Inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase expression by a novel compound, mercaptopyrazine, through suppression of nuclear factor-kappaB binding to DNA

2,2'-Dithiobispyrazine: about the disulfide bond

X-ray diffraction studies reveal that pyrazine-2-thiol undergoes condensation to 2,2'-dithiobispyrazine [systematic name: 2-(pyrazin-2-yldisulfanyl)pyrazine], C8H6N4S2 (I), under aerial conditions. In the molecule of I, the pyrazine rings are arranged in an almost perpendicular manner, with an absolute value of the C-S-S-C torsion angle of -91.45 (6)°. A search in the Cambridge Structural Database confirmed that such a conformation is typical for disulfide compounds. Three different rotamers of disulfide I were studied using quantum theoretical studies. The rotamer of lowest energy was observed in the crystalline state in the structure stabilized by hydrogen-bond, chalcogen-bond and stacking interactions. Further quantum chemical computations confirm that 2,2'-dithiobispyrazine can react according to the SN2 mechanism.

Phenylpyrrolidine structural mimics of pirfenidone lacking antifibrotic activity: A new tool for mechanism of action studies

Pirfenidone recently received FDA approval as one of the first two drugs designed to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. While the clinical data continues to support the efficacy of pirfenidone, the specific molecular mechanism of action of this drug has not been fully defined. From a chemical perspective the comparatively simple and lipophilic structure of pirfenidone combined with its administration at high doses, both experimentally and clinically, complicates some of the basic tenants of drug action and drug design. Our objective here was to identify a commercially available structural mimic of pirfenidone which retains key aspects of its physical chemical properties but does not display any of its antifibrotic effects. We tested these molecules using lung fibroblasts derived from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and found phenylpyrrolidine based analogs of pirfenidone that were non-toxic and lacked antifibrotic activity even when applied at millimolar concentrations. Based on our findings, these molecules represent pharmacological tools for future studies delineating pirfenidone's mechanism of action.

High oxidative stress adversely affects NFκB mediated induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase in human neutrophils: Implications in chronic myeloid leukemia

Increasing evidence support bimodal action of nitric oxide (NO) both as a promoter and as an impeder of oxygen free radicals in neutrophils (PMNs), however impact of high oxidative stress on NO generation is less explored. In the present study, we comprehensively investigated the effect of high oxidative stress on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and NO generation in human PMNs. Our findings suggest that PMA or diamide induced oxidative stress in PMNs from healthy volunteers, and high endogenous ROS in PMNs of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients attenuate basal as well as LPS/cytokines induced NO generation and iNOS expression in human PMNs. Mechanistically, we found that under high oxidative stress condition, S-glutathionylation of NFκB (p50 and p65 subunits) severely limits iNOS expression due to its reduced binding to iNOS promoter, which was reversed in presence of DTT. Furthermore, by using pharmacological inhibitors, scavengers and molecular approaches, we identified that enhanced ROS generation via NOX2 and mitochondria, reduced Grx1/2 expression and GSH level associated with NFκB S-glutathionylation in PMNs from CML patients. Altogether data obtained suggest that oxidative status act as an important regulator of NO generation/iNOS expression, and under enhanced oxidative stress condition, NOX2-mtROS-NFκB S-glutathionylation is a feed forward loop, which attenuate NO generation and iNOS expression in human PMNs.

Suppression of NF-κB signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages is responsible for the amelioration of experimental murine colitis by the natural compound fraxinellone

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects millions of people worldwide. Although the etiology of this disease is uncertain, accumulating evidence indicates a key role for the activated mucosal immune system. In the present study, we examined the effects of the natural compound fraxinellone on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice, an animal model that mimics IBD. Treatment with fraxinellone significantly reduced weight loss and diarrhea in mice and alleviated the macroscopic and microscopic signs of the disease. In addition, the activities of myeloperoxidase and alkaline phosphatase were markedly suppressed, while the levels of glutathione were increased in colitis tissues following fraxinellone treatment. This compound also decreased the colonic levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-18 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in a concentration-dependent manner. These effects of fraxinellone in mice with experimental colitis were attributed to its inhibition of CD11b(+) macrophage infiltration. The mRNA levels of macrophage-related molecules in the colon, including intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), were also markedly inhibited following fraxinellone treatment. The results from in vitro assays showed that fraxinellone significantly reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of nitric oxide (NO), IL-1β and IL-18 as well as the activity of iNOS in both THP-1 cells and mouse primary peritoneal macrophages. The mechanisms responsible for these effects were attributed to the inhibitory role of fraxinellone in NF-κB signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Overall, our results support fraxinellone as a novel drug candidate in the treatment of colonic inflammation.

Activation of RAW264.7 mouse macrophage cells in vitro through treatment with recombinant ricin toxin-binding subunit B: involvement of protein tyrosine, NF-κB and JAK-STAT kinase signaling pathways

Ricin toxin-binding subunit B (RTB) is a galactose-binding lectin protein. In the present study, we investigated the effects of RTB on inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS), interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, as well as the signal transduction mechanisms involved in recombinant RTB-induced macrophage activation. RAW264.7 macrophages were treated with RTB. The results revealed that the mRNA and protein expression of iNOS was increased in the recombinant RTB-treated macrophages. TNF-α production was observed to peak at 20 h, whereas the production of IL-6 peaked at 24 h. In another set of cultures, the cells were co-incubated with RTB and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, LY294002, the p42/44 inhibitor, PD98059, the p38 inhibitor, SB203580, the JNK inhibitor, SP600125, the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, staurosporine, the JAK2 inhibitor, tyrphostin (AG490), or the NOS inhibitor, L-NMMA. The recombinant RTB-induced production of NO, TNF-α and IL-6 was inhibited in the macrophages treated with the pharmacological inhibitors genistein, LY294002, staurosporine, AG490, SB203580 and BAY 11-7082, indicating the possible involvement of protein tyrosine kinases, PI3K, PKC, JAK2, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB in the above processes. A phosphoprotein analysis identified tyrosine phosphorylation targets that were uniquely induced by recombinant RTB and inhibited following treatment with genistein; some of these proteins are associated with the downstream cascades of activated JAK-STAT and NF-κB receptors. Our data may help to identify the most important target molecules for the development of novel drug therapies.

Direct Rel/NF-κB inhibitors: structural basis for mechanism of action

The Rel/NF-κB transcription factors have emerged as novel therapeutic targets for a variety of human diseases and pathological conditions, including inflammation, autoimmune diseases, cancer, ischemic injury, osteoporosis, transplant rejection and neurodegeneration. Several US FDA-approved drugs may, in part, attribute their therapeutic effects to the inhibition of the Rel/NF-κB pathway. Strategies for blocking the Rel/NF-κB signaling pathway have inspired the pharmaceutical industry to develop inhibitors for I-κB kinase, however, this article focuses instead on identifying natural compounds that directly target and inhibit DNA binding and transcription activity of Rel/NF-κB. These include compounds containing a quinone core, an α,β unsaturated carbonyl and a benzene diamine. By investigating the mechanisms of action of existing natural inhibitors, novel strategies and synthetic approaches can be devised that will facilitate the development of novel and selective Rel/NF-κB inhibitors with better safety profiles.

Propofol suppresses tumor necrosis factor-alpha biosynthesis in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages possibly through downregulation of nuclear factor-kappa B-mediated toll-like receptor 4 gene expression

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a gram-negative bacterial outer membrane component, can activate macrophages via a toll-like receptor 4-dependent pathway. Our previous study has shown that propofol, an intravenous anesthetic reagent, has anti-inflammatory effects. This study was further aimed to evaluate the roles of toll-like receptor 4 in propofol-caused suppression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) biosynthesis in LPS-stimulated macrophages and its possible molecular mechanisms. Exposure of macrophages to propofol and LPS did not affect cell viability. Meanwhile, the LPS-caused augmentations in the productions of TNF-alpha protein and mRNA were significantly decreased following incubation with a therapeutic concentration of propofol (50 microM). Analysis of toll-like receptor 4 small interference (si)RNA revealed that this membrane receptor might participate in the propofol-caused suppression of TNF-alpha biosynthesis. Treatment of macrophages with LPS-induced toll-like receptor 4 protein and mRNA productions. Propofol at a clinically relevant concentration could inhibit such induction. In parallel, the LPS-induced translocation and transactivation of transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B (NFkappaB) were significantly alleviated following propofol incubation. There are several NFkappaB DNA-binding motifs found in the promoter region of toll-like receptor 4. Therefore, this study shows that propofol at a therapeutic concentration can downregulate TNF-alpha biosynthesis possibly via inhibition of NFkappaB-mediated toll-like receptor 4 gene expression.

Anti-atherosclerotic and anti-inflammatory activities of catecholic xanthones and flavonoids isolated from Cudrania tricuspidata

The catecholic xanthones and flavonoids 1-13 were isolated from the root bark of Cudrania tricuspidata. Compounds 1 and 3-8 exhibited significant antioxidant activity against low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation in the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) assay. Among them, prenylated flavonoids 10-12 showed an inhibitory effect on the NO production and iNOS expression in RAW264.7 cells. Also, compounds 1, 2, 5, 7, 9, and 11 preferentially inhibited hACAT-2 than hACAT-1, whereas compounds 3, 4, 6, and 8 showed a similar specificity against hACAT-1 and -2. However, flavonoids 10, 12, and 13 dominantly inhibited hACAT-2, not hACAT-1.

7,7'-Dihydroxy bursehernin inhibits the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase through NF-kappaB DNA binding suppression

This study isolated a lignan, 7,7'-dihydroxy bursehernin, from Geranium thunbergii and investigated whether or not the lignan affects the induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in RAW264.7 macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The gel shift analysis and luciferase reporter gene assays using the iNOS promoter and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) minimal promoter showed that a treatment with 7,7'-dihydroxy bursehernin reduced the reporter activities and binding of NF-kappaB to the NF-kappaB consensus sequence, while it had no effect on the nuclear translocation of p65 and the phosphorylation/degradation of I-kappaBalpha. It was reported that a few natural compounds directly suppressed the binding activity of the NF-kappaB components to DNA. The NF-kappaB binding activity was not reversed by the in vitro exposure of the nuclear extracts to 7,7'-dihydroxy bursehernin, which suggest that a metabolite(s) of 7,7'-dihydroxy bursehernin might target the binding of the NF-kappaB complex to the DNA binding domain region in the promoter region of the iNOS gene. After incubation of RAW264.7 cells with 7,7-dihydroxy bursehernin for 18h, the levels of parent compound were negligible; while a main metabolite, 4-[4-(n-hydroxy-phenyl)-2,3-dimethyl-buta-1,3-dienyl]-benzene-1,2-diol was detected in cell lysates and culture medium.

The phase 2 enzyme inducers ethacrynic acid, DL-sulforaphane, and oltipraz inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced high-mobility group box 1 secretion by RAW 264.7 cells

The diuretic ethacrynic acid (EA) has been shown to inhibit signaling by the proinflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). Accordingly, we sought to determine whether this compound is capable of inhibiting the release of cytokines [interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10] and NO from RAW 264.7 murine macrophage-like cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Additionally, we sought to determine whether EA can inhibit secretion of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a nuclear protein that is secreted by immunostimulated macrophages and functions in the extracellular milieu as a proinflammatory mediator. In a concentration-dependent manner, EA inhibited secretion of IL-6, IL-10, nitric oxide, and HMGB1. As expected, EA inhibited NF-kappaB DNA binding in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Treating these cells with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, SN50 (amino acid sequence AAVALLPAVLLALLAPVQRKRQKLMP) or 5-(thien-3-yl)-3-aminothiophene-2-carboxamide (SC-514) also inhibited LPS-induced NF-kappaB DNA binding, but these compounds failed to inhibit LPS-induced HMGB1 secretion. These findings suggested that inhibition of HMGB1 secretion by EA might occur via a mechanism unrelated to the NF-kappaB signaling pathway. Because EA is an electrophilic compound that is known to be capable of inducing expression of so-called phase 2 proteins, we sought to determine whether two other phase 2 enzyme inducers, oltipraz and DL-sulforaphane, also are capable of inhibiting HMGB1 release from immunostimulated macrophages. Incubating RAW 264.7 cells with either oltipraz or DL-sulforaphane inhibited LPS-induced HMGB1 secretion. Moreover, both EA and DL-sulforaphane inhibited relocalization of nuclear HMGB1 into the cytoplasm of LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. These data suggest that phase 2 inducers may exert anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting secretion of the cytokine-like nuclear protein HMGB1.

Nitric oxide involves in carnosine-induced hyperactivity in chicks

Carnosine has been characterized as a putative neurotransmitter and implicated as having a possible role in neuron-glia cell interactions. We previously confirmed that central administration of carnosine induced hyperactivity in chicks. In the present study, we investigated the effects of nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) inhibitors on carnosine-induced hyperactivity in chicks. Carnosine-induced (3.2 micromol) hyperactivity was attenuated by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) co-administration with a non-selective NOS inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester HCl (200 and 400 nmol) in a dose-dependent manner, while the hyperactivity was not attenuated by the inactive isomer of the NOS inhibitor N(G)-nitro-D-arginine methyl ester HCl (400 nmol). The i.c.v. injection of a selective inhibitor of inducible NOS (iNOS) L-N(6)-(1-iminoethyl) lysine HCl (400 nmol) did not affect carnosine-induced hyperactivity. These results suggest that carnosine-induced hyperactivity may be linked to the constitutive NOS (cNOS), rather than iNOS, in the brain. Central carnosine may regulate brain function and/or behaviors by NO generation via cNOS in chicks.

Extracellular human thioredoxin-1 inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced interleukin-1beta expression in human monocyte-derived macrophages

Oxidative stress plays an important role in atherosclerotic vascular disease, and several recent studies were focused on thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1) and its potential protective role against oxidative stress. Since human monocyte-derived macrophages (HMDM) are important cells in several inflammatory diseases including atherosclerosis, we conducted this study to evaluate the impact of extracellular recombinant human Trx-1 (rhTrx-1) on gene expression in lipopolysaccharide-activated HMDM. Our results showed that rhTrx-1 was capable of reducing interleukin (IL)-1beta mRNA and protein synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was partly mediated through a reduction of NF-kappaB activation as analyzed by transient transfection and gel shift assays. In addition, we showed that the attenuation of NF-kappaB activity was the result of the reduction of both p50 and p65 subunit mRNA and protein synthesis on one hand and of the induction of I-kappaBalpha mRNA and protein expression on the other hand. Moreover, inhibition of endogenous Trx-1 mRNA was also observed, suggesting a contribution to the diminution of NF-kappaB activity since endogenous Trx-1, in contrast to the exogenous Trx-1, activates the NF-kappaB system. Finally, H2O2-oxidized rhTrx-1 reduced IL-1beta mRNA synthesis in lipopolysaccharide-activated HMDM. This result highly suggested that the rhTrx-1 used in this study could be oxidized in the culture medium and, in turn, reduced IL-1beta mRNA and protein synthesis. Taken together, these data indicated a potential new mechanism through which extracellular rhTrx-1 exerts an anti-inflammatory function in HMDM.

Methylthioninium chloride: pharmacology and clinical applications with special emphasis on nitric oxide mediated vasodilatory shock during cardiopulmonary bypass

Vasodilatory shock after cardiopulmonary bypass is a common complication requiring treatment with high doses of inotropes and prolonged stays in the intensive care unit. The vasodilatory shock is initiated by an inflammatory response to the extracorporeal circuit. The inflammatory response results in endothelial synthesis and release of nitric oxide resembling the clinical features observed in vasodilatory shock caused by septicaemia. During vasodilatory shock, the inhibition of nitric oxide synthase and the nitric oxide/cyclic guanylyl monophosphate pathway is an attractive adjunct to therapy with traditional inotropes. Methylthioninium chloride inhibits nitric oxide/cyclic guanylyl monophosphate mediated vasodilation and can successfully be used as a supplement in the treatment of vasodilatory shock associated with cardiopulmonary bypass. The application of methylthioninium chloride in septicaemia has not produced comparable positive clinical results.