Human annulus cells regulate PAPP-A and IGFBP-4 expression,and thereby insulin-like growth factor bioavailability,in response to proinflammatory cytokine exposure in vitro

Abstract

Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) is a metalloproteinase which cleaves IGF binding protein (BP)-4 in the extracellular matrix, making IGF available to nearby cells. We have shown that PAPP-A is present in the human intervertebral disc, and is significantly upregulated in more degenerated discs where increased proinflammatory cytokine levels are present. We hypothesized that increased proinflammatory cytokines present in the degenerating disc might be related to PAPP-A expression. Experiments exposed human annulus cells to IL-1-β or TNF-α to test this hypothesis. Treated cells showed significantly increased PAPP-A in conditioned media versus controls (p?<?0.001). PAPP-A production following exposure to IL-1β was significantly greater in cells derived from more degenerated versus healthier discs (p?=?0.05). PAPP-A gene expression (microarray analysis) was significantly upregulated in IL-1β- or TNF-α-exposed cells (p?=?0.01–0.004). Quantitative RT-PCR confirmed significant upregulation of IGFBP-4 in IL-1β- or TNF-α-exposed cells. Data have potential relevance to future cell-based biologic therapies for disc degeneration.     

Sesamin inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation and extracellular matrix catabolism in rat intervertebral disc

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration contributes to most spinal degenerative diseases, while treatment inhibiting IVD degeneration is still in the experimental stage. Sesamin, a bioactive component extracted from sesame, has been reported to exert chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Here, we analyzed the anti-inflammatory and anti-catabolic effects of sesamin on rat IVD in vitro and ex vivo. Results show that sesamin significantly inhibits the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of catabolic enzymes (MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-13, ADAMTS-4, ADAMTS-5) and inflammation factors (IL-1β, TNF-α, iNOS, NO, COX-2, PGE2) in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. It is also proven that migration of macrophages induced by LPS can be inhibited by treatment with sesamin. Organ culture experiments demonstrate that sesamin protects the IVD from LPS-induced depletion of the extracellular matrix ex vivo. Moreover, sesamin suppresses LPS-induced activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway through inhibiting phosphorylation of JNK, the common downstream signaling pathway of LPS and IL-1β, which may be the potential mechanism of the effects of sesamin. In light of our results, sesamin protects the IVD from inflammation and extracellular matrix catabolism, presenting positive prospects in the treatment of IVD degenerative diseases.     

INHIBITORY EFFECT OF ARTEMISIA CAPILLARIS ON ETHANOL-INDUCED CYTOKINES (TNF-α, IL-1α) SECRETION IN HEP G2 CELLS

ABSTRACT

A human hepatoma cell line, Hep G2 cell, is reliable for the study of alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity. In this study, we investigated the effect of an aqueous extract of Artemisia capillaris _THUNB (Compositae) plant (AC) on ethanol (EtOH)-induced cytotoxicity in Hep G2 cells. AC (0.5–5 µg/mL) inhibited the secretion of EtOH-induced interluekin-1α (IL-1α) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). AC also inhibited the EtOH-, IL-1α-, and TNF-α-induced cytotoxicity. Furthermore, we found that AC inhibited the EtOH-induced apoptosis of Hep G2 cells. These results suggest that AC may prevent the EtOH-induced cytotoxicity through inhibition of the apoptosis of Hep G2 cells.     

Astragaloside inhibits IL-1β-induced inflammatory response in human osteoarthritis chondrocytes and ameliorates the progression of osteoarthritis in mice

Abstract

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint-degeneration disease and accounts for the most frequent arthritis in aging people. OA is characterized by the degeneration of articular cartilage, subchondral bone sclerosis and synovitis. Inflammation as an important role in OA progression, in that anti-inflammatory agents could effectively inhibit the development of OA with minimal side effects, therefore developing a nature anti-inflammatory compound will be a promising therapy for treating OA.

Methods: We treated patient-derived chondrocytes and mouse models of OA with astragaloside, an effective component of astragalus membranaceus, and measured its effect on pro-inflammatory cytokines and OA progression in mice.

Results: In vitro, astragaloside induced a dose-dependent inhibition of IL-1β-induced the production of inflammatory factors, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), expression of MMP 13 and ADAMTS-5, and the activation of NF-κB signaling. In vivo, astragaloside ameliorate the degeneration of cartilage in mouse model of OA.

Conclusion: Astragaloside potentially serve as a promising and effective therapeutic agent for treating OA patients.     

Inhibitory Effect of Interleukin-1α-Induced Apoptosis by Polygala Tenuifolia in Hep G2 Cells

Abstract

A human hepatoma cell line, Hep G2 cells are reliable for the study of alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity. In this study, we investigated the effect of an aqueous extract of Polygala tenuifolia Willdenow (Polygalaceae) roots (PTAE) on ethanol (EtOH)-induced cytotoxicity in Hep G2 cells. PTAE (0.01–1 μg/ml) dose-dependently inhibited the EtOH-induced interluekin-1 α (IL-1α) secretion. PTAE (0.01–1 μg/ml) also inhibited the EtOH- and IL-1α-induced cytotoxicity. Furthermore, we found that PTAE inhibited the IL-1α-induced apoptosis of Hep G2 cells. These results suggest that PTAE may prevent the EtOH-induced cytotoxicity through inhibition of the apoptosis of Hep G2 cells.     

Anti-inflammatory Effects of Interleukin-4, Interleukin-10, and Transforming Growth Factor-β on Human Placental Cells In Vitro

PROBLEM: To determine the effects of anti-inflammatory cytokines on the production of inflammatory mediators by placental cells. METHOD OF STUDY: Cells from term human placentas were isolated and cultured in vitro in the presence of anti-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. Their effects on the production of IL-8 and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) were investigated under basal conditions and after stimulation with IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. RESULTS: Both IL-10 and IL-4 inhibited IL-1β- and TNF-α-induced PGE₂ production but had no significant effects on the production of PGE₂ under basal conditions. TGF-β₁ was without effect in stimulated cells, whereas under basal conditions TGF-β₁ stimulated PGE₂ production. Similar trends were seen for IL-8 production, with the exceptions that TGF-β₁ decreased the TNF-α-induced production and IL-4 decreased basal IL-8 production. CONCLUSIONS: The anti-inflammatory effects shown by IL-4, IL-10, and (to lesser extent) TGF-β may play a role in ameliorating the potentially harmful effects of pro-inflammatory mediators in the feto-placental unit.     

Alpha- and gamma-mangostins exhibit anti-acne activities via multiple mechanisms

Abstract

Objective: Acne is a chronic skin disease that involves four key pathogenic factors: excess sebum production, ductal epidermal hyperproliferation, Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) colonization, and skin inflammation. Mangostins are well-known for their anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, suggesting that mangostins may have therapeutic potential for acne. The present study aimed to explore the anti-acne effects of mangostins from the perspective of multiple pathogenic mechanisms of acne.

Methods: The effects of α- and γ-mangostins on the growth of P. acnes and lipase activity were analyzed. Their effects on P. acnes-induced keratinocyte proliferation were examined by CCK-8. The expression of inflammatory genes and activation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways were detected by quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting, respectively.

Results: Alpha- and γ-mangostins not only inhibited the growth of P. acnes, but also reduced the proliferation of keratinocytes induced by heat-killed P. acnes. Furthermore, α- and γ-mangostins were able to suppress P. acnes-induced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in keratinocytes by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.

Discussion and conclusions: Mangostins appeared to possess multiple anti-acne activities, including the inhibition of P. acnes growth, regulation of keratinocytes proliferation, and attenuation of skin inflammatory reaction. Hence, mangostins might be developed into a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of acne.     

正常与退变椎间盘纤维环细胞相关基因的差异表达

目的: 研究人正常和退变椎间盘纤维环细胞椎间盘退变相关基因表达量的差异,探讨这些相关基因与椎间盘退变的关系,筛选明显差异基因作为退变纤维环细胞体外刺激因子,逆转椎间盘退变。方法: 实时荧光定量PCR(real-time qRT-PCR,SYBR Green)技术检测人正常和退变纤维环细胞TGF-β、IGF-1、bFGF、IL-1、TIMP-1、COL1A1、BMP-14、PDGF、aggrecan、COL2A1、SOX 9、BMP-2、iNOS、 EGF、 MMP3、BMP-4和BMP-7 mRNA表达水平。结果: 与正常纤维环细胞相比,退变纤维环细胞TGF-β、IL-1、PDGF和IGF-1 mRNA表达量降低(P<0.01,P<0.05);bFGF、TIMP-1、BMP-14和COL1A1 mRNA表达升量高(P<0.01);正常纤维环细胞aggrecan和BMP-2 mRNA高表达,退变纤维环细胞两者表达阴性;COL2A1、iNOS和MMP3在正常纤维环细胞mRNA有表达,在退变纤维环细胞表达阴性;EGF在正常纤维环细胞mRNA 表达阴性,而在退变纤维环细胞有表达。Sox-9、BMP-4和BMP-7在正常和退变纤维环细胞mRNA表达均为阴性。结论: 椎间盘纤维环退变与TGF-β、IL-1、PDGF、IGF-1、aggrecan和BMP-2 mRNA低表达,bFGF、TIMP-1、BMP-14和COL1A1 mRNA高表达相关;BMP-2、TGF-β、PDGF和IGF-1可作为退变纤维环细胞体外刺激因子,用于逆转椎间盘退变的研究;bFGF、TIMP-1和BMP-14 可能是椎间盘纤维环细胞退变的标志物。     

The RNA-binding protein SND1 promotes the degradation of GPX4 by destabilizing the HSPA5 mRNA and suppressing HSPA5 expression,promoting ferroptosis in osteoarthritis chondrocytes

Background

Heat shock protein family A member 5 (HSPA5), a recently identified suppressor of ferroptosis, was reported to potentially regulating osteoarthritis. However, the exact role of HSPA5 and how its expression was regulated in osteoarthritis are largely unclear.

Methods

Rat primary chondrocytes were treated with 10 ng/mL IL-1β for 24 h and incubated with ferrostatin-1 (a ferroptosis inhibitor). Cell viability, production of TNF-α, ROS and MDA, expression levels of collagen II, MMP13, GPX4, and SND1, and Fe²⁺ concentration were detected. Gain- and loss-of-function manipulations were performed to investigate the effect of HSPA5 on chondrocyte functions, and SND1 shRNA (sh-SND1) was transfected into IL-1β-treated primary chondrocytes alone or together with sh-HSPA5. Furthermore, the interaction between HSPA5 and GPX4 and the regulation of HSPA5 on GPX4 were explored. Finally, SND1 was knocked down in the rats with osteoarthritis, and the histopathology, expression of HSPA5-GPX4 axis, and levels of oxidative stress markers were evaluated.

Results

IL-1β treatment could enhance extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation (collagen II reduced and MMP13 increased), promote ferroptosis, manifested by decreased cell viability, increased levels of TNF-α, ROS, MDA, and Fe²⁺ concentrations, and decreased level of GPX4 protein, and increase SND1 expression in chondrocytes, which could be reversed by ferrostatin-1. Knockdown of SND1 enhanced ECM degradation and suppressed ferroptosis IL-1β-treated chondrocytes, which could be eliminated by knockdown of HSPA5. SND1 bound with HSPA5 at the 3’UTR and destabilized the HSPA5 mRNA. HSPA5 protein directly bound with GPX4 protein and positively regulate its expression. HSPA5 overexpression suppressed IL-1β-induced chondrocyte ferroptosis, while this effect was counteracted by GPX4 silencing. Knockdown of SND1 upregulated HSPA5 and GPX4 in rat cartilage, inhibited inflammatory damage and ferroptosis, and alleviated OA progression.

Conclusion

The RNA-binding protein SND1 promotes the degradation of GPX4 by destabilizing the HSPA5 mRNA and suppressing HSPA5 expression, promoting ferroptosis in osteoarthritis chondrocytes.

     

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulates matrix metabolism of human annulus fibrosus cells mediated by transforming growth factor β1 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway

Purpose: There are limited strategies to restore the damaged annulus fibrosus (AF) of the intervertebral disc. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has positive effects on the proliferation of several types of cells and the repair of damage tissue in vivo. However, scientific evidence of therapeutic effects of LIPUS on AF cells remains limited. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of applying LIPUS to the repair of the AF.

Materials and methods: We used an in vitro model of human AF cells subjected to LIPUS stimulation to examine its effects on cell proliferation and matrix metabolism. Cell viability, synthesis of collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG), expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and transforming growth factor β1 and pathways involving mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were investigated.

Results: LIPUS significantly enhanced proliferation of AF cells after 5 days of treatment. LIPUS with an intensity of 0.5?W/cm² increased the collagen and GAG synthesis and decreased the expressions of MMP-1 and -3 of human AF cells. Real-time polymerase chain reactions and western blotting analysis revealed that LIPUS could increase transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and activate extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. In addition, TGF-β receptor kinase inhibitor could suppress the ultrasound-induced alterations in cell viability and matrix metabolism.

Conclusions: The findings suggested that LIPUS could be useful as a physical stimulation of cell metabolism for the repair of the AF.     

Tubeimoside-1 attenuates LPS-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages and mouse models

Abstract

Context: Acute lung injury (ALI), characterized by severe hypoxemia, pulmonary edema and neutrophil accumulation in the lung, is a common clinical problem associated with significant morbidity and mortality in shock, sepsis, ischemia reperfusion, etc.

Objective: In this study, we aimed at investigating the protective effect of tubeimoside-1 (TBMS1) on inflammation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and a LPS-induced in vivo lung injury model.

Materials and methods: We evaluated the effect of TBMS1 on LPS-induced production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β in the culture supernatants of RAW 264.7 cells by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. LPS (0.5?mg/kg) was instilled intranasally in phosphate-buffered saline to induce ALI, and the severity of pulmonary injury was evaluated 6?h after LPS challenge.

Results: TBMS1 significantly inhibited the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in vitro and in vivo. Pretreatment with TBMS1 markedly attenuated the development of pulmonary edema, histological severities and inflammatory cells infiltration in mice with ALI. In addition, we further demonstrated that TBMS1 exerts an anti-inflammatory effect in vivo model of ALI through suppression of IκB activation and p38/extracellular signal-regulated kinase mitogen-activated protein kinases signaling in a dose-dependent manner.

Discussion and conclusion: Overall, our data suggest that TBMS1 inhibits inflammation both in vitro and in vivo, and may be a potential therapeutic candidate for the prevention of inflammatory diseases.     

Interleukin-4 and Interleukin-4 Receptor Alpha Gene Polymorphisms in Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis

ABSTRACT

Background: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common oral condition with a major impact on the quality of life. The condition is thought to be due to the overexpression of T helper-1(Th1)-related cytokines. Since interleukin-4 (IL-4) and its receptor (IL-4Rα) are antagonistic to Th-1 pathways, polymorphisms in their genes may also be involved in the pathogenesis of aphthous stomatitis.

Methods: Sixty-four patients diagnosed with minor RAS and 141 (age- and sex-matched) healthy controls were assessed for 3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the promoter region of the IL-4 gene (?1098G/T, ?590C/T, and ?33C/T), and 1 SNP in IL-4Rα gene (+1902 A/G).

Results: No significant differences were detected between the patient and the control group regarding IL-4 allele frequencies. However, the patient group demonstrated a higher frequency of IL-4 ?590 CC genotype and a lower rate of IL-4 ?590 TC genotype.

The TCT, GTT, GCT, and GTC haplotypes of the IL-4 gene (?1098, ?590, ?33) were significantly more frequent in the patients and the GCC, and TTT haplotypes were more common in healthy controls. No significant differences were found in IL-4Rα gene polymorphism between the 2 groups.

Conclusions: Certain polymorphisms of IL4 gene could predispose individuals to RAS.     

Protective effects of quercetin treatment in a pristane-induced mouse model of lupus nephritis

Introduction: Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most severe complications of systemic lupus erythematosus. As murine models of LN are valuable tools to better understand its pathophysiology and to search for new effective treatments, we investigated the effects of the bioflavonoid quercetin on pristane-induced LN mice through histomorphological analyses.

Methods: Immunofluorescence and biochemical assays were used to evaluate the expression of markers of inflammation (interleukin-6, IL-6; tumour necrosis factor-α, TNF-α), oxidative stress (catalase, CAT; superoxide dismutase 1, SOD1; thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS), apoptosis (Bax), and fibrosis (transforming growth factor-β1, TGF-β1). Glomerular and tubular ultrastructure was analysed, and tissue messenger RNA of podocin, podoplanin and α3β1-integrin were quantified using the real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results: Pristane-induced LN mice showed severe kidney injury, characterized by increased proteinuria, glomerular mesangial expansion and inflammation, high expression of the pro-fibrotic, apoptotic and prooxidant markers and reduction of antioxidants. In the kidney ultrastructure, foot process (FP) effacement, apoptotic mesangial cells and abnormal mitochondria with disrupted cristae were observed, along with suppressed tissue mRNA of podocin, podoplanin and α3β1-integrin. Treatment with quercetin in the pristane-induced LN mice model was nephroprotective, decreasing proteinuria levels and significantly lowering tissue expression of IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β1, Bax and TBARS. Simultaneously, quercetin significantly increased CAT and SOD1 expressions in these mice. In addition, it was observed improvement of the kidney ultrastructure, and tissue mRNA of podocin, but not podoplanin and α3β1-integrin, was restored to the levels found in the control mice.

Conclusion: In conclusion, these findings provide experimental evidence of the renoprotective effects of quercetin in the pristane-induced LN mice model. We suggest that quercetin effectively ameliorates the kidney damage caused by pristane, a bioflavonoid to be further evaluated as a new therapeutic strategy in this disease.     

Mechanical stretch and hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha affect the vascular endothelial growth factor and the connective tissue growth factor in cultured ACL fibroblasts

Purposes: The adult human anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has poor functional healing response. Hypoxia plays an important role in regulating the microenvironment of the joint cavity after ACL injury, however, its role in mechanical injury is yet to be examined fully in ACL fibroblasts. In this study, we used CoCl₂ to induce Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in our experimental model to study its affect on matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression in ACL fibroblasts after mechanical stretch. Materials and methods: Cell treatments were performed in the stretch chamber in all experimental groups. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to check mRNA expression levels of MMP-2, CTGF, VEGF, and HIF-1α. Western blot was used to detect the HIF-1α production. Enzyme-Linked immunosorbent assay was performed to check the VEGF and CTGF protein contents in supernatant. MMP-2 activity was assayed by gelatin zymography. Results: The real-time PCR results show that mechanical stretch or CoCl₂ treatment increases the expression of MMP-2, VEGF, CTGF, and HIF-1α; however, the combined effects of mechanical stretch and CoCl₂-induced HIF-1α increased MMP-2 production but decreased the VEGF and CTGF expression, compared to the CoCl₂ treatment group alone. Western blot analysis and ELISA also confirmed these results. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that mechanical stretch and CoCl₂-induced HIF-1α together increased the level of MMP-2 and decreased the levels of VEGF and CTGF in cultured ACL fibroblasts. The differential expression and production of HIF-1α, VEGF, MMP-2, and CTGF might help to explain the poor healing ability of ACL.     

Anti-inflammatory effects of isoacteoside from Abeliophyllum distichum

Abstract

Isoacteoside, a dihydroxypheynylethyl glycoside, is a major bioactive component of Abeliophyllum distichum (White Forsythia) which is a deciduous shrub native to the south and central areas of Korea. The present study is designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activities and underlying mechanisms of isoacteoside in human mast cell line, HMC-1 cells. We isolated isoacteoside from A. distichum. The anti-inflammatory effect of isoacteoside was investigated in HMC-1 cells by studying the following markers: phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI)-induced interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) secretion and mRNA expression by ELISA and RT-PCR, respectively. In addition, mechanism related to anti-inflammatory was investigated by Western blotting. Isoacteoside significantly suppressed the production and mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in PMACI-stimulated HMC-1 cells without cytotoxicity. It was found that anti-inflammatory effects of isoacteoside are mediated by action on caspase-1, mitogen-activated protein kinases (c-Jun N-terminal kinase, p38, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase) and nuclear factor-kappa B pathways. Taken together, the present findings provide new insights that isoacteoside may be a promising anti-inflammatory agent for inflammatory disorders.     

舒芬太尼对IL-1β诱导的椎间盘退变的作用研究

目的 探究舒芬太尼(sufentanil)对白细胞介素(IL)-1β诱导的椎间盘退变的作用.方法 无菌分离SD大鼠髓核细胞(NPC)进行传代培养,并分为对照组,IL-1β组,IL-1β+Sufentanil低、中、高浓度组(0.125、0.25、0.5μmol/L).CCK-8检测NPC增殖能力;流式细胞和Hoecha...     

Enhanced production of interleukin-29 and related genes are associated with T helper 1 cell parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

ObjectiveThe production of interleukin (IL)-29 and the genes related to IL-29 signaling pathway (STAT1, NF-κB, and NFATc1), and T helper (Th) 1 cells (T-bet, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2) were evaluated in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Correlations between IL-29 and diabetes parameters, and between gene expression in IL-29 pathway and Th1 cells were also examined.Materials and Methods41 newly diagnosed patients with T2DM and 41 healthy controls were recruited. CD4⁺ T cells were purifed and the production of IL-29 in the supernatant of anti- CD3 and anti- CD28 activated Th cells was detected using ELISA. The expression of IL-29- and Th1- related genes was determined with real-time PCR.ResultsThe secretion of IL-29 and the expression levels of NF-κB, NFATc1, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in Th cells were seen to be increased in diabetes persons compared to controls. Positive connections between IL-29 with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were found in diabetes persons. IL-29 was positively correlated with NFATc1 and TNF-α. NFATc1 was positively related to TNF-α.ConclusionAbnormal expression levels of IL-29- and Th1- related genes are linked with T2DM pathogenesis. IL-29 may amplify the expression of Th1-specific genes especially TNF-α by upregulating NFATc1 expression.     

Anti-inflammatory effects of Artemisia scoparia and its active constituent, 3,5-dicaffeoyl-epi-quinic acid against activated mast cells

Objectives: Artemisia scoparia Waldst. et Kit. (AS) has been used to treat inflammation, urticaria and hepatitis. However, the scientific studies of AS and its active compound for inflammatory reactions in activated human mast cell line, HMC-1 cells have not yet been elucidated.

Materials and methods: Here, we isolated 3,5-dicaffeoyl-epi-quinic acid (DEQA) from AS butanol fraction. The anti-inflammatory effect of AS and its new active compound, DEQA was examined in HMC-1 cells by studying the following markers: phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI)-induced thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 secretion and mRNA expression by ELISA and RT-PCR, respectively. Furthermore, mechanism related to anti-inflammatory was examined by Western blotting.

Results: We reported that AS and its new active compound, DEQA significantly reduced TSLP, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 production levels through the reduction of caspase-1 activity. The mRNA expression of these inflammatory cytokine was also reduced via blocking nuclear factor-κB nuclear translocation by AS and DEQA. In addition, AS significantly reduced phosphorylated-c-Jun N-terminal kinase level and DEQA significantly reduced both phosphorylated-c-Jun N-terminal kinase and -p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase levels.

Conclusions: Therefore, these results indicated that AS and its active compound, DEQA may improve mast cell-mediated inflammatory diseases.