Berberine reduces Toll-like receptor-mediated macrophage migration by suppression of Src enhancement

Berberine Inhibits the Inflammatory Response Induced by Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Atopic Eczema Patients via the TNF-α/Inflammation/RAGE Pathways

Atopic eczema patients exhibit high levels of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) skin colonization. S. aureus can stimulate macrophages and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Berberine (BBR), an alkaloid, attenuates S. aureus toxin production. This study investigated if BBR suppressed bacterial growth and inflammatory response induced by eczema-patient-derived S. aureus using murine macrophage (RAW 264.7) and human monocyte cell lines (U937). RAW 264.7 and U937 were treated with BBR at different concentrations and stimulated with heat-killed S. aureus (ATCC #33591) or S. aureus derived from severe eczema patients (EC01-EC10), who were undergoing topical steroid withdrawal, for 24 h. TNF-α protein levels were determined by ELISA, gene expression by qRT-PCR, cell cytotoxicity by trypan blue excursion, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels by fluorometric assay. BBR showed a bacteriostatic effect in S. aureus (ATCC strain #33591 and clinical isolates (EC01-EC10) and suppressed TNF-α production in RAW 264.7 and U937 cells exposed to heat-killed S. aureus (ATCC and clinical isolates) dose-dependently without any cell cytotoxicity. BBR (20 µg/mL) suppressed >90% of TNF-α production (p < 0.001), downregulated genes involved in inflammatory pathways, and inhibited S. aureus ROS production in U937 and RAW 264.7 cells (p < 0.01). BBR suppresses S. aureus-induced inflammation via inhibition of TNF-α release, ROS production, and expression of key genes involved in the inflammatory pathway.

Role of inflammatory mediators in intracranial aneurysms: A review

The formation, growth, and rupture of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) involve hemodynamics, blood pressure, external stimuli, and a series of hormonal changes. In addition, inflammatory response causes the release of a series of inflammatory mediators, such as IL, TNF-α, MCP-1, and MMPs, which directly or indirectly promote the development process of IA. However, the specific role of these inflammatory mediators in the pathophysiological process of IA remains unclear. Recently, several anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering, hormone-regulating drugs have been found to have a potentially protective effect on reducing IA formation and rupture in the population. These therapeutic mechanisms have not been fully elucidated, but we can look for potential therapeutic targets that may interfere with the formation and breakdown of IA by studying the relevant inflammatory response and the mechanism of IA formation and rupture involved in inflammatory mediators.

New Promising Routes in Peptic Ulcers: Toll-like Receptors and Semaphorins

Peptic ulcers (PU) are one of the commonest yet problematic diseases found to be existing in the majority of the population. Today, drugs from a wide range of therapeutic classes are available for the management of the disease. Still, the complications of the condition are difficult to tackle and the side effect profile is quite a concern. The literature indicates that Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and Semaphorins (SEMAs) have been under study for their various pharmacological actions over the past few decades. Both these signalling pathways are found to regulate immunological and inflammatory responses. Moreover, receptors and signalling molecules from the family of TLRs and SEMAs are found to have bacterial recognition and antibacterial properties which are essential in eradicating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), one of the major causative agents of PU. Our understanding of SEMAs, a class of proteins involved in cell signalling, is relatively less developed compared to TLRs, another class of proteins involved in the immune response. SEMAs and TLRs play different roles in biological processes, with SEMAs primarily involved in guiding cell migration and axon guidance during development, while TLRs are responsible for recognizing pathogens and initiating an immune response. Here, in this review, we will discuss in detail the signalling cascade of TLRs and SEMAs and thereby understand its association with PU for future therapeutic targeting. The review also aims at providing an overview of the study that has been into exploring the role of these signalling pathways in the management of PU.

Oxidative stress, hormones, and effects of natural antioxidants on intestinal inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, relapsing gastrointestinal (GI) disorder characterized by intestinal inflammation. The etiology of IBD is multifactorial and results from a complex interplay between mucosal immunity, environmental factors, and host genetics. Future therapeutics for GI disorders, including IBD, that are driven by oxidative stress require a greater understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the GI tract, oxidative stressors include infections and pro-inflammatory responses, which boost ROS generation by promoting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) represent two important signaling pathways in intestinal immune cells that regulate numerous physiological processes, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Natural antioxidant compounds exhibit ROS scavenging and increase antioxidant defense capacity to inhibit pro-oxidative enzymes, which may be useful in IBD treatment. In this review, we discuss various polyphenolic substances (such as resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, green tea flavonoids, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, luteolin, xanthohumol, genistein, alpinetin, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, silymarin), phenolic compounds including thymol, alkaloids such as berberine, storage polysaccharides such as tamarind xyloglucan, and other phytochemicals represented by isothiocyanate sulforaphane and food/spices (such as ginger, flaxseed oil), as well as antioxidant hormones like melatonin that target cellular signaling pathways to reduce intestinal inflammation occurring with IBD.

Characterization of a novel cysteine protease inhibitor in Baylisascaris schroederi migratory larvae and its role in regulating mice immune cell response

Baylisascaris schroederi (B. schroederi) is a severe threat to the survival of giant pandas. Currently, the immune regulation mechanism of B. schroederi is poorly understood. Cysteine protease inhibitors (CPI) play important roles in the regulation of host immune responses against certain nematodes. In this study, a recombinant CPI of B. schroederi migratory larvae (rBsCPI-1) was cloned and expressed, and the effects of rBsCPI-1 on the physiological activities and antigen presentation of monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) were analyzed. We also analyzed the regulatory effects of rBsCPI-1 on the proliferation and differentiation of CD4+ T cells. And further identified the signaling pathways which play important roles in this process. The results showed that rBsCPI-1 activated the TLR2/4-small Rho GTPases-PAK1 pathway. On the one hand, it increased the phagocytosis and migration of MDMs. On the other hand, it activated downstream MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways to induce apoptosis of MDMs. rBsCPI-1 also induced MDMs to polarize to the M2 subtype, thereby exerting an immunosuppressive effect. Meanwhile, rBsCPI-1 inhibited the antigen presentation process by decreasing the expression of MHC-II molecules, further inhibiting the proliferation of CD4+ T cells and inducing a Th1/Th2 mixed immune response. Treg cells with immunosuppressive effects were increased. The PD-L2/PD-1 and CD80/CTLA-4 signaling pathways between MDMs and CD4+ T cells were also activated by rBsCPI-1. In conclusion, this study preliminarily confirmed that rBsCPI-1 affects the physiological activities and polarization of MDMs through the TLR2/4 signaling pathway, and further interferes with antigen presentation response, inducing CD4+ T cells to play an immunosuppressive cellular response during the migratory process of B. schroederi. Thus, this study will provide a reference for elucidating the immune evasion mechanism of B. schroederi and developing new drugs and protective vaccines against B. schroederi.

Effects of Berberine on Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is an epidemic across the globe[A1], and its morbidity and mortality remain high, involving various complications and poor prognoses. In atherosclerosis, endothelial cells (ECs) dysfunction, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) migration and proliferation, foam cell formation, and inflammatory cell recruitment contribute to disease progression. Vascular stem cells (VSCs) also play a critical role in the cardiovascular system. Important data showed that the simultaneous increase of proliferation and apoptosis of VSMCs is the main cause of graft vein stenosis, suggesting that inhibition of VSMCs proliferation and apoptosis simultaneously is an important strategy for the treatment of atherosclerotic stenosis. Complementary and alternative medicine use among patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) is growing. Berberine is an extract of Chinese traditional herbs that is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects in the digestive system. Its underlying anti-CVD mechanisms are currently attracting interest, and its pharmacological actions, such as antioxidation, regulation of neurotransmitters and enzymes, and cholesterol-lowering effects, have been substantiated. Recent studying found that berberine could inhibit both the proliferation and apoptosis of VSMCs induced by mechanical stretch stress simultaneously, which suggests that berberine might be an excellent drug to treat atherosclerosis. This review will focus on the recent progress of the effect of berberine on vascular cells, especially VSMCs, to provide important data and a new perspective for the application of berberine in anti-atherosclerosis.

Nanotechnological approach to delivering nutraceuticals as promising drug candidates for the treatment of atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is Caesar's sword, which poses a huge risk to the present generation. Understanding the atherosclerotic disease cycle would allow ensuring improved diagnosis, better care, and treatment. Unfortunately, a highly effective and safe way of treating atherosclerosis in the medical community remains a continuous challenge. Conventional treatments have shown considerable success, but have some adverse effects on the human body. Natural derived medications or nutraceuticals have gained immense popularity in the treatment of atherosclerosis due to their decreased side effects and toxicity-related issues. In hindsight, the contribution of nutraceuticals in imparting enhanced clinical efficacy against atherosclerosis warrants more experimental evidence. On the other hand, nanotechnology and drug delivery systems (DDS) have revolutionized the way therapeutics are performed and researchers have been constantly exploring the positive effects that DDS brings to the field of therapeutic techniques. It could be as exciting as ever to apply nano-mediated delivery of nutraceuticals as an additional strategy to target the atherosclerotic sites boasting high therapeutic efficiency of the nutraceuticals and fewer side effects.

GSK3 modulation in acute lung injury, myocarditis and polycystic kidney disease-related aneurysm

GSK3 are involved in different physical and pathological conditions and inflammatory regulated by macrophages contribute to significant mechanism. Infection stimuli may modulate GSK3 activity and influence host cell adaption, immune cells infiltration or cytokine expressions. To further address the role of GSK3 modulation in macrophages, the signal transduction of three major organs challenged by endotoxin, virus and genetic inherited factors are briefly introduced (lung injury, myocarditis and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease). As a result of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory functions of GSK3 in different microenvironments and stages of macrophages (M1/M2), the rational resolution should be considered by adequately GSK3.

Promising Anti-atherosclerotic Effect of Berberine: Evidence from In Vitro, In Vivo, and Clinical Studies

Elevated levels of plasma cholesterol, impaired vascular wall, and presence of inflammatory macrophages are important atherogenic risk factors contributing to atherosclerotic plaque formation and progression. The interventions modulating these risk factors have been found to protect against atherosclerosis development and to decrease atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular disorders. Nutritional approaches involving supplements followed by improving dietary habits and lifestyle have become growingly attractive and acceptable methods used to control atherosclerosis risk factors, mainly high levels of plasma cholesterol. There are a large number of studies that show berberine, a plant bioactive compound, could ameliorate atherosclerosis-related risk factors. In the present literature review, we put together this studies and provide integrated evidence that exhibits berberine has the potential atheroprotective effect through reducing increased levels of plasma cholesterol, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDL-C) via LDL receptor (LDLR)-dependent and LDL receptor-independent mechanisms, inhibiting migration and inflammatory activity of macrophages, improving the functionality of endothelial cells via anti-oxidant activities, and suppressing proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. In conclusion, berberine can exert inhibitory effects on the atherosclerotic plaque development mainly through LDL-lowering activity and suppressing atherogenic functions of mentioned cells. As the second achievement of this review, among the signaling pathways through which berberine regulates intracellular processes, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has a central and critical role, showing that enhancing activity of AMPK pathway can be considered as a promising therapeutic approach for atherosclerosis treatment.

Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Expression Associated with Cell Migration in Rat Brain Astrocytes

Neuroinflammation is a landmark of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, one member of MMPs, has been shown to contribute to the pathology of these brain diseases. Several experimental models have demonstrated that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exerts a pathological role through Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. However, the mechanisms underlying LPS-induced MMP-9 expression in rat brain astrocytes (RBA-1) are not completely understood. Here, we applied pharmacological inhibitors and siRNA transfection to assess the levels of MMP-9 protein, mRNA, and promoter activity, as well as protein kinase phosphorylation in RBA-1 cells triggered by LPS. We found that LPS-induced expression of pro-form MMP-9 and cell migration were mediated through TLR4, proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase (c-Src), proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2), platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK)1/2 signaling molecules in RBA-1 cells. In addition, LPS-stimulated binding of c-Jun to the MMP-9 promoter was confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, which was blocked by pretreatment with c-Src inhibitor II, PF431396, AG1296, LY294002, Akt inhibitor VIII, p38 MAP kinase inhibitor VIII, SP600125, and tanshinone IIA. These results suggest that in RBA-1 cells, LPS activates a TLR4/c-Src/Pyk2/PDGFR/PI3K/Akt/p38 MAPK and JNK1/2 pathway, which in turn triggers activator protein 1 (AP-1) activation and ultimately induces MMP-9 expression and cell migration.

Naturally occurring anti-cancer compounds: shining from Chinese herbal medicine

Numerous natural products originated from Chinese herbal medicine exhibit anti-cancer activities, including anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-metastatic, anti-angiogenic effects, as well as regulate autophagy, reverse multidrug resistance, balance immunity, and enhance chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo. To provide new insights into the critical path ahead, we systemically reviewed the most recent advances (reported since 2011) on the key compounds with anti-cancer effects derived from Chinese herbal medicine (curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, berberine, artemisinin, ginsenoside Rg3, ursolic acid, silibinin, emodin, triptolide, cucurbitacin B, tanshinone I, oridonin, shikonin, gambogic acid, artesunate, wogonin, β-elemene, and cepharanthine) in scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Scopus, and Clinical Trials). With a broader perspective, we focused on their recently discovered and/or investigated pharmacological effects, novel mechanism of action, relevant clinical studies, and their innovative applications in combined therapy and immunomodulation. In addition, the present review has extended to describe other promising compounds including dihydroartemisinin, ginsenoside Rh2, compound K, cucurbitacins D, E, I, tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone in view of their potentials in cancer therapy. Up to now, the evidence about the immunomodulatory effects and clinical trials of natural anti-cancer compounds from Chinese herbal medicine is very limited, and further research is needed to monitor their immunoregulatory effects and explore their mechanisms of action as modulators of immune checkpoints.

Inhibition of Src activation reverses pulmonary vascular remodeling in experimental pulmonary arterial hypertension via Akt/mTOR/HIF-1<alpha> signaling pathway

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a diffuse pulmonary microvascular remodeling disease accompanied by malignant proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), which causes persistent pulmonary artery pressure elevation, right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) and death. However, current therapies targeting pulmonary vascular remodeling and RVH remain poorly effective in reversing PAH. Overactivation of the protein tyrosine kinase Src plays an important role in tumor cell growth, proliferation and invasion; we thus hypothesized that inhibitors targeting Src activation could reverse experimental PAH. We demonstrated that Src was markedly activated in hypoxia-stimulated PASMCs from donors and PASMCs isolated from PAH patients. We investigated the effects of the Src-selective inhibitor 1-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1-(4-methylphenyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4-amine (PP1) and berberine (BBR) on PAH-PASMC proliferation and migration by using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) and wound-healing assays. Our in vitro results showed that inhibition of Src (Tyr416) phosphorylation repressed PAH-PASMC proliferation and migration by inhibiting hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression through Akt/mTOR signal pathway. In vivo, PP1 and BBR significantly alleviated distal pulmonary vascular remodeling and decreased right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and RVH in Sugen (SU) 5416/hypoxia (SU-PAH) mice. These findings demonstrate that pharmacological (PP1 or BBR) inhibition of Src activation could be a novel means of treating severe pulmonary vascular remodeling and RVH in PAH patients.

Chronic infusion of berberine into the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus attenuates hypertension and sympathoexcitation via the ROS/Erk1/2/iNOS pathway

BACKGROUND

Berberine (BBR), a Chinese traditional herbal medicine, has many pharmacologic benefits such as anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation. It is widely used in clinical treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension. However, the mechanism of how BBR attenuates hypertension through affecting central neural system is not clear.

PURPOSE

This study was designed to determine whether chronic infusion of BBR into the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) attenuates hypertension and sympathoexcitation via the ROS/Erk1/2/iNOS pathway.

METHODS

Two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) renovascular hypertensive rats were randomly assigned and treated with bilateral PVN infusion of BBR (2μg/h) or vehicle (artificial cerebrospinal fluid) via osmotic minipumps for 28 days.

RESULTS

2K1C rats showed higher mean arterial pressure (MAP) and PVN Fra-like activity, plasma levels of norepinephrine (NE), PVN levels of NOX2, NOX4, Erk1/2 and iNOS, and lower PVN levels of copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD). Chronic infusion of BBR reduced MAP, PVN Fra-like activity and plasma levels of NE, reduced NOX2, NOX4, Erk1/2, iNOS and induced Cu/Zn-SOD in the PVN.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that BBR attenuates hypertension and sympathoexcitation via the ROS/Erk1/2/iNOS pathway in 2K1C renovascular hypertensive rats.

The Cancer Prevention, Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidation of Bioactive Phytochemicals Targeting the TLR4 Signaling Pathway

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a well-known family of pattern recognition receptors that play an important role in a host immune system. TLR triggering leads to the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, driving the activation of both innate and adaptive immunity. Recently, an increasing number studies have shown the link between TLRs and cancer. Among them, the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway is associated with inflammatory response and cancer progression. Dietary phytochemicals are potential modulators of immunological status with various pharmacological properties including anti-cancer, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory. Curcumin, 6-gingerol, 6-shogaol, 1-dehydro-10-gingerdione, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), luteolin, quercetin, resveratrol, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, xanthohumol, genistein, berberine, and sulforaphane can inhibit TLR4 activation. The aim of the present review is to describe the role of the TLR4 signaling pathway between inflammatory response and cancer progression. We further introduce bioactive phytochemicals with potential anti-inflammation and chemoprevention by inhibiting TLR activation.

Attenuation of macrophage accumulation and polarisation in obese diabetic mice by a small molecule significantly improved insulin sensitivity

Accumulation and polarization of anti-inflammatory M2 to proinflammatory M1 macrophage in the adipose tissue of obese diabetic mice is an important pathogenic signature. It worsens lipid induced inflammation and insulin resistance. Here we demonstrate that a small molecule, a peroxyvanadate compound i.e. DmpzH [VO(O₂)₂ (dmpz)] or dmp, could robustly decrease macrophage infiltration, accumulation and their polarization in high fat diet (HFD) induced obese diabetic mice. In searching the underlying mechanism it was revealed that SIRT1 level was strikingly low in the inflamed adipose tissue of HFD mice as compared to mice fed with standard diet (SD). Administration of dmp markedly increased SIRT1 level by inducing its gene expression with a consequent decrease in macrophage population. Elevation of SIRT1 coincided with the decrease of MCP1, Fetuin-A (FetA) and IFNγ. Since MCP1 and FetA drive macrophage to inflamed adipose tissue and IFNγ promotes M2 to M1 transformation, both recruitment and M1 induced inflammation were found to be significantly repressed by dmp. In addressing the question about how dmp induced excess SIRT1 could reduce MCP1, FetA and IFNγ levels, we found that it was due to the inactivation of NFκB because of its deacetylation by SIRT1. Since NFκB is the transcriptional regulator of these molecules, their expressions were significantly suppressed and that caused sharp decline in macrophage recruitment and their polarity to M1. This effected a marked fall in proinflammatory cytokine level which significantly improved insulin sensitivity. dmp is likely to be the first molecule that rescues inflammatory burden contributed by macrophage in obese diabetic mice adipose tissue which causes significant increase in insulin sensitivity therefore it may be a meaningful choice to treat type 2 diabetes.

Berberine Attenuates Macrophages Infiltration in Intracranial Aneurysms Potentially Through FAK/Grp78/UPR Axis

Background: Inflammatory cells, such as macrophages, play key roles in the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysms (IAs). Berberine (BBR), an active component of a Chinese herb Coptis chinensis French, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties through suppressing macrophage migration in various inflammation animal model. The goal of this study was to examine BBR’s effect on inflammation and IAs formation in a rodent aneurysm model.

Methods and Results: Human aneurysm tissues were collected by microsurgical clipping and immunostained for phospho-Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and CD68⁺ macrophages. A rodent aneurysm model was induced in 5-week-old male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats by intracranial surgery, then these rats were orally administrated 200 mg/kg/day BBR for 35 days. Immunostaining data showed that BBR inhibited CD68⁺ macrophages accumulation in IAs tissues and suppressed FAK phosphorylation. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, BBR treatment remarkably attenuated macrophages infiltration, suppressed the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and reduced proinflammatory cytokine secretion, including MCP-1, interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α). Mechanistically, BBR downregulated FAK/Grp78/Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) signaling pathway in RAW264.7 cells.

Conclusion: BBR prevents IAs formation potentially through inhibiting FAK phosphorylation and inactivating UPR pathway in macrophages, which causes less macrophage infiltration and reduced proinflammatory cytokine release.

Effectiveness and Safety of Dietetic Supplementation of a New Nutraceutical on Lipid Profile and Serum Inflammation Biomarkers in Hypercholesterolemic Patients

Background: To assess the effectiveness and safety of a new nutraceutical (NC) on lipid profile, inflammation biomarkers and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) serum levels in hypercholesterolemic patients. Methods: 40 patients underwent hypolipemic treatment with NC. Initial and final (after 12 weeks) screening included medical history, physical examination, and measurement of serum lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides), hepatic (GOT, GPT, γGT), and renal (serum creatinine and urea) functions, CPK level and many inflammation biomarkers (hs-CRP and fibrinogen). At the screening visit, all patients were instructed to follow a normocaloric and hypolipidic diet during the study period. Results: The treatment with supplementation of NC demonstrated a significant reduction of serum total cholesterol (224 ± 11.2 mg/dL vs. 178 ± 10.7; p < 0.001), LDL-cholesterol (141 ± 10.6 vs. 116 + 10.1; p < 0.001), triglycerides (183 ± 13 vs. 159 ± 11.5; p < 0.01), serum inflammatory biomarkers as hs-CRP (2.24 ± 0.83 vs. 1.76 ± 0.61 mg/dL; p < 0.01), fibrinogen (315 ± 43 vs. 199 ± 41 mg/dL; p < 0.01) and a significantly increase of HDL-cholesterol (44 ± 7 vs. 53 ± 7 mg/dL; p < 0.01). Hepatic and renal function and serum CPK were normal. No adverse events was reported. Conclusions: The treatment with NC has demonstrated a significant reduction of LDL-cholesterol (−17.73%), total cholesterol (−20.53%) and triglycerides (−13.1%), with a significant increase of HDL-cholesterol values (+20.45%). The improvement of lipid profile was associated with a significant reduction of serum inflammation biomarkers as hs-PCR (−27%) and fibrinogen (−36.8%) with good tolerability profile.

EFhd2/swiprosin-1 regulates LPS-induced macrophage recruitment via enhancing actin polymerization and cell migration

Macrophage motility is vital in innate immunity, which contributes strategically to the defensive inflammation process. During bacterial infection, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) potently activates the migration of macrophages via the NF-κB/iNOS/c-Src signaling pathway. However, the downstream region of c-Src that participates in macrophage migration is unclear. EFhd2, a novel actin bundling protein, was evaluated for its role in LPS-stimulated macrophage migration in this study. We found that LPS stimulated the up-regulation, tyrosine phosphorylation and membrane translocation of EFhd2 in macrophages. The absence of EFhd2 inhibited the recruitment of macrophages in the lungs of LPS-induced septic mice. LPS-induced macrophage migration was neutralized by the deletion of EFhd2. EFhd2-mediated up-regulation of NFPs (including Rac1/Cdc42, N-WASP/WAVE2 and Arp2/3 complex) induced by LPS could be used to explain the role of EFhd2 in promoting actin polymerization. Furthermore, the purified EFhd2 could directly promote actin polymerization in vitro. Dasatinib, a c-Src specific inhibitor, inhibited the up-regulation of EFhd2 stimulated by LPS. Therefore, our study demonstrated that EFhd2 might be involved in LPS-stimulated macrophage migration, which provides a potential target for LPS-activated c-Src during macrophage mobilization.

Effect of berberine on lipopolysaccharide-induced monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and interleukin-8 expression in a human retinal pigment epithelial cell line

Purpose

In this study, we elucidated the effects of berberine, a major alkaloid component contained in medicinal herbs, such as Phellodendri Cortex and Coptidis Rhizoma, on expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in a human retinal pigment epithelial cell line (ARPE-19) caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation.

Methods

ARPE-19 cells were cultured to confluence. Berberine and LPS were added to the medium. MCP-1 and IL-8 mRNA were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. MCP-1 and IL-8 protein concentrations in the media were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

After stimulation with LPS, MCP-1 and IL-8 mRNA in ARPE-19 cells reached maximum levels at 3 h, and MCP-1 and IL-8 protein in the culture media reached maximum levels at 24 h. Berberine dose-dependently inhibited MCP-1 and IL-8 mRNA expression of the cells and protein levels in the media stimulated with LPS.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that berberine inhibited the expression of MCP-1 and IL-8 induced by LPS.

Suppression of NFAT5-mediated Inflammation and Chronic Arthritis by Novel κB-binding Inhibitors

Nuclear factor of activated T cells 5 (NFAT5) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various human diseases, including cancer and arthritis. However, therapeutic agents inhibiting NFAT5 activity are currently unavailable. To discover NFAT5 inhibitors, a library of > 40,000 chemicals was screened for the suppression of nitric oxide, a direct target regulated by NFAT5 activity, through high-throughput screening. We validated the anti-NFAT5 activity of 198 primary hit compounds using an NFAT5-dependent reporter assay and identified the novel NFAT5 suppressor KRN2, 13-(2-fluoro)-benzylberberine, and its derivative KRN5. KRN2 inhibited NFAT5 upregulation in macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide and repressed the formation of NF-κB p65-DNA complexes in the NFAT5 promoter region. Interestingly, KRN2 selectively suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory genes, including Nos2 and Il6, without hampering high-salt-induced NFAT5 and its target gene expressions. Moreover, KRN2 and KRN5, the latter of which exhibits high oral bioavailability and metabolic stability, ameliorated experimentally induced arthritis in mice without serious adverse effects, decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Particularly, orally administered KRN5 was stronger in suppressing arthritis than methotrexate, a commonly used anti-rheumatic drug, displaying better potency and safety than its original compound, berberine. Therefore, KRN2 and KRN5 can be potential therapeutic agents in the treatment of chronic arthritis.

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We identify a novel NFAT5 suppressor KRN2, 13-(2-fluoro)-benzylberberine, and its derivative KRN5 to inhibit NFAT5 activity.

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KRN2 inhibits the transcriptional activation of NFAT5 and the pro-inflammatory responses.

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KRN2 and KRN5 suppress experimentally induced arthritis in mice.

NFAT5 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of arthritis. However, therapeutic agents specifically inhibiting NFAT5 activity are currently unavailable. To discover NFAT5 inhibitors, a library of > 40,000 chemicals was screened, leading to the discovery of novel berberine-based NFAT5 suppressors, KRN2 and its oral derivative KRN5. KRN2 inhibited the transcriptional activation of NFAT5 by blocking NF-κB binding to the NFAT5 promoter region, thereby reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory genes. Moreover, KRN2 and KRN5 ameliorated experimentally induced arthritis in mice without serious adverse effects. Therefore, we propose that KRN2 and KRN5 may be potential therapeutic agents in the treatment of chronic arthritis.

Nutraceutical therapies for atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting large and medium arteries and is considered to be a major underlying cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although the development of pharmacotherapies to treat CVD has contributed to a decline in cardiac mortality in the past few decades, CVD is estimated to be the cause of one-third of deaths globally. Nutraceuticals are natural nutritional compounds that are beneficial for the prevention or treatment of disease and, therefore, are a possible therapeutic avenue for the treatment of atherosclerosis. The purpose of this Review is to highlight potential nutraceuticals for use as antiatherogenic therapies with evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies. Furthermore, the current evidence from observational and randomized clinical studies into the role of nutraceuticals in preventing atherosclerosis in humans will also be discussed.

Berberis Vulgaris and Berberine: An Update Review

Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid present in several plants, including Coptis sp. and Berberis sp. Berberine is a customary component in Chinese medicine, and is characterized by a diversity of pharmacological effects. An extensive search in electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Ovid, Wiley, ProQuest, ISI, and Science Direct) were used to identify the pharmacological and clinical studies on Berberis vulgaris and berberine, during 2008 to 2015, using 'berberine' and 'Berberis vulgaris' as search words. We found more than 1200 new article studying the properties and clinical uses of berberine and B. vulgaris, for treating tumor, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, inflammation, bacterial and viral infections, cerebral ischemia trauma, mental disease, Alzheimer disease, osteoporosis, and so on. In this article, we have updated the pharmacological effects of B. vulgaris and its active constituent, berberine. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.