scholarly journals Computational Identification of Potential Anti-Inflammatory Natural Compounds Targeting the p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK): Implications for COVID-19-Induced Cytokine Storm

Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 653
Author(s):  
Seth O. Asiedu ◽  
Samuel K. Kwofie ◽  
Emmanuel Broni ◽  
Michael D. Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Docking ◽  
P38 Mapk ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Binding Energies ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽  
Inflammatory Activity ◽  
Computational Techniques ◽  
Cytokine Storm ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

Severely ill coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients show elevated concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines, a situation commonly known as a cytokine storm. The p38 MAPK receptor is considered a plausible therapeutic target because of its involvement in the platelet activation processes leading to inflammation. This study aimed to identify potential natural product-derived inhibitory molecules against the p38α MAPK receptor to mitigate the eliciting of pro-inflammatory cytokines using computational techniques. The 3D X-ray structure of the receptor with PDB ID 3ZS5 was energy minimized using GROMACS and used for molecular docking via AutoDock Vina. The molecular docking was validated with an acceptable area under the curve (AUC) of 0.704, which was computed from the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. A compendium of 38,271 natural products originating from Africa and China together with eleven known p38 MAPK inhibitors were screened against the receptor. Four potential lead compounds ZINC1691180, ZINC5519433, ZINC4520996 and ZINC5733756 were identified. The compounds formed strong intermolecular bonds with critical residues Val38, Ala51, Lys53, Thr106, Leu108, Met109 and Phe169. Additionally, they exhibited appreciably low binding energies which were corroborated via molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) calculations. The compounds were also predicted to have plausible pharmacological profiles with insignificant toxicity. The molecules were also predicted to be anti-inflammatory, kinase inhibitors, antiviral, platelet aggregation inhibitors, and immunosuppressive, with probable activity (Pa) greater than probable inactivity (Pi). ZINC5733756 is structurally similar to estradiol with a Tanimoto coefficient value of 0.73, which exhibits anti-inflammatory activity by targeting the activation of Nrf2. Similarly, ZINC1691180 has been reported to elicit anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. The compounds may serve as scaffolds for the design of potential biotherapeutic molecules against the cytokine storm associated with COVID-19.

scholarly journals Anemoside B4 protects against Klebsiella pneumoniae- and influenza virus FM1-induced pneumonia via the TLR4/Myd88 signaling pathway in mice

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia He ◽  
Renyikun Yuan ◽  
Xiaolan Cui ◽  
Yushun Cui ◽  
Shan Han ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Molecular Docking ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Therapeutic Effect ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Inflammatory Activity ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Myd88 Signaling ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

Abstract Background: Pneumonia refers to the inflammation of the terminal airway, alveoli and pulmonary interstitium, which can be caused by pathogenic microorganisms, physical and chemical factors, immune damage, and drugs. Anemoside B4, the major ingredient of Pulsatilla chinensis (Bunge) Regel, exhibited anti-inflammatory activity. However, the therapeutic effect of anemoside B4 on pneumonia has not been unraveled. This study aims to investigate that anemoside B4 attenuates the inflammatory responses in Klebsiella pneumonia (KP)- and influenza virus FM1 (FM1)-induced pneumonia mice model.Methods: The network pharmacology and molecular docking assays were employed to predict the targets of anemoside B4’s treatment of pneumonia. Two models (bacterial KP-infected mice and virus FM1-infected mice) were employed in our study. BALB/c mice were divided into six groups: control, model group (KP- induced pneumonia or FM1-induced pneumonia), anemoside B4 (B4)-treated group (2.5, 5, 10 mg/kg), and positive drug group (Ribavirin or Ceftriaxone Sodium Injection). Blood samples were collected for hematology analysis. The effects of B4 on inflammation-associated mediators were investigated by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and hematoxylin and eosin staining (HE) staining. Proteins expression was quantified by western blotting.Results: The network results indicated that many pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) participated in anemoside B4’s anti-inflammatory activity. The counts of neutrophil (NEU) and white blood cell (WBC), the level of myeloperoxidase (MPO), and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 increased by KP or FM1 infection, which were reversed by anemoside B4. In addition, anemoside B4 significantly suppressed the FM1-induced expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differential protein-88 (MyD88), and myeloid differentiation protein-2 (MD-2), which were further validated by molecular docking data that anemoside B4 bound to bioactive sites of TLR4. Therefore, anemoside B4 exhibited a significant therapeutic effect on pneumonia via the TLR4/MyD88 pathway.Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that anemoside B4 attenuates pneumonia via the TLR4/Myd88 signaling pathway, suggesting that anemoside B4 is a promising therapeutic candidate for bacterial-infected or viral-infected pneumonia.

scholarly journals Anemoside B4 protects against Klebsiella pneumoniae- and influenza virus FM1-induced pneumonia via the TLR4/Myd88 signaling pathway in mice

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia He ◽  
Renyikun Yuan ◽  
Xiaolan Cui ◽  
Yushun Cui ◽  
Shan Han ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Molecular Docking ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Therapeutic Effect ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Inflammatory Activity ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Myd88 Signaling ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

Abstract Background Pneumonia refers to the inflammation of the terminal airway, alveoli and pulmonary interstitium, which can be caused by pathogenic microorganisms, physical and chemical factors, immune damage, and drugs. Anemoside B4, the major ingredient of Pulsatilla chinensis (Bunge) Regel, exhibited anti-inflammatory activity. However, the therapeutic effect of anemoside B4 on pneumonia has not been unraveled. This study aims to investigate that anemoside B4 attenuates the inflammatory responses in Klebsiella pneumonia (KP)- and influenza virus FM1 (FM1)-induced pneumonia mice model.Methods The network pharmacology and molecular docking assays were employed to predict the targets of anemoside B4’s treatment of pneumonia. Two models (bacterial KP-infected mice and virus FM1-infected mice) were employed in our study. BALB/c mice were divided into six groups: control, model group (KP- induced pneumonia or FM1-induced pneumonia), anemoside B4 (B4)-treated group (2.5, 5, 10 mg/kg), and positive drug group (Ribavirin or Ceftriaxone Sodium Injection). Blood samples were collected for hematology analysis. The effects of B4 on inflammation-associated mediators were investigated by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Proteins expression was quantified by western blotting.Results The network results indicated that many pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) participated in anemoside B4’s anti-inflammatory activity. The counts of neutrophil (NEU) and white blood cell (WBC), the level of myeloperoxidase (MPO), and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 increased by KP or FM1 infection, which were reversed by anemoside B4. In addition, anemoside B4 significantly suppressed the FM1-induced expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differential protein-88 (MyD88), and myeloid differentiation protein-2 (MD-2), which were further validated by molecular docking data that anemoside B4 bound to bioactive sites of TLR4. Therefore, anemoside B4 exhibited a significant therapeutic effect on pneumonia via the TLR4/MyD88 pathway.Conclusion Our findings demonstrated that anemoside B4 attenuates pneumonia via the TLR4/Myd88 signaling pathway, suggesting that anemoside B4 is a promising therapeutic candidate for bacterial-infected or viral-infected pneumonia.

scholarly journals Role of Inflammatory Cytokines in COVID-19 Patients: A Review on Molecular Mechanisms, Immune Functions, Immunopathology and Immunomodulatory Drugs to Counter Cytokine Storm

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 436
Author(s):  
Ali A. Rabaan ◽  
Shamsah H. Al-Ahmed ◽  
Javed Muhammad ◽  
Amjad Khan ◽  
Anupam A Sule ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Inflammatory Markers ◽  
Therapeutic Drug ◽  
Molecular Pathways ◽  
Cytokine Storm ◽  
Immunomodulatory Drugs ◽  
Alveolar Cells ◽  
Systemic Complications ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a severe pandemic of the current century. The vicious tentacles of the disease have been disseminated worldwide with unknown complications and repercussions. Advanced COVID-19 syndrome is characterized by the uncontrolled and elevated release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and suppressed immunity, leading to the cytokine storm. The uncontrolled and dysregulated secretion of inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokines is positively associated with the severity of the viral infection and mortality rate. The secretion of various pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6 leads to a hyperinflammatory response by recruiting macrophages, T and B cells in the lung alveolar cells. Moreover, it has been hypothesized that immune cells such as macrophages recruit inflammatory monocytes in the alveolar cells and allow the production of large amounts of cytokines in the alveoli, leading to a hyperinflammatory response in severely ill patients with COVID-19. This cascade of events may lead to multiple organ failure, acute respiratory distress, or pneumonia. Although the disease has a higher survival rate than other chronic diseases, the incidence of complications in the geriatric population are considerably high, with more systemic complications. This review sheds light on the pivotal roles played by various inflammatory markers in COVID-19-related complications. Different molecular pathways, such as the activation of JAK and JAK/STAT signaling are crucial in the progression of cytokine storm; hence, various mechanisms, immunological pathways, and functions of cytokines and other inflammatory markers have been discussed. A thorough understanding of cytokines’ molecular pathways and their activation procedures will add more insight into understanding immunopathology and designing appropriate drugs, therapies, and control measures to counter COVID-19. Recently, anti-inflammatory drugs and several antiviral drugs have been reported as effective therapeutic drug candidates to control hypercytokinemia or cytokine storm. Hence, the present review also discussed prospective anti-inflammatory and relevant immunomodulatory drugs currently in various trial phases and their possible implications.

scholarly journals Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Sonchus oleraceus Extract in Lipopoly saccharide-Stimulated RAW264.7 Cells

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1755-1761
Author(s):  
Eun-Jin Yang ◽  
Sungchan Jang ◽  
Kwang Hee Hyun ◽  
Eun-Young Jung ◽  
Seung-Young Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Inflammatory Activity ◽  
Raw264.7 Cells ◽  
Supporting Evidence ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Sonchus Oleraceus ◽  
Raw264.7 Macrophages ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

The anti-inflammatory activity and non-toxicity of Sonchus oleraceus extract (J6) were tested by measuring its effect on the levels of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and the pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. We treated the RAW264.7 cells with various concentrations (50, 100, or 200 μg/mL) of J6. Our results showed that J6 inhibited the production of NO, PGE2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines in a concentration-dependent manner, without compromising cell viability. In addition, we provided supporting evidence that the inhibitory activity of J6 on the production of NO and PGE2 occurred via the downregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), respectively. Our findings suggest that J6 is a new source for anti-inflammatory drugs and ingredients for healthcare products that include functional cosmetics.

scholarly journals Anti-inflammatory activity of a thermophilic serine protease inhibitor from extremophile Pyrobaculum neutrophilum

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 143-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui Fei ◽  
Huan Zhang ◽  
Sheng Zhong ◽  
Baigong Xue ◽  
Yuanqi Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Serine Protease ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Inflammatory Activity ◽  
Mouse Serum ◽  
Protease Inhibition ◽  
Mouse Ear ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Inflammatory Effect

Serine protease inhibitors (serpins) are a superfamily of proteins involved in many important biological processes, including inflammation. Serpins dysfunction-related diseases are mainly treated by augmentation therapy using serpins purified from human plasma. Pnserpin from hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrobaculum neutrophilum showed protease inhibition activity and high stability. In this study, we examined the anti-inflammatory activity of Pnserpin using xylene-induced acute inflammatory model of mouse ear swelling and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine RAW 264.7 macrophages cellular model. The inhibition of mouse ear swelling and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in mouse serum or in macrophages cell were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of Pnserpin. Our results showed that Pnserpin could inhibit the xylene-induced mouse ear swelling and suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in mouse serum and in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. This study indicated that Pnserpin might have anti-inflammatory effect in vivo and in vitro.

scholarly journals Investigation of Active Anti-Inflammatory Constituents of Essential Oil from Pinus koraiensis (Sieb. et Zucc.) Wood in LPS-Stimulated RBL-2H3 Cells

Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 817
Author(s):  
Ji-Yoon Yang ◽  
Won-Sil Choi ◽  
Ki-Joong Kim ◽  
Chang-Deuk Eom ◽  
Mi-Jin Park
Keyword(s):  
Essential Oil ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Inflammatory Activity ◽  
Pinus Koraiensis ◽  
Korean Pine ◽  
Inflammatory Conditions ◽  
Inflammatory Drugs ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

In a previous study, we demonstrated the anti-inflammatory activity of the essential oil extracted from Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis, Sieb. et Zucc.) wood. This study aims to investigate the active anti-inflammatory constituents of P. koraiensis oil. The essential oil was extracted from P. koraiensis wood by hydrodistillation and was divided into six fractions (A–F) through fractional distillation. Then, the anti-inflammatory activities of the fractions (A–F) were determined. Fractions A and F markedly downregulated the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as the secretion of β-hexosaminidase in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. The main constituents of the active anti-inflammatory A and F fractions were (+)-α-pinene, (−)-β-pinene, (+)-α-terpineol, 3-carene, (+)-limonene, and longifolene. These six single compounds decreased the expression of inflammatory-related genes (i.e., IL-4 and IL-13) as well as the secretion of β-hexosaminidase in LPS-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. (+)-α-Pinene, (−)-β-pinene, (+)-α-terpineol, and longifolene exhibited the strongest effects; these effects were comparable to those of the positive control (i.e., dexamethasone). The findings indicate that the interactions between these components exhibit potential for the management and/or treatment of inflammatory conditions as well as base structures for the development of novel anti-inflammatory drugs.

scholarly journals Anti-Inflammatory Effects of 6-Methylcoumarin in LPS-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Macrophages via Regulation of MAPK and NF-κB Signaling Pathways

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (17) ◽  
pp. 5351
Author(s):  
Jin-Kyu Kang ◽  
You-Chul Chung ◽  
Chang-Gu Hyun
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽  
Raw 264.7 Cells ◽  
Raw 264.7 ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

Persistent inflammatory reactions promote mucosal damage and cause dysfunction, such as pain, swelling, seizures, and fever. Therefore, in this study, in order to explore the anti-inflammatory effect of 6-methylcoumarin (6-MC) and suggest its availability, macrophages were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to conduct an in vitro experiment. The effects of 6-MC on the production and levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α) and inflammatory mediators (nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells were examined. The results showed that 6-MC reduced the levels of NO and PGE2 without being cytotoxic. In addition, it was demonstrated that the increase in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines caused by LPS stimulation, was decreased in a concentration-dependent manner with 6-MC treatment. Moreover, Western blot results showed that the protein levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which increased with LPS treatment, were decreased by 6-MC treatment. Mechanistic studies revealed that 6-MC reduced the phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family and IκBα in the MAPK and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathways, respectively. These results suggest that 6-MC is a potential therapeutic agent for inflammatory diseases that inhibits inflammation via the MAPK and NF-κB pathways.

scholarly journals Small molecule therapeutics for COVID-19: repurposing of inhaled furosemide

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e9533 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhiyu Wang ◽  
Yanfei Wang ◽  
Prachi Vilekar ◽  
Seung-Pil Yang ◽  
Mayuri Gupta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Small Molecule ◽  
Inflammatory Activity ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Docking Simulations ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has become a global health concern. The morbidity and mortality of the potentially lethal infection caused by this virus arise from the initial viral infection and the subsequent host inflammatory response. The latter may lead to excessive release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-6 and IL-8, as well as TNF-α ultimately culminating in hypercytokinemia (“cytokine storm”). To address this immuno-inflammatory pathogenesis, multiple clinical trials have been proposed to evaluate anti-inflammatory biologic therapies targeting specific cytokines. However, despite the obvious clinical utility of such biologics, their specific applicability to COVID-19 has multiple drawbacks, including they target only one of the multiple cytokines involved in COVID-19’s immunopathy. Therefore, we set out to identify a small molecule with broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory mechanism of action targeting multiple cytokines of innate immunity. In this study, a library of small molecules endogenous to the human body was assembled, subjected to in silico molecular docking simulations and a focused in vitro screen to identify anti-pro-inflammatory activity via interleukin inhibition. This has enabled us to identify the loop diuretic furosemide as a candidate molecule. To pre-clinically evaluate furosemide as a putative COVID-19 therapeutic, we studied its anti-inflammatory activity on RAW264.7, THP-1 and SIM-A9 cell lines stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Upon treatment with furosemide, LPS-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines was reduced, indicating that furosemide suppresses the M1 polarization, including IL-6 and TNF-α release. In addition, we found that furosemide promotes the production of anti-inflammatory cytokine products (IL-1RA, arginase), indicating M2 polarization. Accordingly, we conclude that furosemide is a reasonably potent inhibitor of IL-6 and TNF-α that is also safe, inexpensive and well-studied. Our pre-clinical data suggest that it may be a candidate for repurposing as an inhaled therapy against COVID-19.

scholarly journals 7-Acetoxycoumarin Inhibits LPS-Induced Inflammatory Cytokine Synthesis by IκBα Degradation and MAPK Activation in Macrophage Cells

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (14) ◽  
pp. 3124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taejin Park ◽  
Jin-Soo Park ◽  
Ji Han Sim ◽  
Seung-Young Kim
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Raw 264.7 ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Macrophage Cells ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

Acetylation involves the chemical introduction of an acetyl group in place of an active hydrogen group into a compound. In this study, we synthesized 7-acetoxycoumarin (7AC) from acetylation of umbelliferone (UMB). We examined the anti-inflammatory properties of 7AC in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. The anti-inflammatory activity of 7AC on viability of treated cells was assessed by measuring the level of expression of NO, PGE2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines, namely interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in 7AC-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The 7AC was nontoxic to cells and inhibited the production of cytokines in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, its treatment suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a dose-dependent manner and concomitantly decreased the protein and mRNA expressions of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Moreover, the levels of the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family proteins such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were reduced by 7AC. In conclusion, we generated an anti-inflammatory compound through acetylation and demonstrated its efficacy in cell-based in vitro assays.

scholarly journals In vivo, Extract from Withania somnifera Root Ameliorates Arthritis via Regulation of Key Immune Mediators of Inflammation in Experimental Model of Arthritis

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmood Ahmad Khan ◽  
Rafat Sultana Ahmed ◽  
Nilesh Chandra ◽  
Vinod Kumar Arora ◽  
Athar Ali
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Withania Somnifera ◽  
Antioxidant Defense System ◽  
Inflammatory Activity ◽  
Mediators Of Inflammation ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

Background: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a devastating disease characterized by continual addition of leukocytes and T cells within the articular cavity causing inflammation and cartilage destruction. Withania somnifera is one of the most precious medicinal herbs, reported to have antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. </P><P> Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous extract of Withania somnifera roots (WSAq) in Collagen Induced Arthritic (CIA) rats. </P><P> Methods: To achieve this, we assessed the level of inflammatory cytokines such as Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-&#945;, IL-1&#946;, IL-6 and IL-10 in CIA rats. Further, transcription factor, oxidative stress parameters and CD+8 expressions were also analyzed in CIA rats. </P><P> Results: Arthritic rats showed a greater increase in the levels of pro inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-&#945;, IL-1&#946;, IL-6, transcription factor NF-&#954;B and a decrease in IL-10 concentration than controls rats. Oral administration of WSAq at a dose of 300mg/kg.wt. (WSAq300) appreciably attenuated the production of these pro inflammatory cytokines. This anti-inflammatory activity of WSAq300 might be partly mediated through an increase in the secretion of IL-10 and inhibition of NF-&#954;B activity. Further, arthritic rats also show increased oxidative stress as compared to control rats. This increased oxidative stress in the arthritic rats appears to be the outcome of both an activated pro-oxidant and a poor antioxidant defense system. Treatment with WSAq300 strongly ameliorates all these ROS parameters significantly to near normal. Additional, metalloproteinase MMP-8 levels were also measured and found to be increased in CIA rats, which after treatment with WSAq300 came down to near normal. </P><P> Conclusion: From the above results, it can be concluded that the use of WSAq300 may be a valuable supplement which can improve human arthritis.

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