scholarly journals Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingfei Paidu Decoction and Xuanfei Baidu Decoction, Inhibited Cytokine Production via NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Macrophages: Implications for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Therapy

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yujia Li ◽  
Bin Li ◽  
Pan Wang ◽  
Qinghua Wang

Background and Aims: Qingfei Paidu decoction (QPD) and Xuanfei Baidu decoction (XBD) are two typical traditional Chinese medicines with proven efficacy for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2, although the underlying mechanism is not well defined. Blunted immune response and enhanced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (cytokine storm) are two main features observed in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Analysis based on network pharmacology has revealed that both QPD and XBD played an important role in the regulation of host immunity. We therefore investigated the role of QPD and XBD in the modulation of innate immunity in vitro, focusing on the type 1 interferon (IFN) signaling pathway in A549 cells and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in macrophages. Methods: A549 cells were treated with QPD or XBD and the production of endogenous IFNα and IFNβ as well as the expression levels of some interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) were detected by reverse transcriptase-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Macrophages derived from THP-1 cells were treated with QPD or XBD and their pro-inflammatory cytokine expression levels were measured by RT-qPCR, 6 h post LPS stimulation. In addition, the expression levels of some pro-inflammatory cytokines were further analyzed by ELISA. The effect of QPD and XBD on the NF-κB signaling pathway and the pinocytosis activity of THP-1-derived macrophages were evaluated by Western blot and neutral red uptake assay, respectively. Results: Although QPD and XBD showed very little effect on the type 1 IFN signaling pathway in A549 cells, either QPD or XBD markedly inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory markers including interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and chemokine ligand 10 in THP-1-derived M1 macrophages. In addition, the phosphorylation of IκBα and NF-κB p65 during the process of macrophage polarization was significantly suppressed following QPD or XBD treatment. QPD and XBD also suppressed the pinocytosis activity of macrophages. Conclusion: QPD and XBD have been shown to have robust anti-inflammatory activities in vitro. Our study demonstrated that both QPD and XBD decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, inhibited the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, and blunted pinocytosis activity in THP-1-derived macrophages.

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 1497
Author(s):  
Edina Pandur ◽  
Kitti Tamási ◽  
Ramóna Pap ◽  
Gergely Jánosa ◽  
Katalin Sipos

Macrophages are essential immune cells of the innate immune system. They participate in the development and regulation of inflammation. Macrophages play a fundamental role in fighting against bacterial infections by phagocytosis of bacteria, and they also have a specific role in immunomodulation by secreting pro-inflammatory cytokines. In bacterial infection, macrophages decrease the serum iron concentration by removing iron from the blood, acting as one of the most important regulatory cells of iron homeostasis. We examined whether the Gram-positive and Gram-negative cell wall components from various bacterial strains affect the cytokine production and iron transport, storage and utilization of THP-1 monocytes in different ways. We found that S. aureus lipoteichoic acid (LTA) was less effective in activating pro-inflammatory cytokine expression that may related to its effect on fractalkine production. LTA-treated cells increased iron uptake through divalent metal transporter-1, but did not elevate the expression of cytosolic and mitochondrial iron storage proteins, suggesting that the cells maintained iron efflux via the ferroportin iron exporter. E. coli and P. aeruginosa lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) acted similarly on THP-1 cells, but the rates of the alterations of the examined proteins were different. E. coli LPS was more effective in increasing the pro-inflammatory cytokine production, meanwhile it caused less dramatic alterations in iron metabolism. P. aeruginosa LPS-treated cells produced a smaller amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines, but caused remarkable elevation of both cytosolic and mitochondrial iron storage proteins and intracellular iron content compared to E. coli LPS. These results prove that LPS molecules from different bacterial sources alter diverse molecular mechanisms in macrophages that prepossess the outcome of the bacterial infection.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhavnita Soni ◽  
Shailza Singh

AbstractMacrophage phenotype plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Leishmanial infection. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are the key regulators that eliminate the infection induced by Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway. Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) is a well-known negative feedback regulator of JAK/STAT pathway. However, change in expression levels of SOCS in correlation with the establishment of infection is not well understood. Mathematical modeling of IL6 signaling pathway have helped identified the role of SOCS1 in establishment of infection. Furthermore, the ratio of SOCS1 and SOCS3 has been quantified both in silico as well as in vitro, indicating an immune axis which governs the macrophage phenotype during L. major infection. The ability of SOCS1 protein to inhibit the JAK/STAT1 signaling pathway and thereby decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokine expression makes it a strong candidate for therapeutic intervention. Using synthetic biology approaches, peptide based immuno-regulatory circuit have been designed to target the activity of SOCS1 which can restore pro-inflammatory cytokine expression during infection.


2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan Li ◽  
Chenyu Li ◽  
Yan Xu

Abstract Background and Aims Acute kidney injury (AKI), commonly appeared in cardiac arrest, surgery and kidney transplantation which involved in ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury of kidney. However, the mechanisms underlying inflammatory response in IR AKI is still unclear. Method Public dataset showed kruppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) was significantly highly expressed (P<0.05) in AKI, implies KLF6 might be associated with AKI. To evaluate the mechanism of KLF6 on IR AKI, 30 rats were randomly divided into sham and IR group, and were sacrificed at 0 h, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h or 24 h after IR. Results The results showed KLF6 expression was peaking at 6 h after IR, and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines MCP-1 and TNF-α were increased both in serum and kidney tissues after IR, while anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was decreased after IR. Furthermore, in vitro results showed KLF6 knock-down reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokines expression and increased the anti-inflammatory cytokines expression. Conclusion These results suggest that (1) KLF6 might be a novel biomarker for early diagnosis of AKI and (2) targeting KLF6 expression may offer novel strategies to protect kidneys from IR AKI Figure KLF6, AKI, Control Inflammation


2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiliang Chen ◽  
Roy L Silverstein

Cardiotonic steroids such as ouabain, digoxin, and marinobufagenin are known ligands for the plasma membrane receptor Na/K-ATPase (NKA). These ligands are able to stimulate interaction of the NKA with other membrane and cytosolic proteins leading to cellular events such as activation of kinase cascades and gene transcription. Endogenous cardiotonic steroids have been detected in human circulation and interestingly their levels were elevated in human patients with hypertension, congestive heart failure and diabetes, all of which were associated with chronic systemic inflammation. However, the role of cardiotonic steroids in systemic inflammation and immunity has not been well studied. We previously discovered that ouabain stimulated macrophages to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines, many of which are known targets of the transcription factor, NF-κB. Therefore, we hypothesized that ouabain activates NF-κB pathway leading to pro-inflammatory cytokine production in macrophages. Using Western blot and densitometry analysis, we showed that physiological concentrations of ouabain promoted IκBα degradation (as low as 5 nM ouabain decreased IκBα level by 66.8%±7.4%, n=4). This was accompanied by NF-κB translocation from cytoplasm to the nuclei as shown by immunocytochemistry (% of nuclei NF-κB signals increased from 30.5%±2.3% in control to 62.2%±2.6% in ouabain-treated macrophages, n>25). Moreover, via quantitative RT-PCR (n=3), we found that ouabain increased mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as MCP-1 (3.2±1.1 fold), TNF-α (59.7±35.6 fold), and CXCL-10 (2.8±1.6 fold), all of which are known NF-κB targets. Consistent with the increase in mRNA level, we found that MCP-1 protein levels were elevated in both cell lysates (1.8±0.3 fold) and culture media (1.4±0.1 fold; n=4). Addition of an NF-κB inhibitor blocked MCP-1 production induced by ouabain (n=4). Mechanistically, ouabain stimulated interaction between NKA and TLR4 as shown by Co-Immunoprecipitation (n=3). Blockade of TLR4 signaling using a specific peptide inhibitor, CLI-095, abolished the ouabain effect on NF-κB activation (n=3). We conclude that ouabain activates NF-κB through NKA/TLR4 complex leading to pro-inflammatory cytokine production by macrophages.


2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Saul Lipszyc ◽  
Graciela Alicia Cremaschi ◽  
María Zorrilla Zubilete ◽  
Maria Laura Aón Bertolino ◽  
Francisco Capani ◽  
...  

The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis includes the assignment of a critical role to cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage and to pro-inflammatory cytokines. Niacin is known to improve lipid metabolism and to produce beneficial modification of cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of this work was to investigate if Niacin is able to modulate pro-inflammatory cytokine production in macrophages in a murine model of atherosclerosis. For this purpose C57Bl/6J mice fed with atherogenic diet (AGD) or with conventional chow diet were used. The AGD group showed an increase in body weight and in total plasma cholesterol, with no differences in triglyceride or HDL levels. Lesions in arterial walls were observed. The characterization of Niacin receptor showed an increase in the receptor number of macrophages from the AGD group. Macrophages from control and AGD animals treated in vitro with an inflammatory stimulus showed elevated levels of IL-6, IL-1 and TNF-α, that were even higher in macrophages from AGD mice. Niacin was able to decrease the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in stimulated macrophages. Similar effect of Niacin was observed in an in vivo model of inflammation. These results show an attenuating inflammatory mechanism for this therapeutic agent and would point out its potential action in plaque stabilization and in the prevention of atherosclerosis progression. Furthermore, the present results provide the basis for future studies on the potential contribution of Niacin to anti-inflammatory therapies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Edina Pandur ◽  
Alex Balatinácz ◽  
Giuseppe Micalizzi ◽  
Luigi Mondello ◽  
Adrienn Horváth ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common Gram-negative bacterium associated with nosocomial respiratory infections. Lavender essential oil is mainly used in aromatherapy, but it has several pharmacological and therapeutic properties. Furthermore, it possesses antifungal and antibacterial activities. The anti-inflammatory activity of essential oils may depend on the composition and the ratio of the compounds. The constitution of the essential oils extracted from the different stages of flowering period varies, which makes it plausible that the collection time of the flowers influences the anti-inflammatory effects. Different types of essential oils reduce inflammation acting similarly by modulating the activity and action of the NFκB signalling pathway, which is the major regulator of the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Methods Lavender essential oils were distilled from lavender plant cultivated in Hungary and the flowers were harvested at the beginning and at the end of flowering period. The experiments were carried out on THP-1 human monocyte/macrophage cell line as in vitro cell culture model for monitoring the effects of lavender essential oils and the main compound linalool on P. aeruginosa LPS stimulated inflammation. The mRNA and protein levels of four pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-8 and TNFα were determined by Real Time PCR and ELISA measurements. The effects of essential oils were compared to the response to two NFκB inhibitors, luteolin and ACHP. Results Linalool and lavender essential oil extracted from plants at the beginning of flowering period were successful in decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokine production following LPS pretreatment. In case of IL-8 and IL-1β lavender oil showed stronger effect compared to linalool and both of them acted similarly to NFκB inhibitors. Pretreatments with linalool and lavender essential oil/beginning of flowering period prevented pro-inflammatory cytokine production compared to LPS treatment alone. Although lavender essential oil/end of flowering period decreased IL-6, IL-1β and IL-8 mRNA expression in case of LPS pretreatment, it was not capable to reduce cytokine secretion. Conclusion Based on our results it has been proven that lavender essential oil extracted at the beginning of flowering period is a potent inhibitor of the synthesis of four pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, IL-β and TNFα of THP-1 cells. This supports the relevance of the collection of the lavender flowers from early blooming period for essential oil production and for the utilization as an anti-inflammatory treatment.


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin T. Larragoite ◽  
Laura J. Martins ◽  
Adam M. Spivak ◽  
Racheal A. Nell ◽  
Vicente Planelles

AbstractIntroductionThough antiretroviral therapy has led to viral suppression and increased quality of life for patients living with HIV-1, strategies to eliminate the HIV-1 latent reservoir are still necessary to eliminate HIV. Latency reversal with superior latency reversal agents (LRAs) such as protein kinase C (PKC) agonists is a promising strategy for unveiling and eliminating the latent HIV-1 reservoir. However, PKC agonists induce T cell activation and deleterious pro- inflammatory cytokine production. Secondary pharmacological agents combined with LRAs have been previously shown to reduce deleterious pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion without inhibiting HIV-1 viral reactivation. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are also known for inhibiting deleterious pro-inflammatory cytokines in the context of graft-versus-host disease and rheumatoid arthritis in addition to being known to synergize with PKC agonists. In this study we investigated whether HDACi and other epigenetic modifiers could decrease PKC- induced pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion while simultaneously synergizing with the PKC agonists Ingenol-3,20-dibenzoate, to enhance latency reversal.MethodsWe screened an epigenetic modifier library in health donor human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to identify compounds (‘hits’) that reduced intracellular IL-6 pro-inflammatory cytokine production induced by PKC agonist Ingenol-3,20-dibenzoate. We then further tested reducers of intracellular IL-6 (‘hits’) for their ability to synergize with Ingenol-3,20-dibenzoate in the J-LAT 10.6 model of HIV-1 latency. The most promising epigenetic modifier from both screens, the HDACi Panobinostat, was then further tested for its ability to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and synergize with Ingenol-3,20-dibenzoate.ResultsWe show that co-treatment with Ingenol-3,20-dibenzoate and Panobinostat reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhances latency reversal in vitro. Panobinostat suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine production when combined with Ingenol-3,20- dibenzoate ex vivo when using aviremic patient cells, but antagonized Ingenol-3,20-dibenzoate dependent latency reversal ex vivo.ConclusionThe combination of Panobinostat and Ingenol-3,20-dibenzoate reduces deleterious cytokine production but is not a suitable latency reversal combination therapy.


Author(s):  
Ranjani Rajasekaran ◽  
J. John Kirubaharan ◽  
M. Vidhya ◽  
P. Shilpa and N. Daniel Joy Chandran

Knowledge on the influence of pro-inflammatory cytokine and apoptotic gene mRNA levels in the pathogenesis of Indian field isolates of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is little. In this study, cytokine mRNA levels were elucidated in spleen of chickens (in-vivo) and chicken embryo fibroblast cells (in-vitro) infected with lentogenic D58 strain and viscerotropic velogenic D165 isolate until five days post infection (dpi). In spleen of chickens infected with D165, maximum upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1b, IL-6, TNF-a), chemokine (IL-8) and apoptotic gene (Caspase-8) at 3dpi correlated with the onset of severe clinical signs and necrotic histopathological lesions in spleen, proventriculus, intestine and caecal tonsil of chickens. Similarly, in CEF cells infected with D165, upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine and apoptotic gene mRNA levels correlated with the appearance of CPE. In spleen of chickens and CEF cells infected with D58, there was comparatively minimal upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine and apoptotic gene mRNA levels which did not cause histopathological changes in tissues and CPE formation in CEF cells. In both in-vivo and in-vitro systems, upregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 showed inhibitory effects on the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Thus, this study reports variation in the cytokine mRNA levels elucidated in response to two different pathotypes isolated from India and associates the same with the clinical signs and pathological lesions produced during the course of ND. 


Author(s):  
Jae Yeul Baek ◽  
Eun Na ◽  
Sun Young Lim

Aim and Objective: We synthesized eicosapentaenoic acid-enriched phosphatidylcholine (EPA-PC) and investigated its effect on the production of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytokines in murine splenocytes. Material and Methods: The culture supernatants of splenocytes, which was exposed to EPA-PC along with LPS, was harvested to determine the production of cytokines [interleukin (IL)-4 , IL-5, IL-6, interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-2 and IL-12/IL-23(p40)]. Cytokines were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The co-administration of EPA-PC with LPS resulted in a significantly lower IFN-γ expression than that observed with LPS alone (p < 0.01). Moreover, treatment with EPA-PC and LPS significantly decreased IL-2, IL-6 and IL-12/IL-23(p40) expression (p < 0.01). Co-administration of EPA-PC at a concentration of 0.3 μg/mL with LPS resulted in a higher IL-5 expression after 24 hr of treatment when compared to LPS alone (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that EPA-PC is more effective in decreasing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines [IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-6 and IL-12/IL-23(p40)] upon induction of inflammation.


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