Retracted: Baicalin relieves TNF‐α‐evoked injury in human aortic endothelial cells by up‐regulation of miR‐145

Hypertension is recognized to be associated with low‐grade inflammation. Baicalin (BAI) is reported to possess various pharmacological including anti‐inflammatory activities. This research explored the molecular mechanism by which BAI functions in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). HAECs were pretreated with BAI. Cell viability, apoptosis, and expressions of crucial proteins were respectively evaluated using cell counting kit‐8 assay, flow cytometry, and western blot. Productions of cytokines were respectively assessed employing quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Cell transfection was utilized to alter miR‐145 expression. The expressions of proteins participated in JNK and p38MAPK pathways were analyzed utilizing western blot. TNF‐α inducement successfully evoked inflammatory injury in HAECs, exhibiting as prominently suppressed viability, while facilitated apoptosis and productions of cytokines. However, BAI pretreatment significantly ameliorated TNF‐α‐triggered inflammatory injuries. Besides, miR‐145 expression was markedly inhibited by TNF‐α inducement, while notably elevated by BAI pretreatment. Although miR‐145 overexpression had no significant influence on apoptosis, miR‐145 silence observably reversed BAI pretreatment‐evoked protective influences on TNF‐α‐induced HAECs, as well as the inhibited impacts on the levels of key proteins involved in JNK and p38MAPK pathways. This investigation illustrated that BAI relieved TNF‐α‐triggered injuries through upregulating miR‐145 via suppressing JNK and p38MAPK pathways.     

Retracted: Baicalin relieves lipopolysaccharide‐evoked inflammatory injury through regulation of miR‐21 in H9c2 cells

Myocarditis is a common heart disease which lacks effective treatment till now. Baicalin possesses plenty of activities, including anti‐inflammation. In this investigation, we attempted to investigate the influences of Baicalin on Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐evoked H9c2 cells.Cells viability, apoptosis, and expressions of apoptosis‐associated proteins were, respectively, measured utilizing CCK‐8 assay, flow cytometry and western blot. The levels of IL‐6 and TNF‐α were detected through enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, western blot and qRT‐PCR. miR‐21 expression was detected through qRT‐PCR and was silenced using cell transfection. The expressions of NF‐κB and PDCD4/JNK pathways related proteins were measured through western blot. We found that LPS stimulation induced cell apoptosis and upregulation of IL‐6 and TNF‐α. Baicalin treatment effectively suppressed LPS‐induced inflammation and apoptosis. The NF‐κB and PDCD4/JNK pathways were blocked by Baicalin. Additionally, the enhanced expression of miR‐21 triggered by LPS was further elevated by Baicalin. Further study revealed that the inhibiting effects of Baicalin on LPS‐evoked injury were largely attenuated by knockdown of miR‐21. Moreover, the associated NF‐κB and JNK pathways, which were suppressed by Baicalin treatment, were then activated by knockdown of miR‐21. Our present study revealed that Baicalin alleviated LPS‐evoked inflammatory injury via suppressing the NF‐κB and PDCD4/JNK pathways through regulating miR‐21 expression.     

Houttuynia cordata Thunb. Volatile Oil Exhibited Anti‐inflammatory Effects In Vivo and Inhibited Nitric Oxide and Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α Production in LPS‐stimulated Mouse Peritoneal Macrophages In Vitro

Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (HC) is a medicinal herb that generally used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating allergic inflammation. The present study investigated the inhibitory effect of the volatile oil from HC Thunb. on animal models of inflammation and the production of inflammatory mediators in vivo and in vitro. In vivo, xylene‐induced mouse ear edema, formaldehyde‐induced paw edema and carrageenan‐induced mice paw edema were significantly decreased by HC volatile oil. HC volatile oil showed pronounced inhibition of prostaglandin (PG) E₂ and malondialdehyde production in the edematous exudates. In vitro exposure of mouse resident peritoneal macrophages to 1, 10, 100 and 1000 µg/mL of HC volatile oil significantly suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated production of NO and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in a dose‐dependent manner. Exposure to HC volatile oil had no effect on cell viability and systemic toxicity. Furthermore, HC volatile oil inhibited the production of NO and TNF‐α by down‐regulating LPS‐stimulated iNOS and TNF‐α mRNA expression. Western blot analysis showed that HC volatile oil attenuated LPS‐stimulated synthesis of iNOS and TNF‐α protein in the macrophages, in parallel. These findings add a novel aspect to the biological profile of HC and clarify its anti‐inflammatory mechanism. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Retracted: Ganoderic Acid A exerts the cytoprotection against hypoxia‐triggered impairment in PC12 cells via elevating microRNA‐153

Ganoderic Acid A (GAA) is often applied for healing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular ailments, but the influences in cerebral ischemia injury are still hazy. The research delved into the functions of GAA in hypoxia‐triggered impairment in PC12 cells. PC12 cells received hypoxia management for 12 hr, and subsequently, cell viability, migration, apoptosis, and correlative protein levels were assessed. After preprocessing with GAA, above cell behaviors were monitored again. The vector of microRNA (miR)‐153 inhibitor was utilized for PC12 cell transfection to further explore the functions of miR‐153 in hypoxia‐impaired cells. Pathways of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) were investigated via executing western blot for uncovering the latent mechanism. Results revealed that hypoxia disposition triggered PC12 cells impairment via restraining cell viability and migration and accelerating apoptosis. However, GAA visibly mollified hypoxia‐provoked impairment in PC12 cells. Interestingly, the enhancement of miR‐153 triggered by GAA was observed in hypoxia‐impaired PC12 cells. After miR‐153 inhibitor transfection, the protective functions of GAA in hypoxia‐impaired PC12 cells were dramatically inversed. Furthermore, GAA caused PI3K/AKT and mTOR activations via enhancement of miR‐153 in hypoxia‐impaired PC12 cells. The findings evinced that GAA exhibited the protective functions in PC12 cells against hypoxia‐evoked impairment through activating PI3K/AKT and mTOR via elevating miR‐153.     

Retracted: Ganoderic acid A alleviates hypoxia‐induced apoptosis,autophagy, and inflammation in rat neural stem cells through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways

Effects of ganoderic acid A (GAA), a lanostane triterpene, on hypoxia‐ischemia encephalopathy (HIE) remain unclear. We aimed to figure out the specific role of GAA in hypoxia‐treated neural stem cells (NSCs) as well as the regulatory mechanisms. Primary rat NSCs were incubated under hypoxia to simulate HIE. Viability and apoptosis of hypoxia‐injured NSCs were measured by cell counting kit‐8 and flow cytometry assays, respectively. Proteins related to apoptosis, autophagy, and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways were evaluated by Western blot analysis. LY294002 and rapamycin were added to inhibit the PI3K/AKT pathway and mTOR pathway, respectively. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was carried out to test the release of proinflammatory cytokines. We found that hypoxia‐induced decrease of cell viability, increases of apoptotic cells and autophagy, and the release of IL‐6, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α were all attenuated by GAA stimulation. Activation of caspases induced by hypoxia was alleviated by GAA. Furthermore, we found that inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway eliminated the effects of GAA on apoptosis and proinflammatory cytokines release in hypoxia‐injured NSCs. Meanwhile, inhibition of the mTOR pathway abrogated the effects of GAA on cell autophagy in hypoxia‐injured NSCs. In conclusion, GAA alleviated hypoxia‐induced injury in NSCs might be through activating the PI3K/AKT and mTOR pathways.     

Praeruptorin a inhibits lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammatory response in murine macrophages through inhibition of NF‐κB pathway activation

Praeruptorin A (PA) is a pyranocoumarin compound isolated from the dried root of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn (Umbelliferae). However, the antiinflammatory effect of PA has not been reported. The present study investigated the antiinflammatory effect of PA in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. PA significantly inhibited the LPS‐induced production of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). The mRNA and protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), IL‐1β and TNF‐α were also suppressed by this compound. Further study showed that PA decreased the cytoplasmic loss of inhibitor κB‐α (IκB‐α) protein and inhibited the translocation of NF‐κB from cytoplasm to nucleus. Taken together, the results suggest that PA may exert antiinflammatory effects in vitro in LPS‐stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages through inhibition of NF‐κB signal pathway activation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Antihyperglycemic effects of baicalin on streptozotocin – nicotinamide induced diabetic rats

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of baicalin on blood glucose, insulin and cytokine levels. Rat diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of nicotinamide and streptozotocin. Diabetic rats were dosed with i.p. baicalin or oral metformin daily for 8 days. Blood glucose, insulin and hepatic glycogen were determined using conventional methods. The activity of hepatic hexokinase was determined using a coupled assay with glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase. Serum levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and adiponectin were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Administration of baicalin at 50 or 100 mg/kg significantly decreased plasma glucose levels in a dose dependent manner. The serum insulin level was not increased by baicalin treatment. Administration of baicalin at a high dose (100 mg/kg) resulted in a significant increase of liver glycogen content and a reduction of serum TNF‐α. The activity of hepatic hexokinase was significantly increased after dosing baicalin at 25, 50 or 10 mg/kg. Administration of baicalin (50 or 10 mg/kg) or metformin (10 mg/kg) significantly alleviated the morphological injury to the pancreas caused by STZ. The possible mechanisms contributing to the hypoglycemic effect include increasing the hepatic glycogen content and glycolysis, and reducing the serum levels of TNF‐α. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sour Cherry Seed Kernel Extract Increases Heme Oxygenase‐1 Expression and Decreases Representation of CD3+ TNF‐α + and CD3 + IL‐8+ Subpopulations in Peripheral Blood Leukocyte Cultures from Type 2 Diabetes Patients

The present study evaluates a hypothesis that sour cherry (Prunus cerasus) seed extracts (SCE) modulate CD3+ T lymphocyte activity in ways predictive of potential for uses of SCE in management of inflammatory diseases. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 12 type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients and eight healthy control subjects were cultured 24 h with 100 ng/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to increase inflammatory signaling and co‐incubated with 0.5–100 µg/ml SCE. Cultures were evaluated by two‐color flow cytometry for percent representation of CD3+ IL8+ and CD3 + TNF‐α + cells which express interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), and tumor necrosis factor‐α, (TNF‐α+) respectively, and by enzyme‐linked immunoassay for lymphocyte‐associated heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1, known to be induced by SCE). SCE dosage ranges of 0.5–100 µg/ml in cell cultures significantly suppressed LPS‐increased CD3 + TNF‐α + and CD3 + IL8+ representation from all participants (p < 0.05), with greater pharmacological effect noted in suppression of CD3 + TNF‐α + noted in cells from T2DM patients versus healthy control subjects. These effects correlated with increased HO‐1 expression in SCE‐treated PBMC from all subjects (p < 0.05). Since TNF‐α and IL‐8 are diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers for many inflammatory syndromes, the capacity of SCE to down‐regulate representation of cells that express them suggests potential for therapeutic use of SCE in T2DM and other diseases. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Retracted: Lipopolysaccharides‐mediated injury to chondrogenic ATDC5 cells can be relieved by Sinomenine via downregulating microRNA‐192

Sinomenine (SIN) is an isoquinoline derived from Caulis Sinomenii that has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis for several decades in China. This study aims to reveal the effects of SIN on mouse chondrogenic ATDC5 cells growth and inflammation. SIN was used to treat ATDC5 cells injured by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). The following parameters were determined for evaluating the treatment effects of SIN: cell viability, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species generation, and pro‐inflammatory cytokines release. Besides, the expression of LPS‐sensitive miRNA (miR‐192) and the activation of NF‐κB and MAPK signaling were studied to explain SIN's function. SIN with concentration of 30 μM significantly attenuated LPS‐induced cell damage via increasing cell viability, inhibiting apoptosis and reactive oxygen species generation, and declining IL‐6 and TNF‐α release. miR‐192 was downregulated by SIN treatment. Restoration of miR‐192 expression by miRNA transfection could significantly impede SIN's protective action. Besides, the inhibitory effects of SIN on the activation of NF‐κB and MAPK signaling were attenuated by miR‐192 overexpression. Furthermore, GDF11 was found to be a target gene of miR‐192. LPS‐mediated injury to chondrogenic ATDC5 cells can be relieved by SIN via downregulating miR‐192 and subsequently repressing the activation of NF‐κB and MAPK signaling.     

Kaempferitrin inhibits proliferation,induces apoptosis,and ameliorates inflammation in human rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast‐like synoviocytes

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex chronic inflammatory disease that is associated with the aberrant activation of fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS). Kaempferitrin is a natural flavonoid glycoside that possesses anti‐inflammatory bioactivity. However, the effect of kaempferitrin on RA has not yet been revealed. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of kaempferitrin on human RA‐FLS MH7A cell line. We found that kaempferitrin inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of MH7A cells. Kaempferitrin decreased the levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐1, and MMP‐3 in MH7A cells. Moreover, kaempferitrin blocked the activation of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) and protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways. Furthermore, treatment with kaempferitrin decreased paw thickness and arthritis scores, and reduced the serum levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α in a collagen‐induced arthritis mouse model. In conclusion, kaempferitrin inhibited cell proliferation, induced cell apoptosis, and ameliorated inflammation of RA‐FLS by suppressing the NF‐κB and Akt/mTOR pathways.     

Anti‐Proliferative Effects of Polyphenols from Pomegranate Rind (Punica granatum L.) on EJ Bladder Cancer Cells Via Regulation of p53/miR‐34a Axis

miRNAs and their validated miRNA targets appear as novel effectors in biological activities of plant polyphenols; however, limited information is available on miR‐34a mediated cytotoxicity of pomegranate rind polyphenols in cancer cell lines. For this purpose, cell viability assay, Realtime quantitative PCR for mRNA quantification, western blot for essential protein expression, p53 silencing by shRNA and miR‐34a knockdown were performed in the present study. EJ cell treatment with 100 µg (GAE)/mL PRE for 48 h evoked poor cell viability and caspase‐dependent pro‐apoptosis appearance. PRE also elevated p53 protein and triggered miR‐34a expression. The c‐Myc and CD44 were confirmed as direct targets of miR‐34a in EJ cell apoptosis induced by PRE. Our results provide sufficient evidence that polyphenols in PRE can be potential molecular clusters to suppress bladder cancer cell EJ proliferation via p53/miR‐34a axis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Myrislignan Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide‐induced Inflammation Reaction in Murine Macrophage Cells Through Inhibition of NF‐κB Signalling Pathway Activation

Myrislignan is a new kind of lignan isolated from Myristica fragrans Houtt. Its antiinflammatory effects have not yet been reported. In the present study, the antiinflammatory effects and the underlying mechanisms of myrislignan in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammation in murine RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were investigated. Myrislignan significantly inhibited LPS‐induced production of nitric oxide (NO) in a dose‐dependent manner. It inhibited mRNA expression and release of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). This compound significantly inhibited mRNA and protein expressions of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) dose‐dependently in LPS‐stimulated macrophage cells. Further study showed that myrislignan decreased the cytoplasmic loss of inhibitor κB‐α (IκB‐α) protein and the translocation of NF‐κB from cytoplasm to the nucleus. Our results suggest that myrislignan may exert its antiinflammatory effects in LPS‐stimulated macrophages cells by inhibiting the NF‐κB signalling pathway activation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The anti‐inflammatory effect of baicalin on hypoxia/reoxygenation and TNF‐α induced injury in cultural rat cardiomyocytes

The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of baicalin on hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury in cardiomyocytes and the mechanisms involved, particularly in relation to cytokines. The cardiomyocytes for the H/R groups were placed into a hypoxic chamber for 12 h and then underwent reoxygenation for 1 h. The cells in the TNF‐α groups were administered 100 ng/mL rrTNF‐α and incubated for 13 h under normal conditions. The cells in the baicalin pretreatment groups were administered 10 μM baicalin 30 min prior to exposure to H/R or TNF‐α. It was observed that pretreatment with baicalin (10 μM) significantly reduced the cell damage and death induced by H/R or TNF‐α. In the culture medium of the H/R cells, the SOD activity increased, while TNF‐α was decreased by baicalin. The levels of IL‐6 in culture medium for H/R or TNF‐α treated cells were suppressed by baicalin pretreatment. In contrast, the levels of IL‐10 in culture medium for H/R or TNF‐α treated cells were significantly elevated by baicalin. Moreover, baicalin inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB induced by H/R or TNF‐α. In conclusion, baicalin may protect cardiomyocytes from H/R injury through an anti‐inflammatory mechanism. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Inhibition of TNF‐α‐Induced MUC5AC Mucin Gene Expression and Production by Wogonin Through the Inactivation of NF‐κB Signaling in Airway Epithelial Cells

In this study, we investigated whether wogonin significantly affects MUC5AC mucin gene expression and production in human airway epithelial cells. Confluent NCI‐H292 cells were pretreated with wogonin for 30 min and then stimulated with tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) for 24 h or the indicated periods. The MUC5AC mucin gene expression and mucin protein production were measured by RT‐PCR and ELISA, respectively. We found that incubation of NCI‐H292 cells with wogonin significantly inhibited mucin production and down‐regulated MUC5AC gene expression induced by TNF‐α in a dose‐dependent fashion. To elucidate the action mechanism of wogonin, effect of wogonin on TNF‐α‐induced NF‐κB signaling pathway was investigated by western blot analysis. Wogonin inhibited NF‐κB activation induced by TNF‐α. Inhibition of IKK by wogonin led to the suppression of IκB phosphorylation and degradation, p65 nuclear translocation and NF‐κB‐regulated gene expression. This, in turn, led to the down‐regulation of MUC5AC protein production in NCI‐H292 cells. Wogonin also inhibited the gene products involved in cell survival (Bcl‐2) and proliferation (cyclooxygenase‐2). These results suggest that wogonin inhibits the NF‐κB signaling pathway, which may explain its role in the inhibition of MUC5AC mucin gene expression and production. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Farrerol attenuates MPP+‐induced inflammatory response by TLR4 signaling in a microglia cell line

Farrerol was found to possess neuroprotective effect; however, the mechanism remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of farrerol on MPP⁺‐induced inflammation in mouse microglial BV‐2 cells and to elaborate the underlying mechanism. MTT assay was performed to measure the cell viability. The pro‐inflammatory mediators and cytokines including interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐1β, and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α); inducible nitric oxide synthase; and cyclooxygenase 2 were measured. The expression of p‐p65, p‐IκBα, toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), and myeloid differentiation primary response 88 were analyzed by western blot. We found that farrerol treatment improved cell viability in MPP⁺‐induced BV‐2 cells. MPP⁺‐induced upregulation of IL‐6, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α was inhibited by farrerol treatment. Farrerol treatment also attenuated MPP⁺‐induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase 2 as well as the activation of NF‐κB in BV‐2 cells. MPP⁺‐induced TLR4 signaling was markedly diminished by farrerol treatment. Knockdown of TLR4 attenuated MPP⁺‐induced inflammatory response in BV‐2 cells. In conclusion, farrerol treatment attenuated MPP⁺‐induced inflammatory response by inhibiting the TLR4 signaling pathway in BV‐2 cells. The results indicated that farrerol could be used as a therapeutic agent for preventing or alleviating the neuroinflammation‐related diseases, such as Parkinson's disease.     

Inhibition of LPS‐Induced TNF‐α and NO Production in Mouse Macrophage and Inflammatory Response in Rat Animal Models by a Novel Ayurvedic Formulation,BV‐9238

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic crippling disease, where protein‐based tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) inhibitors show significant relief, but with potentially fatal side effects. A need for a safe, oral, cost‐effective small molecule or phyto‐pharmaceutical is warranted. BV‐9238 is an Ayurvedic poly‐herbal formulation containing specialized standardized extracts of Withania somnifera, Boswellia serrata, Zingiber officinale and Curcuma longa. The anti‐inflammatory and anti‐arthritic effects of BV‐9238 were evaluated for inhibition of TNF‐α and nitric oxide (NO) production, in lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated, RAW 264.7, mouse macrophage cell line. BV‐9238 reduced TNF‐α and NO production, without any cytotoxic effects. Subsequently, the formulation was tested in adjuvant‐induced arthritis (AIA) and carrageenan‐induced paw edema (CPE) rat animal models. AIA was induced in rats by injecting Freund's complete adjuvant intra‐dermally in the paw, and BV‐9238 and controls were administered orally for 21 days. Arthritic scores in AIA study and inflamed paw volume in CPE study were significantly reduced upon treatment with BV‐9238. These results suggest that the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐arthritic effects of BV‐9238 are due to its inhibition of TNF‐α, and NO, and this formulation shows promise as an alternate therapy for inflammatory disorders where TNF‐α and NO play important roles. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Resveratrol inhibits mucin gene expression, production and secretion from airway epithelial cells

The study investigated whether resveratrol significantly affects mucin gene expression, production and secretion from airway epithelial cells. Confluent NCI‐H292 cells were pretreated with resveratrol for 30 min and then stimulated with EGF (epidermal growth factor), PMA (phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate) and TNF‐α (tumor necrosis factor‐α) for 24 h, respectively. The MUC5AC gene expression and mucin protein production were measured by RT‐PCR and ELISA. The effect of resveratrol on TNF‐α‐ or PMA‐induced activation of NF‐κB p65 was also examined. Confluent primary rat tracheal surface epithelial (RTSE) cells were pretreated with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for 5 min and then treated for 30 min in the presence of resveratrol to assess the effect on mucin secretion using ELISA. The results were as follows: (1) resveratrol inhibited the expression of MUC5AC gene induced by EGF or PMA or TNF‐α from NCI‐H292 cells; (2) resveratrol also inhibited the production of MUC5AC mucin protein induced by the same inducers from NCI‐H292 cells; (3) resveratrol inhibited the activation of NF‐κB p65 by TNF‐α or PMA in NCI‐H292 cells; (4) resveratrol significantly decreased ATP‐induced mucin secretion from cultured RTSE cells. This result suggests that resveratrol can regulate mucin gene expression, production and secretion, by directly acting on airway epithelial cells. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Asiaticoside Inhibits TNF‐α‐Induced Endothelial Hyperpermeability of Human Aortic Endothelial Cells

The increase in endothelial permeability often promotes edema formation in various pathological conditions. Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), a pro‐atherogenic cytokine, impairs endothelial barrier function and causes endothelial dysfunction in early stage of atherosclerosis. Asiaticoside, one of the triterpenoids derived from Centella asiatica, is known to possess antiinflammatory activity. In order to examine the role of asiaticoside in preserving the endothelial barrier, we assessed its effects on endothelial hyperpermeability and disruption of actin filaments evoked by TNF‐α in human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC). TNF‐α caused an increase in endothelial permeability to fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐dextran. Asiaticoside pretreatment significantly suppressed TNF‐α‐induced increased permeability. Asiaticoside also prevented TNF‐α‐induced actin redistribution by suppressing stress fiber formation. However, the increased F to G actin ratio stimulated by TNF‐α was not changed by asiaticoside. Cytochalasin D, an actin depolymerizing agent, was used to correlate the anti‐hyperpermeability effect of asiaticoside with actin cytoskeleton. Surprisingly, asiaticoside failed to prevent cytochalasin D‐induced increased permeability. These results suggest that asiaticoside protects against the disruption of endothelial barrier and actin rearrangement triggered by TNF‐α without a significant change in total actin pool. However, asiaticoside seems to work by other mechanisms to maintain the integrity of endothelial barrier rather than stabilizing the F‐actin organization. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Diosmetin exhibits anti‐proliferative and anti‐inflammatory effects on TNF‐α‐stimulated human rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast‐like synoviocytes through regulating the Akt and NF‐κB signaling pathways

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by inflammation and proliferation of synovial tissues. Diosmetin is a bioflavonoid possessing an anti‐inflammatory property. Herein, we aimed to study the effects of diosmetin on the inflammation and proliferation of RA fibroblast‐like synoviocytes MH7A cells. MH7A cell proliferation was measured using cell counting kit‐8 assay. Cell apoptosis was examined using flow cytometry. The production of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, and matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1) was measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results showed that diosmetin inhibited tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α)‐induced proliferation increase in MH7A cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Diosmetin treatment resulted in an increase in apoptotic rates and a reduction in TNF‐α‐induced production of IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, and MMP‐1 in MH7A cells. Furthermore, diosmetin inhibited TNF‐α‐induced activation of protein kinase B (Akt) and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) pathways in MH7A cells. Suppression of Akt or NF‐κB promoted apoptosis and inhibited TNF‐α‐induced proliferation increase and production of IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, and MMP‐1 in MH7A cells, and diosmetin treatment enhanced these effects. Taken together, these findings suggested that diosmetin exhibited anti‐proliferative and anti‐inflammatory effects via inhibiting the Akt and NF‐κB pathways in MH7A cells.