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.

A Preliminary Investigation on Anti-inflammatory and Antibacterial Effect of Compound Sarcandra Aerosol

[Objective] This study aimed to reveal the therapeutic mechanism of compound sarcandra aerosol, which was exclusively owned by the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guiyang College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. [Method] An inflammation model was established by xylene-induced inflammation test and carrageenan- induced inflammation test to analyze the anti-inflammatory effect of compound sarcandra aerosol. By bacteriostasis test in vitro, the antibacterial effect of compound sarcandra aerosol against five common pathogens of pharyngitis was investigated. Blood samples were collected from Wistar rats in different compound sarcandra aerosol groups and control group to compare blood routine indicators and interleukin-1 （IL-1） levels. [Result] Three different concentrations of compound sarcandra aerosol could reduce degrees of xylene-induced ear edema in mice and carrageenan- induced paw edema in rats, but the anti-inflammatory effect of compound sarcandra aerosol was reduced as the concentration declined. In bacteriostasis test in vitro, the minimum inhibitory concentration of compound sarcandra aerosol against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus hemolytis, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhimurium was 76, 105 38, 65 and 30 mg/ml, respectively. Compound sarcandra aerosol reduced white blood cell count, neutrophil count and lymphocyte percentage in pharyngitis model rats. Moreover, interleukin-1 level in watermelon frost lozenge group and different compound sarcandra aerosol groups was lower compared with control group. [Conclusion] Compound sarcandra aerosol can effectively treat pharyngitis by exerting anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect and reducing interleukin-1 level. This study laid a solid foundation for clinical application of compound sarcandra aerosol.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory roles of tea polyphenols in inflammatory bowel diseases

Polyphenols,including phenolic acids,flavonoids,and procyanidins,are abundant in food and beverage derived from plants.Tea(Camellia sinensis)is particularly rich in polyphenols(e.g.,catechins,theaflavins,thearubigins,gallic acid,and flavonols),which are thought to contribute to the health benefits of tea.High intake of tea polyphenols has been described to prevent and/or attenuate a variety of chronic pathological conditions like cardiovascular diseases,neurodegenerative diseases,diabetes,and cancer.This review focuses on established antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of tea polyphenols and underlying mechanisms of their involvement in inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD).Tea polyphenols act as efficient antioxidants by inducing an endogenous antioxidant defense system and maintaining intracellular redox homeostasis.Tea polyphenols also regulate signaling pathways such as nuclear factor-κB,activator protein 1,signal transducer and activator of transcriptions,and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2,which are associated with IBD development.Accumulating pieces of evidence have indicated that tea polyphenols enhance epithelial barrier function and improve gut microbial dysbiosis,contributing to the management of inflammatory colitis.Therefore,this study suggests that supplementation of tea polyphenols could prevent inflammatory conditions and improve the outcome of patients with IBD.

Anti-inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Effects of Marine n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Human Health and Diseases

The pharmaceutical effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids(n-3 PUFAs) as dietary nutrients on human health and diseases have gained much attention and are investigated for decades. Docosahexaenoic acid(DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid(EPA) and docosapentaenoic acid(DPA) are the three major n-3 PUFAs enriched in marine organisms, such as fish, shrimp, algae, and so on. It has been well known that n-3 PUFAs, especially DHA and EPA, are beneficial in reducing the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Accumulating evidence suggests that n-3 PUFAs might cure inflammatory diseases through several mechanisms, such as plasma membrane remodeling of lymphocytes, down-regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, and alternating adhesion molecule expressions. Several molecular targets of n-3 PUFAs on immune-regulation have also been identified, such as GPR120(FFA4), protein kinase C(PKC), and PPAR-γ. However, it remains inconclusive if dietary n-3 PUFAs function the same both in vitro and in vivo based on cohort studies. This review will focus on the molecular targets and mechanisms of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of n-3 PUFAs on human health and diseases, such as obesity, tumor, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases.

Peptide fraction from sturgeon muscle by pepsin hydrolysis exerts anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages via MAPK and NF-κB pathways

Previous studies have suggested that polypeptides extracted from milk, soybean, fish, eggs, and meat possess potential anti-inflammatory effects. To date, few studies have reported the anti-inflammatory function of sturgeon peptides and their underlying mechanisms are unknown. The current study was therefore to determine the anti-inflammatory potential of sturgeon peptides with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 inflammatory model. Pepsin hydrolysate (PeH) was purified by ultrafiltration and Sephadex G-15 gel filtration chromatography. PeH significantly reduced the inflammatory mediator (NO) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β) expression in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the purified sturgeon peptide (F2) possessed strong antioxidant potential and effectively inhibited DPPH and ABTS free radicals. F2 significantly suppressed the expression of MAPK, IκBα, and NF-κB p65, indicating that F2 exerted anti-inflammatory influence by the inhibition of MAPK and NF-κB pathways.

Anti-inflammatory effects of astaxanthin against fungal keratitis

AIM:To characterize effect of astaxanthin(ASX)in Aspergillus fumigatus(A.fumigatus)induced keratitis in mouse model.METHODS:In vivo,fungal keratitis mouse model was established in C57BL/6 mice using A.fumigatus,followed by ASX or dimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO)treatment.Clinical responses were evaluated by clinical score and myeloperoxidase(MPO)assay.Inflammatory cytokines were assessed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR),Western blot,immunofluorescence,and enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay(ELISA).RESULTS:In animal model,ASX improved corneal transparency and clinical response,suppressed the expression of inflammatory cytokine like IL-1β,TNF-α,and HMGB-1.Neutrophil levels have been shown to decrease in ASX-treated cornea by immunofluorescence and MPO.TLR2 and TLR4 levels were lower in ASX-treated group than DMSO-treated.CONCLUSION:ASX can suppress inflammatory response and reduce inflammatory cytokine production in mice model with A.fumigatus keratitis.

Natural products as a crucial source of anti-inflammatory drugs: recent trends and advancements

Natural active molecules are key sources of modern innovative drugs. Particularly, a great amount of natural active molecules have been reported to possess promising therapeutic effects on inflammatory diseases, including asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis, enteritis, metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. However, these natural active molecules with various molecular structures usually exert anti-inflammatory effects through diversiform pharmacological mechanisms, which is necessary to be summarized systematically. In this review, we introduced the current major anti-inflammatory natural active molecules based on their chemical structures, and discussed their pharmacological mechanisms including anti-inflammatory molecular signaling pathways and potential target proteins, which providing a referential significance on the development of novel anti-inflammatory drugs, and also revealing new therapeutic strategies for inflammatory diseases.

Volatile Oil of Platycladus Orientalis(L.)Franco Leaves Exerts Strong Anti-inflammatory Effects via Inhibiting the IκB/NF-κB Pathway

This study was designed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of volatile oil of Platycladus orientalis(L.)Franco leaves(VOPF)and the underlying molecular mechanisms by using the non-infectious inflammation rat models and infectious inflammation mouse models.Ear swelling and intraperitoneal capillary permeability in mice,and carrageenan-induced toe swelling and cotton ball-induced granuloma in rats were used to reveal anti-inflammatory effects of VOPF.Moreover,the lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced mouse model of acute lung injury was used to explore the anti-inflammatory mechanism of VOPF.The results showed that VOPF could significantly inhibit auricular swelling,intraperitoneal capillary permeability in mice,and reduce granuloma swelling and paw swelling in rats.Furthermore,it significantly alleviated the pathological damage of the lung tissue.In addition,VOPF could reduce the contents of IL-1β and TNF-αand increase the content of IL-10 in the serum.It had little effect on the expression of p65 but reduced the phosphorylation level of p65 and IκB in NF-κB pathway.In conclusion,VOPF has anti-inflammatory effects and the mechanisms involve the down-regulation of the phosphorylation levels of p65 and IκB and blockage of the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Anti-inflammatory effects of alkaloid enriched extract from roots of Eurycoma longifolia Jack

Objective: To examine the in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of the alkaloid enriched extract(ELA) from the roots of Eurycoma longifolia. Methods: The in vitro antiinflammatory effects of ELA were evaluated by examining its inhibitory activities against nitric oxide(NO) production and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iN OS) and cyclooxygenase2(COX-2) expressions in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The level of NO produced in the culture media was determined by Griess method. The i NOS and COX-2 protein expressions were analyzed by Western blot. The in vivo effect of ELA was evaluated on LPS-induced septic shock in mice model. Mice mortality was monitored for5 days after injection of LPS. The chemical contents of the ELA were determined by using various chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. Results: The ELA was found to exhibit a significant anti-inflammatory effect in both in vitro and in vivo models. The results demonstrated that ELA dose-dependently inhibited LPS-induced NO production as well as the protein iN OS and COX-2 expressions. In the septic shock model, ELA dose-dependently protected mice from LPS-induced mortality. Further study on the isolated components of ELA indicated that 9,10-dimethoxycanthin-6-one may contribute significantly to the antiinflammatory effects of the extract. Conclusions: These results suggest that ELA exhibits the anti-inflammatory activity via suppression of pro-inflammatory mediators such as NO, iN OS,and COX-2 and protects mice from LPS-induced mortality in septic shock model.

Anti-inflammatory activity of the essential oils of Cymbopogon validus(Stapf) Stapf ex Burtt Davy from Eastern Cape, South Africa

Objective: To evaluate the essential oil composition and the anti-inflammatory activity of Cymbopogon validus(C. validus) leaves and flowers. Methods: A total of 300 g of fresh or dry(leaves and flowers) of C. validus were cut into small pieces and subjected to hydro-distillation method for approximately 5 h using the Clevenger apparatus. The extracted essential oils were then used for testing the anti-inflammatory activity. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by using egg-albumin induced paw edema. Results: The extracted oils had the following yields 2.2% for fresh leaves, 2.0% for dry leaves and 2.4% v/w for dry flowers. GCMS results revealed that the oils contained artemisia ketone(37.5%), linalool(3.2%-29.6%), northujane(4.4%-16.8%), verbenone(13.5%), naphthalene(1.7%-9.6%), δ-cadinene(0.5%-8.1%), hedycaryol(5.4%-7.6%) and α-eudesmol(6.5%-6.7%) as the major constituents. C. validus essential oils showed significant(P<0.05) anti-inflammatory effects from the first 30 min after albumin injection compared to aspirin which had a later onset of effect. Conclusions: The findings of this study show that the essential oil extracted from C. validus fresh or dry leaves and flowers have anti-inflammatory properties; that might be associated with the major components and the minor components found in the essential oils.

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.

Mitochondrial H_(2)S_(n)-Mediated Anti-Inflammatory Theranostics

The insistent demand for space-controllable delivery,which reduces the side effects of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs(NSAIDs),has led to the development of a new theranostics-based approach for anti-inflammatory therapy.The current anti-inflammatory treatments can be improved by designing a drug delivery system responsive to the inflammatory site biomarker,hydrogen polysulfide(H_(2)S_(n)).Here,we report a noveltheranostic agent 1(TA1),consisting of three parts:H_(2)S_(n)-mediated triggering part,a two-photon fluorophore bearing mitochondria targeting unit(Rhodol-TPP),and anti-inflammatory COX inhibitor(indomethacin).In vitro experiments showed that TA1 selectively reacts with H_(2)S_(n)to concomitantly release both Rhodol-TPP and indomethacin.Confocal-microscopy imaging of inflammation-inducedlive cells suggested that TA1 is localized in the mitochondria where the H_(2)S_(n)is overexpressed.The TA1 reacted with H_(2)S_(n)in the endogenous and exogenous H_(2)S_(n)environments and in lipopolysaccharide treated inflammatory cells.Moreover,TA1 suppressed COX-2 level in the inflammatory-induced cells and prostaglandin E 2(PGE2)level in blood serum from inflammation-induced mouse models.In vivo experiments with inflammation-induced mouse models suggested that TA1 exhibits inflammation-site-elective drug release followed by significant therapeutic e ects,showing its function as a theranostic agent,capable of both anti-inflammatory therapy and precise diagnosis.Theranostic behavior of TA1 is highly applicable in vivo model therapeutics for the inflammatory disease.

Anti-inflammatory Effects and Mechanisms of Usnic Acid

The anti-inflammatory effect and mechanism of Usnic acid （UA） were explored on lipopoly-saccharide （LPS）-stimulated RAW264.7 cell line.The effects of UA on pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-alfa （TNF-α）,interleukin-6 （IL-6） and interleukin-1 beta （IL-1β）,pro-inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide （NO）,inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS） and cyclooxygenase-2 （COX-2） were studied by sandwich ELISA,real-time PCR and western blot analyses.Similarly,the effect of UA on anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 （IL-10） and anti-inflammatory mediator heme oxygenase-1 （HO-1） were also studied following the same methods.Furthermore,nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） was assayed by immunocytochemistry.The results showed that UA has anti-inflammatory effect by down-regulatinng iNOS,COX-2,IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α,COX-2 gene expression through the suppression of NF-κB activation and increasing anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and anti-inflammatory mediator HO-1 production.

Screening of Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Parts of Ardisia gigantifolia stapf.and Its Toxicological Safety Study

[Objectives] To screen out the anti-inflammatory and analgesic parts of Ardisia gigantifolia stapf.and to explore the toxicological safety of each part.[Methods]The carrageenan-induced toe swelling experiment of mice,acetic acid-induced peritoneal capillary permeability experiment,pain writhing test,and mouse maximum tolerated dose experiment were carried out.Taking mouse toe swelling,capillary permeability,pain writhing reaction times,and animal death number as indicators,anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects were screened and toxicological safety was evaluated for petroleum ether,ethyl acetate,n-butanol and water parts of A.gigantifolia.[Results] The petroleum ether part of A.gigantifolia can significantly reduce the degree of carrageenan-induced toe swelling of(P < 0.05),significantly inhibit the glacial acetic acid induced capillary permeability of mice(P < 0.05) and the times of pain writhing of mice(P < 0.01),no death was observed in each group after 150-fold of clinical equivalent dose administration,and no abnormality was observed in body weight and tissues of mice.[Conclusions]The petroleum ether part of A.gigantifolia is active part of anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect,and each part is low in toxicological safety.

A systematic study on mycochemical profiles, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of 30 varieties of Jew’s ear(Auricularia auricula-judae)

The health-promoting properties and chemical profiles of 30 Jew’s ear mushroom varieties were investigated. The antioxidant properties were determined by ferric reducing antioxidant power(FRAP), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) free radical scavenging, 2,2’-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)(ABTS) free radical scavenging, and metal chelating ability(MCA) assays, while phenolic profiles were determined by total phenol content(TPC) and total flavonoid content(TFC) colorimetric assays. Total carbohydrate, β-glucan, and melanin contents were determined by colorimetric methods. 5’-Nucleotides, vitamin D_(2), ergosterol, and ergothioneine contents were determined by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). Anti-inflammation activities of Jew’s ear were evaluated by the colorimetric protease inhibitory method. The results showed that Jew’s ear mushrooms possessed substantial phenolics and antioxidant properties. All the Jew’s ear varieties contain high amount of total carbohydrate, β-glucan, reducing sugar, melanin, pectin, vitamin D2, ergosterol, and ergothioneine. The current findings could provide scientific information for breeders to nurture desired varieties and for food industry to develop new health promoting products.

Yangxin Dawayimixike honey paste inhibits atherosclerosis in ApoE^(-/-)mice by attenuating blood lipids and exerting anti-inflammatory activity

Background:Yangxin Dawayimixike honey paste(YDHP)is a representative traditional Chinese medicine,and its main function is curing angina pectoris,palpitation and neurasthenia.However,it is unclear whether YDHP can suppress the development of atherosclerosis.The aim of this study was to validate the potential application of YDHP in atherosclerosis therapy and search for its potential mechanisms.Methods:Seven-week-old ApoE^(-/-)mice were randomly divided into a normal group fed a normal diet,an atherosclerosis model group fed a high-fat diet,YDHP groups fed a high-fat diet mixed with different doses of YDHP and positive control groups fed a high-fat diet mixed with atorvastatin or rosuvastatin.After feeding for 10 weeks,body weight,blood lipids,liver and kidney function indexes,serum inflammatory cytokines and atherosclerotic plaque areas were measured.Serum metabolic profiles were detected by an automatic biochemical analyser.Serum inflammatory cytokines were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.Atherosclerotic plaque areas were analysed using Oil Red O staining.Results:The YDHP(200,400 and 800 mg/kg/d)treated groups showed reduced serum levels of low density lipoprotein-cholesterol(P<0.05,when 200 or 400 mg/kg/d of YDHP group compared with the atherosclerosis model group;P<0.01,when 800 mg/kg/d of YDHP group compared with the atherosclerosis model group),total cholesterol(P<0.05,when 200 mg/kg/d of YDHP group compared with the atherosclerosis model group;P<0.01,when 400 or 800 mg/kg/d of YDHP group compared with the atherosclerosis model group)and triglyceride(P<0.01),however,elevated serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(P<0.01)compared to the atherosclerosis model group.YDHP inhibited the area of atherosclerotic lesions.In addition,YDHP suppressed the levels of serum inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 6(P<0.05,when 200 mg/kg/d of YDHP group compared with the atherosclerosis model group;P<0.01,when 400 or 800 mg/kg/d of YDHP group compared with the atherosclerosis model group)and tumor necrosis factorα(P<0.05,when 200 mg/kg/d of YDHP group compared with the atherosclerosis model group;P<0.01,when 400 or 800 mg/kg/d of YDHP group compared with the atherosclerosis model group).Conclusion:Our study demonstrated that YDHP showed considerable activity in alleviating the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in ApoE^(-/-)mice by reducing blood lipids and exerting anti-inflammatory activity.

Anti-inflammatory function of ginsenoside Rgl on alcoholic hepatitis through glucocorticoid receptor related nuclear factor-kappa B pathway

Aim Ginseng is the dried root of Panax ginseng C. A. Mayer. Since ancient times, ginseng has been used as one kind of treatment drug or tonic in China and even other eastern countries like Korea and Japan. Phar- macological active chemical ingredients and its extract of ginseng are a mixture of triterpenoid saponins, collectively called ginsenosides. Among them, ginsenoside Rgl is the most pharmacological active one. Based on prior experi- mental results and the understanding of alcoholic hepatitis, the major aim of this study is to investigate whether Rgl is beneficial in a rodent model mimic alcoholic hepatic injury associated with binge drinking and explore the under- lying possible mechanisms. Methods C57BL/6 mice were given oral consumption of 6 g · kg^-1 alcohol 1 h after treated with Rgl （ 10, 20 and 40 mg · kg^-1） or dexamethasone （ 1 mg · kg^-1） for 9 consecutive days. Biochemi- cal analyses were performed and liver fragments were processed for microscopy, immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. Results According to our data, Rgl treatment significantly reversed the high mortality rate induced by alcohol consumption and also alleviated liver impairment as evidenced by the decrease of serum parameters. Meanwhile, histological and ultrastructural analysis of alcoholic groups showed hepatocellular impairment but re- stored in Rgl-treated groups. Overproductive inflammatory cytokines were also suppressed by Rgl in alcohol-intoxi- cated mouse livers. In addition, changes of GR related NF-KB pathway, including phospho-IKB-ot, were also mod- ulated to normal levels. Conclusion This study demonstrates that Rgl might promote GR mediating the repression of NF-KB and inhibit the inflammatory reactions in alcoholic hepatitis.

Antioxidative, anti-inflammatory potentials and phytochemical profile of Commiphora africana(A. Rich.) Engl.(Burseraceae) and Loeseneriella africana(Willd.)(Celastraceae) stem leaves extracts

Objective: To assess the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities as well as to determine the flavonoids and phenolic acids content of active fractions.Methods: Two medicinal plant samples were extracted successively in Soxhlet apparatus with n-hexane, dichloromethane, acetonitrile, ethyl acetate, methanol and n-butanol. Five methods were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity. Anti-inflammatory activity was done through the inhibition of the cyclooxygenase enzymes(COX-1 and COX-2).Polyphenolic compounds were analyzed by using a spectrophotometrical and high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(HPLC-MS) methods.Results: The data showed that the stem leaves extracts of Commiphora africana and Loeseneriella africana possessed significant in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Polar extracts had radical scavenging effects and they reduced iron(III). The prostaglandin production was significantly stopped by acetonitrile and methanol extracts.These biological activities were supported by some bioactive compounds quantified by using the HPLC-MS. p-Coumaric acid, ferulic acid, isoquercitrin, quercitrin, quercetin,rutin, kaempferol and apigenin were the most metabolites quantified.Conclusions: The present study may explain the effectiveness of plants in traditional medicine of Burkina Faso, singularly Commiphora africana and Loeseneriella africana.The next investigation was to sub-fractionate the methanol fraction in order to isolate new antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory compounds.