New cannabidiol (CBD) derivatives: Synthesis,anti-inflammatory activity,and molecular docking

A series of new cannabidiol (CBD) derivatives were synthesized by employing hydrogenation reaction and click chemistry. Then, the cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activities of cannabinoid derivatives were determined. Compound 14 was found to have low cytotoxicity and high anti-inflammatory activity, and the anti-inflammatory mechanism of compound 14 was preliminarily explored, which inhibited the synthesis and release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α. The experimental results were confirmed by docking analysis. The water solubility of compound 14 was determined. Based on the results, the structure-activity relationships (SARs) of the CBD derivatives were discussed for exploring novel anti-inflammatory drugs.     

Biglycan-triggered TLR-2- and TLR-4-signaling exacerbates the pathophysiology of ischemic acute kidney injury

Exacerbated inflammation in renal ischemia–reperfusion injury, the major cause of intrinsic acute renal failure, is a key trigger of kidney damage. During disease endogenous danger signals stimulate innate immune cells via Toll-like receptors (TLR)-2 and -4 and accelerate inflammatory responses. Here we show that production of soluble biglycan, a small leucine-rich proteoglycan, is induced during reperfusion and that it functions as endogenous agonist of TLR-2/4. Biglycan-mediated activation of TLR-2/4 initiates an inflammatory response in native kidneys, which is marked by the release of cytokines and chemokines and recruitment of inflammatory cells. Overexpression of soluble circulating biglycan before ischemic reperfusion enhanced plasma and renal levels of TNF-α, CXCL1, CCL2 and CCL5, caused influx of neutrophils, macrophages and T cells and overall worsened renal function in wild type mice. We provide robust genetic evidence for TLR-2/4 requirement insofar as biglycan biological effects were markedly dampened in mice deficient in both innate immune receptors, Tlr2^−/−;Tlr4^−/− mice. Thus, signaling of soluble biglycan via TLR-2/4 could represent a novel therapeutic target for the prevention and possible treatment of patients with acute renal ischemia–reperfusion injury.     

Pharmacological insight into the anti-inflammatory activity of sesquiterpene lactones from Neurolaena lobata (L.) R.Br. ex Cass

PurposeNeurolaena lobata is a Caribbean medicinal plant used for the treatment of several conditions including inflammation. Recent data regarding potent anti-inflammatory activity of the plant and isolated sesquiterpene lactones raised our interest in further pharmacological studies. The present work aimed at providing a mechanistic insight into the anti-inflammatory activity of N. lobata and eight isolated sesquiterpene lactones, as well as a structure–activity relationship and in vivo anti-inflammatory data.MethodsThe effect of the extract and its compounds on the generation of pro-inflammatory proteins was assessed in vitro in endothelial and monocytic cells by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Their potential to modulate the expression of inflammatory genes was further studied at the mRNA level. In vivo anti-inflammatory activity of the chemically characterized extract was evaluated using carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats.ResultsThe compounds and extract inhibited LPS- and TNF-α-induced upregulation of the pro-inflammatory molecules E-selectin and interleukin-8 in HUVECtert and THP-1 cells. LPS-induced elevation of mRNA encoding for E-selectin and interleukin-8 was also suppressed. Furthermore, the extract inhibited the development of acute inflammation in rats.ConclusionsSesquiterpene lactones from N. lobata interfered with the induction of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules and chemokines in cells stimulated with bacterial products and cytokines. Structure–activity analysis revealed the importance of the double bond at C-4–C-5 and C-2–C-3 and the acetyl group at C-9 for the anti-inflammatory activity. The effect was confirmed in vivo, which raises further interest in the therapeutic potential of the compounds for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.     

Augmented nitric oxide generation in neutrophils: Oxidative and pro-inflammatory implications in hypertension

Abstract

The present study explores expression of NOS and pro-inflammatory cytokines, NOS catalysis and NO mediated modulation of oxidative response and apoptosis in neutrophils from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Neutrophils from SHR showed ～3-fold increments in iNOS expression, 1.5-fold increments in nOS expression and calcium independent NOS catalysis, whereas GTPCH expression was unaltered. Although phagocytic potential was comparable, neutrophils from SHR demonstrated augmented oxidative burst, which was reduced by NOS inhibition or in the presence of NO scavenger. SHR neutrophils also exhibited enhanced MPO catalysis and [Ca²⁺]_i levels. Levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ were comparable, but IL-1β and CRP levels in SHR plasma were (p<0.05) elevated. This study evidenced significantly enhanced expression of IL-1β in SHR neutrophils whereas those of TNF-α and IFN-γ were unaltered. Moreover neutrophils from SHR exhibited (p<0.01) delayed apoptotic response and sustained NO generation, as evident from elevated nitrite levels in neutrophil culture supernatant above the control levels. Results obtained indicate an augmented NO generation from neutrophils during hypertension which might fortify their attribute to the oxidative and inflammatory stress in SHR, emphasizing the importance of neutrophils in hypertension.     

Effect of Shuangjinlian mixture on oral ulcer model in rat

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of common clinical drug Shuangjin Lian mixture on rats with oral ulcer and discuss its mechanism.MethodsSodium carboxymethyl cellulose caused leukocyte aggregation in rats, observed the anti-inflammatory effect of Shuangjin mixture. 3 mm * 3 mm size ulcer surface in the oral cavity of rats was caused by 90% phenol solution, to observe the therapeutic effect and anti-inflammatory effect of Shuangjinlian mixture on rats with oral ulcers.ResultThe low, middle and high dose Shuangjinlian mixture can inhibits the accumulation of white blood cells caused by sodium carboxymethyl cellulose in rats significantly (P < 0.01). And reduce the degree of edema and hyperaemia around the ulcer tissue significantly (P < 0.01), improve the ulcer healing probability, and reduce the level of TNF-α, VEGF levels and increase IL-2 level in the serum of rats with oral ulcers significantly (P < 0.01). Pathological examination showed that the lesion of ulcer tissue in each treatment group was obviously alleviated.ConclusionShuangjinlian mixture had anti-inflammatory effect and was effective for the prevention and treatment of oral ulcer in rats.     

Synthesis and anti-inflammatory evaluations of β-lapachone derivatives

β-Lapachone (β-LAPA), a natural product from the lapacho tree in South America, is a potential chemotherapeutic agent that exhibit a wide variety of pharmacological effects such as anti-virus, anti-parasitic, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. In order to discover novel anti-inflammatory agents, we have synthesized a series of β-LAPA derivatives for evaluation. Among them, 4-(4-methoxyphenoxy)naphthalene-1,2-dione (6b) was found to be able to inhibit NO and TNF-α released in LPS-induced Raw 264.7 cells. Inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 was also observed in compound 6b treated cells. Mechanism studies indicated that 6b exhibited anti-inflammatory properties by suppressing the release of pro-inflammatory factors through down-regulating NF-κB activation. In addition, it suppressed NF-κB translocation by inhibiting the phosphorylation of p38 kinase. Our results also indicate that the inhibitory effect of 6b on LPS-stimulated inflammatory mediator production in Raw 264.7 cell is associated with the suppression of the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. A low cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ = 31.70 μM) and the potent anti-inflammatory activity exhibited by compound 6b make this compound a potential lead for developing new anti-inflammatory agents. Further structural optimization of compound 6b is on-going.     

Isolation,structure elucidation and in-vitro evaluation of new trisubstituted Tetrahydrofuran Lignans from Rabdosia lophanthoides var. gerardiana as anti-inflammatory agents

Four new trisubstituted tetrahydrofuran lignans, named (−)-sesaminone-rutinoside (1), (+)-episesaminone-rutinoside (2) and rabdosiacosides B (3) and C (4) were isolated from the air-dried whole herbs of Rabdosia lophanthoides var. gerardiana together with two known compounds, (+)− 1-hydroxypinoresinol-1-β-d-glucoside (5) and rosmarinic acid (6). The structures of these new lignans were elucidated by a combination of mass spectrometry, 1D and 2D NMR experiments including distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer, ¹H–¹H correlation, heteronuclear single quantum coherence, heteronuclear multiple bond correlation, and nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopies. Both the cell viability and their anti-inflammatory effects of the lignans were further studied. Among them, no significant cytotoxic activity was exhibited. Compound 4 dramatically suppressed LPS-induced nitric oxide release and reduced the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner. Overall, our findings indicate that compound 4 was noteworthy in reducing LPS-induced inflammatory responses in RAW264.7 macrophages.     

The inhibition of hyaluronan degradation reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines in mouse synovial fibroblasts subjected to collagen-induced arthritis

Hyaluronan (HA) degradation produces small oligosaccharides that are able to increase pro-inflammatory cytokines in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASF) by activating both CD44 and the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4). CD44 and TLR-4 stimulation in turn activate the NF-kB that induces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Degradation of HA occurs via two mechanisms: one exerted by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and one controlled by different enzymes in particular hyaluronidases (HYALs). We aimed to investigate the effects of inhibiting HA degradation (which prevents the formation of small HA fragments) on synovial fibroblasts obtained from normal DBA/J1 mice (NSF) and on synovial fibroblasts (RASF) obtained from mice subjected to collagen induced arthritis (CIA), both fibroblast types stimulated with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). TNF-α stimulation produced high mRNA expression and the related protein production of CD44 and TLR-4 in both NSF and RASF, and activation of NF-kB was also found in all fibroblasts. TNF-α also up-regulated the inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and other pro-inflammatory mediators, such as matrix metalloprotease-13 (MMP-13), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), as well as HA levels and small HA fragment production. Treatment of RASF with antioxidants and specific HYAL1, HYAL2, and HYAL3 small interference RNA (siRNAs) significantly reduced TLR-4 and CD44 increase in the mRNA expression and the related protein synthesis, as well as the release of inflammatory mediators up-regulated by TNF-α. These data suggest that the inhibition of HA degradation during arthritis may contribute to reducing TLR-4 and CD44 activation and the inflammatory mediators response.     

Staphylococcal Panton-Valentine leukocidin induces pro-inflammatory cytokine production and nuclear factor-kappa B activation in neutrophils

Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) is a cytotoxin secreted by Staphylococcus aureus and associated with severe necrotizing infections. PVL targets polymorphonuclear leukocytes, especially neutrophils, which are the first line of defense against infections. Although PVL can induce neutrophil death by necrosis or apoptosis, the specific inflammatory responses of neutrophils to this toxin are unclear. In this study, both in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrated that recombinant PVL has an important cytotoxic role in human neutrophils, leading to apoptosis at low concentrations and necrosis at high concentrations. Recombinant PVL also increased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion from neutrophils. The up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines was due to nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation induced by PVL. Moreover, blocking NF-κB inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines. To test the role of neutrophil immune responses during the pathogenesis of PVL-induced acute lung injury, we used immunocompetent or neutropenic rabbits to develop a model of necrotizing pneumonia. Immunocompetent rabbits challenged with PVL demonstrated increased inflammation containing neutrophilic infiltrates. In addition, there were elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and IL-10) and NF-κB in the lung homogenate. In contrast, the lung tissues from neutropenic rabbits contained mild or moderate inflammation, and the levels of inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB increased only slightly. Data from the current study support growing evidence that neutrophils play an important role in the pathogenesis of PVL-induced tissue injury and inflammation. PVL can stimulate neutrophils to release pro-inflammatory mediators, thereby causing an acute inflammatory response. The ability of PVL to induce inflammatory cytokine release may be associated with the activation of NF-κB or its pore-forming properties.     

Burn-induced alterations in toll-like receptor-mediated responses by bronchoalveolar lavage cells

Burn is associated with profound inflammation and activation of the innate immune system in multiple organ beds, including the lung. Similarly, toll-like receptors (TLR) are associated with innate immune activation. Nonetheless, it is unclear what impact burn has on TLR-induced inflammatory responses in the lung.MethodsMale C57BL/6 mice were subjected to burn (3rd degree, 25% TBSA) or sham procedure and 1, 3 or 7 days thereafter, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was collected and cells were isolated and cultured in vitro with specific TLR agonists as follows: Zymosan (TLR-2), LPS (TLR-4) and CpG-ODN (TLR-9). Supernatants were collected 48 h later and assayed for inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, TNF-α, KC, MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1β and RANTES) by Bioplex.ResultsBAL fluid from sham and burn mice did not contain detectable cytokine levels. BAL cells, irrespective of injury, were responsive to TLR-2 and TLR-4 activation. Seven days after burn, TLR-2 and TLR-4 mediated responses by BAL cells were enhanced as evidenced by increased production of IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, MCP-1, MIP-1β and RANTES.ConclusionsBurn-induced changes in TLR-2 and TLR-4 reactivity may contribute to the development of post-burn complications, such as acute lung injury (ALI) and adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).     

Homoisoflavonoid derivatives from the roots of Ophiopogon japonicus and their in vitro anti-inflammation activity

Three new homoisoflavonoids (1?3) were isolated from the roots of Ophiopogon japonicus (Liliaceae). The structures of new metabolites were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analyses including 2D NMR. The anti-inflammatory activities of new compounds (1?3) were investigated by their effects on the release of the inflammatory chemokine eotaxin, stimulated by IL-4 and the combination of IL-4 and TNF-α in BEAS-2B cells, which mimics the in vivo conditions in bronchial allergic asthma.     

Assessing the effect of human dental pulp mesenchymal stem cell secretome on human oral,breast, and melanoma cancer cell lines

BackgroundThe secretome of the dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells (DPMSCS-S) have an array of regenerative potential and could aid in the rehabilitation of cancer patients post-therapeutic interventions, although caution is required as DPMSC-S have shown to augment prostate cancer cells. Thus, it is vital to assess if these pro-carcinogenic effects extend to other cancer types.ObjectiveTo assess if DPMSC-S has any pro-carcinogenic effect on oral cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma cell lines.Materials and methodsConditioned media obtained from the isolated and characterized DPMSC (DPMSC-CM) were profiled using bead-based multiplex assay. AW13515 (oral cancer), MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer), and A-375 (melanoma) cell lines were exposed to 20%, 50%, and 100% DPMSC-CM for 24, 48, and 72 h. DPMSC-CM effect on the cancer cell properties and secretome were assessed.ResultsDPMSC-CM augmented invasion, adhesion, multi-drug resistance, DNA repair, and mitochondrial repair in AW13516 through upregulation of growth factors Ang-2, EGF, M−CSF, PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB, pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-2, downregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokine TGF-β1, and pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-4. In MDA-MB-231, invasion, and multi-drug resistance were augmented through upregulation of growth factors EGF, EPO, G-CSF, HGF, M−CSF, PDGF-AA, and pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α, CXCL10, IL-12p70. EMT, invasion, migration, and adhesion were augmented in A-375 through upregulation of growth factors Ang-2, EGF, PDGF-BB, TGF-α, pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, and IL-17A.ConclusionDPMSC-CM can augment the carcinogenic properties of oral cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma cells, further animal model studies are required to validate our in-vitro findings.     

Spiroindolone analogues bearing benzofuran moiety as a selective cyclooxygenase COX-1 with TNF-α and IL-6 inhibitors

To design and discover a new compound can used as a COX with TNF-α and IL-6 inhibitors is highly challenge. A series of spiroindolone-bearing benzofuran moieties were resynthesized from the chalcone-based benzo[b]furan with substituted isatin, and amino acids. The requisite spiroindolone analogues were tested for their potential inhibitory activities against lipid metabolizing enzymes such as cyclooxygenase COX-1, COX-2, and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor TNF-α. Among the tested compounds, 5a, 5c, 5h, 5i, 5l, and 5p exhibited COX-1 inhibitor selectively with percent of inhibition 40.81–83.4% and IC₅₀ values ranging from 20.42 µM to 38.24 µM. In addition, all the synthesized target compounds possessed lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-α, and IL-6 expression with a varying degree of COX-1 inhibition. Compounds 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g, and 5k markedly inhibited TNF-α, and IL-6 release in WI-38 fibroblast cells. Molecular docking of the most effective and highly selective compounds were investigated and shown important binding mechanisms which could affect pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines via the inhibition of COX-1, COX-2, IL-6, and TNF-α.     

Essential oils and its bioactive compounds modulating cytokines: A systematic review on anti-asthmatic and immunomodulatory properties

BackgroundAsthma, the main inflammatory chronic condition affecting the respiratory system, is characterized by hyperresponsiveness and reversible airway obstruction, recruitment of inflammatory cells and excessive production of mucus. Cytokines as biochemical messengers of immune cells, play an important role in the regulation of allergic inflammatory and infectious airway processes. Essential oils of plant origin are complex mixtures of volatile and semi volatile organic compounds that determine the specific aroma of plants and are categorized by their biological activities.PurposeWe reviewed whether essential oils and their bioactive compounds of plant origin could modulate cytokines’ immune responses and improve asthma therapy in experimental systems in vitro and in vivo.MethodsElectronic and manual search of articles in English available from inception up to November 2018 reporting the immunomodulatory activity of essential oils and their bioactive compounds for the management of asthma. We used PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science. Publications reporting preclinical experiments where cytokines were examined to evaluate the consequence of anti-asthmatic therapy were included.Results914 publications were identified and 13 were included in the systematic review. Four articles described the role of essential oils and their bioactive compounds on bronchial asthma using cell lines; nine in vivo studies evaluated the anti-inflammatory efficacy and immunomodulating effects of essential oil and their secondary metabolites on cytokines production and inflammatory responses. The most important immunopharmacological mechanisms reported were the regulation of cytokine production, inhibition of reactive oxygen species accumulation, inactivation of eosinophil migration and remodeling of the airways and lung tissue, modulation of FOXP3 gene expression, regulation of inflammatory cells in the airways and decreasing inflammatory mediator expression levels.ConclusionPlant derived essential oils and related active compounds have potential therapeutic activity for the treatment of asthma by modulating the release of pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8), Th17 (IL-17), anti-inflammatory (IL-10), Th1 (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-12) and Th2 (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13) cytokines and the suppression of inflammatory cell accumulation.     

Synthesis and in vitro evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of ester and amine derivatives of indoline in RAW 264.7 and peritoneal macrophages

A prolonged increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-6 occurs in inflammatory diseases. Although existing therapies like steroids and TNF-α antagonists are effective they may cause serious adverse effects. We describe the preparation and evaluation for anti-inflammatory activity of 11 novel derivatives of indoline carbamates with a propionic ester, 2-aminoethyl, 3-aminopropyl 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl or 3-(dimethylamino)propyl group in positions 3 or 1. Compounds 25, 26 and 29 were previously shown to inhibit acetylcholinesterase with IC_50s ranging from 0.4 to 55 μM and to prevent cytotoxicity induced by reactive oxygen species in a concentration range of 100 pM–1 μM. Compounds 25, 26, 29, 9, 10, 17 and 18, reduced NO, TNF-α and IL-6 at concentrations of 1–10 pM in LPS-activated RAW-264.7 and mouse peritoneal macrophages. The reduction in cytokines by compound 25 was associated with an increase in IκBα degradation and a decrease in the phosphorylation of p38 but not that of ERK. Conclusion: Indoline derivatives substituted at position 3 with chains carrying ester or amino groups may have potential for the treatment of chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.     

A comparative study of the immune modulating properties of antifibrinolytics in cardiac surgery

PurposeAntifibrinolytics, used in cardiac surgery to abate postoperative blood loss, share anti-inflammatory properties by suppression of pro-inflammatory D-dimer and plasmin levels. Additional drug specific immune modulating qualities are often mentioned in the discussion on which antifibrinolytic can best be used. To determine the extent and relevance of these effects, we investigated cytokine and growth factor plasma levels in cardiac surgery patients randomized to receive either tranexamic acid, aprotinin, or placebo. Corticosteroid-treated patients served to put the effects in perspective.MethodsUsing a biochip immunoassay, plasma of 36 cardiac surgery patients was quantified for 12 cytokines and growth factors, assessed preoperatively and 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after the start of cardiopulmonary bypass. Eight patients were treated with tranexamic acid, nine with aprotinin, and nine received placebo. Ten placebo-treated patients received corticosteroids.ResultsIL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IFN-γ, TNF-α, VEGF, MCP-1, and EGF plasma concentrations significantly changed over time across all patients. Aprotinin-treated patients showed decreased pro-inflammatory TNF-α and peak MCP-1 plasma levels when compared with placebo. However, corticosteroids attenuated the inflammatory response to a much larger extent, lowering postoperative IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, and VEGF concentrations also.ConclusionsAprotinin attenuates postoperative pro-inflammatory levels TNF-α and MCP-1 whereas tranexamic acid does not. The majority of plasma proteins studied, however, were not affected by the use of antifibrinolytics when compared with placebo. A clinically relevant common anti-inflammatory effect through inhibition of fibrinolysis seems therefore unlikely.     

TLR-2 and TLR-9 are sensors of apoptosis in a mouse model of doxorubicin-induced acute inflammation

Anthracycline antibiotics are inducers of an immunogenic form of apoptosis that has immunostimulatory properties because of the release of damage-associated molecular patterns. To study the mechanisms used by the innate immune system to sense this immunogenic form of cell death, we established an in vivo model of cell death induced by intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin, a prototype of anthracyclines. The acute sterile inflammation in this model is characterized by rapid influx of neutrophils and increased levels of IL-6 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1. We demonstrate that acute inflammation induced by doxorubicin is associated with apoptosis of monocytes/macrophages and that it is specific for doxorubicin, an immunogenic chemotherapeutic. Further, the inflammatory response is significantly reduced in mice deficient in myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88), TLR-2 or TLR-9. Importantly, a TLR-9 antagonist reduces the recruitment of neutrophils induced by doxorubicin. By contrast, the acute inflammatory response is not affected in TRIF(Lps2) mutant mice and in TLR-3, TLR-4 and caspase-1 knockout mice, which shows that the inflammasome does not have a major role in doxorubicin-induced acute inflammation. Our findings provide important new insights into how the innate immune system senses immunogenic apoptotic cells and clearly demonstrate that the TLR-2/TLR-9-MyD88 signaling pathways have a central role in initiating the acute inflammatory response to this immunogenic form of apoptosis.