4-Acetylantroquinonol B inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine release and alleviates sepsis through of MAPK and NFκB suppression

Liensinine alleviates sepsis-induced acute liver injury by inhibiting the NF-κB and MAPK pathways in an Nrf2-dependent manner

Sepsis remains a serious public health issue that needs to be addressed globally. Severe liver injury caused by sepsis increases the risk of death in patients with sepsis. Liensinine (Lie) is one of the primary active components in Plumula nelumbinis and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Nevertheless, the effects of Lie on septic liver injury are unclear. This research investigated the protective effect of Lie (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) on liver damage via intraperitoneal administration of LPS (10 mg/kg) to C57BL/6 mice. Lie was given through intraperitoneal injection once a day for five days. Mice were treated with LPS intraperitoneally for 6 h at 1 h after Lie administration on the last day. The results suggested that Lie could decrease AST and ALT levels in serum, ameliorate histopathological changes and inhibit cell apoptosis in mice with LPS-induced septic liver injury. In addition, Lie inhibited increases in the mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS and IL-6. Lie also increased the mRNA level of IL-10. Lie reduced the content of MDA, a marker of lipid peroxidation, and increased the activity of the antioxidant enzymes GSH-Px, CAT and SOD. Our results also showed that Lie could suppress the LPS-activated MAPK and NF-κB pathways and trigger the Nrf2 signaling pathway both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, an Nrf2 inhibitor (ML385) weakened the suppressive effect of Lie on the MAPK and NF-κB pathways. Our results demonstrated that the suppressive effect of Lie on the MAPK and NF-κB pathways was partially reliant on activation of the Nrf2 pathway. In summary, these results indicate that Lie can improve inflammation and oxidative stress by activating Nrf2, which is a prospective therapeutic drug for alleviating septic liver injury.

Antrodia cinnamomea prevents ovariectomized-promoted bone loss by inhibiting osteoclast formation

Osteoporosis is a common bone disease in aging populations, particularly in postmenopausal women. Anti-resorptive and anabolic drugs have been applied to prevent and cure osteoporosis and are linked with a variety of adverse effects. Antrodia cinnamomea extracts (ACE) are highly renowned for their anticancer, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, whether ACE-enriched anti-osteoporosis functions are largely unknown. In a preclinical animal model, we found that ovariectomy significantly decreased bone volume in the ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Administration of ACE antagonized OVX-induced bone loss. In addition, ACE reversed OVX-reduced biomechanical properties. The serum osteoclast marker also showed improvement in the ACE-treated group. In the cellular model, it was indicated that ACE inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclast formation. Taken together, ACE seems to be a hopeful candidate for the development of novel anti-osteoporosis treatment.

The protective effects of naringenin, a citrus flavonoid, non-complexed or complexed with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin against multiorgan damage caused by neonatal endotoxemia

BACKGROUND

Endotoxemia is a severe and dangerous clinical syndrome that results in elevated morbidity, especially in intensive care units. Neonates are particularly susceptible to endotoxemia due to their immature immune systems. There are few effective treatments for neonatal endotoxemia. One group of compounds with potential in the treatment of neonatal inflammatory diseases such as endotoxemia is the flavonoids, mainly due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Among these, naringenin (NGN) is a citrus flavonoid which has already been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-nociceptive and anti-cancer effects. Unfortunately, its clinical application is limited by its low solubility and bioavailability. However, cyclodextrins (CDs) have been widely used to improve the solubility of nonpolar drugs and enhance the bioavailability of these natural products.

OBJECTIVE

We, therefore, aimed to investigate the effects of NGN non-complexed and complexed with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) on neonatal endotoxemia injuries in a rodent model and describe the probable molecular mechanisms involved in NGN activities.

METHOD

We used exposure to a bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce neonatal endotoxemia in the mice.

RESULTS

It was found that NGN (100 mg/kg i.p.) exposure during the neonatal period reduced leukocyte migration and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) levels in the lungs, heart, kidneys or cerebral cortex. In addition, NGN upregulated IL-10 production in the lungs and kidneys of neonate mice. The administration of NGN also enhanced antioxidant enzyme catalase and SOD activity, reduced lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation and increased the reduced sulfhydryl groups in an organ-dependent manner, attenuating the oxidative damage caused by LPS exposure. NGN decreased ERK1/2, p38MAPK and COX-2 activation in the lungs of neonate mice. Moreover, NGN complexed with HPβCD was able to increase the animal survival rate.

CONCLUSION

NGN attenuated inflammatory and oxidative damage in the lungs, heart and kidneys caused by neonatal endotoxemia through the MAPK signaling pathways regulation. Our results show that NGN has beneficial effects against neonatal endotoxemia and could be useful in the treatment of neonatal inflammatory injuries.

ANXA3 interference inactivates ERK/ELK1 pathway to mitigate inflammation and apoptosis in sepsis-associated acute lung injury

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a prevailing and deadly complication of sepsis coupled with increasing incidence and fatality rate. Annexin A3 (ANXA3) has been unraveled to be upregulated during sepsis. This study purposed to assess the role and the mechanism of ANXA3 in sepsis-induced ALI. After the construction of mouse model of sepsis, the pathological changes of mice lung tissues were estimated by H&E staining. ANXA3 expression in mice lung tissues and serum was examined. The degree of pulmonary edema and the levels of inflammatory factors in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were analyzed. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse ALI model in vitro, CCK-8 assay measured cell viability and flow cytometry analysis detected cell apoptosis. Besides, ELISA assay detected the release of inflammatory cytokines. Western blot analyzed the expression of proteins associated with inflammation, apoptosis and extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/ETS-like gene 1 (ELK1) signaling. Results revealed that ANXA3 was overexpressed in the lung tissues and serum of septic mice. Following the knockdown of ANXA3, sepsis-induced lung injury was alleviated, manifested as reduced lung edema, decreased inflammatory cell infiltration and inhibited cell apoptosis. Additionally, ANXA3 silence blocked ERK/ELK1 signaling both in sepsis mouse models and in vitro model of ALI induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Moreover, the inhibitory effects of ANXA3 silencing on ERK/ELK1 signaling activation, the viability damage, inflammation and apoptosis in LPS-induced mouse ALI model in vitro were partially reversed by ERK activator. Collectively, depletion of ANXA3 exerted suppressive effects on the inflammation and apoptosis in sepsis-induced ALI through blocking ERK/ELK1 signaling.

Anti-Inflammatory Constituents of Antrodia camphorata on RAW 264.7 Cells Induced by Polyinosinic-Polycytidylic Acid

Antrodia camphorata is an endemic mushroom in Taiwan. This study was designed to screen anti-inflammatory compounds from the methanolic extract of the mycelium of A. camphorata on nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 cells induced by polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), a synthetic analog of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) known to be present in viral infection. A combination of bioactivity-guided isolation with an NMR-based identification led to the isolation of 4-acetylantroquinonol B (1), along with seven compounds. The structure of new compounds (4 and 5) was elucidated by spectroscopic experiments, including MS, IR, and NMR analysis. The anti-inflammatory activity of all isolated compounds was assessed at non-cytotoxic concentrations. 4-Acetylantroquinonol B (1) was the most potent compound against poly I:C-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 cells with an IC₅₀ value of 0.57 ± 0.06 μM.

The Protective Role of 4-Acetylarylquinolinol B in Different Pathological Processes

Antrodia cinnamomea is a traditional plant and a unique fungus native to Taiwan that has been reported to have many biological functions, including anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. The compound 4-acetylarylquinolinol B (4-AAQB) is one of the main bioactive compounds in the stamens of Antrodia cinnamomea, and has many biological functions, such as anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, blood sugar reduction, antimetastasis, and vascular tone relaxation. In recent years, the increasing evidences have shown that 4-AAQB is involved in many diseases; however, the relevant mechanisms have not been fully clarified. This review aimed to clarify the improvement by 4-AAQB in different pathological processes, as well as the compound’s molecular mechanisms, in order to provide a theoretical reference for future related research

Application of Multiple Strategies to Improve the Production of the Potential Cancer Drug 4-Acetylantroquinonol B (4-AAQB) by the Rare Fungus Antrodia cinnamomea

4-Acetylantroquinonol B (4-AAQB) was identified in the rare fungus Antrodia cinnamomea and has been proven to be a potential therapeutic agent for cancer treatment. But the extraction of 4-AAQB from the fruit body led to a low yield and limited its further application in the pharmaceutical field. In this work, 4-AAQB production was enhanced in the submerged fermentation by the combination of exogenous additives, surfactants with the in situ extractive fermentation. 4-Methylbenzoic acid was proven to be an efficient additive for the accumulation of 4-AAQB by Antrodia cinnamomea, while 2% (w/v) Tween-80 added on the first day as surfactant and 30% (w/v) oleic acid added on the sixteenth day as extractant were the most available couples for 4-AAQB production in the in situ extractive fermentation. The combination of these multiple strategies resulted in the yield of 4-AAQB to 17.27 mg/g dry cell weight with a titer of 140 mg/L, which was the highest titer of 4-AAQB reported so far. It showed that the combination of these strategies had a significant promotion on 4-AAQB production by A. cinnamomea, which laid a good foundation for its large-scale production and also provided a viable method for the cultivation of other rare fungi.

4-Acetylantroquinonol B Suppresses Prostate Cancer Growth and Angiogenesis via a VEGF/PI3K/ERK/mTOR-Dependent Signaling Pathway in Subcutaneous Xenograft and In Vivo Angiogenesis Models

Prostate cancer is a major cause of cancer-related mortality in men in developed countries. The compound, 4-acetylantroquinonol B (4AAQB), is isolated from Antrodia cinnamomea (commonly known as Niu-Chang-Chih), which has been shown to inhibit cancer growth. However, the anticancer activity of 4AAQB has not previously been examined in prostate cancer. This study aimed to investigate the effect of 4AAQB on cancer and angiogenesis, as well as to explore its mechanism of action. Human prostate cancer cells (PC3) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were used in cell viability, cell migration, and cell cycle functional assays to evaluate the anticancer and antiangiogenic efficacy of 4AAQB in vitro. The effects of 4AAQB in vivo were determined using xenograft and angiogenesis models. The signaling events downstream of 4AAQB were also examined. The 4AAQB compound inhibited PC3 cell growth and migration, and reduced in vivo cancer growth, as shown in a subcutaneous xenograft model. Furthermore, 4AAQB inhibited HUVEC migration, tube formation, and aortic ring sprouting; it also reduced neovascularization in a Matrigel implant angiogenesis assay in vivo. The 4AAQB compound also decreased metastasis in the PC3 prostate cancer model in vivo. Serum or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Ak strain transforming (Akt), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase ½ (ERK ½) phosphorylation were attenuated by 4AAQB in both PC3 and HUVEC. In conclusion, 4AAQB is a potential candidate for prostate cancer therapy.

4-Acetylantroquinonol B ameliorates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by suppression of ER stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activation

OBJECTIVE

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an inflammatory lipotoxic disorder with a prevalence of over 25% worldwide. However, safe and effective therapeutic agents for the management of NAFLD are still lacking. We aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effect and molecular mechanism of 4-acetylantroquinonol B (4-AAQB), a natural ubiquinone derivative obtained from the mycelia of Antrodia cinnamomea.

METHODS

RAW264.7 and J774A.1 cells were treated with 4-AAQB and then stimulated with LPS or tunicamycin (TM) for 24 h. Inflammatory responses, markers of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome were analyzed in both cell lines. In the applied in vivo model, male C57BL/6J mice were fed with chow or a methionine/choline-deficient (MCD) diet along with vehicle or 4-AAQB (10 mg/kg, i.p. injected, once a day) for 10 consecutive days. Plasma levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured. Liver tissues were analyzed using histological techniques; protein levels involved in ER stress, NLRP3 inflammasome, and inflammatory responses were measured.

RESULTS

4-AAQB significantly ameliorated the plasma levels of ALT and AST as well as the NAFLD activity score (NAS) in mice fed the MCD diet. In addition, 4-AAQB suppressed inflammatory responses, ER stress, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, but increased the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) signaling pathways in both in vitro and in vivo models.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that 4-AAQB treatment might be a tangible therapeutic strategy in the management of NAFLD/NASH.

The NF-[Formula: see text]B Signaling and Wnt/[Formula: see text]-catenin Signaling in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells in Response to Bioactive Components from Mushroom Antrodia Camphorata

Breast cancer is the leading cancer, accounting for approximately 15% cancer deaths in women worldwide. This study investigated the anti-inflammation and anticancer properties of two bioactive components from Antrodia camphorata(AC), a rare medicinal mushroom natively grown in Taiwan and commonly used in Chinese traditional medicine. The anti-inflammatory and antitumorigenic functions of Antroquinonol (AQ) and 4-Acetylantroquinonol B (4-AAQB) from AC were examined on breast cancer cell line MCF-7 with/without TNF-[Formula: see text] stimulation. Among nine inflammatory mediators (IL6, IL10, IL1[Formula: see text], IFN[Formula: see text], PTGS2, TGF[Formula: see text]1, TNF-[Formula: see text], CCL2 andCSF1) examined, AQ inhibited two of them (IL-10 and PTGS2), while 4-AAQB inhibited three of them (IL-10, PTGS2 andTNF-[Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]¡ 0.05). TNF-[Formula: see text] stimulated expressions of five mediators (IL6, IL10, IFN[Formula: see text], PTGS2, and CCL2), and AQ and 4-AAQB inhibited IL6 elevation ([Formula: see text]¡ 0.05). Both components inhibited aromatase expression with/without TNF-[Formula: see text] stimulation, with 4-AAQB to be more effective ([Formula: see text]¡ 0.05). For immune checkpoint CD47, both components inhibited CD47 expression ([Formula: see text]¡ 0.05), but it did not respond to TNF-[Formula: see text] stimulation. For Wnt/[Formula: see text]- catenin signaling downstream genes (CCND1, C-MYC and AXIN2), both components have significant or marginal inhibitory effect on C-MYC in the condition with/without TNF-[Formula: see text] stimulation. The luciferase assay demonstrated that both components exhibited inhibitory effect on NF-[Formula: see text]B signaling and Wnt/[Formula: see text]-catenin signaling in the condition without TNF-[Formula: see text] stimulation. In conclusion, our results displayed an overall pattern that AQ and 4-AAQB possess potential anti-inflammatory and antitumorigenic functions in MCF-7 breast cancer cells and warranted further in vivo pre-clinical and clinical studies to explore their anticancer properties.

4-Acetylantroquinonol B Inhibits Osteoclastogenesis by Inhibiting the Autophagy Pathway in a Simulated Microgravity Model

Astronauts suffer from 1–2% bone loss per month during space missions. Targeting osteoclast differentiation has been regarded as a promising strategy to prevent osteoporosis in microgravity (μXg). 4-acetylantroquinonol B (4-AAQB), a ubiquinone from Antrodia cinnamomea, has shown anti-inflammatory and anti-hepatoma activities. However, the effect of 4-AAQB on μXg-induced osteoclastogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the mechanistic impact of 4-AAQB on osteoclast formation under μXg conditions. The monocyte/macrophage-like cell line RAW264.7 was exposed to simulated μXg (Rotary Cell Culture System; Synthecon, Houston, TX, USA) for 24 h and then treated with 4-AAQB or alendronate (ALN) and osteoclast differentiation factor receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL). Osteoclastogenesis, bone resorption activity, and osteoclast differentiation-related signaling pathways were analyzed using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, actin ring fluorescent staining, bone resorption, and western blotting assays. Based on the results of TRAP staining, actin ring staining, and bone resorption assays, we found that 4-AAQB significantly inhibited μXg-induced osteoclast differentiation. The critical regulators of osteoclast differentiation, including nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), c-Fos, and dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (DC-STAMP), were consistently decreased. Meanwhile, osteoclast apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were also observed along with autophagy suppression. Interestingly, the autophagy inhibitors 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and chloroquine (CQ) showed similar effects to 4-AAQB. In conclusion, we suggest that 4-AAQB may serve as a potential agent against μXg-induced osteoclast formation.

Paeoniflorin alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation by inhibiting inflammation and coagulation activation

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a toxic component of the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria that can activate the blood coagulation system, leading to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). DIC is a syndrome characterized by thromboembolism and multiple organ failure. Herein, the beneficial effect of paeoniflorin (PF) on the alleviation of LPS-induced DIC was investigated with an experimental DIC mouse model. Briefly, mice were randomly divided into the following six groups: (1) control; (2) LPS; (3) heparin; (4) low-PF treatment; (5) medium-PF treatment; and (6) high-PF treatment. The histological morphology of the liver and kidney was observed, and the coagulation indicators (such as prothrombin time), function indicators (such as alanine transferase), and inflammatory factors (such as TNF-α) were detected. Additionally, an in vitro cell inflammation model using RAW 264.7 murine macrophages was established. Activation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined by western blotting. Based on our findings, PF could significantly improve the histological morphology of the liver and kidney, indicating that PF protects the liver and kidney against damage induced by LPS. Additionally, PF improved the function and coagulation indicators and reduced the production of inflammatory factors. In vitro, PF inhibited the expression of TNF-α by suppressing NF-κB signaling pathway activation. Collectively, our findings support the hypothesis that PF has anti-inflammatory and anticoagulation effects for the alleviation of LPS-induced DIC. PF is thus a potential co-treatment option for DIC.

Sirt1 inhibits HG-induced endothelial injury: Role of Mff-based mitochondrial fission and F‑actin homeostasis-mediated cellular migration

Although sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) has been found to be involved in diabetic vasculopathy and high glucose (HG)‑mediated endothelial injury, the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of Sirt1 in HG‑induced endothelial injury and its potential mechanism. In the present study, it was demonstrated that HG triggers the downregulation of Sirt1 by activating microRNA‑195 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), as determined by western blot analysis in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, a lower expression of Sirt1 was correlated with glucose metabolic abnormalities, aortic endothelial dysfunction and endothelial apoptosis as evidenced by western blot analysis and ELISA in mice. By contrast, the loss of Sirt1 evoked mitochondrial fission factor (Mff)‑mediated mitochondrial fission through the c‑Jun N‑terminal kinase (JNK) pathway, which contributes to the apoptosis of HUVECs. In addition, Sirt1 deficiency downregulated the migration of HUVECs through F‑actin dyshomeostasis. Collectively, the results identify Sirt1 as a protective factor, which inhibits the JNK/Mff/mitochondrial fission pathway and sustains F‑actin homeostasis, and has potential implications for novel approaches to diabetic vasculopathy.