scholarly journals Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Qingre-Qushi Recipe (QRQS) against Atopic Dermatitis: Potential Mechanism of Inhibition of IL-33/ST2 Signal Transduction

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mengjiao Chen ◽  
Peijun Ding ◽  
Lili Yang ◽  
Xufeng He ◽  
Chunjie Gao ◽  
...  

To evaluate the anti-inflammatory activities of QRQS against AD and the inhibitory molecular mechanisms of IL-33/ST2 signal transduction, BALB/c mice were divided into six groups (normal control, OVA control, low-dose of QRQS, middle-dose of QRQS, high-dose of QRQS, and cetirizine) and epicutaneously exposed to ovalbumin or PBS for 3 weeks and treated with QRQS for 2 weeks. Skin biopsies and blood samples were obtained for histological study, antibody analysis, and RNA isolation. HaCaT cells, stimulated by TNF-α and IFN-γ, were treated with QRQS to evaluate mRNA and protein expression by RT-PCR and ELISA. QRQS decreased both epidermal and dermal thickness, alleviated dermatitis, and reduced IL-33 and ST2 positive cell numbers. The concentration of specific IgE, IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a antibodies in serum and the expression of IL-33, ST2, IL-1RAcP, IL-4, and IL-13 mRNA in the skin were suppressed. No significant difference exists in TNF-α or IFN-γ. QRQS decreased IL-33 mRNA and protein secretion in HaCaT cells exposed to TNF-α and IFN-γ in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. QRQS regulates related molecule expression of ovalbumin-induced dermatitis involved in the IL-33/ST2 signaling axis in the treatment of acute AD.

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (21) ◽  
pp. 6660
Author(s):  
Ankita Mitra ◽  
Akash Ahuja ◽  
Laily Rahmawati ◽  
Han Gyung Kim ◽  
Byoung Young Woo ◽  
...  

Caragana rosea Turcz, which belongs to the Leguminosae family, is a small shrub found in Northern and Eastern China that is known to possess anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat fever, asthma, and cough. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of its anti-inflammatory effects are unknown. Therefore, we used lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW264.7 macrophages to investigate the molecular mechanisms that underlie the anti-inflammatory activities of a methanol extract of Caragana rosea (Cr-ME). We showed that Cr-ME reduced the production of nitric oxide (NO) and mRNA levels of iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-6 in a concentration-dependent manner. We also found that Cr-ME blocked MyD88- and TBK1-induced NF-κB and IRF3 promoter activity, suggesting that it affects multiple targets. Moreover, Cr-ME reduced the phosphorylation levels of IκBα, IKKα/β and IRF3 in a time-dependent manner and regulated the upstream NF-κB proteins Syk and Src, and the IRF3 protein TBK1. Upon overexpression of Src and TBK1, Cr-ME stimulation attenuated the phosphorylation of the NF-κB subunits p50 and p65 and IRF3 signaling. Together, our results suggest that the anti-inflammatory activity of Cr-ME occurs by inhibiting the NF-κB and IRF3 signaling pathways.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meng-Meng You ◽  
Yi-Fan Chen ◽  
Yong-Ming Pan ◽  
Yi-Chen Liu ◽  
Jue Tu ◽  
...  

Royal jelly (RJ), a hive product with versatile pharmacological activities, has been used as a traditional functional food to prevent or treat inflammatory diseases. However, little is known about the anti-inflammatory effect of RJ in microglial cells. The aim of this study is to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of RJ in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced murine immortalized BV-2 cells and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. Our results showed that in LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells, RJ significantly inhibited iNOS and COX-2 expression at mRNA and protein levels. The mRNA expression of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α was also downregulated by RJ in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, RJ protected BV-2 cells against oxidative stress by upregulating heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression and by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) production. Mechanistically, we found that RJ could alleviate inflammatory response in microglia by suppressing the phosphorylation of IκBα, p38, and JNK and by inhibiting the nucleus translocation of NF-κB p65. These findings suggest that RJ might be a promising functional food to delay inflammatory progress by influencing the microglia function.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mingkwan Na Takuathung ◽  
Ariyaphong Wongnoppavich ◽  
Pornsiri Pitchakarn ◽  
Ampai Panthong ◽  
Parirat Khonsung ◽  
...  

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory and immune-mediated skin disease. The pathogenesis involves T cells activation via the IL-23/Th17 axis. Conventional treatments of psoriasis have adverse events influencing patients’ adherence. Wannachawee Recipe (WCR) has been effectively used as Thai folk remedy for psoriasis patients; however, preclinical evidence defining how WCR works is still lacking. This study defined mechanisms for its antiproliferation and anti-inflammatory effects in HaCaT cells. The cytotoxicity and antiproliferation results from SRB and CCK-8 assays showed that WCR inhibited the growth and viability of HaCaT cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The distribution of cell cycle phases determined by flow cytometry showed that WCR did not interrupt cell cycle progression. Interestingly, RT-qPCR revealed that WCR significantly decreased the mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, IL-22, IL-23, and TNF-α but induced IL-10 expression in TNF-α- and IFN-γ-induced HaCaT cells. At the protein level determined by ELISA, WCR significantly reduced the secretion of IL-17A, IL-22, and IL-23. The WCR at low concentrations was proved to possess anti-inflammatory effect without cytotoxicity and it did not interfere with cell cycle of keratinocytes. This is the first study to provide convincing evidence that WCR is a potential candidate for development of effective psoriasis therapies.


Author(s):  
Magdalena Szuster ◽  
Łukasz Stanisław Uram ◽  
Aleksandra Filipowicz-Rachwał ◽  
Stanisław Wołowiec ◽  
Elżbieta Wałajtys-Rode

Recognition of the molecular mechanisms of keratinocyte participation in normal skin homeostasis and in pathogenesis may lead to creation of more effective tools for topical application of cosmetics, cosmeceutics and drugs to a particular location within the skin for prevention and therapy of many skin disorders and diseases. For this purpose, the PAMAM G3 dendrimer with amide linkages of 9 biotin molecules and 10 molecules of pyridoxal phosphate (BC-PAMAM) was constructed, and its biological properties and cellular uptake and localization were investigated in the HaCaT keratinocytes. BC-PAMAM is nontoxic for HaCaT cells, as estimated by two assays (Neutral Red and tetrazolium salt reduction, XTT), and revealed low apoptosis induction at up to 50 µM concentration. Fluorescent labeled BC-PAMAM accumulates in HaCaT cells with high efficiency in a concentration–dependent manner. Its mitochondrial localization, estimated as Mander’s colocalization coefficient, is substantially lower than the native PAMAM, and that correlates with its cytotoxicity. The only undesirable, but significant inhibitory effect on cell mobility, evaluated by the wound healing test, was observed at 10 µM BC-PAMAM. The important anti-inflammatory action of BC-PAMAM was clearly documented by decreased production of total IL-1α, assayed with an ELISA test with unstimulated and stimulated by bacterial antigens (LPS and GroEL) HaCaT cells. Thus, it is expected that the biotin pyridoxal phosphate conjugated PAMAM may be considered as a potential carrier for safe delivery of vitamins and drugs into the epidermis.


2014 ◽  
Vol 84 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 79-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amin F. Majdalawieh ◽  
Hyo-Sung Ro

Background: Foam cell formation resulting from disrupted macrophage cholesterol efflux, which is triggered by PPARγ1 and LXRα, is a hallmark of atherosclerosis. Sesamin and sesame oil exert anti-atherogenic effects in vivo. However, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying such effects are not fully understood. Aim: This study examines the potential effects of sesamin (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 μM) on PPARγ1 and LXRα expression and transcriptional activity as well as macrophage cholesterol efflux. Methods: PPARγ1 and LXRα expression and transcriptional activity are assessed by luciferase reporter assays. Macrophage cholesterol efflux is evaluated by ApoAI-specific cholesterol efflux assays. Results: The 50 μM, 75 μM, and 100 μM concentrations of sesamin up-regulated the expression of PPARγ1 (p< 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively) and LXRα (p = 0.002, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively) in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, 75 μM and 100 μM concentrations of sesamin led to 5.2-fold (p < 0.001) and 6.0-fold (p<0.001) increases in PPAR transcriptional activity and 3.9-fold (p< 0.001) and 4.2-fold (p < 0.001) increases in LXR transcriptional activity, respectively, in a concentration- and time-dependent manner via MAPK signaling. Consistently, 50 μM, 75 μM, and 100 μM concentrations of sesamin improved macrophage cholesterol efflux by 2.7-fold (p < 0.001), 4.2-fold (p < 0.001), and 4.2-fold (p < 0.001), respectively, via MAPK signaling. Conclusion: Our findings shed light on the molecular mechanism(s) underlying sesamin’s anti-atherogenic effects, which seem to be due, at least in part, to its ability to up-regulate PPARγ1 and LXRα expression and transcriptional activity, improving macrophage cholesterol efflux. We anticipate that sesamin may be used as a therapeutic agent for treating atherosclerosis.


Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 1981 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiufen Mo ◽  
Aikun Fu ◽  
Lingli Deng ◽  
Minjie Zhao ◽  
Yang Li ◽  
...  

Glycerol monolaurate (GML) has potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. The present study aimed to assess the dose-dependent antimicrobial-effects of GML on the gut microbiota, glucose and lipid metabolism and inflammatory response in C57BL/6 mice. Mice were fed on diets supplemented with GML at dose of 400, 800 and 1600 mg kg−1 for 4 months, respectively. Results showed that supplementation of GML, regardless of the dosages, induced modest body weight gain without affecting epididymal/brown fat pad, lipid profiles and glycemic markers. A high dose of GML (1600 mg kg−1) showed positive impacts on the anti-inflammatory TGF-β1 and IL-22. GML modulated the indigenous microbiota in a dose-dependent manner. It was found that 400 and 800 mg kg−1 GML improved the richness of Barnesiella, whereas a high dosage of GML (1600 mg kg−1) significantly increased the relative abundances of Clostridium XIVa, Oscillibacter and Parasutterella. The present work indicated that GML could upregulate the favorable microbial taxa without inducing systemic inflammation and dysfunction of glucose and lipid metabolism.


Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1545
Author(s):  
Hwa-Young Song ◽  
Da-Eun Jeong ◽  
Mina Lee

The aim of this study was to identify the optimal extraction conditions for leaves of Osmanthus fragrans var. aurantiacus. Inhibitory effects of various extracts on NO production were compared. Antioxidant evaluations for total phenol and flavonoid contents were carried out using various extracts of O. fragrans var. aurantiacus leaves obtained under optimal extraction conditions that showed the greatest effect on NO production. The optimal method for extracting O. fragrans var. aurantiacus leaves resulted in an extract named OP OFLE. OP OFLE showed DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities in a concentration-dependent manner. Phillyrin (PH) was isolated as a major compound from OP OFLE by HPLC/DAD analysis. OP OFLE and PH reduced inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 protein expression and downregulated proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 and HT-29 cells. To determine the signal pathway involved in the inhibition of NO production, a Western blot analysis was performed. Results showed that OP OFLE decreased phosphorylation of extracellular regulated kinase (pERK) 1/2 and the expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). Our results suggest that extracts of O. fragrans var. aurantiacus leaves and its major components have biological activities such as antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.


eLife ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroshi Yamaguchi ◽  
Toshihiko Maruyama ◽  
Yoshihiro Urade ◽  
Shigekazu Nagata

Apoptosis is coupled with recruitment of macrophages for engulfment of dead cells, and with compensatory proliferation of neighboring cells. Yet, this death process is silent, and it does not cause inflammation. The molecular mechanisms underlying anti-inflammatory nature of the apoptotic process remains poorly understood. In this study, we found that the culture supernatant of apoptotic cells activated the macrophages to express anti-inflammatory genes such as Nr4a and Thbs1. A high level of AMP accumulated in the apoptotic cell supernatant in a Pannexin1-dependent manner. A nucleotidase inhibitor and A2a adenosine receptor antagonist inhibited the apoptotic supernatant-induced gene expression, suggesting AMP was metabolized to adenosine by an ecto-5’-nucleotidase expressed on macrophages, to activate the macrophage A2a adenosine receptor. Intraperitoneal injection of zymosan into Adora2a- or Panx1-deficient mice produced high, sustained levels of inflammatory mediators in the peritoneal lavage. These results indicated that AMP from apoptotic cells suppresses inflammation as a ‘calm down’ signal.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 3943-3949
Author(s):  
Jaegoo Yeon ◽  
Sung-Suk Suh ◽  
Ui-Joung Youn ◽  
Badamtsetseg Bazarragchaa ◽  
Ganbold Enebish ◽  
...  

Iris bungei Maxim. (IB), which is native to China and Mongolia, is used as a traditional medicine for conditions such as inflammation, cancer, and bacterial infections. However, the effects of Iris bungei Maxim. on adipocyte differentiation have not been studied. In the present study, we first demonstrated the molecular mechanisms underlying the adipogenic activity of the methanol extract of Mongolian I. bungei Maxim. (IB). IB significantly enhanced intracellular lipid accumulation and adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, IB markedly stimulated the expression of genes related to adipogenesis such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, adiponectin, and aP2. In addition, we also observed that IB induces lipogenic genes such as fatty acid synthase, sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c, stearoyl-CoA desaturase, and acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Interestingly IB regulated adipocyte differentiation in both the early and middle stages. Taken together, these adipogenic and lipogenic effects of IB suggest its efficacy for the prevention and/or treatment of type 2 diabetes.


Biomolecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dahae Lee ◽  
Seoung Rak Lee ◽  
Ki Sung Kang ◽  
Yuri Ko ◽  
Changhyun Pang ◽  
...  

Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide in women, and the most malignant cancer among the different gynecological cancers. In this study, we explored potentially anticancer compounds from Cornus walteri (Cornaceae), the MeOH extract of which has been reported to show considerable cytotoxicity against several cancer cell lines. Phytochemical investigations of the MeOH extract of the stem and stem bark of C. walteri by extensive application of chromatographic techniques resulted in the isolation of 14 compounds (1–14). The isolated compounds were evaluated for inhibitory effects on the viability of A2780 human ovarian carcinoma cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms were investigated. An 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was employed to assess the anticancer effects of compounds 1–14 on A2780 cells, which showed that compound 11 (betulinic acid) reduced the viability of these cells in a concentration-dependent manner and had an half maximal (50%) inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 44.47 μM at 24 h. Nuclear staining and image-based cytometric assay were carried out to detect the induction of apoptosis by betulinic acid. Betulinic acid significantly increased the condensation of nuclei and the percentage of apoptotic cells in a concentration-dependent manner in A2780 cells. Western blot analysis was performed to investigate the underlying mechanism of apoptosis. The results indicated that the expression levels of cleaved caspase-8, -3, -9, and Bax were increased in A2780 cells treated with betulinic acid, whereas those of Bcl-2 were decreased. Thus, we provide the experimental evidence that betulinic acid can induce apoptosis in A2780 cells through both mitochondria-dependent and -independent pathways and suggest the potential use of betulinic acid in the development of novel chemotherapeutics for ovarian cancer therapy.


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