Inhibitory Effects of Compounds and Extracts from Ampelopsis brevipedunculata on IL-6-Induced STAT3 Activation

Effect of Ampelopsis brevipedunculata (Maxim.) Trautv extract on a model of atopic dermatitis in HaCaT cells and mice

Ampelopsis brevipedunculata (Maxim.) Trautv. has been used for a long time as a folk remedy. According to studies, it possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. However, its effects on atopic dermatitis (AD) are poorly studied. Thus, we investigated the therapeutic effect of A. brevipedunculata (Maxim.) Trautv. extract (ABE-M) on 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD. For in vitro analysis, keratinocytes cell lines (HaCaT cells) were used. To evaluate the gene and protein expression levels of cytokines and chemokines, TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells were treated with ABE-M. The cells and the supernatant were collected, then gene and protein levels were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis. For in vivo analysis, BALB/c mice (6 weeks) were randomly separated into five groups (n = 5). The mice were applied DNCB and phosphate-buffered saline, dexamethasone (DX) or ABE-M (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) was orally administrated for 28 days. At the end, ear tissues and blood were collected for histological analysis and evaluation of cytokines and chemokines. In keratinocytes, ABE-M inhibited the protein and mRNA levels of chemokines, and cytokines exposed by TNF-α/IFN-γ. Similarly, the expression of chemokines was suppressed by ABE-M in AD animal model induced by DNCB and the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines was decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Our research indicates that ABE-M could be a candidate material that can be used to improve skin immunity enhancement, health, and beauty.

Targeting the gp130_D5 domain through pharmacophore modelling and structure-based virtual screening using natural plant products: A detailed molecular dynamics study for development of novel anti-cancer therapeutics

An overexpression and upregulation has been observed in the activity of LIF in various cancers which leads to the worsening prognosis of numerous patients. Domain D5 of gp130 forms a crucial part of the downstream signalling pathway necessary for the activity of this cytokine. Due to the absence of any known inhibitors or previous studies conducted on this domain, this domain presents itself as a novel potential therapeutic target for the development of anti-cancer drugs. Here, an attempt has been made to discover one such potential lead drug candidate via the application of various computer-aided drug designing techniques. A natural plant products library was used along with known inhibitors of the STAT3 signalling pathway through which LIF exerts its activity. The ligand displaying the highest interaction with the target, a good docking score, and an optimal bioavailability was chosen. This ligand- ZINC02131250 forms a very strong complex with the target domain thatremains stable throughout the simulation period. Binding of the ligand to the target also results in an overall decrease in the domain's flexibility, free energy, and motion. Thus, this ligand can be taken for further testing using bioassays and then be used as a viable novel treatment for many cancer types.

Yidu-toxicity blocking lung decoction ameliorates inflammation in severe pneumonia of SARS-COV-2 patients with Yidu-toxicity blocking lung syndrome by eliminating IL-6 and TNF-a

The present study investigates the differences in inflammatory agents alterations, immune function, and leukocyte differential count evaluation in severe pneumonia of SARS-COV-2 patients with Yidu-toxicity blocking lung syndrome after the recommended Chinese medicine prescription of Yidu-toxicity blocking lung decoction. A total of 40 patients with yidu-toxicity blocking lung syndrome, diagnosed as severe pneumonia of SARS-COV-2 following the latest Chinese national recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia caused by SARS-COV-2 (the 5th edition), were recruited. They were randomly divided into the pure western medicine therapy group (PWM) and integrated into Chinese and Western medicine therapy group (ICW). The general strategies were given to both groups according to the national recommendations, and the ICW group was given Yidu-toxicity blocking lung decoction extraorally. A radioimmunoassay method was adopted to detect the content of IL-6, IL-8,IL-2R,TNF-α, procalcitonin (PCT) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in sera. Flow cytometry was used to determine the peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets (the levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and the ratios of CD4+/CD8+). The white blood cell counts (WBC#), neutrophils count(N#), and lymphocyte counts (L#) were measured using a fully automatic blood rheological instrument. The t-test or Rank Sum Test and Spearman analysis were conducted to evaluate the differences. The results showed that IL-6 (P = 0.013) and TNF-α (P = 0.035) levels in the PWM group were significantly higher than those in the ICW group after treatment. Infection related indicators such as WBC#, N#, L#, hs-CRP showed no differences. The analysis showed that there was no statistical difference in the values of CD4 and CD8 between the two groups. By the end of Day 29, all patients were discharged and the final cure rate for both group were 100 %. Taken together, we conclude that Yidu-toxicity blocking lung decoction could relieve inflammation of SARS-COV-2 patients with yidu-toxicity blocking lung syndrome by eliminating inflammatory agents. CM can serve as a complementary medication to western medicine, which should be highlighted in clinical settings.