Ultrasonicated Lespedeza cuneata extract prevents TNF-α-induced early atherosclerosis in vitro and in vivo

We examined whether ANG II and TNF-α cooperatively induce vascular inflammation using the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 as a marker of vascular inflammation. ANG II and TNF-α stimulated MCP-1 expression in a synergistic manner in vascular smooth muscle cells. ANG II-induced MCP-1 expression was potently inhibited to a nonstimulated basal level by blockade of the p38-dependent pathway but only partially inhibited by blockade of the NF-κB-dependent pathway. In contrast, TNF-α-induced MCP-1 expression was potently suppressed by blockade of NF-κB activation but only modestly suppressed by blockade of p38 activation. ANG II- and TNF-α-induced activation of NF-κB- and p38-dependent pathways was partially inhibited by pharmacological inhibitors of ROS production. Furthermore, ANG II- and TNF-α-stimulated MCP-1 expression was partially suppressed by ROS inhibitors. We also examined whether endogenous ANG II and TNF-α cooperatively promote vascular inflammation in vivo using a wire injury model of the rat femoral artery. Blockade of both ANG II and TNF-α further suppressed neointimal formation, macrophage infiltration, and MCP-1 expression in an additive manner compared with blockade of ANG II or TNF-α alone. These results suggested that ANG II and TNF-α synergistically stimulate MCP-1 expression via the utilization of distinct intracellular signaling pathways (p38- and NFκB-dependent pathways) and that these pathways are activated in ROS-dependent and -independent manners. These results also suggest that ANG II and TNF-α cooperatively stimulate vascular inflammation in vivo as well as in vitro.

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Paeonia lactiflora Root Extract and Its Components Reduce Biomarkers of Early Atherosclerosis via Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects In Vitro and In Vivo

Antioxidants ◽

10.3390/antiox10101507 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (10) ◽

pp. 1507

Author(s):

Min Jeong Kim ◽

Hyun-Hee Kang ◽

Yeung Jin Seo ◽

Kyung-Min Kim ◽

Young-Jun Kim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mrna Expression ◽

Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽

Root Extract ◽

Methyl Gallate ◽

Paeonia Lactiflora ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Antioxidant Effects ◽

Early Atherosclerosis

Although various physiological activities of compounds obtained from Paeonia lactiflora have been reported, the effects of P. lactiflora extract (PLE) on early atherosclerosis remain unclear. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo antiatherosclerosis and in vitro antioxidant effects of PLE and its compounds. PLE suppresses the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced capacity of THP-1 cells to adhere to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 expression, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling in HUVECs. PLE also suppresses TNF-α-induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 from cytosol as well as the enhanced TNFA and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) mRNA expression in HUVECs. We identified and quantified the following PLE compounds using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection: methyl gallate, oxypaeoniflorin, catechin, albiflorin, paeoniflorin, benzoic acid, benzoylpaeoniflorin, and paeonol. Among these, methyl gallate had the strongest inhibitory effect on monocyte adherence to TNF-α-induced HUVECs and the VCAM-1 expression. Reverse transcriptase real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that PLE compounds had a dissimilar inhibition effect on TNF-α-induced mRNA expression levels of CCL2, TNFA, and IL6 in HUVECs. Except for paeonol, the compounds inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced reactive oxygen species production in RAW264.7 cells. In vivo, oral administration of PLE improved TNF-α-induced macrophage infiltration to the vascular endothelium and expression of VCAM-1, as well as IL6 and TNFA gene expression in the main artery of mice. PLE could be useful as a nutraceutical material against early atherosclerosis via the combined effects of its components.

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Dipterocarpus tuberculatus Roxb. Ethanol Extract Has Anti-Inflammatory and Hepatoprotective Effects In Vitro and In Vivo by Targeting the IRAK1/AP-1 Pathway

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26092529 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (9) ◽

pp. 2529

Author(s):

Haeyeop Kim ◽

Woo Seok Yang ◽

Khin Myo Htwe ◽

Mi-Nam Lee ◽

Young-Dong Kim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ethanol Extract ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Hepatoprotective Activity ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Anti Inflammatory ◽

Related Proteins ◽

Pro Inflammatory Cytokines ◽

Inflammatory Effect

Dipterocarpus tuberculatus Roxb. has been used traditionally as a remedy for many diseases, especially inflammation. Therefore, we analyzed and explored the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effect of a Dipterocarpus tuberculatus Roxb. ethanol extract (Dt-EE). Dt-EE clearly and dose-dependently inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW264.7 cells. Also, Dt-EE suppressed the activation of the MyD88/TRIF-mediated AP-1 pathway and the AP-1 pathway related proteins JNK2, MKK4/7, and TAK1, which occurred as a result of inhibiting the kinase activity of IRAK1 and IRAK4, the most upstream factors of the AP-1 pathway. Finally, Dt-EE displayed hepatoprotective activity in a mouse model of hepatitis induced with LPS/D-galactosamine (D-GalN) through decreasing the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and suppressing the activation of JNK and IRAK1. Therefore, our results strongly suggest that Dt-EE could be a candidate anti-inflammatory herbal medicine with IRAK1/AP-1 inhibitory and hepatoprotective properties.

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TNF-α Triggers RIP1/FADD/Caspase-8-Mediated Apoptosis of Astrocytes and RIP3/MLKL-Mediated Necroptosis of Neurons Induced by Angiostrongylus cantonensis Infection

Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology ◽

10.1007/s10571-021-01063-w ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Hongli Zhou ◽

Minyu Zhou ◽

Yue Hu ◽

Yanin Limpanon ◽

Yubin Ma ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Death ◽

Enrichment Analysis ◽

Angiostrongylus Cantonensis ◽

Gene Set Enrichment Analysis ◽

Caspase 8 ◽

Cns Injury ◽

Vitro Assay ◽

Tnf Α

AbstractAngiostrongylus cantonensis (AC) can cause severe eosinophilic meningitis or encephalitis in non-permissive hosts accompanied by apoptosis and necroptosis of brain cells. However, the explicit underlying molecular basis of apoptosis and necroptosis upon AC infection has not yet been elucidated. To determine the specific pathways of apoptosis and necroptosis upon AC infection, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis for gene expression microarray (accession number: GSE159486) of mouse brain infected by AC revealed that TNF-α likely played a central role in the apoptosis and necroptosis in the context of AC infection, which was further confirmed via an in vivo rescue assay after treating with TNF-α inhibitor. The signalling axes involved in apoptosis and necroptosis were investigated via immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting. Immunofluorescence was used to identify the specific cells that underwent apoptosis or necroptosis. The results showed that TNF-α induced apoptosis of astrocytes through the RIP1/FADD/Caspase-8 axis and induced necroptosis of neurons by the RIP3/MLKL signalling pathway. In addition, in vitro assay revealed that TNF-α secretion by microglia increased upon LSA stimulation and caused necroptosis of neurons. The present study provided the first evidence that TNF-α was secreted by microglia stimulated by AC infection, which caused cell death via parallel pathways of astrocyte apoptosis (mediated by the RIP1/FADD/caspase-8 axis) and neuron necroptosis (driven by the RIP3/MLKL complex). Our research comprehensively elucidated the mechanism of cell death after AC infection and provided new insight into targeting TNF-α signalling as a therapeutic strategy for CNS injury.

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Modulatory Effects of Osthole on Lipopolysaccharides-Induced Inflammation in Caco-2 Cell Monolayer and Co-Cultures with THP-1 and THP-1-Derived Macrophages

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13010123 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 123

Author(s):

Natalia K. Kordulewska ◽

Justyna Topa ◽

Małgorzata Tańska ◽

Anna Cieślińska ◽

Ewa Fiedorowicz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Inflammatory Reaction ◽

Wide Spectrum ◽

Cell Monolayer ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Dependent Manner ◽

Concentration Dependent Manner ◽

Tnf Α

Lipopolysaccharydes (LPS) are responsible for the intestinal inflammatory reaction, as they may disrupt tight junctions and induce cytokines (CKs) secretion. Osthole has a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects, thus its anti-inflammatory potential in the LPS-treated Caco-2 cell line as well as in Caco-2/THP-1 and Caco-2/macrophages co-cultures was investigated. In brief, Caco-2 cells and co-cultures were incubated with LPS to induce an inflammatory reaction, after which osthole (150–450 ng/mL) was applied to reduce this effect. After 24 h, the level of secreted CKs and changes in gene expression were examined. LPS significantly increased the levels of IL-1β, -6, -8, and TNF-α, while osthole reduced this effect in a concentration-dependent manner, with the most significant decrease when a 450 ng/mL dose was applied (p < 0.0001). A similar trend was observed in changes in gene expression, with the significant osthole efficiency at a concentration of 450 ng/μL for IL1R1 and COX-2 (p < 0.01) and 300 ng/μL for NF-κB (p < 0.001). Osthole increased Caco-2 monolayer permeability, thus if it would ever be considered as a potential drug for minimizing intestinal inflammatory symptoms, its safety should be confirmed in extended in vitro and in vivo studies.

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Halofuginone functions as a therapeutic drug for chronic periodontitis in a mouse model

International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology ◽

10.1177/2058738420974893 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 34 ◽

pp. 205873842097489

Author(s):

Jiang Wang ◽

Bo Wang ◽

Xin Lv ◽

Yingjie Wang

Keyword(s):

Alveolar Bone ◽

Immune Cell ◽

Critical Role ◽

Therapeutic Drug ◽

Mice Model ◽

T Helper 17 ◽

Th17 Cell Differentiation ◽

Tnf Α

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease caused by host immune response, resulting in a loss of periodontium and alveolar bone. Immune cells, such as T cells and macrophages, play a critical role in the periodontitis onset. Halofuginone, a natural quinazolinone alkaloid, has been shown to possess anti-fibrosis, anti-cancer, and immunomodulatory properties. However, the effect of halofuginone on periodontitis has never been reported. In this study, a ligature-induced mice model of periodontitis was applied to investigate the potential beneficial effect of halofuginone on periodontitis. We demonstrated that the administration of halofuginone significantly reduced the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) in vivo, and markedly suppressed immune cell infiltration into the infected sites. Furthermore, we also observed that halofuginone treatment blocked the T-helper 17 (Th17) cell differentiation in vivo and in vitro. We demonstrated for the first time that halofuginone alleviated the onset of periodontitis through reducing immune responses.

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In Vitro Evaluation of the Anti-Inflammatory Effect of KMUP-1 and in Vivo Analysis of Its Therapeutic Potential in Osteoarthritis

Biomedicines ◽

10.3390/biomedicines9060615 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 615

Author(s):

Shang-En Huang ◽

Erna Sulistyowati ◽

Yu-Ying Chao ◽

Bin-Nan Wu ◽

Zen-Kong Dai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Articular Cartilage ◽

Inflammatory Responses ◽

Therapeutic Potential ◽

Antioxidant Properties ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Gene Expressions ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Anti Inflammatory

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative arthropathy that is mainly characterized by dysregulation of inflammatory responses. KMUP-1, a derived chemical synthetic of xanthine, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Here, we aimed to investigate the in vitro anti-inflammatory and in vivo anti-osteoarthritis effects of KMUP-1. Protein and gene expressions of inflammation markers were determined by ELISA, Western blotting and microarray, respectively. RAW264.7 mouse macrophages were cultured and pretreated with KMUP-1 (1, 5, 10 μM). The productions of TNF-α, IL-6, MMP-2 and MMP- 9 were reduced by KMUP-1 pretreatment in LPS-induced inflammation of RAW264.7 cells. The expressions of iNOS, TNF-α, COX-2, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were also inhibited by KMUP-1 pretreatment. The gene expression levels of TNF and COX families were also downregulated. In addition, KMUP-1 suppressed the activations of ERK, JNK and p38 as well as phosphorylation of IκBα/NF-κB signaling pathways. Furthermore, SIRT1 inhibitor attenuated the inhibitory effect of KMUP-1 in LPS-induced NF-κB activation. In vivo study showed that KMUP-1 reduced mechanical hyperalgesia in monoiodoacetic acid (MIA)-induced rats OA. Additionally, KMUP-1 pretreatment reduced the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in MIA-injected rats. Moreover, macroscopic and histological observation showed that KMUP-1 reduced articular cartilage erosion in rats. Our results demonstrated that KMUP-1 inhibited the inflammatory responses and restored SIRT1 in vitro, alleviated joint-related pain and cartilage destruction in vivo. Taken together, KMUP-1 has the potential to improve MIA-induced articular cartilage degradation by inhibiting the levels and expression of inflammatory mediators suggesting that KMUP-1 might be a potential therapeutic agent for OA.

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Fisetin inhibits high-glucose-induced vascular inflammation in vitro and in vivo

Inflammation Research ◽

10.1007/s00011-014-0750-4 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 63 (9) ◽

pp. 779-787 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Soyoung Kwak ◽

Sae-Kwang Ku ◽

Jong-Sup Bae

Keyword(s):

High Glucose ◽

Vascular Inflammation

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Astrocyte-Derived CCL2 is Associated with M1 Activation and Recruitment of Cultured Microglial Cells

Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry ◽

10.1159/000443040 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 38 (3) ◽

pp. 859-870 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

Mingfeng He ◽

Hongquan Dong ◽

Yahui Huang ◽

Shunmei Lu ◽

Shu Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Central Nervous System ◽

Nervous System ◽

Microglial Activation ◽

Culture Media ◽

Microglial Cells ◽

Migration Ability ◽

Migration Assay ◽

Tnf Α

Background/Aims: Microglia are an essential player in central nervous system inflammation. Recent studies have demonstrated that the astrocytic chemokine, CCL2, is associated with microglial activation in vivo. However, CCL2-induced microglial activation has not yet been studied in vitro. The purpose of the current study was to understand the role of astrocyte-derived CCL2 in microglial activation and to elucidate the underlying mechanism(s). Methods: Primary astrocytes were pre-treated with CCL2 siRNA and stimulated with TNF-α. The culture medium (CM) was collected and added to cultures of microglia, which were incubated with and without CCR2 inhibitor. Microglial cells were analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR to determine whether they polarized to the M1 or M2 state. Microglial migratory ability was assessed by transwell migration assay. Results: TNF-α stimulated the release of CCL2 from astrocytes, even if the culture media containing TNF-α was replaced with fresh media after 3 h. CM from TNF-α-stimulated astrocytes successfully induced microglial activation, which was ascertained by increased activation of M1 and enhanced migration ability. In contrast, CM from astrocytes pretreated with CCL2 siRNA showed no effect on microglial activation, compared to controls. Additionally, microglia pre-treated with RS102895, a CCR2 inhibitor, were resistant to activation by CM from TNF-α-stimulated astrocytes. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the CCL2/CCR2 pathway of astrocyte-induced microglial activation is associated with M1 polarization and enhanced migration ability, indicating that this pathway could be a useful target to ameliorate inflammation in the central nervous system.

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