The protective effects of hydroxytyrosol against UVB‐induced DNA damage in HaCaT cells

The chemoprotective effect of hydroxytyrosol (HT) against UVB‐induced DNA damage was investigated in a human skin keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT. The comet assay was used to monitor DNA strand breaks. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation was measured by flow cytometry using 2,7‐dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH‐DA). The levels of oxidatively generated damage to DNA were estimated by immunocytochemistry analysis of 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG). The protein expression of p53 and NF‐κB was estimated by western blotting. The results showed that HT significantly reduced the DNA strand breaks caused by UVB. It was also found that HT reduced intracellular ROS formation and 8‐OHdG level caused by UVB. Furthermore, HT attenuated the expression of p53 and NF‐κB in a concentration‐dependent manner. These results strongly suggest that HT has a significant protective ability against UVB‐induced DNA damage and that oxidative stress plays an important part in it. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Phellinus linteus inhibits inflammatory mediators by suppressing redox-based NF-kappaB and MAPKs activation in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage

The mushroom Phellinus linteus has been known to exhibit potent biological activity. In contrast to the immuno-potentiating properties of Phellinus linteus, the anti-inflammatory properties of Phellinus linteus have rarely been investigated. Recently, ethanol extract and n-BuOH fractions from Phellinus linteus were deemed most effective in anti-inflammatory activity in RAW 264.7 macrophages. The regulatory mechanisms of Phellinus linteus butanol fractions (PLBF) on the pharmacological and biochemical actions of macrophages involved in inflammation have not been clearly defined yet. In the present study, we tested the role of PLBF on anti-inflammation patterns in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. To investigate the mechanism by which PLBF inhibits NO and PGE2 production as well as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression, we examined the activation of IkappaB and MAPKs in LPS-activated macrophages. PLBF clearly inhibited nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB p65 subunits, which correlated with PLBF's inhibitory effects on IkappaBalpha phosphorylation and degradation. PLBF also suppressed the activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases including p38 and stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK). Furthermore, macrophages stimulated with LPS generated ROS via activation of membrane-bound NADPH oxidase, and ROS played an important role in the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and MAPKs. We demonstrated that PLBF directly blocked intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species in RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with LPS much as the NADPH oxidase inhibitors, diphenylene iodonium, and antioxidant pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate did. The suppression of NADPH oxidase also inhibited NO production and iNOS protein expression. Cumulatively, these results suggest that PLBF inhibits the production of NO and PGE2 through the down-regulation of iNOS and COX-2 gene expression via ROS-based NF-kappaB and MAPKs activation. Thus, PLBF may provide a potential therapeutic approach for inflammation-associated disorders.     

Effects of Red Ginseng extract on ultraviolet B-irradiated skin change in C57BL mice

Red Ginseng (the roots of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) is used clinically in China, Korea and Japan for various diseases, including atherosclerosis, hypertension and stress etc. Although Red Ginseng roots have traditionally been thought to have antiageing effects, the basis for this hearsay is unclear. This study examined the effects of Red Ginseng extract on ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated skin ageing in mice. Oral administration of Red Ginseng extract (20 or 60 mg/kg, twice daily) prevented UVB-irradiated skin damage (increases of skin thickness and pigmentation, and reduction of skin elasticity). Furthermore, Red Ginseng extract inhibited the increases of epidermis and corium thickness induced by UVB irradiation. Red Ginseng extract inhibited the increase of skin TGF-beta1 content induced by UVB irradiation. These findings suggest that the protective action of Red Ginseng extract against UVB-irradiated skin ageing may be due partly to an inhibition of the increase of skin TGF-beta1 induced by UVB irradiation. In conclusion, the oral administration of Red Ginseng extract may be useful as a health supplement for protection against photoageing.     

Effects of olive leaf extract and its main component oleuroepin on acute ultraviolet B irradiation‐induced skin changes in C57BL/6J mice

Olive (Olea europaea L.) leaves have long been used in folk medicine and herbal tea in Europe and the Mediterranean area. The Mediterranean climate is characterized by high temperatures, and by strong ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation causing the skin to age, increasing wrinkling, pigmentation and skin thickness. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of an olive leaf extract and its component oleuropein on skin damage caused by acute UVB irradiation in C57BL/6J mice. The extract (300 or 1000 mg/kg) and oleuropein (25 or 85 mg/kg) were administered orally twice daily for 14 days. UVB was administered daily at a dose of 120 mJ/cm² for the first 5 days and then every other day for 9 days. Both treatments inhibited the increases in skin thickness induced by radiation. They also inhibited increases in the Ki‐67‐ and 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine‐positive cell numbers, melanin granule area and matrix metalloproteinase‐13 (MMP‐13) expression. These preventive effects on UVB‐induced skin damage might be caused in part by inhibiting the degradation of extracellular matrixes in the corium, and by the proliferation of epidermal cells through the inhibition of increases in MMP‐13 levels and reactive oxygen species induced by irradiation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Acanthopanax senticosus inhibits nitric oxide production in murine macrophages in vitro and in vivo

Excess nitric oxide (NO) production has been implicated in inflammatory diseases. The present study investigated the inhibitory effect of the stem bark extract of Acanthopanax senticosus (A. senticosus) on NO production in murine macrophages in vitro and in vivo. In vitro exposure of RAW264.7 cells to 1, 10, 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1000 microg/mL of A. senticosus extract significantly suppressed NO production induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) in a dose-dependent manner. In vitro exposure of mouse resident peritoneal macrophages to 1, 10, 100 and 1000 microg/mL of A. senticosus extract significantly suppressed NO production induced by LPS and IFN-gamma in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo administration of A. senticosus extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) to KM mice dose-dependently inhibited LPS and IFN-gamma induced production of NO in isolated mouse peritoneal macrophages ex vivo. Exposure to A. senticosus extract had no effect on cell viability and systemic toxicity. The results demonstrated that the stem bark extract of A. senticosus extract inhibits NO production in murine macrophages in vitro and in vivo.     

Anti-inflammatory activity of herbal medicines: inhibition of nitric oxide production and tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion in an activated macrophage-like cell line

Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (HC), Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fischer (GU), Forsythia suspense (Thunb.) Vahl (FS), and Lonicera japonica Thunb. (LJ) are Chinese herbs known to possess anti-inflammatory properties. The effects of aqueous extracts of these herbs on the production of the pro-inflammatory mediators, nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were examined in an activated macrophage-like cell line, RAW 264.7 cells. Aqueous extracts from FS at 0.0625-2.0 mg/ml inhibited in vitro production of NO and secretion of TNF-alpha in a dose-dependent manner. FS at 1.0-2.0 mg/ml and 0.125-2.0 mg/ml significantly inhibited NO production and TNF-alpha, respectively. An extract of LJ demonstrated potent inhibition of both NO production and TNF-alpha secretion in a dose-dependent manner. An aqueous extract from HC inhibited NO production in a dose-dependent manner, but minimally (approximately 30%) inhibited TNF-a secretion at 0.0625 and 0.125 mg/ml. In contrast, an aqueous extract of GU had a minimal effect on both the production of NO and the secretion of TNF-alpha. Viability of cells at all concentrations studied was unaffected as determined by MTT cytotoxicity assay and trypan blue dye exclusion. These results suggest that aqueous extracts from FS, LJ and HC have anti-inflammatory actions as measured by inhibition of NO production and/or TNF-alpha secretion.     

Protective effects of Phellinus linteus extract against iron overload-mediated oxidative stress in cultured rat hepatocytes

Phellinus linteus (PL) mushroom has been reported to possess antioxidant activity. The present study was designed to investigate whether an ethanol extract obtained from PL might ameliorate oxidative stress and enhance antioxidant enzyme activities in primary rat hepatocytes, which were overloaded with iron using ferric nitrilotriacetate (FeNTA) complex. FeNTA enables hepatocytes to accumulate substantially redox-active iron and stimulates the production of injurious hydroxyl radicals, which in turn, initiate oxidative stress-mediated cytotoxicity. The results showed that pretreatment of hepatocytes with PL extract (50, 100 and 200 microg/mL) for 24 h significantly reversed FeNTA-induced cell viability loss, lactate dehydrogenase leakage (LDH), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and protein carbonyl formation in a dose-dependent manner. It was further observed that PL extract produced an inhibitory effect on intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation caused by FeNTA. Concomitantly, the amount of GSH content and the activities of glutathione reductase (GSH Rd) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH Px) in hepatocytes pretreated with PL extract increased substantially compared with those treated with FeNTA alone. These results suggest that PL may be useful in protecting against FeNTA-induced oxidative damage and also be capable of attenuating cytotoxicity of other oxidants.     

姜黄素对UVB辐射诱导HaCaT细胞凋亡的抑制作用

目的:建立中波紫外线(UVB)对体外培养的永生化人角质形成细胞(HaCaT细胞)辐射损伤病理模型,探讨姜黄素(Cur)对其细胞辐射损伤的保护作用。方法:以10、20、30、40和50m J/cm2的UVB辐照其细胞,分别在辐照后6、12、18、24、48和72h,用MTT和流式细胞仪检测细胞活性及其凋亡的变化,建立辐照损伤病理模型;用30m J/cm2的剂量辐照其细胞后,立即分别给予0.625、1.25、2.5和5μg/mL的Cur处理,在处理18h后检测其细胞凋亡。结果:HaCaT细胞经UVB辐照后,以剂量和时间依赖方式抑制其细胞存活,且主要由于细胞凋亡引起;Cur以浓度依赖方式抑制由UVB所致的细胞凋亡。结论:Cur能抑制UVB辐射诱导的HaCaT细胞凋亡,对UVB辐射损伤HaCaT细胞具有保护作用,其作用机制可能与Cur清除体内自由基而增强细胞的抗氧化能力有关。     

Eriobotrya japonica counteracts reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide stimulated by chloramphenicol

Chloramphenicol is a toxic antibiotic used for certain infections, though aplastic anaemia is one of its side-effects. The results of our experiments showed that blood cells suffered oxidative stress in the presence of chloramphenicol, with a significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) detected by luminol-chemiluminescence (CL). The extract of fruits of Eriobotrya japonica markedly decreased ROS in leukocytes and erythrocytes, the oxidative stress caused by this antibiotic. Nitro Blue Tetrazolium (NBT) assay with purified leukocytes demonstrated that the antioxidant action of E. japonica caused an intracellular reduction in ROS, and that the extracts decreased these promoters of oxidative stress to normal levels in the cytoplasm. Determinations of nitric oxide (NO) generation indicated that E. japonica extracts also inhibited the stimuli of NO provoked by chloramphenicol. This study showed that the immediate antioxidant effect of E. japonica could be associated with the action of vitamin A. The protective action of this fruit was seen on mature leukocytes and erythrocytes, beneficial effect on blood cells suggest that its extract could be used as an antioxidant agent complementing the administration of chloramphenicol, as a modern-day extension to its traditional use in Chinese medicine.     

Inhibitory effects of methanol extract of Cyperus rotundus rhizomes on nitric oxide and superoxide productions by murine macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7 cells

The rhizomes of Cyperus rotundus (C. rotundus) have been used in oriental traditional medicines for the treatment of stomach and bowel disorders, and inflammatory diseases. Nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide (O2-) are important mediators in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases. This study was undertaken to address whether the metanol (MeOH) extract of rhizomes of C. rotundus could modulate NO and O2- productions by murine macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7 cells. The MeOH extract of rhizomes of C. rotundus showed the inhibition of NO production in a dose-dependent manner by RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with interferon-gamma plus lipopolysaccharide. The inhibition of NO production by the extract was due to the suppression of iNOS protein, as well as iNOS mRNA expression, determined by Western and Northern blotting analyses, respectively. In addition, the MeOH extract suppressed the production of O2- by phorbol ester-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells in dose- and time-dependent manners. Collectively, these results suggest that the MeOH extract of rhizomes of C. rotundus could be developed as anti-inflammatory candidate for the treatment of inflammatory diseases mediated by overproduction of NO and O2-.     

A Comparative Study of Baby Immature and Adult Shoots of Aloe Vera on UVB‐Induced Skin Photoaging in vitro

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation induces photo‐damage of the skin, which in turn causes depletion of the dermal extracellular matrix and chronic alterations in skin structure. Skin wrinkle formations are associated with collagen synthesis and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression. The production of type I procollagen is regulated by transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) expression; the activation of MMP is also correlated with an increase of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). Aloe barbadensis M. (Aloe vera) is widely used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. In this study, we examined whether baby aloe shoot extract (BAE, immature aloe extract), which is from the one‐month‐old shoots of Aloe vera, and adult aloe shoot extract (AE), which is from the four‐month‐old shoots of Aloe vera, have a protective effect on UVB‐induced skin photoaging in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). The effects of BAE and AE on UVB‐induced photoaging were tested by measuring the levels of reactive oxygen species, MMP‐1, MMP‐3, IL‐6, type I procollagen, and TGF‐β1 after UVB irradiation. We found that NHDF cells treated with BAE after UVB‐irradiation suppressed MMP‐1, MMP‐3, and IL‐6 levels compared to the AE‐treated cells. Furthermore, BAE treatment elevated type I procollagen and TGF‐β1 levels. Our results suggest that BAE may potentially protect the skin from UVB‐induced damage more than AE. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Protective effect of Astragali radix extract on interleukin 1beta-induced in fl ammation in human amnion

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Astragali radix extract on interleukin (IL)-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha production and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) and leukotriene C(4) (LTC(4)) release from IL-1beta-stimulated human amnion. Primary monolayer cultures of amnion cells were established from women undergoing elective caesarean section before the onset of labour. Production of both IL-6 and TNF-alpha was stimulated in a concentration-dependent manner by proinflammatory cytokine IL-1beta (0.01-10 ng/mL). Astragalus extract inhibited IL-6 production by approximately 75% from cells under IL-1beta-stimulated conditions. Treatment of amnion cells with IL-1beta (0.01-10 ng/mL) resulted in a significant increase in PGE(2) release. Incubation of the cells with the extract for 24 h significantly inhibited IL-1beta-induced PGE(2) production. A concentration-dependent increase in LTC(4) production by amnion cells occurred in response to IL-1beta. Astragalus extract blocked the effect of IL-1beta in LTC(4) production in human amnion. These results indicate that Astragali radix has a broad antiinflammatory effect in human amnion and may be considered a promising agent to protect preterm labour.     

In vitro and in vivo anti-photoaging effects of an isoflavone extract from soybean cake

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Soy has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years for its health and nutritional benefits, as well as to treat and care for the skin. Advanced skin care research has shown that soy isoflavone and genistein are effective in reducing damage to the skin from the sun.

Aim of the study

To study the protective effects of isoflavone extract from soybean cake against the UVB-induced skin damage.

Materials and methods

The in vitro effects and possible mechanisms of soybean extract on UVB protection were determined in HaCaT cells. In the in vivo study, ICR-Foxn/^nu mice were irradiated with UVB. The epidermal thickness, catalase and the expressions of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were detected to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the isoflavone extract.

Results

Our in vitro studies showed that UVB-induced HaCaT cell death and the phosphorylation of p38, JNK, and ERK1/2 decreased in the presence of isoflavone extract. In the in vivo studies, we found that the topical application of isoflavone extract before UVB irritation decreased the epidermal thickness and the expressions of COX-2 and PCNA and increased catalase concentration. These results showed anti-photoaging effect of isoflavone extract from soybean cake involved the inhibition of UVB-induced apoptosis and inflammation.

Conclusions

It is shown that isoflavone extract from soybean cake may be functional cosmeceutical candidate for skin photoaging.     

The in vitro effect of aqueous extract of Nigella sativa seeds on nitric oxide production

The in vitro effect of aqueous extract of Nigella sativa seeds on nitric oxide (NO) production by murine macrophages was studied. Murine peritoneal macrophages were pre-incubated with the extract and then activated with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharride. NO production was measured after 24 hours by spectrophotometry. The plant extract caused a dose-dependent decrease in NO production. Dialyzed preparation of the extract did not affect NO production. However, the boiled fraction of the extract resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of NO apparently comparable to that of the whole extract. These results indicate that the aqueous extract of N. sativa seeds exhibits an inhibitory effect on nitric oxide production by murine macrophages and the active component(s) is/are non-protein in nature. In view of the fact that nitric oxide is a pro-inflammatory mediator, this study validates the traditional use of the Nigella sativa seeds for the treatment of rheumatism.     

Corydalis yanhusuo W.T. Wang extract inhibits MCF-7 cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle G2/M arrest

Corydalis yanhusuo W.T. Wang (YHS) is a traditional Chinese herb widely prescribed for promoting blood circulation, reinforcing vital energy and alleviating pain. Our previous studies showed that an ethanol extract of YHS inhibits metastasis of breast cancer cells in vitro. In the present study, the anti-proliferative effect of the extract was determined by MTT assay and the LDH release was measured with a commercial kit. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) were monitored by CM- H(2)DCF-DA and JC-1 staining, respectively. Cell cycle was analyzed with propidium iodide (PI) staining by flow cytometry and protein expressions were measured by Western blotting. The YHS extract significantly inhibited MCF-7 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Significant increase of ROS formation and decrease of ΔΨm were observed. Furthermore, it induced MCF-7 cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phases. In addition, the p-cdc-2/cdc-2 protein expression ratio was increased while Rb and p21 protein expressions were decreased. The YHS extract inhibited MCF-7 proliferation by inducing G2/M cell cycle arrest, which might be mediated by inducing ROS formation, decreasing ΔΨm and regulating cell cycle related protein expressions.     

窄谱UVB与氨氖激光治疗带状疱疹后遗神经痛的疗效比较

目的：探讨窄谱UVB紫外线光与氦氖激光冶疗带状疱疹后遗神经痛的临床疗效。方法：选择70例带状疱疹后遗神经痛患者,随机分成两组,其中35例患者采用氦氖激光照射,另外35例用窄谱UVB照射,分别观察治疗20天、30天、60天后的临床疗效。结果：经过60天后的治疗,氦氖激光组疗效优于窄普UVB组。结论：氦氖激光照射治疗带状疱疹后遗神经痛的治疗时间短、治愈率高,值得·临床选用。