In vitro and in vivo immunostimulatory effects of hot water extracts from the leaves of Artemisia princeps Pampanini cv. Sajabal

Immune-enhancement effects of Angelica gigas Nakai extracts via MAPK/NF-ƙB signaling pathways in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice

This study investigated the immune-enhancement effects of Angelica gigas Nakai extract (ANE) and its yeast-fermented extract (FAN) in cyclophosphamide (CPP)-induced immunosuppressed mice. Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) increased the protein level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the production of nitric oxide (NO) and immune-related cytokines in mouse splenocytes. AGN also restored CPP-induced suppression of NK cell activity and splenocyte proliferation. Furthermore, AGN activated the ERK and p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways in mouse splenocytes via phosphorylation of signaling molecules. These findings indicate that upregulation of cytokines and enzymes may be closely associated with the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways. In conclusion, AGN can restore CPP-induced immunosuppression in mice, although there was no significant difference in the immune-enhancing effect between ANE and FAN. It is suggested that AGN might have the potential to enhance immunity as an immunostimulant under immunosuppressed conditions. Therefore, it could be used as an effective agent or a dietary supplement for improving immunity.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-023-01281-6.

Sesquiterpenes from Artemisia princeps regulate inflammatory responses in RAW 264.7 macrophages

Four sesquiterpenoids were isolated from an ethyl acetate-soluble fraction of A. princeps ethanolic extract: seco-tanapartholide B (5-epi-seco-tanapartholide A) (1), 4-epi-seco-tanapartholide A (2), 11,13-dehydrodesacetylmatricarin (3) and desacetylmatricarin (4). Compounds 1 - 3 dose-dependently inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophages. These compounds also decreased mRNA and protein expression levels of inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 as well as mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β and tumour necrosis factor-α) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Moreover, compound 3 effectively enhanced the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in macrophages in the presence or absence of LPS. Additionally, the exocyclic methylene of α-methylene-γ-lactone moiety of compound 3 was found to be essential for the activation of the NF erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/HO-1 pathway. Here, we firstly report the isolation of compounds 3 and 4 from A. princeps and the anti-inflammatory activity of compound 3 by up-regulation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Antitumor activity and immunomodulation mechanism of a novel polysaccharide extracted from Polygala tenuifolia Willd. evaluated by S180 cells and S180 tumor-bearing mice

We recently isolated a polysaccharide from Polygala tenuifolia Willd. (PTP) and reported that such a PTP could induce cell apoptosis with FAS/FAS-L-mediated death receptor pathway in human lung cancer cells. Herein, we indicate antitumor activity and immunoregulation of PTP for S180 sarcoma cells by in vitro and in vivo targeting. In vitro, S180 cells took on prominent characteristics of apoptosis under-treated with PTP in follow-up antitumor activity studies, including irregular shrinkage and fragmentation nuclear, apoptotic bodies formation, and reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Additionally, flow cytometry indicated that the number of normal cells (FITC^-/PI^-) gradually decreased from 98.08% to 16.31%, while the number of apoptotic cells (FITC⁺/PI^- or FITC⁺/PI⁺) increased from 0.87% to 54.84%. The ratio of BAX and Bcl-2 increased, which promoted the release of Cytochrome C (CytC), and it further maximized the expression of activated-caspase-9/-3. Additionally, the PTP revised the immune organ indexes, the activities of NK cells and lymphocytes, and induced the secretion of IL-2 (7.34-16.17%), IFN-γ (14.34-20.85%) and TNF-α (12.32-22.58%) in vivo. Thus, PTP can induce cell apoptosis and activate the immunoregulation mechanism thereby exhibiting biological activity.

The impact of caseinate oligochitosan-glycation by transglutaminase on amino acid compositions and immune-promoting activity in BALB/c mice of the tryptic caseinate hydrolysate

Caseinate was glycated with oligochitosan via transglutaminase (TGase) action and then hydrolyzed by trypsin to generate glycated caseinate hydrolysate (GCNH) that was investigated for in vivo immune-promoting activity. Caseinate hydrolysate (CNH) containing glucosamine of 5.7 g/kg had amino acid compositions similar to GCNH. In normal BALB/c mice, GCNH at 100-400 mg/(kg d) showed higher immune-promoting activity than CNH via increasing serum IgM, IgA, and IgG by 1.5-24.5%, enhancing spleen and thymus indices by 9.7-26.2%, or increasing splenocyte lymphocyte proliferation and natural killer (NK) cell activity by 1.2-11.5%. GCNH also exerted higher activity than CNH in the suppressed BALB/c mice through increasing serum IgM, IgA, and IgG by 2.6-10.5%, enhancing spleen and thymus indices by 0.4-50.1%, or increasing splenocyte lymphocyte proliferation and NK cell activity by 3.4-18.9%. The results highlight that this TGase-type oligochitosan-glycation is potential to generate functional protein ingredients that possess improved immune-promoting activity once hydrolyzed by trypsin.

Spice-infused palmyra palm syrup improved cell-mediated immunity in Wistar Albino rats

Spices attract tremendous attention in the management of viral infections. However, scientific validation is vital to recommend spices as nutraceuticals or functional foods. In the present work, we have selected three spices based on Ayurvedic knowledge and developed a nutraceutical for immunomodulation. Trikatu, a blend of ginger, black pepper, and long pepper, is used in the Indian Ayurvedic system, along with many herbs, for various ailments. We formulated a "Trikatu syrup" (TS) using these three spices and palmyra palm neera. Carbon clearance assay, neutrophil adhesion test, and sheep red blood cell (SRBC)-induced delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction was performed to investigate the immunomodulatory potential of TS in Wistar Albino rats. The rats fed with TS showed a dose-dependent increase in footpad thickness compared to control rats, suggesting cell-mediated immunity. The major bioactive piperine in TS was isolated and quantified. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Spices are consumed worldwide as a flavor enhancer in food. Besides, spices have an array of bioactive molecules with a multitude of health benefits. In the backdrop of COVID-19, immunomodulation and antiviral properties of spices are discussed widely. The present study is intended to explore the potential of three selected spices (ginger, black pepper, and long pepper) beyond its application in typical food preparations. The syrup formulated in this study by using these three spices improved cell-mediated immunity in Wistar Albino rats. The study warrants further validation studies of the formulated product for providing indisputable claims for the immunomodulation properties.

Seomae mugwort and jaceosidin attenuate osteoarthritic cartilage damage by blocking IκB degradation in mice

Seomae mugwort, a Korean native variety of Artemisia argyi, exhibits physiological effects against various diseases. However, its effects on osteoarthritis (OA) are unclear. In this study, a Seomae mugwort extract prevented cartilage destruction in an OA mouse model. In vitro and ex vivo analyses revealed that the extract suppressed MMP3, MMP13, ADAMTS4 and ADAMTS5 expression induced by IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α and inhibited the loss of extracellular sulphated proteoglycans. In vivo analysis revealed that oral administration of the extract suppressed DMM-induced cartilage destruction. We identified jaceosidin in Seomae mugwort and showed that this compound decreased MMP3, MMP13, ADAMTS4 and ADAMTS5 expression levels, similar to the action of the Seomae mugwort extract in cultured chondrocytes. Interestingly, jaceosidin and eupatilin combined had similar effects to Seomae mugwort in the DMM-induced OA model. Induction of IκB degradation by IL-1β was blocked by the extract and jaceosidin, whereas JNK phosphorylation was only suppressed by the extract. These results suggest that the Seomae mugwort extract and jaceosidin can attenuate cartilage destruction by suppressing MMPs, ADAMTS4/5 and the nuclear factor-κB signalling pathway by blocking IκB degradation. Thus, the findings support the potential application of Seomae mugwort, and particularly jaceosidin, as natural therapeutics for OA.

Protective Effect and Mechanisms of New Gelatin on Chemotherapy-Induced Hematopoietic Injury Zebrafish Model

The aim of the study is to explore the protective effect of new gelatin (NG, Xin'ejiao in China) on hematopoietic injury caused by chemotherapy. Zebrafish, at 48 hours post fertilization (hpf), was treated with different chemotherapeutic drugs to establish the zebrafish hematopoietic damage model with reduced thrombocytes and erythrocytes. The protecting effects of NG on the thrombocytes and erythrocytes were observed, respectively, on zebrafish models. Then, the RT-PCR method was used to detect the change of mRNA level of the hematopoiesis-related cytokines scl1, c-myb, pu.1, GATA1, and runx1 genes. The results showed that 50 μg·mL⁻¹ and 100 μg·mL⁻¹ NG rescued and increased the thrombocytes numbers induced by vinorelbine (NVB) and chloramphenicol (CHL) and the erythrocytes numbers induced by methotrexate (MTX), doxorubicin (ADM), and mechlorethamine hydrochloride (MH) in zebrafish models. Meanwhile, the mRNA expression of scl1, c-myb, and GATA1 genes in the NG treatment group was raised compared with the MTX treatment group. Also, the mRNA expression of pu.1 and Runx1 in the NG treatment group was reduced compared with the MTX treatment group. In consequence, traditional Chinese medicine NG showed a certain degree protective effect on hematopoiesis injury induced by chemotherapy in this study, which may depend on the promotion of erythrocytes proliferation and the regulation of the hematopoietic genes level.

Antithrombotic Effect of Artemisia princeps Pampanini Extracts in Vitro and in FeCl3 -Induced Thrombosis Rats

Extracts of several plants possess antithrombotic effects. Herein, we examined the antithrombotic effects of different extracts of Artemisia princeps Pampanini prepared using distilled water, hot distilled water, 70% ethanol, or subcritical water. The antithrombotic effects were determined using a co-culture system consisting of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-treated EA.hy926 cells and THP-1 cells. In addition, the coagulation time of plasma collected from healthy volunteers was evaluated in terms of the prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time. A carotid arterial thrombosis model was induced by ferric chloride in Sprague Dawley rats. The rats were treated with either sterile water or three different doses of the subcritical water extract for 2 weeks. The thrombus weight, gene expression of cell adhesion molecules, and histological characteristics were assessed. The results of in vitro studies revealed a significant inhibition in the adhesion of monocytes to EA.hy926 cells stimulated by TNF-α in the subcritical water extract-treated group. We also observed considerable suppression of the occlusion and mRNA expression of cell adhesion molecules in the in vivo experiments. This study suggests that Artemisia princeps Pampanini may have the potential to improve blood coagulation.

Xinjiang herbal tea exerts immunomodulatory activity via TLR2/4-mediated MAPK signaling pathways in RAW264.7 cells and prevents cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

A multi-herb Chinese medicinal formula consisting of a variety of medicinal and edible materials has long been consumed as a hot drink and immune enhancer for its efficiency to increase disease resistance in Xinjiang, China. However, no fundamental data has been collected associated with traditional consumption. The present work was designed to evaluate the immunostimulatory role of Xinjiang herbal tea (XMT-WE) in RAW 264.7 macrophages and cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppression mice model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

RAW 264.7 cells were treated with various concentrations of XMT-WE. Nitric oxide (NO) levels were determined using Griess reagents, and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were investigated with a cytometric bead array kit. The effects on mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and TNF-α were investigated. Furthermore, activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB and AP-1 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways was investigated.

RESULTS

Pre-treatment with XMT-WE significantly increased secretion of NO, IL-6, and TNF-α. In addition, XMT-WE markedly increased expression of iNOS, COX-2, and TNF-α as well as AP-1 and NF-κB translocation from the cytoplasm into the nucleus, which was associated with an increase of phosphorylated ERK, JNK, and p38 as well as membrane receptors such as toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR4. Moreover, XMT-WE promoted the secretion of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressive mice.

CONCLUSION

These results indicated that XMT-WE at 50 µg/ml exerts immunomodulatory activity via TLR2/4-mediated MAPK signaling pathways in RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, in vivo experiments revealed that XMT-WE at the dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg strongly stimulated inflammatory cytokines.

Extraction, characterization and biological activity of sulfated polysaccharides from seaweed Dictyopteris divaricata

Dictyopteris divaricata is a kind of important brown algae with many biological activities. It has been receiving more and more attention, yet there are rarely studies done on its polysaccharides. In this study, the optimum extraction and biological activity of seaweed polysaccharides from Dictyopteris divaricata (DDSP) were investigated. Response surface methodology (RSM), based on a three-level, three-variable Box-Behnken design (BBD), was employed to obtain the best possible combinations for maximum polysaccharides yield. The optimum extraction conditions were as follows: liquid-solid ratio of 110 mL/g, extraction time of 6 h and extraction temperature of 100 °C. Under these conditions, the experimental yield was 3.05%, which was in close agreement with the predicted value of 3.15%. The average molecular weight of DDSP was 58.05 kDa. Gas chromatograph (GC) results showed that DDSP was composed of fucose, xylose, mannose, glucose and galactose with the corresponding molar ratio of 4.45:2.74:1.00:2.94:1.35. Biological activity showed that DDSP exhibited strong antioxidant activity in vitro and possessed the potential on stimulating immune response of RAW264.7 cells. So DDSP can be used as a natural ingredient in functional foods.

Gastroprotective effects of the isopropanol extract of Artemisia princeps and its gastroretentive floating tablets on gastric mucosal injury

In this study, we investigated the gastroprotective effect of an isopropanol extract from the aerial parts of Artemisia princeps (IPAP) and developed a gastroretentive floating tablet of IPAP (IPAP-FR) for maximized local gastroprotective effects. Pre-treatment with IPAP ameliorated the gastric mucosal hemorrhagic lesions in ethanol/HCl- or indomethacin- treated rats. IPAP decreased mucosal hemorrhage of gastric ulcers induced by ethanol or indomethacin plus pyloric ligation in rats. The optimized floating tablet, IPAP-FR, floated on medium surface with more sustained eupatilin release compared to the non-floating control tablet. X-ray photographs in beagle dogs showed that IPAPFR was retained for > 2 h in the stomach. In the ethanol-induced gastric ulcer rat model, the gastric hemorrhagic lesion was improved more substantially with IPAP-FR compared to the non-floating control tablet. Based on these data, our data suggest that IPAP-FR has an improved therapeutic potential for the treatment of gastric ulcer.

Effect of isosecotanapartholide isolated from Artemisia princeps Pampanini on IL‑33 production and STAT‑1 activation in HaCaT keratinocytes

The present study aimed to investigate the anti‑inflammatory effect and mechanism of action of isosecotanapartholide (ISTP), isolated from Artemisia princeps Pampanini extract (APE). The effects of ISTP and APE on the proliferation of human keratinocytes following stimulation by tumor necrosis factor‑α/interferon‑γ were assessed. ISTP and APE downregulated the expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription‑1 (STAT‑1), and reduced interleukin‑33 (IL‑33) production. ISTP and APE inhibited the mRNA expression levels of thymus and activation‑regulated chemokine (TARC/CCL17) in a dose‑dependent manner. Western blot analysis demonstrated that ISTP and APE dose‑dependently inhibited protein expression levels of intercellular adhesion molecule‑1 and phosphorylation of STAT‑1. The results of the present study indicate that ISTP may inhibit TARC/CCL17 production in human epidermal keratinocytes via the STAT‑1 signaling pathway and may be associated with the inhibition of IL‑33 production. The current study indicated that ISTP is an active component in APE and may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammatory skin disorders.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Artemisia Leaf Extract in Mice with Contact Dermatitis In Vitro and In Vivo

The leaves of Artemisia argyi Lev. et Vant. and A. princeps Pamp. are well known medicinal herbs used to treat patients in China, Japan, and Korea with skin problems such as eczema and itching, as well as abdominal pain and dysmenorrhoea. We investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of Artemisia leaf extract (ALE) using CD mice and Raw 264.7 cells. The effects of ALE on histopathological changes and cytokine production in ear tissues were assessed in mice with CD induced by 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNFB). Moreover, the anti-inflammatory effects on production levels of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and nitric oxide (NO) and expression levels of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were investigated in Raw 264.7 cells. Topical application of ALE effectively prevented ear swelling induced by repeated DNFB application. ALE prevented epidermal hyperplasia and infiltration of immune cells and lowered the production of interferon- (IFN-) gamma (γ), tumour necrosis factor- (TNF-) alpha (α), and interleukin- (IL-) 6 in inflamed tissues. In addition, ALE inhibited expression of COX-2 and iNOS and production of NO and PGE₂ in Raw 264.7 cells. These results indicate that Artemisia leaf can be used as a therapeutic agent for inflammatory skin diseases and that its anti-inflammatory effects are closely related to the inhibition of inflammatory mediator release from macrophages and inflammatory cytokine production in inflamed tissues.

Fermented rice bran prevents atopic dermatitis in DNCB-treated NC/Nga mice

The fermentation of natural plants has a favorable effect on the functional and biological activities of living systems. These include anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-platelet aggregation activities. This is attributed to the chemical conversion of the parent plants to functional constituents, which show more potent biological activity. In our study, rice bran along with oriental medicinal plants (Angelicae gigantis, Cnidium officinale, Artemisia princeps, and Camellia sinensis) was fermented by Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Pichia deserticola (FRBE). We evaluated the effects of oral administration of FRBE on atopic dermatitis in 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB)-treated NC/Nga mice. FRBE significantly ameliorated the macroscopic and microscopic appearance of skin lesions in DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis and reduced levels of serum immunoglobulin E and the differential white blood cell count. In addition, it reduced skin thickness compared to that of atopic dermatitis-affected skin. FRBE treatment also reduced mast cell incorporation in skin lesions of atopic dermatitis. The total cell number in dorsal skin tissue and the axillary lymph node increased following DNCB application, and this was normalized by FRBE treatment. Moreover, it decreased the levels of CD8⁺ helper T cells and Gr-1⁺/CD11b⁺ B cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and skin lesions in DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis. Using real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis, we demonstrated that FRBE significantly inhibited mRNA expression of cytokines (e.g., interleukin-5 and interleukin-13) and cyclooxygenase-2 in AD skin lesions. These results suggest that FRBE could be a valuable herbal remedy for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

A Review on Hepatoprotective and Immunomodulatory Herbal Plants

The liver is the most important organ that plays an important role in maintaining various physiological processes in the body. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver and is characterized by the presence of inflammatory cells in the tissue of the organ. There are five main viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D, and E. These five types are of the greatest concern because of the burden of illness and death. Liver injury or liver dysfunction is a major health problem that challenges not only health care professionals but also the drug regulatory agencies and the pharmaceutical industry. Herbal medicines have been used in the treatment of liver disease for a long time. The immune system is the part of body that diagnoses the pathogen by using a specific receptor to reveal immediate response by the activation of immune components cells, chemokines, and cytokines, and also the release of the inflammatory mediator. They potentiate and modulate the immune system. The plant-derived phytoconstituents (polysaccharides, proteins and flavanoids, lignans, rotenoids, etc.) stimulate the immune system and maintained hepatic diseases. There are a number of hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory herbs that have been reported. The present review is aimed at compiling data on promising phytochemicals from hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory herbs.

Interferon-mediated antiviral activities of Angelica tenuissima Nakai and its active components

Angelica tenuissima Nakai is a widely used commodity in traditional medicine. Nevertheless, no study has been conducted on the antiviral and immune-modulatory properties of an aqueous extract of Angelica tenuissima Nakai. In the present study, we evaluated the antiviral activities and the mechanism of action of an aqueous extract of Angelica tenuissima Nakai both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, an effective dose of Angelica tenuissima Nakai markedly inhibited the replication of Influenza A virus (PR8), Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), Herpes simplex virus (HSV), Coxsackie virus, and Enterovirus (EV-71) on epithelial (HEK293T/HeLa) and immune (RAW264.7) cells. Such inhibition can be described by the induction of the antiviral state in cells by antiviral, IFNrelated gene induction and secretion of IFNs and pro-inflammatory cytokines. In vivo, Angelica tenuissima Nakai treated BALB/c mice displayed higher survivability and lower lung viral titers when challenged with lethal doses of highly pathogenic influenza A subtypes (H1N1, H5N2, H7N3, and H9N2). We also found that Angelica tenuissima Nakai can induce the secretion of IL-6, IFN-λ, and local IgA in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of Angelica tenuissima Nakai treated mice, which correlating with the observed prophylactic effects. In HPLC analysis, we found the presence of several compounds in the aqueous fraction and among them; we evaluated antiviral properties of ferulic acid. Therefore, an extract of Angelica tenuissima Nakai and its components, including ferulic acid, play roles as immunomodulators and may be potential candidates for novel anti-viral/anti-influenza agents.

Long-term Treatment with Oriental Medicinal Herb Artemisia princeps Alters Neuroplasticity in a Rat Model of Ovarian Hormone Deficiency

Artemisia princeps (AP) is a flowering perennial used as a traditional medicine and dietary supplement across East Asia. No study has yet assessed its effects on synaptic plasticity in hippocampus and much less in a model of ovarian hormone deficiency. We examined the influence of chronic oral AP ethanol extract treatment in ovariectomized rats on the induction of long-term depression in a representative synapse (CA3-CA1) of the hippocampus. Ovariectomized rats demonstrated lower trabecular mean bone mineral densities than sham, validating the establishment of pathology. Against this background of pathology, AP-treated ovariectomized rats exhibited attenuated long-term depression (LTD) in CA1 relative to water-treated controls as measured by increased field excitatory post-synaptic potentials (fEPSP) activation averages over the post-stimulation period. While pathological significance of long-term depression (LTD) in ovariectomized rats is conflicting, that AP treatment significantly affected its induction offers justification for further study of its influences on plasticity and its related disorders.

Epimedium koreanum Nakai displays broad spectrum of antiviral activity in vitro and in vivo by inducing cellular antiviral state

Epimedium koreanum Nakai has been extensively used in traditional Korean and Chinese medicine to treat a variety of diseases. Despite the plant's known immune modulatory potential and chemical make-up, scientific information on its antiviral properties and mode of action have not been completely investigated. In this study, the broad antiviral spectrum and mode of action of an aqueous extract from Epimedium koreanum Nakai was evaluated in vitro, and moreover, the protective effect against divergent influenza A subtypes was determined in BALB/c mice. An effective dose of Epimedium koreanum Nakai markedly reduced the replication of Influenza A Virus (PR8), Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV), Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) in RAW264.7 and HEK293T cells. Mechanically, we found that an aqueous extract from Epimedium koreanum Nakai induced the secretion of type I IFN and pro-inflammatory cytokines and the subsequent stimulation of the antiviral state in cells. Among various components present in the extract, quercetin was confirmed to have striking antiviral properties. The oral administration of Epimedium koreanum Nakai exhibited preventive effects on BALB/c mice against lethal doses of highly pathogenic influenza A subtypes (H1N1, H5N2, H7N3 and H9N2). Therefore, an extract of Epimedium koreanum Nakai and its components play roles as immunomodulators in the innate immune response, and may be potential candidates for prophylactic or therapeutic treatments against diverse viruses in animal and humans.

Hematopoietic effects and mechanisms of Fufang e׳jiao jiang on radiotherapy and chemotherapy-induced myelosuppressed mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Fufang e׳jiao jiang (FEJ), which has been widely used in clinic to replenish qi (vital energy) and nourish blood, is a famous traditional Chinese medicine formula made up of Colla corii asini (donkey-hide gelatin prepared by stewing and concentrating from the hide of Equus asinus Linnaeus.), Radix codonopsis pilosulae (the root of Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf.), Radix ginseng rubra (the steamed and dried root of Panax ginseng C.A. Mey.), Fructus crataegi (the fruit of Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge) and Radix rehmanniae preparata (the steamed and sun dried tuber of Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) Libosch. ex Fisch. & C.A. Mey.). The present study aimed to investigate the hematopoietic effects of FEJ on myelosuppressed mice induced by radiotherapy and chemotherapy systematically and to explore the underlying hematopoietic regulation mechanisms.

METHODS

The myelosuppressed mouse model was induced by (60)Co radiation, cyclophosphamide and chloramphenicol. FEJ was then administered by i.g. at the dosages of 5, 10, or 20 mL/kg·d for 10d. The numbers of blood cells from peripheral blood and bone marrow nucleated cells (BMNC) were counted. Body weight and the thymus and spleen indices were also measured. The numbers of hemopoietic progenitor cells and colony-forming unit-fibroblast (CFU-F) were measured in vitro. The ratio of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) in BMNC, cell cycle and apoptosis of BMNC were determined by flow cytometry. The histology of femoral bone was examined by H&E staining. The levels of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), erythropoietin (EPO), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-3 (IL-3) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in serum were measured by ELISA. IL-1β, IL-3, IL-6 mRNA levels in spleen were detected by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). In addition, bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) were cultured in vitro followed by treatment with different doses of FEJ (2.5, 5, 10 μL/mL) for 48 h. Then the levels of cytokines (IL-6, SCF, GM-CSF) in the conditioned media and their mRNA levels in BMSC were determined by ELISA and RT-qPCR, respectively.

RESULTS

FEJ could significantly increase the numbers of peripheral blood cells and BMNC, and reverse the loss of body weight and the atrophy of thymus and spleen in a dose-dependent manner. The quantities of hemopoietic progenitor cells and CFU-F in bone marrow were also significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner after FEJ administration. A high-dose FEJ of 20 mL/kg·d could significantly increase the ratio of HSC in BMNC, promote bone marrow cells entering the proliferative cycle phase (S+G2/M) and prevent cells from proceeding to the apoptotic phase. FEJ could also improve the femoral bone marrow morphology. Furthermore, FEJ could increase the levels of GM-CSF and IL-3 and reduce the level of TGF-β in serum, and enhance the expressions of IL-1β and IL-3 mRNA in spleen. Lastly, the levels of cytokines (IL-6, SCF, GM-CSF) in the conditioned media and their mRNA levels in BMSC were elevated after treatment with FEJ.

CONCLUSIONS

FEJ was clearly confirmed to promote the recovery of bone marrow hemopoietic function in a myelosuppressed mouse model, which may be attributed to (i) improving bone marrow hematopoietic microenvironment; (ii) facilitating the cell proliferation and preventing BMNC from apoptosis; (iii) stimulating the expressions of IL-1β, IL-3, IL-6, SCF and GM-CSF and inhibiting the expression of TGF-β.

Shikonin inhibits the lipopolysaccharide-induced release of HMGB1 in RAW264.7 cells via IFN and NF-κB signaling pathways

To study the anti-inflammation effect of Shikonin (Shik) and its mechanism, murine macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells (RAW264.7 cells) were divided into control group, LPS group (0.125, 0.25 and 0.5μg/ml), LPS (0.125, 0.25 and 0.5μg/ml) plus Shik (0.5, 1 and 2μM) group, and Shik (2μM) group. After exposure for 24h, the levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), nitric oxide (NO) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) in supernatant were measured with ELISA, the expression of high mobility group box 1(HMGB1) in supernatant and cytoplasm was assayed using qRT-PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence assays, the expression of IFN-β in cellular and supernatant was assayed by qRT-PCR and ELISA, and the ratio of nuclear to cytoplasm for NF-κB protein expression was assayed using western blot. The results of our investigation demonstrated that Shik could reduce significantly the levels of IL-6, NO and TNF-α in RAW264.7 cells exposed to LPS (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The expression of HMGB1, IFN-β and the ratio of nuclear to cytoplasm for NF-κB protein expression in LPS plus Shik group declined significantly as compared with LPS group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The inhibitors of IFN-β signaling molecule JAK and NF-κB could attenuate significantly the expression of HMGB1 in supernatant. It was found in the present study that Shik could have the anti-inflammatory effects in RAW264.7 cells exposed to LPS, and one of the mechanisms may be the down-regulation of HMGB expression, which was associated with the IFN-β and NF-κB signaling pathways.