Effect of itraconazoles on the production of pro-inflammatory substances in mouse macrophage-like cells

BACKGROUND, MATERIALS AND METHODS: Synthetic triazoles are widely used for the treatment of fungal infection. In order to understand their possible anti-inflammatory action, we investigated the effect of itraconazole and its hydroxylated derivative (hydroxyitraconazole) on the production of various pro-inflammatory substances by mouse macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells. RESULTS: These compounds did not apparently show any growth inhibitory or stimulatory effects over a wide range of concentrations (0.2-50 μg/ml). Itraconazoles dose-dependently increased the production of prostaglandin E? (PGE?) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) without affecting the production of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and nitric oxide (NO). LPS treatment significantly enhanced the production of NO, PGE?, TNF-α and IL-1β. The addition of itraconazoles to LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells significantly reduced the production of NO, but rather enhanced the production of PGE?, TNF-α and IL-1β. ESR spectroscopy demonstrated that itraconazoles did not significantly scavenge NO and superoxide anion radicals, indicating that the inhibition of NO production by itraconazoles is not due to their radical-scavenging activity. Hydroxyitraconazole was slightly more cytostatic, and more efficiently inhibited NO production, but enhanced the production of other pro-inflammatory substances. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that itraconazoles regulate NO and other pro-inflammatory substances differently in activated macrophages.     

Chromene suppresses the activation of inflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells

Inflammation is complex process involving a variety of immune cells that defend the body from harmful stimuli. However, pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators can also exacerbate diseases such as cancer. The aim of this study was to identify a natural effective remedy for inflammation. We isolated a functional algal chromene compound from Sargassum siliquastrum, named sargachromanol D (SD). We evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of SD on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-exposed RAW 264.7 cells by measuring cell viability, cytotoxicity, and production of inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), inducible NO synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6. SD inhibited production of NO and PGE₂ from LPS-induced cells by preventing the expression of inflammatory mediators such as iNOS and COX-2 in a dose-dependent manner. Concurrently, levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were reduced with increasing concentrations of SD. In addition, SD inhibited the activation of NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathways in a concentration-dependent manner. These results indicate that SD inhibits LPS-stimulated inflammation by inhibition of the NF-κB and MAPKs pathways in macrophages.     

醒脑静对急性酒精中毒患者炎性因子含量的影响

目的 探讨急性酒精中毒患者血浆炎性因子含量的变化及醒脑静对其影响.方法 选取甘肃省兰州市第一人民医院严重急性酒精中毒患者50例,采用随机数字表法分为常规治疗组（对照组）和醒脑静＋常规治疗组（观察组）,各25例.分别检测2组患者治疗前后内皮素1、一氧化氮、肿瘤坏死因子α（TNF-α）和白细胞介素6（IL-6）含量的变化,并与20名体检者健康（正常组）进行对比分析.结果 对照组和观察组治疗前后的内皮素1、一氧化氮、TNF-α和IL-6[对照组：治疗前（77±7）ng/L、（34±10）μmol/L、（2.6±0.1）ng/L、（31.3±3.2）ng/L,治疗后（68±6）ng/L、（48±10）μmol/L、（2.2±0.2）ng/L、（26.3±3.1）ng/L;观察组：治疗前（78±7）ng/L、（35±11）μmol/L、（2.6±0.2）ng/ml、（32.4±3.1）ng/L,治疗后（62±7）ng/L、（57±9）μmol/L、（2.0±0.3）ng/ml、（22.6±3.2）ng/L]与正常组[（55±9）ng/L、（57±14）μmol/L、（2.0±0.4）ng/ml、（16.6±2.8）ng/L]相比,差异均有统计学意义（均P〈0.01）.观察组、对照组治疗后血浆内皮素1、一氧化氮、TNF-α、IL-6与治疗前比较,差异均有统计学意义（均P〈0.05）.观察组治疗后血浆内皮素1、TNF-α及IL-6显著低于对照组（P〈0.01）,一氧化氮明显高于对照组（P〈0.01）.结论 急性酒精中毒患者血中内皮素1、TNF-α和IL-6明显升高,一氧化氮水平降低,醒脑静治疗后可降低内皮素1、TNF-α和IL-6,提高一氧化氮水平,具有改善急性酒精中毒病理损害的作用.     

A supercritical CO₂ extract from seabuckthorn leaves inhibits pro-inflammatory mediators via inhibition of mitogen activated protein kinase p38 and transcription factor nuclear factor-κB

In the present study, we have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory properties of supercritical CO₂ extract of seabuckthorn leaves (SCE) on mouse alveolar macrophage cell line (MH-S), human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs) in-vitro and in-vivo. Treatment of MH-S cells with SCE (0.5–100 μg/ml) significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production. It also inhibited the release of LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, which was further confirmed by suppression of LPS induced TNF-α in hPBMCs by ELISPOT assay. In addition, western blot analysis demonstrated that SCE decreased LPS-induced inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression in MH-S cells. Furthermore, SCE treatment also reduced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) translocation in nucleus induced by LPS in MH-S cells. To elucidate the molecular mechanism for inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators by SCE (100 μg/ml), we further studied the effect of SCE on LPS-induced p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). It was observed that the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in LPS-stimulated MH-S cells was significantly inhibited by SCE, which was further proven by suppression of LPS induced CD40 expression. The in-vivo model of AIA mice also showed a significant reduction in the inflammation of paw edema. These data collectively suggest that SCE suppressed the LPS-induced production of NO, IL-6, and TNF-α and expression of CD40, iNOS and COX-2 proteins by inhibiting NF-κB activation and phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. Hence, the SCE has potent anti-inflammatory activity and might be useful in chronic inflammatory diseases.     

TNF-α inhibitors with anti-oxidative stress activity from natural products

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a major cytokine involved in the inflammatory response. Elevated TNF-α expression has been found to be associated with the development of diabetes, septic shock, tumorigenesis, cardiovascular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. In the past decade, the success of anti-TNF-α biologics has valuated the importance of the blockade of TNF-α production in the treatment of patients with various inflammatory diseases. Oxidative stress is another important element in oxidative/inflammatory responses that directly linked to oxidation of proteins, DNA and lipids. The increased oxidant levels could activate nuclear factor-kappaB (NFκ-B), signal transduction and gene expression of TNF-α, interleukin-1 (IL-1) and other pro-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, TNF-α inhibitors with anti-oxidative stress activity may have multiple target effect that could exhibit excellent anti-inflammatory activities. The review briefly highlights the pathological roles of TNF-α and oxidative stress in inflammation, and covers those natural products as TNF-α inhibitors capable of anti-oxidative stress activity.     

Protective effects of agmatine against d-galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide-induced fulminant hepatic failure in mice

Fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) is a life-threatening syndrome characterized by massive hepatic necrosis and high mortality. There is no effective therapy for the disease other than liver transplantation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of agmatine, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor, on d-galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide (GalN/LPS)-induced FHF in mice and explore its possible mechanism(s). Male Swiss albino mice were injected with a single dose agmatine (14 mg/kg, IP) 8 h prior to challenge with a single intraperitoneal injection of both GalN (800 mg/kg) and LPS (50 μg/kg). Agmatine significantly attenuated all GalN/LPS-induced biochemical and pathological changes in liver. It prevented the increase of serum transaminases and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). In addition, agmatine markedly attenuated GalN/LPS-induced necrosis and inflammation. Agmatine significantly reduced oxidative stress and enhanced antioxidant enzymes. Importantly, agmatine decreased total nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). These findings reveal that agmatine has hepatoprotective effects against GalN/LPS-induced FHF in mice that may be related to its ability to suppress oxidative stress, NO synthesis and TNF-α production. Therefore, agmatine may serve as a novel therapeutic strategy for hepatic inflammatory diseases.     

6,6'-Bieckol, isolated from marine alga Ecklonia cava, suppressed LPS-induced nitric oxide and PGE₂ production and inflammatory cytokine expression in macrophages: the inhibition of NFκB

Ecklonia cava is an edible brown alga that contains high levels of phlorotannins, which are unique marine polyphenolic compounds. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects and the underlying molecular mechanism of phlorotannin 6,6′-bieckol, which is an active component isolated from E. cava, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated primary macrophages and RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. 6,6′-Bieckol was found to inhibit nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) production and to suppress the LPS-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) at the mRNA and protein levels. In addition, 6,6′-bieckol downregulated the production and mRNA expression of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. Moreover, pretreatment with 6,6′-bieckol decreased LPS-induced transactivation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB) and nuclear translocation of p50 and p65 subunits of NFκB. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed that 6,6′-bieckol inhibited LPS-induced NFκB binding to the TNF-α and IL-6 promoters. Taken together, these data suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of 6,6′-bieckol are related to the down-regulation of iNOS, COX-2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines through the negative regulation of the NFκB pathway in LPS-stimulated macrophages.     

Hydroxytyrosol is the major anti-inflammatory compound in aqueous olive extracts and impairs cytokine and chemokine production in macrophages

Substances in olive products contribute to improved health as suggested by epidemiological data. In this study we assessed the effects of hydroxytyrosol (HT) on inflammatory mediators, cytokines and chemokines, and identified anti-inflammatory constituents of aqueous olive extracts, I.E., olive vegetation water (OVW). Murine macrophages (RAW264.7 cells) were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the absence or presence of substances; inflammatory mediators [nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E? (PGE?), cytokines, interleukins, chemokines] were determined by the Griess reaction, EIA, or multiplex ELISA (Luminex technology). Expression of inflammatory genes was determined by RT-PCR. Aqueous olive extracts were fractionated by preparative HPLC and the fractions investigated for their effects on NO and PGE? production. Results were further analyzed by principal component analysis. HT inhibited production of NO and PGE? with an IC?? of 11.4 and 19.5?μM, respectively, reflecting strong anti-inflammatory activity. HT and OVW diminished secretion of cytokines (IL-1 α, IL-1 β, IL-6, IL-12, TNF- α), and chemokines (CXCL10/IP-10, CCL2/MCP-1). HT and OVW concentration-dependently reduced the expression of genes of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), IL-1 α, CXCL10/IP-10, MIP-1 β, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and prostaglandin E? synthase (PGES). The effects of HT were partly mediated VIA the NF- κB pathway, as shown by RT-PCR analysis. HT was identified as the main bioactive compound of OVW. The data provide a molecular basis for elucidating the effects of HT on inflammatory processes. The effects of HT on NO and chemokine production point to their impact on chronic inflammatory processes in endothelium or arthritis.     

A novel naturally occurring salicylic acid analogue acts as an anti-inflammatory agent by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappaB activity in RAW264.7 macrophages

Methyl salicylate 2-O-β-D-lactoside (DL0309), is a molecule chemically related to salicylic acid that is isolated from Gaultheria yunnanensis (FRANCH.) REHDER (G. yunnanensis). G. yunnanensis, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, is widely used for treating rheumatoid arthritis, swelling, pain, trauma, and chronic tracheitis. In the present study, we explored the mechanism whereby DL0309 exerts anti-inflammatory effects, using the model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW264.7 cells. We examined the effects of DL0309 on LPS-induced nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) activity by Western blot analysis, cell imaging analysis and an electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Production of pro-inflammatory cytokines was also measured. Our observations indicate that DL0309 suppressed production of nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), in a concentration-dependent manner. The phosphorylation of IKK-β and degradation of IκB-α by LPS were both inhibited by DL0309 in the cytoplasm. The increased protein level of NF-κB by LPS in the nucleus was also reduced by DL0309. Consistent with these results, we found that DL0309 prevents the nuclear translocation and DNA binding activity of NF-κB. Finally, our results demonstrate that DL0309 exerts anti-inflammatory effects, by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and suppressing of the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway in LPS-treated macrophage cells. Therefore, DL0309 may have therapeutic potential for treating inflammatory diseases by regulating the NF-κB pathway and pro-inflammatory cytokine production.     

肺动脉高压与脑利钠肽、血管内皮功能和炎性细胞因子的相关性

摘 要：目的 通过观察肺动脉高压（PAH）患者的肺动脉收缩压（PASP）与脑利钠肽（BNP）、血管内皮功能和炎性细胞因子的相关性,进一步探讨PAH发病机制。方法 测定92例PAH患者和50例健康者的肺动脉收缩压（PASP）、血浆BNP、内皮素-1（ET-1）、血清一氧化氮（NO）、超敏C反应蛋白（hs-CRP）和肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）等指标。结果 PAH患者的血浆BNP、ET-1、血清hs-CRP和TNF-α显著高于对照组（P<0.05）,血清NO显著低于对照组（P<0.05）。PAH患者的PASP与血浆BNP（r=0.574）、hs-CRP（r=0.423）、ET-1（r=0.402）和TNF-α（r=0.366）呈显著正相关;与血清NO水平呈显著负相关（r=-0.378）。结论 PAH的发生发展过程是BNP、内皮系统和炎性反应等多因素综合作用的结果。     

Cytotoxicity, production of reactive oxygen species and cytokines induced by different strains of Stachybotrys sp. from moldy buildings in RAW264.7 macrophages

The ability of different strains of the fungus Stachybotrys, isolated from mold problem buildings, to induce cytotoxicity and production of important inflammatory mediators, i.e. nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in RAW264.7 macrophages were studied. Several strains of Stachybotrys sp. stimulated immediate increase in the ROS production and in 24-h exposure caused TNF-α and IL-6 release from these cells. However, none of the strains of Stachybotrys sp. was able to induce the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and subsequent production of NO in RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, there were significant differences in their ability to induce cytotoxicity in the macrophages. These results suggest that, in addition to direct cytotoxic effects of most Stachybotrys sp., some strains of Stachybotrys sp. stimulate production of inflammatory mediators, TNF-α and IL-6 which were associated with low cytotoxicity in RAW264.7 macrophages.     

血管内皮细胞在门静脉高压性结肠病形成中的作用

目的探讨血管内皮细胞在门静脉高压性结肠病(PHC)形成中的作用。方法成年雄性Wistar大鼠19只,随机抽取8只作为正常组,其余大鼠按复合因素法制作肝硬化模型,10周后门静脉取血测定一氧化氮(NO)、肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)-α含量,取大鼠降结肠全层行免疫组织化学染色,观测黏膜下层血管内皮细胞,测定一氧化氮合酶(NOS)、TNF-α表达量。另取结肠组织行电镜观察。结果电镜下观察模型组可见内皮细胞分泌小泡增多,肌微丝形成。诱导型NOS(iNOS)、TNF-α在血管内皮细胞高度表达,与正常组相比差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。血清NO、TNF-α显著增高,与正常组相比差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论肝硬化时,血管内皮细胞成为生成NO、TNF-α的主要细胞,这些炎症因子直接参与了PHC的形成。     

短期应用氟伐他汀对慢性心力衰竭患者TNF-α、IL-18水平及心功能的影响

目的:观察短期应用氟伐他汀对慢性心力衰竭(CHF)患者心功能、血清肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)和白介素18(IL-18)水平的影响。方法:将56例CHF患者随机分为治疗组(29例)与对照组(27例)。对照组给予常规治疗,治疗组在对照组基础上加用氟伐他汀40mg。2组疗程均为28d。治疗前后分别测量TNF-α、IL-18、左心室射血分数(LVEF)。结果:2组患者治疗前后TNF-α、IL-18、LVEF比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),治疗组治疗后各项指标均优于对照组(P<0.05)。结论:短期应用氟伐他汀可以降低CHF患者的TNF-α和IL-18水平,改善心功能,其作用机制可能与抑制CHF患者的炎症反应有关。     

17-Hydroxy-jolkinolide B, a diterpenoid from Euphorbia fischeriana, inhibits inflammatory mediators but activates heme oxygenase-1 expression in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated murine macrophages

Jolkinolides are the main abietane-type diterpenoids isolated from the root of Euphorbia fischeriana Steud. In the present study, we investigated in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of four structural analogs of jolkinolide in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264 macrophages. Among these jolkinolides, 17-hydroxy-jolkinolide B (HJB) exhibited the most potent inhibition of LPS-induced production of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), nitric oxide (NO), and pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)]. HJB could decrease LPS-induced protein levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the mRNA expressions of COX-2, iNOS, IL-6, and TNF-α in a concentration-dependent manner. These inhibitory effects were caused by suppression of MAPK phosphorylation and NF-κB activation. Furthermore, we demonstrated that HJB strongly induced heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein and mRNA expressions. These findings suggest that HJB possesses anti-inflammatory actions in macrophages and may provide a potential therapeutic approach for inflammatory disorders.     

Anti-inflammatory effect of sargachromanol G isolated from Sargassum siliquastrum in RAW 264.7 cells

A study on the anti-inflammatory activity of brown alga Sargassum siliquastrum led to the isolation of sargachromanol G (SG). In this study, the anti-inflammatory effect and the action mechanism of SG have been investigated in murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. SG dosedependently inhibited the production of inflammatory markers [nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)] and pro-inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6] induced by LPS treatment. To further elucidate the mechanism of this inhibitory effect of SG, we studied LPS-induced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) phosphorylation. SG inhibited the phosphorylation IκB-α and NF-κB (p65 and p50) and MAPK (ERK1/2, JNK, and p38) in a dose dependent manner. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory activity of SG results from its modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators via the suppression of NF-κB activation and MAPK phosphorylation.     

Protective effects of ligustrazine on TNF-α-induced endothelial dysfunction

To investigate the effects of Ligustrazine, a compound derived from chuanxiong, on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) stimulated endothelial cells. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were stimulated with TNF-α in vitro. Nitric oxide (NO) was measured as a standard of endothelial dysfunction. Two important indicators of autoimmunity, intracellular adhesion molecular-1 (ICAM-1) and heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), were selected to evaluate the influence of Ligustrazine on HUVECs. Ligustrazine (40 μg/ml) significantly reversed the decrease in NO production induced by TNF-α (5 ng/ml) in HUVECs. The expressions of ICAM-1 and HSP60 were increased by TNF-α treatment, but dramatically inhibited by treatment with ligustrazine in TNF-α-stimulated cells. Ligustrazine increased the production of NO in HUVECs and had an immunomodulatory effect on HUVECs stimulated with TNF-α by down-regulating the expression of ICAM-1 and HSP60. These results suggest that ligustrazine protects the endothelium via inhibition of immunological reactions, preventing atherosclerosis.