Alloferon-1 ameliorates acute inflammatory responses in λ-carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice

Pomegranate flower polysaccharide improves mastitis in mice by regulating intestinal flora and restoring the blood-milk barrier

This study explored the inhibitory effect of pomegranate flower polysaccharide (PFPS) on mastitis through in vitro and in vivo models. PFPS is a new type of polysaccharide isolated and extracted from pomegranate flowers. The result revealed that PFPS consists of GalA, Ara, and Gal, and the residues consist of 1,4-GalpA, 1,4-Galp, and 1,3,6-Galp, which contain HG-type and RG-I-type pectin structural domains. In vitro studies showed that PFPS could inhibit LPS-enhanced phagocytosis of RAW 264.7 cells and the release of IL-1β, IL-10, and TNF-α. In vivo, studies showed that PFPS improved xylene-induced mouse ear swelling and carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema by inhibiting inflammatory factors. In the mouse mastitis model, PFPS significantly improved LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in mammary tissue. Intestinal flora sequencing results showed that PFPS could effectively regulate the intestinal flora of mice, reduce the relative abundance of pathogenic bacteria Oscillospira and AF12, and increase the probiotics Blautia, Parabacteroides, Allobaculum, and Clostridiaceae_Clostridium. Therefore, PFPS ultimately played a role in preventing mastitis by regulating the intestinal flora and further improving the blood-milk barrier. This study provides a scientific basis for PFPS as a potential candidate drug for the treatment of mastitis.

Newly Developed Semi-Solid Formulations Containing Mellilotus officinalis Extract: Characterization, Assessment of Stability, Safety, and Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Melilotus officinalis has been traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory agent; nevertheless, a comprehensive evaluation of its efficacy and safety and comparison with standard drugs are lacking. Taking into consideration concerns with current therapies, like efficacy limitations, side effects, and resistance, we aimed to develop a natural gel and cream based on Melilotus officinalis extract and explore their anti-inflammatory potential. After the chemical analysis of the extract confirmed the presence of coumarin, p-coumaric acid, gallic acid, and quercetin, formulations were prepared and subjected to physical and chemical stability evaluations over 6 months. The safety potential was tested in rats, while the anti-inflammatory activity was assessed both via in silico tests and in a rat model of inflammation. The examined formulations showed stable physical characteristics at the defined storage conditions and did not exert any sign of adverse skin reaction. The gel formulation exhibited a remarkable effect in inflammation reduction comparable with hydrocortisone. The in silico results suggest that coumarin, p-coumaric, and gallic acid bind to COX-1 and COX-2 with a lower affinity compared to diclofenac. On the other hand, quercetin demonstrated comparable inhibitory activity and stronger interaction compared to the control drug. Our results indicate that the examined formulations are stable and safe and may be promising dermal products for the alleviation of inflammatory skin conditions.

Effects of alloferon and its analogues on reproduction and development of the Tenebrio molitor beetle

As the most numerous group of animals on Earth, insects are found in almost every ecosystem. Their useful role in the environment is priceless; however, for humans, their presence may be considered negative or even harmful. For years, people have been trying to control the number of pests by using synthetic insecticides, which eventually causes an increased level of resistance to applied compounds. The effects of synthetic insecticides have encouraged researchers to search for alternatives and thus develop safe compounds with high specificity. Using knowledge about the physiology of insects and the functionality of compounds of insect origin, a new class of bioinsecticides called peptidomimetics, which are appropriately modified insect analogues, was created. One promising compound that might be successfully modified is the thirteen amino acid peptide alloferon (HGVSGHGQHGVHG), which is obtained from the hemolymph of the blue blowfly Calliphora vicinia. Our research aimed to understand the physiological properties of alloferon and the activity of its peptidomimetics, which will provide the possibility of using alloferon or its analogues in the pharmaceutical industry, as a drug or adjuvant, or in agriculture as a bioinsecticide. We used alloferon and its three peptidomimetics, which are conjugates of the native peptide with three unsaturated fatty acids with various chain lengths: caprylic, myristic, and palmitic. We tested their effects on the morphology and activity of the reproductive system and the embryogenesis of the Tenebrio molitor beetle. We found that the tested compounds influenced the growth and maturation of ovaries and the expression level of the vitellogenin gene. The tested compounds also influenced the process of egg laying, embryogenesis, and offspring hatching, showing that alloferon might be a good peptide for the synthesis of effective bioinsecticides or biopharmaceuticals.

Grape Pomace Polyphenols Reduce Acute Inflammatory Response Induced by Carrageenan in a Murine Model

Grape pomace (GP), a by-product of wine production, contains bioactive polyphenols with potential health benefits. This study investigates the anti-inflammatory properties of a polyphenolic fraction derived from GP, obtained by ultrasound-microwave hybrid extraction and purified using ion-exchange chromatography. In the inflammation model, mice were divided into six groups: intact, carrageenan, indomethacin, and three GP polyphenols treatment groups. Paw edema was induced by subplantar injection of carrageenan, and the GP polyphenols were administered intraperitoneally at doses of 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg. The anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated by measuring paw volume, and expression of inflammatory markers: cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6), along with lipid peroxidation levels. The GP polyphenols significantly reduced paw edema and expression levels of COX-2, MPO, and cytokines in a dose-dependent manner effect, with the highest dose showing the greatest reduction. Additionally, lipid peroxidation levels were also decreased by GP polyphenols treatment at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg. These findings suggest that ultrasound-microwave extraction combined with amberlite purification proved to be effective in obtaining a polyphenolic-rich fraction from GP. Thus, GP polyphenols may serve as a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent for treating inflammation and oxidative stress-related diseases.

Alloferon Mitigates LPS-Induced Endometritis by Attenuating the NLRP3/CASP1/IL-1β/IL-18 Signaling Cascade

Endometritis is an inflammatory reaction of the uterine lining that can lead to infertility. Alloferon, a linear non-glycosylated oligopeptide, has been recognized for its potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. In light of these attributes, this study aims to explore the potential therapeutic effects of alloferon in alleviating endometrial inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), while elucidating the underlying protective mechanisms. Two conditions representing pre- and post-menopause states were simulated using an ovariectomized (Ovx) murine model. The findings underscore alloferon's remarkable capacity to alleviate cardinal signs of endometritis, including redness, swelling, and congestion, while concurrently restoring the structural integrity of the endometrial tissue. Moreover, alloferon effectively modulates the expression of key inflammatory mediators, such as nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3), cysteine aspartate-specific protease 1 (CASP1), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-18 (IL-18). In vitro experiments were conducted to further corroborate and validate these findings. In conclusion, alloferon shows promising potential in mitigating LPS-induced inflammation by attenuating the NLRP3/CASP1/IL-1β/IL-18 signaling cascade.

Synthesis, characterization, and anti-inflammatory activity of tetrahydropiperine, piperic acid, and tetrahydropiperic acid via down regulation of NF-κB pathway

The present study describes the synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of tetrahydropiperine (THP), piperic acid (PA), and tetrahydropiperic acid (THPA) as anti-inflammatory agents. THPA demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory activity among all the compounds. The anti-inflammatory potential was investigated in both in-vitro and in-vivo experimental models. Our findings demonstrated that THPA effectively suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, including nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) in both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, THPA attenuated the expression of i-NOS and COX-2 in RAW 264.7 macrophages. The oral administration of THPA significantly reduced carrageenan induced paw edema thickness and alleviated liver, lung, and kidney injury induced by LPS. THPA also reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells, prevented the occurrence of significant lesions, and mitigated tissue damage. Moreover, THPA significantly improved the survival rate of mice challenged with LPS. Our western blot studies also found that LPS induced NF-κB activation was downregulated by treatment with THPA in an in vivo system. These results collectively illustrated the potential of THPA as a therapeutic agent for treating inflammatory diseases.

Design and synthesis of novel dithiazole carboxylic acid Derivatives: In vivo and in silico investigation of their Anti-Inflammatory and analgesic effects

Inflammation is a complex set of interactions that can occur in tissues as the body's defensive response to infections, trauma, allergens, or toxic compounds. Therefore, in almost all diseases, it can be observed because of primary or secondary reasons. Since it is important to control and even eliminate the symptoms of inflammation in the treatment of many diseases, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs are always needed in the clinic. Therefore, the discovery of new anti-inflammatory/analgesic drugs with increased effectiveness and safer side effect profiles is among the popular topics of medicinal chemistry. Therefore, in this study, in order to synthesize and diversify new molecules, we focused on the N,N-dithiazole carboxylic acid core and linked it with the chalcone functional group. The final eleven molecules were analyzed via HRMS, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR. The antinociceptive effects of the test compounds were examined by tail-clip, hot-plate, and formalin methods in mice, while their anti-inflammatory activities were investigated by carrageenan-induced inflammation tests in rats. The motor activities of the experimental animals were evaluated using an activity-meter device. Obtained findings revealed that none of the test compounds (10 mg/kg) were effective in the tail-clip and hot-plate tests. However, compounds 4b, 4c, 4f, 4 h, and 4 k in the serial shortened the paw-licking times of mice in the late phase of the formalin test indicating that these compounds had peripherally-mediated antinociceptive effects. The same compounds, moreover, showed potent anti-inflammatory effects by significantly reducing paw edema of rats in the inflammation tests. To provide an approach to pharmacological findings regarding possible mechanisms of action, the binding modes of the most active compounds were investigated by in silico approaches. The results of molecular docking studies indicated that the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the compounds might be related to the inhibition of both COX-1 and COX-2 isoenzymes. Findings obtained from in silico studies showed that 4 k, which was chosen as a model for its analogs in the series, forms strong bindings to the basic residues (Arg120, Tyr355), side pocket loop area and deep hydrophobic regions of the enzyme. Moreover, results of the molecular dynamics simulation studies revealed that ligand-COX enzyme complexes are quite stable. Obtained results of in vivo and in silico studies are in harmony, and all together point out that compounds 4b, 4c, 4f, 4 h, and 4 k have significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities with good ADME profiles. The potential of the derivatives, whose pharmacological activities were revealed for the first time in this study, as anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug candidates, needs to be evaluated through comprehensive clinical studies.

Study of alloferon, a novel immunomodulatory antimicrobial peptide (AMP), and its analogues

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are widely distributed throughout the biosphere and represent a class of conserved peptide molecules with intrinsic antimicrobial properties. Their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and low risk to induce resistance have led to increased interest in AMPs as potential alternatives to traditional antibiotics. Among the AMPs, alloferon has been addressed due to its immunomodulatory properties that augment both innate and adaptive immune responses against various pathogens. Alloferon and its analogues have demonstrated pharmaceutical potential through their ability to enhance Natural Killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity and stimulate interferon (IFN) synthesis in both mouse and human models. Additionally, they have shown promise in augmenting antiviral and antitumor activities in mice. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the biological effects of alloferon and its analogues, incorporating our own research findings as well. These insights may contribute to a deeper understanding of the therapeutic potential of these novel AMPs.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Investigation of Anti-Inflammatory and Cytotoxic Activities of Novel Thiourea Derivatives of Naproxen

The objective of this study was to synthesize seven novel thiourea derivatives of naproxen (8-14), examine the anti-inflammatory activity of the newly synthesized compounds, investigate the cytotoxic potential of both sets of synthesized compounds (1-7 and 8-14), and select the most promising anti-inflammatory and antitumor drug candidates. The results of the in vivo anti-inflammatory study clearly showed that compounds 8 and 9 were capable of decreasing paw edema, as evident from a high percentage of inhibition (44.83% and 49.29%, respectively). In addition, the results of in vitro enzyme inhibition assays demonstrated that neither of the newly synthesized compounds reached 50% inhibition of 5-LOX at concentrations lower than 100 µM. In terms of antitumor potential, derivatives 3 and 8 exhibited strong cytotoxic effects on the HeLa cell line, suggesting the involvement of the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis. According to the overall results obtained for both sets of synthesized molecules, derivatives 4 and 8 can be underlined as molecules with the strongest anti-inflammatory activity, while derivatives 3 and 8 are the most promising cytotoxic agents.

Alloferon-1 ameliorates estrogen deficiency-induced osteoporosis through dampening the NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1β/IL-18 signaling pathway

Alloferon-1 is an insect polypeptide that has anti-inflammatory, antitumor and antiviral activity. This study aimed to determine the effects of alloferon-1 on estrogen deficiency-induced osteoporosis and explore the associated mechanism using a murine model of ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporosis. Results showed that alloferon-1 prevented ovariectomy‑induced body weight gain, bone loss and bone mineral content reduction, affected biochemical markers of bone turnover, and restored the microstructure of bone trabeculae. Moreover, alloferon-1 suppressed the expression of the ovariectomy‑mediated inflammatory cytokines in the vertebrae bone tissues, including nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like-receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 (Caspase-1), interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and interleukin 18 (IL-18) which were determined by immunofluorescence staining and western blot. Overall, the present study provides evidence for the effectiveness of alloferon-1 against estrogen deficiency-induced osteoporosis, suggesting an alternative drug or an auxiliary modulator for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP).