Gomisin N has anti-allergic effect and inhibits inflammatory cytokine expression in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells

Simultaneous separation and determination of seven biphenyl cyclooctene lignans in Schisandra chinensis and its preparations by micellar electrokinetic chromatography with dual organic solvent system

INTRODUCTION

Gomisin is a natural dibenzo cyclooctene lignan, which is mainly derived from the family Magnoliaceae. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-aging, and hypoglycemic effects. Gomisins play important roles as medicines, nutraceuticals, food additives, and cosmetics.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to establish a micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) method for simultaneous separation and determination of seven biphenyl cyclooctene lignans (Gomisin D, E, G, H, J, N, and O) in Schisandra chinensis and its preparations.

METHODS

The method was optimized by studying the effects of the main parameters on the separation. The method has been validated and successfully applied to the determination of seven Gomisins in S. chinensis and its preparations.

RESULTS

In the separation system, the running buffer was composed of 20 mM Na2HPO4, 8.0 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), 11% (v/v) methanol, and 6.0% (v/v) ethanol. A diode array detector was used with a detection wavelength of 230 nm, a separation voltage of 17 kV, and an operating temperature of 25°C. Under this condition, the seven analytes were separated at baseline within 20 min, and a good linear relationship was obtained with correlation coefficient ranging from 0.9919 to 0.9992. The limit of detection (LOD, S/N = 3) and the limit of quantification (LOQ, S/N = 10) ranged from 0.8 to 0.9 μg/mL and from 2.6 to 3.0 μg/mL, respectively. The recovery rate was between 99.1% and 102.5%.

CONCLUSION

The experimental results indicated that this method is suitable for the separation and determination of seven Schisandra biphenyl cyclooctene lignan compounds in real samples. At the same time, it provides an effective reference for the quality control of S. chinensis and its preparations.

Gomisin M2 alleviates psoriasis‑like skin inflammation by inhibiting inflammatory signaling pathways

Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, is characterized by the excessive proliferation and impaired differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes and is accompanied by the increased infiltration of inflammatory cells. The condition requires long‑term treatment and has no definitive cure. Hence, supplements and therapeutic agents have been intensely investigated. Gomisin M2 (GM2), a lignan extracted from Schisandra chinensis (Turcz). Baill. (Schisandraceae; S. chinensis), has demonstrated diverse pharmacological properties, including anticancer, anti‑inflammatory and antiallergic effects. Based on these findings, the present study examined the effects of GM2 on an imiquimod (IMQ)‑induced psoriasis mouse model and on keratinocytes stimulated by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‑α and interferon‑γ. IMQ was topically applied to the back skin of mice for 7 consecutive days, and the mice were orally administered CD. These results showed that the oral administration of GM2 suppressed the symptoms of psoriasis, as evidenced by reductions in skin thickness, psoriasis area severity index scores for psoriasis lesions, transepidermal water loss and myeloperoxidase (MPO)‑associated cell infiltration. Furthermore, GM2 reduced the pathologically increased levels of immunoglobulin G2a, MPO and TNF‑α in the serum and T helper (Th)1 and Th17 cell populations in the spleen. GM2 decreased the gene expression of inflammatory‑related cytokines and chemokines and inhibited the expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 and nuclear factor‑κB in the activated keratinocytes. These results suggested that GM2 from S. chinensis is a potential therapeutic candidate to alleviate psoriasis‑like skin inflammation.

Low Level of Allergens in the Argentinean Plant Zuccagnia punctata Cav.: Screening and Quality Control of North-Western Propolis Using an LC-DAD-QTOF System

North-western Argentinean propolis (NAP), having promising bioactivity, was recently included into the National Food Code. Zuccagnia punctata Cav., a native shrub of north-western Argentina, is one of the prevalent botanical sources of NAPs, but no information on its allergenic constituents was available so far. A liquid chromatography-diode array detector -quadrupole-time of flight system (LC-DAD-QTOF) was used as a screening method for the reliable identification of sensitizing agents belonging to caffeic acid derivatives in Z. punctata and in two NAPs collected in the provinces of Catamarca and Tucumán. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester, one of the most active allergens in propolis, was never detected in either Z. punctata or NAP. Among 31 sensitizers, only geranyl caffeate was alleged in Z. punctata as <10% of its major constituent, whereas three caffeic acid derivatives with strong allergenic effect, i.e., geranyl, pentenyl, and benzyl caffeates, occurred in NAP samples (29%–36% of the Z. punctata major constituent), indicating other minor botanical sources. However, the high content of chalcones and flavonoids ascribed to Z. punctata significantly contributes to the antiallergenic and antioxidant character of these NAPs. This peculiar chemical profile depends on the extremophile condition in which this shrub grows and suggests other studies to characterize such raw materials for oral and topical formulations.

Gomisin M2 Inhibits Mast Cell-Mediated Allergic Inflammation via Attenuation of FcεRI-Mediated Lyn and Fyn Activation and Intracellular Calcium Levels

Mast cells are effector cells that induce allergic inflammation by secreting inflammatory mediators. Gomisin M2 (G.M2) is a lignan isolated from Schisandra chinensis (Turcz). Baill. exhibiting anti-cancer activities. We aimed to investigate the anti-allergic effects and the underlying mechanism of G.M2 in mast cell–mediated allergic inflammation. For the in vitro study, we used mouse bone marrow–derived mast cells, RBL-2H3, and rat peritoneal mast cells. G.M2 inhibited mast cell degranulation upon immunoglobulin E (IgE) stimulation by suppressing the intracellular calcium. In addition, G.M2 inhibited the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These inhibitory effects were dependent on the suppression of FcεRI-mediated activation of signaling molecules. To confirm the anti-allergic effects of G.M2 in vivo, IgE-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) and ovalbumin-induced active systemic anaphylaxis (ASA) models were utilized. Oral administration of G.M2 suppressed the PCA reactions in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, G.M2 reduced the ASA reactions, including hypothermia, histamine, interleukin-4, and IgE production. In conclusion, G.M2 exhibits anti-allergic effects through suppression of the Lyn and Fyn pathways in mast cells. According to these findings, we suggest that G.M2 has potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of allergic inflammatory diseases via suppression of mast cell activation.

Inhibition of RANKL-stimulated osteoclast differentiation by Schisandra chinensis through down-regulation of NFATc1 and c-fos expression

Background

Schisandra chinenesis (SC) has been reported to have ameliorative effect on osteoporosis. However, the mechanisms underlying the anti-osteoporosis activity of SC have not been clearly elucidated. In the present study, we determined the effects of SC on The receptor activator of NF-kB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis and its potential mechanism.

Methods

Raw 264.7 cells were treated with 0.6, 6 and 60 μg/mL SC in the presence of 100 ng/mL RANKL for 7 days. RANKL-induced osteoclast formation was analyzed by tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining. The osteoclast differentiation-related factors were confirmed along with TNF-α.

Results

SC inhibits the RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in dose-dependent manner within non-toxic concentrations. The supernatant concentrations of TNF-α were significantly decreased by SC treatment. In addition, osteoclastogenesis-related factors, TRAP6 and NF-κB, were markedly decreased by SC in RANKL-induced osteoclasts. Mechanistically, SC reduced the RANKL-triggered NFATc1 and c-fos expressions.

Conclusions

Taken together, our data suggest that SC can modulate bone metabolism by suppressing RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12906-018-2331-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Gomisin N Decreases Inflammatory Cytokine Production in Human Periodontal Ligament Cells

Gomisin N, which is a lignan isolated from Schisandra chinensis, has some pharmacological effects. However, the anti-inflammatory effects of gomisin N on periodontal disease are uncertain. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of gomisin N on inflammatory mediator production in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-stimulated human periodontal ligament cells (HPDLC). Gomisin N inhibited interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, CC chemokine ligand (CCL) 2, and CCL20 production in TNF-α-stimulated HPDLC in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, we revealed that gomisin N could suppress extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation in TNF-α-stimulated HPDLC though protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation was not suppressed by gomisin N treatment. In summary, gomisin N might exert anti-inflammatory effects by attenuating cytokine production in periodontal ligament cells via inhibiting the TNF-α-stimulated ERK and JNK pathways activation.

Bioassay-guided isolation of bisepoxylignans from the flower buds of Magnolia biondii Pamp and their antiallergic effects

Bioassay-guided isolation of bisepoxylignans from the flower buds of Magnolia biondii Pamp and their antiallergic effects.

Anti-allergic effect of α-cubebenoate isolated from Schisandra chinensis using in vivo and in vitro experiments

AIM OF THE STUDY

In Oriental countries, the dried fruits of Schisandra chinensis are extensively used in traditional medicine to treat asthma, gonorrhea, and other diseases. Recently, α-cubebenoate was isolated as an anti-inflammatory component from Schisandra chinensis. In the present study, the authors examined the anti-allergic effect of α-cubebenoate using in vivo and in vitro experiments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

α-Cubebenoate was isolated from an extract of Schisandra chinensis fruits. Antigen-induced degranulation and Ca(2+) mobilization were measured in RBL-2H3 mast cells. In addition, BALB/c mice were sensitized with ovalbumin and aluminum hydroxide, and then challenged with ovalbumin for three consecutive days. α-Cubebenoate (1mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally 30min before each ovalbumin challenge.

RESULTS

In RBL-2H3 mast cells, α-cubebenoate inhibited antigen-induced degranulation and increase of intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations. In the ovalbumin-induced asthma model, α-cubebenoate suppressed bronchiolar structural changes induced by ovalbumin challenge. Furthermore, α-cubebenoate strongly inhibited accumulations of eosinophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. α-Cubebenoate also suppressed Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-13) and TGF-β1 in lung tissues and in immune cells at the mRNA and protein levels.

CONCLUSION

α-Cubebenoate has an inhibitory effect on allergic inflammation and could be utilized as an agent for the treatment of asthma.

Ameliorative effects of Schizandra chinensis on osteoporosis via activation of estrogen receptor (ER)-α/-β

Estrogen deficiency in menopausal women is the main cause of osteoporosis. Phytoestrogen could be a suitable candidate for treatment of post-menopausal osteoporosis. Recent studies showed that S. chinensis contains several lignans, which may be phytoestrogen. In this study, we investigated the ameliorative effects of S. chinensis on post-menopausal osteoporosis. 30% ethanol extract of S. chinensis (SC) was administered orally for 6 weeks after 7 weeks of ovariectomized-induced osteoporosis. Bone mineral density was significantly increased following increased serum osteocalcin levels by SC treatment. Histological analysis showed that SC reduced the increased growth plate of the epiphyseal plate in femur. In addition, pores within bone marrow cells filling the lateral and medial epicondyle were decreased. Serum estradiol concentration was significantly increased in the SC-treated group. The expressions of estrogen receptor-α and -β were increased in uterus and MCF-7 breast cancer cells by SC treatment. And two transcriptions of proto-oncogenes, c-fos and c-Jun, were suppressed by treatment of SC. From these data, we propose that S. chinensis attenuates post-menopausal osteoporosis with its phytoestrogenic effects. S. chinensis may have the potential to be used as an alternative for treatment of osteoporosis.

Differential effect of schisandrin B stereoisomers on ATR-mediated DNA damage checkpoint signaling

We have previously reported that schisandrin B (SchB) is a specific inhibitor of ATR (ataxia telangiectasia and Rad-3-related) protein kinase. Since SchB consists of a mixture of its diastereomers gomisin N (GN) and γ-schisandrin (γ-Sch), the inhibitory action of SchB might result from a stereospecific interaction between one of the stereoisomers of SchB and ATR. Therefore, we investigated the effect of GN and γ-Sch on UV (UVC at 254 nm)-induced activation of DNA damage checkpoint signaling in A549 cells. UV-induced cell death (25 - 75 J/m(2)) was amplified by the presence of the diastereomers, especially GN. At the same time, GN, but not γ-Sch, inhibited the phosphorylation of checkpoint proteins such as p53, structural maintenance of chromosomes 1, and checkpoint kinase 1 in UV-irradiated cells. Moreover, GN inhibited the G2/M checkpoint during UV-induced DNA damage. The in vitro kinase activity of immunoaffinity-purified ATR was dose-dependently inhibited by GN (IC50: 7.28 μM) but not by γ-Sch. These results indicate that GN is the active component of SchB and suggest that GN inhibits the DNA damage checkpoint signaling by stereospecifically interacting with ATR.

The anti-inflammatory effect of Cheongseoikki-tang ethanol extract on allergic reactions mediated by bone marrow-derived mast cells

OBJECTIVE

Cheongseoikki-tang (CIT, Korean), also called Qingshu Yiqi decoction () and Seisho-ekki-to (Japanese), is well known as an effective traditional combination of herbs for treating cardiovascular diseases. This study was to research its effects on bone marrow-derived mast cell (BMMC)-mediated allergy and inflammation mechanisms.

METHODS

In this study, the biological effect of Cheongseoikki-tang ethanol extract (CITE) was evaluated, focusing on its effects on the production of allergic mediators by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore A23187 (A23187)-stimulated BMMCs. These allergic mediators included interleukin-6 (IL-6), prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), leukotriene C4 (LTC4), and β-hexosaminidase (β-hex).

RESULTS

Our data revealed that CITE inhibited the production of IL-6, PGD2, LTC4, and β-hex induced by PMA plus A23187 (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that CITE has the potential for use in the treatment of allergy.

Mitochondrial decay in ageing: 'Qi-invigorating' schisandrin B as a hormetic agent for mitigating age-related diseases

1. The mitochondrial free radical theory of ageing (MFRTA) proposes a primary role for mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the ageing process. The reductive hot spot hypothesis of mammalian ageing serves as a supplement to the MFRTA by explaining how the relatively few cells that have lost oxidative phosphorylation capacity due to mitochondrial DNA mutations can be toxic to the rest of the body and result in the development of age-related diseases. 2. Schisandrin B (SchB), which can induce both a glutathione anti-oxidant and a heat shock response via redox-sensitive signalling pathways, is a hormetic agent potentially useful for increasing the resistance of tissues to oxidative damage. The enhanced cellular/mitochondrial anti-oxidant status and heat shock response afforded by SchB can preserve the structural and functional integrity of mitochondria, suggesting a potential role for SchB in ameliorating age-related diseases. 3. Future studies will focus on investigating whether SchB can produce the hormetic response in humans.