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3 pages, 162 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

The Role of Bioactives in Inflammation

by Po-Chih Hsu, Guan-Ting Liu, Jiunn-Sheng Wu and Chan-Yen Kuo

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(3), 1921-1923; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46030125 - 29 Feb 2024

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Abstract

As a physiological defense mechanism, inflammation is a complex response to harmful stimuli [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactives in Inflammation)

Research

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12 pages, 1640 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

The Ethyl Acetate Extract of Caulerpa microphysa Promotes Collagen Homeostasis and Inhibits Inflammation in the Skin

by Kuo-Yun Lu, Li-Ching Cheng, Zheng-Ci Hung, Ze-Ying Chen, Chuang-Wei Wang and Hsin-Han Hou

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(3), 2701-2712; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46030170 - 21 Mar 2024

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Abstract

Inflammation and collagen-degrading enzymes’ overexpression promote collagen decomposition, which affects the structural integrity of the extracellular matrix. The polysaccharide and peptide extracts of the green alga Caulerpa microphysa (C. microphysa) have been proven to have anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and antioxidant effects [...] Read more.

Inflammation and collagen-degrading enzymes’ overexpression promote collagen decomposition, which affects the structural integrity of the extracellular matrix. The polysaccharide and peptide extracts of the green alga Caulerpa microphysa (C. microphysa) have been proven to have anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and antioxidant effects in vivo and in vitro. However, the biological properties of the non-water-soluble components of C. microphysa are still unknown. In the present study, we demonstrated the higher effective anti-inflammatory functions of C. microphysa ethyl acetate (EA) extract than water extract up to 16–30% in LPS-induced HaCaT cells, including reducing the production of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Furthermore, the excellent collagen homeostasis effects from C. microphysa were proven by suppressing the matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) secretion, enhancing type 1 procollagen and collagen expressions dose-dependently in WS1 cells. Moreover, using UHPLC-QTOF-MS analysis, four terpenoids, siphonaxanthin, caulerpenyne, caulerpal A, and caulerpal B, were identified and may be involved in the superior collagen homeostasis and anti-inflammatory effects of the C. microphysa EA extract. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactives in Inflammation)

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14 pages, 3162 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Ellagic Acid on Experimental Corrosive Esophageal Burn Injury

by Dilek Aygün Keşim, Fırat Aşır, Hayat Ayaz and Tuğcan Korak

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(2), 1579-1592; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46020102 - 16 Feb 2024

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Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant effect of Ellagic acid (EA) on wound healing in sodium hydroxide (NaOH)-induced corrosive esophageal burn injury. The interaction networks and functional annotations were conducted using Cytoscape software. A total of 24 Wistar albino rats were divided [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant effect of Ellagic acid (EA) on wound healing in sodium hydroxide (NaOH)-induced corrosive esophageal burn injury. The interaction networks and functional annotations were conducted using Cytoscape software. A total of 24 Wistar albino rats were divided into control, corrosive esophageal burn (CEB) and CEB + EA groups. Burn injury was created by 20% NaOH and 30 mg/kg EA was per oral administered to rats. At the end of the 28-day experimental period, Malondialdehyde (MDA) content was measured. Esophageal tissue samples were processed for histological staining. The EA–target interaction network was revealed to be involved in regulating crucial cellular mechanisms for burn wound healing, with epidermal growth factor (EGF) identified as a central mediator. An increase in animal weight in the CEB + EA group was observed in the EA-treated group after CEB injury. Burn injury increased MDA content, but EA treatment decreased its level after CEB injury. Stenosis index, collagen degeneration, inflammation, fibrosis and necrosis levels were increased after CEB injury. EA treatment improved histopathology in the CEB + EA group compared to the CEB group. The expression of EGF was decreased in the CEB group but upregulated in the EA-treated group, suggesting a potential involvement of EA in cellular processes and tissue regeneration. EA, through its antioxidative and tissue regenerative properties, significantly contributes to alleviating the adverse effects of CEB injury, promoting wound healing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactives in Inflammation)

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14 pages, 2972 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Study of Limonoids Isolated from Chisocheton Plants

by Erina Hilmayanti, Xuhao Huang, Supriatno Salam, Nurlelasari, Unang Supratman, Kazuya Kabayama and Koichi Fukase

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(1), 909-922; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46010058 - 20 Jan 2024

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Abstract

Chisocheton plants from the family Meliaceae have traditionally been used to treat several diseases; however, scientific evidence is limited. The most abundant chemical constituents of this plant are the limonoids, which are known for their various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory effects. However, the [...] Read more.

Chisocheton plants from the family Meliaceae have traditionally been used to treat several diseases; however, scientific evidence is limited. The most abundant chemical constituents of this plant are the limonoids, which are known for their various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory effects. However, the anti-inflammatory effects and underlying mechanisms of action of the constituents of Chisocheton plants have not been fully explored. In this report, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of 17 limonoid compounds from Chisocheton plant primarily by measuring their inhibitory effects on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and MCP-1, in LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells using an ELISA assay. Compounds 3, 5, 9, and 14–17 exhibited significant activity in inhibiting the evaluated pro-inflammatory markers, with IC₅₀ values less than 20 µM and a high selectivity index (SI) range. Compounds 3, 5, 9, and 15 significantly suppressed the expression of phosphorylated p38 MAPK in THP-1 cells stimulated with LPS. These findings support the use of limonoids from Chisocheton plants as promising candidates for anti-inflammatory therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactives in Inflammation)

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12 pages, 5474 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inhibition of Phagocytosis by Silibinin in Mouse Macrophages

by Kyung-Hoon Sun, Min-Young Lee and Young-Jin Jeon

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2023, 45(10), 8126-8137; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb45100513 - 06 Oct 2023

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Abstract

This study investigated the effects of silibinin, derived from milk thistle (Silybum marianum), on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced morphological changes in mouse macrophages. Silibinin was treated at various doses and time points to assess its effects on macrophage activation, including morphological changes and [...] Read more.

This study investigated the effects of silibinin, derived from milk thistle (Silybum marianum), on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced morphological changes in mouse macrophages. Silibinin was treated at various doses and time points to assess its effects on macrophage activation, including morphological changes and phagocytosis. Silibinin effectively inhibited LPS-induced pseudopodia formation and size increase, while unstimulated cells remained round. Silibinin’s impact on phagocytosis was dose- and time-dependent, showing a decrease. We explored its mechanism of action on kinases using a MAPK array. Among the three MAPK family members tested, silibinin had a limited effect on JNK and p38 but significantly inhibited ERK1/2 and related RSK1/2. Silibinin also inhibited MKK6, AKT3, MSK2, p70S6K, and GSK-3β. These findings highlight silibinin’s potent inhibitory effects on phagocytosis and morphological changes in macrophages. We suggest its potential as an anti-inflammatory agent due to its ability to target key inflammatory pathways involving ERK1/2 and related kinases. Overall, this study demonstrates the promising therapeutic properties of silibinin in modulating macrophage function and inflammation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactives in Inflammation)

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16 pages, 26823 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Eupatilin Ameliorates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Kidney Injury by Inhibiting Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Apoptosis in Mice

by Kiryeong Kim, Hyo-Lim Hong, Gyun Moo Kim, Jaechan Leem and Hyun Hee Kwon

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2023, 45(9), 7027-7042; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb45090444 - 23 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1057

Abstract

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of sepsis. Eupatilin (EUP) is a natural flavone with multiple biological activities and has beneficial effects against various inflammatory disorders. However, whether EUP has a favorable effect on septic AKI remains unknown. Here, we examined [...] Read more.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of sepsis. Eupatilin (EUP) is a natural flavone with multiple biological activities and has beneficial effects against various inflammatory disorders. However, whether EUP has a favorable effect on septic AKI remains unknown. Here, we examined the effect of EUP on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-evoked AKI in mice. LPS-evoked renal dysfunction was attenuated by EUP, as reflected by reductions in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. LPS injection also induced structural damage such as tubular cell detachment, tubular dilatation, brush border loss of proximal tubules, and upregulation of tubular injury markers. However, EUP significantly ameliorated this structural damage. EUP decreased serum and renal cytokine levels, prevented macrophage infiltration, and inhibited mitogen-activated protein kinase and NF-κB signaling cascades. Lipid peroxidation and DNA oxidation were increased after LPS treatment. However, EUP mitigated LPS-evoked oxidative stress through downregulation of NPDPH oxidase 4 and upregulation of antioxidant enzymes. EUP also inhibited p53-mediated apoptosis in LPS-treated mice. Therefore, these results suggest that EUP ameliorates LPS-evoked AKI through inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactives in Inflammation)

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19 pages, 708 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Immunomodulatory and Antioxidant Properties of Ipomoea batatas Flour and Extracts Obtained by Green Extraction

by Imane Boukhers, Sylvie Morel, Joelle Kongolo, Romain Domingo, Adrien Servent, Lea Ollier, Hippolyte Kodja, Thomas Petit and Patrick Poucheret

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2023, 45(9), 6967-6985; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb45090440 - 22 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1189

Abstract

Sweet potato (SP), Ipomoea batatas Lam, belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. It produces edible storage roots. Currently, orange varieties contribute to improving food systems and managing vitamin A deficiency. Processing of this food crop into flour allows better conservation. However, nutrition health data [...] Read more.

Sweet potato (SP), Ipomoea batatas Lam, belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. It produces edible storage roots. Currently, orange varieties contribute to improving food systems and managing vitamin A deficiency. Processing of this food crop into flour allows better conservation. However, nutrition health data regarding SP flour obtained by green extraction remains scarce. In this study, we therefore explored its phytochemistry and its associated bioactivity potential for human health. We analyzed the nutritional composition of orange flesh sweet potato (OFSP) flour and assessed the antioxidant (free radical scavenging) and immunomodulatory (on inflammatory murine macrophages) properties of the extract. More specifically, we measured the impact of OFSP flour extract on mediators such as Nitric Oxide (NO) and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-alpha), Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1), and Prostaglandin-E2 (PGE-2). Our results indicated significant fiber, mineral, beta-carotene, and polyphenols content in the extracts, and antioxidant and immunomodulatory bioactivities were also demonstrated with a concentration-dependent inhibition of cytokine production. Taken together, our results suggest that Ipomoea batatas flour could, in addition to being a good source of energy and beta-carotene provitamin A, constitute a food of interest for the prophylaxis of metabolic diseases associated with an underlying low-grade inflammatory state. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactives in Inflammation)

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10 pages, 2986 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

The Effects of Sargassum horneri Extract and Fucoidan on Tear Hyposecretion and Ocular Surface Injury in Rats with Dry Eye Diseases

by Su-Bin Park, Woo Kwon Jung, Hwa Young Yu and Junghyun Kim

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2023, 45(8), 6583-6592; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb45080415 - 08 Aug 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1077

Abstract

Hyperosmotic stress caused by tear hyposection is a leading cause of dry eye disease. We investigated the prevention of dry eye disease in corneal epithelial cells and in rats that were induced to develop dry eye disease via unilateral excision of their exorbital [...] Read more.

Hyperosmotic stress caused by tear hyposection is a leading cause of dry eye disease. We investigated the prevention of dry eye disease in corneal epithelial cells and in rats that were induced to develop dry eye disease via unilateral excision of their exorbital lacrimal gland using Sargassum horneri extract (AB_SH) and its bioactive component fucoidan. Oral administration of AB_SH (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) and fucoidan (100 mg/kg) was conducted for 7 days. In order to measure tear secretion, phenol red thread tear tests were performed along with corneal irregularity measurements. The apoptotic injury in the cornea and the lacrimal gland was evaluated using TUNEL staining. AB_SH and fucoidan were shown to suppress apoptosis and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in human corneal epithelial cells under hyperosmotic conditions. Oral administration of AB_SH and fucoidan attenuated tear hyposecretion and corneal irregularity in the lacrimal gland-excised rats. In addition, AB_SH and fucoidan also reduced apoptosis in the cornea and lacrimal gland. This study suggests that S. horneri extract and fucoidan can effectively ameliorate dry eye disease by suppressing the apoptosis of ocular tissues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactives in Inflammation)

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