Ziziphus mauritiana Lam attenuates inflammation via downregulating NFκB pathway in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages & OVA-induced airway inflammation in mice models.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ziziphus mauritiana Lam leaves were utilized in treating asthma, diabetes, inflammation, and hepatic diseases in Indian traditional medicine. The leaves were used as an edible vegetables in rural parts of India. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim is to prove the anti-inflammatory activity of Ziziphus mauritiana Lam leaves against LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and OVA-induced airway inflammation in mice through its attenuation mechanism in the NFκB signalling pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Terpenoids present in MEZ were quantified using U(H)PLC analysis. MEZ at 50 and 100 µg/mL were tested against LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The concentration of NO, ROS, and cytokines was quantified from the cell culture supernatants. OVA-induced asthma in mice was adopted for screening airway inflammation. MEZ at 250 and 500 mg/kg was tested for airway hyperresponsiveness, leukocyte counting, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and TNF-α), lung histopathology, and various inflammatory gene expressions in lungs for NFκB signalling pathway in asthma. RESULTS: Terpenoids like betulin, betulinic acid, oleanolic acid, and ursolic acid were quantified from U(H)PLC analysis. MEZ at higher doses reduced the NO, ROS, and pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. MEZ at 500 mg/kg significantly reduced AHR and also decreased total and differential leukocytes. MEZ also reduced the expressions of ICAM, VCAM, and Muc5C genes. Histopathological analysis revealed MEZ significantly reduced the leukocyte infiltration and mucus hypersecretion in the lungs. MEZ suppressed lung inflammation by inhibition of p65 mediated IκB-α translocation in the NFκB signalling pathway. CONCLUSION: From these findings, MEZ significantly reduced airway inflammation by inhibiting NFκB mediated inflammatory pathway. Hence, this study proved that Ziziphus mauritiana Lam has anti-asthmatic potential in Indian traditional medicine.

Mechanistic investigation of PPARγ-facilitated anti-asthmatic effects of Galangin (Norizalpinin): Insights from in silico and in vivo analyses.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a multifaceted ligand-activated transcription factor that regulates inflammatory responses in asthma pathophysiology. The present study corroborates PPARγ-mediated anti-asthmatic action of the flavonoid, galangin (norizalpinin). In silico molecular interactions reveal that galangin formed three H-bonds (Glu291, Leu340 and Ser342) and a π-sigma bond (Arg288) with PPARγ, contributing to the binding affinity and stability of the complex. In vivo studies explore the role of galangin as a propitious PPARγ agonist in mitigating airway inflammation, thereby excluding ligand-independent action of PPARγ. Accordingly, oral administration of galangin significantly ameliorated airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation and goblet cell hyperplasia by the suppression of IL-4, 5, 13, 17, TNF-α, NO, ROS, EPO, IgE and increase of IFN-γ in ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma model. PPARγ expression (mRNA and protein) studies were performed to elucidate a possible mechanism by which galangin modulates. Furthermore, to eliminate PPARγ-independent effects of galangin, a specific PPARγ antagonist (GW9662) was administered, which dramatically reversed the effects of galangin on PPARγ up-regulation, confirming the pleiotropic role of galangin as a PPARγ agonist in asthma therapeutics. Taken together, our findings communicate that PPARγ plays as a master regulator in the anti-asthmatic action of galangin.

Myxopyrum serratulum ameliorates airway inflammation in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and OVA-induced murine model of allergic asthma.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Myxopyrum serratulum A. W. Hill. (Oleaceae) is a traditionally used Indian medicinal plant for the treatment of cough, asthma and many other inflammatory diseases. AIM OF THE STUDY: In this study, the protective effects of M. serratulum on airway inflammation was investigated in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced murine model of allergic asthma and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated inflammation in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages, and the possible mechanisms were elucidated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The phytochemicals present in the methanolic leaf extract of M. serratulum (MEMS) were identified by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) analysis. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity of MEMS were evaluated by estimating the levels of nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17A, IFN-γ, TNF-α, G-CSF and GM-CSF) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. In vivo anti-asthmatic activity of MEMS was studied using OVA-induced murine model. Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), was measured; total and differential cell counts, eosinophil peroxidase (EPO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), NO, ROS, and cytokines (IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13), were estimated in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Serum total IgE level was measured; and the histopathological changes of lung tissues were observed. The expressions of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in lung tissue homogenates were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: The chromatographic analysis of MEMS identified the presence of gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, catechin, ellagic acid, rutin, p-coumaric acid, quercetin, naringenin and apigenin. MEMS (125 and 250 µg/mL) dose-dependently reduced the levels of NO, ROS and pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. MEMS (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly (p < 0.05) alleviated AHR; number of inflammatory cells, EPO, PGE2, NO, ROS, and cytokines (IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13) in BALF; serum total IgE and the histopathological changes associated with lung inflammation. Western blot studies showed that MEMS substantially suppressed COX-2 and iNOS protein expressions in the lung tissues of OVA-sensitized/challenged mice. CONCLUSIONS: The present study corroborates for the first time the ameliorative effects of MEMS on airway inflammation by reducing the levels of oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting COX-2, iNOS protein expressions, thereby validating the ethnopharmacological uses of M. serratulum.

A novel biphenolic ligand for selective Mg2+ and Zn2+ ions sensing followed by colorimetric, spectroscopic and cell imaging methods.

The (E)-2-((2-hydrohy-5-methylphenylimino) methyl) phenol ligand was synthesized. The receptor was characterized by IR, 1H and 13C NMR and CHN analysis. The ligand exhibits colorimetric and fluorometric sensing of Zn2+ and Mg2+ ions in semi-aqueous medium (DMSO-H2O). The receptor was tested with series of transition metal ions (Cr2+, Fe2+, Ni2+, Co2+, Cu2+, Zn2+) and heavy metal ions (Sn2+, Pd2+, Ce2+, Hg2+, Cd2+) and the essential human body elements like Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ and K+ ions. The naked eye colorimetric sensing was absorbed only for Zn2+ and Mg2+. Both ions (ZnCl2 and MgCl2 in H2O), when added to the colorless solutions of the receptor of about 1 equivalence in incremental additions turn the solution into bright turmeric yellow. All other ions remain inactive, in colorimetric sensing. Further the Zn2+ and Mg2+ ions were probed by absorption and emission spectroscopy through incremental addition of respective metal ions. The in-situ deprotonation of the ligand on both Mg2+ and Zn2+ ions binding was confirmed by 1H NMR titration studies. The imino nitrogen of the receptor is not coordinated to the metal ions. The Job's plot studies reveal the 1:2 binding ratio of metal ions to the receptor. The high fold fluorescence output on metal ions binding was positively used to sense the Zn2+ and Mg2+ ions, separately and together in HeLa cancer cells through cell imaging.

Cytocompatible chitosan-graft-mPEG-based 5-fluorouracil-loaded polymeric nanoparticles for tumor-targeted drug delivery.

Biodegradable materials like chitosan (CH) and methoxy polyethylene glycol (mPEG) are widely being used as drug delivery carriers for various therapeutic applications. In this study, copolymer (CH-g-mPEG) of CH and carboxylic acid terminated mPEG was synthesized by carbodiimide-mediated acid amine reaction. The resultant hydrophilic copolymer was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and 1H NMR studies, revealing its relevant functional bands and proton peaks, respectively. Blank polymeric nanoparticles (B-PNPs) and 5-fluorouracil loaded polymeric nanoparticles (5-FU-PNPs) were formulated by ionic gelation method. Furthermore, folic acid functionalized FA-PNPs and FA-5-FU-PNPs were prepared for folate receptor-targeted drug delivery. FA-5-FU-PNPs were characterized by particle size, zeta potential, and in vitro drug release studies, resulting in 197.7 nm, +29.9 mv, and sustained drug release of 88% in 24 h, respectively. Cytotoxicity studies were performed for FA-PNPs and FA-5-FU-PNPs in MCF-7 cell line, which exhibited a cell viability of 80 and 41%, respectively. In vitro internalization studies were carried out for 5-FU-PNPs and FA-5-FU-PNPs which demonstrated increased cellular uptake of FA-5-FU-PNPs by receptor-mediated transport. Significant (p < .01) reduction (1.5-fold) of reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation was observed in lipopolysaccharides-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, revealing its potent antioxidant property. From the obtained results, it is concluded that folic acid functionalization of 5-FU-PNPs is an ideal approach for sustained and targeted drug delivery, thereby influencing better therapeutic effect.

Atrial natriuretic peptide-conjugated chitosan-hydrazone-mPEG copolymer nanoparticles as pH-responsive carriers for intracellular delivery of prednisone.

A chitosan-hydrazone-mPEG (CH-Hz-mPEG) copolymer which is stable at extracellular pH and cleaves at slightly acidic intracellular pH was synthesized and characterized. Blank polymeric nanoparticles (B-PNPs) and prednisone-loaded polymeric nanoparticles (P-PNPs) were then formulated by dialysis/precipitation method. The cell-specific ligand, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) was then conjugated to P-PNPs (ANP-P-PNPs) by a coupling reaction. Particle size and morphological analyses revealed uniform spherical shape of PNPs. In vitro pH dependent degradation of PNPs was investigated. Drug release profile of ANP-P-PNPs indicated a slow release of prednisone at pH 7.4, but a rapid release at pH 5.0 due to the cleavage of hydrazone linkage. Cytotoxicity studies demonstrated greater compatibility of B-PNPs compared to ANP-P-PNPs. Cellular internalization of ANP-P-PNPs was higher than P-PNPs owing to receptor-mediated endocytosis. The results from this investigation support the hypothesis that chitosan based ANP-P-PNPs could act as an intracellular pH-responsive and targeted drug delivery system.

Design and development of Albizia stipulata gum based controlled-release matrix tablets in cancer therapeutics.

The present study deals with the development of natural macromolecule gum Albizia stipulata (AS) based novel pharmaceutical excipient for the controlled-release of paracetamol (PC). Central composite design (CCD) two-factor, five-level was used for the optimization of independent variables AS gum and compression force (CF) based on desired response variable drug release (DR) of paracetamol matrix tablets (PCMT). The optimized PCMT was prepared by wet granulation method and screened for pre- and post- compression parameters, and were characterized. The optimized PCMT (F14) formulation showed favorable in vitro release of PC (65%) in 12h, and the release kinetics followed zero order anomalous diffusion mechanism. AS gum exerted significant (p<0.001) anticancer activity with 98.25% inhibition at 2000µg/mL (IC50=179.12µg/mL) against A549 cell line. PC and PCMT showed 78.56% inhibition (IC50 value=856.58µg/mL) and 93.68% inhibition (IC50 value=396.35µg/mL) respectively, symbolizing that the gum remarkably potentiated the anticancer effect of PC in formulation after 24h treatment by inducing apoptosis. This is the first report on A. stipulata gum as a promising biopolymer for drug delivery application in cancer therapeutics.