Cinnamon extract suppresses experimental colitis through modulation of antigen-presenting cells

The Inhibition of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs) and NF-κB Underlies the Neuroprotective Capacity of a Cinnamon/Curcumin/Turmeric Spice Blend in Aβ-Exposed THP-1 Cells

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by an increased level of β-amyloid (Aβ) protein deposition in the brain, yet the exact etiology remains elusive. Nowadays, treatments only target symptoms, thus the search for novel strategies is constantly stimulated, and looking to natural substances from the plant kingdom. The aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of a spice blend composed of cinnamon bark and two different turmeric root extracts (CCSB) in Aβ-exposed THP-1 cells as a model of neuroinflammation. In abiotic assays, CCSB demonstrated an antioxidant capacity up to three times stronger than Trolox in the ORAC assay, and it reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by the amyloid fragment in THP-1 cells by up to 39.7%. Moreover, CCSB lowered the Aβ stimulated secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 by up to 24.9% and 43.4%, respectively, along with their gene expression by up to 25.2% and 43.1%, respectively. The mechanism involved the mitogen-activated protein kinases ERK, JNK and p38, whose phosphorylation was reduced by up to 51.5%, 73.7%, and 58.2%, respectively. In addition, phosphorylation of p65, one of the five components forming NF-κB, was reduced by up to 86.1%. Our results suggest that CCSB can counteract the neuroinflammatory stimulus induced by Aβ-exposure in THP-1 cells, and therefore can be considered a potential candidate for AD management.

Two new meroterpenoids from the bark of Cinnamomum cassia and their antioxidant activity

Two new (1 and 2) meroterpenoids were isolated from the bark of Cinnamomum cassia. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analyses and chemical methods. Antioxidant activities of 1 and 2 were evaluated by the ORAC and DPPH radical scavenging assays, and the results revealed that compound 2 displayed oxygen radical absorbance capacity. The discovery of compounds 1 and 2 added new members of this kind of natural product.

Syringaldehyde ameliorates mouse arthritis by inhibiting dendritic cell maturation and proinflammatory cytokine secretion

Syringaldehyde (SD), a kind of flavonoid polyphenolic small molecule compound, has the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. But it is unknown whether SD has properties on the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by modulating dendritic cells (DCs). We explored the effect of SD on the maturation of DCs in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that SD significantly down-regulated the expression of CD86, CD40 and MHC II, decreased the secretion of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12p40 and IL-23, and increased IL-10 secretion and antigen phagocytosis in vitro induced by lipopolysaccharides in a dose-dependent manner through reducing the activation of MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways. SD also significantly inhibited the expression of CD86, CD40 and MHC II on DCs in vivo. Moreover, SD suppressed the expression of CCR7 and the in vivo migration of DCs. In arthritis mouse models induced by λ-carrageenan and complete Freund's adjuvant, SD significantly alleviated paw and joint oedema, reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 and increased the level of IL-10 in serum. Interestingly, SD significantly decreased the numbers of type I helper T cells (Th1), Th2, Th17 and Th17/Th1-like (CD4⁺IFN-γ⁺IL-17A⁺), but increased the numbers of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in spleens of mice. Importantly, the numbers of CD11c⁺IL-23⁺ and CD11c⁺IL-6⁺ cells were negatively correlated with the numbers of Th17 and Th17/Th1-like. These results suggested that SD ameliorated mouse arthritis through inhibiting the differentiation of Th1, Th17 and Th17/Th1-like and promoting the generation of Tregs via regulation of DC maturation.

Aqueous cinnamon extract ameliorates bowel dysfunction and enteric 5-HT synthesis in IBS rats

Cinnamon protects against irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) in humans, but its efficacy and underlying mechanism of action remain poorly understood. Maternally separated (MS) IBS-D rat model and 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced post-inflammatory IBS-D rat model are characterized by visceral hyperalgesia and diarrhea. This study used the two models to evaluate the effect of cinnamon extract (CE) on bowel symptoms. The MS rat model was also used to explore its underlying anti-IBS mechanism. cinnamon extract reduced defecation frequency and visceral hyperalgesia in MS rats in a dose-dependent manner and effectively improved visceral hyperalgesia in TNBS rats. The efficacy of cinnamon extract was comparable to the positive drug serotonin receptor 3 (5-HT3) selective antagonist, Ramosetron. Excessive 5-HT, a well-known pathogenic factor for IBS, in the colon and circulation of IBS rats was reduced after cinnamon extract intervention. Both, gene and protein levels of the colonic 5-HT synthetase, Tryptophan Hydroxylase 1 (Tph1), were also decreased in CE-treated IBS rats. In addition, a luciferase assay revealed that cinnamon extract and its major components, catechin, procyanidin B1/2, cinnamic acid, and cinnamyl alcohol, significantly inhibited Tph1 transcription activity in vitro. These findings illustrated that aqueous cinnamon extract partially attenuated bowel symptoms in IBS models by directly inhibiting Tph1 expression and controlling 5-HT synthesis. This provides a scientific viewpoint for the use of cinnamon as a folk medication to treat IBS.

Efficacy of Zingiber officinale and Cinnamomum zeylanicum extracts against experimental Trichinella spiralis infection

Trichinellosis is a re-emerging zoonotic disease that has become a public health concern since its reported human outbreaks in many countries. The traditional therapy has many adverse effects in addition to the developing resistance. So, this necessitates finding effective natural alternatives. The current study targeted to assess the potential therapeutic effects of Zingiber officinale and Cinnamomum zeylanicum in comparison to albendazole, a conventional therapy for treatment of trichinosis. Sixty mice were classified into five groups (12 mice each), non-infected control, infected control, combined albendazole and prednisolone, Zingiber officinale, and Cinnamomum zeylanicum treated groups. Mice sacrifice was performed on the 7th and 35th days post infection for intestinal and muscular phases respectively. Efficiency of the used preparations was assessed by parasitological, histopathological, immunohistochemical, biochemical studies in addition to ultrastructural evaluation using transmission electron microscopy. A significant reduction in the mean number of T. spiralis adult worms and larvae was observed in Zingiber officinale and Cinnamomum zeylanicum treated groups, (64.5%, 50.8%) and (68%, 54.6%) respectively. Also, both extracts showed moderate cytoplasmic reactivity for TGF-β1, (69.3% & 67.8%) respectively. The highest reduction in serum TNF- α level was observed in Zingiber officinale treated group during the muscle phase (58.4%) while in the intestinal phase was 50%. The ultrastructural study revealed degenerative effects on both adults and larvae in addition to obvious improvement of the histopathological changes in the small intestine and muscles. We concluded that these herbal extracts especially Zingiber officinale can be considered a practical and successful alternative for the treatment of trichinellosis.

Animal model of intestinal anti-inflammatory effect of ginger-cinnamon complex

This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of ginger-cinnamon mixture using an animal model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced intestinal inflammation. The mice were administered either distilled water or ginger extract (GE), cinnamon subcritical water extract (CSWE), low GE + CSWE (GCL), and high GE + CSWE (GCH) for 21 days and drinking water containing 5% DSS for the final 7 days to induce intestinal inflammation. We assessed the change of body weight, disease activity index (DAI), histopathological scores, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and mRNA levels. Compared with the DSS group, the GCH group showed increased body weight, inhibited intestinal shortening, and decreased DAI and histopathological score of intestinal inflammation, which was similar to that for the control group. It inhibited MPO activity as well as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA levels. Therefore, the ginger-cinnamon complex helps to improve intestine inflammation, which is beneficial for gut health.

A review: the botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology of Cinnamomi cortex

Cinnamomi Cortex (CC) is the dried bark of Cinnamomum cassia (L.) J. Presl. Modern pharmacological research shows that CC can be used to treat diabetes, breast cancer, leukemia and other diseases. It has been used for more than 2000 years in China, mainly distributed in Guangxi, Guangdong, Yunnan and Fujian. In this paper, the botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and other aspects of CC are summarized. We hope to provide convenience for the further exploration and development of CC. There are more than 300 components isolated from CC including essential oils, polyphenols, diterpenes and sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, polysaccharides and others. Pharmacological studies show that CC has a wide range of pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antitumor, improving glucose and lipid metabolism, neuroprotection and so on. It shows that CC has great potential to develop into a cheap, low-toxicity and highly-efficient natural therapeutic drug. However, there is still a long way to go for research of CC, although great progress has been made. For instance, clinical practices for CC recorded in traditional medicine books need to be paid more attention. Present achievements are still not enough to clearly explain the mechanism for some diseases. New skeletons and new drugs will be required to be discovered, so that the potential of CC can be brought into full play.

Cinnamon Aqueous Extract Attenuates Diclofenac Sodium and Oxytetracycline Mediated Hepato-Renal Toxicity and Modulates Oxidative Stress, Cell Apoptosis, and Inflammation in Male Albino Rats

Among commonly consumed anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial drugs are diclofenac sodium (DFS) and oxytetracycline (OTC), especially in developing countries because they are highly effective and cheap. However, the concomitant administration of anti-inflammatory drugs with antibiotics may exaggerate massive toxic effects on many organs. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Cin) is considered one of the most broadly utilized plants with various antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. This study aimed to evaluate the possible protective effects of cinnamon aqueous extract (Cin) against DFS and OTC hepato-renal toxicity. Eight groups (8/group) of adult male albino rats were treated orally for 15 days with physiological saline (control), Cin aqueous extract (300 mg/kg b.w.), OTC (200 mg/kg b.w.), single dose of DFS at the 14th day (100 mg/kg b.w.), DFS + OTC, Cin + DFS, Cin + OTC, and Cin + DFS + OTC. The administration of DFS and/or OTC significantly increased (p < 0.05) the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, urea, creatinine, and uric acid. Serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as hepatic and renal malondialdehyde and nitric oxide metabolites, were also raised following DFS and OTC administration. Meanwhile, the activities of reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in liver and kidney were significantly suppressed in DFS, OTC, and DFS + OTC treated rats. Moreover, hepatic and renal tissue sections from these rats exhibited overexpression of caspase-3 and cyclooxygenase-II on immunohistochemical investigation. The administration of Cin aqueous extract ameliorated the aforementioned deteriorations caused by DFS, OTC, and their combination. Conclusively, Cin is a promising protective plant extract capable of attenuating the oxidative damage, apoptosis, and inflammation induced by DFS and OTC either alone or combined, on hepatic and renal tissues.

Can cinnamon spice down autoimmune diseases?

Autoimmune diseases are one of the dreadful group of human diseases that have always been of keen interest to researchers. Due to complex and broad-spectrum nature, scientists are not yet able to pinpoint the pathogenesis of and delineate effective therapy against this group of diseases. However, it is becoming clear that a decrease in number and function of T regulatory cells (Treg), an increase in autoreactive Th1/Th17 cells and associated immunomodulation and inflammation participate in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases. Cinnamon (Cinnamonum verum or Cinnamonum cassia) is a widely used natural spice and flavoring ingredient and its metabolite sodium benzoate (NaB) is a food-additive and FDA-approved drug against nonketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH) and urea cycle disorders (UCD). Recent studies indicate that cinnamon either in powder or extract form and NaB are capable of modulating different autoimmune pathways as well as protecting animals from different autoimmune disorders. Here, we have made an honest attempt to delineate such pieces of evidence with available anti-autoimmune mechanisms and analyze whether cinnamon supplements could be used to control the fury of autoimmune disorders.

Spices: Potential Therapeutics for Alzheimer's Disease

India has traditionally been known to all over the world for spices and medicinal plants. Spices exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities. In contemporary, Indian spices are used to rustle up delicious delicacies. However, the Indian spices are more than just adjuvant which adds aroma and fragrance to foods. A few spices are very widely used and grown commercially in many countries, contain many important chemical constituents in the form of essential oil, oleoresin, oleogum, and resins, which impart flavor, pungency, and color to the prepared dishes, simultaneously exerts diverse therapeutic benefits. Ayurveda, the traditional systems of medicine in India has many evidences for the utilization of spices to cure various diseases. Some of the activities have been scientifically proven. Among various indications central nervous system disorders are of prime importance and it has been evident in traditional books and published reports that spices in fact protect and cure neuronal ailments. Likewise there are many spices found in India used for culinary purpose and have been found to have reported specific activities against brain disorders. About 400 B.C., Hippocrates rightly said "Let food be thy medicine and medicine thy food." This review focuses on the importance of spices in therapeutics and the till date scientific findings of Indian spices in CNS pharmacology and explores the potential of Indian spices to cure CNS disorders.

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.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Taiwanese Neolitsea Species on Th1 and Th2 Functionality

Neolitsea species, medicinal plants belonging to Lauraceae, contain rich alkaloids, steroids, sesquiterpenoids, and triterpenoids which possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory bioactivities. However, species differences in the immunomodulatory effects and evidence pertaining to the effects of Neolitsea species on adaptive immunity are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory properties of ten Taiwanese Neolitsea plants on T helper (Th) cell functionality, especially Th1 and Th2. Most of the 29 crude extracts of Neolitsea were not toxic to splenocytes, except N. buisanensis roots. N. aciculata and N. villosa leaf extracts possessed differential immunomodulatory effects on Th1/Th2 balance. N. aciculata var. variabillima and N. hiiranensis leaf extracts attenuated both Th1 and Th2 cytokines while N. konishii dramatically suppressed IFN-γ production. As N. aciculata var. variabillima and N. konishii leaf extracts significantly attenuated Th1 functionality, we further evaluated their effects on CD4 cells under CD3/CD28 stimulation. N. aciculata var. variabillima significantly suppressed IFN-γ, IL-10, and IL-17, demonstrating the broad suppressive effects on T helper cells; N. konishii significantly suppressed IFN-γ and IL-10 production, while the production of IL-17 was not altered. Collectively, these data demonstrated that leaf extracts of Taiwanese Neolitsea species contain phytochemicals with potentials to be developed as selective immunomodulators.

Modulation of dendritic cell immune functions by plant components

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the key linkage between innate and adoptive immune response. DCs are classified as specialized antigen-presenting cells that initiate T-cell immune responses during infection and hypersensitivity, and maintain immune tolerance to self-antigens. Initiating T-cell immune responses may be beneficial in infectious diseases or cancer management, while, immunosuppressant or tolerogenic responses could be useful in controlling autoimmunity, allergy or inflammatory diseases. Several types of plant-derived components show promising properties in influencing DC functions. Various types of these components have been proven useful in clinical application and immune-based therapy. Therefore, focusing on the benefits of plant-based medicine regulating DC functions may be useful, low-cost, and accessible strategies for human health. This review illustrates recent studies, investigating the role of plant components in manipulating DC phenotype and function towards immunostimulating or immunosuppressing effects either in vitro or in vivo.

The immunomodulatory effect of propolis on receptors expression, cytokine production and fungicidal activity of human monocytes

OBJECTIVES

Propolis is a beehive product and its immunomodulatory action has been documented; however, little is known concerning its mechanisms of action on human cells. Propolis influence on the initial events of the immune response was assessed, evaluating cell markers, cytokine production and the fungicidal activity of human monocytes.

METHODS

Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2, TLR-4, human leukocyte antigen-DR and cluster of differentiation (CD)80 expression by human monocytes was assessed using a FACSCalibur flow cytometer, cytokine production (tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-10) was determined by ELISA and the candidacidal activity was investigated after monocytes incubation with propolis and challenged with Candida albicans. The role of TLR-2 and TLR-4 on propolis action was assessed as well.

KEY FINDINGS

Propolis upregulated TLR-4 and CD80 expression and affected TNF-α and IL-10 production, depending on concentration. Propolis also increased the fungicidal activity of monocytes. Cytokine production was decreased by blocking TLR-4, whereas the fungicidal activity was affected by blocking TLR-2.

CONCLUSIONS

Propolis exerted an immunomodulatory action on cell receptors, cytokine production and fungicidal activity of human monocytes without affecting cell viability and depending on concentration. TLR-2 and TLR-4 may be involved in its mechanism of action.

Anti-oncogenic perspectives of spices/herbs: A comprehensive review

Contemporary nutrition regime has focused the attention of the researchers on phytochemicals enriched spices to mitigate various oncological threats. Numerous chemopreventive strategies against malignancy have been developed considering the anticancer perspectives of allied nutraceutical constituents. Current evidences have proven an inverse association of spices with that of oncological incidences. The high antioxidant activity of spices derived bioactives triggers the free radicals scavenging ability at cellular level thereby alleviating various metabolic syndromes. Promising compounds including curcumin and curcuminoids (turmeric), limonene (cardamom), allicin, allyl isothiocyanate (garlic), cinnamic aldehyde, 2-hydroxycinnamaldehyde and eugenol (cinnamon), gingerol, zingiberone, zingiberene (ginger), dipropyle disulfides and quercetin (onion), piperidine piperine, limonene, α- and β-pinene (black pepper), crocetin, crocin and safranal (saffron) have been identified as chemopreventing agents against various malignancies. Chemopreventive properties of spices are mediated by functional bioactive ingredients that arrest the activity of cytochrome P450 and isozymes CYP 1A1, cyclooxygenase-2, reducing activator of transcription-3 (STAT-3) and signal transducer. They are closely associated with tumorigenesis activated by interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptors and epidermal growth factor (EGF) relate to an array of tumors. The bioactive constituents altering the expression of protein involved in cell cycle, activating caspases killer and suppressing Kappa-B activation. Alongside, they also restrain causative agents of cell structure damage as in lipid and protein membrane system and DNA that shifting healthy body towards cancerous state. Spices phytochemicals have established as carcinogenesis blockers by modulating cell proliferation pathways transformation, inflammation, metastasis etc. Furthermore, spices as functional ingredients may act as immune boosters and diminish inflammatory disorders. The current review is inevitably an affirmative approach in the development of novel guidelines against cancer by using dietary species to maintain good health.

Anti-inflammatory effect of elemental diets with different fat composition in experimental colitis

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of two isoenergetic elemental formulae with different fat content in the rat model of trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS) colitis that mimics human inflammatory bowel disease. A total of forty-five male Wistar rats were assigned to five groups: (1) control group; (2) TNBS-induced colitis group; (3) TNBS-induced colitis group fed a long-chain TAG (LCT)-rich diet; (4) TNBS-induced colitis group fed a medium-chain TAG (MCT)-rich diet; (5) TNBS-induced colitis group fed a baseline diet and administered infliximab. Nutritional management lasted 12 d before and 4 d after rectal administration of TNBS. Subsequently, the rats were killed, and colonic tissue samples were collected for the assessment of histology, inflammation and oxidative stress. The MCT-rich diet decreased IL-6, IL-8 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) levels and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity, while the LCT-rich diet reduced only ICAM-1 levels and GST activity (P< 0·05). Neither elemental formula affected IL-10 levels. Infliximab reduced IL-8 and ICAM-1 levels and GST activity and increased IL-10 levels (P< 0·05). No significant differences were detected in oxidative stress. Histological damage scores differed significantly only between the control and the TNBS-induced colitis group. A MCT-rich formula seems to exert stronger anti-inflammatory effects than a LCT-rich formula in TNBS colitis.

Influence of ginger and cinnamon intake on inflammation and muscle soreness endued by exercise in Iranian female athletes

BACKGROUND

Ginger rhizomes (rich in gingerols, shogaols, paradols and zingerone) have been used in Asia for the treatment of asthma, diabetes, and pain, and have shown potent anti-inflammatory attributes. Common spices such as Cinnamon (including cinnamic aldehyde and cinnamyl aldehydeis) are used in food and many studies have focused on its anti-inflammatory components. Intense exercise can result in an inflammatory response to cell damage and also muscle soreness. The efficacy of dietary ginger and cinnamon as anti-inflammatory agents and their effectiveness in reducing muscle soreness has been investigated in limited studies on humans. Therefore, we have studied the effects of dietary ginger and cinnamon on inflammation and muscle soreness in Iranian female taekwondo players.

METHODS

Sixty healthy, trained women, aged 13-25 years, were enrolled in the six-week investigation and randomly categorized into three groups (cinnamon, ginger or placebo) and received 3 g of ginger, cinnamon or placebo powder each day, depending on the group they belonged to. The IL-6 level and Likert Scale of Muscle Soreness were evaluated at the beginning and the end of the study and compared among the groups.

RESULTS

Forty-nine of the participants completed the six-week intervention. There were no significant changes in the IL-6 cinnamon and ginger group when compared with the placebo group, whereas, there was a significant fall in muscle soreness in the cinnamon group and placebo (P < 0.1) and ginger group and placebo (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of ginger and cinnamon in athlete women for six weeks did not show any significant change in the IL-6 level, but showed a decrease in muscle soreness in the cinnamon and ginger groups.

High glucose-induced expression of inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species in cultured astrocytes

Astrocyte activation plays important roles both in physiological and pathological process in the CNS. In the latter, the process is further aggravated by hyperglycemia, leading to diabetes complications of CNS. We report here that high glucose (HG) treatment stimulated astrocytic morphological alteration coupled with changes in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vimentin expression. Additionally, HG upregulated the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); however, its effects on transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) expression were not evident. HG treatment induced increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as activation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and signal transducer and activator transcription 3 (STAT 3). HG-induced expression of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-4, and VEGF was blocked by ROS scavenger and inhibitors specific for NF-κB and STAT 3, respectively. The results suggest that the aforementioned multiple inflammatory cytokines and mediators that may be linked to the pathogenesis of the diabetes complications of CNS are induced by HG via the key signaling pathways.