Inhibitory effects of sasanquasaponin on over-expression of ICAM-1 and on enhancement of capillary permeability induced by burns in rats

Sasanquasaponin from Camellia oleifera Abel Exerts an Anti-Inflammatory Effect in RAW 264.7 Cells via Inhibition of the NF-κB/MAPK Signaling Pathways

Sasanquasaponin (SQS), a secondary metabolite that is derived from Camellia seeds, reportedly possesses notable biological properties. However, the anti-inflammatory effects of SQS and its underlying mechanisms remain poorly explored. Herein, we aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of SQS against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in RAW264.7 cells, focusing on the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and MAPK signaling pathways. SQS was isolated using a deep eutectic solvent and D101 macroporous adsorption resin and analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The viability of LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 was assessed using the CCK-8 assay. The presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was evaluated using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein-diacetate. The expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were detected using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and ELISA. Western blot was performed to analyze the protein expression of LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Herein, SQS exhibited anti-inflammatory activity: 30 μg/mL of SQS significantly reduced ROS generation, inhibited the LPS-induced expression of iNOS and COX-2, and attenuated the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. The anti-inflammatory activity was potentially mediated by inhibiting the phosphorylation of IκBα and p65 in the NF-κB signaling pathway and the phosphorylation of ERK and JNK in the MAPK signaling pathway. Accordingly, SQS could inhibit inflammation in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells by suppressing the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. This study demonstrated the potential application of SQS as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Effects of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Combined with Vivaphototherapy on Blood Perfusion, Inflammatory Response, and Prognosis in Burn Patients

Objective

To investigate the effect of extracorporeal shock wave treatment (ESWT) combined with water-filtered infrared-A (wIRA) therapy on pain, blood perfusion, and inflammatory response in burn patients.

Methods

A total of 120 burn patients treated in our hospital from May 2019 to June 2021 were selected and randomly divided into observation group (n = 60) and control group (n = 60). The control group was treated with wIRA, and the observation group was treated with ESWT combined with wIRA. The hospitalization conditions of the two groups were observed; the visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the pain on the 1st, 7th, and 14th days of treatment in the two groups; the blood perfusion was compared between the two groups; the levels of cerebral neuropeptide (NPY), 5-serotonin (5-HT), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), serum intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble-triggering receptor expressed myeloidcells-1 (sTREM-1), and soluble hemoglobin scavenger receptor (sCD163) were measured. Modified Vancouver Scar Scale (mVSS) was used to evaluate the wound scar at 3 and 6 months after the end of treatment.

Results

The wound healing rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group, and the wound healing time and hospitalization time were significantly shorter than that in the control group (P < 0.05). On the 7th and 14th days of treatment, the VAS scores of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). On 1st, 7th, and 14th days of treatment, the blood perfusion volume in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The scar scores in the observation group at 3 months and 6 months after treatment were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the levels of NPY, 5-HT, PGE2, CRP, IL-10, TNF-α, sICAM-1, sTREM-1, and sCD163 in the observation group were improved more than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

ESWT combined with wIRA therapy can effectively improve the hospitalization situation of burn patients, relieve pain, improve blood perfusion, reduce scar hyperplasia, reduce inflammation, and have a good therapeutic effect.

Effect of PA-MSAH preprocessing on the expression of TLR-4-NF-κB pathway and inflammatory factors in the intestinal tract of rats with septic shock

Effects of Pseudomona blank s aeruginosa-mannose sensitive hemagglutini (PA-MSHA) preprocessing on toll like receptor (TLR)-4-NF-κB pathway and inflammatory factors expression in the intestinal tract of rats with septic shock were investigated. A total of 30 rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=10): Blank control, septic shock, and PA-septic shock group. After the model was successfully established, the average arterial pressure in rats was monitored. The concentration of cytokine interleukin-l (IL-1), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined by ELISA method. Flow cytometry was performed to detect TLR-4 expression. Number of in vitro chemotaxised neutrophils was detected by Transwell chamber. The expression of TLR-4, NF-κB and ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 was detected by western blot analysis. The concentration of cytokine IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α in the peritoneal lavage fluid and the intestinal tissue significantly increased in the septic shock group and the PA-septic shock group (P<0.05), and the concentration in the PA-septic shock group was significantly lower than that of the septic shock group (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the expression of TLR-4, NF-κB and ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 increased in the septic shock and PA-septic shock group (P<0.05), and the expression level of PA-septic shock group was lower than the septic shock group (P<0.05). The expression of TLR-4 in the PA-septic shock group was lower than the septic shock group (P<0.05). PA-MSHA pretreatment reduced inflammation, thus preventing the intestinal injury caused by septic shock.

Saponins from seeds of Genus Camellia: Phytochemistry and bioactivity

Camellia seeds have been traditionally used as oil raw materials in Asia, and are known for a wide spectrum of applications. Oleanane-type triterpene saponins are the major specialised metabolites in Camellia seeds, and more than seventy saponins have been isolated and characterized. These natural compounds have caught much attention due to their various biological and pharmacological activities, including modulation of gastrointestinal system, anti-cancer, anti-inflammation, anti-microorganism, antioxidation, neuroprotection, hypolipidemic effects, foaming and detergence, as well as helping the accumulation of pollutants by plants. These compounds have a promising application in medicine, agriculture, industry and environmental protection. The present paper summarized the information from current publications on Camellia seed saponins, with a focus on the advances made in chemical structures, determination methods, bioactivities and toxicity. We hope this article will stimulate further investigations on these compounds.

Sasanquasaponin-induced cardioprotection involves inhibition of mPTP opening via attenuating intracellular chloride accumulation

Sasanquasaponin (SQS) has been reported to elicit cardioprotection by suppressing hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced elevation of intracellular chloride ion concentration ([Cl^-]_i). Given that the increased [Cl^-]_i is involved to modulate the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), we herein sought to further investigate the role of mPTP in the cardioprotective effect of SQS on H/R injury. H9c2 cells were incubated for 24h with or without 10μM SQS followed by H/R. The involvement of mPTP was determined with a specific mPTP agonist atractyloside (ATR). The results showed that SQS attenuated H/R-induced the elevation of [Cl^-]_i, accompanied by reduction of lactate dehydrogenase release and increase of cell viability. Moreover, SQS suppressed mPTP opening, and protected mitochondria, as indicated by preserved mitochondrial membrane potential and respiratory chain complex activities, decreased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation, and increased ATP content. Interestingly, extracellular Cl^--free condition created by replacing Cl^- with equimolar gluconate resulted in a decrease in [Cl^-]_i and induced protective effects similar to SQS preconditioning, whereas pharmacologically opening of the mPTP with ATR abolished all the protective effects induced by SQS or Cl^--free, including suppression of mPTP opening, maintenance of mitochondrial membrane potential, and subsequent improvement of mitochondrial function. The above results allow us to conclude that SQS-induced cardioprotection may be mediated by preserving the mitochondrial function through preventing mPTP opening via inhibition of H/R-induced elevation of [Cl^-]_i.

Infected animal models for tissue engineering

Infection is one of the most common complications associated with medical interventions and implants. As tissue engineering strategies to replace missing or damaged tissue advance, the focus on prevention and treatment of concomitant infection has also begun to emerge as an important area of research. Because the in vivo environment is a complex interaction between host tissue, implanted materials, and native immune system that cannot be replicated in vitro, animal models of infection are integral in evaluating the safety and efficacy of experimental treatments for infection. In this review, considerations for selecting an animal model, established models of infection, and areas that require further model development are discussed with regard to cutaneous, fascial, and orthopedic infections.

A new saponin from tea seed pomace (Camellia oleifera Abel) and its protective effect on PC12 cells

A new triterpenoid saponin, oleiferasaponin A₁, was isolated from tea seed pomace (Camellia oleifera Abel). The structure of oleiferasaponin A₁ was elucidated on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence and was found to be 22-O-cis-2-hexenoyl-A₁-barrigenol 3-O-[β-D-galactopyranosyl(1→2)] [β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl(1→3)]-β-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid. PC12 cells injured with H₂O₂ were used as the model to test the protective effects of oleiferasaponin A₁. The results indicated that oleiferasaponin A₁ can potentially prevent the H₂O₂-induced cell death of PC12 cells.

Foam properties and detergent abilities of the saponins from Camellia oleifera

The defatted seed meal of Camellia oleifera has been used as a natural detergent and its extract is commercially utilized as a foam-stabilizing and emulsifying agent. The goal of this study was to investigate the foam properties and detergent ability of the saponins from the defatted seed meal of C. oleifera. The crude saponin content in the defatted seed meal of C. oleifera was 8.34 and the total saponins content in the crude saponins extract was 39.5% (w/w). The foaming power of the 0.5 crude saponins extract solution from defatted seed meal of C. oleifera was 37.1 of 0.5 SLS solution and 51.3% to that of 0.5% Tween 80 solution. The R5 value of 86.0% represents good foam stability of the crude saponins extracted from the defatted seed meal of the plant. With the reduction of water surface tension from 72 mN/m to 50.0 mN/m, the 0.5% crude saponins extract solution has wetting ability. The sebum-removal experiment indicated that the crude saponins extract has moderate detergency. The detergent abilities of the saponins from C. oleifera and Sapindus mukorossi were also compared.

Adult exposure to sasanguasaponin induces spermatogenic cell apoptosis in vivo through increased oxidative stress in male mice

Effects of sasanguasaponin (SGS), a compound from defatted seeds of Camellia oleifera, on abnormal spermatogenesis were studied in adult male mice using daily intragastric administration of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight (BW) for 6 weeks. The sperm counts decreased and the number of abnormal spermatozoa increased in mice treated with SGS at 400 mg/kg dose level. Testicular weight and seminiferous tubular area gradually decreased as dosage increased to 400 mg/kg SGS. Germ cells were rarefied and showed irregular distribution in seminiferous tubules (STs). Apoptosis was pronounced among spermatocytes and spermatids at the 400 mg/kg dose level. Antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and total antioxide capacity (T-AOC) markedly decreased and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration increased in the testes. These results suggest that adult exposure to SGS (400 mg/kg) induces spermatogenic apoptosis through increased oxidative stress in male mice.

Quantitative thin layer chromatographic analysis of the saponins in tea seed meal

INTRODUCTION

The defatted seed meal of Camellia oleifera Abel., which contains saponins, is used extensively in aquaculture to eliminate unwanted fish and harmful insects during the cultivation of prawns, and as a molluscicide to control Pomacea canaliculata Lamarck. For the quality control of such tea seed meal products, a method for the determination of saponin content is required.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a simple, sensitive and specific method for the quantitative determination of saponins in tea seed meal using high-performance thin layer chromatography and densitometry.

METHODOLOGY

Powdered tea seed meal samples were extracted with methanol, filtered, evaporated to dryness and the residue taken up in methanol. Samples, together with methanolic solutions of saponin standard, were analysed by HPTLC on silica gel layers eluted with ethyl acetate:methanol:water (6:3:1.5, v/v/v) and detected at 214 nm. The amounts of saponins were determined from the respective calibration curves obtained by plotting the concentrations of saponin standard against peak area.

RESULTS

Tea saponin peaks were detected at about R(f )0.40. Good linearity was observed in the range of 0.9-22.2 microg/spot with a correlation coefficient of 0.9978. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.87 and 2.90 microg/spot, respectively. The content of tea saponins in 10 tested samples was found to be between 13.1 and 21.1% w/w.

CONCLUSION

The assay proved to be a specific, sensitive and inexpensive method for the quality control of saponins in tea seed meal.

Attenuation of leukocytes sequestration by carbon monoxide-releasing molecules: liberated carbon monoxide in the liver of thermally injured mice

We sought to determine whether the CO-releasing molecules, ie, liberated CO, attenuates the leukocytes sequestration in the liver of thermally injured mice. Sixty-five mice were assigned to five groups in three respective experiments. In each experiment, mice in sham group (n = 7) and sham + CORM-2 group (n = 7) were underwent sham thermal injury, whereas mice in burn group (n = 7) received 15% TBSA full-thickness thermal injury, mice in burn + CORM-2 group (n = 7) underwent the same thermal injury with the immediate administration of CORM-2 (8 mg/kg intravenously), and mice in burn + DMSO group (n = 7) underwent the same thermal injury with an immediate 160 microl-bolus injection of 0.5% dimethyl sulfoxide/saline. Polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMN) accumulation (assessed by the myeloperoxidase assay) was assessed in mice liver. Activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) and the expression levels of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in liver were assessed. In an in vitro experiment, sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs) isolated from the liver of normal mice were stimulated by experimental mice serum (50% v/v) for 4 hours. Subsequently, the adhesion of PMNs to SECs was assessed. In addition, the number and states (rolling or stationary) of leukocytes in liver were observed by intravital microscopy. Treatment of thermally injured mice with CORM-2 attenuated PMN accumulation and prevented activation of NF-kappaB in the liver, which was accompanied by a decrease of the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. In parallel, PMNs adhesion to SECs stimulated by CORM-2-treated thermally injured mice serum was markedly decreased. Intravital microscopy showed that the stationary leukocytes in thermally injured mice liver were significantly reduced by treatment of CORM-2. CORM-released CO attenuates leukocytes sequestration in the liver of burn mice by interfering with NF-kappaB activation, protein expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, and therefore suppressing endothelial cells proadhesive phenotype.

A recombinant anti-ICAM-1 Fab fragment is as effective as the complete IgG antibody in treatment of burns in rabbits

The purpose of this study was to examine the efficiency of an Anti-ICAM-1-Fab fragment in the treatment of burns. Blocking ICAM-1 using murine IgG with the purpose to prevent further damage to the zone of stasis has proven its effectiveness in animal models as well as in humans. The use of murine Antibodies has some disadvantages including allergic reactions and complement activation. For the first time we examined an industry produced Fab-fragment blocking ICAM-1 and compared it to the corresponding IgG antibody. We showed in a standardised rabbit burn model that an Fab-fragment is capable of blocking ICAM-1 and therefore improving the reaction of the skin to trauma in the zone of stasis.