Inhibitory effect of Chinese green tea on cigarette smoke-induced up-regulation of airway neutrophil elastase and matrix metalloproteinase-12 via antioxidant activity

Abstract

Our recent study has indicated that Chinese green tea (Lung Chen), in which epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) accounts for 60% of catechins, protected cigarette smoke-induced lung injury. We now hypothesized that Lung Chen tea may also have potential effect on lung oxidative stress and proteases/anti-proteases in a smoking rat model. Sprague–Dawley rats were exposed to either sham air (SA) or 4% cigarette smoke (CS) plus 2% Lung Chen tea or water by oral gavage. Serine proteases, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their respective endogenous inhibitors were determined in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and lung tissues by gelatin/casein zymography and biochemical assays. Green tea consumption significantly decreased CS-induced elevation of lung lipid peroxidation marker, malondialdehyde (MDA), and CS-induced up-regulation of neutrophil elastase (NE) concentration and activity along with that of α₁-antitrypsin (α₁-AT) and secretory leukoproteinase inhibitor (SLPI) in BAL and lung. In parallel, significant elevation of MMP-12 activity was found in BAL and lung of the CS-exposed group, which returned to the levels of SA-exposed group after green tea consumption but not CS-induced reduction of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 activity, which was not reversed by green tea consumption. Taken together, our data supported the presence of local oxidative stress and protease/anti-protease imbalance in the airways after CS exposure, which might be alleviated by green tea consumption through its biological antioxidant activity.     

Inhibitory effect of green and black tea on tumor growth

The administration of green tea, black tea, or (-)-epigallocatechin gallate inhibited the growth of established nonmalignant and malignant tumors in tumor-bearing mice. In experiments with black tea, we found that its oral administration inhibited DNA synthesis and enhanced apoptosis in both nonmalignant and malignant tumors in tumor-bearing mice.     

Inhibitory effects of green tea catechins on the activity of human matrix metalloproteinase 7 (matrilysin)

Inhibitory effects of green tea catechins and their derivatives on the matrilysin-catalyzed hydrolysis of a synthetic substrate, (7-methoxycoumarin-4-yl)acetyl-L-Pro-L-Leu-Gly-L-Leu-[N(3)-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-L-2,3-diamino-propionyl]-L-Ala-L-Arg-NH(2) [MOCAc-PLGL(Dpa)AR], were examined. The 10 catechins examined were classified into three groups according to their inhibition potency. Catechins with a galloyl group at the 3 position, including a major component of green tea catechin, (-)-epigallo-3-catechin gallate [(-)-EGCG], were the most potent inhibitors and inhibited matrilysin in a non-competitive manner with K(i) values of 0.47-1.65 micro M. The inhibitory potency of (-)-EGCG was not influenced by the presence of an inhibitor, ZnCl(2), suggesting that the inhibitions of matrilysin by (-)-EGCG and by ZnCl(2) might be independent of each other. The inhibitory effects of green tea catechins suggest that a high intake of green tea might be effective for the prevention of tumor metastasis and invasion in which matrilysin is concerned.     

Inhibitory effect of genistein on the invasive potential of human cervical cancer cells via modulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitiors of matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression

BackgroundOne of the most challenging stumbling blocks for the treatment of cancer is the ability of cancer cells to break the natural barriers and spread from its site of origin to non-adjacent regional and distant sites, accounting for high cancer mortality rates. Gamut experimental and epidemiological data advocate the use of pharmacological or nutritional interventions to inhibit or delay various stage(s) of cancer such as invasion and metastasis. Genistein, a promising chemopreventive agent, has gained considerable attention for its powerful anti-carcinogenic, anti-angiogenic and chemosensitizing activities.MethodsIn this study, the cytotoxic potential of genistein on HeLa cells by cell viability assay and the mode of cell death induced by genistein were determined by nuclear morphological examination, DNA laddering assay and cell cycle analysis. Moreover, to establish its inhibitory effect on migration of HeLa cells, scratch wound assay was performed and these results were correlated with the expression of genes involved in invasion and migration (MMP-9 and TIMP-1) by RT-PCR.ResultsThe exposure of HeLa cells to genistein resulted in significant dose- and time-dependent growth inhibition, which was found to be mediated by apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G₂/M phase. In addition, it induced migration-inhibition in a time-dependent manner by modulating the expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1.ConclusionOur results signify that genistein may be an effective anti-neoplastic agent to prevent cancer cell growth and invasion and metastasis. Therefore therapeutic strategies utilizing genistein could be developed to substantially reduce cancer morbidity and mortality.     

Induction and regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-12in human airway smooth muscle cells

Background

The elastolytic enzyme matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-12 has been implicated in the development of airway inflammation and remodeling. We investigated whether human airway smooth muscle cells could express and secrete MMP-12, thereby participating in the pathogenesis of airway inflammatory diseases.

Methods

Laser capture microdissection was used to collect smooth muscle cells from human bronchial biopsy sections. MMP-12 mRNA expression was analysed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. MMP-12 protein expression and secretion from cultured primary airway smooth muscle cells was further analysed by Western blot. MMP-12 protein localization in bronchial tissue sections was detected by immunohistochemistry. MMP-12 activity was determined by zymography. The TransAM AP-1 family kit was used to measure c-Jun activation and nuclear binding. Analysis of variance was used to determine statistical significance.

Results

We provide evidence that MMP-12 mRNA and protein are expressed by in-situ human airway smooth muscle cells obtained from bronchial biopsies of normal volunteers, and of patients with asthma, COPD and chronic cough. The pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin (IL)-1β, induced a >100-fold increase in MMP-12 gene expression and a >10-fold enhancement in MMP-12 activity of primary airway smooth muscle cell cultures. Selective inhibitors of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase reduced the activity of IL-1β on MMP-12, indicating a role for these kinases in IL-1β-induced induction and release of MMP-12. IL-1β-induced MMP-12 activity and gene expression was down-regulated by the corticosteroid dexamethasone but up-regulated by the inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α through enhancing activator protein-1 activation by IL-1β. Transforming growth factor-β had no significant effect on MMP-12 induction.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that human airway smooth muscle cells express and secrete MMP-12 that is up-regulated by IL-1β and TNF-α. Bronchial smooth muscle cells may be an important source of elastolytic activity, thereby participating in remodeling in airway diseases such as COPD and chronic asthma.     

The cessation and detoxification effect of tea filters on cigarette smoke

To treat tobacco addiction,a tea filter was developed and studied for smoking cessation.This work reports the smoking cessation effect of tea when it was used as a component of cigarette filters.In one trial it was found that after using the tea filters for 2 months,the volunteer smokers decreased their cigarette consumption by 56.5%,and 31.7% of them stopped smoking.This work identified a new method and material,tea filter and theanine,which inhibit tobacco and nicotine addiction and provide an effective s...     

冠突散囊菌对茶叶品质成分及其抗氧化活性影响

从茯砖茶样中分离纯化制得冠突散囊菌Eurotium cristatum菌株,选用普通炒青绿毛茶做茶坯,应用人工接种发酵技术进行固体发酵制成发酵散茶。结果表明：冠突散囊菌发酵一个月后的炒青绿茶不仅品质成分明显改善,茶黄素和茶红素高于其他样品,而且苦涩味减轻;采用1,1-二苯基-2-三硝基苯肼（DPPH）法和2,2-联氮-二(3-乙基-苯并噻唑-6-磺酸)（ABTS）法测定发酵散茶的抗氧化活性,结果显示,对两种自由基的清除能力分别达到75%和56%以上,与湖南茯砖茶相近。发酵散茶的ABTS自由基清除能力分别高于对照和浙江茯砖茶64.7%和80.6%,而对DPPH的清除能力略低于对照,但是高于浙江茯砖茶。     

Stimulatory effect of oral administration of green tea and caffeine on locomotor activity in SKH-1 mice

Administration of green tea or caffeine was shown previously to inhibit ultraviolet B light-induced carcinogenesis in SKH-1 mice, and this effect was associated with a reduction in dermal fat. In the present study, oral administration of 0.6% green tea (6 mg tea solids/ml) or 0.04% caffeine (0.4 mg/ml; equivalent to the amount of caffeine in 0.6% green tea) as the sole source of drinking fluid to SKH-1 mice for 15 weeks increased total 24 hr locomotor activity by 47 and 24%, respectively (p<0.0001). Oral administration of 0.6% decaffeinated green tea (6 mg tea solids/ml) for 15 weeks increased locomotor activity by 9% (p<0.05). The small increase in locomotor activity observed in mice treated with decaffeinated green tea may have resulted from the small amounts of caffeine still remaining in decaffeinated green tea solutions (0.047 mg/ml). The stimulatory effects of orally administered green tea and caffeine on locomotor activity were paralleled by a 38 and 23% increase, respectively, in the dermal muscle layer thickness. In addition, treatment of the mice with 0.6% green tea or 0.04% caffeine for 15 weeks decreased the weight of the parametrial fat pad by 29 and 43%, respectively, and the thickness of the dermal fat layer was decreased by 51 and 47%, respectively. These results indicate that oral administration of green tea or caffeine to SKH-1 mice increases locomotor activity and muscle mass and decreases fat stores. The stimulatory effect of green tea and caffeine administration on locomotor activity described here may contribute to the effects of green tea and caffeine to decrease fat stores and to inhibit carcinogenesis induced by UVB in SKH-1 mice.     

Influence of homocysteine on matrix metalloproteinase-2: activation and activity.

Increased levels of the physiological amino acid homocysteine (Hcy) are considered a risk factor for vascular disease. Hyperhomocysteinemia causes an intense remodelling of the extracellular matrix in arterial walls, particularly an elastolysis involving metalloproteinases. We investigated the activation of the latent elastolytic metalloproteinase proMMP-2 (72 kDa) by Hcy. Hcy was proved to exert a dual effect, activating proMMP-2 at low molar ratio (MR 10:1) and inhibiting active MMP2 at high molar ratio (MR > 1000:1). Methionine and the disulphide homocystine did not activate nor inhibit MMP-2, showing that the activation as well as the inhibition requires the thiol group to be free. The activation of proMMP-2 by Hcy is in accordance with the "cysteine-switch" mechanism, but occurs without further autoproteolysis of the enzyme molecule. In contrast with Hcy, the other physiological thiol compounds cysteine and reduced glutathione did not activate proMMP-2. These results suggest that the direct activation of proMMP2 by Hcy could be one of the mechanisms involved in the extracellular matrix deterioration in hyperhomocysteinemia-associated arteriosclerosis.     

Inhibitory effect of Artemisia asiatica alkaloids on acetylcholinesterase activity from rat PC12 cells

We screened 42 Korean traditional tea plants to determine the inhibitory effect of acetylcholinesterase and attenuation of toxicity induced by amyloid-beta peptide, which were related to the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The methanolic extract from Artemisia asiatica among tested 42 tea plants, showed the highest inhibitory effect (48%) on acetylcholinesterase in vitro. The methanolic extract was further separated with n-hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate of water, in order. The chloroform solubles, which were high in inhibitory effect of acetylcholinesterase, were repeatedly subjected to open column chromatography on silica gel. From the highest inhibitory fraction (78%) on acetylcholinesterase, the single compound was obtained by the Sep-Pak Cartridge (C18: reverse phase column). This compound was found to react positively on Dragendorff's reagent (potassium bismuth iodide), which typically reacted with the alkaloid. This compound was purified by HPLC (mu-bondapack C18 reverse phase column: 3.9 x 150 mm). The IC50 (the concentration of 50% enzyme inhibition) value of this compound was 23 micrograms/ml and the inhibitory pattern on acetylcholinesterase was mixed with competitive/non-competitive type. We examined the effects of this compound on toxicity induced by A beta (25-35) in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. Pretreatment of the PC12 cells for 2 h with an alkaloid of Artemisia asiatica (1200 microg/ml) reduced the toxicity induced by A beta. This study demonstrated that an alkaloid of Artemisia asiatica, which was metabolized to small molecule in digestive tract and then could pass through the blood-brain barrier, appeared to be an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor with a blocker of neurotoxicity induced by A beta in human brain causing Alzheimer's disease.     

Bioavailability and antioxidant effect of epigallocatechin gallate administered in purified form versus as green tea extract in healthy individuals

Tea polyphenols have strong in vitro antioxidant activity. Due to their limited bioavailability, however, their contribution to in vivo antioxidant activity may depend on the form of administration. A human intervention study was performed to evaluate the bioavailability and antioxidant capacity of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) administered as a single large dose in the form of either purified EGCG or as green tea extract (Polyphenon E). Plasma concentrations of tea polyphenols were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis combined with coulometric array electrochemical detection (ECD). We found no differences in plasma EGCG concentrations and trolox equivalents determined by the trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assay after administration of either form of EGCG. However, we found that the plasma antioxidant activity was significantly affected by changes in the plasma urate concentration, which may have interfered with the effect of tea polyphenols on the antioxidant activity. In addition, lymphocyte 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine to deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG/10(6)dG) ratios were determined by HPLC with ECD. The 8-OHdG/10(6)dG ratios did not change significantly during the 24 h following both EGCG interventions but correlated significantly within individuals determined during the two interventions separated by 1 week. In summary, changes in plasma uric acid due to dietary intake were significantly correlated to the plasma antioxidant activity and exerted a stronger influence on the plasma antioxidant activity compared with the EGCG intervention. In future studies of dietary effects on the plasma antioxidant capacity, changes in plasma uric acid will need to be closely monitored.     

Effects of aluminium on ultrastructure and antioxidant activity in leaves of tea plant

Seedlings of Camellia sinensis (L.) were grown hydroponically to study the effect of aluminium (Al) on leaf antioxidant defence system and cell ultrastructure. We found that malondialdehyde (MDA) content decreased at 0–0.32 mM Al, but increased significantly at 0.53 mM Al. Like MDA, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) content increased at 0.53 mM Al; however, no differences were observed at 0–0.32 mM Al. Superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC1.15.1.1) activity remained practically constant at 0–0.32 mM Al, but increased sharply at 0.53 mM Al; catalase (CAT, EC1.11.1.6) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX, EC1.11.1.7) activities decreased following an initial increase, reaching their peaks at 0.32 mM Al. Ascorbate peroxidase (APX, EC 1.11.1.11) activity increased and glutathione (GR, EC 1.6.4.2) level fluctuated with increasing Al concentrations. Transmission electron microscope analysis of Al-treated leaves showed that although cell ultrastructural integrity was maintained at 0–0.32 mM, significant membrane damage was observed at 0.53 mM. Our results suggest that at low Al concentrations, the leaf antioxidant defence system can scavenge reactive oxygen species and sufficiently protect cells from free radical injury. However, at higher Al concentrations (0.53 mM), the balance between formation and detoxification of ROS is lost, resulting in the destruction of cell ultrastructure.     

Antimicrobial activity and biofilm formation inhibition of green tea polyphenols on human teeth

The antimicrobial effects and biofilm formation inhibition of tea polyphenols (TPP) extracted from Korean green tea (Camellia sinensis L) were evaluated against 12 oral microorganisms. Effective antimicrobial activity against all microorganisms tested, including Lactobacillus spp. (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum), Streptococcus spp. (Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus sobrinus, Streptococcus mitis, and Streptococcus salivarius), Staphylococcus aureus, Neisseria meningitidis, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans, was shown at 2,000 μg/mL TPP within 5 min of incubation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed various morphological changes, such as the presence of perforations, the formation of cell aggregates, and the leakage of cytoplasmic materials from cells treated with TPP, depending on the bacteria. The potential role of TPP in biofilm formation inhibition on human teeth was evaluated in BHI broth with 2 mixed strains of S. mutans and S. sanguis. SEM analysis showed biofilm formation on the surface of a tooth shaken only in saline solution, whereas almost no biofilm was observed on a tooth incubated in TPP solution. This result suggests that TPP is effective against adherent cells of S. mutans and S. sanguis. Thus, TPP would be useful for development as an antimicrobial agent against oral microorganisms, and has great potential for use in mouthwash solutions for the prevention and treatment of dental caries.     

Serpin B1 protects colonic epithelial cell via blockage of neutrophil elastase activity and its expression is enhanced in patients with ulcerative colitis

Serpin B1 is a monocyte neutrophil elastase (NE) inhibitor and is one of the most efficient inhibitors of NE. In the present study, we investigated the role of serpin B1 in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis by using clinical samples and an experimental model. The colonic expression of serpin B1 was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blot analysis, and immunohistological studies in both normal and inflamed mucosa from patients with ulcerative colitis. Serpin B1 mRNA expression was determined by real-time PCR in the mouse dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis model. Young adult mouse colonic epithelial (YAMC) cells were used to determine the role of serpin B1. Serpin B1 gene transfected YAMC cells were treated with H(2)O(2) to measure cell viability. The expression of NE was determined in YAMC cells treated with H(2)O(2). NE-silenced YAMC cells were also treated with H(2)O(2) and then measured for viability. Upregulated expression of serpin B1 in colonic mucosa was confirmed from patients with active ulcerative colitis. Immunohistochemical studies showed that serpin B1 expression was localized not only in inflammatory infiltration cells but also in epithelial cells. Serpin B1 mRNA expression was also increased in colonic mucosa of mouse DSS-induced colitis. Serpin B1-transfected YAMC cells were resistant against the treatment of H(2)O(2). H(2)O(2) treatment significantly induced NE in YAMC cells, and NE-silenced YAMC cells were also resistant against the treatment of H(2)O(2). These results suggest that serpin B1 may be a novel marker of active ulcerative colitis and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease.     

Inhibitory effect of plant-originated glycoprotein (27 kDa) on expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in cadmium chloride-induced BNL CL.2 cells

Cadmium is very harmful to the environment and to human beings because of its long lifetime. The toxicity of cadmium as an industrial pollutant and a food contaminant, and as one of the major components in cigarette smoke is well known. Cadmium can cause a number of lesions in many organs, such as the kidney, the lung, the liver, the brain, the blood system. However, the mechanism of toxicity of cadmium is not yet clear. Also, it has been well known as human carcinogen which is indirectly caused inflammation-mediated hepatocarcinoma. In the present study it was demonstrated that glycoprotein (27 kDa) isolated from Gardenia jasminoides Ellis (GJE) protects BNL CL.2 cells from expression of inflammation-related factors stimulated by cadmium chloride (10 μM). Intracellular ROS and intracellular Ca(2+) using fluorescence, activities of activator protein (AP)-1, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, and arachidonic acid (AA) using immunoblot analysis or radioactivity were evaluated. The results obtained from this experiment indicated that GJE glycoprotein (100 μg/mL) inhibits the production of intracellular ROS, and intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization. Also, it significantly suppressed inflammatory factors [expression of AP-1 (c-Jun and c-Fos), arachidonic acid, COX-2, and MMP-9]. Taken together, these findings suggest that GJE glycoprotein might be used for protection of inflammation caused by cadmium ion as one of natural compounds.     

Combined effect of alcohol and cigarette smoke on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in rats

The effect of long-term administration of alcohol and cigarette smoke independently and both in combination on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) was studied in liver, kidney, heart and lungs of albino rats. The levels of peroxidation products viz., malondialdehyde, hydroperoxides and conjugated dienes were increased in all the tissues of alcohol administered and smoke-exposed rats. Activities of SOD and CAT were decreased in alcohol-treated and alcohol and smoke combination groups, but increased in smoke-exposed group. Activities of GPx and GST have shown an increase, while concentration of reduced glutathione was found decreased in all the three groups.     

Enzymatic hydrolysis of green tea seed extract and its activity on 5alpha-reductase inhibition

Two kaempferol glycosides were isolated from green tea seed extract (GTSE). After conducting a structure analysis, these two compounds were identified as kaempferol-3-O-[2-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-6-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (compound 1) and kaempferol-3-O-[2-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-6-O-alpha-L-rhanmopyranosyl]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (compound 2). These two compounds were hydrolysed by o-glycolytic enzymes for the production of kaempferol. After performing several reactions, we found the optimum enzyme combination, a reaction with beta-galactosidase and hesperidinase. Finally, we produced kaempferol of above 95% purity. The 5alpha-reductase inhibition activities of GTSE hydrolysate (GTSE-H) containing kaempferol were evaluated by the contact cell-based metabolic method using a stable HEK 293 cell line. GTSE-H showed a good inhibition effect on HEK 293 cell lines both type 1 and type 2 on 5alpha-reductase. Especially, GTSE-H inhibited type 2 with kaempferol content dependency. The results indicate that the inhibition activity of hydrolysate on 5alpha-reductase type 2 increases in accordance with kaempferol content.