Leukotriene B4 amplifies NF-κB activation in mouse macrophages by reducing SOCS1 inhibition of MyD88 expression

Activation of NF-κB and 5-lipoxygenase-mediated (5-LO-mediated) biosynthesis of the lipid mediator leukotriene B4 (LTB4) are pivotal components of host defense and inflammatory responses. However, the role of LTB4 in mediating innate immune responses elicited by specific TLR ligands and cytokines is unknown. Here we have shown that responses dependent on MyD88 (an adaptor protein that mediates signaling through all of the known TLRs, except TLR3, as well as IL-1β and IL-18) are reduced in mice lacking either 5-LO or the LTB4 receptor BTL1, and that macrophages from these mice are impaired in MyD88-dependent activation of NF-κB. This macrophage defect was associated with lower basal and inducible expression of MyD88 and reflected impaired activation of STAT1 and overexpression of the STAT1 inhibitor SOCS1. Expression of MyD88 and responsiveness to the TLR4 ligand LPS were decreased by Stat1 siRNA silencing in WT macrophages and restored by Socs1 siRNA in 5-LO-deficient macrophages. These results uncover a pivotal role in macrophages for the GPCR BLT1 in regulating activation of NF-κB through Stat1-dependent expression of MyD88.     

TLR4-mediated MyD88-dependent signaling pathway is activated by cerebral ischemia–reperfusion in cortex in mice

To study whether the signaling pathway is activated in the inflammatory reaction of cerebral ischemia–reperfusion and its mechanism. The mice were randomly divided into sham group, ischemia–reperfusion group and TLR4-blocked group with different time points of reperfusion 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h group. We observed the different expression of TLR4 mRNA and MyD88 mRNA, activation of NF-κB and the TNF-α and IL-1β protein levels in each group at different time point after ischemia–reperfusion. Mice cerebral ischemia was induced by occlusion of common carotid arteries (CCA) bilaterally. TLR4 signaling pathway could be inhibited by specific anti-TLR4 binding protein to prevent TLR4 from interacting with its receptors. We determined the result of TLR4 antibodies-blocking and mice cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injuries by Western blot, and evaluated neuronal damage in cortex. We also determined the expression of TLR4 mRNA and MyD88 mRNA by in situ hybridization (ISH), the activation of NF-κB by EMSA, and the expression of TNF-α protein by Western blot. Anti-TLR4 binding TLR4 receptors before reperfusion was effective; There was distinct difference among each group respecting neuronal damage; The expression of TLR4 mRNA and MyD88 mRNA, the activation of NF-κB, and the expression of TNF-α protein showed clear difference as well. LR4-mediated MyD88-dependent signaling pathway activated by ischemia–reperfusion may be involved in the mechanism of ischemia–reperfusion through upregulation of NF-κB and TNF-α.     

IL-1R-MyD88 signaling in keratinocyte transformation and carcinogenesis

Constitutively active RAS plays a central role in the development of human cancer and is sufficient to induce tumors in two-stage skin carcinogenesis. RAS-mediated tumor formation is commonly associated with up-regulation of cytokines and chemokines that mediate an inflammatory response considered relevant to oncogenesis. In this study, we report that mice lacking IL-1R or MyD88 are less sensitive to topical skin carcinogenesis than their respective wild-type (WT) controls. MyD88(-/-) or IL-1R(-/-) keratinocytes expressing oncogenic RAS are hyperproliferative and fail to up-regulate proinflammatory genes or down-regulate differentiation markers characteristic of RAS-expressing WT keratinocytes. Although RAS-expressing MyD88(-/-) keratinocytes form only a few small tumors in orthotopic grafts, IL-1R-deficient RAS-expressing keratinocytes retain the ability to form tumors in orthotopic grafts. Using both genetic and pharmacological approaches, we find that the differentiation and proinflammatory effects of oncogenic RAS in keratinocytes require the establishment of an autocrine loop through IL-1α, IL-1R, and MyD88 leading to phosphorylation of IκBα and NF-κB activation. Blocking IL-1α-mediated NF-κB activation in RAS-expressing WT keratinocytes reverses the differentiation defect and inhibits proinflammatory gene expression. Collectively, these results demonstrate that MyD88 exerts a cell-intrinsic function in RAS-mediated transformation of keratinocytes.     

Inhibition of inflammatory mediator secretion by (−)-DHMEQ in mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages

Previously, we designed and synthesized a new NF-κB inhibitor, dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin (DHMEQ), and found that racemic DHMEQ inhibited cytokine secretion and phagocytosis by cells of the macrophage cell line RAW264.7. In the present research, we looked into the effect of optically active (−)-DHMEQ on the NO production, inflammatory cytokine secretion, and prostaglandin secretion in mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs). We also studied the effect of (−)-DHMEQ on the differentiation of macrophages. DHMEQ inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NF-κB activation. It also inhibited the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and NO production induced by LPS. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, we showed DHMEQ to inhibit LPS-induced secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α. It also inhibited COX-2 expression and prostaglandin E₂ production and secretion. It did not inhibit the phagocytosis of fluorescently labeled Escherichia coli by BMMs treated with LPS, unlike in the case of RAW264.7 cells. Next we examined the effect of the inhibitor on M-CSF-induced differentiation of bone marrow cells to macrophages. DHMEQ showed no effect on the differentiation in terms of reactive oxygen species production and F4/80 expression. However, although BMM incorporated oxidized LDL to give rise to foam cells, the (−)-DHMEQ-treated bone marrow cells did not take up oxidized LDL. Taken together, our data show that (−)-DHMEQ inhibited LPS-induced activation of BMM in terms of NO and cytokine secretion, but its effect on phagocytosis differed between BMMs and RAW264.7 cells. We also found that the functional differentiation into macrophages was inhibited by (−)-DHMEQ.     

Anticancer agent 2-methoxyestradiol improves survival in septic mice by reducing the production of cytokines and nitric oxide

Cytokine production is critical in sepsis. 2-Methoxyestradiol (2ME2), an endogenous metabolite of estradiol, inhibits hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and is an antiangiogenic and antitumor agent. We investigated the effect of 2ME2 on cytokine production and survival in septic mice. Using i.p. LPS or cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), sepsis was induced in BALB/c mice that were simultaneously or later treated with 2ME2 or vehicle. Twelve hours after the LPS injection, serum and peritoneal fluid cytokine and nitric oxide (NO) levels were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the Griess reaction. Lung injuries were histologically analyzed, and liver and kidney injuries were biochemically analyzed. Survival was determined 7 days after LPS injection or CLP procedure. In vivo and in vitro effects of 2ME2 on LPS-induced macrophage inflammation were determined. The effect of 2ME2 on HIF-1α expression, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells, a murine macrophage cell line, was determined using Western blotting. 2-Methoxyestradiol treatment reduced LPS-induced lung, liver, and kidney injury. Both early and late 2ME2 treatment prolonged survival in LPS- and CLP-induced sepsis. 2-Methoxyestradiol significantly reduced IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and NO levels in septic mice as well as in LPS-stimulated peritoneal macrophages. 2-Methoxyestradiol treatment also reduced the LPS-induced expression of HIF-1α, iNOS, and pNF-κB in RAW264.7 cells, as well as iNOS and pNF-κB expression in siHIF-1α-RAW264.7 cells. 2-Methoxyestradiol prolongs survival and reduces lung, liver, and kidney injury in septic mice by inhibiting iNOS/NO and cytokines through HIF-1α and NF-κB signaling.     

白介素10和一氧化氮对内毒素诱导肺泡巨噬细胞核因子κB活化及肿瘤坏死因子释放的调节

目的：探讨白介素-10和外源性一氧化氮(NO)对内毒素（LPS）诱导肺泡巨噬细胞(PAM)核因子-κB(NF-κB)活化及肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）基因表达的调节,为临床运用提供理论依据。方法：用支气管肺泡灌洗法收集PAM进行培养,分为正常对照组、LPS组、IL-10+LPS组和NO+LPS组。用凝胶电泳迁移率改变分析（EMSA）法和酶联免疫吸附(ELISA)法分别检测核提取物中NF-κB活性和细胞培养上清中TNF-α含量。结果：LPS组NFκB活性和TNF-α含量在刺激后3小时显著高于正常对照组;IL-10+LPS组和NO+LPS组NF-κB活性和TNF-α含量均显著低于LPS组。结论：LPS诱导PAM的NF-κB活化,导致TNFα基因表达增强;白介素-10和外源性NO可抑制NF-κB活化而减少TNF-α的释放。     

Atorvastatin suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome activation via TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling in PMA-stimulated THP-1 monocytes

AimsIncreasing evidence shows that NLRP3 inflammasome is closely associated with the progression of atherosclerosis. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of atorvastatin on NLRP3 inflammasome in PMA-stimulated THP-1 cells and explore its underlying mechanism.MethodsHuman monocytic THP-1 cells were pretreated with atorvastatin for 1 h and then induced by PMA for 48 h. Total protein was collected for real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. Cytokine IL-1β release was detected by ELISA assay. And the NF-κB p65 translocation was detected by cellular NF-κB translocation kit.ResultsIt was shown that atorvastatin significantly reduced the expression of NLRP3, the cleavage of caspase-1 and IL-1β in PMA-induced THP-1 cells. Moreover, Bay (a NF-κB inhibitor) treatment greatly suppressed the expression of NLRP3, the cleavage of caspase-1 and IL-1β in PMA-induced THP-1 cells, suggesting that the activation of NF-κB pathway takes part in regulating the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome. In addition, atorvastatin markedly inhibited the up-regulation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and the activation of nuclear factor kappa b (NF-κB) in PMA-stimulated THP-1 cells.ConclusionsAtorvastatin exerts an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome through suppressing TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway in PMA-induced THP-1 monocytes.     

Bupivacaine inhibits the TLR4- and TLR2-Myd88/NF-κB pathways in human leukocytes

Local anesthetics have anti-inflammatory effects. Because most previous experiments were performed with supra-therapeutic concentrations, we measured the effects of clinically relevant concentrations of bupivacaine on the Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4)- and TLR2-myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88)-nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell (NF-κB) pathways. We measured tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP-kinase) phosphorylation and translocation of NF-κB in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs) and human monocytes challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or tripalmitoylated lipopeptide Pam3CysSerLys4 (Pam3CSK4) in the presence or absence of bupivacaine. Similarly, we measured the effect of bupivacaine on HEK293 cells expressing the hTLR4 and the hTLR2 genes and challenged with LPS or Pam3CSK4. Finally, molecular docking simulations of R(+)- and S(−)-bupivacaine binding to the TLR4-myeloid differentiation protein 2 (MD-2) complex and to the TLR2/TLR1 heterodimer were performed. In PBMCs, bupivacaine from 0.1 to 100 μM inhibited LPS-induced TNF-α and PGE2 secretion, phosphorylation of p38 and nuclear translocation of NF-κB in monocytes. Bupivacaine similarly inhibited the effects of Pam3CSK4 on TNF-α secretion. Bupivacaine inhibited the effect of LPS on HEK293 cells expressing the human TLR4 receptor and the effect of Pam3CSK4 on HEK293 cells expressing the human TLR2 receptor. Molecular docking showed that bupivacaine binds to the MD-2 co-receptor of TLR4 and to the TLR2 receptor. Contrary to numerous experiments performed with supratherapeutic doses, our results were obtained with concentrations of bupivacaine as low as 0.1 μM. We conclude that bupivacaine modulates the inflammatory reactions such as those observed after surgery or trauma, at least partly by inhibiting the TLR4- and TLR2-NF-κB pathways.     

内毒素对大鼠淋巴细胞表达TLR4及NF-κB与分泌IL-6的影响

目的研究内毒素干预离体大鼠淋巴细胞后TLR4 mRNA、NF-κB mRNA的表达及IL-6分泌的变化,探讨淋巴细胞在全身炎症反应综合征(SIRS)发生及进展中的作用机制。方法制备健康雄性Wistar大鼠脾脏淋巴细胞,培养至对数期,随机分为对照组和实验组。对照组不做处理。实验组加入不等量内毒素,调整浓度为低浓度组(10 ng/ml)、高浓度组(100 ng/ml),培养3、6、12 h。RT-PCR技术检测TLR4及NF-κB的mRNA表达水平,ELISA技术测定IL-6的分泌量。结果干预3 h后,低浓度组:TLR4及NF-κB的mRNA表达与对照组比较无显著差异(P>0.05),IL-6的分泌与对照相比差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。高浓度组:TLR4 mRNA的表达及IL-6的分泌与对照组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),NF-κB的mRNA表达与对照组比较无显著差异(P>0.05)。干预6、12 h后,低、高浓度组:TLR4及NF-κB的mRNA表达与IL-6的分泌分别与对照组比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。此外,TLR4及NF-κB的mRNA表达水平及IL-6的分泌量随时间延长增加。结论内毒素能刺激大鼠淋巴细胞高表达TLR4、NF-κB及分泌包括IL-6在内的各种细胞因子与炎症介质,促进SIRS的发生及发展。     

Chlamydia trachomatis infection increases the expression of inflammatory tumorigenic cytokines and chemokines as well as components of the Toll-like receptor and NF-κB pathways in human prostate epithelial cells

Inflammation has been reported to play a major role in prostate carcinogenesis. Several bacterial infections can lead to prostate inflammation; however, until now, the precise molecular and cellular mechanisms linking inflammation to carcinogenesis have remained unclear. We therefore investigated the initiation of inflammation induced by Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) infection in human prostate epithelial cells using an in vitro culture system in which human androgen-independent PC-3 prostate cancer epithelial cells were infected with C. trachomatis serovar L2. The expression levels of VEGF, ICAM-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, TNFα, CCL5, CCL2 and iNOS inflammation-related genes, as well as genes involved in the Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathway (TLR2, TLR4, CD14 and MyD88), were evaluated at the mRNA level in infected PC-3 cells 24 h after infection with C. trachomatis serovar L2. The expression levels of components of the NF-κB pathway (p65 and IκBα) were evaluated at the mRNA level in infected PC-3 cells at different time points (1, 6, 12 and 24 h) after infection. The expression levels of inflammation-related genes, components of the Toll-like receptor pathway and genes involved in NF-κB activation were analyzed in infected and uninfected cells using semi-quantitative RT-PCR. We detected a significant increase (p < 0.001) in inflammation-related cytokines in infected PC-3 cells. During infection, PC-3 cells elicited a proinflammatory response, as shown by NF-κB activation, TLR2 and TLR4 upregulation and the increased expression of inflammation-related genes. Furthermore, we observed significant upregulation of the adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VEGF, which are two biomarkers correlated with tumor progression and immune system evasion. The present study suggests that human prostate cancer epithelial cells are susceptible to C. trachomatis infection and upregulate proinflammatory markers during infection.     

Polyubiquitin binding to ABIN1 is required to prevent autoimmunity

The protein ABIN1 possesses a polyubiquitin-binding domain homologous to that present in nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) essential modulator (NEMO), a component of the inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB) kinase (IKK) complex. To address the physiological significance of polyubiquitin binding, we generated knockin mice expressing the ABIN1[D485N] mutant instead of the wild-type (WT) protein. These mice developed all the hallmarks of autoimmunity, including spontaneous formation of germinal centers, isotype switching, and production of autoreactive antibodies. Autoimmunity was suppressed by crossing to MyD88(-/-) mice, demonstrating that toll-like receptor (TLR)-MyD88 signaling pathways are needed for the phenotype to develop. The B cells and myeloid cells of the ABIN1[D485N] mice showed enhanced activation of the protein kinases TAK, IKK-α/β, c-Jun N-terminal kinases, and p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase and produced more IL-6 and IL-12 than WT. The mutant B cells also proliferated more rapidly in response to TLR ligands. Our results indicate that the interaction of ABIN1 with polyubiquitin is required to limit the activation of TLR-MyD88 pathways and prevent autoimmunity.     

Temperature- and time-dependent changes in TLR2-activated microglial NF-κB activity and concentrations of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors

Purpose

Therapeutic hypothermia protects neurons following injury to the central nervous system (CNS). Microglia express toll-like receptors (TLRs) that play significant roles in pathological processes in sterile CNS injury. We have examined the effects of culture temperature on the TLR2-activated microglial production of cytokines and nitric oxide (NO), which are known to be associated with CNS damage, and the possible involvement of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation underlying such effects.

Methods

Rat microglia were cultured with a selective TLR2 agonist, Pam₃CSK₄, under hypothermic, normothermic, and hyperthermic conditions, and with Pam₃CSK₄ in the presence of a NF-κB activation inhibitor at 37?°C. Cytokine and NO levels and NF-κB p65 activation were measured.

Results

The production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and NO and the activation of NF-κB p65 were reduced by hypothermia, but augmented by hyperthermia at 3–6, 24–48, 48, and 0.5?h, post-treatment initiation, respectively. Pharmacological inhibition of NF-κB activation impaired the Pam₃CSK₄-induced TNF-α, IL-10, and NO production.

Conclusions

In TLR2-activated microglia, hypothermia reduced, while hyperthermia increased, the early activation of NF-κB and the subsequent NF-κB-mediated production of TNF-α, IL-10, and NO in a time-dependent manner, suggesting that attenuation of these factors via suppression of NF-κB in microglia is one possible neuroprotective mechanism of therapeutic hypothermia. Moreover, temperature-dependent changes in microglial TNF-α production during the early phase and IL-10 and NO production during the late phase indicate that these factors might be useful as clinical markers to monitor hypothermia-related neuronal protection and hyperthermia-related neuronal injury.     

Anti-fatigue effect by active dipeptides of fermented porcine placenta through inhibiting the inflammatory and oxidative reactions

BackgroundRecently, we reported an anti-fatigue effect of fermented porcine placenta (FPP). Glycine-leucine (GL) and leucine-glycine (LG) dipeptides are main peptides of FPP. However, the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of GL and LG dipeptides on fatigue are still unclear.MethodsHerein, we examined the anti-fatigue properties of GL and LG dipeptides using RAW264.7 macrophages and forced swimming test (FST) animal model.ResultsOur data revealed that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-6 productions were markedly inhibited by GL or LG in RAW264.7 macrophages without inducing cytotoxicity. LPS-enhanced nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression were inhibited by GL or LG, whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were significantly enhanced by GL or LG in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. The present study also figured out that these effects of GL and LG were mediated by blockade of caspase-1 and nuclear factor-κB activation. In FST-induced fatigue mouse model, the mice which received the GL or LG for 21 days showed significant decreases of IL-1β, IL-6, and NO serum levels. Treatment with GL or LG significantly enhanced levels of SOD and glycogen and significantly lowered levels of lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate transaminase, and alanine transaminase.ConclusionTaken together, our results indicated that GL and LG dipeptides, active components of FPP, should be considered as candidate of anti-fatigue agents.     

瘦素对RAW264.7细胞肿瘤坏死因子α表达的影响

背景:瘦素是脂肪组织分泌的一种多肽激素,研究显示瘦素在动脉粥样硬化形成中发挥了一定重要的作用。目的:观察瘦素对鼠源性巨噬细胞系RAW264.7细胞肿瘤坏死因子α表达的影响,并从核转录因子κB活性变化角度探讨其可能机制。设计:对照观察实验。单位:华中科技大学同济医学院生物化学及分子生物学系。材料:实验于2005-04/2006-02在华中科技大学同济医学院生物化学及分子生物学系及附属协和医院普外科实验室完成。将培养的RAW264.7细胞分为不同浓度瘦素处理组(12.5,25,50,100μg/L)、IkappaB激酶抑制剂组及空白对照组。每组3瓶,重复实验3次。方法:将鼠源性巨噬细胞株RAW264.7细胞以1×109L-1密度接种于6孔板中,用含体积分数为0.1的小牛血清的RPMI-1640培养基培养。待RAW264.7细胞生长至80%时,换用无血清培养基Opti-MEM继续培养24h后,将细胞分为不同浓度瘦素处理组(12.5,25,50,100μg/L)及空白对照组,瘦素孵育4h后采用反转录-聚合酶链反应检测肿瘤坏死因子α在mRNA水平的表达。上述分组细胞经瘦素分别孵育1,3,6和9h后采用双抗夹心酶联免疫吸附实验检测肿瘤坏死因子α在蛋白水平的表达。上述分组细胞经瘦素孵育不同时间后采用凝胶迁移率实验检测细胞核内核转录因子κB活性。将RAW264.7细胞分为以下4组:空白对照组、IkappaB激酶特异性抑制剂PS1145(10μmol/L)处理组、瘦素(50μg/L)处理组、瘦素(50μg/L) PS1145(10μmol/L)组,各组孵育时间均为6h,分别检测细胞核内核转录因子κB活性及肿瘤坏死因子α在mRNA水平的表达。主要观察指标:①不同浓度瘦素对RAW264.7细胞肿瘤坏死因子α:mRNA表达水平的影响;蛋白分泌的影响。②不同浓度瘦素对RAW264.7细胞核内核转录因子κB活性的影响。③抑制IkappaB激酶活性对瘦素诱导RAW264.7细胞肿瘤坏死因子α的影响。结果:①RAW264.7细胞经不同浓度的瘦素处理后,肿瘤坏死因子α在mRNA水平呈瘦素剂量依赖性增加,50μg/L瘦素处理组达峰值。②蛋白水平的表达呈瘦素剂量时间依赖性增加,50μg/L瘦素处理6h即可达峰值。③核转录因子κB的活性亦与瘦素浓度正相关,50μg/L瘦素处理6h后核转录因子κB活性最高(P<0.05)。④抑制IkappaB激酶活性可部分抑制肿瘤坏死因子α的表达。结论:瘦素可直接促进RAW264.7细胞肿瘤坏死因子α的表达和分泌,并呈剂量时间依赖性,其机制可能与瘦素激活核转录因子κB有关。这可能是瘦素致动脉粥样硬化的机制之一。     

白介素-10对内毒素诱导肺泡巨噬细胞核因子-κB活化及肿瘤坏死因子释放的调节

目的 探讨白介素-10对内毒素(LPS)诱导肺泡巨噬细胞核因子-κB(NF-κB)活化及肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)基因表达的调节,为临床运用白介素-10提供理论依据。方法 用支气管肺泡灌洗法收集肺泡巨噬细胞(PAM)进行培养,分正常对照组、LPS组、IL-10＋LPS组。用凝胶电泳迁移率改变分析(EMSA)法和ELISA法分别检测核提取物中NF-κB活性和细胞培养上清中TNF-α含量。结果 LPS组NF-κB活性和TNF-α含量在刺激后0.5～4h明显高于正常对照组;IL-10＋LPS组NF-κB活性和TNF-α含量均显著低于LPS组。结论 LPS诱导PAM的NF-κB活化,导致TNF-α基因表达增强;白介素-10可抑制NF-κB活化而减少TNF-α的释放。     

N-butanol Extract from Melilotus Suaveolens Ledeb Affects Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines and Mediators

Melilotus suaveolens Ledeb is a traditional medicinal plant for treating inflammation-related disease. This explores the inner anti-inflammatory mechanism of n-butanol extract from M. suaveolens Ledeb. Inflammatory cellular model was established by lipopolysaccharide intervention on RAW264.7 cell line. Levels of secreted cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, NO and IL-10 in supernatant, mRNA expression of TNF-α, COX-2, iNOS and HO-1, protein expression of COX-2 and HO-1, activation of NF-κB and ingredients in the extract were assayed by ELISA, real time quantitative PCR, western blot, immunocytochemical test and HPLC fingerprint test, respectively. As a result, the extract could not only markedly reduce the production of pro-inflammatory mediators to different extents by blocking NF-κB activation but also promote the release of anti-inflammatory mediator HO-1 significantly. Each 1 g extract contained 0.023531 mg coumarin and another two high polar ingredients, probably saponins. It can be concluded that the extract has similar effects on antagonizing pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines like Dexamethasone, and has effects on promoting the production of anti-inflammatory mediators.