Anti-inflammatory effects of oleic acid and the anthocyanin keracyanin alone and in combination: effects on monocyte and macrophage responses and the NF-κB pathway

Phytochemical Composition, Anti-Inflammatory Property, and Anti-Atopic Effect of Chaetomorpha linum Extract

Utilizing plant-based resources, particularly their by-products, aligns with sustainability principles and circular bioeconomy, contributing to environmental preservation. The therapeutic potential of plant extracts is garnering increasing interest, and this study aimed to demonstrate promising outcomes from an extract obtained from an underutilized plant waste. Chaetomorpha linum, an invasive macroalga found in the Orbetello Lagoon, thrives in eutrophic conditions, forming persistent mats covering approximately 400 hectares since 2005. The biomass of C. linum undergoes mechanical harvesting and is treated as waste, requiring significant human efforts and economic resources-A critical concern for municipalities. Despite posing challenges to local ecosystems, the study identified C. linum as a natural source of bioactive metabolites. Phytochemical characterization revealed lipids, amino acids, and other compounds with potential anti-inflammatory activity in C. linum extract. In vitro assays with LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 and TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells showed the extract inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) productions, and reduced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expressions via NF-κB nuclear translocation, in RAW 264.7 cells. It also reduced chemokines (TARC/CCL17, RANTES/CCL5, MCP-1/CCL2, and IL-8) and the cytokine IL-1β production in HaCaT cells, suggesting potential as a therapeutic candidate for chronic diseases like atopic dermatitis. Finally, in silico studies indicated palmitic acid as a significant contributor to the observed effect. This research not only uncovered the untapped potential of C. linum but also laid the foundation for its integration into the circular bioeconomy, promoting sustainable practices, and innovative applications across various industries.

The shift in the fatty acid composition of the circulating lipidome in Alzheimer's disease

INTRODUCTION

Fatty acids (FAs) are the building blocks of complex lipids and signaling compounds; the role of the lipidome fatty acid profile (LFA) in AD progression remains unclear.

METHODS

The LFA of plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 289 participants (103 AD patients, 92 MCI patients, and 94 controls) was determined by GC-FID. The MCI subjects were followed up for 58 ± 12.5 months.

RESULTS

In controls, CSF has a more neuroprotective LFA than plasma. In CSF, a higher content of docosahexaenoic acid was associated with a reduced risk of MCI-to-AD progression. In plasma, higher oleic acid content was associated with lower risk of AD, MCI, and MCI-to-AD progression, whereas higher levels of vaccenic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were associated with greater risk of AD and MCI, and higher rate of MCI-to-AD progression, respectively.

DISCUSSION

The circulating LFA is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of AD.

HIGHLIGHTS

The lipidome fatty acid profile in CSF and plasma was markedly different. Higher levels of vaccenic acid and lower levels of oleic acid in plasma were associated with greater risk of Alzheimer's disease. In plasma, higher levels of oleic acid were associated with a reduced risk of MCI-to-AD progression. Higher levels of docosahexaenoic acid in CSF were associated with a lower risk of MCI-to-AD progression. Higher levels of docosahexaenoic acid in plasma were associated with a greater rate of MCI-to-AD progression.

Empowering Naringin's Anti-Inflammatory Effects through Nanoencapsulation

Abundant in citrus fruits, naringin (NAR) is a flavonoid that has a wide spectrum of beneficial health effects, including its anti-inflammatory activity. However, its use in the clinic is limited due to extensive phase I and II first-pass metabolism, which limits its bioavailability. Thus, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) were used to protect and concentrate NAR in inflamed issues, to enhance its anti-inflammatory effects. To target LNPs to the CD44 receptor, overexpressed in activated macrophages, functionalization with hyaluronic acid (HA) was performed. The formulation with NAR and HA on the surface (NAR@NPsHA) has a size below 200 nm, a polydispersity around 0.245, a loading capacity of nearly 10%, and a zeta potential of about 10 mV. In vitro studies show the controlled release of NAR along the gastrointestinal tract, high cytocompatibility (L929 and THP-1 cell lines), and low hemolytic activity. It was also shown that the developed LNPs can regulate inflammatory mediators. In fact, NAR@NPsHA were able to decrease TNF-α and CCL-3 markers expression by 80 and 90% and manage to inhibit the effects of LPS by around 66% for IL-1β and around 45% for IL-6. Overall, the developed LNPs may represent an efficient drug delivery system with an enhanced anti-inflammatory effect.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of Prinsepia utilis Royle seed oil: A comprehensive study on chemical composition, physicochemical properties, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Prinsepiautilis (PU) Royle, native to the Himalayan region, is a deciduous thorny shrub with numerous traditional uses of its roots, leaves and seeds for treatment of conditions such as rheumatic pain, joint pain, arthritis, and inflammation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Keeping in mind the growing demand of products of natural origin as alternate medicine, the present study was undertaken to scientifically validate for the first time the traditional claims of healing pain and inflammation by evaluating the fatty oil isolated from the seeds using established in vitro and in vivo models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PU Seeds were Soxhlet extracted using n-hexane and fatty oil was isolated. Chemical composition of the oil was established with the aid of Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The oil was then subjected to in vitro anti-inflammatory activity by following the established protocols of trypsin inhibitory and bovine serum albumin denaturation assays. The acute toxicity of the oil was also studied using OECD guidelines 423. The anti-inflammatory property of the oil was further evaluated using carrageenan-induced and formalin-induced edema in the rat paw. Moreover, hot plate latency and tail immersion assay were employed to evaluate analgesic activity of the oil. To establish the quality of the oil, various physicochemical properties were also studied.

RESULTS

GC-FID and GC-MS analysis of the oil revealed the presence of linoleic acid (59.06 ± 0.00%), oleic acid (28.11 ± 0.01%), palmitic acid (9.51 ± 0.01%) and stearic acid (3.32 ± 0.01%). In vitro trypsin inhibitory and bovine serum albumin denaturation assay revealed dose-dependent notable activity of the oil with IC50 value of 63.57 μg/mL and 518.14 μg/mL, respectively. The physico-chemical characterization demonstrated that the oil possesses a low acidity and a high oxidative stability index. The oil was found to be non-toxic and displayed effective anti-inflammatory activities with significant inhibition till 4 h in carrageenan-induced and formalin-induced rat paw edema at maximum tested dose of 200 mg/kg b.w. The oil also exhibited significant results in hot plate latency and tail immersion assay with positive effects showing up to 4 h after dose administration.

CONCLUSION

These findings, besides supporting the traditional claims, suggest that P. utilis seed oil has potential therapeutic applications as a natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent. Further studies are warranted to explore its mechanisms of action and potential use in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.

Fatty Acid Profiles and Biological Activities of the Vegetable Oils of Argania spinosa, Pinus halepensis and Pistacia atlantica Grown in Tunisia: A Preliminary Study

Several foods are used in both the nutraceutical and health sectors; vegetable oils, for example, can prevent the onset of numerous diseases. The properties of these oils are related to their chemical composition and primarily to the presence of fatty acids. The present work aimed to determine the chemical profiles of Argania spinosa, Pinus halepensis, and Pistacia altantica oils, used in traditional Tunisian foods, and to evaluate some biological properties. We evaluated their antioxidant, anti-enzymatic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Linoleic acid was the main component of the three oils. P. atlantica oil showed more significant inhibitory activity against the enzymes studied than A. spinosa and P. halepensis. All three oils showed similar antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Furthermore, A. spinosa and P. halepensis oils showed antibiofilm activity against P. aeruginosa, with 30-40% inhibition. These results focus on the possible use of these oils in the nutraceutical and healthcare sectors.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Pequi Oil (Caryocar brasiliense): A Systematic Review

Disorders in the inflammatory process underlie the pathogenesis of numerous diseases. The utilization of natural products as anti-inflammatory agents is a well-established approach in both traditional medicine and scientific research, with studies consistently demonstrating their efficacy in managing inflammatory conditions. Pequi oil, derived from Caryocar brasiliense, is a rich source of bioactive compounds including fatty acids and carotenoids, which exhibit immunomodulatory potential. This systematic review aims to comprehensively summarize the scientific evidence regarding the anti-inflammatory activity of pequi oil. Extensive literature searches were conducted across prominent databases (Scopus, BVS, CINAHL, Cochrane, LILACS, Embase, MEDLINE, ProQuest, PubMed, FSTA, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science). Studies evaluating the immunomodulatory activity of crude pequi oil using in vitro, in vivo models, or clinical trials were included. Out of the 438 articles identified, 10 met the stringent inclusion criteria. These studies collectively elucidate the potential of pequi oil to modulate gene expression, regulate circulating levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, and mitigate oxidative stress, immune cell migration, and cardinal signs of inflammation. Moreover, negligible to no toxicity of pequi oil was observed across the diverse evaluated models. Notably, variations in the chemical profile of the oil were noted, depending on the extraction methodology and geographical origin. This systematic review strongly supports the utility of pequi oil in controlling the inflammatory process. However, further comparative studies involving oils obtained via different methods and sourced from various regions are warranted to reinforce our understanding of its effectiveness and safety.

An investigation of the growth status of 19-year-old Idesia polycarpa 'Yuji' plantation forest in the mountainous region of Henan, China

Plantation forests play an important role in the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. Idesia polycarpa Maxim is an emerging woody oil tree species in most Asian countries. The 19-year-old Idesia polycarpa 'Yuji' plantation forest was selected as a sample site. The nutrient contents of the understory soil total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN), nitrate nitrogen (NN), organic carbon (OC), available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK), and pH were analyzed. Several metrics were measured to quantify the growth status of the forest, such as tree heights (H), clear bole heights (CBH), diameters at breast height (DBH), and male-to-female ratios (MFR). In addition, we harvested the fruits to analyze oil content and fatty acid composition. The results found that the nutrient content of the soil was TC (4.93%), TN (0.42%), NN (43.08 mg kg-1), OC (4.90 g kg-1), AP (13.66 mg kg-1), AK (30.48 mg kg-1), and pH (7.90). The growth characteristics were H (11.75 m), DBH (12.79 cm), and CBH (6.17 m). The MFR was close to 1:1. Besides, the oil content of the fruit and unsaturated fatty acids was 24.08% and 68.49%, respectively. As an alternative tree species, the plantation of Idesia polycarpa offers great potential in artificial afforestation in some particular places with specific forest site conditions.

Anti-Arthritic and Immunomodulatory Potential of Methanolic, n-Hexane, and Ethyl Acetate Fractions of Bark of Acacia modesta on Complete Freund's Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis in Rats

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder and topic of interest for researchers due to its increasing frequency and limited treatment. Acacia modesta Wall is known to treat rheumatic disorders in the traditional system of medicinal plants. Traditional medicines are still required for the treatment of this disease due to the large number of side-effects caused by commercial medicines. In the current study, the antiarthritic potential of methanolic extract (AM-metha), n-hexane (AM-hexa) fraction, and ethyl acetate (AM-etha) fraction of the bark of A. modesta against a complete Freund's adjuvant rat model was evaluated. Evaluation using a digital plethysmometer, macroscopic evaluation, and histopathological evaluation were conducted to determine the paw volume and arthritic scoring. ELISA was performed to assess the PGE2 levels. RT-PCR was used to evaluate the expression levels of MMP2, MMP3, MMP9, NF-κB, IL6, IL1β, TNFα, and VEGF. Biochemical and hematological analyses were also conducted. GC/MS was also carried out to analyze the presence of medicinal compounds. The data revealed a marked reduction in the paw volume, arthritic scoring, and histopathological parameters, indicating the anti-arthritic potential of the plant. Treatment with plant extracts and fractions markedly down-regulated MMP2, MMP3, MMP9, NF-κB, IL6, IL1β, TNFα, and VEGF levels. Similarly, PGE2 levels were also found to be ameliorated in the treatment groups, indicating the immunomodulatory property of plant bark. Plant treatment nearly normalized hematological parameters such as counts of WBCs, RBCs, and platelets, along with Hb content, thereby validating the anti-arthritic activity. GC/MS analysis disclosed the presence of strong anti-inflammatory compounds such as lupeol, oleic acid, and squalene. The study showed that A. modesta possesses anti-arthritic and immunomodulatory potential linked to significant down-regulation of pro-inflammatory and inflammatory biomarkers.

Garcinia oligantha: A comprehensive overview of ethnomedicine, phytochemistry and pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Garcinia oligantha Merr. is an ethnomedicine plant mainly distributed in Guangdong and Hainan, China. It has the effects of heat-clearing and detoxicating, which has been used by local ethnic minorities to treat a variety of diseases, including inflammation, internal heat, toothache and scald.

THE AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review summarizes and discusses the progress of the chemical compounds and biological activities of G. oligantha that have been studied in recent years to provide the direction for the prospective research and applications of G. oligantha.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The relevant literature about G. oligantha was accessible from ancient Chinese medical books and records, theses, as well as major scientific databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SciFinder, Baidu Scholar and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI).

RESULTS

To date, more than 150 chemical compounds were isolated from this plant, including xanthones, volatile oil, fatty acid, benzofurane derivative and biphenyl compounds. Xanthones are the main bioactive compounds that exhibit diverse biological effects, such as antitumor, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, neuroprotective, antimalarial and antibacterial effects, which are consistent with its traditional uses as a folk medicine. Modern pharmacological studies show that these compounds participate in a variety of signaling pathways underlying different pathophysiologies, making them a valuable medicinal resource.

CONCLUSION

G. oligantha is an ethnomedicine with a long history. However, due to regional and cultural constraints, the popularisation and use of ethnomedicine are still limited. Modern pharmacological and chemical research suggest that G. oligantha contains a variety of bioactive compounds and showed diverse biological functions, which is worthy of comprehensive and in-depth research. This review summarizes and discusses the recent progress in studies on G. oligantha, looking forward to promote further research and sustainable development of folk medicinal plants.

Anthocyanins ameliorate obesity-associated metainflammation: Preclinical and clinical evidence

The growing rates of obesity worldwide call for intervention strategies to help control the pathophysiological consequences of weight gain. The use of natural foods and bioactive compounds has been suggested as such a strategy because of their recognized antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. For example, polyphenols, especially anthocyanins, are candidates for managing obesity and its related metabolic disorders. Obesity is well known for the presence of metainflammation, which has been labeled as an inflammatory activation that leads to a variety of metabolic disorders, usually related to increased oxidative stress. Considering this, anthocyanins may be promising natural compounds able to modulate several intracellular mechanisms, mitigating oxidative stress and metainflammation. A wide variety of foods and extracts rich in anthocyanins have become the focus of research in the field of obesity. Here, we bring together the current knowledge regarding the use of anthocyanins as an intervention tested in vitro, in vivo, and in clinical trials to modulate metainflammation. Most recent research applies a wide variety of extracts and natural sources of anthocyanins, in diverse experimental models, which represents a limitation of the research field. However, the literature is sufficiently consistent to establish that the in-depth molecular analysis of gut microbiota, insulin signaling, TLR4-triggered inflammation, and oxidative stress pathways reveals their modulation by anthocyanins. These targets are interconnected at the cellular level and interact with one another, leading to obesity-associated metainflammation. Thus, the positive findings with anthocyanins observed in preclinical models might directly relate to the positive outcomes in clinical studies. In summary and based on the entirety of the relevant literature, anthocyanins can mitigate obesity-related perturbations in gut microbiota, insulin resistance, oxidative stress and inflammation and therefore may contribute as a therapeutic tool in people living with obesity.

Interleukin-18 Is a Potential Biomarker Linking Dietary Fatty Acid Quality and Insulin Resistance: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study in Northern Italy

Dietary lipids are pivotal in modulating metabolic inflammation. Among the inflammatory mediators characterizing metabolic inflammation, interleukin 18 (IL-18) has been consistently associated with obesity and insulin resistance. This study aims to evaluate whether the quality of lipid intake impacts upon IL-18 plasma levels and the implications on insulin resistance computed by the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Using a cross-sectional design, this study confirmed that IL-18 correlated positively with insulin resistance and individuals with a HOMA-IR ≥ 2.5 displayed higher circulating IL-18 levels compared with their insulin-sensitive counterparts. In terms of the effect of the quality of dietary lipids on IL-18 circulating levels, the ratio between monounsaturated, omega-3, polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids as well as the intake of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids correlated negatively with IL-18. Despite this, IL-18 circulating levels, but not dietary fatty acid quality, predicted insulin resistance. Nevertheless, the ratio between omega 3 and saturated fatty acids was a predictor of IL-18 plasma levels. Thus, the downregulation of IL-18 may underpin, at least partially, the beneficial metabolic effects of substituting omega 3 for saturated fatty acids with this cytokine potentially representing a biomarker linking dietary lipids and metabolic outcomes.

Cannabidiol-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) for Dermal Delivery: Enhancement of Photostability, Cell Viability, and Anti-Inflammatory Activity

The aim of this study was to encapsulate cannabidiol (CBD) extract in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) to improve the chemical stability and anti-inflammatory activity of CBD for dermal delivery. CBD-loaded NLCs (CBD-NLCs) were prepared using cetyl palmitate (CP) as a solid lipid and stabilized with Tego^® Care 450 (TG450) or poloxamer 188 (P188) by high-pressure homogenization (HPH). The CBD extract was loaded at 1% w/w. Three different oils were employed to produce CBD-NLCs, including Transcutol^® P, medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), and oleic acid (OA). CBD-NLCs were successfully prepared with an entrapment efficiency (E.E.) of 100%. All formulations showed particle sizes between 160 and 200 nm with PDIs less than 0.10. The type of surfactant and oil used affected the particle sizes, zeta potential, and crystallinity of the CBD-NLCs. CBD-NLCs stabilized with TG450 showed higher crystallinity after production and storage at 30 °C for 30 days as compared to those with P188. Encapsulation of the CBD extract in NLCs enhanced its chemical stability after exposure to simulated sunlight (1000 kJ/m²) compared to that of the CBD extract in ethanolic solution. The CBD-NLCs prepared from MCT and OA showed slower CBD release compared with that from Transcutol^® P, and the kinetic data for release of CBD from CBD-NLCs followed Higuchi's release model with a high coefficient of determination (>0.95). The extent of CBD permeation through Strat-M^® depended on the oil type. The cytotoxicity of the CBD extract on HaCaT and HDF cells was reduced by encapsulation in the NLCs. The anti-inflammatory activity of the CBD extract in RAW264.7 cell macrophages was enhanced by encapsulation in CBD-NLCs prepared from MCT and OA.

Phytochemical composition, bioactive properties, and toxicological profile of Tetrapleura tetraptera

The use of medicinal plants has gained renewed wide popularity in Africa, Asia, and most parts of the world because of the decreasing efficacy of synthetic drugs. Thus, natural products serve as a potent source of alternative remedy. Tetrapleura tetraptera is a medicinal plant with cultural and traditional significance in West Africa. In addition to the plant being commonly used as a spice in the preparation of traditional spicy food for postpartum care it is also widely used to constitute herbal concoctions and decoctions for treatment of diseases. This review aimed to provide an up-to-date information on the ethnomedicinal uses, pharmacological activities and phytoconstituents of T. tetraptera. Preclinical studies regarding the plant's toxicity profile were also reviewed. For this updated review, literature search was done on PubMed, Science Direct, Wiley, and Google Scholar databases using the relevant keywords. The review used a total of 106 papers that met the inclusion criteria from January 1989 - February 2022 and summarised the bioactivities that have been reported for the rich phytoconstituents of T. tetraptera studied using various chemical methods. Considering the huge report, the review focused on the antimicrobial and antiinflammatory activities of the plant extracts and isolated compounds. Aridan, aridanin and several bioactive compounds of T. tetraptera have shown pharmacological activities though their mechanisms of action are yet to be fully understood. This study also highlighted the influence of plant parts and extraction solvents on its biological activities. It also presented data on the toxicological profile of the plant extracts using different models. From cultural uses to modern pharmacological research the bioactive compounds of T. tetraptera have proved effective in infectious disease management. We hope that this paper provided a robust summary of the biological activities and toxicological profile of T. tetraptera, thus calling for more research into the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic activities of natural products to help combat the growing threat of drug resistance and provide guidelines for their ethnomedicinal uses.

A metabolomic platform to identify and quantify polyphenols in coffee and related species using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry

INTRODUCTION

Products of plant secondary metabolism, such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, and hormones, play an important role in plant growth, development, stress resistance. The plant family Rubiaceae is extremely diverse and abundant in Central America and contains several economically important genera, e.g. Coffea and other medicinal plants. These are known for the production of bioactive polyphenols (e.g. caffeine and quinine), which have had major impacts on human society. The overall goal of this study was to develop a high-throughput workflow to identify and quantify plant polyphenols.

METHODS

First, a method was optimized to extract over 40 families of phytochemicals. Then, a high-throughput metabolomic platform has been developed to identify and quantify 184 polyphenols in 15 min.

RESULTS

The current metabolomics study of secondary metabolites was conducted on leaves from one commercial coffee variety and two wild species that also belong to the Rubiaceae family. Global profiling was performed using liquid chromatography high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Features whose abundance was significantly different between coffee species were discriminated using statistical analysis and annotated using spectral databases. The identified features were validated by commercially available standards using our newly developed liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method.

DISCUSSION

Caffeine, trigonelline and theobromine were highly abundant in coffee leaves, as expected. Interestingly, wild Rubiaceae leaves had a higher diversity of phytochemicals in comparison to commercial coffee: defense-related molecules, such as phenylpropanoids (e.g., cinnamic acid), the terpenoid gibberellic acid, and the monolignol sinapaldehyde were found more abundantly in wild Rubiaceae leaves.

Channa striatus in inflammatory conditions: A systematic review

Channa striatus (CS), or snakehead murrel, is an obligate air-breathing freshwater fish. Besides its wound healing properties, CS has also been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects in multiple studies. While there are anti-inflammatory medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), their long-term use is associated with an increased risk of peptic ulcers, acute renal failure, stroke, and myocardial infarction. Thus, it is essential to look at natural methods such as CS extract. While there is an abundant number of investigative studies on the inflammatory properties of CS, the quality of these studies has not been evaluated effectively. Thus, this review aims to summarise, evaluate, and critically appraise currently available literature regarding the anti-inflammatory properties of CS extract. This is done by performing a search using four databases, namely Google Scholar, Embase via Elsevier, Scopus, and Web of Science, with the following terms: Channa striatus AND inflammation. From our review, CS has been experimentally shown to positively affect inflammatory conditions such as gastric ulcers, dermatitis, osteoarthritis, and allergic rhinitis. Beneficial effects were also found on inflammation in the presence of tuberculosis and in situations that involve inflammation, such as wound healing. While CS clearly has potential for treating inflammatory conditions, much work needs to be done on identifying and isolating the active constituents before exact mechanisms of action can be worked out to develop future anti-inflammatory medications.

Evaluation of Biocompatibility, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antinociceptive Activities of Pequi Oil-Based Nanoemulsions in In Vitro and In Vivo Models

Pequi oil (Caryocar brasiliense) contains bioactive compounds capable of modulating the inflammatory process; however, its hydrophobic characteristic limits its therapeutic use. The encapsulation of pequi oil in nanoemulsions can improve its biodistribution and promote its immunomodulatory effects. Thus, the objective of the present study was to formulate pequi oil-based nanoemulsions (PeNE) to evaluate their biocompatibility, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive effects in in vitro (macrophages—J774.16) and in vivo (Rattus novergicus) models. PeNE were biocompatible, showed no cytotoxic and genotoxic effects and no changes in body weight, biochemistry, or histology of treated animals at all concentrations tested (90−360 µg/mL for 24 h, in vitro; 100−400 mg/kg p.o. 15 days, in vivo). It was possible to observe antinociceptive effects in a dose-dependent manner in the animals treated with PeNE, with a reduction of 27 and 40% in the doses of 100 and 400 mg/kg of PeNE, respectively (p < 0.05); however, the treatment with PeNE did not induce edema reduction in animals with carrageenan-induced edema. Thus, the promising results of this study point to the use of free and nanostructured pequi oil as a possible future approach to a preventive/therapeutic complementary treatment alongside existing conventional therapies for analgesia.

Liposomes Containing Amaranth Unsaponifiable Matter and Soybean Lunasin Suppress ROS Production in Fibroblasts and Reduced Interleukin Production in Macrophages

Inflammation is a normal response in defense to agents that may cause damage to the human body. When inflammation becomes chronic, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced; which could lead to diseases such as cancer. The aim was to assess liposomes' antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity loaded with amaranth unsaponifiable matter and soybean lunasin (UM + LunLip) in an in vitro model using fibroblasts and macrophages. To evaluate ROS production, fibroblasts CHON-002 ABAP were added to promote ROS production; and the cells were treated with UM + LunLip. For inflammation markers production, lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 and peritoneal macrophages were treated with empty liposomes (EmLip), liposomes loaded with unsaponifiable matter (UMLip), liposomes loaded with lunasin (LunLip), and UM + LunLip. ROS production was significantly decreased by 77% (p < 0.05) when fibroblasts were treated with UM + LunLip at 2 mg lunasin/mL compared with the control treated with ABAP. Treatment with UMLip was the most effective in reducing tumor necrosis factor-α (71-90%) and interleukin-6 (43-55%, p < 0.001). Both liposomes containing unsaponifiable matter (UMLip and UM + LunLip) were more effective than EmLip or LunLip. In conclusion, amaranth unsaponifiable matter-loaded liposomes are effective in decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokine production.

The Role of Diet in Regulation of Macrophages Functioning

The great importance of diet for health and high life-expectancy is established. The impact of nutrients on immune system is a point of growing research interest. Recent studies have found pro- and anti-inflammatory properties of some diet patterns and nutrients that can be used from the bench to the bedside for chronic low-grade inflammatory status correction. In this regard, the assessment of potential effects of nutrition on macrophage differentiation, proliferation, and functioning in health and disease is highly demanded. In this review, we present current data on the effects of nutrients on the macrophage functioning.

Honokiol alleviates ulcerative colitis by targeting PPAR-γ-TLR4-NF-κB signaling and suppressing gasdermin-D-mediated pyroptosis in vivo and in vitro

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, idiopathic relapsing inflammatory bowel disease. Honokiol is a major active component of the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Magnolia officinalis, which has been widely used in traditional prescriptions to treat tumors, inflammation, and gastrointestinal disorders. In this study, we investigated the ability of this polyphenolic compound to suppress UC in mice and the possible regulatory mechanism. A mouse model of UC induced with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in 40 male C57BL/6J mice was used for the in vivo study, and in vitro experiments were performed in mouse RAW264.7 macrophages. Lipopolysaccharide was used to induce the inflammatory response. The mouse bodyweights, stool consistency, and bleeding were determined and the disease activity indices calculated. RAW264.7 macrophages were cultured with or without either honokiol or lipopolysaccharide. Gene and protein expression was analyzed with RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. GW6471 and GW9662 were used to interrupt the transcription of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ). Both the in vivo and in vitro experimental results showed that the oral administration of honokiol markedly attenuated the severity of UC by reducing the inflammatory signals and restoring the integrity of the colon. Honokiol dramatically reduced the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL6, IL1β, and IFN-γ in mice with DSS-induced UC. It also upregulated PPAR-γ expression, and downregulated the TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway. Moreover, honokiol inhibited gasdermin-D-mediated cell pyroptosis. These findings demonstrate for the first time that honokiol exerts a strong anti-inflammatory effect in a mouse model of UC, and that its underlying mechanism is associated with the activation of the PPAR-γ-TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway and gasdermin-D-mediated macrophage pyroptosis. Therefore, honokiol may be a promising new drug for the clinical management of UC.

Nile crab Potamonautes niloticus shell extract: Chromatographic and molecular elucidation of potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities

Diseases emerging from oxidative stress and inflammatory imbalance are deeply threatening the modern world. Fisheries by-products are rich in bioactive metabolites. However, they are usually discarded, posing a real environmental burden. Herein we aimed to explore the bioactive compounds, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory capabilities of the shell of the freshwater Nile crab Potamonautes niloticus. Methanolic extract of crab shell was subjected to GC/MS and HPLC analyses of total lipids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Also, zebrafish Danio rerio was subjected to inflammatory status using CuSO₄, then treated with different doses of shell extract. Total antioxidant capacity and QPCR analyses for gene expression of different antioxidant enzymes, i.e. superoxide dismutase(sod), catalase (cat), and glutathione peroxidase (gpx) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, i.e. tumor necrosis factor alpha (tnf-α), nuclear factor kappa B (nf-κb), interleukin 1-Beta (il-1b) were assessed. The results showed the richness of crab shell extract with ω - 9 (32.78 %), ω - 7 (6.37 %), and ω - 6 (4 %) unsaturated fatty acids. Diverse phenolic acids and flavonoids were found, dominaed by Benzoic acid (11.24 µg mL^-1), Syringic acid (11.4 µg mL^-1), Ferulic acid (10.55 µg mL^-1), Kampferol (9.47 µg mL^-1), Quercetin (6.33 µg mL^-1), and Naringin (4.16 µg mL^-1). Crab extract also increased the total antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress enzymeś mRNA levels by 1.3-2.15 folds. It down-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokineś mRNA levels by 1.3-2 folds in comparison to positive control (CuSO₄-induced) zebrafishes. The net results indicated that Nile crab shell extract is a rich source of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. Therefore, we recommend to continuously explore the bioactive capabilities of exoskeletons of different shellfish species. This can provide additive values for these products and reduce the environmental burden of their irresponsible discarding.

Therapeutic hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents of menthol and fatty acid for enhancing anti-inflammation effects of curcuminoids and curcumin on RAW264.7 murine macrophage cells

Owing to their water insolubility, low stability, and poor absorption, anti-inflammatory curcuminoids (CUN) are difficult to be extracted and delivered to the action site. As a result, therapeutic hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDESs), containing menthol and fatty acids (capric, caprylic, and oleic acids), are being developed for CUN solubilization and delivery. In this study, the anti-inflammatory effects of various combinations of HDESs with CUN and curcumin (CUR) were investigated on RAW264.7 macrophage cells. The results showed that CUN can be solubilized using the HDESs. The HDESs of oleic acid (OLA) : menthol (1 : 2, 1 : 1, and 2 : 1 molar ratios) exhibited anti-inflammatory effects, and OLA : menthol (1 : 1 molar ratio) increased the anti-inflammatory effects of CUR. The cytotoxicity of CUN and CUR was also lowered when combined with some OLA : menthol HDESs. The combination of OLA, menthol, and CUR entirely suppressed NO secretion without significant cytotoxicity. These results clearly indicate the potential of HDESs to solubilize CUN and impart anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, these solvents could replace organic solvents for CUN extraction, with the added benefit of being therapeutic, biodegradable, and safe for human consumption.

Dietary Fatty Acid Regulation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome via the TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway Affects Chondrocyte Pyroptosis

Dietary fatty acid (FA) content and type have different effects on obesity-associated osteoarthritis (OA), but the mechanisms underlying these differences are not fully understood. Inflammation activated by toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor- (NF-) κB signaling and pyroptosis induced by the NLRP3/caspase-1/gasdermin D (GSDMD) signaling pathway play important roles in OA development. Our aim in this study was to observe the effects of dietary FAs on the articular cartilage of obese post-traumatic OA model mice and on chondrocytes stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and to determine whether the underlying mechanisms involve TLR4/NF-κB and NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathways. Mice were fed high-fat diets rich in various FAs and underwent surgical destabilization of the medial meniscus to establish the obesity-related post-traumatic OA model. LPS-induced SW1353 chondrosarcoma cells were used to mimic OA status in vitro, and TLR4 inhibitors or TLR4 overexpressing lentivirus was administered. Analysis using weight-matched mice and multiple regression models revealed that OA was associated with dietary FA content and serum inflammatory factor levels, but not body weight. Diets rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) attenuated OA and inhibited the TLR4/NF-κB and NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathways, whereas diets rich in saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), or n-6 PUFAs increased OA severity and activated these pathways. In vitro results for SFAs, n-6 PUFAs, and n-3 PUFAs were consistent with the animal experiments. However, those for MUFAs were not. FA effects on the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pathway were associated with the inhibition or activation of the TLR4 signaling pathway. In conclusion, diets rich in SFAs or n-6 PUFAs can exacerbate obesity-associated OA, whereas those rich in n-3 PUFAs have protective effects against this disease, due to their respective pro-/anti-inflammatory and pyroptotic effects. Further research on dietary FA supplements as a potential therapeutic approach for OA is needed.

Evaluation of the Preventive Effects of Fish Oil and Sunflower Seed Oil on the Pathophysiology of Sepsis in Endotoxemic Rats

Sepsis causes platelet activation, systemic inflammation, organ dysfunction, and mortality. Endotoxins play an important role in the manifestation of the symptoms of septic shock. As fish oil exert well known anti-inflammatory effects and sunflower seed oil exert less anti-inflammatory properties than fish oil, both oils are widely used. We aimed to test the hypothesis that dietary supplementation of these two oils before endotoxemia modulates the consequences of illness. Nine- to ten-week-old male Wistar rats (N = 55) were divided into four groups: group A (N = 6), control; group B (N = 17), saline + lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin); group C (N = 17), fish oil + lipopolysaccharide; and group D (N = 15), sunflower seed oil + lipopolysaccharide. After 28 days of feeding the designated diet, the rats in all groups were intraperitoneally injected with lipopolysaccharide. After 24 h, survival rate, endotoxemia severity, levels of platelet activation markers, organ function and biochemical variables were evaluated. Platelet-leukocyte aggregation was significantly high in group C (p = 0.005), and platelet-monocyte aggregation was significantly high in groups C (p = 0.003) and D (p = 0.016) than in group B. The survival rate, endotoxemia severity, expression of platelet P-selectin, CD40L, and TLR4, pulmonary function, renal function, liver function, or biochemical variables did not significantly differ among groups B, C, and D. Instead of an anti-inflammatory effect, the dietary supplementation of fish and sunflower seed oils exerted a pro-inflammatory effect, especially via platelet-monocyte aggregation, suggesting a rebound effect of the dietary supplementation of the oils. The oils did not affect other inflammatory platelet markers or improve the outcome of endotoxemic rats. However, further studies are required to understand the underlying mechanisms of such effects and to elaborate the clinical significance of these findings.

Chitosan Oleate Coated PLGA Nanoparticles as siRNA Drug Delivery System

Oligonucleotide therapeutics such as miRNAs and siRNAs represent a class of molecules developed to modulate gene expression by interfering with ribonucleic acids (RNAs) and protein synthesis. These molecules are characterized by strong instability and easy degradation due to nuclease enzymes. To avoid these drawbacks and ensure efficient delivery to target cells, viral and non-viral vectors are the two main approaches currently employed. Viral vectors are one of the major vehicles in gene therapy; however, the potent immunogenicity and the insertional mutagenesis is a potential issue for the patient. Non-viral vectors, such as polymeric nanocarriers, provide a safer and more efficient delivery of RNA-interfering molecules. The aim of this work is to employ PLGA core nanoparticles shell-coated with chitosan oleate as siRNA carriers. An siRNA targeted on HIV-1, directed against the viral Tat/Rev transcripts was employed as a model. The ionic interaction between the oligonucleotide's moieties, negatively charged, and the positive surface charges of the chitosan shell was exploited to associate siRNA and nanoparticles. Non-covalent bonds can protect siRNA from nuclease degradation and guarantee a good cell internalization and a fast release of the siRNA into the cytosolic portion, allowing its easy activation.