Three new sesquiterpenes from Ainsliaea glabra

Three new sesquiterpenes: 4-acrylic-6-methyl-α-tetralone (1), ainsliaea acid A (2) and ainsliaea acid B (3), together with 8 known compounds (4-11) were isolated from the whole herb of Ainsliaea glabra and their structures were established by means of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and HR-ESIMS. Compounds 1–6 were tested for the inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in the 293-NF-κB-luciferase reporter cell line induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and compound 2 was further tested for the production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6 and IL-10 in RAW264.7 macrophages induced by LPS. The isolated compound 2 exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity.     

Sesquiterpene lactones from Artemisia austroyunnanensis suppresses ROS production and reduces cytokines,iNOS and COX-2 levels via NF-KB pathway in vitro

Abstract

The inhibitory effects of six sesquiterpene lactones (1–6) isolated from Artemisia austroyunnanensis Ling & Y. R. Ling were studied on the LPS-induced inflammatory mediator production in RAW264.7 cells. The results showed they can decrease the level of ROS in a concentration-dependent response. The compounds down-regulate the expression of iNOS and COX-2 and a series of classical inflammatory factors, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10. These effects can be partially explained by the supression of the phosphorylation of NF-κB. Additionally, the relationship between their structures and inflammatory factors was analyzed and discussed.     

Dual-bioactivity-based liquid chromatography-coupled quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry for NF-κB inhibitors and β2AR agonists identification in Chinese Medicinal Preparation Qingfei Xiaoyan Wan

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparations have been used as an effective multitarget strategy for the treatment of complex diseases; however, their bioactive constituents are undefined and difficult to identify. In this study, a simple and dual-target method based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry combined with dual-bioactive (NF-κB and β₂-adrenergic receptor) luciferase reporter assay systems was developed for the rapid determination of various bioactive compounds of TCM preparations. Qingfei Xiaoyan Wan, a TCM preparation used for the clinical therapy of asthma, was analyzed with this method. Potential anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic constituents were screened using NF-κB and β₂-adrenergic receptor activity luciferase reporter assay systems and simultaneously identified according to the time-of-flight mass spectrometry data. One β₂-adrenergic receptor agonist (ephedrine) and four structural types of NF-κB inhibitors (arctigenin derivatives, cholic acid derivatives, chlorogenic acid, and sinapic acid) were characterized. Tracheloside was considered a new NF-κB inhibitor. Further cytokine and chemokine detection confirmed the anti-inflammatory effects of the potential NF-κB inhibitors. The integration of ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and dual-bioactive human cell functional evaluation systems proved to be a simple and effective strategy for the rapid screening of various bioactive compounds in TCM preparations used to treat complex diseases.     

A new anti-inflammatory β-carboline alkaloid from the hairy-root cultures of Eurycoma longifolia

One new β-carboline alkaloid 7-methoxy-(9H-β-carbolin-1-il)-(E)-1-propenoic acid (1) together with 9-methoxycanthin-6-one (2) and 9-hydroxycanthin-6-one (3) were isolated from the hairy-root cultures of Eurycoma longifolia. The effects of these compounds on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 cells were investigated. Compound 1 strongly inhibited the production of NO while 2 and 3 having weak or inactive effect. Consistently, compound 1 decreased the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase.     

A new benzofuran from Artemisia halodendron Turcz. ex Bess.

A new benzofuran, methyl (2S,2″S,3′E)-[2-(1″-acetoxypropan-2-yl)-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl]acrylate (1), and 13 known compounds (2–14) were isolated from an ethanol extract of Artemisia halodendron Turcz. ex Bess. The chemical structures of these compounds were determined by 1D and 2D NMR (¹H-¹H COSY, HMBC, HMQC and NOESY) and HR-ESI-MS spectra, and results were compared with data from the literature. The effects of compounds 1–14 were measured on NF-κB activation, with compounds 2 and 3 exhibiting inhibitory activities against TNF-α-induced NF-κB reporter gene expression in HeLa cells from 10 to 100 μM.     

Inhibitory effect of Astragalus polysaccharides on lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-a and IL-1β production in THP-1 cells

Astragalus polysaccharides (APS), one of main bioactive components in Astragalus membranaceus Bunge, has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory activities, but the molecular mechanisms behind this activity are largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate expression of inflammatory cytokines and the MAPK/NF-κB pathway in human THP-1 macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The results showed that the concentrations of TNF-a and IL-1β released from LPS stimulated THP-1 cells increased significantly compared to control (p < 0.01). After treatment with APS, the TNF-a and IL-1β levels were significantly lower than those in the LPS group (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression of TNF-a and IL-1β were also inhibited. Mechanistic studies indicated that APS strongly suppressed NF-κB activation and down-regulated the phosphorylation of ERK and JNK, which are important signaling pathways involved in the production of TNF-a and IL-1β, demonstrating that APS could suppress the production of TNF-a and IL-1β by LPS stimulated macrophages by inhibiting NF-κB activation and ERK and JNK phosphorylation.     

A new biflavonoid from the whole herb of Lepisorus ussuriensis

A new biflavonoid, 7-O-methylnaringenin-(4′→O→6″)-scutellarein (1), together with 11 known compounds (2–12) were isolated from the whole herb of Lepisorus ussuriensis. The structure of compound 1 was elucidated by spectroscopic analyses. Amongst them, dihydroquercetin (6), diosmetin (9), baicalein (11) and 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (12) were reported from the family Polypodiaceae for the first time. Meanwhile, quercetin (7), diosmetin (9) and luteolin (10) inhibited TNF-α-induced NF-κB reporter gene expression on HeLa cells up to 30 and 100 μM.     

Two new β-carboline alkaloids from the roots of Gypsophila oldhamiana

Phytochemical investigation of the roots of Gypsophila oldhamiana afforded two new β-carboline alkaloids, oldhamiaines A and B (1 and 2), along with a known analogue (3). Their structures were elucidated by using spectroscopic and chemical methods. This is the first report of β-carboline alkaloids in the genus Gypsophila.     

Chemical constituents from Glehnia littoralis and their chemotaxonomic significance

Abstract

Phytochemical investigation of the roots of Glehnia littoralis Fr. Schmidt. ex Miq. led to the isolation of 16 known compounds, including three β-carboline alkaloids (1–3), four phenylpropanoids (4–7), five phenolic acids (8–12), three polyacetylenes (13–15) and one fatty acid (16). The structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis and comparison with those reported in literatures. To the best of knowledge, the report of the first β-carboline alkaloid in the Umbelliferae family. Additionally, compounds 1–5, 9, 10 and 16 have not been reported from any species in Umbelliferae family, compounds 7, 8 and 12 were isolated from the genus Glehnia for the first time and could be of the chemotaxinomic significance and serve as valuable chemotaxonomic makers for G. littoralis. The chemotaxonomic significance of the isolated compounds was summarised.     

Co-delivery of Andrographolide and Notch1-targeted siRNA to Macrophages with Polymer-based Nanocarrier for Enhanced Anti-inflammation

Chronic inflammatory responses induced by macrophages play a pivotal role in the progression of atherosclerosis.In the present study,a multifunctional nanocarrier based on poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(L-aspartic acid)grafted with diethylenetriamine,lysine and cholic acid(PEG-PAsp(DETA)-Lys-CA2)polymer was synthesized for co-delivery of andrographolide and siRNA targeting Notch1 gene to alleviate the inflammatory response in macrophages.The nanocarrier exerted low cytotoxicity as well as high performance in drug/siRNA co-delivery.In vitro studies demonstrated the co-delivery of andrographolide and Notch1 siRNA not only significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-activated interleukin-6(IL-6)and monocytes chemotactic protein 1(MCP-1)expression as well as blocked nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)signal activation,but also interfered the Notch1 gene expression and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-10(IL-10)and arginase-1 expression obviously in macrophages.These results suggested that the combination therapy based on Notch1 siRNA and andrographolide co-delivered nanocarrier,i.e.suppressing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines while simultaneously increasing anti-inflammatory factors expression,be a feasible strategy for atherosclerosis treatment.     

A new aromatic glucoside from stem bark of Illicium difengpi K.I.B. et K.I.M.

A new aromatic glucoside, namely 4-methoxyphenyl-(6-deoxy-α-L-mannopyranosyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), together with six known aromatic glucosides (2–7) were isolated from the stem bark of Illicium difengpi. The structures of these compounds were established by spectroscopic methods. The isolated aromatic glucosides were tested for anti-inflammatory activity. Compounds 1, 3 and 6 showed significant inhibitory effect on nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in RAW 264.7 macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharide.     

An Alkali-extracted polysaccharide from Poria cocos activates RAW264.7 macrophages via NF-κB signaling pathway

An alkali-extracted polysaccharide (PCAPS1) was isolated and purified from the Poria cocos. Our results proved that PCAPS1 was a neutral polysaccharide with a molecular weight of 11.5 kDa. The monosaccharide composition, methylation and NMR analysis results displayed that the polysaccharide was mostly comprised of β-1,3-glucan with 1,4 and 1,6 branches. The Immune activity and mechanism of PCAPS1 were evaluated in RAW264.7 cells. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis revealed that PCAPS1 increased the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) secretion. RNA-sequencing data analysis suggested that PCAPS1 activated macrophages by the classic NF-κB pathway. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis confirmed that PCAPS1 enhanced mRNA expression levels of TNF-α and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) in RAW264.7 cells. Simultaneously, the fluorescence nuclear transport experiment showed that PCAPS1 activated RAW264.7 cells by inducing the NF-κB p65 translocation. Our results indicated that PCAPS1-induced TNF-α expression was mediated via the NF-κB signaling pathway.     

Two New Flavonoids from Retama raetam

Two new furanoflavonoids, retamasins A and B ( 1 and 2 , resp.), along with five known flavonoids, 3 – 7 , were isolated from the aerial parts of Retama raetam. Their structures were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic (IR, MS, and 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR) analyses and by comparison with the literature data. This is the first report of the isolation of new furanoflavonoids 1 and 2 from Retama genus, while compounds 3, 5 , and 6 were found for the first time from R. raetam. Antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities of the isolated compounds were also evaluated. Compounds 2, 3 , and 5 – 7 exhibited potent inhibitions of iNOS activity with IC₅₀ values of 2.9, 5.0, 3.1, 1.2, and 4.8 μg/ml, respectively. All compounds inhibited NF‐κB except 1 and 5 . Compound 6 was most active in inhibiting iNOS and NF‐κB activity, as well as in decreasing oxidative stress.     

Anti-inflammatory alkaloids from the stems of Picrasma quassioides BENNET

During further chemical and biological investigations of Picrasma quassioides BENNET, four new bis-β-carboline alkaloids, quassidines E-H (1-4), and three new β-carboline alkaloids, canthin-16-one-14-butyric acid (5), 3-(1,1-dimethoxylmethyl)-β-carboline (6), and 6,12-dimethoxy-3-formyl-β-carboline (7), were isolated from its anti-inflammatory CHCl(3)-soluble fraction. Structures of new compounds were elucidated and characterized by MS and NMR analysis. A plausible biogenetic pathway for quassidine E (1), the first bis-β-carboline alkaloid in which a canthin-6-one moiety and a β-carboline moiety were connected together by a single carbon-carbon bond from the nature, was proposed. Quassidines E-G (1-3) showed potent inhibitory activity on the production of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), or interleukin 6 (IL-6) in mouse monocyte-macrophage RAW264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Analysis of anti-inflammatory activity of all β-carboline and bis-β-carboline alkaloids from P. quassioides showed that the carbonyl groups or double carbon-carbon bonds at C-14 for β-carbolines and C-14' for bis-β-carbolines were bioactive groups for their in vitro anti-inflammatory activity. Structure-activity relationship of these compounds on inhibitory activity of the three inflammatory cytokines was discussed.     

A new synthetic chalcone derivative, 2-hydroxy-3',5,5'-trimethoxychalcone (DK-139), suppresses the Toll-like receptor 4-mediated inflammatory response through inhibition of the Akt/NF-κB pathway in BV2 microglial cells

Microglial cells are the resident innate immune cells that sense pathogens and tissue injury in the central nervous system (CNS). Microglial activation is critical for neuroinflammatory responses. The synthetic compound 2-hydroxy-3',5,5'-trimethoxychalcone (DK-139) is a novel chalcone-derived compound. In this study, we investigated the effects of DK-139 on Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated inflammatory responses in BV2 microglial cells. DK-139 inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced TLR4 activity, as determined using a cell-based assay. DK-139 blocked LPS-induced phosphorylation of IκB and p65/RelA NF-κB, resulting in inhibition of the nuclear translocation and trans-acting activity of NF-κB in BV2 microglial cells. We also found that DK-139 reduced the expression of NF-κB target genes, such as those for COX-2, iNOS, and IL-1β, in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. Interestingly, DK-139 blocked LPS-induced Akt phosphorylation. Inhibition of Akt abrogated LPS-induced phosphorylation of p65/RelA, while overexpression of dominant- active p110CAAX enhanced p65/RelA phosphorylation as well as iNOS and COX2 expression. These results suggest that DK-139 exerts an anti-inflammatory effect on microglial cells by inhibiting the Akt/IκB kinase (IKK)/NF-κB signaling pathway.