Kaempferol suppresses eosionphil infiltration and airway inflammation in airway epithelial cells and in mice with allergic asthma

Network pharmacology integrated with molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations to explore the mechanism of Shaoyao Gancao Tang in the treatment of asthma and irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies have demonstrated a correlation between asthma and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The Chinese herbal compound Shaoyao Gancao Tang (SYGCT) has been found to have therapeutic effects on both asthma and IBS, but the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood. This study aims to explore the key components, key targets, and potential mechanisms of SYGCT in treating asthma with IBS by using network pharmacology, molecular docking techniques and molecular dynamics simulation.

METHODS

The major chemical components and potential target genes of SYGCT were screened by bioinformatics. The key targets of Asthma-IBS comorbidity were identified based on network modules. The intersection of the drug targets and disease targets was identified as the potential targets of SYGCT in treating asthma-IBS. Gene Ontology functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis were performed to identify the biological processes and signaling pathways involved in these potential targets. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed to identify hub targets, while a drug-compound-target topological network was built to screen key compounds. Molecular docking was used to verify the affinity between the hub targets and key compounds. Molecular dynamics analysis was utilized to assess the binding stability of these interactions.

RESULTS

Network pharmacology analysis revealed that the therapeutic effect of SYGCT on asthma-IBS involved multiple biological processes and signaling pathways. It may exert therapeutic effects primarily through signaling pathways such as IL-17, TNF, and Th17 cell differentiation. The possible targets of SYGCT in the treatment of asthma-IBS could be IL6, TNF, JUN, PTGS2, STAT3, IL1B, CASP3, NFKBIA, IL10, and PPARG. Molecular docking verification showed that the predicted targets had good binding affinity with the compounds, among which PTGS2, CASP3, and PPARG had higher binding energy. Molecular dynamics simulation revealed that PTGS2, CASP3, and PPARG proteins had good stability and high binding strength with the compounds 2-[(3R)-8,8-dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrano[6,5-f]chromen-3-yl]-5-methoxyphenol and shinpterocarpin.

CONCLUSION

SYGCT plays a therapeutic role in asthma and IBS through multiple targets and pathways, providing a theoretical basis for explaining the mechanism and clinical application of SYGCT in treating different diseases with the same treatment in asthma and IBS.

Modulation of the Respiratory Epithelium Physiology by Flavonoids-Insights from 16HBEσcell Model

Extensive evidence indicates that the compromise of airway epithelial barrier function is closely linked to the development of various diseases, posing a significant concern for global mortality and morbidity. Flavonoids, natural bioactive compounds, renowned for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, have been used for centuries to prevent and treat numerous ailments. Lately, a growing body of evidence suggests that flavonoids can enhance the integrity of the airway epithelial barrier. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of selected flavonoids representing different subclasses, such as kaempferol (flavonol), luteolin (flavone), and naringenin (flavanone), on transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), ionic currents, cells migration, and proliferation of a human bronchial epithelial cell line (16HBE14σ). To investigate the effect of selected flavonoids, MTT assay, trypan blue staining, and wound healing were assessed. Additionally, transepithelial resistance and Ussing chamber measurements were applied to investigate the impact of the flavonoids on the electrical properties of the epithelial barrier. This study showed that kaempferol, luteolin, and naringenin at micromolar concentrations were not cytotoxic to 16HBE14σ cells. Indeed, in MTT tests, a statistically significant change in cell metabolic activity for luteolin and naringenin was observed. However, our experiments showed that naringenin did not affect the proliferation of 16HBE14σ cells, while the effect of kaempferol and luteolin was inhibitory. Moreover, transepithelial electrical resistance measurements have shown that all of the flavonoids used in this study improved the epithelial integrity with the slightest effect of kaempferol and the significant impact of naringenin and luteolin. Finally, our observations suggest that luteolin increases the Cl- transport through cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) channel. Our findings reveal that flavonoids representing different subclasses exert distinct effects in the employed cellular model despite their similar chemical structures. In summary, our study sheds new light on the diverse effects of selected flavonoids on airway epithelial barrier function, underscoring the importance of further exploration into their potential therapeutic applications in respiratory health.

Potential of natural products in inflammation: biological activities, structure-activity relationships, and mechanistic targets

A balance between the development and suppression of inflammation can always be found in the body. When this balance is disturbed, a strong inflammatory response can damage the body. It sometimes is necessary to use drugs with a significant anti-inflammatory effect, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroid hormones, to control inflammation in the body. However, the existing anti-inflammatory drugs have many adverse effects, which can be deadly in severe cases, making research into new safer and more effective anti-inflammatory drugs necessary. Currently, numerous types of natural products with anti-inflammatory activity and distinct structural features are available, and these natural products have great potential for the development of novel anti-inflammatory drugs. This review summarizes 260 natural products and their derivatives with anti-inflammatory activities in the last two decades, classified by their active ingredients, and focuses on their structure-activity relationships in anti-inflammation to lay the foundation for subsequent new drug development. We also elucidate the mechanisms and pathways of natural products that exert anti-inflammatory effects via network pharmacology predictions, providing direction for identifying subsequent targets of anti-inflammatory natural products.

Pharmacological Potential of Kaempferol, a Flavonoid in the Management of Pathogenesis via Modulation of Inflammation and Other Biological Activities

Natural products and their bioactive compounds have been used for centuries to prevent and treat numerous diseases. Kaempferol, a flavonoid found in vegetables, fruits, and spices, is recognized for its various beneficial properties, including its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. This molecule has been identified as a potential means of managing different pathogenesis due to its capability to manage various biological activities. Moreover, this compound has a wide range of health-promoting benefits, such as cardioprotective, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and anti-diabetic, and has a role in maintaining eye, skin, and respiratory system health. Furthermore, it can also inhibit tumor growth and modulate various cell-signaling pathways. In vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that this compound has been shown to increase efficacy when combined with other natural products or drugs. In addition, kaempferol-based nano-formulations are more effective than kaempferol treatment alone. This review aims to provide detailed information about the sources of this compound, its bioavailability, and its role in various pathogenesis. Although there is promising evidence for its ability to manage diseases, it is crucial to conduct further investigations to know its toxicity, safety aspects, and mechanism of action in health management.

An Updated Comprehensive Review of Plants and Herbal Compounds with Antiasthmatic Effect

Background

Asthma is a common disease with rising prevalence worldwide, especially in industrialized countries. Current asthma therapy with traditional medicines lacks satisfactory success, hence the patients' search for alternative and complementary treatments for their diseases. Researchers have conducted many studies on plants with antiallergic and antiasthmatic effects in recent decades. Many of these plants are now used in clinics, and searching for their mechanism of action may result in creating new ideas for producing more effective drugs.

Purpose

The goal of this review was to provide a compilation of the findings on plants and their active agents with experimentally confirmed antiasthmatic effects. Study Design and Method. A literature search was conducted from 1986 to November 2023 in Scopus, Springer Link, EMBASE, Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science to identify and report the accumulated knowledge on herbs and their compounds that may be effective in asthma treatment.

Results

The results revealed that 58 plants and 32 herbal extracted compounds had antiasthmatic activity. Also, 32 plants were shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects or may act as bronchodilators and potentially have antiasthmatic effects, which must be investigated in future studies.

Conclusion

The ability of herbal medicine to improve asthma symptoms has been confirmed by clinical and preclinical studies, and such compounds may be used as a source for developing new antiasthmatic drugs. Moreover, this review suggests that many bioactive compounds have therapeutic potential against asthma.

Zhisou powder displays therapeutic effect on chronic bronchitis through inhibiting PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α/VEGFA signaling pathway and reprograming metabolic pathway of arachidonic acid

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Zhisou Powder (ZP), one of the most common prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used in the treatment of acute or chronic bronchitis and chronic cough. The ZP was composed of Ziwan (Aster tataricus L. f.), Jiegeng (Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A. DC.), Jingjie (Nepeta cataria L.), Baibu (Stemona sessilifolia (Miq.) Miq.), Baiqian (Vincetoxicum glaucescens (Decne.) C. Y. Wu & D. Z. Li), Chenpi (Citrus × aurantium f. deliciosa (Ten.) M. Hiroe) and Gancao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. ex DC.), with plant names among it checked with MPNS (http://mpns.kew.org). But until now, the key active components and targets of ZP, and related mechanism of ZP in the treatment of chronic bronchitis (CB) remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study combined UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS, network pharmacology, metabonomics with experiment verification to explore potential mechanism of ZP in the treatment of CB.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS was performed to analyze the chemical components of ZP. The potentially effective components, attractive targets and critical signaling pathways of Zhisou Powder in the treatment of CB were screened by UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS combined with network pharmacology. Additionally, the CB model rats induced by SO2 were used to evaluate the anti-chronic bronchitis activity of ZP in vivo. The pulmonary pathology was determined by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Meanwhile, PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α/VEGFA signaling pathway predicted from network pharmacology was verified by Western blot and RT-PCR. Lastly, the metabolic changes of arachidonic acid (AA) in ZP-treated rats were quantitatively analyzed by LC-MS targeted metabonomics, and the proteins expression involved in AA metabolic pathway were detected by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and Western blot.

RESULTS

The main active components of ZP in the treatment of CB selected by network pharmacology and UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS technology were quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, galangin, isorhamnetin, naringenin, nobiletin, formononetin and so on. The core targets of these components were predicted to be TP53, TNF, IL-6, VEGFA, CASP3, IL-1β, JUN, PTGS2. Enrichment of KEGG pathway analysis found that PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α/VEGFA signaling pathway might play a key role in the treatment of CB with ZP. The in vivo study showed that ZP significantly improved the pathological changes of SO2-treated lung tissue and inhibited the activation of PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α/VEGFA signaling pathway. The changes of AA and its metabolites in vivo were studied by targeted metabonomics, and it showed that ZP could reprogram the disorder of AA metabolism which contributed to the treatment of CB with ZP.

CONCLUSION

ZP displayed good therapeutic effect on CB model rats through inhibiting PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α/VEGFA signaling pathway to exhibit anti-inflammatory effect and reprogramming disordered metabolic pathway of arachidonic acid.

Research advances of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. polyphenols in inflammatory diseases

Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim., commonly known as Chinese prickly ash, is a well-known spice and traditional Chinese medicine ingredient with a rich history of use in treating inflammatory conditions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the botanical classification, traditional applications, and anti-inflammatory effects of Z. bungeanum, with a specific focus on its polyphenolic components. These polyphenols have exhibited considerable promise, as evidenced by preclinical studies in animal models, suggesting their therapeutic potential in human inflammatory diseases such as ulcerative colitis, arthritis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative conditions. This positions them as a promising class of natural compounds with the potential to enhance human well-being. However, further research is necessary to fully elucidate their mechanisms of action and develop safe and effective therapeutic applications.

Effect of dietary interventions on markers of type 2 inflammation in asthma: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Type 2 (T2) inflammation is a key mechanism in the pathophysiology of asthma. Diet may have immunomodulatory effects, and a role for diet in T2 inflammation has been suggested in the literature. Indeed, diet and food allergies play a role in children with atopic asthma, but less is known about diet in relation to adult asthma, which is often non-atopic.

OBJECTIVE

To review the effect of dietary interventions on markers of T2 inflammation in adults with asthma.

METHODS

The databases PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL were searched for eligible studies until December 2022. We included studies of all types of foods, nutrients, diets or supplements, either as an exposure or as an intervention, in adults and adolescents with asthma. Outcomes of interest included the T2 biomarkers FeNO, eosinophils, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, eosinophil cationic protein and eosinophil peroxidase. The methodological quality of eligible studies was systematically evaluated, and the results were summarised according to dietary clusters.

RESULTS

The systematic search identified studies on the dietary clusters antioxidants (n = 14), fatty acids, (n = 14), Mediterranean-style diets (n = 5), phytotherapy (n = 7), prebiotics & probiotics (n = 8), vitamin D (n = 7), and other dietary factors (n = 5). Studies within the phytotherapy and omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) clusters showed possible improvements in T2 inflammation. Furthermore, we found little evidence for an effect of antioxidants, prebiotics & probiotics, and Mediterranean-style diets on T2 inflammation. However, heterogeneity in study protocols, methodological shortcomings and limited power of almost all studies make it difficult to fully determine the impact of different dietary approaches on T2 inflammation in asthma.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the current evidence does not support a specific dietary intervention to improve T2 inflammation in asthma. Interventions involving phytotherapy and omega-3 PUFA currently have the best evidence and warrant further evaluation in well-designed and adequately powered studies, while taking into account T2-high phenotypes of asthma.

Kaempferol stimulation of autophagy regulates the ferroptosis under the oxidative stress as mediated with AMP-activated protein kinase

Recent studies have highlighted the positive effects of Kaempferol (KP), including its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, its impact on oxidative damage induced by heavy metals and pro-inflammatory mediators, such as arachidonic acid (AA), has not yet been identified. Our objective was to specifically evaluate liver damage due to AA + iron-induced oxidative stress, both in vitro and in vivo. In HepG2 cells, KP activated the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), suggesting a hepatoprotective effect through AMPK inhibition, as assessed by immunoblot and FACS analysis (EC50 = 10 μM). KP also stimulated autophagy, a degradation process that eliminates aged, damaged, and unnecessary components, via mTOR inhibition and ULK1 phosphorylation. This activation was further validated by the upregulation of autophagy-related genes (ATG5) and Beclin-1, along with the conversion of LC3BI to LC3BII. Ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic type of cell death characterized by oxidative stress from the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and excessive iron accumulation, was linked to the activation of autophagy, as confirmed through the protein expression of deferoxamine (DFO) and ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1), the representative ferroptosis inhibitors (positive controls). In mice, oral administration of KP demonstrated protective effects against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. In conclusion, KP provides hepatoprotective effects against oxidative stress induced by AA + iron treatment in vitro and CCl4 treatment in vivo.

Beneficial role of kaempferol and its derivatives from different plant sources on respiratory diseases in experimental models

Respiratory illnesses impose a significant health burden and cause deaths worldwide. Despite many advanced strategies to improve patient outcomes, they are often less effective. There is still considerable room for improvement in the treatment of various respiratory diseases. In recent years, alternative medicinal agents derived from food plants have shown better beneficial effects against a wide variety of disease models, including cancer. In this regard, kaempferol (KMF) and its derivatives are the most commonly found dietary flavonols. They have been found to exhibit protective effects on multiple chronic diseases like diabetes, fibrosis, and so on. A few recent articles have reviewed the pharmacological actions of KMF in cancer, central nervous system diseases, and chronic inflammatory diseases. However, there is no comprehensive review that exists regarding the beneficial effects of KMF and its derivatives on both malignant- and non-malignant respiratory diseases. Many experimental studies reveal that KMF and its derivatives are helpful in managing a wide range of respiratory diseases, including acute lung injury, fibrosis, asthma, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and their underlying molecular mechanisms. In addition, we also discussed the chemistry and sources, the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties, methods to enhance bioavailability, as well as our perspective on future research with KMF and its derivatives.

Targeting different signaling pathways for food allergy regulation and potential therapy: a review

The rising incidence rate of food allergy is attracting more intention. The pathogenesis of food allergy is complex and its definite regulatory mechanism is not utterly understood. Exploring the molecular mechanism of food allergy to help find effective methods that can prevent or treat food allergy is widely necessary. Recently, targeting cellular signaling pathways have been employed as novel approaches to discover food allergy therapy. Supplementing probiotics and bioactive compounds with anti-allergic property are believed feasible approaches for food allergy therapy. These probiotics or bioactive compounds affect food allergy by regulating cellular signaling pathways, and ultimately alleviate food allergy. This review aims to report systematic information about the knowledge of signaling pathways participated in food allergy, the alterations of these signaling pathways during food allergy that treated with probiotics and bioactive compounds are discussed as well. Further studies on the mechanism of signaling pathway network regulating food allergy and the precise action mechanism of probiotics and bioactive compounds are in the urgent need to help develop efficient treatment or complete prevention. We hope to help scientists understand food allergy systematically.

Threshold effects and inflection points of flavonoid intake in dietary anti-inflammatory effects: Evidence from the NHANES

Flavonoids have been shown to be beneficial in a variety of inflammatory and metabolic diseases because of their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, previous epidemiological studies have only demonstrated a negative correlation between flavonoid intake on inflammatory markers, and the optimal intake of dietary flavonoids and subclasses in terms of dietary anti-inflammatory efficacy remains undetermined. This study was based on 3 cycles (2007-2010, 2017-2018) of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the corresponding expanded flavonoid database. Weighted multiple linear regression was used to assess linear relationships between flavonoid intake and Dietary inflammation index (DII). Smoothed curve fit and a generalized additive model were used to investigate the nonlinear relationships and threshold effects, the 2-tailed linear regression model was used to find potential inflection points. A total of 12,724 adults were included in the study. After adjusting for potential confounders, flavonoid intake was significantly associated with DII, with the strongest negative association effect for flavonols (-0.40 [-0.45, -0.35]). In subgroup analyses stratified by sex, race, age, body mass index, education levels, and diabetes, flavonol intake maintained a significant negative linear correlation with DII. In addition, we found significant nonlinear relationships (L-shaped relationships) and threshold effects between total flavonoids, flavan-3-ols, and flavanols and DII, with inflection points of 437.65 mg/days, 157.79 mg/days, and 46.36 mg/days, respectively. Our results suggest a threshold for the dietary anti-inflammatory capacity of flavonoid intake in U.S. adults.

Exploring potential pharmacological mechanisms of Yiqi Tuomin Decoction in the treatment of allergic rhinitis utilizing network pharmacology prediction and molecular docking-based strategies: experimental research

Yiqi Tuomin Decoction (YTD), which originated from the theory of lung deficiency and cold in Chinese medicine, is a common Chinese herbal formula used against allergic rhinitis (AR). In our otolaryngology department, this prescription has been used to treat so many AR patients with lung-deficiency-related colds for nearly 30 years. However, the mechanism of its ingredient-target is still unclear. Based on our early experiments and clinical case studies, in this paper, we explore the mechanism of YTD systematically against AR using bioinformatic methods of network pharmacology and molecular docking.

Methods

The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database was used to screen the active ingredients and targets of YTD. The AR-related targets were retrieved from OMIM, GeneCards, TTD, DisGeNET, DrugBank databases, and PharmGKB. The Venn database was used to screen the potential core targets. After that, the STRING database was used to construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) of the core targets and then visualize it by Cytoscape. The Gene Ontology (GO)-enriched processes and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways of the core targets were analyzed by the KOBAS-I database and Sangerbox. Molecular docking was used to assess interactions between potential targets and active ingredients.

Results

A total of 169 active ingredients and 238 targets of YTD were predicted. YTD shared 115 common targets with AR from the Venn database. The GO-enriched processes and KEGG pathways indicate that genes involved in inflammation and oxidative stress, accompanying the MAPK signaling pathway, Th17 cell differentiation, IL-17 signaling pathway, and Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation, may play a mediated effect in YTD. The docking results showed good binding ability between the active ingredients and the selected targets.

Conclusions

Our study systematically indicated the underlying mechanism of YTD against AR from the perspective of bioinformatics. By studying the active ingredients of YTD, we obtained molecular mechanisms and established a reliable method and molecular theoretical basis for the sensible development of Chinese medicine in the treatment of AR.

A systematic pharmacology-based in vivo study to reveal the effective mechanism of Yupingfeng in asthma treatment

BACKGROUND

The clinical effect of Yupingfeng (YPF) has been confirmed in asthma patients, however, it lacks a study to verify its pharmacological mechanism.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

To reveal the molecular basis and potential pharmacological mechanism of YPF in the treatment of asthma.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

First, a systems pharmacology-based method integrating pharmacokinetic screening, target prediction, network analyses, GO and KEGG analyses were used for the systematic deciphering of the mechanism of YPF in asthma. Second, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between asthma patients and healthy controls were identified by GEO2R online tool. Third, based on systems pharmacology and DEGs results, molecular docking was performed utilizing the Discovery Studio 2020 Client version to detect the binding capacity between compounds and targets. Finally, ovalbumin (OVA)-challenged C57BL/6 mice were treated with YPF or its effective compound to assess the predictions.

RESULTS

A total of 35 active compounds were filtered out, with 87 potential targets being identified for further analysis after target fishing and matching. Quercetin, kaempferol, and wogonin were identified as the main ingredients in YPF. The signaling pathways of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and IL-17 were identified as the top signaling pathways in KEGG enrichment analysis. GEO2R tools of NCBI discovered five DEGs that overlapped with the therapeutic targets of YPF. Wogonin was proven to be the top active compound in YPF through the results of molecular docking. In vivo experiments indicated that YPF and wogonin significantly attenuated airway resistance and lung inflammation by decreasing the levels of inflammatory cytokines and key factors in PI3K/AKT, IL-17, and TNF signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

YPF and its main active compound wogonin may exert some therapeutic effects on asthma inflammation through multiple molecular targets and signaling pathways including PI3K/AKT, IL-17 and TNF-α.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects of Cheonwangbosim-dan water extract: An in vitro and in vivo study

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Cheonwangbosim-dan is a traditional herbal prescription that is widely used to improve or treat physical and mental illnesses in East Asian countries.Aim of the study: The aim of the present study was to investigate the preventive and protective effects of a Cheonwangbosim-dan water extract (CBDW) against allergic inflammation using in vitro and in vivo models.

Materials and methods

BEAS-2B and MC/9 cells were treated with various concentrations of CBDW and stimulated with different inducers of inflammatory mediators. The production of various inflammatory mediators was subsequently evaluated. BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged by repeated application of ovalbumin (OVA). CBDW was administered by oral gavage once daily for 10 consecutive days. We assessed the number of inflammatory cells and production of Th2 cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), the plasma levels of total and OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), and histological changes in lung tissue.

Results

Our findings showed that CBDW significantly decreased the levels of various inflammatory mediators (eotaxin-1, eotaxin-3, RANTES, LTC₄, TNF-α, MMP-9, 5-LO, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1) in vitro, significantly reduced the accumulation of total inflammatory cells, the production of Th2 cytokines (IL-5 and IL-13), the levels of IgE (total and OVA-specific) in vivo, and remarkably inhibited histological changes (infiltration of inflammatory cells and goblet cell hyperplasia) in vivo.

Conclusions

These results suggest that CBDW possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties by lowering allergic inflammation.

Crosstalk between phytochemicals and inflammatory signaling pathways

Novel bioactive constituents from natural sources are actively being investigated. The phytochemicals in these phenolic compounds are believed to have a variety of beneficial effects on human health. Several phenolic compounds have been found in plants. The antioxidant potential of phenols has been discussed in numerous studies along with their anti-inflammatory effects on pro-inflammatory cytokine, inducible cyclooxygenase-2, and nitric oxide synthase. Through current study, an attempt is made to outline and highlight a wide variety of inflammation-associated signaling pathways that have been modified by several natural compounds. These signaling pathways include nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-кB), activator protein (AP)-1, protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) transcription factors, tyrosine phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT, and the ubiquitin-proteasome system. In light of the influence of natural substances on signaling pathways, their impact on the production of inflammatory mediator is highlighted in this review.

Beyond allergic progression: From molecules to microbes as barrier modulators in the gut-lung axis functionality

The "epithelial barrier hypothesis" states that a barrier dysfunction can result in allergy development due to tolerance breakdown. This barrier alteration may come from the direct contact of epithelial and immune cells with the allergens, and indirectly, through deleterious effects caused by environmental changes triggered by industrialization, pollution, and changes in the lifestyle. Apart from their protective role, epithelial cells can respond to external factors secreting IL-25 IL-33, and TSLP, provoking the activation of ILC2 cells and a Th2-biased response. Several environmental agents that influence epithelial barrier function, such as allergenic proteases, food additives or certain xenobiotics are reviewed in this paper. In addition, dietary factors that influence the allergenic response in a positive or negative way will be also described here. Finally, we discuss how the gut microbiota, its composition, and microbe-derived metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, alter not only the gut but also the integrity of distant epithelial barriers, focusing this review on the gut-lung axis.

Exploring the mechanism of Xiaoqinglong decoction in the treatment of infantile asthma based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

To explore the mechanism of Xiaoqinglong decoction (XQLD) in the treatment of infantile asthma (IA) based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. The active ingredients of fdrugs in XQLD were retrieved from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database and then the targets of drug ingredients were screened. The disease targets of IA were obtained from OMIM and Gencards databases, and the intersection targets of XQLD in the treatment of IA were obtained by Venny 2.1 mapping of ingredient targets and disease targets. Cytoscape software was used to construct active ingredient-intersection target network. The potential targets of XQLD in the treatment of IA were analyzed by protein-protein interaction network using STRING platform, and the Gene Ontology function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis were obtained by R Studio software. AutoDock was used to perform molecular docking for verification. In this study, 150 active ingredients of XQLD were obtained, including quercetin, kaempferol, β-sitosterol, luteolin, stigmasterol, and so on. And 92 intersection targets of drugs and diseases were obtained, including interleukin 6 (IL6), cystatin 3, estrogen receptor 1, hypoxia inducible factor 1A, HSP90AA1, epidermal growth factor receptor and so on. There were 127 items of Gene Ontology enrichment analysis and 125 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment results, showing that apoptosis, IL-17 signaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway, P13K-Akt signaling pathway and other pathways may play a key role in the treatment of IA by XQLD. The results of molecular docking showed that the key active ingredients including quercetin, kaempferol, β-sitosterol, luteolin, stigmasterol, and the core targets including IL6, cystatin 3, estrogen receptor 1, hypoxia inducible factor 1A, HSP90AA1, and epidermal growth factor receptor had good binding activity. Through network pharmacology and molecular docking, the potential targets and modern biological mechanisms of XQLD in the treatment of IA were preliminarily revealed in the study, which will provide reference for subsequent animal experiments and clinical trials.

Kaempferol inhibits airway inflammation induced by allergic asthma through NOX4-Mediated autophagy

BACKGROUND

Kaempferol has important medicinal value in the treatment of asthma. However, its mechanism of action has not been fully understood and needs to be explored and studied.

METHODS

A binding activity of kaempferol with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (NOX4) was analyzed by molecular docking. Human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) were treated with different concentrations (0, 1, 5, 10, 20, 40 μg/mL) of kaempferol to select its suitable concentration. In the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced BEAS-2B, cells were treated with 20 μg/mL kaempferol or 20 μM GLX35132 (a NOX4 inhibitor) to analyze its effects on NOX4-mediated autophagy. In the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mice, 20 mg/kg kaempferol or 3.8 mg/kg GLX351322 administration was performed to analyze the therapeutic effects of kaempferol on NOX4-mediated autophagy. An autophagy activator, rapamycin, was used to confirm the mechanism of kaempferol in treatment of allergic asthma.

RESULTS

A good binding of kaempferol to NOX4 (score = -9.2 kcal/mol) was found. In the TGF-β1-induced BEAS-2B, the NOX4 expression was decreased with kaempferol dose increase. The secretions of IL-25 and IL-33, and the NOX4-mediated autophagy were significantly decreased by kaempferol treatment in the TGF-β1-induced BEAS-2B. In the OVA-challenged mice, kaempferol treatment improved airway inflammation and remodeling through suppressing NOX4-mediated autophagy. The rapamycin treatment clearly hampered the therapeutic effects of kaempferol in the TGF-β1-induced cells and OVA-induced mice.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identifies kaempferol binds NOX4 to perform its functions in the treatment of allergic asthma, providing an effective therapeutic strategy in the further treatment of asthma.

Therapeutic Potential of Controlled Delivery Systems in Asthma: Preclinical Development of Flavonoid-Based Treatments

Asthma is a chronic disease with increasing prevalence and incidence, manifested by allergic inflammatory reactions, and is life-threatening for patients with severe disease. Repetitive challenges with the allergens and limitation of treatment efficacy greatly dampens successful management of asthma. The adverse events related to several drugs currently used, such as corticosteroids and β-agonists, and the low rigorous adherence to preconized protocols likely compromises a more assertive therapy. Flavonoids represent a class of natural compounds with extraordinary antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, with their potential benefits already demonstrated for several diseases, including asthma. Advanced technology has been used in the pharmaceutical field to improve the efficacy and safety of drugs. Notably, there is also an increasing interest for the application of these techniques using natural products as active molecules. Flavones, flavonols, flavanones, and chalcones are examples of flavonoid compounds that were tested in controlled delivery systems for asthma treatment, and which achieved better treatment results in comparison to their free forms. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the development of novel controlled delivery systems to enhance the therapeutic potential of flavonoids as active molecules for asthma treatment.

Mechanism of Action of Yin Nourishing and Heat Clearing Prescription in Treating Cough Variant Asthma Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Verification

Objective. To explore the mechanism of action of the yin nourishing and heat clearing prescription in treating cough variant asthma (CVA) based on network pharmacology (NP). Methods. The active ingredients and targets of the yin nourishing and heat clearing prescription were screened using the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Analysis Platform (TCMSP); CVA targets were screened by the GeneCards, NCBI gene, and OMIM databases to construct the component-target network and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. GO functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of the target genes were performed to construct the component-disease-pathway-target biological network. Moreover, CVA-related core target structures with high values were subjected to molecular docking (MD) with the active components. Results. We found 265 eligible targets in the prescription and 1115 CVA-related genes. The medicine targets were intersected with disease targets, which yielded 148 common targets. After topology analysis, 66 key targets were screened. Upon GO functional annotation, 2408 biological processes, 153 molecular functions, and 162 KEGG pathways were enriched. Molecular docking results suggested that the major active ingredients of the prescription showed high affinity to the key targets, among which AKT1 might be the most important target. Conclusions. Active ingredients might act on AKT1, IL-6, VEGFA, IL-1B, and JUN to suppress eosinophil accumulation, decrease histamine release, suppress airway inflammation, regulate the airway immune microenvironment, increase autophagy in lung tissue, inhibit mucus production, and reduce airway resistance and hyperresponsiveness, thus treating CVA. Our findings provide a reference for further research and clinical applications of the prescription.

Exploration in the Mechanism of Zhisou San for the Treatment of Cough Variant Asthma Based on Network Pharmacology

Background

Cough variant asthma (CVA) has no definitive diagnosis or pathogenic causes, and there is currently no effective and safe treatment.

Methods

The network pharmacology was employed to investigate possible targets of Zhisou San (ZSS) in CVA treatment. The main chemical constituents of seven herbs in ZSS were collected based on the TCMSP. To explain the main mechanism, we sequentially screened the targets of each active ingredient and constructed the network of “herb-ingredient-target-disease.” The core targets of ZSS were further confirmed by the molecular docking analysis. Furthermore, pulmonary function, histopathology, and biochemical assays in mice were used to investigate the effect of ZSS on the treatment of CVA.

Results

A total of 137 active ingredients and 86 potential targets for the ZSS in the treatment of CVA were screened, which were connected with the regulation of inflammatory response and immune balance, such as IL-17 signaling pathway, Th17 cell differentiation, TNF signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, T-cell receptor signaling pathway, Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation, and other signaling pathways closely related to the pathogenesis of CVA. Thereinto, 29 core targets contained 8 of the highest scores and could evidently bind to components such as stigmasterol, quercetin, stemoninine B, luteolin, and β-sitosterol predicted by molecular docking. Furthermore, experiments in vivo were conducted for further validation that ZSS had essential effects on lung function and histopathology as well as the inflammatory state in CVA mice, which was significantly related to regulating the Th17/Treg immune balance to reduce inflammation as the important pharmacological mechanism.

Conclusion

This study revealed that ZSS has multicomponent and multipathway characteristics of ZSS in the treatment of CVA, which was primarily associated with inflammation and Th17/Treg immune balance. This study provides a scientific foundation for systematically elaborating the pharmacological activities and mechanism of ZSS, as well as explaining the reliability of the TCM compatibility theory.

Kaempferol Inhibits Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation by Regulating miR-26b-5p/Jag1 Axis and Notch Pathway

Kaempferol, a natural flavonoid molecule, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Recent studies have shown the beneficial effects of kaempferol on liver fibrosis. Notch pathway has been reported to be involved in the aberrant activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). However, whether Notch pathway plays a key role in the anti-fibrotic effects of kaempferol is largely unknown. In this study, kaempferol significantly suppressed liver fibrosis in CCl₄ mice, with reduced collagen deposition as well as restored liver function. In vitro, kaempferol enhanced the suppression of HSC activation, with a decrease in α-SMA as well as collagen level. It was found that Notch pathway played an important role in kaempferol-reduced the activation of HSCs. Jag1, a ligand of Notch pathway, was obviously inhibited by kaempferol. Overexpression of Jag1 effectively abolished kaempferol-induced HSC inactivation. Furthermore, Jag1 was demonstrated as a target of microRNA-26b-5p (miR-26b-5p). Interestingly, miR-26b-5p inhibitor prevented HSC activation inhibition caused by kaempferol. Further studies indicated that kaempferol inhibited Notch pathway via miR-26b-5p and Jag1, leading to HSC inactivation. Collectively, we demonstrate that kaempferol could inhibit HSC activation, at least in part, via miR-26b-5p-mediated Jag1 axis and Notch pathway. Kaempferol may serve as a promising drug in the application of treating liver fibrosis.

Natural therapeutics and nutraceuticals for lung diseases: Traditional significance, phytochemistry, and pharmacology

BACKGROUND

Lung diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), infections like influenza, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), asthma and pneumonia lung cancer (LC) are common causes of sickness and death worldwide due to their remoteness, cold and harsh climatic conditions, and inaccessible health care facilities.

PURPOSE

Many drugs have already been proposed for the treatment of lung diseases. Few of them are in clinical trials and have the potential to cure infectious diseases. Plant extracts or herbal products have been extensively used as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Indian Ayurveda. Moreover, it has been involved in the inhibition of certain genes/protiens effects to promote regulation of signaling pathways. Natural remedies have been scientifically proven with remarkable bioactivities and are considered a cheap and safe source for lung disease.

METHODS

This comprehensive review highlighted the literature about traditional plants and their metabolites with their applications for the treatment of lung diseases through experimental models in humans. Natural drugs information and mode of mechanism have been studied through the literature retrieved by Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, SciFinder, Scopus and Medline PubMed resources against lung diseases.

RESULTS

In vitro, in vivo and computational studies have been explained for natural metabolites derived from plants (like flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids) against different types of lung diseases. Probiotics have also been biologically active therapeutics against cancer, anti-inflammation, antiplatelet, antiviral, and antioxidants associated with lung diseases.

CONCLUSION

The results of the mentioned natural metabolites repurposed for different lung diseases especially for SARS-CoV-2 should be evaluated more by advance computational applications, experimental models in the biological system, also need to be validated by clinical trials so that we may be able to retrieve potential drugs for most challenging lung diseases especially SARS-CoV-2.

Mechanism of Peitu Shengjin Formula Shenlingbaizhu Powder in Treating Bronchial Asthma and Allergic Colitis through Different Diseases with Simultaneous Treatment Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

Background

Shenlingbaizhu powder (SLBZP), one of the classic Earth-cultivating and gold-generating prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine, is widely used to treat various diseases. However, the pharmacological mechanisms of SLBZP on bronchial asthma (BA) and allergic colitis (AC) remain to be elucidated.

Methods

Network pharmacology and molecular docking technology were used to explore the potential mechanism of SLBZP in treating BA and AC with the simultaneous treatment of different diseases. The potential active compounds of SLBZP and their corresponding targets were obtained from BATMAN-TCM, ETCM, SymMap TCM@TAIWAN, and TCMSP databases. BA and AC disease targets were collected through DisGeNET, TTD, GeneCards, PharmGKB, OMIM, NCBI, The Human Phenotype Ontology, and DrugBank databases. Common targets for drugs and diseases were screened by using the bioinformatics and evolutionary genomics platform. The analyses and visualizations of Gene Ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment of common targets were carried out by R software. The key targets were screened by using the plug-in “cytoHubba” of Cytoscape software, and the “active compound-key target” network was constructed. Molecular docking analysis was performed using AutoDock software. The miRTarBase database was used to predict microRNAs (miRNAs) targeting key targets, and the key target-miRNA network was constructed.

Result

Through screening, 246 active compounds and 281 corresponding targets were obtained. Common targets were mainly enriched in 2933 biological processes and 182 signal pathways to play the role of treating BA and AC. There were 131 active compounds related to key targets. The results of molecular docking showed that the important active compounds in SLBZP had good binding ability with the key targets. The key target-miRNA network showed that 94 miRNAs were predicted.

Conclusion

SLBZP has played the role of treating different diseases with the same treatment on BA and AC through the characteristics of multicompound, multitarget, and multipathway of traditional Chinese medicine, which provides a theoretical basis for explaining the mechanism and clinical application of SLBZP treating different diseases with the same treatment in BA and AC.

In Vitro Study of the Biological Potential of Wastewater Obtained after the Distillation of Four Bulgarian Oil-Bearing Roses

The wastewater after rose oil distillation is usually discharged into the drainage systems and it represents a serious environmental problem. While being rich in polyphenols, which have beneficial biological activity and application in the pharmaceutical industry, limited research has been carried out about the biological activity of the specific wastewaters per se. Wastewaters after distillation of the four Bulgarian oil-bearing roses Rosa damascena Mill., R. alba L., R. centifolia L., and R. gallica L. exerted significant antioxidant activity and good antiherpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) activity while maintaining a good toxicological safety profile (low cytotoxic effect) towards normal cell lines. More precisely, the non-tumorigenic cells were a human (HEK-293 embryonic kidney cells) and a mouse cell line (CCL-1 fibroblasts, which are recommended as a standard for cytotoxicity evaluation in Annex C of ISO 10993-5). The concentrations that achieved antioxidant and radical scavenging effects (0.04–0.92% v/v) were much lower than most of the maximum tolerated concentrations for the tissue culture cells (0.2–3.4% v/v). The wastewaters had a weak antiproliferative effect against Staphylococcus aureus. None of the wastewaters had activity against Gram-negative bacteria or a bactericidal or antifungal effect. We can conclude that these four species, which are the most preferred species worldwide for producing high-quality rose oil, have the potential to be developed as promising antioxidant and antiherpesvirus nutraceuticals.

HO-1 Upregulation by Kaempferol via ROS-Dependent Nrf2-ARE Cascade Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Mediated Intercellular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 Expression in Human Pulmonary Alveolar Epithelial Cells

Lung inflammation is a pivotal event in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a key antioxidant enzyme that could be induced by kaempferol (KPR) and exerts anti-inflammatory effects. However, the molecular mechanisms of KPR-mediated HO-1 expression and its effects on inflammatory responses remain unknown in human pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells (HPAEpiCs). This study aimed to verify the relationship between HO-1 expression and KPR treatment in both in vitro and in vivo models. HO-1 expression was determined by real time-PCR, Western blotting, and promoter reporter analyses. The signaling components were investigated by using pharmacological inhibitors or specific siRNAs. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay was performed to investigate the interaction between nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor (Nrf2) and antioxidant response elements (ARE) binding site of HO-1 promoter. The effect of KPR on monocytes (THP-1) binding to HPAEpiCs challenged with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) was determined by adhesion assay. We found that KPR-induced HO-1 level attenuated the LPS-induced intercellular cell adhesion protein 1 (ICAM-1) expression in HPAEpiCs. KPR-induced HO-1 mRNA and protein expression also attenuated ICAM-1 expression in mice. Tin protoporphyrin (SnPP)IX reversed the inhibitory effects of KPR in HPAEpiCs. In addition, in HPAEpiCs, KPR-induced HO-1 expression was abolished by both pretreating with the inhibitor of NADPH oxidase (NOX, apocynin (APO)), reactive oxygen species (ROS) (N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC)), Src (Src kinase inhibitor II (Srci II)), Pyk2 (PF431396), protein kinase C (PKC)α (Gö6976), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor (p38i) VIII, or c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK)1/2 (SP600125) and transfection with their respective siRNAs. The transcription of the homx1 gene was enhanced by Nrf2 activated by JNK1/2 and p38α MAPK. The binding activity between Nrf2 and HO-1 promoter was attenuated by APO, NAC, Srci II, PF431396, or Gö6983. KPR-mediated NOX/ROS/c-Src/Pyk2/PKCα/p38α MAPK and JNK1/2 activate Nrf2 to bind with ARE on the HO-1 promoter and induce HO-1 expression, which further suppresses the LPS-mediated inflammation in HPAEpiCs. Thus, KPR exerts a potential strategy to protect against pulmonary inflammation via upregulation of the HO-1.

The Genus Alternanthera: Phytochemical and Ethnopharmacological Perspectives

Ethnopharmacological relevance: The genus Alternanthera (Amaranthaceae) comprises 139 species including 14 species used traditionally for the treatment of various ailments such as hypertension, pain, inflammation, diabetes, cancer, microbial and mental disorders.

Aim of the review: To search research gaps through critical assessment of pharmacological activities not performed to validate traditional claims of various species of Alternanthera. This review will aid natural product researchers in identifying Alternanthera species with therapeutic potential for future investigation.

Materials and methods: Scattered raw data on ethnopharmacological, morphological, phytochemical, pharmacological, toxicological, and clinical studies of various species of the genus Alternanthera have been compiled utilizing search engines like SciFinder, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and Open J-Gate for 100 years up to April 2021.

Results: Few species of Alternanthera genus have been exhaustively investigated phytochemically, and about 129 chemical constituents related to different classes such as flavonoids, steroids, saponins, alkaloids, triterpenoids, glycosides, and phenolic compounds have been isolated from 9 species. Anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial, CNS depressive, antidiabetic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulator effects have been explored in the twelve species of the genus. A toxicity study has been conducted on 3 species and a clinical study on 2 species.

Conclusions: The available literature on pharmacological studies of Alternanthera species reveals that few species have been selected based on ethnobotanical surveys for scientific validation of their traditional claims. But most of these studies have been conducted on uncharacterized and non-standardized crude extracts. A roadmap of research needs to be developed for the isolation of new bioactive compounds from Alternanthera species, which can emerge out as clinically potential medicines.

Flavonoids in Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive systemic disease, which changes the function and structure of the kidneys irreversibly over months or years. The final common pathological manifestation of chronic kidney disease is renal fibrosis and is characterized by glomerulosclerosis, tubular atrophy, and interstitial fibrosis. In recent years, numerous studies have reported the therapeutic benefits of natural products against modern diseases. Substantial attention has been focused on the biological role of polyphenols, in particular flavonoids, presenting broadly in plants and diets, referring to thousands of plant compounds with a common basic structure. Evidence-based pharmacological data have shown that flavonoids play an important role in preventing and managing CKD and renal fibrosis. These compounds can prevent renal dysfunction and improve renal function by blocking or suppressing deleterious pathways such as oxidative stress and inflammation. In this review, we summarize the function and beneficial properties of common flavonoids for the treatment of CKD and the relative risk factors of CKD.

Anti-Allergic Properties of Propolis: Evidence From Preclinical and Clinical Studies

Allergic diseases are a global health burden with increasing prevalence. Side effects of available medications (antihistamines and steroids), lack of patients' perceived effectiveness and high cost of biologic therapies (omalizumab) are challenges to the clinical management of allergic diseases. As allergy symptoms persist for a long time, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) such as propolis may be considered a potential prophylactic or therapeutic option to avoid long-term medication use. Propolis is a natural resinous substance produced by bees. Although propolis is well known to possess antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties, its anti-allergic potential is not fully explored. Several preclinical studies demonstrated the therapeutic effects of propolis extracts against allergic inflammation, asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and food allergy, which may be partly attributed to their inhibitory effects on the activation of mast cells and basophils. Clinically, the consumption of propolis as a supplement or an adjunct therapy is safe and attenuates various pathological conditions in asthma. Such an approach may be adopted for atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis. Although flavonoids (chrysin, kaempferol, galangin, and pinocembrin) and cinnamic acid derivatives (artepillin C and caffeic acid phenethyl ester) can contribute to the anti-allergic activities, they may not be present in all propolis samples due to variations in the chemical composition. Future studies should relate the anti-allergic activity of propolis with its chemical contents. This mini-review summarizes and discusses existing preclinical and clinical studies reporting the anti-allergic activities of propolis to provide insights into its potential applications in allergic diseases.

Kaemperfol alleviates pyroptosis and microglia-mediated neuroinflammation in Parkinson's disease via inhibiting p38MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway

The study aims to investigate whether kaemperfol (KAE) inhibits microglia pyroptosis and subsequent neuroinflammatory response to exert neuroprotective effects, along with the underlying mechanisms. The results showed KAE could ameliorate the behavioral deficits of Parkinson's disease (PD) rats, inhibit the activation of microglia and astrocytes, reduce the loss of TH-positive neurons, down-regulate levels of pyroptosis-related NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), GasderminD-N Term (GSDMD-NT), caspase1, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase-recruitment domain (ASC), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18, and decrease the levels of inflammatory molecules (inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor-kappaB (p38MAPK/NF-κB) signaling pathway molecules (p38MAPK, p-p38MAPK, NF-κB, and p-NF-κB) in the substantia nigra of PD rats. Further in vitro study indicated that KAE reversed the activation of BV2 cells and down-regulated the expressions of pyrolytic proteins, inflammatory mediators and key molecules in p38MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway. Collectively, KAE inhibits the microglia pyroptosis and subsequent neuroinflammatory response to exert neuroprotective effects on 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced PD rats and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV2 inflammatory cells through inhibiting p38MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Beneficial effects of naringenin and morin on interleukin-5 and reactive oxygen species production in BALB/c mice with ovalbumin-induced asthma

We investigated the effects of naringenin and morin on IL-5 and ROS production in PMA+ionomycin-treated EL-4 cells with the corroboration of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties using an asthma-induced mouse model. The EL-4 cell line was used to study the outcomes of naringenin or morin, followed by cell viability studies. Western blot analysis and ELISA test were used to determine Th2 mediated cytokines. In vivo studies were carried out on BALB/c mice to induce allergic asthma using ovalbumin administered intraperitoneally. Intracellular ROS was determined using 2’,7’-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, followed by serum enzymatic (AST and ALT) estimations and inflammatory cell count in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissues. Histopathological studies were conducted to examine lung tissue-stained architecture. Our findings suggested that naringenin and morin significantly suppressed IL-5 and ROS production via various pathways. Interestingly, by reducing NFAT activity, naringenin and morin stimulated HO-1 expression, thereby suppressing IL-5 secretion due to regulating the transcription factor Nrf2 via P13/Akt or ERK/JNK signalling pathways in EL-4 cells, demonstrating the involvement of HO-1 expression in inhibiting asthmatic inflammation. The increased inflammatory cells in the BALF were substantially decreased by both naringenin and morin, followed by inhibition in the elevated Th-2 cytokines levels. The TNF-α protein levels in an allergic asthma mouse model were significantly reduced by suppressing Akt phosphorylation and eosinophil formation. Recent findings confirmed that naringenin and morin possess the potential to control asthma-related immune responses through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, indicating potential therapeutic agents or functional foods.

Immunomodulatory Role of Nutrients: How Can Pulmonary Dysfunctions Improve?

Nutrition is an important tool that can be used to modulate the immune response during infectious diseases. In addition, through diet, important substrates are acquired for the biosynthesis of regulatory molecules in the immune response, influencing the progression and treatment of chronic lung diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In this way, nutrition can promote lung health status. A range of nutrients, such as vitamins (A, C, D, and E), minerals (zinc, selenium, iron, and magnesium), flavonoids and fatty acids, play important roles in reducing the risk of pulmonary chronic diseases and viral infections. Through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, nutrients are associated with better lung function and a lower risk of complications since they can decrease the harmful effects from the immune system during the inflammatory response. In addition, bioactive compounds can even contribute to epigenetic changes, including histone deacetylase (HDAC) modifications that inhibit the transcription of proinflammatory cytokines, which can contribute to the maintenance of homeostasis in the context of infections and chronic inflammatory diseases. These nutrients also play an important role in activating immune responses against pathogens, which can help the immune system during infections. Here, we provide an updated overview of the roles played by dietary factors and how they can affect respiratory health. Therefore, we will show the anti-inflammatory role of flavonoids, fatty acids, vitamins and microbiota, important for the control of chronic inflammatory diseases and allergies, in addition to the antiviral role of vitamins, flavonoids, and minerals during pulmonary viral infections, addressing the mechanisms involved in each function. These mechanisms are interesting in the discussion of perspectives associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and its pulmonary complications since patients with severe disease have vitamins deficiency, especially vitamin D. In addition, researches with the use of flavonoids have been shown to decrease viral replication in vitro. This way, a full understanding of dietary influences can improve the lung health of patients.

Network Pharmacology Analysis of the Identification of Phytochemicals and Therapeutic Mechanisms of Paeoniae Radix Alba for the Treatment of Asthma

Background

Paeoniae Radix Alba (PRA), the root of the plant Paeonia lactiflora Pall., has been suggested to play an important role for the treatment of asthma. A biochemical understanding of the clinical effects of Paeoniae Radix Alba is needed. Here, we explore the phytochemicals and therapeutic mechanisms via a systematic and comprehensive network pharmacology analysis.

Methods

Through TCMSP, PubChem, GeneCards database, and SwissTargetPrediction online tools, potential targets of active ingredients from PRA for the treatment of asthma were obtained. Cytoscape 3.7.2 was used to determine the target of active ingredients of PRA. Target protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed through the STRING database. The Gene Ontology (GO) biological process and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were analyzed through the biological information annotation database (DAVID).

Results

Our results indicate that PRA contains 21 candidate active ingredients with the potential to treat asthma. The enrichment analysis of GO and KEGG pathways found that the treatment of asthma by PRA may be related to the process of TNF (tumor necrosis factor) release, which can regulate and inhibit multiple signaling pathways such as ceramide signaling.

Conclusions

Our work provides a phytochemical basis and therapeutic mechanisms of PRA for the treatment of asthma, which provides new insights on further research on PRA.

Effects of Allium cepa and Its Constituents on Respiratory and Allergic Disorders: A Comprehensive Review of Experimental and Clinical Evidence

The health benefits of Allium cepa (A. cepa) have been proclaimed for centuries. Various pharmacological and therapeutic effects on respiratory, allergic, and immunologic disorders are shown by A. cepa and its constituents. Flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol, alk(en)yl cysteine sulfoxides including S-methyl cysteine sulfoxide and S-propyl cysteine sulfoxide, cycloalliin, thiosulfinates, and sulfides are the main compounds of the plant. A. cepa displays broad-spectrum pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic effects. Our objective in this review is to present the effects of A. cepa and its constituents on respiratory, allergic, and immunologic disorders. Different online databases were searched to find articles related to the effect of A. cepa extracts and its constituents on respiratory, allergic, and immunologic disorders until the end of December 2020 using keywords such as onion, A. cepa, constituents of A. cepa, therapeutic effects and pharmacological effects, and respiratory, allergic, and immunologic disorders. Extracts and constituents of A. cepa showed tracheal smooth muscle relaxant effects, indicating possible bronchodilator activities or relieving effects on obstructive respiratory diseases. In experimental animal models of different respiratory diseases, the preventive effect of various extracts and constituents of A. cepa was induced by their antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects. The preventive effects of the plant and its components on lung disorders induced by exposure to noxious agents as well as lung cancer, lung infection, and allergic and immunologic disorders were also indicated in the experimental and clinical studies. Therefore, this review may be considered a scientific basis for development of therapies using this plant, to improve respiratory, allergic, and immunologic disorders.

Natural immunomodulating substances used for alleviating food allergy

Food allergy is a serious health problem affecting more than 10% of the human population worldwide. Medical treatments for food allergy remain limited because immune therapy is risky and costly, and anti-allergic drugs have many harmful side effects and can cause drug dependence. In this paper, we review natural bioactive substances capable of alleviating food allergy. The sources of the anti-allergic substances reviewed include plants, animals, and microbes, and the types of substances include polysaccharides, oligosaccharides, polyphenols, phycocyanin, polyunsaturated fatty acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, quinones, alkaloids, phenylpropanoids, and probiotics. We describe five mechanisms involved in anti-allergic activities, including binding with epitopes located in allergens, affecting the gut microbiota, influencing intestinal epithelial cells, altering antigen presentation and T cell differentiation, and inhibiting the degranulation of effector cells. In the discussion, we present the limitations of existing researches as well as promising advances in the development of anti-allergic foods and/or immunomodulating food ingredients that can effectively prevent or alleviate food allergy. This review provides a reference for further research on anti-allergic materials and their hyposensitizing mechanisms.

Therapeutic Effects and Molecular Mechanisms of Bioactive Compounds Against Respiratory Diseases: Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory and High-Frequency Use

Respiratory diseases, especially the pandemic of respiratory infectious diseases and refractory chronic lung diseases, remain a key clinical issue and research hot spot due to their high prevalence rates and poor prognosis. In this review, we aimed to summarize the recent advances in the therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of key common bioactive compounds from Chinese herbal medicine. Based on the theories of traditional Chinese medicine related to lung diseases, we searched several electronic databases to determine the high-frequency Chinese medicines in clinical application. The active compounds and metabolites from the selected medicines were identified using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database (TCMSP) by analyzing oral bioavailability and drug similarity index. Then, the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of the selected bioactive compounds in the viral and bacterial infections, inflammation, acute lung injury (ALI), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, and lung cancer were summarized. We found that 31 bioactive compounds from the selected 10 common Chinese herbs, such as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), kaempferol, isorhamnetin, quercetin, and β-sitosterol, can mainly regulate NF-κB, Nrf2/HO-1, NLRP3, TGF-β/Smad, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways to inhibit infection, inflammation, extracellular matrix deposition, and tumor growth in a series of lung-related diseases. This review provides novel perspectives on the preclinical study and clinical application of Chinese herbal medicines and their bioactive compounds against respiratory diseases.

Kaempferol reduces obesity, prevents intestinal inflammation, and modulates gut microbiota in high-fat diet mice

Kaempferol, a flavonoid identified in a wide variety of dietary sources, has been reported to possess anti-obesity properties; however, its underlying mechanism was poorly understood. Chronic, low-grade gut inflammation and dysbacteria are proposed as underlying factors as well as novel treatment approaches for obesity-associated pathologies. This present study aims to investigate the benefits of experimental treatment with kaempferol on intestinal inflammation and gut microbial balance in animal model of obesity. High fat diet (HFD) was applied to C57BL/6J mice for 16 weeks, during which the supplement of kaempferol served as a variable. Clearly, HFD induced obesity, fat accumulation, glucose intolerance and adipose inflammation, the metabolic syndrome of which was the main finding. All these metabolic disorders can be alleviated through kaempferol supplementation. In addition, increased intestinal permeability, infiltration of immunocytes (macrophage, dendritic cells and neutrophils) and overexpression of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) were also found in the HFD-induced mice. Kaempferol supplementation improved intestinal barrier integrity and inhibited gut inflammation, by reducing the activation of TLR4/NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, the characterization of the cecal microbiota by sequencing showed that kaempferol supplementation was able to counteract the dysbiosis associated to obesity. Our study delineated the multiple mechanism of action underlying the anti-obesity effect of kaempferol, and provide scientific evidence to support the development of kaempferol as a dietary supplement for obesity treatment.

Overview of the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Selected Plant Compounds and Their Metal Ions Complexes

Numerous plant compounds and their metal-ion complexes exert antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and other beneficial effects. This review highlights the different bioactivities of flavonoids, chromones, and coumarins and their metal-ions complexes due to different structural characteristics. In addition to insight into the most studied antioxidative properties of these compounds, the first part of the review provides a comprehensive overview of exogenous and endogenous sources of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, oxidative stress-mediated damages of lipids and proteins, and on protective roles of antioxidant defense systems, including plant-derived antioxidants. Additionally, the review covers the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of flavonoids, chromones, coumarins and their metal-ion complexes which support its application in medicine, pharmacy, and cosmetology.

Zhike pingchuan granules improve bronchial asthma by regulating the IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 pathway

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of zhike pingchuan granules (ZKPC) on bronchial asthma and the underlying mechanism. A bronchial asthma mouse model was established by aerosol inhalation of ovalbumin. The changes in lung pathomorphology were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The levels of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum were detected by corresponding ELISA kits. Levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase in lung tissues were analyzed using corresponding kits. The expression of proteins related to apoptosis and the IL-6/janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/STAT3 pathway was detected by western blot analysis. The results showed that ZKPC significantly restored the dry/wet ratio and alleviated lung pathomorphology of bronchial asthmatic mice. In addition, ZKPC inhibits inflammation, oxidative stress levels and cell apoptosis in bronchial asthmatic mice and also suppressed the IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Fedratinib (a JAK2 inhibitor) further strengthened the alleviative effects of ZKPC on bronchial asthma. In conclusion, ZKPC improved bronchial asthma by suppressing the IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

Inhibitory Effects of Gyeji-Tang on MMP-9 Activity and the Expression of Adhesion Molecules in IL-4- and TNF-α-Stimulated BEAS-2B Cells

Gyeji-tang (GJT), a traditional herbal formula composed of five herbal medicines, is commonly used to treat the common cold, exogenous febrile disease, fever and headaches in Korea, China and Japan. Although various pharmacological activities of GJT have been reported in several studies, the effect of GJT water extract (GJTWE) on airway inflammation has not yet been investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of GJTWE on airway inflammation-related factors using human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells, and to identify the phytochemicals in GJTWE by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-DAD-MS/MS) analysis. GJTWE significantly decreased the production of chemokines, including eotaxin-3, eotaxin-1, regulated on activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), and matrix metalloproteinase-9, and the expression of the adhesion molecules, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, in interleukin-4 + tumor necrosis factor-α (IT)-stimulated BEAS-2B cells. In the UPLC-DAD-MS/MS analysis, 21 phytochemicals, including six flavonoids, two chalcones, five terpenoids, six phenolics, one phenylpropanoid and one coumarin, were identified in GJTWE. The findings suggested that GJTWE might exhibit anti-inflammatory effects on airway inflammation by regulating the expression of inflammatory response-related factors in IT-stimulated BEAS-2B cells; further studies are required to determine the bioactive compounds involved in the inhibition of airway inflammation.

Flavonoids from the Genus Euphorbia: Isolation, Structure, Pharmacological Activities and Structure-Activity Relationships

Plants of the genus Euphorbia are widely distributed across temperate, tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Asia and Africa with established Ayurvedic, Chinese and Malay ethnomedical records. The present review reports the isolation, occurrence, phytochemistry, biological properties, therapeutic potential and structure-activity relationship of Euphorbia flavonoids for the period covering 2000-2020, while identifying potential areas for future studies aimed at development of new therapeutic agents from these plants. The findings suggest that the extracts and isolated flavonoids possess anticancer, antiproliferative, antimalarial, antibacterial, anti-venom, anti-inflammatory, anti-hepatitis and antioxidant properties and have different mechanisms of action against cancer cells. Of the investigated species, over 80 different types of flavonoids have been isolated to date. Most of the isolated flavonoids were flavonols and comprised simple O-substitution patterns, C-methylation and prenylation. Others had a glycoside, glycosidic linkages and a carbohydrate attached at either C-3 or C-7, and were designated as d-glucose, l-rhamnose or glucorhamnose. The structure-activity relationship studies showed that methylation of the hydroxyl groups on C-3 or C-7 reduces the activities while glycosylation loses the activity and that the parent skeletal structure is essential in retaining the activity. These constituents can therefore offer potential alternative scaffolds towards development of new Euphorbia-based therapeutic agents.

Pharmacological Benefits of Triphala: A Perspective for Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is considered a major nasal condition impacting a large number of people around the world, and it is now becoming a global health problem. Because the underlying mechanisms of AR are complex, the development of single-drug treatment might not be enough to treat a wide spectrum of the disease. Although the standard guidelines classify and provide suitable diagnosis and treatment, the vast majority of people with AR are still without any means of controlling it. Moreover, the benefits of AR drugs are sometimes accompanied by undesirable side effects. Thus, it is becoming a significant challenge to find effective therapies with limited undesirable side effects for a majority of patients suffering from uncontrolled AR. Aller-7/NR-A2, a polyherbal formulation, has revealed promising results in patients by reducing nasal symptoms and eosinophil counts without serious adverse effects. Interestingly, three out of seven of the herbals in the Aller-7/NR-A2 formulation are also found in an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation known as “Triphala,” which is a potential candidate for the treatment of AR. However, there are no current studies that have examined the effects of Triphala on the disease. This review aims to describe the complexity of AR pathophysiology, currently available treatments, and the effects of Triphala on AR in order to help develop it as a promising alternative treatment in the future.

Radioprotective Effect of Flavonoids on Ionizing Radiation-Induced Brain Damage

Patients receiving brain radiotherapy may suffer acute or chronic side effects. Ionizing radiation induces the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the central nervous system, leading to brain damage. Complementary Chinese herbal medicine therapy may reduce radiotherapy-induced side effects. Flavonoids are a class of natural products which can be extracted from Chinese herbal medicine and have been shown to have neuroprotective and radioprotective properties. Flavonoids are effective antioxidants and can also inhibit regulatory enzymes or transcription factors important for controlling inflammatory mediators, affect oxidative stress through interaction with DNA and enhance genomic stability. In this paper, radiation-induced brain damage and the relevant molecular mechanism were summarized. The radio-neuro-protective effect of flavonoids, i.e., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and maintaining genomic stability, were then reviewed. We concluded that flavonoids treatment may be a promising complementary therapy to prevent radiotherapy-induced brain pathophysiological changes and cognitive impairment.

Effect of kaempferol on IgE-mediated anaphylaxis in C57BL/6 mice and LAD2 cells

BACKGROUND

Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated mast cell (MC) activation is crucial in multiple allergic diseases. Parkinson disease protein 7 (DJ-1) and Lyn kinase were reported as the receptor-proximal events in IgE receptor (FcεRI) signals in human MC. Kaempferol, a natural flavonol mainly derived from the rhizome of traditional Chinese herb Kaempferia galanga L. (Zingiberaceae), has been known to inhibit allergic reactions, but it was limited to the receptor-distal signals on rat basophilic leukemia cells. A thorough investigation of the inhibitory effects of kaempferol on human MC has not been done.

PURPOSE

To investigate the inhibitory effects of kaempferol on IgE-mediated anaphylaxis in vivo and in human MCs, as well as the mechanism underlying its effects, especially the receptor-proximal signals.

METHODS

IgE-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis and systemic anaphylaxis model were applied to elucidate the antiallergic activity of kaempferol in vivo. The degranulation assay, calcium imaging, the release of cytokines and chemokines on the laboratory of allergic disease 2 (LAD2) cells were used to evaluate the antiallergic effect of kaempferol in vitro. Western blot analysis was performed to investigate the DJ-1/Lyn signaling pathway and downstream molecules. Kinase activity assay, immunofluorescence, and molecular docking were conducted to confirm the influence of kaempferol on DJ-1/Lyn molecules.

RESULTS

Kaempferol dose-dependently attenuated ovalbumin/IgE-induced mice paw swelling, primary MC activation from paw skin, as well as rehabilitated the hypothermia, and reduced the serum concentrations of histamine, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-8, and monocyte chemo-attractant protein-1. Additionally, kaempferol suppressed IgE-mediated LAD2 cell degranulation and calcium fluctuation. Remarkably, kaempferol was found to bind with DJ-1 protein, and initially prevented DJ-1 from translocating to the plasma membrane, thereby inhibited full activation of Lyn, and eventually restrained those receptor-distal signaling molecules, involved Syk, Btk, PLCγ, IP3R, PKC, MAPKs, Akt and NF-κB.

CONCLUSION

Kaempferol could be used as a DJ-1 modulator for preventing MC-mediated allergic disorders through attenuating Lyn activation.

The anti-allergic potential of tea: a review of its components, mechanisms and risks

Allergy is an immune-mediated disease with increasing prevalence worldwide. Regular treatment with glucocorticoids and antihistamine drugs for allergy patients is palliative rather than permanent. Daily use of dietary anti-allergic natural products is a superior way to prevent allergy and alleviate the threat. Tea, as a health-promoting beverage, has multiple compounds with immunomodulatory ability. Persuasive evidence has shown the anti-allergic ability of tea against asthma, food allergy, atopic dermatitis and anaphylaxis. Recent advances in potential anti-allergic ability of tea and anti-allergic compounds in tea have been reviewed in this paper. Tea exerts its anti-allergic effect mainly by reducing IgE and histamine levels, decreasing FcεRI expression, regulating the balance of Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg cells and inhibiting related transcription factors. Further research perspectives are also discussed.