Ginsenoside Rb1 ameliorates Staphylococcus aureus-induced Acute Lung Injury through attenuating NF-κB and MAPK activation

Therapeutic administration of Luteolin protects against Escherichia coli-derived Lipopolysaccharide-triggered inflammatory response and oxidative injury

Endometritis reduces reproductive effectiveness and leads to significant financial losses in the dairy sector. Luteolin is a natural phyto-flavonoid compound with many biological activities. However, the therapeutic effect of Luteolin against lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced endometritis has not yet been explored. A total of eighty female Kunming mice were randomly assigned into four treatment groups (n = 20). Following a successful initiation of the endometritis model by LPS, Luteolin was intraperitoneally administered three times, at six-hour intervals between each injection in the Luteolin groups. The histopathological findings revealed that Luteolin significantly alleviated uterine injury induced by LPS. Moreover, Luteolin suppressed the synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators [interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α] while promoting the synthesis of an anti-inflammatory mediator (IL-10) altered by LPS. Furthermore, Luteolin significantly mitigated the LPS-induced oxidative stress by scavenging malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), accumulation and boosting the capacity of antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase 1 (Gpx1) in the uterine tissue of mice. Additionally, injection of Luteolin markedly increased the expression of Toll-like receptors (TLR) 4 both at mRNA and protein levels under LPS stimulation. Western blotting and ELISA findings demonstrated that Luteolin suppressed the activation of the NF-κB pathway in response to LPS exposure in the uterine tissue of mice. Notably, Luteolin enhanced the anti-oxidant defense system by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway under LPS exposure in the uterine tissue of mice. Conclusively, our findings demonstrated that Luteolin effectively alleviated LPS-induced endometritis via modulation of TLR4-associated Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling pathways.

Effects of Panax species and their bioactive components on allergic airway diseases

Panax species include Panax ginseng Meyer, Panax quinquefolium L., Panax notoginseng, Panax japonicum, Panax trifolium, and Panax pseudoginseng, which contain bioactive components (BCs) such as ginsenosides and polysaccharides. Recently, growing evidence has revealed the pharmacological effects of Panax species and their BCs on allergic airway diseases (AADs), including allergic asthma (AA) and allergic rhinitis (AR). AADs are characterized by damaged epithelium, sustained acquired immune responses with enforced Th2 responses, allergen-specific IgE production, and enhanced production of histamine and leukotrienes by activated mast cells and basophils. In this review, we summarize how Panax species and their BCs modulate acquired immune responses involving interactions between dendritic cells and T cells, reduce the pro-inflammatory responses of epithelial cells, and reduce allergenic responses from basophils and mast cells in vitro. In addition, we highlight the current understanding of the alleviative effects of Panax species and their BCs against AA and AR in vivo. Moreover, we discuss the unmet needs of research and considerations for the treatment of patients to provide basic scientific knowledge for the treatment of AADs using Panax species and their BCs.

Ginsenoside Rb1 alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in human dental pulp cells via the PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, and MAPK signalling pathways

AIM

Among numerous constituents of Panax ginseng, a constituent named Ginsenoside Rb1 (G-Rb1) has been studied to diminish inflammation associated with diseases. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of G-Rb1 on human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and aimed to determine the underlying molecular mechanisms.

METHODOLOGY

The KEGG pathway analysis was performed after RNA sequencing in G-Rb1- and LPS-treated hDPCs. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot analysis were used for the assessment of cell adhesion molecules and inflammatory cytokines. Statistical analysis was performed with one-way ANOVA and the Student-Newman-Keuls test.

RESULTS

G-Rb1 did not exhibit any cytotoxicity within the range of concentrations tested. However, it affected the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8, as these showed reduced levels with exposure to LPS. Additionally, less mRNA and protein expressions of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) were shown. With the presence of G-Rb1, decreased levels of PI3K/Akt, phosphorylated IκBα and p65 were also observed. Furthermore, phosphorylated ERK and JNK by LPS were diminished within 15, 30 and 60 min of G-Rb1 exposure; however, the expression of non-phosphorylated ERK and JNK remained unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

G-Rb1 suppressed the LPS-induced increase of cell adhesion molecules and inflammatory cytokines, while also inhibiting PI3K/Akt, phosphorylation of NF-κB transcription factors, ERK and JNK of MAPK signalling in hDPCs.

Up-regulation of inflammatory, oxidative stress, and apoptotic mediators via inflammatory, oxidative stress, and apoptosis-associated pathways in bovine endometritis

Endometritis is the inflammation of the endothelial lining of the uterine lumen and is multifactorial in etiology. Escherichia (E.) coli is a Gram-negative bacteria, generally considered as a primary causative agent for bovine endometritis. Bovine endometritis is characterized by the activation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) by E. coli, which in turn triggers inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. The objective of this study was to investigate the gene expression of inflammatory, oxidative stress, and apoptotic markers related to endometritis in the uteri of cows. Twenty uterine tissues were collected from the abattoir. Histologically, congestion, edema, hyperemia, and hemorrhagic lesions with massive infiltration of neutrophil and cell necrosis were detected markedly (P < 0.05) in infected uterine samples. Additionally, we identify E. coli using the ybbW gene (177 base pairs; E. coli-specific gene) from infected uterine samples. Moreover, qPCR and western blot results indicated that TLR2, TLR4, proinflammatory mediators, and apoptosis-mediated genes upregulated except Bcl-2, which is antiapoptotic, and there were downregulations of oxidative stress-related genes in the infected uterine tissue. The results of our study suggested that different gene expression regimes related to the immune system reflex were activated in infected uteri. This research gives a novel understanding of active immunological response in bovine endometritis.

Network pharmacology and experimental verification of the mechanism of licochalcone A against Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia

Staphylococcus aureus strains cause the majority of pneumonia cases and are resistant to various antibiotics. Given this background, it is very important to discover novel host-targeted therapies. Licochalcone A (LAA), a natural plant product, has various biological activities, but its primary targets in S. aureus pneumonia remain unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify its molecular target against S. aureus pneumonia. Network pharmacology analysis, histological assessment, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and Western blotting were used to confirm the pharmacological effects. Network pharmacology revealed 33 potential targets of LAA and S. aureus pneumonia. Enrichment analysis revealed that these potential genes were enriched in the Toll-like receptor and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways. The results were further verified by experiments in which LAA alleviated histopathological changes, inflammatory infiltrating cells and inflammatory cytokines (TNF, IL-6, and IL-1β) in the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in vivo. Moreover, LAA treatment effectively reduced the expression levels of NF-κB, p-JNK, p-p38, NLRP3, ASC, caspase 1, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissue. The in vitro experimental results were consistent with the in vivo results. Thus, our findings demonstrated that LAA exerts anti-infective effects on S. aureus-induced lung injury via suppression of the Toll-like receptor and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways, which provides a theoretical basis for understanding the function of LAA against S. aureus pneumonia and implies its potential clinical application.

Ginseng and ginsenosides on cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases; Pharmacological potentials for the coronavirus (COVID-19)

Since its outbreak in late 2019, the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has profoundly caused global morbidity and deaths. The COVID-19 pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has major complications in cardiovascular and pulmonary system. The increased rate of mortality is due to delayed detection of certain biomarkers that are crucial in the development of disease. Furthermore, certain proteins and enzymes in cellular signaling pathways play an important role in replication of SARS-CoV-2. Most cases are mild to moderate symptoms, however severe cases of COVID-19 leads to death. Detecting the level of biomarkers such as C-reactive protein, cardiac troponin, creatine kinase, creatine kinase-MB, procalcitonin and Matrix metalloproteinases helps in early detection of the severity of disease. Similarly, through downregulating Renin-angiotensin system, interleukin, Mitogen-activated protein kinases and Phosphoinositide 3-kinases pathways, COVID-19 can be effectively controlled and mortality could be prevented. Ginseng and ginsenosides possess therapeutic potential in cardiac and pulmonary complications, there are several studies performed in which they have suppressed these biomarkers and downregulated the pathways, thereby inhibiting the further spread of disease. Supplementation with ginseng or ginsenoside could act on multiple pathways to reduce the level of biomarkers significantly and alleviate cardiac and pulmonary damage. Therefore, this review summarizes the potential of ginseng extract and ginsenosides in controlling the cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases by COVID-19.

From nature to therapy: Luteolin's potential as an immune system modulator in inflammatory disorders

Inflammation is an essential immune response that helps fight infections and heal tissues. However, chronic inflammation has been linked to several diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. This has increased interest in finding natural substances that can modulate the immune system inflammatory signaling pathways to prevent or treat these diseases. Luteolin is a flavonoid found in many fruits, vegetables, and herbs. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects by altering signaling pathways in immune cells. This review article discusses the current research on luteolin's role as a natural immune system modulator of inflammatory signaling mechanisms, such as its effects on nuclear factor-kappa B, mitogen-activated protein kinases, Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription, and inflammasome signaling processes. The safety profile of luteolin and its potential therapeutic uses in conditions linked to inflammation are also discussed. Overall, the data point to Luteolin's intriguing potential as a natural regulator of immune system inflammatory signaling processes. More research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and possible therapeutic applications.

Ginsenosides: a potential natural medicine to protect the lungs from lung cancer and inflammatory lung disease

Lung cancer is the malignancy with the highest morbidity and mortality. Additionally, pulmonary inflammatory diseases, such as pneumonia, acute lung injury, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis (PF), also have high mortality rates and can promote the development and progression of lung cancer. Unfortunately, available treatments for them are limited, so it is critical to search for effective drugs and treatment strategies to protect the lungs. Ginsenosides, the main active components of ginseng, have been shown to have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities. In this paper, we focus on the beneficial effects of ginsenosides on lung diseases and their molecular mechanisms. Firstly, the molecular mechanism of ginsenosides against lung cancer was summarized in detail, mainly from the points of view of proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, angiogenesis, metastasis, drug resistance and immunity. In in vivo and in vitro lung cancer models, ginsenosides Rg3, Rh2 and CK were reported to have strong anti-lung cancer effects. Then, in the models of pneumonia and acute lung injury, the protective effect of Rb1 was particularly remarkable, followed by Rg3 and Rg1, and its molecular mechanism was mainly associated with targeting NF-κB, Nrf2, MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways to alleviate inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis. Additionally, ginsenosides may also have a potential health-promoting effect in the improvement of COPD, asthma and PF. Furthermore, to overcome the low bioavailability of CK and Rh2, the development of nanoparticles, micelles, liposomes and other nanomedicine delivery systems can significantly improve the efficacy of targeted lung cancer treatment. To conclude, ginsenosides can be used as both anti-lung cancer and lung protective agents or adjuvants and have great potential for future clinical applications.

Ginsenosides in endometrium-related diseases: Emerging roles and mechanisms

Ginsenosides, agents extracted from an important herb (ginseng), are expected to provide new therapies for endometrium-related diseases. Based on the molecular types of ginsenosides, we reviewed the main pharmacological effects of ginsenosides against endometrium-related diseases (e.g., endometrial cancers, endometriosis, and endometritis). The mechanism of action of ginsenosides involves inducing apoptosis of endometrium-related cells, promoting autophagy of endometrium-related cells, regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in endometrium-related cells, and activating the immune system to kill cells associated with endometrial diseases. We hope to provide a theoretical foundation for the treatment of endometrium-related diseases by ginsenosides.

Xanthorrhizol inhibits mitochondrial damage, oxidative stress and inflammation in LPS-induced MLE-12 cells by regulating MAPK pathway

LPS-induced injury in lung epithelial cells is a crucial part of the process of acute lung injury (ALI). The aim of this study is to explore whether Xanthorrhizol, a medicine that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, could mitigate the injury of lung epithelial cells caused by LPS. Mouse lung epithelial cell line (MLE-12 cells) were treated with LPS in the absence and presence of Xanthorrhizol. As a results, we observed that LPS could induce MLE-12 cells death, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and inflammation, and activate MAPK signaling pathways. However, Xanthorrhizol mitigated the injury in MEL-12 caused by LPS by promoting cell viability and MDA, GSH production as well as inhibiting LDH release, mitochondria damage, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α production and the phosphorylation levels of ERK, P38 and JNK. Our results indicated that Xanthorrhizol could protect lung epithelial cells from LPS-induced injury, more likely by inhibiting the phosphorylation of MAPK pathway related proteins.

Ginseng Saponin Rb1 Attenuates Cigarette Smoke Exposure-Induced Inflammation, Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress via Activating Nrf2 and Inhibiting NF-κB Signaling Pathways

Objective

Cigarette smoke exposure is one of the major risk factors for the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Ginseng saponin Rb1 (Rb1) is a natural extract from ginseng root with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. However, the underlying mechanism of the Rb1 in COPD remains unknown. Therefore, we sought to explore the role of Rb1 in cigarette smoke-induced damage and to reveal the potential mechanism.

Methods

The cell viability and lactose dehydrogenase (LDH) activity were analyzed using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and LDH release assays. We further investigated the inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress markers and analyzed the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathways in BEAS-2B cells and COPD rat model following cigarette smoke extract (CSE) exposure.

Results

Our results showed that CSE promoted inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress in BEAS-2B cells. Rb1 suppressed the inflammatory response by inhibiting expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1β and inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. Rb1 possessed the ability to hinder cell apoptosis induced by CSE. In addition, Rb1 concurrently reduced CSE-induced oxidative reactions and promoted Nrf2 translocation to nucleus. For in vivo study, Rb1 treatment alleviated CSE-induced lung injury, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) release and inflammatory reactions. Also, Rb1 treatment activated Nrf2 signaling and inactivated NF-κB signaling in COPD rats.

Conclusion

Rb1 attenuates CSE-induced inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress by suppressing NF-κB and activating Nrf2 signaling pathways, which provides novel insights into the mechanism underlying CSE-induced COPD.

Korean Red Ginseng Prevents the Deterioration of Lung and Brain Function in Chronic PM2.5-Exposed Mice by Regulating Systemic Inflammation

This study was conducted to confirm the effects of Korean red ginseng on lung and brain dysfunction in a BALB/c mice model exposed to particulate matter (PM)2.5 for 12 weeks. Learning and cognitive abilities were assessed with Y-maze, passive avoidance, and Morris water maze tests. To evaluate the ameliorating effect of red ginseng extract (RGE), the antioxidant system and mitochondrial function were investigated. The administration of RGE protected lung and brain impairment by regulating the antioxidant system and mitochondrial functions damaged by PM2.5-induced toxicity. Moreover, RGE prevented pulmonary fibrosis by regulating the transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) pathway. RGE attenuated PM2.5-induced pulmonary and cognitive dysfunction by regulating systemic inflammation and apoptosis via the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB)/c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) pathway. In conclusion, RGE might be a potential material that can regulate chronic PM2.5-induced lung and brain cognitive dysfunction.

Phillygenin inhibits inflammation in chondrocytes via the Nrf2/NF-κB axis and ameliorates osteoarthritis in mice

Objective

Osteoarthritis (OA), widely seen in the elderly, is featured by cartilage degradation, subchondral bone remolding, and synovium inflammation. Currently, there is no cure for OA development. Phillygenin (PHI), an active ingredient from the Forsythiae Fructus, possesses many biological properties, such as anti-inflammation and anti-oxidative stress in several diseases. However, the potential effects and underlying mechanisms of PHI on OA remain unclear.

Methods

Western blotting, RT-PCR, ELISA and tissue staining were employed to explore the mechanisms by which PHI exerted a protective effect on IL-1β-induced production of pro-inflammation cytokines and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in primary murine chondrocytes and destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) mouse models.

Results

In this study, we found that PHI inhibited the production of pro-inflammation cytokines and ECM degradation induced by IL-1β in primary murine chondrocytes. Mechanically, PHI inhibited the NF-κB pathway via activating nuclear factor (erythrluteolind-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2). In vivo experiments also confirmed the chondroprotection of PHI in DMM mouse models.

Conclusion

PHI alleviated IL-1β-induced inflammation cytokines and ECM degradation via activating Nrf2 and inhibiting NF-κB pathway.

The translational potential of this article

This study provides a biological rationale for the use of PHI as a potential candidate for OA treatment.

The combination of insulin and linezolid ameliorates Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia in individuals with diabetes via the TLR2/MAPKs/NLRP3 pathway

Diabetes mellitus (DM) complicated with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection lacks effective treatment strategies. In this study, we found that insulin combined with linezolid has potential to deal with the thorny problem. In vitro, our drug sensitivity assay, bacterial growth curve and hemolytic tests showed that a combination of insulin and linezolid exerted good antibacterial and anti-α-hemolysin activity, CCK8 experiment, glucose content and glycogen content determination showed that the combination of insulin and linezolid increased murine macrophage survival rate and reduced the extracellular glucose level of high glucose-treated MH-S cells and intracellular glycogen level, and Western blot showed that the combination inhibited TLR2/MAPKs/NLRP3-related inflammatory pathways in MH-S cells. The results of in vivo experiments showed that the combination therapy stabilized glucose level, remained body weight, ameliorated lung injury including improving pulmonary edema and decreasing lung wet/dry weight ratio, reduced the CFUs and inflammation in the lung tissue in a mouse model of diabetes with S. aureus pneumonia, and inhibited the expression of TLR2, MAPKs and NLRP3 inflammatory pathway. Overall, the combination of insulin and linezolid as autolytic inhibitor exhibited the effects of significant antibacterial and improving glucose level in vitro and in vivo, and also has an anti-inflammation activity via the TLR2/MAPKs/NLRP3 pathway, this paves the way for new treatments for diabetes mellitus complicated with S. aureus infection.

Research Progress on Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms of Black Ginseng

In recent years, black ginseng, a new type of processed ginseng product, has attracted the attention of scholars globally. Ginsenoside and ginseng polysaccharide, the main active substances of black ginseng, have been shown to carry curative effects for many diseases. This article focuses on the mechanism of their action in anti-inflammatory response, which is mainly divided into three aspects: activation of immune cells to exert immune regulatory response; participation in inflammatory response-related pathways and regulation of the expression level of inflammatory factors; effect on the metabolic activity of intestinal flora. This study identifies active anti-inflammatory components and an action mechanism of black ginseng showing multi-component, multi-target, and multi-channel characteristics, providing ideas and a basis for a follow-up in-depth study of its specific mechanism.

Recent advances in ginsenosides against respiratory diseases: Therapeutic targets and potential mechanisms

BACKGROUND

Respiratory diseases mainly include asthma, influenza, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary hypertension, lung fibrosis, and lung cancer. Given their high prevalence and poor prognosis, the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases are increasingly essential. In particular, the development for the novel strategies of drug treatment has been a hot topic in the research field. Ginsenosides are the major component of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (ginseng), a food homology and well-known medicinal herb. In this review, we summarize the current therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of ginsenosides in respiratory diseases.

METHODS

The reviewed studies were retrieved via a thorough analysis of numerous articles using electronic search tools including Sci-Finder, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Web of Science. The following keywords were used for the online search: ginsenosides, asthma, influenza, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary hypertension (PH), lung fibrosis, lung cancer, and clinical trials. We summarized the findings and the conclusions from 176 manuscripts on ginsenosides, including research articles and reviews.

RESULTS

Ginsenosides Rb1, Rg1, Rg3, Rh2, and CK, which are the most commonly reported ginsenosides for treating of respiratory diseases, and other ginsenosides such as Rh1, Rk1, Rg5, Rd and Re, all primarily reduce pneumonia, fibrosis, and inhibit tumor progression by targeting NF-κB, TGF-β/Smad, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and JNK pathways, thereby ameliorating respiratory diseases.

CONCLUSION

This review provides novel ideas and important aspects for the future research of ginsenosides for treating respiratory diseases.

Saponins: Research Progress and Their Potential Role in the Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Era

In the post-COVID-19 pandemic era, the new global situation and the limited therapeutic management of the disease make it necessary to take urgent measures in more effective therapies and drug development in order to counteract the negative global impacts caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its new infectious variants. In this context, plant-derived saponins-glycoside-type compounds constituted from a triterpene or steroidal aglycone and one or more sugar residues-may offer fewer side effects and promising beneficial pharmacological activities. This can then be used for the development of potential therapeutic agents against COVID-19, either as a therapy or as a complement to conventional pharmacological strategies for the treatment of the disease and its prevention. The main objective of this review was to examine the primary and current evidence in regard to the therapeutic potential of plant-derived saponins against the COVID-19 disease. Further, the aim was to also focus on those studies that highlight the potential use of saponins as a treatment against SARS-CoV-2. Saponins are antiviral agents that inhibit different pharmacological targets of the virus, as well as exhibit anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic activity in relieving symptoms and clinical complications related to the disease. In addition, saponins also possess immunostimulatory effects, which improve the efficacy and safety of vaccines for prolonging immunogenicity against SARS-CoV-2 and its infectious variants.

Roles of ginsenosides in sepsis

The herbal medication Panax ginseng Meyer has widespread use in China, Korea, and other parts of the world. The main constituents of ginseng are ginsenosides, which include over 30 different triterpene saponins. It has been found that ginsenosides and their metabolites including Rg1, compound K, Rb1, Re, Rg3, and Rg5 exert anti-inflammatory activities by binding to the glucocorticoid receptor, modulating inflammation-related signaling, including NF-κB and MAPK signaling, and reducing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Here, we review the recent literature on the molecular actions of ginsenosides in sepsis, suggesting ways in which they may be used to prevent and treat the disease.

Irigenin attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury by inactivating the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a serious pulmonary inflammation disease with high mortality. Irigenin, an isoflavone from rhizomes of the Belamcanda chinensis, has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-apoptotic activities in several diseases. However, it is still unclear whether irigenin can exert a beneficial effect in ALI. A network pharmacology method was utilized to predict the hub targets and potential therapeutic mechanisms of irigenin against ALI. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to establish the mice model of ALI for evaluating the effects of irigenin. According to the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, we identified EGFR, HRAS, AKT1, SRC, and HSP90AA1 as the top five significant genes. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment assays showed that irigenin might affect inflammatory response, cytokine production, and cell death by the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. In vivo experiment results manifested that irigenin decreased pathological changes, lung Wet/Dry weight ratio, and total protein content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Irigenin also reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-18 (IL-18), and neutrophil infiltration. Additionally, irigenin inhibited pulmonary apoptosis in LPS-treated ALI mice. Moreover, LPS-induced phosphorylation of p38, JNK, and ERK was significantly abated due to the treatment of irigenin. In summary, irigenin ameliorates LPS-induced ALI by suppressing pulmonary inflammation and apoptosis via inactivation of the MAPK signaling pathway. These findings indicated the therapeutic potential of irigenin in ALI.

Protective Effects of Atractylodis lancea Rhizoma on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury via TLR4/NF-κB and Keap1/Nrf2 Signaling Pathways In Vitro and In Vivo

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a syndrome caused by an excessive inflammatory response characterized by intractable hypoxemia both inside and outside the lung, for which effective therapeutic drugs are lacking. Atractylodis rhizoma, a traditional Chinese medicine, has excellent anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties in addition to protecting the integrity of the cellular barrier. However, few studies of Atractylodis rhizoma for the treatment of ALI have been published, and its mechanism of action remains unclear. In the present study, the chemical composition of the ethanolic extract of Atractylodis rhizoma (EEAR) was initially clarified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), after which it was studied in vivo using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI rat model. Treatment with EEAR significantly reduced the lung wet/dry (W/D) ratio, neutrophil infiltration, and malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) formation, and enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) depletion in rats with ALI, thereby improving lung barrier function and effectively reducing lung injury. In addition, EEAR significantly reduced histopathological changes, decreased the expression of inflammatory factors (such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), inducible nitric oxide synthase (INOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)), and inhibited the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, thus reducing inflammation. In addition, EEAR was found to also reduce oxidative stress in ALI by upregulating the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream proteins heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NADPH quinone acceptor oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1). EEAR also reduced LPS-induced inflammatory factor expression in THP-1 cells in vitro by inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway, and reduced damage from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced oxidative stress in THP-1 cells by promoting the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream targets HO-1 and NQO-1, the molecular mechanism of which was consistent with in vivo observations. Therefore, we conclude that EEAR attenuates oxidative stress and inflammatory responses via TLR4/NF-κB and Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathways to alleviate LPS-induced ALI, suggesting that Atractylodis rhizoma is a potential drug candidate for the treatment of ALI.

Icariin Alleviates Escherichia coli Lipopolysaccharide-Mediated Endometritis in Mice by Inhibiting Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Icariin (ICA) is a naturally occurring phytochemical agent primarily extracted from Epimedium Brevicornum Maxim (Family Berberidaceae) with a broad spectrum of bioactivities. Endometritis is a uterine disease that causes enormous losses in the dairy industry worldwide. In this study, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of ICA were investigated against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endometritis in mice to investigate possible underlying molecular mechanisms. Sixty heathy female Kunming mice were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 15), namely control, LPS, LPS + ICA, and ICA groups. The endometritis was induced by intrauterine infusion of 50 µL of LPS (1 mg/mL). After 24 h of onset of LPS-induced endometritis, ICA groups were injected thrice by ICA intraperitoneally six hours apart. Histopathological examination, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were used in this study. Histological alterations revealed that ICA markedly mitigated uterine tissue injury caused by LPS. The results showed that the ICA inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α) and boosted the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10). Additionally, ICA modulated the expression of malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase 1 (Gpx1) induced by LPS. The administration of ICA significantly (p < 0.05) improved the mRNA and protein expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4. The western blotting and ELISA finding revealed that the ICA repressed LPS-triggered NF-κB pathway activation. Moreover, ICA improved the antioxidant defense system via activation of the Nrf2 pathway. The results revealed that ICA up-regulated the mRNA and protein expression of Nuclear erythroid-2-related factor (Nrf2), NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) under LPS exposure. Conclusively, our findings strongly suggested that ICA protects endometritis caused by LPS by suppressing TLR4-associated NF-κB and Nrf2 pathways. Altogether, these innovative findings may pave the way for future studies into the therapeutic application of ICA to protect humans and animals against endometritis.

Can natural products modulate cytokine storm in SARS-CoV2 patients?

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Immune reaction CoV2 can cause uncontrolled systemic inflammatory responses called cytokine storm.

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Medicinal plants and their secondary metabolites are potential modulators of cytokine storm.

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Secondary metabolites modulate inflammatory signaling associated with CoV2.

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The potential applicability of natural products against CoV2 need to be evaluated in strictly defined clinical research.

Currently, the number of cases and deaths of SARS-CoV2, especially among the chronic disease groups, due to aggressive SARS-CoV2 infection is increasing day by day. Various infections, particularly viral ones, cause a cytokine storm resulting in shortness of breath, bleeding, hypotension, and ultimately multi-organ failure due to over-expression of certain cytokines and necrosis factors. The most prominent clinical feature of SARS-CoV2 is the presence of elevated proinflammatory cytokines in the serum of patients with SARS-CoV2. Severe cases exhibit higher levels of cytokines, leading to a “cytokine storm” that further increases disease severity and causes acute respiratory distress syndrome, multiple organ failure, and death. Therefore, targeted cytokine production could be a potential therapeutic option for patients severely infected with SARS-CoV2.

Given the current scenario, great scientific progress has been made in understanding the disease and its forms of treatment. Because of natural ingredients properties, they have the potential to be used as potential agents with the ability to modulate immune responses. Moreover, they can be used safely because they have no toxic effects, are biodegradable and biocompatible. However, these natural substances can continue to be used in the development of new therapies and vaccines.

Finally, the aim and approach of this review article is to highlight current research on the possible use of natural products with promising potential as immune response activators. Moreover, consider the expected use of natural products when developing potential therapies and vaccines.

Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) inhibition as a therapeutic target for plant nutraceuticals in mitigating inflammatory lung diseases

Nutraceuticals are dietary supplements that are used to improve health, postpone aging, prevent illnesses, and maintain the human body's correct functioning. Nutraceuticals are now garnering a lot of interest because of their nutritional and therapeutic benefits. The research indicating the relevance of nutraceuticals as a possible therapeutic candidate against inflammatory lung disease was covered in this review. Nowadays, inflammatory lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, pneumonia, lung cancer, becoming highly dreadful because of their associated fatality. Inflammation is one of the cores and common factors of these diseases which is mainly associated with nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) activation, NF-κB p65 and nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha (IκBα) phosphorylation, and initiation of the signaling pathway of the NF-κB. The secondary metabolites from natural sources are the active component that attenuates NF-κB and the associated pathway that inhibits inflammation in lung diseases. Nutraceuticals belonging to the chemical category polyphenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins have the potential to combat the NF-κB pathway. Accordingly, this review discusses the medical value of nutraceuticals briefly and their ability to mitigate various inflammatory lung diseases through targeting inhibition of NF-κB.

Pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila Ameliorate the LPS-Induced Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction via Modulating AMPK and NF-κB through TLR2 in Caco-2 Cells

Akkermansia muciniphila is well known for the amelioration of inflammatory responses and restoration of intestinal barrier function. The beneficial effect of A. muciniphila occurred through contacting Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) on intestinal epithelial cells by wall components. In this case, the downstream mechanism of pasteurized A. muciniphila stimulating TLR2 for ameliorated intestinal barrier function is worth investigating. In this study, we evaluated the effect of live and pasteurized A. muciniphila on protecting the barrier dysfunction of Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We discovered that both live and pasteurized A. muciniphila could attenuate an inflammatory response and improve intestinal barrier integrity in Caco-2 monolayers. We demonstrated that A. muciniphila enhances AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation and inhibits Nuclear Factor-Kappa B (NF-κB) activation through the stimulation of TLR2. Overall, we provided a specific mechanism for the probiotic effect of A. muciniphila on the intestinal barrier function of Caco-2 cells.

The Effects of Ginsenosides on the Nrf2 Signaling Pathway

Nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a major signaling pathway for the maintenance of homeostasis and redox balance. This pathway also plays a significant role in proteostasis, xenobiotic/drug metabolism, apoptosis, and lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Conversely, the Nrf2 signaling pathway is impaired in several pathological conditions including cancer. Although various drugs have been developed to target the Nrf2 pathway, plant-derived chemicals than can potentially impact this pathway and are particularly attractive due to their minimal side effects. Ginsenosides are active components of ginseng and have been shown to exert pharmacological effects including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antidiabetes, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective activities. In this article, we have reviewed the effects of ginsenosides on Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Ginsenoside Rb1 Mitigates Escherichia coli Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Endometritis through TLR4-Mediated NF-κB Pathway

Endometritis is the inflammatory response of the endometrial lining of the uterus and is associated with low conception rates, early embryonic mortality, and prolonged inter-calving intervals, and thus poses huge economic losses to the dairy industry worldwide. Ginsenoside Rb1 (GnRb1) is a natural compound obtained from the roots of Panax ginseng, having several pharmacological and biological properties. However, the anti-inflammatory properties of GnRb1 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged endometritis through the TLR4-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway has not yet been researched. This study was planned to evaluate the mechanisms of how GnRb1 rescues LPS-induced endometritis. In the present research, histopathological findings revealed that GnRb1 ameliorated LPS-triggered uterine injury. The ELISA and RT-qPCR assay findings indicated that GnRb1 suppressed the expression level of pro-inflammatory molecules (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) and boosted the level of anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokine. Furthermore, the molecular study suggested that GnRb1 attenuated TLR4-mediated NF-κB signaling. The results demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of GnRb1 in the mouse model of LPS-triggered endometritis via the inhibition of the TLR4-associated NF-κB pathway. Taken together, this study provides a baseline for the protective effect of GnRb1 to treat endometritis in both humans and animals.

Protective Effect of Xiao-Xu-Ming Decoction-Mediated Inhibition of ROS/NLRP3 Axis on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury In Vitro and In Vivo

Background

As a traditional Chinese medicine prescription, Xiao-Xu-Ming decoction (XXMD) could reduce the incidence of lung infection of patients with cerebral infarction. Nonetheless, the therapeutic mechanisms of XXMD in acute lung injury (ALI) remain to be elucidated. Our study was aimed to assess the effects of XXMD protects against ALI.

Methods

ALI model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vivo. In vitro, human pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells (HPAEpiC) were treated with XXMD and were followed by LPS treatment. The levels of ZO-1, CLDN4, NLRP3, and caspase 1 were detected by Western blot, and the content of IL-1 and IL-18 was determined by ELISA. Transepithelial electrical resistance was used to detect the cell permeability. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels within the cells were evaluated by flow cytometry.

Results

Our results showed that XXMD attenuated LPS-induced oxidative stress, barrier dysfunction, and the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in vitro, as evidenced by enhanced ROS production, TEER levels, expression of NLRP3 and caspase 1 (p20) and release of IL-1β and IL-18, and weakened cell permeability. In addition, XXMD could counteract the effects of NLRP3 overexpression on HPAEpiC and vice versa. XXMD treatment also ameliorated the degree of neutrophil infiltration, barrier dysfunction, and the activation of NLRP3 in LPS-induced ALI lung tissues in vivo.

Conclusion

The findings showed that XXMD could alleviate LPS-induced ALI injury and inhibit inflammation and suppress ROS/NLRP3 signaling pathway, which were involved in these protective effects.

Chinese Herbal Medicine Formula Guizhi Li-Zhong Tang as an Alternative to Antibiotic Feed Additives for Preventing Pneumonia in Piglets through Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antiapoptotic Protection

Weanling piglets often develop respiratory diseases such as pneumonia because they encounter substantial environmental stress. This study investigated an alternative herbal feed additive, Guizhi Li-Zhong Tang (GLZ), for preventing pneumonia in weanling piglets. An in vitro experiment demonstrated that GLZ has high antioxidant capacity and low cytotoxicity toward Kupffer cells. In addition, GLZ treatment can alleviate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced damage in Kupffer cells. A total of 94 4-week-old piglets were randomly divided into three groups, which received sham treatment, 0.2% Tilmicosin antibiotic (TAB) treatment, or 0.2% GLZ treatment. Piglets receiving the GLZ treatment had a higher survival rate and higher immunoglobulin G levels but lower allergy-related eosinophil levels and cough incidence than did piglets receiving the sham or 0.2% TAB treatments. Through immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis, we discovered that piglets receiving the 0.2% GLZ treatment had significantly higher expression of antioxidant-related SOD2 and lower expression of oxidative-stress-related 3-NT (p < 0.01), inflammation-related TNF-α (p < 0.01) and NF-κB (p < 0.05), and apoptosis-related caspase-3 (p < 0.01) in lung tissue than did piglets receiving the sham or 0.2% TAB treatment. Therefore, GLZ treatment is promising as an alternative to antibiotic medicine for weanling piglets because of its protective antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects in lung tissue.

Ginsenoside Rb1 prevents deoxynivalenol-induced immune injury via alleviating oxidative stress and apoptosis in mice

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is considered to be a grave threat to humans and animals. Ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) has been reported for its antioxidant potential and medicinal properties. However, the shielding effects of Rb1 and the precise molecular mechanisms against DON-induced immunotoxicity in mice have not been reported yet. In the present research, 4-weeks old healthy C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned into four experimental groups (n = 12), viz., CON, DON 3 mg/kg BW, Rb1 50 mg/kg BW and DON 3 mg/kg + Rb1 50 mg/kg BW (DON + Rb1). Feed intake and body weight gain were monitored during the entire experiment (15 d). Our results demonstrated that Rb1 markedly increased the ADG (30%) and ADFI (25.10%) of mice compared with DON group. Furthermore, Rb1 alleviated the DON-induced immune injury by relieving the splenic histopathological alteration, enhancing the T-lymphocytes subsets (CD4⁺, CD8⁺), the levels of cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α), as well as production of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, and IgG). Moreover, Rb1 ameliorated DON-inflicted oxidative stress by reducing the ROS, MDA and H₂O₂ contents and boosting the antioxidant defense system (T-AOC, T-SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px). Additionally, Rb1 significantly reversed the DON-induced excessive splenic apoptosis via modulating the mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway in mice, depicting the decreased percentage of splenocyte apoptotic cells by 26.65%, down-regulated the mRNA abundance of Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9, and protein expression of Bax, cleaved caspase-3, and Cyt-c. Simultaneously, Rb1 markedly rescued both Bcl-2 mRNA and protein expression levels. Taken together, Rb1 mitigates DON-induced immune injury by suppressing the oxidative damage and regulating the mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway in mice. Conclusively, our current research provides an insight into the preventive mechanism of Rb1 against DON-induced immune injury in mice and thus, presents a scientific baseline for the therapeutic application of Rb1.

IFN-τ Attenuates LPS-Induced Endometritis by Restraining HMGB1/NF-κB Activation in bEECs

Endometritis is a common inflammatory disease in uterine tissues that leads to animal infertility. Among the causes, Escherichia coli infection is one of the main reasons. Interferon-tau (IFN-τ) is the initial pregnancy signal for ruminant embryos and can induce immune tolerance in humans and other species. However, there are scarce reports on whether IFN-τ has a regulatory effect on endometrial inflammatory damage through HMGB1-NF-κB signalling. The purpose of this study was to investigate the regulatory mechanism of IFN-τ in HMGB1-NF-κB signalling in LPS-induced endometritis. ELISA and qPCR were used to detect the expression of LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines in bovine endometrial epithelial cells (bEECs or BEND) under IFN-τ intervention, and the levels of HMGB1, p-IKK and p-p65 were detected by Western blotting. The nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 was determined through immunofluorescence. In addition, bEECs were transfected with si-HMGB1 to elucidate the key role of HMGB1 and IFN-τ in the endometrial inflammatory cascade. The results indicated that IFN-τ inhibits the expression of related pro-inflammatory cytokines in an inflammatory injury model of bovine endometrial epithelial cells induced by LPS. Furthermore, experiments have proven that IFN-τ has protective effects on E. coli endotoxin-induced endometritis in mice in vivo. IFN-τ inhibited the HMGB1-NF-κB axis and significantly reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, the expression of HMGB1 protein and the levels of IKK and NF-κB p65 phosphorylation. In summary, our results showed that IFN-τ resists E. coli endotoxin-induced endometritis by attenuating HMGB1/NF-κB signalling.

Ginsenoside Rb1 protects from Staphylococcus aureus-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis through endoplasmic reticulum-stress and death receptor-mediated pathways

Acute lung injury (ALI) is acute uncontrolled inflammation of lung tissue that leads to high fatality both in human and animals. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) could be an opportunistic, versatile bacterial etiology of ALI. Ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) is extracted from the Panax ginseng, which displays a wide range of biological and pharmacological effects. However, protective effects of Rb1 in S. aureus-induced ALI though endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and death receptor-mediated pathways have not yet been reported. Therefore, present study was planned with the aims to investigate the antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties of Rb1 through regulation of ER stress as well as death receptor-mediated pathways in ALI induced by S. aureus in mice. In this study, four groups of healthy Kunming mice (n = 48) were used. The S. aureus (80 µl; 1 ×10⁷ CFU/10 µl) was administered intranasally to establish mice model of ALI. After 24 h of onset of S. aureus-induced ALI, the mice were injected thrice with Rb1 (40 mg/kg) intraperitoneally six hours apart. Histopathology, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), Immunohistochemistry and western blotting assay were employed in the current study. Our results suggested that Rb1 administration save lungs from pulmonary injury by reducing wet to dry (W/D) ratio, protein levels, total cells, neutrophilic count, reactive oxygen species (ROS), myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx)1 depletion. Meanwhile, Rb1 therapy ameliorated histopathology alteration of lung tissue and pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion. The gene expression of ER stress marker (PERK, AFT-6, IRE1 and CHOP) were upregulated markedly (P < .05) in S. aureus-instilled groups, which was reduced by Rb1 administration that is reveled from the result findings of the RT-qPCR and immunoblot assay. The results of immunohistochemistry for CHOP indicated the increased expression in S. aureus groups which in turn ameliorated by Rb1 treatment. The mRNA expression demonstrated that death receptor-associated genes (FasL, Fas, FADD and caspase-8) showed up-regulation in S. aureus group. The similar findings were observed for the protein expression of caspase-8, FADD and Fas. Rb1 treatment markedly (P < .05) reversed protein and mRNA expression levels of these death receptor-associated genes when compared to the S. aureus group. Taken together, Rb1 attenuated S. aureus-induced oxidative damage via the ER stress-mediated pathway and apoptosis through death receptor-mediated pathway. Conclusively, our findings provide an insight into preventive mechanism of Rb1 in ALI caused by S. aureus and hence proven a scientific baseline for the therapeutic application of Rb1.

Herbal Active Ingredients: Potential for the Prevention and Treatment of Acute Lung Injury

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening clinical syndrome with high morbidity and mortality. The main pathological features of ALI are increased alveolar-capillary membrane permeability, edema, uncontrolled migration of neutrophils to the lungs, and diffuse alveolar damage, resulting in acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. Glucocorticoids, aspirin, and other anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly used to treat ALI. Respiratory supports, such as a ventilator, are used to alleviate hypoxemia. Many treatment methods are available, but they cannot significantly ameliorate the quality of life of patients with ALI and reduce mortality rates. Herbal active ingredients, such as flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, alkaloids, and quinonoids, exhibit advantages for ALI prevention and treatment, but the underlying mechanism needs further study. This paper summarizes the role of herbal active ingredients in anti-ALI therapy and progresses in the understanding of their mechanisms. The work also provides some references and insights for the discovery and development of novel drugs for ALI prevention and treatment.

Management of Acute Lung Injury: Palmitoylethanolamide as a New Approach

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are common and devastating clinical disorders with high mortality and no specific therapy. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is usually used intratracheally to induce ALI in mice. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of an ultramicronized preparation of palmitoylethanolamide (um-PEA) in mice subjected to LPS-induced ALI. Histopathological analysis reveals that um-PEA reduced alteration in lung after LPS intratracheal administration. Besides, um-PEA decreased wet/dry weight ratio and myeloperoxidase, a marker of neutrophils infiltration, macrophages and total immune cells number and mast cells degranulation in lung. Moreover, um-PEA could also decrease cytokines release of interleukin (IL)-6, interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-18. Furthermore, um-PEA significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha (IκBα) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) activation in ALI, and at the same time decreased extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38/MAPK) expression, that was increased after LPS administration. Our study suggested that um-PEA contrasted LPS-induced ALI, exerting its potential role as an adjuvant anti-inflammatory therapeutic for treating lung injury, maybe also by p38/NF-κB pathway.

Staphylococcus aureus Arsenal To Conquer the Lower Respiratory Tract

Staphylococcus aureus is both a commensal and a pathogenic bacterium for humans. Its ability to induce severe infections is based on a wide range of virulence factors. S. aureus community-acquired pneumonia (SA-CAP) is rare and severe, and the contribution of certain virulence factors in this disease has been recognized over the past 2 decades. First, the factors involved in metabolism adaptation are crucial for S. aureus survival in the lower respiratory tract, and toxins and enzymes are required for it to cross the pulmonary epithelial barrier. S. aureus subsequently faces host defense mechanisms, including the epithelial barrier, but most importantly the immune system. Here, again, S. aureus uses myriad virulence factors to successfully escape from the host’s defenses and takes advantage of them. The impact of S. aureus virulence, combined with the collateral damage caused by an overwhelming immune response, leads to severe tissue damage and adverse clinical outcomes. In this review, we summarize step by step all of the S. aureus factors implicated in CAP and described to date, and we provide an outlook for future research.

Upregulated-gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress and apoptotic markers through inflammatory, oxidative and apoptosis mediated signaling pathways in Bovine Pneumonia

Pneumonia is the acute inflammation of lung tissue and is multi-factorial in etiology. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a harmful pathogen present as a normal flora of skin and nares of dairy cattle. In bovine pneumonia, S. aureus triggers to activates Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs), that further elicits the activation of the inflammation via NF-κB pathway, oxidative stress and apoptotic pathways. In the current study, pathogen-associated gene expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress and apoptotic markers in the lung tissue of cattle was explored in bovine pneumonia. Fifty lung samples collected from abattoir located in Wuhan city, Hubei, China. Histopathologically, thickening of alveolar wall, accumulation of inflammatory cells and neutrophils in perivascular space, hyperemia, hemorrhages and edema were observed in infected lungs as compared to non-infected lung samples. Furthermore, molecular identification and characterization were carried by amplification of S. aureus-specific nuc gene (270 base pairs) from the infected and non-infected lung samples to identify the S. aureus. Moreover, qPCR results displayed that relative mRNA levels of TLR2, TLR4, pro-inflammatory gene (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) and apoptosis-associated genes (Bax, caspase-3 and caspase-9) were up-regulated except Bcl-2, which is antiapoptotic in nature, and oxidative stress related genes (Nrf2, NQO1, HO-1 and GCLC) which was down-regulated in infected pulmonary group. The relative protein expression of NF-κB, mitochondria-mediated apoptosis gene was up-regulated while Bcl-2 and Nrf2 pathway genes were downregulated in infected cattle lungs. Our findings revealed that genes expression levels of inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress and apoptosis were associated with host immunogenic regulatory mechanisms in the lung tissue during infection. Conclusively, the present study provides insights of active immune response via TLRs-mediated inflammatory, oxidative damage, and apoptotic paradox.

Morin hydrate: A comprehensive review on novel natural dietary bioactive compound with versatile biological and pharmacological potential

Flavonoids are natural plant-derived dietary bioactive compounds having a substantial impact on human health. Morin hydrate is a bioflavonoid mainly obtained from fruits, stem, and leaves of Moraceae family members' plants. Plenty of evidences supported that morin hydrate exerts its beneficial effects against various chronic and life-threatening degenerative diseases. Our current article discloses the recent advances that have been studied to explore the biological/pharmacological properties and molecular mechanisms to better understand the beneficial and multiple health benefits of morin hydrate. Indeed, Morin hydrate exerts free radical scavenging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, anti-microbial, antidiabetic, anti-arthritis, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, nephroprotective, and hepatoprotective effects. Moreover, morin hydrate exhibits its pharmacological activities by modulating various cellular signaling pathways such as Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-қB), Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Janus kinases/ Signal transducer and activator of transcription proteins (JAKs/STATs), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein1/Nuclear erythroid-2-related factor (Keap1/Nrf2), Endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis, Wnt/β-catenin, and Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). Most importantly, morin hydrate has the potential to modulate a variety of biological networks. Therefore, it can be predicted that this therapeutically potent compound could serve as a dietary agent for the expansion of human health and might be helpful for the development of the novel drug in the future. However, due to the lack of clinical trials, special human clinical trials are needed to address the effects of morin hydrate on various life-threatening disparities to recommend morin and/or morin-rich foods with other foods or bioactive dietary components, as well as dose-response interaction and safety profile.

Ginsenoside Rb1 Alleviates Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury by Inhibiting Steatosis, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) has become a heavy burden on health worldwide. Ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1), extracted from Panax quinquefolium L., has protective effects on many diseases, but the effect and mechanisms of GRb1 on ALD remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of GRb1 on ALD and to discover the potential mechanisms. Zebrafish larvae were exposed to 350 mM ethanol for 32 h to establish a model of acute alcoholic liver injury, and the larvae were then treated with 6.25, 12.5, or 25 μM GRb1 for 48 h. The human hepatocyte cell line was stimulated by 100 mM ethanol and meanwhile incubated with 6.25, 12.5, and 25 μM GRb1 for 24 h. The lipid changes were detected by Oil Red O staining, Nile Red staining, and triglyceride determination. The antioxidant capacity was assessed by fluorescent probes in vivo, and the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines were detected by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and quantitative real-time PCR. The results showed that GRb1 alleviated lipid deposition in hepatocytes at an optimal concentration of 12.5 μM in vivo. GRb1 reversed the reactive oxygen species accumulation caused by alcohol consumption and partially restored the level of glutathione. Furthermore, GRb1 ameliorated liver inflammation by inhibiting neutrophil infiltration in the liver parenchyma and downregulating the expression of nuclear factor-kappa B pathway-associated proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β. This study revealed that GRb1 has a protective effect on alcohol-induced liver injury due to its resistance to lipid deposition as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. These findings suggest that GRb1 may be a promising candidate against ALD.

Could natural products modulate early inflammatory responses, preventing acute respiratory distress syndrome in COVID-19-confirmed patients?

BACKGROUND

The ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) is a severe respiratory syndrome that was recently associated as the main death cause in the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Hence, in order to prevent ARDS, the pulmonary function maintenance has been the target of several pharmacological approaches. However, there is a lack of reports regarding the use of effective pharmaceutical active natural products (PANPs) for early treatment and prevention of COVID-19-related ARDS. Therefore, the aim of this work was to conduct a systematic review regarding the PANPs that could be further studied as alternatives to prevent ARDS. Consequently, this work can pave the way to spread the use of PANPs on the prevention of ARDS in COVID-19-confirmed or -suspected patients.

METHODS

The search strategy included scientific studies published in English from 2015 to 2020 that promoted the elucidation of anti-inflammatory pathways targeting ARDS by in vitro and/or in vivo experiments using PANPs. Then, 74 studies regarding PANPs, able to maintain or improve the pulmonary function, were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The PANPs may present different pulmonary anti-inflammatory pathways, wherein (i) reduction/attenuation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, (ii) increase of the anti-inflammatory mediators' levels, (iii) pulmonary edema inhibition and (iv) attenuation of lung injury were the most observed biological effects of such products in in vitro experiments or in clinical studies. Finally, this work highlighted the PANPs with promising potential to be used on respiratory syndromes, allowing their possible use as alternative treatment at the prevention of ARDS in COVID-19-infected or -suspected patients.

Elucidation of the Mechanism of Action of Ginseng Against Acute Lung Injury/Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome by a Network Pharmacology-Based Strategy

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a complex cascade that develops from acute lung injury (ALI). Ginseng can be used to treat ALI/ARDS. Studies have shown that some of ingredients in ginseng had anti-inflammation, antioxidative, and immune regulation effects and can protect alveolar epithelial cells in mice. However, the potential targets, biological processes, and pathways related to ginseng against ALI/ARDS have not been investigated systematically. We employed network pharmacology, molecular docking, and animal experiments to explore the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanism of action of ginseng against ALI/ARDS. We identified 25 compounds using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography Q-Orbitrap mass spectrometry and their 410 putative targets through database analyses. Sixty-nine of them were considered to be key targets of ginseng against ALI/ARDS according to overlapping with ALI/ARDS-related targets and further screening in a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B (PI3K-AkT) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways were recognized to have critical roles for ginseng in ALI/ARDS treatment. Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 2, phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA), MAPK1, and interleukin (IL) 2 were the top six nodes identified by analyses of a compound–target-pathway network. Molecular docking showed that most of the ingredients in ginseng could combine well with the six nodes. Ginseng could reduce the pathologic damage, neutrophil aggregation, proinflammatory factors, and pulmonary edema in vivo and inhibit the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway through downregulating expressions of STAT3, VEGFA, FGF2, PIK3CA, MAPK1, and IL2. Our study provides a theoretical basis for ginseng treatment of ALI/ARDS.

Ginsenoside Rb1 exerts antidepressant-like effects via suppression inflammation and activation of AKT pathway

Depression-like behaviors caused by chronic stress are related to inflammation and microglia activation. Antidepressant therapy may contribute to inhibiting inflammation responses and microglia activation. Ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1) is known to display antidepressant-like effect on chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depressive rats. However, the antidepressant-like effects of GRb1 on chronic restraint stress (CRS) mice and the potential anti-inflammatory mechanisms are unclear. Here, we focused on the molecular mechanisms related to inhibition of inflammation response and the protection on microglia. Our results showed that GRb1 had an antidepressant effects via relieving the depression-like behaviors in CRS model. Furthermore, GRb1 increased the protein expressions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and phospho- protein kinase B/ protein kinase B (p-AKT/AKT), and decreased the protein expressions of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 in hippocampus, reduced the levels IL-1β and TNF-α in serum. Finally, GRb1 lowered the protein expressions of IL-1β and TNF-α in BV-2 microglia induced by lipopolysaccharides. Taken together, the results indicate that GRb1 prevents CRS-induced depression-like behaviors in mice, which may be related to anti-inflammatory effects in hippocampus, serum and microglia and activation of AKT pathway.

Mangiferin Inhibits Apoptosis and Autophagy Induced by Staphylococcus aureus in RAW264.7 Cells

Purpose

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is an important bacterial pathogen, which creates infective inflammation to human being and animals. Mangiferin (MG) is one of the natural flavonoids with anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-oxidative properties. However, the anti-apoptosis and anti-autophagy of MG are unknown. Hence, this study was aimed to research the inhibition of MG on S. aureus-induced apoptosis and autophagy in RAW264.7 cells.

Methods

The RAW264.7 cells were pretreated with MG, or pretreated with SP600125 or anisomycin synchronously, and then infected with S. aureus (MOI=100:1). The viability and proliferation status of RAW264.7 cells were detected by MTT and EdU assay. The relative expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 protein was tested with ELISA. The levels of Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular-regulated protein kinase (ERK), p38, LC3, Beclin-1, p62, phosphorylated JNK, phosphorylated p38 and phosphorylated ERK in cells were detected by Western blotting. The apoptosis rate of RAW264.7 cells was analyzed by flow cytometric assay.

Results

The study showed that MG significantly attenuated RAW264.7 cells apoptosis and autophagy caused by S. aureus. MG alleviated S. aureus-induced apoptosis by down-regulating the protein level of active caspase-3 and Bax and up-regulating the level of Bcl-2. MG also inhibited S. aureus-induced autophagy via decreasing the protein level of LC3-II/LC3-I and Beclin-1 or increasing the protein expression of p62. This protective role was dependent on the up-regulation of JNK signal pathway, which was confirmed by using JNK agonist and inhibitor.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that MG might protect RAW264.7 cells from S. aureus-induced apoptosis and autophagy via inhibiting JNK/Bax-dependent signal pathway. Therefore, MG may be a potential agent against pathological cell damage induced by S. aureus infection.

Systematically characterized mechanism of treatment for lumbar disc herniation based on Yaobitong capsule ingredient analysis in rat plasma and its network pharmacology strategy by UPLC-MS/MS

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Yaobitong capsule (YBTC) was a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and it had clinically used to treat lumbar disc degeneration (LDH) for a long time. However, the active ingredients of YBTC absorption into the plasma and its pharmacological mechanism of treatment for LDH still remained unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, our research committed to identify the absorbed active ingredients of YBTC in rat plasma, and it may be a potential mechanism of action on LDH by the biological targets regulating related pathways.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was established to identify the absorption components and metabolites of YBTC in rat plasma, and the network pharmacology was further investigated to illuminate its potential mechanism of treatment for LDH by the biological targets regulating related pathways.

RESULTS

The network analysis found that 56 components were identified as its main active ingredients including ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rb1, senkyunolide H, and tetrahydropalmatine, etc. Combining with biological process, cellular component and molecular functions of GO, and kyotoencyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment analysis to perform network topology analysis on core targets. These active ingredients regulated 29 mainly pathways by 87 direct target genes including MAPK, Ras, PI3K-Akt, and NF-kappa B signaling pathway, etc. CONCLUSION: In this study, the absorption active ingredients of YBTC in rat plasma were firstly combined with the network pharmacology investigation to elucidate its biological mechanism of treatment for LDH in vivo. It inhibited excessive inflammatory reactions, thereby reducing the sensitivity of the nerves to reduce pain and relieve LDH, and potential medicine targets could be identified to clarify the molecular mechanism of YBTCs' regulation of LDH.

Ginsenoside Rh2 impedes proliferation and migration and induces apoptosis by regulating NF-κB, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways in osteosarcoma cells

Ginsenoside Rh2 is a primary bioactive compound obtained from ginseng that indicated anticancer activities against several malignant tumors. However, previous studies have reported little about the inhibitory effect of Rh2 on osteosarcoma (OS). This study aims to explore whether Rh2 could exert anticancer effects in OS cells and further investigate the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis mechanisms induced by Rh2 in human OS U20S cell line. The viability of U20S cells was obtained by the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide assay. Cell migration property was analyzed by wound-healing assay. Apoptosis was visualized using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL), 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), and annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) staining. Relative protein expressed was confirmed through Western blot analysis. Mitochondrial membrane potential was evaluated by JC-1 staining. In this study, we used broad-spectrum anticancer drug cisplatin (CP) as a positive control. The results indicated that Rh2 remarkably inhibited cell viability of U20S cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and suppressed migration. TUNEL, DAPI, annexin V/PI, and JC-1 assay suggested that Rh2 could induce cellular apoptosis. Rh2 could reduce the levels of Bcl-2, caspase 3, and caspase 9, and promote the expression level of Bax in U20S cells. Moreover, Rh2 could induce apoptosis by promoting mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway and inhibit PI3K/Akt/mTOR and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in U20S cells. These findings indicated that Rh2 has an anticancer effect on U20S cells by regulating MAPK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and NF-κB signaling pathway.

Organic Selenium Ameliorates Staphylococcus aureus-Induced Mastitis in Rats by Inhibiting the Activation of NF-κB and MAPK Signaling Pathways

Mastitis is an economically important disease in dairy cows, which is often caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Selenium is an indispensable element for physiological function and contributes to reduce injury of the mammary glands in mastitis. However, adequate sources of selenium have always been an important consideration for livestock. Therefore, the study aimed to explore the protective effect and mechanism of Selenohomolanthionine (SeHLan) on mastitis induced by S. aureus. The S. aureus-induced rat model was established and three doses (0.2, 2, 20 μg/kg body weight/day) of dietary OS were supplemented. The bacterial load, histopathology, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) of the mammary glands were performed and determined. Cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6, were detected using qRT-PCR. The key proteins of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways were analyzed by Western blot. The results revealed that OS supplementation could reduce the recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages in mammary tissues, but did not decrease S. aureus load in the tissues. The overexpression levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 induced by S. aureus were inhibited after OS treatment. Furthermore, the increased phosphorylation of NF-κB and MAPKs proteins were also suppressed. The results suggest that dietary supplementation with adequate OS during pregnancy contributes to protect the mammary glands from injury caused by S. aureus and alleviate the inflammatory response.

NLRC5 negatively regulates inflammatory responses in LPS-induced acute lung injury through NF-κB and p38 MAPK signal pathways

Acute lung injury is an acute inflammatory disease with high morbidity rate and high mortality rate. However, there is still no effective clinical treatment to date. Our previous studies found that NLRC5 was significantly increased in acute liver injury model induced by LPS to reduce the secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α. Nevertheless, there is no report on the role of NLRC5 in regulating the development of acute lung injury. In this study we successfully established a model of acute lung injury induced by tracheal instillation of LPS in mice, and found NLRC5 expression was apparently elevated in mouse lung tissue and primary alveolar macrophages. NLRC5 overexpression negatively regulated secretion of inflammatory cytokines in murine alveolar macrophage cells through NF-κB and p38 MAPK pathway inhibition. There is a positively feedback between NLRC5 and NF-κB or p38 MAPK pathway. This study may provide some new ideas for clinical prevention of lung injury.

Ginsenoside panaxatriol reverses TNBC paclitaxel resistance by inhibiting the IRAK1/NF-κB and ERK pathways

Background

Paclitaxel (PTX) resistance is a major obstacle in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Previously, we have reported that interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) and its downstream pathways are associated with PTX resistance in TNBC cells. In this study, we sought to investigate the combination treatment of ginsenoside panaxatriol (GPT), one of the main active components in Panax ginseng, with PTX on viability and apoptosis of TNBC PTX resistant cells, and explore the role of IRAK1 mediated signaling pathways in the therapeutic effects.

Methods

CellTiter-Glo and colony formation assays were used to assess cell viability. Flow cytometry was used to analyze subG1 and apoptosis. Western blot was used to detect expressions of proteins involved in apoptosis and the IRAK1/NF-κB and ERK pathways. The mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines, S100A7/8/9 and cancer stem cell (CSC)-related genes were examined by qPCR. Stem cells were identified by tumor sphere assay. Cell invasion ability was examined by transwell assay.

Results

We show that GPT inhibits MDA-MB-231 PTX resistant (MB231-PR) cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. When combined with PTX, GPT synergistically causes more cell death, induces subG1 accumulation and cell apoptosis. Besides, up-regulation of BAX/BCL-2 ratio, and down-regulation of MCL-1 are also observed. Moreover, this combination inhibits IRAK1, NF-κB and ERK1/2 activation, and leads to down-regulation of inflammatory cytokines (IL6, IL8, CXCL1, CCL2), S100A7/9 and CSC-related genes (OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, ALDH1, CD44) expression. In addition, the combination treatment suppresses MB231-PR cell invasion ability, and impairs tumor sphere growth both in MB231-PR and SUM159 PTX resistant (SUM159-PR) cells.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that GPT can resensitize TNBC PTX resistant cells to PTX by inhibiting the IRAK1/NF-κB and ERK pathways and reducing stem cell characteristics.

Bioinformatic identification of hub genes and key pathways in neutrophils of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized as a neutrophil-dominant disorder without effective pharmacological interventions. Knowledge of neutrophils in ARDS patients at the transcriptome level is still limited. We aimed to identify the hub genes and key pathways in neutrophils of patients with ARDS. The transcriptional profiles of neutrophils from ARDS patients and healthy volunteers were obtained from the GSE76293 dataset. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between ARDS and healthy samples were screened using the limma R package. Subsequently, functional and pathway enrichment analyses were performed based on the database for annotation, visualization, and integrated discovery (DAVID). The construction of a protein-protein interaction network was carried out using the search tool for the retrieval of interacting genes (STRING) database and the network was visualized by Cytoscape software. The Cytoscape plugins cytoHubba and MCODE were used to identify hub genes and significant modules. Finally, 136 upregulated genes and 95 downregulated genes were identified. Gene ontology analyses revealed MHC class II plays a major role in functional annotations. SLC11A1, ARG1, CHI3L1, HP, LCN2, and MMP8 were identified as hub genes, and they were all involved in the neutrophil degranulation pathway. The MAPK and neutrophil degranulation pathways in neutrophils were considered as key pathways in the pathogenesis of ARDS. This study improves our understanding of the biological characteristics of neutrophils and the mechanisms underlying ARDS, and key pathways and hub genes identified in this work can serve as targets for novel ARDS treatment strategies.