Beneficial effects of chelidonic acid on a model of allergic rhinitis

An Erythrocyte Membrane-Derived Nanosystem for Efficient Reversal of Endothelial Injury in Sepsis

Sepsis is caused by a disordered host immune in response to infection and endothelial cells perform a crucial role in boosting immunity reaction in the pathophysiology of sepsis and septic organ failure. The aim of this study is to construct a novel erythrocyte membrane-derived nanosystems to reverse endothelial damage in sepsis. Herein, an innovative nanometer calcium metal-organic framework (Ca-MOF) is generated for the first time by using chelidonic acid as a ligand and calcium chloride as an ion donor for anti-inflammation. Then, zoliflodacin is loaded into Ca-MOF (CMZ) to sterilize and nanoscale erythrocyte membrane vesicles are prepared by modification with a γ3 peptide on the surface (γ3-RM) for precise targeting. Finally, γ3-RM camouflages the nanocore CMZ, to form novel erythrocyte membrane-camouflaged nanoparticle γ3-RCMZ. The superior performance of novel nanosystem results from its suitable biocompatibility, nontoxicity, specific targeting, and anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effects. Its anti-inflammatory mechanism mainly involves inhibiting the Caspase1-nuclear factor kappa-B (Caspase1-NF-κB) pathway and oxidative stress reduction to alleviate endothelial damage. Moreover, the findings have revealed for the first time that the bactericidal drug zoliflodacin also has anti-inflammatory effects in vivo and in vitro. Therefore, the novel nanosystem (γ3-RCMZ) provides a new nanotherapy strategy for sepsis treatment.

Mitigation of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by chelidonic acid in Wistar rats

INTRODUCTION

Cisplatin, an anti-cancer drug is used to treat a wide range of solid tumors. Nevertheless, nephrotoxicity is the major adverse effect that restricts its clinical application. The present study focuses on the effect of chelidonic acid in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.

METHODS

Wistar rats were injected with cisplatin (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.), once in a week for 4 weeks) and chelidonic acid (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg, per oral (p.o.) for 4 weeks). Body weight, urine, biochemical, and oxidative stress parameters were performed to evaluate the effect of chelidonic acid in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) concentrations were determined. Expression of phospho-AMP activated protein kinase (phospho-AMP) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) was studied with western blot. Haematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, and Masson's trichrome staining were used to study kidney tissues.

RESULTS

Relative kidney weight and urine output were significantly increased in cisplatin-administered rats. Whereas, albumin, and creatinine concentration were decreased, and treatment with chelidonic acid reverses these deleterious effects of cisplatin significantly. Kidney functions were improved by chelidonic acid treatment with a reduction in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β1) concentration. The oxidative stress was decreased as compared to the cisplatin group. Furthermore, Nrf2 was significantly increased by chelidonic acid treatment. Chelidonic acid treatment significantly increased the expression of phospho-AMPK and HIF-1α in kidney tissue. Histopathological studies revealed that chelidonic acid reduced kidney damage.

CONCLUSION

The findings showed that chelidonic acid increases phospho-AMPK and HIF-1α in the kidney tissue and significantly lowers the inflammatory cytokines, thus it is an effective molecule for providing protection against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.

Structure and Neuroprotector Properties of a Complex Compound of Lithium with Comenic Acid

The structure, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties of lithium comenate (lithium 5-hydroxy-4-oxo-4H-pyran-2-carboxylate) were studied. Lithium comenate was obtained by reacting comenic acid (H2Com) with lithium hydroxide in an aqueous solution. The structure of lithium comenate was confirmed via thermal analysis, mass spectrometry, IR, NMR and UV spectroscopy. The crystal structure was studied in detail via X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallized in a non-centrosymmetric space group of symmetry of the orthorhombic system Pna21 in the form of a hydrate, with three water molecules entering the first coordination sphere of the cation Li+ and one molecule forming a second environment through non-valent contacts. The gross formula of the complex compound was established [Li(HCom)(H2O)3]·H2O. It has been established that lithium comenate has a pronounced neuroprotective activity under the excitotoxic effect of glutamate, increasing the survival rate of cultured rat cerebellar neurons more than two-fold. It has also been found that the pre-stress use of lithium comenate at doses of 1 and 2 mg/kg has an antioxidant effect, which is manifested in a decrease in oxidative damage to the brain tissues of mice subjected to immobilization stress. Based on the data available in the literature, we believe that the high neuroprotective and antioxidant efficacy of lithium comenate is a consequence of the mutual potentiation of the pharmacological effects of lithium and comenic acid.

Effects of Acute and Repeated Dose Toxicity Profiling of Chelidonic Acid in Rats: in Silico and in Vivo Evidence

Chelidonic acid is a phytoconstituent found in rhizomes of the perennial plant celandine. The current study aims to evaluate the acute and repeated dose oral toxicity study of chelidonic acid as per the OECD guidelines 425 and 407. The pharmacokinetic and toxicity profile of chelidonic acid was predicted using online servers and tools. A single dose of chelidonic acid (2000 mg/kg) was administered to female Wistar rats in an acute toxicity study, and the animals were monitored for 14 days. We studied the toxicity profile of chelidonic acid at 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg doses in Wistar rats for repeated dose toxicity (28 days). Clinical biochemistry, haematological, and urine parameters were estimated. A gross necropsy and histopathology were performed. A single oral dose of chelidonic acid (2000 mg/kg) showed no signs of toxicity or mortality. The Administration of chelidonic acid showed no significant alterations in haematological, biochemical, and urine parameters. The histopathology showed normal structure and architecture in all the vital organs. A gross necropsy of vital organs showed no signs of toxicity. The chelidonic acid was found to be safe at all selected dose levels in the acute and repeated dose toxicity study in rats.

AIM2 inflammasome activation may mediate high mobility group box 1 release in murine allergic rhinitis

Introduction

High mobility group box 1 protein participates in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis. Activation of the inflammasome can mediate the release of high mobility group box 1. The role of the absent in melanoma 2 inflammasome in allergic rhinitis remains unclear.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the function of absent in melanoma 2 inflammasome in murine allergic rhinitis and the interaction between high mobility group box 1 and the absent in melanoma 2 inflammasome.

Methods

A murine allergic rhinitis model was established using twenty Balb/c mice. Expression of the components of the absent in melanoma 2 inflammasome: absent in melanoma 2, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (Asc), caspase-1 p20, and additional nod-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (Nlrp3) were detected by western blotting during allergic rhinitis. Alterations of absent in melanoma 2, caspase-1, and high mobility group box 1 after ovalbumin challenge were demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. TdT-mediated dUTP Nick end labeling, TUNEL assay, and cleavage of caspase-3 and PARP-1 were used for the observation of pyroptosis.

Results

Eosinophilia and goblet cell infiltration were observed in the nasal mucosa of mice in the allergic rhinitis group. Absent in melanoma 2, Asc, and caspase-1 p20 increased after ovalbumin exposure while Nlrp3 did not. High mobility group box 1 was released in the nasal mucosa of allergic rhinitis mice. TUNEL-positive cells increased in the epithelium and laminae propria, whereas cleavage of caspase-3 and PARP-1 was not observed.

Conclusions

The absent in melanoma 2 inflammasome was activated and pyroptosis may occur in the nasal mucosa after ovalbumin treatment. These may contribute to the translocation of high mobility group box 1 and the development of allergic rhinitis.

Greater Celandine's Ups and Downs-21 Centuries of Medicinal Uses of Chelidonium majus From the Viewpoint of Today's Pharmacology

As antique as Dioscorides era are the first records on using Chelidonium as a remedy to several sicknesses. Inspired by the "signatura rerum" principle and an apparent ancient folk tradition, various indications were given, such as anti-jaundice and cholagogue, pain-relieving, and quite often mentioned-ophthalmological problems. Central and Eastern European folk medicine has always been using this herb extensively. In this region, the plant is known under many unique vernacular names, especially in Slavonic languages, associated or not with old Greek relation to "chelidon"-the swallow. Typically for Papaveroidae subfamily, yellow-colored latex is produced in abundance and leaks intensely upon injury. Major pharmacologically relevant components, most of which were first isolated over a century ago, are isoquinoline alkaloids-berberine, chelerythrine, chelidonine, coptisine, sanguinarine. Modern pharmacology took interest in this herb but it has not ended up in gaining an officially approved and evidence-based herbal medicine status. On the contrary, the number of relevant studies and publications tended to drop. Recently, some controversial reports and sometimes insufficiently proven studies appeared, suggesting anticancer properties. Anticancer potential was in line with anecdotical knowledge spread in East European countries, however, in the absence of directly-acting cytostatic compounds, some other mechanisms might be involved. Other properties that could boost the interest in this herb are antimicrobial and antiviral activities. Being a common synanthropic weed or ruderal plant, C. majus spreads in all temperate Eurasia and acclimates well to North America. Little is known about the natural variation of bioactive metabolites, including several aforementioned isoquinoline alkaloids. In this review, we put together older and recent literature data on phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical studies on C. majus aiming at a critical evaluation of state-of-the-art from the viewpoint of historical and folk indications. The controversies around this herb, the safety and drug quality issues and a prospective role in phytotherapy are discussed as well.

Effects of chelidonic acid, a secondary plant metabolite, on mast cell degranulation and adaptive immunity in rats

The present study evaluated the immunomodulatory effects of chelidonic acid, a secondary plant metabolite, with therapeutic potential in allergic disorders, in experimental animals. In mast cell degranulation studies, ovalbumin immunized and challenged rats, chelidonic acid (1, 3 and 10mg/kg, i.p.) dose relatedly prevented ovalbumin challenge induced mast cell degranulation by differing degrees when compared with vehicle treated group, and these effects were comparable with prednisolone (10mg/kg). A reduction in post-challenge mortality was also observed in all treated groups. Further, there were reductions in the blood eosinophil counts and serum IgE levels after chelidonic acid treatment. Chelidonic acid also inhibited histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) in vitro, in a dose related manner. In tests for adaptive immunity, in rats immunized with sheep RBC, chelidonic acid differentially suppressed the (a) plaque forming cell (PFC) count in rat splenic cells, (b) anti-SRBC antibody titre and serum IgG levels and (c) increases in foot pad thickness in the DTH assay - all of which were comparable with prednisolone. These experimental results are discussed in light of the possible therapeutic potential of chelidonic acid in allergic disorders.

Chelidonic acid evokes antidepressant-like effect through the up-regulation of BDNF in forced swimming test

Depression is usually accompanied by neuro-inflammatory reactions. Chelidonic acid, in particular, has shown anti-inflammatory effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-depressant effects of chelidonic acid and to discuss the potential mechanisms of a forced swimming test. Chelidonic acid was administered orally once a day for 14 days. On the 14th day, chelidonic acid resulted in a significant decrease in immobility time during the forced swimming test without alteration of locomotor activity, in an open field test. Chelidonic acid also increased the number of nissl bodies in the hippocampus. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase phosphorylation in the hippocampus were up-regulated by the administration of chelidonic acid. Chelidonic acid administration significantly increased the mRNA expression of hippocampal estrogen receptor-β. The levels of hippocampal interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α were effectively attenuated by the administration of chelidonic acid. In addition, chelidonic acid significantly increased the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin), dopamine, and norepinephrine compared with those levels for the mice that were administered distilled water in the hippocampus. These results suggest that chelidonic acid might serve as a new therapeutic strategy for the regulation of depression associated with inflammation.

Ca2+ -activated K+ channel-3.1 blocker TRAM-34 alleviates murine allergic rhinitis

The precise pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (AR) remains unclear and AR is less easily cured. Recent evidence has suggested that calcium-activated K+ channel-3.1(KCa3.1) is implicated in the immune response of allergic and inflammatory diseases and TRAM-34 is a selective KCa3.1 blocker. However, little is known about its role in AR. We aimed to investigate the effect of TRAM-34 in a mouse model of AR induced by ovalbumin (OVA). The BALB/c mice were divided into six groups: untreated AR group, 200 μg TRAM-34 treated AR group, 400 μg TRAM-34 treated AR group, 200 μg TRAM-34 treated normal group, 400 μg TRAM-34 treated normal group and untreated normal control group. Histopathological characteristics were assessed by HE staining. KCa3.1 protein expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry and western blotting method, and mRNA expression of KCa3.1, stromal interaction molecule1 (STIM1) and Orai1 in nasal tissues were assessed by real-time PCR. Furthermore, concentrations of OVA-specific IgE, ECP, IL-4, IL-5, IL-17 and IL-1β in nasal lavage fluid (NLF) were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results showed that TRAM-34 administration into the nostril attenuated sneezing, nasal rubbing, epithelial cell proliferation, eosinophil infiltration and inhibited nasal mucosa KCa3.1, STIM1 and Orai1 expression in TRAM-34 treated mice compared with untreated AR mice and suppressed inflammatory cytokines in the NLF of TRAM-34 treated groups compared with untreated AR mice. In conclusion, TRAM-34 could effectively alleviate murine allergic rhinitis by suppressing KCa3.1 and leads to reduction of K+ efflux and Ca2 + influx, leading to inflammation reduction and allergic responses attenuation.

Inactivation of cystein-aspartic acid protease (caspase)-1 by saikosaponin A

This work investigates the anti-inflammatory mechanism of saikosaponin A (SA), a major component of Bupleurum falcatum LINNE. SA significantly inhibited phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) plus A23187-induced the production and expression of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in human mast cell (HMC)-1 cells. SA suppressed PMA plus A23187-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38. When HMC-1 cells were treated with SA, translocation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB/Rel A into nucleus and degradation of inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB) in cytoplasm were inhibited. SA decreased PMA plus A23187-induced cysteine-aspartic acid protease (caspase)-1 activity. IL-1β production was also inhibited by SA. Finally, SA significantly decreased the number of nasal rubs and serum TNF-α level in the ovalbumin-sensitized allergic rhinitis mouse model. The underlying mechanism involves, at least in part, inactivation of caspase-1, which provides new evidence for therapeutic application of SA to target inflammatory processes.