Sophorolipid Suppresses LPS-Induced Inflammation in RAW264.7 Cells through the NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Protective effects of microbial biosurfactants produced by Bacillus halotolerans and Candida parapsilosis on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice: Impact of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties via TGF-β1/Smad-3 pathway and miRNA-326

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an irreversible disease which considered the most fatal pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary toxicity including IPF is the most severe adverse effect of bleomycin, the chemotherapeutic agent. Based on the fact that, exogenous surfactants could induce alveolar stabilization in many lung diseases, the aim of this study was to explore the effects of low cost biosurfactants, surfactin (SUR) and sophorolipids (SLs), against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice due to their antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Surfactin and sophorolipids were produced by microbial conversion of frying oil and potato peel wastes using Bacillus halotolerans and Candida parapsilosis respectively. These biosurfactants were identified by FTIR, 1H NMR, and LC-MS/MS spectra. C57BL/6 mice were administered the produced biosurfactants daily at oral dose of 200 mg kg-1 one day after the first bleomycin dose (35 U/kg). We evaluated four study groups: Control, Bleomycin, Bleomycin+SUR, Bleomycin+SLs. After 30 days, lungs from each mouse were sampled for oxidative stress, ELISA, Western blot, histopathological, immunohistochemical analyses. Our results showed that the produced SUR and SLs reduced pulmonary oxidative stress and inflammatory response in the lungs of bleomycin induced mice as they suppressed SOD, CAT, and GST activities also reduced NF-κβ, TNF-α, and CD68 levels. Furthermore, biosurfactants suppressed the expression of TGF-β1, Smad-3, and p-JNK fibrotic signaling pathway in pulmonary tissues. Histologically, SUR and SLs protected against lung ECM deposition caused by bleomycin administration. Biosurfactants produced from microbial sources can inhibit the induced inflammatory and fibrotic responses in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

Review of research progress on intestinal microbiota based on metabolism and inflammation for depression

Depression is a prevalent mental illness, affecting a significant portion of the global population. Recent research has highlighted the crucial role of the gut microbiota in both metabolic and central nervous health. By reviewing literature from various databases, including Pubmed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Scopus, spanning the years 2005-2023, a comprehensive search was conducted using keywords such as "Depression" and "Gut Microbiota". The gut microbiota acts as a "second brain" in humans and can communicate bidirectionally with the brain through the Brain-gut-microbiota axis pathway. This communication involves the immune and nervous systems. However, there are challenges in detecting and treating depression effectively. To address these limitations, researchers have been exploring the relationship between gut microbiota and depression. Studies have shown that gut microbial metabolites, such as lipopolysaccharides and short-chain fatty acids, can induce pro-inflammatory cytokines that contribute to neuroinflammation and increase the risk of depression. The kynurenine pathway, triggered by gut microbial metabolites, has also been associated with neuroinflammation. Thus, investigating these microbial metabolites can provide insights into depression treatment. This review focuses on analyzing the connection between gut microbial metabolites, inflammation, and depression. It explores novel mechanisms contributing to depression, specifically focusing on the mediation of inflammation through the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The objective is to provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying depression and to propose potential treatments.

Methazolamide Reduces the AQP5 mRNA Expression and Immune Cell Migration-A New Potential Drug in Sepsis Therapy?

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the dysregulated host response to infection. Novel therapeutic options are urgently needed and aquaporin inhibitors could suffice as aquaporin 5 (Aqp5) knockdown provided enhanced sepsis survival in a murine sepsis model. Potential AQP5 inhibitors provide sulfonamides and their derivatives. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that sulfonamides reduce AQP5 expression in different conditions. The impact of sulfonamides on AQP5 expression and immune cell migration was examined in cell lines REH and RAW 264.7 by qPCR, Western blot and migration assay. Subsequently, whether furosemide and methazolamide are capable of reducing AQP5 expression after LPS incubation was investigated in whole blood samples of healthy volunteers. Incubation with methazolamide (10-5 M) and furosemide (10-6 M) reduced AQP5 mRNA and protein expression by about 30% in REH cells. Pre-incubation of the cells with methazolamide reduced cell migration towards SDF1-α compared to non-preincubated cells to control level. Pre-incubation with methazolamide in PBMCs led to a reduction in LPS-induced AQP5 expression compared to control levels, while furosemide failed to reduce it. Methazolamide appears to reduce AQP5 expression and migration of immune cells. However, after LPS administration, the reduction in AQP5 expression by methazolamide is no longer possible. Hence, our study indicates that methazolamide is capable of reducing AQP5 expression and has the potential to be used in sepsis prophylaxis.

Acetyl barlerin from Barleria trispinosa induces chemopreventive NQO1 and attenuates LPS-induced inflammation: in vitro and molecular dynamic studies

Extraction and fractionation of Barleria trispinosa growing in Saudi Arabia yielded four iridoid compounds identified by spectroscopic techniques as acetylbarlerin (1), barlerin (2), shanzhiside methyl ester (3) and 6-⍺-L-rhamnopyranosyl-8-O-acetylshanzihiside methyl ester (4). Preliminary experiments confirmed that compound 1 acts as an inducer of chemopreventive NAD(P)H:Quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) enzymatic activity in a murine hepatoma (Hepa1c1c7) chemoprevention model. It also demonstrated the ability to inhibit the lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in the RAW264.7 macrophage model. Western blotting revealed the ability of compound 1 to up-regulate the protein expression of the NQO1 marker. Furthermore, compound 1 elicited NO suppression in RAW264.7 macrophages by inhibiting iNOS protein expression. Molecular docking and molecular simulation studies of 1 supported its experimental results as an inhibitor of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Nrf2-KEAP1) complex, resulting in Nrf2-mediated induction of chemopreventive NQO1.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

The mechanistic interplay between Nrf-2, NF-κB/MAPK, caspase-dependent apoptosis, and autophagy in the hepatoprotective effects of Sophorolipids produced by microbial conversion of banana peels using Saccharomyces cerevisiae against doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

BACKGROUND

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a well-known chemotherapeutic agent which causes serious adverse effects due to multiple organ damage, including cardiotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity. The mechanism of DOX-induced organ toxicity might be attributed to oxidative stress (OS) and, consequently, activation of inflammatory signaling pathways, apoptosis, and blockage of autophagy. Sophorolipids (SLs) as a glycolipid type of biosurfactants, are natural products that have unique properties and a wide range of applications attributed to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

AIMS

Production of low-cost SLs from Saccharomyces cerevisiae grown on banana peels and investigating their possible protective effects against DOX-induced hepatotoxicity.

MAIN METHODS

The yeast was locally isolated and molecularly identified, then the yielded SLs were characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR and LC-MS/MS spectra. Posteriorly, thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups; control (oral saline), SLs (200 mg/kg, p.o), DOX (10 mg/kg; i.p.), and SL + DOX (200 mg/kg p.o.,10 mg/kg; i.p., respectively). Liver function tests (LFTs), oxidative stress, inflammatory, apoptosis as well as autophagy markers were investigated.

KEY FINDINGS

SLs were produced with a yield of 49.04% and treatment with SLs improved LFTs, enhanced Nrf2 and suppressed NF-κB, IL-6, IL-1β, p38, caspase 3 and Bax/Bcl2 ratio in addition to promotion of autophagy when compared to DOX group.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our results revealed a novel promising protective effect of SLs against DOX-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Biancaea decapetala (Roth) O.Deg. extract exerts an anti-inflammatory effect by regulating the TNF/Akt/NF-κB pathway

BACKGROUND

Biancaea decapetala (Roth) O.Deg. (Fabaceae) is used to treat colds, fever, and rheumatic pain caused by inflammation. However, the mechanism underlying its anti-inflammatory properties remains unclear.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of Biancaea decapetala extract (BDE) in vitro and in vivo and explore the possible underlying mechanism and potential targets.

METHODS

The release of nitric oxide (NO) and inflammatory cytokines in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and rats were measured using Griess reagent and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was employed to examine the pathology of animal tissues. Transcriptome analysis was performed to screen the pathways related to BDE-mediated inhibition of inflammation, and the expression of related proteins was measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blotting, ELISA, and immunofluorescence methods. Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and the Drug Affinity Reaction Target Stability (DARTS) method were used to verify whether BDE binds to TNF-α target protein, while a L929 cell model and NF-κB gene reporter systematic method were used to investigate the inhibitory effect of BDE on the activity of TNF-α protein.

RESULTS

BDE inhibited the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and NO in RAW264.7 cells and rats, and improved the pathological changes in lung tissue. RNA-seq showed that BDE may regulate the TNF/Akt/NF-κB pathway to inhibit inflammation onset. BDE significantly downregulated the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and that of relevant proteins, including TNF-α, p-p65, p-Akt, p-IκBα. Furthermore, BDE inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-κB (p65) and the activation of the Akt pathway by SC79. The L929 cell model, luciferase reporter gene analysis, DARTS, and SPR experiments showed that BDE may bind to TNF-α and inhibit the TNF-α-NF-κB pathway.

CONCLUSION

BDE may target TNF-α to inhibit the TNF/Akt/NF-κB pathway, thereby attenuating inflammation. These findings reveal the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of BDE and provide a theoretical basis for the further development and utilization of BDE.

Modified rougan decoction attenuates hepatocyte apoptosis through ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction by upregulated SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway

The modified rougan decoction (MRGD) compound formula has been proven a certain ability to relieve lipopolysaccharide-enrofloxacin (LPS-ENR)-induced liver oxidant injury in chickens. Recent advances have shown that mitochondrial dysfunction affects the development of many diseases, leading to increased interest in exploring its effects. Using LPS-ENR-injured in vivo and in vitro to further evaluate the effects of MRGD on mitochondrial structure and function, and emphasized further investigation of its molecular mechanism. After LPS-ENR treatment, the levels of inflammation and apoptosis markers were increased, along with higher mitochondrial injury. Results showed that MRGD reduced inflammatory factors expression and inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-κB P65, reducing the inflammatory response in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, MRGD pretreatment inhibited mitochondrial dysfunction, mitochondrial oxidative stress, and mitochondrial pathway apoptosis by maintaining mitochondrial structure and function. Moreover, treatment with the inhibitor EX527 showed that MRGD promoted mitochondrial biogenesis ability through the SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway and interfered with mitochondrial dynamics, and activate Nrf2. In summary, MRGD played a key role in promoting mitochondrial function and thus alleviating hepatocyte apoptosis in vivo and in vitro at least in part.

Systematic Study of Paeonol/Madecassoside Co-Delivery Nanoemulsion Transdermal Delivery System for Enhancing Barrier Repair and Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy

Sensitive skin is defined as skin with low tolerance and high reactivity. Natural products, such as paeoniflorin and madecassoside, have unique skin care functionality. However, because they are hampered by the skin barrier, paeoniflorin and madecassoside have difficulty penetrating the stratum corneum, resulting in weakened skin barrier repair and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, there is a lack of detailed studies on the efficacy of paeonol and madecassic in human skin, especially in 3D skin models and clinical trials. To overcome the low transdermal delivery issue, we developed nanoemulsions (PM-NEs) loaded with paeonol and madecassoside to improve their delivery efficiency and promote sensitive skin repair and anti-inflammation effects. Furthermore, systematic evaluations of the efficacy in cell line models, 3D skin models, and clinical trials were conducted. The PM-NEs effectively improved the efficacy of paeonol and madecassoside glucoside transdermal penetration and retention and enhanced cellular uptake. Cellular assays and 3D epidermal models showed that the PM-NEs significantly promoted the secretion of filamentous protein, aquaporin 3, Claudin-1, and hyaluronic acid, and considerably inhibited the secretion of interleukin 1α, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and prostaglandin E₂ compared to free components. Notably, clinical trial data showed that the PM-NEs significantly reduced transepidermal water loss, a* values, erythropoietin, the amount of non-inflammatory acne, and the amount of inflammatory acne in the facial skin. Three levels of systematic studies suggest that co-delivery of paeoniflorin and madecassoside via nanoemulsions is a promising strategy to improve topical delivery efficiency and anti-inflammatory repair efficacy in sensitive skin.

Sophorolipid inhibits histamine-induced itch by decreasing PLC/IP3R signaling pathway activation and modulating TRPV1 activity

Biosurfactants are attracting much interest due to their potential application as therapeutic agents in the medical and cosmetic field. Previous studies have demonstrated that biosurfactant such as sophorolipid (SL) exhibits immunomodulatory effects. In this article, we found the potential of sophorolipid for inhibiting histamine-induced itch and preliminarily explored its molecular basis. First, behavioral tests indicated that SL can remit the histamine-induced scratching behaviors of mice. Second, SL can suppress the the calcium influx induced by histamine, HTMT and VUF8430 in HaCaT cells. RT-PCR analysis showed that the histamine-induced upregulation of mRNA levels of phospholipase Cγ1, 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R), and protein kinase Cα can be inhibted by SL, suggesting that SL may impede the PLC/IP3R signaling pathway activated by histamine. In further tests, the capsaicin-induced calcium influx can also be inhibited by SL. The immunofluorescence and molecular docking analysis indicated that SL acts as an inhibitor of transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) activation to decrease calcium influx against stimuli. In summary, these results revealed that SL may inhibit histamine-induced itch by decreasing PLC/IP3R signaling pathway activation and modulating TRPV1 activity. This paper indicates that SL can be a useful treatment for histamine-dependent itch.