scholarly journals Intraperitoneal Lavage with Crocus sativus Prevents Postoperative-Induced Peritoneal Adhesion in a Rat Model: Evidence from Animal and Cellular Studies

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
Pouria Rahmanian-Devin ◽  
Hassan Rakhshandeh ◽  
Vafa Baradaran Rahimi ◽  
Zahra Sanei-Far ◽  
Maede Hasanpour ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Plasminogen Activator ◽  
Macrophage Polarization ◽  
Crocus Sativus ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Peritoneal Adhesion ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Tgf Β1

Postoperative peritoneal adhesions are considered the major complication following abdominal surgeries. The primary clinical complications of peritoneal adhesion are intestinal obstruction, infertility, pelvic pain, and postoperative mortality. In this study, regarding the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Crocus sativus, we aimed to evaluate the effects of Crocus sativus on the prevention of postsurgical-induced peritoneal adhesion. Male Wistar-Albino rats were used to investigate the preventive effects of C. sativus extract (0.5%, 0.25% and 0.125% w / v ) against postsurgical-induced peritoneal adhesion compared to pirfenidone (PFD, 7.5% w / v ). We also investigated the protective effects of PFD (100 μg/ml) and C. sativus extract (100, 200, and 400 μg/ml) in TGF-β1-induced fibrotic macrophage polarization. The levels of cell proliferation and oxidative, antioxidative, inflammatory and anti-inflammatory, fibrosis, and angiogenesis biomarkers were evaluated both in vivo and in vitro models. C. sativus extract ameliorates postoperational-induced peritoneal adhesion development by attenuating oxidative stress [malondialdehyde (MDA)]; inflammatory mediators [interleukin- (IL-) 6, tumour necrosis factor- (TNF-) α, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)]; fibrosis [transforming growth factor- (TGF-) β1, IL-4, and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)]; and angiogenesis [vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)] markers, while propagating antioxidant [glutathione (GSH)], anti-inflammatory (IL-10), and fibrinolytic [tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)] markers and tPA/PAI ratio. In a cellular model, we revealed that the extract, without any toxicity, regulated the levels of cell proliferation and inflammatory (TNF-α), angiogenesis (VEGF), anti-inflammatory (IL-10), M1 [inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)] and M2 [arginase-1 (Arg 1)] biomarkers, and iNOS/Arg-1 ratio towards antifibrotic M1 phenotype of macrophage, in a concentration-dependent manner. Taken together, the current study indicated that C. sativus reduces peritoneal adhesion formation by modulating the macrophage polarization from M2 towards M1 cells.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effects of the Hydroethanolic Extract of Portulaca oleracea on Surgical-Induced Peritoneal Adhesion

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Ali Jaafari ◽  
Vafa Baradaran Rahimi ◽  
Nasser Vahdati-Mashhadian ◽  
Roghayeh Yahyazadeh ◽  
Alireza Ebrahimzadeh-Bideskan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Scoring Systems ◽  
Portulaca Oleracea ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Peritoneal Adhesion ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Tgf Β1

Objective. Peritoneal adhesion (PA) is an abnormal connective tissue that usually occurs between tissues adjacent to damaged organs during processes such as surgery. In this study, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Portulaca oleracea (PO) were investigated against postoperative-induced peritoneal adhesion. Methods. Thirty healthy male Wistar rats ( 220 ± 20   g , 6-8 weeks) were randomly divided into four groups: (1) normal, (2) control (induced peritoneal adhesion), and (3) and (4) PO extracts (induced peritoneal adhesion and received 100 or 300 mg/kg/day of PO extract for seven days). Finally, macroscopic and microscopic examinations were performed using different scoring systems and immunoassays in the peritoneal lavage fluid. Results. We found that the levels of adhesion scores and interleukin- (IL-) 1β, IL-6, IL-10, tumour necrosis factor- (TNF-) α, transforming growth factor- (TGF-) β1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were increased in the control group. However, PO extract (100 and 300 mg/kg) notably reduced inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), fibrosis (TGF-β1), angiogenesis (VEGF), and oxidative (MDA) factors, while increased anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, antioxidant factor glutathione (GSH), compared to the control group. Conclusion. Oral administration of PO improved postoperational-induced PA by alleviating the oxidative factors, fibrosis, inflammatory cytokines, angiogenesis biomarkers, and stimulating antioxidative factors. Hence, PO can be considered a potential herbal medicine to manage postoperative PA. However, further clinical studies are required to approve the effectiveness of PO.

Retinoic acid-induced proliferation of lung alveolar epithelial cells: relation with the IGF system

1998 ◽  
Vol 275 (1) ◽  
pp. L71-L79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elodie Nabeyrat ◽  
Valérie Besnard ◽  
Sophie Corroyer ◽  
Véronique Cazals ◽  
Annick Clement
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Retinoic Acid ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Alveolar Epithelium ◽  
Cell Number ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Alveolar Epithelial ◽  
Igf System ◽  
Tgf Β1

Retinoids, including retinol and retinoic acid (RA) derivatives, are important molecules for lung growth and homeostasis. The presence of RA receptors and of RA-binding proteins in the alveolar epithelium led to suggest a role for RA on alveolar epithelial cell replication. In the present study, we examined the effects of RA on proliferation of the stem cells of the alveolar epithelium, the type 2 cells. We showed that treatment of serum-deprived type 2 cells with RA led to a stimulation of cell proliferation, with an increase in cell number in a dose-dependent manner. To gain some insights into the mechanisms involved, we studied the effects of RA on the expression of several components of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system that have been shown to be associated with the growth arrest of type 2 cells, mainly the IGF-binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2), IGF-II, and the type 2 IGF receptor. We documented a marked decrease in the expression of these components upon RA treatment. Using conditioned media from RA-treated cells, we provided evidence that the proliferative response of type 2 cells to RA was mediated through production of growth factor(s) distinct from IGF-I. We also showed that RA was able to reduce the decrease in cell number observed when type 2 cells were treated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1. These results together with the known stimulatory effect of TGF-β1 on IGFBP-2 expression led to suggest that RA may be associated with type 2 cell proliferation through mechanisms interfering with the TGF-β1 pathway.

Protective effects of diosmetin extracted from Galium verum L. on the thymus of U14-bearing mice

2011 ◽  
Vol 89 (9) ◽  
pp. 665-673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui Zhao ◽  
Zhibao Chen ◽  
Guiyan Jia ◽  
Jian Li ◽  
Yaping Cai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Proliferation Assay ◽  
Cell Proliferation Assay ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Thymus Tissue ◽  
Tgf Β1

Diosmetin (DGVL) extracted from the traditional Chinese herb Galium verum L. has been found to have anticancer activity. In this study, the effects of DGVL on the thymus of U14-bearing mice were investigated. Using flow cytometry, peripheral blood lymphocytes were characterized based on the expression of surface markers for T helper cells (CD4+) and T suppressor cells (CD8+). Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-10, and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and a cell proliferation assay were determined with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) on the thymus was determined by Western blotting. Our results showed that DGVL inhibited tumor growth and significantly increased the thymus weight compared with the control. Also, DGVL elevated serum levels of IL-2 and significantly reduced levels of TNF-α, TGF-β1, and IL-10 in a dose-dependent manner. Histological study and terminal dUTP nick end labeling staining results showed that DGVL protected thymus tissue against the onslaught of tumor growth by inhibiting thymus lymphocyte apoptosis. The cell proliferation assay revealed that DGVL might promote more thymus lymphocytes towards proliferation. Furthermore, the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocytes was significantly increased from 0.69 to 2.29 by treatment with DGVL. Immunoblotting analyses revealed that the expression of Fas and FasL on the thymus was lower in mice in the DGVL treatment group than in the control mice. In conclusion, DGVL can inhibit tumor growth and protect tumor-induced apoptosis of the thymus, and the mechanism is closely associated with reduced cell death in the thymus and a Fas–FasL-dependent pathway.

scholarly journals Smooth-Muscle Calponin in Mesangial Cells: Regulation of Expression and a Role in Suppressing Glomerulonephritis

2002 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 322-331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Youichi Sugenoya ◽  
Ashio Yoshimura ◽  
Hisako Yamamura ◽  
Kiyoko Inui ◽  
Hiroyuki Morita ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Mesangial Cell ◽  
Mesangial Cells ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Mesangial Cell Proliferation ◽  
Tgf Β1

ABSTRACT. The basic or h1 calponin gene, which encodes an actin-binding protein involved in the regulation of smooth-muscle shortening velocity, is known to be a smooth-muscle differentiation-specific gene. It was found that basic calponin was expressed by cultured mesangial cells and localized along the actin filaments. Among the growth factors involved in the mesangial cell pathophysiology, including platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), tumor necrosis factor–α (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor–β1 (TGF-β1), TNF-α potently downregulates basic calponin expression in both the mRNA and protein levels, whereas TGF-β1 upregulates the calponin expression. PDGF-BB also reduced its mRNA expression. The half-life of basic calponin mRNA was determined to be similar between TNF-α–treated and –untreated mesangial cells, whereas cell transfection assays that used a luciferase reporter gene construct containing the functional basic calponin promoter showed that TNF-α and PDGF-BB reduced the transcriptional activity. Because stimulation with TNF-α and PDGF-BB was associated with mesangial cell proliferation, basic calponin may play a role in the suppression of mesangial cell proliferation. Treatment with anti–glomerular basement membrane antibody in calponin knockout mice induced more severe nephritis than in wild type mice, as judged from an increase in the urinary protein excretion, glomerular cellularity, and number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen–positive cells in glomerulus. These results suggest that basic calponin expression may serve as one of the intrinsic regulators of glomerular nephritis. Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms for regulation of the basic calponin expression in mesangial cells may improve the understanding of the molecular basis and pathogenesis of the glomerular response to injury.

Interleukin-10-independent anti-inflammatory actions of glucagon-like peptide 2

2008 ◽  
Vol 295 (6) ◽  
pp. G1202-G1210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine P. A. Ivory ◽  
Laurie E. Wallace ◽  
Donna-Marie McCafferty ◽  
David L. Sigalet
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Lamina Propria ◽  
Interleukin 10 ◽  
Crypt Cell ◽  
Intestinal Epithelial ◽  
Crypt Cell Proliferation ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Glucagon Like Peptide ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) is an important intestinal growth factor with anti-inflammatory activity. We hypothesized that GLP-2 decreases mucosal inflammation and the associated increased epithelial proliferation by downregulation of Th1 cytokines attributable to reprogramming of lamina propria immune regulatory cells via an interleukin-10 (IL-10)-independent pathway. The effects of GLP-2 treatment were studied using the IL-10-deficient (IL-10−/−) mouse model of colitis. Wild-type and IL-10−/− mice received saline or GLP-2 (50 μg/kg sc) treatment for 5 days. GLP-2 treatment resulted in significant amelioration of animal weight loss and reduced intestinal inflammation as assessed by histopathology and myeloperoxidase levels compared with saline-treated animals. In colitis animals, GLP-2 treatment also reduced crypt cell proliferation and crypt cell apoptosis. Proinflammatory (IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ,) cytokine protein levels were significantly reduced after GLP-2 treatment, whereas IL-4 was significantly increased and IL-6 production was unchanged. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis of lamina propria cells demonstrated a decrease in the CD4+ T cell population following GLP-2 treatment in colitic mice and an increase in CD11b+/F4/80+ macrophages but no change in CD25+FoxP3 T cells or CD11c+ dendritic cells. In colitis animals, intracellular cytokine analysis demonstrated that GLP-2 decreased lamina propria macrophage TNF-α production but increased IGF-1 production, whereas transforming growth factor-β was unchanged. GLP-2-mediated reduction of crypt cell proliferation was associated with an increase in intestinal epithelial cell suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-3 expression and reduced STAT-3 signaling. This study shows that the anti-inflammatory effects of GLP-2 are IL-10 independent and that GLP-2 alters the mucosal response of inflamed intestinal epithelial cells and macrophages. In addition, the suggested mechanism of the reduction in inflammation-induced proliferation is attributable to GLP-2 activation of the SOCS-3 pathway, which antagonizes the IL-6-mediated increase in STAT-3 signaling.

Modulation of Pro- and Antifibrinolytic Properties of Human Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells by Transforming Growth Factor β1 (TGF- β1), Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNF-α) and Interleukin β1 (IL-1β)

1998 ◽  
Vol 79 (02) ◽  
pp. 362-370 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Elbrecht ◽  
Carsten Schauerte ◽  
Bernd Klosterhalfen ◽  
Baffour Amo-Takyi ◽  
Johanna Gehlen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Tumor Necrosis Factor ◽  
Plasminogen Activator ◽  
Tumor Necrosis ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Mesothelial Cells ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Tgf Β1 ◽  
Necrosis Factor ◽  
Pai 1

SummaryA decreased fibrinolytic activity of serosal surfaces appears to be a major factor in the development of peritoneal fibrous adhesions. Serosal fibrinolysis is regulated by mesothelial release of tissue type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor types 1 and 2 (PAI-1 and PAI-2). We investigated the influence of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), transforming growth factor β (TGF- β1) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) on pro- and antifibrinolytic properties of mesothelial cells (HOMC) using a cell/fibrin clot assay. TGF-β1, TNF-α and IL-1β induced a dose dependent 2.9, 2.3 and 1.9-fold increase of PAI-1 antigen, respectively, whereas t-PA concentrations decreased to one third of the control values. This modified PAI-1/t-PA secretion pattern leads to a significant delay of fibrinolysis. Analysis of m-RNA levels revealed increased PAI-1 m-RNA concentrations after 12 h and decreased m-RNA concentrations for t-PA after 6 h. Serosal hypofibrinolysis during peritonitis may be explained at least in part by cytokine effects which thus may favor adhesion formation.

scholarly journals Characterization and biological evaluation of a novel silver nanoparticle-loaded collagen-chitosan dressing

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 371-380 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rongfu Li ◽  
Zhaorong Xu ◽  
Qiong Jiang ◽  
Yunquan Zheng ◽  
Zhaohong Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Wound Healing ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Silver Nanoparticle ◽  
Cytokine Expression ◽  
Inflammatory Factors ◽  
Mixed Solution ◽  
Degree Burn ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Tgf Β1

Abstract Effective coverage and protection is a priority in wound treatment. Collagen and chitosan have been widely used for wound dressings due to their excellent biological activity and biocompatibility. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have a powerful antibacterial effect. In this study, a macromolecular and small-molecular collagen mixed solution, a macromolecular and small-molecular chitosan mixed solution were prepared, and a silver nanoparticle-loaded collagen-chitosan dressing (AgNP-CCD) has been proposed. First, the effects of a collagen-chitosan mixed solution on the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and the secretion of cytokines were evaluated. Then, the characteristics and antibacterial effects of the AgNP-CCD were tested, and the effects on wound healing and the influence of wound cytokine expression were investigated via a deep second-degree burn wound model. The results showed that at the proper proportion and concentration, the collagen-chitosan mixed solution effectively promoted cell proliferation and regulated the levels of growth factors (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], epidermal growth factor [EGF], platelet-derived growth factor [PDGF], transforming growth factor [TGF-β1], basic fibroblastic growth factor [bFGF]) and inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8). Moreover, AgNP solutions at lower concentrations exerted limited inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and had no effect on cytokine secretion. The AgNP-CCD demonstrated satisfactory morphological and physical properties as well as efficient antibacterial activities. An in vivo evaluation indicated that AgNP-CCD could accelerate the healing process of deep second-degree burn wounds and played an important role in the regulation of growth and inflammatory factors, including VEGF, EGFL-7, TGF-β1, bFGF, TNF-α and IL-1β. This AgNP-CCD exerted excellent biological effects on wound healing promotion and cytokine expression regulation.

scholarly journals Pirfenidone attenuates synovial fibrosis and postpones the progression of osteoarthritis by anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties in vivo and in vitro

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qilu Wei ◽  
Ning Kong ◽  
Xiaohui Liu ◽  
Run Tian ◽  
Ming Jiao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Expression ◽  
Cell Counting ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Fast Green ◽  
Expression Levels ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Safranin O ◽  
Tgf Β1

Abstract Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease of the entire joint involving synovial fibrosis and inflammation. Pathological changes to the synovium can accelerate the progression of OA. Pirfenidone (PFD) is a potent anti-fibrotic drug with additional anti-inflammatory properties. However, the influence of PFD on OA is unknown. Methods Proliferation of human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) after treatment with TGF-β1 or PFD was evaluated using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and their migration using a Transwell assay. The expression of fibrosis-related genes (COL1A1, TIMP-1, and ACTA-2) and those related to inflammation (IL-6 and TNF-α) was quantified by real-time quantitative PCR. The protein expression levels of COL1A1, α-SMA (coded by ACTA-2), IL-6 and TNF-α were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A rabbit model of OA was established and then PFD was administered by gavage. The expression of genes related to fibrosis (COL1A1, TIMP-1, and ADAM-12) and inflammation (IL-6 and TNF-α) was measured using RNA extracted from the synovium. Synovial tissue was examined histologically after staining with H&E, Masson’s trichrome, and immunofluorescence. Synovitis scores, the volume fraction of collagen, and mean fluorescence intensity were calculated. Degeneration of articular cartilage was analyzed using a Safranin O-fast green stain and OARSI grading. Results The proliferation of FLSs was greatest when induced with 2.5 ng/ml TGF-β1 although it did not promote their migration. Therefore, 2.5 ng/ml TGF-β1 was used to stimulate the FLSs and evaluate the effects of PFD, which inhibited the migration of FLSs at concentrations as low as 1.0 mg/ml. PFD decreased the expression of COL1A1 while TGF-β1 increased both mRNA and protein expression levels of IL-6 but had no effect on α-SMA or TNF-α expression. PFD decreased mRNA expression levels of COL1A1, IL-6, and TNF-α in vivo. H&E staining and synovitis scores indicated that PFD reduced synovial inflammation, while Masson’s trichrome and immunofluorescence staining suggested that PFD decreased synovial fibrosis. Safranin O-Fast Green staining and the OARSI scores demonstrated that PFD delayed the progression of OA. Conclusions PFD attenuated synovial fibrosis and inflammation, and postponed the progression of osteoarthritis in a modified Hulth model of OA in rabbits, which was related to its anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties.

scholarly journals Bioactivity-Guided Extract Optimization of Osmanthus fragrans var. aurantiacus Leaves and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Phillyrin

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1545
Author(s):  
Hwa-Young Song ◽  
Da-Eun Jeong ◽  
Mina Lee
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activities ◽  
Radical Scavenging ◽  
No Production ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Optimal Method ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Osmanthus Fragrans ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Extracellular Regulated Kinase

The aim of this study was to identify the optimal extraction conditions for leaves of Osmanthus fragrans var. aurantiacus. Inhibitory effects of various extracts on NO production were compared. Antioxidant evaluations for total phenol and flavonoid contents were carried out using various extracts of O. fragrans var. aurantiacus leaves obtained under optimal extraction conditions that showed the greatest effect on NO production. The optimal method for extracting O. fragrans var. aurantiacus leaves resulted in an extract named OP OFLE. OP OFLE showed DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities in a concentration-dependent manner. Phillyrin (PH) was isolated as a major compound from OP OFLE by HPLC/DAD analysis. OP OFLE and PH reduced inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 protein expression and downregulated proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 and HT-29 cells. To determine the signal pathway involved in the inhibition of NO production, a Western blot analysis was performed. Results showed that OP OFLE decreased phosphorylation of extracellular regulated kinase (pERK) 1/2 and the expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). Our results suggest that extracts of O. fragrans var. aurantiacus leaves and its major components have biological activities such as antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.

scholarly journals Inflammatory M1-like macrophages polarized by NK-4 undergo enhanced phenotypic switching to an anti-inflammatory M2-like phenotype upon co-culture with apoptotic cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Keizo Kohno ◽  
Satomi Koya-Miyata ◽  
Akira Harashima ◽  
Takahiko Tsukuda ◽  
Masataka Katakami ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wound Healing ◽  
Chronic Wounds ◽  
Macrophage Polarization ◽  
Phenotypic Switching ◽  
Apoptotic Cells ◽  
Phenotypic Switch ◽  
Inflammatory Phase ◽  
M1 Macrophage ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Abstract Background NK-4 has been used to promote wound healing since the early-1950s; however, the mechanism of action of NK-4 is unknown. In this study, we examined whether NK-4 exerts a regulatory effect on macrophages, which play multiple roles during wound healing from the initial inflammatory phase until the tissue regeneration phase. Results NK-4 treatment of THP-1 macrophages induced morphological features characteristic of classically-activated M1 macrophages, an inflammatory cytokine profile, and increased expression of the M1 macrophage-associated molecules CD38 and CD86. Interestingly, NK-4 augmented TNF-α production by THP-1 macrophages in combination with LPS, Pam3CSK4, or poly(I:C). Furthermore, NK-4 treatment enhanced THP-1 macrophage phagocytosis of latex beads. These results indicate that NK-4 drives macrophage polarization toward an inflammatory M1-like phenotype with increased phagocytic activity. Efferocytosis is a crucial event for resolution of the inflammatory phase in wound healing. NK-4-treated THP-1 macrophages co-cultured with apoptotic Jurkat E6.1 (Apo-J) cells switched from an M1-like phenotype to an M2-like phenotype, as seen in the inverted ratio of TNF-α to IL-10 produced in response to LPS. We identified two separate mechanisms that are involved in this phenotypic switch. First, recognition of phosphatidylserine molecules on Apo-J cells by THP-1 macrophages downregulates TNF-α production. Second, phagocytosis of Apo-J cells by THP-1 macrophages and activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway upregulates IL-10 production. Conclusion It is postulated that the phenotypic switch from a proinflammatory M1-like phenotype to an anti-inflammatory M2-like phenotype is dysregulated due to impaired efferocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils at the wound site. Our results demonstrate that NK-4 improves phagocytosis of apoptotic cells, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic strategy to resolve sustained inflammation in chronic wounds.

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