芪麝丸体外抗炎的机制

目的:考察芪麝丸体外对小鼠RAW264.7巨噬细胞炎症模型的抗炎机制.方法:干扰素γ(1×104 U·mL-1)和脂多糖(100μg·L-1)协同诱导小鼠RAW264.7巨噬细胞(1×105/mL)24 h造成炎症模型;Griess反应测定细胞上清液中一氧化氮(NO)产量;Western blot检测诱导型一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)、环氧合酶(COX-2)的蛋白表达及丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(MAPK)信号转导通路的活化情况.结果:芪麝丸(250,500,1000 mg·L-1)呈剂量依赖性抑制细胞上清液中NO含量,且无细胞毒性.较模型组,经芪麝丸500,1000 mg·L-1剂量处理后,iNOS蛋白表达从(1.00±0.06)下调至(0.61±0.07)和(0.02±0.15),(P＜0.01),COX-2蛋白表达从(0.56±0.03)下调至(0.42±0.02),(0.30±0.03),(P＜0.01).胞外信号调节激酶(ERK)磷酸化水平从(1.04±0.04)下调至(0.79±0.06),(0.73 ±0.10),(P＜0.01).p38磷酸化水平从(0.51±0.06)下调至(0.39 ±0.07),(0.29±0.15),(P＜0.05),c-Jun氨基末端激酶(JNK)磷酸化水平从(1.05±0.03)下调至(0.65 ±0.02),(0.66±0.033),(P＜0.01).结论:芪麝丸部分通过抑制MAPK信号转导通路活化过程中关键蛋白胞外信号调节激酶(ERK)、JNK和p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(p38)磷酸化,下调iNOS基因和蛋白的表达从而减少NO的产量,同时下调COX-2蛋白表达,而发挥其抗炎效果.     

Anti-inflammatory effect of Citrus Unshiu peel in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells

Citrus Unshiu peel (CUP) has been traditionally used in East Asia as a drug for the treatment of vomiting and dyspepsia. However, its effects on inflammation remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of CUP on the production of pro-inflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The research focused on determining whether CUP could inhibit the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), as well as the secretion of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin (PG) E(2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-6 in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. We found that CUP represses LPS-induced iNOS and COX-2 gene expression as well as NO, PGE(2), TNF-α and IL-6 production. Additionally, CUP inhibited the LPS-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, and c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) MAPK, and suppressed IκBα degradation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Collectively, our results indicate that CUP inhibits the production of various inflammatory mediators via blockade of MAPK phosphorylation pursuant to the inhibition of IκBα degradation and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. These findings are the first to clarify the mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory effect exerted by CUP in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells stimulated by inflammatory agents.     

Fermentation improves anti-inflammatory effect of sipjeondaebotang on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells

Sipjeondaebotang (SJ) has been used as a traditional drug in east-Asian countries. In this study, to provide insight into the biological effects of SJ and SJ fermented by Lactobacillus, we investigated their effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated inflammation in macrophages. The investigation was focused on whether SJ and fermented SJ could inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandin (PG) E(2) and nitric oxide (NO) as well as the expressions of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. We found that SJ modestly inhibited LPS-induced PGE(2), NO and TNF-α production as well as the expressions of COX-2 and iNOS. Interestingly, fermentation significantly increased its inhibitory effect on the expression of all pro-inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, fermented SJ exhibited increased inhibition of p38 MAPK and c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) MAPK phosphorylation as well as NF-κB p65 translocation by reduced IκBα degradation compared with either untreated controls or unfermented SJ. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed fermentation by Lactobacillus increases liquiritigenin and cinnamyl alcohol contained in SJ, which are known for their anti-inflammatory activities. Finally, SJ fermented by Lactobacillus exerted potent anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting MAPK and NF-κB signaling in RAW 264.7 cells.     

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.     

In vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of the methanol extract of Inonotus obliquus

The mushroom Inonotus obliquus (Fr.) Pilát (Hymenochaetaceae), has been traditionally used for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes in Russia, Poland and most of Baltic countries. This study was designed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of the methanol extract from Inonotus obliquus (MEIO) in vivo and in vitro. MEIO (100 or 200 mg/(kgday), p.o.) reduced acute paw edema induced by carrageenin in rats, and showed analgesic activity, as determined by an acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction test and a hot plate test in mice. To reveal the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effect of MEIO, we examined its effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced responses in a murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. MEIO was found to significantly inhibit the productions of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Consistent with these observations, MEIO potently inhibited the protein and mRNA expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Furthermore, MEIO inhibited the LPS-induced DNA binding activity of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), and this was associated with the prevention of inhibitor kappaB degradation and a reduction in nuclear p65 protein levels. Taken together, our data indicate that the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive properties of MEIO may be due to the inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 expression via the down-regulation of NF-kappaB binding activity.     

Sclareol exhibits anti-inflammatory activity in both lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages and the λ-carrageenan-induced paw edema model

Sclareol (1) is a natural fragrance compound used widely in the cosmetic and food industries. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages and the λ-carrageenan-induced edema mouse paw model were applied to examine the anti-inflammatory potential of 1 and its possible molecular mechanisms. The experimental results obtained demonstrated that this compound inhibited cell growth, nitric oxide (NO) production, and the expression of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) proteins in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Compound 1 also reduced paw edema, the tissue content of NO, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA), iNOS and COX-2 protein expression, and neutrophil infiltration within the tissues after λ-carrageenan stimulation. The present study suggests that the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of 1 might be related to a decrease of inflammatory cytokines and an increase of antioxidant enzyme activity.     

Inhibitory effects of butanol fraction of the aqueous extract of Forsythia koreana on the nitric oxide production by murine macrophage-like RAW 264.7 cells

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of butanol fraction of the aqueous extract of Forsythia koreana fruits on the nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible nitric oxide synthesis (iNOS) gene expression in murine macrophage-like RAW 264.7 cells. Butanol fraction alone affected neither NO production nor iNOS gene expression in macrophage-like RAW 264.7 cells. However, the butanol fraction inhibited NO production and iNOS gene expression in RAW 264. 7 cells stimulated with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). These findings suggest that inhibition of NO production by this butanol fraction in RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with IFN-gamma plus LPS was due to the suppression of iNOS gene expression.     

Aloe-emodin from rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in RAW264.7 macrophages

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Rheum rhabarbarum (rhubarb) has long been used for the treatment of inflammation in China and other Asian countries. However, the mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory activity of this medicinal plant is not fully understood. The present study was designed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of anthraquinones, the major constituents in rhubarb, and the molecular mechanism involved in their anti-inflammatory effects.

Materials and methods

RAW264.7 cells were stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the presence or absence of the compounds examined. The proliferation of RAW264.7 cells was assayed by the Alamar-Blue method. The quantity of nitric oxide (NO) was determined by Griess assay. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quantitative real-time PCR. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), inhibitor of nuclear factor κBα (IκBα), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), and Akt/phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) protein expression levels were determined by Western blotting.

Results

Aloe-emodin markedly suppressed the production of NO, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells with no apparent cytotoxicity. The mRNA expression levels of iNOS, IL-6, and IL-1β genes were also significantly inhibited by aloe-emodin. Western blot analysis showed that aloe-emodin suppressed LPS-induced iNOS protein expression, IκBα degradation, and the phosphorylation of ERK, p38, JNK, and Akt.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that aloe-emodin is the bioactive component of rhubarb that confers an anti-inflammatory effect through a likely mechanism involving a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokine production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages via inhibition of NF-κB, MAPK, and PI3K pathways.     

Taxifolin attenuates inflammation via suppressing MAPK signal pathway in vitro and in silico analysis

Objective Taxifolin is a natural flavonoid compound that can be isolated from onions, grapes, oranges and grapefruit. It also acts as a medicine food homology with extraordinary antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. This study aims to explain the protective effects and potential mechanisms of taxifolin against inflammatory reaction. Methods Levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS)were assessed in different time after the treatment of taxifolin in RAW264.7 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Subsequently, the mRNA and protein levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and the phosphorylation expression levels of the MAPK signal pathway were also evaluated. A silico analysis was used to explain the binding situation for the investigation of taxifolin and MAPK signal pathway. And then MAPK inhibitors were used to reveal the expression level of iNOS, VEGF, COX-2 and TNF-α in RAW264.7 cells. Results It was demonstrated that cell inflammatory damage induced by LPS was significantly alleviated after the treatment of taxifolin. Then, the mRNA and protein levels of iNOS, VEGF, COX-2 and TNF-α were reduced and the phosphorylation expression levels of the MAPK signal pathway were down-regulated remarkably as well. In silico analysis, taxifolin could form a relatively stable combination with MAPK signal pathway. MAPK inhibitors showed increasing or decreasing effect in the mRNA levels of iNOS, VEGF, COX-2 and TNF-α, which suggesting that taxifolin down-regulated iNOS, VEGF, COX-2 and TNF-α expressions were not entirely through the MAPK pathway. Conclusion This finding demonstrated that taxifolin improved the inflammatory responses that partly involved in the phosphorylation expression level of MAPK signal pathway in RAW264.7 cells exposed to acute stress.     

A combined extract of Cinnamomi Ramulus, Anemarrhenae Rhizoma and Alpiniae Officinari Rhizoma suppresses production of nitric oxide by inhibiting NF-kappaB activation in RAW 264.7 cells

An herbal mixture prepared with Cinnamomi Ramulus, Anemarrhenae Rhizoma and Alpiniae Officinari Rhizoma (CAA) is used in oriental medicine for treating several ailments. The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanisms by which CAA elicits an antiinflammatory effect on nitric oxide (NO) production in the mouse macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 cells. The results indicated that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO production was inhibited by CAA in a dose-dependent manner. Western blotting and RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that CAA decreased LPS-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein and gene expression in RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, CAA inhibited the LPS-induced DNA binding activity of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) and this effect was mediated through inhibiting the degradation of inhibitory factor-kappaBalpha (IkappaBalpha). Therefore, the results demonstrate that CAA inhibits LPS-induced production of NO and expression of iNOS by blocking NF-kappaB activation. CAA might be a potential therapeutic candidate for treating inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.     

藏药十八味党参丸提取物对脂多糖诱导的RAW264.7细胞Akt/p38MAPK信号通路及M1/M2极化影响的探究

目的探究藏药十八味党参丸(TEP)的提取物调控脂多糖(LPS)诱导小鼠巨噬细胞RAW 264.7的炎性反应及M1/M2极化分型的探究。方法 Alarmarblue法评价RAW 264.7活力;荧光酶标定量分析细胞活性氧(reactive oxygen species, ROS)水平;Griess法检测上清液中细胞一氧化氮(NO)的分泌情况;流式细胞术检测表面标志物CD206和CCR7蛋白的表达;RT-qPCR法检测细胞白介素(IL)-1β、IL-6、趋化因子2(CCL2)、一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)、精氨酸酶(ARG)-1和肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)基因表达的情况;Western blot法检测TEP调控细胞合成iNOS、蛋白激酶B(Akt)和p38丝裂原活化激酶(p38MAPK)信号通路相关蛋白的表达情况。结果与模型组相比,TEP组一定程度上提高了RAW 264.7的细胞活性,同时抑制了LPS诱导的细胞内ROS水平的升高。经过LPS刺激后,模型组NO表达量显著升高,在24 h后表达量达到最高,而TEP组NO表达显著降低。模型组的CCR7表达升高,CD206表达下降,TEP干预后CCR7表达下降,CD206表达升高,且趋势呈现浓度依赖。与模型组相比,TEP组的IL-1β、IL-6、CCL2、iNOS、ARG和TNF-α基因表达以及iNOS、Akt和p38MAPK蛋白表达水平均显著降低。结论 TEP能够抑制细胞内ROS水平,降低NO分泌和炎性基因的表达水平,抑制细胞的M1表型,促进M2表型,其机制可能与细胞内iNOS、Akt和p38MAPK信号通路蛋白表达被抑制有关。     

Anti-inflammatory activity of phylligenin, a lignan from the fruits of Forsythia koreana, and its cellular mechanism of action

AIM OF THE STUDY: The fruits of Forsythia koreana have long been used in Chinese medicine to treat inflammatory disorders. However, the pharmacological data is not sufficient to clearly establish a scientific rationale for the anti-inflammatory medicinal use of this plant material, and the search for its active principles has been limited so far. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Phylligenin (lignan) was isolated from the fruits of Forsythia koreana and its anti-inflammatory activity was examined. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Phylligenin (1-100 microM) and the methanol extract of Forsythia koreana fruits inhibited cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-mediated prostaglandin E(2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-mediated nitric oxide (NO) synthesis from lipopolysaccharide-treated RAW 264.7 cells. In the mechanism study, phylligenin inhibited iNOS expression and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation but had no effect on COX-2 expression. Moreover, phylligenin significantly inhibited mouse carrageenan-induced paw edema by intraperitoneal administration (22.1-34.7% inhibition at 12.5-100 mg/kg). These pharmacological properties indicate that phylligenin possesses significant anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and in vivo, and may provide the scientific rationale for anti-inflammatory use of the fruits of Forsythia koreana.     

The anti-inflammatory effects of Pyrolae herba extract through the inhibition of the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and NO production

The extract of Pyrolae herba (PH), which has been used as an anti-inflammatory folk remedy in Korea and China, was investigated for its anti-inflammatory action using arachidonic acid, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate or carrageenan-induced edema assays. The anti-nociceptive activity of PH was also tested in mice using the acetic acid-induced writhing model. PH showed dose-dependent and significant (P<0.05 at 100-400mg/kg) anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities in the animal assays. The mechanism of the activities of PH was examined by testing the extract to determine if it inhibits the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the production of nitric oxide (NO) from the murine macrophages, RAW 264.7 cells. Similar to the in vivo activities, both the iNOS expression and NO production were significantly suppressed by PH in a dose-dependent manner. PH also inhibited the activating phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase and NF-kappaB in these cells. These results provide a scientific basis to explain the effects of PH as an anti-inflammatory folk remedy in Asian countries.     

藏药十八味党参丸提取物对脂多糖诱导的RAW264.7细胞Akt/p38MAPK信号通路及M1/M2极化影响的探究

目的探究藏药十八味党参丸(TEP)的提取物调控脂多糖(LPS)诱导小鼠巨噬细胞RAW 264.7的炎性反应及M1/M2极化分型的探究。方法 Alarmarblue法评价RAW 264.7活力;荧光酶标定量分析细胞活性氧(reactive oxygen species, ROS)水平;Griess法检测上清液中细胞一氧化氮(NO)的分泌情况;流式细胞术检测表面标志物CD206和CCR7蛋白的表达;RT-qPCR法检测细胞白介素(IL)-1β、IL-6、趋化因子2(CCL2)、一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)、精氨酸酶(ARG)-1和肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)基因表达的情况;Western blot法检测TEP调控细胞合成iNOS、蛋白激酶B(Akt)和p38丝裂原活化激酶(p38MAPK)信号通路相关蛋白的表达情况。结果与模型组相比,TEP组一定程度上提高了RAW 264.7的细胞活性,同时抑制了LPS诱导的细胞内ROS水平的升高。经过LPS刺激后,模型组NO表达量显著升高,在24 h后表达量达到最高,而TEP组NO表达显著降低。模型组的CCR7表达升高,CD206表达下降,TEP干预后CCR7表达下降,CD206表达升高,且趋势呈现浓度依赖。与模型组相比,TEP组的IL-1β、IL-6、CCL2、iNOS、ARG和TNF-α基因表达以及iNOS、Akt和p38MAPK蛋白表达水平均显著降低。结论 TEP能够抑制细胞内ROS水平,降低NO分泌和炎性基因的表达水平,抑制细胞的M1表型,促进M2表型,其机制可能与细胞内iNOS、Akt和p38MAPK信号通路蛋白表达被抑制有关。     

Pistacia chinensis inhibits NO production and upregulates HO-1 induction via PI-3K/Akt pathway in LPS stimulated macrophage cells

Pistacia chinensis has been used for various purposes in China including as an understock for grafting Pistacia vera. However, little attention was given to its health promoting effects. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of Pistacia chinensis methanolic extract (PCME) containing resorcinol class of phenolic lipids on pro-inflammatory mediators and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) in lipopolysaccharide stimulated RAW264.7 cells. While PCME (2.5-10 μg/ml) inhibited mRNA expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and interleukin (IL)-6, it up-regulated HO-1 expression. Likewise, PCME inhibited iNOS protein expression, but not COX-2, and reduced nitric oxide (NO) release. Moreover, Phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) was attenuated dose-dependently in PCME pre-treated RAW264.7 cells. In addition, PCME up-regulated HO-1 protein expression was diminished by pre-treatment of PI-3K inhibitor. Furthermore, nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) repressor was attenuated time-dependently during PCME treatment. Taken together, our study showed (for the first time) that PCME inhibited NO production and up-regulated HO-1 induction via PI-3K/Akt pathway, suggesting the role of Pistacia chinensis as potential sources of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant natural compounds.