Britanin suppresses LPS-induced nitric oxide,PGE2 and cytokine production via NF-κB and MAPK inactivation in RAW 264.7 cells

Little is known about the biological properties of britanin, which is isolated from the flowers of Inula japonica (Inulae Flos). Based on our previous studies that Inulae Flos had anti-inflammation and anti-asthmatic activities, we tried to find the bioactive compounds from it. In this study, the anti-inflammatory effects of britanin on the inflammatory mediators as well as on nuclear factor (NF)-кB and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activation were evaluated in RAW 264.7 cells. Britanin inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂) along with the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. In addition, britanin reduced the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Furthermore, the phosphorylations of MAP kinases (p38 and JNK) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells were suppressed by britanin. Moreover, britanin inhibited the NF-κB activation induced by LPS, which was associated with the abrogation of IκBα degradation and subsequent decreases in nuclear p65 levels. This study suggests that the anti-inflammatory activities of britanin might be attributed to the inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 and cytokine expression at least in part, through the attenuation of the phosphorylations of MAP kinases and NF-κB activation via IκBα degradation in macrophages. We conclude that britanin may have potential for the treatment of inflammatory diseases through the down-regulation of MAP kinases and NF-κB mediated activation of macrophages.     

Anti-inflammatory effects of sophocarpine in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells via NF-κB and MAPKs signaling pathways

Sophocarpine, a tetracyclic quinolizidine alkaloid, is one of the most abundant active ingredients in Sophora alopecuroides L. Our previous studies have showed that sophocarpine exerts anti-inflammatory activity in animal models. In the present study, anti-inflammatory mechanisms of sophocarpine were investigated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced responses in RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of sophocarpine was tested. The results indicated that sophocarpine could increase the LDH level and inhibit cell viability up to 800μg/ml, and which was far higher than that of the plasma concentration of sophocarpine in clinical effective dosage. The results also demonstrated that sophocarpine (50 and 100μg/ml) suppressed LPS-stimulated NO production and pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion, including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). These were associated with the decrease of the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Furthermore, sophocarpine inhibited LPS-mediated nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation via the prevention of inhibitor κB (IκB) phosphorylation. Sophocarpine had no effect on the LPS-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2), whereas it attenuated the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase and c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK). Our data suggested that sophocarpine exerted anti-inflammatory activity in vitro, and it might attribute to the inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 expressions via down-regulation of the JNK and p38 MAP kinase signal pathways and inhibition of NF-κB activation.     

Desoxyrhapontigenin,a potent anti-inflammatory phytochemical,inhibits LPS-induced inflammatory responses via suppressing NF-κB and MAPK pathways in RAW 264.7 cells

This study investigates the anti-inflammatory effects of a stilbene compound, desoxyrhapontigenin, which was isolated from Rheum undulatum. To determine the anti-inflammatory effects of this compound, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages were treated with different concentrations of six stilbene derivatives. The results indicated that compared with other stilbene compounds, desoxyrhapontigenin (at 10, 30 and 50 μM concentrations) significantly inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation, the protein expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. Therefore, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of desoxyrhapontigenin was investigated in detail. The results of this investigation demonstrated that desoxyrhapontigenin suppressed not only LPS-stimulated pro-inflammatory cytokine secretions, including the secretions of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), but also PGE₂ release. As assayed by electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs), desoxyrhapontigenin also produced the dose-dependent inhibition of the LPS-induced activation of NF-κB and AP-1. Moreover, desoxyrhapontigenin inhibited the protein expression of myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88), IκB kinase (IKK) phosphorylation and the degradation of IκBα. Activations of p-JNK1 and p-Akt were also significantly inhibited, and phosphorylation of p38 and ERK was down-regulated. A further study revealed that desoxyrhapontigenin (5 and 25 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced paw swelling in carrageenan-induced acute inflammation model in vivo. On the whole, these results indicate that desoxyrhapontigenin showed anti-inflammatory properties by the inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 expression via the down-regulation of the MAPK signaling pathways and the inhibition of NF-κB and Akt activation.     

Esculentoside B inhibits inflammatory response through JNK and downstream NF-κB signaling pathway in LPS-triggered murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells

Natural compound esculentoside B (EsB), (2S,4aR,6aR,6aS,6bR,8aR,9R,10R,11S,12aR,14bS)-11-hydroxy-9-(hydroxymethyl)-2 methoxycarbonyl-2,6a,6b,9,12a-pentamethyl-10-[(2S,3R,4S,5R)-3,4,5-trihydroxyoxan-2-yl]oxy-1,3,4,5,6,6a,7,8,8a,10,11,12,13,14b-tetradecahydropicene-4a-carboxylic acid with molecular weight of 664.833, isolated from roots of Phytolacca acinosa Roxb has been widely used as a constituent of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the anti-inflammatory capacity of EsB has not been reported yet. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate anti-inflammatory activities of EsB in LPS-treated macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. EsB could inhibit nitric oxide (NO) production. EsB also suppressed gene and protein expression levels of inducible isoform of NO synthase (NOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, EsB decreased gene expression and protein secretion levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6. EsB remarkably suppressed nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) from cytosolic space. Phosphorylation of IκB was also inhibited by EsB. Moreover, EsB specifically down-regulated phospho-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), but not p-p38 or phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2). Taken together, these results suggest that EsB has inhibitory effect on inflammatory response by inactivating NF-κB and p-JNK. It could be used as a new modulatory drug for effective treatment of inflammation-related diseases.     

Saucerneol F, a new lignan, inhibits iNOS expression via MAPKs, NF-κB and AP-1 inactivation in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells

Saucerneol F (SF), a new tetrahydrofuran-type sesquilignan isolated from Saururus chinensis, dose-dependently inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production, with concomitant reduction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein and mRNA expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells. To elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the inhibition of iNOS expression by SF, we assessed the effects of SF on nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) DNA-binding activity, NF-κB-dependent reporter gene activity, inhibitory factor-κB (IκB) phosphorylation and degradation, and p65 nuclear translocation. Treatment with SF decreased the luciferase activities of NF-κB reporter promoters in a dose-dependent manner and translocation of NF-κB p65. In addition, pretreatment of SF reduced LPS-stimulated activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) including extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), p38 MAPK, and c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK). Furthermore, SF attenuated the luciferase activities of AP-1 reporter promoters and the DNA-binding capacity of AP-1. Taken together, the present results indicate that SF attenuates NO production and iNOS expression by blocking LPS-induced activation of NF-κB, MAPKs, and AP-1, suggesting that SF is potentially applicable as an anti-inflammatory drug.     

6,6'-Bieckol, isolated from marine alga Ecklonia cava, suppressed LPS-induced nitric oxide and PGE₂ production and inflammatory cytokine expression in macrophages: the inhibition of NFκB

Ecklonia cava is an edible brown alga that contains high levels of phlorotannins, which are unique marine polyphenolic compounds. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects and the underlying molecular mechanism of phlorotannin 6,6′-bieckol, which is an active component isolated from E. cava, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated primary macrophages and RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. 6,6′-Bieckol was found to inhibit nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) production and to suppress the LPS-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) at the mRNA and protein levels. In addition, 6,6′-bieckol downregulated the production and mRNA expression of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. Moreover, pretreatment with 6,6′-bieckol decreased LPS-induced transactivation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB) and nuclear translocation of p50 and p65 subunits of NFκB. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed that 6,6′-bieckol inhibited LPS-induced NFκB binding to the TNF-α and IL-6 promoters. Taken together, these data suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of 6,6′-bieckol are related to the down-regulation of iNOS, COX-2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines through the negative regulation of the NFκB pathway in LPS-stimulated macrophages.     

Anti-inflammatory effects of diaporisoindole B in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells via MyD88 activated NF-κB and MAPKs pathways

Diaporisoindole B (DPB), an isoprenylisoindole alkaloid isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Diaporthe sp. SYSU-HQ3, has been proved to inhibit the production of nitric oxide (NO) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages, showing potent anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we further investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of DPB and explored the possible mechanisms in LPS-challenged RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages. The results showed that DPB (3.125, 6.2, 12.5 and 25 μM) could significantly reduce LPS-induced levels of PGE2, and inhibit the expressions of iNOS and COX-2 in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, DPB also inhibited LPS-induced production of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6. Moreover, we further investigated signal transduction mechanisms by which DPB exerted anti-inflammatory effects. DPB could affect LPS-mediated nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway activation via down-regulating the upstream myeloid differentiation protein 88 (MyD88) at the protein level. Additionally, DPB also strongly inhibited the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38. Therefore, DPB might exert anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing NF-κB activation and MAPKs pathways via down-regulating MyD88 in RAW 264.7 cells.     

Rheosmin,a naturally occurring phenolic compound inhibits LPS-induced iNOS and COX-2 expression in RAW264.7 cells by blocking NF-κB activation pathway

Inflammation is part of the host defense mechanism against harmful matters and injury; however, aberrant inflammation is associated to the development of chronic disease such as cancer. Raspberry ketone is a natural phenolic compound. It is used in perfumery, in cosmetics, and as a food additive to impart a fruity odor. In this study, we evaluated whether rheosmin, a phenolic compound isolated from pine needles regulates the expression of iNOS and COX-2 protein in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Rheosmin dose-dependently inhibited NO and PGE₂ production and also blocked LPS-induced iNOS and COX-2 expression. Rheosmin potently inhibited the translocation of NF-κB p65 into the nucleus by IκB degradation following IκB-α phosphorylation. This result shows that rheosmin inhibits NF-κB activation. In conclusion, our results suggest that rheosmin inhibits LPS-induced iNOS and COX-2 expression in RAW264.7 cells by blocking NF-κB activation pathway.     

Vitisin A suppresses LPS-induced NO production by inhibiting ERK,p38, and NF-κB activation in RAW 264.7 cells

Vitisin A, a resveratrol tetramer isolated from Vitis vinifera roots, exhibits antioxidative, anticancer, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects. It also inhibits nitric oxide (NO) production. Here, we examined the mechanism by which vitisin A inhibits NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Vitisin A dose dependently inhibited LPS-induced NO production and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression. In contrast, the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) was not altered by vitisin A. To investigate the signaling pathway for NO inhibition by vitisin A, we examined nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, an inflammation-induced signal pathway in RAW 264.7 cells. Vitisin A inhibited LPS-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 phosphorylation and suppressed LPS-induced NF-κB activation in RAW 264.7 cells. This suggests that vitisin A decreased NO production via downregulation of ERK1/2 and p38 and the NF-κB signal pathway in RAW 264.7 cells.     

β-Ionone attenuates LPS-induced pro-inflammatory mediators such as NO,PGE2 and TNF-α in BV2 microglial cells via suppression of the NF-κB and MAPK pathway

β-Ionone, a precursor of carotenoids, possesses a variety of biological properties such as anti-cancerous, anti-mutagenic and anti-microbial activity. Nevertheless, anti-inflammatory effects of β-ionone remain unknown. In this study, we investigated whether ION attenuates the expression of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pro-inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in BV2 microglia cells. Our data showed that β-ionone significantly inhibits secretion of NO, PGE₂ and TNF-α. β-Ionone also inhibits the expression of inducible NO synthesis (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and TNF-α protein and their mRNA in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia cells. In addition, β-ionone significantly reduced DNA-binding activity of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) through suppression of nuclear translocation of p50 and p65. We showed that NF-κB inhibitor N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) effectively attenuates the expression of LPS-stimulated iNOS, COX-2 and TNF-α. We also found that LPS-induced NF-κB activation is significantly regulated through inhibition of Akt phosphorylation in the presence of β-ionone. Finally, we showed that β-ionone substantially inhibits the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including ERK1/2, p38 and JNK, which are closely related to regulation of pro-inflammatory mediator secretion. Taken together, these data imply that β-ionone regulates LPS-induced NF-κB-dependent inflammatory pathways through suppression of Akt and MAPK activation.     

2-Hydroxycircumdatin C inhibits LPS-induced BV2 cells inflammatory response via down-regulation of TLR4-mediated NF-κB/MAPK and JAK2/STAT3 pathways

2-Hydroxycircumdatin C (2-HCC) is a circumdatin-type alkaloid isolated from a coral-associated fungus Aspergillus ochraceus LZDX-32-15. In the present study, we aimed to assess the neuroprotective effects of 2-HCC on the microglia-mediated inflammatory response as well as underlining molecular mechanisms. 2-HCC could significantly down-regulate the overproduction of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) both in BV2 cells and primary microglial cells without affecting cell viability. In addition, 2-HCC exerted obvious neuroprotective effects against inflammatory injury in neurons when cocultured with LPS-induced microglia. Mechanism investigation indicated that the anti-inflammatory effect of 2-HCC involved the inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and alleviation of the LPS-induced TLR4-NF-κB/MAPK pathway. Furthermore, 2-HCC treatment attenuated LPS-induced activation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. In conclusion, these results indicated that the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties of 2-HCC, at least partially, depended upon TLR4-NF-κB/MAPK and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways.     

Glycoprotein isolated from Cudrania tricuspidata Bureau inhibits iNO and COX-2 expression through modulation of NF-κB in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7cells

Glycoprotein of Cudrania tricuspidata Bureau (CTB glycoprotein) was isolated from CTB fruits which have been used to heal various disorders of the injury and lung as an herbal agent in Korea since long time ago. The CTB glycoprotein was identified to have a molecular weight of 75kDa and consists of carbohydrate (72.5%) and protein moiety (27.5%). To know inhibitory ability of CTB glycoprotein for inflammation mediated by reactive oxygen radicals, firstly we tested about anti-oxidative activity (DPPH, superoxide anion, and hydroxyl radicals) in cell-free system, and then evaluated changes of inflammation-related signals [intracellular reactive oxygen species (iROS), nitric oxide (NO), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), COX-2, and iNOS] in the LPS (1μg/ml)-treated RAW 264.7cells. The results in this study showed that CTB glycoprotein (100μg/ml) has a strong scavenging activity against DPPH, superoxide anion, and hydroxyl radicals without any pro-oxidant activity in vitro. In the inflammation-related signals, expression of iROS, NO, NF-κB, COX-2, and iNOS were inhibited by treatment with CTB glycoprotein (50μg/ml) in the presence of LPS (1μg/ml). Taken together, our data obtained from these experiments indicated that CTB glycoprotein suppresses expression of the inflammatory-related proteins (iNOS and COX-2) through regulation of NF-κB. Thus, we speculate that CTB glycoprotein may have therapeutic potential for inflammation-associated disorders.     

α-Dihydroxychalcone-glycoside (α-DHC) isolated from the heartwood of Pterocarpus marsupium inhibits LPS induced MAPK activation and up regulates HO-1 expression in murine RAW 264.7 macrophage

Three phenolic glycosides isolated from the heartwood of Pterocarpus marsupium showed significant free radical and superoxide ion scavenging activity and antioxidant potential that were comparable to, or several folds higher than those of standard antioxidants, trolox and ascorbic acid. The effective concentrations of these compounds were far below their cytotoxic levels. Compound 3, which was characterized to be α-dihydroxychalcone-glycoside (α-DHC), was the most potent one. Subsequent studies demonstrated that α-DHC effectively reduced nitric oxide and cytokine production by the LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cell line. The compound effectively attenuated the expression of inflammation-mediating enzymes COX-2 and iNOS at the mRNA as well as protein levels in a concentration dependent manner. It prevented phosphorylation of all the three MAPKs (JNK, ERK, p38) and eventually blocked the activation of downstream elements contributing to inflammation. Phosphorylation of IκB-α and subsequent translocation of NF-κB into the nucleus were restricted, while the expression of stress responsive gene HO-1 was up-regulated. α-DHC targeted Keap-1 by modifying its cysteine thiols, dissociating it from Nrf-2 and facilitating nuclear entry of the latter; and this in turn induced HO-1 expression. Thus α-DHC exerts its anti-inflammatory activity in a dual manner: by down regulating MAPKs and restricting nuclear stabilization of NF-κB at one end, and by disrupting Nrf-2–Keap-1 complex on the other. In conclusion, the anti-inflammatory potential together with its high therapeutic index envisages α-DHC as a prospective candidate molecule for the development of therapeutic strategy against inflammatory disorders.     

Reduced scytonemin isolated from Nostoc commune suppresses LPS/IFNγ-induced NO production in murine macrophage RAW264 cells by inducing hemeoxygenase-1 expression via the Nrf2/ARE pathway

Reduced scytonemin (R-scy) and scytonemin (Scy) isolated from Nostoc commune exhibit anti-tumor and ultraviolet-absorbing properties. In this study, we examined the effects of R-scy and Scy on the induction of nitric oxide (NO) production by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-γ (IFNγ) in murine macrophage RAW264 cells. While both R-scy and Scy suppressed LPS/IFNγ-induced NO production, R-scy exhibited a stronger inhibitory effect compared with Scy. To further elucidate the mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of R-scy, we examined the changes in the intracellular signaling cascade after LPS/IFNγ stimulation in cells. In addition to the attenuation of LPS/IFNγ-induced upregulation of the inducible isoform of NO synthase, R-scy decreased the activity of nuclear factor-κB, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) after LPS/IFNγ stimulation. R-scy treatment increased heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression by increasing the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species and thereby activating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and antioxidant response element signaling. The induction of HO-1 by R-scy was inhibited by pretreatment with an antioxidant, N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), as well as SB203580 and LY294002, inhibitors for p38 MAPK and PI3K/Akt, respectively. Our findings suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of R-scy could involve both the ROS/PI3K/Akt and the p38 MAPK/Nrf2 signaling pathways.     

Anti-inflammatory properties of samidin from Seseli resinosum through suppression of NF-κB and AP-1-mediated-genes in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells

Seseli is a herb widely used for its anti-inflammation, anti-flatulence and various other healing properties. In the present study, we investigated the effects of samidin on the production of pro-inflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The results demonstrated that samidin significantly inhibited the production of nitric oxide, as well as the gene expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2. The results from an electrophoretic mobility shift assay illustrated that samidin significantly suppressed NF-κB and AP-1 DNA-binding affinity. In addition, both the NF-κB subunit p65 and the AP-1-related c-jun were markedly inhibited by samidin. The time course experiment demonstrated that samidin showed significant inhibitory effect on p38 and JNK activation. Furthermore, tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA level were remarkably down-regulated by samidin in LPS-stimulated macrophages based on quantitative-real-time polymerase chain reaction. Our results suggested that samidin has a potential to be developed as a therapeutic agent for various inflammatory diseases.