Optimized incubation regime for nitric oxide measurements in murine macrophages using the Griess assay

Phytochemical Composition Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Artemisia dracunculus and Artemisia abrotanum

This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities mechanism of Artemisia dracunculus (A. dracunculus) and Artemisia abrotanum (A. abrotanum) ethanol extracts in acute rat inflammation induced in Wistar male rats with turpentine oil. The characterization of the polyphenolic compounds in the extracts was conducted using UV-Vis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry techniques. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated in vitro by DPPH, FRAP, H2O2, and NO scavenging tests and in vivo by measuring the total oxidative status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), oxidative stress index (OSI), 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-Oxo-dG), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), 3-nitrotyrosine (3NT), and total thiols (SH). Inflammation was evaluated by measuring nuclear factor-kB-p65 (NfkB-p65) and NLRP3 inflammasome activation with IL-1β, IL-18, and gasdermin D. Liver and renal toxicity was determined following transaminases (ALT and AST), creatinine, and urea. The experimental results indicated that A. dracunculus and A. abrotanum ethanol extracts have moderate in vitro antioxidant activity and had in vivo antioxidant activity and an anti-inflammatory effect by NfkB-p65, IL-1b, IL-18, and gasdermin D serum level reduction. The antioxidant activity correlated with the chemical composition of the extracts. These results bring evidence-based use of A. dracunculus and A. abrotanum's in traditional and contemporary medicine.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity and Acute Toxicity Of Pereskia aculeata, In Zophobas morio Larvae

Pereskia aculeata has been widely investigated due to its anti-inflammatory potential. Among the metabolites found in this species are the phytosterols beta-sitosterol (β-SIT) and stigmasterol (STIG). The objective of the study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and toxicity activities of the hexane partition of P. aculeata (PHEX), as well as β-SIT and STIG. PHEX was prepared and the phytosterols were quantified. In terms of toxicity against L929 fibroblast cells, PHEX showed toxicity up to 200 μg/mL; STIG and β-SIT showed toxicity up to 25 μg/mL. PHEX inhibited 66 % of nitric oxide radicals, while STIG and β-SIT inhibited 33.73 % and 34.94 %, respectively. In an anti-inflammatory test against Zophobas morio larvae, all samples significantly reduced hemocyte levels. Additionally, the LD50 values were calculated: 229.6 mg/kg for PHEX, 101.5 mg/kg for STIG, and 103.8 mg/kg for β-SIT. In conclusion, the study indicates that the phytosterols present in PHEX may contribute to its anti-inflammatory activity.

Chemical profiling of maceration and decoction of Tamarix gallica L. organs and in vitro biological properties

Tamarix gallica L. is a halophytic medicinal shrub traditionally used in the treatment of liver disorders. Leaf and flower infusions are widely used for anti-diarrheic and anti-inflammatory preparations. In this work, we have explored the combined effect of method (Maceration and Decoction) and solvent extraction (70% Methanol, 70% Ethanol, 70% Acetone, and Water) on phenolic composition and biological activities (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory) of different T. gallica organ extracts (Leaves, Flowers, Stems, and Fruits). Obtained results showed that Tamarix leaves reveal more potent antioxidant activity. Methanol (70%) was the best maceration solvent for the extraction of leaves and flowers with high total antioxidant and anti-radical capacities. HPLC analysis showed that catechin, isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside, isoquercetin were the major phenolics in 70% methanolic extract. Furthermore, this extract showed considerable anti-inflammatory activity. This prospect could be of great importance in the valuation of this halophyte as a source of natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Phytol from Scoparia dulcis prevents NF-κB-mediated inflammatory responses during macrophage polarization

Macrophages are primary immune cells that mediate a wide range of inflammatory diseases through their polarization potential. In this study, phytol isolated from Scoparia dulcis has been explored against 7-ketocholesterol and bacterial lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophage polarization in IC-21 cells. Isolated phytol has been characterized using GC-MS, TLC, HPTLC, FTIR, 1H-NMR, and HPLC analyses. The immunomodulatory effects of viable concentrations of phytol were tested on oxidative stress, arginase activity, nuclear and mitochondrial membrane potentials in IC-21 cells in addition to the modulation of calcium and lipids. Further, gene and protein expression of atherogenic markers were studied. Results showed that the isolated phytol at a viable concentration of 400 µg/ml effectively reduced the production of nitric oxide, superoxide anion (ROS generation), calcium and lipid accumulation, stabilized nuclear and mitochondrial membranes, and increased arginase activity. The atherogenic markers including iNOS, COX-2, IL-6, IL-1β, MMP-9, CD36, and NF-κB were significantly downregulated at the levels of gene and protein expression, while macrophage surface and nuclear receptor markers (CD206, CD163, and PPAR-γ) were significantly upregulated by phytol pre-treatment in macrophages. Therefore, the present pharmacognostic study supports the role of phytol isolated from Scoparia dulcis in preventing M2-M1 macrophage polarization under inflammatory conditions, making it a promising compound.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-024-03924-9.

Immunomodulation by xylan and carrageenan-type polysaccharides from red seaweeds: Anti-inflammatory, wound healing, cytoprotective, and anticoagulant activities

The immunomodulatory properties of the polysaccharides (carrageenan, xylan) from Chondrus crispus (CC), Ahnfeltiopsis devoniensis (AD), Sarcodiotheca gaudichaudii (SG) and Palmaria palmata (PP) algal species were studied. Using RAW264.7 macrophages, we investigated the proliferation and migration capacity of different extracts along with their immunomodulatory activities, including nitric oxide (NO) production, phagocytosis, and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Polysaccharides from C. crispus and S. gaudichaudii effectively mitigated inflammation and improved scratch-wound healing. Polysaccharide fractions extracted under cold conditions (25 °C), including CC-1A, SG-1A and SG-1B stimulated cell proliferation, while fractions extracted under hot conditions (95 °C), including CC-3A, CC-2B and A. devoniensis (AD-3A), inhibited cell proliferation after 48 h. Furthermore, RAW264.7 cells treated with the fractions CC-3A, AD-1A, and SG-2A significantly reduced LPS-stimulated NO secretion over 24 h. Phagocytosis was significantly improved by treatment with C. crispus (CC-2B, CC-3B) and A. devoniensis (AD-3A) fractions. RAW264.7 cells treated with the CC-2A and SG-1A fractions showed elevated TGF-β1 expression without affecting TNF-α expression at 24 h. Polysaccharide fractions of A. devoniensis (ι/κ hybrid carrageenan; AD-2A, AD-3A) showed the highest anti-coagulation activity. CC-2A and SG-1A fractions enhanced various bioactivities, suggesting they are candidates for skin-health applications. The carrageenan fractions (CC-3A: λ-, μ-carrageenan, SG-2A: ν-, ι-carrageenan) tested herein showed great potential for developing anti-inflammatory and upscaled skin-health applications.

The anti-infective and immunologic effect of babassu (Attalea speciosa, Mart. ex Spreng) reduces mortality induced by MRSA-Staphylococcus aureus

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Babassu mesocarp, derived from the Attalea speciosa fruits, is used in folk medicine for infections, inflammatory diseases, and skin wounds.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the antimicrobial and immunological effect of babassu mesocarp aqueous extract (BAE) in Swiss mice lethally infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The animals (n = 14/group) received an overload of MRSA (3.0 × 108 CFU/mL, via intraperitoneal) and were treated 6 h later with the BAE (125 and 250 mg/kg, subcutaneously). Two experiments were performed with four groups each (Control, ATB, BAE125 and BAE 250). The first was to determine the survival (n = 7 animals/group). The second is to evaluate 24h after infection the number of Colony Forming Units (CFU) and cells in the blood, peritoneum and bronchoalveolar fluid. Cytometric Bead Assay - CBA quantified the cytokines and flow cytometry to determine the cellular distribution in the mesenteric lymph node.

RESULTS

Treatment with BAE improved the survival (60%) in all groups, reduced the number of colony-forming units in the peritoneum and blood, the number of peritoneal and bronchoalveolar cells, and the levels of pro-inflammatory IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-17 cytokines. Additionally, BAE increased: IL-10 and INF-γ levels, nitric oxide release, CD4+ T helper cells, CD14+/IaIe + activated macrophages and Ly6G + neutrophils in the mesenteric lymph node.

CONCLUSIONS

BAE can be used as a complementary treatment during infections due to its antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effect and the ability to protect animals from death after MRSA lethal infection.

Aerosolizable Pyrazinamide-Loaded Biodegradable Nanoparticles for the Management of Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Background: Pyrazinamide is a Biopharmaceutical Classification System class III antibiotic indicated for active tuberculosis. Methods: In the present work, pyrazinamide-loaded biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) based dry powder inhaler were developed using the double emulsion solvent evaporation technique and optimized using design of experiments to provide direct pulmonary administration with minimal side effects. Batches were characterized for various physicochemical and aerosol performance properties. Results: Optimized batch exhibited particle size of 284.5 nm, % entrapment efficiency of 71.82%, polydispersibility index of 0.487, zeta potential of -17.23 mV, and in vitro drug release at 4 hours of 79.01%. Spray-dried PNPs were evaluated for drug content, in vitro drug release, and kinetics. The particle mass median aerodynamic diameter was within the alveolar region's range (2.910 μm). In the trachea and lung, there was a 2.5- and 1.2-fold increase in in vivo deposition with respect to pure drug deposition, respectively. In vitro drug uptake findings showed that alveolar macrophages with pyrazinamide PNPs had a considerably higher drug concentration. Furthermore, accelerated stability studies were carried out for the optimized batch. Results indicated no significant change in the evaluation parameters, which showed stability of the formulation for at least a 6-month period. Conclusion: PNPs prepared using biodegradable polymers exhibited efficient pulmonary drug delivery with decent stability.

In-depth biological characterization of two black soldier fly anti-Pseudomonas peptides reveals LPS-binding and immunomodulating effects

As effector molecules of the innate immune system, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have gathered substantial interest as a potential future generation of antibiotics. Here, we demonstrate the anti-Pseudomonas activity and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding ability of HC1 and HC10, two cecropin peptides from the black soldier fly (Hermetia Illucens). Both peptides are active against a wide range of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, including drug-resistant clinical isolates. Moreover, HC1 and HC10 can bind to lipid A, the toxic center of LPS and reduce the LPS-induced nitric oxide and cytokine production in murine macrophage cells. This suggests that the peptide-LPS binding can also lower the strong inflammatory response associated with P. aeruginosa infections. As the activity of AMPs is often influenced by the presence of salts, we studied the LPS-binding activity of HC1 and HC10 in physiological salt concentrations, revealing a strong decrease in activity. Our research confirmed the early potential of HC1 and HC10 as starting points for anti-Pseudomonas drugs, as well as the need for structural or formulation optimization before further preclinical development can be considered. IMPORTANCE The high mortality and morbidity associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections remain an ongoing challenge in clinical practice that requires urgent action. P. aeruginosa mostly infects immunocompromised individuals, and its prevalence is especially high in urgent care hospital settings. Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) are outer membrane structures that are responsible for inducing the innate immune cascade upon infection. P. aeruginosa LPS can cause local excessive inflammation, or spread systemically throughout the body, leading to multi-organ failure and septic shock. As antimicrobial resistance rates in P. aeruginosa infections are rising, the research and development of new antimicrobial agents remain indispensable. Especially, antimicrobials that can both kill the bacteria themselves and neutralize their toxins are of great interest in P. aeruginosa research to develop as the next generation of drugs.

From the Bush to the Brain: Preclinical Stages of Ethnobotanical Anti-Inflammatory and Neuroprotective Drug Discovery-An Australian Example

The Australian rainforest is a rich source of medicinal plants that have evolved in the face of dramatic environmental challenges over a million years due to its prolonged geographical isolation from other continents. The rainforest consists of an inherent richness of plant secondary metabolites that are the most intense in the rainforest. The search for more potent and more bioavailable compounds from other plant sources is ongoing, and our short review will outline the pathways from the discovery of bioactive plants to the structural identification of active compounds, testing for potency, and then neuroprotection in a triculture system, and finally, the validation in an appropriate neuro-inflammatory mouse model, using some examples from our current research. We will focus on neuroinflammation as a potential treatment target for neurodegenerative diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's (PD), and Alzheimer's disease (AD) for these plant-derived, anti-inflammatory molecules and highlight cytokine suppressive anti-inflammatory drugs (CSAIDs) as a better alternative to conventional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat neuroinflammatory disorders.

Immunomodulatory effect of imidacloprid on macrophage RAW 264.7 cells

The neonicotinoid imidacloprid was promoted in the market because of widespread resistance to other insecticides, plus its low mammalian impact and higher specific toxicity towards insects. This study aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of imidacloprid on macrophages. RAW 264.7 cells were incubated to 0-4000mg/L of imidacloprid for 24 and 96h. Imidacloprid presented a concentration-dependent cytotoxicity after 24h and 96h incubation for MTT reduction (3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (EC₅₀ 519.6 and 324.6mg/L, respectively) and Neutral Red (3-amino-7-dimethylamino-2-methylphenazine hydrochloride) assays (EC₅₀ 1139.0 and 324.2mg/L, respectively). Moreover, imidacloprid decreased the cells' inflammatory response and promoted a mitochondrial depolarization. The complex II and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activities in RAW 264.7 cells incubated with imidacloprid increased more at 24h. These results suggest that imidacloprid exerts an immunomodulatory effect and mitochondria can act as regulator of innate immune responses in the cytotoxicity mediated by the insecticide in RAW 264.7 cells.

Encapsulation of morin in lipid core/PLGA shell nanoparticles significantly enhances its anti-inflammatory activity and oral bioavailability

Morin (3,5,7,2',4'-pentahydroxyflavone; MR) is a bioactive plant polyphenol whose therapeutic efficacy is hindered by its poor biopharmaceutical properties. The purpose of this study was to develop a nanoparticle (NP) formulation to enhance the bioactivity and oral bioavailability of MR. The nanoprecipitation technique was employed to encapsulate MR in lipid-cored poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) NPs. The optimal NPs were about 200 nm in size with an almost neutral surface charge and a loading efficiency of 82%. The NPs exhibited sustained release of MR within 24 h. In vitro antioxidant assays showed that MR encapsulation did not affect its antioxidant activity. On the other hand, anti-inflammatory assays in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages revealed a superior anti-inflammatory activity of MR NPs compared to free MR. Furthermore, oral administration of MR NPs to mice at a single dose of 20 mg/kg MR achieved a 5.6-fold enhancement in bioavailability and a prolongation of plasma half-life from 0.13 to 0.98 h. The results of this study present a promising NP formulation for MR which can enhance its oral bioavailability and bioactivity for the treatment of different diseases such as inflammation.

Natural product-based bioactive agents in combination attenuate neuroinflammation in a tri-culture model

Introduction: Neuroinflammation is an important pathological event contributing to the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. The hyperactivation of microglia triggers the release of excessive proinflammatory mediators that lead to the leaky blood-brain barrier and impaired neuronal survival. Andrographolide (AN), baicalein (BA) and 6-shogaol (6-SG) possess anti-neuroinflammatory properties through diverse mechanisms of action. The present study aims to investigate the effects of the pair-combinations of these bioactive compounds in attenuating neuroinflammation. Methods: A tri-culture model with microglial N11 cells, microvascular endothelial MVEC(B3) cells, and neuroblastoma N2A cells was established in a transwell system. AN, BA and 6-SG used alone (25 µM) or in pair-wised combinations (12.5 + 12.5 µM) were subjected to the tri-culture system. Upon the stimulation of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) at 1 μg/mL, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels were determined by ELISA assays. Immunofluorescence staining was applied to investigate the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65) on N11 cells, expressions of protein zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) on MVEC cells and phosphorylated tau (p-tau) on N2A cells, respectively. The endothelial barrier permeability of MVEC cells was assessed by the Evans blue dye, and the resistance from the endothelial barrier was measured by transepithelial/endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) value. Neuronal survival of N2A cells was determined by Alamar blue and MTT assays. Results: Combinations of AN-SG and BA-SG synergistically lowered the TNF and IL-6 levels in LPS-induced N11 cells. Remarkably, the combined anti-neuroinflammatory effects of AN-SG and BA-SG remained significantly greater compared to their individual components at the same concentration level. The molecular mechanism of the attenuated neuroinflammation was likely to be mediated by downregulation of NF-κB p65 translocation (p < 0.0001 vs. LPS stimulation) in N11 cells. In the MVEC cells, both AN-SG and BA-SG restored TEER values, ZO-1 expression and reduced permeability. Furthermore, AN-SG and BA-SG significantly improved neuronal survival and reduced expressions of p-tau on N2A cells. Discussion: The AN-SG and BA-SG combinations showed greater anti-neuroinflammatory potential than those used alone in mono- and tri-cultured N11 cells, thereby further protecting endothelial tight junction and neuronal survival. Taken together, AN-SG and BA-SG may provide improved anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective activities.

Photo-controlled and photo-calibrated nanoparticle enabled nitric oxide release for anti-bacterial and anti-biofilm applications

After numerous efforts to elucidate the biological role of nitric oxide (NO), NO treatments have become a hotspot at the forefront of medicine. NO-releasing substances are constantly needed, while the direct use of NO gas is unattainable in bio-systems. An ideal NO donor should possess controllable and visible NO-release capability. The reported NO donating nanoparticles, prepared via encapsulating a hydrophobic NO-releasing compound into DSPE-PEG2000, meet the criteria mentioned previously. The localization and flux of NO released from these nanoparticles could be manipulated by UV or blue light. Meanwhile, NOD-NPs emit a dose-dependent fluorescence intensity to calibrate the generation of NO. While the good biocompatibility of NOD-NPs has been validated, the NO from our nanoparticles demonstrates efficient anti-bacterial and anti-biofilm effects toward Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Therefore, the NOD-NPs developed in this work have potential application in evaluating the regulation of microbes by NO.

Gastroprotective effect of low dose Eugenol in experimental rats against ethanol induced toxicity: Involvement of antiinflammatory and antioxidant mechanism

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Syzygium aromaticum L. volatile oil (clove oil) has been traditionally used for various stomach disorders including inflammatory conditions. Eugenol is the major constituent present in the volatile oil, and it has been established as a gastroprotective agent through many published studies, but the exact and complete mechanism of ulcer protection is not delineated yet. Moreover, it plays precisely the opposite effect in higher dose in antiulcer properties with worsening the ulcer at a higher dose.

AIM

This study aims to carry out the prophylactic cytoprotective effect of eugenol with single low doses and explore the probable interrelated underlying transcriptional and translational level mechanism of cytoprotection such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, mucous generation in rats using ethanol-induced ulcer model.

METHODS

Rats were administered with different doses of eugenol before ethanol intragastrically. The effects of the eugenol on mucous production, Nitric oxide generation, PGE2 synthesis, lipid peroxidation were recorded together with cytokines measurement in the blood. TNF-α and IL-6, two key cytokines, were also studied in specific. In addition, studies on the immunohistochemical and gene expression of HSP70 and iNOS indicators have been conducted.

RESULTS

According to our findings, Eugenol substantially reduced the ulcer index and completely protected the mucosa from lesions. By restoring the lowered GSH and NP-SH levels, the protective effect of the eugenol was found to be augmented at both doses. This finding has corresponded to an increase in MDA, which was lowered by ethanol administration. Pre-treatment with eugenol on the ethanol-induced ulcer reduced the plasma NO levels and increased PGE2 along with a decreased TNF-α and IL-6 concentration. Additionally, significant transcriptional and translational upregulation of HSP70 and downregulation of iNOS were detected in the eugenol-treated rat stomach tissue.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrated that eugenol had a considerable gastroprotective impact at low doses, which could be attributed to its ability to regulate inflammatory reactions and antioxidant capacity.

Vitamin E in foodstuff: Nutritional, analytical, and food technology aspects

Vitamin E is a group of isoprenoid chromanols with different biological activities. It comprises eight oil-soluble compounds: four tocopherols, namely, α-, β-, γ-, and δ-tocopherols; and four tocotrienols, namely, α-, β-, γ, and δ-tocotrienols. Vitamin E isomers are well-known for their antioxidant activity, gene-regulation effects, and anti-inflammatory and nephroprotective properties. Considering that vitamin E is exclusively synthesized by photosynthetic organisms, animals can only acquire it through their diet. Plant-based food is the primary source of vitamin E; hence, oils, nuts, fruits, and vegetables with high contents of vitamin E are mostly consumed after processing, including industrial processes and home-cooking, which involve vitamin E profile and content alteration during their preparation. Accordingly, it is essential to identify the vitamin E content and profile in foodstuff to match daily intake requirements. This review summarizes recent advances in vitamin E chemistry, metabolism and metabolites, current knowledge on their contents and profiles in raw and processed plant foods, and finally, their modern developments in analytical methods.

The α-tocopherol-derived long-chain metabolite α-13'-COOH mediates endotoxin tolerance and modulates the inflammatory response via MAPK and NFκB pathways

SCOPE

The long-chain metabolites of (LCM) vitamin E are proposed as the active regulatory metabolites of vitamin E providing, with their anti-inflammatory properties, an explanatory approach for the inconsistent effects of vitamin E on inflammatory-driven diseases. We examined the modulation of cytokine expression and release from macrophages, a fundamental process in many diseases, to gain insights into the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of the α-tocopherol-derived LCM α-13'-COOH.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Suppressed gene expression of C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (Ccl2), tumor necrosis factor (Tnf), and interleukin (Il) 6 in response to lipopolysaccharides by 24 h pre-treatment with α-13'-COOH in RAW264.7 macrophages was revealed using quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Further, reduced secretion of IL1β and CCL2 was found in this setup using flow cytometry. In contrast, 1 h pre-treatment suppressed only CCL2. Consequent gene expression analysis within 24 h of α-13'-COOH treatment revealed the induction of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB) negative feedback regulators including the 'master regulators' dual-specificity phosphatase 1 (Dusp1/Mkp1) and tumor necrosis factor induced protein 3 (Tnfaip3/A20). Approaches with immunoblots and chemical antagonists suggest a feedback induction via activation of extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK), p38 MAPK and NFκB pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

CCL2 is suppressed in murine macrophages by α-13'-COOH and the indirect suppression of MAPK and NFκB pathways is likely a relevant process contributing to anti-inflammatory actions of α-13'-COOH. These results improve the understanding of the effects of α-13'-COOH and provide a basis for new research strategies in the context of inflammatory diseases.

Olive Oil Extracts and Oleic Acid Attenuate the LPS-Induced Inflammatory Response in Murine RAW264.7 Macrophages but Induce the Release of Prostaglandin E2

Olive oil contains high amounts of oleic acid (OA). Although OA has been described to inhibit inflammatory processes, the effects of olive oil on cellular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Therefore, we compared the effects of major fatty acids (FA) from olive oil with those of olive oil extracts (OOE) on inflammatory mediators and alterations in the cellular phospholipid composition in murine macrophages. Upon treatment with different OOE, FA compositions of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine RAW264.7 macrophages were analyzed using gas chromatography. Olive oil extracts and OA significantly reduced the LPS-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNos), cyclooxygenase (Cox2), and interleukin-6 mRNA. In addition, a significant decrease in Cox2 and iNos protein expression was observed. The formation of nitric oxide was significantly reduced, while the formation of prostaglandin (PG) E2 from arachidonic acid significantly increased after treatment with OOE or OA. The latter was associated with a shift in the phospholipid FA composition from arachidonic acid to OA, resulting in an elevated availability of arachidonic acid. Together, OOE and OA mediate anti-inflammatory effects in vitro but increase the release of arachidonic acid and hereinafter PGE2, likely due to elongation of OA and competitive incorporation of fatty acids into membrane phospholipids.

In-vitro, in-vivo, and in-silico assessment of radical scavenging and cytotoxic activities of Oliveria decumbens essential oil and its main components

We aimed to explore and compare new insights on the pharmacological potential of Oliveria decumbence essential oil (OEO) and its main components highlighting their antioxidant activity in-vitro, in-vivo, and in-silico and also cytotoxic effects of OEO against A549 lung cancer cells. At first, based on GC-MS analysis, thymol, carvacrol, p-cymene, and γ-terpinene were introduced as basic ingredients of OEO and their in-vitro antioxidant capacity was considered by standard methods. Collectively, OEO exhibited strong antioxidant properties even more than its components. In LPS-stimulated macrophages treated with OEO, the reduction of ROS (Reactive-oxygen-species) and NO (nitric-oxide) and down-regulation of iNOS (inducible nitric-oxide-synthase) and NOX (NADPH-oxidase) mRNA expression was observed and compared with that of OEO components. According to the results, OEO, thymol, and carvacrol exhibited the highest radical scavenging potency compared to p-cymene, and γ-terpinene. In-silico Molecular-Docking and Molecular-Dynamics simulation indicated that thymol and carvacrol but no p-cymene and γ-terpinene may establish coordinative bonds in iNOS active site and thereby inhibit iNOS. However, they did not show any evidence for NOX inhibition. In the following, MTT assay showed that OEO induces cytotoxicity in A549 cancer cells despite having a limited effect on L929 normal cells. Apoptotic death and its dependence on caspase-3 activity and Bax/Bcl2 ratio in OEO-treated cells were established by fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, colorimetric assay, and western blot analysis. Additionally, flow cytometry studies demonstrated increased levels of ROS in OEO-treated cells. Therefore, OEO, despite showing antioxidant properties, induces apoptosis in cancer cells by increasing ROS levels. Collectively, our results provided new insight into the usage of OEO and main components, thymol, and carvacrol, into the development of novel antioxidant and anti-cancer agents.

A Stretchable Scaffold with Electrochemical Sensing for 3D Culture, Mechanical Loading, and Real-Time Monitoring of Cells

In the field of three-dimensional (3D) cell culture and tissue engineering, great advance focusing on functionalized materials and desirable culture systems has been made to mimic the natural environment of cells in vivo. Mechanical loading is one of the critical factors that affect cell/tissue behaviors and metabolic activities, but the reported models or detection methods offer little direct and real-time information about mechanically induced cell responses. Herein, for the first time, a stretchable and multifunctional platform integrating 3D cell culture, mechanical loading, and electrochemical sensing is developed by immobilization of biomimetic peptide linked gold nanotubes on porous and elastic polydimethylsiloxane. The 3D scaffold demonstrates very good compatibility, excellent stretchability, and stable electrochemical sensing performance. This allows mimicking the articular cartilage and investigating its mechanotransduction by 3D culture, mechanical stretching of chondrocytes, and synchronously real-time monitoring of stretch-induced signaling molecules. The results disclose a previously unclear mechanotransduction pathway in chondrocytes that mechanical loading can rapidly activate nitric oxide signaling within seconds. This indicates the promising potential of the stretchable 3D sensing in exploring the mechanotransduction in 3D cellular systems and engineered tissues.

A Dual Target-Directed Single Domain-Based Fusion Protein Against Interleukin-6 Receptor Decelerate Experimental Arthritis Progression Via Modulating JNK Expression

The currently used anti-cytokine therapeutic antibodies cannot selectively neutralize pathogenic cytokine signalling that cause collateral damage to protective signalling cascades. The single domain chain firstly discovered in Camelidae displays fully functional ability in antigen-binding against variable targets, which has been seemed as attractive candidates for the next-generation biologic drug study. In this study, we established a simple prokaryotic expression system for a dual target-directed single domain-based fusion protein against the interleukin-6 receptor and human serum, albumin, the recombinant anti-IL-6R fusion protein (VHH-0031). VHH-0031 exhibited potent anti-inflammatory effects produced by LPS on cell RAW264.7, where the major cytokines and NO production were downregulated after 24 h incubation with VHH-0031 in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo, VHH-0031 presented significant effects on the degree reduction of joint swelling in the adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rat, having a healthier appearance compared with the dexamethasone. The expression level of JNK protein in the VHH-0031 group was significantly decreased, demonstrating that VHH-0031 provides a low-cost and desirable effect in the treatment of more widely patients.

Baitouweng Decoction Ameliorates Ulcerative Colitis in Mice Partially Attributed to Regulating Th17/Treg Balance and Restoring Intestinal Epithelial Barrier

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic intestinal disease with unclear pathogenesis. With an increasing global prevalence over the past two decades, UC poses a serious threat to public health. Baitouweng decoction (BTW), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been shown to have good clinical efficacy for treating intestinal inflammation. Yet, the efficacy of BTW in UC and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. The current study aimed to determine whether BTW suppressed intestinal inflammation in mice and the potential mechanism. We used a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced murine colitis model to test the anti-inflammatory efficacy of BTW. Clinical symptoms were scored by the disease activity index (DAI), and the colon length and pathological changes in colon tissue were also used to further evaluate the efficacy of BTW. Precisely how BTW affected immune function and the intestinal barrier of UC mice was also examined. BTW significantly reduced DAI score and colonic pathological damage. BTW regulated the balance between T helper (Th)17 and regulatory T (Treg) cells, decreased interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α, and increased IL-10 levels. BTW reduced intestinal permeability of UC mice, increased expression of tight junction proteins (occludin and zonula occludens-1), and decreased expression of phospho-nuclear factor (p-NF)-κB and phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) in the colon. BTW inhibited the ERK/p-NF-κB signaling pathway and suppressed expression of cyclo-oxygenase-2 and inducible NO synthase in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW 264.7 cells. BTW significantly promoted the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids in the gut, particularly acetate, propionate, isobutyric acid, and isovalerate. The results suggest that BTW can protect against DSS-induced UC. The mechanism may be partially attributed to regulating the balance of Th17/Treg cells and restoring the intestinal epithelial barrier.

Modified Bacterial Cellulose Dressings to Treat Inflammatory Wounds

Natural products suited for prophylaxis and therapy of inflammatory diseases have gained increasing importance. These compounds could be beneficially integrated into bacterial cellulose (BC), which is a natural hydropolymer applicable as a wound dressing and drug delivery system alike. This study presents experimental outcomes for a natural anti-inflammatory product concept of boswellic acids from frankincense formulated in BC. Using esterification respectively (resp.) oxidation and subsequent coupling with phenylalanine and tryptophan, post-modification of BC was tested to facilitate lipophilic active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) incorporation. Diclofenac sodium and indomethacin were used as anti-inflammatory model drugs before the findings were transferred to boswellic acids. By acetylation of BC fibers, the loading efficiency for the more lipophilic API indomethacin and the release was increased by up to 65.6% and 25%, respectively, while no significant differences in loading could be found for the API diclofenac sodium. Post-modifications could be made while preserving biocompatibility, essential wound dressing properties and anti-inflammatory efficacy. Eventually, in vitro wound closure experiments and evaluations of the effect of secondary dressings completed the study.

Literature-Based Drug Repurposing in Traditional Chinese Medicine: Reduced Inflammatory M1 Macrophage Polarization by Jisil Haebaek Gyeji-Tang Alleviates Cardiovascular Disease In Vitro and Ex Vivo

Relatively high proportions of proinflammatory M1-like macrophages in tissues may lead to vascular impairment and trigger numerous diseases including atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular disease (CVD). Jisil Haebaek Gyeji-tang (JHGT), a polyherbal decoction, is traditionally used to treat various human ailments including chest pain, angina, and myocardial infarction. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of JHGT on lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) stimulated M1 macrophage polarization generated via the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathway in RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages. The reducing power of JHGT was also investigated using DAF-FA DA in a zebrafish model. JHGT  significantly reduced inflammatory mediator levels, including iNOS, COX2, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, as compared with LPS-stimulated controls in vitro and ex vivo. Furthermore, JHGT suppressed the ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 MAPK pathways and reduced p-IκBα levels and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB in RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, treatment with JHGT significantly reduced the NO levels in LPS-treated zebrafish larva ex vivo. Our findings show the potent anti-inflammatory properties of JHGT are due to its suppression of MAPK signaling, NF-κB translocation, and M1 macrophage polarization.

Induced Production, Synthesis, and Immunomodulatory Action of Clostrisulfone, a Diarylsulfone from Clostridium acetobutylicum

The anaerobe Clostridium acetobutylicum belongs to the most important industrially used bacteria. Whereas genome mining points to a high potential for secondary metabolism in C. acetobutylicum, the functions of most biosynthetic gene clusters are cryptic. We report that the addition of supra-physiological concentrations of cysteine triggered the formation of a novel natural product, clostrisulfone (1). Its structure was fully elucidated by NMR, MS and the chemical synthesis of a reference compound. Clostrisulfone is the first reported natural product with a diphenylsulfone scaffold. A biomimetic synthesis suggests that pentamethylchromanol-derived radicals capture sulfur dioxide to form 1. In a cell-based assay using murine macrophages a biphasic and dose-dependent regulation of the LPS-induced release of nitric oxide was observed in the presence of 1.

Diltiazem-loaded electrospun nanofibers as a new wound dressing: fabrication, characterization, and experimental wound healing

Calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem have recently been investigated for their wound-healing potential. The aims of this study were to fabricate diltiazem-loaded nanofibers for a new wound dressing and investigate their beneficial properties for wound healing. Nanofibers were electrospun using polyvinyl alcohol solution containing 0, 2 or 4% diltiazem. Fibers were characterized in terms of physicochemical properties, drug release and fibroblast viability, and in animal wound healing assays. Compared to other formulations, nanofibers containing 4% diltiazem showed thin fiber size (152.7 nm), high porosity (88.4%), high swelling (110.4%), low water contact angle (29.1°) and little weight loss (17.3%). Drug release from 4%-diltiazem nanofibers showed good fit to a Korsmeyer-Peppas model, suggesting a non-Fickian release mechanism (R ² = 96%, n = 0.52). In vitro, 4%-diltiazem mats were not cytotoxic and enhanced fibroblast proliferation by 263% after 5 days of treatment compared to control. In vivo, wounds treated with this mat for 14 days showed the smallest size (14.7%) and better histopathologic characteristics compared to other wounds. The 4%-diltiazem mat also demonstrated significant antioxidant activity by reducing tissue MDA and nitrite levels by 63 and 59% compared to normal saline. The findings support the eligibility of this novel wound dressing for additional clinical research.

Effects of Launaea sarmentosa Extract on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation via Suppression of NF-κB/MAPK Signaling and Nrf2 Activation

Launaea sarmentosa has been extensively used as a nutrient herb in traditional Vietnamese remedies for the treatment of various diseases, especially inflammatory diseases. However, no detailed research has been conducted examining the molecular mechanisms involved in the suppression of inflammatory response. Here, we studied the effects of L. sarmentosa methanol extract on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation using RAW 264.7 macrophages. The extract demonstrated potent antioxidant activity owing to the presence of polyphenolic and flavonoid components. Pretreatment with the extract inhibited LPS-mediated secretion of nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species, and tumor necrosis factor-α as well as the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, the activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway and phosphoinositide-3-kinase/protein kinase B pathways was blocked by the extract by inhibiting Akt phosphorylation. Additionally, the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway was suppressed, and endoplasmic reticulum stress was attenuated. Furthermore, the extract promoted the activity of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 resulting in the up-regulation of heme oxygenase-1 pathway, leading to the suppression of oxidative stress and inflammatory response. Taken together, the results indicate that L. sarmentosa exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, and hence, can be further developed as a novel drug for the treatment of diseases associated with excessive inflammation.

(Z)-7,4'-dimethoxy-6-hydroxy-aurone-4-O--glucopyranoside attenuates lipoteichoic acid-induced damage in rat cardiomyoblast cells

OBJECTIVE

Excessive inflammatory responses in the endocardium are related to progression of infectious endocarditis. This study aimed to investigate whether (Z)-7,4'-dimethoxy-6-hydroxy-aurone-4-O-β-glucopyranoside (DHAG), a compound isolated from the endophytic fungus Penicillium citrinum of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, could attenuate cell damage caused by lipoteichoic acid (LTA) in embryonic rat heart cells (H9c2).

METHODS

LTA-induced cell damage occurred in H9c2 cells and the protective effects of DHAG at different concentrations (1-10  µM) were assessed. Indicators of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in H9c2 cells were measured.

RESULTS

DHAG (1-10  µM) significantly attenuated LTA-induced damage in H9c2 cells, as evidenced by increased cell viability and mitochondrial membrane potential, decreased cytochrome c release and DNA fragmentation, inhibition of caspase-3 and -9 activity, and altered expression of apoptosis-related proteins. DHAG also decreased oxidative stress by increasing protein expression of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2). Furthermore, DHAG inhibited inflammatory responses by decreasing protein expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs).

CONCLUSION

DHAG exerted protective effects against LTA-induced cell damage, at least partially by decreasing oxidative stress and inhibiting inflammatory responses. Our results provide a scientific rational for developing DHAG as a therapy against infectious endocarditis.

Modulation of the lifespan of C. elegans by the controlled release of nitric oxide

The frontier of nitric oxide biology has gradually shifted from mechanism elucidation to biomanipulation, e.g. cell-proliferation promotion, cell-apoptosis induction, and lifespan modulation. This warrants biocompatible nitric oxide (NO) donating materials, whose NO release is not only controlled by a bioorthogonal trigger, but also self-calibrated allowing real-time monitoring and hence an onset/offset of the NO release. Additionally, the dose of NO release should be facilely adjusted in a large dynamic range; flux and the dose are critical to the biological outcome of NO treatment. Via self-assembly of a PEGylated small-molecule NO donor, we developed novel NO-donating nanoparticles (PEG-NORM), which meet all the aforementioned criteria. We showcased that a low flux of NO induced cell proliferation, while a high flux induced cell oxidative stress and, ultimately, death. Notably, PEG-NORM was capable of efficiently modulating the lifespan of C. elegans. The average lifespan of C. elegans could be fine-tuned to be as short as 15.87 ± 0.29 days with a high dose of NO, or as long as 21.13 ± 0.41 days with a low dose of NO, compared to an average life-span of 18.87 ± 0.46 days. Thus, PEG-NORM has broad potential in cell manipulation and life-span modulation and could drive the advancement of NO biology and medicine.

A flexible and physically transient electrochemical sensor for real-time wireless nitric oxide monitoring

Real-time sensing of nitric oxide (NO) in physiological environments is critically important in monitoring neurotransmission, inflammatory responses, cardiovascular systems, etc. Conventional approaches for NO detection relying on indirect colorimetric measurement or built with rigid and permanent materials cannot provide continuous monitoring and/or require additional surgical retrieval of the implants, which comes with increased risks and hospital cost. Herein, we report a flexible, biologically degradable and wirelessly operated electrochemical sensor for real-time NO detection with a low detection limit (3.97 nmol), a wide sensing range (0.01-100 μM), and desirable anti-interference characteristics. The device successfully captures NO evolution in cultured cells and organs, with results comparable to those obtained from the standard Griess assay. Incorporated with a wireless circuit, the sensor platform achieves continuous sensing of NO levels in living mammals for several days. The work may provide essential diagnostic and therapeutic information for health assessment, treatment optimization and postsurgical monitoring.

Nitric oxide detection methods in vitro and in vivo

Initially being considered as an environmental pollutant, nitric oxide has gained the momentum of research since its discovery as endothelial derived growth factor in 1987. Extensive researches have revealed the various pathological and physiological roles of nitric oxide such as inflammation, vascular and neurological regulation functions. Hence, the development of methods for quantifying nitric oxide concentration and its metabolites will be beneficial to well know about its biological functions and effects. This review summaries various methods for in vitro and in vivo nitric oxide detection, and introduces their merits and demerits.

(Z)-7,4′-Dimethoxy-6-hydroxy-aurone- 4-O-β-glucopyranoside alleviates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats associating with the regulation of JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway

Inflammatory responses have been demonstrated to contribute to the neuronal death following cerebral ischemia. This study was to investigate the repairing effects and potential mechanisms of (Z)-7,4′-dimethoxy-6-hydroxy-aurone-4-O-β-glucopyranoside (DHAG), a compound with neuroprotective effects, on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. Cerebral I/R model was established with middle cerebral artery occlusion method in Sprague Dawley rats and then rats were treated with DHAG (1 and 2 mg/kg) for 7 days. The volume of cerebral infarction was detected by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. The apoptosis in ischemic brain tissues was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. Oxidative stress markers and inflammatory factors were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Protein expression was detected by Western blot. DHAG treatment significantly alleviated the cerebral I/R injury and decreased apoptosis in brain tissues. Moreover, DHAG treatment significantly inhibited oxidative stress and reduced inflammatory responses, associating with decreasing the protein expression of phosphorylated Janus kinase 1/phosphorylated signal transducer and transcriptional activator 1. These results demonstrated neuroprotective properties of DHAG and highlighted it as a potential therapeutic agent against injury of cerebral IR.

Design and development of spirulina polysaccharide-loaded nanoemulsions with improved the antitumor effects of paclitaxel

Aims: In this study, we prepared spirulina polysaccharides into spirulina polysaccharide-loaded nanoemulsions (SPS-NEs), and determined the antitumor effect of SPS-NEs, when combined with paclitaxel (PTX).Methods: SPS-NEs were prepared by a phase transformation method. The Characterisation and stability of SPS-NEs was measured. The antitumor effect of SPS-NEs combined with PTX was determined by S180 cells or RAW 264.7 macrophages and S180 tumour-bearing mice.Results: SPS-NEs were spherical and stable, the particle size of SPS-NEs was 84.6 ± 3.31 nm, PDI = 0.235 ± 0.02. PTX + SPS-NEs exhibited a much greater toxicity against RAW 264.7 cells than PTX. PTX + SPS-NEs increased the release of NO, IL-6 and TNF-α, and the expression of p-p65 NF-κB, p-I-κB, TLR4. In addition, PTX + SPS-NEs significantly inhibited tumour growth by 72.82% and increased the secretion of serum IL-2, TNF-α and IFN-γ.Conclusions: SPS-NEs can regulate immunity through TLR4/NF-κB signalling pathways, which enhances the anti-tumour effect of PTX.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Lasia spinosa Leaf Extract in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced RAW 264.7 Macrophages

Lasia spinosa (L.) Thwaites was used as a traditional medicine to treat many inflammatory diseases for centuries. However, its effects on the inflammatory response are not yet characterized. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory activities of L. spinosa leaf extract in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. We found that ethanol extracts of L. spinosa leaves showed anti-oxidant activity due to the presence of high levels of polyphenolic compounds. Treatment with the leaf extract significantly repressed the production of inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, L. spinosa leaf extract treatment prevented activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway by inhibiting nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha (IκBα) degradation. Furthermore, the mitogen-activated kinase and phosphoinositide-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathways were suppressed upon treatment with the leaf extract. In addition to suppressing inflammatory factors, the extract also activated the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme-oxygenase-1 pathway. We propose that L. spinosa leaf extract has the potential as an effective therapeutic agent for alleviating oxidative stress and excessive inflammation.

Process control and scale-up of modified bacterial cellulose production for tailor-made anti-inflammatory drug delivery systems

Bacterial cellulose (BC) has proven its high potential as active wound dressing and drug delivery system in many scientific studies, but the transferability of the methods to efficient manufacturing still needs to be demonstrated. This study presents a technically feasible, straightforward and efficient approach to modify BC according to specific medical requirements, to scale-up the cultivation and to load the active pharmaceutical ingredient of interest. By means of in situ-modification of the network structure using water-soluble poly(ethylene glycol) 400 and 4000 on pilot-scale, up to 41.5 ± 3.0 % higher transparency of the dressing, 40.6 ± 3.8 % increased loading capacity and 9% increased total release of the anti-inflammatory model drug diclofenac sodium could be obtained. Spray loading was investigated as material efficient alternative to absorption loading allowing a significant reduction in loading time.

Curdlan (Alcaligenes faecalis) (1→3)-β-d-Glucan Oligosaccharides Drive M1 Phenotype Polarization in Murine Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages via Activation of MAPKs and NF-κB Pathways

Functional oligosaccharides, particularly curdlan (1→3)-β-d-glucan oligosaccharides (GOS), play important roles in modulating host immune responses. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the immunostimulatory effects of GOS on macrophage polarization are not clear. In this work, GOS (5–1000 µg/mL) were non-toxic to bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) with improved pinocytic and bactericidal capacities. Incubation with GOS (100 µg/mL) induced M1 phenotype polarization of BMDMs as evidenced by increased CD11c⁺/CD86⁺ (10.1%) and M1 gene expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, interleukin (IL)-1β, and chemokine C-C-motif ligand 2. Accordingly, the secretion of cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and tumor necrosis factor-α, as well as the nitrite release of BMDMs were increased by GOS (100 µg/mL). Expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) of phosphorylated (p)-c-Jun amino-terminal kinase, p-extracellular signal regulated kinase, and p-p38 in BMDMs were increased by GOS, as well as the p-Stat1. Moreover, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p-p65 expression in BMDMs was promoted by GOS while it suppressed IκBα expression. Receptor blocking with anti-CR3 (CD11b/CD18) and anti-toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 antibodies diminished GOS induced M1 phenotype polarization with reduced mRNA expression of M1 genes, decreased cytokine and nitrite releases, and suppressed signaling pathway activation. Thus, CR3 (CD11b/CD18) and TLR2 mediated activation of MAPKs and NF-κB pathways are responsible for GOS induced polarization of BMDMs.

Systemic administration with tetrahydrocannabinol causes retinal damage in BALB/c mice

Recent years have seen substantial shifts in cultural attitudes towards cannabis for medical and recreational use. However, legalizing recreational marijuana may have adverse effects on individual and public health. As the most widely used illicit agent, cannabis is commonly reported to disrupt learning and memory. Unfortunately, the molecular mechanisms underlying behavioral impairment by cannabis abuse remain poorly understood. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a major component in cannabis, causes short-term effects on the visual system, but little is known about persisting visual disturbances. This study was to investigate the effects of systemic administration with THC on retina and explore its underlying mechanisms. BALB/c mice were treated with 1 or 2 mg/kg THC intraperitoneally daily for 2 months, mice treated with vehicle as negative control. The retinal function was tested by electroretinography after THC treatment. Morphology and pathology changes of retina were detected by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay was used to detect the apoptosis in photoreceptor cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to show the inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. mRNA and protein changes were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot to explore the underlying mechanisms. Results indicated that 2-month treatment with THC caused retinal damage, evidenced by its functional loss and increased apoptosis in photoreceptor cells through inducing inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. Our study demonstrated that systemic administration with THC caused toxic effects on retinas of BALB/c mice, suggesting the potential mechanisms for the retina damage caused by cannabis abuse.

Comparison of Inhibitory Effects of Safflower Decoction and Safflower Injection on Protein and mRNA Expressions of iNOS and IL-1β in LPS-Activated RAW264.7 Cells

Objective

Safflower has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The two forms of preparations for safflower which are widely used in China are injection and decoction. The first step of the process for preparing an injection involves extracting safflower with water, which actually yields a decoction. This study is intended to investigate how the preparation process influences the anti-inflammatory activity of safflower in vitro.

Methods

Five samples, including a decoction (sample 1) and an injection (sample 5) of safflower, were prepared according to the national standard WS3-B-3825-98-2012 and were analyzed by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) method and the 1,1-diphenyl-2-trinitrophenylhydrazine (DPPH) method for comparison. Sample 1 and sample 5 were further tested by the Griess assay and ELISA for their effects on nitric oxide (NO) production and interleukin- (IL-) 1β content in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) activated RAW264.7 cells. The protein and mRNA levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and IL-1β were measured by Western blotting and real-time quantitative PCR.

Results

Sample 5 showed a significantly higher ORAC value and a lower half inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) for DPPH scavenging activity as compared to the other four samples (p < 0.05). LPS significantly upregulated the mRNA and protein expressions of iNOS and IL-1β as compared to the solvent control (p < 0.01). As compared to sample 1, sample 5 significantly decreased NO production, iNOS protein expression, and the contents of IL-1β mRNA and IL-1β protein at both 100 μg/ml and 200 μg/ml (all: p < 0.05) and significantly downregulated iNOS mRNA expression at 100 μg/ml (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Results of this study demonstrate that the safflower injection prepared according to the national standard has a significant effect of suppressing protein and mRNA expressions of iNOS and IL-1β as compared to its traditional decoction.

In Vitro Digested Nut Oils Attenuate the Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Response in Macrophages

Nut consumption is known for its health benefits, in particular in inflammatory diseases. A possible mechanism for these effects could be their beneficial fatty acid composition. Nuts mainly contain mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. However, studies investigating the effects of nut extracts on inflammatory processes on the molecular level are rare. We therefore prepared oily nut extracts after in vitro digestion and saponification of the fat-soluble constituents. Besides chromatographic analysis, cell culture experiments were performed using murine macrophages (RAW264.7) to study the capacity of different nut extracts (hazelnut, almond, walnut, macadamia, and pistachio) to modulate inflammatory processes. Oleic acid was the main fatty acid in hazelnut, almond, macadamia, and pistachio extracts. Both oily nut extracts and pure oleic acid significantly reduced the LPS-induced expression of iNos, Cox2, Tnfα, Il1β, and Il6 mRNAs. iNos protein expression was down-regulated followed by reduced nitric oxide formation. Thus, nut extracts at concentrations achievable in the digestive tract inhibit the expression and formation of inflammatory mediators in macrophages. Hence, a beneficial contribution of nut consumption to inflammatory diseases can be assumed. We are convinced that these results provide new insights on the molecular mechanisms involved in the health-beneficial effects of nuts.

Effects of FM0807, a novel curcumin derivative, on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory factor release via the ROS/JNK/p53 pathway in RAW264.7 cells

Purpose: Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response caused by infection. Curcumin is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. FM0807, a curcumin derivative, was investigated in the present study to determine its effect on cytokines and the possible molecular mechanism. Main methods: The experiments were carried out in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. ELISA, Griess assays, fluorescence-based quantitative PCR, flow cytometric analysis, 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) experiments, and Western blotting were carried out to assess the potential effects of FM0807 on LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Significant findings: FM0807 had no cytotoxic effects on RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, pretreatment with FM0807 inhibited the inflammatory factor tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL) 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) at the protein and gene levels. FM0807 also inhibited the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis. In addition, the activation of the ROS/JNK (c-jun NH₂-terminal kinase)/p53 signaling pathway was inhibited by FM0807 in RAW 264.7 cells in vitro. Conclusion: FM0807 has anti-inflammatory activity in vitro, which suggests a potential clinical application in sepsis. The anti-inflammatory activity of FM0807 may be mediated by the ROS/JNK/p53 signaling pathway.

3,5-Dimethoxy-4-hydroxy myricanol ameliorates photoreceptor cell degeneration in Pde6brd10 mouse model

INTRODUCTION

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) caused by the photoreceptor cell degeneration is currently incurable and leads to partial or complete blindness eventually. 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxy myricanol (DM) is a novel compound isolated from the leaves of Micromelum integerrimum, with proliferative activities on NIH3T3 cells. This study was to investigate whether DM could mitigate retinal degeneration of rd10 mice, a well-characterized mouse model of RP.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

Rd10 mice were treated with DM daily by intraperitoneal injection from postnatal day 12 (P12) to P26. Electroretinography (ERG) reflects the mass response of photoreceptor cells and was used to test the outer retinal function after DM treatment. Haematoxylin and Eosin staining was used to show the retinal morphology and evaluate the rod photoreceptor cell loss. TUNEL assay was used to detect the apoptosis-positive cells. Inflammatory factors were measured by ELISA to show the inflammatory response. Real-time PCR and western blot were applied to measure the gene and protein change to explore the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

Results showed that DM significantly improved the retinal function by increasing the ERG amplitude, preserving the retinal morphology, reducing photoreceptor cell apoptosis, decreasing inflammatory response, and inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress in rd10 mice.

CONCLUSION

This is the first time when the protective effects of DM against photoreceptor cell degeneration of rd10 mice have been demonstrated, providing scientific rationale to develop DM as a potential agent to treat RP.

Combination of paromomycin plus human anti-TNF-α antibodies to control the local inflammatory response in BALB/ mice with cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) skin lesions are the result of a deregulated immune response, which is unable to eliminate Leishmania parasites. The control of both, parasites and host immune response, is critical to prevent tissue destruction. The skin ulceration has been correlated with high TNF-α level.

OBJECTIVE

Because human anti-TNF-α antibodies (Ab) have been successfully assayed in several mice inflammatory diseases, we hypothesized that their anti-inflammatory effect could optimize the healing of CL lesions achieved after topical application of paromomycin (PM), the current chemotherapy against CL.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We first compared the in vitro efficacy of PM and Ab alone and the drug given in combination with Ab to assess if the Ab could interfere with PM leishmanicidal activity in L. major-infected bone marrow-derived macrophages. The combination therapy had similar antileishmanial activity to the drug alone and showed no influence on NO production, which allows macrophage-mediated parasite killing. Next, we demonstrated in an in vivo model of Imiquimod®-induced inflammation that topical Ab and PM inhibit the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the skin. In the efficacy studies in L. major-infected BALB/c mice, PM combined with Ab led to a sharp infection reduction and showed a stronger anti-inflammatory activity than PM alone. This was confirmed by the down-regulation of TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS, IL-17, and CCL3 as well as by a decrease of the neutrophilic infiltrate during infection upon treatment with the Ab.

CONCLUSIONS

In terms of parasite elimination and inflammation reduction, topical application of Ab in combination with PM was more effective than the drug alone.

Long-Chain Metabolites of Vitamin E: Metabolic Activation as a General Concept for Lipid-Soluble Vitamins?

Vitamins E, A, D and K comprise the class of lipid-soluble vitamins. For vitamins A and D, a metabolic conversion of precursors to active metabolites has already been described. During the metabolism of vitamin E, the long-chain metabolites (LCMs) 13'-hydroxychromanol (13'-OH) and 13'-carboxychromanol (13'-COOH) are formed by oxidative modification of the side-chain. The occurrence of these metabolites in human serum indicates a physiological relevance. Indeed, effects of the LCMs on lipid metabolism, apoptosis, proliferation and inflammatory actions as well as tocopherol and xenobiotic metabolism have been shown. Interestingly, there are several parallels between the actions of the LCMs of vitamin E and the active metabolites of vitamin A and D. The recent findings that the LCMs exert effects different from that of their precursors support their putative role as regulatory metabolites. Hence, it could be proposed that the mode of action of the LCMs might be mediated by a mechanism similar to vitamin A and D metabolites. If the physiological relevance and this concept of action of the LCMs can be confirmed, a general concept of activation of lipid-soluble vitamins via their metabolites might be deduced.