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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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 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.