Thymol mitigates lipopolysaccharide-induced endometritis by regulating the TLR4- and ROS-mediated NF-κB signaling pathways

Therapeutic administration of Luteolin protects against Escherichia coli-derived Lipopolysaccharide-triggered inflammatory response and oxidative injury

Endometritis reduces reproductive effectiveness and leads to significant financial losses in the dairy sector. Luteolin is a natural phyto-flavonoid compound with many biological activities. However, the therapeutic effect of Luteolin against lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced endometritis has not yet been explored. A total of eighty female Kunming mice were randomly assigned into four treatment groups (n = 20). Following a successful initiation of the endometritis model by LPS, Luteolin was intraperitoneally administered three times, at six-hour intervals between each injection in the Luteolin groups. The histopathological findings revealed that Luteolin significantly alleviated uterine injury induced by LPS. Moreover, Luteolin suppressed the synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators [interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α] while promoting the synthesis of an anti-inflammatory mediator (IL-10) altered by LPS. Furthermore, Luteolin significantly mitigated the LPS-induced oxidative stress by scavenging malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), accumulation and boosting the capacity of antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase 1 (Gpx1) in the uterine tissue of mice. Additionally, injection of Luteolin markedly increased the expression of Toll-like receptors (TLR) 4 both at mRNA and protein levels under LPS stimulation. Western blotting and ELISA findings demonstrated that Luteolin suppressed the activation of the NF-κB pathway in response to LPS exposure in the uterine tissue of mice. Notably, Luteolin enhanced the anti-oxidant defense system by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway under LPS exposure in the uterine tissue of mice. Conclusively, our findings demonstrated that Luteolin effectively alleviated LPS-induced endometritis via modulation of TLR4-associated Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling pathways.

Evaluation of Lipopolysaccharide and Interleukin-6 as Useful Screening Tool for Chronic Endometritis

Universal diagnostic criteria for chronic endometritis (CE) have not been established due to differences in study design among researchers and a lack of typical clinical cases. Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) have been reported to cause inflammation in the reproductive systems of several animals. This study aimed to elucidate the influence of LPS in the pathogenesis of CE in humans. We investigated whether LPS affected cytokine production and cell proliferation in the endometrium using in vivo and in vitro experiments. LPS concentrations were analyzed between control and CE patients using endometrial tissues. LPS administration stimulated the proliferation of EM-E6/E7 cells derived from human endometrial cells. High LPS concentrations were detected in CE patients. LPS concentration was found to correlate with IL-6 gene expression in the endometrium. Inflammation signaling evoked by LPS led to the onset of CE, since LPS stimulates inflammatory responses and cell cycles in the endometrium. We identified LPS and IL-6 as suitable candidate markers for the diagnosis of CE.

Lonicera japonica Thunb extract ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury associated with luteolin-mediated suppression of NF-κB signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

Lonicera japonica Thunb (LJT) is a commonly used herbal soup to treat inflammation-related diseases. However, the effect of LJT on ALI is unknown. The present study was aimed at investigating the protective effects of LJT extract (LTE) and its active ingredient luteolin (Lut) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated ALI and investigate its potential mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effects of LTE and Lut were explored in an ALI mouse model induced by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Besides, the LPS-induced inflammation model in BEAS-2B cells was used to clarify the underlying mechanisms. The ALI pathological changes in lung tissues were tested through Haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The apoptosis of cells in lung tissue and the cell model in vitro was evaluated by TUNEL assays, respectively. Meanwhile, the viability of cells in vitro was evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The levels/concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β and IL-10 in BALF were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Besides, through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting, the expression of the above-mentioned inflammatory factors and key factors in the NF-κB signaling pathway was examined. The distribution of inflammatory factors in tissue was observed through immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays .

RESULTS

In relative to LPS-stimulated group, the in vivo study showed that LTE and different concentrations of Lut dramatically alleviated LPS-evoked lung pathological injury and lung edema based on the changes in total protein levels and lung wet/dry (W/D) ratio in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from ALI mice. LTE and different concentrations of Lut also suppressed the inflammatory response, as reflected by the variations of neutrophil accumulation and the production of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the lung tissues and BALF of ALI mice. The in vitro research also demonstrated that LTE and Lut visibly facilitated cell viability and restrained the apoptosis of BEAS-2B cells stimulated by LPS. Lut hindered LPS-inducible activation of NF-κB pathway in BEAS-2B cells.

CONCLUSION

The present study proved that LTE might suppress LPS-induced acute injury and inflammation in mice and BEAS-2B cells through the Lut-caused suppression of NF-κB signal path (Figure 1).

Adding New Scientific Evidences on the Pharmaceutical Properties of Pelargonium quercetorum Agnew Extracts by Using In Vitro and In Silico Approaches

Pelargonium quercetorum is a medicinal plant traditionally used for treating intestinal worms. In the present study, the chemical composition and bio-pharmacological properties of P. quercetorum extracts were investigated. Enzyme inhibition and scavenging/reducing properties of water, methanol, and ethyl acetate extracts were assayed. The extracts were also studied in an ex vivo experimental model of colon inflammation, and in this context the gene expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) were assayed. Additionally, in colon cancer HCT116 cells, the gene expression of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M (melastatin) member 8 (TRPM8), possibly involved in colon carcinogenesis, was conducted as well. The extracts showed a different qualitative and quantitative content of phytochemicals, with water and methanol extracts being richer in total phenols and flavonoids, among which are flavonol glycosides and hydroxycinnamic acids. This could explain, at least in part, the higher antioxidant effects shown by methanol and water extracts, compared with ethyl acetate extract. By contrast, the ethyl acetate was more effective as cytotoxic agent against colon cancer cells, and this could be related, albeit partially, to the content of thymol and to its putative ability to downregulate TRPM8 gene expression. Additionally, the ethyl acetate extract was effective in inhibiting the gene expression of COX-2 and TNFα in isolated colon tissue exposed to LPS. Overall, the present results support future studies for investigating protective effects against gut inflammatory diseases.

Construction of a model of endometritis in domestic rabbits using equine-derived pathogens and evaluation of therapeutic effect of sensitive drugs

Pathogenic bacteria were isolated from the uterine lavage fluid of a mare with endometritis. After identification and purification, the pathogenic bacteria were injected into the uterus of rabbits to induce endometritis. Then, anatomical, blood routine, chemical examination, and histopathological examinations were performed on the rabbits. Rabbit uterus was collected, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the rabbit uterus. In addition, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the uterine concentrations of the inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Western Blot was used to detect the protein expressions of NF-kB, IkBα, and TNF-α in the NF-kB pathway. An antibiotic treatment group was also set up to verify the accuracy of the results. The clinical examination results showed that there was a significant increase of leukocytes in the blood of the rabbits in the model group (P < 0.01). The uterus was congested, enlarged, and purulent. The integrity of the uterine lining was destroyed, and there was a significant increase of lymphocytes in the uterus (P < 0.01). The qPCR and ELISA results showed that the expressions of the inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the uterus of rabbits were significantly increased (P < 0.01). Western blot results showed that the inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α play a role in promoting inflammation through the NF-kB pathway. The results of the test provide a simple, economical, and reliable means of studying the occurrence, development, prevention, and treatment of equine endometritis.

The protective effect of thymoquinone or/and thymol against monosodium glutamate-induced attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-like behavior in rats: Modulation of Nrf2/HO-1, TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3/caspase-1 and Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathways in rat model

Both thymoquinone (TQ) and thymol (T) have been proved to possess a positive impact on human health. In this research, we aimed to investigate the effect of these compounds separately and together on the Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-like behavior induced by monosodium glutamate (MSG) in rats. Forty male, Spargue Dawley rat pups (postnatal day 21), were randomly allocated into five groups: Normal saline (NS), MSG, MSG+TQ, MSG+T, and MSG+TQ+T. MSG (0.4 mg/kg/day), TQ (10 mg/kg/day) and T (30 mg/kg/day) were orally administered for 8 weeks. The behavioral tests proved that rats treated with TQ and/or T showed improved locomotor, attention and cognitive functions compared to the MSG group with more pronounced effect displayed with their combination. All treated groups showed improvement in MSG-induced aberrations in brain levels of GSH, IL-1β, TNF-α, GFAP, glutamate, calcium, dopamine, norepinephrine, Wnt3a, β-Catenin and BDNF. TQ and/or T treatment also enhanced the mRNA expression of Nrf2, HO-1 and Bcl2 while reducing the protein expression of TLR4, NFκB, NLRP3, caspase 1, Bax, AIF and GSK3β as compared to the MSG group. However, the combined therapy showed more significant effects in all measured parameters. All of these findings were further confirmed by the histopathological examinations. Current results concluded that the combined therapy of TQ and T had higher protective effects than their individual supplementations against MSG-induced ADHD-like behavior in rats.

Icariin Alleviates Escherichia coli Lipopolysaccharide-Mediated Endometritis in Mice by Inhibiting Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Icariin (ICA) is a naturally occurring phytochemical agent primarily extracted from Epimedium Brevicornum Maxim (Family Berberidaceae) with a broad spectrum of bioactivities. Endometritis is a uterine disease that causes enormous losses in the dairy industry worldwide. In this study, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of ICA were investigated against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endometritis in mice to investigate possible underlying molecular mechanisms. Sixty heathy female Kunming mice were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 15), namely control, LPS, LPS + ICA, and ICA groups. The endometritis was induced by intrauterine infusion of 50 µL of LPS (1 mg/mL). After 24 h of onset of LPS-induced endometritis, ICA groups were injected thrice by ICA intraperitoneally six hours apart. Histopathological examination, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were used in this study. Histological alterations revealed that ICA markedly mitigated uterine tissue injury caused by LPS. The results showed that the ICA inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α) and boosted the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10). Additionally, ICA modulated the expression of malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase 1 (Gpx1) induced by LPS. The administration of ICA significantly (p < 0.05) improved the mRNA and protein expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4. The western blotting and ELISA finding revealed that the ICA repressed LPS-triggered NF-κB pathway activation. Moreover, ICA improved the antioxidant defense system via activation of the Nrf2 pathway. The results revealed that ICA up-regulated the mRNA and protein expression of Nuclear erythroid-2-related factor (Nrf2), NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) under LPS exposure. Conclusively, our findings strongly suggested that ICA protects endometritis caused by LPS by suppressing TLR4-associated NF-κB and Nrf2 pathways. Altogether, these innovative findings may pave the way for future studies into the therapeutic application of ICA to protect humans and animals against endometritis.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of thymol as an anti-inflammatory and wound healing agent: A review of thymol effect on inflammation and wound healing: A review of thymol effect on inflammation and wound healing

Thymol (THY) exhibits antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Recent studies have also shown that THY presents anti-inflammatory and healing properties. This review focused on in vitro and in vivo investigations related to THY utilization, as an anti-inflammatory and/or wound healing agent. PubMed, WebOfScience, and Scopus were examined. Independent reviewers conducted all diagram steps. PRISMA was followed for data extraction. RoB 2 and SYRCLE were utilized to assess the risk of bias for in vitro and animal studies. Meta-analysis was performed for in vitro and in vivo articles that investigated THY as an anti-inflammatory agent. Thirty-six and 15 articles were included in the qualitative analysis and meta-analysis, respectively. Studies showed high risk of bias related to sampling, allocation procedures, randomization, and blinding. Even so, for in vitro studies, significant result was observed for IL-2. For in vivo studies, significant results were found for IL-1, IL-17, TNF-α, AST, MPO, and CRP, with higher levels noticed in control groups. THY presents significant properties as anti-inflammatory, ameliorating affections of the digestive system, cardiovascular problems, respiratory system and dermal damages, and burns. Researches are needed to clarify THY dose-response relationship and its mechanism of action, especially in the application of THY as a healing agent.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 Alleviates Escherichia coli-Induced Inflammation via NF-κB and MAPKs Signaling in Bovine Endometrial Epithelial Cells

Escherichia coli counts as a major endometritis-causing pathogen among dairy cows, which lowered the economic benefits of dairy farming seriously. Probiotic consumption has been reported to impart beneficial effects on immunomodulation. However, the inflammatory regulation mechanism of probiotics on endometritis in dairy cows remains unexplored. The current work aimed to clarify the mechanism whereby Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 (L. rhamnosus GR-1) resists bovine endometrial epithelial cells (BEECs) inflammatory injury induced by E. coli. The model of cellular inflammatory injury was established in the BEECs, which comes from the uterus of healthy dairy cows using E. coli. The outcome of L. rhamnosus GR-1 addition on inflammation was evaluated in BEECs with E. coli-induced endometritis. The underlying mechanisms of anti-inflammation by L. rhamnosus GR-1 were further explored in E. coli-stimulated BEECs. In accordance with the obtained results, the use L. rhamnosus GR-1 alone could not cause the change of inflammatory factors, while L. rhamnosus GR-1 could significantly alleviate the expression of E. coli-induced inflammatory factors. Based on further study, L. rhamnosus GR-1 significantly hindered the TLR4 and MyD88 expression stimulated by E. coli. Moreover, we observed that in BEECs, L. rhamnosus GR-1 could inhibit the E. coli-elicited expressions of pathway proteins that are associated with NF-κB and MAPKs. Briefly, L. rhamnosus GR-1 can effectively protect against E. coli-induced inflammatory response that may be closely related to the inhibition of TLR4 and MyD88 stimulating NF-κB and MAPKs.

Thymol exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic protective effects against gentamicin nephrotoxicity in rats

The renoprotective effect of thymol (TML) was investigated in rats challenged with gentamicin (GN). Rats received TML (20 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 15 days, and GN (80 mg/kg/day, i.p.) starting from the 8th day. TML significantly lowered serum creatinine and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, and renal malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-18, Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9 in GN-challenged rats. In addition, TML caused a significant increment of renal total antioxidant capacity in rats received GN. Moreover, TML significantly ameliorated GN-induced histopathological kidney tissue injury, and significantly decreased nuclear factor-κB p65 and kidney injury molecule-1 expressions in kidneys of GN-challenged rats. It was concluded that TML guarded against CN-induced nephrotoxicity in rats via inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.

Ginsenoside Rb1 Mitigates Escherichia coli Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Endometritis through TLR4-Mediated NF-κB Pathway

Endometritis is the inflammatory response of the endometrial lining of the uterus and is associated with low conception rates, early embryonic mortality, and prolonged inter-calving intervals, and thus poses huge economic losses to the dairy industry worldwide. Ginsenoside Rb1 (GnRb1) is a natural compound obtained from the roots of Panax ginseng, having several pharmacological and biological properties. However, the anti-inflammatory properties of GnRb1 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged endometritis through the TLR4-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway has not yet been researched. This study was planned to evaluate the mechanisms of how GnRb1 rescues LPS-induced endometritis. In the present research, histopathological findings revealed that GnRb1 ameliorated LPS-triggered uterine injury. The ELISA and RT-qPCR assay findings indicated that GnRb1 suppressed the expression level of pro-inflammatory molecules (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) and boosted the level of anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokine. Furthermore, the molecular study suggested that GnRb1 attenuated TLR4-mediated NF-κB signaling. The results demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of GnRb1 in the mouse model of LPS-triggered endometritis via the inhibition of the TLR4-associated NF-κB pathway. Taken together, this study provides a baseline for the protective effect of GnRb1 to treat endometritis in both humans and animals.

Biomedical Effects of the Phytonutrients Turmeric, Garlic, Cinnamon, Graviola, and Oregano: A Comprehensive Review

Phytonutrients are plant foods that contain many natural bioactive compounds, called phytochemicals, which show specific biological activities. These phytonutrients and their phytochemicals may play an important role in health care maintaining normal organism functions (as preventives) and fighting against diseases (as therapeutics). Phytonutrients’ components are the primary metabolites (i.e., proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids) and phytochemicals or secondary metabolites (i.e., phenolics, alkaloids, organosulfides, and terpenes). For years, several phytonutrients and their phytochemicals have demonstrated specific pharmacological and therapeutic effects in human health such as anticancer, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and immune response. This review summarizes the effects of the most studied or the most popular phytonutrients (i.e., turmeric, garlic, cinnamon, graviola, and oregano) and any reported contraindications. This article also presents the calculated physicochemical properties of the main phytochemicals in the selected phytonutrients using Lipinski’s, Veber’s, and Ghose’s rules. Based on our revisions for this article, all these phytonutrients have consistently shown great potential as preventives and therapeutics on many diseases in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies.

CircRNA circFADS2 is Downregulated in Endometritis and its Overexpression Promotes miR-643 Maturation in Human Endometrial Epithelial Cells to Suppress Cell Apoptosis

CircRNA circFADS2 suppresses LPS-induced inflammation, which plays a critical role in endometritis. Our preliminary sequencing analysis revealed a positive correlation between circFADS2 and miR-643, which also play protective roles in LPS-induced inflammation. Therefore, this study was performed to explore the involvement of circFADS2 in endometritis with a focus on its interaction with miR-643. RT-qPCR was performed to analyze the levels circFADS2, mature miR-643, and premature miR-643 in plasma samples from endometritis patients (n = 66) and healthy controls (n = 66). Pearson's correlation coefficient was applied to analyze correlations between these genes. The effect of circFADS2 on miR-643 maturation was analyzed by measuring miR-643 and premature miR-643 levels in circFADS2-overexpressed human endometrial epithelial cell line HEnEpCs. The role of circFADS2 and miR-643 in HEnEpC apoptosis under LPS treatment was analyzed by cell apoptosis assay. CircFADS2 was downregulated in endometritis and was positively correlated with mature miR-643, but not premature miR-643. CircFADS2 overexpression in HEnEpCs increased the level of mature miR-643 but not premature miR-643. Cell apoptosis analysis showed that circFADS2 and miR-643 overexpression protected HEnEpCs from LPS-induced cell apoptosis, and miR-643 inhibition reduced the effect of circFADS2 overexpression. CircFADS2 is downregulated in endometritis, and it overexpression promotes miR-643 maturation in HEnEpCs to suppress cell apoptosis.

Phytogenic Bioactive Compounds Shape Fish Mucosal Immunity

Aquaculture growth will unavoidably involve the implementation of innovative and sustainable production strategies, being functional feeds among the most promising ones. A wide spectrum of phytogenics, particularly those containing terpenes and organosulfur compounds, are increasingly studied in aquafeeds, due to their growth promoting, antimicrobial, immunostimulant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and sedative properties. This trend relies on the importance of the mucosal barrier in the fish defense. Establishing the phytogenics' mode of action in mucosal tissues is of importance for further use and safe administration. Although the impact of phytogenics upon fish mucosal immunity has been extensively approached, most of the studies fail in addressing the mechanisms underlying their pharmacological effects. Unstandardized testing as an extended practice also questions the reproducibility and safety of such studies, limiting the use of phytogenics at commercial scale. The information presented herein provides insight on the fish mucosal immune responses to phytogenics, suggesting their mode of action, and ultimately encouraging the practice of reliable and reproducible research for novel feed additives for aquafeeds. For proper screening, characterization and optimization of their mode of action, we encourage the evaluation of purified compounds using in vitro systems before moving forward to in vivo trials. The formulation of additives with combinations of compounds previously characterized is recommended to avoid bacterial resistance. To improve the delivery of phytogenics and overcome limitations associated to compounds volatility and susceptibility to degradation, the use of encapsulation is advisable. Besides, newer approaches and dedicated methodologies are needed to elucidate the phytogenics pharmacokinetics and mode of action in depth.

Hydroxysafflor Yellow A Inhibits Staphylococcus aureus-Induced Mouse Endometrial Inflammation via TLR2-Mediated NF-kB and MAPK Pathway

The present study is designed to investigate the effect of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HYA) on Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)-induced mouse endometrial inflammation and to explore its molecular mechanism. We established a mouse endometritis model by intrauterine injection of S. aureus and intrauterine injection of HYA for treatment. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blot were used to detect protein expression in uterine tissue, and qPCR was used to measure mRNA expression. HYA could significantly weak uterine pathological changes caused by S. aureus and reduce MPO activity, CD45, CD3, and ED-1 protein expression in uterine tissues of S. aureus-infected mice. Similarly, HYA also significantly decreased S. aureus induced the increase in TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in uterine tissue. In vivo, we found that knockdown of TLR2 was very important could significantly reduce S. aureus induced the elevated expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in mEECs. Importantly, in terine tissues of S. aureus-infected mice, HYA significantly decreased the ratio of p-p65/p65, p-IKBα/IKBα, p-p38/p38, p-Erk/Erk, and p-JNK/JNK expression. HYA displays anti-inflammatory effects on S. aureus mouse endometrial inflammation, and this effect might be related to HYA which could block TLR2-mediated NF-kB and MAPK pathway.

Thymol alleviates AGEs-induced podocyte injury by a pleiotropic effect via NF-κB-mediated by RhoA/ROCK signalling pathway

Advanced glycation end products (AGE) are those of the most powerful pathogenic factors that related to diabetic complications. In our study, we investigated the beneficial effects of thymol on AGE induced cell injury and apoptosis in human podocytes (HPCs) and attempted to clarify its mechanisms. Our results revealed that stimulation with AGE could significantly activate RhoA/NF-κB pathway. Results showed thymol could markedly suppress inflammatory responses, cell apoptosis and disordered cytoskeleton. Also thymol restored the expression of podocin, restrained migration capacity. Western blot analysis indicated that it could restore the expression of RhoA, ROCK and vimentin, nephrin, podocin and p65 and IκBα phosphorylation. Moreover, si-RhoA also suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, ROCK, and vimentin and the phosphorylation of p65 and IκBα. In conclusion, thymol inhibits AGE-induced cell injury in HPCs by suppressing the RhoA-NF-κB pathway and may be apromising therapeutic agent.

ROS induced by spring viraemia of carp virus activate the inflammatory response via the MAPK/AP-1 and PI3K signaling pathways

Spring viraemia of carp virus (SVCV) can cause a high mortality in common carp (Cyprinus carpio), and its main pathological processes include the inflammatory response. However, the detailed mechanism is still unclear. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been shown to play critical roles in the immune response, including inflammation, in different models. Our previous studies have demonstrated that SVCV infection results in the accumulation of ROS, including H₂O₂, in epithelioma papulosum cyprini (EPC) cells. In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship between H₂O₂ accumulation and inflammation during SVCV infection. After EPC cells were infected with SVCV, the expression levels of the inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and interleukin (IL)-8 were up-regulated, while the expression of the anti-inflammatory factor interleukin (IL)-10 was down-regulated, compared with that in mock-infected EPC cells. The antioxidant N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) could dampen the increased TNF-ɑ and COX-2 expression induced by SVCV and H₂O₂, suggesting a relationship between ROS accumulation and inflammation during SVCV infection. Dual luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that SVCV could not activate the NF-κB pathway. In addition, inhibition of NF-κB by pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) treatment had no effect on the expression of inflammatory factors. Furthermore, inhibition of the ERK, JNK, and p38MAPK signaling pathways by U0126, SP600125, and SB203580, respectively, reduced the expression of TNF-ɑ, COX-2, and IL-8, indicating that these three signaling pathways were all involved in the inflammatory response after SVCV infection. In addition, the PI3K signaling pathway was involved in the expression of the chemokine IL-8 in the SVCV-induced inflammatory response. We also showed that inhibition of the MAPK or PI3K signaling pathway facilitated the expression of SVCV-G as well as increased the SVCV viral titer. Altogether these results reveal the mechanism of the SVCV-mediated inflammatory response. Thus, targeting these signaling pathways may provide novel treatment strategies for SVCV-mediated diseases.

Ethanolic Extract of Moringa oleifera Leaves Influences NF-κB Signaling Pathway to Restore Kidney Tissue from Cobalt-Mediated Oxidative Injury and Inflammation in Rats

This study aimed to describe the protective efficacy of Moringa oleifera ethanolic extract (MOEE) against the impact of cobalt chloride (CoCl₂) exposure on the rat’s kidney. Fifty male rats were assigned to five equal groups: a control group, a MOEE-administered group (400 mg/kg body weight (bw), daily via gastric tube), a CoCl₂-intoxicated group (300 mg/L, daily in drinking water), a protective group, and a therapeutic co-administered group that received MOEE prior to or following and concurrently with CoCl₂, respectively. The antioxidant status indices (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH)), oxidative stress markers (hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and malondialdehyde (MDA)), and inflammatory response markers (nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and C-reactive protein (CRP)) were evaluated. The expression profiles of pro-inflammatory cytokines (nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)) were also measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The results showed that CoCl₂ exposure was associated with significant elevations of oxidative stress and inflammatory indices with reductions in the endogenous tissue antioxidants’ concentrations. Moreover, CoCl₂ enhanced the activity of the NF-κB inflammatory-signaling pathway that plays a role in the associated inflammation of the kidney. MOEE ameliorated CoCl₂-induced renal oxidative damage and inflammatory injury with the suppression of the mRNA expression pattern of pro-inflammatory cytokine-encoding genes. MOEE is more effective when it is administered with CoCl₂ exposure as a prophylactic regimen. In conclusion, MOEE administration exhibited protective effects in counteracting CoCl₂-induced renal injury in rats.

MicroRNA-182 supplies negative feedback regulation to ameliorate lipopolysaccharide-induced ALI in mice by targeting TLR4

Acute lung injury (ALI), characterized by increased excessive pulmonary inflammation, is a pervasive inflammatory disease with clinically high incidence. MicroRNA (miRNAs) have been associated with the progression of multiple diseases and are regarded as novel regulators of inflammation. However, it remains largely unknown whether the miRNAs-mediated regulatory mechanism has an effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in ALI. We discovered that miR-182 distinctly lessened expression in the lung tissue of mice with ALI and macrophages stimulated by LPS. We also found that overexpression of miR-182 significantly cut down the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, while this change was reversed by inhibition of miR-182. In addition, miR-182 suppressed the activation of NF-κB by targeting TLR4 expression. And it was confirmed that miR-182 directly regulated TLR4 expression at the posttranscriptional level by binding to the 3'-UTR of TLR4. Together, these data suggested that inhibition of TLR4 expression assuaged LPS-stimulated inflammation through negative feedback regulation of miR-182.

MicroRNA-106a Provides Negative Feedback Regulation in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation by targeting TLR4

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a common clinical disease with high incidence and mortality rate, which is characterized by severe inflammatory response and tissues damage. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been regarded as novel regulators of inflammation, and play an important role in various inflammatory diseases. However, it remains unknown whether the regulatory mechanisms mediated by miR-106a is involved in LPS-induced ALI. In this study, we found that expression of miR-106a was significantly decreased in lung tissues of ALI mice and LPS-stimulated macrophages. We also revealed that over-expression of miR-106a significantly decreased the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, whereas this effect was reversed by the inhibition of miR-106a. Moreover, miR-106a inhibits NF-κB activation by targeting TLR4 expression. We further demonstrated that miR-106a inhibited TLR4 expression via binding directly to the 3'-UTR of TLR4. Taken together, the results of the present study illuminated that miR-106a is a negative feedback regulator in LPS-stimulated inflammation through TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Inhibitory effects of thymol on the cytotoxicity and inflammatory responses induced by Staphylococcus aureus extracellular vesicles in cultured keratinocytes

Staphylococcus aureus extracellular vesicles (EVs) deliver effector molecules to host cells and induce host cell pathology. This study investigated the disruption of S. aureus EVs by thymol along with its inhibitory effects on the cytotoxicity and inflammatory responses induced by EVs derived from two different S. aureus strains in cultured keratinocytes. Membrane disruption of the S. aureus EVs treated with thymol was determined using transmission electron microscopy. Human keratinocyte HaCaT cells were incubated with either intact or thymol-treated S. aureus EVs and then analyzed for cytotoxicity and pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression. Thymol inhibited the growth of S. aureus strains and disrupted the membranes of the S. aureus EVs. The cytotoxicity and the expression levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine genes towards HaCaT cells differed between the EVs derived from two S. aureus strains. Thymol-treated S. aureus EVs inhibited the cytotoxicity and the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine genes when compared to intact S. aureus EVs. Thymol-treated S. aureus EVs delivered lesser amounts of the EV component to host cells than intact EVs. Our results suggest that the thymol-induced disruption of the S. aureus EVs inhibits the delivery of effector molecules to host cells, resulting in the suppression of cytotoxicity and inflammatory responses in keratinocytes. Thymol may attenuate the host cell pathology induced by an S. aureus infection via both the antimicrobial activity against the bacteria and the disruption of the secreted EVs.

Effects of Carvacrol, Thymol and essential oils containing such monoterpenes on wound healing: a systematic review

Objectives

The treatment of wounds accounts for a considerable fraction of health expenses as well as serious socioeconomic problems. The use of natural substances stands out as a source of new therapeutic discoveries for the wound healing. Thus, this review compiled scientific findings on the applicability of carvacrol and thymol, or essential oils containing at least one of these compounds, for the treatment of wounds.

Methods

This review was performed at PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science databases using keywords as wound healing, thymol/carvacrol and essential oils. Thirteen studies were selected for discussion.

Key findings

Thymol/carvacrol was able to act in the three phases of wound healing. In the first phase, they showed modulatory effect of the inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress and antimicrobial power. In the second phase, they promoted re-epithelialization, angiogenesis and development of granulation tissue. Finally, in the third phase, they improve the collagen deposition and modulated the growth of fibroblasts and keratinocytes.

Conclusions

These compounds present a high potential for the development of new therapeutic for wound repair. However, dose, efficacy and safety of these compounds for the treatment of wounds, as well as the mechanisms by which those effects can be observed, are challenges for future studies.

Novel Liposome Eencapsulated Guanosine Di Phosphate based Therapeutic Target against Anemia of Inflammation

Hepcidin, master regulator of iron homeostasis, causes anemia under infectious and inflammatory conditions by reducing intestinal absorption of iron with decreased release of iron from macrophages and liver despite adequate iron stores leading to Anemia of Inflammation (AI). Many therapeutic trials have been carried out but none have been effective due to its adverse effects. In present study, we discover that Guanosine 5'-diphosphate (GDP) encapsulated in lipid vesicle (NH+) was found to inhibit NF-ҝB activation by limiting phosphorylation and degradation of IҝBα, thus, attenuating IL-6 secretion from macrophage cells. Moreover, the suppressed IL-6 levels down regulated JAK2/STAT3 pathway with decrease inflammation-mediated Hamp mRNA transcription (HepG2) and increase iron absorption (Caco2) in HepG2/Caco2 co-culture model. Analogous results were obtained in acute and chronic AI mice model thus, correcting haemoglobin level. These results proved NH + GDP as novel therapeutic agent to overcome limitations and suggests it as potential drug to ameliorate AI.

An Intrinsic Mitochondrial Pathway Is Required for Phytic Acid-Chitosan-Iron Oxide Nanocomposite (Phy-CS-MNP) to Induce G₀/G₁ Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in the Human Colorectal Cancer (HT-29) Cell Line

Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles are among the most useful metal nanoparticles in biomedical applications. A previous study had confirmed that phytic acid-chitosan-iron oxide nanocomposite (Phy-CS-MNP) exhibited antiproliferative activity towards human colorectal cancer (HT-29) cells. Hence, in this work, we explored the in vitro cytotoxicity activity and mechanistic action of Phy-CS-MNP nanocomposite in modulating gene and protein expression profiles in HT-29 cell lines. Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were evaluated by NovoCyte Flow Cytometer. The mRNA changes (cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (Cdk4), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9)) and protein expression (nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and cytochrome c) were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blotting, respectively. The data from our study demonstrated that treatment with Phy-CS-MNP nanocomposite triggered apoptosis and G₀/G₁ cell cycle arrest. The transcriptional activity of JNK1 and iNOS was upregulated after treatment with 90 μg/mL Phy-CS-MNP nanocomposite. Our results suggested that Phy-CS-MNP nanocomposite induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest via an intrinsic mitochondrial pathway through modulation of Bax and Bcl-2 and the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria into the cytosol.

The Potential Therapeutic Role of miR-223 in Bovine Endometritis by Targeting the NLRP3 Inflammasome

Bovine endometritis affects milk production and reproductive performance in dairy cows and causes serious economic loss. The underlying molecular mechanisms or signaling pathways of bovine endometritis remain unclear. In this study, we attempted to determine the expression mechanism of mir-223 in endometritis of dairy cows and evaluate its potential therapeutic value. We first confirmed that there was an increased level of miR-223 in endometritis, and then, an LPS-induced bovine endometrial epithelial cell (BEND) line was used to mimic the inflammatory model in vitro. Our data showed that activation of NF-κB promoted the transcription of miR-223, thus inhibiting activation of the inflammatory mediator NLRP3 and its mediation of IL-1β production to protect against inflammatory damage. Meanwhile, in vivo studies showed that inhibition of mir-223 resulted in an enhanced pathology of mice during LPS-induced endometritis, while overexpression of mir-223 attenuated the inflammatory conditions in the uterus. In summary, our study highlights that miR-223 serves both to constrain the level of NLRP3 activation and to act as a protective factor in the inflammatory response and thus provides a future novel therapeutic modality for active flares in cow endometritis and other inflammatory diseases.

Protective role of fenofibrate in sepsis-induced acute kidney injury in BALB/c mice

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a severe complication of sepsis, which largely contributes to the associated high mortality rate. Fenofibrate, a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α (PPARα) agonist, has received considerable attention because of its effects related to renal damage-related energy metabolism and inflammation. The present study investigated the effects of fenofibrate on sepsis-associated AKI in BALB/c mice subjected to caecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Eight-week-old male BALB/c mice were divided into four groups: control group, fenofibrate group, caecal ligation and puncture (CLP) group, and fenofibrate + CLP group. CLP was performed after mice were gavaged with fenofibrate for 2 weeks. After 48 hours, we measured the histopathological alterations of the kidney tissue and plasma levels of serum creatinine (CRE), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), reactive oxygen species (ROS), ATP, and ADP. We evaluated PPARα and P53 protein levels as well as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor-α mRNA levels. Our results showed that administering fenofibrate significantly reduced kidney histological alterations caused by CLP. Fenofibrate inhibited the plasma levels of ROS, CRE, NGAL, and increased the ATP/ADP ratio. Fenofibrate significantly inhibited elevations in P53, IL-1β, IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor-α expression. The results suggest that fenofibrate administration effectively modulates energy metabolism and may be a novel approach to treat sepsis-induced renal damage.

Thymol alleviates lipopolysaccharide-stimulated inflammatory response via downregulation of RhoA-mediated NF-κB signalling pathway in human peritoneal mesothelial cells

Thymol is one of the most important dietary constituents in the thyme species and has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties both in vivo and in vitro. We investigated the protective effects of thymol on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in the human peritoneal mesothelial cell line (HMrSV5) to clarify the potential mechanism. HMrSV5 cells were stimulated with LPS in the presence or absence of thymol. Our results showed that thymol markedly suppressed the production of cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot analysis indicated that RhoA and ROCK activation; Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression; and Nuclear factor -kappa B (NF-κB) p65, IKK and IκBα phosphorylation were also inhibited by thymol. Moreover, siRNA knockdown of RhoA suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and IκBα proteins in LPS-stimulated HMrSV5 cells, but did not affect TLR4 expression. In conclusion, thymol inhibits LPS-induced inflammation in HMrSV5 cells by suppressing TLR4-mediated RhoA-dependent NF-κB signalling pathway. Our study suggests that thymol may be a promising therapeutic agent against peritonitis.

Anti-inflammatory Effects of Rosmarinic Acid in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Mastitis in Mice

Rosmarinic acid (RA), a type of food additives mainly extracted from rosemary, has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory activities in some previous studies. However, the effects of RA on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mastitis have not been reported. Here, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of RA on LPS-induced mastitis in mice and elucidated the potential mechanisms in mouse mammary epithelial cells (mMECs). RA treatment significantly ameliorated the mammary structural damage, and reduced the activity of myeloperoxidase. ELISA and qPCR results indicated that RA dose-dependently decreased the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 both in tissues and mMECs. Furthermore, RA remarkably suppressed the protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, IRAK1, TRAF6, and p-IKKβ. In addition, RA was also found to inhibit LPS-induced NF-κB signaling pathway activation. These results suggest that RA effectively attenuates LPS-induced mastitis by inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Downregulation of TLR4 by miR-181a Provides Negative Feedback Regulation to Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a progressive clinical disease with a high mortality rate, and characterized by an excessive uncontrolled inflammatory response. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in various human inflammatory diseases, and have been recognized as important regulators of inflammation. However, the regulatory mechanisms mediated by miRNAs involved in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in ALI remain hazy. In this study, we found that miR-181a expression in the lung tissues of ALI mice and LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages is dramatically reduced. We also show that over-expression of miR-181a significantly decreased the production of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, whereas inhibition of miR-181a reversed this decrease. Moreover, miR-181a inhibits NF-κB activation and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by targeting TLR4 expression. We further verify that miR-181a suppresses TLR4 expression by binding directly to the 3′-UTR of TLR4. Therefore, we provide the first evidence for the negative regulation of miR-181a in LPS-induced inflammation via the suppression of ROS generation and TLR4-NF-κB pathway.

Preventive and Therapeutic Effects of Thymol in a Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury Mice Model

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening syndrome which causes a high mortality rate worldwide. In traditional medicine, lots of aromatic plants-such as some Thymus species-are used for treatment of various lung diseases including pertussis, bronchitis, and asthma. Thymol, one of the primary active constituent derived from Thymus vulgaris (thyme), has been reported to exhibit potent anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities in vivo and in vitro. The present study aims to investigate the protective effects of thymol in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung injury mice model. In LPS-challenged mice, treatment with thymol (100 mg/kg) before or after LPS challenge significantly improved pathological changes in lung tissues. Thymol also inhibited the LPS-induced inflammatory cells influx, TNF-α and IL-6 releases, and protein concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Additionally, thymol markedly inhibited LPS-induced elevation of MDA and MPO levels, as well as reduction of SOD activity. Further study demonstrated that thymol effectively inhibited the NF-κB activation in the lung. Taken together, these results suggested that thymol might be useful in the therapy of acute lung injury.

Chronic diseases, inflammation, and spices: how are they linked?

Extensive research within the last several decades has revealed that the major risk factors for most chronic diseases are infections, obesity, alcohol, tobacco, radiation, environmental pollutants, and diet. It is now well established that these factors induce chronic diseases through induction of inflammation. However, inflammation could be either acute or chronic. Acute inflammation persists for a short duration and is the host defense against infections and allergens, whereas the chronic inflammation persists for a long time and leads to many chronic diseases including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, respiratory diseases, etc. Numerous lines of evidence suggest that the aforementioned risk factors induced cancer through chronic inflammation. First, transcription factors NF-κB and STAT3 that regulate expression of inflammatory gene products, have been found to be constitutively active in most cancers; second, chronic inflammation such as pancreatitis, prostatitis, hepatitis etc. leads to cancers; third, activation of NF-κB and STAT3 leads to cancer cell proliferation, survival, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis; fourth, activation of NF-κB and STAT3 leads to resistance to chemotherapy and radiation, and hypoxia and acidic conditions activate these transcription factors. Therefore, targeting these pathways may provide opportunities for both prevention and treatment of cancer and other chronic diseases. We will discuss in this review the potential of various dietary agents such as spices and its components in the suppression of inflammatory pathways and their roles in the prevention and therapy of cancer and other chronic diseases. In fact, epidemiological studies do indicate that cancer incidence in countries such as India where spices are consumed daily is much lower (94/100,000) than those where spices are not consumed such as United States (318/100,000), suggesting the potential role of spices in cancer prevention.

Ginsenoside Rg1 protects human renal tubular epithelial cells from lipopolysaccharide-induced apoptosis and inflammation damage

Ginsenoside Rg1, one of the most notable active components of Panax ginseng, has been widely reported to exert anti-inflammatory actions. This study aimed to reveal whether ginsenoside Rg1 also exhibits beneficial roles against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced apoptosis and inflammation in human renal tubular epithelial cells, and to evaluate the potential role of the component on tubulointerstitial nephritis treatment. HK-2 cells were treated with various doses of ginsenoside Rg1 (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 μM) in the absence or presence of 5 μg/mL LPS. Thereafter, CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, western blot, migration assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, and ELISA were carried out to respectively assess cell viability, apoptosis, migration, ROS activity, and the release of inflammatory cytokines. As a result, ginsenoside Rg1 protected HK-2 cells from LPS-induced injury, as cell viability was increased, cell apoptosis was decreased, and the release of MCP-1, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α was reduced. Ginsenoside Rg1 functioned to HK-2 cells in a dose-dependent manner, and the 150 μM dose exhibited the most protective functions. Ginsenoside Rg1 had no significant impact on cell migration and ROS activity, while it alleviated LPS-induced ROS release and migration impairment. Furthermore, the down-regulations of p-PI3K, p-AKT, and up-regulations of PTEN, p-IκBα, p-p65, Bcl-3 induced by LPS were recovered to some extent after ginsenoside Rg1 treatment. In conclusion, ginsenoside Rg1 protects HK-2 cells against LPS-induced inflammation and apoptosis via activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway and suppression of NF-κB pathway.

Se2Mo10V3, a heteropoly compound containing selenium, inhibits tumor growth

Selenium compounds have strong anti-tumor effects and are well-tolerated. We examined the anti-tumor effects of (NH₄)₂H₁₅Se₂^VIMo₁₀V₃O₅₂·2H₂O (Se₂Mo₁₀V₃₎, a heteropoly compound containing selenium. Se₂Mo₁₀V₃ inhibited proliferation in K562 cells with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 78.72±2.82 mg/L after 48 h and 24.94±0.88 mg/L after 72 h. Typical apoptotic morphologies were also observed in K562 cells treated with Se₂Mo₁₀V₃, as were increased intracellular levels of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, H⁺, and reactive oxygen species, and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. In addition, Se₂Mo₁₀V₃ treatment triggered cytochrome C release and inhibited IκBα degradation and NF-κB translocation. In vivo experiments revealed that 5 or 10 mg/kg Se₂Mo₁₀V₃ inhibited the growth of sarcoma 180 and hepatoma 22 xenograft tumors. These results indicate that Se₂Mo₁₀V₃ inhibits tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo and induces apoptosis in K562 cells, possibly by inhibiting the NF-κB/IκBα pathway.

Geraniol alleviates LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice via inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis

Geraniol (GOH), a special type of acyclic monoterpene alcohol, has been widely used to treat many diseases associated with inflammation and apoptosis. Acute lung injury (ALI) is a common clinical disease in humans characterized by pulmonary inflammation and apoptosis. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of GOH in a mouse model of ALI induced by the intranasal administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and elucidated the underlying molecular mechanisms in RAW 264.7 cells. In vivo, GOH treatment markedly ameliorated pathological injury and pulmonary cell apoptosis and reduced the wet/dry (W/D) weight ratio of lungs, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α). In vitro, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, iNOS and COX-2 were significantly increased in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, an effect that was decreased by GOH treatment. Moreover, GOH treatment dramatically reduced the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and then prevented the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation. GOH treatment also promoted anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression and inhibited pro-apoptotic Bax and Caspase-3 expression. Furthermore, knockdown of TLR4 expression exerted a similar effect and inhibited the phosphorylation of p65, as well as the Bax and Caspase-3 expression. Taken together, these results suggest that GOH treatment alleviates LPS-induced ALI via inhibiting pulmonary inflammation and apoptosis, a finding that might be associated with the inhibition of TLR4-mediated NF-κB and Bcl-2/Bax signalling pathways.

Oridonin attenuates the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells and acute lung injury

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening inflammatory disease owing to the lack of specific and effective therapies. Oridonin (Ori) is an active diterpenoid isolated from Rabdosiarubescens (R.rubescens) that has been shown to possess a broadspectrum pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory, antitumour, antioxidative and neuroregulatory effects. However, its potential protective mechanism in ALI is not well characterized. In this study, we demonstrated that Ori reduces the mortality of mice with ALI induced by a high dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which suggests that Ori has a protective effect on LPS induced ALI. Next, our results confirmed that Ori improves LPS-induced localized pulmonary pathology and decreased the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) in the serum. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) is capable of regulating the transcription of pro-inflammatory factors. Interestingly, our results showed that Ori inhibits the expression of TLR4/MyD88 and phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 in lung tissues. To confirm this, we further validated the possible regulatory anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Ori in vitro. LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells, which are widely used as an inflammation model to evaluate the potential protective effect of drugs in vitro, were chosen for this study. Similar results were observed, that is, pre-treatment with Ori, markedly inhibited the nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 induced by LPS and subsequently decreased the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines that were increased by LPS. Overall, these results demonstrated that Ori exerts a therapeutic effect on ALI by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB axis.