESCA. Inhibition of APOC1 expression significantly reduced the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ESCA cells. Overexpression of APOC1 was associated with the immune microenvironment in ESCA. Thus, APOC1 may be an efficient biomarker for proper prognosis and diagnosis of ESCA.

Exploring the mechanism of Yixinyin for myocardial infarction by weighted co-expression network and molecular docking

Yixinyin, the traditional Chinese medicine, has the effects of replenishing righteous qi, and promoting blood circulation to eliminate blood stagnation. It is often used to treat patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI). The purpose of our study is to explore the key components and targets of Yixinyin in the treatment of MI. In this study, we analyzed gene expression data and clinical information from 248 samples of MI patients with the GSE34198, GSE29111 and GSE66360 data sets. By constructing a weighted gene co-expression network, gene modules related to myocardial infarction are obtained. These modules can be mapped in Yixinyin PPI network. By integrating differential genes of healthy/MI and unstable angina/MI, key targets of Yixinyin for the treatment of myocardial infarction were screened. We validated the key objectives with external data sets. GSEA analysis is used to identify the biological processes involved in key targets. Through molecular docking screening, active components that can combine with key targets in Yixinyin were obtained. In the treatment of myocardial infarction, we have obtained key targets of Yixinyin, which are ALDH2, C5AR1, FOS, IL1B, TLR2, TXNRD1. External data sets prove that they behave differently in the healthy and MI (P < 0.05). GSEA enrichment analysis revealed that they are mainly involved in pathways associated with myocardial infarction, such as viral myocarditis, VEGF signaling pathway and type I diabetes mellitus. The docking results showed that the components that can be combined with key targets in YixinYin are Supraene, Prostaglandin B1, isomucronulatol-7,2'-di-O-glucosiole, angusifolin B, Linolenic acid ethyl ester, and Mandenol. For that matter, they may be active ingredients of Yixinyin in treating MI. These findings provide a basis for the preliminary research of myocardial infarction therapy in traditional Chinese medicine and provide ideas for the design of related drugs.

Preliminary therapeutic and mechanistic evaluation of S-allylmercapto-N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of pulmonary emphysema

The objective of this work was to study the effects and mechanisms of S-allylmercapto-N-acetylcysteine (ASSNAC) in the treatment of pulmonary emphysema based on network pharmacology analysis and other techniques. Firstly, the potential targets associated with ASSNAC and COPD were integrated using public databases. Then, a protein-protein interaction network was constructed using String database and Cytoscape software. The Gene Ontology analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis were performed on DAVID platform. The molecular docking of ASSNAC with some key disease targets was implemented on the SwissDock platform. To verify the results of the network pharmacology, a pulmonary emphysema mice model was established and treated with ASSNAC. Besides, the expressions of the predicted targets were detected by immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results showed that 33 overlapping targets are achieved, including CXCL8, ICAM1, MAP2K1, PTGS2, ACE and so on. The critical pathways of ASSNAC against COPD involved arachidonic acid metabolism, chemokine pathway, MAPK pathway, renin-angiotensin system, and others. Pharmacodynamic experiments demonstrated that ASSNAC decreased the pulmonary emphysema and inflammation in the pulmonary emphysema mice. Therefore, these results confirm the perspective of network pharmacology in the target verification, and indicate the treatment potential of ASSNAC against COPD.

Curcumin Loaded and Co-loaded Nanosystems: A Review from a Biological Activity Enhancement Perspective

BACKGROUND

Curcumin is a natural phenolic compound exhibiting multiple bioactivities that have been evaluated in vitro, in vivo as well as through clinical studies in humans. Some of them include antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and central nervous system protective effects. Further, curcumin is generally recognized as a safe substance because of its low toxicity. However, its molecular structure is susceptible to changes in pH, oxidation, photodegradation, low aqueous solubility, and biotransformation compromising its bioavailability; these drawbacks are successfully addressed through nanotechnology.

OBJECTIVE

The present review systematizes findings on the enhancement of curcumin's beneficial effects when it is loaded and co-loaded into different types of nanosystems covering liposomes, polymeric and solid-lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carrier, lipid-polymeric hybrids, self- -assembled and protein-based core-shell systems in relation to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and central nervous system protective bioactivities.

CONCLUSION

Curcumin is a versatile molecule capable of exerting antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti- inflammatory, and central nervous system protective effects in an enhanced manner using the possibilities offered by the nanotechnology-based approach. Its enhanced bioactivities are associated with increments in solubility, stability, bioavailability, as well as in improved intracellular uptake and cell internalization. These advantages, in addition to curcumin's low toxicity, indicate the potential of curcumin to be loaded and co-loaded into nanosystems capable of providing a controlled release and targeted administration.

Network pharmacology study of Curcuma longa L.: potential target proteins and their functional enrichment analysis

Objective

This study’s primary goal is unraveling the mechanism of action of bioactives of Curcuma longa L. at the molecular level using protein–protein interaction network.

Results

We used target proteins to create protein–protein interaction network (PPIN) and identified significant node and edge attributes of PPIN. We identified the cluster of proteins in the PPIN, which were used to identify enriched pathways. We identified closeness centrality and jaccard score as most important node and edge attribute of the PPIN respectively. The enriched pathways of various clusters were overlapped suggesting synergistic mechanism of action. The three pathways found to be common among three clusters were Gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor pathway, Endothelin signaling pathway, and Inflammation mediated by chemokine and cytokine signaling pathway.

Identification of G2 and S Phase-Expressed-1 as a Potential Biomarker in Patients with Prostate Cancer

Background

This study aimed to predict and explore the possible clinical value and mechanism of genetic markers in prostate cancer (PCa) using a bioinformatics analysis method.

Materials and Methods

The RNA-seq data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The hub genes were screened by building protein–protein interaction (PPI) subnetworks with four topological analysis methods. The overall survival analysis of hub genes was conducted using Kaplan–Meier curves. Furthermore, the bioinformatics results were confirmed in 102 PCa samples collected in our hospital. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed to provide information about the molecular mechanisms underlying PCa.

Results

Among 13 hub genes, the high expression of GTSE1 or KIF18B was associated with worse overall survival according to the TCGA samples. Immunoreactive scores for GTSE1 staining were significantly higher in PCa tissues than in paracancerous tissues (P<0.01). The overall survival time of patients with high GTSE1 expression was shorter than that of patients with low GTSE1 expression (P=0.015). GSEA demonstrated that high GTSE1 expression was mainly enriched in the cell cycle (P<0.001), DNA replication (P<0.001), mismatch repair (P<0.001), and p53 signaling pathway (P<0.001).

Conclusion

GTSE1 expression was significantly high in PCa and associated with poor prognosis. GTSE1 may serve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in PCa patients.

Multi-scale supervised clustering-based feature selection for tumor classification and identification of biomarkers and targets on genomic data

Background

The small number of samples and the curse of dimensionality hamper the better application of deep learning techniques for disease classification. Additionally, the performance of clustering-based feature selection algorithms is still far from being satisfactory due to their limitation in using unsupervised learning methods. To enhance interpretability and overcome this problem, we developed a novel feature selection algorithm. In the meantime, complex genomic data brought great challenges for the identification of biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The current some feature selection methods have the problem of low sensitivity and specificity in this field.

Results

In this article, we designed a multi-scale clustering-based feature selection algorithm named MCBFS which simultaneously performs feature selection and model learning for genomic data analysis. The experimental results demonstrated that MCBFS is robust and effective by comparing it with seven benchmark and six state-of-the-art supervised methods on eight data sets. The visualization results and the statistical test showed that MCBFS can capture the informative genes and improve the interpretability and visualization of tumor gene expression and single-cell sequencing data. Additionally, we developed a general framework named McbfsNW using gene expression data and protein interaction data to identify robust biomarkers and therapeutic targets for diagnosis and therapy of diseases. The framework incorporates the MCBFS algorithm, network recognition ensemble algorithm and feature selection wrapper. McbfsNW has been applied to the lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) data sets. The preliminary results demonstrated that higher prediction results can be attained by identified biomarkers on the independent LUAD data set, and we also structured a drug-target network which may be good for LUAD therapy.

Conclusions

The proposed novel feature selection method is robust and effective for gene selection, classification, and visualization. The framework McbfsNW is practical and helpful for the identification of biomarkers and targets on genomic data. It is believed that the same methods and principles are extensible and applicable to other different kinds of data sets.

Mechanism of Astragalus membranaceus in the treatment of laryngeal cancer based on gene co-expression network and molecular docking

Astragalus membranaceus (HUANG QI, HQ) is a kind of traditional Chinese medicine. Researchers have widely concerned its antitumor effect. At present, there is still a lack of research on the treatment of laryngeal cancer with HQ. In this study, we integrated data from the weighted gene co-expression network of laryngeal cancer samples and the components and targets of HQ. A new method for dividing PPI network modules is proposed. Important targets of HQ treatment for laryngeal cancer were obtained through the screening of critical modules. These nodes performed differential expression analysis and survival analysis through external data sets. GSEA enrichment analysis reveals pathways for important targets participation. Finally, molecular docking screened active ingredients in HQ that could interact with important targets. Combined with the laryngeal cancer gene co expression network and HQ PPI network, we obtained the critical module related to laryngeal cancer. Among them, MMP1, MMP3, and MMP10 were chosen as important targets. External data sets demonstrate that their expression in tumor samples is significantly higher than in normal samples. The survival time of patients with high expression group was significantly shortened, which is a negative factor for prognosis. GSEA enrichment analysis found that they are mainly involved in tumor-related pathways such as ECM receptor interaction and Small cell lung cancer. The docking results show that the components that can well bind to important targets of HQ are quercetin, rutin, and Chlorogenic acid, which may be the primary mechanism of the anti-cancer effect of HQ. These findings provide a preliminary research basis for Chinese medicine treatment of laryngeal cancer and offer ideas to related drug design.

Network Pharmacology Approach Uncovering Pathways Involved in Targeting Hsp90 Through Curcumin and Epigallocatechin to Control Inflammation

AIMS

To fetch pathways involved in targetting Hsp90 through Curcumin and Epigallocatechin through Network pharmacological approach.

BACKGROUND

Hsp90 is a molecular chaperone involved in stabilizing inflammatory protein which may lead to chronic diseases. The herbal compounds Curcumin and Epigallocatechin processing antiinflammatory properties are known to follow a common pathway and control the expression of Hsp90.

OBJECTIVE

To collect the gene targets of Hsp90, Curcumin and Epigallocatechin in order to understand protein-protein interactions of gene targets by constructing the interactome to identify the hub proteins. Hub proteins docking was performed with curcumin and epigallocatechin. Finally, hub proteins involvement with various human diseases were identified.

METHODS

The gene targets of Hsp90, Curcumin and Epigallocatechin were obtained from there respective databases. Protein-protein interactions of Pkcδ-Nrf2 and Tlr4 pathway gene targets were collected from String database. Protein interaction network was constructed and merged to get intercession network in cytoscape and Cluego was used to predict the disease related target genes. Docking of ligands to target proteins was carried out using Autodock vina tool.

RESULT

The main key regulators of Curcumin and Epigallocatechin were identified particularly from Pkcδ-Nrf2 and Tlr4 pathway.

CONCLUSION

The combined action of Curcumin and Epigallocatechin can reduce the expression of Hsp90 eventually controlling the inflammation.

Using Network Pharmacology to Explore Potential Treatment Mechanism for Coronary Heart Disease Using Chuanxiong and Jiangxiang Essential Oils in Jingzhi Guanxin Prescriptions

Background

To predict the active components and potential targets of traditional Chinese medicine and to determine the mechanism behind the curative effect of traditional Chinese medicine, a multitargeted method was used. Jingzhi Guanxin prescriptions expressed a high efficacy for coronary heart disease (CHD) patients of which essential oils from Chuanxiong and Jiangxiang were confirmed to be the most important effective substance. However, the interaction between the active components and the targets for the treatment of CHD has not been clearly explained in previous studies.

Materials and Methods

Genes associated with the disease and the treatment strategy were searched from the electronic database and analyzed by Cytoscape (version 3.2.1). Protein-protein interaction network diagram of CHD with Jiangxiang and Chuanxiong essential oils was constructed by Cytoscape. Pathway functional enrichment analysis was executed by clusterProfiler package in R platform.

Results

121 ingredients of Chuanxiong and Jiangxiang essential oils were analyzed, and 393 target genes of the compositions and 912 CHD-related genes were retrieved. 15 coexpression genes were selected, including UGT1A1, DPP4, RXRA, ADH1A, RXRG, UGT1A3, PPARA, TRPC3, CYP1A1, ABCC2, AHR, and ADRA2A. The crucial pathways of occurrence and treatment molecular mechanism of CHD were analyzed, including retinoic acid metabolic process, flavonoid metabolic process, response to xenobiotic stimulus, cellular response to xenobiotic stimulus, cellular response to steroid hormone stimulus, retinoid binding, retinoic acid binding, and monocarboxylic acid binding. Finally, we elucidate the underlying role and mechanism behind these genes in the pathogenesis and treatment of CHD.

Conclusions

Generally speaking, the nodes in subnetwork affect the pathological process of CHD, thus indicating the mechanism of Jingzhi Guanxin prescriptions containing Chuanxiong and Jiangxiang essential oils in the treatment of CHD.

Modulation of Caspase-3 activity using a redox active vitamin K3 analogue, plumbagin, as a novel strategy for radioprotection

Radiation induced damage to normal cells is a major shortcoming of conventional radiotherapy, which necessitates the development of novel radio-protective drugs. An ideal radio-modulator would protect normal cells while having cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. Plumbagin is a potent anti-tumour agent and has been shown to sensitize tumour cells to radiation-induced damage. In the present study, we have evaluated the radio-protective potential of plumbagin and found that it protected normal lymphocytes against radiation-induced apoptosis, but did not protect cancer cells against radiation. Plumbagin offered radioprotection even when it was added to cells after irradiation. The ability of only thiol based antioxidants to abrogate the radio-protective effects of plumbagin suggested a pivotal role of thiol groups in the radio-protective activity of plumbagin. Further, protein interaction network (PIN) analysis was used to predict the molecular targets of plumbagin. Based on the inputs from plumbagin's PIN and in light of its well-documented ability to modulate thiol groups, we proposed that plumbagin may act via modulation of caspase enzyme which harbours a critical catalytic cysteine. Indeed, plumbagin suppressed radiation-induced increase in homogenous caspase and caspase-3 activity in lymphocytes. Plumbagin also inhibited the activity of recombinant caspase-3 and mass spectrometric analysis revealed that plumbagin covalently interacts with caspase-3. Further, the in vivo radioprotective efficacy of plumbagin (single dose of 2mg/kg body weight) was demonstrated by its ability to rescue mice against radiation (7.5 Gy; Whole Body Irradiation) induced mortality. These results indicate that plumbagin prevents radiation induced apoptosis specifically in normal cells by inhibition of caspase-3 activity.

1H-NMR-based metabolomics to investigate the effects of Phoenix dactylifera seed extracts in LPS-IFN-γ-induced RAW 264.7 cells

Inflammation has been revealed to play a central role in the onset and progression of many illnesses. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) based metabolomics method was adopted to evaluate the effects of Phoenix dactylifera seeds, in particular the Algerian date variety of Deglet on the metabolome of the LPS-IFN-γ-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Variations in the extracellular and intracellular profiles emphasized the differences in the presence of tyrosine, phenylalanine, alanine, proline, asparagine, isocitrate, inosine and lysine. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed noticeable clustering patterns between the treated and induced RAW cells based on the metabolic profile of the extracellular metabolites. However, the effects of treatment on the intracellular metabolites appears to be less distinct as suggested by the PCA and heatmap analyses. A clear group segregation was observed for the intracellular metabolites from the treated and induced cells based on the orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) score plot. Likewise, 11 of the metabolites in the treated cells were significantly different from those in the induced groups, including amino acids and succinate. The enrichment analysis demonstrated that treatment with Deglet seed extracts interfered with the energy and of amino acids metabolism. Overall, the obtained data reinforced the possible application of Deglet seeds as a functional food with anti-inflammatory properties.

A System-Level Investigation into the Mechanisms of Apigenin Against Inflammation

Apigenin is a natural flavone that possesses excellent biological activities especially against aging and cancer. However, the underlying mode of its action is not yet revealed. The purpose of this study was to examine the pharmacological mechanisms of apigenin using the knowledge of network pharmacology, protein-protein interaction (PPI) databases and biological processes analysis through Cytoscape.

Apigenin targets were retrieved through PASS Prediction and STITCH database and the interactive associations between these targets were studied using STITCH, followed by GO (gene ontology) and pathway enrichment analysis.

As a result of target search, 125 protein targets were retrieved. Moreover, 216 GO terms related to various biological processes, 16 GO terms for various molecular processes, 5 GO terms for the cellular components, and 52 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway terms were achieved by analyzing gene functional annotation clusters and abundance values of these targets. Most of these terms are strongly associated with inflammation through various pathways, for example, FOXO, mammalian target of rapamycin, tumor necrosis factor, p53, AMP-activated protein kinase, p13K-AKT, and mitogen-activated protein kinase, which play an important role in inflammation, aging and cancer.

Apigenin can be used to treat inflammation, aging, and cancer with an underlying mechanism of inflammation suppression. This study contributed excellent information for a better understanding of the modes of action of apigenin. However, further studies such as docking and MD simulation are required to understand the therapeutic and toxicological roles of these targets of apigenin.

Impact of curcumin on toll-like receptors

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have a pivotal role in the activation of innate immune response and inflammation. TLRs can be divided into two subgroups including extracellular TLRs that recognize microbial membrane components (TLR1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 10), and intracellular TLRs that recognize microbial nucleic acids (TLR3, 7, 8, and 9). Curcumin is a dietary polyphenol from Curcuma longa L. that is reputed to have diverse biological and pharmacological effects. Extensive research has defined the molecular mechanisms through which curcumin mediates its therapeutic effects. One newly defined and important target of curcumin is the TLR, where it exerts an inhibitory effect. In the current study, we focus upon the TLR antagonistic effect of curcumin and curcumin's therapeutic effect as mediated via TLR inhibition. The available evidence indicates that curcumin inhibits the extracellular TLR 2 and 4 and intracellular TLR9 and thereby exerts a therapeutic effect in diseases such as cancer, inflammation, infection, autoimmune, and ischemic disease. Curcumin effectively modulates the TLR response and thereby exerts its potent therapeutic effects.

Inhalation treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis with curcumin large porous microparticles

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive interstitial lung disease with high mortality and poor prognosis. Curcumin shows anti-inflammatory effect by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting NF-κB mediated inflammation. Here, we developed inhalable curcumin-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic)acid (PLGA) large porous microparticles (LPMPs) for the treatment of IPF. Curcumin LPMPs were rough and loose particles with many pores on the surfaces and channels in the inner spaces. The mean geometric diameter of them was larger than 10 µm while the aerodynamic diameter was only 3.12 µm due to their porous structures. They showed a fine particle fraction (FPF) <4.46 μm of 13.41%, 71% cumulative release after 9 h, and more importantly, they avoided uptake by alveolar macrophages. Therefore, most of released curcumin had opportunities to enter lung tissues. Rat pulmonary fibrosis models were established via once intratracheal administration of bleomycin. Curcumin powders and curcumin LPMPs were administered on Days 2, 7, 14, and 21. Curcumin LPMPs remarkably attenuated lung injuries, decreased hydroxyproline contents, reduced the synthesis of collagen I, and inhibited the expressions of TNF-α, TGF-β1, NF-κB p65 and MMP9. Moreover, curcumin LPMPs showed higher antifibrotic activity than curcumin powders. Curcumin LPMPs are a promising inhalable medication for the treatment of IPF.

The efficacy of curcumin in managing acute inflammation pain on the post-surgical removal of impacted third molars patients: A randomised controlled trial

Curcumin is a turmeric-contained active ingredient that has been proven to be effective in treating pain and inflammation due to its analgesic as well as anti-inflammation potential. Odontectomy, on the other hand, has been well known for its post-procedure acute inflammation pain. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy of curcuminoid in treating acute inflammation post-operative pain in the post-surgical removal of impacted third molars patients. Ninety (44 males; 46 females) participants were recruited in this randomised controlled trial and randomly assigned to the control group (those who consumed mefenamic acid) or the experimental group (those who consumed curcumin). Numeric rating scale (NRS) was used as an evaluation tool to evaluate the intensity of the pain experienced by the participants. Pain evaluation was performed immediately after anaesthesia effect disappeared (T₀ ) and an hour after participant took their first (T₁ ), second (T₂ ) and third (T₃ ) course of drugs. All data were collected and analysed using Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test. The current study showed that participants in both groups experienced significantly (P < .01) less pain compared to their initial pain level. In addition, when the two groups were compared, it was revealed that those in the treatment group experienced even significantly (P < .01) less pain compared to those in the control group. It can be concluded that curcumin is effective in treating acute inflammation pain in the post-surgical removal of impacted third molars patients.

Inhalation treatment of primary lung cancer using liposomal curcumin dry powder inhalers

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Traditional chemotherapy causes serious toxicity due to the wide bodily distribution of these drugs. Curcumin is a potential anticancer agent but its low water solubility, poor bioavailability and rapid metabolism significantly limits clinical applications. Here we developed a liposomal curcumin dry powder inhaler (LCD) for inhalation treatment of primary lung cancer. LCDs were obtained from curcumin liposomes after freeze-drying. The LCDs had a mass mean aerodynamic diameter of 5.81 μm and a fine particle fraction of 46.71%, suitable for pulmonary delivery. The uptake of curcumin liposomes by human lung cancer A549 cells was markedly greater and faster than that of free curcumin. The high cytotoxicity on A549 cells and the low cytotoxicity of curcumin liposomes on normal human bronchial BEAS-2B epithelial cells yielded a high selection index partly due to increased cell apoptosis. Curcumin powders, LCDs and gemcitabine were directly sprayed into the lungs of rats with lung cancer through the trachea. LCDs showed higher anticancer effects than the other two medications with regard to pathology and the expression of many cancer-related markers including VEGF, malondialdehyde, TNF-α, caspase-3 and BCL-2. LCDs are a promising medication for inhalation treatment of lung cancer with high therapeutic efficiency.

Identification of key genes and pathways and therapeutic agents in cadmium-treated liver cells: A bioinformatics study

Evidence indicates that Cadmium (Cd) can accumulate in liver, which results in acute or chronic cell damage with unclear complex mechanisms. Thus, we aimed to explore the possible molecules and pathways by using bioinformatics methods Consequently, two datasets (GSE8865 and GSE31286) were retrieved and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened out. The intersection of the DEGs included seven up-regulated and forty-three down-regulated genes, which were mainly enriched in biological cell proliferation items, and were enriched in several metabolism-related pathways. Among the DEGs, several hub genes such as EGR1, FOSL1, ITGA2, EDN1, and IER3 were screened out through protein-protein interaction analysis. Interestingly, BW-B70C was predicted to be a potential agent for attenuating Cd-induced liver cell damage. The present study gave a novel insight into the mechanisms of Cd-induced liver cell damage or malignant transformation and identified several small agents that might be critical for Cd toxicity prevention and treatment.

In Silico Prediction of the Anti-Depression Mechanism of a Herbal Formula (Tiansi Liquid) Containing Morinda officinalis and Cuscuta chinensis

Purpose: Depression is a sickening psychiatric condition that is prevalent worldwide. To manage depression, the underlying modes of antidepressant effect of herbals are important to be explored for the development of natural drugs. Tiansi Liquid is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that is prescribed for the management of depression, however its underlying mechanism of action is still uncertain. The purpose of this study was to systematically investigate the pharmacological mode of action of a herbal formula used in TCM for the treatment of depression. Methods: Based on literature search, an ingredients-targets database was developed for Tiansi Liquid, followed by the identification of targets related to depression. The interaction between these targets was evaluated on the basis of protein-protein interaction network constructed by STITCH and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis using ClueGO plugin. Results: As a result of literature search, 57 components in Tiansi Liquid formula and 106 potential targets of these ingredients were retrieved. A careful screening of these targets led to the identification of 42 potential targets associated with depression. Ultimately, 327 GO terms were found by analysis of gene functional annotation clusters and abundance value of these targets. Most of these terms were found to be closely related to depression. A significant number of protein targets such as IL10, MAPK1, PTGS2, AKT1, APOE, PPARA, MAPK1, MIF, NOS3 and TNF-α were found to be involved in the functioning of Tiansi Liquid against depression. Conclusions: The findings elaborate that Tiansi Liquid can be utilized to manage depression, however, multiple molecular mechanisms of action could be proposed for this effect. The observed core mechanisms could be the sensory perception of pain, regulation of lipid transport and lipopolysaccharide-mediated signaling pathway.

Modulatory Mechanism of Polyphenols and Nrf2 Signaling Pathway in LPS Challenged Pregnancy Disorders

Early embryonic loss and adverse birth outcomes are the major reproductive disorders that affect both human and animals. The LPS induces inflammation by interacting with robust cellular mechanism which was considered as a plethora of numerous reproductive disorders such as fetal resorption, preterm birth, teratogenicity, intrauterine growth restriction, abortion, neural tube defects, fetal demise, and skeletal development retardation. LPS-triggered overproduction of free radicals leads to oxidative stress which mediates inflammation via stimulation of NF-κB and PPARγ transcription factors. Flavonoids, which exist in copious amounts in nature, possess a wide array of functions; their supplementation during pregnancy activates Nrf2 signaling pathway which encounters pregnancy disorders. It was further presumed that the development of strong antioxidant uterine environment during gestation can alleviate diseases which appear at adult stages. The purpose of this review is to focus on modulatory properties of flavonoids on oxidative stress-mediated pregnancy insult and abnormal outcomes and role of Nrf2 activation in pregnancy disorders. These findings would be helpful for providing new insights in ameliorating oxidative stress-induced pregnancy disorders.

Curcumin inhibits placental inflammation to ameliorate LPS-induced adverse pregnancy outcomes in mice via upregulation of phosphorylated Akt

INTRODUCTION

Excessive inflammation results in adverse pregnancy outcomes, including embryonic resorption, fetal growth restriction, and preeclampsia. This study investigated whether curcumin, a highly safe anti-inflammation drug, had protective effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated pregnant mice.

METHOD

A mouse model of LPS-induced adverse pregnancy outcomes was generated by daily administering LPS from GD 13.5 to GD 16.5. Curcumin was given from GD 0.5. The effects of curcumin on maternal hypertension, proteinuria, pregnancy outcomes, as well as proinflammatory factors, chemokines, Akt, JNK, and P38 levels in placenta were examined.

RESULTS

Systolic blood pressure (156.6 ± 5.056 versus 125.5 ± 3.617 mmHg; P < 0.05) and proteinuria (22.36 ± 2.22 versus 12.70 ± 1.04 mg/L; P < 0.05) were decreased in the LPS+curcumin-treated group, as compared with the LPS-treated group. Curcumin also increased the number of live pups, fetal weight, and placental weight, while it decreased fetal resorption rate. Moreover, increased placental TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 expressions in LPS-treated group were significantly suppressed after curcumin administration. Furthermore, decreased p-Akt level in placenta induced by LPS was improved by curcumin. Of note, the expression of p-Akt increased by curcumin was accompanied by the decreased chemokines MCP-1 and MIP-1 levels and fewer CD68-positive macrophages in the placenta.

CONCLUSION

Curcumin inhibited the expression of proinflammatory factors and macrophage infiltration in placenta and ameliorated LPS-induced adverse pregnancy outcomes in mice by inhibiting inflammation via upregulation of phosphorylated Akt.

The potential role of some phytochemicals in recognition of mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns

Mitochondria are the source of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). DAMPs modulate responses to stress and trauma in animals, influencing the onset of many diseases. Dietary phytochemicals, which target various cellular molecules, are potential modulators of immunological status. In this review the existence of the possible impact of some plant-derived compounds with proven anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties (isothiocyanates and curcumin) on DAMPs recognition is highlighted. Special consideration is given to the mtDNA recognizing Toll-like receptor 9 and formyl peptide receptors. In the context of the phytochemicals action, the role of these receptors in epithelial homeostasis is also discussed.