Regulatory T cells, a potent immunoregulatory target for CAM researchers: modulating tumor immunity, autoimmunity and alloreactive immunity (III)

Enhancing Regulatory T Cells to Treat Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) control immune responses and are essential to maintain immune homeostasis and self-tolerance. Hence, it is no coincidence that autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders are associated with defects in Tregs. These diseases have currently no cure and are treated with palliative drugs such as immunosuppressant and immunomodulatory agents. Thereby, there is a great interest in developing medical interventions against these diseases based on enhancing Treg cell function and numbers. Here, we give an overview of Treg cell ontogeny and function, paying particular attention to mucosal Tregs. We review some notable approaches to enhance immunomodulation by Tregs with therapeutic purposes including adoptive Treg cell transfer therapy and discuss relevant clinical trials for inflammatory bowel disease. We next introduce ways to expand mucosal Tregs in vivo using microbiota and dietary products that have been the focus of clinical trials in various autoimmune and chronic-inflammatory diseases.

The Role of Exposomes in the Pathophysiology of Autoimmune Diseases I: Toxic Chemicals and Food

Autoimmune diseases affect 5–9% of the world’s population. It is now known that genetics play a relatively small part in the pathophysiology of autoimmune disorders in general, and that environmental factors have a greater role. In this review, we examine the role of the exposome, an individual’s lifetime exposure to external and internal factors, in the pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases. The most common of these environmental factors are toxic chemicals, food/diet, and infections. Toxic chemicals are in our food, drink, common products, the air, and even the land we walk on. Toxic chemicals can directly damage self-tissue and cause the release of autoantigens, or can bind to human tissue antigens and form neoantigens, which can provoke autoimmune response leading to autoimmunity. Other types of autoimmune responses can also be induced by toxic chemicals through various effects at the cellular and biochemical levels. The food we eat every day commonly has colorants, preservatives, or packaging-related chemical contamination. The food itself may be antigenic for susceptible individuals. The most common mechanism for food-related autoimmunity is molecular mimicry, in which the food’s molecular structure bears a similarity with the structure of one or more self-tissues. The solution is to detect the trigger, remove it from the environment or diet, then repair the damage to the individual’s body and health.

Nanoemulsomes for Enhanced Oral Bioavailability of the Anticancer Phytochemical Andrographolide: Characterization and Pharmacokinetics

Andrographolide (AG) is an antitumor phytochemical that acts against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, AG shows low oral bioavailability due to extensive first-pass metabolism and P-glycoprotein efflux. Novel biocompatible lipoprotein-simulating nanosystems, emulsomes (EMLs), have gained significant attention due to their composition of natural components, in addition to being lymphotropic. Loading AG on EMLs is believed to mitigate the disadvantage of AG and enhance its lymphatic transport. This study developed a chylomicron-simulating system (EMLs) as a novel tool to overcome the AG oral delivery obstacles. Optimized EML-AG had a promising vesicular size of 281.62 ± 1.73 nm, a zeta potential of - 22.73 ± 0.06 mV, and a high entrapment efficiency of 96.55% ± 0.25%, which favors lymphatic targeting. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies of EML-AG showed significant enhancement (> sixfold increase) in the rate and extent of AG absorption compared with free AG. However, intraperitoneal injection of a cycloheximide inhibitor caused a significant decrease in AG absorption (~ 52%), confirming the lymphatic targeting potential of EMLs. Therefore, EMLs can be a promising novel nanoplatform for circumventing AG oral delivery obstacles and provide targeted delivery to the lymphatic system at a lower dose with fewer side effects.

Andrographolide: A Review of Analytical Methods

Bicyclic diterpenoid lactone andrographolide is regarded as a "natural antibiotic" as it is known to exhibit a range of bioactivities including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antipyretic, antineoplastic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective and hypoglycaemic, and is present in Andrographis paniculata. The aim of this article is to review the information on analytical methods for andrographolide in biological samples, pharmaceutical formulations and plant materials. This article includes various techniques such as Spectrophotometry, Chemiluminescence method, Electroanalytical method, Chromatography and various hyphenated techniques.

Herbal and Natural Dietary Products: Upcoming Therapeutic Approach for Prevention and Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The most common tumor linked with elevated death rates is considered the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), sometimes called the malignant hepatoma. The initiation and progression of HCC are triggered by multiple factors like long term alcohol consumption, metabolic disorders, fatty liver disease, hepatitis B and C infection, age, and oxidative stress. Sorafenib is the merely US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug used to treat HCC. Several treatment methods are available for HCC therapy such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy and adjuvant therapy but they often lead to several side effects. Yet these treatment methods are not entirely adequate due to the increasing resistance to the drug and their toxicity. Many natural products help to prevent and treat HCC. A variety of pathways are associated with the prevention and treatment of HCC with herbal products and their active components. Accumulating research shows that certain natural dietary compounds are possible source of hepatic cancer prevention and treatments, such as black currant, strawberries, plum, grapes, pomegranate, cruciferous crops, tomatoes, French beans, turmeric, garlic, ginger, asparagus, and many more. Such a dietary natural products and their active constituents may prevent the production and advancement of liver cancer in many ways such as guarding against liver carcinogens, improving the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic medications, inhibiting the growth, metastasis of tumor cells, reducing oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation. The present review article represents hepatic carcinoma etiology, role of herbal products, their active constituents, and dietary natural products for the prevention and treatment of HCC along with their possible mechanisms of action.

Anti-cancer properties of specific Chinese herbal medicines for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment

AIMS

This essay explores the anti-cancer activity of specific Chinese herbal medicines to clarify how effective Chinese herbal medicine is used for handling hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODS

Literature form publica domain were studied and an analysis of anti-cancer activity of specific Chinese herbal medicines is presented in this review.

RESULTS

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most dangerous malignant tumors in the world. The operative diagnosis of liver cancer remains a significant challenge. Although surgery tissue resection is encouraging, a high risk of recurrence and metastasis, illustrating disease-related mortality is desperately required to enhance postoperative preventive and therapeutic clinical procedures. The almost only effective clinical intervention seems to be developing advanced targeted therapies such as sorafenib for hepatocellular carcinoma patients, but there is little research in this field. Because their preventative/therapeutic properties strengthen Chinese herbal medicinal compounds, they are deemed relevant to the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Conclusion: Chinese herbal medicine derivates provide multifaceted, orientated and orchestrated therapy, making it an ideal candidate for inhibiting hepatocellular tumor production and metastasis.

Herbal management of hepatocellular carcinoma through cutting the pathways of the common risk factors

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered the most frequent tumor that associated with high mortality rate. Several risk factors contribute to the pathogenesis of HCC, such as chronic persistent infection with hepatitis C virus or hepatitis B virus, chronic untreated inflammation of liver with different etiology, oxidative stress and fatty liver disease. Several treatment protocols are used in the treatment of HCC but they also associated with diverse side effects. Many natural products are helpful in the co-treatment and prevention of HCC. Several mechanisms are involved in the action of these herbal products and their bioactive compounds in the prevention and co-treatment of HCC. They can inhibit the liver cancer development and progression in several ways as protecting against liver carcinogens, enhancing effects of chemotherapeutic drugs, inhibiting tumor cell growth and metastasis, and suppression of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. In this review, we will discuss the utility of diverse natural products in the prevention and co-treatment of HCC, through its capturing of the common risk factors known to lead to HCC and shed the light on their possible mechanisms of action. Our theory assumes that shutting down the risk factor to cancer development pathways is a critical strategy in cancer prevention and management. We recommend the use of these plants side by side to recent chemical medications and after stopping these chemicals, as a maintenance therapy to avoid HCC progression and decrease its global incidence.

Protective function of Bu Shen Huo Xue formula on the immunity of B6AF1 mice with experimental autoimmune premature ovarian failure

Autoimmune abnormality is one of the main causes of premature ovarian failure (POF). Bu Shen Huo Xue formula (BSHXF), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, has been clinically used for the treatment of patients with POF in China. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are important in the pathogenesis of autoimmune POF. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the immunoprotective effects of BSHXF on POF and the underlying mechanisms. An experimental autoimmune POF model was induced in B6AF1 mice with zona pellucida 3 (ZP3) fragments. Following modeling, BSHXF (31.53 g/kg/day) was orally administered for 4 weeks. CD4+ T lymphocytes, Tregs, anti-zona pellucida (anti-ZP) antibodies and cytokines were detected using flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. The results revealed that BSHXF exhibited an immunoprotective function and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and damage to the ovary. BSHXF upregulated the percentage of CD4+ CD25+ forkhead box P3+ T cells in the spleen, effectively inhibiting the activation of CD4+ T lymphocytes. The proliferation of Tregs was increased in serum obtained from mice in the BSHXF group in vitro. Anti-ZP antibodies and interleukin-10 and interferon-γ levels were decreased in the serum in the BSHXF-treated group. The present study demonstrated that BSHXF had an immunoprotective effect on POF model mice. Additionally, it indicated that the protective mechanisms of BSHXF may be associated with an increase in Treg cells.

Pristimerin attenuates ovalbumin-induced allergic airway inflammation in mice

Pristimerin has been shown to possess antiinflammatory activity. However, its potential use for asthma induced by airway inflammation has not yet been studied. First, we established a ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma mice model. BALB/c mice were immunized and challenged by OVA. Treatment with pristimerin caused a marked reduction in the levels of OVA-specific IgE, immune cells, and IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 secretion. Histological studies using H&E staining were used to study the alterations in lung tissue. These results were similar to those obtained with dexamethasone treatment. We then investigated which signal transduction mechanisms could be implicated in pristimerin activity by Western blot. The data showed that pristimerin could inhibit MAPKs and NF-κB inflammatory pathways.

Upregulation of cugbp2 increases response of pancreatic cancer cells to chemotherapy

PURPOSE

Altered expression and/or function of ribosomal RNA (rRNA)-binding proteins CUGBP2/CELF2 might influence post-transcriptional regulation of the HO-1- and COX-2-mediated cytoprotective pathways and represents an important therapeutic target. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of CUGBP2-mediated post-transcriptional regulation of COX-2 and HO-1 in pancreatic cancer cells in regard of response to gemcitabine (GEM) treatment.

METHODS

Expression of CUGBP2, COX-2, and HO-1 was evaluated using qRT-PCR and Western blot methods. Cell viability after treatment with GEM and/or curcumin and siCUGBP2 was evaluated using MTT and crystal violet tests. RNA immunoprecipitation analysis was used to confirm COX-2 and HO-1 post-transcriptional regulation by CUGBP2 protein.

RESULTS

CUGBP2 expression at the messenger RNA (mRNA) level was 2.2-fold lower (p = 0.007), but HO-1 and COX-2 expression was increased 6.9- (p = 0.023) and 2.3- (p = 0.046) fold in pancreatic cancer tissues. The median survival of patients with low CUGBP2 expression from the lowest tercile was 13.8 months. The median survival of patients in terciles of middle and high CUGBP2 expression levels was 21.9 month (p = 0.123). Induction of CUGBP2 expression by curcumin resulted in the downregulation of HO-1 and COX-2 and strongly sensitized tumor cells to GEM treatment. However, CUGBP2 silencing upregulated HO-1 and COX-2 protein expression and had a high effect on cells viability.

CONCLUSION

Decreased activity of CUGBP2 could be associated with high chemoresistance and early dissemination of pancreatic cancer through the HO-1- and COX-2-mediated cytoprotective and carcinogenesis pathways. Curcumin significantly increased the effectiveness of GEM treatment in vitro via the CUGBP2-mediated post-transcriptional regulation pathway.

The Number of Immunoregulatory T Cells is Increased in Patients with Psoriasis after Goeckerman Therapy

Regulatory T cells (Treg) are a specialized subpopulation of T cells that act to suppress inadequate immune response. Psoriasis is recognized as a T-cell driven immune-mediated systemic inflammatory disease with skin manifestation. Effective therapeutical approach to treat psoriasis is Goeckerman therapy (GT). The aim of this study was to compare the number of Treg in the peripheral blood of 27 psoriatic patients and 19 controls and to evaluate the influence of GT on Treg population in peripheral blood of patients with psoriasis. There was no significant difference in the relative number of Treg cells in the peripheral blood of healthy blood donors and patients with psoriasis before initiation of GT (P = 0.2668). In contrary, the relative number of Treg cells in peripheral blood of patients with psoriasis after GT was significantly higher than those found in healthy blood donors (P = 0.0019). Moreover, the relative number of Treg is significantly increased in psoriatic patients after Goeckerman therapy compared to the pre-treatment level (P = 0.0042). In conclusion, this significant increase in Treg count after GT is probably associated with amelioration of inflammation by GT, as disease activity expressed as PASI decreased in our patients by GT (P = 0.0001).

Osthole promotes anti-tumor immune responses in tumor-bearing mice with hepatocellular carcinoma

Osthole, a natural coumarin derivative, has been shown to have anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory activity. However, the effect of osthole on anti-tumor immune responses in tumor-bearing mice has not yet been reported. In the present study, osthole treatment did not affect the weight and the coefficient of thymus and spleen in tumor-bearing mice with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, osthole administration significantly elevated the proportion and number of the splenic CD8(+) T cells, the proportion of CD4(+) T and CD8(+) T cells in tumor tissues, and the levels of IL-2 and TNF-α in the serum of HCC tumor-bearing mice. Our results suggested that osthole could promote the activation of the tumor-infiltrating CD4(+) T and CD8(+) T cells, and elevate the proportion of CD4(+) and CD8(+) effector T cells. Osthole treatment also significantly decreased the proportion of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells in the spleen. Taken together, osthole could enhance the T cell mediated anti-tumor immune responses in the tumor-bearing mice with HCC.

Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. ex Nees: a review of ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and pharmacology

As aboriginal sources of medications, medicinal plants are used from the ancient times. Andrographis paniculata is one of the highly used potential medicinal plants in the world. This plant is traditionally used for the treatment of common cold, diarrhoea, fever due to several infective cause, jaundice, as a health tonic for the liver and cardiovascular health, and as an antioxidant. It is also used to improve sexual dysfunctions and serve as a contraceptive. All parts of this plant are used to extract the active phytochemicals, but the compositions of phytoconstituents widely differ from one part to another and with place, season, and time of harvest. Our extensive data mining of the phytoconstituents revealed more than 55 ent-labdane diterpenoids, 30 flavonoids, 8 quinic acids, 4 xanthones, and 5 rare noriridoids. In this review, we selected only those compounds that pharmacology has already reported. Finally we focused on around 46 compounds for further discussion. We also discussed ethnobotany of this plant briefly. Recommendations addressing extraction process, tissue culture, and adventitious rooting techniques and propagation under abiotic stress conditions for improvement of phytoconstituents are discussed concisely in this paper. Further study areas on pharmacology are also proposed where needed.

Curcumin a potent cancer preventive agent: Mechanisms of cancer cell killing

There is no doubt that diet could effectively improve health and halt cancers. Dietary phytochemical compounds and their derivatives represent a cornucopia of effectively anticancer compounds. This review discusses existing data on the anticancer activities of curcumin, and then offers possible explanations for and mechanisms of its cancer-preventive action. This review also offers insights into the molecular mechanism and targets through which curcumin modulates cell cycle, apoptotic signals, anti-apoptotic proteins, miRNAs, Wnt/beta-catenin signaling, protein kinases, nuclear factor-κB, proteasome activation, epigenetic regulation including DNA methylation and histone modification. Finally, this review provides explanations for how curcumin reverses the multi-drug resistance (MDR) of cancer cells.

Taxifolin enhances andrographolide-induced mitotic arrest and apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells via spindle assembly checkpoint activation

Andrographolide (Andro) suppresses proliferation and triggers apoptosis in many types of cancer cells. Taxifolin (Taxi) has been proposed to prevent cancer development similar to other dietary flavonoids. In the present study, the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of the addition of Andro alone and Andro and Taxi together on human prostate carcinoma DU145 cells were assessed. Andro inhibited prostate cancer cell proliferation by mitotic arrest and activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Although the effect of Taxi alone on DU145 cell proliferation was not significant, the combined use of Taxi with Andro significantly potentiated the anti-proliferative effect of increased mitotic arrest and apoptosis by enhancing the cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, and caspases-7 and -9. Andro together with Taxi enhanced microtubule polymerization in vitro, and they induced the formation of twisted and elongated spindles in the cancer cells, thus leading to mitotic arrest. In addition, we showed that depletion of MAD2, a component in the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC), alleviated the mitotic block induced by the two compounds, suggesting that they trigger mitotic arrest by SAC activation. This study suggests that the anti-cancer activity of Andro can be significantly enhanced in combination with Taxi by disrupting microtubule dynamics and activating the SAC.

Acupuncture regulates leukocyte subpopulations in human peripheral blood

Acupuncture has recently been attracting more and more people throughout the world as an alternative treatment, however little is known about its physiological activities (i.e. immune system). We examined acupuncture both quantitatively and qualitatively by measuring CD-positive cell counts and cytokine expression levels in the blood, to determine the activity of T cells, B cells, macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells. Fifteen milliliters of peripheral blood obtained from 17 healthy volunteers aged 21–51 years, were analyzed using flow cytometry before and after acupuncture treatment. There was a statistically significant increase in the number of CD2⁺, CD4⁺, CD8⁺, CD11b⁺, CD16⁺, CD19⁺, CD56⁺ cells as well as IL-4, IL-1β and IFN-γ levels in the cells after acupuncture stimulation of meridian points. These observations indicate that acupuncture may regulate the immune system and promote the activities of humoral and cellular immunity as well as NK cell activity. In this article, we discussed how acupuncture regulated leukocyte numbers and functions since they are considered to be potential indicators for evaluating complementary and alternative medicine.

Short-term roxithromycin treatment attenuates airway inflammation via MAPK/NF-κB activation in a mouse model of allergic asthma

OBJECTIVE

We investigated whether roxithromycin reduces ovalbumin-specific allergic asthma symptoms in mice, and we further investigated the inhibitory mechanism of roxithromycin in ovalbumin-specific allergic asthma.

METHODS

Mice were divided into five groups (n = 10 for each): control group, roxithromycin-treated groups (5, 20 and 40 mg/kg) and ovalbumin-challenged group. We measured the recruitment of inflammatory cells into the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) or the lung tissues by Kwik-Diff and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, goblet cell hyperplasia by alcian blue-periodic acid-Schiff (AB-PAS) staining, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) by whole-body plethysmograph chamber, cytokine and immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels by ELISA, and the activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in the lung tissues by Western blotting.

RESULTS

Treatment with roxithromycin resulted in fewer inflammatory cells in the BALF and peribronchial areas, and decreased AHR, goblet cell hyperplasia, IgE levels and inflammatory cytokines, as well as MAP kinases and NF-κB activation, which are increased in lung tissues of mice with ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that oral administration of roxithromycin suppresses ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation and AHR by regulating the inflammatory cytokines via MAP kinases/NF-κB pathway in inflammatory cells. Based on these results, we suggest that roxithromycin may be used as a therapeutic agent for allergy-induced asthma.

Vaccination with photodynamic therapy-treated macrophages induces highly suppressive T-regulatory cells

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The present study explores whether photodynamic therapy (PDT)-induced apoptosis can increase the number of tolerogenic regulatory T cells (Treg) and limit collateral tissue damage.

METHODS

BALB/c mice were vaccinated subcutaneously three times with PDT-induced apoptotic or thaw-frozen, necrotic non-infected autologous macrophages (MΦ). Two weeks after the last vaccination, mice were infected intradermally with 10(6) promastigotes of Leishmania major.

RESULTS

Mice that received PDT-induced apoptotic MΦ had fewer parasites and higher numbers of Treg than mice vaccinated with thaw-frozen necrotic MΦ or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-6 were significantly suppressed, while IL-10 was increased in mice that received the PDT-induced apoptotic MΦ. The role of Treg in this process was confirmed through Treg transfer from vaccinated to naïve mice. Mice receiving CD4(+) CD25(+) cells from mice vaccinated with PDT-induced apoptotic MΦ showed smaller lesions 3 weeks after infection and lower parasitic burdens than mice that received Tregs from mice of thaw-frozen necrotic MΦ or PBS groups. These changes were mediated by the depletion of CD3(+) CD8(+) and NKT cells and increased levels of IL-12p70 and interferon-γ, IL-10, and TGF-β in the cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions.

CONCLUSION

Vaccination with apoptotic MΦ-induced tolerogenic Treg cells that limited collateral tissue damage and diminished parasitic burden.

The Role of Th17 in Neuroimmune Disorders: Target for CAM Therapy. Part I

CD4⁺ effector cells, based on cytokine production, nuclear receptors and signaling pathways, have been categorized into four subsets. T-helper-1 cells produce IFN-γ, TNF-β, lymphotoxin and IL-10; T-helper-2 cells produce IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, IL-21 and IL-31; T-helper-3, or regulatory T-cells, produce IL-10, TGF-β and IL-35; and the recently discovered T-helper-17 cell produces IL-17, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, IL-26 and CCL20. By producing IL-17 and other signaling molecules, Th17 contributes to the pathogenesis of multiple autoimmune diseases including allergic inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune gastritis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis and multiple sclerosis. In this article, we review the differential regulation of inflammation in different tissues with a major emphasis on enhancement of neuroinflammation by local production of IL-17 in the brain. By understanding the role of pathogenic factors in the induction of autoimmune diseases by Th17 cells, CAM practitioners will be able to design CAM therapies targeting Th17 and associated cytokine activities and signaling pathways to repair the intestinal and blood-brain barriers for their patients with autoimmunities, in particular, those with neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.

Vaccination with photodynamic therapy-treated macrophages induces highly suppressive T-regulatory cells

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The present study explores whether photodynamic therapy (PDT)-induced apoptosis can increase the number of tolerogenic regulatory T cells (Treg) and limit collateral tissue damage.

METHODS

BALB/c mice were vaccinated subcutaneously three times with PDT-induced apoptotic or thaw-frozen, necrotic non-infected autologous macrophages (MΦ). Two weeks after the last vaccination, mice were infected intradermally with 10(6) promastigotes of Leishmania major.

RESULTS

Mice that received PDT-induced apoptotic MΦ had fewer parasites and higher numbers of Treg than mice vaccinated with thaw-frozen necrotic MΦ or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-6 were significantly suppressed, while IL-10 was increased in mice that received the PDT-induced apoptotic MΦ. The role of Treg in this process was confirmed through Treg transfer from vaccinated to naïve mice. Mice receiving CD4(+) CD25(+) cells from mice vaccinated with PDT-induced apoptotic MΦ showed smaller lesions 3 weeks after infection and lower parasitic burdens than mice that received Tregs from mice of thaw-frozen necrotic MΦ or PBS groups. These changes were mediated by the depletion of CD3(+) CD8(+) and NKT cells and increased levels of IL-12p70 and interferon-γ, IL-10, and TGF-β in the cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions.

CONCLUSION

Vaccination with apoptotic MΦ-induced tolerogenic Treg cells that limited collateral tissue damage and diminished parasitic burden.

Cinnamon extract suppresses experimental colitis through modulation of antigen-presenting cells

AIM: To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of cinnamon extract and elucidate its mechanisms for targeting the function of antigen presenting cells.

METHODS: Cinnamon extract was used to treat murine macrophage cell line (Raw 264.7), mouse primary antigen-presenting cells (APCs, MHCII⁺) and CD11c⁺ dendritic cells to analyze the effects of cinnamon extract on APC function. The mechanisms of action of cinnamon extract on APCs were investigated by analyzing cytokine production, and expression of MHC antigens and co-stimulatory molecules by quantitative real-time PCR and flow cytometry. In addition, the effect of cinnamon extract on antigen presentation capacity and APC-dependent T-cell differentiation were analyzed by [H³]-thymidine incorporation and cytokine analysis, respectively. To confirm the anti-inflammatory effects of cinnamon extract in vivo, cinnamon or PBS was orally administered to mice for 20 d followed by induction of experimental colitis with 2,4,6 trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid. The protective effects of cinnamon extract against experimental colitis were measured by checking clinical symptoms, histological analysis and cytokine expression profiles in inflamed tissue.

RESULTS: Treatment with cinnamon extract inhibited maturation of MHCII⁺ APCs or CD11c⁺ dendritic cells (DCs) by suppressing expression of co-stimulatory molecules (B7.1, B7.2, ICOS-L), MHCII and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2. Cinnamon extract induced regulatory DCs (rDCs) that produce low levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-12, interferon (IFN)-γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α] while expressing high levels of immunoregulatory cytokines (IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β). In addition, rDCs generated by cinnamon extract inhibited APC-dependent T-cell proliferation, and converted CD4⁺ T cells into IL-10^high CD4⁺ T cells. Furthermore, oral administration of cinnamon extract inhibited development and progression of intestinal colitis by inhibiting expression of COX-2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IFN-γ and TNF-α), while enhancing IL-10 levels.

CONCLUSION: Our study suggests the potential of cinnamon extract as an anti-inflammatory agent by targeting the generation of regulatory APCs and IL-10⁺ regulatory T cells.

Inhibitory Effects of Ethyl Acetate Extract of Andrographis paniculata on NF-κB Trans-Activation Activity and LPS-Induced Acute Inflammation in Mice

This study was to investigate anti-inflammatory effect of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees (Acanthaceae) (AP). The effects of ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract from AP on the level of inflammatory mediators were examined first using nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) driven luciferase assay. The results showed that AP significantly inhibited NF-κB luciferase activity and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) and nitric oxide (NO) secretions from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/interferon-γ stimulated Raw264.7 cells. To further evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of AP in vivo, BALB/c mice were tube-fed with 0.78 (AP1), 1.56 (AP2), 3.12 (AP3) and 6.25 (AP4) mg kg⁻¹ body weight (BW)/day in soybean oil, while the control and PDTC (pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, an anti-inflammatory agent) groups were tube-fed with soybean oil only. After 1 week of tube-feeding, the PDTC group was injected with 50 mg kg⁻¹ BW PDTC and 1 h later, all of the mice were injected with 15 mg kg⁻¹ BW LPS. The results showed that the AP1, AP2, AP3 and PDTC groups, but not AP4, had significantly higher survival rate than the control group. Thus, the control, AP1, AP2, AP3 and PDTC groups were repeated for in vivo parameters. The results showed that the AP and PDTC groups had significantly lower TNF-α, IL-12p40, MIP-2 or NO in serum or peritoneal macrophages and infiltration of inflammatory cells into the lung of mice. The AP1 group also had significantly lower MIP-2 mRNA expression in brain. This study suggests that AP can inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators and alleviate acute hazards at its optimal dosages.

The Traditional Japanese Medicine Rikkunshito Promotes Gastric Emptying via the Antagonistic Action of the 5-HT(3) Receptor Pathway in Rats

The traditional Japanese medicine rikkunshito ameliorates the nitric oxide-associated delay in gastric emptying. Whether rikkunshito affects gastric motility associated with 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin: 5-HT) receptors or dopamine receptors is unknown. We examined the effects of rikkunshito on the delay in gastric emptying induced by 5-HT or dopamine using the phenol red method in male Wistar rats. 5-HT (0.01–1.0 mg kg⁻¹, i.p.) dose dependently delayed gastric emptying, similar to the effect of the 5-HT₃ receptor agonist 1-(3-chlorophenyl) biguanide (0.01–1.0 mg kg⁻¹, i.p.). Dopamine also dose dependently delayed gastric emptying. The 5-HT₃ receptor antagonist ondansetron (0.04–4.0 mg kg⁻¹) and rikkunshito (125–500 mg kg⁻¹) significantly suppressed the delay in gastric emptying caused by 5-HT or 1-(3-chlorophenyl) biguanide. Hesperidin (the most active ingredient in rikkunshito) suppressed the 5-HT-induced delayed gastric emptying in a dose-dependent manner, the maximum effect of which was similar to that of ondansetron (0.4 mg kg⁻¹). The improvement obtained by rikkunshito or ondansetron in delaying gastric emptying was completely blocked by pretreatment with atropine. Rikkunshito appears to improve delay in gastric emptying via the antagonistic action of the 5-HT₃ receptor pathway.

Andrographolide: a new plant-derived antineoplastic entity on horizon

Plant-derived natural products occupy an important position in the area of cancer chemotherapy. Molecules such as vincristine, vinblastine, paclitaxel, camptothecin derivatives, epipodophyllotoxin, and so forth, are invaluable contributions of nature to modern medicine. However, the quest to find out novel therapeutic compounds for cancer treatment and management is a never-ending venture; and diverse plant species are persistently being studied for identification of prospective anticancer agents. In this regard, Andrographis paniculata Nees, a well-known plant of Indian and Chinese traditional system of medicines, has drawn attention of researchers in recent times. Andrographolide, the principal bioactive chemical constituent of the plant has shown credible anticancer potential in various investigations around the globe. In vitro studies demonstrate the capability of the compound of inducing cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in a variety of cancer cells at different concentrations. Andrographolide also shows potent immunomodulatory and anti-angiogenic activities in tumorous tissues. Synthetic analogues of the compound have also been created and analyzed, which have also shown similar activities. Although it is too early to predict its future in cancer chemotherapy, the prologue strongly recommends further research on this molecule to assess its potential as a prospective anticancer agent.

Cytotoxic effects of bangladeshi medicinal plant extracts

To investigate the cytotoxic effect of some Bangladeshi medicinal plant extracts, 16 Bangladeshi medicinal plants were successively extracted with n-hexane, dichloromethane, methanol and water. The methanolic and aqueous extracts were screened for cytotoxic activity against healthy mouse fibroblasts (NIH3T3) and three human cancer-cell lines (gastric: AGS; colon: HT-29; and breast: MDA-MB-435S) using the MTT assay. Two methanolic extracts (Hygrophila auriculata and Hibiscus tiliaceous) and one aqueous extract (Limnophila indica) showed no toxicity against healthy mouse fibroblasts, but selective cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells (IC₅₀ 1.1–1.6 mg mL⁻¹). Seven methanolic extracts from L. indica, Clerodendron inerme, Cynometra ramiflora, Xylocarpus moluccensis, Argemone mexicana, Ammannia baccifera and Acrostichum aureum and four aqueous extracts from Hygrophila auriculata, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, X. moluccensis and Aegiceras corniculatum showed low toxicity (IC₅₀ > 2.5 mg mL⁻¹) against mouse fibroblasts but selective cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ 0.2–2.3 mg mL⁻¹) against different cancer cell lines. The methanolic extract of Blumea lacera showed the highest cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ 0.01–0.08 mg mL⁻¹) against all tested cell lines among all extracts tested in this study. For some of the plants their traditional use as anticancer treatments correlates with the cytotoxic results, whereas for others so far unknown cytotoxic activities were identified.

Review of Pharmacological Effects of Antrodia camphorata and Its Bioactive Compounds

Antrodia camphorata is a unique mushroom of Taiwan, which has been used as a traditional medicine for protection of diverse health-related conditions. In an effort to translate this Eastern medicine into Western-accepted therapy, a great deal of work has been carried out on A. camphorata. This review discusses the biological activities of the crude extracts and the main bioactive compounds of A. camphorata. The list of bioactivities of crude extracts is huge, ranging from anti-cancer to vasorelaxation and others. Over 78 compounds consisting of terpenoids, benzenoids, lignans, benzoquinone derivatives, succinic and maleic derivatives, in addition to polysaccharides have been identified. Many of these compounds were evaluated for biological activity. Many activities of crude extracts and pure compounds of A. camphorata against some major diseases of our time, and thus, a current review is of great importance. It is concluded that A. camphorata can be considered as an efficient alternative phytotherapeutic agent or a synergizer in the treatment of cancer and other immune-related diseases. However, clinical trails of human on A. camphorata extracts are limited and those of pure compounds are absent. The next step is to produce some medicines from A. camphorata, however, the production may be hampered by problems related to mass production.

Immunomodulation of Autoimmune Arthritis by Herbal CAM

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a debilitating autoimmune disease of global prevalence. The disease is characterized by synovial inflammation leading to cartilage and bone damage. Most of the conventional drugs used for the treatment of RA have severe adverse reactions and are quite expensive. Over the years, increasing proportion of patients with RA and other immune disorders are resorting to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for their health needs. Natural plant products comprise one of the most popular CAM for inflammatory and immune disorders. These herbal CAM belong to diverse traditional systems of medicine, including traditional Chinese medicine, Kampo, and Ayurvedic medicine. In this paper, we have outlined the major immunological pathways involved in the induction and regulation of autoimmune arthritis and described various herbal CAM that can effectively modulate these immune pathways. Most of the information about the mechanisms of action of herbal products in the experimental models of RA is relevant to arthritis patients as well. The study of immunological pathways coupled with the emerging application of genomics and proteomics in CAM research is likely to provide novel insights into the mechanisms of action of different CAM modalities.

Mesotherapy versus Systemic Therapy in the Treatment of Acute Low Back Pain: A Randomized Trial

Pharmacological therapy of back pain with analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs is frequently associated with adverse effects, particularly in the elderly. Aim of this study was to compare mesotherapic versus conventional systemic administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids in patients with acute low back pain. Eighty-four patients were randomized to receive anti-inflammatory therapy according to the following protocols: (a) mesotherapy group received the 1st and 4th day 2% lidocaine (1 mL) + ketoprofen 160 mg (1 mL) + methylprednisolone 40 mg (1 mL), then on 7th, 10th, and 13th day, 2% lidocaine (1 mL) + ketoprofen 160 mg (1 mL) + methylprednisolone 20 mg (1 mL) (b) conventional therapy group received ketoprofen 80 mg × 2/die and esomeprazole 20 mg/die orally for 12 days, methylprednisolone 40 mg/die intramuscularly for 4 days, followed by methylprednisolone 20 mg/die for 3 days, and thereafter, methylprednisolone 20 mg/die at alternate days. Pain intensity and functional disability were assessed at baseline (T0), at the end of treatment (T1), and 6 months thereafter (T2) by using visual analogic scale (VAS) and Roland-Morris disability questionnaire (RMDQ). In both groups, VAS and RMDQ values were significantly reduced at the end of drug treatment and after 6 months, in comparison with baseline. No significant differences were found between the two groups. This suggests that mesotherapy may be a valid alternative to conventional therapy in the treatment of acute low back pain with corticosteroids and NSAIDs.

Novel Diagnosis of Lyme Disease: Potential for CAM Intervention

Lyme disease (LD) is the most common tick-borne disease in the northern hemisphere, producing a wide range of disabling effects on multiple human targets, including the skin, the nervous system, the joints and the heart. Insufficient clinical diagnostic methods, the necessity for prompt antibiotic treatment along with the pervasive nature of infection impel the development and establishment of new clinical diagnostic tools with increased accuracy, sensitivity and specificity. The goal of this article is 4-fold: (i) to detail LD infection and pathology, (ii) to review prevalent diagnostic methods, emphasizing inherent problems, (iii) to introduce the usage of in vivo induced antigen technology (IVIAT) in clinical diagnostics and (iv) to underscore the relevance of a novel comprehensive LD diagnostic approach to practitioners of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). Utilization of this analytical method will increase the accuracy of the diagnostic process and abridge the time to treatment, with antibiotics, herbal medicines and nutritional supplements, resulting in improved quality of care and disease prognosis.

Resting B cells expand a CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg population via TGF-beta3

Regulatory T cells (Treg) play critical roles in maintaining tolerance and preventing autoimmunity. It is not fully clear how these cells are generated and maintained. Here, we show that resting B cells are able to expand Treg. This expansion requires TGF-beta3 and signaling through the TCR and CD28. Upon activation, B cells express less TGF-beta3, which reduces their capacity to expand Treg and which also results in increased Treg death. This may ensure that B cells can function as potent professional antigen presenting cells during infections. However, in the absence of any infection, we find that B-cell-deficient microMT mice have decreased percentages of Treg in the periphery. Our data suggest that resting B cells, which may be presenting self-antigens to T cells, can expand and maintain specific Treg and thus might be involved in the prevention of autoimmunity.