Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of resveratrol in airway disease

Resveratrol has neuroprotective effects and plays an anti-inflammatory role through Dectin-1/p38 pathway in Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis

PURPOSE

To determine the antifungal, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of resveratrol (RES) in Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) keratitis.

METHODS

Cytotoxicity assay and Draize eye assay were performed to assess the toxicity of RES. The antifungal effect of RES was assessed by minimal inhibitory concentration, scanning or transmission electron microscopy, propidium iodide uptake assay, and Calcofluor white staining. Phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, mRNA and protein levels of Dectin-1 and related inflammatory factors were measured by qRT-PCR, ELISA and Western blot in vitro and in vivo. Clinical score, HE staining, plate count, and myeloperoxidase test were used to observe the progress of fungal keratitis. IF staining, qRT-PCR, and the Von Frey test were selected to assess the neuroprotective effects of RES.

RESULTS

RES suppressed A. fumigatus hyphae growth and altered hyphae morphology in vitro. RES decreased the expression of Dectin-1, IL-1β and TNF-α, as well as p38 MAPK phosphorylation expression, and also decreased clinical scores, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and neutrophil activity, and decreased fungal load. RES also protected corneal basal nerve fibers, down-regulated mechanosensitivity thresholds, and increased the mRNA levels of CGRP and TRPV-1..

CONCLUSION

These evidences revealed that RES could exert antifungal effects on A. fumigatus and ameliorate FK through suppressing the Dectin-1/p38 MAPK pathway to down-regulate IL-1β, IL-6, etc. expression and play protective effect on corneal nerves.

Autophagy/Mitophagy in Airway Diseases: Impact of Oxidative Stress on Epithelial Cells

Autophagy is the key process by which the cell degrades parts of itself within the lysosomes. It maintains cell survival and homeostasis by removing molecules (particularly proteins), subcellular organelles, damaged cytoplasmic macromolecules, and by recycling the degradation products. The selective removal or degradation of mitochondria is a particular type of autophagy called mitophagy. Various forms of cellular stress (oxidative stress (OS), hypoxia, pathogen infections) affect autophagy by inducing free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation to promote the antioxidant response. Dysfunctional mechanisms of autophagy have been found in different respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) and asthma, involving epithelial cells. Several existing clinically approved drugs may modulate autophagy to varying extents. However, these drugs are nonspecific and not currently utilized to manipulate autophagy in airway diseases. In this review, we provide an overview of different autophagic pathways with particular attention on the dysfunctional mechanisms of autophagy in the epithelial cells during asthma and COPD. Our aim is to further deepen and disclose the research in this direction to stimulate the develop of new and selective drugs to regulate autophagy for asthma and COPD treatment.

Customizable Resveratrol Spray-dried Micro-composites for Inhalation as a Promising Contender for Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

The past decades have witnessed tremendous expansion in utilization of plant-derived medicines as resveratrol (RES) in treating several diseases like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). RES can exhibit its role in treating IPF via its outstanding antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The goal of this work was to formulate RES-loaded spray-dried composite microparticles (SDCMs) suitable for pulmonary delivery via dry powder inhaler (DPI). They were prepared by spray drying of a previously prepared RES-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (BSA NPs) dispersion using different carriers. RES-loaded BSA NPs, prepared by the desolvation technique, acquired suitable particle size of 177.67±0.95 nm and entrapment efficiency of 98.7±0.35% with perfectly uniform size distribution and high stability. Considering the attributes of the pulmonary route, NPs were co-spray dried with compatible carriers viz. mannitol, dextran, trehalose, leucine, glycine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid to fabricate SDCMs. All formulations showed suitable mass median aerodynamic diameter less than 5 µm; that is suitable for deep lung deposition. However, the best aerosolization behavior was attained from using leucine with fine particle fraction (FPF) of 75.74%, followed by glycine with FPF of 54.7%. Finally, a pharmacodynamic study was conducted on bleomycin-induced mice, and it strongly revealed the role of the optimized formulations in alleviating PF through suppressing the levels of hydroxyproline, tumor necrosis factor-α and matrix metalloproteinase-9 with obvious improvements in the treated lung histopathology. These findings indicate that in addition to leucine, the glycine amino acid, which is not commonly used yet, is very promising in the formulation of DPIs.

Seeds of Ginkgo biloba L. inhibit oxidative stress and inflammation induced by cigarette smoke in COPD rats through the Nrf2 pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

As a traditional medicine, seeds of Ginkgo biloba L. (Gbs) have been used to treat cough or asthma for a long time. It is commonly used in clinic for lung diseases. However, its mechanism of lung protection is not completely clear.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

This research was designed to explore the protective effects of Gbs on antioxidant and inflammation during the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) pathological process provoked by cigarette smoking (CS) in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six random groups including control group, CS model group, Gbs intervention groups (25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg) and aminophylline group were composed of forty-eight rats. Smoking and intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were used to establish the COPD rat model. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for quantifying the inflammatory factors such as IL-8, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17 and TNF-α. Western blotting were used for detecting the protein expressions of Nrf2, Keap1 and HO-1 in the lung tissues.

RESULTS

Gbs inhibits lung histological changes and decreased the inflammatory factors in both bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum of CS-exposed rats, including IL-10, IL-17, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α. Gbs also inhibited the MDA level, increased SOD and GSH-PX activity in serum and changed expressions of Nrf2, Keap1 and HO-1 in the lung tissues.

CONCLUSION

Gbs inhibit oxidative stress and inflammation induced by cigarette smoke in COPD rats through the Nrf2 Pathway.

Resveratrol ameliorates oxidative stress, inflammatory response and lipid metabolism in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fed with high-fat diet

High-fat diet is regarded as crucial inducers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic imbalance. In order to investigate the ameliorative potential of resveratrol against the progression of liver injury towards steatohepatitis, common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were distributed into six experimental groups and were fed with a normal-fat diet, a high-fat diet, and supplemented with resveratrol (0.8, 1.6, 2.4, and 3.2 g/kg diet) for 8 weeks. The high-fat diet decreased the antioxidant capacities, as well as causing the inflammatory response and lipid deposition of common carp. Resveratrol induced a marked elevation in the final body weight, weight gain rate, condition factor and significant decrease in the feed conversion ratio. Moreover, dietary resveratrol showed a significant decrease in the alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein levels, which was accompanied by an increase in high-density lipoprotein concentration in serum. A significant elevation in total superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and a decreased malondialdehyde content were observed, along with a substantial elevation in antioxidant activities were found. Additionally, fish fed with resveratrol had an up-regulation of hepatic catalase, copper, zinc superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase 1a, and glutathione peroxidase 1b gene expression via Nrf2 signaling pathway. Expectedly, our results also demonstrated that resveratrol regulates hepatic lipid metabolism in fish by inhibiting the expression of hepatic lipogenesis genes (acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1, fatty acid synthase, and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1), fatty acid uptake-related genes of lipoprotein lipase, and β-oxidation-related genes via PPAR-γ signaling pathway. Furthermore, dietary resveratrol reduced inflammation, as evident by down-regulating the interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α expression levels and upregulating the interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-β2 expression levels via NF-κB signaling pathway. As a whole, our results demonstrated that resveratrol defensed the impacts against high-fat diet on the serum biochemical, hepatic antioxidants, inflammation, and lipid metabolism.

The interplay between oxidative stress and autophagy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Autophagy is a highly conserved process that is indispensable for cell survival, embryonic development, and tissue homeostasis. Activation of autophagy protects cells against oxidative stress and is a major adaptive response to injury. When autophagy is dysregulated by factors such as smoking, environmental insults and aging, it can lead to enhanced formation of aggressors and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in oxidative stress and oxidative damage to cells. ROS activates autophagy, which in turn promotes cell adaptation and reduces oxidative damage by degrading and circulating damaged macromolecules and dysfunctional cell organelles. The cellular response triggered by oxidative stress includes changes in signaling pathways that ultimately regulate autophagy. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the most common lung disease among the elderly worldwide, with a high mortality rate. As an induced response to oxidative stress, autophagy plays an important role in the pathogenesis of COPD. This review discusses the regulation of oxidative stress and autophagy in COPD, and aims to provide new avenues for future research on target-specific treatments for COPD.

Active Compounds in Fruits and Inflammation in the Body

Inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, diabetes, asthma, and cancer. An appropriate diet and the active compounds contained in it can affect various stages of the inflammatory process and significantly affect the course of inflammatory diseases. Recent reports indicate that polyphenolic acids, vitamins, minerals, and other components of fruits may exhibit activity stimulating an anti-inflammatory response, which may be of importance in maintaining health and reducing the risk of disease. The article presents the latest data on the chemical composition of fruits and the health benefits arising from their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The chemical composition of fruits determines their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but the mechanisms of action are not fully understood.

Resveratrol regulates Hsp60 in HEK 293T cells during activation of SIRT1 revealed by nascent protein labeling strategy

Background

Resveratrol, a well-known natural compound and nutrient, activates the deacetylation ability of SIRT1, demonstrating p53-dependent apoptosis functions in many diseases. However, the nascent proteomic fluctuation caused by resveratrol is still unclear.

Objective

In this study, we investigated the effect of resveratrol on the nascent proteome and transcriptome initiated by SIRT1 activation, and we explored the mechanism of resveratrol in HEK 293T cells.

Methods

Bioorthogonal noncanonical amino acid tagging (BONCAT) is a method used to metabolically label nascent proteins. In this strategy, L-azidohomoalanine (AHA) was used to replace methionine (Met) under different conditions. Taking advantage of the click reaction between AHA and terminal alkyne- and disulfide-functionalized agarose resin (TAD resin), we were able to efficiently separate stimulation responsive proteins from the pre-existing proteome. Resveratrol responsive proteins were identified by Liquid Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer/Mass Spectrometer (LC-MS/MS). Furthermore, changes in mRNA levels were analyzed by transcriptome sequencing.

Results

Integrational analysis revealed a resveratrol response in HEK 293T cells and showed that Hsp60 was downregulated at both the nascent protein and mRNA levels. Knockdown of SIRT1 and Hsp60 provides evidence that resveratrol downregulated Hsp60 through SIRT1 and that Hsp60 decreased p53 through the Akt pathway.

Conclusions

This study revealed dynamic changes in the nascent proteome and transcriptome in response to resveratrol in HEK 293T cells and demonstrated that resveratrol downregulates Hsp60 by activating SIRT1, which may be a possible mechanism by which resveratrol prevents p53-dependent apoptosis by regulating Hsp60.

Natural products in the treatment of pulmonary emphysema: Therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a class of lung diseases including chronic bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema. Long-time smoking is considered the main reason for developing emphysema. Emphysema can be defined as damage to the walls of the air sacs (alveoli) of the lung. It has been demonstrated that natural compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects can effectively improve or protect the lung against this disease. This paper is dedicated to systematically review the effective natural compounds in the treatment of pulmonary emphysema.

PURPOSE

This is the first systematic and comprehensive review on the role of plant-derived secondary metabolites in managing and/or treating pulmonary emphysema STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A systematic and comprehensive review was done based on Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases were searched using the "emphysema", "plant", "herb", and "phytochemical" keywords. Non-English, review, and repetitive articles were excluded from the study. Search results were included in the Prisma diagram.

RESULTS

From a total of 1285 results, finally, 22 articles were included in the present study. The results show that some herbs such as Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi and Monascus adlay and some phytochemicals such as gallic acid and quercetin and blackboard tree indole alkaloids affect more factors in improving the lung emphysema. Also, some natural compounds such as marijuana smoke and humic acid also play an aggravating role in this disease. It also seems that some of the medicinal plants such as PM014 herbal formula, pomegranate juice and açaí berry sometimes have side effects that are inconsistent with their therapeutic effects.

CONCLUSION

We concluded that natural compounds can effectively improve pulmonary emphysema due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. However, additional studies are suggested to prove efficacy and side effects.

IL-33 regulates M1/M2 chemokine expression via mitochondrial redox-related mitophagy in human monocytes

Interleukin (IL)-33 is an epithelial-derived cytokine that enhances T helper (Th) 2 responses. Allergens and other agents induce IL-33 in asthma. Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leads to airway inflammation. Mitophagy is the selective degradation of mitochondria by autophagy and often occurs in defective mitochondria, followed by ROS production. In the present study, we examined the effects of IL-33 on ROS production and mitophagy in human monocytes, and the detailed mechanisms were investigated. Human monocyte cell line THP-1 was pretreated with different concentrations of IL-33. ROS production was measured by flow cytometry. Mitochondrial involvement and the mitophagy and intercellular pathway activation were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting, and confocal microscopy, and cytokine/chemokine concentrations were detected by ELISA. The data showed that IL-33 alone could induce ROS expression in THP-1 cells. The expression of complex II and V mRNA was increased in the presence of IL-33. The mitophagy-related proteins PINK1, Parkin, and LC3 were regulated by IL-33 through the AMPK pathway. IL-33 significantly decreased M1-related cytokines CXCL-10 and TNF-α production and significantly increased M2-related cytokine CCL-22 production. In conclusion, IL-33 induces ROS production and subsequently influences mitophagy through AMPK activation, altering the macrophage-polarization phenotype of monocytes.

IL-25 Induced ROS-Mediated M2 Macrophage Polarization via AMPK-Associated Mitophagy

Interleukin (IL)-25 is a cytokine released by airway epithelial cells responding to pathogens. Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leads to airway inflammation and remodeling in asthma. Mitochondria are the major source of ROS. After stress, defective mitochondria often undergo selective degradation, known as mitophagy. In this study, we examined the effects of IL-25 on ROS production and mitophagy and investigated the underlying mechanisms. The human monocyte cell line was pretreated with IL-25 at different time points. ROS production was measured by flow cytometry. The involvement of mitochondrial activity in the effects of IL-25 on ROS production and subsequent mitophagy was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blotting, and confocal microscopy. IL-25 stimulation alone induced ROS production and was suppressed by N-acetylcysteine, vitamin C, antimycin A, and MitoTEMPO. The activity of mitochondrial complex I and complex II/III and the levels of p-AMPK and the mitophagy-related proteins were increased by IL-25 stimulation. The CCL-22 secretion was increased by IL-25 stimulation and suppressed by mitophagy inhibitor treatment and PINK1 knockdown. The Th2-like cytokine IL-25 can induce ROS production, increase mitochondrial respiratory chain complex activity, subsequently activate AMPK, and induce mitophagy to stimulate M2 macrophage polarization in monocytes.

PM2.5 induces airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation via the AhR pathway in a sensitized Guinea pig asthma-like model

Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) induces airway inflammation and hyperreactivity that lead to asthma. The mechanisms involved are still under investigation. We investigated the effect of resveratrol (3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene) (RES) on airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation and CYP1A1 protein expression (an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) target) induced by PM_2.5 exposure in an allergic asthma experimental guinea pig model. The polyphenolic compound RES was used due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and as an antagonist of the AhR; thus, providing mechanistic insights. Animals were sensitized with aluminum hydroxide and ovalbumin and exposed to filtered air or PM_2.5. Exposure to PM_2.5 was conducted using a whole-body chamber particle concentrator (5 h/day) for 15 days. Animals received saline solution or RES (10 mg/kg per day) orally for 21 days simultaneously to the OVA challenge or PM_2.5 exposure. PM_2.5 exposure (mean 433 ± 111 μg/m³ in the exposure chamber) in OVA challenged animals induced an asthma-like phenotype characterized by increased baseline lung resistance (Rrs) and central airway resistance (Rn) in response to acetylcholine (ACh) evaluated using a flexiVent system®. A parallel increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α and IFN-γ), inflammatory cells (eosinophils and neutrophils) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung CYP1A1 increase also occurred. RES significantly inhibited airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation, and CYP1A1 protein expression in the OVA-challenged PM_2.5 exposed animals. In summary, with the use of RES we demonstrate that PM-induced airway hyperreactivity is modulated by the inflammatory response via the AhR pathway in an allergic asthma guinea pig model.

The Proper Diet and Regular Physical Activity Slow Down the Development of Parkinson Disease

From year to year, we know more about neurodegeneration and Parkinson’s disease (PD). A positive influence of various types of physical activity is more often described in the context of neuroprotection and prevention as well as the form of rehabilitation in Parkinson’s patients. Moreover, when we look at supplementation, clinical nutrition and dietetics, we will see that balancing consumed products and supplementing the vitamins or minerals is necessary. Considering the biochemical pathways in skeletal muscle, we may see that many researchers desire to identify molecular mediators that have an impact through exercise and balanced diet on human health or development of the neurodegenerative disease. Therefore, it is mandatory to study the potential mechanism(s) related to diet and factors resulted from physical activity as molecular mediators, which play a therapeutic role in PD. This review summarizes the available literature on mechanisms and specific pathways involved in diet-exercise relationship and discusses how therapy, including appropriate exercises and diet that influence molecular mediators, may significantly slow down the progress of neurodegenerative processes. We suggest that a proper diet combined with physical activity will be a good solution for psycho-muscle BALANCE not only in PD but also in other neurodegenerative diseases.

Oxidative Stress Promotes Corticosteroid Insensitivity in Asthma and COPD

Corticosteroid insensitivity is a key characteristic of patients with severe asthma and COPD. These individuals experience greater pulmonary oxidative stress and inflammation, which contribute to diminished lung function and frequent exacerbations despite the often and prolonged use of systemic, high dose corticosteroids. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) promote corticosteroid insensitivity by disrupting glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling, leading to the sustained activation of pro-inflammatory pathways in immune and airway structural cells. Studies in asthma and COPD models suggest that corticosteroids need a balanced redox environment to be effective and to reduce airway inflammation. In this review, we discuss how oxidative stress contributes to corticosteroid insensitivity and the importance of optimizing endogenous antioxidant responses to enhance corticosteroid sensitivity. Future studies should aim to identify how antioxidant-based therapies can complement corticosteroids to reduce the need for prolonged high dose regimens in patients with severe asthma and COPD.

Resveratrol Counteracts Hypoxia-Induced Gastric Cancer Invasion and EMT through Hedgehog Pathway Suppression

BACKGROUND

Gastric Cancer (GC) is one of the most malignant and lethal tumors worldwide. The hypoxic microenvironment is correlated with GC cell invasion, metastasis and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). Resveratrol is a compound extracted from various plants, including grapes, berries, and some traditional Chinese medicines. Recently, the anticancer properties of resveratrol against many cancers have been reported in a range of studies. However, the exact mechanism through which resveratrol prevents GC invasion and metastasis under hypoxic conditions remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to show to what extent resveratrol could inhibit the hypoxia-induced malignant biological behavior of GC.

METHODS

SGC-7901 cells were cultured in a consistent 3% O2 hypoxic condition or 21% O2 normal condition for 48 hours to establish an in vitro hypoxia model. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to detect EMT markers of SGC- 7901 cells, including E-cadherin, HIF-1a, Vimentin, etc. Transwell Matrigel Invasion Assays were used to test the invasive ability of SGC-7901 cells. The siRNA targeting Gli-1 showed its role in hypoxia-induced EMT and invasion of SGC-7901 cells.

RESULTS

Resveratrol was found to significantly decrease HIF-1α protein levels induced by hypoxia in SGC-7901 cells. HIF-1α accumulation was found to promote cell proliferation, migration, and invasive capacities in addition to EMT changes through the activation of the Hedgehog pathway. These effects were found to be reversed by resveratrol.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, these data indicate that resveratrol may serve as a potential anticancer agent for the treatment of GC, even in a hypoxic tumor microenvironment.

Treatment of chronic airway diseases using nutraceuticals: Mechanistic insight

Respiratory diseases, both acute and chronic, are reported to be the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, affecting millions of people globally, leading to high socio-economic burden for the society in the recent decades. Chronic inflammation and decline in lung function are the common symptoms of respiratory diseases. The current treatment strategies revolve around using appropriate anti-inflammatory agents and bronchodilators. A range of anti-inflammatory agents and bronchodilators are currently available in the market; however, the usage of such medications is limited due to the potential for various adverse effects. To cope with this issue, researchers have been exploring various novel, alternative therapeutic strategies that are safe and effective to treat respiratory diseases. Several studies have been reported on the possible links between food and food-derived products in combating various chronic inflammatory diseases. Nutraceuticals are examples of such food-derived products which are gaining much interest in terms of its usage for the well-being and better human health. As a consequence, intensive research is currently aimed at identifying novel nutraceuticals, and there is an emerging notion that nutraceuticals can have a positive impact in various respiratory diseases. In this review, we discuss the efficacy of nutraceuticals in altering the various cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in mitigating the symptoms of respiratory diseases.

Chemistry and Pharmacology of Cyperaceae Stilbenoids: A Review

Cyperaceae is a cosmopolitan plant family with approx. 5000 species distributed worldwide. Several members of this family are used in traditional medicines for the treatment of different diseases. In the last few decades, constituents with great chemical diversity were isolated from sedges, and a wide range of biological activities were detected either for crude extracts or for pure compounds. Among the isolated compounds, phenolic derivatives are the most important, especially stilbenoids, and flavonoids. To date, more than 60 stilbenoids were isolated from 28 Cyperaceae species. Pharmacological investigation of Cyperaceae stilbenoids revealed that several compounds possess promising activities; mainly antiproliferative, antibacterial, antioxidant and anthelmintic effects. Isolation, synthesis and pharmacological investigation of stilbenes are increasing constantly. As Cyperaceae species are very good sources of a wide variety of stilbenes, and several of them occur in large amount worldwide, they are worthy for phytochemical and pharmacological investigations. Moreover, stilbenes are important from chemotaxonomical point of view, and they play a key role in plant defense mechanisms as well. This review summarizes the stilbenoids isolated from sedges, and their biological activities.

Correlations of Silent Information Regulator of Transcription 1 (SIRT1) Expression, Inflammatory Factors, and Oxidative Stress with Pulmonary Function in Patients with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (AECOPD)

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlations of silent information regulator of transcription 1 (SIRT1) expression, inflammatory factors, and oxidative stress with pulmonary function in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).

Material/Methods

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected from 188 patients with COPD (83 in stable phase and 105 in acute exacerbation phase) and 56 healthy controls. Subsequently, the SIRT1 expression levels, the IL-6 and IL-8 levels (the representatives of inflammatory factors), and the MDA and SOD levels (indicative of oxidative stress) were detected via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Correlations of SIRT1 expression, inflammatory factors, and oxidative stress with pulmonary function parameters [forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1] were measured via Spearman’s correlation analysis.

Results

The levels of inflammatory factors and oxidative stress were elevated and SIRT1 expression remarkably declined in patients with AECOPD compared with those in healthy controls and stable COPD patients (P<0.05). Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed that SIRT1 expression, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 were strongly associated with pulmonary function parameters (FEV1/FVC and FEV1) in patients with AECOPD (P<0.001), while no such obvious correlation was observed in stable COPD patients.

Conclusions

Oxidative stress and expression levels of inflammatory factors are evidently elevated and SIRT1 expression declines in patients with AECOPD. Moreover, SIRT1 expression is positively associated with pulmonary function parameters, while IL-6 and IL-8 exhibit negative correlations with pulmonary function parameters.

Nanonutraceuticals: The New Frontier of Supplementary Food

In the last few decades, the combination between nanotechnology and nutraceutics has gained the attention of several research groups. Nutraceuticals are considered as active compounds, abundant in natural products, showing beneficial effects on human health. Unfortunately, the uses, and consequently the health benefits, of many nutraceutical products are limited by their unsuitable chemico-physical features. For example, many nutraceuticals are characterized by low water solubility, low stability and high susceptibility to light and oxygen, poor absorption and potential chemical modifications after their administration. Based on the potential efficacy of nutraceuticals and on their limiting features, nanotechnology could be considered a revolutionary innovation in empowering the beneficial properties of nutraceuticals on human health, thus enhancing their efficacy in several diseases. For this reason, nanotechnology could represent a new frontier in supplementary food. In this review, the most recent nanotechnological approaches are discussed, focusing on their ability to improve the bioavailability of the most common nutraceuticals, providing an overview regarding both the advantages and the possible limitations of the use of several nanodelivery systems. In fact, although the efficacy of smart nanocarriers in improving health benefits deriving from nutraceuticals has been widely demonstrated, the conflicting opinions on the mechanism of action of some nanosystems still reduce their applicability in the therapeutic field.

Resveratrol enhances the sensitivity of FL118 in triple-negative breast cancer cell lines via suppressing epithelial to mesenchymal transition

We aimed to investigate whether resveratrol (RSV) could sensitize human triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells to FL118-induced cell death, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, and migration. The effects of sequential administration of RSV and FL118 on MDA-MB-436 and MDA-MB-468 cells were evaluated in terms of cell viability, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, active caspase-3/7 levels, migration and invasion. Furthermore, mRNA and protein levels of EMT associated genes and proteins were also evaluated. Sequential administration of RSV and FL118 inhibited the cell viability in both TNBC cell lines. Meanwhile sequential administration of RSV and FL118 also dramatically reduced the migratory and invasive capabilities, it also reversed the EMT process in both TNBC cells. Moreover, sequential administration of RSV and FL118 led to a significant increase of apoptotic cells, as well as active Caspase-3/7 levels. Sequential administration of RSV and FL118 caused TNBC cells accumulating in the G1 phase, and markedly suppressed the mRNA and protein levels of N-cadherin, β-catenin, Vimentin, Snail, and Slug, and also significantly downregulated mRNA levels of Fibronectin, Twist1, Twist2, Zeb1, and Zeb2 genes, while enhanced the mRNA and protein levels of E-cadherin genes. RSV sensitized TNBC cells to FL118 via facilitating apoptosis, migration, invasion, and EMT and enhancing intracellular entrapment of FL118. Thus, our results suggest that since RSV enhanced the in vitro anticancer activity of FL118 in BC, it may be a potential therapeutic agent in advanced BC.

Airway Redox Homeostasis and Inflammation Gone Awry: From Molecular Pathogenesis to Emerging Therapeutics in Respiratory Pathology

As aerobic organisms, we are continuously and throughout our lifetime subjected to an oxidizing atmosphere and, most often, to environmental threats. The lung is the internal organ most highly exposed to this milieu. Therefore, it has evolved to confront both oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a variety of pollutants, pathogens, and allergens that promote inflammation and can harm the airways to different degrees. Indeed, an excess of ROS, generated intrinsically or from external sources, can imprint direct damage to key structural cell components (nucleic acids, sugars, lipids, and proteins) and indirectly perturb ROS-mediated signaling in lung epithelia, impairing its homeostasis. These early events complemented with efficient recognition of pathogen- or damage-associated recognition patterns by the airway resident cells alert the immune system, which mounts an inflammatory response to remove the hazards, including collateral dead cells and cellular debris, in an attempt to return to homeostatic conditions. Thus, any major or chronic dysregulation of the redox balance, the air-liquid interface, or defects in epithelial proteins impairing mucociliary clearance or other defense systems may lead to airway damage. Here, we review our understanding of the key role of oxidative stress and inflammation in respiratory pathology, and extensively report current and future trends in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory treatments focusing on the following major acute and chronic lung diseases: acute lung injury/respiratory distress syndrome, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis, and cystic fibrosis.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel osthole-based derivatives as potential neuroprotective agents

A total of 26 compounds based on osthole skeleton were designed, synthesized. Their cytoprotective abilities of antioxidation, anti-inflammation and Aβ₄₂(Amyloid β-protein 42)-induced neurotoxicity were evaluated by MTT assays. Mechanism of the action of selected compounds were investigated by molecular docking. AlogP, logS and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability of all these compounds were simulated by admetSAR. Most of the compounds showed better antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities compared with osthole, especially OST7 and OST17. The compound OST7 showed relative high activity in neuroprotection against H₂O₂ (45.7 ± 5.5%), oxygen glucose deprivation (64.6 ± 4.8%) and Aβ₄₂ (61.4 ± 5.2%) at a low concentration of 10 μM. EC₅₀ of selected compounds were measured in both H₂O₂ and OGD induced cytotoxicity models. Moreover, NO inhibiting ability of OST17(50.4 ± 7.1%) already surpassed the positive drug indomethacin. The structure activity relationship study indicated that introduction of piperazine group, tetrahydropyrrole group and aromatic amine group might be beneficial for enhancement of osthole neuroprotective properties. Molecular docking explained that the reason OST7 exhibited relatively stronger neuroprotection against Aβ because of the greater area of interactions between molecule and target protein. OST7 and OST17 both provided novel methods to investigate osthole as anti-AD drugs.

Resveratrol reduces obesity in high-fat diet-fed mice via modulating the composition and metabolic function of the gut microbiota

Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural polyphenol with anti-obesity effects. However, the mechanisms of anti-obesity remain unclear due to its low bioavailability. Recent evidence demonstrates that gut microbiota plays a key role in obesity. This spurred us to investigate whether the anti-obesity effects of RSV are related to modulations in the gut microbiota and metabolic functions. Here, RSV significantly improved metabolic phenotype and intestinal oxidative stress in the high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. A multi-omics approach was used to systematically profile the microbial signatures at both the phylogenetic and functional levels using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metagenome. At the phylogenetic level, RSV treatment significantly modulated the gut microbiota composition in HFD-fed mice, characterized with increased Blautia abundance and decreased Desulfovibrio and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group abundance. At the functional level, RSV significantly decreased the enrichment of pathways linked to host metabolic disease and increased the enrichment of pathways involved in the generation of small metabolites. Besides, the fecal microbiota transplantation experiment showed anti-obesity and microbiota-modulating effects similar to those observed in the oral RSV-feeding experiment. Furthermore, metabolomic analysis and antibiotic treatment verified that 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (4-HPA) and 3-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid (3-HPP) were the two gut metabolites of RSV, which contribute to improving lipid metabolism in vitro. Moreover, the content of 4-HPA and 3-HPP exhibited strong correlation with the intestinal oxidative state. We concluded that the RSV-mediated alteration of gut microbiota, related gut metabolites and redox state of the intestinal environment contributed to prevention of metabolic syndrome in HFD-fed mice.

Neuroprotective Effect of Resveratrol via Activation of Sirt1 Signaling in a Rat Model of Combined Diabetes and Alzheimer's Disease

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) often coexist in patients because having one of these conditions increases risk for the other. These two diseases share several pathophysiological mechanisms, such as specific inflammatory signaling pathways, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis. It is still unclear exactly which mechanisms associated with DM are responsible for increased AD risk. Studies have found that even transient elevation of brain Aβ levels can allow T2DM to slightly disrupt the neural milieu in a way that encourages pathologies associated with the onset of memory deficits and AD. A recent study argues that a potential common pathogenetic mechanism underlying both DM and AD is evidenced by the cooccurrence of amyloid brain legions and deposits containing both tau and Aβ in pancreatic β cells. Given these links, an investigation detailing disease mechanisms as well as treatment options for patients with cooccurring DM and AD is urgently needed. The biological effects of resveratrol relevant to DM and AD treatment include its abilities to modulate oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. A rat model of DM and concomitant AD was created for this study using intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin and hippocampal injection of Aβ1–40 to characterize resveratrol’s potential protective action.

Results

Resveratrol significantly increased the Sirt1 expression, inhibited the memory impairment, the increased acetylcholinesterase, malondialdehyde, interleukin-1β and interleukin 6 levels, and the decreased levels of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione in this rat model of diabetes and concomitant AD. The Sirt 1 inhibitor EX527 partially reversed the effects of resveratrol.

Conclusion

This study suggests that resveratrol may have a neuroprotective action through activation of Sirt1 signaling in diabetes and AD with concurrent onset.

Depressive symptoms at postpartum are associated with those at the second trimester of pregnancy and the antioxidant activity immediately after delivery

Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether depressive symptoms at postpartum are associated with oxidative stress and antioxidant activity, as well as the symptoms during pregnancy.Methods: This longitudinal study enrolled 84 women in their second trimester of pregnancy. Their depressive symptoms were assessed using Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS), and their oxidative stress and antioxidant activity were assessed using reactive oxygen metabolites/8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) at around 26 and 36 weeks (time points 1 and 2) of gestation, and 3-6 days and 1 month (time points 3 and 4) postpartum. We evaluated the associations between EPDS at time point 4 and various parameters at the other time points.Results: Multiple regression analysis revealed that EPDS at time point 1 (adjusted odds ratio: 1.06 per 0.1 point increase; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.11) and BAP at time point 3 (adjusted odds ratio: 0.93 per 10 μmol/L increase; 95% CI: 0.87-0.97) were independent predictors of EPDS at time point 4.Conclusion: Depressive symptoms at the second trimester of pregnancy and the antioxidant activity immediately after delivery could predict postpartum depression. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN-CTR UMIN000022367.

Preclinical Evaluation of the Antimicrobial-Immunomodulatory Dual Action of Xenohormetic Molecules against Haemophilus influenzae Respiratory Infection

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by abnormal inflammation and impaired airway immunity, providing an opportunistic platform for nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) infection. In this context, therapies targeting not only overactive inflammation without significant adverse effects, but also infection are of interest. Increasing evidence suggests that polyphenols, plant secondary metabolites with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, may be protective. Here, a Cistus salviifolius plant extract containing quercetin, myricetin, and punicalagin was shown to reduce NTHi viability. Analysis of these polyphenols revealed that quercetin has a bactericidal effect on NTHi, does not display synergies, and that bacteria do not seem to develop resistance. Moreover, quercetin lowered NTHi airway epithelial invasion through a mechanism likely involving inhibition of Akt phosphorylation, and reduced the expression of bacterially-induced proinflammatory markers il-8, cxcl-1, il-6, pde4b, and tnfα. We further tested quercetin’s effect on NTHi murine pulmonary infection, showing a moderate reduction in bacterial counts and significantly reduced expression of proinflammatory genes, compared to untreated mice. Quercetin administration during NTHi infection on a zebrafish septicemia infection model system showed a bacterial clearing effect without signs of host toxicity. In conclusion, this study highlights the therapeutic potential of the xenohormetic molecule quercetin against NTHi infection.

Resveratrol suppresses neutrophil activation via inhibition of Src family kinases to attenuate lung injury

The natural stilbenoid, Resveratrol (RSV; 3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene) has been shown to have beneficial effects on inflammatory diseases as well as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular disorders. The underlying mechanism by which RSV affects neutrophil activation has yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that RSV modulates the inflammatory activities of formyl-Met-Leu-Phe-stimulated human neutrophils. We employed a well-established isolated-neutrophil model to investigate the effects of RSV on neutrophil functions and the underlying mechanism of signaling transduction. The lipopolysaccharide-induced ALI murine model was employed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of RSV. Experiment results demonstrate that RSV reduces respiratory burst, degranulation, integrin expression, and cell adhesion in activated neutrophils in dose-dependent manners. RSV inhibited phosphorylation of Src family kinases (SFKs) and reduced their enzymatic activities. Moreover, RSV and a selective inhibitor of SFKs (PP2) reduced the phosphorylation of Bruton's tyrosine kinase and Vav. There results indicated that the inhibitory effects of RSV are mediated through the inhibition of the SFKs-Btk-Vav pathway. This study also revealed that RSV attenuates endotoxin-induced lung injury. We surmise that the therapeutic effects of RSV on ALI may derive from its anti-neutrophilic inflammation function and free radical-scavenging effects.

Synthetic Imine Resveratrol Analog 2-Methoxyl-3,6-Dihydroxyl-IRA Ameliorates Colitis by Activating Protective Nrf2 Pathway and Inhibiting NLRP3 Expression

Resveratrol (RSV) is a naturally occurring polyphenol that exhibits pleiotropic health benefits, including anticolitis and colon cancer-protective activity. Recently, we identified the novel imine RSV analog (IRA), 2-methoxyl-3,6-dihydroxyl-IRA 3,4,5,4-tetramethoxystilbene (C33), as a putative activator of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). The present study was designed to evaluate the ability of C33 to activate the Nrf2 signaling pathway and its anticolitis effect in comparison to RSV. The anticolitis action of C33 was assessed in a mouse model of colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The effect of C33 on the Nrf2 signaling pathway was examined in vitro and in vivo. Compared to RSV, C33 triggered a more dramatic increase in the expression of genes downstream of Nrf2 in LS174T cells as well as in the small intestine and colon of wild-type (WT) mice. Correlated with its superior ability to activate the cytoprotective Nrf2 pathway, C33 was significantly better in ameliorating DSS-induced colitis by improving the inflammation score, as well as downregulating the markers of inflammation in WT mice. Moreover, induction of the NOD-like receptors family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome by colitis was also significantly inhibited by the IRA. Nrf2 knockout completely abolished the effects of C33, indicating that Nrf2 is the important mechanistic target of C33 in vivo. In conclusion, the novel IRA, C33, has stronger anticolitis effects than RSV. Further studies are warranted to evaluate C33 as a potential therapeutic agent for inflammatory bowel disease and cancer chemoprevention.

Flavonoids reduces lipopolysaccharide-induced release of inflammatory mediators in human bronchial epithelial cells: Structure-activity relationship

Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds that are widely present in food and Chinese medicine. The aim of the present study was to identify the flavonoids with anti-inflammatory effects in the airway; and to determine the role of anti-oxidant and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in the anti-inflammatory effect. Human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells were exposed to bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the absence or presence of different flavonoids, which are categorized according to their chemical structures in seven subclasses [anthocyanidins, chalcones, flavanes, flavanones, flavones, flavonols, isoflavones]. Among the 17 flavonoids tested, only apigenin (flavones), luteolin (flavones), daidzein (isoflavones) and genistein (isoflavones) reduced LPS-induced release of inflammatory cytokines/chemokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in BEAS-2B cells. Quercetin caused further increase in LPS-induced IL-6 and IL-8 levels. It alone significantly increased nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 activity and the cellular oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) level in BEAS-2B cells. By contrast, apigenin and genistein reduced LPS-induced increases in nuclear NF-κB activity and MDA level. Apigenin and genistein, but not quercetin, increased the cAMP level in BEAS-2B cells, and the cell-permeable cAMP analogue, 8-Br-cAMP, inhibited LPS-induced increase of IL-8 level. These findings suggest that the presence of C5-OH, C7-OH, C2=C3 and C4=O functional groups in the flavonoids is associated with greater anti-inflammatory effect, while that of C3-OH or glycosylation group at the A-ring greatly decreased the anti-inflammatory effect. The anti-inflammatory effect of these flavonoids may be related to their anti-oxidant properties, and partly to their ability in increasing cAMP level.

Amurensin H, a Derivative From Resveratrol, Ameliorates Lipopolysaccharide/Cigarette Smoke-Induced Airway Inflammation by Blocking the Syk/NF-κB Pathway

Amurensin H, a resveratrol dimer derived from Vitis amurensis Rupr, has several biological effects, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Studies have found that amurensin H attenuated asthma-like allergic airway inflammation. However, its protective activity on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) airway inflammation is not fully explored. The present study used a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/cigarette smoke-induced mice model and an LPS-stimulated THP-1-derived macrophages model to measure the lung tissue's morphology changes. The results showed that amurensin H ameliorated the histological inflammatory alterations in the lung tissues, leading to a decrease in the expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-17A, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interferon γ in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Amurensin H also significantly inhibited the release of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated THP-1-derived macrophages. Furthermore, amurensin H markedly inhibited the expressions of p-Syk, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), and p-NF-κB both in vivo and in vitro. Results from cotreatment with Syk inhibitor BAY61-3606 and NF-κB inhibitor BAY11-7082 in vitro revealed that amurensin H's protective effect against airway inflammation could be due partly to the inhibition of the Syk/NF-κB pathway. These findings suggest that amurensin H shows therapeutic effects on COPD airway inflammation, and inhibiting the Syk/NF-κB pathway might be part of its underlying mechanisms.

Effects of resveratrol on learning and memory in rats with vascular dementia

The purpose of the present study was to study the effects of resveratrol on cognitive function in rats with vascular dementia and to investigate the molecular mechanisms of its neuroprotective effects. Forty-five SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: The control group (Con group, n=15), the model group (VD group, n=15) and the resveratrol-treated VD group (Res group, n=15). The VD rats (the VD group and the Res group) were generated by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion. The rats in the Res group received daily resveratrol treatment intraperitoneally for 4 weeks. Cognitive function was tested using the Morris water maze test. The levels of SOD and MDA (oxidative stress indicators) were detected by ELISA kits. The protein expression of Bax, Bcl-2 and caspase-3 was detected by western blotting. Compared with the rats in the Con group, the rats in the VD group exhibited decreased cognitive function, significantly increased hippocampal content of MDA, Bax and caspase-3 (P<0.05), and significantly reduced hippocampal expression of SOD and Bcl-2 (P<0.05). Compared with the rats in the VD group, the rats in the Res group exhibited increased cognitive ability, reduced hippocampal content of MDA, Bax and caspase-3 (P<0.05), and increased hippocampal expression of SOD and Bcl-2 (P<0.05). Resveratrol treatment significantly improved the spatial learning and memory of the VD rats. The mechanism associated with the neuroprotective effects of resveratrol may be closely related to the inhibition of the apoptosis pathway and oxidative stress injury.

Noncoding RNAs as Molecular Targets of Resveratrol Underlying Its Anticancer Effects

Cancer is a significant disease burden worldwide. Chemotherapy is the mainstay of cancer treatment. Clinically used chemotherapeutic agents may elicit severe side effects. Remarkably, most of cancer cells develop chemoresistance after a period of treatment. Therefore, it is imperative to seek more effective agents without side effects. In recent years, increasing research efforts have attempted to identify natural agents that may be used alone or in combination with traditional therapeutics for cancer management. Resveratrol is a natural polyphenolic phytoalexin that can be found in various foods including blueberries, peanuts, and red wine. As a natural food ingredient, resveratrol possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties. Moreover, resveratrol exhibited promising effects in suppressing the initiation and progression of cancers. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been universally accepted as vital regulators in cancer pathogenesis. The modulation of miRNAs and lncRNAs by resveratrol has been described. Thus, the mechanism involving the domination of ncRNA function is one of the keys to understand the anticancer effects of resveratrol. In this review, we focus on the antagonistic effects of resveratrol on cancer progression through regulation of miRNAs and lncRNAs. We also discuss the potential application of resveratrol in cancer management.

Resveratrol Attenuates Staphylococcus Aureus-Induced Monocyte Adhesion through Downregulating PDGFR/AP-1 Activation in Human Lung Epithelial Cells

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a very common Gram-positive bacterium. It is widely distributed in air, soil, and water. S. aureus often causes septicemia and pneumonia in patients. In addition, it is considered to play a key role in mediating cell adhesion molecules upregulation. Resveratrol is a natural antioxidant with diverse biological effects, including the modulation of immune function, anti-inflammation, and cancer chemoprevention. In this study, we proved that S. aureus-upregulated vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression in human lung epithelial cells (HPAEpiCs) was inhibited by resveratrol. We also observed that resveratrol downregulated S. aureus-enhanced leukocyte count in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid in mice. In HPAEpiCs, S. aureus stimulated c-Src, PDGFR, p38 MAPK, or JNK1/2 phosphorylation, which was inhibited by resveratrol. S. aureus induced the adhesion of THP-1 cells (a human monocytic cell line) to HPAEpiCs, which was also reduced by resveratrol. Finally, we found that S. aureus induced c-Src/PDGFR/p38 MAPK and JNK1/2-dependent c-Jun and ATF2 activation and in vivo binding of c-Jun and ATF2 to the VCAM-1 promoter, which were inhibited by resveratrol. Thus, resveratrol functions as a suppressor of S. aureus-induced inflammatory signaling, not only by inhibiting VCAM-1 expression but also by diminishing c-Src, PDGFR, JNK1/2, p38 MAPK, and AP-1 activation in HPAEpiCs.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Resveratrol: Mechanistic Insights

Inflammation is the principal response invoked by the body to address injuries. Despite inflammation constituting a crucial component of tissue repair, it is well known that unchecked or chronic inflammation becomes deleterious, leading to progressive tissue damage. Studies over the past years focused on foods rich in polyphenols with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, since inflammation was recognized to play a central role in several diseases. In this review, we discuss the beneficial effects of resveratrol, the most widely investigated polyphenol, on cancer and neurodegenerative, respiratory, metabolic, and cardiovascular diseases. We highlight how resveratrol, despite its unfavorable pharmacokinetics, can modulate the inflammatory pathways underlying those diseases, and we identify future opportunities for the evaluation of its clinical feasibility.

Protective Effects of Casticin From Vitex trifolia Alleviate Eosinophilic Airway Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in a Murine Asthma Model

Casticin has been isolated from Vitex trifolia and found to have anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. We also previously discovered that casticin can reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and ICAM-1 expression in inflammatory pulmonary epithelial cells. In the present study, we evaluated whether casticin reduced airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR), airway inflammation, and oxidative stress in the lungs of a murine asthma model and alleviated inflammatory and oxidative responses in tracheal epithelial cells. Female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups: normal controls, ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma, and OVA-induced asthma treated with intraperitoneal injection of casticin (5 or 10 mg/kg) or prednisolone (5 mg/kg). Casticin reduced AHR, goblet cell hyperplasia, and oxidative responses in the lungs of mice with asthma. Mechanistic studies revealed that casticin attenuated the levels of Th2 cytokine in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids and regulated the expression of Th2 cytokine and chemokine genes in the lung. Casticin also significantly regulated oxidative stress and reduced inflammation in the lungs of mice with asthma. Consequently, inflammatory tracheal epithelial BEAS-2B cells treated with casticin had significantly suppressed levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and eotaxin, and reduced THP-1 monocyte cell adherence to BEAS-2B cells via suppressed ICAM-1 expression. Thus, casticin is a powerful immunomodulator, ameliorating pathological changes by suppressing Th2 cytokine expression in mice with asthma.

The effects of resveratrol on markers of oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

AIMS

Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2D). In vitro and animal studies have shown that resveratrol exerts an antioxidant effect, but clinical trials addressing this effect in patients with T2D are limited. The aim of this study was to determine whether resveratrol supplementation affects oxidative stress markers in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial.

METHODS

A total of 48 patients with T2D randomly were assigned to receive 800 mg/day resveratrol or placebo for 2 months. Plasma total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde concentration, protein carbonyl and total thiol contents, intracellular superoxide anion (O₂^-·) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in PBMCs, the expression of genes involved in oxidative stress responses (Nrf2, SOD, Cat, HO-1, RAGE, NOS) in PBMCs, and metabolic and anthropometric parameters were measured at the baseline and at the trial end.

RESULTS

Compared with the placebo group, resveratrol reduced plasma protein carbonyl content and PBMCs O₂^-· level and significantly increased plasma total antioxidant capacity and total thiol content. Furthermore, the expression of Nrf2 and SOD was significantly increased after resveratrol consumption. Resveratrol had no significant effects on the metabolic and anthropometric parameters except for a significant reduction in weight, BMI, and blood pressure levels. Resveratrol was well tolerated, and no serious adverse event was occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that 8 weeks of supplementation with 800 mg/day resveratrol has an antioxidant effect in the blood and PBMCs of patients with T2D. Clinical Trial Registry number and website IRCT registration number: IRCT2015072523336N1 and http://en.search.irct.ir/view/24752 .

Fisetin inhibits TNF-α/NF-κB-induced IL-8 expression by targeting PKCδ in human airway epithelial cells

Fisetin (3,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxyflavone), a natural flavonoid, is a therapeutic agent for respiratory inflammatory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, detailed molecular mechanisms regarding the target protein of fisetin remain unknown. Fisetin significantly reduces tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-induced interleukin (IL)-8 levels by inhibiting both nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) transcriptional activity and the phosphorylation of its upstream effectors. We show that fisetin prevents interactions between protein kinase C (PKC)δ and TNF receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2), thereby inhibiting the inhibitor of kappa B kinase (IKK)/NF-κB downstream signalling cascade. Furthermore, we found that fisetin directly binds to PKCδ in vitro. Our findings provide evidence that fisetin inhibits the TNF-α-activated IKK/NF-κB cascade by targeting PKCδ, thereby mediating inflammatory diseases such as COPD. These data suggest that fisetin is a good therapeutic drug for the treatment of inflammatory lung diseases, such as COPD, by inhibiting the TNF-α/NF-κB signalling pathway.

Piscroside C inhibits TNF-α/NF-κB pathway by the suppression of PKCδ activity for TNF-RSC formation in human airway epithelial cells

BACKGROUND

Piscroside C, isolated from Pseudolysimachion rotundum var. subintegrum, is a novel iridoid glycoside with therapeutic efficacy in a mouse model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Piscroside C has been reported as a constituent of YPL-001 (under Phase 2a study, ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02272634).

PURPOSE

To investigate the mechanisms behind piscroside C therapeutic effects on COPD in human airway epithelial NCI-H292 cells.

METHODS

We tested if piscroside C effectively suppresses MUC5AC gene expression and TNF-RSC/IKK/NF-κB cascades in TNF-α-stimulated NCI-H292 cells by employing, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, luciferase reporter assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays and immunoprecipitation.

RESULTS

Piscroside C markedly suppressed the expression of TNF-α-induced MUC5AC mucus protein by inhibiting the transcriptional activity of NF-κB in NCI-H292 cells. Indeed, piscroside C negatively regulated the function of TNF receptor 1 signaling complex (TNF-RSC, an upstream regulator of the NF-κB pathway) without affecting its extracellular interaction with the TNF-α ligand. This inhibitory effect by piscroside C is mediated by the inactivation of protein kinase C (PKC), an essential regulator of TNF-RSC. PKC inactivation by piscroside C results in decreased PKCδ binding to a TRAF2 subunit of TNF-RSC and subsequent reduced IKK phosphorylation, resulting in NF-κB inactivation.

CONCLUSION

We propose that piscroside C is a promising therapeutic constituent of YPL-001 through its inhibition of PKCδ activity in the TNF-RSC/IKK/NF-κB/MUC5AC signaling cascade.

Novel glutathione-containing dry-yeast extracts inhibit eosinophilia and mucus overproduction in a murine model of asthma

BACKGROUND/OBSECTIVE

Airway inflammation by eosinophils, neutrophils and alveolar macrophages is a characteristic feature of asthma that leads to pathological subepithelial thickening and remodeling. Our previous study showed that oxidative stress in airways resulted in eosinophilia and epithelial apoptosis. The current study investigated whether glutathione-containing dry yeast extract (dry-YE) ameliorated eosinophilia, goblet cell hyperplasia and mucus overproduction.

MATERIALS/METHOD

This study employed 2 µg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- or 20 ng/mL eotaxin-1-exposed human bronchial epithelial cells and ovalbumin (OVA)-challenged mice. Dry-YE employed in this study contained a significant amount of glutathione (140 mg in 100 g dry yeast).

RESULTS

Human bronchial epithelial cell eotaxin-1 and mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) were markedly induced by the endotoxin LPS, which was dose-dependently attenuated by nontoxic dry-YE at 10-50 µg/mL. Moreover, dry-YE inhibited the MUC5AC induction enhanced by eotaxin-1, indicating that eotaxin-1-mediated eosinophilia may prompt the MUC5AC induction. Oral supplementation with 10-100 mg/kg dry-YE inhibited inflammatory cell accumulation in airway subepithelial regions with a reduction of lung tissue level of intracellular adhesion molecule-1. In addition, ≥ 50 mg/kg dry-YE diminished the lung tissue levels of eotaxin-1, eosinophil major basic protein and MUC5AC in OVA-exposed mice. Alcian blue/periodic acid schiff staining revealed that the dry-YE supplementation inhibited goblet cell hyperplasia and mucus overproduction in the trachea and bronchiolar airways of OVA-challenged mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Oxidative stress may be involved in the induction of eotaxin-1 and MUC5AC by endotoxin episode and OVA challenge. Dry-YE effectively ameliorated oxidative stress-responsive epithelial eosinophilia and mucus-secreting goblet cell hyperplasia in cellular and murine models of asthma.

Resveratrol therapeutics combines both antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties against respiratory infection by nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae

The respiratory pathogen nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is an important cause of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) that requires efficient treatments. A previous screening for host genes differentially expressed upon NTHi infection identified sirtuin-1, which encodes a NAD-dependent deacetylase protective against emphysema and is activated by resveratrol. This polyphenol concomitantly reduces NTHi viability, therefore highlighting its therapeutic potential against NTHi infection at the COPD airway. In this study, resveratrol antimicrobial effect on NTHi was shown to be bacteriostatic and did not induce resistance development in vitro. Analysis of modulatory properties on the NTHi-host airway epithelial interplay showed that resveratrol modulates bacterial invasion but not subcellular location, reduces inflammation without targeting phosphodiesterase 4B gene expression, and dampens β defensin-2 gene expression in infected cells. Moreover, resveratrol therapeutics against NTHi was evaluated in vivo on mouse respiratory and zebrafish septicemia infection model systems, showing to decrease NTHi viability in a dose-dependent manner and reduce airway inflammation upon infection, and to have a significant bacterial clearing effect without signs of host toxicity, respectively. This study presents resveratrol as a therapeutic of particular translational significance due to the attractiveness of targeting both infection and overactive inflammation at the COPD airway.

The Effects of Resveratrol on Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in a Rat Model of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Oxidative stress and inflammation are hypothesized to contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Resveratrol (trans-3,5,4′-trihydroxystilbene) is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The study aimed to investigate the effects of resveratrol in a rat model with COPD on the regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation via the activation of Sirtuin1 (SIRTl) and proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α). Thirty Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group, COPD group and resveratrol intervention group. The COPD model was established by instilling with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and challenging with cigarette smoke (CS). The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in serum were measured. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured. The expression levels of SIRT1 and PGC-1α in the lung tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry as well as real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR) and western blotting analysis. After the treatment with resveratrol (50 mg/kg), compared with the COPD group, alleviation of inflammation and reconstruction in the small airways of the lungs were seen. Resveratrol might be correlated not only with the lower level of MDA and the higher activity of SOD, but also with the upregulation of SIRT1 and PGC-1α expression. Resveratrol treatment decreased serum levels of IL-6 and IL-8. Our findings indicate that resveratrol had a therapeutic effect in our rat COPD model, which is related to the inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammatory response. The mechanism may be related to the activation and upgrading of the SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathways. Thus resveratrol might be a therapeutic modality in COPD.

Therapeutic Effects of Resveratrol in a Mouse Model of LPS and Cigarette Smoke-Induced COPD

This study was designed to examine whether resveratrol exerts the protective effects on LPS and cigarette smoke (LC)-induced COPD in a murine model. In lung histopathological studies, H&E, Masson's trichrome, and AB-PAS staining were performed. The cytokines (IL-6, IL-17, TGF-β, and TNF-α) and inflammatory cells in BALF were determined. The Beclin1 level in the lungs of mouse was analyzed. Compared with the LC-induced mouse, the level of inflammatory cytokines (IL-17, IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β) of the BALF in the resveratrol + cigarette smoke-treated mouse had obviously decreased. Histological examination of the lung tissue revealed that the resveratrol treatment attenuated the fibrotic response and mucus hypersecretion. In addition, resveratrol inhibited the expression of the Beclin1 protein in mouse lungs. The presented findings collectively suggest that resveratrol has a therapeutic effect on mouse LC-induced COPD, and its mechanism of action might be related to reducing the production of the Beclin1 protein.

Inhibitory Effects of Resveratrol on Airway Remodeling by Transforming Growth Factor-β/Smad Signaling Pathway in Chronic Asthma Model

Purpose

Asthma is a chronic airway disease characterized by airway remodeling, leading to a progressive decline in lung function. Therapeutic agents that attenuate airway remodeling can complement the limited effects of traditional glucocorticoids. In this study, we investigated the effect of resveratrol on allergic airway inflammation and remodeling in a murine model of chronic bronchial asthma.

Methods

Peribronchial smooth muscle thickening that developed in mice challenged with a 3-month repeated exposure to ovalbumin (OVA) was used to study airway remodeling. Oral resveratrol was administered daily during the OVA challenge. The expression of TGF-β1/Smad signaling proteins and downstream mesenchymal markers in the presence or absence of resveratrol was examined in bronchial epithelial cells.

Results

OVA sensitization and chronic challenge increased airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation, goblet cell hyperplasia, α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), and collagen deposition. Resveratrol effectively suppressed OVA-induced airway inflammation and remodeling. The expression of TGF-β1/phosphorylated Smad2/3 was increased in the lung tissues of OVA-challenged mice but effectively inhibited by resveratrol. In bronchial epithelial cells, the TGF-β1-induced expression of the mesenchymal markers snail, slug, vimentin, and α-SMA was suppressed by resveratrol treatment.

Conclusions

Resveratrol effectively ameliorated both airway inflammation and airway structural changes in a mouse model of bronchial asthma. These effects were mediated by decreased TGF-β1 expression, in turn suppressing TGF-β1/Smad signaling and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process. Our results demonstrate the potential benefits of resveratrol for the treatment of airway remodeling associated with bronchial asthma.