Anti-Allergic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Neferine on RBL-2H3 Cells

Mast cells play a very important role in skin allergy and inflammation, including atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. In the past, it was found that neferine has anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects on the skin, but its effect on mast cells has not yet been studied in detail. In this study, we used mast cells (RBL-2H3 cells) and mouse models to study the anti-allergic and inflammatory effects of neferine. First, we found that neferine inhibits the degranulation of mast cells and the expression of cytokines. In addition, we observed that when mast cells were stimulated by A23187/phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), the elevation of intracellular calcium was inhibited by neferine. The phosphorylation of the MAPK/NF-κB pathway is also reduced by pretreatment of neferine. The results of in vivo studies show that neferine can improve the appearance of dermatitis and mast cell infiltration caused by dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). Moreover, the expressions of barrier proteins in the skin are also restored. Finally, it was found that neferine can reduce the scratching behavior caused by compound 48/80. Taken together, our results indicate that neferine is a very good anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory natural product. Its effect on mast cells contributes to its pharmacological mechanism.     

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Psoralen Derivatives on RAW264.7 Cells via Regulation of the NF-κB and MAPK Signaling Pathways

Using repositioning to find new indications for existing functional substances has become a global target of research. The objective of this study is to investigate the anti-inflammatory potential of psoralen derivatives (5-hydroxypsoralen, 5-methoxypsoralen, 8-hydroxypsoralen, and 8-methoxypsoralen) in macrophages cells. The results indicated that most psoralen derivatives exhibited significantly inhibited prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) production, particularly for 8-hydroxypsoralen (xanthotoxol) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, xanthotoxol treatment decreased the PGE₂, IL-6, and IL-1β production caused by LPS stimulation in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, Western blot results showed that the protein levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which activated with LPS treatment, were decreased by xanthotoxol treatment. Mechanistic studies revealed that xanthotoxol also suppressed LPS-stimulated phosphorylation of the inhibitor of κBα (IκBα), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in RAW 264.7 cells. The Western blot assay results show that xanthotoxol suppresses LPS-induced p65 translocation from cytosol to the nucleus in RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, we tested the potential application of xanthotoxol as a cosmetic material by performing human skin patch tests. In these tests, xanthotoxol did not induce any adverse reactions at a 100 μΜ concentration. These results demonstrate that xanthotoxol is a potential therapeutic agent for topical application that inhibits inflammation via the MAPK and NF-κB pathways.     

Effects of Compounds Isolated from Lindera erythrocarpa on Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Neuroinflammatory Action in BV2 Microglia and RAW264.7 Macrophage

Lindera erythrocarpa contains various constituents such as cyclopentenedione-, flavonoid-, and chalcone-type components. In this study, a novel bi-linderone derivative and 17 known compounds were isolated from the leaves of L. erythrocarpa by using various chromatographic methods. The structures of the components were determined from nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry data. All isolated compounds were tested for anti-inflammatory and anti-neuroinflammatory activities in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV2 and RAW264.7 cells. Some of these compounds showed anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the nitric oxide (NO) produced by LPS. In particular, linderaspirone A (16), bi-linderone (17) and novel compound demethoxy-bi-linderone (18) showed significant inhibitory effects on the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂), tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6. The three compounds also inhibited the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which are pro-inflammatory proteins, and the activation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Therefore, linderaspirone A (16), bi-linderone (17), and demethoxy-bi-linderone (18) isolated from the leaves of L. erythrocarpa have therapeutic potential in neuroinflammatory diseases.     

Inhibitory Effect of N-Acyl Dopamines on IgE-Mediated Allergic Response in RBL-2H3 Cells

Recently, endogenous N-acyl dopamines have been found to show anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. However, the effect of the N-acyl dopamines on allergic responses was not reported. In this study, we investigated whether N-acyl dopamines might inhibit immunoglobulin E-mediated degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells. When RBL-2H3 cells were exposed to palmitoyl dopamine (NP-DA), oleoyl dopamine (NO-DA) or arachidonoyl dopamine (NA-DA) at micromolar levels, all these compounds significantly inhibited the release of β-hexosaminidase, a marker of degranulation, as well as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. In comparison, NP-DA, potently suppressing the release of β-hexosaminidase (IC₅₀, 3.5 μM) and TNF-α (IC₅₀, 2.2 μM), was more potent than NO-DA or NA-DA. Additionally, NP-DA markedly suppressed the formation of prostaglandin E₂, prostaglandin D₂ and leukotriene C₄, corresponding to pro-inflammatory lipid mediators in asthma. In the mechanistic analyses, where the effect of NP-DA on the FcεRI cascade was examined, NP-DA significantly inhibited the phosphorylation and expression of Syk, but not Lyn. And, NP-DA also suppressed phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Akt. Further, NP-DA decreased the phosphorylation of cPLA₂ and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), but not cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Based on these results, it is suggested that NP-DA exert anti-allergic effect on allergic response through suppressing the activation of Syk, ERK1/2, Akt, cPLA₂ and 5-LO. Besides, a strong inhibition of COX-2 activity by NP-DA may be additional mechanism for its anti-allergic action. Such an anti-allergic action of N-acyl dopamines may contribute to further information about biological functions of N-acyl dopamines.     

Cardiac Protective Effect of Kirenol against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy in H9c2 Cells through Nrf2 Signaling via PI3K/AKT Pathways

Kirenol (KRL) is a biologically active substance extracted from Herba Siegesbeckiae. This natural type of diterpenoid has been widely adopted for its important anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic properties. Despite several studies claiming the benefits of KRL, its cardiac effects have not yet been clarified. Cardiotoxicity remains a key concern associated with the long-term administration of doxorubicin (DOX). The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) causes oxidative stress, significantly contributing to DOX-induced cardiac damage. The purpose of the current study is to investigate the cardio-protective effects of KRL against apoptosis in H9c2 cells induced by DOX. The analysis of cellular apoptosis was performed using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining assay and measuring the modulation in the expression levels of proteins involved in apoptosis and Nrf2 signaling, the oxidative stress markers. Furthermore, Western blotting was used to determine cell survival. KRL treatment, with Nrf2 upregulation and activation, accompanied by activation of PI3K/AKT, could prevent the administration of DOX to induce cardiac oxidative stress, remodeling, and other effects. Additionally, the diterpenoid enhanced the activation of Bcl2 and Bcl-xL, while suppressing apoptosis marker proteins. As a result, KRL is considered a potential agent against hypertrophy resulting from cardiac deterioration. The study results show that KRL not only activates the IGF-IR-dependent p-PI3K/p-AKT and Nrf2 signaling pathway, but also suppresses caspase-dependent apoptosis.     

丙烯腈-乙腈-水热力学分析与萃取精馏过程模拟

应用模拟软件ASPEN PLUS对丙烯腈-乙腈萃取精馏进行模拟。采用NRTL热力学模型计算液相活度系数。模拟计算出的常压下气液平衡数据与文献相比较,较为吻合。通过C_3H_3N-C_2H_3N-H_2O三元物系剩余曲线与液液相平衡图分析了丙烯腈与乙腈萃取分离的可能性及丙烯腈-水共沸物分离的可能性。最后通过模拟计算得到了沿塔各组分浓度和温度分布曲线,均能达工艺分离要求。     

MgCO3·3H2O晶须的制备及其生长机制的研究

以MgCl₂·6H₂O和NH₄HCO₃为原料,CH₃COONa·3H₂O为形貌控制剂,采用沉淀结晶法制备MgCO₃·3H₂O晶须,考察了不同添加量的CH₃COONa·3H₂O对晶须结晶过程和形貌的影响,并研究了晶须在该体系中的生长机制。结果表明：当体系中加入质量分数为0.23%的CH₃COONa·3H₂O时可以成功制备长径比约为30的棒状MgCO₃·3H₂O晶须,CH₃COONa·3H₂O的存在促进了MgCO₃·3H₂O晶须的形成。该体系中晶须的生长过程：首先形成无定形的4MgCO₃·Mg（OH）₂·4H₂O,之后无定形4MgCO₃·Mg（OH）₂·4H₂O逐渐转变为MgCO₃·3H₂O并生长成较大长径比的棒状MgCO₃·3H₂O晶须。这是因为CH₃COONa·3H₂O电离产生的Na ⁺选择性吸附在MgCO₃·3H₂O晶体轴向的（101）晶面,抑制了该晶面生长,而径向晶面生长速率未受到影响,从而促使无定形MgCO₃·3H₂O生长成棒状晶须。     

O_3/H_2O_2法处理印染废水二级出水的试验研究

H2O2协同臭氧氧化实验中,对于初始pH值为6.8的500 mL废水,在臭氧投加量为48 mg,0.1 mL H2O2在反应前加注到反应器的条件下,O3/H2O2工艺的COD cr去除率比臭氧单独氧化提高了7.9%。对于O3/H2O2工艺,其最佳H2O2投加量随废水pH值的增加而减少;一次投加H2O2方式的COD cr去除率在大部分时间内都好于间歇投加H2O2方式。     

Effects of Intermediates between Vitamins K(2) and K(3) on Mammalian DNA Polymerase Inhibition and Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Previously, we reported that vitamin K(3) (VK(3)), but not VK(1) or VK(2) (=MK-4), inhibits the activity of human DNA polymerase γ (pol γ). In this study, we chemically synthesized three intermediate compounds between VK(2) and VK(3), namely MK-3, MK-2 and MK-1, and investigated the inhibitory effects of all five compounds on the activity of mammalian pols. Among these compounds, MK-2 was the strongest inhibitor of mammalian pols α, κ and λ, which belong to the B, Y and X families of pols, respectively; whereas VK(3) was the strongest inhibitor of human pol γ, an A-family pol. MK-2 potently inhibited the activity of all animal species of pol tested, and its inhibitory effect on pol λ activity was the strongest with an IC(50) value of 24.6 μM. However, MK-2 did not affect the activity of plant or prokaryotic pols, or that of other DNA metabolic enzymes such as primase of pol α, RNA polymerase, polynucleotide kinase or deoxyribonuclease I. Because we previously found a positive relationship between pol λ inhibition and anti-inflammatory action, we examined whether these compounds could inhibit inflammatory responses. Among the five compounds tested, MK-2 caused the greatest reduction in 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced acute inflammation in mouse ear. In addition, in a cell culture system using mouse macrophages, MK-2 displayed the strongest suppression of the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Moreover, MK-2 was found to inhibit the action of nuclear factor (NF)-κB. In an in vivo mouse model of LPS-evoked acute inflammation, intraperitoneal injection of MK-2 in mice led to suppression of TNF-α production in serum. In conclusion, this study has identified VK(2) and VK(3) intermediates, such as MK-2, that are promising anti-inflammatory candidates.     

Anti-Inflammatory,Antioxidant, Moisturizing,and Antimelanogenesis Effects of Quercetin 3-O-β-D-Glucuronide in Human Keratinocytes and Melanoma Cells via Activation of NF-κB and AP-1 Pathways

Quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucuronide (Q-3-G), the glucuronide conjugate of quercetin, has been reported as having anti-inflammatory properties in the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages, as well as anticancer and antioxidant properties. Unlike quercetin, which has been extensively described to possess a wide range of pharmacological activities including skin protective effects, the pharmacological benefits and mechanisms Q-3-G in the skin remained to be elucidated. This study focused on characterizing the skin protective properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, of Q-3-G against UVB-induced or H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress, the hydration effects, and antimelanogenesis activities using human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and melanoma (B16F10) cells. Q-3-G down-regulated the expression of the pro-inflammatory gene and cytokine such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in H₂O₂ or UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. We also showed that Q-3-G exhibits an antioxidant effect using free radical scavenging assays, flow cytometry, and an increased expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2- related factor 2 (Nrf2). Q-3-G reduced melanin production in α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-induced B16F10 cells. The hydration effects and mechanisms of Q-3-G were examined by evaluating the moisturizing factor-related genes, such as transglutaminase-1 (TGM-1), filaggrin (FLG), and hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS)-1. In addition, Q-3-G increased the phosphorylation of c-Jun, Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase 4 (MKK4), and TAK1, involved in the MAPKs/AP-1 pathway, and the phosphorylation of IκBα, IκB kinase (IKK)-α, Akt, and Src, involved in the NF-κB pathway. Taken together, we have demonstrated that Q-3-G exerts anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, moisturizing, and antimelanogenesis properties in human keratinocytes and melanoma cells through NF-κB and AP-1 pathways.     

A Dual Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Proliferative 3-Styrylchromone Derivative Synergistically Enhances the Anti-Cancer Effects of DNA-Damaging Agents on Colon Cancer Cells by Targeting HMGB1-RAGE-ERK1/2 Signaling

The current anti-cancer treatments are not enough to eradicate tumors, and therefore, new modalities and strategies are still needed. Most tumors generate an inflammatory tumor microenvironment (TME) and maintain the niche for their development. Because of the critical role of inflammation via high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1)–receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) signaling pathway in the TME, a novel compound possessing both anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities by suppressing the HMGB1-RAGE axis provides an effective strategy for cancer treatment. A recent work of our group found that some anti-cancer 3-styrylchromones have weak anti-inflammatory activities via the suppression of this axis. In this direction, we searched such anti-cancer molecules possessing potent anti-inflammatory activities and discovered 7-methoxy-3-hydroxy-styrylchromone (C6) having dual suppressive activities. Mechanism-of-action studies revealed that C6 inhibited the increased phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) under the stimulation of HMGB1-RAGE signaling and thereby suppressed cytokine production in macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells. On the other hand, in colorectal cancer HCT116 cells, C6 inhibited the activation of ERK1/2, cyclin-dependent kinase 1, and AKT, down-regulated the protein level of XIAP, and up-regulated pro-apoptotic Bax and caspase-3/7 expression. These alterations are suggested to be involved in the C6-induced suppression of cell cycle/proliferation and initiation of apoptosis in the cancer cells. More importantly, in cancer cells, the treatment of C6 potentiates the anti-cancer effects of DNA-damaging agents. Thus, C6 may be a promising lead for the generation of a novel class of cancer therapeutics.     

Effects of Indole-3-Lactic Acid,a Metabolite of Tryptophan,on IL-4 and IL-13-Induced Human Skin-Equivalent Atopic Dermatitis Models

Indole-3-lactic acid (I3LA) is a well-known metabolite involved in tryptophan metabolism. Indole derivatives are involved in the differentiation of immune cells and the synthesis of cytokines via the aryl hydrocarbon receptors for modulating immunity, and the indole derivatives may be involved in allergic responses. I3LA was selected as a candidate substance for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD), and its inhibitory effect on AD progression was investigated. Full-thickness human skin equivalents (HSEs) consisting of human-derived cells were generated on microfluidic chips and stimulated with major AD-inducing factors. The induced AD-HSEs were treated with I3LA for 7 days, and this affected the AD-associated genetic biomarkers and increased the expression of the major constituent proteins of the skin barrier. After the treatment for 14 days, the surface became rough and sloughed off, and there was no significant difference between the increased AD-related mRNA expression and the skin barrier protein expression. Therefore, the short-term use of I3LA for approximately one week is considered to be effective in suppressing AD.     

2-苯基-1,2-苯并异硒唑-3-(2H)-酮的合成研究

在N2保护下,采用水合肼的碱性水溶液还原硒粉制备了K2Se2,不经分离直接与邻氨基苯甲酸的重氮盐反应得到了中间体2,2'-二硒化苯甲酸;在环合反应合成2-苯基-1,2-苯并异硒唑-3-(2H)-酮(Ebselen)时改用了乙醚-水为反应体系,K2CO3水溶液作为副产物HCl的吸收剂,促使胺解关环反应顺利进行,产物易分离、纯化得2-苯基-1,2-苯并异硒唑-3-(2H)-酮。     

Effects of Aqueous Dispersions of C60, C70 and Gd@C82 Fullerenes on Genes Involved in Oxidative Stress and Anti-Inflammatory Pathways

Background: Fullerenes and metallofullerenes can be considered promising nanopharmaceuticals themselves and as a basis for chemical modification. As reactive oxygen species homeostasis plays a vital role in cells, the study of their effect on genes involved in oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory responses are of particular importance. Methods: Human fetal lung fibroblasts were incubated with aqueous dispersions of C₆₀, C₇₀, and Gd@C₈₂ in concentrations of 5 nM and 1.5 µM for 1, 3, 24, and 72 h. Cell viability, intracellular ROS, NOX4, NFκB, PRAR-γ, NRF2, heme oxygenase 1, and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 expression have been studied. Results & conclusion: The aqueous dispersions of C₆₀, C₇₀, and Gd@C₈₂ fullerenes are active participants in reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis. Low and high concentrations of aqueous fullerene dispersions (AFD) have similar effects. C₇₀ was the most inert substance, C₆₀ was the most active substance. All AFDs have both “prooxidant” and “antioxidant” effects but with a different balance. Gd@C₈₂ was a substance with more pronounced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while C₇₀ had more pronounced “prooxidant” properties.     

Effect of H2, H2O,and CO2 on the deNOx characteristics of a combined passive NOx adsorber and NOx reduction catalyst

The effect of H₂, H₂O, and CO₂ on the NO_x removal characteristics of a non-PGM material (Ag/MgO/γ-Al₂O₃) is investigated, which is shown to be active for both NO_x adsorption and reduction. H₂O facilitates NO_x adsorption at early times but inhibits it at longer times. The inhibiting effect of CO₂ is observed at low temperatures and is proposed to be due to bicarbonates. However, the inhibiting effect of both H₂O and CO₂ decreases at higher temperatures. The formation of NO₂ at low temperatures is attributed to NO oxidation, and the contribution of stored NO_x to NO₂ formation increases with temperature. H₂O inhibits NH₃ oxidation at high temperatures as well as NO_x reduction by NH₃-SCR at low temperatures. However, the NO_x reduction activity is not affected by CO₂. H₂ significantly promotes the NH₃-SCR reactions, which is attributed to the facilitation of NO_x spillover from the reduced Ag sites to the support.     

SiO2-SO3H异相催化一步合成9-芳基-3,4,6,7,9,10-六氢吖啶-1,8(2H,5H)-二酮

以硅胶磺酸(SiO2-SO3H)为催化剂,4-芳硫基芳醛、1,3-环己二酮及醋酸铵为原料,于乙醇中合成了标题化合物.该方法具有处理方便、反应时间短、产率高、催化剂价廉易得、可回收重复使用等优点.     

C2H6/C3H8影响CH4爆炸极限参数及动力学特性研究

为研究C₂H₆/C₃H₈对甲烷爆炸极限参数及动力学特性的影响,采用标准的可燃气体爆炸极限测定装置测定了不同配比的C₂H₆/C₃H₈混合气体对甲烷爆炸极限的影响规律,同时得出了氮气惰化条件下甲烷爆炸临界参数的变化规律。此外,利用Chemkin软件模拟了C₂H₆/C₃H₈混合气体对甲烷爆炸过程中中间产物浓度的影响情况,并进行了敏感性分析。结果表明,C₂H₆/C₃H₈的存在降低了甲烷的爆炸上下限,增大了甲烷的爆炸危险度;在氮气惰化过程中甲烷的爆炸上限下降,爆炸下限上升,最终爆炸上下限重合,重合点处甲烷浓度和氮气临界浓度均随C₂H₆/C₃H₈的添加而逐渐减小;此外,C₂H₆/C₃H₈混合气体使甲烷爆炸过程中CO和·H的生成量逐渐增大,而CO₂、·O和·OH的生成量则有下降趋势,通过对爆炸过程中甲烷体积的敏感性分析,发现C₂H₆/C₃H₈的存在在某种程度上促进了甲烷爆炸。对比不同配比的C₂H₆/C₃H₈混合气体,发现C₃H₈含量越高,其对甲烷爆炸过程中相关参数的影响越大,这可为工矿企业的安全生产提供一定的理论依据。     

煤焦水蒸气与CO_2共气化技术研究进展及应用展望

简述了煤焦水蒸气与CO2共气化技术的优势和应用现状,综述了国内外该技术的最新理论研究进展,分析了其发展的技术瓶颈和亟待解决的原理性问题,并对该技术可能的应用前景及领域进行了展望。