KGC3P attenuates ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation through downregulation of p-PTEN in asthmatic mice

In vitro immune-enhancing effects of Platycodon grandiflorum combined with Salvia plebeian via MAPK and NF-κB signaling in RAW264.7 cells

The immune-enhancing activity of the combination of Platycodon grandiflorum and Salvia plebeian extracts (PGSP) was evaluated through macrophage activation using RAW264.7 cells. PGSP (250-1000 μg/mL) showed a higher release of NO in a dose-dependent manner. The results showed that PGSP could significantly stimulate the production of PGE2, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in RAW264.7 cells and promote iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4, and IL-6 mRNA expression. Western blot analysis demonstrated that the protein expression of iNOS and COX-2 and the phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, p38, and NF-κB p65 were greatly increased in PGSP-treated cells. PGSP also promoted the phagocytic activity of RAW264.7 cells. All these results indicated that PGSP might activate macrophages through MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. Taken together, PGSP may be considered to have immune-enhancing activity and might be used as a potential immune-enhancing agent.

Protective effect of the mixture of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KC3 and Leonurus Japonicas Houtt extract on respiratory disorders

Air pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM) and diesel exhaust particles (DEP), are associated with respiratory diseases. Therefore, preventive and therapeutic strategies against PM-and DEP (PM10D)-induced respiratory diseases are needed. Herein, we evaluate the protective effects of a mixture of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KC3 and Leonurus Japonicas Houtt (LJH) extract against airway inflammation associated with exposure to PM10D. To determine the anti-inflammatory effects of the LJH extract, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the expression of inflammatory pathways were determined in PM10-induced MH-S cells. For the respiratory protective effects, BALB/c mice were exposed to PM10D via intranasal injection, and a mixture of L. plantarum KC3 and LJH extract was administered orally for 12 days. LJH extract inhibited ROS production and the phosphorylation of downstream factors of NF-κB in PM10-stimulated MH-S cells. The mixture of L. plantarum KC3 and LJH repressed the infiltration of neutrophils, reduced the immune cells number, and suppressed the proinflammatory mediators and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expressions in PM10D-induced airway inflammation with reduced phosphorylation of downstream factors of NF-κB. In addition, these effects were not observed in an alveolar macrophage depleted PM10D-induced mouse model using clodronate liposomes. The extract mixture also regulated gut microbiota in feces and upregulated the mRNA expression of Foxp3, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and interleukin (IL)-10 in the colon. The L. plantarum KC3 and LJH extract mixture may inhibit alveolar macrophage- and neutrophil-mediated inflammatory responses and regulate gut microbiota and immune response in PM10D-induced airway inflammation, suggesting it is a potential remedy to prevent and cure airway inflammation and respiratory disorders.

Exploration of natural flavones' bioactivity and bioavailability in chronic inflammation induced-type-2 diabetes mellitus

Diabetes, being the most widespread illness, poses a serious threat to global public health. It seems that inflammation plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of diabetes. This review aims to demonstrate a probable link between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic inflammation during its development. Additionally, the current review examined the bioactivity of natural flavones and the possible molecular mechanisms by which they influence diabetes and inflammation. While natural flavones possess remarkable anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory bioactivities, their therapeutic use is limited by the low oral bioavailability. Several factors contribute to the low bioavailability, including poor water solubility, food interaction, and unsatisfied metabolic behaviors, while the diseases (diabetes, inflammation, etc.) causing even less bioavailability. Throughout the years, different strategies have been developed to boost flavones' bioavailability, including structural alteration, biological transformation, and innovative drug delivery system design. This review addresses current advancements in improving the bioavailability of flavonoids in general, and flavones in particular. Clinical trials were also analyzed to provide insight into the potential application of flavonoids in diabetes and inflammatory therapies.

Korean Red Ginseng Ameliorates Allergic Asthma through Reduction of Lung Inflammation and Oxidation

Six-year-old red ginseng, which is processed from the whole ginseng root via steaming and drying, has been shown to have preventive effects such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of Korean red ginseng (KRG) against ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma and the underlying mechanisms involved. We injected 20 µg of OVA on days 0 and 14, and mice were challenged with aerosolized OVA via a nebulizer for 1 h on days 21, 22, and 23. KRG was administered at 100 and 300 mg/kg from days 18 to 23. The KRG-treated mice showed significant reductions in their airway hyperresponsiveness, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the number of inflammatory cells compared with the OVA-treated mice. The levels of type 2 cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and expression of OVA-specific immunoglobulin E in the serum, which were elevated in the OVA group, were reduced in the KRG-treated groups. The pro-inflammatory factors, inducible nitric oxide synthase and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, were downregulated by the KRG administration in a dose-dependent manner. KRG effectively suppressed the inflammatory response by inhibiting ROS production. Our results suggest that KRG may have the potential to alleviate asthma.

PTEN: An Emerging Potential Target for Therapeutic Intervention in Respiratory Diseases

Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) is a potent tumor suppressor that regulates several key cellular processes, including proliferation, survival, genomic integrity, migration, and invasion, via PI3K-dependent and independent mechanisms. A subtle decrease in PTEN levels or catalytic activity is implicated not only in cancer but also in a wide spectrum of other diseases, including various respiratory diseases. A systemic overview of the advances in the molecular and cellular mechanisms of PTEN involved in the initiation and progression of respiratory diseases may offer novel targets for the development of effective therapeutics for the treatment of respiratory diseases. In the present review, we highlight the novel findings emerging from current research on the role of PTEN expression and regulation in airway pathological conditions such as asthma/allergic airway inflammation, pulmonary hypertension (PAH), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and other acute lung injuries (ALI). Moreover, we discuss the clinical implications of PTEN alteration and recently suggested therapeutic possibilities for restoration of PTEN expression and function in respiratory diseases.

PPAR Gamma: From Definition to Molecular Targets and Therapy of Lung Diseases

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are members of the nuclear receptor superfamily that regulate the expression of genes related to lipid and glucose metabolism and inflammation. There are three members: PPARα, PPARβ or PPARγ. PPARγ have several ligands. The natural agonists are omega 9, curcumin, eicosanoids and others. Among the synthetic ligands, we highlight the thiazolidinediones, clinically used as an antidiabetic. Many of these studies involve natural or synthetic products in different pathologies. The mechanisms that regulate PPARγ involve post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, sumoylation and ubiquitination, among others. It is known that anti-inflammatory mechanisms involve the inhibition of other transcription factors, such as nuclear factor kB(NFκB), signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) or activator protein 1 (AP-1), or intracellular signaling proteins such as mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases. PPARγ transrepresses other transcription factors and consequently inhibits gene expression of inflammatory mediators, known as biomarkers for morbidity and mortality, leading to control of the exacerbated inflammation that occurs, for instance, in lung injury/acute respiratory distress. Many studies have shown the therapeutic potentials of PPARγ on pulmonary diseases. Herein, we describe activities of the PPARγ as a modulator of inflammation, focusing on lung injury and including definition and mechanisms of regulation, biological effects and molecular targets, and its role in lung diseases caused by inflammatory stimuli, bacteria and virus, and molecular-based therapy.

Hypericum ascyron L. extract reduces particulate matter-induced airway inflammation in mice

The consequences of increased industrialization increased the risk of asthma and breathing difficulties due to increased particulate matter in the air. We aim to investigate the therapeutic properties of Hypericum ascyron L. extract (HAE) in airway inflammation and unravel its mechanism of action. We conducted nitric oxide and cell viability assay, real-time PCR and western blot analyses along with in vitro studies. in vivo studies include a model of coal fly ash and diesel exhaust particle (CFD)-induced airway inflammation in mice. HAE reduced coal fly ash (CFA)-induced nitric oxide secretion without exhibiting cytotoxicity in MH-S cells. HAE also reduced the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduced the expression of proteins in the NFκB and MAPK pathways. In a mice model of CFD-induced airway inflammation, HAE effectively reduced neutrophil infiltration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and increased the amount of T cells in the BALF, lungs, and blood while reducing all other immune cell subtypes to reduce airway inflammatory response. CXCL-1, IL-17, MIP-2, and TNF-α expression in the BALF were also reduced. HAE effectively reduced MIP-2 and TNF-α mRNA expression in the lung tissue of mice. In a nutshell, HAE is effective in preventing airway inflammation induced by CFA in MH-S cells, as well as inflammation induced by CFD in mice.

Ovalbumin causes impairment of preimplantation embryonic growth in asthma-induced mice

Insufficient experimental studies have reported the effect of ovalbumin (OVA) as an allergen towards embryonic growth in asthma mouse model. The impact of 10 μg/200 μL OVA on maternal inflammatory and oxidative stress (OS) responses, and preimplantation embryonic development was investigated in this study. We first established OVA-induced asthma mouse model, and following superovulation, mated the females and challenged them with Methacholine (Mch) test. Upon embryo retrieval, only those with the highest implantation potential were cultured in vitro. Significant reduction in the number of embryos at each preimplantation stage was noted in the treated group. Uneven sized blastomeres at 2-, 4- and 8-cell stages were also evident in this group. Embryo fragmentation was significant at only 2-, 4- and 8-cell stages. We also found that OVA tended to raise maternal inflammatory and OS biomarker levels as well as to cause inappropriate levels of pregnancy hormones progesterone (P₄) and estrogen (E₂) although insignificant. The combined results indicate that 10 μg/200 μL OVA had altered both quality and quantity of the embryos in asthma mouse model although its effect on pregnancy hormones, inflammatory and OS responses were non-pathological.

Salvia plebeia R. Br. : an overview about its traditional uses, chemical constituents, pharmacology and modern applications

Salvia plebeia R. Br. (SP), has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It contains a number of chemical components and reported to possess a variety of pharmacological activities. SP is distributed in many countries such as China, Korea, Japan, Afghanistan and India. SP was first described in Compendium of Materia Medica in the Ming dynasty. The aim of this review is to compile all the information reported in the literature on SP. This review covers traditional uses, including 16 TCM classics and 21 traditional prescriptions; a total of 93 compounds from SP have been reported, including flavonoids, monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, diterpenoids, triterpenes, phenolic acids etc; biological actives such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, hypoglycaemic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, sedative, antiasthmatic, antiviral, antitumour, hepatoprotective effects etc. In addition, this paper also compiled the quality control studies and clinical applications. The future prospects and the existing problems of SP were also discussed. Overall, we believe this review will be a comprehensive record of SP for researchers to refer for carrying out for further research.

Identification of Metabolites of Eupatorin in Vivo and in Vitro Based on UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS

Eupatorin is the major bioactive component of Java tea (Orthosiphon stamineus), exhibiting strong anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities. However, no research on the metabolism of eupatorin has been reported to date. In the present study, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid triple quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) combined with an efficient online data acquisition and a multiple data processing method were developed for metabolite identification in vivo (rat plasma, bile, urine and feces) and in vitro (rat liver microsomes and intestinal flora). A total of 51 metabolites in vivo, 60 metabolites in vitro were structurally characterized. The loss of CH2, CH2O, O, CO, oxidation, methylation, glucuronidation, sulfate conjugation, N-acetylation, hydrogenation, ketone formation, glycine conjugation, glutamine conjugation and glucose conjugation were the main metabolic pathways of eupatorin. This was the first identification of metabolites of eupatorin in vivo and in vitro and it will provide reference and valuable evidence for further development of new pharmaceuticals and pharmacological mechanisms.