Hydrangea serrata extract attenuates PM-exacerbated airway inflammation in the CARAS model by modulating the IL-33/ST2/NF-κB signaling pathway

Particulate matter (PM) significantly contributes to the global health crisis of respiratory diseases. It is known to induce and exacerbate conditions such as asthma and respiratory infections. Long exposure to PM can increase the risk of combined allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome (CARAS). Although therapeutic drugs can be used to improve symptoms of respiratory diseases caused by PM, their usage is often accompanied by side effects. Therefore, many studies are being conducted to discover functional food materials that can more effectively treat respiratory diseases while minimizing the side effects of these therapeutic drugs. This study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of Hydrangea serrata extract (HSE) in airway inflammation in a mouse model of CARAS exacerbated by PM. In the CARAS mouse model worsened by PM, the airway inflammation improvement effect of HSE was evaluated by analyzing allergic nasal symptoms, changes in inflammatory cells, OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) levels, cytokines, mast cell activation, and histopathological findings of both nasal mucosa and lung tissue. HSE effectively reduced OVA-specific IgE and IgG1 and inhibited the production of T helper type 2 (Th2)-related cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-5. Importantly, HSE reduced IL-33 and ST2 expression and inhibited the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. In addition, HSE inhibited airway hypersensitivity, mucus production, and inflammatory cell infiltration. These results suggest that HSE may inhibit airway inflammation in CARAS/PM mice by regulating the IL-33/ST2/NF-κB signaling pathway, opening avenues for considering HSE as a potential material for treating allergic airway inflammation diseases in the future.

Undaria pinnatifida ameliorates nasal inflammation by inhibiting eosinophil and mast cell activation and modulating the NF-κB/MAPKs signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most prevalent form of atopic disease. Undaria pinnatifida has potent antioxidative, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

AIMS

We investigated the immunomodulatory effect of Undaria pinnatifida extract (UPE) on allergic inflammation in an AR mouse model.

MATERIALS & METHODS

Mice were sensitized and intranasally challenged with ovalbumin (OVA), and the Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg-related cytokines and histopathology were exanimated after UPE treatments. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed using serum samples and NALF to detect OVA-specific immunoglobulins and inflammatory cytokines. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were measured by western blotting analysis, and an in vitro study measured mast cell activation induced by compound 48/80.

RESULTS

After UPE treatment, nasal and lung allergy symptoms, nasal mucosal swelling, and goblet cell hyperplasia were ameliorated. Oral UPE regulated the balance of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg cell differentiation in AR mice in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, UPE attenuated the migration of eosinophils and mast cells to the nasal mucosa by suppressing nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)/MAPKs. The levels of anti-OVA IgE and IgG1 were also decreased.

DISCUSSION

UPE inhibited inflammation by regulating the NF-κB/MAPKs signaling pathway and supressing the activation of critical immune cells such as eosinophils and mast cells.

CONCLUSION

UPE may have therapeutic potential for AR.

Tectorigenin inhibits oxidative stress by activating the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in Th2-mediated allergic asthmatic mice

Asthma is a chronic obstructive airway condition and one of the most common non-communicable illnesses worldwide. Tectorigenin (Tec) is an isoflavonoid found in plants that possesses significant antioxidative and anti-inflammatory abilities. Nevertheless, the antioxidative properties of Tec have not yet been documented in allergic asthma. In this study, we created an asthmatic BALB/c mouse model induced by ovalbumin (OVA) and used it to assess the efficacy of Tec as a possible therapy agent. Tec decreased the serum OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E and IgG1 secretion levels. The total number of cells and the distribution of inflammatory cells decreased significantly in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), with weakened inflammatory reaction in pulmonary tissues. Additionally, Tec regulated the T helper 1(Th1)/Th2 balance by increasing the expression of Th1- related factors (interleukin (IL)-12 and T-bet) and decreasing the expression of Th2-related factors (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and GATA binding protein 3. In addition, the pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and IL-1β were also inhibited by Tec. Tec also dramatically increased antioxidant (catalase and superoxide dismutase) concentrations while lowering the intensity of the indicators of oxidative stress such as reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde in BALF. Finally, Tec effectively activated the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and prevented the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The results of the current study show that Tec may be useful in relieving the inflammatory and oxidative stress responses associated with asthma.

Chaenomeles sinensis Extract Ameliorates Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Rhinitis by Inhibiting the IL-33/ST2 Axis and Regulating Epithelial Cell Dysfunction

Chaenomeles sinensis has traditionally been used as an herbal medicine due to its characteristics that protect against inflammation, hypertension, and mutagenesis. However, the effect of Chaenomeles sinensis extract (CSE) on allergic rhinitis (AR) and its underlying mechanisms have yet to be thoroughly investigated. The current study explored the likely effect of CSE on AR in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR mouse model. To this end, OVA-specific immunoglobulins, nasal symptoms, cytokine production, the infiltration of inflammatory cells, and nasal histopathology were assessed to determine the role of CSE against AR. The supplementation of CSE was found to suppress OVA-specific IgE, while OVA-specific IgG2a was increased in the serum. Further, CSE ameliorated the production of T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines whereas it increased Th1 cytokine levels in nasal lavage fluid. Moreover, the CSE treatment group exhibited significant inhibition of IL-33/ST2 signaling. Subsequently, CES reversed the OVA-induced enhancement of epithelial permeability and upregulated E-cadherin, thus indicating that CES plays a protective role on epithelial barrier integrity. Altogether, the oral administration of CSE effectively controlled allergic response by restricting the buildup of inflammatory cells, enhancing nasal and lung histopathological traits, and regulating cytokines associated with inflammation. Collectively, the results show that the supplementation of CSE at different doses effectively regulated AR, thus suggesting the therapeutic efficiency of CSE in suppressing airway diseases.

Fallopia japonica Root Extract Ameliorates Ovalbumin-Induced Airway Inflammation in a CARAS Mouse Model by Modulating the IL-33/TSLP/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Fallopia japonica (Asian knotweed) is a medicinal herb traditionally used to treat inflammation, among other conditions. However, the effects of F. japonica root extract (FJE) on airway inflammation associated with combined allergic rhinitis and asthma (CARAS) and the related mechanisms have not been investigated. This study examined the effect of FJE against CARAS in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced CARAS mouse model. Six-week-old male BALB/c mice were randomly segregated into six groups. Mice were sensitized intraperitoneally with OVA on days 1, 8, and 15, and administered saline, Dexamethasone (1.5 mg/kg), or FJE (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg) once a day for 16 days. Nasal symptoms, inflammatory cells, OVA-specific immunoglobulins, cytokine production, mast cell activation, and nasal histopathology were assessed. Administration of FJE down-regulated OVA-specific IgE and up-regulated OVA-specific IgG2a in serum. FJE reduced the production of T helper (Th) type 2 cytokines, and the Th1 cytokine levels were enhanced in nasal and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Moreover, FJE positively regulated allergic responses by reducing the accumulation of inflammatory cells, improving nasal and lung histopathological characteristics, and inhibiting inflammation-associated cytokines. FJE positively modulated the IL-33/TSLP/NF-B signaling pathway, which is involved in regulating inflammatory cells, immunoglobulin levels, and pro-inflammatory cytokines at the molecular level.

Bergapten ameliorates combined allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome after PM2.5 exposure by balancing Treg/Th17 expression and suppressing STAT3 and MAPK activation in a mouse model

Combined allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome (CARAS) causes chronic respiratory inflammation in allergic individuals. Long-term exposure to particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5; particles 2.5 µm or less in diameter) can aggravate respiratory damage. Bergapten (5-methoxysporalen) is a furocoumarin mostly found in bergamot essential oil and has significant antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activity. This study created a model in which CARAS was exacerbated by PM2.5 exposure, in BALB/c mice and explored the potential of bergapten as a therapeutic agent. The bergapten medication increased ovalbumin (OVA)-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) G2a level in serum and decreased OVA-specific IgE and IgG1 expression. Clinical nasal symptoms diminished significantly, with weakened inflammatory reaction in both the nasal mucosa and lungs. Furthermore, bergapten controlled the T helper (Th)1 to Th2 ratio by increasing cytokines associated with Th1-like interleukin (IL)-12 and interferon gamma and decreasing the Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. Factors closely related to the balance between regulatory T cells and Th17 (such as IL-10, IL-17, Forkhead box protein P3, and retinoic-related orphan receptor gamma) were also regulated. Notably, pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were reduced by bergapten, which suppressed the activation of both the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling pathway and the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. Therefore, bergapten might have potential as a therapeutic agent for CARAS.

Addition of olive (olea europaea) leaf extract as a source of natural antioxidant in mutton meatball stored at refrigeration temperature

This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of using different levels of olive (Olea europaea) leaf extract on fresh and preserved mutton meatballs. Meatballs were divided into four different groups and treated as T0 (0), T1 (0.1), T2 (0.2) and T3 (0.3%), respectively based on olive leaf extract supplementation. Days of intervals of experiment were 0, 5, 10 days. Samples were preserved at 4˚C for up to 10 days. Different types of analysis such as, sensory (color, flavor, juiciness and overall acceptability), proximate composition (CP %), physicochemical (pH), biochemical (POV, FFA and TBARS) and microbiological (TVC, TCC and TYMC) were determined. Color, flavor and acceptability reduced significantly (p < 0.05) with the increase of the storage periods. Values of the studied quality parameters in all the treatment groups differed significantly (p < 0.05). Based on our findings 0.3% olive leaf extract is found suitable to add in mutton meatballs as a source of natural antioxidant.

[Analysis of influencing factors of shunt dysfunction after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in liver cirrhosis accompanied with portal vein thrombosis]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of shunt after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in liver cirrhosis accompanied with portal vein thrombosis (PVT). Methods: Forty-four cases with liver cirrhosis accompanied with PVT who underwent TIPS treatment from January 2015 to May 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical baseline data of the patients were collected. Portal vein pressure gradient (PVPG) before and after the surgery was recorded. Shunt patency was observed at 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after the surgery. The influencing factors were determined by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt was successfully established in all 44 cases. The postoperative PVPG was lower than preoperative (P < 0.01). The shunt patency rate after TIPS in PVT was 18.2% (n = 8). The cumulative shunt patency rates at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after surgery were 95.5%, 90.7%, 90.7%, 86.8% and 74.4%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that diabetes history, platelet level and prothrombin time-international normalized ratio were associated with postoperative shunt dysfunction. Multivariate analysis showed that diabetes history (P = 0.007, OR = 28.606) was an independent risk factor for postoperative shunt dysfunction. Conclusion: TIPS is a safe and feasible procedure, which can effectively reduce the portal pressure in liver cirrhosis accompanied with PVT. Diabetic patients have a higher risk of postoperative shunt dysfunction. Therefore, clinical intervention should be strengthened for high-risk patients.

Antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes of Streptococcus isolated from dairy cows with mastitis in China

Streptococcus is a major mastitis-causing pathogen in dairy cows. To investigate the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance and virulence gene of Streptococcus in mastitic milk, a total of 735 mastitic raw milk samples from dairy cows in 11 provinces of China were collected and tested. Antimicrobial resistance of Streptococcus isolates was determined by disc diffusion against 8 classes 29 antimicrobial agents, and Streptococcus resistant genes and virulence genes were determined by PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis. A total of 64 (8.71%) isolates of Streptococcus were isolated and identified using biochemical profiling, including 22 isolates of Streptococcus agalactiae, 13 isolates of Streptococcus dysgalactiae, and 29 isolates of Streptococcus uberis. Out of 64 resistant Streptococcus isolates, all isolates (100%) were resistant to 3 or more antimicrobials. The most frequency (n = 18, 28.12%) of the isolates were multi-resistant to 5-7 antimicrobials and the highest multi-resistant number was 29 (n = 1, 1.56%). Streptococcus isolates had the highest resistance rate to tetracycline (98.44%) and oxacillin (98.44%), followed by penicillin G (96.88%) and doxycycline (96.88%), and the lowest resistance was observed with respect to ciprofloxacin (1.56%). A total of 16 antimicrobials resistance genes with 25 combination patterns were detected in the isolates. The gene combination of Sul1/Sul2/Sul3 + gyrA/parC + cat1/cat2 was the most common pattern (12.5%). The correlation between resistant phenotypes and resistance genes in Streptococcs was 35.87%. A total of 7 virulence genes were detected and 59 (92.19%) isolates harbored at least one gene. Twenty-four classes of gene patterns were found in the isolates and the patterns of bca (9.38%) and cfb (9.38%) were the most prevalent form. In conclusion, the issue of drug resistance of Streptococcus is still a great concern in cattle health in China.

Polymorphic microsatellite loci developed from the Hong Kong oyster (Crassostrea hongkongensis)

Forty polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed from Crassostrea hongkongensis using an enriched partial genomic library with magnetic beads. The polymorphism of these loci was assessed in 30 individuals from a wild population. The allele number of the polymorphic markers ranged from 2 to 13, with an average of 5.8 per locus. The polymorphism information content ranged from 0.032 to 0.891 and 37 loci presented a medium or high level of polymorphism. The observed and expected heterozygosity values ranged from 0.033 to 1.000 and 0.033 to 0.931, respectively. Of the 40 loci, 28 were found to conform to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE), whereas the remaining 12 showed a significant departure from HWE. The availability of these markers will aid future genetic studies in C. hongkongensis.

Simultaneous determination of 38 veterinary antibiotic residues in raw milk by UPLC-MS/MS

A selective and rapid method has been developed to determine, simultaneously, 38 veterinary antibiotic residues in raw milk by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). One milliliter of raw milk was diluted with 0.5 mL water and 3 mL acetonitrile, then purified using an Oasis HLB cartridge. The eluates were evaporated by nitrogen drying and then reconstituted to 4 mL with water/acetonitrile (8:1) before being injected into the UPLC-MS/MS system. The results indicated recoveries of 68-118% for 14 β-lactams, 79-118% for eight quinolones, 71-106% for eight sulfonamides, 76-116% for four tetracyclines, 78-106% for three macrolides, and 88-103% for one lincosamides, with coefficients of variation less than 15% for intraday and interday precisions. The limit of quantification for all antibiotics was 0.03-10 μg kg(-1). This methodology was then applied to field-collected real raw milk samples and trace levels of four antibiotics were detected.

[The characteristics of Bacillus thuringiensis strain YBT833 and its transformants that containing different ICP genes]

Four different transformants were selected by transferring cry1C into Bacillus thuringiensis strain YBT833. Southern blot and Plasmid profiles results all proved that cry1C was transferred into strain YBT833. However, it was found by PCR analysis that transformant YBT833-1 kept all indigenous ICP(insecticidal crystal protein) genes of strain YBT833 while transformant YBT833-2 lost cry1Ab, and transformant YBT833-3 lost all ICP genes. SDS-PAGE showed that transformants of YBT833-1, YBT833-2 and YBT833 all had 130 kDa and 65 kDa peptide bands, but transformant YBT833-3 did not have 65 kDa peptide band. Bioassay results showed that the toxicities of all transformants to Spodoptera exigua, Heliothis armigera and Plutella xylostella were lower than that of strain YBT833, except the toxicity of transformant YBT833-2 to P. xylostella which was obviously higher than that of YBT833.

[Cloning of plasmid pBMB2062 in Bacillus thuringiensis strain YBT-1520 and construction of plasmid vector with genetic stability]

A small plasmid pBMB2062 in Bacillus thuringiensis strain YBT-1520 was cloned and sequenced. Its 2,062 bp sequence contains two potential open reading frames (orfs). The orf1 and orf2 encode a tentative replication initial protein consisting of 289 amino acid residues and a tentative replication protein consisting of 80 amino acid residues, respectively. Two homological plasmids were found by Blast searching. There are 23 nucleotides difference occurring among three of the plasmids. The difference occurred in the orf1 causes different encoding capability. Comparing with the orf1 in pBMB2062, the orf1 in the homological plasmids are truncated, one at the N-terminal and another at the C-terminal. cDNA synthesis and PCR detection showed that the mRNA corresponding to orf1 in pBMB2062 really occurs. Shuttle vectors were constructed based on pBMB2062 and showed the ability to express insecticidal crystal gene. Under nonselective condition, recombinant plasmids based on pBMB2062 were genetically stable.

[Transfer of cry1C gene into Bacillus thuringiensis by electroporation to construct strain with broader insecticidal activity]

Three Transformants were selected by transferring cry1C into Bacillus thuringiensis strain YBT1535. Plasmid profiles, PCR and Southern blot result all proved that cry1C had been transferred into strain YBT1535. Bioassay results showed that the transformants of strain YBT1535 displayed significantly higher toxicity against Spodoptera exigua than strain YBT1535, but the toxicities against Heliothis armigera and Plutella xylostella did not rise except transformant YBT1535-2.

[The influence of the 20 kDa protein from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis on the cytolytic activity of CytA]

In order to understand the influence of the 20 kDa protein on the cytolytic activity of CytA protein, a set of PCR primers were designed to amplify 20 kDa protein and CytA protein genes. The genes were ligated to E. coli expression vector pUHE24 and transformed into E. coli XL1 and DH5 alpha. The clones, LZ20, LZcytA and LZ20A containing 20 kDa protein gene, cytA protein gene and 20 kDa-cytA genes were obtained respectively. The influence of the clones on the growth of E. coli cells was determined under induction of IPTG. The results showed that the growth of LZ20 cells were not affected, LZcytA cells were killed, and the growth of LZ20A cells were not affected. It was suggested that expression product of 20 kDa protein gene protected the host cells from the cytolytic effect of CytA protein. This was supported by using different host strains.

Formycin triphosphate as a probe for the ATP binding site involved in the activation of guanylate cyclase

Formycin A triphosphate (FTP), a fluorescent analog of ATP, slightly increased basal guanylate cyclase activity, but significantly potentiated guanylate cyclase activity stimulated by atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) in rat lung membranes. FTP potentiated ANF-stimulated guanylate cyclase activity with an EC50 at about 90 microM and inhibited ATP-stimulated guanylate cyclase activity with an IC50 at about 100 microM. These results indicate that FTP binds more tightly than ATP for the same binding site. Therefore, FTP would be an excellent tool for studying the ATP binding site.