iNOS Expression In Macrophages Research Articles

The PD-1 /PD-L1 signaling pathway regulates decidual macrophage polarization and may participate in preeclampsia

The pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE) has not been elucidated, but immune imbalance is known to be one of the main pathogeneses. Dysfunction of decidual macrophages can lead to PE, and the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway is associated with macrophage polarization. However, the relationship between the influence of the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway on macrophage polarization and the onset of PE has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we analyzed the expression of CD68, iNOS, CD206, PD-1 and PD-L1 and the coexpression of CD68+PD-1+ and CD68+PD-L1+ in the decidual tissue of PE patients (n= 18) and healthy pregnant women (n=20). We found that CD68 and iNOS expression was increased in the decidua of PE patients (P < 0.001) and that CD206, PD-1 and PD-L1 expression and CD68+PD-1+ and CD68+PD-L1+ coexpression were decreased (P < 0.001). To assess the influence of the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway on macrophage polarization, we added an anti-PD-1 mAb (pembrolizumab) or an anti-PD-L1 mAb (durvalumab) during THP-1 differentiation into M1 macrophages. Then, we detected the polarization of CD68+CD80+ macrophages and the expression of iNOS. To examine the effect of macrophage polarization on the invasion ability of trophoblast cells, macrophages were cocultured with HTR8/SVneo cells, and the invasion ability of HTR8/SVneo cells was detected via transwell assays. We found that CD68+CD80+ macrophage polarization was enhanced (P<0.05) and that iNOS expression was greater (P<0.01) in the pembrolizumab group. In the durvalumab group, CD68+CD80+ macrophage polarization and iNOS expression were also increased (P<0.05 and P<0.001). Compared with that in the untreated group, the aggressiveness of HTR8/SVneo cells was decreased in both the pembrolizumab group (P < 0.01) and the durvalumab group (P < 0.001). These findings indicate that the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway may play an important role in the pathogenesis of PE by influencing macrophage polarization and reducing the invasion ability of trophoblasts.

Novel trifluoromethyl ketone derivatives as oral cPLA2/COX-2 dual inhibitors for resolution of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis

Thirty-five trifluoromethyl hydrazones and seventeen trifluoromethyl oxime esters were designed and synthesized via molecular hybridization. All the target compounds were initially screened for in vitro anti-inflammatory activity by assessing their inhibitory effect on NO release in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, and the optimal compound was finally identified as 2-(3-Methoxyphenyl)-N'-((6Z,9Z,12Z,15Z)-1,1,1-trifluorohenicosa-6,9,12,15-tetraen-2-ylidene)acetohydrazide (F26, IC50 = 4.55 ± 0.92 μM) with no cytotoxicity. Moreover, F26 potently reduced the production of PGE2 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells compared to indomethacin. The interaction of F26 with COX-2 and cPLA2 was directly verified by the CETSA technique. F26 was found to modulate the phosphorylation levels of p38 MAPK and NF-κB p65, as well as the protein expression of IκB, cPLA2, COX-2, and iNOS in LPS-stimulated rat peritoneal macrophages. Additionally, F26 was observed to prevent the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in LPS-stimulated rat peritoneal macrophages by immunofluorescence localization. Therefore, the aforementioned in vitro experiments demonstrated that F26 blocked the p38 MAPK and NF-κB pathways by binding to COX-2 and cPLA2. In the adjuvant-induced arthritis model, F26 demonstrated a significant effect in preventing arthritis symptoms and inflammatory status in rats, exerting an immunomodulatory role by regulating the homeostasis between Th17 and Treg through inhibition of the p38 MAPK/cPLA2/COX-2/PGE2 and NF-κB pathways. Encouragingly, F26 caused less acute ulcerogenicity in rats at a dose of 50 mg/kg compared to indomethacin. Overall, F26 is a promising candidate worthy of further investigation for treating inflammation and associated pain with lesser gastrointestinal irritation, as well as other symptoms in which cPLA2 and COX-2 are implicated in the pathophysiology.

INOS is necessary for GBP-mediated T. gondii clearance in murine macrophages via vacuole nitration and intravacuolar network collapse

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite of rodents and humans. Interferon-inducible guanylate binding proteins (GBPs) are mediators of T. gondii clearance, however, this mechanism is incomplete. Here, using automated spatially targeted optical micro proteomics we demonstrate that inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS) is highly enriched at GBP2+ parasitophorous vacuoles (PV) in murine macrophages. iNOS expression in macrophages is necessary to limit T. gondii load in vivo and in vitro. Although iNOS activity is dispensable for GBP2 recruitment and PV membrane ruffling; parasites can replicate, egress and shed GBP2 when iNOS is inhibited. T. gondii clearance by iNOS requires nitric oxide, leading to nitration of the PV and collapse of the intravacuolar network of membranes in a chromosome 3 GBP-dependent manner. We conclude that reactive nitrogen species generated by iNOS cooperate with GBPs to target distinct structures in the PV that are necessary for optimal parasite clearance in macrophages.

Cyclooxygenase-2/prostaglandin E2 pathway regulates infectious bronchitis virus replication in avian macrophages.

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is a significant respiratory pathogen that affects chickens worldwide. As an avian coronavirus, IBV leads to productive infection in chicken macrophages. However, the effects of IBV infection in macrophages on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression are still to be elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the role of IBV infection on the production of COX-2, an enzyme involved in the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in chicken macrophages. The chicken macrophage cells were infected with two IBV strains, and the cells and culture supernatants were harvested at predetermined time points to measure intracellular and extracellular IBV infection. IBV infection was quantified as has been the COX-2 and PGE2 productions. We found that IBV infection enhances COX-2 production at both mRNA and protein levels in chicken macrophages. When a selective COX-2 antagonist was used to reduce the COX-2 expression in macrophages, we observed that IBV replication decreased. When IBV-infected macrophages were treated with PGE2 receptor (EP2 and EP4) inhibitors, IBV replication was reduced. Upon utilizing a selective COX-2 antagonist to diminish PGE2 expression in macrophages, a discernible decrease in IBV replication was observed. Treatment of IBV-infected macrophages with a PGE2 receptor (EP2) inhibitor resulted in a reduction in IBV replication, whereas the introduction of exogenous PGE2 heightened viral replication. Additionally, pretreatment with a Janus-kinase two antagonist attenuated the inhibitory effect of recombinant chicken interferon (IFN)-γ on viral replication. The evaluation of immune mediators, such as inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS), NO, and interleukin (IL)-6, revealed enhanced expression following IBV infection of macrophages. In response to the inhibition of COX-2 and PGE2 receptors, we observed a reduction in the expressions of iNOS and IL-6 in macrophages, correlating with reduced IBV infection. Overall, IBV infection increased COX-2 and PGE2 production in addition to iNOS, NO, and IL-6 expression in chicken macrophages in a time-dependent manner. Inhibition of the COX-2/PGE2 pathway may lead to increased macrophage defence mechanisms against IBV infection, resulting in a reduction in viral replication and iNOS and IL-6 expressions. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes may shed light on potential antiviral targets for controlling IBV infection.

Abstract 16968: Hypoxia-Lactate Dehydrogenase A-Lactate Axis Mediated Metabolic Adaptation of Macrophage Promotes Vascular Remodeling of Pulmonary Hypertension

Introduction: Early recruitment of inflammatory macrophages with subsequent adaptation into pro-fibrotic phenotype have been reported essential for the development of PH. However, the underlying mechanism remains undetermined. Hypothesis: With enhanced glycolysis under hypoxic conditions, lactate dehydrogenase A(LDHA) mediated accumulation of lactate facilitates metabolic adaptation of macrophages and promotes the development of PH. Methods: Circulating monocytes, lactate, LDHA expression level were analyzed from patients with PH. The expression of LDHA, iNOS, and Arg1 in macrophages within lung tissue were examined on histopathology from patients with IPAH. Mice with myeloid specific knockout of Ldha were generated, and hemodynamic measurement, echocardiogram, histopathological examinations were conducted to evaluate pulmonary vascular remodeling using Su/Hx PH model. Bone marrow derived macrophage (BMDM) and vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from mice were harvested for the mechanism study. Results: Lactate, monocytes and LDHA expression in PBMC were elevated in PH patients. On histopathology, perivascular macrophages infiltration with overexpression of LDHA, iNOS and Arg1 was noticed from lung tissue of IPAH patients, similar seen in both MCT-PH rats and Su/Hx mice. Mice with myeloid knockout of Ldha ( Ldha lyz2-/- ) shown decreased RVSP and improved right heart function on Echocardiogram. In vitro, inflammatory BMDM shown significantly elevated expression of LDHA and lactate under hypoxia, along with oversecreted growth factors including PDGF-β and promoting SMCs proliferation, which can be reversed by Ldha depletion. Conclusions: The hypoxia-LDHA-lactate axis plays a crucial role in metabolic adaption of macrophages under hypoxia condition, promoting SMCs proliferation and pulmonary vascular remodeling process. These findings suggest that targeting LDHA-lactate axis might exert therapeutic potential for PH.

Inhibition of carcinoma cell growth and promotion of inflammatory properties of macrophages by Silene vulgaris (Moench) Garcke subsp. macrocarpa ethanolic extract

IntroductionSilene vulgaris (Moench) Garcke subsp. macrocarpa is a wild herbaceous plant known for its nutraceutical properties, and use in folk medicine. This study investigates the anti-cancer properties of S. vulgaris extracts. MethodsThe leaves and roots of S. vulgaris were extracted by the Soxhlet extractor with ethanol, their phenolic content was determined by RTHPLC-DAD. By using squamous cell carcinoma cells and bone marrow-derived macrophages, we defined the ability of S. vulgaris extracts to kill tumour cells and suppress the tumour-promoting phenotype of macrophages. ResultsA total of 21 phenolic compounds were detected, among which dihydrochalcones phloredzin and phloretin were most abundant, encompassing about 70% of the whole polyphenolic content in leaf extract. In the root extract, 45.75% of the polyphenolic compounds are flavonoids (epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, and avicularin). The leaf and the root extracts exhibit cytotoxic activity against A431 tumour cells. The highest cytotoxic activity was observed by root extract (IC50 =102.65 vs 173.26 µg /mL). Interestingly, this extract also most potently induces the anti-tumour properties of BMDMs by decreasing the expression of genes typically expressed by tumour-associated macrophages, such as ARG1, CD163, CD209, TREM2, FIZZ1, MMP9, and CCL17, and suppressing the expression of the angiogenic factors EGF and VEGF. In contrast, the leaf extract promotes the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators IL-6, TNF-α, and iNOS in macrophages. ConclusionsThe results highlight the anti-tumour properties of S. vulgaris leaves and roots, which underscore its effectiveness in traditional medicine and may open new avenues for its use in therapeutic anti-cancer applications.

MEK inhibitors increase the mortality rate in mice with LPS-induced inflammation through IL-12-NO signaling

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an endotoxin that can cause an acute inflammatory response. Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the most important innate immune system components and is synthesized by inducible NOS (iNOS) in macrophages in response to stimulation with LPS. LPS activates the RAS-RAF-mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase (MEK)-extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling cascade in macrophages. The purpose of this study was to examine how the combination of LPS and MEK inhibitors, which have been used as anticancer agents in recent years, affects inflammation. We showed that MEK inhibitors enhanced iNOS expression and NO production in LPS-stimulated mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages. A MEK inhibitor increased the mortality rate in mice with LPS-induced inflammation. The expression of the cytokine interleukin-12 (IL-12) in macrophages was enhanced by the MEK inhibitor, as shown by a cytokine array and ELISA. IL-12 enhanced iNOS expression and NO production in response to LPS. We also showed that tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) was secreted by macrophage after stimulation with LPS and that TNF-α and IL-12 synergistically induced iNOS expression and NO production. An anti-IL-12 neutralizing antibody prevented NO production and mortality in an LPS-induced inflammation mouse model in the presence of a MEK inhibitor. These results suggest that the MEK inhibitor increases the mortality rate in mice with LPS-induced inflammation through IL-12-NO signaling.

BRD4 Regulates Glycolysis-Dependent Nos2 Expression in Macrophages Upon H pylori Infection

Metabolic reprogramming is essential for the activation and functions of macrophages, including bacterial killing and cytokine production. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) has emerged as a critical regulator of innate immune response. However, the potential role of BRD4 in the metabolic reprogramming of macrophage activation upon Helicobacter pylori infection remains unclear. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) from wild-type (WT) and Brd4-myeloid deletion conditional knockout (Brd4-CKO) mice were infected with H pylori. RNA sequencing was performed to evaluate the differential gene expression between WT and Brd4-deficient BMDMs upon infection. An invivo model of H pylori infection using WT and Brd4-CKO mice was used to confirm the role of BRD4 in innate immune response to infection. Depletion of Brd4 in BMDMs showed impaired H pylori-induced glycolysis. In addition, H pylori-induced expression of glycolytic genes, including Slc2a1 and Hk2, was decreased in Brd4-deficient BMDMs. BRD4 was recruited to the promoters of Slc2a1 and Hk2 via hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, facilitating their expression. BRD4-mediated glycolysis stabilized H pylori-induced nitric oxide synthase (Nos2) messenger RNA to produce nitric oxide. The NO-mediated killing of H pylori decreased in Brd4-deficient BMDMs, which was rescued by pyruvate. Furthermore, Brd4-CKO mice infected with H pylori showed reduced gastric inflammation and increased H pylori colonization with reduced inducible NO synthase expression in gastric macrophages. Our study identified BRD4 as a key regulator of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α-dependent glycolysis and macrophage activation. Furthermore, we show a novel regulatory role of BRD4 in innate immunity through glycolysis to stabilize Nos2 messenger RNA for NO production to eliminate H pylori infection.

GCH1 reduces LPS-induced alveolar macrophage polarization and inflammation by inhibition of ferroptosis.

GTP cyclohydrolase 1(GCH1) was reported to protect against ferroptosis. However, it is not clear whether GCH1 reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage polarization and inflammation by inhibition of ferroptosis. Bioinformatics analysis was used to screen differential expression genes (DEGs) and obtain the different pathways and biological features. Lasso cox regression analysis with ferroptosis related DEGs was established to screen the most relevant genes for disease risk. LPS induced Raw264.7 macrophage polarization model and GCH1-specific siRNA oligos transfection were performed to confirm the function of GCH1. Immunofluorescence staining, western blot and quantitative real-time PCR were performed to detect the expression of iNOS, CD206, GCH1, IL6, SLC2A6, F4/80, IL1β, TNFα, IL10, GPX4, ACSL4, AMPK and p-AMPK in macrophages. The levels of ROS, SOD, MDA and GSH were detected according to the instructions of the reagent kit, respectively. 542 DEGs were screened from GSE40885 microarray. GO and KEGG pathway enrichmentanalysis showed that the upregulated DEGs induced by LPS in alveolar macrophage were closely associated with inflammatory and immune responses, the downregulated DEGs were related to lipid metabolism, insulin resistance and AMPK signal pathway. Lasso cox regression analysis screened GCH1, IL6, and SLC2A6. Our experimental results showed that the expression of GCH1 and IL6 in the LPS group was higher than that in the control group, but there was no difference in the expression of SLC2A6. Bioinformatics analysis with GSE112720 observed that ferroptosis was enriched in GCHfl/fl + LPS group compared with GCHfl/flTie2cre + LPS group and GCHfl/fl + control group. Silence of GCH1 increased the levels of IL6, TNF-α and IL-1β and decreased IL10 level. Silence of GCH1 increased iNOS level and decreased CD206 level. Moreover, silence of GCH1 raised ferroptosis induced by LPS in macrophages and suppressed the activity of AMPK pathway. GCH1 inhibited ferroptosis in LPS-stimulated macrophages, reduced macrophage toward to M1 polarization and inflammatory response.

Protective Effects of a Mixed Medicinal Herb Extract (NUC1) on Collagenase-Induced Osteoarthritis in Rabbits.

NUC1 (Nutraceutical compound 1) is an ethanol extract composed of a formulation based on medicinal herbs traditionally used for the treatment of arthritis in Korea and China. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of NUC1 on osteoarthritis (OA). The protective effect of NUC1 on OA was tested in a rabbit model of collagenase-induced arthritis (CIA) for 4 weeks. Results were compared among four groups (n = 9 per group): the normal group (untreated), the CIA group (vehicle control), the NUC1 group (CIA rabbits treated with 200 mg/kg NUC1), and the JOINS group (positive control, CIA rabbits treated with 200 mg/kg JOINS tablet). NUC1 significantly inhibited NO production (p < 0.05 at 125 μg/ml, p < 0.01 at 250 μg/ml, and p < 0.001 at 500 μg/ml) and iNOS expression in macrophages, in a concentration-dependent manner. NUC1 also inhibited the release and protein expression of MMP-1, 3, and 13, in TNF-α-induced chondrosarcoma cells in a concentration-dependent manner. In vivo, the MMP-1 and MMP-3 levels in synovial fluids were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in NUC1 group (77.50 ± 20.56 and 22.50 ± 7.39 pg/ml, respectively) than in the CIA group (148.33 ± 68.58 and 77.50 ± 20.46 pg/ml, respectively). Also, in histopathological, NUC1 ameliorated articular cartilage damage in OA by increasing the abundance of chondrocytes and proteoglycan in the articular cartilage. Thus, NUC1 showed promise as a potential therapeutic agent, and it can be generalized to a broader study population in different OA animal models.

Impact of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 PLGA-nanoparticles/chitosan hydrogel on osteoimmunomodulation

Severe bone defects that extend beyond a critical size do not heal on their own, increasing the risk of complications and leading to poor outcomes for patients. Healing is a highly coordinated and complex process in which immune cells have an important function making the design and preparation of biomaterials with immunomodulatory functions an important new therapeutic strategy. 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (VD3) is crucial for bone metabolism and immune regulation. For post-defect bone regeneration, we developed a drug delivery system (DDS) based on chitosan (CS) and nanoparticles (NPs) to sustain the release effect of VD3 and desirable biological characteristics. The hydrogel system was physically characterized and confirmed to have good mechanical strength, degradation rate, and drug release rate. In vitro experiments showed that the cells had good biological activity when the hydrogel was co-cultured with MC3T3-E1 and RAW264.7. The high expression of ARG-1 and low expression of iNOS in macrophages confirmed that VD3-NPs/CS-GP hydrogel transformed lipopolysaccharide-induced M1 macrophages into M2 macrophages. Alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red staining showed that VD3-NPs/CS-GP hydrogel promoted osteogenic differentiation under inflammatory conditions. In conclusion, VD3-NPs/CS-GP hydrogel with synergistic anti-inflammatory and pro-osteogenic differentiation effects may serve as a potential immunomodulatory biomaterial for bone repair and regeneration in cases of bone defects.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of New Naphthyridine from sponge Aaptos suberitoides in LPS-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Macrophages via Regulation of MAPK and Nrf2 Signaling Pathways.

Two new naphthyridine compounds, 4-carbomethoxy-5-keto-1,6-naphthyridine (1) and 4-keto-5-carbomethoxy-1,6-naphthyridine (2) were obtained from the MeOH extracts of sponge Aaptos suberitoides. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods, including HR-ESI-MS, 1D-NMR (1H-NMR, 13C-NMR), 2D-NMR (COSY, HSQC, HMBC). The structure of compound 1 was further confirmed via single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compound 1 was found to reduce NO production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages with IC50 value of 0.15 mM. In addition, it decreased the mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) in LPS-induced macrophages. It also decreased the protein expression of iNOS and COX-2 in LPS-induced macrophages. Mechanistic studies further revealed that compound 1 inhibited the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and activated the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1) signaling pathways in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Cynara scolymus L. Inhibits the LPS-induced Inflammatory Reaction via Suppression of NF-κB Activity in RAW 264.7 Cells

Cynara scolymus L. (artichoke) has been traditionally used in the treatment of digestive-related disease, severe hyperlipidemia and liver disease. Recently, anti-inflammatory effect of artichoke has been reported by several studies, but its mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of artichoke was studied using an in vitro acute inflammation model. The effect of artichoke on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin- 1beta (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in murine macrophage cell line, RAW264.7, was examined by using ELISA and RT-PCR. As a result, artichoke inhibited the expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in macrophages activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at a dose dependent manner. The expression of inflammatory mediators such as NO and PGE2 was next investigated in RAW264.7 cells stimulated with LPS. Artichoke also inhibited the production of NO and PGE2 in the cells at a dose dependent manner. Artichoke suppressed the mRNA expression of iNOS and COX-2 in macrophages by LPS. The effect of artichoke on the activation of NF-κB was examined and LPS-induced NF-κB activation was decreased by treatment of artichoke, suggesting that artichoke has anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting NF- κB activation.

Chemical Profile, Anti-Microbial and Anti-Inflammaging Activities of Santolina rosmarinifolia L. Essential Oil from Portugal.

Fungal infections and the accompanying inflammatory responses are associated with great morbidity and mortality due to the frequent relapses triggered by an increased resistance to antifungal agents. Furthermore, this inflammatory state can be exacerbated during inflammaging and cellular senescence. Essential oils (EO) are receiving increasing interest in the field of drug discovery due to their lipophilic nature and complex composition, making them suitable candidates in the development of new antifungal drugs and modulators of numerous molecular targets. This work chemically characterized the EO from Santolina rosmarinifolia L., collected in Setúbal (Portugal), and assessed its antifungal potential by determining its minimum inhibitory (MIC) and minimum lethal (MLC) concentration in accordance with the Clinical Laboratory Standard Guidelines (CLSI) guidelines, as well as its effect on several Candida albicans virulence factors. The anti-inflammatory effect was unveiled using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages by assessing several pro-inflammatory mediators. The wound healing and anti-senescence potential of the EO was also disclosed. The EO was mainly characterized by β-pinene (29.6%), borneol (16.9%), myrcene (15.4%) and limonene (5.7%). It showed a strong antifungal effect against yeasts and filamentous fungi (MIC = 0.07-0.29 mg/mL). Furthermore, it inhibited dimorphic transition (MIC/16), decreased biofilm formation with a preeminent effect after 24 h (MIC/2) and disrupted preformed biofilms in C. albicans. Additionally, the EO decreased nitric oxide (NO) release (IC50 = 0.52 mg/mL) and pro-IL-1β and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in LPS-stimulated macrophages, promoted wound healing (91% vs. 81% closed wound) and reduced cellular senescence (53% vs. 73% β-galactosidase-positive cells). Overall, this study highlights the relevant pharmacological properties of S. rosmarinifolia, opening new avenues for its industrial exploitation.

Methyldecanoate isolated from marine algae Turbinaria ornata enhances immunomodulation in LPS-induced inflammatory reactions in RAW 264.7 macrophages via iNOS/NFκB pathway.

This study identifies the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory potential of a fatty acid methyl ester segregated from the brown algaeTurbinaria ornataand identified by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry as methyl 6,12-dimethyltridecanoate (ET). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effectsof ET were studied on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory reaction in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Moreover,in silicodocking studies of isolated ET with inflammatory markers TNFα, NFκB, and COX-2 showed potent binding scores suggesting anti-inflammatory potential. ET significantly reduced LPO and increased LPS-induced SOD, catalase, and GSH levels. Molecular docking results were further confirmed by checking mRNA levels of selected cytokines (IL6 and IL10), followed by protein expression of iNOS and NFκB in LPS-induced macrophages. ET significantly upregulated the expression of IL10 and downregulated the expression of IL6, iNOS, and NFκB, confirming the inhibition of LPS-induced inflammation via the iNOS/NFκB pathway.

Immunomodulatory effect of ethanol-soluble oligopeptides from Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua)

There are many active substances in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) explaining the variety of biological activities. In order to study the immunomodulatory activity and the mechanism of Atlantic cod peptides at the cellular level. In this study, cod peptides were isolated by 80 % ethanol extraction method, the isolated ethanol-soluble cod peptides (CP-ES) were investigated and their immunomodulatory activity was verified. Additionally, CP-ES showed lower molecular weight and more hydrophobic amino acids. CP-ES could promote the proliferation of spleen lymphocytes and T lymphocytes in mice, suggesting that CP-ES may regulate adaptive immunity. It promoted the release of NO and the expression of iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β genes in macrophages, suggesting that CP-ES may regulate innate immunity. CP-ES could promote the expression of TLR2 gene, and the peptides identified in CP-ES were docked with TLR2 to predict the peptides playing a major role in CP-ES. These results suggested that CP-ES may regulate the immune activity of both innate and adaptive lines.

A composite hydrogel containing resveratrol-laden nanoparticles and platelet-derived extracellular vesicles promotes wound healing in diabetic mice

Diabetic wounds are difficult to heal because of persistent inflammation and limited angiogenesis. Resveratrol (RES) is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent. Platelet-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) are rich in growth factors and cytokines, which promote proliferation and angiogenesis. However, single drug treatment has limited efficacy and delivery efficiency. Bioengineering can improve the limited effect of single drugs by combining drugs and materials to obtain complementary or cooperative bioengineered drugs. In this study, gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) and silk fibroin glycidyl methacrylate (SFMA) were used to synthesize GelMA/SFMA composite hydrogels with suitable mechanical properties, swelling ratio and biodegradability. The composite hydrogel was used as a wound dressing for sustained drug release. RES was loaded into mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) to synthesize MSN-RES to enhance the release dynamic, and MSN-RES and PDEVs were combined with the composite hydrogels to form GelMA/SFMA/MSN-RES/PDEVs hydrogels. The GelMA/SFMA/MSN-RES/PDEVs had low cytotoxicity and good biocompatibility, inhibited macrophage iNOS expression, and promoted the tube formation by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. In a diabetic mouse wound model, the GelMA/SFMA/MSN-RES/PDEVs hydrogels decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α and iNOS, increased the expression of anti-inflammatory factors TGF-β1 and Arg-1, promoted angiogenesis, and accelerated wound healing. Interestingly, the GelMA/SFMA/MSN-RES/PDEVs hydrogels promoted the expression of extracellular purinergic signaling pathway-related CD73 and adenosine 2A receptor (A2A-R). Therefore, the GelMA/SFMA/MSN-RES/PDEVs hydrogels could be used as wound dressings to regulate the inflammation and angiogenesis of diabetic wounds and accelerate wound healing. Statement of significanceDrugs often fail to function because of a continuous oxidative stress microenvironment and inflammation. Here, a GelMA/SFMA hydrogel, with enhanced mechanical properties and liquid absorption ability, is proposed for sustained release of drugs. In addition to carrying platelet-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) with pro-angiogenic effects, the hydrogels were also loaded with nanoparticle-encapsulated resveratrol with anti-inflammatory activities, aiming to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the wound microenvironment, such that the wound could receive proliferative repair signals to achieve sequential treatment and heal quickly. We also experimentally predicted that the regulatory mechanism of the GelMA/SFMA/MSN-RES/PDEVs in wound healing might be related to the extracellular purinergic signaling pathway.

Babesia microti Infection Inhibits Melanoma Growth by Activating Macrophages in Mice.

Babesia microti is an obligate intraerythrocytic protozoan transmitted by an Ixodes tick. Infections caused by protozoa, including Plasmodium yoelii and Toxoplasma gondii, are shown to inhibit tumor development by activating immune responses. Th1 immune response and macrophages not only are essential key factors in Babesia infection control but also play an important role in regulating tumor development. In this study, we investigated the effects of B. microti infection on melanoma in tumor-bearing mice. The results showed that B. microti infection could inhibit the growth of melanoma, significantly enlarge the spleen size (p ≤ 0.0001), and increase the survival period (over 7 days) of tumor-bearing mice. Mouse spleen immune cell analysis revealed that B. microti-infected tumor-bearing mice could increase the number of macrophages and CD4+ T cells, as well as the proportion of CD4+ T cells and M1 macrophages in the tumor. Immunohistochemical assays showed that B. microti infection could inhibit tumor angiogenesis (p ≤ 0.0032). Meanwhile, both B. microti-infected erythrocytes and culture supernatant were observed to significantly (p ≤ 0.0021) induce the mRNA expression of iNOS, IL-6, and TNF-α in macrophages. Moreover, B. microti culture supernatant could also repolarize IL-4-induced M2 macrophages to the M1 type. Overall, B. microti exerted antitumor effects by stimulating the immune system of tumor-bearing mice and inducing the polarization of immunosuppressive M2 macrophages to pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Cicadidae Periostracum Extract and Oleic Acid through Inhibiting Inflammatory Chemokines Using PCR Arrays in LPS-Induced Lung inflammation In Vitro.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of CP and OA treatments in LPS-stimulated lung epithelial cells on overall chemokines and their receptors using PCR arrays. In addition, we aimed to confirm those effects and mechanisms in LPS-stimulated lung macrophages on some chemokines and cytokines. In our study, CP treatments significantly inhibited the inflammatory mediators CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CCL6, CCL9, CCL11, CCL17, CCL20, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL5, CXCL7, CXCL10, TNF-α, and IL-6, while markedly suppressing NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation and the phosphorylations of PI3K p55, Akt, Erk1/2, p38, and NF-κB p65 in LPS-stimulated lung epithelial cells. CP treatments also significantly decreased the inflammatory mediators CCL2, CCL5, CCL17, CXCL1, and CXCL2, while markedly inhibiting phospho-PI3K p55 and iNOS expression in LPS-stimulated lung macrophages. Likewise, OA treatments significantly suppressed the inflammatory mediators CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CCL8, CCL11, CXCL1, CXCL3, CXCL5, CXCL7, CXCL10, CCRL2, TNF-α, and IL-6, while markedly reducing the phosphorylations of PI3K p85, PI3K p55, p38, JNK, and NF-κB p65 in LPS-stimulated lung epithelial cells. Finally, OA treatments significantly inhibited the inflammatory mediators CCL2, CCL5, CCL17, CXCL1, CXCL2, TNF-α, and IL-6, while markedly suppressing phospho-PI3K p55, iNOS, and Cox-2 in LPS-stimulated lung macrophages. These results prove that CP and OA treatments have anti-inflammatory effects on the inflammatory chemokines and cytokines by inhibiting pro-inflammatory mediators, including PI3K, Akt, MAPKs, NF-κB, iNOS, and Cox-2. These findings suggest that CP and OA are potential chemokine-based therapeutic substances for treating the lung and airway inflammation seen in allergic disorders.

Chemical Constituents of Ulmus minor subsp. minor Fruits Used in the Italian Phytoalimurgic Tradition and Their Anti-inflammatory Activity Evaluation.

The phytochemical investigation of Ulmus minor subsp. minor samaras EtOAc and n-BuOH extracts is reported in this work for the first time, resulting in the isolation and characterization of twenty compounds (1: - 20: ) including one new flavan-3-ol (1: ), one new trihydroxy fatty acid (2: ), and two glycosylated flavonoids (6: - 7: ) whose NMR data are not available in the literature. Structure elucidation of the isolated compounds was obtained by 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS data. Prior to further pharmacological investigations, the extracts (100 - 6.25 µg/mL) and compounds 1: - 12: (50 - 5 µM) were tested for their influence on viability of a murine macrophage cell line (J774A.1). Subsequently, extracts and compounds that did not impede viability, were studied for their inhibitory effect on some mediators of inflammation in J774A.1 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide of Escherichia coli (LPS). The NO release and the expression of iNOS and COX-2 were then evaluated and both extracts (50 - 6.25 µg/mL) and compounds (20 - 5 µM) significantly inhibited NO release as well as iNOS and COX-2 expression in macrophages. These data highlight the anti-inflammatory properties of several isolated compounds from U. minor samaras supporting their possible alimentary use.