Paeonol Ameliorates Ovalbumin-Induced Asthma through the Inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB and MAPK Signaling

KLF5-mediated pyroptosis of airway epithelial cells leads to airway inflammation in asthmatic mice through the miR-182-5p/TLR4 axis

Asthma is viewed as an airway disease and an inflammatory condition. This study aims to reveal the role of Kruppel-like factor 5 (KLF5)-mediated pyroptosis of airway epithelial cells in airway inflammation in asthma. The asthmatic mouse model was established. The mice were infected with the lentivirus containing sh-KLF5, antagomiR-182-5p, and pc-Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Airway hyperresponsiveness was measured, and the cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were sorted and counted. The expression levels of interleukin (IL)-4/IL-13/IL-6/IL-18/IL-1β/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3)/N-gasdermin D (GSDMD-N)/cleaved caspase-1 were detected. The pathological changes in lung tissue were observed. The enrichment of KLF5 in the miR-182-5p promoter region was measured. The binding relationship among KLF5, miR-182-5p, and TLR4 were analyzed. KLF5 was highly expressed in asthmatic mice. Silencing KLF5 improved airway resistance and lung dynamic compliance, reduced the cells in BALF and the expression of IL-4/IL-13/IL-6/NLRP3/GSDMD-N/cleaved caspase-1/IL-18/IL-1β, and alleviated the pathological changes. Mechanistically, KLF5 bonded to the miR-182-5p promoter to inhibit miR-182-5p expression, and miR-182-5p inhibited TLR4. Silencing miR-182-5p or TLR4 overexpression reversed the improvement of silencing KLF5 on airway inflammation and pyroptosis in asthmatic mice. In conclusion, KLF5 inhibited miR-182-5p to promote TLR4 expression, thus aggravating pyroptosis and airway inflammation in asthmatic mice.

Gut-lung axis and asthma: A historical review on mechanism and future perspective

BACKGROUND

Gut microbiota are closely related to the development and regulation of the host immune system by regulating the maturation of immune cells and the resistance to pathogens, which affects the host immunity. Early use of antibiotics disrupts the homeostasis of gut microbiota and increases the risk of asthma. Gut microbiota actively interact with the host immune system via the gut-lung axis, a bidirectional communication pathway between the gut and lung. The manipulation of gut microbiota through probiotics, helminth therapy, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to combat asthma has become a hot research topic. BODY: This review mainly describes the current immune pathogenesis of asthma, gut microbiota and the role of the gut-lung axis in asthma. Moreover, the potential of manipulating the gut microbiota and its metabolites as a treatment strategy for asthma has been discussed.

CONCLUSION

The gut-lung axis has a bidirectional effect on asthma. Gut microecology imbalance contributes to asthma through bacterial structural components and metabolites. Asthma, in turn, can also cause intestinal damage through inflammation throughout the body. The manipulation of gut microbiota through probiotics, helminth therapy, and FMT can inform the treatment strategies for asthma by regulating the maturation of immune cells and the resistance to pathogens.

Revealing the clinical effect and biological mechanism of acupuncture in COPD: A review

BACKGROUND

To provide new ideas for the clinical and mechanism research of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), this study systematically reviews clinical research and the progress of basic research of acupuncture in the treatment of COPD.

METHODS

PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched using acupuncture and COPD as keywords in the last 10 years, and the included literature was determined according to exclusion criteria.

FINDINGS

Acupuncture can relieve clinical symptoms, improve exercise tolerance, anxiety, and nutritional status, as well as hemorheological changes (blood viscosity), reduce the inflammatory response, and reduce the duration and frequency of COPD in patients with COPD. Mechanistically, acupuncture inhibits M1 macrophage activity, reduces neutrophil infiltration, reduces inflammatory factor production in alveolar type II epithelial cells, inhibits mucus hypersecretion of airway epithelial cells, inhibits the development of chronic inflammation in COPD, and slows tissue structure destruction. Acupuncture may control pulmonary COPD inflammation through the vagal-cholinergic anti-inflammatory, vagal-adrenomedullary-dopamine, vagal-dual-sensory nerve fiber-pulmonary, and CNS-hypothalamus-orexin pathways. Furthermore, acupuncture can increase endogenous cortisol levels by inhibiting the HPA axis, thus improving airway antioxidant capacity and reducing airway inflammation in COPD. In conclusion, the inhibition of the chronic inflammatory response is the key mechanism of acupuncture treatment for COPD.

Ethanol Extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum Root Ameliorates Cough-Variant Asthma Through the TLR4/NF-κB Pathway and Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway

Cough-variant asthma (CVA) has been recognized as the initial stage or pre-asthmatic state of classic asthma, which characterized by cough as the primary clinical presentation. Inhaled glucocorticoids, oral leukotriene receptor antagonists and antihistamines are the clinical treatments, but their efficacy is not satisfactory. Some traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been reported to have certain advantages in the treatment of CVA, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unclear. Recent research has indicated that Anacyclus pyerhrurm (L) DC. is commonly used in the treatment of human diseases. The aim of our study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative mechanism of the ethanol extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum (L) DC. root (EEAP) in a model of CVA. In our study, we indicated that EEAP ameliorated CVA by reducing cough frequency and inflammatory effect and oxidative stress in an in vivo rat model of CVA. In addition, EEAP ameliorated LPS-induced cell apoptosis and regulated inflammatory effect and oxidative stress in vitro. Mechanistically, EEAP exerted anti-inflammatory effects through regulating the TLR4/NF-κB pathway and Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and overexpressing TLR4 or activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by SKL2001 reversed EEAP-exerted effects in LPS-exposed BEAS-2B and 16-HBE cells. In conclusion, EEAP attenuated cell apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress through restraining the TLR4/NF-κB pathway and Wnt/β-catenin pathway in CVA, which shown that EEAP might be a promising therapeutic agent for CVA and may provide a theoretical basis for clinical treatment with CVA patients.

The TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway-mediated type 2 skewing of T helper cell in cough variant asthma was counteracted by ethanol extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum root

Type 2 T helper (Th2) cells-mediated immune response plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of cough variant asthma (CVA), and this study aims to determine the effect and mechanism of ethanol extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum root (EEAP) on regulating Th2 response in CVA. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) collected from patients with CVA, and naive CD4⁺T cells induced by Th2-polarizing medium were administrated with EEAP. Interestingly, through conducting flow cytometry and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method, we found that EEAP significantly alleviated Th2 skewing and increased Th1 response in these two kinds of cells. Results of western blot assay and quantitative reverse transcription PCR displayed that EEAP suppressed the expression of TLR4, total NF-κB p65, nuclear NF-κB p65 and the downstream genes. Subsequently, we proved that TLR4 antagonist E5564 played a similar improvement role to EEAP in Th1/Th2 imbalance, while combination of TLR4 agonist LPS and EEAP abolished the inhibitory effect of EEAP on Th2 polarization in Th2-induced CD4⁺T cells. Finally, CVA models induced by ovalbumin and capsaicin were established in cavies, and data showed that EEAP also improved Th1/Th2 imbalance in CVA in vivo, manifested in the increase of IL4⁺CD4⁺T cell ratio, Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6 and IL-13) and the decrease of Th1 cytokines (IL-2 and IFN-γ). Co-treatment of LPS and EEAP counteracted the inhibition of EEAP on Th2 response in CVA model cavies. Moreover, we found that EEAP mitigated airway inflammation and hyper-responsiveness in vivo, which was abolished by the combined application of LPS. In a word, EEAP restores Th1/Th2 balance in CVA through restraining the TLR4/NF-кB signaling pathway. This study may contribute to the clinical application of EEAP in CVA-related disease.

Traveling across Life Sciences with Acetophenone-A Simple Ketone That Has Special Multipurpose Missions

Each metabolite, regardless of its molecular simplicity or complexity, has a mission or function in the organism biosynthesizing it. In this review, the biological, allelochemical, and chemical properties of acetophenone, as a metabolite involved in multiple interactions with various (mi-cro)organisms, are discussed. Further, the details of its biogenesis and chemical synthesis are provided, and the possibility of its application in different areas of life sciences, i.e., the status quo of acetophenone and its simple substituted analogs, is examined. In particular, natural and synthetic simple acetophenone derivatives are analyzed as promising agrochemicals and useful scaffolds for drug research and development.

Leonurine attenuates OVA-induced asthma via p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway

Leonurine (Leo) is a natural alkaloid extracted from Herba leonuri, which has many biological activities. However, whether leonurine has a protective effect on asthma remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of leonurine on asthma. We evaluated its therapeutic effect and related signal transduction in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells and OVA-induced asthmatic mice. In addition, we used network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation to verify the experimental results. In LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells, leonurine significantly reduced the production of TNF-α and IL-6, andinhibited the activation of p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway. In OVA-induced asthmatic mice, leonurine decreased the number of inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), particularly neutrophils and eosinophils. Leonurine also reduced the contents of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 in the BALF and OVA-IgE in the serum. Leonurine remarkly improved OVA-induced inflammatory cell infiltration and significantly inhibited mucus overproduction. In addition, leonurine inhibited the activation of p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway in the lung tissues of asthmatic mice. Network pharmacology suggested that p38 MAPKα was a potential target of leonurine in the treatment of asthma. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations indicated that leonurine could stably bind to p38 MAPKα protein. In summary, leonurine attenuated asthma by regulating p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Protective Effects of Platycodin D3 on Airway Remodeling and Inflammation via Modulating MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Asthma Mice

Background

Asthma is a disease with airway hyperresponsive and airway inflammation. Platycodin D is a triterpenoid saponin extracted from Platycodon grandiflorus root, which has various pharmacological activities. The study mainly explored the effects of platycodin D3 (PD₃) in airway remodeling and inflammation of asthma.

Methods

The ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma mice were given PD3 (20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg, and 80 mg/kg) in different groups. The asthma mice administrated with dexamethasone (DXM) were enrolled as the positive control group, and the normal control mice and asthma model mice separately received the same volume of saline. Mouse airway lung dynamic compliance (Cdyn) and total airway resistance (RL) were measured by the EMKA animal lung function analysis system. The inflammation factor levels were estimated by ELISA. Histopathological changes were tested by HE and PAS staining. The protein and phosphorylation levels of NF-κBp65, p38, ERK1/2, and JNK1/2 were detected by Western blot.

Results

In asthmatic mice, PD3 enhanced the airway Cdyn and decreased RL to improve the airway hyperreactivity and alleviated the pathological injury of lung tissues. In addition, PD3 could reduce the infiltration of inflammatory cells in BALF and suppress the levels of eotaxin, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IFN-γ, and IgE. Furthermore, PD3 treatment inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κBp65, p38, ERK1/2, and JNK1/2 proteins in asthma mice.

Conclusion

PD3 treatment alleviated the airway remodeling and inflammation in asthmatic mice, which might be related to downregulating the phosphorylated proteins in the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Protective effects of glaucocalyxin A on the airway of asthmatic mice

The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effects of glaucocalyxin A (GLA) on airways in mouse models of asthma, concerning the inflammatory mediators, Th1/Th2 subgroup imbalance, and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB signaling pathway. Hematoxylin and eosin/periodic acid–Schiff staining was used to observe the pathological changes in lung tissues. Inflammatory cytokine contents in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Protein expression levels were detected with Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. In vivo studies showed that, in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mouse models, the GLA treatments reduced the airway hyperresponsiveness and the secretion of inflammatory cells, declined the proliferation of goblet cells, decreased the levels of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, and increased the contents of interferon-γ and IL-12. Moreover, GLA inhibited the protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, TRAF6, and NF-κB in OVA-induced asthmatic mouse models. Further in vitro studies showed that GLA inhibited the expression of NF-κB, p-IκBα, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, and IL-1β and blocked the nuclear transfer of NF-κB in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Conclusively, GLA can inhibit the inflammatory responses in OVA-induced asthmatic mice and inhibit the release of inflammatory factors in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages, which may be related to the inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Dioscorea nipponica Makino Relieves Ovalbumin-Induced Asthma in Mice through Regulating RKIP-Mediated Raf-1/MEK/MAPK/ERK Signaling Pathway

Purpose

Dioscorea nipponica Makino (DNM) is a traditional herb with multiple medicinal functions. This study is aimed at exploring the therapeutic effects of DNM on asthma and the underlying mechanisms involving RKIP-mediated MAPK signaling pathway.

Methods

An ovalbumin-induced asthma model was established in mice, which was further administrated with DNM and/or locostatin (RKIP inhibitor). ELISA was performed to detect the serum titers of OVA-IgE and OVA-IgG1, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) levels of inflammation-related biomarkers, and tissue levels of oxidative stress-related biomarkers. The expression of RKIP was measured by quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. HE staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of lung tissues. The protein expression of MAPK pathway-related proteins was detected by Western blot.

Results

Compared with the controls, the model mice exhibited significantly higher serum titers of OVA-IgE and OVA-IgG1, BALF levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-13, TGF-β1, and MCP-1, tissue levels of MDA and ROS, lower BALF levels of IL-10 and IFN-γ, and tissue level of GSH. DNM relieved the allergic inflammatory response and oxidative stress in the model mice. DNM also recovered the downregulation of RKIP and the pathological injury of lung tissues in asthma mice. In addition, the Raf-1/MEK/MAPK/ERK pathway in the model mice was blocked by DNM. Silencing of RKIP by locostatin weakened the relieving effects of DNM on asthma through activating the Raf-1/MEK/MAPK/ERK pathway.

Conclusion

DNM relieves asthma via blocking the Raf-1/MEK/MAPK/ERK pathway that mediated by RKIP upregulation.

MicroRNA-885-3p alleviates bronchial epithelial cell injury induced by lipopolysaccharide via toll-like receptor 4

Airway inflammation is one of the typical pathological characteristics of asthma. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in regulating inflammation. Nevertheless, miRNA-885-3p (miR-885-3p)’s role in asthmatic inflammation and the underlying mechanism need to be explained. In this work, miR-885-3p expression and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression in asthma patients’ plasma and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated 16HBE cells were detected through quantitative real-time PCR. The interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in 16HBE cell supernatant were examined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry were employed to examine 16HBE cell viability and apoptosis, respectively. Western blotting was performed to examine the expression of TLR4, cleaved caspase-3, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65, Bcl-2-related X protein (Bax), phosphorylated (p)-NF-κB p65 and myeloid differentiation primitive-response protein 88 (MyD88) in 16HBE cells. Furthermore, the targeted relationship between TLR4 and miR-885-3p in 16HBE cells was determined through dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Compared with healthy volunteers, miR-885-3p expression in acute asthma patients’ plasma was significantly downregulated. In 16HBE cells, the stimulation of LPS reduced miR-885-3p expression. MiR-885-3p overexpression reduced LPS-stimulated 16HBE cell injury by enhancing cell viability, and suppressing the levels of inflammatory factors and apoptosis. Furthermore, TLR4 was identified as miR-885-3p’s target gene. TLR4 overexpression weakened the impacts of miR-885-3p on LPS-stimulated cell injury and NF-κB-MyD88 signaling. In conclusion, miR-885-3p can reduce LPS-induced 16HBE cell damage, via targeting TLR4 to suppress the NF-κB-MyD88 pathway.

Emerging Roles of Non-Coding RNAs in Childhood Asthma

Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease in children characterized by airway inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness and airway remodeling. Childhood asthma is usually associated with allergy and atopy, unlike adult asthma, which is commonly associated with obesity, smoking, etc. The pathogenesis and diagnosis of childhood asthma also remains more challenging than adult asthma, such as many diseases showing similar symptoms may coexist and be confused with asthma. In terms of the treatment, although most childhood asthma can potentially be self-managed and controlled with drugs, approximately 5-10% of children suffer from severe uncontrolled asthma, which carries significant health and socioeconomic burdens. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the pathogenesis of childhood asthma from a new perspective. Studies have revealed that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are involved in the regulation of respiratory diseases. In addition, altered expression of ncRNAs in blood, and in condensate of sputum or exhalation affects the progression of asthma via regulating immune response. In this review, we outline the regulation and pathogenesis of asthma and summarize the role of ncRNAs in childhood asthma. We also hold promise that ncRNAs may be used for the development of biomarkers and support a new therapeutic strategy for childhood asthma.

Improvement of Bronchial Immune Hypersensitivity Reaction Using Extracts from Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramatuelle and Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi

Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramatuelle and Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (skullcap) have been used as safe raw materials for drinking or as traditional medicines in Korea. In this study, we investigated the potential therapeutic effects of ovalbumin-induced asthma in a mouse model. After establishing the model, mice were treated with a mixture of chrysanthemum and skullcap extracts at different mixing ratios (6 : 4, 7 : 3, and 8 : 2). Immune cell counts and the production of various inflammatory cytokines were measured using biochemical tests. Among the mixtures tested, the 7 : 3 ratio (CS73) showed the most pronounced effects. CS73 significantly reduced the levels of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin- (IL-) 1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-17E in the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of asthmatic mice. In addition, CS73 treatment significantly increased the production of IL-2 and interferon-γ and decreased the production of immunoglobulin E, histamine, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin in asthmatic mice compared to the control group. Our results suggest that the combination of chrysanthemum and skullcap extracts, especially at a 7 : 3 ratio, can be used to improve bronchial health and contribute to improved public health.

The Therapeutic Effect of Traditional LiuJunZi Decoction on Ovalbumin-Induced Asthma in Balb/C Mice

Aim

To investigate the therapeutic effect of LiuJunZi decoction (LJZD) in an experimental model of asthma and uncover its potential mechanism.

Materials and Methods

The ovalbumin (OVA) was applied to induce asthma in Balb/C mice, and LJZD was orally administrated to asthmatic mice. The lung function and histological lesion were evaluated by airway hyperresponsiveness assay, lung edema assay, and hematoxylin and eosin staining. The amounts of CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ T_Reg cells were analyzed through combining fluorescent antibody staining with flow cytometry assay. The levels of inflammatory factors and immunoglobulins were detected by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of miR-21 and miR-146a was investigated by real-time PCR. The protein expression of activating protein-1 (AP-1), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), and NF-κB inhibitor alpha (IκBα) was determined by western blotting.

Results

LJZD improves OVA-induced asthma in Balb/C mice, which is manifested by decreasing lung edema, Penh levels, lung histological lesion, and inflammatory cell infiltration. LJZD increased the number of CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ T_Reg cells in blood mononuclear cells from asthmatic mice. Furthermore, LJZD reduced the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin- (IL-) 4, IL-6, IgG1, and IgE, but increased interferon gamma (IFN-γ) expression, in serum of asthmatic mice, and also decreased the expression of IL-17a, IL-23, IL-25, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (Tslp) in lung tissues. In addition, miR-21 and miR-146a expression and phospho (p)-NF-κB, p-IκBα, and AP-1 protein expression were inhibited by LJZD in lung tissues from asthmatic mice.

Conclusion

LJZD improved OVA-induced asthma in Balb/C mice by inhibiting allergic inflammation and Th2 immunoreaction, which might be associated with the inactivation of the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Baicalin regulates the development of pediatric asthma via upregulating microRNA-103 and mediating the TLR4/NF-κB pathway

Pediatric asthma seriously endangers the well-being and health of children worldwide. Baicalin (BA) protects against diverse disorders, including asthma. Therefore, this study explored the mechanism of BA in pediatric asthma. The ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mouse model was established to evaluate BA efficacy from aspects of oxidative stress, inflammation, blood cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and collagen deposition. Differentially expressed microRNAs (miRs) in BA-treated mice were analyzed. Effects of BA on PDGF-BB-induced smooth muscle cells (SMCs) were assessed. miR downstream mRNA and the related pathway were predicted and verified, and their effects on asthmatic mice were evaluated. BA effectively reversed OVA-induced oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as decreased the number of total cells, eosinophils and neutrophils in BALF, and collagen deposition. miR-103 was significantly upregulated after BA treatment. BA inhibited the abnormal proliferation of PDGF-BB-induced SMCs, which was prevented by miR-103 knockdown. miR-103 targeted TLR4 and regulated the extent of NF-κB phosphorylation. In vivo, miR-103 inhibition weakened the alleviating effects of BA on asthma, which was then reversed after silencing of TLR4. We highlighted that BA has the potency to halt the pediatric asthma progression via miR-103 upregulation and the TLR4/NF-κB axis inhibition.

Syringin alleviates ovalbumin-induced lung inflammation in BALB/c mice asthma model via NF-κB signaling pathway

Asthma is an allergic chronic inflammatory disease of the pulmonary airways, characterized by the infiltration of white blood cells and release of inflammatory cytokines of complex pathways linked to its pathogenesis. Syringin extracted from various medicinal plants has been used extensively for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Hence, this study was conducted to further explore the protective effects of the syringin in ovalbumin (OVA) induced-asthma mice model. OVA-sensitized BALB mice were treated intraperitonealy with three doses (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) of the syringin which was validated by the alteration in the immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, cytokines levels, histopathological evaluation inflammatory cell count, lung weight, nitrite (NO) levels, oxidative stress biomarkers and gene markers. The treatment of syringin intensely reduced the increased IgE, inflammatory cytokines, WBC count and restored the antioxidant stress markers OVA stimulated animals. In addition, a significant reduction in inflammation and mucus production was evidenced in histopathological analysis which was further validated by suppression NF-κB pathway activation by syringin. These results suggest that syringin may improve asthma symptoms in OVA-induced mice by modulating NF-κB pathway activation.

Chrysin-loaded PLGA attenuates OVA-induced allergic asthma by modulating TLR/NF-κB/NLRP3 axis

Asthma, one of the significant public health problems, is triggered by certain inflammatory processes in the airways that are not addressed propitiously by current therapies. Though pieces of evidence on allergic asthma mitigation by the anti-inflammatory bioflavonoid chrysin (CHR) are accumulating, poor bioavailability, and low solubility curtail drug development. To overcome these shortcomings, CHR loaded nanoparticle (CHR-NP) was formulated, and its salutary effect in preclinical murine allergic asthma model via the peroral route was evaluated. The spherical nanosized particles showed slow, sustained release in vitro. Moreover, CHR-NP dramatically reduced the serum IgE, ovalbumin (OVA)-induced lung histological alteration, as well as Th2 (T-helper 2) cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). It also suppressed the elevated serum pro-inflammatory cytokines and their upstream TLR/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway activation in lung superior to CHR and almost identical to dexamethasone (DEX). Thus this study suggests the potentiality of CHR-NP in ameliorating allergic asthma progression.

Cynanchum paniculatum and Its Major Active Constituents for Inflammatory-Related Diseases: A Review of Traditional Use, Multiple Pathway Modulations, and Clinical Applications

Cynanchum paniculatum Radix, known as Xuchangqing in Chinese, is commonly prescribed in Chinese Medicine (CM) for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases. The anti-inflammatory property of Cynanchum paniculatum can be traced from its wind-damp removing, collaterals' obstruction relieving, and toxins counteracting effects as folk medicine in CM. This paper systematically reviewed the research advancement of the pharmacological effects of Cynanchum paniculatum among a variety of human diseases, including diseases of the respiratory, circulatory, digestive, urogenital, hematopoietic, endocrine and metabolomic, neurological, skeletal, and rheumatological systems and malignant diseases. This review aims to link the long history of clinical applications of Cynanchum paniculatum in CM with recent biomedical investigations. The major bioactive chemical compositions of Cynanchum paniculatum and their associated action mechanism unveiled by biomedical investigations as well as the present clinical applications and future perspectives are discussed. The major focuses of this review are on the diverse mechanisms of Cynanchum paniculatum and the role of its active components in inflammatory diseases.

Rubusoside alleviates the ovalbumin-induced mice allergic asthma by modulating the NF-κB activation

The anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic effects of rubusoside (Rbs) were investigated in the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mice, followed by effective attenuation of Rbs treatment on the airway hyperresponsiveness and reduction of inflammatory cells inside the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The mitigation of inflammatory infiltration as a result of Rbs treatment was histologically observed in these mice lungs. Rbs contributed to the decrease of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-13, IL-6, IL-5, and IL-4) inside the BALF of mice with asthma. A decline of OVA-dependent IgE and IgG1 inside the serum was also noticed in these mice. Rbs was proved to enhance the mRNA level of Foxp3 inside the mice lung affected with asthma while decrease that of IL-17A, IL-23, and RORγt. NF-κB pathway activation elicited by OVA was suppressed by Rbs inside the pulmonary tissues. Rbs played significantly in the reduction of airway inflammation induced by OVA which with modulating NF-κB pathway activation. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Simultaneous therapy with medicine and food is strategically significant for disease prevention and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine. Rbs is a diterpene glycoside isolated from Rubus suavissimus. The anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic mechanism dependent of Rbs need further study clinically. The goal of current investigation is to explore the anti-inflammatory as well as anti-asthmatic activity of Rbs in mouse models of OVA-induced experimental allergic asthma. Results of the present study are scientifically supportive for the use of Rbs as an adjunctive reagent for clinical treatment of allergic asthma.

Novel paeonol derivatives: Design, synthesis and anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and in vivo

Paeonol has been proved to have potential anti-inflammatory activity, but its clinical application is not extensive due to the poor anti-inflammatory activity (14.74% inhibitory activity at 20 μM). In order to discover novel lead compound with high anti-inflammatory activity, series of paeonol derivatives were designed and synthesized, their anti-inflammatory activities were screened in vitro and in vivo. Structure-activity relationships (SARs) have been fully concluded, and finally (E)-N-(4-(2-acetyl-5-methoxyphenoxy)phenyl)-3-(3,4,5-trimet-hoxyphenyl)acrylamide (compound 11a) was found to be the best active compound with low toxicity, which showed 96.32% inhibitory activity at 20 μM and IC₅₀ value of 6.96 μM against LPS-induced over expression of nitric oxide (NO) in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Preliminary mechanism studies indicated that it could inhibit the expression of TLR4, resulting in inhibiting of NF-κB and MAPK pathways. Further studies have shown that compound 11a has obvious therapeutic effect against the adjuvant-induced rat arthritis model.

Albiflorin alleviates ovalbumin (OVA)-induced pulmonary inflammation in asthmatic mice

In the present study, the effects of albiflorin (ALB) on the pulmonary inflammation induced by ovalbumin (OVA) in an asthmatic mouse model were investigated. Airway hyperreactivity (AHR) in asthmatic mice was detected using the acetylcholine stimulation test. Eosinophilia cells in the serum of asthmatic mice were counted. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to observe pathological changes in lung tissue. Inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were detected in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blotting was used to detect the mitogen-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor kappa B (MAPK/NF-κB) signaling pathway in the lungs of asthmatic mice. The results from the present study indicated that ALB dramatically suppressed the expression of inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and inflammatory cells. In addition, ALB significantly decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content as well as increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. ALB also alleviated AHR in asthmatic mice and improved pathological changes in the lungs. In addition, ALB inhibited the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway in the lungs of the asthmatic mice. Thus, ALB appears to inhibit lung inflammation in asthmatic mice via regulation of the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway.

HMGB1 was negatively regulated by HSF1 and mediated the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signal pathway in asthma

AIMS

The present study explored the function and regulatory mechanism of High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in asthma.

MAIN METHODS

OVA (ovalbumin)-induced asthmatic mice model and LPS-treated cellular model were established in this study. Airway inflammation was measured through detecting the expression of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in serum and BALF (bronchoalveolar lavage fluid) by ELISA kits. Bioinformatics predictive analysis, ChIP assays, Luciferase reporter assay and Western blotting were used to explore the relation between HMGB1 and HSF1 (Heat shock factor 1).

KEY FINDINGS

HMGB1 expression was increased in OVA-induced asthmatic mice. Silencing HMGB1 attenuated the increasing of IgE, inflammatory factors (IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13), and airway hyperresponsiveness that induced by OVA. In addition, our study found that HSF1 directly bind with the HMGB1 promoter and negatively regulation of HMGB1. HSF-1 were upregulated in OVA-induced asthmatic mice, and knockdown of HSF1 aggravated the OVA-induced airway inflammation and airway hyperreactivity in mice may through promoting the expression of HMGB1 and the activation of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/Myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88)/Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signal pathway.

SIGNIFICANCE

The expression of HMGB1 could be negatively regulated by HSF1, and the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signal pathway was involved in HSF1/HMGB1-mediated regulation of asthma.

Protective activity of mogroside V against ovalbumin-induced experimental allergic asthma in Kunming mice

We investigated the antiasthmatic effect of mogroside V (Mog V) in mice with ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma. Administration of Mog V effectively attenuated OVA-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and reduced the number of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Histological examination showed that Mog V reduced the inflammatory infiltration of the lungs in the asthmatic mice. ELISAs suggested that Mog V effectively decreased the levels of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in BALF and serum levels of OVA-specific IgE and IgG1 in the asthmatic mice. A quantitative reverse-transcription PCR assay also indicated that Mog V decreased the mRNA levels of IL-17A, IL-23, and RORγt in the lungs of the asthmatic mice (the opposite effect on Foxp3 mRNA). Furthermore, Mog V significantly reduced the OVA-induced activation of NF-κB in the lungs. This study indicates that Mog V alleviates OVA-induced inflammation in airways, and this effect is associated with a reduction in NF-κB activation. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: A traditional Chinese medicine herb has been reported to have a strong curative effect on asthma in clinical practice. Siraitia grosvenorii is known in China as a functional food product with the ability to improve lung function. Mogroside V is a triterpene glycoside isolated from S. grosvenorii. Nonetheless, the antiasthmatic effect of mogroside V has not been evaluated yet. The aim of this study was to investigate the antiasthmatic activity of mogroside V in mice with chemically induced asthma. The data from this study will provide some scientific evidence supporting wider use of S. grosvenorii in functional foods.

Effect of Bufei Yishen Granules Combined with Electroacupuncture in Rats with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease via the Regulation of TLR-4/NF-κB Signaling

BACKGROUND

The combined therapy of Bufei Yishen granules (BY) and electroacupuncture (EA) has shown good effects clinically in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The present study aimed to observe the effects of the BY + EA combination in a COPD rat model and dissect the potential mechanisms via Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling.

METHODS

The COPD rats were treated with normal saline, aminophylline, Bufei Yishen granules, electroacupuncture, or Bufei Yishen granules combined with electroacupuncture. The pulmonary function; lung tissue histology; levels of inflammatory factors; expression levels of TLR-4, inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (IκB), and NF-κB; and activation of NF-κB in the lung tissues were evaluated.

RESULTS

Pulmonary function was markedly decreased in the COPD rats, and the lung tissue histology of the COPD rats showed severe pathological changes. The pulmonary function and lung tissue morphology in the treatment groups (APL, BY, EA, and BY + EA) were improved. The increased levels of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 indicated a chronic inflammatory state in the COPD rats. In the BY, EA, and BY + EA groups, the levels of IL-1β and IL-6 were decreased, especially in the BY + EA group. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR-4, IκB, and NF-κB were obviously downregulated in the BY and BY + EA groups; and the NF-κB p65 activation was significantly decreased in the BY, EA, and BY + EA groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Bufei Yishen granules and electroacupuncture have curative effects in COPD rats, and the combination therapy of Bufei Yishen granules and electroacupuncture is superior. The TLR-4/NF-κB pathway may be involved in the potential mechanisms by which Bufei Yishen granules and electroacupuncture reduce inflammation.

Paeonol: pharmacological effects and mechanisms of action

Paeonia suffruticosa possesses various medicinal benefits and has been used extensively in traditional oriental medicine for thousands of years. Paeonol is the main component isolated from the root bark of Paeonia suffruticosa. The pharmacological effects of Paeonia suffruticosa are mostly attributed to paeonol. Paeonol injection has been successfully applied in China for nearly 50 years for inflammation/pain-related indications. Currently, the dosage forms of paeonol approved by China Food and Drug Administration include tablet, injection, and external preparations such as ointment and adhesive plaster. So far, the clinical applications of paeonol are mainly focusing on the anti-inflammatory activity. Studies of other pharmacological activities of paeonol are developing rapidly, and which may play an important role in the future. Besides, substantial mechanisms of pharmacological action of paeonol have been clarified in recent years. In this review, we summarize the pharmacological effects anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-tumor, anti-cardiovascular diseases and associated mechanisms of action of paeonol up to date.