Acetyl-11-Keto-β-Boswellic Acid (AKBA) Prevents Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation and Cytotoxicity on H9C2 Cells

Glechomenes A-G, diterpenoids with anti-inflammatory activities from the aerial part of Glechoma longituba

Ten diterpenoids including six unreported abietane-type diterpenoids Glecholmenes A-F (1-6) and an undescribed labdane-type diterpenoid Glecholmene G (9), together with three known diterpenoids (7,8,10), were firstly isolated from the aerial part of G. longituba. Their structures were established mainly by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS) methods. Electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations and X-ray crystallographic analyses were used for the determination of their absolute configurations. The anti-inflammatory activity of all compounds was evaluated using the classical LPS-induced NO release model in RAW264.7 cells. Compound 2 displayed significant anti-inflammatory activities with IC50 values of 29.08 ± 1.40 μM (Aminoguanidine hydrochloride as the positive control, IC50 = 21.84 ± 0.48 μM).

Metabolic signatures in post-myocardial infarction heart failure, including insights into prediction, intervention, and prognosis

Heart failure (HF) is a prevalent long-term complication of myocardial infarction (MI). The incidence of post-MI HF is high, and patients with the condition have a poor prognosis. Accurate identification of individuals at high risk for post-MI HF is crucial for implementation of a protective and ideally personalized strategy to prevent fatal events. Post-MI HF is characterized by adverse cardiac remodeling, which results from metabolic changes in response to long-term ischemia. Moreover, various risk factors, including genetics, diet, and obesity, can influence metabolic pathways in patients. This review focuses on the metabolic signatures of post-MI HF that could serve as non-invasive biomarkers for early identification in high-risk populations. We also explore how metabolism participates in the pathophysiology of post-MI HF. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of metabolites as novel targets for treatment of post-MI HF and as biomarkers for prognostic evaluation. It is expected to provide valuable suggestions for the clinical prevention and treatment of post-MI HF from a metabolic perspective.

Preparation and characterization of solid lipid nanoparticles encapsulated noscapine and evaluation of its protective effects against imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin lesions

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by thickening the epidermis with erythema, scaling, and proliferation. Noscapine (NOS) has several anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and anti-fibrotic effects, but its low solubility and large size results in its lower efficacy in the clinic. In this regard, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) encapsulated NOS (SLN-NOS) were fabricated using the well-known response surface method based on the central composite design and modified high-shear homogenization and ultrasound method. As a result, Precirol® was selected as the best lipid base for the SLN formulation based on Hildebrand-Hansen solubility parameters, in which SLN-NOS 1 % had the best zeta potential (-35.74 ± 2.59 mV), average particle size (245.66 ± 17 nm), polydispersity index (PDI, 0.226 ± 0.09), high entrapment efficiency (89.77 %), and ICH-based stability results. After 72 h, the SLN-NOS 1 % released 83.23 % and 58.49 % of the NOS at pH 5.8 and 7.4, respectively. Moreover, Franz diffusion cell's results indicated that the skin levels of NOS for SLN and cream formulations were 46.88 % and 13.5 % of the total amount, respectively. Our pharmacological assessments revealed that treatment with SLN-NOS 1 % significantly attenuated clinical parameters, namely ear thickness, length, and psoriasis area and severity index, compared to the IMQ group. Interestingly, SLN-NOS 1 % reduced the levels of interleukin (IL)-17, tumor necrosis factor-α, and transforming growth factor-β, while elevating IL-10, compared to the IMQ group. Histology studies also showed that topical application of SLN-NOS 1 % significantly decreased parakeratosis, hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, and inflammation compared to the IMQ group. Taken together, SLN-NOS 1 % showed a high potential to attenuate skin inflammation.

Therapeutic potential of natural products in inflammation: underlying molecular mechanisms, clinical outcomes, technological advances, and future perspectives

Chronic inflammation is a common underlying factor in many major diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune disorders, and is responsible for up to 60% of all deaths worldwide. Metformin, statins, and corticosteroids, and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are often given as anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals, however, often have even more debilitating side effects than the illness itself. The natural product-based therapy of inflammation-related diseases has no adverse effects and good beneficial results compared to substitute conventional anti-inflammatory medications. In this review article, we provide a concise overview of present pharmacological treatments, the pathophysiology of inflammation, and the signaling pathways that underlie it. In addition, we focus on the most promising natural products identified as potential anti-inflammatory therapeutic agents. Moreover, preclinical studies and clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of natural products as anti-inflammatory therapeutic agents and their pragmatic applications with promising outcomes are reviewed. In addition, the safety, side effects and technical barriers of natural products are discussed. Furthermore, we also summarized the latest technological advances in the discovery and scientific development of natural products-based medicine.

Effect of Boswellic Acid on Viability of Dental Pulp Stem Cells Compared to the Commonly Used Intracanal Medications: An In Vitro Study

AIM

This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) on dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) viability and proliferation to be used as a potential root canal medicament.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Dental pulp stem cells were isolated from human third molars. The phenotypic characterization of DPSCs was verified by flow cytometry analysis. The viability assay was performed using the methyl-thiazoltetrazolium (MTT) assay. Cells were treated with different concentration of triple antibiotic paste (TAP) and calcium hydroxide Ca(OH2) (5, 2.5, 1, 0.5, and 0.25 mg/mL), AKBA (10, 5, 1, 0.1, and 0.01 µM). All experiments were done in separate triplicate experiments. Results: Dental pulp stem cells were characterized by flow cytometry. Cells treated with Ca(OH)2 (1, 2.5, and 5 mg/mL) showed significantly reduced viability compared with the control cells (p < 0.05). Dental pulp stem cells treated with 1, 2.5, and 5 mg/mL TAP resulted in a significant decrease in viability (p < 0.05). Cells treated with AKBA in concentrations (1, 0.1, and 0.01 µM) demonstrated higher viability than the control group (p < 0.05), while AKBA in concentrations (5 and 10 µM) showed equal or decreased viability than the control group. (p > 0.05). Regarding cell density assay, AKBA showed significant increase in cell density after 5 and 7 days compared with cells medicated with TAP and Ca(OH)2 while TAP revealed marked reduction in cell density in all the tested intervals.

CONCLUSION

Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid in lower concentrations (0.01, 0.1, and 1 µM) demonstrated superior cell viability than TAP and Ca(OH)2, and it may possess the potential to be an intracanal medicament in regenerative endodontics.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Studying the effect of different potential root canal medicaments and their capability to induce DPSCs proliferation might be of value. The influence of AKBA on the viability and proliferation of DPSCs tested in this study sheds light on its use as a potential intracanal medication especially in regenerative endodontics. How to cite this article: Amer NA, Badawi MF, Elbeltagi MG, et al. Effect of Boswellic Acid on Viability of Dental Pulp Stem Cells Compared to the Commonly Used Intracanal Medications: An In Vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2023;24(12):957-966.

Phytochemical study of Boswellia dalzielii oleo-gum resin and evaluation of its biological properties

Boswellia dalzielii is a resin-producing tree endemic to West and Central Africa, used by local populations for various medicinal purposes. In this study, B. dalzielii gum resin was analyzed by GC-MS and UHPLC-MS to identify and quantify volatile and non-volatile compounds. Its main volatile constituents were α-pinene (54.9%), followed by α-thujene (4.4%) and α-phellandren-8-ol (4.0%). Pentacyclic triterpenoids such as β-boswellic acids and their derivatives were quantified by UHPLC-MS and their content was shown to reach around 22% of the gum resin. Since some of the volatile and non-volatile compounds identified in this work are known to possess biological effects, the bioactivities of B. dalzielii ethanolic extract, essential oil, as well as fractions of the oil and extract were evaluated. Some of these samples exhibited interesting anti-inflammatory properties, and their antioxidant, anti-ageing and skin-bleaching activities were also tested.

Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic Acid Confers Protection in DSS-Induced Colitis via the JNK-p38 MAPK and NF-κB Signaling Pathways

The present study aims to explore the effect and mechanism of acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The IBD-mouse model is established by replacing normal water intake with 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS) aqueous solution, and 50 mg kg-1 of AKBA treatment is administered. The experimental mice are randomly divided into four groups, including control, AKBA , DSS, and DSS + AKBA groups. AKBA therapy conspicuously ameliorates the adverse symptoms caused by DSS in mice and inhibits the reduction of colon length and the rise of disease activity index score. Hematoxylin-eosin staining results suggest that AKBA strikingly improves the pathological conditions of the colon and small intestine tissues in IBD mice. AKBA prominently inhibits the DSS-induced increase of proinflammatory factor contents and the upregulation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-p38/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathways' protein levels in the colon tissues of IBD mice. AKBA alleviates DSS-induced colonic inflammatory injury in IBD mice by repressing the activation of the JNK-p38/MAPK and NF-κB pathways.

The Protective Effect of 11-Keto-β-Boswellic Acid against Diabetic Cardiomyopathy in Rats Entails Activation of AMPK

This study examined the protective effect of 11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy (DC) in rats and examined the possible mechanisms of action. Male rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 8/each): (1) control, AKBA (10 mg/kg, orally), STZ (65 mg/kg, i.p.), STZ + AKBA (10 mg/kg, orally), and STZ + AKBA + compound C (CC/an AMPK inhibitor, 0.2 mg/kg, i.p.). AKBA improved the structure and the systolic and diastolic functions of the left ventricles (LVs) of STZ rats. It also attenuated the increase in plasma glucose, plasma insulin, and serum and hepatic levels of triglycerides (TGs), cholesterol (CHOL), and free fatty acids (FFAs) in these diabetic rats. AKBA stimulated the ventricular activities of phosphofructokinase (PFK), pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), and acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC); increased levels of malonyl CoA; and reduced levels of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT1), indicating improvement in glucose and FA oxidation. It also reduced levels of malondialdehyde (MDA); increased mitochondria efficiency and ATP production; stimulated mRNA, total, and nuclear levels of Nrf2; increased levels of glutathione (GSH), heme oxygenase (HO-1), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT); but reduced the expression and nuclear translocation of NF-κB and levels of tumor-necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). These effects were concomitant with increased activities of AMPK in the LVs of the control and STZ-diabetic rats. Treatment with CC abolished all these protective effects of AKBA. In conclusion, AKBA protects against DC in rats, mainly by activating the AMPK-dependent control of insulin release, cardiac metabolism, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Glycyrrhizin and boswellic acids, the golden nutraceuticals: multitargeting for treatment of mild-moderate COVID-19 and prevention of post-COVID cognitive impairment

Breakthrough infections have been reported in fully vaccinated persons. Furthermore, rebound symptoms have been reported following the new FDA granted emergency use to combat SARS-CoV-2. Glycyrrhizin (GR) and boswellic acids (BAs) combination has been shown to have highly successful actions against COVID-19 in our recent clinical trial. However, the study is limited by the small sample size, and therefore, the aim of this article is to comprehensively evaluate recent evidence on the efficacy of GR and BAs in preventing the development of COVID-19 in patients with mild and moderate infections and in preventing post-COVID-19 cognitive impairment, which is the most important symptom after recovery from Covid-19 disease. We have reviewed and discussed information published since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic until July 2022 on preclinical (in vivo, in vivo and bioinformatics) and clinical studies related to the antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity of Gr and BAs. Sixteen studies were performed to determine the efficacy of GR against SARS-CoV-2. Ten studies were used primarily for in vitro and in vivo assays and six used molecular docking studies. However, the antiviral activity of BAs against SARS-CoV-2 was determined in only five studies using molecular modeling and bioinformatics. All these studies confirmed that GR n and BAs have strong antiviral activity and can be used as a therapeutic agent for COVID-19 and as a protective agent against SARS-CoV-2. They may act by inhibiting the main protease SARS-CoV-2 (Mpro) responsible for replication and blocking spike protein-mediated cell entry. Only seven rigorously designed clinical trials regarding the usefulness of GR, BAs or their combinations in the treatment of COVID-19 have been published as of July 2022. Although there is no clinical study regarding the treatment of cognitive impairment after COVID-19 that has been published so far, several preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated the potential effect of GR and BAs in the prevention and treatment of cognitive impairment by inhibiting the activity of several molecules that activate inflammatory signaling pathway. In conclusion, the findings of our study documented the beneficial use of GR and BAs to treat SARS-CoV-2 and its variants and prevent post-COVID cognitive impairment. However, it warrants further studies with a larger randomized sample size to ensure that the studies have sufficient evidence of benefits against COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 symptoms.

Carnosol Attenuates LPS-Induced Inflammation of Cardiomyoblasts by Inhibiting NF-κB: A Mechanistic in Vitro and in Silico Study

Carnosol possesses several beneficial pharmacological properties. However, its role in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced inflammation and cardiomyocyte cell line (H9C2) has never been investigated. Therefore, the effect of carnosol and an NF-κB inhibitor BAY 11-7082 was examined, and the underlying role of the NF-κB-dependent inflammatory pathway was analyzed as the target enzyme. Cell viability, inflammatory cytokines levels (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and prostaglandin E 2 (PGE2)), and related gene expression (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)) were analyzed by ELISA and real-time PCR. In addition, docking studies analyzed carnosol's molecular interactions and binding modes to NF-κB and IKK. We report that LPS caused the reduction of cell viability while enhancing both cytokines protein and mRNA levels (P < 0.001, for all cases). However, the BAY 11-7082 pretreatment of the cells and carnosol increased cell viability and reduced cytokine protein and mRNA levels (P < 0.001 vs. LPS, for all cases). Furthermore, our in silico analyses also supported the modulation of NF-κB and IKK by carnosol. This evidence highlights the defensive effects of carnosol against sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction and, contextually, paved the rationale for the next in vitro and in vivo studies aimed to precisely describe its mechanism(s) of action.