Achyranthes japonica exhibits anti-inflammatory effect via NF-κB suppression and HO-1 induction in macrophages

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The roots of Achyranthes japonica Nakai have been used in traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of edema and arthritis in Korea.

Aim of the study

In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism responsible for anti-inflammatory effects of the aqueous extract of A. japonica roots (AJ) in LPS-stimulated macrophages.

Materials and methods

Nitric oxide (NO) production and as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression were examined in TG-elicited peritoneal macrophages and RAW 264.7 cells. Cell viability was monitored by MTT assay. Protein and mRNA expressions were determined by Western blotting and RT-PCR, respectively. The activity of NF-κB and Nrf2 were examined by EMSA, immunocytochemistry or reporter assay.

Results

AJ inhibited LPS-induced NO secretion as well as iNOS expression, without affecting cell viability. Furthermore, AJ suppressed LPS-induced NF-κB activation, degradation of IκB-α, phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38. Further study demonstrated that AJ induced heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) gene expression via nuclear translocation and transactivation of Nrf2. In addition, the inhibitory effects of AJ on iNOS expression were abrogated by small interfering RNA-mediated knock-down of HO-1.

Conclusions

These results suggest that AJ suppresses LPS-induced NO production and iNOS expression in macrophages through the inhibition of IκB/NF-κB and MAPK as well as the Nrf2-mediated HO-1 induction. These findings provide the scientific rationale for anti-inflammatory therapeutic use of A. japonica roots.     

苦参碱对人卵巢癌细胞株HO-8910PM增殖及侵袭运动能力的影响

目的 研究苦参碱对人高转移卵巢癌细胞系HO-8910PM增殖及转移相关能力的影响及其作用机制.方法 以MTT法和台盼蓝拒染法检测苦参碱对人高转移卵巢癌HO-8910PM细胞增殖的影响;Transwell小室法检测其对HO-8910PM细胞侵袭运动能力的影响;考马斯亮蓝染色法检测不同质量浓度苦参碱对H0-8910PM细胞细胞骨架的改变及免疫细胞化学方法检测药物作用前后HO-8910PM细胞Ezrin蛋白的表达.结果 苦参碱对HO-8910PM细胞增殖抑制呈明显剂量和时间效应;1.5 g/L苦参碱能明显抑制细胞的增殖,作用6 h后能抑制HO-8910PM细胞体外侵袭人工基底膜和运动能力,抑制率分别为(41.52±10.76)%和(39.73±10.67)%;1.0、1.5g/L苦参碱作用HO-8910PM细胞24 h后使细胞骨架明显改变,并上调Ezrin蛋白的表达.结论 苦参碱能抑制高转移性人卵巢癌细胞HO-8910PM的增殖能力和侵袭运动能力,其抗肿瘤侵袭运动的机制与细胞骨架和Ezrin蛋白表达的改变有关.     

Kami-ondam-tang,a traditional herbal prescription,attenuates the prepulse inhibition deficits and cognitive impairments induced by MK-801 in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Kami-ondam-tang (KODT) has been used to treat neuropsychiatric disorders, including neurosis and insomnia, in traditional herbal medicine. However, the mechanisms of this drug have not been well characterized in the treatment of schizophrenia-like behaviors.

Aim of the study

We investigated whether schizophrenia-like behaviors induced by MK-801, a non-competitive N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, could be attenuated by KODT.

Materials and methods

Acute systemic administration of MK-801 was used to establish an animal model of schizophrenia. The effects of KODT on the MK-801-induced prepulse inhibition (PPI) deficits, hyperlocomotion, social withdrawal, and cognitive impairment were assessed. We also examined the changes in the expression levels of Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) after the administration of KODT with MK-801 in the cortical and hippocampal tissues.

Results

The acoustic startle response test showed that the acoustic startle enhancement and PPI deficits induced by MK-801 were attenuated by KODT. Moreover, KODT ameliorated social and objective recognition impairments that were induced by MK-801 in the social novelty preference test and the novel object recognition test. In addition, the upregulation of phosphorylated Akt or phosphorylated ERK expression induced by MK-801 was blocked by KODT in the cortex. However, MK-801-induced hyperlocomotion was not affected by KODT in the open field test.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that KODT attenuates MK-801-induced PPI disruption, social interaction deficits, and cognitive impairments, possibly, by regulating of cortical Akt and ERK signaling.     

Hepatoprotective and antiviral properties of isochlorogenic acid A from Laggera alata against hepatitis B virus infection

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The aim of this study was to determine the anti-hepatitis B effect of isochlorogenic acid A isolated from Laggera alata (Asteraceae), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine.

Materials and methods

The anti-hepatitis B activity of isochlorogenic acid A was evaluated by the d-galactosamine (D-GalN)-induced HL-7702 hepatocyte damage model and the HBV-transfected HepG2.2.15 cells.

Results

Isochlorogenic acid A significantly improved HL-7702 hepatocyte viability and markedly inhibited the productions of HBsAg and HBeAg. The inhibitory rates of isochlorogenic acid A on the HBsAg and HBeAg expressions were 86.9% and 72.9%, respectively. In addition, isochlorogenic acid A declined markedly the content of hepatitis B virus covalently closed circular DNA (HBV cccDNA) and induced significantly the heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in HepG2.2.15 cells.

Conclusions

Isochlorogenic acid A was verified to possess the potent anti-hepatitis B activity. The anti-HBV target of isochlorogenic acid A is probably associated with blocking the translation step of the HBV replication. Overexpression of HO-1 may contribute to the anti-HBV activity of isochlorogenic acid A by reducing the stability of the HBV core protein and thus blocking the refill of nuclear HBV cccDNA. Additionally, the hepatoprotective effect of isochlorogenic acid A could be achieved by its antioxidative property and induction of HO-1.     

In vitro anti-breast cancer activity of ethanolic extract of Wrightia tomentosa: role of pro-apoptotic effects of oleanolic acid and urosolic acid

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. (PM) is an Ayurvedic traditional medicine well known for its antidiabetic potential.

Aim

To fractionate the antidiabetic constituent(s) of the aqueous of extract of PM hardwood (PME).

Materials and methods

Bio-assay methods including, insulin secretion from mouse pancreas and glucose uptake by mouse skeletal muscle, were used to determine and fractionate the antidiabetic activity of PME. Results obtained from the in vitro experiments were then verified by examining the effect of PME on glucose clearance in normoglycemic, non-diabetic sheep in vivo.

Results

Exposure of mouse pancreatic and muscle tissues to PME stimulated the insulin secretion and glucose uptake, respectively, in a concentration-dependent manner. PME-mediated muscle glucose uptake was not potentiated in the presence of insulin indicating that PME acts via pathways which are utilized by insulin. Bio-assay-guided fractionation of PME yielded a high molecular weight fraction which had potent antidiabetic properties in vitro, and in in vivo.

Conclusions

Our findings, we believe for the first time, provide novel insights for the antidiabetic constituents of PM and demonstrate that a high molecular weight constituent(s) of PM has potent insulinotrophic and insulin-like properties.     

Ethanol extract of Alismatis Rhizoma reduces acute lung inflammation by suppressing NF-κB and activating Nrf2

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The tuber of Alisma orientale Juzepzuk, a medicinal herb that has been used for the treatment of various disorders in Korea, has an anti-inflammatory effect. Here, we investigated a possible underlying mechanism and a protective effect on acute lung injury (ALI).

Materials and methods

Alisma orientale tuber was extracted in 80% ethanol and dried. The powder of the ethanol extract of Alisma orientale tuber (EEAO) was dissolved in PBS. The effect of EEAO on NF-κB and Nrf2 activities was analyzed with RAW 264.7 cells. The effect of EEAO on lung inflammation was determined by histologic and molecular biological analyses of the lung tissue of C57BL/6 mice that were gavaged once a day with 0.3 or 1.2 g/kg of EEAO for 14 days, prior to an intranasal administration of LPS (0.01 g/kg) for inducing ALI.

Results

EEAO pre-treatment of RAW 264.7 cells suppressed NF-κB activity and the expression of its dependent genes including COX-2, IL-1β and iNOS. Similar treatment enhanced Nrf2 activity and the expression of Nrf2-regulated genes including NQO-1, HO-1 and GCLC. LPS instillation induced acute neutrophilic lung inflammation, which was significantly suppressed by pre-treatment with EEAO. Analysis of the lungs revealed that EEAO pre-treatment induced the expression of Nrf2-regulated genes, with concomitant down-regulation of inflammatory gene expression.

Conclusions

EEAO attenuated lung inflammation in LPS-induced ALI mice, which was associated with differential regulation of NF-κB and Nrf2 activities. We suggest that EEAO can be developed as a potential therapeutics for the treatment of ALI.     

Curcumin alleviates ethanol-induced hepatocytes oxidative damage involving heme oxygenase-1 induction

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Curcumin is the main bioactive constituent derived from the rhizome of turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.), which has been used traditionally as hepatoprotective agents in ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.

Aim of the study

The present study was carried out to demonstrate the potential protective effect of curcumin pretreatment against ethanol-induced hepatocytes oxidative damage, with emphasis on heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) induction.

Materials and methods

Rat primary hepatocytes were isolated and treated with ethanol (100 mM) and diverse doses of curcumin (0–50 μM), which was pretreated at various time points (0–5 h) before ethanol administration. Hepatic enzyme releases in the culture medium and redox status including HO-1 enzyme activity were detected.

Results

Ethanol exposure resulted in a sustained malondialdehyde (MDA) elevation, glutathione (GSH) depletion and evident release of cellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), which was significantly ameliorated by curcumin pretreatment. In addition, dose- and time-dependent induction of HO-1 was involved in such hepatoprotective effects by curcumin.

Conclusions

Curcumin exerts hepatoprotective properties against ethanol involving HO-1 induction, which provide new insights into the pharmacological targets of curcumin in the prevention of alcoholic liver disease.     

Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) inhibits breast cancer metastasis

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F.H. Chen (Araliaceae) has been extensively used as a therapeutic agent to treat a variety of diseases. Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) consist of major therapeutically active components of Panax notoginseng. PNS inhibit the growth of a variety of tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. The aim of the study is to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of PNS on breast cancer metastasis.

Materials and methods

4T1 cell, a highly metastatic mouse breast carcinoma cell line, was utilized for in vitro and in vivo assays. In vitro assays were first performed to examine the effects of PNS on 4T1 cell viability, migration and invasion, respectively. Real-time PCR analyses were also performed to examine the effects of PNS on the expression of genes associated with tumor metastasis. The effect of PNS on 4T1 tumor cell metastasis was further assessed in spontaneous and experimental metastasis models in vivo.

Results

PNS treatment exhibited a dose-dependent effect on impairing 4T1 cell viability in vitro. However, when examined at a lower dose that did not affect cell viability, the migration and invasion of 4T1 cell was remarkably inhibited in vitro. Meanwhile, PNS treatment led to upregulated expression of genes known to inhibit metastasis and downregulated expression of genes promoting metastasis in cultured 4T1 cells. These results suggested a selective effect of PNS on 4T1 migration and invasion. This hypothesis was further addressed in 4T1 metastasis models in vivo. The results showed that the lung metastasis was significantly inhibited by PNS treatment in both spontaneous and experimental metastasis models.

Conclusion

Taken together, our results demonstrated an inhibitory effect of PNS on 4T1 tumor metastasis, warranting further evaluation of PNS as a therapeutic agent for treating breast cancer metastasis.     

白藜芦醇影响高转移卵巢癌细胞HO-8910PM转移相关能力的实验研究

目的:研究白藜芦醇对人高转移卵巢癌细胞HO-8910PM转移相关能力的影响。方法:以MTT法检测白藜芦醇对高转移卵巢癌细胞HO-8910PM的细胞毒作用;用Transwell小室法检测白藜芦醇对HO-8910PM细胞侵袭能力和趋化运动能力的影响;以细胞粘附人工重组基底膜实验检测白藜芦醇对HO-8910PM细胞粘附能力的影响。结果:白藜芦醇作用细胞6 h后能抑制HO-8910PM细胞体外趋化运动和粘附能力,其中100μmol/L抑制率分别为(30.1±10.8)%,(34.27±1.28)%,但白藜芦醇并不影响HO-8910PM细胞侵袭人工基底膜能力。结论:白藜芦醇能抑制高转移卵巢癌细胞HO-8910PM的运动和粘附能力,是潜在的抗肿瘤转移药物。     

Bee venom suppresses PMA-mediated MMP-9 gene activation via JNK/p38 and NF-κB-dependent mechanisms

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Bee venom has been used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and for the relief of pain in traditional oriental medicine.

Aim of the study

The purpose of this study is to elucidate the effects of bee venom on MMP-9 expression and determine possible mechanisms by which bee venom relieves or prevents the expression of MMP-9 during invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cells. We examined the expression and activity of MMP-9 and possible signaling pathway affected in PMA-induced MCF-7 cells.

Material and methods

Bee venom was obtained from the National Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology of Korea. Matrigel invasion assay, wound-healing assay, zymography assay, western blot assay, electrophoretic mobility shift assay and luciferase gene assay were used for assessment.

Results

Bee venom inhibited cell invasion and migration, and also suppressed MMP-9 activity and expression, processes related to tumor invasion and metastasis, in PMA-induced MCF-7 cells. Bee venom specifically suppressed the phosphorylation of p38/JNK and at the same time, suppressed the protein expression, DNA binding and promoter activity of NF-κB. The levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2 and c-Jun did not change. We also investigated MMP-9 inhibition by melittin, apamin and PLA₂, representative single component of bee venom. We confirmed that PMA-induced MMP-9 activity was significantly decreased by melittin, but not by apamin and phospholipase A₂. These data demonstrated that the expression of MMP-9 was abolished by melittin, the main component of bee venom.

Conclusion

Bee venom inhibits PMA-induced MMP-9 expression and activity by inhibition of NF-κB via p38 MAPK and JNK signaling pathways in MCF-7 cells. These results indicate that bee venom can be a potential anti-metastatic and anti-invasive agent. This useful effect may lead to future clinical research on the anti-cancer properties of bee venom.     

Proapoptotic and prepulse inhibition (PPI) disrupting effects of Hypericum perforatum in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

St. John's wort extract is commonly used as a wound healing, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, diuretic, antibiotic, antiviral and cancer chemoprotective agent. It also has nootropic and/or antiamnestic effects.

Aim of the study

Prepulse inhibition (PPI) of startle response is a valuable paradigm for sensorimotor gating processes. A previous study indicated that single administration of St. John's wort extract (500 mg/kg) caused PPI disruption in rats. The effect of antiamnestic doses of the extract on PPI has not been investigated despite the coexistence of impaired memory and PPI deficit in some neurological disorders.

Materials and methods

The effects of acute (500 mg/kg) and chronic (200 mg/kg for 3 days) administration of St. John's wort extract were investigated for its antiamnestic activity. The effects of administration of the antiamnestic dose of the extract and hyperforin, its main active component, were tested on PPI of an acoustic startle response in rats. This study also investigated the proapoptotic effect of hyperforin in animals, demonstrating PPI deficit, by electrophoresis of DNA isolated from selected brain areas.

Results

Disruption of PPI resulted after treatment of rats with an antiamnestic dose of the extract (200 mg/kg for 3 days) and with hyperforin. Gel electrophoresis showed DNA fragmentation of the cortices of hyperforin-treated animals exhibiting PPI deficit.

Conclusions

The exacerbating effect of St. John's wort extract on PPI deficit may provide a limitation for using the extract to manage cognitive disturbance in psychotic and Huntington's disease patients manifesting PPI deficit.     

矢车菊素-3-葡萄糖苷抑制体内外卵巢癌生长的作用

目的:探讨矢车菊素-3-葡萄糖苷对体内外卵巢癌生长的影响及其机制。方法:矢车菊素-3-葡萄糖苷作用人卵巢癌细胞株HO-8910PM后,CCK-8法检测细胞增殖;流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡;Western blotting检测卵巢癌细胞中Mucin-4蛋白表达;建立起裸鼠卵巢癌皮下移植瘤模型,观察矢车菊素-3-葡萄糖苷对裸鼠卵巢癌皮下移植瘤生长的影响;免疫组织化学法检测肿瘤组织中Ki-67和Mucin-4的阳性表达。结果:与对照组相比较,矢车菊素-3-葡萄糖苷可显著抑制体外卵巢癌HO-8910PM细胞生长,并明显诱导细胞凋亡;可显著下调卵巢癌细胞中Mucin-4的表达。矢车菊素-3-葡萄糖苷可显著抑制裸鼠卵巢癌皮下移植瘤生长;可明显降低卵巢癌肿瘤组织中Ki-67和Mucin-4的阳性表达。结论:矢车菊素-3-葡萄糖苷可显著抑制体内外卵巢癌生长,该作用可能通过抑制Mucin-4蛋白表达而实现。     

Baicalein,an active component of Scutellaria baicalensis, protects against lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Baicalein (BE), a phenolic flavonoid extracted mainly from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, a Chinese herb, is traditionally used in oriental medicine. Several studies have demonstrated that BE exerts many beneficial effects including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. However, its effect on acute lung injury (ALI) and the molecular mechanisms involved remain unclear and warrant further investigation. The aim of the study is to investigate whether BE improves lipopolysaccharide (LPS, intratracheally, i.t.)-induced ALI in rats, and further study the underlying mechanisms of its activity.

Material and methods

Rats were administrated with LPS (5 mg/kg/body weight, i.t.) through a 24-gauge catheter to establish the ALI model. The effects of BE on the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, nitrite/nitrate in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and the expression of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation as well as the histopathological changes were evaluated.

Results

Results showed that BE (20 mg/kg, i.p.) treatment markedly attenuated LPS-induced lung edema, elevation of the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, CINC-3, and nitrite/nitrate in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid accompanied by a remarkable improvement of lung histopathological symptoms. The LPS-enhanced inflammatory cell infiltration and myeloperoxidase activity, O₂⁻ formation and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and nitrotyrosin in lungs were all attenuated by BE. Notably, BE could augment Nrf2/HO-1 cascade, but inhibited NF-κB activation in LPS-instilled lungs that was strongly reversed by blocking HO-1 activity.

Conclusion

This study is the first to demonstrate that BE protects against LPS-induced ALI in rats. The underlying mechanisms may include inhibition of NF-κB-mediated inflammatory responses and upregulation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, which ultimately alleviates the pathological symptoms of ALI.