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-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.

Research advances in smart responsive-hydrogel dressings with potential clinical diabetic wound healing properties

The treatment of chronic and non-healing wounds in diabetic patients remains a major medical problem.Recent reports have shown that hydrogel wound dressings might be an effective strategy for treating diabetic wounds due to their excellent hydrophilicity,good drug-loading ability and sustained drug release properties.As a typical example,hyaluronic acid dressing(Healoderm)has been demonstrated in clinical trials to improve wound-healing efficiency and healing rates for diabetic foot ulcers.However,the drug release and degradation behavior of clinically-used hydrogel wound dressings cannot be adjusted according to the wound microenvironment.Due to the intricacy of diabetic wounds,antibiotics and other medications are frequently combined with hydrogel dressings in clinical practice,although these medications are easily hindered by the hostile environment.In this case,scientists have created responsive-hydrogel dressings based on the microenvironment features of diabetic wounds(such as high glucose and low pH)or combined with external stimuli(such as light or magnetic field)to achieve controllable drug release,gel degradation,and microenvironment improvements in order to overcome these clinical issues.These responsive-hydrogel dressings are anticipated to play a significant role in diabetic therapeutic wound dressings.Here,we review recent advances on responsive-hydrogel dressings towards diabetic wound healing,with focus on hydrogel structure design,the principle of responsiveness,and the behavior of degradation.Last but not least,the advantages and limitations of these responsive-hydrogels in clinical applications will also be discussed.We hope that this review will contribute to furthering progress on hydrogels as an improved dressing for diabetic wound healing and practical clinical application.

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.

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.

Nanozyme‑Engineered Hydrogels for Anti‑Inflammation and Skin Regeneration

Inflammatory skin disorders can cause chronic scarring and functional impairments,posing a significant burden on patients and the healthcare system.Conventional therapies,such as corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,are limited in efficacy and associated with adverse effects.Recently,nanozyme(NZ)-based hydrogels have shown great promise in addressing these challenges.NZ-based hydrogels possess unique therapeutic abilities by combining the therapeutic benefits of redox nanomaterials with enzymatic activity and the water-retaining capacity of hydrogels.The multifaceted therapeutic effects of these hydrogels include scavenging reactive oxygen species and other inflammatory mediators modulating immune responses toward a pro-regenerative environment and enhancing regenerative potential by triggering cell migration and differentiation.This review highlights the current state of the art in NZ-engineered hydrogels(NZ@hydrogels)for anti-inflammatory and skin regeneration applications.It also discusses the underlying chemo-mechano-biological mechanisms behind their effectiveness.Additionally,the challenges and future directions in this ground,particularly their clinical translation,are addressed.The insights provided in this review can aid in the design and engineering of novel NZ-based hydrogels,offering new possibilities for targeted and personalized skin-care therapies.

An overview of potential cardioprotective benefits of xanthophylls in atherosclerosis:an evidence-based review

Atherosclerosis,as the most prevalent form of cardiovascular disease,is characterized by oxidized lowdensity lipoprotein(ox-LDL)accumulation in the vascular wall,increased inflammation of the large arteries,dysfunction of the endothelial cells(ECs)and vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs),which may eventually lead to the formation of plaques.Xanthophylls,one of the main groups of carotenoids,have been proposed as preventive agents or adjunct therapies to prevent and slow the progression of atherosclerosis due to their cardioprotective properties.However,the underlying preventive mechanism of action of xanthophylls on the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis remains unclear,and clinical evidence of the effect of xanthophylls on atherosclerosis have not yet been summarized and critically reviewed.In this regard,we conducted a comprehensive literature search in four scientific databases(Pub Med,Google Scholar,Science Direct and Web of Science)and carefully analyzed the existing evidence to provide meaningful insights on the association between xanthophylls and atherosclerosis from various aspects.Based on the evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies,we explored several potential mechanisms,including antioxidant effect,anti-inflammatory effect,regulation of lipid metabolism,and modulation of ECs and VSMCs dysfunction,and we found that a clear picture of regulatory pathways of xanthophylls on atherosclerosis prevention and treatment is still lacking.In addition,epidemiological studies suggested the possible relationship among high dietary intake of xanthophylls,high plasma/serum xanthophylls and a reduced risk of atherosclerosis.Direct evidence from interventional studies investigating the effect of xanthophylls on atherosclerosis is very sparse,whilst indirect clinical evidence was only limited to astaxanthin and lutein.Therefore,well-designed long-term randomized controlled trials(RCTs)are highly recommended for future studies to investigate the effective dose of different xanthophylls on atherosclerosis prevention and their possible ancillary effect in conjunction with drug therapies on different stages of atherosclerosis.

Resveratrol combats chronic diseases through enhancing mitochondrial quality

Resveratrol(RSV),as a functional food component extracted from natural plants,has been widely studied and recognized in preventing and treating various diseases,with major mechanisms including executing anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation functions,and improving mitochondrial quality.Chronic diseases as non-communicable diseases are mainly caused by multiple factors,such as physiological decline and dysfunction in the body,and have become a significant challenge on public health worldwide.It is worth noting that chronic diseases such as Alzheimer's disease(AD),Parkinson's disease(PD),muscle atrophy,cardiovascular disease,obesity,and cancer are accompanied by abnormal mitochondrial function.Therefore,targeted regulation of mitochondria may be a meaningful way to prevent and treat chronic diseases.Increasing evidence has confirmed that RSV is actively involved in regulating mitochondria,and it has become an essential consideration to prevent and treat chronic diseases through targeting mitochondria and improving corresponding functions.In this article,current studies on RSV to optimize mitochondrial quality for preventing and alleviating chronic disease are systematically summarized,which can provide a theoretical reference for the development of functional foods or drugs to combat chronic diseases.

Black radish root extract alleviates sodium valproate-induced liver damage via inhibiting mitochondrial membrane potential collapse and oxidative stress in mice

Objective:To explore the effect of black radish(Raphanus sativus L.var niger)root extract on liver enzymes,oxidative stress,and histopathological alterations in mice with sodium valproate-induced hepatotoxicity.Methods:Thirty-two mice were divided into four groups:the control group received drinking water by gavage,the second group was administered with 100 mg/kg of sodium valproate,the third group received 300 mg/kg of black radish root extract,and the fourth group was given both sodium valproate(100 mg/kg)and black radish root extract(300 mg/kg).After 28 days,the mice were euthanized,and serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),and alkaline phosphatase(ALP),along with liver malondialdehyde(MDA),reactive oxygen species(ROS),mitochondrial parameters,tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)gene expression,and histopathological changes were assessed.Results:Sodium valproate caused hepatic damage in mice,characterized by elevated serum levels of liver enzymes,increased MDA and ROS levels and TNF-αgene expression,as well as histopathological alterations.The black radish root extract significantly alleviated sodium valproate-caused hepatic injury by decreasing the serum levels of ALT and AST,MDA,ROS,TNF-αgene expression,as well as mitochondrial impairment,but did not have a significant effect on sodium valproate-induced histopathological changes.Conclusions:The black radish root extract demonstrates protective effects against sodium valproate-induced liver injury,possibly through mitigating oxidative stress,mitochondrial impairment,and inflammatory mediator expression.

γ-Aminobutyric acid alleviates litchi thaumatin-like protein-induced inflammation and reduces gut microbial translocation

Previous research reported litchi thaumatin-like protein(LcTLP)could lead to inflammation,which is a factor causing the adverse reactions after excessive intake of litchi.As a main amino acid in litchi pulp,γ-aminobutyric acid(GABA)was found with anti-inflammatory effect.Therefore,this study aimed to investigate the effects of GABA on LcTLP-induced inflammation through RAW264.7 macrophages and C57BL mice models.In vitro study showed GABA could effectively regulate the level of inflammatory cytokines(interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6,IL-10,and prostaglandin E2)and Ca2+in cells,and inhibit the phosphorylation of p65,IκB,p38,c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)and extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK).These results indicate GABA alleviated inflammation through nuclear factor-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway signaling pathways.In vivo experiment was performed to verify the anti-inflammatory effect of GABA,and the results demonstrated that GABA reduced the inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver of LcTLP-treated mice,as it down-regulated the pro-inflammatory cytokines,malondialdehyde,aspartate transferase,and alanine transaminase.The relative expression of phosphorylated p38,JNK and ERK in mice liver with GABA treatment were reduced to 65%,39%and 80%of the control group,respectively.Furthermore,GABA treatment enriched probiotic bacteria and decreased pathogenic bacteria in mice gut,which reveals GABA could effectively reduce the translocation of gut microbiota.

Pharmacological Effects and Mechanism of Esculentoside A

Extensive studies have found that Esculentoside a(EsA)has a variety of pharmacological effects,such as anti-inflammatory,anti-bacterial,anti-tumor and the treatment of arthritis.In the present paper,the pharmacological effects and related mechanisms of EsA in recent years were reviewed,in order to provide a theoretical reference for further research and development of EsA.

A Comprehensive Review of Exosomes with Therapeutic Potential in Cancer and Coeliac Disease

The aim of this review was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of exosomes, extracellular vesicles secreted by cells. They have emerged as potential therapeutic transporters for several diseases. This review provides an overview of exosomes’ therapeutic potential in cancer therapy and autoimmune conditions such as Coeliac Disease. The therapeutic effect is that the phospholipid-binding protein ANXA1 improves its anti-inflammatory properties. The review also analyzes the intricate processes of exosome production and composition ability to transport biomolecules such as proteins, microRNAs, and lipids, which promote intercellular communication and alter recipient cell behavior. Exosomes, linked to neurological disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, present the means of targeted drug administration due to their innate specificity. Through genetic engineering and chemical modifications, exosomes can be tailored for specific purposes, demonstrating their versatility in targeted therapy. With ongoing research uncovering their therapeutic potential, exosomes present a promising frontier in novel medical treatments across various health conditions.

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.

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.

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.