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Nisar A, Jagtap S, Vyavahare S, Deshpande M, Harsulkar A, Ranjekar P, Prakash O. Phytochemicals in the treatment of inflammation-associated diseases: the journey from preclinical trials to clinical practice. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1177050. [PMID: 37229273 PMCID: PMC10203425 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1177050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in biomedical research have demonstrated that inflammation and its related diseases are the greatest threat to public health. Inflammatory action is the pathological response of the body towards the external stimuli such as infections, environmental factors, and autoimmune conditions to reduce tissue damage and improve patient comfort. However, when detrimental signal-transduction pathways are activated and inflammatory mediators are released over an extended period of time, the inflammatory process continues and a mild but persistent pro-inflammatory state may develop. Numerous degenerative disorders and chronic health issues including arthritis, diabetes, obesity, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases, among others, are associated with the emergence of a low-grade inflammatory state. Though, anti-inflammatory steroidal, as well as non-steroidal drugs, are extensively used against different inflammatory conditions, they show undesirable side effects upon long-term exposure, at times, leading to life-threatening consequences. Thus, drugs targeting chronic inflammation need to be developed to achieve better therapeutic management without or with a fewer side effects. Plants have been well known for their medicinal use for thousands of years due to their pharmacologically active phytochemicals belonging to diverse chemical classes with a number of these demonstrating potent anti-inflammatory activity. Some typical examples include colchicine (alkaloid), escin (triterpenoid saponin), capsaicin (methoxy phenol), bicyclol (lignan), borneol (monoterpene), and quercetin (flavonoid). These phytochemicals often act via regulating molecular mechanisms that synergize the anti-inflammatory pathways such as increased production of anti-inflammatory cytokines or interfere with the inflammatory pathways such as to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other modulators to improve the underlying pathological condition. This review describes the anti-inflammatory properties of a number of biologically active compounds derived from medicinal plants, and their mechanisms of pharmacological intervention to alleviate inflammation-associated diseases. The emphasis is given to information on anti-inflammatory phytochemicals that have been evaluated at the preclinical and clinical levels. Recent trends and gaps in the development of phytochemical-based anti-inflammatory drugs have also been included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akib Nisar
- Biochemical Sciences Division, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of IT and Biotechnology, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Suresh Jagtap
- Herbal Medicine, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Suresh Vyavahare
- Shatayu Ayurved and Research Centre, Solapur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Manasi Deshpande
- Department of Dravyagun Vigyan, College of Ayurved, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Abhay Harsulkar
- Herbal Medicine, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | | | - Om Prakash
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
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Allergic Inflammation: Effect of Propolis and Its Flavonoids. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27196694. [PMID: 36235230 PMCID: PMC9570745 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of allergic diseases and their complications are increasing worldwide. Today, people increasingly use natural products, which has been termed a "return to nature". Natural products with healing properties, especially those obtained from plants and bees, have been used in the prevention and treatment of numerous chronic diseases, including allergy and/or inflammation. Propolis is a multi-component resin rich in flavonoids, collected and transformed by honeybees from buds and plant wounds for the construction and adaptation of their nests. This article describes the current views regarding the possible mechanisms and multiple benefits of flavonoids in combating allergy and allergy-related complications. These benefits arise from flavonoid anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and wound healing activities and their effects on microbe-immune system interactions in developing host responses to different allergens. Finally, this article presents various aspects of allergy pathobiology and possible molecular approaches in their treatment. Possible mechanisms regarding the antiallergic action of propolis on the microbiota of the digestive and respiratory tracts and skin diseases as a method to selectively remove allergenic molecules by the process of bacterial biotransformation are also reported.
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Green Tea Polyphenol (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG): A Time for a New Player in the Treatment of Respiratory Diseases? Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11081566. [PMID: 36009285 PMCID: PMC9405266 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a major polyphenol of green tea that possesses a wide variety of actions. EGCG acts as a strong antioxidant which effectively scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibits pro-oxidant enzymes including NADPH oxidase, activates antioxidant systems including superoxide dismutase, catalase, or glutathione, and reduces abundant production of nitric oxide metabolites by inducible nitric oxide synthase. ECGC also exerts potent anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, pro-apoptotic, anti-tumorous, and metabolic effects via modulation of a variety of intracellular signaling cascades. Based on this knowledge, the use of EGCG could be of benefit in respiratory diseases with acute or chronic inflammatory, oxidative, and fibrotizing processes in their pathogenesis. This article reviews current information on the biological effects of EGCG in those respiratory diseases or animal models in which EGCG has been administered, i.e., acute respiratory distress syndrome, respiratory infections, COVID-19, bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung fibrosis, silicosis, lung cancer, pulmonary hypertension, and lung embolism, and critically discusses effectiveness of EGCG administration in these respiratory disorders. For this review, articles in English language from the PubMed database were used.
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Gao X, Wang J, Shi J, Sun Q, Jia N, Li H. The Efficacy Mechanism of Epigallocatechin Gallate against Pre-Eclampsia based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:1859-1873. [PMID: 35211881 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00894-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia (PE), a pregnancy complication, affects 3-5% of all pregnancies worldwide and is the main cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity. However, there is no drug which can clearly slow this disease progression. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a natural compound extracted from green tea, has been found to enhance the treatment efficacy of oral nifedipine against pregnancy-induced severe PE. This study aims to clarify the potential targets and pharmacological mechanisms of EGCG in treatment of PE. We used Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database and Gene Cards database to obtain 179 putative target proteins of EGCG, 550 PE-related hub genes and 39 intersecting targets between EGCG and PE. By using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses, we got the gene entries and enrichment pathways closely related to the intersecting targets. The top 10 enrichment pathways were pathway in cancer, proteoglycans in cancer, HIF-1 signaling pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, TNF signaling pathway, bladder cancer, hepatitis B, IL-17 signaling pathway, toxoplasmosis, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Furthermore, compound-target-pathway (CTP) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis were employed to explore the interaction of the top twelve targets for EGCG in treating PE. Molecular docking analysis showed combinations between these targets and EGCG, and the interaction between EGCG and the targets IL-6 and EGFR was confirmed by using molecular dynamic simulation. In conclusion, these findings hint the underlying mechanism of EGCG in the treatment of PE and point out directions in further studies on PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinru Gao
- Department of Neonatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China.,Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiahao Wang
- Health Science Center of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiamiao Shi
- Health Science Center of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinru Sun
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Jia
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Neonatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China.
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Saleh HA, Yousef MH, Abdelnaser A. The Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Phytochemicals and Their Effects on Epigenetic Mechanisms Involved in TLR4/NF-κB-Mediated Inflammation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:606069. [PMID: 33868227 PMCID: PMC8044831 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.606069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate immune response induces positive inflammatory transducers and regulators in order to attack pathogens, while simultaneously negative signaling regulators are transcribed to maintain innate immune homeostasis and to avoid persistent inflammatory immune responses. The gene expression of many of these regulators is controlled by different epigenetic modifications. The remarkable impact of epigenetic changes in inducing or suppressing inflammatory signaling is being increasingly recognized. Several studies have highlighted the interplay of histone modification, DNA methylation, and post-transcriptional miRNA-mediated modifications in inflammatory diseases, and inflammation-mediated tumorigenesis. Targeting these epigenetic alterations affords the opportunity of attenuating different inflammatory dysregulations. In this regard, many studies have identified the significant anti-inflammatory properties of distinct naturally-derived phytochemicals, and revealed their regulatory capacity. In the current review, we demonstrate the signaling cascade during the immune response and the epigenetic modifications that take place during inflammation. Moreover, we also provide an updated overview of phytochemicals that target these mechanisms in macrophages and other experimental models, and go on to illustrate the effects of these phytochemicals in regulating epigenetic mechanisms and attenuating aberrant inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haidy A. Saleh
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed H. Yousef
- Biotechnology Graduate Program, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Anwar Abdelnaser
- Institute of Global Public Health, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
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MiR-203a-3p regulates TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in asthma by regulating Smad3 pathway through SIX1. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:222145. [PMID: 32065213 PMCID: PMC7048677 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20192645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a common chronic airway disease with increasing prevalence. MicroRNAs act as vital regulators in cell progressions and have been identified to play crucial roles in asthma. The objective of the present study is to clarify the molecular mechanism of miR-203a-3p in the development of asthma. The expression of miR-203a-3p and Sine oculis homeobox homolog 1 (SIX1) were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The protein levels of SIX1, fibronectin, E-cadherin, vimentin, phosphorylated-drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic 3 (p-Smad3) and Smad3 were measured by Western blot. The interaction between miR-203a-3p and SIX1 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. MiR-203a-3p was down-regulated and SIX1 was up-regulated in asthma serums, respectively. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) treatment induced the reduction of miR-203a-3p and the enhancement of SIX1 in BEAS-2B and 16HBE cells in a time-dependent manner. Subsequently, functional experiments showed the promotion of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by TGF-β1 treatment could be reversed by miR-203a-3p re-expression or SIX1 deletion in BEAS-2B and 16HBE cells. SIX1 was identified as a target of miR-203a-3p and negatively regulated by miR-203a-3p. Then rescue assay indicated that overexpressed miR-203a-3p ameliorated TGF-β1 induced EMT by regulating SIX1 in BEAS-2B and 16HBE cells. Moreover, miR-203a-3p/SIX1 axis regulated TGF-β1 mediated EMT process in bronchial epithelial cells through phosphorylating Smad3. These results demonstrated that MiR-203a-3p modulated TGF-β1-induced EMT in asthma by regulating Smad3 pathway through targeting SIX1.
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Present Status and Future Trends of Natural-Derived Compounds Targeting T Helper (Th) 17 and Microsomal Prostaglandin E Synthase-1 (mPGES-1) as Alternative Therapies for Autoimmune and Inflammatory-Based Diseases. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25246016. [PMID: 33353211 PMCID: PMC7766998 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25246016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Several natural-based compounds and products are reported to possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity both in vitro and in vivo. The primary target for these activities is the inhibition of eicosanoid-generating enzymes, including phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenases (COXs), and lipoxygenases, leading to reduced prostanoids and leukotrienes. Other mechanisms include modulation of protein kinases and activation of transcriptases. However, only a limited number of studies and reviews highlight the potential modulation of the coupling enzymatic pathway COX-2/mPGES-1 and Th17/Treg circulating cells. Here, we provide a brief overview of natural products/compounds, currently included in the Italian list of botanicals and the BELFRIT, in different fields of interest such as inflammation and immunity. In this context, we focus our opinion on novel therapeutic targets such as COX-2/mPGES-1 coupling enzymes and Th17/Treg circulating repertoire. This paper is dedicated to the scientific career of Professor Nicola Mascolo for his profound dedication to the study of natural compounds.
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Sherif IO, Alshaalan AA, Al-Shaalan NH. Renoprotective effect of vildagliptin following hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury. Ren Fail 2020; 42:208-215. [PMID: 32102588 PMCID: PMC7054956 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2020.1729189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Remote renal injury is a drastic consequence of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. Vildagliptin (V) is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor that has a hepatorenal protective effect against models of liver and renal IR. This research was done to explore the protective role of vildagliptin against renal injury following hepatic IR injury as well as the possible involvement of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/Smad/alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expressions in the pathophysiological mechanism of the remote renal injury. Three groups of male Wistar rats were organized into: sham group, IR group, and V + IR group in which 10 mg/kg/day of vildagliptin was pretreated for 10 days intraperitoneally. Blood in addition to renal and hepatic tissue samples was used for biochemical and histopathological studies. Hepatic IR induced a marked increase in serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, liver enzymes, renal nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels with a marked upregulation of renal mRNA expressions of TGF-β, Smad2, Smad3, and α-SMA in addition to a marked decline in renal catalase content comparing to the sham group. Abnormal histopathological findings of hepatic and renal injury were detected in the IR group. Vildagliptin significantly improved these biochemical markers as well as the histopathological changes. The upregulation of renal TGF-β/Smad/α-SMA mRNA expressions was involved for the first time in the pathogenesis of the renal injury following hepatic IR and vildagliptin ameliorated this renal injury through blocking these expressions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman O Sherif
- Emergency Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | | | - Nora H Al-Shaalan
- Chemistry Department, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Yang F, Sun Y, Bai Y, Li S, Huang L, Li X. Asthma Promotes Choroidal Neovascularization via the Transforming Growth Factor beta1/Smad Signaling Pathway in a Mouse Model. Ophthalmic Res 2020; 65:14-29. [PMID: 32781454 DOI: 10.1159/000510778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The association between age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and asthma is controversial. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), which plays a critical role in asthma, has been extensively studied with regard to its function in choroidal neovascularization (CNV). In the present study, we aimed to investigate the role of TGF-β and the possible mechanism of CNV formation complicated with asthma and to explore the effect of a TGF-β inhibitor on CNV development in asthma mouse models. METHODS Laser-induced CNV and ovalbumin-induced asthma mouse models were divided into five groups: control group, acute asthma group, chronic asthma group, inhibitor-treated acute asthma group, and inhibitor-treated chronic asthma group. The gene expression patterns of angiogenic cytokines, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors and inflammasomes in the control group, acute asthma group and chronic asthma group were detected using a QuantiGene Plex 6.0 Reagent System. Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and histology of CNV lesions stained with haematoxylin-eosin (HE) were performed to evaluate CNV formation. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting were used to assess TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and VEGF expression and Smad2/3, AKT, p38 MAPK, and ERK1/2 signal transduction and phosphorylation in retinal and choroidal tissue from each group. RESULTS In this study, we verified that laser treatment led to more CNV and vascular leakage in asthmatic mice than that in control mice. The changes were particularly notable in the chronic asthma group. The respective TGF-β1, VEGF, and phosphorylated Smad2/3 (p-Smad2/3) mRNA and protein levels in retinal and choroidal tissue were significantly upregulated in both the acute and chronic asthma groups. After injection of a TGF-β inhibitor, a distinct decline in VEGF, TGF-β1, and p-Smad2/3 protein and mRNA levels was observed, and the mean CNV area also decreased. CONCLUSION We provide new evidence that asthma could be a risk factor for CNV development via the TGF-β1/Smad signalling pathway. A TGF-β inhibitor can be applied as a useful, adjunctive therapeutic strategy for preventing CNV formation in asthmatic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yaoyao Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yujing Bai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital Affiliated Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lvzhen Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxin Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Eye Institute of Xiamen University & Xiamen Eye Centre of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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Li Z, Yuan X, Wang B, Gao F. Icariin alleviates transforming growth factor-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition by targeting Smad and MAPK signaling pathways. Am J Transl Res 2020; 12:343-360. [PMID: 32194888 PMCID: PMC7061835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of airway remodeling and airway inflammation is related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is correlated with TGF-β1 levels. Icariin is one of the major compounds in Epimedium brevicornum Maxim, and plays emerging roles in relieving cough and asthma, enhancing immunity, and anti-allergy. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism through which Icariin inhibits inflammatory and airway remodeling in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, 16HBE cells were stimulated with 10 ng/ml TGF-β1 for 24 hours to induce EMT model. Whereas pretreatment with Icariin could alleviate EMT both in concentration- and time-dependent manner, as was evidenced by the improved cell morphology, reduced migration, down-regulation of mesenchymal markers (N-cadherin, α-SMA), and up-regulation of epithelial marker (E-cadherin). In vivo, female BALB/c mice were exposed to 25 mg/ml house dust mites (HDM) extract for 5 days and followed by 2 days rest for 5 weeks to induce chronic asthma model. Of note, administration of Icariin could attenuate airway responsiveness, inflammation, and fibrosis, with improved scores based on the staining of H&E, PAS, and Sirius Red. In addition, Icariin reduced the levels of TGF-β1 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BLAF), serum, and lung tissue, and regulated the expression of EMT markers. At the molecular level, Icariin inhibits the phosphorylation of Smad-2, Smad-3, Erk, JNK, and p38 both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, Icariin inhibits airway remodeling by attenuating TGF-β1-induced EMT through targeting Smad and MAPK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuying Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese MedicineHarbin 150040, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xingxing Yuan
- Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese MedicineHarbin 150040, Heilongjiang, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heilongjiang Academy of Traditional Chinese MedicineHarbin 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Bingyu Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heilongjiang Academy of Traditional Chinese MedicineHarbin 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Fengli Gao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese MedicineHarbin 150040, Heilongjiang, China
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Platero JL, Cuerda-Ballester M, Ibáñez V, Sancho D, Lopez-Rodríguez MM, Drehmer E, de la Rubia Ortí JE. The Impact of Coconut Oil and Epigallocatechin Gallate on the Levels of IL-6, Anxiety and Disability in Multiple Sclerosis Patients. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12020305. [PMID: 31979305 PMCID: PMC7070654 DOI: 10.3390/nu12020305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Due to the inflammatory nature of multiple sclerosis (MS), interleukin 6 (IL-6) is high in blood levels, and it also increases the levels of anxiety related to functional disability. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) decreases IL-6, which could be enhanced by the anti-inflammatory effect of high ketone bodies after administering coconut oil (both of which are an anxiolytic). Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the impact of coconut oil and EGCG on the levels of IL-6, anxiety and functional disability in patients with MS. Methods: A pilot study was conducted for four months with 51 MS patients who were randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group received 800 mg of EGCG and 60 mL of coconut oil, and the control group was prescribed a placebo. Both groups followed the same isocaloric Mediterranean diet. State and trait anxiety were determined before and after the study by means of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). In addition, IL-6 in serum was measured using the ELISA technique and functional capacity was determined with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and the body mass index (BMI). Results: State anxiety and functional capacity decreased in the intervention group and IL-6 decreased in both groups. Conclusions: EGCG and coconut oil improve state anxiety and functional capacity. In addition, a decrease in IL-6 is observed in patients with MS, possibly due to the antioxidant capacity of the Mediterranean diet and its impact on improving BMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Luis Platero
- Doctoral Degree School, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Martir, 46001 Valencia, Spain;
| | - María Cuerda-Ballester
- Department of Nursing, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Martir, 46001 Valencia, Spain; (M.C.-B.); (V.I.); (D.S.); (J.E.d.l.R.O.)
| | - Vanessa Ibáñez
- Department of Nursing, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Martir, 46001 Valencia, Spain; (M.C.-B.); (V.I.); (D.S.); (J.E.d.l.R.O.)
| | - David Sancho
- Department of Nursing, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Martir, 46001 Valencia, Spain; (M.C.-B.); (V.I.); (D.S.); (J.E.d.l.R.O.)
| | - María Mar Lopez-Rodríguez
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-95-0015374
| | - Eraci Drehmer
- Department of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Martir, 46001 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Jose Enrique de la Rubia Ortí
- Department of Nursing, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Martir, 46001 Valencia, Spain; (M.C.-B.); (V.I.); (D.S.); (J.E.d.l.R.O.)
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