Abstract
Systemic iron homeostasis dysregulation is primarily associated with inflammation- associated anemia (AI) due to hepcidin up-regulation. Tinospora cordifolia (TC) has shown remarkable anti-inflammatory properties and has been found useful in the treatment of inflammatory disorders. However, the effects and mechanisms of TC on AI have not been studied yet. We conducted in vivo and in vitro studies to evaluate the effect of TC on AI. HPLC studies were also carried out to find out active constituents in TC extract. Model system exhibiting AI was developed by repeated injections of HKBA in Wistar rats. TC treated groups showed significantly higher levels of Hb and RBC count compared to the inflammatory control group. TC treatment showed reduction in the expression of the HAMP (hepcidin) gene in the rat liver. TC extract also inhibited gene expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) and decreased NO production in RAW 264.7 cells. The HPLC analysis revealed the presence of tinosporaside, which could have synergistically contributed to the above findings. Overall results indicate that TC therapy was able to maintain circulating iron through reduction of inflammatory cytokines and expression of hepcidin in rats.
Highlights
Infection or inflammation associated anemia (AI) is the second most common form of anemia after iron deficiency anemia
Tinospora cordifolia (TC) extract was found to be non-toxic at a dose of 2000 mg/kg of body weight
We evaluated the efficacy of TC against AI using in vivo and in vitro models
Summary
Infection or inflammation associated anemia (AI) is the second most common form of anemia after iron deficiency anemia. Our previous study showed the synergistic association between inflammation, hepcidin, and anemia among adolescent girls[1]. Hepcidin contributes in dysregulation of iron homeostasis. AI therapy includes intravenous iron supplementation, blood transfusion, or erythropoietin treatment[2]. Hepcidin agonists, as well as antagonists, are being developed for the treatment of AI4. These anti-hepcidin therapies are effective, an increased risk of infection or suppression of immune response is associated with these therapies[5]. Studies have been carried out to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulatory properties of TC8,9.
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