Depressive effect of a traditional Chinese medicine (sho-saiko-to) on endotoxin-induced nitric oxide formation in activated murine macrophage J774A.1 cells

Evaluation of oxygen radical absorbance capacity in kampo medicine

Antioxidant capacity of food has come to be shown in terms of oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) mainly on vegetables or fruit. However, the evaluation of Kampo in terms of ORAC has not yet been accomplished. It is important that such an investigation is also conducted for Kampo medicine. We measured the ORAC value of almost all the available Kampo formulas used in the Japanese National health insurance system and examined the ORAC value both for the daily prescription, and also the crude herb ingredients. The ORAC value of Kampo medicine ranged 4.65–5913 units/day. The ORAC value was high in Kampo formulas including Rhei Rhizoma, and was relatively high in Kampo formulas including anti-inflammatory herbs other than Rhei Rhizoma. The ORAC value was also high in Kampo formulas including crude herbs that have relaxation effects. The ORAC value of a crude herb would seem to not be fixed but be dependent on combination with other crude herbs from the comparison of different herbs added to the basic Kampo medicine. These results suggest variability and complexity of the antioxidant capacity of Kampo medicine within the similar range of food. On the other hand, investigation of the compound changes of various crude herbs with ORAC may lead to the elucidation of the action mechanism of Kampo medicine.

Nitric oxide as a target of complementary and alternative medicines to prevent and treat inflammation and cancer

Nitric oxide (NO) and associated reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are involved in many physiological functions. There has been an ongoing debate to whether RNS can inhibit or perpetuate chronic inflammation and associated carcinogenesis. Although the final outcome depends on the genetic make-up of its target, the surrounding microenvironment, the activity and localization of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms, and overall levels of NO/RNS, evidence is accumulating that in general, RNS drive inflammation and cancers associated with inflammation. To this end, many complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) that work in chemoprevention associated with chronic inflammation, are inhibitors of excessive NO observed in inflammatory conditions. Here, we review recent literature outlining a role of NO/RNS in chronic inflammation and cancer, and point toward NO as one of several targets for the success of CAMs in treating chronic inflammation and cancer associated with this inflammation.

Preventive effects of a traditional Chinese medicine (Sho-saiko-to) on septic shock symptoms; approached from heme metabolic disorders in endotoxemia

Sho-saiko-to, one of the the most frequently prescribed Kampo medicines, is used to treat chronic hepatitis and has shown confirmed clinical efficacy. The present study was performed with respect to heme metabolism to study the preventive effects of Sho-saiko-to against endotoxemia. Endotoxin was injected intraperitoneally at a dose of 6 mg/kg into Sho-saiko-to (500 mg/kg/d, p.o.)-pretreated rats, and its administration clearly prevented the endotoxin-induced hypoferremia. In rats pretreated with Sho-saiko-to, the activity of hepatic delta-aminolevulinate synthetase and cytochrome P-450 level 18 h after endotoxin injection were significantly increased as compared to rats treated with endotoxin alone. Similarly, Sho-saiko-to significantly depressed the endotoxin-induced increase in heme oxygenase activity in liver microsomes. These findings suggested that the extent of shock syndrome caused by endotoxin may be due, at least in part, to changes in heme metabolic disturbance during endotoxemia. Sho-saiko-to may therefore protect rats against lethality caused by endotoxin through its ability to regulate the heme metabolism in septic shock.

A Korean herbal medicine, Panax notoginseng, prevents liver fibrosis and hepatic microvascular dysfunction in rats

We assessed the prevention of hepatic fibrogenesis by water-extract of Panax notoginseng Buck F.H. Chen. (Arialiaceae) root (PNS) in Long-Evans rats with cinnamon coat color (LEC rats). LEC rats were divided into three groups A, fed on a basal diet (BD); B, fed on BD plus 1% PNS; and C), fed on BD plus 0.005% lycopene as a control. All rats were sacrificed at 26 weeks of age. The percentage of the total area involved by fibrosis was 1.46 +/- 0.47 in group A, 0.83 +/- 0.10 in B (P=0.0030, B vs A) and 0.91 +/- 0.45 in C (P=0.0035, C vs. A). The percentage of the total area that was stained for alpha-SMA was 0.56 +/- 0.34 in group A, 0.15 +/- 0.02 in B (P=0.0016, B vs. A and 0.11 +/- 0.01 in C (P=0.0025, C vs. A. In group B, malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver was lower than in group C (P=0.007). In group C, the concentration of iron in the liver was lower than in group A (P=0.0053). Thus, PNS suppressed fibrogenesis through reduced generation of lipid peroxides. The mechanisms of this preventive effect of fibrogenesis with PNS were suggested to inhibit the stellate cell activity. Second objective of this study was to determine whether PNS affects hepatic microvascular dysfunction elicited by gut ischemia and reperfusion (I/R), since gut I/R causes hepatic microvascular dysfunction, and to investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO). Male Wistar rats were exposed to 30 min of gut ischemia followed by 60 min of reperfusion. Intravital microscopy was used to monitor the number of non-perfused sinusoids (NPS). In another set of experiments, PNS (1 g/kg per day intragastrically) was administered to rats for 7 days. In some experiments, dexamethasone (ST) (2 mg/kg per day intravenously) was administered. In control rats, gut I/R elicited increases in the number of NPS, and plasma TNF-alpha and ALT activities, and these changes were mitigated by the pretreatment with PNS. Pretreatment with an NO synthase inhibitor diminished the protective effects of PNS on the increase in NPS and plasma TNF-alpha levels, but not its effect on the increase in plasma ALT activities. Pretreatment with PNS increased plasma nitrite/nitrate levels. The responses caused by gut I/R were attenuated by the pretreatment with ST. Pretreatment with an NO synthase inhibitor did not affect the effect of ST. These results suggest that PNS attenuates the gut I/R-induced hepatic microvascular dysfunction and inflammatory responses such as TNF-alpha production in the early phase via enhancement of NO production, and sequential hepatocellular damage via its anti-inflammatory effect.

Metabolic Aspects of Endotoxin as a Model of Septic Shock —Approached from Oxidative Stress—

Despite the remarkable progress in intensive care medicine, sepsis and shock continue to be major clinical problems in intensive care units. Septic shock may be associated with a toxic state initiated by the stimulation of monocytes by bacterial toxins such as endotoxin, which is released into the bloodstream. This study describes the role of oxidative stress in endotoxin-induced metabolic disorders. We demonstrate that endotoxin injection results in lipid peroxide formation and membrane injury in experimental animals, causing decreased levels of free radical scavengers or quenchers. Interestingly, it was also suggested that tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-induced oxidative stress occurs as a result of bacterial or endotoxin translocation under conditions of reduced reticuloendothelial system function in various disease states. In addition, we suggest that intracellular Ca2+, Zn2+, or selenium levels may participate, at least in part, in the oxidative stress during endotoxemia. On the other hand, it is also suggested that the extent of endotoxin-induced nitric oxide (NO) formation may be due, at least in part, to a change in heme metabolic regulation during endotoxemia. However, in our experimental model, NO is not crucial for lipid peroxide formation during endotoxemia. Sho-saiko-to is one of the most frequently prescribed Kampo medicines and has primarily been used to treat chronic hepatitis. We report that Sho-saiko-to decreases the rh TNF-induced lethality in galactosamine-hypersensitized mice and protects mice against oxygen toxicity and Ca2+ overload in the cytoplasm or mitochondria during endotoxemia. We further suggest that Sho-saiko-to shows a suppressive effect on NO generation in macrophages stimulated with endotoxin and that it may be useful in improving endotoxin shock symptoms.

Preventive Effects of a Traditional Chinese Medicine (Sho-saiko-to) on Endotoxin-Induced Cytotoxicity and Tumor Necrosis Factor-.ALPHA. Production in J774A.1 Cells

Sho-saiko-to, one of the most frequently prescribed Kampo medicines, is used clinically to treat chronic hepatitis and has shown confirmed clinical efficacy. The present study investigated whether Sho-saiko-to can suppress cytotoxicity and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha production in endotoxin-treated J774A.1 cells. Sho-saiko-to (10-20 microg/ml) did not affect the proliferation of J774A.1 cells, while a high concentration (50 microg/ml) of Sho-saiko-to induced a slight reduction in cell viability. Treatment with Sho-saiko-to (10-50 microg/ml) significantly inhibited endotoxin (10 microg/ml)-induced cytotoxicity in J774A.1 cells. In addition, Sho-saiko-to (20 microg/ml) suppressed TNF-alpha production by endotoxin (1 microg/ml)-activated J774A.1 cells. These findings suggest that the Kampo prescription Sho-saiko-to suppresses cytotoxicity or TNF-alpha production in macrophages treated with endotoxin and that it may be useful in improving septic shock symptoms. Sho-saiko-to may therefore protect against some of the various disturbances caused by endotoxins through its ability to inhibit TNF-alpha production in septic shock.

A Japanese herbal medicine, Sho-saiko-to, prevents gut ischemia/reperfusion-induced hepatic microvascular dysfunction in rats

BACKGROUND AND AIM

We have reported that gut ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) causes hepatic microvascular dysfunction. Nitric oxide (NO) has been found to be a modulator of the adhesive interactions between leukocytes, platelets, and endothelial cells. Sho-saiko-to (TJ-9), a Japanese herbal medicine, is reported to have protective effects against liver injury and to regulate NO production. The objective of this study was to determine whether TJ-9 affects hepatic microvascular dysfunction elicited by gut I/R, and to investigate the role of NO.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were exposed to 30 min of gut ischemia followed by 60 min of reperfusion. Intravital microscopy was used to monitor leukocyte recruitment and the number of non-perfused sinusoids (NPS). Plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities were measured. In another set of experiments, TJ-9 (1 g/kg per day intragastrically) was administered to rats for 7 days. In some experiments, dexamethasone (ST) (2 mg/kg per day intravenously) was administered.

RESULTS

In control rats, gut I/R elicited increases in the number of stationary leukocytes, NPS, and plasma TNF-alpha and ALT activities, and these changes were mitigated by the pretreatment with TJ-9. Pretreatment with an NO synthase inhibitor diminished the protective effects of TJ-9 on the increase in leukostasis in the pericentral region, NPS, and plasma TNF-alpha levels, but not its effect on the increase in leukostasis in the midzonal region, total number of stationary leukocytes, or plasma ALT activities. Pretreatment with TJ-9 increased plasma nitrite/nitrate levels. The responses caused by gut I/R were attenuated by the pretreatment with ST. Pretreatment with an NO synthase inhibitor did not affect the effect of ST.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that TJ-9 attenuates the gut I/R-induced hepatic microvascular dysfunction and inflammatory responses such as TNF-alpha production in the early phase via enhancement of NO production, and sequential hepatocellular damage via its anti-inflammatory effect like corticosteroid effect.

Screening of Chinese herbal drug extracts for inhibitory activity on nitric oxide production and identification of an active compound of Zanthoxylum bungeanum

Sixty-eight water and methanol extracts from 34 Chinese herbal drugs, most of which are used for inflammatory diseases, were screened for their inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated J774.1 macrophages and in LPS/interferon (IFN)-gamma-stimulated mouse peritoneal exudate macrophages. Among the extracts, methanol extracts of Myristica fragrans, Plantago asiatica, Rubia cordifolia, and Zanthoxylum bungeanum showed significant inhibition in J774.1 macrophages, while in mouse peritoneal exudate macrophages, water extracts of Ru. cordifolia and Scutellaria baicalensis and methanol extracts of Angelica megaphylla, My. fragrans, and Z. bungeanum inhibited the NO production. Among them, inhibition of water extract of Sc. baicalensis was found to be mainly due to direct scavenging of NO radicals, through an examination of its scavenging activity on PAPA NONOate-generated NO radicals, while water extract of Ru. cordifolia and methanol extracts of An. megaphylla, My. fragrans, P. asiatica, and Z. bungeanum showed inhibition on iNOS mRNA expression. At last, an inhibitory compound on iNOS mRNA expression was isolated from a methanol extract of Z. bungeanum and identified as 4-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyldihydroferulic acid by NMR spectral analyses and chemical synthesis.

Induction of NADPH-diaphorase activity in the forebrain in a model of intracerebral hemorrhage and its inhibition by the traditional Chinese medicine complex Nao Yi An

Induction of NADPH-diaphorase (NDP) activity in the rat cerebral cortex was studied after autologous blood injection into the internal capsule as experimental model of intracerebral hemorrhage. The potential inhibitory effect on NDP induction by Nao Yi An (NYA), a complex derived from materials of animal and plant origin used in the treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage in traditional Chinese medicine, was also investigated. In animals without therapeutic treatment 2 and 4 days after injection of autologous blood, NDP activity was highly induced in pyramidal neurons in the neocortex, piriform, and entorhinal cortices, in astrocytes and in phagocytes in the hematoma and the area surrounding it, as well as in the subcortical white matter, and in endothelial cells in both the cortex and subcortical white matter bilaterally. Oral administration of NYA failed to inhibit NDP induction in endothelial cells but demonstrated a strong inhibitory effect on NDP activity induced in pyramidal neurons and astrocytes. NDP induction in phagocytes was also inhibited by the administration of NYA. Altogether the present results suggest that intracerebral hemorrhage in the internal capsule may induce nitric oxide synthase activity in different cell populations in the cortex and that administration of NYA can selectively inhibit such induction and, thus, potentially play a neuroprotective role.

Syringin 4-O-beta-glucoside, a new phenylpropanoid glycoside, and costunolide, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, from the stem bark of Magnolia sieboldii

Syringin 4-O-beta-glucoside (1), a new phenylpropanoid glycoside, and costunolide (2) were isolated from the stem bark of Magnolia sieboldii. The structures were determined by spectroscopic and chemical methods. Costunolide (2) exhibited strong nitric oxide synthase inhibitory activity in the endotoxin-activated murine macrophage, J774.1.