Inhibition of UVA irradiation-modulated signaling pathways by rutaecarpine, a quinazolinocarboline alkaloid, in human keratinocytes

Activation of matrix metalloproteinases and FoxO3a in HaCaT keratinocytes by radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure

As the skin is the largest body organ and critically serves as a barrier, it is frequently exposed and could be physiologically affected by radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure. In this study, we found that 1760 MHz RF-EMF (4.0 W/kg specific absorption rate for 2 h/day during 4 days) exposure could induce intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in HaCaT human keratinocytes using 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate fluorescent probe analysis. However, cell growth and viability were unaffected by RF-EMF exposure. Since oxidative stress in the skin greatly influences the skin-aging process, we analyzed the skin senescence-related factors activated by ROS generation. Matrix metalloproteinases 1, 3, and 7 (MMP1, MMP3, and MMP7), the main skin wrinkle-related proteins, were significantly increased in HaCaT cells after RF-EMF exposure. Additionally, the gelatinolytic activities of secreted MMP2 and MMP9 were also increased by RF-EMF exposure. FoxO3a (Ser318/321) and ERK1/2 (Thr 202/Tyr 204) phosphorylation levels were significantly increased by RF-EMF exposure. However, Bcl2 and Bax expression levels were not significantly changed, indicating that the apoptotic pathway was not activated in keratinocytes following RF-EMF exposure. In summary, our findings show that exposure to 1760 MHz RF-EMF induces ROS generation, leading to MMP activation and FoxO3a and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. These data suggest that RF-EMF exposure induces cellular senescence of skin cells through ROS induction in HaCaT human keratinocytes.

Anti-photoaging activities of Sorbaria kirilowii ethanol extract in UVB-damaged cells

Sorbaria kirilowii (Regel) Maxim, a plant found in China, Korea, Japan, and east of Europe, is a common herb used for traditional medicinal purposes. However, its ability to prevent photoaging has not been studied. In this study, we investigated the anti-photoaging functions of an ethanol extract (Sk-EE) of S. kirilowii (Regel) Maxim using human keratinocytes exposed to UVB. First, we analyzed the cytotoxicity of Sk-EE. Then, we determine the expression of genes related to inflammation, collagen degradation, and moisture retention. We also explored the anti-photoaging mechanism of Sk-EE by determining correlated signaling pathways and target molecules using reporter gene assays and immunoblotting analyses. Sk-EE treatment of cells increased hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS), filaggrin (FLG), and collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1) expression. Sk-EE dose-dependently inhibited the UVB-induced expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 1, 2, 9 and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 by blocking the activator protein (AP)-1 signaling pathway, in particular the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38, and extracellular response kinase (ERK). In addition, c-Fos and c-Jun were targeted by Sk-EE. Our results indicate that Sk-EE has anti-inflammatory and skin-protective properties, and could be a candidate to treat signs of photoaging.

Experimental models and methods for cutaneous wound healing assessment

Wound healing studies are intricate, mainly because of the multifaceted nature of the wound environment and the complexity of the healing process, which integrates a variety of cells and repair phases, including inflammation, proliferation, reepithelialization and remodelling. There are a variety of possible preclinical models, such as in mice, rabbits and pigs, which can be used to mimic acute or impaired for example, diabetic and nutrition-related wounds. These can be induced by many different techniques, with excision or incision being the most common. After determining a suitable model for a study, investigators need to select appropriate and reproducible methods that will allow the monitoring of the wound progression over time. The assessment can be performed by non-invasive protocols such as wound tracing, photographic documentation (including image analysis), biophysical techniques and/or by invasive protocols that will require wound biopsies. In this article, we provide an overview of some of the most often needed and used: (a) preclinical/animal models including incisional, excisional, burn and impaired wounds; (b) methods to evaluate the healing progression such as wound healing rate, wound analysis by image, biophysical assessment, histopathological, immunological and biochemical assays. The aim is to help researchers during the design and execution of their wound healing studies.

Phytochemicals targeting matrix metalloproteinases regulating tissue degradation in inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis

PURPOSE

Matrix metalloproteinases, zinc dependent proteolytic enzymes, have significant implications in extracellular matrix degradation associated with tissue damage in inflammation and Rheumatoid arthritis. Numerous orchestrated pathways affects instigation and blockade of metalloproteinases as well as various factors that increase the expression of MMPs including inflammatory cytokines, hormones and growth factors. Direct inhibition of these proteolytic enzymes or modulation of these pathways can provide protection against tissue destruction in inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis. Inclination towards use of plant derived phytochemicals to prevent tissue damage has been increasing day by day. Diversity of phytochemicals have been known to directly inhibit metalloproteinases. Hence, thorough knowledge of phytochemicals is very important in novel drug discovery.

METHODS

Present communication evaluates various classes of phytochemicals, in effort to unveil the lead molecules as potential therapeutic agents, for prevention of MMPs mediated tissue damage in inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis. Data have been analyzed through different search engines.

RESULTS

Numerous phytochemicals have been studied for their role as MMPs inhibitors which can be processed further to develop into useful drugs for the treatment of inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis.

CONCLUSION

In search of new drugs, phytochemicals like flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, lignans & terpenes offer a wide canvas to develop into valuable forthcoming medicaments.

Rutaecarpine inhibited imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis via inhibiting the NF-κB and TLR7 pathways in mice

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease. As psoriasis rarely occurs in nonhuman animals, the lack of an ideal animal model reflecting the histopathological and molecular immunological characteristics of psoriasis remains an urgent issue. In the present study, an imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis mouse model was constructed under natural immune conditions and verified by evaluations of the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score and Baker score, H&E staining, immunohistochemical examination of the CD3 and Gr1 levels, measurement of plasmacytoid dendritic cell- (pDC) and Th17-associated cytokine levels, and evaluation of p65 phosphorylation and TLR7 expression. Moreover, rutaecarpine (RUT), the main active ingredient in the traditional Chinese medicine Wu-Zhu-Yu, could improve psoriasis-like dermatitis through effects on pDC- and Th17-associated cytokines through NF-κB and toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) signaling. Taken together, the imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis mouse model can be regarded as an ideal model for evaluating psoriasis pathogenesis and antipsoriatic drugs. We provided theoretical and experimental evidence for the clinical application of RUT in psoriasis.

Pellitorine, an extract of Tetradium daniellii, is an antagonist of the ion channel TRPV1

BACKGROUND

Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) confers noxious heat and inflammatory pain signals in the peripheral nervous system. Clinical trial of resiniferatoxin from Euphorbia species is successfully aimed at TRPV1 in cancer pain management and heading toward new selective painkiller status that further validates this target for drug discovery efforts. Evodia species, used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years, are a recognised source of different TRPV1 agonists, but no antagonist has yet been reported.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

In a search for painkiller leads, we noted for the first time a TRPV1 antagonist activity in the fresh fruits of Tetradium daniellii (Benn.) T.G. Hartley (syn. Evodia hupehensis Dode).

METHODS

Through a combination of extraction and purification methods with functional TRPV1-specific Ca²⁺ uptake assays (bioactivity-guided fractionation/isolation/purification); we isolated a new painkiller candidate that is a distant structural homologue of capsiate exovanilloids and endovanilloids such as anandamide, but a putative competitive inhibitor of the TRPV1. Four additional inactive compounds (N-isobutyl-4,5-epoxy-2E-decadienamide, geranylpsoralen, 8-(7',8'-epoxygeranyloxy)psoralen, and xanthotoxol) were also co-purified with pellitorine. Their structures were established by extensive 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopic analysis.

RESULTS

¹H- and ¹³C NMR determination of the chemical structure revealed it to be pellitorine, (2E,4E)-N-(2-methylpropyl)deca-2,4-dienamide, which can compete structurally with algesics released in inflammation. In contrast to previous isolates from Evodia species, pellitorine blocked capsaicin-evoked Ca²⁺ uptake with an IC₅₀ of 154 µg/ml (0.69 mM/l). N-Isobutyl-4,5-epoxy-2E-decadienamide and geranylpsoralen, 8-(7',8'-epoxygeranyloxy)psoralen, and xanthotoxol did not affect the TRPV1.

CONCLUSION

This is the first evidence that pellitorine, an aliphatic alkylamide analogue of capsaicin, can serve as an antagonist of the TRPV1 and may inhibit exovanilloid-induced pain.

New perspectives on antiacne plant drugs: contribution to modern therapeutics

Acne is a common but serious skin disease, which affects approximately 80% adolescents and young adults in 11-30 age group. 42.5% of men and 50.9% of women continue to suffer from this disease into their twenties. Bacterial resistance is now at the alarming stage due to the irrational use of antibiotics. Hence, search for new lead molecule/bioactive and rational delivery of the existing drug (for better therapeutic effect) to the site of action is the need of the hour. Plants and plant-derived products have been an integral part of health care system since time immemorial. Therefore, plants that are currently used for the treatment of acne and those with a high potential are summarized in the present review. Most active plant extracts, namely, P. granatum, M. alba, A. anomala, and M. aquifolium exhibit minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in the range of 4-50 µg/mL against P. acnes, while aromatic oils of C. obovoides, C. natsudaidai, C. japonica, and C. nardus possess MICs 0.005-0.6 μL/mL and phytomolecules such as rhodomyrtone, pulsaquinone, hydropulsaquinone, honokiol, magnolol, xanthohumol lupulones, chebulagic acid and rhinacanthin-C show MIC in the range of 0.5-12.5 μg/mL. Novel drug delivery strategies of important plant leads in the treatment of acne have also been discussed.

Protective effects of ginseng leaf extract using enzymatic extraction against oxidative damage of UVA-irradiated human keratinocytes

UVA is responsible for numerous biological effects on the skin, including premature aging characterized by wrinkles, leathery texture, and mottled pigmentation. The objective of this study was evaluating the protective effect of ginseng leaf extract prepared by Ultraflo L on skin from photodamage. Anti-wrinkle effect of ginseng leaf extract with or without Ultraflo L treatment were tested on human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT) irradiated with ultraviolet (UV) A. Ginseng leaves inhibited ROS generation, GHS depletion, and expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 induced by UVA irradiation. The glutathione (GSH) content of the cells was significantly increased by over 25 μg mL(-1) of Ultraflo-treated extract (UTGL) as well as by over 100 μg mL(-1) of nonenzyme-treated extract (NEGL) compared to control. UTGL and NEGL treatments significantly decreased expression of metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and 9 compared with control, but inhibitory effects of two groups on expression of MMPs were not significantly different. Overall, ULtraflo L-treated ginseng leaves inhibited ROS generation, GHS depletion, and expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in UVA photodamaged HaCat cells. From these results, enzyme-treated ginseng leaf extract has advantages over untreated ginseng leaves and have potential as a skin protective ingredient against UVA-induced photodamage.

The radio-sensitizing effect of xanthohumol is mediated by STAT3 and EGFR suppression in doxorubicin-resistant MCF-7 human breast cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapeutic drug resistance remains a clinical obstacle in cancer management. Drug-resistant cancer cells usually exhibit cross-resistance to ionizing radiation, which has devastating consequences for patients. With a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms, it will be possible to develop strategies to overcome this cross-resistance and to increase therapeutic sensitivity.

METHODS

Natural and synthetic flavonoid compounds including xanthohumol, the principal flavonoid in hops, were investigated for its radio-sensitizing activity on human breast cancer MCF-7 and adriamycin-resistant MCF-7 (MCF-7/ADR) cells. Chemo-sensitizing or radio-sensitizing effect was analyzed by tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay and flow cytometry. Western blot analysis, confocal microscopy, gene silencing with siRNA transfection and luciferase reporter gene assay were performed to examine signaling molecule activation.

RESULTS

Among the tested flavonoid compounds, pretreatment of the cells with xanthohumol significantly sensitized MCF-7/ADR cells to the radiation treatment by inducing apoptosis. In MCF-7/ADR cells, treatment with xanthohumol alone or with gamma-rays significantly decreased levels of anti-apoptotic proteins. Multi-drug resistance 1 (MDR1), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) expression levels in MCF-7/ADR cells were suppressed by xanthohumol treatment. In addition, xanthohumol treatment increased death receptor (DR)-4 and DR5 expression. The xanthohumol-induced changes of these resistance-related molecules in MCF-7/ADR cells were synergistically increased by gamma-ray treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Xanthohumol restored sensitivity of MCF-7/ADR cells to doxorubicin and radiation therapies.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Our results suggest that xanthohumol may be a potent chemo- and radio-sensitizer, and its actions are mediated through STAT3 and EGFR inhibition.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious effects of Evodia rutaecarpa (Wuzhuyu) and its major bioactive components

This article reviews the anti-inflammatory relative and anti-infectious effects of Evodia rutaecarpa and its major bioactive components and the involvement of the nitric oxide synthases, cyclooxygenase, NADPH oxidase, nuclear factor kappa B, hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha, reactive oxygen species, prostaglandins, tumor necrosis factor, LIGHT, amyloid protein and orexigenic neuropeptides. Their potential applications for the treatment of endotoxaemia, obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and their uses as cardiovascular and gastrointestinal protective agents, analgesics, anti-oxidant, anti-atherosclerosis agents, dermatological agents and anti-infectious agents are highlighted. Stimulation of calcitonin gene-related peptide release may partially explain the analgesic, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal protective, anti-obese activities of Evodia rutaecarpa and its major bioactive components.

Pharmacological effects of rutaecarpine as a cardiovascular protective agent

Many studies indicate that traditional Chinese herbs are beneficial in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Evodia rutaecarpa (‘Wu-Chu-Yu’) remains the most popular and multi-purpose herb traditionally used in China for treatment of headache, abdominal pain, postpartum hemorrhage, dysentery and amenorrhea. Rutaecarpine is one of the intriguing indolopyridoquinazoline alkaloids isolated from ‘Wu-Chu-Yu’. Rutaecarpine has been shown to have cardiovascular biological effects such as inotropic and chronotropic, vasorelaxant, anti-platelet aggregation and anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, it has been reported that rutaecarpine has beneficial effects on some cardiovascular diseases. This review summarizes data on the cardiovascular pharmacological actions of rutaecarpine the published over the recent years, aiming to provide more evidence supporting its use in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Quality evaluation of Evodia rutaecarpa (Juss.) Benth by high performance liquid chromatography with photodiode-array detection

A simple, sensitive and accurate HPLC-DAD method was developed for simultaneous determination of wuchuyuamide-I, quercetin, limonin, evodiamine and rutaecarpine in Evodia rutaecarpa that has been widely used as one of the traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). Chromatographic separations were performed on a reverse-phase C(18) column with the gradient elution of acetonitrile-water and the simultaneous detection at five wavelengths. Good linear behaviors over the investigated concentration ranges were observed with the values of r higher than 0.999 for all the analytes. The recoveries measured at three levels varied from 98.77 to 102.36%. The validated method was successfully applied for the simultaneous determination of the five chemical constituents in 36 batches of samples collected from different regions or time that were investigated and authenticated as E. rutaecarpa (Juss.) Benth. Hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and principal components analysis (PCA) were performed to differentiate and classify the samples based on the contents of the five characteristic constituents. The total contents of evodiamine and rutaecarpine in different samples were calculated and the blending method proposed was demonstrated to be very useful in saving resources and in guiding rational herb use.

Development and validation of HPLC methods for the analysis of phenethylamine and indoloquinazoline alkaloids inEvodiaspecies

The aim of this study was to evaluate the chromatographic performance of a PEG stationary phase, in comparison with those of C18 columns, for the HPLC analysis of phenethylamine ((+/-)-synephrine) and indoloquinazoline (rutaecarpine and evodiamine) alkaloids in methanolic extracts of fruits of Evodia rutaecarpa (Juss.) Benth. and E. rutaecarpa (Juss.) Benth. var. officinalis (Dode) Huang (i.e., E. officinalis Dode) (Rutaceae family). The method was validated and showed good linearity, precision, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. The highest content of both phenethylamine and indoloquinazoline alkaloids was found in methanolic fruit extracts of E. rutaecarpa, and it was closely related to the degree of maturity. E. officinalis fruits displayed low amounts of both types of alkaloids. Furthermore, an enantioselective HPLC method for the enantioseparation of (+/-)-synephrine from Evodia fruits was applied, by using a protein-based chiral stationary phase with cellobiohydrolase (CBH) as the chiral selector (Chiral-CBH). Isolation of synephrine from Evodia aqueous fruit extracts was carried out by strong cation-exchange SPE. The results of the application of the method to the analysis of Evodia samples showed that (-)-synephrine was the main component while (+)-synephrine was present in low concentration.

Anti-inflammatory activity in skin by biomimetic of Evodia rutaecarpa extract from traditional Chinese medicine

BACKGROUND

Wu-Zhu-Yu, is an extract prepared from the small berry fruit of Evodia rutaecarpa and is reported to have anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptic activity. Methyl nicotinate (MN) is known to induce the release of PGD(2) resulting in localized erythema within 30 min after topical application to human skin.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine if a defined biomimetic mixture of components of Evodia fruit extract inhibit inflammation in human cells and skin.

METHODS

In order to control the potency of the test article, we prepared a defined biomimetic mixture of synthetic and natural forms of the active components of Evodia fruit extract, containing rutaecarpine, dehydroevodiamine, and evodin. This was tested for anti-inflammatory activity in UVB-irradiated cultured cells and in the MN model of micro-inflammation in human skin.

RESULTS

This Evodia biomimetic mixture was a potent inhibitor of UVB-induced PGE(2) released by keratinocytes in culture. We found that MN also induces release of nitric oxide from cultured keratinocytes and microvascular endothelial cells. Twice daily application of 0.1-1% Evodia biomimetic mixture for 2 weeks significantly inhibited erythema after a MN challenge. A single application of 1% Evodia biomimetic mixture also significantly inhibited MN-induced erythema when applied at 60 min before, or within 5 min after MN exposure. The Evodia biomimetic mixture was significantly more effective at inhibiting erythema than bisabolol, the active component of chamomile.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that compounds found in E. rutaecarpa (including the indole quinazoline alkaloids) have powerful anti-inflammatory activity when applied topically to human skin.

Headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of the volatile compounds of Evodia species fruits

In this study the investigation of the aroma compounds of dried fruits of Evodia rutaecarpa (Juss.) Benth. and E. rutaecarpa (Juss.) Benth. var. officinalis (Dode) Huang (i.e. E. officinalis Dode) (Rutaceae family) was carried out to identify the odorous target components responsible for the characteristic aroma of these valuable natural products. To avoid the traditional and more time-consuming hydrodistillation, the analyses were carried out by means of headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The SPME headspace volatiles were collected using a divinylbenzene-carboxen-polydimethylsiloxane (DVB-CAR-PDMS) fiber. The extraction conditions were optimized using a response surface experimental design to analyze the effect of three factors: extraction temperature, equilibrium time and extraction time. The best response was obtained when the extraction temperature was around 80 degrees C, equilibrium time near 25 min and extraction time close to 18 min. Analyses were performed by GC-MS with a 5% diphenyl-95% dimethyl polysiloxane (30 m x 0.25 mm I.D., film thickness 0.25 microm) capillary column using He as the carrier gas and a programmed temperature run. The main components of the HS-SPME samples of E. rutaecarpa (concentration >3.0%) were limonene (33.79%), beta-elemene (10.78%), linalool (8.15%), myrcene (5.83%), valencene (4.73%), beta-caryophyllene (4.62%), linalyl acetate (4.13%) and alpha-terpineol (3.99%). As for E. officinalis, the major compounds were myrcene (32.79%), limonene (18.36%), beta-caryophyllene (9.92%), trans-beta-ocimene (6.04%), linalool (5.88%), beta-elemene (7.85%) and valencene (4.62%).