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Luo H, Zhang C, He L, Lin Z, Zhang JC, Qi Q, Chen JX, Yao W. 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid ameliorates MPTP-induced neurotoxicity in mice through activation of microglial anti-inflammatory phenotype. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:1947-1961. [PMID: 37436491 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06415-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (18β-GA) has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. However, the therapeutic effect of 18β-GA in Parkinson's disease (PD) has not been defined. OBJECTIVE The current study aimed to evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of 18β-GA in treating PD by mitigating 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced neurotoxicity. RESULTS The study showed that 18β-GA has anti-inflammatory effects by upregulating TREM2 expression in BV2 cells, which correlates with the presence of NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2). 18β-GA reduced inflammation in BV2 cells treated with 1-methyl-4- phenylpyridinium (MPP+) by enhancing TREM2 expression, which promotes an anti-inflammatory microglial phenotype. Repeated administration of 18β-GA in MPTP-treated mice led to therapeutic effects by enhancing TREM2 expression, resulting in the activation of anti-inflammatory microglia. Moreover, 18β-GA attenuated the decrease in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in both MPP+-induced BV2 cells and MPTP-intoxicated mice, indicating the involvement of BDNF in the beneficial effects of 18β-GA. CONCLUSIONS It is probable that activating microglial anti-inflammatory response through TREM2 expression might serve as a novel therapeutic strategy for PD. Additionally, 18β-GA seems to hold potential as a new therapeutic agent for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanyue Luo
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Formula-Pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Caishi Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Lujuan He
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zefang Lin
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Ji-Chun Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Qi Qi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Jia-Xu Chen
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Formula-Pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Wei Yao
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Formula-Pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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Zhang M, Zhang J, Wang C, Yan JK, Yi J, Ning J, Huo XK, Yu ZL, Zhang BJ, Sun CP, Ma XC. Biotransformation of 18β-Glycyrrhetinic Acid by Human Intestinal Fungus Aspergillus niger RG13B1 and the Potential Anti-Inflammatory Mechanism of Its Metabolites. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:15104-15115. [PMID: 36414003 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c05455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) is a triterpenoid possessing an anti-inflammatory activity in vivo, while the low bioavailability limits its application due to its intestinal accumulation. In order to investigate the metabolism of GA in intestinal microbes, it was incubated with human intestinal fungus Aspergillus niger RG13B1, finally leading to the isolation and identification of three new metabolites (1-3) and three known metabolites (4-6) based on 1D and 2D NMR and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy spectra. Metabolite 6 could target myeloid differentiation protein 2 (MD2) to suppress the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway via inhibiting the nuclear translocation of p65 to downregulate its target proteins and genes in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated RAW264.7 cells. Molecular dynamics suggested that metabolite 6 interacted with MD2 through the hydrogen bond of amino acid residue Arg90. These findings demonstrated that metabolite 6 could serve as a potential candidate to develop the new inhibitors of MD2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Chao Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Jian-Kun Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Jing Yi
- College of Pharmacy, Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jing Ning
- College of Pharmacy, Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Xiao-Kui Huo
- College of Pharmacy, Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Zhen-Long Yu
- College of Pharmacy, Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Bao-Jing Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Cheng-Peng Sun
- College of Pharmacy, Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Xiao-Chi Ma
- College of Pharmacy, Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
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Novel 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives as a Two-in-One agent with potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity. Bioorg Chem 2022; 122:105714. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.105714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Li B, Cai S, Yang YA, Chen SC, Chen R, Shi JB, Liu XH, Tang WJ. Novel unsaturated glycyrrhetic acids derivatives: Design, synthesis and anti-inflammatory activity. Eur J Med Chem 2017; 139:337-348. [PMID: 28803048 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
To develop novel anti-inflammatory agents, a series of unsaturated glycyrrhetic acids were designed, synthesized and evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity using RAW264.7 cells. The structure-activity relationship (SAR) of NO inhibitory activity was analyzed. α,β-Unsaturated glycyrrhetic acids showed better activity, among them, compounds 6k and 6l with piperazine unit exhibited the most potent nitric oxide (NO) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) inhibitory activity (IC50 = 13.3 and 15.5 μM respectively). Furthermore, compound 6k could also significantly suppress LPS-induced iNOS and COX-2 expression and IL-6 production through MAPKs and NF-kB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Shi Cai
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yong-An Yang
- Elion Nature Biological Technology Co., Ltd, Nanjing 210038, China
| | - Shi-Chao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Rui Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jing-Bo Shi
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xin-Hua Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
| | - Wen-Jian Tang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
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Oyama K, Kawada-Matsuo M, Oogai Y, Hayashi T, Nakamura N, Komatsuzawa H. Antibacterial Effects of Glycyrrhetinic Acid and Its Derivatives on Staphylococcus aureus. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0165831. [PMID: 27820854 PMCID: PMC5098735 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a major pathogen in humans and causes serious problems due to antibiotic resistance. We investigated the antimicrobial effect of glycyrrhetinic acid (GRA) and its derivatives against 50 clinical S. aureus strains, including 18 methicillin-resistant strains. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of GRA, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, disodium succinoyl glycyrrhetinate (GR-SU), stearyl glycyrrhetinate and glycyrrhetinyl stearate were evaluated against various S. aureus strains. Additionally, we investigated the bactericidal effects of GRA and GR-SU against two specific S. aureus strains. DNA microarray analysis was also performed to clarify the mechanism underlying the antibacterial activity of GR-SU. We detected the antimicrobial activities of five agents against S. aureus strains. GRA and GR-SU showed strong antibacterial activities compared to the other three agents tested. At a higher concentration (above 2x MIC), GRA and GR-SU showed bactericidal activity, whereas at a concentration of 1x MIC, they showed a bacteriostatic effect. Additionally, GRA and GR-SU exhibited a synergistic effect with gentamicin. The expression of a large number of genes (including transporters) and metabolic factors (carbohydrates and amino acids) was altered by the addition of GR-SU, suggesting that the inhibition of these metabolic processes may influence the degree of the requirement for carbohydrates or amino acids. In fact, the requirement for carbohydrates or amino acids was increased in the presence of either GRA or GR-SU. GRA and GR-SU exhibited strong antibacterial activity against several S. aureus strains, including MRSA. This activity may be partly due to the inhibition of several pathways involved in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Oyama
- Department of Oral Microbiology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
- Department of Oral maxillofacial Surgery, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Miki Kawada-Matsuo
- Department of Oral Microbiology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Yuichi Oogai
- Department of Oral Microbiology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Hayashi
- Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Norifumi Nakamura
- Department of Oral maxillofacial Surgery, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Komatsuzawa
- Department of Oral Microbiology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
- * E-mail:
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Akasaka Y, Sakai A, Takasu K, Tsukahara M, Hatta A, Suzuki H, Inoue H. Suppressive effects of glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives on tachykinin receptor activation and hyperalgesia. J Pharmacol Sci 2011; 117:180-8. [PMID: 22032861 DOI: 10.1254/jphs.11116fp] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), an aglycone of glycyrrhizin, isolated from the licorice root (Glycyrrhizia), and its semi-synthetic derivatives have a wide range of pharmacological effects. To investigate whether GA derivatives may be used as a new class of analgesics, we examined the effects of these compounds on human tachykinin receptors expressed in CHO-K1 cells. Among the GA derivatives examined, the disodium salt of olean-11,13(18)-dien-3β,30-O-dihemiphthalate inhibited the mobilization of [Ca(2+)](i) induced by substance P, neurokinin A, and neurokinin B in CHO-K1 cells expressing the human NK(1), NK(2), and NK(3) tachykinin receptors, respectively. In an inflammatory pain model, Compound 5 suppressed the capsaicin-induced flinching behavior in a dose-dependent manner. Compound 5 was also effective in suppressing pain-related behaviors in the late phase of the formalin test and reducing thermal hyperalgesia in the neuropathic pain state caused by sciatic nerve injury. Collectively, Compound 5 may be an analgesic candidate via tachykinin receptor antagonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Akasaka
- Research Laboratory, Minophagen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Komatsubara, Zama, Kanagawa 252-0002, Japan
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Glycyrrhetinic acid prevents cutaneous scratching behavior in mice elicited by substance P or PAR-2 agonist. Eur J Pharmacol 2011; 670:175-9. [PMID: 21925497 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2011.08.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2011] [Revised: 08/05/2011] [Accepted: 08/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Although glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) has been used for the prevention of itch in chronic dermatitis, the mechanism underlying the antipruritic effects of GA is still unclear. Recently, several mediators other than histamine, such as substance P and tryptase, were found to participate in chronic itch. Here, we investigated the effect of GA on pruritus induced by various pruritic agents including histamine in mice. We also determined the level of leukotriene (LT)B(4) in mouse skin injected with substance P in an effort to uncover part of the antipruritic mechanism of GA. Scratching events were counted for 10 min after intradermal injection of histamine, substance P (100 nmol per site each), protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) agonistic peptide (50 nmol per site), or LTB(4) (0.03 nmol per site) with or without GA (4 nmol per site) into male ICR mice. Levels of LTB(4) in the skin after injection of substance P were determined by ELISA. GA did not suppress scratching behavior induced by histamine and LTB(4), but markedly and dose-dependently suppressed that induced by substance P and PAR-2 agonistic peptide. LTB(4) levels in skin elevated by substance P were lowered by GA. These data support the efficacy of GA in counteracting itch in chronic dermatitis because GA reduced scratching behavior induced by substance P and PAR-2 agonistic peptide. GA may exert antipruritic effects via inhibition of LTB(4) production in skin.
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Abstract
There is growing interest in the elucidation of the biological functions of triterpenoids, ubiquitously distributed throughout the plant kingdom, some of which are used as anticancer and anti-inflammatory agents in Asian countries. Ursolic acid (UA), a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid carboxylic acid, is the major component of some traditional medicine herbs and is well known to possess a wide range of biological functions, such as antioxidative, anti-inflammation, and anticancer activities, that are able to counteract endogenous and exogenous biological stimuli. In contrast to these beneficial properties, some laboratory studies have recently revealed that the effects of UA on normal cells and tissues are occasionally pro-inflammatory. Thus, UA may be designated as a double-edged sword with both positive and negative effects, and further evaluations of the effects of UA on the biological status of target cells or tissues are necessary. This review summarizes previous and current information regarding UA, and provides new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of its activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasutaka Ikeda
- Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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9
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Tsukahara M, Nishino T, Furuhashi I, Inoue H, Sato T, Matsumoto H. Synthesis and inhibitory effect of novel glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives on IL-1 beta-induced prostaglandin E(2) production in normal human dermal fibroblasts. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2005; 53:1103-10. [PMID: 16141576 DOI: 10.1248/cpb.53.1103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Olean-11,13(18)-dien-3beta,30-diol dihemiphthalate (3), which was derived from glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), has been reported to produce a potent of anti-inflammatory effect in in vivo assays. Using 3 as a lead compound, we attempted to synthesize some modified compounds which varied in the following; i) the position of a carboxyl group in the phthalate moiety, ii) the number of carboxyls attached to the benzoyl group, iii) conversion of benzene ring to another ring system, iv) the linkage form between the benzene ring and oleanene skeleton at position 3 and/or 30. These were screened for their inhibitory activity against interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta)-induced prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) production in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF). Although conversion of the ortho-carboxyl group of 3 into the meta-position or the para-position led to an increase in inhibitory activity, the elimination or increase of the carboxyl group resulted in loss of the inhibitory activity. Conversion of the ester bond to the amide bond at position 3 and/or 30 of 3 did not contribute to a significant increase in inhibitory activity. On the other hand, among the derivatives possessing an anthranilic acid moiety at position 30 of 3beta-O-acetyl-olean-11,13(18)-dien-30-oic acid (20), 3beta-hydroxy-30-nor-olean-11,13(18)-dien-20 beta-[N-(2-carboxyphenyl)]carboxamide (30) showed the most potent inhibitory activity (IC(50) 1.0 microM) in this series.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiko Tsukahara
- Research Laboratory, Minophagen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.; 2-2-3 Komatsubara, Zama, Kanagawa 228-0002, Japan.
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Shimoyama Y, Hirabayashi K, Matsumoto H, Sato T, Shibata S, Inoue H. Effects of glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives on hepatic and renal 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities in rats. J Pharm Pharmacol 2003; 55:811-7. [PMID: 12841942 DOI: 10.1211/002235703765951429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the structure and activity relationships of glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives on the inhibition of hepatic and renal 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSDs) in rats. Furthermore, we explored whether inflammatory effect of the derivatives is involved in the inhibition of 11beta-HSD activity. 18beta-Glycyrrhetinic acid (Ia) potently inhibited 11beta-HSD activity of hepatic (IC50 (concentration giving 50% inhibition of cortisone production) = 0.09 microM) and renal (IC50 = 0.36 microM) homogenate. The inhibitory effect of 18beta-glycyrrhetol (Id) modified at the 30-position of glycyrrhetinic acid was weaker than that of glycyrrhetinic acid itself. 18beta-24-Hydroxyglycyrrhetinic acid (Ie), oxidized at the 24-position, remarkably reduced the inhibitory activity for both enzymes. 18beta-11-Deoxoglycyrrhetinic acid (IIc) showed the same inhibitory effect as glycyrrhetinic acid on hepatic 11beta-HSD activity, but less effect on renal 11beta-HSD activity. Furthermore, the inhibitory activity of 18beta-deoxoglycyrrhetol (IIa), modified at the 11- and 30-position, was markedly decreased. Dihemiphthalate derivatives (IIb, IIIb and IVb) of deoxoglycyrrhetol (IIa), 18beta-olean-9(11), 12-diene-3beta, 30-diol (IIIa) and olean-11, 13(18)-diene-3beta, 30-diol (IVa), which are anti-inflammatory agents, also showed weak inhibition against both hepatic and renal 11beta-HSDs. While glycyrrhetinic acid (200 mg kg(-1), p.o.) significantly inhibited 11beta-HSD activity in rat liver and kidney at 3 h after administration, compound IVb (100 mg kg(-1), p.o.) had no effect on either enzyme activity. In addition, the circulating corticosterone level was slightly increased by glycyrrhetinic acid but not by compound IVb. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of compound IVb, derived from glycyrrhetinic acid, are not due to accumulation of steroids induced by the inhibition of 11beta-HSD activity. Our data also showed that the 11-, 24- and 30-positions of glycyrrhetinic acid may play important roles in the differential inhibitory effects on 11beta-HSD isozyme activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihito Shimoyama
- Research Laboratory, Minophagen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, 2-2-3 Komatsubara, Zama-shi, Kanagawa 228-0002, Japan
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Antitumor-promoting and anti-inflammatory activities of triterpenoids and sterols from plants and fungi. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2001. [DOI: 10.1016/s1572-5995(01)80005-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
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Kroes BH, Beukelman CJ, van den Berg AJ, Wolbink GJ, van Dijk H, Labadie RP. Inhibition of human complement by beta-glycyrrhetinic acid. Immunology 1997; 90:115-20. [PMID: 9038721 PMCID: PMC1456728 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2567.1997.00131.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Licorice, the root extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra I., is used as a medicine for various diseases. Anti-inflammatory as well as anti-allergic activities have been attributed to one of its main constituents, glycyrrhizin. These activities are mainly ascribed to the action of the aglycone, beta-glycyrrhetinic acid. beta-Glycyrrhetinic acid has a steroid-like structure and is believed to have immunomodulatory properties. To determine whether interference with complement functions may contribute to the immunomodulatory activity of beta-glycyrrhetinic acid, its effects on the classical and alternative activation pathways of human complement were investigated. We found that beta-glycyrrhetinic acid is a potent inhibitor of the classical complement pathway (IC50 = 35 microM), whereas no inhibitory activity was observed towards the alternative pathway (IC50 > 2500 microM). The anticomplementary activity of beta-glycyrrhetinic acid was dependent on its conformation, since the alpha-form was not active. It was also established that naturally occurring steroids, e.g. hydrocortisone and cortisone, did not inhibit human complement activity under similar conditions. Detailed mechanistic studies revealed that beta-glycyrrhetinic acid acts at the level of complement component C2.
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Affiliation(s)
- B H Kroes
- Research Centre for Natural Products and Phytopharmaceuticals, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Inoue H, Nagata N, Shibata S, Koshihara Y. Inhibitory effect of glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives on capsaicin-induced ear edema in mice. JAPANESE JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY 1996; 71:281-9. [PMID: 8886925 DOI: 10.1254/jjp.71.281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
We examined the effect of glycyrrhetinic acid (Ia) and its derivatives on ear edema induced by topical application of capsaicin in mice. Three dihemiphthalate compounds: di-sodium salt of 18 beta-olean-12-ene-3 beta,30-diol (deoxoglycyrrhetol, IIa) di-O-hemiphthalate (IIb); 18 beta-olean-9(11),12-diene-3 beta, 30-diol di-O-hemiphthalate (IIIa); and olean-11,13(18)-diene-3 beta,30-diol di-O-hemiphthalate (IVa) inhibited capsaicin-induced edema with ED50 values of 52.6, 41.0 and 51.8 mg/kg (p.o.), respectively. However, glycyrrhetinic acid and deoxoglycyrrhetol at a dose of 200 mg/kg (p.o.) had no effect. Compound IIIa (100 mg/kg, p.o.) also inhibited the edema response to capsaicin in mast cell-deficient mice. Furthermore, compounds IIb, IIIa and IVa (25-100 mg/kg, p.o.) prevented ear edema in response to intradermal injection of substance P (SP) and compound 48/80. In addition, these compounds at a high dose of 100 mg/kg (p.o.) produced a significant inhibition of the plasma extravasation in ear skin induced by i.v. administration of SP. The above results suggest that the effect of these compounds on capsaicin-induced ear edema is due at least in part to an inhibition of the increase of vascular permeability induced by vasoactive agents released from mast cells. Moreover, it seems likely that these compounds at a high dose can suppress vasodilatation and plasma extravasation induced by SP involved in capsaicin-induced edema.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Inoue
- Research Laboratory, Minophagen Pharmaceutical Co., Kanagawa, Japan
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