Betulinic acid attenuates lung injury by modulation of inflammatory cytokine response in experimentally-induced polymicrobial sepsis in mice

Mechanisms of Sepsis-Induced Acute Lung Injury and Advancements of Natural Small Molecules in Its Treatment

Sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI), characterized by widespread lung dysfunction, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality due to the lack of effective pharmacological treatments available clinically. Small-molecule compounds derived from natural products represent an innovative source and have demonstrated therapeutic potential against sepsis-induced ALI. These natural small molecules may provide a promising alternative treatment option for sepsis-induced ALI. This review aims to summarize the pathogenesis of sepsis and potential therapeutic targets. It assembles critical updates (from 2014 to 2024) on natural small molecules with therapeutic potential against sepsis-induced ALI, detailing their sources, structures, effects, and mechanisms of action.

Betulinic acid: A natural promising anticancer drug, current situation, and future perspectives

Natural products serve as the single most productive source for the discovery of drugs and pharmaceutical leads. Among the various chemicals derived from microbes, plants, and animals, phytochemicals have emerged as potential candidates for the development of anticancer drugs due to their structural diversities, complexities, and pleiotropic effects. Herein, we discuss betulinic acid (BA), a ubiquitously distributed lupane structured pentacyclic triterpenoid, scrutinized as a promising natural agent for the prevention, suppression, and management of various human malignancies. Ease of availability, common occurrences, cell-specific cytotoxicity, and astonishing selectivity are the important factors that contribute to the development of BA as an anticancer agent. The current review delineates the mechanistic framework of BA-mediated cancer suppression through the modulation of multiple signaling pathways and also summarizes the key outcomes of BA in preclinical investigations.

Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Betulinic Acid: A Review

Inflammatory diseases have a high prevalence and has become of great interest due to the increase in life expectancy and the costs to the health care system worldwide. Chronic diseases require long-term treatment frequently using corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are associated with diverse side effects and risk of toxicity. Betulinic acid, a lupane-type pentacyclic triterpene, is a potential lead compound for the development of new anti-inflammatory treatments, and a large number of derivatives have been produced and tested. The potential of betulinic acid and its derivatives has been shown in a number of pre-clinical studies using different experimental models. Moreover, several molecular mechanisms of action have also been described. Here we reviewed the potential use of betulinic acid as a promissory lead compound with anti-inflammatory activity and the perspectives for its use in the treatment of inflammatory conditions.

2,4,6-Trihydroxy-3-geranyl acetophenone suppresses vascular leakage and leukocyte infiltration in lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxemic mice

CONTEXT

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exacerbates systemic inflammatory responses and causes excessive fluid leakage. 2,4,6-Trihydroxy-3-geranyl acetophenone (tHGA) has been revealed to protect against LPS-induced vascular inflammation and endothelial hyperpermeability in vitro.

OBJECTIVE

This study assesses the in vivo protective effects of tHGA against LPS-induced systemic inflammation and vascular permeability in endotoxemic mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally pre-treated with tHGA for 1 h, followed by 6 h of LPS induction. Evans blue permeability assay and leukocyte transmigration assay were performed in mice (n = 6) pre-treated with 2, 20 and 100 mg/kg tHGA. The effects of tHGA (20, 40 and 80 mg/kg) on LPS-induced serum TNF-α secretion, lung dysfunction and lethality were assessed using ELISA (n = 6), histopathological analysis (n = 6) and survivability assay (n = 10), respectively. Saline and dexamethasone were used as the negative control and drug control, respectively.

RESULTS

tHGA significantly inhibited vascular permeability at 2, 20 and 100 mg/kg with percentage of inhibition of 48%, 85% and 86%, respectively, in comparison to the LPS control group (IC₅₀=3.964 mg/kg). Leukocyte infiltration was suppressed at 20 and 100 mg/kg doses with percentage of inhibition of 73% and 81%, respectively (IC₅₀=17.56 mg/kg). However, all tHGA doses (20, 40 and 80 mg/kg) failed to prevent endotoxemic mice from lethality because tHGA could not suppress TNF-α overproduction and organ dysfunction.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

tHGA may be developed as a potential therapeutic agent for diseases related to uncontrolled vascular leakage by combining with other anti-inflammatory agents.

A Review on Preparation of Betulinic Acid and Its Biological Activities

Betulinic acid, a pentacyclic triterpene, is distributed in a variety of plants, such as birch, eucalyptus and plane trees. It shows a wide spectrum of biological and pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antidiabetic, antimalarial, anti-HIV and antitumor effects. Among them, the antitumor activity of betulinic acid has been extensively studied. However, obtaining betulinic acid from natural resources can no longer meet the needs of medicine and nutrition, so methods such as chemical synthesis and microbial biotransformation have also been used to prepare betulinic acid. At the same time, with the development of synthetic biology and genetic engineering, and the elucidation of the biosynthetic pathways of terpenoid, the biosynthesis of betulinic acid has also been extensively researched. This article reviews the preparation of betulinic acid and its pharmacological activities, in order to provide a reference for the research and utilization of betulinic acid.

Betulinic acid in the treatment of tumour diseases: Application and research progress

Betulinic acid (BA) is a pentacyclic triterpene compound that can be obtained by separation, chemical synthesis and biotransformation from birch. BA has antitumour activity, and its mechanisms of action mainly include the induction of mitochondrial oxidative stress; the regulation of specificity protein transcription factors, and the inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and nuclear factor-κB signalling pathways. In addition, BA can increase the sensitivity of cancer cells to other chemotherapy drugs. Recent studies have shown that BA plays an anticancer role in several kinds of tumour diseases. In this article, the anticancer mechanism of BA and its application in the treatment of tumour diseases are reviewed.

Betulinic Acid Ameliorates the Severity of Acute Pancreatitis via Inhibition of the NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Mice

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disorder, involving acinar cell death and the release of inflammatory cytokines. Currently, there are limited effective therapeutic agents for AP. Betulinic acid (BA) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid extracted from Betula platyphylla that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of BA on AP and elucidate the potential underlying mechanisms. AP was induced in mice through six intraperitoneal injections of cerulein. After the last cerulein injection, the mice were sacrificed. Our results revealed that pre- and post-treatment with BA significantly reduced the severity of pancreatitis, as evidenced by a decrease in histological damage in the pancreas and lung, serum amylase and lipase activity and pancreatic myeloperoxidase activity. Furthermore, BA pretreatment reduced proinflammatory cytokine production, augmentation of chemokines, and infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils in the pancreas of AP mice. In addition, mice that were pretreated with BA showed a reduction in Iκ-Bα degradation and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) binding activity in the pancreas. Moreover, BA reduced the production of proinflammatory cytokines and NF-κB activation in pancreatic acinar cells (PACs). These findings suggest that BA may have prophylactic and therapeutic effects on AP via inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Dexmedetomidine Inhibits Acute Lung Injury by Upregulating miR-144 Expression in Mice

The understanding of lung injury’s mechanisms at the molecular level is not fully completed. MicroR-NAs (miRNAs), which are part of different pathophysiological processes, are essential biological regulators that operate by suppressing target genes. A mouse model of acute lung injury (ALI), which is triggered by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), was used to analyze miR-144 level in the ALI mice with or without dexmedetomidine treatment. Inflammation was investigated by the ratio of wet weight’s value to dry weight (W/D) of the lung, the release of cytokines TNF-α, cytokines IL-6, and cytokines IL-1β, and MPO activity. To validate the effect of dexmedetomidine on miR-144, overex-pression and knockdown of miR-144 were applied to treat antagomir144 and agomir144. The result suggested that LPS-triggered ALI was alleviated by dexmedetomidine. miR-144 was downregulated in ALI mice. The knockdown of miR-144 attenuated the protection of dexmedetomidine to acute lung injury. Overexpression of miR-144 attenuated the ALI, which was induced by LPS.

Natural product derived phytochemicals in managing acute lung injury by multiple mechanisms

Acute lung injury (ALI) and its more severe form, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) as common life-threatening lung diseases with high mortality rates are mostly associated with acute and severe inflammation in lungs. With increasing in-depth studies of ALI/ARDS, significant breakthroughs have been made, however, there are still no effective pharmacological therapies for treatment of ALI/ARDS. Especially, the novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) is ravaging the globe, and causes severe respiratory distress syndrome. Therefore, developing new drugs for therapy of ALI/ARDS is in great demand, which might also be helpful for treatment of COVID-19. Natural compounds have always inspired drug development, and numerous natural products have shown potential therapeutic effects on ALI/ARDS. Therefore, this review focuses on the potential therapeutic effects of natural compounds on ALI and the underlying mechanisms. Overall, the review discusses 159 compounds and summarizes more than 400 references to present the protective effects of natural compounds against ALI and the underlying mechanism.

Betulinic Acid Ameliorates the T-2 Toxin-Triggered Intestinal Impairment in Mice by Inhibiting Inflammation and Mucosal Barrier Dysfunction through the NF-κB Signaling Pathway

T-2 toxin, a trichothecene mycotoxin produced by Fusarium, is widely distributed in crops and animal feed and frequently induces intestinal damage. Betulinic acid (BA), a plant-derived pentacyclic lupane-type triterpene, possesses potential immunomodulatory, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory biological properties. The current study aimed to explore the protective effect and molecular mechanisms of BA on intestinal mucosal impairment provoked by acute exposure to T-2 toxin. Mice were intragastrically administered BA (0.25, 0.5, or 1 mg/kg) daily for 2 weeks and then injected intraperitoneally with T-2 toxin (4 mg/kg) once to induce an intestinal impairment. BA pretreatment inhibited the loss of antioxidant capacity in the intestine of T-2 toxin-treated mice by elevating the levels of CAT, GSH-PX and GSH and reducing the accumulation of MDA. In addition, BA pretreatment alleviated the T-2 toxin-triggered intestinal immune barrier dysregulation by increasing the SIgA level in the intestine at dosages of 0.5 and 1 mg/kg, increasing IgG and IgM levels in serum at dosages of 0.5 and 1 mg/kg and restoring the intestinal C3 and C4 levels at a dosage of 1 mg/kg. BA administration at a dosage of 1 mg/kg also improved the intestinal chemical barrier by decreasing the serum level of DAO. Moreover, BA pretreatment improved the intestinal physical barrier via boosting the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin mRNAs and restoring the morphology of intestinal villi that was altered by T-2 toxin. Furthermore, treatment with 1 mg/kg BA downregulated the expression of p-NF-κB and p-IκB-α proteins in the intestine, while all doses of BA suppressed the pro-inflammatory cytokines expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α mRNAs and increased the anti-inflammatory cytokine expression of IL-10 mRNA in the intestine of T-2 toxin-exposed mice. BA was proposed to exert a protective effect on intestinal mucosal disruption in T-2 toxin-stimulated mice by enhancing the intestinal antioxidant capacity, inhibiting the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and repairing intestinal mucosal barrier functions, which may be associated with BA-mediated inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway activation.

Febuxostat mitigates concanavalin A-induced acute liver injury via modulation of MCP-1, IL-1β, TNF-α, neutrophil infiltration, and apoptosis in mice

AIM

Liver plays a crucial role in innate immunity reactions. This role predisposes the liver to innate-mediated liver injury when uncontrolled inflammation occurs. In this study, the effect of febuxostat administration on acute liver injury induced by concanavalin A (Con A) injection into mouse eye orbital sinus was studied.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two doses of febuxostat (10 and 20 mg/kg, orally) were administered either 1 h before or 30 min after the administration of Con A. Febuxostat at a low dose (10 mg/kg) before and after Con A modulated the elevation of serum ALT, liver uric acid, liver myeloperoxidase (MPO), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) induced by Con A. The same dose of febuxostat before Con A also decreased serum total bilirubin and neutrophil infiltration, as evidenced by flow cytometry and histopathological analysis.

KEY FINDINGS

Febuxostat at a high dose (20 mg/kg) significantly improved serum ALT, AST, albumin, total bilirubin, liver uric acid, MPO, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-1β, and neutrophil infiltration induced by Con A administration. The results of histopathological examination of liver cells paralleled the observed biochemical improvements. Hepatocyte apoptosis as evidenced by immunohistochemical examination of cleaved caspase-3 was markedly decreased in the febuxostat protection and treatment groups, in a dose-dependent manner SIGNIFICANCE: These results indicate that febuxostat, especially at the higher dose, may be an effective inhibitor of immune reactions evoked by Con A administration.

Glioma progression is suppressed by Naringenin and APO2L combination therapy via the activation of apoptosis in vitro and in vivo

Naringenin (NG) is a natural antioxidant flavonoid which is isolated from citrus fruits, and has been reported to inhibit colon cancer proliferation. However, the effects of NG treatment on glioma remain to be elucidated. The present study aimed to explore the effects of NG on glioma in vitro and in vivo. Also, the interactions between NG and APO2 ligand (APO2L; also known as tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) were investigated in glioma. A synergistic effect of NG and APO2L combination on apoptotic induction was observed, though glioma cells were insensitive to APO2L alone. After NG treatment, glioma cells resumed the sensitivity to APO2L and cell apoptosis was induced via the activation of caspases, elevation of decoy receptors 4 and 5 (DR4 and DR5) and induction of p53. Coadministration of NG and APO2L decreased levels of anti-apoptotic B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family members Bcl-2 and Bcl-extra large (Bcl-xL), while increased levels of proapoptotic factors Bcl-2-associated agonist of cell death (Bad) and Bcl-2 antagonist/killer 1 (Bak). Furthermore, an in vivo mouse xenograft model demonstrated that NG and APO2L cotreatment markedly suppressed glioma growth by activating apoptosis in tumor tissues when compared with NG or APO2L monotherapy. The present study provides a novel therapeutic strategy for glioma by potentiating APO2L-induced apoptosis via the combination with NG in glioma tumor cells.

Epigenetics/epigenomics of triterpenoids in cancer prevention and in health

Triterpenoids are a powerful group of phytochemicals derived from plant foods and herbs. Many reports have shown that they possess chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects not only in cell lines and animal models but also in clinical trials. Because epigenetic changes could potentially occur in the early stages of carcinogenesis preceding genetic mutations, epigenetics are considered promising targets in early interventions against cancer using epigenetic bioactive substances. The biological properties of triterpenoids in cancer prevention and in health have multiple mechanisms, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, cell cycle regulation, as well as epigenetic/epigenomic regulation. In this review, we will discuss and summarize the latest advances in the study of the pharmacological effects of triterpenoids in cancer chemoprevention and in health, including the epigenetic machinery.

Anti-inflammatory effect and potential mechanism of betulinic acid on λ-carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice

λ-Carrageenan (Carr), a seaweed polysaccharide, is used as a proinflammatory agent in research. Betulinic acid (BA), a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenoid, exerts immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti-malarial and anti-HIV effects. The aim of this study was to investigate whether BA exerts anti-inflammatory effect against Carr-induced paw edema in mice, and how BA could mediate the expression of inflammation-associated MAPK-COX-2-PGE₂ signal pathway. BA pretreatment significantly reduced the inflammatory response to Carr-induced paw edema, especially at 4 h after injection. BA reduced the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-5, IL-6, GM-CSF, KC, MCP-1 and PGE₂ in Carr-treated mice, and increased those of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-12. It also increased SOD, CAT and GSH-Px activities, and GSH content, and reduced MDA content in the liver of Carr-treated mice. Besides, BA reduced neutrophil infiltration in the basal and subcutaneous layers of the paw of Carr-treated mice, decreased the expression of COX-2 protein, and reduced the phosphorylation of JNK, p38 and ERK1/2. These results indicated that the protective effect of BA on Carr-induced paw edema might be due to its alleviation of inflammatory response and inhibition of oxidative stress, possibly by inhibiting MAPK-COX-2-PGE₂ signaling pathway activation.

Antitumor Activity of Betulinic Acid and Betulin in Canine Cancer Cell Lines

BACKGROUND/AIM

Betulinic acid (BA) and betulin (BT) exhibit a variety of pharmacological properties including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant ones. Canine lymphoma and osteosarcoma have a high mortality rate and need more effective therapeutic approaches. In this study, the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of BA and BT were investigated in canine T-cell lymphoma (CL-1), canine B-cell lymphoma (CLBL-1) and canine osteosarcoma (D-17) cell lines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cultured cells were treated with several concentrations of BA or BT for 24, 48 and 72 h, and cell proliferation was assessed by the MTT assay. Cell apoptotic rate and cell cycle were analyzed using flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Anti-proliferative effect of BT and BA was concentration- and time-dependent. Moreover, BA and BT arrested cell cycle in S phase in CL-1 and D-17 cells, and in G₀/G₁ phase in CLBL-1 cells.

CONCLUSION

Both compounds showed an antitumor activity, and the effects of BA were stronger than that of BT.

Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 and Tissue Inhibitor of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 in Sepsis after Major Abdominal Surgery

Background

The role of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in sepsis after major abdominal surgery and sepsis-associated organ dysfunction is unexplored.

Materials and Methods

Fifty-three patients with sepsis after major abdominal surgery were compared to 50 operated and 50 nonoperated controls. MMP-9, TIMP-1, biomarkers of inflammation, kidney and liver injury, coagulation, and metabolic disorders were measured daily during 96 h following diagnosis of sepsis and once in controls. MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratios and disease severity scores were calculated. Use of vasopressors/inotropes, mechanical ventilation, and survival were recorded.

Results

Septic patients had lower MMP-9 and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratios but higher TIMP-1 levels compared to controls. AUC-ROC for diagnosis of sepsis was 0.940 and 0.854 for TIMP-1 and 0.924 and 0.788 for MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio (sepsis versus nonoperated and sepsis versus operated controls, resp.). Lower MMP-9 and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio and higher TIMP-1 levels were associated with shorter survival. MMP-9, TIMP-1, and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio correlated with biomarkers of inflammation, kidney and liver injury, coagulation, metabolic disorders, and disease severity scores. Use of vasopressors/inotropes was associated with higher TIMP-1 levels.

Conclusions

MMP-9, TIMP-1, and MMP-9/TIMP ratio were good diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers of sepsis after major abdominal surgery and were linked to sepsis-associated organ dysfunction.

Inhibitory Effects of Betulinic Acid on LPS-Induced Neuroinflammation Involve M2 Microglial Polarization via CaMKKβ-Dependent AMPK Activation

In response to the microenvironment, microglia may polarize into either an M1 pro-inflammatory phenotype, exacerbating neurotoxicity, or an M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype, conferring neuroprotection. Betulinic acid (BA) is a naturally pentacyclic triterpenoid with considerable anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we aim to investigate the potential effects of BA on microglial phenotype polarization and to reveal the underlying mechanisms of action. First, we confirmed that BA promoted M2 polarization and inhibited M1 polarization in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV-2 microglial cells. Then, we demonstrated that the effect of BA on microglial polarization was dependent on AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation, as evidenced by the fact that both AMPK inhibitor compound C and AMPK siRNA abolished the M2 polarization promoted by BA. Moreover, we found that calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase β (CaMKKβ), but not liver kinase B1, was the upstream kinase required for BA-mediated AMPK activation and microglial M2 polarization, via the use of both the CaMKKβ inhibitor STO-609 and CaMKKβ siRNA. Finally, BA enhanced AMPK phosphorylation and promoted M2 microglial polarization in the cerebral cortex of LPS-injected mice brains, which was attenuated by pre-administration of the AMPK inhibitor. This study demonstrated that BA promoted M2 polarization of microglia, thus conferring anti-neuroinflammatory effects via CaMKKβ-dependent AMPK activation.

Betulinic acid derivative BA5, a dual NF-kB/calcineurin inhibitor, alleviates experimental shock and delayed hypersensitivity

Betulinic acid (BA) is a naturally occurring triterpenoid with several biological properties already described, including immunomodulatory activity. Here we investigated the immunomodulatory activity of eight semi-synthetic amide derivatives of betulinic acid. Screening of derivatives BA1-BA8 led to the identification of compounds with superior immunomodulatory activity than BA on activated macrophages and lymphocytes. BA5, the most potent derivative, inhibited nitric oxide and TNFα production in a concentration-dependent manner, and decreased NF-κB activation in Raw 264.7 cells. Additionally, BA5 inhibited the proliferation of activated lymphocytes and the secretion of IL-2, IL-4 IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A and IFNɣ, in a concentration-dependent manner. Flow cytometry analysis in lymphocyte cultures showed that treatment with BA5 induces cell cycle arrest in pre-G1 phase followed by cell death by apoptosis. Moreover, BA5 also inhibited the activity of calcineurin, an enzyme that plays a critical role in the progression of cell cycle and T lymphocyte activation. BA5 has a synergistic inhibitory effect with dexamethasone on lymphoproliferation, showing a promising profile for drug combination. Finally, we observed immunosuppressive effects of BA5 in vivo in mouse models of lethal endotoxemia and delayed type hypersensitivity. Our results reinforce the potential use of betulinic acid and its derivatives in the search for potent immunomodulatory drugs.

Anti-inflammatory, antimycobacterial and genotoxic evaluation of Doliocarpus dentatus

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Doliocarpus dentatus is a medicinal plant widely used in Mato Grosso do Sul State for removing the swelling pain caused by the inflammation process and for treating urine retention.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The genotoxic aspects and the anti-inflammatory and antimycobacterial activity of the ethanolic extract obtained from the leaves of D. dentatus (EEDd) were investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The EEDd was evaluated against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and the compound composition was evaluated and identified by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The mice received oral administration of EEDd (30-300mg/kg) in carrageenan models of inflammation, and EEDd (10-1000mg/kg) was assayed by the comet, micronucleus, and phagocytosis tests and by the peripheral leukocyte count.

RESULTS

Phenols (204.04mg/g), flavonoids (89.17mg/g), and tannins (12.05mg/g) as well as sitosterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, kaempferol 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside, betulinic acid and betulin were present in the EEDd. The value of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of EEDd was 62.5µg/mL. The EEDd induced a significant decrease in the edema, mechanical hypersensitivity and leukocyte migration induced by carrageenan. The comet and micronucleus tests indicated that the EEDd was not genotoxic. The EEDd also did not change the phagocytic activity or the leukocyte perLipheral count.

CONCLUSIONS

The EEDd does not display genotoxicity, phagocytosis and could act as an antimycobacterial and anti-inflammatory agent. This study should contribute to ensuring the safe use of EEDd.

Pomegranate protects liver against cecal ligation and puncture-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in rats through TLR4/NF-κB pathway inhibition

Acute liver injury secondary to sepsis is a major challenge in intensive care unit. This study was designed to investigate potential protective effects of pomegranate against sepsis-induced acute liver injury in rats and possible underlying mechanisms. Pomegranate was orally given (800mg/kg/day) for two weeks before sepsis induction by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Pomegranate improved survival and attenuated liver inflammatory response, likely related to downregulation of mRNA expression of toll like recptor-4, reduced nuclear translocation and DNA binding activity of proinflammatory transcription factor NF-κB subunit p65, decreased mRNA and protein expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and reduction in myeloperoxidase activity and mRNA expression. Pomegranate also decreased CLP-induced oxidative stress as reflected by decreased malondialdehyde content, and increased reduced glutathione level and superoxide dismutase activity. These results confirm the antiinflammatory and antioxidant effects of pomegranate in CLP-induced acute liver injury mediated through inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB pathway, lipid peroxidation and neutrophil infiltration.

Effect of Trimeric Myricetin Rhamnoside (TMR) in Carrageenan-induced Inflammation and Caecal Ligation and Puncture-induced Lung Oxidative Stress in Mice

The Eugenia jambolana is used in folklore medicine. Leaves of E. jambolana contain flavonoids as their active constituents which possess in vitro antiinflammatory, antioxidant and the antimicrobial activity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antiinflammatory and antioxidant effects of a flavonoid glucoside, trimeric myricetin rhamnoside (TMR) isolated from leaves of E. jambolana. TMR was studied for antiinflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced hind paw oedema and antioxidant activity in lung by caecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis in mice. Results of the present study indicated that TMR significantly attenuated the oedema, myeloperoxidase (MPO), cytokines and prostaglandin levels in the paw after 5 h of carrageenan injection as compared to vehicle control. It also reduced the lung MPO, lipid peroxides, and serum nitrite plus nitrate levels and increased lung reduced glutathione levels 20 h of CLP as compared to vehicle control. Thus the results of this study concluded that the TMR appears to have potential benefits in diseases that are mediated by both inflammation and oxidative stress and support the pharmacological basis of use of E. jambolana plant as traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Xuebijing Ameliorates Sepsis-Induced Lung Injury by Downregulating HMGB1 and RAGE Expressions in Mice

Xuebijing (XBJ) injection, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been reported as a promising approach in the treatment of sepsis in China. However, its actual molecular mechanisms in sepsis-induced lung injury are yet unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of XBJ on inflammation and the underlying mechanisms in a model of caecal ligation and puncture-(CLP-) induced lung injury. The mice were divided into CLP group, CLP+XBJ group (XBJ, 4 mL/kg per 12 hours), and sham group. The molecular and histological examinations were performed on the lung, serum, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid samples of mice at the points of 6, 24, and 48 hours after CLP. The results show that XBJ reduces morphological destruction and neutrophil infiltration in the alveolar space and lung wet/dry weight ratio, which improves mortality of CLP-induced lung injury. Meanwhile, XBJ treatment downregulates high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) and the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) expression, as well as neutrophil counts, production of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the BAL fluids. In conclusion, these results indicate that XBJ may reduce the mortality through inhibiting proinflammatory cytokines secretion mediated by HMGB1/RAGE axis.