Narrow Results

In this study, we investigated the effects of Inula Britannica on the production of antibodies against ovalbumin, and the differentiation of T cells, in C57BL/6 mice. The oral administration of Inula Britannica suppressed IL-4 and IL-6 production in lymphocytes collected from an inguinal lymph node in the immunized leg. On the other hand, the intraperitoneal administration of Inula Britannica suppressed IgG1 production, the ratio of IFN-γ⁺IL-4^-/IFN- γ^-IL-4⁺ cells and cytokine production of IL-6. It was presumed that the effects of Inula Britannica on the production of antibodies were induced by regulation of the balance of Th1 and Th2. Further, IL-4 and IL-6 production by lymphocytes collected from an inguinal lymph node in the immunized leg were suppressed, and therefore production of antibodies was suppressed.

Liu-Wei-Di-Huang Wan (LWDHW) has been used by traditional Chinese doctors to treat asthma patients. This study was to examine the potential effect of this decoction on the regulation of T helper (Th)1- and Th2-type cytokine gene expression in vitro. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were activated with mitogen for 24 hours in the presence or absence of LWDHW extracts. Concentrations of different cytokines in the culture supernatants were determined with ELISA. RNA isolated from cultured cells was subjected to RT-PCR analysis. The results showed that the expression of all cytokines (Th2-type: IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, or IL-13 and Th1-type: IL-2 and IFN-γ) examined was inhibited at both RNA and protein levels by LWDHW. Since the cell viability was similar in all cultures, the reduction of cytokine production was not due to the toxicity of LWDHW. Moreover, the cells either retained or increased their capacity to respond to mitogen stimulation after incubation with the LWDHW decoction. Therefore, the data suggest that LWDHW functioned directly on cytokine gene expression from activated PBMC.

Unkei-to is widely used in traditional Japanese herbal medicine for its ovulation-inducing effect. In the present study, we investigated the in vivo effects of Unkei-to and its compounds on the steroidogenesis and cytokine secretion in human granulosa cells. Unkei-to stimulated the secretions of 17β-estradiol and progesterone from highly luteinized granulosa cells obtained from in vitro fertilization patients; the stimulated effect on estradiol secretion occurred with 0.3 μg/ml, while a significant effect on progesterone secretion was obtained at 10 μg/ml. The Unkei-to stimulation of estradiol secretion could be accounted for by the effects of its ingredients, Shakuyaku (paeoniae radix, Paeonia lactiflora Pallas) and Keihi (cinnamomi cortex, Cinnamomum cassia Blume); while dose response curves for Unkei-to and Keihi to induce progesterone production were superimposable. Exposure of the cells to Unkei-to caused dose-dependent increases in the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 in the culture medium. Similar results were obtained when cells were incubated with the ingredient Ninjin (ginseng radix, Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer), but not Shakuyaku and Keihi. These results indicate that Unkei-to has direct stimulatory effects on human granulosa cells to stimulate the steroidogenesis and secretion of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8). The various beneficial actions of Unkei-to on the ovary may result from a combination of different ingredient herbs with different stimulatory effects on both steroidogenesis and the ovulatory process within the ovary, as well as stimulatory effect on the hypothalamus-pituitary axis.

This study was to investigate the inhibitive effect of resveratrol (RESV) on nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) expression and activity induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in rat peritoneal macrophages (PMA). Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 7 groups, including control group, LPS group and RESV I-V group. In the LPS group, PMA were incubated in DMEM containing LPS (10 μg/ml), whereas in control group, PMA were incubated in DMEM only. In the RESV I-V groups, PMA were incubated in DMEM containing LPS (10 μg/ml) and different concentrations of RESV. After 24 hours of incubation, NF-κB activity in PMA, and the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1) and nitric oxide (NO) in the culture medium were measured. In the concentrations of 1.25-5 μg/ml, RESV had a dose- dependent inhibitive effect on NF-κB activity in PMA as well as the expressions of TNF-α, IL-1 and NO in the culture medium contrasted with the LPS group. There was no significant difference in the levels of these pro-inflammatory factors between the groups of 5 μg/ml and 10 μg/ml RESV. In conclusion, RESV has the potential for the future application of preventing inflammatory diseases involving PMA.

Many traditional herbal medicines have been re-evaluated to determine whether they enhance immune responses. In this study, the possible use of wild Panax ginseng (WPG) for enhancement of host immunity in chemotherapy was investigated. In the cell proliferation assay, WPG significantly enhanced the proliferation of RAW 264.7 macrophages and protected against cell regression in macrophages treated with methotrexate (MTX). WPG induced the production of nitric oxide and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygense-2 mRNA. Furthermore, WPG enhanced the production of cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and chemokines such as macrophage chemotactic protein-1 and regulated upon activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), regardless of MTX co-administration. Taken together, these results provide the first evidence that WPG triggers immune responses through the prevention of macrophage cell regression caused by MTX and functional activation of macrophages.

The components of bee venom (BV) utilized in the current study were carefully scrutinized with chromatography. Despite its well documented anti-inflammatory property, there are no reports regarding the influence of BV on the expression of cellular adhesion molecules in the vascular endothelium. A great amount of information exists concerning the effects of an atherogenic diet on atherosclerotic changes in the aorta, but little is known about the molecular mechanisms and the levels of gene regulation involved in the anti-inflammatory process induced by BV. The experimental atherosclerosis was induced in mice by a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection and an atherogenic diet. The animals were divided into three groups, the NC groups of animals that were fed with a normal diet, the LPS/fat group was fed with the atherogenic diet and received intraperitoneal injections of LPS, and the LPS/fat + BV group was given LPS, an atherogenic diet and intraperitoneal BV injections. At the end of each treatment period, the LPS/fat + BV group had decreased levels of total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) in their serum, compared to the LPS/fat group. The LPS/fat group had significant expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β in the serum, compared with the NC group (p < 0.05). The amount of cytokines reduced consistently in the BV treatment groups compared with those in LPS/fat group. BV significantly reduced the amount of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and fibronectin in the aorta, compared with the LPS/fat group (p < 0.05). A similar pattern was also observed in the heart. In conclusion, BV has anti-atherogenic properties via its lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) and coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) have resulted in severe pathogenesis caused by the host's immune response, including the cytokine cascade. Paris polyphylla Smith is a folk medicinal plant in Asia traditionally prescribed for the reduction of pain and elimination of poisoning. In this study, we investigated the anti-EV71 and CVB3 activity of P. polyphylla Smith as well as its immune modulation. The IC₅₀ for the P. polyphylla Smith 95% ethanol extract against EV71 and CVB3 were 12.5–23% and 99–156% of that of ribavirin, a positive control. Prevention of viral infection, viral inactivation, and anti-viral replication effects against both EV71 and CVB3 were demonstrated by the extract, the anti-viral replication effect being dominant. The extract significantly increased IL-6 production in both EV71- and CVB3-infected cells. A high correlation was possibly demonstrated between the high amounts of IL-6 induction in the EV71 and CVB3-infected cells and the anti-viral replication activity of the extract. In conclusion, good anti-EV71 and CVB3 activity was observed in the P. polyphylla Smith 95% ethanol extract. The high amounts of IL-6 induction in the virus-infected cells played a key role in the anti-viral activity of the extract.

Viola yedoensis is a component of traditional Chinese herb medicine for inflammatory diseases. Chemical constituents of V. yedoensis have been shown to possess antibacterial, anti-HIV, and anticoagulant effects in experimental research; however, their anti-inflammatory properties remain to be demonstrated. In this study, a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury was used to investigate the effect of petroleum ether fraction of V. yedoensis (PEVY) on inflammation in vivo. After being shown to have anti-complementary activity in vitro, PEVY was orally administered to the mice at doses of 2, 4, and 8 mg/kg. Treatment with PEVY significantly decreased the wet-to-dry weight ratio of the lung, total cells, red blood cells, protein concentration, and myeloperoxidase activity in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. PEVY markedly attenuated lung injury with improved lung morphology and reduced complement deposition. In addition, PEVY suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Taken together, PEVY protects the lung from acute injury, potentially via inhibiting the activation of the complement system and excessive production of proinflammatory mediators.

Viscum coloratum has been used as a component for traditional medicine for therapy of inflammatory diseases. Nonetheless, effect of Viscum coloratum on inflammatory bowel disease is unknown. Therefore, we investigated whether the ethanol extract of Viscum coloratum (VCE) could suppress inflammatory responses in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-treated mice and mast cell-derived inflammatory mediator (MDIM)-activated Caco-2 cells. VCE significantly attenuated body weight loss, shortened colon length, enteric epithelium disruption, enterorrhagia and colonic edema in DSS-treated mice. Additionally, VCE decreased the levels of immunoglobulin E, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-$\alpha$ in serum and the activity of myeloperoxidase in colonic tissue. Moreover, VCE inhibited the infiltration of immune cells as well as the activity and expression of both matrix metalloprotease-2 and matrix metalloprotease-9. Furthermore, VCE restored zonula occludens-1 expression. Consistent with in vivo studies, VCE suppressed the activity and expression of matrix metalloprotease-2 and matrix metalloprotease-9 in MDIM-activated Caco-2 cells. In addition, VCE reinstated the expression of zonula occludens-1 through inhibiting activation of janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in the cells. In conclusion, VCE exerts anticolitic action through inhibiting the activation of mast cells. Therefore, VCE may be useful as a phytomedicine or functional food for inflammatory bowel disease.

In Chinese medicine, Descurainia sophia is used to treat cough by removing the phlegm in asthma and inflammatory airway disease, but the mechanism is not clear. In this study, we evaluated whether D. sophia water extract (DSWE) can alleviate airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in the lungs of a murine asthma model. Female BALB/c mice were divided into five groups: normal controls, ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized asthmatic mice, and OVA-sensitized mice treated with DSWE (2, 4, 8 g/day) by intraperitoneal injection. After sacrificing the mice, serum was collected to detect OVA-specific antibodies by ELISA, as well as bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) to detect cytokine levels. We also detected gene expression and histopathologically evaluated the lungs of asthmatic mice. DSWE reduced AHR, goblet cell hyperplasia, eosinophil infiltration, and collagen aggregation in the lungs of asthmatic mice. DSWE also suppressed the gene expression of Th2-associated cytokines and chemokines in lung tissue and inhibited serum OVA-IgE and Th2-associated cytokine levels in the BALF of OVA-sensitized mice. Our findings suggest that DSWE is a powerful immunomodulator for ameliorated allergic reactions by suppressing Th2 cytokine expression in asthmatic mice.

Peucedanum japonicum Thunberg has been used to treat cold, cough, and inflammatory diseases in Southern and Eastern Asia. The effects of P. japonicum root aqueous extract (PJ) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation were investigated in RAW264.7 macrophages and an animal model of septic shock. Lipopolysaccharides are endotoxins that trigger excessive inflammatory responses, similar to those elicited by gram-negative bacteria. Inflammation is characterized by a primary defense system against pathogens and the onset of sundry diseases or illnesses, and macrophages are important components of the phagocytic system during inflammatory processes. The present study evaluated the effects of PJ on the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide and prostaglandin E₂, and assessed the expression of enzymes that induce the production of pro-inflammatory mediators using western blotting. We also evaluated the production and mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Using western blotting, we determined whether nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-$\kappa$B) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) are involved in the molecular mechanisms induced by PJ that suppressed LPS-induced inflammatory responses. We also found that PJ inhibited NF-$\kappa$B and JNK pathways in macrophages and reduced LPS-induced mortality in the mouse model of septic shock by inhibiting the activation of NF-$\kappa$B and JNK pathways that downregulated the expression of inflammatory mediators. These results indicated that PJ is an effective inflammatory suppressor.

GM Sheep Produce More Milk and Wool.

Tender Beef Gene Test Developed.

Cytokine as Antibiotics Alternative for Poultry.

Human Obesity Linked to Beacon Genes.

Muscles Play Role in Cholesterol Regulation.

Chinese Scientists Develop Biochip for HCV Detection.

GM Tomato as HBV Vaccine on Trial in China.

Study Shows Good Management Reduces Diabetic Risks.

Oral Vaccine for Cholera.

Researchers Perform Brain Transplant on Rat.

Japan Develops Encapsulated Endoscope.

Supercritical Water Oxidation Unit for High Salt Concentrations Developed.

Research Shows Promise for New HIV/AIDS Drug.

Needle-free Blood Test Discovered.

Singapore Hospital Conducts Cervical Cancer Vaccine Trial.

High-intensity Ultrasound to Kill Tumors.

The following topics are under this section:

• Asia-Pacific — MIT's research enterprise in Singapore (SMART) launches new research group, boosting nation's cell therapy R&D
• Asia-Pacific — Potential cancer treatment strategies for humans from mechanisms behind low cancer occurrence in bats
• Asia-Pacific — Singapore scientists uncover mechanism behind development of viral infections
• Asia-Pacific — Exosomes found to aid in fighting Dengue infection
• Asia-Pacific — National platforms created to accelerate Singapore's drug development efforts
• Rest of the World — Cybersecurity company threat report details cyberattacks targeting the healthcare industry
• Rest of the World — Artificial intelligence – designed influenza vaccine begins clinical trials in the US
• Rest of the World — Clinical – stage biotechnology company presents Murlentamab phase II study results in colorectal cancer

Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) are subjected to shear stress and cytokine stimulation. We studied the interplay between shear stress and cytokine in modulating the expression of adhesion molecule genes and the adhesive function of ECs. Shear stress (20 dynes/cm²) was applied to ECs prior to or following the addition of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Shear stress increased the TNF-α-induced expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) at both mRNA and surface protein levels, but decreased the TNF-α-induced expression of vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). The TNF-α-induced increase in EC adhesiveness for monocytic THP-1 cells was reduced by shear stress. After 24-h pre-shearing followed by 1 h of static incubation, the effect of pre-shearing on TNF-α-induced ICAM-1 mRNA expression vanished. The recovery of the TNF-α-induced VCAM-1 mRNA expression following pre-shearing, however, required a static incubation time of >6 h (completely recovery at 24 h). Pre- and post-shearing caused a reduction in the nuclear factor (NF)-κB-DNA binding activity induced by TNF-α in the EC nucleus. Our findings suggest that shear stress plays differential roles in modulating the TNF-α-induced EC expressions of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 genes, which serve similar functions in vascular biology.

This study was undertaken to elucidate the cytokine response in chicken infected with strains of avian reovirus (ARV) S1133 and 2408. The expression levels of cytokine mRNA in the spleen and viral S1 RNA in various tissues at 1.5 and 2.5 days post inoculation (dpi) were examined using real-time quantitative PCR. Among the cytokines examined, the mRNA expression levels of IL-6, IFN-γ, IL-10 and iNOS at 2.5 dpi were significantly upregulated and higher in chickens infected with strain 2408 than in chickens infected with strain S1133, particularly IL-6 and IFN-γ. A significantly higher levels of viral S1 RNA were detected in the examined tissues from chickens infected with strain 2408 than with strain S1133 over the experimental course, among which the foot pad and spleen were more predominant. The highest levels of IL-6 and IFN-γ mRNA expression correlated with the viral S1 RNA levels in the spleen and the marked clinical diseases and gross lesions, suggesting that IL-6 and IFN-γ may play a role in the pathogenesis of ARV infection.

The objective of this study is to investigate Taraxacum mongolicum (TM) as a therapeutic alternative for preventing and treating bovine mastitis. The effect of the anti-inflammatory activity of Taraxacum mongolicum extract (TME) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced responses was studied in the bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The dried plant TM was extracted with 10 volumes of distilled water to generate its water extract. PBMCs were pretreated with various concentrations of TME (0, 1, 10, 100, 1000 $\mu$g/mL) and subsequently incubated with LPS (1 $\mu$g/mL). Cell viability was analyzed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenylthiazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The level of nitric oxide (NO) was determined by using Griess reagent assay. The mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1$\beta$, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-$\alpha$ and granulocyte chemotactic protein (GCP)-2 were determined by using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The results showed no significant cytotoxic effects on the PBMCs at various treated concentrations of TME. Treatment of TME (100 and 1000 $\mu$g/mL) significantly inhibited NO production in LPS-stimulated PBMCs. TME (10 $\mu$g/mL) significantly inhibited LPS-stimulated IL-1$\beta$, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-$\alpha$ and GCP-2 mRNA expression in PBMCs at a time-dependent manner. In this article, we reported for the first time that TME significantly inhibited production of NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS-stimulated PBMCs. This finding could be useful for clinical practice in preventing and treating bovine mastitis.

Electricity has been shown to exhibit significant effects on immunological responses in many studies. In this study, an electrostatic filed induced device was first applied to the macrophage cell culturing process. Mouse macrophage-like cells J774 A.1 were exposed to the electrostatic field of 1.5 kV for 1, 2, and 6 days, respectively. The results show that the electrostatic field can inhibit cell proliferation and TNF-α secretion in six days. Cell proliferation is decreased and TNF-α secretion is increased with increasing voltage applied from 0 kV to 0.8 kV and 1.2 kV of the electrostatic fields.

The object of the present study was to supplement Electron Microscopy itemized account and a review of biological aspects of the recently reported upgraded phosphate powder and ceramic (HA-SAL2)¹. The biological tests include : (1)Growth in vitro, on ceramic cells, of cells relevant to osteogenesis. These cells attached and spread well, forming healthy and organized layers in shorter times than on commercial ceramics. (2) Cytokine release determined by incubating in vitro HA-SAL2 powder with human monocytes from healthy donors indicated induction of IL-1β IL-6 release within normal levels. (3) Soft tissue reactions in vivo: powder samples were implanted subcutaneously in rats. Histology of the tissues did not show inflammation or adverse cytotoxicity. (4) mineralization of rat tibial defects implanted with HA-SAL2. The mineral content of the defects, followed by a novel noninvasive DEXA technique showed faster healing than with a commercial implant product.

Psoriasis is an inflammatory chronic disorder mediated by cells of immune systems. To know more about the pathogenesis underlying differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of psoriasis, we used all the 64102 annotated genes to assay the transcriptome of psoriatic and normal skin based upon public available RNA-Seq data. We identified 2906 DEGs (p.adj<0.05), of which 1365 were down-regulated and 1541 were up-regulated in psoriasis. Transcription-factor binding sites (TFBS) of NFKBRELA, IRF1, STAT1 showed significantly enriched among the up-regulated DEGs. We also confirmed that cytokines in immune system play an important role in psoriasis.