Chrysin-loaded PLGA attenuates OVA-induced allergic asthma by modulating TLR/NF-κB/NLRP3 axis

Research Progress on Immunomodulatory Effects of Poly (Lactic-co- Glycolic Acid) Nanoparticles Loaded with Traditional Chinese Medicine Monomers

Immunomodulatory mechanisms are indispensable and key factors in maintaining the balance of the environment in humans. When the immune function of the immune system is impaired, autoimmune diseases occur. Excessive body fatigue, natural aging of the human body, malnutrition, genetic factors and other reasons cause low immune function, due to which the body is prone to being infected by bacteria or cancer. Clinically, the existing therapeutic drugs still have problems such as high toxicity, long treatment cycle, drug resistance and high price, so we still need to explore and develop a high efficiency and low toxicity drug. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) refers to a nontoxic polymer compound that exhibits excellent biocompatibility. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) monomers come from natural plants, and have the characteristics of high efficiency and low toxicity. Applying PLGA to TCM monomers can make up for the defects of traditional dosage forms, improve bioavailability, reduce the frequency and dosage of drug use, and reduce toxicity and side effects, thus having the characteristics of sustained release and targeting. Accordingly, PLGA nanoparticles loaded with TCM monomers have been the focus of development. The previous research on drug loading advantages, preparation methods, and immune regulation of TCM PLGA nanoparticles is summarized in the following sections.

S14G-Humanin ameliorates ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation in asthma mediated by inhibition of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression and the nuclear factor κ-B (NF-κB)/early growth response protein-1 (Egr-1) pathway

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease with a high morbidity rate in children and significantly impacts their healthy growth. It is reported that Th2 cell-mediated airway inflammation and activated oxidative stress are involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. S14G-humanin (HNG) is a derivative of Humanin with higher activity. The present study proposes to explore the potential treating property of HNG on asthma. An asthma model was constructed in mice using ovalbumin (OVA), the mice were treated with 2.5 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg HNG for 16 days. Dramatically increased lung weight index, elevated number of monocytes, eosinophils, and neutrophils, promoted production of Th2 cytokines including interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-5 (IL-5), and interleukin-13 (IL-13), and severe histological pathology were observed in OVA-challenged mice, all of which were extremely alleviated by 2.5 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg HNG. Furthermore, the increased malondialdehyde (MDA) level and declined superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in OVA-challenged mice were abolished by 2.5 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg HNG. Lastly, the upregulated TLR4, p-NF-κB p65, and early growth response 1 (Egr-1) in lung tissues of OVA-challenged mice were pronouncedly downregulated by 2.5 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg HNG. Collectively, our data suggested that HNG ameliorated airway inflammation in asthma partially due to NF-κB and Egr-1-mediated responses.

Chrysin loaded nanovesicles ameliorated diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Role of NGF/AKT/GSK-3β pathway

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common diabetic complication. Chrysin (CHY) has many biological properties but poor oral bioavailability. This study investigates the effect of CHY and CHY-loaded nanovesicles (CHY-NVs) on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DPN in rats. CHY-NVs were prepared by using film hydration method. The formula with the best entrapment efficiency%, lowest particle size, highest zeta potential, and highest in vitro CHY released profile was selected, characterized by Differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy analysis, and examined by Transmission electron microscope. Acute toxicity test, pharmacokinetic study and experimental model of diabetes mellitus were performed on the selected formulation. Wistar rats were considered diabetic by administration of a single intraperitoneal dose of STZ (50 mg/kg). 48 h after STZ administration, hyperglycemic rats were randomly assigned into four groups, one group of untreated hyperglycemic rats and the other three groups received daily oral doses of unloaded NVs, CHY-NVs (25 mg/kg), and CHY-NVs (50 mg/kg), respectively for 21 days. Moreover, five additional groups of healthy rats received: distilled water (control), free CHY, unloaded NVs, and CHY-NVs respectively for 21 days. CHY and CHY-NVs maintained body weight and reduced STZ-induced behavioral changes in rotarod, hind paw cold allodynia, tail cold allodynia, tail flick, and hot plate tests. CHY and CHY-NVs lowered blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, elevated serum reduced glutathione (GSH), and reduced plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. CHY-NVs elevated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (Pi3k), phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT), and reduced nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin-6 (IL-6) in sciatic nerve homogenate. CHY and CHY-NVs increased nerve growth factor (NGF) and decreased glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) gene expressions in the sciatic nerve. In conclusion, CHY and CHY-NVs ameliorated STZ-induced DPN behavioral and histopathological changes via attenuating hyperglycemia, exerting anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory effects, activating NGF/p-AKT/GSK-3β pathway, and its anti-apoptotic effect. The best pharmacokinetic profile and therapeutic effect was observed in rats treated with CHY-loaded NVs.

Nimbolide attenuates complete Freund's adjuvant induced arthritis through expression regulation of toll-like receptors signaling pathway

Nimbolide is an active constituent of Azadirachta indica and is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, immune-modulatory, and anti-cancer effects. Few studies suggest that nimbolide treatment influences the responses to rheumatoid arthritis, but the underlying molecular mechanisms involved are not yet well established. Therefore, the present study was designed to determine the effect of nimbolide on expression regulation of toll-like receptors to attenuate rheumatoid arthritis. The rheumatoid arthritis model was established by injecting complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) intra-dermally into the sub-plantar region of the left hind paw of rats. Nimbolide (20 mg/kg) and piroxicam (10 mg/kg) were given to arthritic rats. Rats treated with nimbolide showed a significant reduction in inflammatory cells, rheumatoid factor, ESR, and improved the body weight. The results indicated that nimbolide possesses the capacity to attenuate rheumatoid arthritis by downregulating toll-like receptors, IL-17, IL-23, HSP70, and IFN-γ expression levels. Nimbolide treatment showed significant reduction in the severity of inflammation and destruction of joints and showed comparable effects to piroxicam, which is a standard non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It can be concluded that nimbolide can be considered as a potential candidate for therapeutic targeting of the toll-like receptors pathway in rheumatoid arthritis.

PLGA Particles in Immunotherapy

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) particles are a widely used and extensively studied drug delivery system. The favorable properties of PLGA such as good bioavailability, controlled release, and an excellent safety profile due to the biodegradable polymer backbone qualified PLGA particles for approval by the authorities for the application as a drug delivery platform in humas. In recent years, immunotherapy has been established as a potent treatment option for a variety of diseases. However, immunomodulating drugs rely on targeted delivery to specific immune cell subsets and are often rapidly eliminated from the system. Loading of PLGA particles with drugs for immunotherapy can protect the therapeutic compounds from premature degradation, direct the drug delivery to specific tissues or cells, and ensure sustained and controlled drug release. These properties present PLGA particles as an ideal platform for immunotherapy. Here, we review recent advances of particulate PLGA delivery systems in the application for immunotherapy in the fields of allergy, autoimmunity, infectious diseases, and cancer.

Therapeutic Potential of Controlled Delivery Systems in Asthma: Preclinical Development of Flavonoid-Based Treatments

Asthma is a chronic disease with increasing prevalence and incidence, manifested by allergic inflammatory reactions, and is life-threatening for patients with severe disease. Repetitive challenges with the allergens and limitation of treatment efficacy greatly dampens successful management of asthma. The adverse events related to several drugs currently used, such as corticosteroids and β-agonists, and the low rigorous adherence to preconized protocols likely compromises a more assertive therapy. Flavonoids represent a class of natural compounds with extraordinary antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, with their potential benefits already demonstrated for several diseases, including asthma. Advanced technology has been used in the pharmaceutical field to improve the efficacy and safety of drugs. Notably, there is also an increasing interest for the application of these techniques using natural products as active molecules. Flavones, flavonols, flavanones, and chalcones are examples of flavonoid compounds that were tested in controlled delivery systems for asthma treatment, and which achieved better treatment results in comparison to their free forms. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the development of novel controlled delivery systems to enhance the therapeutic potential of flavonoids as active molecules for asthma treatment.

Recent Advances in Nanomaterials for Asthma Treatment

Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease with complex mechanisms, and these patients often encounter difficulties in their treatment course due to the heterogeneity of the disease. Currently, clinical treatments for asthma are mainly based on glucocorticoid-based combination drug therapy; however, glucocorticoid resistance and multiple side effects, as well as the occurrence of poor drug delivery, require the development of more promising treatments. Nanotechnology is an emerging technology that has been extensively researched in the medical field. Several studies have shown that drug delivery systems could significantly improve the targeting, reduce toxicity and improve the bioavailability of drugs. The use of multiple nanoparticle delivery strategies could improve the therapeutic efficacy of drugs compared to traditional delivery methods. Herein, the authors presented the mechanisms of asthma development and current therapeutic methods. Furthermore, the design and synthesis of different types of nanomaterials and micromaterials for asthma therapy are reviewed, including polymetric nanomaterials, solid lipid nanomaterials, cell membranes-based nanomaterials, and metal nanomaterials. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives of these nanomaterials are discussed to provide guidance for further research directions and hopefully promote the clinical application of nanotherapeutics in asthma treatment.

Allergic Inflammation: Effect of Propolis and Its Flavonoids

The incidence of allergic diseases and their complications are increasing worldwide. Today, people increasingly use natural products, which has been termed a "return to nature". Natural products with healing properties, especially those obtained from plants and bees, have been used in the prevention and treatment of numerous chronic diseases, including allergy and/or inflammation. Propolis is a multi-component resin rich in flavonoids, collected and transformed by honeybees from buds and plant wounds for the construction and adaptation of their nests. This article describes the current views regarding the possible mechanisms and multiple benefits of flavonoids in combating allergy and allergy-related complications. These benefits arise from flavonoid anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and wound healing activities and their effects on microbe-immune system interactions in developing host responses to different allergens. Finally, this article presents various aspects of allergy pathobiology and possible molecular approaches in their treatment. Possible mechanisms regarding the antiallergic action of propolis on the microbiota of the digestive and respiratory tracts and skin diseases as a method to selectively remove allergenic molecules by the process of bacterial biotransformation are also reported.

The Role of Noncoding RNA in Airway Allergic Diseases through Regulation of T Cell Subsets

Allergic rhinitis and asthma are common airway allergic diseases, the incidence of which has increased annually in recent years. The human body is frequently exposed to allergens and environmental irritants that trigger immune and inflammatory responses, resulting in altered gene expression. Mounting evidence suggested that epigenetic alterations were strongly associated with the progression and severity of allergic diseases. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a class of transcribed RNA molecules that cannot be translated into polypeptides and consist of three major categories, microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs). Previous studies showed that ncRNAs were involved in the physiopathological mechanisms of airway allergic diseases and contributed to their occurrence and development. This article reviews the current state of understanding of the role of noncoding RNAs in airway allergic diseases, highlights the limitations of recent studies, and outlines the prospects for further research to facilitate the clinical translation of noncoding RNAs as therapeutic targets and biomarkers.

Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 Alleviates the Inflammatory Response in Asthma by Regulating TLR2/TLR4 Expression

Background

Asthma is a chronic disease, which is harmful to the health of the body and the quality of life. Supplementation of Lactobacillus can affect the immune environment of the lungs through the gut-lung axis. This study aimed to explore the potential regulatory targets of Lactobacillus to relieve inflammation in asthma and determine a new approach for improving asthma.

Methods

A mouse ovalbumin (OVA)-induced model was constructed. OVA mice were supplemented with Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 by gavage. The gut microbiota composition of normal and OVA mice was analyzed using 16S ribosomal DNA identification. BALF, serum, lung tissues, and duodenal tissues were collected. Wright’s staining was performed to determine the cell content of the alveolar lavage fluid. Hematoxylin-eosin staining, Masson staining, and periodic acid-Schiff staining were performed to observe the improvement in the lungs of OVA mice supplemented with Lactobacillus. Immunofluorescence was performed to measure the severity of the intestinal barrier leakage. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was carried out to determine the expression levels of inflammatory cell factors, while quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were performed to detect the levels of toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)/TLR4 expression and cell adhesion factors.

Results

Compared with Control mice, OVA mice exhibited malignant conditions, such as intestinal leakage and lung edema. After supplementation with Lactobacillus, the inflammatory cell content in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid decreased, and the inflammatory response was alleviated. The level of TLR2/TLR4 expression was reduced. The inflammatory cell infiltration in the airway mucosa of OVA mice was improved, alveolar swelling was reduced and the basement membrane appeared thinner.

Conclusion

The Lactobacillus inhibited the TLR2/TLR4 expression in OVA mice. Supplementation with Lactobacillus can alleviate the inflammatory response in OVA mice, inhibit pulmonary fibrosis, and treat asthma.

Nanotechnology-based therapeutics for targeting inflammatory lung diseases

The physiochemical properties of drugs used in treating inflammation-associated lung diseases (i.e., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis) play an important role in determining the effectiveness of formulations. Most commonly used drugs are associated with low solubility, low stability and rapid clearance, thus resulting in low bioavailability and therapeutic index. This review focuses on current trends and development of drugs (i.e., corticosteroids, long-acting β-agonists and biomacromolecules such as DNA, siRNA and mRNA) employed to treat inflammatory lung diseases. In addition, this review includes the current challenges of and future perspective with regard to nanotechnology in the treatment of inflammatory lung diseases.

Eupatilin Suppresses OVA-Induced Asthma by Inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK and Activating Nrf2 Signaling Pathways in Mice

To investigate the effect of eupatilin in asthma treatment, we evaluated its therapeutic effect and related signal transduction in OVA-induced asthmatic mice and LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The BALF was tested for changes in lung inflammatory cells. Th2 cytokines in the BALF and OVA-IgE in the serum were measured by ELISA. H&E and PAS staining were used to evaluate histopathological changes in mouse lungs. The key proteins NF-κB, MAPK, and Nrf2 in lung tissues were quantitatively analyzed by Western blotting. Finally, we evaluated the effect of eupatilin on cytokines and related protein expression in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells in vitro. In OVA-induced asthmatic mice, eupatilin reduced the numbers of inflammatory cells, especially neutrophils and eosinophils. Eupatilin also decreased the levels of IL-5, IL-13 in the BALF and OVA-IgE in the serum. Furthermore, eupatilin inhibited the activation of NF-κB and MAPK pathways and increased the expression of Nrf2 in OVA-induced asthmatic mice. In vitro, eupatilin significantly reduced LPS-stimulated NO, IL-6, and ROS production. Additionally, the NF-κB, MAPK, and Nrf2 protein expression in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells was consistent with that in OVA-induced asthmatic lung tissues. In summary, eupatilin attenuated OVA-induced asthma by regulating NF-κB, MAPK, and Nrf2 signaling pathways. These results suggest the utility of eupatilin as an anti-inflammatory drug for asthma treatment.

Influence of Consumption of Two Peruvian Cocoa Populations on Mucosal and Systemic Immune Response in an Allergic Asthma Rat Model

Different cocoa populations have demonstrated a protective role in a rat model of allergic asthma by attenuating the immunoglobulin (Ig) E synthesis and partially protecting against anaphylactic response. The aim of this study was to ascertain the effect of diets containing two native Peruvian cocoa populations (“Amazonas Peru” or APC, and “Criollo de Montaña” or CMC) and an ordinary cocoa (OC) on the bronchial compartment and the systemic and mucosal immune system in the same rat model of allergic asthma. Among other variables, cells and IgA content in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum anti-allergen antibody response were analyzed. The three cocoa populations prevented the increase of the serum specific IgG1 (T helper 2 isotype). The three cocoa diets decreased asthma-induced granulocyte increase in the BALF, which was mainly due to the reduction in the proportion of eosinophils. Moreover, both the OC and CMC diets were able to prevent the leukocyte infiltration caused by asthma induction in both the trachea and nasal cavity and decreased the IgA in both fecal and BALF samples. Overall, these results highlight the potential of different cocoa populations in the prevention of allergic asthma.

Liposomal chrysin attenuates hepatic ischaemia-reperfusion injury: possible mechanism via inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome

OBJECTIVES

The chrysin has properties of low aqueous solubility, bioavailability and absorption, and its effect on hepatic ischaemia-reperfusion (HIR) remains unclear. Thus, we prepared a liposomal chrysin (LC) and explored its effect and potential mechanism on HIR.

METHODS

A thin-film dispersion method was used to prepare LC, and a mouse HIR model was used. Mice were pre-treated with LC (100 mg/kg) or placebo by gavage feeding at 16.5 h, 8.5 h, 0.5 h before modelling.

RESULTS

The average particle sizes, polydispersity index, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency and drug loading of LC were 129 ± 13.53 nm, 0.265 ± 0.021, -34.46 ± 4.14 mV, 95.03 ± 2.17%, 16.4 ± 0.8%. The concentration of chrysin in plasma and liver tissue by LC administration increased 2.54 times and 1.45 times. LC pre-treatment reduced HIR-induced liver injury and inhibited cell apoptosis. Besides, LC pre-treatment decreased reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde and inhibited the inflammation response indicated by lower IL-6, TNF-α, infiltration of neutrophils. Further, LC pre-treatment significantly decreased NLRP3 activation, evidenced by reduced cleaved caspase-3, NLRP3, ASC, cleaved caspase-1 and IL-1β expression.

CONCLUSIONS

LC has good biocompatibility, and it could attenuate HIR-induced injury. Its mechanism was associated with NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition, and LC might be an effective drug for treating and preventing HIR-induced injury.

Herbal Nanoformulations for Asthma Treatment

BACKGROUND

In recent decades, the prevalence of asthma has substantially increased worldwide. Advances in phytochemistry and phytopharmacology have clarified the active ingredients and biological activities of medicinal plant products for treating asthma, and the role of herbal therapies in asthma treatment has become increasingly evident. However, most plant extracts have low solubility and poor stability of bioactive components, resulting in low bioavailability and loss of efficacy. Owing to these shortcomings, the clinical use of many herbal extracts is limited.

OBJECTIVE

To summarise and analyse the characteristics of herbal nanoformulations and their application in asthma treatment. The objective of this review article is to address the emerging trends of herbal nanoformulations for an effective treatment for asthma.

METHODS

Various research and review articles from reputed international journals were referred and compiled.

RESULTS

The nano-sized herbal formulations improve the solubility and bioavailability of herbal medicines and contribute to the sustained release of drugs, thus, increasing the therapeutic applications of herbal extracts. The review present different types of herbal nanoformulations, including micelles, nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, lipid-based liquid crystalline nanoparticles and nanoemulsions, which are potential nanodrugs for asthma treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Herbal nanoformulations have shown great prospects for treatment of asthma in recent years. More safety and toxicity data are still needed to promote their development and application.

Chrysin: Perspectives on Contemporary Status and Future Possibilities as Pro-Health Agent

Chrysin belongs to the group of natural polyphenols. It can be found, among others, in honey, propolis and fruits and has a wide range of biological activities, including the prevention of oxidative stress, inflammation, neurodegeneration and carcinogenesis. Being a part of the human diet, chrysin is considered to be a promising compound to be used in the prevention of many diseases, including cancers, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. Nevertheless, due to the low solubility of chrysin in water and under physiological conditions, its bioavailability is low. For this reason, attempts at its functionalization have been undertaken, aiming to increase its absorption and thus augment its in vivo therapeutic efficacy. The aim of this review is to summarize the most recent research on chrysin, including its sources, metabolism, pro-health effects and the effects of its functionalization on biological activity and pharmacological efficacy, evaluated both in vitro and in vivo.