COX-2 In RAW264 Research Articles

In Vitro Screening of Lactic Acid Bacteria with RAW264.7 Macrophages and the Immunoregulatory Mechanism

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are commonly consumed as probiotics to improve gut barrier function and boost the immune system. This study aimed to screen LAB with high immunomodulatory activity using RAW264.7 macrophages. According to the results, Limosilactobacillus reuteri AUc2301 was selected from 84 screened strains that can stimulate RAW264.7 cell proliferation. Limosilactobacillus reuteri AUc2301 significantly enhanced the phagocytosis activity of RAW264.7 cells. In the ELISA test, Limosilactobacillus reuteri AUc2301 significantly promoted the release of interleukin-6, IL-1β, the tumor necrosis factor, and nitric oxide in RAW264.7 macrophages. In addition, Limosilactobacillus reuteri AUc2301 significantly inhibited the excessive release of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, prostaglandin E2 as well as NO and the high expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in RAW264.7 macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharide. In further mechanism studies, Limosilactobacillus reuteri AUc2301 could regulate the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway in RAW264.7 macrophages. Collectively, the screened Limosilactobacillus reuteri AUc2301 showed good immunomodulatory activity in vitro, and it has the potential to be developed as a novel probiotic.

Synthesis, characterization, and anti-inflammatory activity of tetrahydropiperine, piperic acid, and tetrahydropiperic acid via down regulation of NF-κB pathway

The present study describes the synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of tetrahydropiperine (THP), piperic acid (PA), and tetrahydropiperic acid (THPA) as anti-inflammatory agents. THPA demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory activity among all the compounds. The anti-inflammatory potential was investigated in both in-vitro and in-vivo experimental models. Our findings demonstrated that THPA effectively suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, including nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) in both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, THPA attenuated the expression of i-NOS and COX-2 in RAW 264.7 macrophages. The oral administration of THPA significantly reduced carrageenan induced paw edema thickness and alleviated liver, lung, and kidney injury induced by LPS. THPA also reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells, prevented the occurrence of significant lesions, and mitigated tissue damage. Moreover, THPA significantly improved the survival rate of mice challenged with LPS. Our western blot studies also found that LPS induced NF-κB activation was downregulated by treatment with THPA in an in vivo system. These results collectively illustrated the potential of THPA as a therapeutic agent for treating inflammatory diseases.

A common edible insect (Antheraea assamensis) protein hydrolysate regulates LPS-induced oxidative stress and inflammation by modulating the TLR4/NF- κ β Signaling Pathway

Abstract Dietary intake of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory-rich foods is a growing approach for fighting inflammation and its associated disorders. Edible insects are gaining popularity as a food source; however, their therapeutic properties, anti-inflammatory activity and their mechanism of action remain largely unexplored. Herein, we evaluate the effectiveness of Antheraea assamensis pupae hydrolysates against oxidative stress and inflammation. The proteins isolated from the pupae were digested with pepsin or pancreatin, or pepsin + pancreatin and passed through a 30 kDa molecular cut-off membrane. The low molecular weight protein hydrolysates were characterised using RP-HPLC, HRMS, XRD, and FTIR-ATR. Hydrolysate from pepsin + pancreatin digestion showed significantly higher DPPH (77.13±2.57%), superoxide (72.08±1.15%) and hydroxyl (56.32±0.90%) radical scavenging activity in a cell-free system. Further, it reduced intercellular ROS production and suppressed the lipopolysaccharide-induced protein expression of TLR4, p-IKKβ, p-NF-, IL-1β, and COX2 in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, it inhibited the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators, including IL-6, IL-1β, and MIP-2. These findings suggest that A. assamensis pupae hydrolysates can be a potential source of bioactive peptides for managing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Rhein alleviates advanced glycation end products (AGEs)-induced inflammatory injury of diabetic cardiomyopathy in vitro and in vivo models.

In diabetic patients, diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the most common causes of death. The inflammatory response is essential in the pathogenesis of DCM. Rhein, an anthraquinone compound, is extracted from the herb rhubarb, demonstrating various biological activities. However, it is unclear whether rhein has an anti-inflammatory effect in treating DCM. In our research, we investigated the anti-inflammatory properties as well as its possible mechanism. According to the findings in vitro, rhein could to exert an anti-inflammatory effect by reducing the production of NO, TNF-α, PGE2, iNOS, and COX-2 in RAW264.7 cells that had been stimulated with advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs). In addition, rhein alleviated H9C2 cells inflammation injury stimulated by AGEs/macrophage conditioned medium (CM). In vivo have depicted that continuous gavage of rhein could improve cardiac function and pathological changes. Moreover, it could inhibit the accumulation of AGEs and infiltration of inflammatory factors inside the heart of rats having DCM. Mechanism study showed rhein could suppress IKKβ and IκB phosphorylation via down-regulating TRAF6 expression to inhibit NF-κB pathway in AGEs/CM-induced H9C2 cells. Moreover, the anti-inflammation effect of rhein was realized through down-regulation phosphorylation of JNK MAPK. Furthermore, we found JNK MAPK could crosstalk with NF-κB pathway by regulating IκB phosphorylation without affecting IKKβ activity. And hence, the protective mechanism of rhein may involve the inhibiting of the TRAF6-NF/κB pathway, the JNK MAPK pathway, and the crosstalk between the two pathways. These results suggested that rhein may be a promising drug candidate in anti-inflammation and inflammation-related DCM therapy.

Nine pairs of undescribed enantiomers from the resin of Styrax tonkinensis (Pierre) Craib ex Hart with anti-inflammatory activity

Nine pairs of undescribed enantiomers, (±)-styraxoids A−I (1–9), were isolated from the resin of Styrax tonkinensis, and their structures were assigned by spectroscopic and computational methods. Compounds (±)-1 are a pair of degraded lignans, and the remaining compounds (±)-(2–9) are phenylpropanoid skeletons. Compounds (±)-8 and (±)-9 feature a 1,3-dioxolane moiety. The biological evaluation showed that both enantiomers of 1 could inhibit LPS-induced INOS and COX-2 in RAW264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner.

Non-peptide compounds from Kronopolites svenhedini (Verhoeff) and their antitumor and iNOS inhibitory activities.

Six new compounds, including a tetralone 1, two xanthones 2 and 3, a flavan derivative 4, and two nor-diterpenoids 7 and 8, accompanied by two known flavan derivatives 5 and 6 and a known olefine acid (9) were isolated from whole bodies of Kronopolites svenhedini (Verhoeff). The structures of the new compounds were determined by 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and other spectroscopic methods, as well as computational methods. Selected compounds were evaluated for their biological properties against a mouse pancreatic cancer cell line and inhibitory effects on iNOS and COX-2 in RAW264.7 cells.

Systematical Ingredient Investigations of Ficus tikoua Bur. Fruit and Immunoregulatory and Antioxidant Effects of Different Fractions.

Although the fruit of Ficus tikoua Bur. has been consumed by montanic people in China for centuries, its chemical and biological composition was still unclear. A series of comprehensive investigations on its chemical constituents and bioactivities were carried out for the first time. As a result, six compounds were isolated and identified as the main components in this fruit. GC–MS analysis of the lipid components demonstrated that Ficus tikoua Bur. fruit contains some wholesome constituents such as fatty acids, vitamins, triterpenoids, and phytosterols. The fatty acids are mainly composed of linolenic acid (61.27%) and linoleic acid (22.79%). Furthermore, this fruit contains a relative high content of crude protein (9.41 ± 0.03%), total amino acids (9.28%), and total polyphenols (0.86 ± 0.01 g/100 g). The analysis of monosaccharide composition showed that the total polysaccharide mainly consists of glucose, glucuronic acid, xylose, arabinose, mannose, galactose, galacturonic acid, and rhamnose. The polysaccharide, polyphenol, water, ethanol, and flavonoid extracts exhibited prominent antioxidant activity determined by ABTS, DPPH, and FRAPS methods. Meanwhile, the total polysaccharide exhibited significant immunomodulatory effect by enhancing the release of cytokines and expression of iNOS and COX-2 in RAW264.7 cells, significantly decreasing the expression of c-Jun and p65 proteins in the cytoplasm; increasing the translocation of c-Jun and p65 to the nucleus; and regulating the phosphorylation level of Akt, PI3K, and PDK1 in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This study proved that the fruit of F. tikoua is a reliable source of functional food.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of methanol extract of Piper betle Linn. (Piper betle L.) leaves and stems by inhibiting NF-κB/MAPK/Nrf2 signaling pathways in RAW 264.7 macrophages

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are closely linked to various diseases. However, previous studies have demonstrated that plant extracts could prevent and alleviate these adverse outcomes. Piper betle Linn. (Piper betle L.) is a cosmopolitan plant that belongs to the Piperaceae family, whose leaves are edible and possess several health benefits. This study sought to characterize the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of a methanol extract of Piper betle L. leaves and stems (MPBLLS). MPBLLS was found to have a dose-dependent radical scavenging effect, as demonstrated by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay. Additionally, MPBLLS inhibited the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated production of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 by reducing the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in RAW 264.7 macrophages without affecting cell viability. Furthermore, our findings suggested that the inhibitory effects of MPBLLS on pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 were due to the inhibition of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages. MPBLLS and hydroxychavicol, a major constituent of MPBLLS, suppressed LPS-induced translocation of NF-κB p65 from cytoplasm to nucleus. Interestingly, MPBLLS increased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) protein levels and transcription levels of Nrf2 target genes in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, our findings suggest that MPBLLS could serve as a basis for the development of novel orally-administered therapies due to its inhibitory effects on oxidative and inflammatory stress. Data AvailabilityThe data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author.

Tetracera loureiri Extract Regulates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Response Via Nuclear Factor-κB and Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathways.

Tetracera loureiri (T. loureiri) is a woody climber inhabiting open deciduous or evergreen forests in Southeast Asia. A decoction comprising its stem and other herbs is a traditional Thai remedy for fatigue and jaundice, as well as to promote overall health. Anti-inflammatory effects induced by T. loureiri extract have not been reported. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of an ethanol extract of T. loureiri (ETL) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response in RAW264.7 macrophages. We found that ETL treatment inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, without affecting cell viability. The effect of ETL on the expression of various pro-inflammatory mediators was analyzed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We observed that ETL inhibited the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) at the mRNA and protein levels and decreased the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by COX-2 in RAW264.7 macrophages. ETL dose-dependently reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells, in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, ETL suppressed the LPS-induced nuclear translocation of the nuclear factor, NF-κB. Additionally, ETL was found to inhibit the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun-N-terminal kinase, and p38 MAPK. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that ETL inhibits the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines, thereby downregulating NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways in LPS-stimulated macrophages, Consequently, ETL is a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

The anti-inflammatory effects of an ethanolic extract of the rhizome of Atractylodes lancea, involves Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway inhibition

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe dried rhizome of Atractylodes lancea (Thumb.) DC. (Compositae) has been prescribed in folk medicine for the management of various inflammatory conditions such as rheumatic diseases, gastritis and hepatitis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial properties of this herb remain elusive. Aim of the studyIn this study, we investigated the anti-gastritis activities of Al-EE (an ethanolic extract of the herb) and explored the mechanism of action. Materials and methodsAn ethanolic extract of the Atractylodes lancea (Thumb.) DC. (Compositae) rhizome, Al-EE, was prepared with ethanol (95%) and quality controlled using HPLC analysis. To determine the in vivo effects of this extract, we utilised a HCl/EtOH-induced gastritis rat model. In vitro assays were carried out using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cell model. MTT assays were used to examine cell viability, while Griess assays were carried out to measure nitric oxide (NO) production. Messenger RNA expression was examined by real-time PCR. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production was examined using ELISA assays. To examine protein expression and enzymatic activities, we employed western blot analysis. Nuclear transcription factor (NF)-κB activity was determined by Luciferase reporter assays. ResultsThe content of atractylenolide (AT)-1 and AT-2 in Al-EE was 0.45% and 5.07% (w/w), respectively (Supplementary Fig. 1). Al-EE treatment suppressed the production of NO and PGE2, reduced the mRNA expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, while also reducing the protein levels of iNOS and COX-2 in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Furthermore, Al-EE inhibited the nuclear protein levels of NF-κB (p65) and NF-κB-driven luciferase reporter gene activity in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Critically, intra-gastric injection of Al-EE (25 mg/kg) attenuated HCl/EtOH-induced gastric damage in SD rats, while the phosphorylation of Akt and IκBα was suppressed by Al-EE in vitro and in vivo. ConclusionIn summary, Al-EE has significant anti-gastritis effects in vivo and in vitro, which can be associated with the inhibition of the Akt/IκBα/NF-κB signalling pathway. This mechanistic finding provides a pharmacological basis for the use of the A. lancea rhizome in the clinical treatment of various inflammatory conditions.

Heat-Killed Lactic Acid Bacteria Inhibit Nitric Oxide Production via Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase and Cyclooxygenase-2 in RAW 264.7 Cells

Heat-killed lactic acid bacteria perform immunomodulatory functions and are advantageous as probiotics, considering their long product shelf-life, easy storage, and convenient transportation. In this study, we aimed to develop appropriate heat treatments for industrial preparation of probiotics with antioxidant activity. Among 75 heat-killed strains, Lactococcus lactis MG5125 revealed the highest nitric oxide inhibition (86.2%), followed by Lactobacillus acidophilus MG4559 (86.0%), Lactobacillus plantarum MG5270 (85.7%), Lactobacillus fermentum MG4510 (85.3%), L. plantarum MG5239 (83.9%), L. plantarum MG5289 (83.2%), and L. plantarum MG5203 (81.8%). Moreover, the heat-killed selected strains markedly inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 expression. The use of heat-killed bacteria with intact bio-functionality can elongate the shelf-life and simplify the food processing steps of probiotic foods, given their high stability. The antioxidant and immune-modulatory activities of the heat-killed strains selected in this study indicate a strong potential for their utilization probiotic products manufacturing.

THE EXTRACELLULAR ROLE OF REF-1 AS ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FUNCTION

Abstract Objective: Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease/redox factor-1 (Ref-1), a multifunctional protein secreted from stimulated cells, has been identified as a new serological biomarker. Active secretion of Ref-1 in cultured medium occurs in response to intracellular acetylation in cultured human embryonic kidney cells. The presence of plasma Ref-1 in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced endotoxemic rats has also been reported. Despite recent reports on the role of Ref-1 in inflammation, the biological function of secreted Ref-1 remains unknown, especially in vivo. This study aimed to evaluate the possible roles of secreted Ref-1 in lipopolysaccharide-induced systemic inflammation in vivo. Design and method: We generated a secretory Ref-1 adenoviral vector system, AdPPT-LS-Ref-1, by conjugation of preprotrypsin leading sequence (PPT-LS) with full-length Ref-1 sequences. Plasma Ref-1 or secreted Ref-1 levels were evaluated with sandwich ELISA. Results: TNF-alpha-induced vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in endothelial cells and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cyclooxygenase-2 in Raw264.7 cells was inhibited by secretory Ref-1, and this inhibitory effect was abrogated following neutralization of Ref-1 with anti-Ref-1 antibody. Plasma Ref-1 levels following administration of AdPPT-LS-Ref-1 (2 × 10^9 ifu, i.p.) for 24 h were substantially higher than those of Adgal (84.6 ± 7.2 ng/ml vs. 4.4 ± 1.5 ng/ml). Treatment with LPS (10 mg/kg, i.v. for 6 h) markedly increased VCAM-1 expression, cathepsin or myeloperoxidase activity, which were significantly suppressed by treatment with AdPPT-LS-Ref-1. Furthermore, LPS-induced cytokines, such as TNF-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, were significantly inhibited in AdPPT-LS-Ref-1-treated mice. However, LPS-induced myeloperoxidase activities were not suppressed by treatment with the redox mutant of secretory Ref-1, AdPPT-LS-Ref-1 (C65A/C93A), or wild-type AdRef-1. Conclusions: Collectively, these results suggest that secreted Ref-1 has anti-inflammatory properties and that its redox cysteine residue is associated with the anti-inflammatory activity in vivo. Furthermore, our findings indicate that secretory Ref-1 may be useful as a therapeutic biomolecule against systemic inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory Activity of Essential Oil from Leaves of Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC through Inhibiting TLR4/NF-kB Signaling Pathways and NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in LPS-induced RAW264.7 Macrophage Cells

The essential oil (EO) separated from leaves of Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC is extensively applied as conventional medicine by the Miao, Zhuang, and Li nationalities in China to drive skin healing of trauma or burn. Recently, a lot of evidence has proved that EO possesses anti-inflammatory activity. Nevertheless, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unknown. This research aims to examine the underlying mechanisms of EO in the wound healing areas of skin through evaluating the anti-inflammatory activity, especially two major concerns, the variations of relative proteins in TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. A total of 39 compounds from EO were determined and interpreted by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). It was observed that the main compounds of EO are (-)-borneol (25.382 %), trans-caryophyllene (24.439 %), camphor (8.991 %), caryophyllene oxide (5.843 %), xanthoxylin (3.968 %), and alloaromadendrene (3.321 %). The anti-inflammation activity and underlying mechanisms are assessed by ELISA, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The outcomes reveal that EO can significantly reduce the LPS-induced pro-inflammatory elements TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and inflammatory mediator COX-2 in RAW264.7 cells (P<0.01). Additionally, EO can significantly inhibit the expression of proteins in the NF-κB signaling pathway, such as CD14, TLR4, MyD88, TAK-1, p-IκBα, and NLRP3 inflammasome (P<0.05, P<0.01). These outcomes show anti-inflammatory roles of EO in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells by decreasing activity of TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway and inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation, suggesting that EO can be adopted as a hopeful natural commodity preventing and treating inflammatory diseases.

Cleaning Teeth Reduces the Inflammatory Response of Macrophages to Acid Dentine Lysate.

Particulate autogenous tooth roots are used for alveolar bone augmentation surgery; however, dental plaque may provoke an inflammatory response that may counteract the desired graft consolidation process. Traditional mechanical cleaning of extracted teeth may be of support to lower a possible inflammatory response of the autograft. To test this assumption, extracted porcine teeth were left either uncleaned or underwent mechanical cleaning with a toothbrush and toothpaste before being fragmented and subjected to acid lysis, termed as unclean acid dentine lysate (ucADL) and clean acid dentine lysate (cADL), respectively. The inflammatory responses of murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells being exposed to the respective acid dentine lysates were evaluated at the level of inflammatory gene expression and IL6 immunoassays. We report here that acid lysates obtained from uncleaned teeth provoked a robust increase in IL1β, IL6, and COX2 in RAW 264.7 cells. The mechanical removal of dental plaque significantly reduced the inflammatory response. Consistently, Limulus tests revealed that tooth cleaning lowers the presence of endotoxins in dentine lysates. To further prove the involvement of endotoxins, a toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) inhibitor TAK242 was introduced. TAK242 abolished the inflammatory response provoked by acid lysates obtained from uncleaned teeth in RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of the TLR4 downstream NFκB-p65 were attenuated at the presence of cleaned versus uncleaned dentine lysates. Taken together, our data support the importance of dental plaque removal of teeth being extracted for alveolar bone augmentation surgery.

Luteolin attenuates imiquimod–induced psoriasis-like skin lesions in BALB/c mice via suppression of inflammation response

Psoriasis is considered as a common chronic immune-mediated skin disorder characterized by abnormal keratinocyte proliferation. Luteolin, an anti-inflammatory natural flavonoid with well-accepted inhibition effect against keratinocyte proliferation, was hypothesized to have a potential therapeutic effect for psoriasis. In this paper, we investigated the relieving effect of luteolin against imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like lesions on BALB/c mice and its possible anti-inflammatory mechanisms in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages (RAW264.7 cells). We found that luteolin ameliorated psoriasis-like skin lesions, suppressed the cutaneous infiltration of macrophages, T cells and neutrophils, and downregulated the expression of cytokines like IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-17A and IL-23 in both skin lesions and eyeball blood of model mice. In vitro, we observed luteolin significantly suppressed the levels of psoriasis-related pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-17A, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-23, and inflammatory mediators like nitric oxide NO, inducible NOS, COX-2 in RAW264.7 cells. The anti-inflammatory activity was accomplished by inhibiting NF-κB expression and activation. This study demonstrates luteolin is effective in alleviating psoriasis-like skin lesions and downregulating inflammatory response via NF-κB pathway, suggesting luteolin as a potential molecule for further therapeutic research of inflammation-related skin diseases like psoriasis.

Loratadine, an antihistamine drug, exhibits anti-inflammatory activity through suppression of the NF-kB pathway

Loratadine is an antihistamine drug that shows promise as an anti-inflammatory drug, but supportive studies are lacking. We elucidated the effects and mechanisms by which loratadine inhibits inflammatory responses. Molecular components were evaluated in macrophages by nitric oxide assay, polymerase chain reaction, luciferase assay, immunoblotting, overexpression strategies and cellular thermal shift assay. At the molecular level, loratadine reduced the levels of nitric oxide, iNOS, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and COX-2 in RAW264.7 cells treated with lipopolysaccharide. Loratadine also specifically inhibited the NF-kB pathway, targeting the Syk and Src proteins. Furthermore, loratadine bound Src in the bridge between SH2 and SH3, and bound Syk in the protein tyrosine kinase domain. The NF-kB signaling pathway was assessed along with putative binding sites through a docking approach. The anti-inflammatory effect of loratadine was tested using mouse models of gastritis, hepatitis, colitis, and peritonitis. Stomach tissue histopathology, liver morphology, and colon length in the loratadine group were improved over the group without loratadine treatment. Taken together, loratadine inhibited the inflammatory response through the NF-kB pathway by binding with the Syk and Src proteins.

Isolation of marine crab (Charybdis natator) leg muscle peptide and its anti-inflammatory effects on macrophage cells

Abstract Marine organisms provide an intriguing number of bioactive compounds. These bioactive compounds show immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. Crabs rank third after shrimps and lobster as seafood delicacies and provide major health benefits when consumed due to presence of proteins, vitamins and unsaturated essential fatty acids. Due to their diverse biological activities, the peptides derived from marine sources may treat various diseases such as migraine, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis etc. In this study the Crab Leg (CL) muscle was isolated and further hydrolysed using trypsin, alcalase and papain to produce enzymatic hydrolysates. The results obtained from degree of hydrolysis showed that the enzymes significantly cleave the proteins. Furthermore, the HPLC analysis for amino acid compositions of CL showed the sample contained both essential and non-essential amino acids where histidine (%) was highest. In vitro assays for anti-inflammatory activity like Albumin Denaturation (AD) and HRBC Membrane Stabilization (HMS) assay helped to determine the active hour hydrolysate showing the trypsin 3rd hr hydrolysate as having highest activity in CL (90.57 ± 0.95% and 49.94 ± 1.52%). This active hour hydrolysate was purified using gel filtration chromatography and the fractions were determined using AD and HMS assay which resolved fraction Ⅰ to be more active in CL. The low molecular weight peptide sequence was found to be L-G-L-G-A-A-V-L (713.456 Da) by using LC-MS/MS. Further, cell proliferation assay and ELISA were performed for the purified peptide to test the suppression of LPS-mediated induction of COX-2 in RAW264.7 macrophage cells.

A glucogalactomanan polysaccharide isolated from Agaricus bisporus causes an inflammatory response via the ERK/MAPK and IκB/NFκB pathways in macrophages

In the present study, a glucogalactomanan polysaccharide isolated from Agaricus bisporus named as TJ3 was investigated its immunomodulatory effects and molecular mechanisms in RAW 264.7 cells. Functional analysis showed TJ3 could inhibit the proliferation of RAW 264.7 cells in a certain concentration range. Moreover, TJ3 treatment increased the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which was responsible for increasing nitric oxide (NO) production. TJ3 also increased the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and the mRNA levels of interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and COX-2 in RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, further elucidation of molecular mechanisms showed that ERK/MAPK and IκB/NFκB pathways were activated by TJ3 treatment via increased phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2 and IκB-α, respectively. These findings indicated that TJ3 had a huge promising immunostimulatory activity and its induced immune responses probably through stimulating the ERK/MAPK and IκB/NFκB pathways. Our results demonstrate that TJ3 may be used as a potent immune modulator.

Phytochemical profile of hot water extract of Glechoma hederacea and its antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities

Glechoma hederacea belongs to the Labiatae family and has many biological activities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of a hot water extract of G. hederacea (HWG). Our results indicated that rosmarinic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, genistin, and ferulic acid were the most abundant phytochemicals in HWG. The free radical scavenging capacity of HWG in cell-free systems was evaluated by using the α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and β-carotene bleaching assays. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of HWG were determined in vitro in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The results demonstrated that DAPI staining, the comet assay, and DNA fragmentation showed that HWG prevented LPS-induced DNA damage in RAW264.7 macrophages, reduced the content of LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA), increased GSH levels, and regulated antioxidant enzyme activities. We also demonstrated that HWG significantly decreased the LPS-induced mRNA expression of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in RAW264.7 macrophages, and reduced the LPS-induced protein expression of iNOS and COX-2 in RAW264.7 macrophages. These results show that HWG and its main components possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The extracellular role of Ref-1 as anti-inflammatory function in lipopolysaccharide-induced septic mice

Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease/redox factor-1 (Ref-1), a multifunctional protein secreted from stimulated cells, has been identified as a new serological biomarker. Despite recent reports on the role of Ref-1 in inflammation, the biological function of secreted Ref-1 remains unknown, especially in vivo. This study aimed to evaluate the possible roles of secreted Ref-1 in lipopolysaccharide-induced systemic inflammation in vivo. We generated a secretory Ref-1 adenoviral vector system, AdPPT-LS-Ref-1, by conjugation of preprotrypsin leading sequence (PPT-LS) with full-length Ref-1 sequences. Expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in endothelial cells and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cyclooxygenase-2 in Raw264.7 cells was inhibited by secretory Ref-1, and this inhibitory effect was abrogated following neutralization of Ref-1 with anti-Ref-1 antibody. Plasma Ref-1 levels following administration of AdPPT-LS-Ref-1 (2 × 109 ifu, i.p.) for 24 h were substantially higher than those recorded following administration of Adβgal (84.6 ± 7.2 ng/ml vs. 4.4 ± 1.5 ng/ml). Treatment with LPS (10 mg/kg, i.v. for 6 h) markedly increased VCAM-1 expression, cathepsin or myeloperoxidase activity, which were significantly suppressed by treatment with AdPPT-LS-Ref-1. Furthermore, LPS-induced cytokines, such as TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, were significantly inhibited in AdPPT-LS-Ref-1-treated mice. However, LPS-induced myeloperoxidase activities were not suppressed by treatment with the redox mutant of secretory Ref-1, AdPPT-LS-Ref-1(C65A/C93A), or wild-type AdRef-1. Collectively, these results suggest that secreted Ref-1 has anti-inflammatory properties and that its redox cysteine residue is associated with the anti-inflammatory activity in vivo. Furthermore, our findings indicate that secretory Ref-1 may be useful as a therapeutic biomolecule against systemic inflammation.