Glycoprotein isolated from Ulmus davidiana Nakai regulates expression of iNOS and COX-2 in vivo and in vitro

Anti-inflammatory effects of an ethanol extract of Aster glehni via inhibition of NF-κB activation in mice with DSS-induced colitis

Aster glehnihad a protective effect on colonic inflammation by inactivation of NF-κB and the modulation of pathophysiological activity during DSS-induced colitis.

Anti-inflammatory effect of a standardized triterpenoid-rich fraction isolated from Rubus coreanus on dextran sodium sulfate-induced acute colitis in mice and LPS-induced macrophages

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rubus coreanus Miquel (Rosaceae), the Korean black raspberry, has traditionally been used to treat inflammatory diseases including diarrhea, asthma, stomach ailment, and cancer. Although previous studies showed that the 19α-hydroxyursane-type triterpenoids isolated from Rubus coreanus exerted anti-inflammatory activities, their effects on ulcerative colitis and mode of action have not been explored. This study was designed to assess the anti-inflammatory effects and the molecular mechanisms involving19α-hydroxyursane-type triterpenoid-rich fraction from Rubus coreanus (TFRC) on a mice model of colitis and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experimental colitis was induced by DSS for 7 days in ICR mice. Disease activity indices (DAI) took into account body weight, stool consistency, and gross bleeding. Histological changes and macrophage accumulation were observed by immunohistochemical analysis. Pro-inflammatory markers were determined using immunoassays, RT-PCR, and real time PCR. Signaling pathway involving nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) activation was determined by luciferase assay and Western blotting.

RESULTS

In DSS-induced colitis mice, TFRC improved DAIs and pathological characteristics including colon shortening and colonic epithelium injury. TFRC suppressed tissue levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduced macrophage infiltration into colonic tissues. In LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages, TFRC inhibited the production of NO, PGE2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines by down-regulating the activation of NF-κB and p38 MAPK signaling.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrates that TFRC has potent anti-inflammatory effects on DSS-induced colonic injury and LPS-induced macrophage activation, and supports its possible therapeutic and preventive roles in colitis.

Chloroform fraction of Solanum tuberosum L. cv Jayoung epidermis suppresses LPS-induced inflammatory responses in macrophages and DSS-induced colitis in mice

In this study, the authors investigated the molecular mechanism underlying the antiinflammatory effects of the chloroform fraction of the peel of 'Jayoung' (CFPJ), a color-fleshed potato, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages and in mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. CFPJ inhibited the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) at the transcription level, and attenuated the transcriptional activity of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) by reducing the translocation of NF-κB depending on degradation of inhibitory κB-α (IκB-α). Furthermore, CFPJ attenuated the phosphorylations of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases3/6 (MKK3/6) and of p38. In colitis model, CFPJ significantly reduced the severity of colitis and the productions and protein levels of pro-inflammatory mediators in colonic tissue. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of CFPJ are associated with the suppression of NF-κB and p38 activation in macrophages, and support its possible therapeutic role for the treatment of colitis.

Ulmus davidiana var. japonica Nakai upregulates eosinophils and suppresses Th1 and Th17 cells in the small intestine

The bark of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica Nakai (Ulmaceae) has been used in traditional Korean medicine for chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Here we investigated the frequency and cytokine profile of the major immune cells in the small intestinal lamina propria (SI LP), spleen, and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) of mice treated orally with Ulmus davidiana var. japonica Nakai bark water extract (UDE) to address the immunomodulatory role of this herb in intestinal homeostasis. B6 mice were given 5g/kg UDE once daily for 14 days. They were then sacrificed, and cells were isolated from the spleen, MLNs, and SI LP. The proportion of B versus T lymphocytes, CD4⁺ versus CD8⁺ T lymphocytes, Th1 and Th17 cells, and Foxp3⁺ regulatory T cells in the spleen, MLNs, and SI LP were analyzed. The frequency of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), including dendritic cells, macrophages, and eosinophils in the SI LP and the expression of costimulatory molecules on APCs were also evaluated. The numbers and frequencies of Th1 and Th17 cells in the SI LP were significantly reduced in the UDE-treated mice compared with PBS controls. In addition, the proportion of IL-4-producing eosinophils in the SI LP was significantly elevated in the UDE-treated mice compared with controls. Taken together, these data indicate that UDE up-regulates the number and frequency of SI LP eosinophils, which can down-regulate the Th1 and Th17 responses via IL-4 secretion and contribute to intestinal homeostasis.

Anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effect of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica Nakai extract on a macrophage cell line and immune cells in the mouse small intestine

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional Oriental medicine has utilized the barks of the stem and root of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica Nakai (UD) to treat inflammatory disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate UD's anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects on a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophage cell line and small-intestinal lamina propria (LP) cells, respectively.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated with LPS in the presence of various concentrations of a UD water-soluble extract. Cell viability, nitric oxide (NO) production, and the level of inflammatory cytokines synthesis were measured. Among the mice receiving the UD water-soluble extract, changes in the LP cell populations and immunoglobulin (Ig)A production were evaluated.

RESULTS

The UD water-soluble extract inhibited LPS-induced NO synthesis and inflammatory cytokine production in a RAW264.7 macrophage-like cell line. Small-intestinal LP cells isolated from mice that received the UD extract displayed a decrease in the side scatter of medium-to-high cells. Those LP cells isolated from the UD-treated mice also showed a marked decrease of intracellular IgA. However, UD administration had no apparent effect on the synthesis of systemic inflammatory cytokines.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that UD water-soluble extracts have anti-inflammatory properties and, as such, can be used to promote intestinal immune-homeostatic conditions.

Monotropein isolated from the roots of Morinda officinalis ameliorates proinflammatory mediators in RAW 264.7 macrophages and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis via NF-κB inactivation

We previously demonstrated that monotropein isolated from the roots of Morinda officinalis (Rubiaceae) has anti-inflammatory effects in vivo. In the present study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of monotropein in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model. Monotropein was found to inhibit the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) mRNA in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. Treatment with monotropein decreased the DNA binding activity of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Consistent with these findings, monotropein also suppressed phosphorylation and degradation of inhibitory κB-α (IκB-α), and consequently the translocations of NF-κB. In the DSS-induced colitis model, monotropein reduced disease activity index (DAI), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and inflammation-related protein expressions by suppressing NF-κB activation in colon mucosa. Taken together, these findings suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of monotropein are mainly related to the inhibition of the expressions of inflammatory mediators via NF-κB inactivation, and support its possible therapeutic role in colitis.

Arvelexin inhibits colonic inflammation by suppression of NF-κB activation in dextran sulfate sodium-induced mice and TNF-α-induced colonic epithelial cells

Recently, we reported the anti-inflammatory effects of arvelexin isolated from Brassica rapa in macrophages. In the present study, the effects of arvelexin were investigated in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model and in a cellular model. In the DSS-induced colitis model, arvelexin significantly reduced the severity of colitis, as assessed by disease activity, colonic damage, neutrophil infiltration, and levels of colonic iNOS. Moreover, arvelexin inhibited the expressions of IL-8, IP-10, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 in HT-29 colonic epithelial cells. Arvelexin also inhibited the TNF-α-induced adhesion of U937 monocytic cells to HT-29 cells. Furthermore, arvelexin reduced p65 NF-κB subunit translocation to the nucleus and IκBα degradation in the colonic tissues and in TNF-α-induced HT-29 cells. These results demonstrate that the ameliorative effects of arvelexin on colonic injury are mainly related to its ability to inhibit the inflammatory responses via NF-κB inactivation, and support its possible therapeutic role in colitis.

Anti-inflammatory effects of methanol extract of Patrinia scabiosaefolia in mice with ulcerative colitis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Patrinia scabiosaefolia Fisch is used in folk medicines to treat intestinal abscesses, acute appendicitis, and dysentery in Asia. Although recent reports indicate that Patrinia scabiosaefolia has sedative and anti-tumor effects, its effects on ulcerative colitis have not been previously explored.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To determine the effects and the mode of action of the methanol extract of the roots of Patrinia scabiosaefolia (PME) on a model of colitis in mice induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We induced colitis using DSS in 5-week-ICR mice over 7 days and estimated disease activity index (DAI), which took into account body weight, stool consistency, gross bleeding, and tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) accumulation. Colon lengths and spleen weights were measured. Histological changes were observed by H&E staining. Pro-inflammatory mediators, namely, nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), were determined using Griess assays, immunoassays, and by quantitative real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), respectively.

RESULTS

PME significantly attenuated DSS-induced DAI scores and tissue MPO accumulation, which implied that it suppressed weight loss, diarrhea, gross bleeding, and the infiltrations of immune cells. PME administration also effectively and dose-dependently prevented shortening of colon length and enlargement of spleen size. Histological examinations indicated that PME suppressed edema, mucosal damage, and the loss of crypts induced by DSS. Furthermore, PME inhibited the abnormal secretions and mRNA expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that PME has an anti-inflammatory effect at colorectal sites that is due to the down-regulations of the productions and expressions of inflammatory mediators, and that it may have therapeutic value in the setting of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Embelin ameliorates dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice

Embelin has been used to treat fever, inflammatory diseases, and a variety of gastrointestinal ailments for thousands of years. Although reports indicate that embelin has anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects, its effects on ulcerative colitis have not been previously explored. The purpose of the present work was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of embelin on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Experimental colitis was induced in BALB/c mice by dissolving 5% DSS in their drinking water for 7days. Embelin (10, 30 or 50mg/kg body weight) was administrated daily per oral route for 7days. Embelin significantly attenuated DSS-induced DAI scores and tissue MPO accumulation, which implied that it suppressed weight loss, diarrhea, gross bleeding, and the infiltrations of immune cells. Embelin administration also effectively and dose-dependently prevented shortening of colon length and enlargement of spleen size. Histological examinations indicated that embelin suppressed edema, mucosal damage, and the loss of crypts induced by DSS. Furthermore, embelin inhibited the abnormal secretions and mRNA expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. These results suggest that embelin has an anti-inflammatory effect at colorectal sites that is due to the down-regulations of the productions and expressions of inflammatory mediators, and that it may have therapeutic value in the setting of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Preventive effect of Coptis chinensis and berberine on intestinal injury in rats challenged with lipopolysaccharides

Coptis chinensis has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat inflammatory symptoms. Berberine is the main alkaloid compound of C. chinensis. This study utilized a typical lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injured model to investigate the effects of C. chinensis aqueous extract (CCAE) and berberine (major active ingredient in CCAE) in the gut-derived sepsis. In rats, pretreatment with different doses of berberine (30 or 120 mg/kg bw, i.g.; BBR30 or BBR120) or CCAE (containing 9.9% berberine; 300 mg/kg bw, i.g.; CCAE300) prior to the administration of LPS (20 mg/kg bw, i.p.) significantly suppressed the increased tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and nitrite oxide (NO) in plasma as well as the activation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in ileum. In addition, CCAE300 and BBR30 markedly elevated the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px); significantly prevented the increased malondialdehyde (MDA), NO and villi injury in ileum compared with the negative control. Collectively, CCAE300 and BBR30 reduced the LPS-induced intestinal damage by elevating the activities of SOD and GSH-Px and by suppressing the activation of TLR4 and NF-κB in ileum. These results indicate that CCAE and berberine are promising agents for preventing sepsis and its complications.

Troxerutin protects the mouse kidney from d-galactose-caused injury through anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation

This study was carried out to investigate the protective effect of troxerutin against D-galactose (D-gal)-induced renal injury in mice. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained sections of kidneys revealed D-gal could cause renal injury and troxerutin could significantly attenuate the injury. We further investigated the mechanisms involved in the protective effects of troxerutin on mouse kidney. The following antioxidant defense enzymes were measured: cytosolic Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD-1), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). The content of the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) was also analyzed. In D-gal-treated mice, antioxidant enzymes activities were significantly decreased and the level of MDA was significantly higher than those in the vehicle controls. Our results indicated that the protective effect of troxerutin against D-gal induced renal injury might be caused, at least in part, by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes with a reduction in lipid peroxidation product. Furthermore, we also examined the inflammatory signal mediators of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostanoid receptor subtype EP2 by Western blot. After treatment with D-gal, the NF-kappaB p65, iNOS, COX-2 and EP2 were markedly upregulated. Upon co-treatment with the troxerutin, however, the expressions of the NF-kappaB p65, iNOS, COX-2 and EP2 markedly reduced, compared to D-gal treatment alone. These results indicated that troxerutin has significantly inhibitory effects on the NF-kappaB-mediated inflammatory response. These findings suggest troxerutin could attenuate renal injury induced by D-gal probably through its antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties.

Anti-oxidative and anti-proliferative character of glycoprotein isolated from geranium sibiricum linne in Chang liver cells

Geranium sibiricum Linne (GSL) has been used to treat intestinal inflammation in traditional Korean folk medicine. We examined its anti-oxidative and anti-proliferative activity in the Chang liver cells. We determined that GSL glycoprotein isolated from GSL has a molecular weight of 18kDa and consists of a carbohydrate (10.45%) and protein moiety (89.55%). After confirmation of anti-oxidative activity, we investigated the changes in the production of intracellular reactive oxygen radicals (iROS) and nitric oxide in glucose oxidase-stimulated Chang liver cells, because they play a critical role for the cell proliferation as a signal mediator. The results in this study showed that GSL glycoprotein significantly reduced iROS production at 5μg/mL and increased NO production at 20μg/mL in the G/GO system (100mU/mL). Also, our finding indicated that the GSL glycoprotein ((50μg/mL) in the presence of Concanavalin A (Con A, 10μg/mL) resulted in inhibition of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA, cell proliferation marker). Taken together, GSL glycoprotein inhibits cell proliferation through modulation of intracellular ROS (iROS) and NO in the Chang liver cells. Therefore, we speculate that GSL glycoprotein has an anti-oxidative and anti-proliferative character.

UDN glycoprotein regulates activities of manganese-superoxide dismutase, activator protein-1, and nuclear factor-κB stimulated by reactive oxygen radicals in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated HCT-116 cells

This study was carried out to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of glycoprotein (UDN glycoprotein, 116-kDa) isolated from Ulmus davidiana Nakai, which has been used to heal inflammatory diseases in Korean herbal medicine. We found that UDN glycoprotein has strong scavenging effect on the production of intracellular superoxide anion (O(2)(-)), hydrogen peroxides (H(2)O(2)), and nitric oxide (NO) without any cytotoxicity, and that the glycoprotein also selectively normalizes the aberrant activation of manganese-superoxide dismutases (Mn-SOD) activity in lipopolysaccaride (LPS)-treated cancerous human colon epithelial cells (HCT-116 cells). The results obtained from electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and Western blot analysis showed that UDN glycoprotein blocks the DNA binding activities of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1), and attenuates the activities of NF-kappaB subunits (p50 and p65), and AP-1 subunits (c-Jun and c-Fos), respectively. To further verify the anti-inflammatory effect of UDN glycoprotein, we investigated the activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9) in LPS-treated HCT-116 cells, using Western blot analysis and gelatin zymographic assay. Results in this study indicated that 200mug/ml of UDN glycoprotein has inhibitory effects on the activations of iNOS, COX-2, and MMP-9. Therefore, UDN glycoprotein, a natural antioxidant, is a potential modulator of inflammatory signal pathways in LPS-treated HCT-116 cells.

Chemopreventive effect of plant originated glycoprotein on colitis-mediated colorectal cancer in A/J mice

This study was carried out to investigate the chemopreventive effects of glycoprotein (UDN glycoprotein, 116-kDa) isolated from Ulmus davidiana Nakai on colitis-mediated colorectal cancer (CRC) in A/J mice. UDN glycoprotein intake significantly reduced the incidence and the multiplicity of colorectal tumors, induced by combination treatment with 10 mg/kg 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) and 2% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). We found that the abnormal levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and nitric oxide (NO) were significantly suppressed in proportion to the concentration of UDN glycoprotein (0.01% and 0.02%) in the mice serum. In addition, consumption of UDN glycoprotein attenuated the activities of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inhibited the DNA-binding activities of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) in the mice colonic tissue. Interestingly, the results obtained from reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay showed that 0.02% UDN glycoprotein inhibited the expressions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-6 mRNA in the mice. Collectively, these results suggest that UDN glycoprotein has chemopreventive activity via modulation of inflammation-related factors responsible for development of colitis-mediated CRC in A/J mice.