Camellia japonica oil suppressed asthma occurrence via GATA-3 & IL-4 pathway and its effective and major component is oleic acid

Reprogramming of arachidonic acid metabolism using α-terpineol to alleviate asthma: insights from metabolomics

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder in airways with typical pathologic features of airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion. α-Terpineol is a monocyclic terpene found in many natural plants and foods. It has been reported to possess a wide range of pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory and expectorant effects. However, the role of α-terpineol in asthma and its potential protective mechanism have not been well elucidated. This study is designed to investigate the pharmacological effect and mechanism of α-terpineol on asthmatic mice using the metabolomics platform. A murine model of asthma was established using ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and then challenged for one week. The leukocyte count and inflammatory cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), lung histopathology, inflammatory  infiltrate and mucus secretion were evaluated. An ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS)-based metabolomics study was performed on lung tissues and serum to explore endogenous small molecule metabolites affected by α-terpineol in asthmatic mice. After α-terpineol treatment, leukocyte count, inflammatory cytokines in the BALF, and peribronchial inflammation infiltration were significantly downregulated. Goblet cell hyperplasia and mucus secretion were attenuated, with the level of Muc5ac in BALF decreased. These results proved the protective effect of α-terpineol against airway inflammation, mucus hypersecretion and Th1/Th2 immune imbalance. To further investigate the underlying mechanisms of α-terpineol in asthma treatment, UPLC-MS/MS-based metabolomics analysis was performed. 26 and 15 identified significant differential metabolites were found in the lung tissues and serum of the control, model and α-terpineol groups, respectively. Based on the above differential metabolites, enrichment analysis showed that arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism was reprogrammed in both mouse lung tissues and serum. 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) are the key enzyme and the end product of AA metabolism, respectively. In-depth studies have shown that pretreatment with α-terpineol can alleviate asthma by decreasing the AA level, downregulating the expression of 5-LOX and reducing the accumulation of CysLTs in mouse lung tissues. In summary, this study demonstrates that α-terpineol is a potential agent that can prevent asthma via regulating disordered AA metabolism.

Decoding chronic rhinosinusitis: A metabolomics-based approach

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common and intractable disease in otorhinolaryngology, laying a heavy burden on healthcare systems. The worldwide researchers are making efforts to find solutions to this disease. Metabolomics has recently gained more and more traction, and might become a promising tool to unravel the complexity of CRS. This paper provides an overview of current studies on the metabolomics of various CRS subtypes.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library, up to May 25, 2023. Search strategies incorporated key terms such as "chronic rhinosinusitis" and "metabolomics" with relevant synonyms and MeSH terms. Titles and abstracts of 86 screened articles were assessed for relevance to CRS and metabolomics. Methodological robustness, data reliability, and relevance were considered for shortlisted articles.

RESULTS

After the refined process, a total of 26 articles were included in this study and sorted out by research themes, methodology and pivotal discoveries. These included studies identified the metabolic pathways and markers related to the pathophysiology in each subtype of CRS.

CONCLUSIONS

Metabolomics helps to shed light on the complexity of CRS. The mentioned findings highlight the importance of specific metabolic pathways and markers in understanding the pathophysiology of CRS. Despite that, challenges and future directions in metabolomics research for CRS would be worth being further explored.

Tylophora indica (Burm. f.) Merr alleviates tracheal smooth muscle hyperresponsiveness in ovalbumin-induced allergic-asthma model in guinea-pigs: Evidences from ex vivo, in silico and in vivo studies

BACKGROUND

Tylophora indica (Burm. f.) Merr is a climbing perennial plant reported in Indian traditional system of medicine for its use in allergy and asthma. However, only few scientific studies have been performed in the past to validate its antiasthmatic potential.

OBJECTIVES

The present study deals with investigation of airway smooth muscle relaxant and antiasthmatic potential of extract and subsequent fractions prepared from T. indica.

METHODS

The most active fraction of T. indica leaves selected through bio-guided activity was subjected to liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis for chemical profiling. The binding affinity of identified compounds in fraction towards M3 and H1 receptors was determined by molecular docking study. F-2 (chloroform fraction prepared from methanolic extract of T. indica leaves) was examined for its smooth muscle relaxant properties using isolated trachea of guinea-pig. Further, F-2 was evaluated through in vivo studies employing ovalbumin-induced asthma model in guinea-pigs.

RESULTS

F-2 was found most effective in bioassay-guided fractionation. Characterization by LC-MS analysis revealed presence of five major bioactive compounds in F-2 that showed good docking interactions with M3 and H1 receptors. The ex vivo study demonstrated that F-2 could significantly relax tracheal rings via targeting multiple signalling pathways videlicet, namely, noncompetitive antagonism of the histamine and muscarinic receptors, β2-adrenergic stimulation and activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase. In in vivo studies, F-2 ameliorated airway hyperresponsiveness and decreased broncho alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) levels of inflammatory cytokines and immunoglobulin E (IgE).

CONCLUSION

These results confirm the traditional use of T. indica as an antiasthmatic agent which are evidenced through ex vivo, in silico and in vivo studies.

Drug Development from Natural Products Based on the Pathogenic Mechanism of Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pulmonary system associated with many wheeze-to-sleep apnea complications that may lead to death. In 2019, approximately 262 million patients suffered from asthma, and 455 thousand died from the disease worldwide. It is a more severe health problem in children and older adults, and as the aging of society intensifies, the problem will continue to worsen. Asthma inducers can be classified as indoor and outdoor allergens and can cause asthma due to their repeated invasion. There are several theories about asthma occurrence, such as the imbalance between Th1 and Th2, inflammation in the pulmonary system, and the abnormal apoptosis/cell proliferation of cells related to asthma. Although there are many medications for asthma, as it is an incurable disease, the purpose of the drugs is only to suppress the symptoms. The current drugs can be divided into relievers and controllers; however, as they have many adverse effects, such as immune suppression, growth retardation, promotion of cataracts, hyperactivity, and convulsions, developing new asthma drugs is necessary. Although natural products can have adverse effects, the development of asthma drugs from natural products may be beneficial, as some have anti-asthmatic effects such as immune modulation, anti-inflammation, and/or apoptosis modulation.

Phaeanthus vietnamensis Ban Ameliorates Lower Airway Inflammation in Experimental Asthmatic Mouse Model via Nrf2/HO-1 and MAPK Signaling Pathway

Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease listed as one of the top global health problems. Phaeanthus vietnamensis BÂN is a well-known medicinal plant in Vietnam with its anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory potential, and gastro-protective properties. However, there is no study about P. vietnamensis extract (PVE) on asthma disease. Here, an OVA-induced asthma mouse model was established to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic effects and possible mechanisms of PVE. BALB/c mice were sensitized by injecting 50 μg OVA into the peritoneal and challenged by nebulization with 5% OVA. Mice were orally administered various doses of PVE once daily (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) or dexamethasone (Dex; 2.5 mg/kg) or Saline 1 h before the OVA challenge. The cell infiltrated in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was analyzed; levels of OVA-specific immunoglobulins in serum, cytokines, and transcription factors in the BALF were measured, and lung histopathology was evaluated. PVE, especially PVE 200mg/kg dose, could improve asthma exacerbation by balancing the Th1/Th2 ratio, reducing inflammatory cells in BALF, depressing serum anti-specific OVA IgE, anti-specific OVA IgG1, histamine levels, and retrieving lung histology. Moreover, the PVE treatment group significantly increased the expressions of antioxidant enzymes Nrf2 and HO-1 in the lung tissue and the level of those antioxidant enzymes in the BALF, decreasing the oxidative stress marker MDA level in the BALF, leading to the relieving the activation of MAPK signaling in asthmatic condition. The present study demonstrated that Phaeanthus vietnamensis BÂN, traditionally used in Vietnam as a medicinal plant, may be used as an efficacious agent for treating asthmatic disease.

Optimization of Physical Refining Process of Camellia Oil for Reduction of 3-Monochloropropane-1,2-Diol (3-MCPD) Ester Formation Using Response Surface Methodology on a Laboratory Scale

Refined and deodorized camellia oil has been reported to contain a high amount of 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol esters (3-MCPDE) due to the high-temperature deodorization step. To reduce 3-MCPDE in camellia oil, the physical refining process of camellia oil was simulated on a laboratory scale. Response surface methodology (RSM) was designed to modify and optimize the refining process with five processing parameters (water degumming dosage, degumming temperature, activated clay dosage, deodorization temperature and deodorization time). The optimized new refining approach achieved a 76.9% reduction in 3-MCPDE contents, in which the degumming moisture was 2.97%, the degumming temperature was 50.5 °C, the activated clay dosage was 2.69%, the deodorizing temperature was 230 °C, and the deodorizing time was 90 min. A significance test and analysis of variance results demonstrated that the deodorization temperature and deodorization time contributed significantly to the reduction of 3-MCPD ester. The joint interaction effects of activated clay dosage and deodorization temperature were significant for 3-MCPD ester formation.

Molecular and Immunomodulatory Actions of New Antiasthmatic Agents: Exploring the Diversity of Biologics in Th2 Endotype Asthma

Asthma is a major respiratory disorder characterised by chronic inflammation and airway remodelling. It affects about 1-8% of the global population and is responsible for over 461,000 deaths annually. Until recently, the pharmacotherapy of severe asthma involved high doses of inhaled corticosteroids in combination with β-agonist for prolonged action, including theophylline, leukotriene antagonist or anticholinergic yielding limited benefit. Although the use of newer agents to target Th2 asthma endotypes has improved therapeutic outcomes in severe asthmatic conditions, there seems to be a paucity of understanding the diverse mechanisms through which these classes of drugs act. This article delineates the molecular and immunomodulatory mechanisms of action of new antiasthmatic agents currently being trialled in preclinical and clinical studies to remit asthmatic conditions. The ultimate goal in developing antiasthmatic agents is based on two types of approaches: either anti-inflammatory or bronchodilators. Biologic and most small molecules have been shown to modulate specific asthma endotypes, targeting thymic stromal lymphopoietin, tryptase, spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), Janus kinase, PD-L1/PD-L2, GATA-3, and CD38 for the treatment and management of Th2 endotype asthma.

Prediction of the Active Components and Possible Targets of Xanthii Fructus Based on Network Pharmacology for Use in Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a complex condition brought on for many reasons, and its prevalence is rising gradually around the world. Xanthii Fructus (XF) has been used in the treatment of CRS for decades and is effective. The chemical and pharmacological profiles of XF, on the other hand, are still unknown and need to be clarified. The potential mechanisms of XF in CRS treatment were investigated using a network pharmacology approach in this study. OB and DL were in charge of screening the bioactive components in XF and drug-likeness. TCMSP and PubChem databases were used to identify prospective XF proteins, whereas GeneCards and the DisGeNET database were used to identify potential CRS genes. An interactive network of XF and CRS is built using the STRING database based on common goals identified by the online tool Venny. Cytoscape was used to visualize the topological characteristics of nodes, while the biological function pathways were identified by GO Knowledge Base, KEGG. There were 26 bioactive components and 115 potential targets in XF that bind to CRS or are considered therapeutically relevant. Five significant signaling pathways have been found for CRS by the pathway analysis including the HIF-1 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. We simultaneously confirmed that the PI3K-Akt pathway promotes the development of CRS. Finally, this study took a holistic approach to the pharmacological actions and molecular mechanisms of XF in the treatment of CRS. TNF, INS, CCL2, CXCL8, IL-10, VEGFA, and IL-6 have all been identified as potential targets for anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects. This network pharmacology prediction could be useful in manifesting the molecular mechanisms of the Chinese herbal compound XF for CRS.

Lipid Nutrition in Asthma

Asthma is a heterogeneous pulmonary disease that has constantly increased in prevalence over the past several decades. Primary symptoms include airway constriction, airway hyperresponsiveness, and airway remodeling with additional symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Allergic asthma involves chronic inflammation of the lungs, and the rise in its yearly diagnosis is potentially associated with the increased global consumption of foods similar to the western diet. Thus, there is growing interest into the link between diet and asthma symptoms, with mounting evidence for an important modulatory role for dietary lipids. Lipids can act as biological mediators in both a proinflammatory and proresolution capacity. Fatty acids play key roles in signaling and in the production of mediators in the allergic and inflammatory pathways. The western diet leads to a disproportionate ω-6:ω-3 ratio, with drastically increased ω-6 levels. To counteract this, consumption of fish and fish oil and the use of dietary oils with anti-inflammatory properties such as olive and sesame oil can increase ω-3 and decrease ω-6 levels. Increasing vitamin intake, lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and limiting consumption of oxidized lipids can help reduce the risk of asthma and the exacerbation of asthmatic symptoms. These dietary changes can be achieved by increasing intake of fruits, vegetables, nuts, oily fish, seeds, animal-related foods (eggs, liver), cheeses, grains, oats, and seeds, and decreasing consumption of fried foods (especially fried in reused oils), fast foods, and heavily processed foods.

Identification of Novel Biomarkers for Evaluating Disease Severity in House-Dust-Mite-Induced Allergic Rhinitis by Serum Metabolomics

The aim of this study was to identify differences in serum metabolomics profiles of house-dust-mite (HDM)-induced allergic rhinitis (AR) patients compared to controls and to explore novel biomarkers reflecting disease severity. Serum samples were collected from 29 healthy controls and HDM-induced 72 AR patients, including 30 mild patients (MAR) and 42 moderate to severe AR patients (MSAR). Metabolomics detection was performed, and orthogonal partial least square discriminate analysis was applied to assess the differences between AR patients and controls and for subgroups based on disease severity. These analysis results successfully revealed distinct metabolite signatures which distinguished MAR patients and MSAR patients from controls. MSAR patients also could be discriminated from MAR patients based on their metabolic fingerprints. Most observed metabolite changes were related to glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, and fatty acid metabolism. Levels of sarcosine, sphingosine-1-phosphate, cytidine, and linoleic acid significantly correlated with the total nasal symptom score and visual analogue scale in AR patients. These results suggest that metabolomics profiling may provide novel insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of HDM-induced AR and contribute to its evaluation of disease severity.

Anti-inflammatory effect of herbal traditional medicine extract on molecular regulation in allergic asthma

Asthma is an important global health problem, and the main cause of asthma is allergic reaction and immune system dysregulation. Airway inflammation causes bronchial narrowing, and goblet cell hyperplasia leads to mucus hypersecretion that leads to airflow obstruction and difficulty breathing. The Th2 cytokines can induce allergic asthma. Camellia, Adhatoda, and Glycyrrhiza are the traditional medicines that are used in some countries. In the current study, we evaluated three herbal extracts on airway inflammatory responses in asthmatic mice. The asthma model was induced in mice that were divided into 6 groups: Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) group, ovalbumin (OVA) group, OVA-budesonide group, OVA-Glycyrrhiza group, OVA-Camellia group, and OVA-Adhatoda group. Measurements of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), IgE, histamine, percentages of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALf), gene expression of COX-2, CCL24, CCL11, eotaxin, and histopathological study of lung were done. Adhatoda significantly attenuated the IL-4, IgE, and histamine levels. Glycyrrhiza attenuated the levels of IL-5, IL-13, GTP, GOT (on day 51), mRNA expression of eotaxin, CCL24, CCL11, and COX-2, eosinophil infiltration, mucus secretion, and goblet cell hyperplasia. Camellia decreased IL-13, GTP, COX-2 mRNA expression, mucus secretion, and goblet cell hyperplasia on day 31 and 51. We evaluated effect of three plants on allergic bio-factors. Glycyrrhiza as main anti-inflammatory treatment, Adhatoda as anti-allergic, and Camellia as anti-mucus releasing treatment can be used in attacks of allergic asthma.

Cryptotympana pustulata Extract and Its Main Active Component, Oleic Acid, Inhibit Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Airway Inflammation through Inhibition of Th2/GATA-3 and Interleukin-17/RORγt Signaling Pathways in Asthmatic Mice

Cicadae Periostracum (CP), derived from the slough of Cryptotympana pustulata, has been used as traditional medicine in Korea and China because of its diaphoretic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antianaphylactic activities. The major bioactive compounds include oleic acid (OA), palmitic acid, and linoleic acid. However, the precise therapeutic mechanisms underlying its action in asthma remain unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the antiasthmatic effects of CP in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mouse model. CP and OA inhibited the inflammatory cell infiltration, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), and production of interleukin (IL)7 and Th2 cytokines (IL-5) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and OVA-specific imunoglobin E (IgE) in the serum. The gene expression of IL-5, IL-13, CCR3, MUC5AC, and COX-2 was attenuated in lung tissues. CP and OA might inhibit the nuclear translocation of GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA-3) and retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor γt (RORγt) via the upregulation of forkhead box p3 (Foxp3), thereby preventing the activation of GATA-3 and RORγt. In the in vitro experiment, a similar result was observed for Th2 and GATA-3. These results suggest that CP has the potential for the treatment of asthma via the inhibition of the GATA-3/Th2 and IL-17/RORγt signaling pathways.

The Role of Chronic Inflammation in Various Diseases and Anti-inflammatory Therapies Containing Natural Products

Chronic inflammation represents a long-term reaction of the body's immune system to noxious stimuli. Such a sustained inflammatory response sometimes results in lasting damage to healthy tissues and organs. In fact, chronic inflammation is implicated in the development and progression of various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, metabolic diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and even cancers. Targeting nonresolving inflammation thus provides new opportunities for treating relevant diseases. In this review, we will go over several chronic inflammation-associated diseases first with emphasis on the role of inflammation in their pathogenesis. Then, we will summarize a number of natural products that exhibit therapeutic effects against those diseases by acting on different markers in the inflammatory response. We envision that natural products will remain a rich resource for the discovery of new drugs treating diseases associated with chronic inflammation.

Effects of different preheat treatments on volatile compounds of camellia (Camellia oleifera Abel.) seed oil and formation mechanism of key aroma compounds

In this study, volatile compounds of camellia seed oil (CSO) prepared by different preheat treatments (microwave, frying, roasting, and steaming) were identified by headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS). A total of 107 volatile compounds were identified in CSO samples, including aldehydes (16), alcohols (6), ketones (3), heterocyclic compounds (26), esters (23), hydrocarbons (15), and others (17). Among them, untreated CSO is mainly hydrocarbons, roasting and steaming CSO are mainly aldehydes and alcohols, while microwave and roasting CSO are dominated by aldehydes and heterocyclic compounds. Fourteen volatile compounds with high relative odor activity value (ROAV ≥ 1) were selected as key aroma compounds (KACs). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA) were performed on 14 KACs, which determined that there were 3, 3, 3, 7, and 6 characteristic aroma compounds (CACs) in untreated, microwaved, frying, roasting, and steaming CSO. Additionally, the potential formation pathways and mechanism of KACs were discussed. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Flavor is an important factor for consumers to choose edible oils, and it is also one of the indicators of oil quality. Different flavors of CSO can cater to the needs of different consumers. CSO manufactories can choose different preheat treatments to produce CSO with various flavors to meet different customers' need. CSO with new flavor can extend its market share and increase its value.

Alnus hirsuta (Spach) Rupr. Attenuates Airway Inflammation and Mucus Overproduction in a Murine Model of Ovalbumin-Challenged Asthma

Alnus hirsuta (Spach) Rupr. (AH), a member of the Betulaceae family, is widely used in Eastern Asia of as a source of medicinal compounds for the treatment of hemorrhage, diarrhea, and alcoholism. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of a methanolic extract of AH branches against airway inflammation and mucus production in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-stimulated NCI-H292 cells and in an ovalbumin (OVA)-challenged allergic asthma mouse model. Female BALB/c mice were injected with OVA (40 μg) and aluminum hydroxide (2 mg) on days 0 and 14 to induce allergic airway inflammation. The mice were then challenged with 1% OVA from days 21–23. Mice were treated with AH (50 and 100 mg/kg/day; 2% DMSO) or dexamethasone (positive control; 3 mg/kg/day) from days 18–23. AH treatment effectively attenuated airway resistance/hyperresponsiveness and reduced levels of T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines, eotaxins, and number of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and immunoglobulin E in serums of OVA-challenged mice. In histological analysis, AH treatment significantly inhibited airway inflammation and mucus production in OVA-challenged mice. AH treatment downregulated the phosphorylation of I kappa B-alpha, p65 nuclear factor-kappa B (p65NF-κB), and mitogen-activated protein kinases with suppression of mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) in lung tissue. Moreover, AH treatment decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and Th2 cytokines, as well as MUC5AC expression, and inhibited the phosphorylation of p65NF-κB in TNF-α-stimulated NCI-H292 cells. These results indicate that AH might represent a useful therapeutic agent for the treatment of allergic asthma.

The Role of Serum Metabolomics in Distinguishing Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyp Phenotypes

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by different clinical features and treatment responsiveness. This study aimed to compare the serum metabolomics profiles between eosinophilic CRSwNP (eCRSwNP) and non-eosinophilic CRSwNP (neCRSwNP) and healthy controls (HC) and explore objective biomarkers for distinguishing eCRSwNP before surgery. Methods: Serum samples were collected from 33 neCRSwNP patients, 37 eCRSwNP patients, and 29 HC. Serum metabolomics profiles were investigated by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: The analysis results revealed that neCRSwNP, eCRSwNP, and HC exhibited distinctive metabolite signatures. In addition, eCRSwNP could be distinguished from neCRSwNP referring to their serum metabolic profiles, and the top ten different metabolites were citrulline, choline, linoleic acid, adenosine, glycocholic acid, L-serine, triethanolamine, 4-guanidinobutyric acid, methylmalonic acid, and L-methionine, which were related to several most important pathways including arginine and proline metabolism; glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism; linoleic acid metabolism; and purine metabolism. Among these distinctive metabolites, citrulline, linoleic acid, adenosine, and 4-guanidinobutyric acid showed good predictabilities, and the serum levels of citrulline, linoleic acid, and adenosine were significantly correlated with tissue eosinophil (T-EOS) percentage and T-EOS count. Conclusion: eCRSwNP patients exhibited discriminative serum metabolic signatures in comparison with neCRSwNP patients and HC. These results suggested that metabolomics profiles contributed to understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of CRSwNP and distinguishing its phenotypes.

Tilianin attenuates HDM-induced allergic asthma by suppressing Th2-immune responses via downregulation of IRF4 in dendritic cells

BACKGROUND

Acacetin 7-O-β-D-glucoside (tilianin) is a major constituent of Agastache rugosa, a traditional medicine that has long been used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Tilianin has a wide variety of pharmacological properties such as cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and anti-atherogenic activities. We recently discovered that tilianin has the ability to suppress MUC5AC expression in vitro. In addition, we have established an in vivo model of allergic asthma using house dust mite (HDM) that can be applied to tilianin.

PURPOSE

We investigated the effects of tilianin on airway inflammation in a HDM-induced asthma mouse model and associated mechanisms.

METHODS

Tilianin was treated in splenocytes cultured in Th0 condition and HDM-stimulated bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs), and their mRNA expression and cytokines production were determined by quantitative real-time PCR and ELISA. To evaluate the effects of tilianin in an allergic asthma model, mice were sensitized and challenged with HDM. Tilianin was administered prior to challenge by oral gavage and airway hyper-reactivity (AHR) to methacholine, inflammatory cell infiltration, cytokine levels, and airway remodeling were assessed.

RESULTS

Tilianin inhibited the production of Th2-related cytokines in splenocytes, which play pivotal roles in allergic airway inflammation. When treated in HDM-stimulated BMDCs, tilianin decreased Th2-skewing cytokine IL-33 and transcription factor IRF4. On the contrary, tilianin increased Th1-skewing regulators, IL-12 and IRF1. In an HDM-induced asthmatic mouse model, tilianin attenuated AHR and airway inflammation. Tilianin suppressed the expression of Th2-related cytokines, IL-13 and IL-33 in lung tissues. As seen in HDM-stimulated BMDCs, tilianin also downregulated the expression of the transcription factor IRF4 but not IRF1.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these results suggest that tilianin attenuates HDM-induced allergic airway inflammation by inhibiting Th2-mediated inflammation through the selective inhibition of the IRF4-IL-33 axis in dendritic cells.

Korean Red Ginseng affects ovalbumin-induced asthma by modulating IL-12, IL-4, and IL-6 levels and the NF-κB/COX-2 and PGE2 pathways

Background

Asthma is an incurable hyper-responsive disease of the pulmonary system that is caused by various allergens, including indoor and outdoor stimulators. According to the Global Asthma Network, 339 million people suffered from asthma in 2018, with particularly severe forms in children. Numerous treatments for asthma are available; however, they are frequently associated with adverse effects such as growth retardation, neurological disorders (e.g., catatonia, poor concentration, and insomnia), and physiological disorders (e.g., immunosuppression, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and osteoporosis).

Methods

Korean Red Ginseng has long been used to treat numerous diseases in many countries, and we investigated the anti-asthmatic effects and mechanisms of action of Korean Red Ginseng. Eighty-four BALB/c mice were assigned to 6 treatment groups: control, ovalbumin-induced asthma group, dexamethasone treatment group, and 3 groups treated with Korean Red Ginseng water extract (KRGWE) at 5, 25, or 50 mg/kg/day for 5 days. Anti-asthmatic effects of KRGWE were assessed based on biological changes, such as white blood cell counts and differential counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, serum IgE levels, and histopathological changes in the lungs, and by examining anti-asthmatic mechanisms, such as the cytokines associated with Th1, Th2, and Treg cells and inflammation pathways.

Results

KRGWE affected ovalbumin-induced changes, such as increased white blood cell counts, increased IgE levels, and morphological changes (mucous hypersecretion, epithelial cell hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration) by downregulating cytokines such as IL-12, IL-4, and IL-6 via GATA-3 inactivation and suppression of inflammation via NF-κB/COX-2 and PGE₂ pathways.

Conclusion

KRGWE is a promising drug for asthma treatment.

Saururus chinensis-controlled allergic pulmonary disease through NF-κB/COX-2 and PGE2 pathways

Saururus chinensis is a perennial herb found in the northeastern regions of Asia, including Korea, China, and Japan, and is used in traditional medicine. Studies have identified the four major constituents in Saururus chinensis water extract (LHF618^®) as miquelianin (11.75 ± 0.092 mg/g), rutin (1.20 ± 0.008 mg/g), quercitrin (2.38 ± 0.389 mg/g), and quercetin (0.068 ± 0.017 mg/g). Saururus chinensis can improve the symptoms of ovalbumin- or fine dust-induced allergic pulmonary disease by suppressing the effects of WBCs and neutrophils in BALF and IgE in the serum. Saururus chinensis dose-dependently recovered morphological changes such as mucous hyper secretion (from 2.7 ± 0.46 to 0.6 ± 0.65), pulmonary epithelial cell hyperplasia (from 2.4 ± 0.55 to 0.7 ± 0.67), and inflammatory cell infiltration (from 2.3 ± 0.45 to 0.6 ± 0.43), and effectively controlled cDNA levels and protein levels of IL-13. It inhibited NF-κB translocation and COX-2 protein synthesis and suppressed the expression of PGE₂. Our results show that Saururus chinensis controlled allergic pulmonary disease via the anti-inflammatory pathways, NF-κB/COX-2 and PGE₂. Saururus chinensis may be a promising drug candidate against fine dust-induced allergic pulmonary disease.

Herbal Medication, Macmoondong Decoction, Attenuates LPS-Induced COPD in Small Airways via TGF-β, CCL-2, and CXCL1

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an incurable disease related to the respiratory system. A 2017 report by the World Health Organization stated that it was the third most common cause of death in 2015. Macmoondong decoction is a prescription that has been used widely in Korea for the treatment of respiratory diseases, but there have been few investigations into the therapeutic mechanism. To investigate the anti-COPD effect of macmoondong decoction, the animals were divided into five treatment groups: control; COPD-induced control; Spiriva; 150 mg/kg macmoondong decoction; and 1500 mg/kg macmoondong decoction. Changes typically observed in COPD, such as the populations of WBC and neutrophils in BALF, the level of IgE in serum, morphological changes, the DNA levels, and the protein expression of cytokines and chemokines (TGF-β, CCL-2, CXCL1, and CXCL11) in the pulmonary system, were evaluated. Macmoondong decoction inhibited the populations of WBC and neutrophils in BALF and the level of IgE in serum. Dose-dependent prevention of the pulmonary morphological changes, such as emphysema and airway fibrosis, was observed. Macmoondong decoction suppressed the expression of DNA and proteins related to the occurrence of COPD, such as TGF-β, CCL-2, CXCL1, and CXCL11. In particular, the expression of TGF-β, CCL-2, and CXCL1 was significantly suppressed by 1500 mg/kg macmoondong decoction treatment compared with Spiriva treatment. Macmoondong decoction exerted an anti-COPD effect, and the mechanism of its action may be the suppression of TGF-β, CCL-2, CXCL1, and CXCL11 expression, which occurred in a dose-dependent manner. The mechanism of action of macmoondong decoction may be the dose-dependent suppression of TGF-β, CCL-2, CXCL1, and CXCL11, with TGF-β, CCL-2, and CXCL1 as the potential key factors involved in COPD suppression.

Sanao decoction for asthma: Protocol of a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by recurrent attacks of breathlessness and wheezing, which often worsen at night or in the early morning and vary from person to person in severity and frequency. Sanao decoction (SAD), as a traditional Chinese medicine compound, has a long history of clinical application in the treatment of respiratory diseases. Whereas neither systematic nor meta-analysis of randomized controlled articles explain the efficacy of SAD in treating asthma. Therefore, we provide a protocol to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SAD for asthma.

METHODS

From the beginning to December 2018, the following electronic databases will be searched for studies in English or Chinese: the Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, the Chinese Scientific Journal Database, and the Wanfang Database. Total effective rate, peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC will be measured as primary outcomes. Meta-analysis will be performed using the Stata 15.

RESULTS

This study will provide the current evidence of asthma treated with SAD from the several points including PEF, FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC.

CONCLUSION

The consequence of this summary will furnish proof to evaluate if SAD is effective in the treatment of asthma.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO CRD42018117923.

The Ethanol Extract of Holotrichia diomphalia Larvae, Containing Fatty acids and Amino acids, Exerts Anti-Asthmatic Effects through Inhibition of the GATA-3/Th2 Signaling Pathway in Asthmatic Mice

Holotrichia diomphalia larvae (HD), a natural product from an insect resource, possesses many pharmacological properties, including anticoagulant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activity. The major bioactive ingredients include oleic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, linoleic acid, proline, and glutamic acid. Although HD is associated with immunoregulatory activities in allergic diseases, the therapeutic mechanisms of the action of HD in allergic diseases have not been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-asthmatic potential of HD in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mouse model of allergic asthma. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory potential of HD was examined to identify a plausible mechanism of action of HD in vitro. HD strongly reduced goblet cell hyperplasia, eosinophil infiltration, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which reduced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), inflammation, and the expression of Th2 cytokines (IL-5 and IL-13) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The expression of IL-5, IL-4, eotaxin-2, lysyl oxidase-like 2 (loxl2), and GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA-3) was attenuated in the lungs. In an in vitro assay, HD exerted immunomodulatory effects through the suppression of Th2 cytokines (IL-5, IL-13), IL-17, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production through downregulation of GATA-3 expression in EL-4 T cells. These findings suggest that the anti-asthmatic activity of HD may occur through the suppression of Th2 cytokines and total Immunoglobulin E (IgE) production by inhibition of the GATA-3 transcription pathway. Our results suggest that HD may be a potential alternative therapy, or a novel therapeutic traditional medicine, for the treatment of allergic asthma.