Anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory effects of (-)-Epicatechin-3-O-β-d-allopyranoside, a constituent of Davallia formosana

Novel Anti-Viral Properties of the Herbal Extract of Davallia mariesii against Influenza A Virus

Gu-Sui-Bu, the dried rhizome of Davallia mariesii, is a traditional Chinese herbal remedy with a significant history of treating osteoporosis and inflammatory conditions. However, its potential as an anti-influenza agent and its underlying mechanisms of action remain unexplored. To obtain a more potent extract from D. mariesii and gain insights into its mechanism of action against influenza A virus (IAV), we utilized a partitioning process involving organic solvents and water, resulting in the isolation of butanolic subfractions of the D. mariesii extract (DMBE). DMBE exhibited a broad anti-viral spectrum, effectively inhibiting IAV, with an EC50 of 24.32 ± 6.19 µg/mL and a selectivity index of 6.05. We subsequently conducted a series of in vitro assays to evaluate the antiviral effects of DMBE and to uncover its mechanisms of action. DMBE was found to inhibit IAV during the early stages of infection by hindering the attachment of the virus onto and its penetration into host cells. Importantly, DMBE was observed to hinder IAV-mediated cell-cell fusion. It also inhibited neuraminidase activity, plaque size, and the expression levels of phospho-AKT. In summary, this study provides evidence for the effectiveness of D. mariesii as a complementary and alternative herbal remedy against IAV. Specifically, our data highlight DMBE's capabilities in inhibiting viral entry and the release of virions.

A Review of the Occurrence of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Potential Treatments through Medicinal Plants from an Indian Perspective

Arthritis is a medical condition that affects the joints and causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness. There are different types of arthritis, and it can affect people of all ages, even infants and the elderly. Recent studies have found that individuals with diabetes, heart disease, and obesity are more likely to experience arthritis symptoms. According to the World Health Organization, over 21% of people worldwide suffer from musculoskeletal problems. Roughly 42.19 million individuals in India, constituting around 0.31% of the populace, have been documented as having Rheumatic Arthritis (RA). Compared to other common diseases like diabetes, cancer, and AIDS, arthritis is more prevalent in the general population. Unfortunately, there is no specific cure for arthritis, and treatment plans usually involve non-pharmacological methods, surgeries, and medications that target specific symptoms. Plant-based remedies have also been shown to be effective in managing inflammation and related complications. In addition to therapies, maintaining a healthy diet, exercise, and weight management are essential for managing arthritis. This review discusses the causes, prevalence, diagnostic methods, current and prospective future treatments, and potential medicinal plants that may act as anti-inflammatory or anti-rheumatic agents. However, more research is necessary to identify the underlying mechanisms and active molecules that could improve arthritis treatment.

Panlongqi tablet suppresses adjuvant-induced rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting the inflammatory reponse in vivo and in vitro

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Panlongqi Tablet is prepared with the ancestral secret recipe provided by Mr. Wang Jiacheng, a famous specialist in orthopedics and traumatology of China. The efficacy and safety of PLQT have been supported by years of clinical practice in the treatment of joint-related conditions. Has remarkable effect for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) clinically. However, its mechanism is not entirely clear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aim to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of PLQT and explore its mechanism in adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA) mice and LPS-induced Human fibroblast-like synovial (HFLS) cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To this end, we analyzed the active ingredients in PLQT by HPLC-MS/MS. Furthermore, the anti-RA effect of PLQT was studied through proliferation, apoptosis, foot swelling, cytokine levels, immune organ index, histopathology and related signal pathways in LPS-induced HFLS cells and AA-treated mice.

RESULTS

HPLC-MS/MS results showed that PLQT contained a variety of active compounds, such as epicatechin, imperatorin, hydroxysafflor yellow A and so on. PLQT significantly inhibited the abnormal proliferation of HFLS cells induced by LPS, promoted cell apoptosis. In AA-treated mice, PLQT alleviated RA symptoms by alleviating paw swelling, synovial hyperplasia, pannus formation, inflammatory cell infiltration, and inhibiting abnormal immune responses. The results showed that PLQT significantly decreased the expression of inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17) in vivo and in vitro, which may be related to the regulation of PI3K/Akt, MAPK and JAK/STAT signaling pathways.

CONCLUSION

Based on serum pharmacology and in vivo pharmacology studies, PLQT may regulate RA symptoms by regulating inflammatory and immune response-related pathways, which is an effective method for the treatment of RA.

Targeting matrix metalloproteases: A promising strategy for herbal medicines to treat rheumatoid arthritis

As a type of metalloproteinase, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) can be divided into collagenase, gelatinase, stromelysins, membrane-type (MT)-MMPs and heterogeneous subgroups according to their structure and function. MMP contents in the human body are strictly regulated, and their synthesis, activation and inhibition processes should be kept in a certain balance; otherwise, this would result in the occurrence of various diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a known immune-mediated systemic inflammatory disease that is affected by a variety of endogenous and exogenous factors. In RA development, MMPs act as important mediators of inflammation and participate in the degradation of extracellular matrix substrates and digestion of fibrillar collagens, leading to the destruction of joint structures. Interestingly, increasing evidence has suggested that herbal medicines have many advantages in RA due to their multitarget properties. In this paper, literature was obtained through electronic databases, including the Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, Springer, and CNKI (Chinese). After classification and analysis, herbal medicines were found to inhibit the inflammatory process of RA by regulating MMPs and protecting joint structures. However, further preclinical and clinical studies are needed to support this view before these herbal medicines can be developed into drugs with actual application to the disease.

(-)-Epicatechin Ameliorates Monosodium Urate-Induced Acute Gouty Arthritis Through Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome and the NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Background: Gouty arthritis is a common and complex inflammatory disease that will reduce the life quality of human beings (-)-Epicatechin (EC) is famous for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of EC on gouty arthritis and its mechanisms. Methods and results: EC was added into a monosodium urate (MSU)-stimulated THP-1 cell that was induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in advance to establish a gout model in vitro. The efficiency of EC on acute gouty arthritis mice induced by MSU was further investigated. The results showed that EC concentration-dependently improved the cell viability of LPS and MSU stimulated THP-1 cells, and significantly alleviated MSU-induced ankle edema in mice in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, EC inhibited the infiltration of inflammatory cells and local cascular congestion in ankle joint tissue. Furthermore, the secretion of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, and TNF-α) activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-κB signaling pathway were markedly suppressed by EC in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: These results indicated that EC could effectively improve MSU-induced acute gouty arthritis via inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome and the NF-κB signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo, which suggested that EC might be a promising active ingredient for the prevention and treatment of gouty arthritis.

DNA Methylation of T Lymphocytes as a Therapeutic Target: Implications for Rheumatoid Arthritis Etiology

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that can cause joint damage and disability. Epigenetic variation, especially DNA methylation, has been shown to be involved in almost all the stages of the pathology of RA, from autoantibody production to various self-effector T cells and the defects of protective T cells that can lead to chronic inflammation and erosion of bones and joints. Given the critical role of T cells in the pathology of RA, the regulatory functions of DNA methylation in T cell biology remain unclear. In this review, we elaborate on the relationship between RA pathogenesis and DNA methylation in the context of different T cell populations. We summarize the relevant methylation events in T cell development, differentiation, and T cell-related genes in disease prediction and drug efficacy. Understanding the epigenetic regulation of T cells has the potential to profoundly translate preclinical results into clinical practice and provide a framework for the development of novel, individualized RA therapeutics.

The Role of Natural Products in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Current Knowledge of Basic In Vitro and In Vivo Research

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder affecting a vast variety of the population. The onset of RA as well as the development of systematic immunization is affected by both genetic and environmental risk factors. This review aims to point out the role of natural products in the management of RA, focusing on the reports of basic research (in vitro and animal studies) emphasizing the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties considered in the field of RA. A systematic screening of the relevant literature was carried out on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus with the following criteria: publication date, 2015-2020; language, English; study design, in vitro or animal models; and the investigation of one or several natural products in the context of RA, including, when available, the molecular mechanisms implicated. A total of 211 papers were initially obtained and screened. In vitro and animal studies referring to 20 natural products and 15 pure compounds were ultimately included in this review. The outcomes of this work provide an overview of the methods employed in basic research over the past five years, with emphasis on the limitations presented, while demonstrating the potential benefits of utilizing natural products in the management of RA as supported by in vitro and animal studies.

Compounds isolated from Euonymus spraguei Hayata induce ossification through multiple pathways

The process of bone metabolism includes catabolism of old or mature bone and anabolism of new bone, carried out by osteoclasts and osteoblasts respectively. Any imbalance in this process results in loss of bone mass or osteoporosis. Drugs available to combat osteoporosis have certain adverse effects and are unable to improve bone formation, hence identifying new agents to fulfil these therapeutic gaps is required. To expand the scope of potential agents that enhance bone formation, we identified Euonymus spraguei Hayata as a plant material that possesses robust osteogenic potential using human osteoblast cells. We isolated three compounds, syringaresinol (1), syringin (2), and (−)-epicatechin (3), from E. spraguei. Results demonstrated that syringin (2), and (−)-epicatechin (3), increased alkaline phosphatase activity significantly up to 131.01% and 130.67%, respectively; they also elevated mineral deposition with respective values of up to 139.39% and 138.33%. In addition, 2 and 3 modulated autophagy and the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 signaling pathway. Our findings demonstrated that 2 and 3 induced osteogenesis by targeting multiple pathways and therefore can be considered as potent multi-targeted drugs for bone formation against osteoporosis.

Emerging Therapeutic Activity of Davallia formosana on Prostate Cancer Cells through Coordinated Blockade of Lipogenesis and Androgen Receptor Expression

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most prevalent malignancy diagnosed in men in Western countries. There is currently no effective therapy for advanced PCa aggressiveness, including castration-resistant progression. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential efficacy and determine the molecular basis of Davallia formosana (DF) in PCa. Methods: LNCaP (androgen-sensitive) and C4-2 (androgen-insensitive/castration-resistant) PCa cells were utilized in this study. An MTT-based method, a wound healing assay, and the transwell method were performed to evaluate cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Intracellular fatty acid levels and lipid droplet accumulation were analyzed to determine lipogenesis. Moreover, apoptotic assays and in vivo experiments were conducted. Results: DF ethanol extract (DFE) suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion in PCa cells. DFE attenuated lipogenesis through inhibition of the expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) and fatty acid synthase (FASN). Moreover, DFE decreased androgen receptor (AR) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) expression in PCa cells. We further showed the potent therapeutic activity of DFE by repressing the growth and leading to apoptosis of subcutaneous C4-2 tumors in a xenograft mouse model. Conclusions: These data provide a new molecular basis of DFE in PCa cells, and co-targeting SREBP-1/FASN/lipogenesis and the AR axis by DFE could be employed as a novel and promising strategy for the treatment of PCa.

Herbal compounds for rheumatoid arthritis: Literatures review and cheminformatics prediction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic disease characterized by autoimmunity, joint inflammation, and cartilage destruction, which affects 0.5-1% of the population. Many compounds from herbal medicines show the potentials to treat RA. On this basis, the compounds with good pharmacokinetic behaviors and drug-likeness properties will be further studied and developed. Therefore, the herbal compounds with anti-RA activities were reviewed in this paper, and the cheminformatics tools were used to predict their drug-likeness properties and pharmacokinetic parameters. A total of 90 herbal compounds were analyzed, which were reported to be effective on RA models through anti-inflammation, chondroprotection, immunoregulation, antiangiogenesis, and antioxidation. Most of the herbal compounds have good drug-likeness properties. Most of the compounds can be an alternative and valuable source for anti-RA drug discovery.

Tibetan medicine Kuan-Jin-Teng exerts anti-arthritic effects on collagen-induced arthritis rats via inhibition the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and down-regulation of MAPK signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

The stems of Tinospora sinensis (Lour.) Merr commonly named "Kuan-Jin-Teng" in Chinese, have been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis as a Tibetan medicine.

PURPOSE

The effects of the EtOAc fraction of ethanolic extract from the stems of T. sinensis (KJT) on the pro-inflammatory cytokines and MAPK pathway were studied in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model.

STUDY DESIGN

Anti-arthritic activity of KJT was investigated in CIA model.

METHODS

The chemical constituents of KJT were analyzed by LC-MS and HPLC. The CIA model was established with injecting the bovine CII emulsified in Freund's adjuvant in Wistar rats. Several doses of KJT (50.0, 100.0 and 200.0 mg/kg) were administrated via oral gavage to CIA rats daily for 4 weeks. The anti-arthritic activity of KJT was investigated by clinical arthritis scoring, paw swelling inspection and hyperalgesia measurement, as well as radiological and histological analysis in CIA rats. The impacts of KJT on the activation of MAPK pathway, production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-17) in ankle joints, serum, and spleen in CIA rats were examined by western blot, immunohistochemical staining, ELISA, and quantitative real-time PCR respectively. Lastly, the effects of KJT on production of the nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as the regulation of the phosphorylation of p38 and Erk were detected in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 murine macrophage cells.

RESULTS

KJT significantly alleviated the paw swelling, hyperalgesia and arthritic severity, and reduced the synovial tissue proliferation and inflammatory cell infiltration in the CIA rats. Moreover, KJT suppressed the production of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-17 in ankle joints, serum, and spleen and reversed the up-regulation of the phosphorylation of p38 and Erk in CIA rats. KJT was also demonstrated to inhibit the production of NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6), and phosphorylation of p38 and Erk in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest the mechanisms of KJT performing its anti-arthritis effect may be attributed to inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and down-regulating the MAPK signaling pathway.