Effect of Rhus verniciflua Extract on IgE-Antigen-Mediated Allergic Reaction in Rat Basophilic Leukemic RBL-2H3 Mast Cells and Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis in Mice

Network pharmacology-based analysis and experimental in vitro validation on the mechanism of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. in the treatment for type I allergy

Background

The incidence of allergic reaction is increasing year by year, but the specific mechanism is still unclear. Paeonia lactiflora Pall.(PLP) is a traditional Chinese medicine with various pharmacological effects such as anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and immune regulation. Previous studies have shown that PLP has potential anti-allergic activity. However, there is still no comprehensive analysis of the targeted effects and exact molecular mechanisms of the anti-allergic components of PLP. This study aimed to reveal the mechanism of PLP. in the treatment of type I allergy by combining network pharmacological methods and experimental verification.

Methods

First, we used the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology (TCMSP) database and analysis platform to screen the main components and targets of PLP, and then used databases such as GeneCards to retrieve target information related to ‘allergy’. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis obtained the core target genes in the intersection target, and then imported the intersection target into the David database for gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis. Furthermore, the therapeutic effect of paeoniflorin, the main component of PLP, on IgE-induced type I allergy was evaluated in vitro.

Results

GO analysis obtained the main biological processes, cell components and molecular functions involved in the target genes. KEGG analysis screened out MAPK1, MAPK10, MAPK14 and TNF that have a strong correlation with PLP anti-type I allergy, and showed that PLP may pass through signal pathways such as IgE/FcεR I, PI3K/Akt and MAPK to regulate type I allergy. RT-qPCR and Western Blot results confirmed that paeoniflorin can inhibit the expression of key genes and down-regulate the phosphorylation level of proteins in these signal pathways. It further proved the reliability of the results of network pharmacology research.

Conclusion

The results of this study will provide a basis for revealing the multi-dimensional regulatory mechanism of PLP for the treatment of type I allergy and the development of new drugs.

Pediococcus Pentosaceus from the Sweet Potato Fermented Ger-Minated Brown Rice Can Inhibit Type I Hypersensitivity in RBL-2H3 Cell and BALB/c Mice Models

In this study, the effect of GBR fermented with the Pediococcus pentosaceus SP024 strain on IgE/Ag mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) was investigated. Protocatechuic acid and trans-ferulic acid levels in GBR-SP024 increased more than those in unfermented GBR, respec-tively. The inhibitory activity of GBR-SP024 on β-hexosaminidase release and the level of proin-flammatory cytokine mRNA expression (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin 4 (IL-4)) was observed in IgE/Ag-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. Western blot analysis showed that GBR-SP024 significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of the linker for activation of T cell (LAT) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in IgE/Ag-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. Further, we investigated the anti-allergic effect of GBR-SP024 using PCA murine model. The number of infiltrated immune cells and degranulated mast cells in GBR-SP024 treated dermis was lower than that in the GBR-treated mice. In addition, mRNA expression of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) in the dermis of ear tissue declined in the GBR-SP024–treated group, compared to that in the GBR group. GBR-SP024 was also more effective than GBR at reducing the levels of IL-33 protein expression in IgE/Ag-stimulated BALB/c mice. Our study suggests the potential usage of GBR-SP024 as a dietary supplement or an adjuvant for treating IgE-dependent-allergic diseases.

Eckol from Ecklonia cava Suppresses Immunoglobulin E-mediated Mast Cell Activation and Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis in Mice

Eckol, a precursor compound belonging to the dibenzo-1,4-dioxin class of phlorotannins, is a phloroglucinol derivative that exerts various activities. In the present study, we investigated the antiallergic effects of eckol isolated from the marine brown algae, Ecklonia cava using immunoglobulin E (IgE)/bovine serum albumin (BSA)-stimulated mouse bone marrow-derived cultured mast cells (BMCMC) and a mouse model of anaphylaxis. Eckol inhibited IgE/BSA-induced BMCMC degranulation by reducing β-hexosaminidase release. A flow cytometric analysis revealed that eckol decreases FcεRI expression on cell surface and IgE binding to the FcεRI in BMCMC. Moreover, eckol suppressed the production of the cytokines, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-13 and the chemokine, thymus activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) by downregulating, IκB-α degradation and NF-κB nuclear translocation. Furthermore, it attenuated the passive cutaneous anaphylactic reaction induced by IgE/BSA-stimulation in the ear of BALB/c mice. These results suggest that eckol is a potential therapeutic candidate for the prevention and treatment of allergic disorders.