Rheum rhaponticum Root Extract Improves Vasomotor Menopausal Symptoms and Estrogen-Regulated Targets in Ovariectomized Rat Model.

Ovarian insufficiency and ovariectomy are characterized by deregulated heat loss mechanisms. Unlike hormone therapy, ERr 731 (a standardized botanical extract of Siberian rhubarb Rheum rhaponticum L. high in rhaponticin) acts like a selective estrogen receptor modulator for ERß receptors and may offer a higher degree of safety while maintaining the desired efficacy profile. In this study, we examined the relationship between oral administration of ERr 731 and the underlying components of skin vasomotion responses in an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model. ERr 731 dose-dependently reduced tail skin temperature (Tskin) values by an average of 1 °C. The rapid onset of this effect was observed in 1 and 3 mg/kg/day ERr 731 groups as early as day 2 of administration, and remained in place for the duration of the treatment (2 weeks). Substituting ERr 731 after E2 withdrawal helped maintain body temperature similarly to E2 alone, suggesting the usefulness of ERr 731 for replacing existing hormonal therapy in humans. ERr 731 also acted as a highly selective agonist for ERß in the hypothalamus of OVX rats, as well as in ERα/ß cell-based reporter assays. These data validate the OVX/Tskin rat model as a suitable screening platform to evaluate botanical and pharmaceutical treatments of menopause, while providing further evidence for the efficacy of ERr 731 towards alleviating vasomotor menopausal symptoms and improving wellbeing during the menopausal transition.

Rice Protein Matrix Enhances Circulating Levels of Xanthohumol Following Acute Oral Intake of Spent Hops in Humans.

SCOPE: Xanthohumol (XN), a prenylated flavonoid found in hops, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, poor bioavailability may limit therapeutic applications. As food components are known to modulate polyphenol absorption, the objective is to determine whether a protein matrix could enhance the bioavailability of XN post oral consumption in humans. METHODS AND RESULTS: This is a randomized, double-blind, crossover study in healthy participants (n = 6) evaluating XN and its major metabolites (isoxanthohumol [IX], 6- and 8-prenylnaringenin [6-PN, 8-PN]) for 6 h following consumption of 12.4 mg of XN delivered via a spent hops-rice protein matrix preparation or a control spent hops preparation. Plasma XN and metabolites are measured by LC-MS/MS. Cmax , Tmax , and area-under-the-curve (AUC) values were determined. Circulating XN and metabolite response to each treatment was not bioequivalent. Plasma concentrations of XN and XN + metabolites (AUC) are greater with consumption of the spent hops-rice protein matrix preparation. CONCLUSION: Compared to a standard spent hops powder, a protein-rich spent hops matrix demonstrates enhanced plasma levels of XN and metabolites following acute oral intake.

Tetrahydro Iso-Alpha Acids and Hexahydro Iso-Alpha Acids from Hops Inhibit Proliferation of Human Hepatocarcinoma Cell Lines and Reduce Diethylnitrosamine Induced Liver Tumor Formation in Rats.

Chronic inflammation plays important role in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To date, no antiinflammatory approach has shown its efficacy in preventing HCC occurrence in humans. Because tetra- and hexahydro isoalpha acids (THIAA and HHIAA) from hops elicit antiinflammatory properties, we evaluated these compounds for antitumor effects in vitro in human HCC cell lines (HepG2, Hep3B, Huh7) and in vivo in diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced animal model of HCC. In human HCC cell lines, THIAA and HHIAA reduced cell proliferation and viability which was associated with the inhibition of the NF-κB-DNA binding and tumor necrosis factor α mRNA expression. Both compounds also inhibited phosphorylation of the mTOR effector p70S6 kinase without affecting ERK, AKT, JNK, and GSK3ß phosphorylation or activator protein-1 activation. In DEN-treated rats, administration of THIAA and HHIAA in food reduced the tumor numbers and the expression of the cellular transformation marker glutathione-S-transferase in the liver. In conclusion, THIAA and HHIAA show antitumor properties in vitro in human HCC cell lines as well as in vivo in a chemically induced animal model of HCC.

Nutritional Approach for Relief of Joint Discomfort: A 12-week, Open-case Series and Illustrative Case Report.

CONTEXT: Tetrahydro iso-α acids (THIAAs), derived from Humulus lupulus (hops), have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in an animal model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Undenatured type 2 collagen has been found to be effective in clinical studies in RA and osteoarthritis (OA). OBJECTIVE: The study intended to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a proprietary tablet containing 150 mg of n-enriched THIAA (nTHIAA) and 10 mg of undenatured type 2 collagen (UC-II) (containing 25% UC-II) in patients with arthritis. DESIGN: The study was an open-label case series. This article also includes a case history for 1 participant. SETTING: The study was conducted at the Functional Medicine Research Center (FMRC) in Gig Harbor, WA, USA, from February 2013-June 2013. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were 17 adults, 12 women, and 5 men aged 39-69 y, who had chronic joint pain involving various joints, 13 with probable OA and 4 with possible RA. INTERVENTION: Participants took 2 tablets of nTHIAA + UC-II 2 ×/d with meals for 12 wk. OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants completed arthritis-related and quality-of-life questionnaires, at weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12: (1) the visual analog scale for pain (VAS-P); (2) the medical symptoms questionnaire (MSQ), with the analysis particularly focusing on the joint/muscle subscale and total scores; (3) the health and wellness outcome questionnaire (MOS-SF36), with the analysis particularly focusing on the physical and mental subscales; (4) the arthritis impact questionnaire (AIQ), with the analysis particularly focusing on the arthritis symptoms and daily living subscales; (5) the health assessment questionnaire (HAQ-DI) with the analysis particularly focusing on question 26 (Q26), which indicates overall pain during the week prior to the survey; and (6) the arthritis impact measurement scales 2 (AIMS2). At 12 wk, participants also completed the visual analog scale for efficacy (VAS-E). RESULTS: All participants completed the 12-wk evaluation, and all reported improvements in pain. Significant improvements in scores on the questionnaires were observed as early as 2 wk. For example, the total score on the MSQ was significantly decreased from a mean of 20.76 ± 2.90 (SE) at baseline to 12.24 ± 2.81 after 2 wk (P < .001). At 12 wk, the participants rated the supplement's efficacy at 7.6 ± 0.6 of 10. At baseline, 13 of the 17 participants were using analgesics for joint pain, compared with only 4 participants at 12 wk. Two of those 4 had reduced their analgesic dosages. The studied supplement was well tolerated, and no serious side effects occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The supplement containing nTHIAA and UC-II is safe and efficacious in participants with chronic joint pain.

A Phytochemical-rich Multivitamin-multimineral Supplement Is Bioavailable and Reduces Serum Oxidized Low-density Lipoprotein, Myeloperoxidase, and Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 in a Four-week Pilot trial of Healthy Individuals.

BACKGROUND: A multivitamin-multimineral supplement combined with a diverse blend of bioactive phytochemicals may provide additional antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory property for overall health. This convenient feature may be useful for individuals who want to increase their intake of phytochemicals. METHODS: We conducted a pilot study in 15 healthy individuals (8 women and 7 men, mean age 41.7±14.9 years, mean body mass index 28.0±5.6) to investigate the effects of this novel formulation on biomarkers associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. After a 2-week diet that limited intake of fruits and vegetables to 2 servings/day, participants continued with the same restricted diet but began consuming 2 tablets of the study product for the subsequent 4 weeks. Fasting blood samples collected at Week 2 and Week 6 were analyzed and compared using paired t-tests for levels of carotenoids, folate, vitamin B12, homocysteine, oxidized low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (oxLDL), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), F2-isoprostane, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and myeloperoxidase. Noninvasive peripheral arterial tonometry (EndoPAT) was also measured. RESULTS: After 4 weeks of supplementation, plasma levels of carotenoids, folate, and vitamin B12, but not homocysteine, were significantly increased (P<.05). Serum levels of oxLDL, PAI-1 and myeloperoxidase were significantly reduced (P<.05), but F2-isoprostane, hs-CRP, and EndoPAT measures were unchanged compared with baseline. The study product was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: This nutritional supplement is bioavailable as indicated by the significant increase in plasma carotenoids, vitamin B12, and folate levels and may provide health benefits by significantly reducing serum levels of oxLDL, myeloperoxidase, and PAI-1 in healthy individuals.

KDT501, a derivative from hops, normalizes glucose metabolism and body weight in rodent models of diabetes.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: We developed KDT501, a novel substituted 1,3-cyclopentadione chemically derived from hop extracts, and evaluated it in various in vitro and in vivo models of diabetes and insulin sensitivity. METHODS: KDT501 was evaluated for anti-inflammatory effects in monocyte/macrophage cells; agonistic activity for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR); lipogenesis and gene expression profile in human subcutaneous adipocytes. Body composition, glucose, insulin sensitivity, and lipids were assessed in diet-induced obesity (DIO) mice and Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats after oral administration. RESULTS: KDT501 mediated lipogenesis in 3T3L1 and human subcutaneous adipocytes; however, the gene expression profile of KDT501 differed from that of the full PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone, suggesting that KDT501 has pleiotropic biological activities. In addition, KDT501 showed only modest, partial PPARγ agonist activity and exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in monocytes/macrophages that were not observed with rosiglitazone. In a DIO mouse model, oral administration of KDT501 significantly reduced fed blood glucose, glucose/insulin AUC following an oral glucose bolus, and body fat. In ZDF rats, oral administration of KDT501 significantly reduced fed glucose, fasting plasma glucose, and glucose AUC after an oral glucose bolus. Significant, dose-dependent reductions of plasma hemoglobin A1c, weight gain, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were also observed in animals receiving KDT501. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that KDT501 produces a unique anti-diabetic profile that is distinct in its spectrum of pharmacological effects and biological mechanism from both metformin and pioglitazone. KDT501 may thus constitute a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and associated conditions.

META060 protects against diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance in a high-fat-diet fed mouse.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether a reduced iso-α acid derived from an extract of Humulus lupulus L., META060, had an effect on weight gain, body composition, and metabolism in a high-fat-diet (HFD) fed mouse model. METHODS: Weight gain was monitored for up to 20 wk in mice receiving a low-fat diet, an HFD, or an HFD supplemented with META060 or rosiglitazone. Body composition was determined using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometric analysis. Indirect calorimetric measurements were performed to investigate the energy balance in the mice, and oral glucose tolerance tests were administered to examine the effect of META060 on the glycemic response. RESULTS: The HFD-fed mice administered META060 for 14 wk had a significantly lower mean weight than HFD-fed mice (30.58 ± 0.5 versus 37.88 ± 0.7 g, P < 0.05). Indirect calorimetric measurements showed an increased metabolic flexibility in mice supplemented with META060. In addition, glucose tolerance was improved, comparable to the effects of rosiglitazone treatment. CONCLUSIONS: META060 has potential therapeutic value for managing obesity and insulin resistance, and further research into the mechanism of action is warranted.

Optimized mixture of hops rho iso-alpha acids-rich extract and acacia proanthocyanidins-rich extract reduces insulin resistance in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and improves glucose and insulin control in db/db mice.

Rho iso-alpha acids-rich extract (RIAA) from Humulus lupulus (hops) and proanthocyanidins-rich extracts (PAC) from Acacia nilotica exert anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic activity in vitro and in vivo. We hypothesized that a combination of these two extracts would exert enhanced effects in vitro on inflammatory markers and insulin signaling, and on nonfasting glucose and insulin in db/db mice. Over 49 tested combinations, RIAA:PAC at 5:1 (6.25 µg/mL) exhibited the greatest reductions in TNFα-stimulated lipolysis and IL-6 release in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, comparable to 5 µg/mL troglitazone. Pretreatment of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with this combination (5 µg/mL) also led to a 3-fold increase in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake that was comparable to 5 µg/mL pioglitazone or 901 µg/mL aspirin. Finally, db/db mice fed with RIAA:PAC at 5:1 (100 mg/kg) for 7 days resulted in 22% decrease in nonfasting glucose and 19% decrease in insulin that was comparable to 0.5 mg/kg rosiglitazone and better than 100 mg/kg metformin. RIAA:PAC mixture may have the potential to be an alternative when conventional therapy is undesirable or ineffective, and future research exploring its long-term clinical application is warranted.

META060 attenuates TNF-α-activated inflammation, endothelial-monocyte interactions, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression, and inhibits NF-κB and AP-1 in THP-1 monocytes.

BACKGROUND: Cytokine-induced monocyte-endothelial interaction and vascular inflammation play a critical role in atherogenesis. A modified hop extract, META060, was identified as an inhibitor of inflammatory mediators in human rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts. OBJECTIVE: To determine how META060 may impact the initial stages of atherosclerosis, we investigated the effects of META060 in endothelial and monocyte cell models. METHODS: and results: TNF-α (10 ng/mL)-activated human monocytic THP-1 cells adhered to human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs); pre-treatment of cells with META060 (10 µg/mL) significantly inhibited cell adhesion. META060 (1-20 µg/mL) inhibited TNF-α-induced expression of inflammatory mediators including IL-1ß, MCP-1 and RANTES in HAECs and THP-1 cells. TNF-α- or LPS-mediated MMP-9 protein levels (measured by an immunoassay) and enzyme activity (determined by zymography) were inhibited by META060 in a dose-dependent manner. Data from transcription factor screening assays showed that META060 selectively inhibited NF-κB and AP-1 in THP-1 cells, suggesting that META060 regulated inflammatory markers through gene regulation. CONCLUSION: META060 inhibited monocyte-endothelial cell interactions and suppressed multiple biomarkers of inflammation in both a monocytic cell line and an endothelial cell line. MMP-9 expression and activity also were inhibited. These effects resulted in part from META060's inhibition of transcription factors NF-κB and AP-1. META060 may have beneficial effects for prevention or treatment of cardiovascular diseases by ameliorating inflammation and plaque destabilization, which are hallmarks of atherosclerosis.

The Effects of Tetrahydro-iso-alpha Acids and Niacin on Monocyte-Edothelial Cell Interactions and Flow-mediated Vasodilation.

Niacin favorably modifies cardiovascular risk factors but is associated with flushing and shows limited benefit in improving endothelial function. We investigated whether combining anti-inflammatory tetrahydro-iso-alpha acids (THIAA) from hops with niacin would improve endothelial function. We hypothesized that the THIAA+niacin combination would demonstrate benefits not seen with niacin alone. In an in vitro model, a THIAA+niacin mixture inhibited several TNF-α-induced cytokines in human aortic endothelial cells and in human monocytic cells and was significantly more efficacious than niacin alone. Subsequently, the effect of 125 mg THIAA and 500 mg niacin on endothelial-regulated flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) was explored in a pilot study of 11 dyslipidemic volunteers. The 12-week treatment (2 tablets/day) resulted in a clinically relevant FMD increase compared to a trend toward an FMD decrease with placebo; the between-arm difference was statistically significant. THIAA+niacin treatment also improved total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and uric acid. No significant improvement in these parameters was observed with placebo. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein was significantly increased only in the placebo arm. Nutritional support with a THIAA+niacin combination may provide benefits for endothelial function in those with dyslipidemia.

La niacina modifica favorablemente los factores de riesgo cardiovascular pero se asocia con la rubefacción y presenta un beneficio escaso en la mejora de la función endotelial. Investigamos si la combinación de ácidos tetrahidro-iso-alfa (tetrahydro-iso-alpha acids, THIAA) de lúpulo antiinflamatorios con niacina mejoraría la función endotelial. Planteamos la hipótesis de que la combinación THIAA-niacina revelaría beneficios no observados con la monoterapia de niacina. En un modelo in vitro, una mezcla de THIAA-niacina inhibió varias citocinas inducidas por el TNF-α en células endoteliales aórticas humanas y en monocitos THP-1; asimismo, esta combinación resultó significativamente más eficaz que la monoterapia de niacina. Posteriormente, en un estudio preliminar de 11 voluntarios con dislipidemia, se estudió el efecto de 125 mg de THIAA y 500 mg de niacina sobre la vasodilatación regulada por el endotelio en respuesta al flujo (VRF). El tratamiento de 12 semanas (2 comprimidos/día) provocó un aumento clínicamente relevante de la VRF, en comparación con la tendencia a la disminución de la VRF observada con el placebo; la diferencia entre grupos fue estadísticamente significativa. Asimismo, el tratamiento con THIAA-niacina mejoró los niveles de colesterol total, de colesterol unido a lipoproteínas de baja densidad y de ácido úrico. No se observaron mejoras significativas de estos parámetros con el placebo. Se detectó un aumento significativo de proteína C reactiva únicamente en el grupo que recibió el placebo. Es posible que los complementos nutricionales y la combinación de THIAA-niacina proporcionen efectos beneficiosos sobre la función endotelial en pacientes con dislipidemia.

A program consisting of a phytonutrient-rich medical food and an elimination diet ameliorated fibromyalgia symptoms and promoted toxic-element detoxification in a pilot trial.

BACKGROUND: An effective treatment for fibromyalgia (FM) has yet to become available. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy ofa lifestyle program consisting of a modified elimination diet and a supplemental medical food on clinical symptoms of FM assessed by the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), FibroQuest Symptoms Survey (FibroQuest), Medical Symptoms Questionnaire (MSQ), metallothionein mRNA expression, and urinary toxic element excretion. METHODS: Eight women (aged 48-74 years) were enrolled in an 8-week pilot trial employing a sequential design. During the initial 4-week Program A (control), participants consumed a modified US Department of Agriculture food pyramid diet and a rice protein powder supplement that provided basic macronutrient support. During the second 4-week Program B (intervention), participants consumed a modified elimination diet and a phytonutrient-rich medical food. RESULTS: Compared to baseline, both programs showed trends toward lower mean FIQ total score, MSQ total score, and FibroQuest total score, FIQ stiffness score, and FibroQuest headaches score. Compared to Program A, Program B resulted in a significant decrease (P< .05) in the FIQpain score and stiffness score. Participants also had better pain tolerance at five tender points during Program B than during Program A. Higher metallothionein mRNA expression was observed during Program B. An increase in creatinine-adjusted mercury excretion and suggestive increase in creatinine-adjusted arsenic excretion were noted when Program B was compared to baseline. Urinary mercury/arsenic concentrations were inversely associated with FIQand FibroQuest scores. CONCLUSIONS: Program B was shown to be a safe and efficacious botanically derived medical food treatment program for the amelioration of FM symptoms.

Nutritional supplementation of hop rho iso-alpha acids, berberine, vitamin D3, and vitamin K1 produces a favorable bone biomarker profile supporting healthy bone metabolism in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome poses additional risk for postmenopausal women who are already at risk for osteoporosis. We hypothesized that a nutritional supplement containing anti-inflammatory phytochemicals and essential bone nutrients would produce a favorable bone biomarker profile in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome. In this 14-week, randomized trial, 51 women were instructed to consume a modified Mediterranean-style, low-glycemic-load diet and to engage in aerobic exercise. Those in the intervention arm (n = 25) additionally received 200 mg hop rho iso-alpha acids, 100 mg berberine sulfate trihydrate, 500 IU vitamin D3, and 500 µg vitamin K1 twice daily. Forty-five women completed the study. Baseline nutrient intake did not differ between arms. Compared with baseline, the intervention arm exhibited an approximate 25% mean decrease (P < .001) in serum osteocalcin (indicative of bone turnover), whereas the placebo arm exhibited a 21% increase (P = .003). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D increased 23% (P = .001) in the intervention arm and decreased 12% (P = .03) in the placebo arm. The between-arm differences for osteocalcin and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were statistically significant. Serum insulin-like growth factor I was statistically increased in both arms, but the between-arm differences were not statistically significant. Subanalysis showed that among those in the highest tertile of baseline insulin-like growth factor I, the intervention arm exhibited a significant increase in amino-terminal propeptide of type I collagen, whereas the placebo arm showed a significant decrease at 14 weeks. Treatment with rho iso-alpha acids, berberine, vitamin D3, and vitamin K1 produced a more favorable bone biomarker profile indicative of healthy bone metabolism in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome.

META060 inhibits osteoclastogenesis and matrix metalloproteinases in vitro and reduces bone and cartilage degradation in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: The multikinase inhibitor META060 has been shown to inhibit NF-kappaB activation and expression of markers of inflammation. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of META060 on biomarkers associated with bone and cartilage degradation in vitro and its antiinflammatory efficacy in vivo in both acute and chronic inflammation models. METHODS: Glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK3beta)-dependent beta-catenin phosphorylation was evaluated in RAW 264.7 macrophages to assess kinase inhibition. The inhibition of osteoclastogenesis and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity was evaluated in RANKL-treated RAW 264.7 cells. The inhibition of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta)-mediated markers of inflammation was analyzed in human rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASFs). Mice with carrageenan-induced acute inflammation and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) were used to assess efficacy. RESULTS: META060 inhibited the activity of kinases (spleen tyrosine kinase [Syk], Bruton's tyrosine kinase [Btk], phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase [PI 3-kinase], and GSK3) associated with RA and inhibited beta-catenin phosphorylation. META060 inhibited osteoclastogenesis, as indicated by decreased transformation of RAW 264.7 cells to osteoclasts and reduced TRAP activity, and inhibited IL-1beta-activated prostaglandin E(2), matrix metalloproteinase 3, IL-6, IL-8, and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 in RASFs. In mice with acute inflammation, oral administration of META060 reduced paw swelling similar to the effect of aspirin. In mice with CIA, META060 significantly reduced the arthritis index and decreased bone, joint, and cartilage degradation. Serum IL-6 concentrations in these mice were inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that META060 reduces swelling in a model of acute inflammation and inhibits bone and cartilage destruction in a model of chronic inflammation. Its efficacy is associated with the inhibition of multiple protein kinases, including Syk, Btk, PI 3-kinase, and GSK3. These results warrant further clinical testing of META060 for its therapeutic potential in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Hop rho iso-alpha acids, berberine, vitamin D3 and vitamin K1 favorably impact biomarkers of bone turnover in postmenopausal women in a 14-week trial.

Osteoporosis is a major health issue facing postmenopausal women. Increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines resulting from declining estrogen leads to increased bone resorption. Nutrition can have a positive impact on osteoporosis prevention and amelioration. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of targeted phytochemicals and nutrients essential for bone health on bone turnover markers in healthy postmenopausal women. In this 14-week, single-blinded, 2-arm placebo-controlled pilot study, all women were instructed to consume a modified Mediterranean-style low-glycemic-load diet and to engage in limited aerobic exercise; 17 randomized to the placebo and 16 to the treatment arm (receiving 200 mg hop rho iso-alpha acids, 100 mg berberine sulfate trihydrate, 500 IU vitamin D(3) and 500 microg vitamin K(1), twice daily). Thirty-two women completed the study. Baseline nutrient intake did not differ between arms. At 14 weeks, the treatment arm exhibited an estimated 31% mean reduction (P = 0.02) in serum osteocalcin (a marker of bone turnover), whereas the placebo arm exhibited a 19% increase (P = 0.03) compared to baseline. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) increased by 13% (P = 0.24) in the treatment arm and decreased by 25% (P < 0.01) in the placebo arm. The between-arm differences for OC and 25(OH)D were statistically significant. Serum IGF-I was increased in both arms, but the increase was more significant in the treatment arm at 14 weeks (P < 0.01). Treatment with hop rho iso-alpha acids, berberine sulfate trihydrate, vitamin D(3) and vitamin K(1) produced a more favorable bone biomarker profile that supports a healthy bone metabolism.

Rho iso-alpha acids from hops inhibit the GSK-3/NF-kappaB pathway and reduce inflammatory markers associated with bone and cartilage degradation.

BACKGROUND: Rho iso-alpha acids (RIAA) from hops have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. To understand the mechanisms, we evaluated the effect of RIAA in cell signaling pathways and inflammatory markers using various in vitro models. We also investigated their therapeutic effect in mice with collagen-induced arthritis. METHODS: The LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages were used to evaluate the effect of RIAA on the NF-kappaB and MAPK signaling pathways; phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 and JNK was assessed by western blotting and NF-kappaB binding by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Effect on the NF-kappaB activity was evaluated by the luciferase reporter assays in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. GSK-3alpha/beta kinase activity was measured in cell-free assays. The inhibitory effect of RIAA on inflammatory markers was assessed by measuring nitric oxide in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, RANKL-mediated TRAP activity in transformed osteoclasts, and TNF-alpha/IL-1beta-mediated MMP-13 expression in SW1353 cells. Mice with collagen-induced arthritis were fed with RIAA for 2 weeks. Symptoms of joint swelling, arthritic index and joint damage were assessed. RESULTS: RIAA selectively inhibited the NF-kappaB pathway while having no effect on ERK1/2, p38 and JNK phosphorylation in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. RIAA also inhibited GSK-3alpha/beta kinase activity and GSK-3beta dependent phosphorylation of beta-catenin in RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, RIAA inhibited NF-kappaB-mediated inflammatory markers in various cell models, including nitric oxide in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, RANKL-mediated TRAP activity in transformed osteoclasts, and TNF-alpha/IL-1beta-mediated MMP-13 expression in SW1353 human chondrosarcoma cells. Finally, in a mouse model of collagen-induced arthritis, RIAA ameliorated joint damage as evidenced by significant reduction of the arthritis index and histology score; at 250 mg/kg-body weight, RIAA had efficacy similar to that of 20 mg/kg-body weight of celecoxib. CONCLUSION: RIAA may have potential as an anti-inflammatory therapeutic.

Safety, efficacy and anti-inflammatory activity of rho iso-alpha-acids from hops.

A defined mixture of rho iso-alpha-acids (RIAA), a modified hop extract, was evaluated for anti-inflammatory efficacy and safety. RIAA inhibited LPS-stimulated PGE(2) formation with >200-fold selectivity of COX-2 (IC(50)=1.3 microg/ml) over COX-1 (IC(50)>289 microg/ml). This occurred only when RIAA was added prior to, but not post, LPS stimulation. Consistent with this observation, RIAA produced no physiologically relevant, direct inhibition of COX-1 or COX-2 peroxidase activity. This suggests that RIAA inhibits inducible but not constitutive COX-2. In support, we found RIAA showed minimal PGE(2) inhibition (IC(50)=21mug/ml) relative to celecoxib (IC(50)=0.024 microg/ml), aspirin (IC(50)=0.52 microg/ml) or ibuprofen (IC(50)=0.57 microg/ml) in the AGS gastric mucosal model, where COX-1 and -2 are expressed constitutively. Taken together these results predict RIAA may have lower potential for gastrointestinal and cardiovascular toxicity observed with COX enzyme inhibitors. Following confirmation of bioavailable RIAA administered orally, gastrointestinal safety was assessed using the fecal calprotectin biomarker in a 14-day human clinical study; RIAA (900 mg/day) produced no change compared to naproxen (1000 mg/day), which increased fecal calprotectin 200%. Cardiovascular safety was addressed by PGI-M measurements where RIAA (1000 mg) did not reduce PGI-M or affect the urinary PGI-M/TXB(2) ratio. Drug interaction potential was evaluated against six major CYPs; of relevance, RIAA inhibited CYP2C9. Toxicity was assessed in a 21-day oral, mouse subchronic toxicity study where no dose dependent histopathological effects were noted. Clinically, RIAA (1000 mg/day) produced a 54% reduction in WOMAC Global scores in a 6-week, open-label trial of human subjects exhibiting knee osteoarthritis.