scholarly journals Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidative, and Hepatoprotective Effects of TransΔ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol/Sesame Oil on Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis in Rats

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morouj Ismail ◽  
Hiba Hasan ◽  
Youmna El-Orfali ◽  
Hanan Ismail ◽  
Ghada Khawaja

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a painful chronic autoimmune disease affecting the joints. Its first-line therapy, Methotrexate (MTX), although effective in ameliorating the progress of the disease, induces hepatotoxicity over long-term usage. Thus, seeking natural compounds with fewer side effects could be an alternative therapeutic approach. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic, and antioxidative effects of synthetictrans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) dissolved in sesame oil (Dronabinol) against MTX in adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rat model. Daily oral administration of Δ9-THC/sesame oil, over a period of 21 days, was well tolerated in arthritic rats with no particular psychoactive side effects. It markedly attenuated the severity of clinical manifestations, recovered the histopathological changes in tibiotarsal joints, and repressed the splenomegaly in arthritic rats. Δ9-THC/sesame oil therapy showed similar effects to MTX in neutralizing the inflammatory process of AIA, through attenuating erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) scores and proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1-beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, to normal values. As opposed to MTX, this natural combination markedly protected the liver of arthritic rats and downregulated the induced oxidative stress by increasing the antioxidant defense system such as activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and levels of glutathione (GSH). These results suggest promising effects for the clinical use of Δ9-THC/sesame oil therapy in alleviating arthritic clinical signs as well as arthritis-induced liver injury.

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mi-Bo Kim ◽  
Changhee Kim ◽  
Youngwoo Song ◽  
Jae-Kwan Hwang

Xanthorrhizol, a natural compound isolated fromCurcuma xanthorrhizaRoxb. (Java turmeric), has been reported to possess antioxidant and anticancer properties; however, its effects on metabolic disorders remain unknown. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of xanthorrhizol (XAN) andC. xanthorrhizaextract (CXE) with standardized XAN on hyperglycemia and inflammatory markers in high-fat diet- (HFD-) induced obese mice. Treatment with XAN (10 or 25 mg/kg/day) or CXE (50 or 100 mg/kg/day) significantly decreased fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels in HFD-induced obese mice. XAN and CXE treatments also lowered insulin, glucose, free fatty acid (FFA), and triglyceride (TG) levels in serum. Epididymal fat pad and adipocyte size were decreased by high doses of XAN (26.6% and 20.1%) and CXE (25.8% and 22.5%), respectively. XAN and CXE treatment also suppressed the development of fatty liver by decreasing liver fat accumulation. Moreover, XAN and CXE significantly inhibited production of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in adipose tissue (27.8–82.7%), liver (43.9–84.7%), and muscle (65.2–92.5%). Overall, these results suggest that XAN and CXE, with their antihyperglycemic and anti-inflammatory activities, might be used as potent antidiabetic agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.


2018 ◽  
Vol 51 (6) ◽  
pp. 2575-2590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gang Zhong ◽  
Ruiming Liang ◽  
Jun Yao ◽  
Jia Li ◽  
Tongmeng Jiang ◽  
...  

Background/Aims: Current drug therapies for osteoarthritis (OA) are not practical because of the cytotoxicity and severe side-effects associated with most of them. Artemisinin (ART), an antimalarial agent, is well known for its safety and selectivity to kill injured cells. Based on its anti-inflammatory activity and role in the inhibition of OA-associated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which is crucial in the pathogenesis of OA, we hypothesized that ART might have an effect on OA. Methods: The chondro-protective and antiarthritic effects of ART on interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β)-induced and OA patient-derived chondrocytes were investigated in vitro using cell viability assay, glycosaminoglycan secretion, immunofluorescence, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting. We also used OA model rats constructed by anterior cruciate ligament transection and medial meniscus resection (ACLT+MMx) in the joints to investigate the effects of ART on OA by gross observation, morphological staining, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: ART exhibited potent anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the expression of proinflammatory chemokines and cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and matrix metallopeptidase-13. It also showed favorable chondro-protective effect as evidenced by enhanced cell proliferation and viability, increased glycosaminoglycan deposition, prevention of chondrocyte apoptosis, and degeneration of cartilage. Further, ART inhibited OA progression and cartilage degradation via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, suggesting that it might serve as a Wnt/β-catenin antagonist to reduce inflammation and prevent cartilage degradation. Conclusion: In conclusion, ART alleviates IL-1β-mediated inflammatory response and OA progression by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Thereby, it might be developed as a potential therapeutic agent for OA.


2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Chmielewska-Krzesińska ◽  
Krzysztof Wąsowicz

Abstract Introduction Ozone is not harmful itself; however, it directly oxidises biomolecules and produces radical-dependent cytotoxicity. Exposure to ozone is by inhalation and therefore the lungs develop the main anti-inflammatory response, while ozone has an indirect impact on the other organs. This study investigated the local and systemic effects of the ozone-associated inflammatory response. Material and Methods Three groups each of 5 Wistar Han rats aged 6 months were exposed for 2h to airborne ozone at 0.5 ppm and a fourth identical group were unexposed controls. Sacrifice was at 3h after exposure for control rats and one experimental group and at 24 h and 48 h for the others. Lung and liver samples were evaluated for changes in expression of transforming growth factor beta 1, anti-inflammatory interleukin 10, pro-inflammatory tumour necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 1 beta and two nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of B cells subunit genes. Total RNA was isolated from the samples in spin columns and cDNA was synthesised in an RT-PCR. Expression levels were compared to those of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and analysed statistically. Results All variables changed non-linearly over time comparing experimental groups to the control. Conspicuous expression changes in the subunit genes and cytokines were observed in both evaluated organs. Conclusion Locally and systemically, inflammation responses to ozone inhalation include regulation of certain genes’ expression. The mechanisms are unalike in lungs and liver but ozone exerts a similar effect in both organs. A broader range of variables influential on ozone response should be studied in the future.


2015 ◽  
Vol 93 (4) ◽  
pp. 253-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Zhang ◽  
Ruhong Yan ◽  
Yae Hu

Oxymatrine (OMT) is the quinolizidine alkaloid extracted from the Chinese herb Sophora flavescens Ait. that has many pharmacological effects and is used for the treatment of some inflammatory diseases. In this study, RAW264.7 cells and THP-1 differentiated macrophages were pretreated with various concentrations of OMT at 2 h prior to treatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1.0 μg/mL) for different durations. We detected the anti-inflammatory effect of OMT in LPS-stimulated macrophages and investigated the molecular mechanism. We showed that OMT pretreatment significantly inhibited the LPS-induced secretion of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in supernatant, attenuated the mRNA levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), IL-1β, TNF-α, and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), increased TLR4 and phosphorylation of inhibitor of kappa B-alpha (p-IBα) in cytosol, and decreased the nuclear level of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 in macrophages. In conclusion, OMT exerts anti-inflammatory properties in LPS-stimulated macrophages by down-regulating the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.


1989 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 462-472 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Bielefeldt Ohmann ◽  
M. Campos ◽  
M. Snider ◽  
N. Rapin ◽  
T. Beskorwayne ◽  
...  

Cachectin/tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), a protein produced by macrophages upon stimulation, has been implicated as an important mediator of inflammatory processes and of clinical manifestations in chronic infectious diseases. In order to study further the potential role of TNF in infectious diseases, a homologous system was employed in which recombinant Escherichia coli (E. coli) derived bovine TNF (rBoTNF) was injected in cattle, either as a single bolus or in a repetitive treatment-regime. No clinical signs were observed, although changes occurred in hematologic and immunologic parameters when less than 0.5 mg of TNF/100 kg body weight was administered twice daily for 18 days. Prolonged treatment with 0.05–0.5 mg/100 kg induced histologic but no gross changes in the kidneys and liver. When doses were increased above 0.5 mg/100 kg, depression, anorexia, cachexia, and diarrhea appeared rapidly. Pathologic changes were apparent in various tissues including liver, kidneys, and lymphoid organs; body fat depots were depleted. Most of these changes appeared to be reversible; return to normal tissue-morphology occurred within 3 weeks of withdrawal of rBoTNF. The clinical and pathologic changes induced by prolonged rBoTNF administration resembled those observed in some chronic parasitic and viral infections of cattle in which macrophage-activation characteristically occur. Our finding may be relevant to the elucidation of the pathogenesis of these and other chronic infections.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaosheng Zhu ◽  
Keze Miao ◽  
Mingwei Dong ◽  
Jie Cai ◽  
Zhihao Shen ◽  
...  

Abstract Osteoarthritis (OA), a prevalent disabling disease, is characterized by irreversible cartilage degradation and persistent inflammation. The etiology as well as pathogenesis of OA are not completely unclear and need further investigation. Gigantol, is a bibenzyl derivative extracted from Dendrobium plants and has been found exhibit multiple effects such as anti-inflammatory effects. Nevertheless, the biological function of gigantol on osteoarthritis (OA) is still uncertain. This study aimed at examining the anti-inflammatory effects and latent mechanisms of gigantol in IL-1β-mediated OA progression. In vitro, we identified that gigantol treatment suppressed tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), nitric oxide (NO), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) mediated mouse OA chondrocytes. Gigantol was also shown to dose dependently downregulate the metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) as well as thrombospondin motifs 5 (ADAMTS5) levels. Moreover, IL-1β-mediated AKT and PI3K phosphorylation as well as NF-κB activation were inhibited by gigantol. Meanwhile, in vivo, we detected that gigantol treatment inhibited degradation of the cartilage degradation and lowered the Osteoarthritis Research Society International scores (OARSI) in OA mouse. Therefore, gigantol is a promising therapeutic option for OA.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zunpeng Shu ◽  
Na Xing ◽  
Qiuhong Wang ◽  
Xinli Li ◽  
Bingqing Xu ◽  
...  

This study was designed to determine whether the 50% EtOH fraction from AB-8 macroporous resin fractionation of a 70% EtOH extract ofP. Alkekengi(50-EFP) has antibacterial and/or anti-inflammatory activity bothin vivoandin vitroand to investigate the mechanism of 50-EFP anti-inflammatory activity. Additionally, this study sought to define the chemical composition of 50-EFP. Results indicated that 50-EFP showed significant antibacterial activityin vitroand efficacyin vivo. Moreover, 50-EFP significantly reduced nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2(PGE2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 (IL-1), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) production in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) stimulated THP-1 cells. Nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) (examined at the protein level) in THP-1 cells were suppressed by 50-EFP, which inhibited nuclear translocation of p65. Consistent with this anti-inflammatory activityin vitro, 50-EFP reduced inflammation in both animal models. Finally, seventeen compounds (8 physalins and 9 flavones) were isolated as major components of 50-EFP. Our data demonstrate that 50-EFP has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities bothin vitroandin vivo. The anti-inflammatory effect appears to occur, at least in part, through the inhibition of nuclear translocation of p65. Moreover, physalins and flavones are probably the active components in 50-EFP that exert antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities.


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 366-376 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dai-Qiang Liu ◽  
Ya-Qun Zhou ◽  
Feng Gao

Background:Despite its various side effects, morphine has been widely used in clinics for decades due to its powerful analgesic effect. Morphine tolerance is one of the major side effects, hindering its long-term usage for pain therapy. Currently, the thorough cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying morphine tolerance remain largely uncertain.Methods:We searched the PubMed database with Medical subject headings (MeSH) including ‘morphine tolerance’, ‘cytokines’, ‘interleukin 1’, ‘interleukin 1 beta’, ‘interleukin 6’, ‘tumor necrosis factor alpha’, ‘interleukin 10’, ‘chemokines’. Manual searching was carried out by reviewing the reference lists of relevant studies obtained from the primary search. The searches covered the period from inception to November 1, 2017.Results:The expression levels of certain chemokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly increased in animal models of morphine tolerance. Cytokines and cytokine receptor antagonist showed potent effect of alleviating the development of morphine tolerance.Conclusion:Cytokines play a fundamental role in the development of morphine tolerance. Therapeutics targeting cytokines may become alternative strategies for the management of morphine tolerance.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Luisa Del Prado-Audelo ◽  
Hernán Cortés ◽  
Isaac H. Caballero-Florán ◽  
Maykel González-Torres ◽  
Lidia Escutia-Guadarrama ◽  
...  

In the last decades, the search for natural products with biological applications as alternative treatments for several inflammatory diseases has increased. In this respect, terpenes are a family of organic compounds obtained mainly from plants and trees, such as tea, cannabis, thyme, and citrus fruits like lemon or mandarin. These molecules present attractive biological properties such as analgesic and anticonvulsant activities. Furthermore, several studies have demonstrated that certain terpenes could reduce inflammation symptoms by decreasing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines for example, the nuclear transcription factor-kappa B, interleukin 1, and the tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Thus, due to various anti-inflammatory drugs provoking side effects, the search and analysis of novel therapeutics treatments are attractive. In this review, the analysis of terpenes’ chemical structure and their mechanisms in anti-inflammatory functions are addressed. Additionally, we present a general analysis of recent investigations about their applications as an alternative treatment for inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, we focus on terpenes-based nanoformulations and employed dosages to offer a global perspective of the state-of-the-art.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (11) ◽  
pp. 379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce P. Burnett ◽  
Robert M. Levy

Limbrel (flavocoxid) is marketed as an FDA-regulated medical food for the clinical dietary management of osteoarthritis (OA) to be used under physician supervision. Flavocoxid is composed of a >90% mixture of baicalin and catechin and represents a non-targeted anti-inflammatory which works differently than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that bind to and only inhibit the cyclooxygenase moieties of COX-1 and COX-2. Flavocoxid binds to and weakly modulates the peroxidase activity of the COX enzymes permitting low level expression of prostaglandins (PGs), prostacyclin (PGI2) and thromboxane (TxA2). In addition, flavocoxid weakly inhibits phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) as well as increases IϰBα and prevents nuclear factor kappa B (NFϰB) activation/induction of inflammatory genes such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), interleukin-1β (IL-1 β), IL-6, COX-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and 5-LOX. In clinical studies, flavocoxid shows equivalent efficacy to naproxen with statistically fewer renal (edema) and upper gastrointestinal (GI) side effects, does not affect platelet function and bleeding times, does not change international normalized ratio (INR) in warfarinized patients, is well-tolerated in patients with previous NSAID-induced GI side effects, and decreases or eliminates the use of gastroprotective medications in patients who previously required them to tolerate NSAIDs. With its broad, non-targeted and multiple weak activities which result in fewer side effects compared to NSAIDs, flavocoxid represents a different way managing OA by working on the underlying and multiple causes of cartilage degradation as well as joint inflammation.  Keywords: Flavocoxid, Limbrel, osteoarthritis, inflammatory pathways, and medical foods


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