Preventative effect of an herbal preparation (HemoHIM) on development of airway inflammation in mice via modulation of Th1/2 cells differentiation

Immunomodulatory Function of Pien Tze Huang in T Cell-Mediated Anti-tumor Activity against B16-F10, MC38 and Hep1-6 Tumor Models

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the anti-tumor effects of Pien Tze Huang (PZH) in mouse models of B16-F10 melanoma, MC38 colorectal cancer, Hep1-6 hepatocellular carcinoma and chemically induced hepatocellular carcinoma model.

METHODS

Various tumor models, including B16-F10, MC38 and Hep1-6 tumor hypodermic inoculation models, B16-F10 and Hep1-6 pulmonary metastasis models, Hep1-6 orthotopic implantation model, and chemically induced hepatocellular carcinoma model, were utilized to evaluate the anti-tumor function of PZH. Tumor growth was assessed by measuring tumor size and weight of solid tumors isolated from C57BL/6 mice. For cell proliferation and death of tumor cells in vitro, as well as T cell activation markers, cytokine production and immune checkpoints analysis, single-cell suspensions were prepared from mouse spleen, lymph nodes, and tumors after PZH treatment.

RESULTS

PZH demonstrated significant therapeutic efficacy in inhibiting tumor growth (P<0.01). Treatment with PZH resulted in a reduction in tumor size in subcutaneous MC38 colon adenocarcinoma and B16-F10 melanoma models, and decreased pulmonary metastasis of B16-F10 melanoma and Hep1-6 hepatoma (P<0.01). However, in vitro experiments showed that PZH only had slight impact on the cell proliferation and survival of tumor cells (P>0.05). Nevertheless, PZH exhibited a remarkable ability to enhance T cell activation and the production of interferon gamma, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin 2 in CD4+ T cells in vitro (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Importantly, PZH substantially inhibited T cell exhaustion and boosted cytokine production by tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells (P<0.01 or P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study has confirmed a novel immunomodulatory function of PZH in T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity, indicating that PZH holds promise as a potential therapeutic agent for cancer treatment.

Efficacy of an Herbal Preparation (Atomy's HemoHIM®) against Ventilator-associated Pneumonia: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Objective

Despite the standard guideline recommendations to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), it has remained one of the common lung infections in the intensive care unit (ICU). This clinical trial was designed to evaluate the effect of HemoHIM®, a mixture of traditional Korean medicinal plants, on preventing VAP in ICU patients.

Methods

This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on mechanically ventilated adult ICU patients with a clinical pulmonary infection score of VAP ≤6 in the first 48 h of ventilation. Patients in the intervention group received a packet of HemoHIM daily and orally for 7 days in addition to standard prevention strategies. However, in the control group, only standard prevention strategies were carried out. All patients were followed daily for VAP incidence for 14 days.

Findings

The overall VAP incidence was 36.4 and 57.4 episodes per 1000 days of mechanical ventilation in the intervention and control groups, respectively (P = 0.041; odds ratio = 0.26; 95% confidence interval = 0.070-0.944). The median length of mechanical ventilation during study follow-up was significantly lower in the intervention than in the control group (P = 0.033). The number of pneumonia-free days during the study was considerably higher in the intervention group (P value of the log-rank test = 0.023).

Conclusion

According to the results of this study, the HemoHIM herbal supplement had beneficial effects in preventing the occurrence of VAP and significantly reduced the incidence of pneumonia in the intervention group. Further comprehensive research is required to draw more accurate conclusions.

Beneficial effects of naringenin and morin on interleukin-5 and reactive oxygen species production in BALB/c mice with ovalbumin-induced asthma

We investigated the effects of naringenin and morin on IL-5 and ROS production in PMA+ionomycin-treated EL-4 cells with the corroboration of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties using an asthma-induced mouse model. The EL-4 cell line was used to study the outcomes of naringenin or morin, followed by cell viability studies. Western blot analysis and ELISA test were used to determine Th2 mediated cytokines. In vivo studies were carried out on BALB/c mice to induce allergic asthma using ovalbumin administered intraperitoneally. Intracellular ROS was determined using 2’,7’-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, followed by serum enzymatic (AST and ALT) estimations and inflammatory cell count in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissues. Histopathological studies were conducted to examine lung tissue-stained architecture. Our findings suggested that naringenin and morin significantly suppressed IL-5 and ROS production via various pathways. Interestingly, by reducing NFAT activity, naringenin and morin stimulated HO-1 expression, thereby suppressing IL-5 secretion due to regulating the transcription factor Nrf2 via P13/Akt or ERK/JNK signalling pathways in EL-4 cells, demonstrating the involvement of HO-1 expression in inhibiting asthmatic inflammation. The increased inflammatory cells in the BALF were substantially decreased by both naringenin and morin, followed by inhibition in the elevated Th-2 cytokines levels. The TNF-α protein levels in an allergic asthma mouse model were significantly reduced by suppressing Akt phosphorylation and eosinophil formation. Recent findings confirmed that naringenin and morin possess the potential to control asthma-related immune responses through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, indicating potential therapeutic agents or functional foods.

Effects of hypoxic exposure on immune responses of intestinal mucosa to Citrobacter colitis in mice

OBJECTIVE

The pathogenesis and mechanism of colitis may be related to intestinal flora, genetic susceptibility, environmental and immune factors. Among these various factors, the importance of environmental factors in the pathogenesis of colitis has been increasingly recognized. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of hypoxia on intestinal mucosal immunity.

METHODS

Experimental colitis was induced by oral gavage of Citrobacter rodentium (C. rodentium) in mice, then divided into normoxia group and hypoxia group. Mice were sacrificed after 2 weeks. Physiological and blood biochemical indicators were monitored to verify the hypoxia model. The body weight, fecal bacterial output, colon length and colon histopathology were observed to evaluate severity of colitis. The concentration of cytokines in colonic tissues were detected by ELISA. The percentage of CD4⁺ IFN-γ⁺ (Th1) and CD4⁺ IL-17⁺ (Th17) cells in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) were detected by flow cytometry. The levels of mucosal antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), related inflammatory factors and transcription factors in colon tissues were detected by qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

Mice in hypoxic C. rodentium infection (Hypoxia + C.r.) group exhibited significant decrease in body weight, increase in fecal bacterial pathogen output, and more severe histopathological damage in the colon compared with the C. rodentium infection (Nomoxia + C.r.) group. Meanwhile, the level of NF-κB, TLR4, COX-2, IL-6 and TNF-α of colonic tissue were increased, while IL17, IL-22, and Reg3γ were decreased. The percentage of CD4⁺ IFN-γ⁺ (Th1) and CD4⁺ IL-17⁺ (Th17) cells in MLN were significantly decreased in mice of Hypoxia + C.r. group, accompanied by the decreased of IFN-γ and IL-17. In addition, the level of the T-bet, RORγt, IL-12 and IL-23 were decreased in mice of Hypoxia + C.r. group.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypoxic exposure significantly exacerbates the symptoms and the pathological damage of mice with colitis and influences the immune function by down-regulating Th1 and Th17 responses in C. rodentium-induced colitis in mice.

Synergistic Anti-cancer Activity of MH-30 in a Murine Melanoma Model Treated With Cisplatin and its Alleviated Effects Against Cisplatin-induced Toxicity in Mice

BACKGROUND/AIM

Although cisplatin is an effective anticancer drug, its toxic effects on normal tissues limit its use. We developed a herbal formula, MH-30, with increased fat-soluble polyphenols by improving the manufacturing method of HemoHIM. In this study, we examined whether the combination of MH-30 with cisplatin exerts synergistic antitumor effect while it reduces cisplatin-induced toxicities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MH-30 was produced by adding the ethanol-insoluble fraction to its extract after decocting herbs in 30% ethanol and water. We used a melanoma-bearing mice model to investigate synergistic anticancer effects. The NK cell activity and cytokine levels were measured by Cr⁵¹-release assay and ELISA. The AST, ALT, BUN, and creatinine levels were estimated in the serum.

RESULTS

MH-30 effectively inhibited melanoma growth in vitro. Furthermore, MH-30 had a synergistic effect in combination with cisplatin on melanoma growth inhibition in vitro and in vivo. In melanoma-bearing mice, cisplatin alone decreased the activity of NK cells and the levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ, which were effectively restored by the combination of MH-30 with cisplatin. Combined treatment with MH-30 and cisplatin significantly inhibited the cisplatin-induced increase in the levels of AST, ALT, BUN, and creatinine.

CONCLUSION

Combination of MH-30 with cisplatin may be a beneficial anticancer treatment with reduced adverse effects.

Preventive Effect of the Herbal Preparation, HemoHIM, on Cisplatin-Induced Immune Suppression

We determined the functional effect of the herbal preparation, HemoHIM, on the immune system, by examining the immunomodulatory activities of HemoHIM using immunocompromised mice. In this study, to examine the effect on the restoration of immune cells and balance in the immune system, we utilized a cisplatin-induced immunosuppression mouse model. Mice were injected intraperitoneally with cisplatin, an immunosuppressive anticancer, and then received oral doses of 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg of HemoHIM for 14 days. The HemoHIM prevented the cisplatin-induced loss of body and organ weight. In terms of innate immunity, natural killer (NK) cell activity and phagocytosis increased in the HemoHIM group compared to the cisplatin control group. The HemoHIM group also showed a significantly higher expression of Th1-mediated cytokines (interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)) and inhibited the production of Th2-mediated cytokine interleukin-4 (IL-4) compared to cisplatin control group. These findings indicate that HemoHIM enhances immune activity by modulating immune cell activity and cytokine secretion in immune-suppressed mice.

Effects of Angelica gigas Nakai as an Anti-Inflammatory Agent in In Vitro and In Vivo Atopic Dermatitis Models

We investigated the cellular and molecular mechanisms mediating the effects of Angelica gigas Nakai extract (AGNE) through the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs)/NF-κB pathway using in vitro and in vivo atopic dermatitis (AD) models. We examined the effects of AGNE on the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in human mast cell line-1 (HMC-1) cells. Compound 48/80-induced pruritus and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene- (DNCB-) induced AD-like skin lesion mouse models were also used to investigate the antiallergic effects of AGNE. AGNE reduced histamine secretion, production of proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin- (IL-) 1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10, and expression of cyclooxygenase- (COX-) 2 in HMC-1 cells. Scratching behavior and DNCB-induced AD-like skin lesions were also attenuated by AGNE administration through the reduction of serum IgE, histamine, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6 levels, and COX-2 expression in skin tissue from mouse models. Furthermore, these inhibitory effects were mediated by the blockade of the MAPKs and NF-κB pathway. The findings of this study proved that AGNE improves the scratching behavior and atopy symptoms and reduces the activity of various atopy-related mediators in HMC-1 cells and mice model. These results suggest the AGNE has a therapeutic potential in anti-AD.

Falcarindiol inhibits LPS-induced inflammation via attenuating MAPK and JAK-STAT signaling pathways in murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells

Falcarindiol (FAD) is a natural polyacetylene compound found rich in many plants of the Umbelliferae family. Previously, we isolated FAD from the rhizome of Cnidium officinale Makino, which belongs to the Umbelliferae family and found it to have a significant inhibitory effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of nitric oxide, a pro-inflammatory molecule in murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. In this study, we investigated its effect on the expression of other major pro-inflammatory molecules as well as the mechanism underlying these effects. Pre-treatment of RAW 264.7 cells with FAD suppressed LPS-stimulated mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and thereby reduced the respective protein levels. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that FAD attenuated the LPS-induced activation of JNK, ERK, STAT1, and STAT3 signaling molecules. Moreover, we found that FAD did not influence LPS-induced activation of p38 and NFκB signaling pathways. Collectively, this study provides evidence that FAD inhibits the production of major pro-inflammatory molecules in LPS-challenged murine macrophages via suppression of JNK, ERK, and STAT signaling pathways.

Metabolomic study for monitoring of biomarkers in mouse plasma with asthma by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Asthma is a multifaceted chronic disease caused by an alteration of various genetic and environmental factors that is increasing in incidence worldwide. However, the biochemical mechanisms regarding asthma are not completely understood. Thus, we performed of metabolomic study for understanding of the biochemical events by monitoring of altered metabolism and biomarkers in asthma. In mice plasma, 27 amino acids(AAs), 24 fatty acids(FAs) and 17 organic acids(OAs) were determined by ethoxycarbonyl(EOC)/methoxime(MO)/tert-butyldimethylsilyl(TBDMS) derivatives with GC-MS. Their percentage composition normalized to the corresponding mean levels of control group. They then plotted as star symbol patterns for visual monitoring of altered metabolism, which were characteristic and readily distinguishable in control and asthma groups. The Mann-Whitney test revealed 25 metabolites, including eight AAs, nine FAs and eight OAs, which were significantly different (p<0.05), and orthogonal partial least-squares-discriminant analysis revealed a clear separation of the two groups. In classification analysis, palmitic acid and methionine were the main metabolites for discrimination between asthma and the control followed by pipecolic, lactic, α-ketoglutaric, and linoleic acids for high classification accuracy as potential biomarkers. These explain the metabolic disturbance in asthma for AAs and FAs including intermediate OAs related to the energy metabolism in the TCA cycle.

HemoHIM, a herbal preparation, alleviates airway inflammation caused by cigarette smoke and lipopolysaccharide

HemoHIM, herbal preparation has designed for immune system recovery. We investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of HemoHIM on cigarette smoke (CS) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mouse model. To induce COPD, C57BL/6 mice were exposed to CS for 1 h per day (eight cigarettes per day) for 4 weeks and intranasally received LPS on day 26. HemoHIM was administrated to mice at a dose of 50 or 100 mg/kg 1h before CS exposure. HemoHIM reduced the inflammatory cell count and levels of tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β in the broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) induced by CS+LPS exposure. HemoHIM decreased the inflammatory cell infiltration in the airway and inhibited the expression of iNOS and MMP-9 and phosphorylation of Erk in lung tissue exposed to CS+LPS. In summary, our results indicate that HemoHIM inhibited a reduction in the lung inflammatory response on CS and LPS induced lung inflammation via the Erk pathway. Therefore, we suggest that HemoHIM has the potential to treat pulmonary inflammatory disease such as COPD.

Ameliorating effects of herbal formula hemomine on experimental subacute hemorrhagic anemia in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Hemomine (HM) is an herbal mixture consisting of 5 varieties of the hematopoietic herbal extracts (Angelica gigas Nakai, Cnidium officinale Makino, Paeonia lactiflora Pall., Rehmannia glutinosa Liboschitz ex Stueudel, Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fischer).

AIM OF THE STUDY

Anemia has been treated with iron supplements, whereas it could cause adverse side effects such as digestive discomfort. In the present study, HM was applied to SHA rats to test for several activities so as to verify its therapeutic potentials on anemia and digestive discomfort.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to seven groups: (Two controls, two references (ferric hydroxide polymatose (FM) and ferritin extract glycerin hydrate (FA)), three different concentrations of HM, n=8 per groups), and induced subacute hemorrhagic anemia (SHA) through blood exsanguinations once a day for 7 days.

RESULTS

The SHA animal model showed changes in the markers related to classic iron-deficient and regenerative anemia in this experiment. However, the SHA related anemic signs were dose-dependently inhibited by the administration of HM 2, 1, and 0.5ml/kg for 7 days, and more favorably than the equal dosages of FM and FA. In addition, FM and FA showed the typical constipation signs, including reduction of in thickness of the colonic mucosa, in contrast, HM 2, 1, and 0.5ml/kg groups had no effects on the gastrointestinal motilities and the colonic mucous components when compared to the controls. The results suggested that the HM significantly showed to have therapeutic effects in the experimental SHA in rats, and is more potent than the commercial iron supplement through the proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells with reduced digestive discomfort.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, Hemomine may prove to be a promising hematopoietic and therapeutic agent for anemia.

Herbal preparation (HemoHIM) enhanced functional maturation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells mediated toll-like receptor 4

Background

HemoHIM, which is an herbal preparation of three edible herbs (Angelicam gigas Nakai, Cnidium offinale Makino, and Peaonia japonica Miyabe), is known to have various biological and immunological activities, but the modulatory effects of this preparation on dendritic cells (DCs)-mediated immune responses have not been examined previously. DCs are a unique group of white blood cells that initiate primary immune responses by capturing, processing, and presenting antigens to T cells.

Results

In the present study, we investigated the effect of HemoHIM on the functional and phenotypic maturation of murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) both in vitro and in vivo. The expression of co-stimulatory molecules (CD40, CD80, CD86, MHC I, and MHC II) and the production of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12p70, and TNF-α) were increased by HemoHIM in BMDCs. Furthermore, the antigen-uptake ability of BMDCs was decreased by HemoHIM, and the antigen-presenting ability of HemoHIM-treated mature BMDCs increased TLR4-dependent CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cell responses.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrated that HemoHIM induces TLR4-mediated BMDCs functional and phenotypic maturation through in vivo and in vitro. And our study showed the antigen-presenting ability that HemoHIM-treated mature BMDCs increase CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cell responses by in vitro. These results suggest that HemoHIM has the potential to mediate DC immune responses.

Attenuation of neuroinflammatory responses and behavioral deficits by Ligusticum officinale (Makino) Kitag in stimulated microglia and MPTP-induced mouse model of Parkinson's disease

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ligusticum officinale (Makino) Kitag (L. officinale) is one of the important traditional herbs used in traditional Oriental medicine for the treatment of various disorders including pain and inflammation. However, there is limited scientific basis for its activity and mechanism in brain inflammation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of L. officinale on microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and behavioral impairments using in vitro cellular and in vivo mouse model of PD, as well as investigate the molecular mechanisms involved including the finger printing analysis of its ethanol extract.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to stimulate BV-2 microglial cells. The changes in neuroinflammatory expressional levels were measured by Western blotting and immunofluorescence techniques. 1-methyl-4 phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-intoxicated mice model of PD was developed to evaluate the behavioral impairments and the brain tissues were used for immunohistochemical studies. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique was performed for finger printing analysis of L. officinale extract used in the study.

RESULTS

L. officinale significantly attenuated the LPS-stimulated increase in inflammatory mediators in BV-2 cells. L. officinale also inhibited the LPS-induced activation of nuclear factor-kappa beta by blocking the degradation of IκB-α and suppressing the increase in p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation in BV-2 cells. Furthermore, L. officinale exhibited significant antioxidant properties by inhibiting the 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals. An in vivo evaluation in MPTP (20mg/kg, four times, 1 day, i.p.) intoxicated mice resulted in brain microglial activation and significant behavioral deficits. Prophylactic treatment with L. officinale prevented microglial activation and attenuated PD-like behavioral changes as assessed by the pole test. HPLC finger printing analysis revealed that L. officinale extract contained ferulic acid (FA) as one of the major constituents compared with reference standard. FA also inhibited the LPS-stimulated excessive release of NO and suppressed the increased the expressional levels of proinflammatory mediators in BV-2 microglia.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings observed in this study indicated that L. officinale extract significantly attenuated the neuroinflammatory processes in stimulated microglia and restored the behavioral impairments in a mouse model of PD providing a scientific basis for its traditional claims.

Inhibitory effects of kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside on ovalbumin-induced lung inflammation in a mouse model of allergic asthma

The modification of natural flavonoid by glycosylation alters their physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties, such as increased water solubility and stability, reduced toxicity, and sometimes enhanced or even new pharmacological activities. Kaempferol (KF), a plant flavonoid, and its glycosylated derivative, kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside (K-3-rh), were evaluated and compared for their anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-asthmatic effects in an asthma model mouse. The results showed that K-3-rh fully maintained its anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic effects compared with KF in an asthma model mouse. Both KF and K-3-rh significantly reduced the elevated inflammatory cell numbers in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). KF and K-3-rh also significantly inhibited the increase in Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) and TNF-α protein levels through inhibition of the phosphorylation Akt and effectively suppressed eosinophilia in a mouse model of allergic asthma. The total immunoglobulin (Ig) E levels in the serum and BALF were also blocked by KF and K-3-rh to similar extents. K-3-rh exerts similar or even slightly higher inhibitory effects on Th2 cytokines and IgE production compared with KF, whereas K-3-rh was less effective at DPPH radical scavenging and the inhibition of ROS generation in inflammatory cells compared with KF. These results suggested that the K-3-rh, as well as KF, may also be a promising candidate for the development of health beneficial foods or therapeutic agents that can prevent or treat allergic asthma.

Immunomodulatory and Antidiabetic Effects of a New Herbal Preparation (HemoHIM) on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice

HemoHIM (a new herbal preparation of three edible herbs: Angelica gigas Nakai, Cnidium officinale Makino, and Paeonia japonica Miyabe) was developed to protect immune, hematopoietic, and self-renewal tissues against radiation. This study determined whether or not HemoHIM could alter hyperglycemia and the immune response in diabetic mice. Both nondiabetic and diabetic mice were orally administered HemoHIM (100 mg/kg) once a day for 4 weeks. Diabetes was induced by single injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 200 mg/kg, i.p.). In diabetic mice, HemoHIM effectively improved hyperglycemia and glucose tolerance compared to the diabetic control group as well as elevated plasma insulin levels with preservation of insulin staining in pancreatic β-cells. HemoHIM treatment restored thymus weight, white blood cells, lymphocyte numbers, and splenic lymphocyte populations (CD4⁺ T and CD8⁺ T), which were reduced in diabetic mice, as well as IFN-γ production in response to Con A stimulation. These results indicate that HemoHIM may have potential as a glucose-lowering and immunomodulatory agent by enhancing the immune function of pancreatic β-cells in STZ-induced diabetic mice.