Hepatoprotective effect of withanolide-rich fraction in acetaminophen-intoxicated rat: decisive role of TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-II and iNOS

Context: Overdose of acetaminophen (APAP) is common in humans and is often associated with hepatic damage. Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Solanaceae) shows multiple pharmacological activities including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential.

Objective: To evaluate the possible mechanism of hepatoprotective activity of withanolide-rich fraction (WRF) isolated from a methanolic extract of Withania somnifera roots.

Materials and methods: Hepatotoxicity was induced by oral administration of APAP (750?mg/kg, p.o.) for 14 d. The control group received the vehicle. APAP-treated animals were given either silymarin (25?mg/kg) or graded doses of WRF (50, 100 and 200mg/kg) 2?h prior to APAP administration. Animals were killed on 15th day and blood and liver tissue samples were collected for the further analysis.

Results: In WRF-treated group, there was significant and dose-dependent (p?<?0.01 and p?<?0.001) decrease in serum bilirubin, ALP, AST and ALT levels with significant and dose-dependent (p?<?0.01 and p?<?0.001) increase in hepatic SOD, GSH and total antioxidant capacity. The level of MDA and NO decreased significantly (p?<?0.01) by WRF treatment. Up-regulated mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-II and iNOS was significantly down-regulated (p?<?0.001) by WRF. Histological alternations induced by APAP in liver were restored to near normality by WRF pretreatment.

Conclusion: WRF may exert its hepatoprotective action by alleviating inflammatory and oxido-nitrosative stress via inhibition of TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-II and iNOS.     

Omentin plays an anti-inflammatory role through inhibition of TNF-α-induced superoxide production in vascular smooth muscle cells

Omentin is a recently identified adipocytokine and its effect in vasculature is largely unknown. Here we examined the effects of omentin on smooth muscle cells (SMCs) inflammatory states. Western blotting was performed to analyze inflammatory signal transduction in cultured SMCs. Phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), p38 and JNK, and expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 were not induced by omentin (50-300ng/ml, 20min or 24h). On the other hand, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α; 10ng/ml, 20min)-induced phosphorylation of p38 and JNK was significantly inhibited by omentin pretreatment in a concentration-dependent manner (50-300ng/ml, 30min). TNF-α (24h)-induced expression of VCAM-1 was also significantly inhibited by omentin pretreatment in a concentration-dependent manner. Both inhibitor of p38 (SB203580) and JNK (SP600125) significantly inhibited TNF-α-induced VCAM-1 expression. Omentin (300ng/ml, 30min) inhibited TNF-α (1h)-induced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activity as determined by lucigenin assay. An antioxidant drug, N-acetyl-l-cysteine significantly inhibited TNF-α-induced phosphorylation of p38 and JNK. Furthermore, omentin (300ng/ml, 30min) significantly inhibited TNF-α (24h)-induced monocytic cells adhesion to SMCs. In rat isolated thoracic aorta, omentin (300ng/ml, 30min) inhibited TNF-α (24h)-induced VCAM-1 expression. The present results demonstrate for the first time that omentin plays an anti-inflammatory role by preventing the TNF-α-induced VCAM-1 expression in SMCs. It is suggested that omentin inhibits TNF-α-induced VCAM-1 expression via preventing the activation of p38 and JNK at least in part through inhibition of superoxide production.     

Effects of dexamethasone and ibuprofen on LPS-induced gene expresion of TNF_ α,IL-1β,and MIP-1α in rat lung

研究地塞米松（Ｄｅｘ）和布洛芬（Ｉｂｕ）对脂多糖（ＬＰＳ）诱导的大鼠肺ＴＮＦα、ＩＬ-１β和ＭＩＰ-１α基因表达的影响．方法：荧光法测定肺中伊文斯蓝含量，Ｓｌｏｔｂｌｏｔ对细胞因子ｍＲＮＡ表达相对定量．结果：腹腔注射ＬＰＳ导致大鼠肺中ＴＮＦα、ＩＬ-１β和ＭＩＰ-１αｍＲＮＡ表达明显增加，与ＬＰＳ剂量有依赖关系，峰值分别在２，６，１２小时．在ＬＰＳ前１小时给药，Ｄｅｘ５０ｍｇ·ｋｇ－１和Ｉｂｕ９０ｍｇ·ｋｇ－１均明显降低肺中伊文斯蓝含量，同时ＴＮＦα、ＩＬ-１β和ＭＩＰ-１αｍＲＮＡ表达量亦明显减少．结论：ＬＰＳ诱导大鼠肺中ＴＮＦα、ＩＬ-１β和ＭＩＰ-１α基因表达，Ｄｅｘ和Ｉｂｕ通过抑制细胞因子表达而减轻肺损伤．     

Generation of TNFα, IFNγ, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 in Trichinella spiralis infected mice: effect of the anti-inflammatory compound mimosine

The plant amino acid mimosine has been demonstrated to arrest cell cycle progression in the late G1-phase, and inhibits [3H] thymidine incorporation in cultured fibroblasts. In this study, 10 mice were infected with Trichinella spiralis, a nematode parasite, and treated with the antiinflammatory compound L-mimosine to determine if any alteration in the chronic inflammatory state occurred by investigating the host's immunological response. Mimosine was used at 250 g/bolus for 25 days starting five days before the infection and continuing daily for 35 days then TNF, IFN-, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 were determined by ELISA method, after 0, 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 days post-infection, in the serum of treated or untreated animals. When animals with T. spiralis were treated with L-mimosine, inhibition of TNF was observed within 21 days post-infection, compared with the controls (untreated mice). IFN was inhibited only up to the 21^st day, while IL-6 was inhibited up to the 7^th day post-infection and the inhibition of IL-4 was seen mainly at 21^st and 35^th day p.i. Mimosine-treated mice did not statistically affect the secretion of IL-10 (p > 0.05). In healthy animals, the production of cytokines were within the same limits compared with those of non-infected animals treated with L-mimosine. Our studies suggest that mimosine proved to be more effective in inhibiting TNF and IL-6, which are mainly produced by macrophages and less effective in inhibiting IL-4, which is produced by T-cells.     

Upregulation of TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA in mouse liver induced by bacille Calmette-Guerin plus lipopolysaccharide

AIM: To investigate the mechanism of immunological liver injury induced by bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) plus lipopolysaccharide (LPS). METHODS: Mice were injected via the tail vein with 125 mg/kg BCG, and 12 d later, the mice were injected intravenously with different doses of LPS (125, 250, or 375 microg/kg). Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity and liver pathological changes were examined. The expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) and CD14 mRNA, and NF-kappaB and IkappaB-alpha protein in mouse liver at different time points after BCG and LPS injection were measured using RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting analysis, respectively. RESULTS: The activity of serum ALT in mice treated with BCG and LPS was significantly increased. Different degrees of liver injury, such as inflammatory cell infiltration, spotty necrosis, piecemeal necrosis, even bridging necrosis, could be seen in liver sections from mice after BCG and LPS administration. Furthermore, the levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 mRNA in mouse liver were significantly elevated after administration of BCG plus LPS (P<0.05). The levels of LBP and CD14 mRNA in mouse liver were markedly upregulated after treatment with BCG and LPS, and treatment with BCG alone led to an increase in CD14 mRNA in mouse liver. Finally, immunoreactivity for NF-kappaB p65 was predominantly detected in hepatocyte nuclei from mice treated with BCG plus LPS, compared with the normal group. Protein levels of IkappaB-alpha were strikingly decreased by LPS or BCG plus LPS treatment, compared with the normal group or BCG group. CONCLUSION: TNF-alpha and IL-6 mRNA were partially involved in early immunological liver injury induced by challenge with small doses of LPS after BCG priming. Upregulation of TNF-alpha and IL-6 mRNA might be related to increases in LBP and CD14 mRNA expression and activation of NF-kappaB. Furthermore, BCG priming in immunological liver injury may occur via upregulation of CD14 mRNA expression in mononuclear cell infiltration into the liver.     

1-Methylnicotinamide protects against liver injury induced by concanavalin A via a prostacyclin-dependent mechanism: A possible involvement of IL-4 and TNF-α

We have recently demonstrated that concanavalin A (Con A)-induced hepatitis is associated with the release of endogenous 1-methylnicotinamide (MNA). Here we study the mechanism by which exogenous MNA alleviates Con A-induced liver inflammation and injury in vivo.The involvement of prostacyclin (PGI₂) in hepatoprotective action of MNA (30–100 mg kg^− 1; i.v.) was studied by the use of IP receptor antagonist RO3244794 (10 mg kg^− 1; p.o.) given prior to Con A (5–20 mg kg^− 1; i.v.). Liver damage was assessed by measurements of: liver specific transaminases in plasma (alanine aminotransferase; aspartate aminotransferase); cytokines release (IL-4, IFN-γ and TNF-α); liver histopathology; and 24 h survival rates. Additionally, the effect of a stable analog of prostacyclin (carbaprostacyclin) on IL-4, IFN-γ and TNF-α production by isolated spleen lymphocytes in response to Con A was analyzed.MNA diminished Con A-induced rise in liver specific transaminases, alleviated histopathological injury and improved 24 h survival rates, the latter effect in a degree comparable with the pretreatment of animals with dexamethasone (0.5 mg kg^− 1; i.p.). MNA inhibited also a rise in IL-4 and TNF-α concentration in plasma measured 2 h after Con A administration, while IFN-γ was less affected. The effects of MNA were reversed by pretreatment with IP antagonist RO3244794. In isolated spleen lymphocytes, carbaprostacyclin profoundly decreased production of IL-4, the effect on TNF-α was modest with no effect on IFN-γ production.In conclusion, MNA attenuated Con A-induced hepatitis by a prostacyclin-dependent mechanism involving the inhibition of lymphocytes-derived IL-4 and the inhibition of Kuppfer-cells derived TNF-α.     

Paeoniflorin improves survival in LPS-challenged mice through the suppression of TNF-α and IL-1β release and augmentation of IL-10 production

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plays an important role in Gram-negative bacteria-induced sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, which are still the leading cause of high mortality in intensive care units. Although paeoniflorin (Pae) has reportedly exhibited anti-inflammatory effect and protection against immunological liver injury in mice, it is not known whether Pae improve survival in endotoxemic mice. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Pae on the mortality, multiple organ dysfunction and cytokine production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated mice. We found that pretreatment with Pae decreased mortality, reduced lung and kidney injury, decreased serum creatinine level and improve systolic function of heart in mice challenged with LPS. Further experiments showed that Pae inhibited LPS-stimulated tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) release and promoted LPS-induced interleukin-10 (IL-10) production. Our results indicate that Pae protects mice against lethal LPS challenge, at least in part, through inhibiting TNF-α and IL-1β production and accelerating IL-10 expression.     

Rabbit conjunctivae edema and release of NO,TNF-α, and IL-1β from macrophages induced by fractions and esculentosides isolated from Phytolacca americana

Context: The roots of Phytolacca americana L. (Phytolaccaceae) may be toxic. Despite heated controversy over the toxic compounds of P. americana, especially esculentosides, relevant studies remain scarce.

Objective: The objective of this study is to screen the toxic fractions and compounds of P. americana, to determine the controlling indices, and to provide evidence for unraveling the mechanism.

Materials and methods: Petroleum ether (PE), CH₂Cl₂, n-BuOH, and water fractions were isolated from 70% ethanol extract of P. americana. The n-BuOH fraction was dissolved in 50% ethanol and precipitated by adding ethyl ether. The resultant supernatants and precipitates were referred to as SUPs and SEDs fractions, respectively. SUPs fraction was separated by column chromatography into four main stimulating esculentosides that were identified by HR-ESI/MS and NMR as EsA, EsB, EsC, and EsF. The irritating effects of esculentosides on rabbit conjunctivae (500?μg/eye) was observed by pathological examination and those on macrophages (5, 25, 50 and 100?μg/mL) were evaluated by detecting changes of NO, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels.

Results and discussion: n-BuOH, SUP fractions, and EsC induced severe conjunctival edema. The four esculentosides induced dose-dependent releases of proinflammatory mediators NO, TNF-α, and IL-1β from macrophages, and releasing amounts peaked after 2?h of treatment. EsC and EsF induced macrophages to release mediators most significantly. EsC (50?μg/mL) functioned more effectively than EsF did, and similarly n-BuOH and SUPs fractions functioned more effectively than the esculentoside mixture. Thus, the four esculentosides exerted proinflammatory effects synergistically.

Conclusion: All extracted esculentosides, especially EsC, induced inflammatory stimulation. Phytolacca americana-induced irritation of the gastrointestinal tract may be associated with esculentosides such as EsC.     

Protective effect of L-Theanine against aluminium induced neurotoxicity in cerebral cortex,hippocampus and cerebellum of rat brain – histopathological,and biochemical approach

L-Theanine is an amino acid derivative primarily found in tea. It has been reported to promote relaxation and have neuroprotective effects. The present study was designed to investigate the role of oxidative stress and the status of antioxidant system in the management of aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) induced brain toxicity in various rat brain regions and further to elucidate the potential role of L-Theanine in alleviating such negative effects. Aluminium administration significantly decreased the level of reduced glutathione and the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase, Ca²⁺ ATPase and Mg²⁺ ATPase and increased the level of lipid peroxidation and the activities of alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase in all the brain regions when compared with control rats. Pre-treatment with L-Theanine at a dose of 200?mg/kg b.w. significantly increased the antioxidant status and activities of membrane bound enzymes and also decreased the level of LPO and the activities of marker enzymes, when compared with aluminium induced rats. Aluminium induction also caused histopathological changes in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum and hippocampus of rat brain which was reverted by pretreatment with L-Theanine. The present study clearly indicates the potential of L-Theanine in counteracting the damage inflicted by aluminium on rat brain regions.     

Essential role of ICAM-1/LFA-1 interaction in synergistic effect of IL-18 and IL-12 on IFN-γ production in human PBMC

IL-18 (0-100 ng/ml) specifically upregulated ICAM-1 expression on monocytes in human PBMC as demonstrated in our previous study. In the present study, we examined whether the synergistic upregulation of ICAM-1 occurred after the stimulation with the combination of IL-18 and IL-12 and whether the synergistic production of IFN-gamma was dependent on the interaction between ICAM-1 on monocytes and LFA-1 on NK/T cells. The effect of IL-12 on ICAM-1 expression on monocytes was marginal even at the highest concentration (100 ng/ml). However, in the presence of IL-12 (100 ng/ml), the expression of ICAM-1 induced by IL-18 was significantly enhanced as compared with that obtained by IL-18 alone. In addition to the expression of ICAM-1 on monocytes, IFN-gamma production was synergistically stimulated by IL-18 and IL-12. Anti-ICAM-1 and anti-LFA-1 Abs exhibited significant inhibitory effect on enhanced production of IFN-gamma by the combination of two cytokines, in particular, anti-ICAM-1 showing the complete inhibition. These results as a whole indicated that synergistic effect of IL-18 and IL-12 on IFN-gamma production in human PBMC is ascribed to the synergism of the effect of two cytokines on ICAM-1 expression on monocytes and that the subsequent ICAM-1/LFA-1 interaction plays an important role in the enhanced production of IFN-gamma.     

Anti-inflammatory effect of gamma-irradiated genistein through inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathway in lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophages

Genistein was irradiated with γ-irradiation at doses of 0, 10, 30, 50, 100, and 150 kGy. We observed that the decrease in the genistein peak after gamma irradiation was concomitant with the appearance of several new peaks. 150 kGy gamma-irradiated genistein did not exert cytotoxicity in macrophages, and inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthase-mediated nitric oxide production and pro-inflammatory cytokines level, such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and interleukin-1β, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages. The treatment of LPS-stimulated macrophages with 150 kGy gamma-irradiated genistein resulted in a significant decrease in cyclooxygenase-2 levels, as well as the expression of cell surface molecules, such as CD80 and CD86. Furthermore, we also found that the anti-inflammatory action of 150 kGy gamma-irradiated genistein occurred through an inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinases (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase) and nuclear factor-κB signaling pathways based on a toll-like receptor 4 in macrophages, which may be speculated that several radiolysis products of genistein transformed by gamma-irradiation induce the inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators. From these findings, it seems likely that gamma-irradiated genistein could play a potent role in the treatment of inflammatory disease as a value-added product in the medical industry.     

急性痛风性关节炎患者血清IL-1β、IL-6、IL-18及TNF-α水平的研究

目的探讨急性痛风性关节炎(acute gouty arthritis,AGA)患者血清白细胞介素(interleukin,IL)-1β、IL-6、IL-18及肿瘤坏死因子(tumor necrosis factor,TNF)-α水平的变化及意义。方法用ELISA法测定100例AGA患者(观察组,T)和100名健康查体者(对照组,C)血清IL-1β、IL-6、IL-18及TNF-α水平。观察组与对照组比较采用独立样本t检验,一般生理指标及血生化指标用独立样本t检验,计数资料采用χ2检验。计量资料用(x-±s)表示。采用IBM SPSS 19.0软件包对所有数据进行统计学分析。结果观察组与对照组相比,IL-1β、IL-6、IL-18及TNF-α水平均显著升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论 IL-1β、IL-6、IL-18及TNF-α水平在AGA发病时升高,提示它们参与了炎性反应过程,在炎症机制中发挥了重要作用。     

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the monoterpene α,β-epoxy-carvone in mice

α,β-Epoxy-carvone (EC) is a monoterpene found in the essential oils of many species of plants. It can also be obtained by organic synthesis. EC exerts a depressant effect on the central nervous system and is also known to have anticonvulsant, antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. The present study investigated the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of EC. Intraperitoneal administration of EC at doses of 100, 200 or 300 mg/kg promoted a significant antinociceptive effect, as shown in the acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing test. EC also provoked a reduction in formalin-induced nociception in the first (300 mg/kg) and second phases (200 and 300 mg/kg). In the hot-plate test, an increase in response latency was found at 30 min (at 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg), and at 60 and 120 min (at 300 mg/kg) following administration of EC, an effect that was reversed by naloxone. Intraperitoneal administration of EC (300 mg/kg) inhibited the increased vascular permeability provoked by acetic acid. These findings suggest that EC inhibited the acute inflammatory reaction, with a pronounced peripheral and central antinociceptive effect in mice that is probably associated with activation of the opioidergic system, which appears to play a role in the antinociceptive activity induced by EC.     

Synthesis, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxicity evaluation of 9,10-dihydroanthracene-9,10-α,β-succinimide and bis-succinimide derivatives

9,10-Dihydroanthracene-9,10-α,β-succinimide derivatives 4a–e and bis-succinimide derivatives 6a–e have been synthesized by grinding 9,10-dihydroanthracene-9,10-α,β-succinic anhydride 2 with various mono 3a–e and diamines 5a–e in quantitative yields. All the target compounds were fully characterized by spectrometric and spectroscopic means. Compounds 4a–e, 6a–e and recently reported compounds 4f–p were screened for anti-inflammatory and for cytotoxicity against five human cancer cell lines: T47D, NCI H-522, HCT-15, PA1, and HepG-2. Compounds 4e, 4i, 4j, and 4p exhibited good anti-inflammatory activity and compounds with interesting cytotoxic profile were 4c, 6e (T47D); 4e, 4o (NCI H-522); 4n (HCT-15); 4e, 4h, 4o (PA1); and 4a, 4e, 4f, 4i, 4o (HepG-2).     

Osthole improves glucose and lipid metabolism via modulation of PPARα/γ-mediated target gene expression in liver,adipose tissue,and skeletal muscle in fatty liver rats

Context: Osthole may be a dual agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) α/γ and ameliorate the insulin resistance (IR), but its mechanisms are not yet understood completely.

Objective: We investigated the effects of osthole on PPARα/γ-mediated target genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism in liver, adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle in fatty liver and IR rats.

Materials and methods: The rat model was established by orally feeding high-fat and high-sucrose emulsion for 9 weeks. The experimental rats were treated with osthole 5–10?mg/kg by gavage after feeding the emulsion for 6 weeks, and were sacrificed 4 weeks after administration.

Results: After treatment with osthole 5–10?mg/kg for 4 weeks, the lipid levels in serum and liver were decreased by 37.9–67.2% and 31.4–38.5% for triglyceride, 33.1–47.5% and 28.5–31.2% for free fatty acid, respectively, the fasting blood glucose, fasting serum insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of IR were also decreased by 17.2–22.7%, 25.9–26.7%, and 37.5–42.8%, respectively. Osthole treatment might simultaneously decrease the sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c, diacylglycerol acyltransferase, and fatty acid synthase mRNA expressions in liver and adipose tissue, and increase the carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1A mRNA expression in liver and glucose transporter-4 mRNA expression in skeletal muscle, especially in the osthole 10?mg/kg group (p?<?0.01).

Discussion and conclusion: Osthole can improve glucose and lipid metabolism in fatty liver and IR rats, and its mechanisms may be associated with synergic modulation of PPARα/γ-mediated target genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism in liver, adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle.     

Alpha-Mangostin protects rat articular chondrocytes against IL-1β-induced inflammation and slows the progression of osteoarthritis in a rat model

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease characterized by inflammation and cartilage degradation. α-Mangostin (α-MG), which can be isolated from the fruit of the tropical evergreen tree Garcinia mangostana-L, is known to have anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of the study was to investigate the use of α-MG in the treatment of OA, using both rat chondrocytes and an OA rat model induced by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM). Rat chondrocytes were pretreated with α-MG (0, 1.25, 2.5, and 5.0 μg/ml for 24 h) prior to stimulation with interleukin-1β (IL-1β) (10 ng/ml for 24 h). Nitric oxide (NO) production was determined using the Griess method and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (INOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), matrix metalloproteinase-3, -9, and -13 (MMP-3, MMP-9, and MMP-13), Collagen II, and Aggrecan were detected by both quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and a western blot analysis. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling molecules were detected by western blot analysis. Detection of p65 nuclear translocation of NF-κB was examined using immunofluorescence staining. The OA rats received intraperitoneal injections of α-MG (10 mg/kg) or saline every other day. Hematoxylin and eosin and Safranin-O-Fast green staining were used to evaluate the severity of cartilage lesions up to 8 weeks following surgery. α-MG inhibited the production of NO and PGE₂. The elevated expression of INOS, COX-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, and MMP-13, and the degradation of Collagen II and Aggrecan, were reversed by α-MG in IL-1β-stimulated chondrocytes. In addition, IL-1β induced considerable phosphorylation of the NF-kB signaling pathway, which was inhibited by α-MG. Furthermore, the immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that α-MG could suppress IL-1β-induced p65 nuclear translocation. In vivo, cartilage treated with α-MG showed attenuated degeneration and had low Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scores compared with the control group. Taken together, these results show that α-MG has potential therapeutic value in the treatment of OA.     

Hexavalent chromium induced ROS formation,Akt, NF-κB,and MAPK activation,and TNF-α and IL-1α production in keratinocytes

In certain cell types, it has been found that, hexavalent chromium could increase ROS formation, activate cell signaling and stimulate the release of cytokines. But, in keratinocytes, these effects have not yet fully been demonstrated. Our aim is to observe the above effects of hexavalent chromium on keratinocytes. By utilizing HaCaT cells and the skin of albino guinea pigs, we showed that hexavalent chromium could increase ROS formation, activate the Akt, NF-kB, and MAPK pathways as well as increase the production of cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-1α. The release of these cytokines from keratinocytes is considered to be a key participant in the pathogenesis of contact hypersensitivity. Among cement workers, chromium hypersensitivity is an important occupational skin disease issue. Therefore, the observations of our study help us better understand the role of hexavalent chromium on the development of chromium hypersensitivity, which might provide clues for clinicians in the development of chemopreventative agents for the prevention of chromium hypersensitivity among cement workers.     

effect of ginsenoside Rd on nitric oxide system induced by lipopolysaccharide plus TNF-α in C6 rat glioma cells

Effects of ginsenosides on nitric oxide (NO) production induced by lipopolysaccharide plus TNF-alpha (LNT) were examined in C6 rat glioma cells. Among several ginsenosides, ginsenoside Rd showed a complete inhibition against LNT-induced NO production. Ginsenoside Rd attenuated LNT-induced increased phosphorylation of ERK. Among several immediate early gene products, only Jun B and Fra-1 protein levels were increased by LNT, and ginsenoside Rd attenuated Jun B and Fra-1 protein levels induced by LNT. Furthermore, LNT increased AP-1 DNA binding activities, which were partially inhibited by ginsenoside Rd. Our results suggest that ginsenoside Rd exerts an inhibitory action against NO production via blocking phosphorylation of ERK, in turn, suppressing immediate early gene products such as Jun B and Fra-1 in C6 glioma cells.