scholarly journals A Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Danshen Baibixiao Ameliorates Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis-Like Inflammation in Mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoqi Jin ◽  
Hongfeng Xu ◽  
Chuanqi Huang ◽  
Haoran Ma ◽  
Xin Xiong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Severity Index ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Psoriasis Area Severity Index ◽  
Chinese Medicine Formula ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Background: Danshen Baibixiao (DB) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula, which has been used to treat psoriasis for decades. Although DB shows good efficacy in clinical practice, the pharmacological effects and underlying mechanisms of DB remain elusive. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-psoriatic effects of DB and explore its underlying mechanisms in an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like mouse model.Materials and methods: DB was orally administered on IMQ-induced psoriatic mice. Psoriasis area severity index (PASI) was used to evaluate the severity of the inflammation in skin, and histological changes were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) staining. Levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-23, IL-6, IL-1β and IL-22 in serum were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). mRNA expressions of IL-17A, IL-23, IL-6 and IL-22 were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Expression levels of proteins related to NF-κB, STAT3 and MAPKs signaling pathways were measured by western blotting (WB).Results: DB significantly ameliorated the psoriatic symptoms in IMQ-induced mice. The serum levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-17A, IL-23, IL-6, IL-1β and IL-22) were decreased, and mRNA expressions of IL-17A, IL-23, IL-6 and IL-22 in skin tissues were down-regulated. Moreover, WB analysis indicated that DB inhibited the activation of NF-κB, STAT3 and MAPKs signaling pathways.Conclusion: This study confirms the anti-psoriatic activity of DB in IMQ-induced psoriasis-like mice. The possible mechanism may relate to the activities of regulating the IL-23/TH-17 axis and suppressing the activation of NF-κB, STAT3 and MAPKs signaling pathways.

scholarly journals Traditional Chinese Medicine Aconiti Radix Cocta Improves Rheumatoid Arthritis via Suppressing COX-1 and COX-2

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Shuang Li ◽  
Rui Li ◽  
Ya-Xin Xu ◽  
Jan P. A. Baak ◽  
Ji-Hai Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Chemical Constituents ◽  
Bone Destruction ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Histopathological Analysis ◽  
Cox 2 ◽  
Cox 1

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Aconiti Radix Cocta (AC) is clinically employed to expel wind, remove dampness, and relieve pain. We evaluated the antirheumatoid arthritis (RA) activities and underlying mechanisms of AC. The chemical constituents of AC were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using three reference compounds (benzoylaconitine, benzoylmesaconine, and benzoylhypacoitine). The anti-RA effects of AC were evaluated in adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats by hind paw volume and histopathological analysis. The effects of AC on inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-17A) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The regulation of cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and/or COX-2) was determined by Western blot and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analyses. AC significantly reduced paw swelling, attenuated the inflammation and bone destruction in joint tissues, and reduced IL-1β and IL-17A in the serum. Moreover, AC downregulated the expression of COX-1 and COX-2 in the synovial tissues. We also identified that AC possesses significant anti-RA activities on AIA, which may be ascribed to the regulation of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-17, as well as to the inhibition of arachidonic acid signaling pathways. Our findings provide theoretical support for AC as an effective nature-derived therapeutic agent for RA treatment.

scholarly journals Phytochemical Constituents of Citrus hystrix DC. Leaves Attenuate Inflammation via NF-κB Signaling and NLRP3 Inflammasome Activity in Macrophages

Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 105
Author(s):  
Watunyoo Buakaew ◽  
Rungnapa Pankla Sranujit ◽  
Chanai Noysang ◽  
Yordhathai Thongsri ◽  
Pachuen Potup ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Ethanolic Extract ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Immunoblotting Technique ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

Citrus hystrix DC. (CH) is found in many countries in Southeast Asia. This plant has been reported for anti-microbial, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory bioactivities. However, the anti-inflammatory and anti-inflammasome properties of the leaves remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the effect of CH leaves on NLRP3 and NF-κB signaling pathways. CH leaves were sequentially extracted using hexane, ethyl acetate and 95% ethanol to give three crude extracts. An active compound, lupeol was fractionated from the ethanolic extract using chromatographic techniques, and its structure was identified and confirmed by spectroscopic methods. Anti-inflammatory activities were observed on both lipopolysaccharide-stimulated and NLRP3 adenosine triphosphate-induced macrophages. The release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) was analyzed by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Real-time qRT-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to measure inflammatory-associated gene expression. NF-κB protein expressions were investigated using the immunoblotting technique. The active fraction of ethanolic CH leaves and lupeol significantly reduced the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and suppressed the expression of both inflammasome genes and NF-κB proteins. The ethanolic extract of CH leaves and lupeol showed potent anti-inflammatory activities by targeting NF-κB and NLRP3 signaling pathways.

scholarly journals Inflammatory cytokines-stimulated human muscle stem cells ameliorate ulcerative colitis via the IDO-TSG6 axis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shengchao Zhang ◽  
Jiankai Fang ◽  
Zhanhong Liu ◽  
Pengbo Hou ◽  
Lijuan Cao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ulcerative Colitis ◽  
Stem Cells ◽  
Mesenchymal Stem Cells ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Human Muscle ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Muscle Stem Cells ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Ifn Γ ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Abstract Background Muscle stem cells (MuSCs) are absolutely required for the formation, repair, and regeneration of skeletal muscle tissue. Increasing evidence demonstrated that tissue stem cells, especially mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), can exert therapeutic effects on various degenerative and inflammatory disorders based on their immunoregulatory properties. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) treated with interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were reported to possess anti-inflammatory functions by producing TNF-stimulated gene 6 (TSG-6). However, whether human muscle stem cells (hMuSCs) also possess TSG-6 mediated anti-inflammatory functions has not been explored. Methods The ulcerative colitis mouse model was established by subjecting mice to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water for 7 days. hMuSCs were pretreated with IFN-γ and TNF-α for 48 h and were then transplanted intravenously at day 2 of DSS administration. Body weights were monitored daily. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and TSG-6 in hMuSCs were knocked down with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and small interfering RNA (siRNA), respectively. Colon tissues were collected for length measurement and histopathological examination. The serum level of IL-6 in mice was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-time PCR and Western blot analysis were performed to evaluate gene expression. Results hMuSCs treated with inflammatory factors significantly ameliorated inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms. IDO and TSG-6 were greatly upregulated and required for the beneficial effects of hMuSCs on IBD. Mechanistically, the tryptophan metabolites, kynurenine (KYN) or kynurenic acid (KYNA) produced by IDO, augmented the expression of TSG-6 through activating their common receptor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). Conclusion Inflammatory cytokines-treated hMuSCs can alleviate DSS-induced colitis through IDO-mediated TSG-6 production.

scholarly journals POS1290 CYTOKINE BIOMARKERS IN COMMON LOW BACK PAIN

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 926.3-926
Author(s):  
R. Dhahri ◽  
A. Dghaies ◽  
M. Slouma ◽  
L. Metoui ◽  
I. Gharsallah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Functional Scores ◽  
The Mean

Background:Common low back pain (LBP) is a common health problem affecting 50 to 80% of working age adults. It is one of the common and costly health problems in Tunisia. Actually, the role of the immune response and inflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of chronic pain has been of growing interest.Objectives:The aim of this study was to assess whether pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines could be detected in serum in patients with LBP compared with healthy subjects and whether they could be related to pain severity and to clinical findings.Methods:It was a an analytical cross-sectional study including 50 patients with at least three months of LBP, in the department of rheumatology, orthopedics and immunology at the Military Hospital of Tunis between January 1st and March 31, 2020. All patients had a standardized clinical assessment.Levels of serum cytokines IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β and TNF- α, were measured using the chimiluminescence technique. Serum concentration of IL-10 was assayed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique (ELISA). The normal levels of cytokines were determined in 50 healthy controls.Results:The mean age of the patients was 41.9 ± 8.4 years and the sex ratio was 4.5. LBP duration was 66.4 months. The mean lumbar visual analog scale (VAS) was 4.5 ± 1.9, and the root VAS was 2.6 ± 2.5. Neuropathic pain was found in 26% of patients. The average BMI was 27 ± 3.7 kg/m2. Only serum level of IL-8 was significantly higher in subjects with LBP compared to healthy controls (p <10-3). IL-1β was indetectable in both patients and controls. Positive correlations were found between IL-8 levels and anxiety/functional scores (r = 0.3; p = 0.02/ r = 0.3; p = 0.04). IL-6 was positively correlated with BMI, and negatively correlated with the Schober test. No correlations were found between serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α and pain intensity (VAS), neuropathic pain (DN4), fibromyalgia (FIRST), depression (HAD) and various radiological data.Conclusion:Interleukin-8 is a biomarker of common low back pain and correlate with anxiety and functional disability. These results suggest that IL-8 may be a therapeutic target to reduce chronic back pain and reduce the social and profession impact.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Long Noncoding RNA SNHG1 Promotes Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Activation and Inflammation in Microglia via Targeting miR-181b

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Jun Dong ◽  
Tingkai Fu ◽  
Yunxue Yang ◽  
Zhenxin Mu ◽  
Xingang Li
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Long Noncoding Rna ◽  
Calcium Binding ◽  
Noncoding Rna ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Inflammation Response ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Cox 2

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Long noncoding RNA small nuclear host gene 1 (SNHG1) was involved in neuroinflammation in microglial BV-2 cells; however, its interaction with microRNA (miR)-181b in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV-2 cells remained poor. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> BV-2 cells were treated with LPS and then were subjected to observation on morphology and immunofluorescence staining. After transfection, levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The potential binding sites between SNHG1 and miR-181b were confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter assay. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were applied for detecting the mRNA and protein expressions of proinflammatory cytokines, ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). <b><i>Results:</i></b> LPS led to the morphological changes and activation of BV-2 cells. The transfection of SNHG1 overexpression vector further promoted LPS-induced SNHG1 upregulation, inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) generation and Iba-1, COX-2, and iNOS expressions, whereas silencing SNHG1 did the opposite. miR-181b functions as a downstream miRNA of SNHG1. In LPS-treated cells, the inhibition of miR-181b induced by SNHG1 promoted inflammation response and the expressions of Iba-1, COX-2, and iNOS. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> SNHG1 was involved in LPS-induced microglial activation and inflammation response via targeting miR-181b, providing another evidence of the roles of SNHG1 implicated in neuroinflammation of microglia.

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