Neuroprotective mechanisms of rutin for spinal cord injury through anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation and inhibition of p38 mitogen activated protein kinase pathway

Rutin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-viral, anti-tumor and immune regulatory effects. However, the neuroprotective effects of rutin in spinal cord injury are unknown. The p38 mitogen activated protein kinase （p38 MAPK） pathway is the most important member of the MAPK family that controls inflammation. We assumed that the mechanism of rutin in the repair of spinal cord injury is associated with the inhibition of p38 MAPK pathway. Allen’s method was used to establish a rat model of spinal cord injury. The rat model was intraperitoneally injected with rutin （30 mg/kg） for 3 days. After treatment with rutin, Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor function scores increased. Water content, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1 beta, and interleukin 6 levels, p38 MAPK protein expression and caspase-3 and -9 activities in T8–9 spinal cord decreased. Oxidative stress related markers superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels increased in peripheral blood. Rutin exerts neuroprotective effect through anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis and inhibition of p38 MAPK pathway.

Diabetic retinopathy:Role of inflammation and potential therapies for anti-inflammation

Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness among working-age adults.Despite many years of research,treatment options for diabetic retinopathy remain limited and with adverse effects.Discovery of new molecular entities with adequate clinical activity for diabetic retinopathy remains one of the key research priorities in ophthalmology.This review is focused on the therapeutic effects of cannabidiol(CBD),a nonpsychoactive native cannabinoid,as an emerging and novel therapeutic modality in ophthalmology based on systematic studies in animal models of inflammatory retinal diseases including diabetic retinopathy-a retinal disease associated with vascular-neuroinflammation.Special emphasis is placed on novel mechanisms which may shed light on the pharmacological activity asso c iated with CBD preclinically.These include a selfdefence system against inflammation and neurodegeneration mediated by inhibition of equilibrat ive nucleoside transporter and activation of adenosine receptor by treatment with CBD.

Anti-inflammation Activities of Essential Oil and Anti-microbial Activities Of Ethanol Extraction from China's Rosemary

Rosemary(Rosmarius officinalis L.), an endemic plant species in south region of China, is traditionally used as a spice. In this research, the anti-inflammatory activities of essential oil and the antibacterial activities of ethanol extraction were determined, respectively. Results showed that based on the GC-MS analysis there were 35 kinds of active ingredients in the essential oil in totally, mainly including D-limonene(24.158 ml/L), α-Pinene(23.325 ml/L), Camphor(9.855 ml/L),Camphene(7.076 ml/L), Verbenone(6.685 ml/L), Borneol(5.580 ml/L), etc. The LCUV determination indicated that the main components in the ethanol extractionwere rosmarinic acid(3 910 mg/kg) and carnosic acid(2 970 mg/kg). By mice peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis of chicken erythrocytes experiment, the essential oil of rosemary was shown having a significant role in anti-inflammation. And the ethanol extraction had broad-spectrum antibacterial effects, but had no effect on mold by the agar diffusion method of 8 bacteria. As a result, both rosemary essential oil and ethanol extraction had good potential medicinal values.

Liaoqiao aqueous extract inhibits B16 melanoma growth involving MAPKs/Nrf2/HO-1 mediated anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation

Aim Forsythia suspensa （Thunb.） Vahl, Lianqiao in Chinese, is one of the most fundamental herbs in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） with heat-clearing and detoxicating properties. In this study, we aimed to study the antitumor activity of Lianqiao aqueous extract against melanoma using cancer cell line-based in vitro and mouse allografl tumor in vivo models. Furthermore, we also investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms, par- ticularly the involvement of anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation properties in its antitumor activity. Methods The proliferation of cancer cells was measured by MTT assay. The transplanted B16-F10 melanoma in C57BL/6 mice were established and used for the evaluation of in vivo antitumor effect of LQ. Tumor growth was monitored twice a week. Ki67 and CD31 were used to detect cancer cell proliferation and angiogenesis in tumor, respectively. The anti-oxidative property of LQ was determined by measuring the levels of ROS, MDA and GSH. The anti-inflamma- tory effect of LQ was evaluated by measuring TNF-α and IL-6 using ELISA kits. Other protein expression was deter- mined by Western Blot. Results LQ strongly inhibited the growth of B16-F10 cells in vitro and the tumor growth in vivo. The survival time of tumor-bearing mice was significantly prolonged by LQ. LQ inhibited cancer cell prolif- eration and angiogenesis in tumor as evidenced by decreased expressions of Ki67 and CD31. Levels of ROS, MDA TNF-α and IL-6 decreased, while GSH increased in LQ treatment group, indicating a strong anti-oxidative and an- ti-inflammatory activity of LQ. The expression of antioxidant proteins Nff-2 and HO-1, tumor suppressors P53 and p-PTEN, and the MAPK pathways in tumor tissues were upregulated by LQ treatment. Conclusions LQ exhibited strong antitumor activity against B16-F10 murine melanoma both in vitro and in vivo. The antitumor effect of LQ in- volved the decreased oxidative stress and inflammation in tumor, which is closely related to the heat-clearing and detoxicating properties of LQ.

Anti-inflammation and anti-fibrosis actions of resveratrol on experimental pneumoconiosis

OBJECTIVE To investigate the therapeutic effects and related signaling pathways involved in the actions of resveratrol on experimental pneumoconiosis in vivo and in vitro.METHODS The pneumoconiosis animal model was induced by exposing male SD rats to 15mg·m-3 silica aerosol in an inhalation chamber system for 6h·d-1,5d·week-1 for up to 8 weeks.The vehicle or resveratrol(10or 20mg·kg-1)was preventively or remedially administered to the rats during or after the 4-or 8-week silica exposure(SE)period,respectively.After 4-,8-,and up to 14-week treatment,in vivo near-infrared fluorescence imaging analysis and histological analysis were performed to evaluate the pathological changes in rat lung.Inflammatory cytokines level in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)was measured by ELISA testing,and the deposition of fibrotic collagen proteins in lung parenchyma was determined by western blotting and immunohistochemistry analysis.Microarray analysis was performed to screen the signaling pathways involved in the actions of resveratrol on pneumoconiosis in vitro models.Anti-inflammation action and signaling of resveratrol was evaluated on silica-stimulated rat alveolar macrophage,which is one of the crucial effector cells for silica-induced inflammatory response;anti-fibrosis action and signaling of resveratrol was evaluated on TGF-β-induced human lung fibroblast,which acts as a promoter in the later fibrotic process of pneumoconiosis.RESULTS Silica aerosol exposure significantly increased macrophage infiltration and matrix metalloproteinases activity in lung tissue concomitant with the increased levels of inflammatory mediators in BALF.Preventive treatment with resveratrol(20mg·kg-1·d-1)reversed all these biochemical indices as well as histopathological alterations induced by silica exposure.Post-SE resveratrol treatment mildly reduced silica-induced inflammatory response in rat lung with no statistical significance.In vitro study revealed that resveratrol could inhibit alveolar macrophage cell death and decrease the levels of IL-1β and TNF-αinduced by silica particle exposure to cultured alveolar macrophages.Resveratrol was further shown to inhibit the nuclear transition of NF-κB and formation of cleaved caspase-1.Encouragingly,resveratrol preventively attenuated the lung fibrosis,evidenced by less fibrotic nodules formation and collagen proteins expression.No significant improvement on lung fibrosis was observed with post-SE resveratrol treatment.Invitrostudy further demonstrated that resveratrol suppressed TGF-β-induced lung fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition,concomitant with the depressed activity of TGF-β/Smad signaling in lung fibroblast.CONCLUSION Resveratrol shows the anti-inflammation and anti-fibrosis actions on experimental pneumoconiosis in vivo and in vitro models.The depression of NF-κB,NALP3-inflammasome,and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways may be involved in the anti-inflammation and anti-fibrosis actions of resveratrol,respectively.Resveratrol could be a potential therapeutic agent for the intervention of pneumoconiosis.

Marine natural products with anti-inflammation effects

The ocean possesses a complex setting with high pressure,high salinity,oligotrophy,low temperature and weak illumination conditions.To survive and evolve in such harsh surroundings,marine organisms metabolize a series of chemicals known as secondary metabolites which indicate structural and functional diversity to adapt interspecific survival competition.During recent decades,the anti-inflammatory property of marine natural products has come under scrutiny as inflammation involves in the vast majority of diseases.Correspondingly,a myriad of marine bioactive molecules including terpenes,polypeptides,polysaccharides,sterols and many others may bring a new insight into inflammation therapies with multifarious sources and minimal side effects.And a better understanding of their mechanisms of anti-inflammation may lead to better treatments for numerous diseases.Herein,the research progress of marine-derived anti-inflammation compounds and the relevant mechanisms were reviewed,to provide a basis for the research and development of anti-inflammatory marine drugs.

Transforming growth factor β1-mediated anti-inflammation slows progression of midbrain dopaminergic neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson’s disease（PD）is characterized by the progressive loss of midbrain dopaminergic（m DA）neurons and a subsequent decrease in striatal dopamine levels,which cause the typical clinical motor symptoms such as muscle rigidity,bradykinesia and tremor.

Microenvironment responsive nanocomposite hydrogel with NIR photothermal therapy,vascularization and anti-inflammation for diabetic infected wound healing

Bacterial infection,excessive inflammation and damaging blood vessels network are the major factors to delay the healing of diabetic ulcer.At present,most of wound repair materials are passive and can’t response to the wound microenvironment,resulting in a low utilization of bioactive substances and hence a poor therapeutic effect.Therefore,it’s essential to design an intelligent wound dressing responsive to the wound microenvironment to achieve the release of drugs on-demand on the basis of multifunctionality.In this work,metformin-laden CuPDA NPs composite hydrogel(Met@CuPDA NPs/HG)was fabricated by dynamic phenylborate bonding of gelatin modified by dopamine(Gel-DA),Cu-loaded polydopamine nanoparticles(CuPDA NPs)with hyaluronic acid modified by phenyl boronate acid(HA-PBA),which possessed good injectability,self-healing,adhesive and DPPH scavenging performance.The slow release of metformin was achieved by the interaction with CuPDA NPs,boric groups(B-N coordination)and the constraint of hydrogel network.Metformin had a pH and glucose responsive release behavior to treat different wound microenvironment intelligently.Moreover,CuPDA NPs endowed the hydrogel excellent photothermal responsiveness to kill bacteria of>95%within 10 min and also the slow release of Cu^(2+)to protect wound from infection for a long time.Met@CuPDA NPs/HG also recruited cells to a certain direction and promoted vascularization by releasing Cu^(2+).More importantly,Met@CuPDA NPs/HG effectively decreased the inflammation by eliminating ROS and inhibiting the activation of NF-κB pathway.Animal experiments demonstrated that Met@CuPDA NPs/HG significantly promoted wound healing of diabetic SD rats by killing bacteria,inhibiting inflammation,improving angiogenesis and accelerating the deposition of ECM and collagen.Therefore,Met@CuPDA NPs/HG had a great application potential for diabetic wound healing.

Biomaterials-based anti-inflammatory treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease

The current therapeutic drugs for Alzheimer's disease only improve symptoms,they do not delay disease progression.Therefo re,there is an urgent need for new effective drugs.The underlying pathogenic factors of Alzheimer's disease are not clear,but neuroinflammation can link various hypotheses of Alzheimer's disease;hence,targeting neuroinflammation may be a new hope for Alzheimer's disease treatment.Inhibiting inflammation can restore neuronal function,promote neuro regeneration,reduce the pathological burden of Alzheimer's disease,and improve or even reverse symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.This review focuses on the relationship between inflammation and various pathological hypotheses of Alzheimer's disease;reports the mechanisms and characteristics of small-molecule drugs(e.g.,nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,neurosteroids,and plant extracts);macromolecule drugs(e.g.,peptides,proteins,and gene therapeutics);and nanocarriers(e.g.,lipid-based nanoparticles,polymeric nanoparticles,nanoemulsions,and inorganic nanoparticles)in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.The review also makes recommendations for the prospective development of anti-inflammatory strategies based on nanocarriers for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Isolation and bioactivity screening of soy isoflavones from soybean glycolipids identifies daidzin as a promising anti-inflammatory agent

Background:Soybean has long been utilized in the realm of traditional Chinese medicine.One of its extracts,soybean glycolipids,serves as a vital by-product of soybean oil refining,but its chemical composition and pharmacological potential have yet to be fully elucidated.Methods:In this study,the chemical components were isolated,and the inhibitory effects of these isolates were explored in different zebrafish inflammatory models by survival rate,Histological examination assay and quantitative Real-time PCR assay.The cytotoxicity of daidzin in RAW264.7 cells was evaluated by cell viability assay,and the effect of daidzin on the release of inflammatory cytokines in RAW264.7 cells was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Western blotting,immunofluorescence assay and alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors siRNA transfection assay were used to further explore the anti-inflammatory mechanism of daidzin.Results:Four compounds(verticilloside,soya-cerebroside I,soya-cerebroside II and daidzin)were firstly isolated from the soybean glycolipids,among which verticilloside and daidzin inhibited the lipopolysaccharide,CuSO4-and tail cut-stimulated zebrafish inflammation.Noticeably,daidzin exhibited anti-inflammatory activities by increasing the survival rate,alleviating the inflammatory cells infiltration,and down-regulating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and nuclear factor kappa-B,NF-kappa-B inhibitor alpha,and signal transducer and activator of transcription3 in zebrafish.Moreover,daidzin decreased the secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α,inhibited the nuclear translocations of nuclear factor kappa-B p65 and p-signal transducer and activator of transcription3 as well as the NF-kappa-B inhibitor alpha phosphorylation at Ser32 in RAW 264.7 cells.More importantly,it elevated the expression level of alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in both zebrafish and RAW 264.7 cells,and the inhibitory effect of daidzin was attenuated after the addition of alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors siRNA.Conclusion:Our study revealed that daidzin inhibited inflammation by activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway and further inhibiting the nuclear factor kappa-B and signal transducer and activator of transcription3 signaling.At the same time,it also promotes the recycling of crude soybean glycolipids and supports the potential use of daidzin as a functional food or natural dietary anti-inflammatory agent.

Anti-inflammatory Mechanism of Yao Medicine Laggerae Alatae Herba

[Objectives]To study the anti-inflammatory effect of Laggerae Alatae Herba extract and its mechanism.[Methods]Inflammation models of xylene-induced ear edema in mice,acetic acid-induced increased permeability of abdominal capillaries in mice,and carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice were established;xylene-induced ear swelling model in bilateral adrenalectomized mice was established.The levels of MDA,NO and SOD in inflammatory tissues of paw were measured.[Results]Compared with the model group,the high and medium dose groups of Laggerae Alatae Herba extract had significant inhibitory effect on xylene-induced ear edema in mice,except for the low dose group(P>0.05);Laggerae Alatae Herba extract inhibited the increase of celiac capillary permeability induced by acetic acid and paw edema induced by carrageenan in mice.Compared with the model group,in the mice model with bilateral adrenal glands removed,the high and medium dose groups of Laggerae Alatae Herba extract could significantly inhibit the xylene induced ear swelling of the mice.The high and medium dose groups of Laggerae Alatae Herba extract could significantly decrease the levels of MDA and NO,and significantly increase the level of SOD in the paw tissue.[Conclusions]The Laggerae Alatae Herba extracts have anti-inflammatory activity,and the anti-inflammatory effect of the extracts does not depend on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis(HPAA)system.In addition,the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Laggerae Alatae Herba extract is related to the decrease of MDA and NO and the increase of SOD.

Anti-inflammation of Tripterygium wilfordii Polycoride on Macrophages and Its Regulation to Inflammation via TLR4/NF-κB

Objective To investigate the inhibitory effect of Tripterygium wilfordii polycoride（TWP） towards the pro-inflammatory factors（TNF-α and IL-1β） on the inflammatory reaction in macrophages induced by LPS and its regulatory effect and influence on the inflammation via TLR4/NF-k B. Methods The MTT method was adopted to test the effect of drugs, TWP, dexamethasone（DXM） and azathioprine（AZA） on cell growth and to select the appropriate concentration. LPS was used to induce the inflammatory reaction in RAW264.7 cell line of mice. Elisa kit was adopted to test the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β. Western blotting was adopted to test the protein expression of TNF-α and IL-1β. RT-PCR was adopted to test the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB. Results The inhibiting effect of TWP on the release of TNF-α and IL-1β in a dose dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of three different TWP dose groups is weaker than that in DXM group. However, TWP in high dose is better than AZA on TNF-α and is as strong as AZA on IL-1β. The dose dependent manner also exits in the effect on the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB, the effect is not weaker, but even stronger than that of DXM and AZA. Conclusion The research shows that down regulation of TLR4 and NF-k B p65 may be one of the mechanisms about the TWP inhibitory effect on TNF-α and IL-1β.

Near-infrared photothermal release of hydrogen sulfide from nanocomposite hydrogels for anti-inflammation applications

A novel near-infrared light photothemal-activated H2S-donating nanocomposite hydrogel was developed,through combination of a thermo-labile H2S donor and photothermal nanoparticles in agarose hydrogel.The polyethylenimine dithiocarbamate polymer,a thermo-labile compound,was synthesized as a novel H2S donor.The combination of a thermo-labile hydrogen sulfide donor and photothermal nanoparticles enabled the generation of H2S in agarose hydrogel upon irradiation with near-infrared light.The ability to modulate the photoirradiation for controlled generation and spatiotemporally release of H2S are its specific advantages.This photothermal spatiotemporally controlled H2S-releasing strategy was successfully applied to anti-inflammation treatment in a rat model,demonstrating its utility as a novel H2S-based therapeutic approach.

L-Arginine based polyester amide/hyaluronic acid hybrid hydrogel with dual anti-inflammation and antioxidant functions for accelerated wound healing

Nowadays, there are still many challenges to skin regeneration. As a new type of skin substitute, hydrogel has emerging gradually with its excellent properties. However, it is still a challenge to combine with biological active agents to facilitate skin regeneration. Under the circumstance, we synthesized argininebased poly(ester amide)(Arg-PEA) and hyaluronic acid(HA-MA), and combined them into new hybrid hydrogels via photo-crosslinking. We found that the internal structure and physicochemical properties of hybrid hydrogels were greatly improved with the increase of content of Arg-PEA. Therefore, we designed hybrid hydrogels with 5 wt% and 10 wt% of Arg-PEA content, respectively. Besides, we selected the corresponding anti-inflammatory(CRP, TNF-α) indicators to detect the anti-inflammatory properties of the hybrid hydrogels at the protein level, and the corresponding antioxidant indicators(SOD, GSH/GSSG, MDA)were selected to investigate the antioxidant properties of hybrid hydrogels at the cellular level in vitro.In addition, we also selected relevant genes to test the effect of hybrid hydrogels on fibrosis and vascularization in the process of skin wound healing in vitro and verified them in vivo with a mouse dorsum wound model. The results confirmed that Arg-PEA/HA-MA(AH) hybrid hydrogel was a prospective scaffold material for skin regeneration.

Synthesis and anti-HBV evaluation of mono L-amino acid ester, mono non-steroid anti-inflammation drug carboxylic ester derivatives of acyclonucleoside phosphonates

A series of mono L-amino acid ester, mono non-steroid anti-inflammation drug （NSAID）, carboxylic ester derivatives of acyclonucleoside phosphonates were prepared by using a ＂one pot synthesis＂ method and their in vitro anti-HBV activity were evaluated in HepG 2.2.15 cells. Compound 9a exhibited more potent anti-HBV activity and lower cytotoxicity than those of adefovir dipivoxil with IC50 and selective index （SI） values of 0.48μmol/L and 763.72, respectively.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Solanum procumbens on a low dose complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis rat model

Objective:To investigate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Solanum procumbens on complete Freund’s adjuvantinduced arthritis rat models.Methods:We isolated and identified five compounds in the ethanolsoluble Solanum procumbens extract(SP)with anti-inflammatory effects,including ursolic acid,β-sitosterol,hexadecanoic acid,cisvaccenic acid,and vanillic acid.Additionally,we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of SP on rheumatoid arthritis symptoms,including paw volumes,local temperatures,withdrawal latency,and mechanical withdrawal threshold at the hind paw and white blood cell(WBC)number from complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis rat models.Results:We have successfully established a complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis rat model at a low dose(1 mg/mL).SP extract significantly reduced paw volumes(P<0.05),prolonged withdrawal latencies(P<0.05),decreased local temperature,and increased the mechanical withdrawal threshold(P<0.05),but only SP extract at the dose of 300 mg/kg significantly decreased WBC numbers.Conclusions:SP extract could be a potential medication candidate with anti-inflammatory effects for arthritis,but it requires further investigation into the mechanism of the SP and its effectiveness on other models as well as clinical trials.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer potential of pterostilbene:A review

Pterostilbene is a natural compound that can be found in various food plants such as blueberries,grapes,and peanuts.It has also been reported to be extracted from Pterocarpus indicus,a tree species native to India and Southeast Asia.Pterostilbene exhibits various pharmacological activities such as antioxidants,anti-proliferation,anti-microbial,and anti-inflammatory activities with favorable pharmacokinetic properties,such as high oral bioavailability and longer half-life.The anti-inflammatory effect of pterostilbene has been reported to contribute to its therapeutic effects in many chronic inflammatory diseases.Besides,pterostilbene has anti-cancer activity on various types of cancers due to its ability to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.Hence,in this review,we discuss the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities of pterostilbene in preclinical studies.

Study of the anti-inflammatory effect of the Traditional Mongolian Medicine Hohgardi-9 in acute lung injury

Background:Hohgardi-9 is a well-known traditional Mongolian drug that relieves cough and removes phlegm.Although it is widely used to treat lung diseases clinically,Hohgardi-9’s bioactive constituents and mechanism of action are unknown.In this study,we explored the bioactive compounds in Hohgardi-9 and the mechanism underlying its therapeutic effect against acute lung injury(ALI).Methods:We obtained the main components of Hohgardi-9 and analyzed the targets related to ALI by searching the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and existing literature.Then,we constructed the compound-target network using Cytoscape 3.8.0 software to obtain the bioactive compounds in Hohgardi-9 against ALI.We used a string database to investigate the interaction between the possible protein targets of Hohgardi-9.We also performed Gene Ontology function annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis to predict its anti-ALI mechanism.Further,to verify the therapeutical effects of Hohgardi-9,we used an ALI rat model and analyzed the components of Hohgardi-9 found in the rat plasma using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Q-Exactive mass spectrometry.Results:The network pharmacology and plasma component analysis showed that Hohgardi-9 contained 31 potentially bioactive components,including quercetin,herbacetin,izoteolin,and columbinetin acetate,which affected the NF-κB,TLR,and TNF signaling pathways via key targets,such as RELA(p65)and TLR4.The in vivo experiments using hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed that Hohgardi-9 significantly improved lung tissue injury and pulmonary edema in ALI rats.Simultaneously,Hohgardi-9 significantly reduced the expression levels of genes encoding inflammatory factors,such as TRL4,TNF-α,IL-1β,and ICAM1,in the lungs of ALI rats.Conclusion:Hohgardi-9 alleviated ALI by inhibiting inflammation-related gene expression through its active ingredients,such as quercetin and herbacetin.

Small molecule deoxynyboquinone triggers alkylation and ubiquitination of Keap1 at Cys489 on Kelch domain for Nrf2 activation and inflammatory therapy

Activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)by Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1(Keap1)alkylation plays a central role in anti-inflammatory therapy.However,activators of Nrf2 through alkylation of Keap1-Kelch domain have not been identified.Deoxynyboquinone(DNQ)is a natural small molecule discovered from marine actinomycetes.The current study was designed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects and molecular mechanisms of DNQ via alkylation of Keap1.DNQ exhibited significant anti-inflammatory properties both in vitro and in vivo.The pharmacophore responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties of DNQ was determined to be theα,β-unsaturated amides moieties by a chemical reaction between DNQ and N-acetylcysteine.DNQ exerted anti-inflammatory effects through activation of Nrf2/ARE pathway.Keap1 was demonstrated to be the direct target of DNQ and bound with DNQ through conjugate addition reaction involving alkylation.The specific alkylation site of DNQ on Keap1 for Nrf2 activation was elucidated with a synthesized probe in conjunction with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.DNQ triggered the ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of Keap1 by alkylation of the cysteine residue 489(Cys489)on Keap1-Kelch domain,ultimately enabling the activation of Nrf2.Our findings revealed that DNQ exhibited potent anti-inflammatory capacity throughα,β-unsaturated amides moieties active group which specifically activated Nrf2 signal pathway via alkylation/ubiquitination of Keap1-Kelch domain,suggesting the potential values of targeting Cys489 on Keap1-Kelch domain by DNQ-like small molecules in inflammatory therapies.

Lycium barbarum glycopeptide(wolfberry extract)slows N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced degradation of photoreceptors

Photoreceptor cell degeneration leads to blindness, for which there is currently no effective treatment. Our previous studies have shown that Lycium barbarum(L. barbarum) polysaccharide(LBP) protects degenerated photoreceptors in rd1, a transgenic mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. L. barbarum glycopeptide(Lb GP) is an immunoreactive glycoprotein extracted from LBP. In this study, we investigated the potential protective effect of Lb GP on a chemically induced photoreceptor-degenerative mouse model. Wild-type mice received the following: oral administration of Lb GP as a protective pre-treatment on days 1–7;intraperitoneal administration of 40 mg/kg N-methylN-nitrosourea to induce photoreceptor injury on day 7;and continuation of orally administered Lb GP on days 8–14. Treatment with Lb GP increased photoreceptor survival and improved the structure of photoreceptors, retinal photoresponse, and visual behaviors of mice with photoreceptor degeneration. Lb GP was also found to partially inhibit the activation of microglia in N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-injured retinas and significantly decreased the expression of two pro-inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, Lb GP effectively slowed the rate of photoreceptor degeneration in N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-injured mice, possibly through an anti-inflammatory mechanism, and has potential as a candidate drug for the clinical treatment of photoreceptor degeneration.