Anti-inflammatory effect of phenethyl isothiocyanate, an active ingredient of Raphanus sativus Linne

Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) is an active ingredient of Raphanus sativus Linne (Cruciferae). However, regulatory mechanism of PEITC involved in caspase-1 signalling has not been fully elucidated in mast cells. First, PEITC inhibited the production of IL-6 through the inhibition of caspase-1/receptor-interacting protein 2, followed by regulation of NF-κB/IκBα pathway or p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase mitogen-activated protein kinases. Second, PEITC inhibited the IL-1β production through the inhibition of caspase-1 proteolytic activity. Overall, these results provide a proof that PEITC can inhibit the inflammatory reactions by two distinct pathways in mast cells and open new perspectives to pharmacologically manipulate the expression and production of IL-6 and IL-1β by molecules acting on the caspase-1 pathway.     

Caudatin attenuates inflammatory reaction by suppressing JNK/AP-1/NF-κB/caspase-1 pathways in activated HMC-1 cells

One of the interfering factors in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the cytokine storm, which contributes to hyperinflammation. Mast cells cause COVID-19 hyperinflammation by increasing inflammatory cytokine levels. We investigated whether caudatin, an active compound of Cynanchum auriculatum, could suppress inflammatory response signaling in human mast cell line, HMC-1 cells. Caudatin suppressed activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) in HMC-1 cells. Caudatin suppressed nuclear translocation of catalytic subunit (p65) of nuclear factor (NF)-κB by blocking IκBα phosphorylation and degradation. Caudatin also reduced levels of activated-caspase-1 protein and activation of caspase-1. Non-toxic caudatin doses inhibited the mRNA expression and protein synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines. A significant finding was that caudatin inhibited JNK/AP-1/NF-κB/caspase-1 signaling molecules, reducing the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Consequently, we propose that caudatin might be used as a material in health functional foods to alleviate mast cell-mediated inflammatory conditions like COVID-19.     

Chinese quince (Chaenomeles sinensis) extract inhibits cell migration and cytokine release in HMC-1 cells

Chinese quince (Chaenomeles sinensis; CS) is known as a traditional oriental medicine for treating anaphylaxis and viral infection. Mast cells play an important role in a variety of inflammatory diseases. The inhibitory effects of CS extract on the inflammatory response of human mast cells were examined. CS extract inhibited HMC-1 cell migration in response to stem cell factor (SCF). Its mechanism is involved in the inhibition of a surface expression of c-kit binding to SCF. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression is induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and calcium ionophore (CaI). CS extract inhibited the TNF-α expression by blocking the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) in HMC-1 cells. CS extract suppressed the expression of interlukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 in human monocytic THP-1 cells, as well as the secretion of IL-6 in human keratinocytic HaCaT cells.     

Mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hilaire) saponins induce caspase-3-dependent apoptosis in human colon cancer cells in vitro

Saponins are naturally occurring metabolites associated with several health benefits. The objective was to quantify and purify saponins from mate dry leaves, and to assess their anti inflammatory and apoptotic mechanisms in human colon cancer cells in vitro. Matesaponins were extracted with methanol from dry leaves, partially purified and quantified. Leaves contained 10–15 mg/g dry weight total saponins, predominantly matesaponins 1 and 2. HPLC and LC/ESI-MS-MS identified saponins in six preparative chromatographic fractions (A, B, C, D, E, and F). Major matesaponins were identified as 1 [M–H]⁻ = 911 and 2 [M–H]⁻ = 1057, with trace amounts of 3 [M–H]⁻ = 1073, 4 [M–H]⁻ = 1219, and 5 [M–H]⁻ = 1383. Fractions D, E, and F significantly inhibited iNOS (IC₃₅ = 36.3, 29.5, 43.7 μM), PGE₂ (IC₃₅ = 23.1, 22.3, 11.7 μM) and COX-2 (IC₃₅ = 45.7, 32.4, 17.0 μM). Fraction F reduced nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB subunits p50 (49.8%) and p65 (49.0%) and induced apoptosis through suppression of Bcl-2 and increased Bax protein expressions and activated caspase-3 activity. Saponins in leaves of mate prevent inflammation and colon cancer in vitro.     

Anti-allergic activity of grapeseed extract (GSE) on RBL-2H3 mast cells

Grapeseed extract (GSE) is a rich source of natural phenolic compounds and possesses various pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. However, effects of GSE on immunoglobulin (Ig) E-mediated allergic responses still remain elusive. In the present study, the effects of GSE on activation and degranulation of RBL-2H3 mast cells were investigated. GSE pretreatments (20-100 μg/ml) reduced IgE-antigen mediated release of β-hexosaminidase and histamine in RBL-2H3 cells. Additionally, GSE reversibly inhibited expression of FcεRI on RBL-2H3 cells. GSE treatments caused a significant elevation of intracellular cAMP levels, whereas the Ca²⁺ influx upon antigen stimulation was inhibited. Suppression on FcεRI expression together with decreased calcium uptake and increased cAMP level might be involved in attenuated degranulation of mast cells by GSE treatment. Our results suggest a possible pharmaceutical application of GSE in treating type I allergic diseases.     

Comparative effects of tocotrienol-rich fraction, α-tocopherol and α-tocopheryl acetate on inflammatory mediators and nuclear factor kappa B expression in mouse peritoneal macrophages

The effects of tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF), α-tocopherol (T) and α-tocopheryl acetate (TA) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in mouse peritoneal macrophages were examined. Results showed that at 5–30 μg/ml, all test compounds plus 1 μg/ml LPS exhibited no cytotoxic effects on macrophage cells. Compared with T and TA, TRF showed the strongest anti-inflammatory activity as demonstrated by its potency in inhibiting the LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), and proinflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β and IL-6) production. At 10 μg/ml, it significantly blocked the LPS induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression, but has no effect on cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1). Furthermore, TRF also showed a greater inhibition on the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) expression than T and TA. These results suggest that TRF could be a better agent than T and TA for use in the prevention of chronic inflammatory diseases.     

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) hydrolysates inhibit inflammation in LPS-induced macrophages through suppression of NF-κB pathways

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of protein hydrolysates of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) varieties Negro 8025 and Pinto Durango and determine their effect on the markers of inflammation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. Cell viability was determined and the percentage of viable cells was calculated and concentrations that allowed >80% cell viability were used to determine the markers of inflammation. Alcalase hydrolysates and pepsin–pancreatin hydrolysates showed the highest antioxidant capacity after 80 and 120 min of hydrolysis, respectively. Alcalase hydrolysates of the common bean Pinto Durango at 120 min inhibited inflammation, with IC₅₀ values of 34.9 ± 0.3, 13.9 ± 0.3, 5.0 ± 0.1 and 3.7 ± 0.2 μM, while var. Negro needed 43.6 ± 0.2, 61.3 ± 0.3, 14.2 ± 0.3 and 48.2 ± 0.1 μM for the inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 expression, prostaglandin E₂ production, inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and nitric oxide production, respectively. Also, hydrolysates significantly inhibited the transactivation of NF-κB and the nuclear translocation of the NF-κB p65 subunit. In conclusion, hydrolysates from the common bean can be used to combat inflammatory and oxidative-associated diseases.     

Differential effects of polyphenols-enriched extracts from hawthorn fruit peels and fleshes on cell cycle and apoptosis in human MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells

This study was to investigate the anticancer effects of the peel polyphenolic extract (HPP) and flesh polyphenolic extract (HFP) from hawthorn fruit in human MCF-7 breast cancer cells. It was found that the polyphenol and flavonoid contents of HPP were significant higher than that of HFP. Both HPP and HFP inhibited cell growth in a dose-dependent manner with the IC₅₀ of 88.6 μg/mL and 175.5 μg/mL, respectively, suggesting that HPP was more effective against MCF-7 cells than HFP. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that both HPP and HFP mediated the cell-cycle arrest at the S-phase, and also dose-dependently led to apoptosis of MCF-7 cells via the mitochondrial pathway, as evidenced by the activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9 and the elevation of intracellular ROS production. All these findings indicate that hawthorn fruit, especially its peel, is an excellent source of natural chemopreventive agents in the treatment of breast cancer.     

Toona sinensis and its major bioactive compound gallic acid inhibit LPS-induced inflammation in nuclear factor-κB transgenic mice as evaluated by in vivo bioluminescence imaging

In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of a nutritious vegetable Toona sinensis (leaf extracts, TS) and its major bioactive compound gallic acid (GA) by analysing LPS-induced NF-κB activation in transgenic mice, using bioluminescence imaging. Mice were challenged intraperitoneally with LPS (1 mg/kg) and treated orally with TS or GA (100 or 5 mg/kg, respectively). In vivo and ex vivo imaging showed that LPS increased NF-κB luminescence in the abdominal region, which was significantly inhibited by TS or GA. Immunohistochemical and ELISA analyses confirmed that TS and GA inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB, interleukin-1β, and tumour necrosis factor-α expression. Microarray analysis revealed that biological pathways associated with metabolism and the immune responses were affected by TS or GA. Particularly, LPS-induced thioredoxin-like 4B (TXNL4B) 2 expression in the small intestine, and TXNL4B, iNOS, and COX-2 expression in RAW 264.7 cells were significantly inhibited by TS or GA. Thus, the anti-inflammatory potential of TS was mediated by the downregulation of NF-κB pathway.     

A phenolic antioxidant from the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) inhibits oxidation of cultured human hepatocytes mediated by diphenyl-1-pyrenylphosphine

3,5-Dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzyl alcohol (DHMBA), an antioxidant isolated from the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas), was studied in a cell-based fluorometric antioxidant assay using human hepatocyte-derived cells (C3A) and diphenyl-1-pyrenylphosphine (DPPP) as a fluorescent probe. In comparison with two hydrophilic antioxidants, DHMBA showed the stronger inhibition of DPPP-mediated fluorescence than chlorogenic acid and l-ascorbic acid: at a concentration of 320 μM of DPPP, the inhibition was 26.4 ± 2.6%, 11.1 ± 1.2%, and 0 ± 2.0% for DHMBA, chlorogenic acid, and l-ascorbic acid, respectively (mean ± SD, n = 4). Their relative oxygen radical absorbance capacities (ORAC) were dissociated with their cell-based antioxidant activities: 1.47 ± 0.40, 4.57 ± 0.30, and 0.53 ± 0.13 μmol TE/μmol for DHMBA, chlorogenic acid, and l-ascorbic acid, respectively (mean ± SD, n = 4). The amphiphilicity of DHMBA was better than chlorogenic acid and l-ascorbic acid might underlie this dissociation. Since the C3A cells are human hepatoma-derived cells, DHMBA might be useful in the prevention and treatment of liver diseases by involving an oxidation process.     

Caffeate derivatives induce apoptosis in COLO 205 human colorectal carcinoma cells through Fas- and mitochondria-mediated pathways

The objective of this study was to investigate the anticancer activity of caffeate derivatives in human cancer cells. Our results demonstrate that caffeate derivatives decreased the population growth of COLO 205, assessed using the MTT assay. However, caffeate derivatives, at the concentrations used in this study (0-250 μM) did not affect the viability of HepG2, Huh7, PLC5, and SK-Hep-1 cells. Flow cytometric analysis of COLO 205 cells exposed to decyl caffeate showed that the number of apoptotic cells increased in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Western blot analysis revealed that decyl caffeate stimulated an increase in protein expression levels of p53, Fas, FasL, AIF, and Apaf-1. Additionally, treatment with decyl caffeate changed the expression levels of Bcl-2 family members and subsequently induced the activation of caspase-12, caspase-9, and caspase-3, which was followed by cleavage of PARP. Our findings highlight the chemopreventive potential of decyl caffeate.     

Phenethyl isothiocyanate decreases thymic stromal lymphopoietin‐induced inflammatory reactions in mast cells

Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) has been reported to have anti‐inflammatory and anti‐carcinogenic properties. However, the anti‐inflammatory effects of PEITC on thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP)‐induced inflammatory responses are uncertain. This study evaluates pharmacological activities of PEITC on inflammatory reactions in TSLP‐stimulated mast cells. Human mast cell line HMC‐1 was treated with PEITC (0.04, 0.4, and 4 µM) and subjected to inflammation by TSLP. Our results showed that PEITC significantly attenuated IL‐13 and TNF‐α levels increased by TSLP in HMC‐1. PEITC significantly decreased TSLP‐promoted HMC‐1 proliferation and Ki67 mRNA expression. Protein levels of MDM2 and pSTAT6 increased by TSLP were significantly suppressed by PEITC in HMC‐1. In addition, PEITC significantly enhanced protein levels of cleaved poly ADP‐ribose polymerase and p53 decreased by TSLP. Based on the effects of PEITC on inflammation and proliferation in this study, it is possible that PEITC is a potential candidate to treat mast cells‐mediated inflammatory disorders.

Practical applications

This report provides strong evidence that Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) which is a dietary constituent derived from cruciferous vegetables, may be considered an alternative agent for treatment of mast cells‐mediated inflammatory disorders.     

Regulation and improvement of triterpene formation in plant cultured cells of Eriobotrya japonica Lindl

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl) is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant that contains triterpenes, which have been shown to exhibit pharmaceutical activities. In this study, we investigated various different culture conditions for cultured cells of loquat to produce triterpenes, including illumination, carbon source, nutrient composition and culture system. When cultured on 2.5 mg/l of 6-benzyladenine, 1 mg/l of naphthalene acetic acid and 30 g/l of sucrose at 25 ± 2 °C in the dark for 30 days, the nutrient composition significantly regulated the cell growth and triterpene production. Supplied with the Murashige and Skoog medium reached higher level of dry weight (1.27 ± 0.09 g per flask) and total triterpene production (151.54 ± 12.58 mg/g of cultured cells), and the N6 medium produced tormentic acid but inhibited other triterpene products, while the B5 medium produced relatively high corosolic acid. Also found, suspension cultures of loquat cell could achieve high productivity as callus culture.     

羊栖菜多酚通过核转录因子-κB/丝裂原活化蛋白激酶通路缓解脂多糖诱导的RAW264.7细胞炎症反应

目的：研究羊栖菜多酚对脂多糖（lipopolysaccharide,LPS）诱导小鼠单核巨噬细胞白血病细胞RAW264.7细胞炎症反应的影响。方法：噻唑蓝法测定细胞活力;Griess法测定一氧化氮（NO）水平;实时荧光定量聚合酶链式反应测定白细胞介素（interleukin,IL）-6、IL-1β、肿瘤坏死因子（tumor necrosis factor,TNF）-α、环氧合酶2（cyclooxygenase-2,COX-2）和诱导型一氧化氮合酶（inducible nitric oxide synthase,iNOS）的基因相对表达量;流式细胞术测定细胞吞噬能力;蛋白免疫印迹法测定信号通路丝裂原活化蛋白激酶（mitogen-activated protein kinases,MAPKs）和核转录因子（nuclear factor,NF）-κB信号通路关键蛋白表达水平。结果：羊栖菜多酚对RAW264.7细胞的安全质量浓度范围为0～160 μg/mL。与LPS组相比,羊栖菜多酚剂量依赖性降低巨噬细胞吞噬能力并抑制NO的生成。同时,羊栖菜多酚下调促炎细胞因子（IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α）和炎症诱导酶（iNOS、COX-2）的mRNA水平,且作用效果与给药剂量及LPS刺激时间相关。这些炎性介质的表达与羊栖菜多酚抑制p38 MAPK和NF-κB p65的激活有关。结论：羊栖菜多酚可通过减弱p38 MAPK和NF-κB p65信号通路的激活水平,抑制下游炎症介质的转录表达,从而缓解LPS诱导的巨噬细胞炎症反应。     

Effects of haw pectic oligosaccharide on lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in experimental hyperlipidemia mice induced by high-fat diet

The anti-hyperlipidemic and antioxidant effects of haw pectic oligosaccharide (HPOS) were investigated using a model of hyperlipidemia induced by a high-fat diet in mice. HPOS significantly lowered the serum levels of total cholesterol (p < 0.01) and triglycerides (p < 0.05) and inhibited the accumulation of body fat in this model. It significantly enhanced the activity of superoxide dismutase to suppress oxidative reactions (p < 0.01) and inhibited the synthesis and accumulation of malondialdehyde in serum (p < 0.05). Thus, HPOS could be valuable in the development of nutritional and drug therapies to combat cardiovascular diseases.     

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory effects of phloretin and phlorizin in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated mouse macrophages

Many reports suggest that phloretin and phlorizin have antioxidant properties and can inhibit glucose transportation, the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanism of phloretin and phlorizin remain unclear. This study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of phloretin and phlorizin in LPS-stimulated murine RAW264.7 macrophages. RAW264.7 cells were pretreated with various concentrations of phloretin or phlorizin (3–100 μM) and cell inflammatory responses were induced with LPS. Pretreated with 10 μM phloretin significantly inhibited the levels of NO, PGE₂, IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS and COX-2. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that phloretin suppressed the nuclear translocation of NF-κB subunit p65 proteins, and decreased phosphorylation in MAPK pathways. Surprisingly, phlorizin did not suppress the inflammatory response in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. These results suggest that phloretin has an anti-inflammatory effect that reduces levels of proinflammatory cytokines and mediators in RAW264.7 cells.     

Neriifolin S, a dimeric serine protease from Euphorbia neriifolia Linn.: Purification and biochemical characterisation

A dimeric serine protease Neriifolin S of molecular mass 94 kDa with milk clotting activity has been purified from the latex of Euphorbia neriifolia by anion exchange and size-exclusion chromatography. It hydrolyses peptidyl substrates l-Ala-pNA with highest affinity (K_m of 0.195 mM) and physiological efficiency (K_cat/K_m of 144.5 mM s). Enzyme belongs to the class of neutral proteases with pI value of 6.8, optimal proteolytic activity displayed at pH 9.5 and temperature 45 °C. Its proteolytic activity is strongly stimulated in the presence of Ca⁺² ions and exclusively inhibited by serine protease inhibitors. Enzyme is fairly stable toward chemical denaturants, pH and temperature. The apparent T_m, was found to be 65 °C. Thermal inactivation follow first order kinetics with activation energy (Ea), activation enthalpy (ΔH∗), free energy change (ΔG∗) and entropy (ΔS∗) of 27.54 kJ mol⁻¹, 24.89 kJ mol⁻¹, −82.34 kJ mol⁻¹ and 337.20 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹.