Ethylacetate extract from Draconis Resina inhibits LPS-induced inflammatory responses in vascular smooth muscle cells and macrophages via suppression of ROS production

The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Cancer Immunotherapy: Current Status and Future Directions

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in the development of tumors. Immunoregulatory cells and cytokines facilitate cancer cells to avoid immune surveillance. Overexpression of immune checkpoint molecules such as CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibits immune function and enables cancer cells to avoid clearance by the immune system. Thus, minimizing tumor immunosuppression could be an important strategy for cancer therapy. Currently, many immune checkpoint-targeted drugs, such as PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, have been approved for marketing and have shown unique advantages in the clinical treatment of cancers. The concept of "strengthening resistance to eliminate pathogenic factors" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is consistent with the immunotherapy of cancer. According to previous studies, the role of TCM in tumor immunotherapy is mainly associated with the positive regulation of natural killer cells, CD8/CD4 T cells, dendritic cells, M2 macrophages, interleukin-2, tumor necrosis factor-[Formula: see text], and IFN-[Formula: see text], as well as with the negative regulation of Tregs, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, PD-1/PD-L1, transforming growth factor-[Formula: see text], and tumor necrosis factor-[Formula: see text]. This paper summarizes the current research on the effect of TCM targeting the TME, and further introduces the research progress on studying the effects of TCM on immune checkpoints. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that TCM can directly or indirectly affect the TME by inhibiting the overexpression of immune checkpoint molecules and enhancing the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy. TCM with immunomodulatory stimulation could be the key factor to achieve benefits from immunotherapy for patients with non-inflammatory, or "cold", tumors.

The immunosuppressive effects and mechanisms of loureirin B on collagen-induced arthritis in rats

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common disease mainly affecting joints of the hands and wrists. The discovery of autoantibodies in the serum of patients revealed that RA belonged to the autoimmune diseases and laid a theoretical basis for its immunosuppressive therapy. The pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases mainly involves abnormal activation and proliferation of effector memory T cells, which is closely related to the elevated expression of Kv1.3, a voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channel on the effector memory T cell membrane. Drugs blocking the Kv1.3 channel showed a strong protective effect in RA model animals, suggesting that Kv1.3 is a target for the discovery of specific RA immunosuppressive drugs.

Methods

In the present study, we synthesized LrB and studied the effects of LrB on collagen- induced arthritis (CIA) in rats. The clinical score, paw volume and joint morphology of CIA model rats were compared. The percentage of CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in rat peripheral blood mononuclear and spleen were analyzed with flow cytometry. The concentrations of inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1b, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-17 in the serum of CIA rats were analyzed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The IL-1b and IL-6 expression in joints and the Kv1.3 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were quantified by qPCR. To further study the mechanisms of immunosuppressive effects of LrB, western blot and immunofluorescence were utilized to study the expression of Kv1.3 and Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cells 1 (NFAT1) in two cell models - Jurkat T cell line and extracted PBMCs.

Results

LrB effectively reduced the clinical score and relieved joint swelling. LrB could also decrease the percentage of CD4+ T cells, while increase the percentage of CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear and spleen of rats with CIA. The concentrations of inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1b, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-17 in the serum of CIA rats were significantly reduced by LrB. The results of qPCR showed that Kv1.3 mRNA in the PBMCs of CIA rats was significantly higher than that of the control and significantly decreased in the LrB treatment groups. In addition, we confirmed in cell models that LrB significantly decreased Kv1.3 protein on the cell membrane and inhibited the activation of Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cells 1 (NFAT1) with immune stimulus.

Conclusion

In summary, this study revealed that LrB could block NFAT1 activation and reduce Kv1.3 expression in activated T cells, thus inhibiting the proliferation of lymphocytes and the release of inflammatory cytokines, thereby effectively weakening the autoimmune responses in CIA rats. The effects of immunosuppression due to LrB revealed its potential medicinal value in the treatment of RA.

Targeting interleukin-β by plant-derived natural products: Implications for the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Inflammation is the main contributing factor to atheroma formation in atherosclerosis. Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) is an inflammatory mediator found in endothelial cells and resident leukocytes. Canakinumab is a selective monoclonal antibody against IL-1β which attenuates inflammation and concurrently precipitates fatal infections and sepsis. Natural products derived from medicinal plants, herbal remedy and functional foods are widely used nowadays. Experimental and clinical trial evidence supports that some natural products such as curcumin, resveratrol, and quercetin have potential effects on IL-1β suppression. In this review, we tried to document findings that used medicinal plants and plant-based natural products for treating atherosclerosis and its related diseases through the suppression of IL-1β.

Loureirin B Exerts its Immunosuppressive Effects by Inhibiting STIM1/Orai1 and KV1.3 Channels

Loureirin B (LrB) is a constituent extracted from traditional Chinese medicine Resina Draconis. It has broad biological functions and an impressive immunosuppressive effect that has been supported by numerous studies. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying Loureirin B-induced immune suppression are not fully understood. We previously reported that Loureirin B inhibited K_V1.3 channel, calcium ion (Ca²⁺) influx, and interleukin-2 (IL-2) secretion in Jurkat T cells. In this study, we applied CRISPR/Cas9 to edit K_V1.3 coding gene KCNA3 and successfully generated a K_V1.3 knockout (KO) cell model to determine whether K_V1.3 KO was sufficient to block the Loureirin B-induced immunosuppressive effect. Surprisingly, we showed that Loureirin B could still inhibit Ca²⁺ influx and IL-2 secretion in the Jurkat T cells in the absence of K_V1.3 although KO K_V1.3 reduced about 50% of Ca²⁺ influx and 90% IL-2 secretion compared with that in the wild type cells. Further experiments showed that Loureirin B directly inhibited STIM1/Orai1 channel in a dose-dependent manner. Our results suggest that Loureirin B inhibits Ca²⁺ influx and IL-2 secretion in Jurkat T cells by inhibiting both K_V1.3 and STIM1/Orai1 channels. These studies also revealed an additional molecular target for Loureirin B-induced immunosuppressive effect, which makes it a promising leading compound for treating autoimmune diseases.

Effect of Loureirin B on Crohn's disease rat model induced by TNBS via IL-6/STAT3/NF-κB signaling pathway

Background

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease, seriously threatening human beings health. However, the pathogenesis of CD is still unclear and there is no specific effective drug for treatment of CD. Resina Donis (RD) obtained from Dracaena cochinchinensis (Lour.) S. C. Chen (Liliaceae), has been used for the treatment of CD clinically. Loureirin B (LB) is one of the most important chemical compositions and physiologically active ingredients of resina draconis. It has the molecular structure propan-1-one, 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl) propan-1-one. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of LB on CD and explore the underlying mechanisms.

Methods and results

In this study, the result demonstrated that LB prolonged the survival time of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced rats and alleviated colonic damage in a dose dependent manner. Besides, LB remarkably ameliorated TNBS-induced inflammatory response via regulation of cytokines in the colonic tissues. Moreover, LB could reverse the established fibrosis and impede the accumulation infiltration, and improve the apoptosis induced by TNBS in a dose dependent manner. Further, LB dramatically suppressed TNBS-induced the activation of IL-6/STAT3/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Conclusions

These findings suggested that LB could be beneficial regarding ameliorating TNBS-induced CD, which may represent a novel approach to treat CD and provide an alternative choice for disorders associated with CD.

Oregano Essential Oil Attenuates RAW264.7 Cells from Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Response through Regulating NADPH Oxidase Activation-Driven Oxidative Stress

Oregano is an aromatic plant widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean area and in Asia. Recent studies have revealed that the anti-inflammatory effect of essential oil in this plant. However, the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic potential have not been well elucidated. This study determined whether oregano essential oil (OEO) exerts an anti-inflammatory effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated murine macrophage cells (RAW264.7 cells) in vitro and elucidated the possible underlying molecular mechanisms. The results showed that OEO (2.5–10 μg/mL) inhibited the expression and secretion of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in RAW264.7 cells treated with LPS (1 μg/mL). Consistent with the pro-inflammatory gene expression, the OEO treatment efficiently reduced the LPS-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase, protein kinase B, and nuclear factor κB in RAW264.7 cells. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase inhibition in Nox2 protein-silenced cells attenuated the mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. The OEO inhibited the LPS-induced elevation of NADPH oxidase and oxidative stress. This result suggests that LPS induces RAW264.7 cell inflammation through the NADPH oxidase-mediated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In conclusion, OEO protects against the LPS-induced RAW264.7 cell inflammatory response through the NADPH oxidase/ROS pathway.

Metabolic profiling of five flavonoids from Dragon's Blood in human liver microsomes using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry

Although much is known about the pharmacological activities of Dragon's Blood (DB, a traditional Chinese herb), its metabolism in human liver microsomes (HLMs) and the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes has not been studied. This study aims to identify the metabolic profile of five flavonoids (loureirin A, loureirin B, loureirin C, 7,4'-dihydroxyflavone and 5,7,4'-trihydroxyflavanone) from DB in HLMs as well as the CYP enzymes that are involved in the metabolism of them. High-resolution mass spectrometry was used to characterize the structures of their metabolites and 10 cDNA-expressed CYP enzymes (CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, CYP3A4 and CYP3A5) were used to verify which isozymes mediate in the metabolism of the metabolites. Totally, 29 metabolites including 10 metabolites of loureirin A, 10 metabolites of loureirin B, 4 metabolites of loureirin C, 2 metabolites of 7,4'-dihydroxyflavone and 3 metabolites of 5,7,4'-trihydroxyflavanone were elucidated and identified on the basis of the high-resolution MSⁿ data. The metabolic profile of the five flavonoids in HLMs involved hydroxylation, oxidation and demethylation. Among them, hydroxylation was the predominant biotransformation of the five flavonoids in HLMs, occurring in combination with other metabolic reactions. Assay with recombinant P450s revealed that CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 played an important role in the hydroxylation of flavonoids in HLMs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first in vitro evaluation of the metabolic profile of loureirin A, loureirin B, loureirin C, 7,4'-dihydroxyflavone and 5,7,4'-trihydroxyflavanone in HLMs.

Involvement of Nrf2-mediated heme oxygenase-1 expression in anti-inflammatory action of chitosan oligosaccharides through MAPK activation in murine macrophages

Chitosan and its derivatives have been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo. It is also suggested that chitosan and its derivatives could be up-regulating heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in different models. However, the up-regulation of HO-1 by chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) remains unexplored in regard to anti-inflammatory action in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophages (RAW264.7 cells). Treatment with COS induced HO-1 expression in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, whereas the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was decreased. Pretreatment with ZnPP, a HO-1 inhibitor, reduced the COS-mediated anti-inflammatory action. HO-1 induction is mediated by activating the nuclear translocation of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) using COS. Moreover, COS increased the phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase (JNK), and p38 MAPK. However, specific inhibitors of ERK, JNK, and p38 reduced COS-mediated nuclear translocation of Nrf2. Therefore, HO-1 induction also decreased in RAW264.7 cells. Collectively, COS exert an anti-inflammatory effect through Nrf2/MAPK-mediated HO-1 induction.

Anti-atherosclerotic plants which modulate the phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of global death, with atherosclerosis being a major contributor to this mortality. Several mechanisms are implicated in the pathogenesis of this disease. A key element in the development and progression of atherosclerotic lesions is the phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells. Under pathophysiologic conditions such as injury, these cells switch from a contractile to a synthetic phenotype that often possesses high proliferative and migratory capacities.

PURPOSE

Despite major advances made in the management and treatment of atherosclerosis, mortality associated with this disease remains high. This mandates that other approaches be sought. Herbal medicine, especially for the treatment of CVD, has been gaining more attention in recent years. This is in no small part due to the evidence-based values associated with the consumption of many plants as well as the relatively cheaper prices, easier access and conventional folk medicine "inherited" over generations. Sections: In this review, we provide a brief introduction about the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis then we highlight the role of vascular smooth muscle cells in this disease, especially when a phenotypic switch of these cells arises. We then thoroughly discuss the various plants that show potentially beneficial effects as anti-atherosclerotic, with prime attention given to herbs and plants that inhibit the phenotypic switch of vascular smooth muscle cells.

CONCLUSION

Accumulating evidence provides the justification for the use of botanicals in the treatment or prevention of atherosclerosis. However, further studies, especially clinical ones, are warranted to better define several pharmacological parameters of these herbs, such as toxicity, tolerability, and efficacy.

Natural Treatments for Fissure in Ano Used by Traditional Persian Scholars, Razi (Rhazes) and Ibn Sina (Avicenna)

Most cases of chronic fissure do not respond to medical treatment. Razi and Ibn Sina were 2 of the best-known scientists of ancient Persia. The purpose of this study was to find out new scientific evidence in modern medicine about their recommendations, in order to find certain clues to conduct useful researches in the future. First, treatments of anal fissure mentioned by Razi and Ibn Sina were reviewed. Then, literature search was made in electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Management of anal fissure according to Razi's and Ibn Sina's practices is done based on 3 interventions: lifestyle modifications, drug treatments, and manual procedures. Almost all remedies suggested by Razi and Ibn Sina have shown their effects on fissure in ano via several mechanisms of action in many in vitro and in vivo studies; Still there is lack of human studies on the subject.

Uncoupling lipid metabolism from inflammation through fatty acid binding protein-dependent expression of UCP2

Chronic inflammation in obese adipose tissue is linked to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and systemic insulin resistance. Targeted deletion of the murine fatty acid binding protein (FABP4/aP2) uncouples obesity from inflammation although the mechanism underlying this finding has remained enigmatic. Here, we show that inhibition or deletion of FABP4/aP2 in macrophages results in increased intracellular free fatty acids (FFAs) and elevated expression of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) without concomitant increases in UCP1 or UCP3. Silencing of UCP2 mRNA in FABP4/aP2-deficient macrophages negated the protective effect of FABP loss and increased ER stress in response to palmitate or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Pharmacologic inhibition of FABP4/aP2 with the FABP inhibitor HTS01037 also upregulated UCP2 and reduced expression of BiP, CHOP, and XBP-1s. Expression of native FABP4/aP2 (but not the non-fatty acid binding mutant R126Q) into FABP4/aP2 null cells reduced UCP2 expression, suggesting that the FABP-FFA equilibrium controls UCP2 expression. FABP4/aP2-deficient macrophages are resistant to LPS-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and exhibit decreased mitochondrial protein carbonylation and UCP2-dependent reduction in intracellular reactive oxygen species. These data demonstrate that FABP4/aP2 directly regulates intracellular FFA levels and indirectly controls macrophage inflammation and ER stress by regulating the expression of UCP2.

Loureirin B, an essential component of Sanguis Draxonis, inhibits Kv1.3 channel and suppresses cytokine release from Jurkat T cells

Sanguis draxonis (SD), also known as “Dragon’s Blood”, is a traditional herb medicine that has been used to treat a variety of complications with unknown mechanisms. Recent studies show that SD displays immunosuppressive activities and improves symptoms of type I diabetes in animal models. However, the mechanisms underlying SD’s immunosuppressive actions are not completely understood. The voltage-gated Kv1.3 channel plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases by regulating the functions of both T cells and B cells. Here we investigated the effect of SD and one of its active components loureirin B (LrB) on Kv1.3. Both SD and LrB inhibited Kv1.3-mediated currents, produced a membrane depolarization, and reduced Ca²⁺ influx in Jurkat T cells. In addition, application of LrB inhibited phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced IL-2 release from activated Jurkat T cells. Furthermore, point mutations in the selective filter region significantly reduced the inhibitory effect of LrB on Kv1.3. The results of these experiments provide evidence that LrB is a channel blocker of Kv1.3 by interacting with amino acid residues in its selective filter region. Direct inhibition of Kv1.3 in T cells by SD and LrB might be the cellular and molecular basis of SD-mediated immunosuppression.

Glycolipid biosurfactants, mannosylerythritol lipids, show antioxidant and protective effects against H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative stress in cultured human skin fibroblasts

Mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs) are biosurfactants known for their versatile interfacial and biochemical properties. To broaden their application in cosmetics, we investigated the antioxidant properties of different MEL derivatives (MEL-A, -B, and -C) by using a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazine (DPPH) free-radical- and superoxide anion-scavenging assay. All MEL derivatives tested showed antioxidant activity in vitro, but at lower levels than those of arbutin. Of the MELs, MEL-C, which is produced from soybean oil by Pseudozyma hubeiensis, showed the highest rates of DPPH radical scavenging (50.3% at 10 mg/mL) and superoxide anion scavenging (>50% at 1 mg/mL). The antioxidant property of MEL-C was further examined using cultured human skin fibroblasts (NB1RGB cells) under H(2)O(2) induced oxidative stress. Surprisingly, MEL-C had a higher protective activity against oxidative stress than arbutin did: 10 µg/mL of MEL-C and arbutin had protective activities of 30.3% and 13%, respectively. Expression of an oxidative stress marker, cyclooxygenase-2, in these cells was repressed by treatment with MEL-C as well as by arbutin. MEL-C was thus confirmed to have antioxidant and protective effects in cells, and we suggest that MELs have potential as anti-aging skin care ingredients.

Gentiana asclepiadea exerts antioxidant activity and enhances DNA repair of hydrogen peroxide- and silver nanoparticles-induced DNA damage

Exposure to high levels of different environmental pollutants is known to be associated with induction of DNA damage in humans. Thus DNA repair is of great importance in preventing mutations and contributes crucially to the prevention of cancer. In our study we have focused on quantitative analysis of Gentiana asclepiadea aqueous or methanolic extracts obtained from flower and haulm, their antioxidant potency in ABTS post-column derivatisation, and their potential ability to enhance DNA repair in human lymphocytes after hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) treatment (250 μM, 5 min). We also studied DNA repair in human kidney HEK 293 cells after exposure to 20 nm silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) (100 μg/ml, 30 min) in the presence and absence of the plant extract. We have found that mangiferin along with unidentified polar compounds are the most pronounced antioxidants in the studied extracts. Extract from haulm exhibited slightly stronger antioxidant properties compared to flower extracts. However, all four extracts showed significant ability to enhance DNA repair in both cell types after H(2)O(2) and AgNP treatments.

Effect of Sanguis draconis (a dragon's blood resin) on streptozotocin- and cytokine-induced β-cell damage, in vitro and in vivo

The study was to examine the effects of Sanguis draconis ethanol extract (SDEE) on streptozotocin (STZ)- and cytokine-induced β-cell damage. In vitro, SDEE did not cause cytotoxicity below 200 μg/ml, and can prevent STZ (5mM)-induced cell death and apoptosis below 100 μg/ml on RIN-m5F cells. SDEE inhibits IL-1β/IFN-γ-stimulated NO, TNF-α release, and iNOS expression. Furthermore, SDEE suppressed the IL-1β/IFN-γ- or STZ-induced p65 expression of NF-κB, which is associated with inhibition of IκB-α degradation. In vivo, treatment of ICR mice with STZ (100 mg/kg, i.p. single injection) resulted in hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia, which was further evidenced by blood glucose and plasma insulin. The diabetogenic effects of STZ were completely prevented when mice were orally administered with SDEE for 3 weeks, however, the blood glucose and plasma insulin showed no significant change after SDEE administration alone. In addition, SDEE also can inhibit STZ-induced iNOS protein expression, pancreatic injury and lipid peroxidation. In conclusions, the molecular mechanism by which SDEE inhibits iNOS gene expression appears to involve the inhibition of NF-κB activation. These results suggest the possible therapeutic value of S. draconis and could be potentially developed into a novel drug for preventing the progression of diabetes mellitus.

Antioxidant effects of antioxidant biofactor on reactive oxygen species in human gingival fibroblasts

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of antioxidant biofactor (AOB) on reactive oxygen species (ROS). Generation of superoxide radical (O₂^•−) and hydroxyl radical (^•OH) was determined using an electron spin resonance (ESR) spin-trapping method. AOB was added at different concentrations to these free radical generating systems. The generation of both O₂^•− and ^•OH was scavenged by the addition of AOB in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that AOB has strong antioxidant properties against these radicals. We further investigated the anti-oxidative effect of AOB on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). HGFs were treated for 3 h with α-MEM containing a combination of AOB and H₂O₂ (AOB + H₂O₂ group), containing H₂O₂ (H₂O₂ group), or containing AOB alone (AOB group). Non-stimulated HGFs were used as a control group. The number of surviving cells was in the order of the AOB group > control group > AOB + H₂O₂ group > H₂O₂ group. The level of expression of type I collagen mRNA and production of collagen were also in the order of the AOB group > control group > AOB + H₂O₂ group > H₂O₂ group. In conclusion, our results suggest that AOB may protect HGFs against oxidative stress by reducing stress-induced ROS.

Anti-inflammatory potential of Phaseolus calcaratus Roxburgh, a oriental medicine, on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages

Objectives

The seed of Phaseolus calcaratus Roxburgh (PHCR) has traditionally been used as a herbal medicine, considered to have anti-inflammatory potential. Here we examined the ability of PHCR seed extract to inhibit inflammatory responses of macrophages to bacterial toxin and the mechanism involved.

Methods

In the present study, we prepared four fractions from an ethanol extract of PHCR seed and investigated their effects on the production of nitric oxide and cytokines, and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells.

Key findings

The fractions inhibited LPS-induced nitric oxide production and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in the cells. The ethyl acetate fraction at 100 µg/ml almost completely suppressed NO production, iNOS and COX-2 expression, and TNF-α and IL-6 secretion in cells stimulated with LPS. The fraction also inhibited phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 in LPS-stimulated cells with the attendant suppression of IκBα nuclear translocation and nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation. Furthermore, PHCR seed extracts contained a large number of phenolic compounds having antioxidant potentials against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and hydroxyl radicals. We identified catechin-7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside as one of the active compounds responsible for the biological activity of PHCR seed extract.

Conclusions

These results suggest for the first time that ethanol extracts from PHCR seed have anti-inflammatory potential on LPS-stimulated macrophages through the down-regulation of ERK/p38- and NF-κB-mediated signalling pathways.

The protective effects of the active fraction of Shaofu Zhuyu decoction on hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative injury in vascular smooth muscle cells

In this paper, the protective effects of the active fraction (SF-7) from Shaofu Zhuyu decoction (SFZYD) were tested on a hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) oxidative injury model. This active fraction (SF-7) shows potent antioxidant properties. The cell viability and oxidative damage markers of VSMCs were determined after exposure to H₂O₂ for 16 hours. It was observed that SF-7 significantly increased cell survival and reduced apoptosis of H₂O₂-injured VSMCs. Moreover, SF-7 could markedly increase intracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and decrease the malondialdehyde (MDA) level in H₂O₂-injured VSMCs, and suppress the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration. Thus, SF-7 exhibits protective effects against H₂O₂-injury on VSMCs, which may be associated with its antioxidant properties. It is suggested that SF may be useful in the treatment of blood stasis syndrome in which oxidative injury is mainly implicated.