Edaravone prevents iNOS expression by inhibiting its promoter transactivation and mRNA stability in cytokine-stimulated hepatocytes

Targeting glioblastoma with a brain-penetrant drug that impairs brain tumor stem cells via NLE1-Notch1 complex

Brain tumor stem cells (BTSCs) are a population of self-renewing malignant stem cells that play an important role in glioblastoma tumor hierarchy and contribute to tumor growth, therapeutic resistance, and tumor relapse. Thus, targeting of BTSCs within the bulk of tumors represents a crucial therapeutic strategy. Here, we report that edaravone is a potent drug that impairs BTSCs in glioblastoma. We show that edaravone inhibits the self-renewal and growth of BTSCs harboring a diverse range of oncogenic mutations without affecting non-oncogenic neural stem cells. Global gene expression analysis revealed that edaravone significantly alters BTSC transcriptome and attenuates the expression of a large panel of genes involved in cell cycle progression, stemness, and DNA repair mechanisms. Mechanistically, we discovered that edaravone directly targets Notchless homolog 1 (NLE1) and impairs Notch signaling pathway, alters the expression of stem cell markers, and sensitizes BTSC response to ionizing radiation (IR)-induced cell death. Importantly, we show that edaravone treatment in preclinical models delays glioblastoma tumorigenesis, sensitizes their response to IR, and prolongs the lifespan of animals. Our data suggest that repurposing of edaravone is a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with glioblastoma.

Acute and Sub-chronic Anticonvulsant Effects of Edaravone on Seizure Induced by Pentylenetetrazole or Electroshock in Mice, Nitric Oxide Involvement

Background

Edaravone is an anti-stroke medication that may have nitric oxide (NO) modulating properties. This study evaluated the role of NO in the acute and sub-chronic anticonvulsant effects of edaravone in murine models of seizures induced by intraperitoneal (IP) or intravenous (IV) injections of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) or electroshock (maximal electroshock seizure [MES]).

Methods

132 male albino mice were randomly divided into 22 groups (n=6) and given IP injections of vehicle or edaravone either acutely or for eight days (sub-chronically). The seizure was induced by electroshock or PTZ (IP or IV). The following edaravone doses were used: 7.5, 10, 12.5 (acute); 5, 7.5, 10 (sub-chronic) in IP PTZ model; 5, 7.5, 10 in IV PTZ model; and 5, 10 mg/Kg in the MES. To evaluate NO involvement, 216 mice were randomly divided into 36 groups (n=6) and pretreated with vehicle, edaravone, a non-specific nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor: N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (5 mg/Kg), a specific nNOS inhibitor: 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) (60 mg/Kg), or a combination of edaravone plus L-NAME or 7-NI, either acutely or for eight days before seizure induction. Doses of edaravone were as follows: in IP PTZ model: 12.5 (acute) and 10 (sub-chronic); in IV PTZ model: 10; and in the MES: 5 mg/Kg. Data were analyzed using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's test (SPSS 18). P≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

In the IP PTZ model, edaravone increased time latencies to seizures (P<0.001), prevented tonic seizures, and death. Edaravone increased the seizure threshold (P<0.001) in the IV PTZ model and shortened the duration of tonic hind-limb extension (THE) in the MES model (P<0.001). In comparison to mice treated with edaravone alone, adding L-NAME or 7-NI reduced seizure time latencies (P<0.001), reduced seizure threshold (P<0.001), and increased THE duration (P<0.001).

Conclusion

Edaravone (acute or sub-chronic) could prevent seizures by modulating NO signaling pathways.

Activation of transcription factor HIF inhibits IL-1β-induced NO production in primary cultured rat hepatocytes

Roxadustat and other hypoxia-inducible factor-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors (HIF-PHIs) have recently been approved for the treatment of chronic renal anemia. In macrophages and monocytes, the activation of HIF-1 by pro-inflammatory cytokines induces iNOS expression and activity through the NF-κB pathway to produce nitric oxide (NO), which causes liver injury when excessively produced. Few studies have reported a relationship between HIF activity and iNOS induction in hepatocytes. We investigated the effect of drug- and hypoxia-induced HIF activations on NO production in primary cultured rat hepatocytes. Roxadustat treatment and hypoxic conditions activated HIF. Contrary to expectations, HIF-PHI treatment and hypoxia inhibited IL-1β-induced NO production. RNA-Seq analysis of mRNA expression in rat hepatocytes showed that roxadustat treatment decreased the expression of genes related to inflammation, and genes in the NF-κB signaling pathway were induced by IL-1β. Moreover, roxadustat suppressed IL-1β-activated signaling pathways in an HIF-dependent manner. GalN/LPS-treated rats were used as in vivo models of hepatic injury, and roxadustat treatment showed a tendency to suppress the death of rats. Therefore, exogenous HIF-1 activation, including HIF-PHI and hypoxia exposures, suppressed IL-1β-induced iNOS mRNA expression and subsequent NO production in hepatocytes, by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway. Roxadustat treatment suppresses the expression of pro-inflammatory genes by activating HIF, and thus may exhibit hepatoprotective effects.

NU-9 improves health of hSOD1G93A mouse upper motor neurons in vitro, especially in combination with riluzole or edaravone

Even though amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease of the upper and lower motor neurons, to date none of the compounds in clinical trials have been tested for improving the health of diseased upper motor neurons (UMNs). There is an urgent need to develop preclinical assays that include UMN health as a readout. Since ALS is a complex disease, combinatorial treatment strategies will be required to address the mechanisms perturbed in patients. Here, we describe a novel in vitro platform that takes advantage of an UMN reporter line in which UMNs are genetically labeled with fluorescence and have misfolded SOD1 toxicity. We report that NU-9, an analog of the cyclohexane-1,3-dione family of compounds, improves the health of UMNs with misfolded SOD1 toxicity more effectively than riluzole or edaravone, -the only two FDA-approved ALS drugs to date-. Interestingly, when NU-9 is applied in combination with riluzole or edaravone, there is an additive effect on UMN health, as they extend longer axons and display enhanced branching and arborization, two important characteristics of healthy UMNs in vitro.

Improving mitochondria and ER stability helps eliminate upper motor neuron degeneration that occurs due to mSOD1 toxicity and TDP-43 pathology

BACKGROUND

Upper motor neurons (UMNs) are a key component of motor neuron circuitry. Their degeneration is a hallmark for diseases, such as hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Currently there are no preclinical assays investigating cellular responses of UMNs to compound treatment, even for diseases of the UMNs. The basis of UMN vulnerability is not fully understood, and no compound has yet been identified to improve the health of diseased UMNs: two major roadblocks for building effective treatment strategies.

METHODS

Novel UMN reporter models, in which UMNs that are diseased because of misfolded superoxide dismutase protein (mSOD1) toxicity and TDP-43 pathology are labeled with eGFP expression, allow direct assessment of UMN response to compound treatment. Electron microscopy reveals very precise aspects of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondrial damage. Administration of NU-9, a compound initially identified based on its ability to reduce mSOD1 toxicity, has profound impact on improving the health and stability of UMNs, as identified by detailed cellular and ultrastructural analyses.

RESULTS

Problems with mitochondria and ER are conserved in diseased UMNs among different species. NU-9 has drug-like pharmacokinetic properties. It lacks toxicity and crosses the blood brain barrier. NU-9 improves the structural integrity of mitochondria and ER, reduces levels of mSOD1, stabilizes degenerating UMN apical dendrites, improves motor behavior measured by the hanging wire test, and eliminates ongoing degeneration of UMNs that become diseased both because of mSOD1 toxicity and TDP-43 pathology, two distinct and important overarching causes of motor neuron degeneration.

CONCLUSIONS

Mechanism-focused and cell-based drug discovery approaches not only addressed key cellular defects responsible for UMN loss, but also identified NU-9, the first compound to improve the health of diseased UMNs, neurons that degenerate in ALS, HSP, PLS, and ALS/FTLD patients.

The Proton Pump Inhibitor Lansoprazole Has Hepatoprotective Effects in In Vitro and In Vivo Rat Models of Acute Liver Injury

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The proton pump inhibitor lansoprazole (LPZ) is clinically used to reduce gastric acid secretion, but little is known about its possible hepatoprotective effects. This study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of LPZ and its potential mechanisms using in vitro and in vivo rat models of liver injury.

METHODS

For the in vitro model of liver injury, primary cultured rat hepatocytes were treated with interleukin-1β in the presence or absence of LPZ. The influence of LPZ on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) induction and nitric oxide (NO) production and on the associated signaling pathways was analyzed. For the in vivo model, rats were treated with D-galactosamine (GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The effects of LPZ on survival and proinflammatory mediator expression (including iNOS and tumor necrosis factor-α) in these rats were examined.

RESULTS

LPZ inhibited iNOS induction partially through suppression of the nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway in hepatocytes, thereby reducing potential liver injury from excessive NO levels. Additionally, LPZ increased survival by 50% and decreased iNOS, tumor necrosis factor-α, and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1 mRNA expression in the livers of GalN/LPS-treated rats. LPZ also inhibited nuclear factor-kappa B activation by GalN/LPS.

CONCLUSIONS

LPZ inhibits the induction of several inflammatory mediators (including cytokines, chemokines, and NO) partially through suppression of nuclear factor-kappa B, resulting in the prevention of fulminant liver failure. The therapeutic potential of LPZ for liver injuries warrants further investigation.

Levosimendan pretreatment improves survival of septic rats after partial hepatectomy and suppresses iNOS induction in cytokine-stimulated hepatocytes

We evaluated the survival effects and biochemical profiles of levosimendan in septic rats after partial hepatectomy and investigated its effects in cultured hepatocytes. Thirty-two rats underwent 70% hepatectomy and were randomised equally into four groups, followed by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection (250 µg/kg, i.v.) after 48 h. Levosimendan was given (i.p.) 1 h before LPS injection [group (A) levosimendan 2 mg/kg; (B) 1; (C) 0.5; (D) vehicle]. Survival at 7 days was increased significantly in group A compared with that in group D [A: 63%; B: 38%; C: 13%; D: 0%]. In serum, levosimendan decreased the level of tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and nitric oxide (NO). In remnant livers, levosimendan inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression. In primary cultured rat hepatocytes stimulated by IL-1β, levosimendan suppressed NO production by inhibiting iNOS promoter activity and stability of its mRNA.

Hepatic cytochrome P450 metabolism suppressed by mast cells in type 1 allergic mice

Mast cells and Kupffer cells secrete interleukin (IL)-1β, interferon (IFN)-γ, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, which stimulate excess nitric oxide (NO) producing-inducible NO synthase (iNOS). Unlike Kupffer cells, immunoglobulin E-sensitized mast cells elicit sustained NO production. We investigated the participation of mast cell-released NO and cytokine-derived iNOS activation in type 1 allergy-suppressed hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) metabolism. Aminoguanidine, a selective iNOS inhibitor, completely suppressed serum nitrate plus nitrite (NOx) concentrations after primary and secondary sensitization of ICR mice and markedly attenuated allergy-suppressed hepatic CYP1A2, CYP2C, CYP2E1, and CYP3A activities. In the liver, primary and secondary sensitization enhanced iNOS-stimulating IFN-γ (5-15-fold) and TNF-α (3-5-fold) mRNA levels more than IL-1β (2-fold) and F4/80-positive Kupffer cell (2-fold) mRNA levels. When mast cell-deficient (-/-) mice were sensitized, hepatic CYP activities were not suppressed. Serum NOx levels in the sensitized -/- mice were similar with those in saline-treated ICR and -/- mice. In the liver of -/- mice, secondary sensitization markedly enhanced mRNA expression of iNOS (20-fold), IFN-γ (15-fold), and TNF-α (3-fold). However, hepatic total NOS activities in -/- mice were not significantly different between saline treatment and sensitization. Similarly, primary and secondary ICR mice did not significantly enhance total NOS activities in the liver and hepatocytes. The total NOS activities observed did not relate to the high levels of iNOS, IFN-γ, and TNF-α mRNA in the liver. Hepatic c-kit-positive mast cells in sensitized ICR mice were maintained at control levels. Therefore, our data suggest that mast cell-released NO participates in type 1 allergy-suppressed CYP1A2, CYP2C, CYP2E1, and CYP3A metabolism.

Elental® amino acid component has protective effects on primary cultured hepatocytes and a rat model of acute liver injury

Amino acids can exert protective effects on the liver either when administered as a medication or following an operation. In this study, we examined the protective effects of amino acids on the liver using in vitro and in vivo models by studying their influence on the induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nitric oxide production as a liver injury marker in cultured hepatocytes and liver-protective effects in d-galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide (GalN/LPS)-treated rats, respectively. Primary cultured rat hepatocytes were treated with interleukin (IL)-1β in the presence or absence of Elental® amino acid component (EleAA; 17 amino acids). Rats were pretreated with either EleAA or a diet containing selected amino acids followed by GalN/LPS injection. Survival rate and mRNA expression were analyzed. EleAA inhibited iNOS induction through reduction of mRNA synthesis and stability in cultured hepatocytes, indicating prevention of liver injury, but did not show a liver-protective effect in GalN/LPS rats. Among EleAA, Lys, Trp, His, and Arg (4AA) markedly decreased nitric oxide production and inhibited nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation. In GalN/LPS rats, 4AA (3% of each amino acid in diet) increased survival rate by 50% and decreased mRNA expression of iNOS, tumor necrosis factor-α, and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1 in the liver. 4AA reduced NF-κB activation induced by GalN/LPS. 4AA inhibited the expression of inflammatory mediators, in part through inhibition of NF-κB activation in cultured hepatocytes and GalN/LPS-treated rats. The results suggest that EleAA has therapeutic potential for organ injuries including liver.

Role of edaravone in managemant of septic peritonitis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Sepsis is a complex rapidly progressive infectious disease that remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in surgical patients and trauma victims. Edaravone a novel free radical scavenger was approved in 2001 in Japan for treatment of acute cerebral and myocardial infarction. Hence, in this work we attempt to evaluate its role in cases of septic peritonitis (SP).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a prospective randomized observer-blinded study carried out in surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after approval by Hospital Ethical Committee. After admission to ICU patients were randomly divided into two groups of thirty patients each-Group (C): Control group managed according to the routine protocol of sepsis and Group (E): Edaravone treated SP managed according to the routine protocol of sepsis + edaravone at dose of 30 mg/12 h intravenous infusion for 2 weeks. All patients were monitored for invasive blood pressure, central venous pressure, heart rate, temperature, urine output, total fluid balance, and routine investigation. Blood sample was taken weekly for 2 weeks to measure the following parameters: Nuclear transcription factor kappa B activity (NFKB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), heat shock protein 72 (HSP 72) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC).

RESULTS

There was significant decrease (P < 0.05) in serum level of NFKB, MAPK in Group E in comparison with Group C. While serum level of HSP 72 and TAC showed significant increase (P < 0.05) in Group E compared with Group C with better outcome.

CONCLUSION

SP treatment with edaravone could significantly improve the inflammatory and oxidative states with better patient outcomes.

pyroGlu-Leu inhibits the induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase in interleukin-1β-stimulated primary cultured rat hepatocytes

Pyroglutamyl leucine (pyroGlu-Leu), which is a peptide isolated from wheat gluten hydrolysate, has been reported to be a hepatoprotective compound in acute liver failure. In inflamed liver, proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α stimulate the induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Excess production of nitric oxide (NO) by iNOS is an inflammatory biomarker in liver injury. We examined proinflammatory cytokine-stimulated hepatocytes as a simple "in vitro inflammation model" to determine liver protective effects of pyroGlu-Leu and its mechanisms of action. We hypothesized that pyroGlu-Leu inhibits the induction of iNOS gene expression, resulting in the attenuation of hepatic inflammation. Hepatocytes were isolated from rats by collagenase perfusion and cultured. Primary cultured cells were treated with IL-1β in the presence or absence of pyroGlu-Leu. The induction of iNOS and its signaling pathway were analyzed. IL-1β stimulated the enhancement of NO production in hepatocytes and this effect was inhibited by pyroGlu-Leu. pyroGlu-Leu decreased the expression of iNOS protein and its mRNA. Transfection experiments with iNOS-luciferase constructs revealed that pyroGlu-Leu inhibited both of iNOS promoter transactivation and its mRNA stabilization. pyroGlu-Leu also decreased the expression of an iNOS gene antisense transcript, which is involved in iNOS mRNA stability. However, pyroGlu-Leu had no effects on IκB degradation and NF-κB activation. Results demonstrate that pyroGlu-Leu inhibited the induction of iNOS gene expression at transcriptional and post-transcriptional steps through IκB/NF-κB-independent pathway, leading to the prevention of NO production. pyroGlu-Leu may have therapeutic potential for liver injury through the suppression of iNOS.

Antipyretic analgesic drugs have different mechanisms for regulation of the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in hepatocytes and macrophages

Antipyretic analgesic drugs (including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), resulting in decreases of the proinflammatory mediators prostaglandin E2 and nitric oxide (NO), respectively. Both mediators are regulated by nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), a key transcription factor in inflammation. Few reports have compared the efficacy and potency of anti-inflammatory drugs as NO inhibitors. In our study, we examined the effects of four popular antipyretic analgesic drugs on NO production induced in hepatocytes and macrophages. Mouse RAW264.7 macrophages treated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide showed the highest efficacy with regard to NO production; aspirin, loxoprofen, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen dose-dependently suppressed NO induction. Ibuprofen showed the highest potency in suppressing the induced production of NO. In rat hepatocytes, all the drugs inhibited interleukin 1β-induced NO production and ibuprofen and loxoprofen inhibited NO induction effectively. Unexpectedly, the potency of NO suppression of each drug in hepatocytes did not always correlate with that observed in RAW264.7 cells. Microarray analyses of mRNA expression in hepatocytes revealed that the effects of the four antipyretic analgesic drugs modulated the NF-κB signaling pathway in a similar manner to the regulation of the expression of genes associated with inflammation, including the iNOS gene. However, the affected signal-transducing molecules in the NF-κB pathway were different for each drug. Therefore, antipyretic analgesic drugs may decrease NO production by modulating the NF-κB pathway in different ways, which could confer different efficacies and potencies with regard to their anti-inflammatory effects.

Fluvastatin inhibits the induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase, an inflammatory biomarker, in hepatocytes

AIM

Statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A [HMG-CoA] reductase inhibitors), which were originally designed to lower plasma cholesterol levels, are increasingly recognized as anti-inflammatory agents. In the inflamed liver, pro-inflammatory cytokines stimulate the induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Overproduction of NO by iNOS has been implicated as a factor in liver injury. We examined pro-inflammatory cytokine-stimulated hepatocytes as a simple in vitro injury model to determine liver-protective effects of statins. We hypothesized that statins are involved in the downregulation of iNOS, resulting in decreased hepatic inflammation.

METHODS

Hepatocytes were isolated from rats by collagenase perfusion and centrifugation. Primary cultured hepatocytes were treated with interleukin (IL)-1β in the presence or absence of fluvastatin. The induction of iNOS and its signaling pathway were analyzed.

RESULTS

IL-1β produced increased levels of NO. This effect was inhibited by fluvastatin, which exerted its maximal effects at 100 μM. Fluvastatin decreased the levels of iNOS protein and its mRNA expression. Fluvastatin had no effects on IκB degradation and nuclear factor-κB activation. However, fluvastatin inhibited the upregulation of type I IL-1 receptor mRNA and protein expression. Transfection experiments demonstrated that fluvastatin suppressed iNOS induction by the inhibition of promoter transactivation and mRNA stabilization. Fluvastatin reduced the expression of an iNOS gene antisense-transcript, which is involved in iNOS mRNA stability.

CONCLUSION

Results indicate that fluvastatin inhibits the induction of iNOS at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional steps, leading to the prevention of NO production. Fluvastatin may provide therapeutic potential in iNOS induction involved in various liver injuries.

Protective effect of edaravone for tourniquet-induced ischemia-reperfusion injury on skeletal muscle in murine hindlimb

Background

Studies have shown that ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) produces free radicals leading to lipid peroxidation and damage to skeletal muscle. The purposes of this study were 1) to assess the histological findings of gastrocnemius muscle (GC) and tibialis anterior muscle (TA) in I/R injury model mice, 2) to histologically analyze whether a single pretreatment of edaravone inhibits I/R injury to skeletal muscle in murine models and 3) to evaluate the effect of oxidative stress on these muscles.

Methods

C57BL6 mice were divided in two groups, with one group receiving 3 mg/kg intraperitoneal injections of edaravone (I/R + Ed group) and the other group receiving an identical amount of saline (I/R group) 30 minutes before ischemia. Edaravone (3-methy-1-pheny1-2-pyrazolin-5-one) is a potent and novel synthetic scavenger of free radicals. This drug inhibits both nonenzymatic lipid peroxidation and the lipoxygenase pathway, in addition to having potent antioxidant effects against ischemia reperfusion. The duration of the ischemia was 1.5 hours, with reperfusion at either 24 or 72 hours (3 days). Specimens of gastrocnemius (GC) and anterior tibialis (TA) were removed for histological evaluation and biochemical analysis.

Results

This model of I/R injury was highly reproducible in histologic muscle damage. In the histologic damage score, the mean muscle fibers and inflammatory cell infiltration in the I/R + Ed group were significantly less than the corresponding values of observed in the I/R group. Thus, pretreatment with edaravone was observed to have a protective effect on muscle damage after a period of I/R in mice. In addition, the mean muscle injury score in the I/R + Ed group was also significantly less than the I/R group. In the I/R + Ed group, the mean malondialdehyde (MDA) level was lower than in the I/R group and western-blotting revealed that edaravone pretreatment decreased the level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression.

Conclusions

Edaravone was found to have a protective effect against I/R injury by directly inhibiting lipid peroxidation of the myocyte by free radicals in skeletal muscles and may also reduce the secondary edema and inflammatory infiltration incidence of oxidative stress on tissue.

alpha-lipoic acid prevents the induction of iNOS gene expression through destabilization of its mRNA in proinflammatory cytokine-stimulated hepatocytes

BACKGROUND/AIMS

α-Lipoic acid (α-LA) has been reported to reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Proinflammatory cytokines stimulate the induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression, leading to excess production of NO and resulting in liver injury including IRI. We hypothesized that inhibition of iNOS induction underlies the protective effects of α-LA on the liver. The objective was to investigate whether α-LA directly influences iNOS induction in cultured hepatocytes, which is used as a simple in vitro injury model, and the mechanism involved.

METHODS

Primary cultured rat hepatocytes were treated with interleukin (IL)-1β in the presence or absence of α-LA. The induction of iNOS and NO production and its signal were analyzed.

RESULTS

α-LA inhibited the expression of iNOS mRNA and protein dose- and time-dependently, resulting in decreases in NO production. α-LA had no effects on the degradation of IκB proteins and activation of NF-κB. In contrast, α-LA inhibited the upregulation of type I IL-1 receptor stimulated by IL-1β, although α-LA had no effect on Akt activation. Transfection experiments with iNOS promoter-luciferase constructs revealed that α-LA had no effect on the transactivation of the iNOS promoter, but decreased the stabilization of iNOS mRNA. Further, α-LA inhibited the expression of an iNOS gene antisense-transcript, which is involved in iNOS mRNA stability.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate that α-LA inhibits the induction of iNOS gene expression at a posttranscriptional step via iNOS mRNA stabilization, rather than promoter activation. It may provide useful therapeutic effects through the suppression of iNOS induction involved in liver injury.

Japanese herbal medicine, inchinkoto, inhibits inducible nitric oxide synthase induction in interleukin-1β-stimulated hepatocytes

AIM

  A herbal medicine, kampo inchinkoto (TJ-135), is used to treat jaundice and liver fibrosis in patients with cirrhosis. In the inflamed liver, proinflammatory cytokines stimulate the induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression. Over-production of nitric oxide (NO) by iNOS has been implicated as a factor in liver injury. We examined interleukin (IL)-1β-stimulated hepatocytes as a simple in vitro injury model to determine liver-protective effects of TJ-135. The objective was to investigate whether TJ-135 influences iNOS induction and to determine its mechanism.

METHODS

  Primary cultured rat hepatocytes were treated with IL-1β in the presence or absence of TJ-135. The induction of iNOS and its signaling pathway were analyzed.

RESULTS

  IL-1β produced increased levels of NO. This effect was inhibited by TJ-135, which exerted its maximal effects at 3 mg/mL. TJ-135 decreased the levels of iNOS protein and its mRNA expression. Experiments with nuclear extracts revealed that TJ-135 inhibited the translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) to the nucleus and its DNA binding. TJ-135 also inhibited the activation of Akt, resulting in the reduction of type I IL-1 receptor mRNA and protein expression. Transfection experiments with iNOS promoter-luciferase constructs demonstrated that TJ-135 suppressed iNOS induction by inhibition of promoter transactivation and mRNA stabilization. TJ-135 reduced the expression of an iNOS gene antisense-transcript. Delayed administration or withdrawal of TJ-135 after IL-1β addition also inhibited iNOS induction.

CONCLUSIONS

  RESULTS indicate that TJ-135 inhibits the induction of iNOS at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional steps, leading to the prevention of NO production. TJ-135 may have therapeutic potential for various liver injuries through the suppression of iNOS induction.

Active hexose correlated compound inhibits the expression of proinflammatory biomarker iNOS in hepatocytes

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Excess production of nitric oxide (NO) by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) has been implicated as proinflammatory biomarker in liver injury. The application of active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) as a functional food in complementary and alternative medicine has increased. The possibility that AHCC might inhibit iNOS induction was investigated as a potential liver-protective effect.

METHODS

Hepatocytes were isolated from rats by collagenase perfusion and cultured. Primary cultured hepatocytes were treated with interleukin-1β in the presence or absence of AHCC-sugar fraction (AHCC-SF).

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

AHCC-SF inhibited the production of NO and reduced expressions of iNOS mRNA and its protein. AHCC-SF had no effects on either IκB degradation or nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation. In contrast, AHCC-SF inhibited the upregulation of type I interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1RI) through the inhibition of Akt phosphorylation. Transfection experiments with iNOS promoter-luciferase constructs revealed that AHCC-SF reduced the levels of iNOS mRNA at both promoter transactivation and mRNA stabilization steps. AHCC-SF inhibited the expression of iNOS gene antisense transcript, which is involved in iNOS mRNA stabilization. These findings demonstrate that AHCC-SF suppresses iNOS gene expression through a IκB/NF-κB-independent but Akt/IL-1RI-dependent pathway, resulting in the reduction of NO production. AHCC-SF may have therapeutic potential for various liver injuries.

Peroxidation of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Inhibits the Induction of iNOS Gene Expression in Proinflammatory Cytokine-Stimulated Hepatocytes

Eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (EPA/DHA), n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), have a variety of biological activities including anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. We hypothesized that their peroxidized products contributed in part to anti-inflammatory effects. In the liver, the production of nitric oxide (NO) by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) has been implicated as one of the factors in hepatic inflammation and injury. We examined whether the peroxidation of EPA/DHA influences the induction of iNOS and NO production in proinflammatory cytokine-stimulated cultured hepatocytes, which is in vitro liver inflammation model. Peroxidized EPA/DHA inhibited the induction of iNOS and NO production in parallel with the increased levels of their peroxidation, whereas unoxidized EPA/DHA had no effects at all. Peroxidized EPA/DHA reduced the activation of transcription factor, NF-κB, and the expression of the iNOS antisense transcript, which are involved in iNOS promoter transactivation (mRNA synthesis) and its mRNA stabilization, respectively. These findings demonstrated that peroxidized products of EPA/DHA suppressed the induction of iNOS gene expression through both of the transcriptional and posttranscriptional steps, leading to the prevention of hepatic inflammation.

Sivelestat suppresses iNOS gene expression in proinflammatory cytokine-stimulated hepatocytes

BACKGROUND

Recent evidence has indicated that sivelestat, a neutrophil elastase inhibitor, has liver-protective effects in a variety of liver injuries. Proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1β stimulate the induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression, leading to excess production of NO and resulting in liver damage. We hypothesized that inhibition of iNOS induction underlies the protective effects of sivelestat on the liver. The objective of this study was to investigate whether sivelestat directly influences iNOS induction in cultured hepatocytes, which is used as a simple in vitro injury model, and to determine the mechanism involved.

METHODS

Primary cultured rat hepatocytes were treated with IL-1β in the presence or absence of sivelestat. The induction of iNOS and its signaling pathway were analyzed.

RESULTS

Sivelestat inhibited the induction of iNOS mRNA and its protein, followed by decreased production of NO. Transfection and iNOS gene antisense-transcript experiments revealed that sivelestat reduced the levels of iNOS mRNA at both the promoter activation and mRNA stabilization steps. However, sivelestat had no effects on the degradation of IκB and nuclear translocation of NF-κB subunit p65, although it moderately blocked the activation of NF-κB. In contrast, sivelestat blocked the upregulation of IL-1 receptor I through the inactivation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt.

CONCLUSIONS

Delayed sivelestat addition experiments demonstrated that the destabilization of the iNOS mRNA contributed more significantly to the inhibitory effects of sivelestat than the reduction in iNOS mRNA synthesis. Sivelestat may provide useful therapeutic effects through the suppression of iNOS induction involved in liver injury.

Cannabidiol protects against hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury by attenuating inflammatory signaling and response, oxidative/nitrative stress, and cell death

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is a pivotal mechanism of liver damage after liver transplantation or hepatic surgery. We have investigated the effects of cannabidiol (CBD), the nonpsychotropic constituent of marijuana, in a mouse model of hepatic I/R injury. I/R triggered time-dependent increases/changes in markers of liver injury (serum transaminases), hepatic oxidative/nitrative stress (4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, nitrotyrosine content/staining, and gp91phox and inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA), mitochondrial dysfunction (decreased complex I activity), inflammation (tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase 2, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α/2, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 mRNA levels; tissue neutrophil infiltration; nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation), stress signaling (p38MAPK and JNK), and cell death (DNA fragmentation, PARP activity, and TUNEL). CBD significantly reduced the extent of liver inflammation, oxidative/nitrative stress, and cell death and also attenuated the bacterial endotoxin-triggered NF-κB activation and TNF-α production in isolated Kupffer cells, likewise the adhesion molecule expression in primary human liver sinusoidal endothelial cells stimulated with TNF-α and attachment of human neutrophils to the activated endothelium. These protective effects were preserved in CB2 knockout mice and were not prevented by CB1/2 antagonists in vitro. Thus, CBD may represent a novel, protective strategy against I/R injury by attenuating key inflammatory pathways and oxidative/nitrative tissue injury, independent of classical CB1/2 receptors.

Protective effect of chrysin on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)—induced tissue injury in male Wistar rats

Chrysin, a natural flavonoid has been reported to possess potent anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and antioxidation properties. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the putative protective effect of chrysin, an isoflavone, on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced toxicity in male Wistar rats. Intraperitoneal administration of CCl4 (2 ml/kg) to rats for 4 days resulted in significantly elevated ( p < 0.05) serum levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), glutamic pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), when compared to normal rats. In addition, the tissues (liver, kidney and brain) and haemolysate samples showed considerable increase in levels ( p < 0.05) of malondialdehyde (MDA) and lowered levels ( p < 0.05) of reduced glutathione (GSH), vitamin C and E when compared to values in normal rats. Quantitative analysis of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) exhibited lower activities of these antioxidant enzymes in the tissues and haemolysate of CCl4-administered rats. The protective action of chrysin on CCl4-induced rat was demonstrated with SGPT, SGOT, ALP and LDH resuming to near normal levels, while the mean levels of GSH and of vitamin C and E were elevated, the mean activities of CAT, SOD and Gpx were enhanced and the mean level of MDA was lowered in the tissue and haemolysate samples when compared to the CCl4-exposed untreated rats. The expression of the iNOS gene appeared to be up-regulated in the liver and kidney samples of CCl4-exposed untreated rats, whereas in CCl4-exposed chrysin-treated rats, the mRNA transcript levels of iNOS approximated normal levels. These results strongly suggest that chrysin is able to prevent the oxidative damage induced by CCl4 in the liver, brain, kidney and haemolysate of male Wistar rats.

Aristolochic acid I suppressed iNOS gene expression and NF-κB activation in stimulated macrophage cells

Aristolochic acid I (AAI) is a phytotoxin that has been found in various herbal remedies and linked to the development of human carcinogenesis. To investigate the playing role of AAI in the function of macrophages, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophage cells RAW264.7 were employed as a model to examine the effect of AAI on the expression of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene. AAI reduced the expression of iNOS mRNA and protein, as well as the production of NO in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Treatment of transfected macrophages with AAI effectively suppressed the luciferase activities of the iNOS promoter which is activated by LPS. The results of promoter deletion and electrophoretic gel mobility shift assay (EMSA) indicated that the NF-κB binding site at nucleotides -86 to -76 was the major site that was most responsible for the inhibitory effect of AAI. Moreover, the presence of AAI substantially reduced the phosphorylation of the inhibitory κBα (IκBα) protein in LPS-stimulated cultures. AAI also down-regulated the LPS-induction of TNF-α, a NF-κB regulated gene. On the other hand, AAI did not modulate the luciferase activities of reporter construct that contained iNOS mRNA 3'-UTR. Taken together, the data herein suggest that in activated macrophages, AAI effectively down-regulated the expression of iNOS gene by interfering with the activation of NF-κB at the transcription level. The stability of iNOS mRNA was not the target of AAI inhibition.

Edaravone, a novel free radical scavenger, reduces high-mobility group box 1 and prolongs survival in a neonatal sepsis model

Free radicals play an important role in the inflammatory process of sepsis. We hypothesized that edaravone, a novel free radical scavenger, can suppress pathophysiological events and prolong survival in a neonatal sepsis cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) model. Of 32 3-day-old anesthetized and mechanically ventilated piglets, 11 received CLP only, 10 received CLP and edaravone treatment starting 30 min after CLP, and 11 constituted a sham (control) group. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate, cardiac output, arterial blood gas, serum total hydroperoxide, nitrite and nitrate, TNF-alpha, and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) were measured before CLP and at 1, 3, and 6 h after CLP. Compared with the CLP group, the edaravone group showed higher MAP at 6 h, lower heart rate at 1 and 3 h, lower total hydroperoxide at 1 h, lower nitrite and nitrate at 3 and 6 h, and higher (although not significantly so) mean cardiac output at 1, 3, and 6 h. TNF-alpha elevation was delayed from 1 h in the CLP group to 3 h in the edaravone group. In the edaravone group, HMGB1 did not change significantly at any time, whereas in the CLP group, it increased at 6 h. Survival times were longer in the edaravone group than in the CLP group (15.4 +/- 1.4 vs. 10.2 +/- 1 h; P < 0.005). In addition, each of the serial dilutions of edaravone had a higher biological antioxidant potential than tempol does. In conclusion, edaravone suppressed free radicals, delayed the TNF-alpha surge, and prevented HMGB1 elevation, thereby maintaining MAP and prolonging survival time in a neonatal sepsis CLP model.

Dexamethasone inhibits the induction of iNOS gene expression through destabilization of its mRNA in proinflammatory cytokine-stimulated hepatocytes

In the inflamed liver, proinflammatory cytokines including TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IFN-gamma stimulate the induction of iNOS gene expression, leading to excess production of NO and resulting in liver injury. The induction of iNOS is regulated by transactivation of the iNOS promoter with transcription factors such as nuclear factor kappaB and by posttranscriptional modifications such as mRNA stabilization. The synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone has been reported to inhibit iNOS induction, which may contribute to its inflammation-reducing effects. The objective was to investigate the mechanisms involved in the down-regulation of iNOS gene expression by dexamethasone. Primary cultured rat hepatocytes were treated with IL-1beta (1 nM) in the presence or absence of dexamethasone. The induction of iNOS and its signal were analyzed. Dexamethasone (10-250 nM) inhibited the expression of iNOS mRNA and protein dose and time dependently, resulting in decreases in NO production. However, dexamethasone did not inhibit the up-regulation of type I IL-1 receptor stimulated by IL-1beta. Dexamethasone also had no effect on the degradation of IkappaB proteins and on the activation of nuclear factor kappaB. Transfection experiments with iNOS promoter-luciferase constructs revealed that dexamethasone had no effect on the transactivation of the iNOS promoter but decreased the stabilization of iNOS mRNA. In support of the latter observation, dexamethasone inhibited the expression of an iNOS gene antisense transcript, which stabilizes iNOS mRNA by interacting with its 3'-untranslated region and 3'-untranslated region-binding proteins. Dexamethasone may inhibit the induction of iNOS gene expression at the step of mRNA stabilization rather than promoter activation and may provide useful therapeutic effects in iNOS induction involved in liver injuries.

Edaravone, a free radical scavenger, protects components of the neurovascular unit against oxidative stress in vitro

The concept of the neurovascular unit suggests that to be successful, stroke therapies must protect all neuronal, glial and endothelial components in brain. In this study, we tested the efficacy of the free radical scavenger edaravone in three cellular models of oxidative stress. HT22 neuronal cells were subjected to oxidative stress using the standard glutamate-induced glutathione depletion model. Primary rat astrocytes were exposed to H(2)O(2). Oxidative stress was induced in human brain endothelial cells with sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Edaravone significantly reduced oxidative cell death in both HT22 neuronal cells and primary rat astrocytes in a dose-dependent manner. SNP did not kill brain endothelial cells but instead reduced their production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Edaravone significantly ameliorated this response. These data suggest that free radical scavengers are effective in all cell types of the neurovascular unit, and should still be considered as a potential therapeutic approach for stroke.