Immunomodulation of murine collagen-induced arthritis by N, N-dimethylglycine and a preparation of Perna canaliculus

Unveiling the multifaceted antiproliferative efficacy of Cichorium endivia root extract by dual modulation of apoptotic and inflammatory genes, inducing cell cycle arrest, and targeting COX-2

Chicory (Cichorium endivia L. divaricatum) is a renowned medicinal plant traditionally used for various ailments, yet the pharmacological potential of its roots, particularly in terms of antitumor activity, remains elusive. In the present study, we explore, for the first time, the metabolomic profile of ethanolic extract from Cichorium endivia roots (CIR) and further unveil its antiproliferative potential. The untargeted phytochemical analysis UPLC/T-TOF-MS/MS identified 131 metabolites in the CIR extract, covering acids, amino acids, flavonoids, alkaloids, nucleotides, and carbohydrates. The antiproliferative activity of the CIR extract was tested in 14 cancer cell lines, revealing significant cytotoxicity (IC50: 2.85-29.15 μg mL-1) and a high selectivity index. Among the cells examined, the CIR extract recorded the most potent antiproliferative activity and selectivity toward HepG2 and Panc-1 cells, with an IC50 of 2.85 μg mL-1 and 3.86 μg mL-1, respectively, and SI > 10. Insights into the mode of action of the antiproliferative activity revealed that CIR extract induces cell arrest in the S phase while diminishing cell distribution in the G0/G1 and G2/M phases in HepG-2 and Panc-1 cells. Flow cytometric and RT-PCR analysis revealed that the CIR extract significantly triggers apoptosis and modulates the expression of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes. Furthermore, the CIR extract exhibited a pronounced anti-inflammatory activity, as evidenced by down-regulating key cytokines in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells and selectively inhibiting the COX-2 enzyme. Finally, the CIR extract showed a robust total antioxidant capacity, together with potent free radicals and metal scavenging properties, highlighting its role in alleviating oxidative stress. Taken together, this study highlights the multifaceted therapeutic potential of CIR extract as a natural-based antitumor supplement.

Differential Metabolites in Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

(1) Many studies have attempted to utilize metabolomic approaches to explore potential biomarkers for the early detection of osteoarthritis (OA), but consistent and high-level evidence is still lacking. In this study, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of differential small molecule metabolites between OA patients and healthy individuals to screen promising candidates from a large number of samples with the aim of informing future prospective studies. (2) Methods: We searched the EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Wan Fang Data, VIP Date, and CNKI up to 11 August 2022, and selected relevant records based on inclusion criteria. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale. We performed qualitative synthesis by counting the frequencies of changing directions and conducted meta-analyses using the random effects model and the fixed-effects model to calculate the mean difference and 95% confidence interval. (3) Results: A total of 3798 records were identified and 13 studies with 495 participants were included. In the 13 studies, 132 kinds of small molecule differential metabolites were extracted, 58 increased, 57 decreased and 17 had direction conflicts. Among them, 37 metabolites appeared more than twice. The results of meta-analyses among four studies showed that three metabolites increased, and eight metabolites decreased compared to healthy controls (HC). (4) Conclusions: The main differential metabolites between OA and healthy subjects were amino acids (AAs) and their derivatives, including tryptophan, lysine, leucine, proline, phenylalanine, glutamine, dimethylglycine, citrulline, asparagine, acetylcarnitine and creatinine (muscle metabolic products), which could be potential biomarkers for predicting OA.

N,N-Dimethylglycine Sodium Salt Exerts Marked Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Various Dermatitis Models and Activates Human Epidermal Keratinocytes by Increasing Proliferation, Migration, and Growth Factor Release

N,N-dimethylglycine (DMG) is a naturally occurring compound being widely used as an oral supplement to improve growth and physical performance. Thus far, its effects on human skin have not been described in the literature. For the first time, we show that N,N-dimethylglycine sodium salt (DMG-Na) promoted the proliferation of cultured human epidermal HaCaT keratinocytes. Even at high doses, DMG-Na did not compromise the cellular viability of these cells. In a scratch wound-closure assay, DMG-Na augmented the rate of wound closure, demonstrating that it promotes keratinocyte migration. Further, DMG-Na treatment of the cells resulted in the upregulation of the synthesis and release of specific growth factors. Intriguingly, DMG-Na also exerted robust anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, as assessed in three different models of human keratinocytes, mimicking microbial and allergic contact dermatitis as well as psoriasis and UVB irradiation-induced solar dermatitis. These results identify DMG-Na as a highly promising novel active compound to promote epidermal proliferation, regeneration, and repair, and to exert protective functions. Further preclinical and clinical studies are under investigation to prove the seminal impact of topically applied DMG-Na on relevant conditions of the skin and its appendages.

Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii combined with hormone therapy for atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic, and recurring inflammatory skin disease. Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast) Makino (PAF), a traditional Chinese medicine, is primarily used for the clinical treatment of AD. In this study, a 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced AD BALB/c mouse model was established, and a comprehensive pharmacological method was used to determine the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of PAF in the treatment of AD. The results indicated that both PAF gel (PAFG) and PAFG+MF (mometasone furoate) attenuated the severity of AD and reduced the infiltration of eosinophils and mast cells in the skin. Serum metabolomics showed that PAFG combined with MF administration exerted a synergistic effect by remodeling metabolic disorders in mice. In addition, PAFG also alleviated the side effects of thymic atrophy and growth inhibition induced by MF. Network pharmacology predicted that the active ingredients of PAF were flavonoids and exerted therapeutic effects through anti-inflammatory effects. Finally, immunohistochemical analysis confirmed that PAFG inhibited the inflammatory response through the ERβ/HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway. Our results revealed that PAF can be used as a natural-source drug with good development prospects for the clinical treatment of AD.

The metabolomic profiling identifies N, N-dimethylglycine as a facilitator of dorsal root ganglia neuron axon regeneration after injury

Identifying novel molecules involved in axon regeneration of neurons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) will be of benefit in obtaining a therapeutic strategy for repairing axon damage both in the PNS and the central nervous system (CNS). Metabolism and axon regeneration are tightly connected. However, the overall metabolic processes and the landscape of the metabolites in axon regeneration of PNS neurons are uncovered. Here, we used an ultra high performance liquid tandem chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOFMS)-based untargeted metabolomics to analyze dorsal root ganglia (DRG) metabolic characteristics at different time points post sciatic nerve injury and acquired hundreds of differentially changed metabolites. In addition, the results reveal that several metabolic pathways were significantly altered, such as 'Histidine metabolism', 'Glycine serine and threonine metabolism', 'Arginine and proline metabolism', 'taurine and hypotaurine metabolism' and so on. Given metabolite could alter a cell's or an organism's phenotype, further investigation demonstrated that N, N-dimethylglycine (DMG) has a promoting effect on the regenerative ability post injury. Overall, our data may serve as a resource useful for further understanding how metabolites contribute to axon regeneration in DRG during sciatic nerve regeneration and suggest DMG may be a candidate drug to repair nerve injury.

Understanding the Role and Uses of Alternative Therapies for Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis

With growing popularity of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among the individuals with chronic pain and muscular problems, a number of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) show their interest in CAM interventions for disease improvement. Various reports published on CAM are based on animal model of RA however there is often lack of high quality clinical investigations for explaining the success stories of CAM therapies in patients with RA. CAMs having potential to be used for therapy in patients with RA have been identified, however lack of awareness and scepticism of their efficacy has made the patients reluctant to choose these drug less therapies. In this review, we have summarized the existing evidences which suggest promising efficacy of different alternative therapies in managing RA and providing both physical and mental well being to RA patients.

The Anti-Inflammatory and the Antinociceptive Effects of Mixed Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge Extract

Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint. Previously, we reported that the mixture extract (ME) from Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. (AP) and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SM) could ameliorate gout arthritis. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the potential anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of ME and characterize the mechanism. We compared the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of a positive control, Perna canaliculus powder (PC). The results showed that one-off and one-week treatment of ME reduced the pain threshold in a dose-dependent manner (from 10 to 100 mg/kg) in the mono-iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis (OA) model. ME also reduced the plasma TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP levels. In LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, ME inhibited the release of NO, PGE₂, LTB₄, and IL-6, increased the phosphorylation of PPAR-γ protein, and downregulated TNF-α and MAPKs proteins expression in a concentration-dependent (from 1 to 100 µg/mL) manner. Furthermore, ME ameliorated the progression of ear edema in mice. In most of the experiments, ME-induced effects were almost equal to, or were higher than, PC-induced effects. Conclusions: The data presented here suggest that ME shows anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities, indicating ME may be a potential therapeutic for arthritis treatment.

Effects of organic acid, Enterococcus faecalis strain EC-12 and sugar cane extract in feed against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli-induced diarrhea in pigs

Diarrhea can lead to mortality and delayed growth in pigs and is a major economic loss in the pig industry. In this study, we evaluated non-antimicrobial materials that can prevent diarrhea to infection by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) in weaned pigs and investigated biological changes. We confirmed the efficacy of fumaric acid, lactic acid, Enterococcus faecalis strain EC-12 (EC12) and sugar cane extract (SCE) in inhibiting diarrhea and investigated the biological changes by analyzing gut microbiota and plasma metabolites. Administration of EC12 (0.1%, w/w) and SCE (1.0%, w/w) groups had reduced score of diarrhea. Furthermore, the combination of EC12 and SCE was effective at reducing the fecal score of diarrhea even at low concentrations. Administration of either EC12 or SCE greatly reduced the relative abundance of Enterobacteriaceae in pigs. EC12 and SCE were most effective in suppressing ETEC-induced diarrhea in weaned pigs. Furthermore, we were able to identify biological changes in pigs when EC12 and SCE were administered to pigs. These feeds may have prevented infection by ETEC in weaned pigs and may improve pig productivity and reduce the use of antimicrobial agents.

The effects of natural compounds on wound healing in Iranian traditional medicine: A comprehensive review

Wounds are physical and anatomical disruption in healthy skin and represent an important healthcare concern around the world. Wound healing is a complex and dynamic cascade of cellular and molecular interactions which include four main phases: hemostasis, inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling. Therefore, some pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities can play a key role in the process of wound healing. Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM) has a rich background of practice and a wealth of ancient medicine scientists from the Old Persian days until today. This paper presents and characterizes pure data from original references of ITM about wound remedies and verifies their function by reviewing articles from three databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus), which could be an interesting and comprehensive resource for future researchers interested in traditional medicine (TM) generally and in ITM in particular. Selected natural compounds from the references were divided into 5 groups, including herbs, herbal products, animal products, minerals, and animals. In total, 23 natural compounds with regard to the current state of knowledge and ITM were introduced and verified. The present review will provide better insights into ITM and its extensive experience in topics such as wound healing.

Different Macrophage Type Triggering as Target of the Action of Biologically Active Substances from Marine Invertebrates

Macrophages play a fundamental role in the immune system. Depending on the microenvironment stimuli, macrophages can acquire distinct phenotypes characterized with different sets of the markers of their functional activities. Polarization of macrophages towards M1 type (classical activation) is involved in inflammation and the related progression of diseases, while, in contrast, alternatively activated M2 macrophages are associated with the anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Reprogramming macrophages to switch their phenotypes could provide a new therapeutic strategy, and targeting the M1/M2 macrophage balance is a promising current trend in pharmacology. Marine invertebrates are a vast source of the variety of structurally diverse compounds with potent pharmacological activities. For years, a large number of studies concerning the immunomodulatory properties of the marine substances have been run with using some intracellular markers of immune stimulation or suppression irrespective of the possible application of marine compounds in reprogramming of macrophage activation, and only few reports clearly demonstrated the macrophage-polarizing activities of some marine compounds during the last decade. In this review, the data on the immunomodulating effects of the extracts and pure compounds of a variety of chemical structure from species of different classes of marine invertebrates are described with focus on their potential in shifting M1/M2 macrophage balance towards M1 or M2 phenotype.

Oceans as a Source of Immunotherapy

Marine flora is taxonomically diverse, biologically active, and chemically unique. It is an excellent resource, which offers great opportunities for the discovery of new biopharmaceuticals such as immunomodulators and drugs targeting cancerous, inflammatory, microbial, and fungal diseases. The ability of some marine molecules to mediate specific inhibitory activities has been demonstrated in a range of cellular processes, including apoptosis, angiogenesis, and cell migration and adhesion. Immunomodulators have been shown to have significant therapeutic effects on immune-mediated diseases, but the search for safe and effective immunotherapies for other diseases such as sinusitis, atopic dermatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and allergies is ongoing. This review focuses on the marine-originated bioactive molecules with immunomodulatory potential, with a particular focus on the molecular mechanisms of specific agents with respect to their targets. It also addresses the commercial utilization of these compounds for possible drug improvement using metabolic engineering and genomics.

Correlation between Fatty Acid Profile and Anti-Inflammatory Activity in Common Australian Seafood by-Products

Marine organisms are a rich source of biologically active lipids with anti-inflammatory activities. These lipids may be enriched in visceral organs that are waste products from common seafood. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analyses were performed to compare the fatty acid compositions of lipid extracts from some common seafood organisms, including octopus (Octopus tetricus), squid (Sepioteuthis australis), Australian sardine (Sardinops sagax), salmon (Salmo salar) and school prawns (Penaeus plebejus). The lipid extracts were tested for anti-inflammatory activity by assessing their inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 mouse cells. The lipid extract from both the flesh and waste tissue all contained high amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and significantly inhibited NO and TNFα production. Lipid extracts from the cephalopod mollusks S. australis and O. tetricus demonstrated the highest total PUFA content, the highest level of omega 3 (ω-3) PUFAs, and the highest anti-inflammatory activity. However, multivariate analysis indicates the complex mixture of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids may all influence the anti-inflammatory activity of marine lipid extracts. This study confirms that discarded parts of commonly consumed seafood species provide promising sources for the development of new potential anti-inflammatory nutraceuticals.

Greenshell™ Mussels: A Review of Veterinary Trials and Future Research Directions

The therapeutic benefits of Greenshell™ mussel (GSM; Perna canaliculus) preparations have been studied using in vitro test systems, animal models, and human clinical trials focusing mainly on anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects. Activity is thought to be linked to key active ingredients that include omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, a variety of carotenoids and other bioactive compounds. In this paper, we review the studies that have been undertaken in dogs, cats, and horses, and outline new research directions in shellfish breeding and high-value nutrition research programmes targeted at enhancing the efficacy of mussel and algal extracts. The addition of GSM to animal diets has alleviated feline degenerative joint disease and arthritis symptoms, and chronic orthopaedic pain in dogs. In horses, GSM extracts decreased the severity of lameness and joint pain and provided improved joint flexion in limbs with lameness attributed to osteoarthritis. Future research in this area should focus on elucidating the key active ingredients in order to link concentrations of these active ingredients with their pharmacokinetics and therapeutic effects. This would enable consistent and improved efficacy from GSM-based products for the purpose of improved animal health.

Review of anti-inflammatory, immune-modulatory and wound healing properties of molluscs

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

This review focuses on traditional and contemporary anti-inflammatory uses of mollusc-derived products summarising all the in vitro, in vivo and human clinical trials that have tested the anti-inflammatory activity of molluscan natural products. Inflammatory conditions, burns and wounds have been an ongoing concern for human health since the early era of civilisation. Many texts from ancient medicine have recorded the symptoms, signs and treatments for these conditions. Natural treatments are well-documented in traditional European medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Siddha and ancient Mediterranean and African traditional medicine and include a surprisingly large number of molluscan species.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An extensive review of the Materia Medica and scientific literature was undertaken using key word searches for "mollusc" and "anti-inflammatory" or "immunomodulatory" or "wound healing".

RESULTS

Molluscs have been used in ethnomedicine by many traditional cultures to treat different aspects of inflammatory conditions. We found 104 different anti-inflammatory preparations from a variety of molluscan species, of which 70 were from the well-documented Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This traditional use of molluscs has driven the testing for inflammatory activity in extracts from some species in the phylum Mollusca, with 20 in vitro studies, 40 in vivo animal studies and 14 human clinical trials performed to substantiate the anti-inflammatory and wound healing activity of molluscs. Some of these studies have led to the approval of mollusc-derived products to be used as over-the-counter (OTC) nutraceuticals, like Lyprinol® and Biolane™ from the New Zealand green lipped mussel Perna canaliculus.

CONCLUSION

Natural products provide important leads for the development of pharmaceuticals, including anti-inflammatory agents. Only a small proportion of the molluscan traditional medicines have been tested to confirm their anti-inflammatory activity and most screening studies have tested crude extracts from molluscs without any chemical characterisation. This highlights the need for further research to strategically identify the anti-inflammatory compounds in molluscan medicines to provide leads for novel anti-inflammatory drugs in the future.

The Nutrient and Metabolite Profile of 3 Complementary Legume Foods with Potential to Improve Gut Health in Rural Malawian Children

Background: Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED), frequently seen in rural Malawian children, causes chronic inflammation and increases the risk of stunting. Legumes may be beneficial for improving nutrition and reducing the risk of developing EED in weaning children. Objective: The objectives of this study were to determine the nutritional value, verify the food safety, and identify metabolite profiles of 3 legume-based complementary foods: common bean (CB), cowpea (CP), and traditional corn-soy blend (CSB). Methods: Foods were prepared by using local ingredients and analyzed for nutrient composition with the use of Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) standards (950.46, 991.43, 992.15, 996.06, and 991.36) for macro- and micronutrient proximate analysis. Food safety analysis was conducted in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency (7471B) and AOAC (2008.02) standards. The metabolite composition of foods was determined with nontargeted ultra-performance LC-tandem mass spectrometry metabolomics. Results: All foods provided similar energy; CB and CP foods contained higher protein and dietary fiber contents than did the CSB food. Iron and zinc were highest in the CSB and CP foods, whereas CB and CP foods contained higher amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. A total of 652 distinct metabolites were identified across the 3 foods, and 23, 14, and 36 metabolites were specific to the CSB, CB, and CP foods, respectively. Among the potential dietary biomarkers of intake to distinguish legume foods were pipecolic acid and oleanolic acid for CB; arabinose and serotonin for CSB; and quercetin and α- and γ-tocopherol acid for CP. No heavy metals were detected, and aflatoxin was measured only in the CSB (5.2 parts per billion). Conclusions: Legumes in the diet provide a rich source of protein, dietary fiber, essential micronutrients, and phytochemicals that may reduce EED. These food metabolite analyses identified potential dietary biomarkers of legume intake for stool, urine, and blood detection that can be used in future studies to assess the relation between the distinct legumes consumed and health outcomes. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02472262 and NCT02472301.

Perna canaliculus and the Intestinal Microbiome

Natural medicines are often an attractive option for patients diagnosed with chronic conditions. Three main classes of bioactives that have been reported from marine mussel extracts include proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. Commercially, the most relevant species of marine mollusks belong to two genera, Perna and Mytilus. Specifically, the Perna canaliculus species has been repeatedly demonstrated to harbor anti-inflammatory compounds such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) that can ameliorate pro-inflammatory conditions, or proteins that can promote thrombin inhibitory activity. Recent clinical studies have posited that extracts from green-lipped mussels may lead to prebiotic activity in the intestinal microbiome that in turn has been reported to improve symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee. Prebiotics have been reported to favorably interact with the intestinal microbiome through the proliferation of beneficial bacteria in the gut, suppressing exogenous and endogenous intestinal infections and promoting homeostasis by balancing local pro- and anti-inflammatory actions. Bioactive compounds from Perna canaliculus are functional foods and, in this regard, may positively interact with the intestinal microbiome and provide novel therapeutic solutions for intra-intestinal and extra-intestinal inflammatory conditions.

Green lipped mussel oil complex suppresses lipopolysaccharide stimulated inflammation via regulating nuclear factor-κB and mitogen activated protein kinases signaling in RAW264.7 murine macrophages

Here we investigated the effect of green lipped mussel oil complex (GLMOC) on inflammation and underlying mechanism in lipopolysaccharide stimulated RAW264.7 murine macrophage cells. GLMOC containing green lipped mussel oil (GLMO), olive oil, and vitamin E (10:20:1) can induce significant suppression of iNOS, leading to reduced nitric oxide synthesis, and cyclooxygenase-2, leading to reduced prostaglandin E2 synthesis. In addition, it down-regulated the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β. Similar to upstream signaling mediators, GLMCO inhibited the degradation of inhibitory κB, nuclear translocation of NF-κB, and phosphorylation of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in a dose-dependent manner. Among the components of GLMOC, GLMO was responsible for anti-inflammatory efficacy. Taken together, GLMOC induces anti-inflammatory activity via regulating NF-κB and MAPK signaling in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells, providing underlying mechanisms that elucidate the anti-inflammatory efficacy of GLMOC.

Marine lipid fraction PCSO-524 (lyprinol/omega XL) of the New Zealand green lipped mussel attenuates hyperpnea-induced bronchoconstriction in asthma

PURPOSE

Evaluate the effect of the marine lipid fraction of the New Zealand green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) PCSO-524 (Lyprinol/Omega XL), rich in omega-3 fatty acids, on airway inflammation and the bronchoconstrictor response to eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea (EVH) in asthmatics.

METHODS

Twenty asthmatic subjects, with documented HIB, participated in a placebo controlled double-blind randomized crossover trial. Subjects entered the study on their usual diet and were then placed on 3 weeks of PCSO-524 or placebo supplementation, followed by a 2 week washout period, before crossing over to the alternative diet. Pre- and post-eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea (EVH) pulmonary function, fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO), asthma symptom scores, medication use, exhaled breath condensate (EBC) pH, cysteinyl leukotrienes (cyst-LT), 8-isoprostane and urinary 9α, 11β-prostaglandin (PG)F2 and Clara (CC16) protein concentrations were assessed at the beginning of the trial and at the end of each treatment period.

RESULTS

The PCSO-524 diet significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the maximum fall in post-EVH FEV1 (-8.4 ± 3.2%) compared to usual (-19.3 ± 5.4%) and placebo diet (-22.5 ± 13.7%). Pre- and post- EVH EBC cyst-LT and 8-isoprostane, and urinary 9α, 11β-PGF2 and CC16 concentrations were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) on the PCSO-524 diet compared to the usual and placebo diet. EBC pH and asthma symptom scores were significantly improved (p < 0.05) and rescue medication use significantly reduced (p < 0.05) on the PCSO-524 diet compared to the usual and placebo diet.

CONCLUSION

PCSO-524 (Lyprinol)/Omega XL) may have beneficial effects in HIB and asthma by serving as a pro-resolving agonist and/or inflammatory antagonist.

Novel molecular, cytotoxical, and immunological study on promising and selective anticancer activity of mung bean sprouts

BACKGROUND

The anticancer and immunomodulatory activity of mung bean sprouts (MBS) and the underlying mechanisms against human cervical and hepatocarcinoma cancer cells were explored.

METHODS

MBS cytotoxicity and MBS-induced anticancer cytokines, TNF-α and IFN-β from cancer cells, and immunological cytokines, IL-4, IFN-γ, and IL-10 from peripheral mononuclear cells (PMNC) were assessed by MTS and ELISA assays. Apoptotic cells were investigated by flow cytometry. The expression level of apoptotic genes (Bax, BCL-2, Capsases 7-9) and cell cycle regulatory genes (cyclin D, E, and A) and tumor suppressor proteins (p27, p21, and p53) was assessed by real-time qPCR in the cancer cells treated with extract IC50.

RESULTS

The cytotoxicity on normal human cells was significantly different from HeLa and HepG2 cells, 163.97 ± 5.73, 13.3 ± 0.89, and 14.04 ± 1.5 mg/ml, respectively. The selectivity index (SI) was 12.44 ± 0.83 for HeLa and 11.94 ± 1.2 for HepG2 cells. Increased levels of TNF-α and IFN-β were observed in the treated HeLa and HepG2 culture supernatants when compared with untreated cells. MBS extract was shown to be an immunopolarizing agent by inducing IFNγ and inhibiting IL-4 production by PBMC; this leads to triggering of CMI and cellular cytotoxicity. The extract induced apoptosis, in a dose and time dependent manner, in treated HeLa and HepG2, but not in untreated, cells (P < 0.05). The treatment significantly induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 in HeLa cells. The percentage of cells in G0/G1 phase of the treated HeLa cells increased from 62.87 ± 2.1%, in untreated cells, to 80.48 ± 2.97%. Interestingly, MBS IC50 induced the expression of apoptosis and tumor suppressor related genes in both HeLa and HepG2 cells. MBS extract succeeded in inducing cdk-inhibitors, p21, p53, and p27 in HeLa cells while it induced only p53 in HepG2 cells (P < 0.05). This is a clue for the cell type- specific interaction of the studied extract. These proteins inhibit the cyclin-cdk complexes apart from the presence of some other components that might stimulate some cyclins such as cyclin E, A, and D.

CONCLUSION

MBS extract was shown to be a potent anticancer agent granting new prospects of anticancer therapy using natural products.

Modulation of T cell proliferation and cytokine response by Plumbagin, extracted from Plumbago zeylanica in collagen induced arthritis

Background

The extracts of Plumbago zeylanica have been used in China and other Asian countries as folk medicine for the treatment of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and dysmenorrhoea. Effect of Plumbagin (5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone) purified from Plumbago zeylanica on Con A induced T cell proliferation was studied in spleen cells from collagen induced arthritic DBA/1 mice.

Methods

The DBA/1 mice (five per each group) were immunized with 0.1 mL of collagen (emulsified in CFA) by intradermal injection at the base of the tail. On day 20, mice were given a booster dose of collagen (emulsified in IFA) through the same route. Plumbagin was given at different concentrations (3.3, 6.6, 13.3 mg/kg body weight) intraperitoneally. Control mice received olive oil alone. The Con A induced T cell proliferative responses of arthritic and Plumbagin treated mice were studied by cell culture experiments using tritiated Thymidine. In addition the cytokine levels were estimated from the in vitro spleen culture supernatants of arthritic mice primed with different concentrations of Plumbagin by ELISA.

Results

Plumbagin enhanced the decreased Con A induced T cell proliferation and Interleukin-2 production in arthritic mice. Moreover elevated levels of IFN- γ were found to be decreased in Plumbagin treated spleen cell culture supernatants. Subclasses of IgG were found to be decreased by Plumbagin treatment, IgG2a reduction seems to be more prominent.

Conclusion

The results obtained in the current study indicate that Plumbagin is very effective in the mechanism based treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis.

Lyprinol-is it a useful anti-inflammatory agent?

The New Zealand green lipped mussel preparation Lyprinol is available without a prescription from a supermarket, pharmacy or Web. The Food and Drug Administration have recently warned Lyprinol USA about their extravagant anti-inflammatory claims for Lyprinol appearing on the web. These claims are put to thorough review. Lyprinol does have anti-inflammatory mechanisms, and has anti-inflammatory effects in some animal models of inflammation. Lyprinol may have benefits in dogs with arthritis. There are design problems with the clinical trials of Lyprinol in humans as an anti-inflammatory agent in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, making it difficult to give a definite answer to how effective Lyprinol is in these conditions, but any benefit is small. Lyprinol also has a small benefit in atopic allergy. As anti-inflammatory agents, there is little to choose between Lyprinol and fish oil. No adverse effects have been reported with Lyprinol. Thus, although it is difficult to conclude whether Lyprinol does much good, it can be concluded that Lyprinol probably does no major harm.

Tissue-engineered cartilage of porcine and human origin as in vitro test system in arthritis research

The increasing prevalence of cartilage destruction during arthritis has entailed an intensified amount for in vitro cartilage models to analyze pathophysiological processes and to screen for antirheumatic drugs. Tissue engineering offers the opportunity to establish highly organized 3D cell cultures facilitating the formation of in vitro models that reflect the human situation. We report the comparison of porcine chondrocyte pellet and alginate bead cultures as model systems for human cartilage and the further development into a human system that was applied in an arthritis model. In porcine pellet and alginate cultures, formation of cartilage matrix similar to human matrix was verified by histology and PCR. As alginate beads could be cultivated batch-wise in one well of a multiwell plate, we further developed this setting into a human system. In contrast, each pellet had to be cultivated individually in one well of a multiwell plate, which is time consuming. Following stimulation of human chondrocyte alginate cultures with conditioned media from human synovial fibroblasts derived from arthritis patients, microarray analysis verified the induction of genes related to cartilage destruction (like MMP10, -12) and inflammation (like IL6, -8 and chemokines). Several genes are coding for proteins that are members of inflammatory and catabolic pathways. Belonging to the most affected pathways, we identified the focal adhesion, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, ECM-receptor signalling, Jak-STAT signalling, and toll-like receptor signalling pathways, all relevant in arthritis. Therefore, we demonstrate that engineered cartilage of porcine and human origin represents a powerful in vitro model for cartilage in vivo.