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Anti-IL-17A antibodies, such as secukinumab and ixekizumab, are effective proinflammatory cytokine inhibitors for autoimmune disorders, including psoriasis. However, anti-IL-17A small molecule treatments are yet to be commercialized. Celastrol, a natural compound extracted from the roots of traditional Chinese medicinal plants, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, the binding of celastrol to IL-17A and the associated anti-inflammatory mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated whether celastrol could directly bind to IL-17A and regulate inflammation in psoriatic in vitro and in vivo models. The results showed that celastrol directly binds to IL-17A and inhibits its downstream signaling, including the NF-kB and MAPK pathways. Interestingly, celastrol restored autophagy dysfunction and reduced proinflammatory cytokine secretion in keratinocytes. In addition, celastrol increased autophagy in the epidermis of a mouse model of psoriasis. Celastrol decreased Th17 cell populations and proinflammatory cytokine levels in mice. Thus, IL-17A-targeting celastrol reduced inflammation by rescuing impaired autophagy in in vitro and in vivo models of psoriasis, demonstrating its potential as a substitute for anti-IL-17A antibodies for treating psoriasis. • Celastrol binds directly to IL-17A, effectively blocking its signaling. • IL-17A-targeting celastrol restores autophagic reduction in IL-17A-keratinocytes and psoriatic mouse skin tissues. • IL-17A-targeting celastrol can help reduce inflammation in psoriasis by regulating autophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IL-17A is a critical pro-inflammatory cytokine in autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis. Targeting of IL-17A is an effective strategy to treat patients with autoimmune diseases; however, relevant small molecule therapeutics have not yet been developed. Here, the small molecule drug fenofibrate was validated as an inhibitor of IL-17A through ELISA and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assays. We further confirmed that fenofibrate blocked IL-17A signalings including the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and NF-κB signaling pathways, in IL-17A-treated HaCaT cells, HEKa (human primary epidermal keratinocytes) and imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis mouse model. Fenofibrate attenuated systemic inflammation by suppressing Th17 populations and inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17A, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Surprisingly, fenofibrate upregulated LC3 and p62 in the psoriatic mouse group. The autophagy changes were caused by ULK1 pathway in hIL-17A-treated HaCaT and HEKa. In addition, the enhancement of autophagy by fenofibrate exerted anti-inflammatory effects, as demonstrated by the suppression of IL-6 and IL-8 in the IL-17A-treated keratinocytes. Thus, IL-17A-targeting fenofibrate can be a potential therapeutic for psoriasis and other autoimmune diseases via regulating autophagy. • Fenofibrate binds to IL-17A directly • Fenofibrate obstructs IL-17A downstream signaling • IL-17A induces pro-inflammatory cytokines' releases via ULK1-mediated autophagy dysfunctions in keratinocytes • IL-17A-targeting fenofibrate can ameliorate inflammation in psoriasis by controlling autophagy [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims We have previously shown that the combination of pravastatin and sarpogrelate is synergistically beneficial for atherosclerosis. In this study, we investigated whether the pravastatin-sarpogrelate combination was sufficient for treatment in an old mouse model of atherosclerosis or if additional intervention would be needed to address the newly included aging factor and its complex pathophysiological impact on the atherosclerogenic state. We added an anti- TNF biological to the combination treatment cocktail because of the known pathologic roles of TNF in the aging process. Methods Sixty-week-old low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice were fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet and treated with the sarpogrelate and pravastatin combination, etanercept alone, or the triple combination. Results Although, etanercept alone did not significantly reduce aortic root and atherosclerotic plaque areas, the pravastatin-sarpogrelate combination, and pravastatin-sarpogrelate-etanercept triple therapy significantly reduced the plaque areas. Surprisingly, TNF inhibition was critically required to reduce the plaque areas of aortic roots and the expression of ICAM-1, MOMA-2, and TNF. More importantly, a lipid-lowering effect by pravastatin was observed only in the triple therapy group and not in the pravastatin and sarpogrelate combination group. Conclusions These results suggest that TNF-inhibitory intervention should be added to the conventional therapy as a novel strategy for treating the elderly patients with atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Aims: Despite the therapeutic efficacy of statins and antiplatelet agents for atherosclerosis, monotherapy with each drug alone is often insufficient to achieve the patient's therapeutic goals. We previously showed that combined statin/antiplatelet agent/anti‐tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agent therapy (pravastatin/sarpogrelate/etanercept) reduces atherosclerotic lesions by inhibiting TNF, an atherogenic cytokine that contributes to the progression of arteriosclerosis. In addition, our previous study showed that combined treatment with pravastatin and cilostazol is effective for reducing TNF‐driven inflammation through anti‐TNF activity. Therefore, in the present study, we evaluated the additive effects of combined pravastatin and cilostazol therapy on atherosclerotic progression using low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) knockout (KO) mice. Methods: Ten‐week‐old LDLR KO mice were fed a high‐fat, high‐cholesterol diet and orally administered pravastatin and cilostazol alone or in combination. Body weight, plasma lipid levels, and the levels of intracellular adhesion molecules and inflammatory cytokines were analyzed. In addition, aortas and aortic roots were stained with Oil Red O, and atherosclerotic plaques were quantified. Results: The atherosclerotic plaques in the combined pravastatin and cilostazol treatment groups were significantly reduced compared to those in each drug monotherapy group. The combination therapy group also showed the downregulation of ICAM‐1, MOMA‐2, TNF, interleukin (IL)‐6, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein levels and the upregulation of high‐density lipoprotein levels compared to those of the pravastatin‐ or cilostazol‐treated groups. Conclusions: Our results suggest that combination therapy with pravastatin and cilostazol exerts beneficial effects by decreasing atherosclerotic lesion progression and improving the pro‐inflammatory state in the vascular endothelium. These effects are mediated by the reduction in adhesion molecule expression, immune cell infiltration, and cytokine levels and the antiatherosclerotic modulation of serum cholesterol levels. Therefore, we conclude that combined treatment with pravastatin and cilostazol may be a more effective antiatherosclerotic strategy than treatment with either agent alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycogen storage disease type Ib (GSD‐Ib) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a deficiency in the glucose‐6‐phosphate (G6P) transporter (G6PT) that is responsible for transporting G6P into the endoplasmic reticulum. GSD‐Ib is characterized by disturbances in glucose homeostasis, neutropenia, and neutrophil dysfunction. Although some studies have explored neutrophils abnormalities in GSD‐Ib, investigations regarding monocytes/macrophages remain limited so far. In this study, we examined the impact of G6PT deficiency on monocyte‐to‐macrophage differentiation using bone marrow‐derived monocytes from G6pt−/− mice as well as G6PT‐deficient human THP‐1 monocytes. Our findings revealed that G6PT‐deficient monocytes exhibited immature differentiation into macrophages. Notably, the impaired differentiation observed in G6PT‐deficient monocytes seemed to be associated with abnormal glucose metabolism, characterized by enhanced glucose consumption through glycolysis, even under quiescent conditions with oxidative phosphorylation. Furthermore, we observed a reduced secretion of inflammatory cytokines in G6PT‐deficient THP‐1 monocytes during the inflammatory response, despite their elevated glucose consumption. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the significance of G6PT in monocyte‐to‐macrophage differentiation and underscores its importance in maintaining glucose homeostasis and supporting immune response in GSD‐Ib. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of GSD‐Ib and potentially pave the way for the development of targeted therapeutic interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with joint inflammation and destruction driven by T helper 17 (Th17) cells. Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) is secreted by many cell types, including macrophages and synovial fibroblasts. It induces the differentiation and function of Th17 cells that can increase lymphocytic infiltration in the joint. LMT‐28 can suppress IL‐6 signalling through direct binding to glycoprotein‐130 and alleviate inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. The purpose of this study was to assess whether LMT‐28 could potently inhibit Th17 differentiation and to determine the mechanism involved in the attenuating effect of LMT‐28 on rheumatoid arthritis through the IL‐6 signalling pathway. LMT‐28 reduced the arthritis score and showed protective effects against bone and cartilage destruction in collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) mice. In mice with CIA, LMT‐28 markedly decreased serum levels of IL‐6, TNF and IL‐1β compared to vehicle control. Moreover, LMT‐28 attenuated Th17 cell activation in lymph nodes of CIA mice. We demonstrated that LMT‐28 suppressed differentiation of Th17 in mouse splenocytes and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Additionally, LMT‐28 inhibited phosphorylation of GP130, STAT3 and ERK induced by Hyper‐IL‐6 in human fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS). Collectively, these results suggest that LMT‐28 can inhibit differentiated/activated‐Th17 cells in rheumatoid arthritis by blocking activation of the STAT3 pathway. LMT‐28 can attenuate rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting differentiation/activation of Th17 cells and suppressing the proliferation and signalling activation of the IL‐6/solubleIL‐6 receptor complex stimulated FLS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a crucial growth factor for both regulatory and effector T cells. Thus, IL-2 plays a critical role in the stimulation and suppression of immune responses. Recently, anti-IL-2 antibodies (Abs) have been shown to possess strong IL-2 modulatory activities by affecting the interaction between IL-2 and IL-2 receptors. In this study, we screened an herbal library to identify a compound that regulates IL-2, which resulted in the identification of curcumin as a direct binder and inhibitor of IL-2. Curcumin is a phytochemical with well-known anti-cancer properties. In this study, curcumin mimicked or altered the binding pattern of anti-IL-2 Abs against IL-2 and remarkably inhibited the interaction of recombinant IL-2 with the IL-2 receptor α, CD25. Interestingly, curcumin neutralized the biological activities of IL-2 both in vitro and in vivo. In this report, we elucidated the unsolved mechanism of the anti-cancer effect of curcumin by identifying IL-2 as a direct molecular target. Curcumin, as a small molecule IL-2 modulator, has the potential to be used to treat IL-2 related pathologic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is one of the most potent pro-inflammatory cytokines implicated in a wide range of autoinflammatory, autoimmune, infectious, and degenerative diseases. Therefore, many researchers have focused on developing therapeutic molecules that inhibit IL-1β-IL-1 receptor 1 (IL-1R1) interaction for the treatment of IL-1-related diseases. Among IL-1-related diseases, osteoarthritis (OA), is characterized by progressive cartilage destruction, chondrocyte inflammation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. Tannic acid (TA) has been proposed to have multiple beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-tumor activities. However, it is unclear whether TA plays a role in anti-IL-1β activity by blocking IL-1β-IL-1R1 interaction in OA. In this study, we report the anti-IL-1β activity of TA in the progression of OA in both in vitro human OA chondrocytes and in vivo rat OA models. Herein, using-ELISA-based screening, natural compound candidates capable of inhibiting the IL-1β-IL-1R1 interaction were identified. Among selected candidates, TA showed hindering IL-1β-IL-1R1 interaction by direct binding to IL-1β using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay. In addition, TA inhibited IL-1β bioactivity in HEK-Blue IL-1-dependent reporter cell line. TA also inhibited IL-1β-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), nitric oxide (NO), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in human OA chondrocytes. Moreover, TA downregulated IL-1β-stimulated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)3, MMP13, ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif (ADAMTS)4, and ADAMTS5, while upregulating collagen type II (COL2A1) and aggrecan (ACAN). Mechanistically, we confirmed that TA suppressed IL-1β-induced MAPK and NF-κB activation. The protective effects of TA were also observed in a monosodium iodoacetamide (MIA)-induced rat OA model by reducing pain and cartilage degradation and inhibiting IL-1β-mediated inflammation. Collectively, our results provide evidence that TA plays a potential role in OA and IL-1β-related diseases by hindering IL-1β-IL-1R1 interaction and suppressing IL-1β bioactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Butea monosperma (Fabaceae) has been used in traditional Indian medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including abdominal tumors. We aimed to investigate the anti-IL-6 activity of butein in ovarian cancer and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Butein was isolated and identified from B. monosperma flowers, and the inhibition of IL-6 signaling was investigated using the HEK-Blue™ IL-6 cell line. The surface plasmon resonance assay was used to estimate the binding of butein to IL-6, IL-6Rα, and gp130. After treatment with butein, ovarian cancer cell migration, apoptosis, and tumor growth inhibition were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we used STAT3 siRNA to identify the mechanistic effects of butein on the IL-6/STAT3/FoxO3a pathway. Butein suppressed downstream signal transduction through higher binding affinity to IL-6. In ovarian cancer, butein inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. In addition, it decreased the growth of ovarian cancer cells in xenograft tumor models. Butein inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation and induced FoxO3a accumulation in the nucleus by inhibiting IL-6 signaling. The anticancer activity of butein was mediated by blocking the IL-6/IL-6Rα interaction and suppressing IL-6 bioactivity via interfering with the IL-6/STAT3/FoxO3a pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) induces contrasting immune responses depending on its binding receptor subunit; thus, selective receptor binding is considered a key challenge in cancer therapeutic strategies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the inhibition of IL-2 action and antitumor activity of celastrol (CEL), a compound identified in a screen for IL-2/CD25 binding inhibitors, and to elucidate the underlying role of CEL in immune cells. We found that CEL selectively impairs the binding of IL-2 and CD25 and directly binds to IL-2 but not to CD25. CEL significantly suppressed the proliferation and signaling of IL-2-dependent murine T cells and interfered with IL-2-responsive STAT5 phosphorylation in IL-2 reporter cells and human PBMCs. After confirming the impact of CEL on IL-2, we evaluated its antitumor activity in C57BL/6 mice bearing B16F10 tumors and found that CEL significantly inhibited tumor growth by increasing CD8+ T cells. We also found that CEL did not inhibit tumor growth in T cell-deficient BALB/c nude mice, suggesting that its activity was mediated by the T-cell response. Moreover, combination therapy with low-dose CEL and a TNFR2 antagonist synergistically improved the therapeutic efficacy of the individual monotherapies by increasing the ratio of intratumoral CD8/Treg cells and suppressing Foxp3 expression. These findings suggest that CEL, which inhibits CD25 binding by targeting IL-2, exerts antitumor activity by mediating the T-cell response and could be a promising candidate for combination therapy in cancer immunotherapy against melanoma. • CEL selectively impairs the binding of IL-2 and CD25 by targeting IL-2. • CEL did not inhibit tumor growth in the T-cell-deficient BALB/c nude mice. • CEL exerts antitumor activity through CD8+ T cell response in melanoma. • CEL may be a promising candidate for combination therapy in cancer immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The interleukin-6 (IL-6)-mediated signaling pathway plays an essential role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. LMT-28 suppresses the activation of the IL-6-mediated signaling by direct targeting of gp130. Although LMT-28 and metformin both possess anti-inflammatory activity, the beneficial effect of LMT-28 and metformin combination on a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model has not yet been investigated. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect and mechanism of a combination of LMT-28 and metformin in a CIA model. Methods: In MH7A cells, cell proliferation and the IL-6-mediated signaling pathway following administration of LMT-28 and metformin combination was analyzed through MTT assay and Western blotting. The level of T helper 17 (Th17) cell differentiation from CD4+ T cells was analyzed in mouse splenocytes and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Arthritis score, incidence rate, inflammatory cytokine, and T-cell subsets were measured in CIA mice following administration of LMT-28 and metformin combination. Results: Combination treatment with LMT-28 and metformin diminished proliferation of MH7A cells and IL-6-mediated gp130, STAT3, and ERK signaling more than in individual treatments. Furthermore, the differentiation of CD4+ T cells into Th17 cells was attenuated more by combination treatment with LMT-28 and metformin than individual treatments. The combination of LMT-28 and metformin ameliorated the arthritic score better than individual treatments. The combination significantly reduced tumor necrosis factor and IL-6 levels in the sera and had an anti-inflammatory effect on the distribution of Treg/Th17 cells in the lymph nodes. Conclusion: Combination treatment with LMT-28 and metformin significantly ameliorates arthritic symptoms in CIA by suppressing Th17 differentiation and IL-6 signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The NLRP3 inflammasome is closely linked to the pathophysiology of a wide range of inflammatory diseases. This study was undertaken to identify small molecules that directly bind to NLRP3 in order to develop pharmacologic interventions for NLRP3‐related diseases. Methods: A structure‐based virtual screening analysis was performed with ~62,800 compounds to select efficient NLRP3 inhibitors. The production of caspase 1‐p10 and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) was measured by immunoblotting and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay to examine NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Two gouty arthritis models and an air pouch inflammation model induced by monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU) crystal injection were used for in vivo experiments. Primary synovial fluid cells from gout patients were used to determine the relevance of NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition in human gout. Results: Beta‐carotene (provitamin A) suppressed the NLRP3 inflammasome activation induced by various activators, including MSU crystals, in mouse bone marrow–derived primary macrophages (P < 0.05). Surface plasmon resonance analysis demonstrated the direct binding of β‐carotene to the pyrin domain (PYD) of NLRP3 (KD = 3.41 × 10−6). Molecular modeling and mutation assays revealed the interaction mode between β‐carotene and the NLRP3 PYD. Inflammatory symptoms induced by MSU crystals were attenuated by oral administration of β‐carotene in gouty arthritis mouse models (P < 0.05), correlating with its suppressive effects on the NLRP3 inflammasome in inflamed tissues. Furthermore, β‐carotene reduced IL‐1β secretion from human synovial fluid cells isolated from gout patients (P < 0.05), showing its inhibitory efficacy in human gout. Conclusion: Our results present β‐carotene as a selective and direct inhibitor of NLRP3, and the binding of β‐carotene to NLRP3 PYD as a novel pharmacologic strategy to combat NLRP3 inflammasome–driven diseases, including gouty arthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antiplatelet drugs are conventionally used as treatments because of their anti‐coagulation functions. However, their pleiotropic effects are of great significance to the treatment of ischaemic cardiovascular diseases. Many studies have reported that an excessive amount of inflammation driven by tumour necrosis factor (TNF) is closely related to the prevalence of atherosclerosis. As the drug selection criteria and evaluation methods related to the anti‐TNF activity of antiplatelet drugs remain limited, our investigation of these drugs should prove beneficial. In this study, we compared the anti‐TNF activity of three antiplatelet agents, namely clopidogrel, sarpogrelate, and cilostazol, using the TNF‐induced inflammatory mouse model. After the oral administration of these drugs, acute inflammation was induced via injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or D‐galactosamine (D‐gal) and TNF. Serum TNF levels, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of TNF in mouse heart tissue, macrophage accumulation in aortic lesions, and mouse survival were analysed to compare the anti‐TNF effects of the three antiplatelet agents. Of the three antiplatelet agents, cilostazol significantly reduced the different levels under the most effective observation. In addition, cilostazol was found to attenuate the TNF‐stimulated phosphorylation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cell (NF‐κB) p65 in the aortic vascular smooth muscle cell line, MOVAS‐1 and the D‐gal plus TNF‐challenged heart tissue of mouse. Therefore, cilostazol is the most ideal of the three antiplatelet drugs for the treatment of TNF‐mediated inflammatory disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic, chronic inflammatory disease that is characterized by T helper 17 (Th17) cell- and osteoclast-induced joint destruction and inflammation. In RA, several cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1, 6,17, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)) are involved in almost all aspects of articular inflammation and destruction. This study aimed to evaluate the combinatorial effect of TNF and IL-6 inhibitors on the differentiation and activation of Th17 cells and osteoclasts in the context of RA, and to identify the RA-related mechanisms through IL-6 signaling. Tetrahydropapaverine (THP) showed direct binding to TNF in screening-ELISA , and SPR and TNF-neutralization assay s. In a previous study, the therapeutic effect of gp130- targeting LMT-28 was confirmed in RA. Combinatorial treatment with LMT-28 and THP reduced the arthritis index and showed protective effects against bone and cartilage destruction in CIA mice. The secretion levels of TNF, IL-6, and IL-1β significantly decreased upon combinatorial treatment with LMT-28 and THP. Further, the LMT-28 and THP combination suppressed the differentiation and activation of Th17 cells in mouse splenocytes and human PBMCs. In human RA-FLS, the LMT-28 and THP combination inhibited cell proliferation and downregulated IL-6 and/or TNF-mediated signaling relative to that observed upon independent treatment with LMT-28 or THP. Furthermore, the combination of LMT-28 and THP significantly inhibited the differentiation of mouse bone marrow monocytes (BMMs) into osteoclasts. In conclusion, the LMT-28 and THP combination can attenuate RA through the inhibition of Th17 differentiation and osteoclastogenesis , and suppression of IL-6 or TNF-induced signaling pathway s. This combinatorial therapy could be used as a new strategy for the treatment of RA. • TNF-target small molecule compound, discovery of THP. • Determination of therapeutic efficacy with combined administration of gp130-target LMT-28 and THP in rheumatoid arthritis. • Combination therapy reduces the differentiation of Th17 cells and osteoclasts. • Presenting a new therapeutic strategy for RA, such as the combination of gp130-target LMT-28 and THP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Combination therapy has been administered to patients with chronic or complex diseases due to its improved therapeutic effects compared with the results of monotherapy. Due to the pleiotropic effects of statins and antiplatelets, these drugs have been studied in combination with other drugs, but not all combinations exerted obvious beneficial effects compared with individual drugs. In this study, we aimed to compare the anti-inflammatory effects of 4 different combination therapies of statins and antiplatelets on the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-mediated inflammation in vivo. Methods: Mice were orally administered cilostazol plus pravastatin (CILOP) or cilostazol plus rosuvastatin (CILOR), clopidogrel plus pravastatin (CLOP), or clopidogrel plus rosuvastatin (CLOR); then, acute inflammation was induced by the injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or TNF. Serum TNF levels, macrophage accumulation in the lesioned aortas, and mouse mortality were observed to be comparable to the anti-inflammatory effects of the combination therapies. Results: In mice with LPS-induced inflammation, CILOP and CILOR substantially reduced macrophage infiltration of aortic lesions and the serum TNF levels compared with CLOP and CLOR. Moreover, among the 4 combinations, CILOP significantly improved the survival rate of mice with TNF-mediated acute lethal inflammation. Conclusions: The combination therapy comprising cilostazol and statins, particularly pravastatin, exerted the best anti-TNF effect compared with clopidogrel and statin therapy; thus, a suitable combination therapy, such as CILOP, can be a potential remedy to cure TNF-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Pravastatin and cilostazol are used as lipid-lowering and antiplatelet agents, respectively. Regarding their well-known anti-inflammatory effects, the additive effect of the two drugs on anti-TNF functions has not yet been investigated. In the present investigation, the beneficial effect of combined pravastatin and cilostazol on their anti-TNF activities was assessed using an in vivo mouse model. Methods: Mice were pretreated with pravastatin and/or cilostazol (40 mg/kg of each), orally once two hour prior to an LPS (5 mg/kg, i.p.) challenge. One hour post challenge, blood and descending aorta were collected for serum TNF levels and immune cell infiltration analyses. For survival analysis, pravastatin and/or cilostazol (40 mg/kg of each) were administered 30 minutes prior to d-galactosamine administration (700 mg/kg, i.p.) and TNF (10 µg/kg, i.p.) challenge and mice survival was monitored. We also examined the effect of either drug or the combination of drugs on TNF-mediated MAPK and NF-κB signaling, using Western blot analysis. Results: Combined treatment of pravastatin and cilostazol significantly decreased serum TNF release and immune cell infiltration in the descending aorta following LPS administration, compared to each single treatment. Additionally, the combined drugs significantly decreased TNF-mediated mouse mortality and downregulated TNF-induced MAPK and NF-κB activation. Conclusions: These findings suggest that combined pravastatin and cilostazol is more effective for reducing TNF-driven inflammation through their anti-TNF activity than monotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the inhibition of IL-2 activity and anticancer efficacy of chelerythrine (CHE), a natural small molecule that targets IL-2 and inhibits CD25 binding, and elucidated the mechanism underlying the action of CHE on immune cells. CHE was discovered by competitive binding ELISA and SPR analysis. The effect of CHE on IL-2 activity was evaluated in CTLL-2, HEK-Blue reporter and immune cells, and in ex vivo generation of regulatory T cells (Treg cells). The antitumor activity of CHE was evaluated in B16F10 tumor-bearing C57BL/6 or BALB/c nude mice. We identified that CHE, which acts as an IL-2 inhibitor, selectively inhibits the interaction between IL-2 and IL-2Rα and directly binds to IL-2. CHE inhibited the proliferation and signaling of CTLL-2 cells and suppressed IL-2 activity in HEK-Blue reporter and immune cells. CHE prevented the conversion of naive CD4+ T cells into CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells in response to IL-2. CHE reduced tumor growth in C57BL/6 mice but not in T-cell-deficient mice, upregulated the expression of IFN-γ and cytotoxic molecules, and limited Foxp3 expression. Furthermore, the combination of CHE and a PD-1 inhibitor synergistically increased antitumor activity in melanoma-bearing mice and almost completely regressed the implanted tumors. We found that CHE, which targets IL-2 and inhibits its binding to CD25, exhibits T cell-mediated antitumor activity and that combination therapy with CHE and PD-1 inhibitor induced synergistic antitumor effects, suggesting that CHE may be a promising anticancer agent for melanoma monotherapy and combination therapy. [Display omitted] • CHE, an IL-2 target, inhibits IL-2/IL-2Rα binding and modulates signaling. • CHE was identified as a novel natural small molecule and is an IL-2 antagonist. • CHE can regulate cytotoxic molecules and Treg cells, and suppress tumor growth in B16F10 melanoma mice. • CHE modulates IL-2- responsive T cell-mediated antitumor function. • CHE is a promising anticancer agent for melanoma mono and combination therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunogenicity is a major concern in the use of biological drugs. In particular, antibody-mediated pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) is a rare condition that is caused by administration of recombinant erythropoietin. There are numerous assay platforms for detect EPO anti-drug antibody (ADA), and most have appropriate assay sensitivity, but in need of improvement in terms of assay turnaround time and user accessibility. Here, the new method was developed based on lab-on-a-chip technology and bridging ELISA. The FREND™ Cartridge is equipped with a microfluidic lateral flow channel, enabling easy, fast and accurate immunoassays with small sample volumes. Biotinylated EPO was immobilized on the avidin-coated solid phase of the test zone in the FREND™ cartridge. Initially, ADA in the serum sample binds to the detector conjugate (EPO-HRP-anti HRP antibody-FL bead) in the conjugation zone, and it flows into the test zone prepared with capture complex (avidin-biotinylated EPO). Unbound detector complexes are captured in the reference zone. The FREND™ system detects and quantifies the fluorescence signals in each zone and then calculates the concentration of EPO ADA in the sample. The FREND™ EPO ADA kit may be useful in local clinics as a rapid method for monitoring patients administered recombinant erythropoietin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vine stem of Spatholobus suberectus Dunn (SS) is used as a traditional herbal medicine in China. Chinese herbal medicines are well known as natural bioactive compounds that can be used as new medicines, and their antioxidant and anticancer effects have also been reported. This study aimed to examine the anticancer effect of a high-pressure hot-water SS extract on rat C6 glioma cells. The SS extract effectively suppressed the viability and proliferation of C6 glioma cells through an antioxidant effect. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in cancer cells are higher than that in normal cells. If the ROS level falls below that required for the growth of cancer cells, their rapid proliferation and growth can be suppressed. We also measured the induction of mitochondrial membrane depolarization and cell cycle arrest effect caused by the SS extract in C6 glioma cells through a FACS analysis. In addition, we observed an increase in STAT3, p53, E2F1, and p21 mRNA expression and a decrease in Bcl-2 mRNA expression by quantitative PCR. An increase in p21 protein expression of over 83% was observed through western blot analysis. All these data support the fact that the high-pressure hotwater SS extract has the potential to be used for glioma treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gliomas are one of the most common types of primary brain tumors, characterized by rapid proliferation and infiltration into normal brain tissue. Corncob is the most plentiful byproducts of Zea mays L., of which anti-cancer effect has not been reported. Therefore, we aimed to examine the anti-proliferative effect of a high-pressure hot-water extract of corncob on glioma cells and elucidated the underlying mechanism. The high-pressure hot-water corncob extract contained approximately 94.8 mg/g and 1.82 μg/g of total phenol and catechin, respectively. Glioma cell treated with different concentrations of high-pressure hot-water corncob extract was shown to be suppressed in growth during three days of culture. In parallel, corncob extract reduced the glioma cell viability and induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase by upregulating the expression level of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21. Decreased proliferation and viability in glioma cells treated with corncob extract can be attributed to reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS), antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein, and a lactate transporter monocarboxylate transporter 1 of which levels are higher than those in normal cells. Based on its inhibitory effects on proliferation and viability of C6 glioma cells, a high-pressure hot-water corncob extract has the potential to be used for glioma treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pravastatin is a lipid-lowering agent that attenuates atherosclerosis. However, the multifactorial pathogenesis of atherosclerosis requires other drugs with different anti-atherogenic mechanisms. We chose sarpogrelate as an anti-platelet agent and a novel component of a complex drug with pravastatin due to its high potential but little information on its beneficial effects on atherosclerosis. Low-density lipoprotein receptor-knockout mice were fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet and treated with pravastatin alone, sarpogrelate alone, or a combination of both drugs. Although sarpogrelate alone did not significantly reduce atherosclerotic plaque areas, co-treatment with pravastatin significantly decreased aortic lesions compared to those of the pravastatin alone treated group. The combined therapy was markedly more effective than that of the single therapies in terms of foam cell formation, smooth muscle cell proliferation, and inflammatory cytokine levels. These results suggest that pravastatin and sarpogrelate combined therapy may provide a new therapeutic strategy for treating atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of oxazolidinone and indole derivatives were synthesized and evaluated as IL-6 signaling blockers by measuring the effects of these compounds on IL-6-induced luciferase expression in human hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells transfected with p-STAT3-Luc. Among different compounds screened, compound 4d was emerged as the most potent IL-6 signaling blockers with IC 50 value of 5.9 μM which was much better than (+)-Madindoline A (IC 50 = 21 μM), a known inhibitor of IL-6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is responsible for various chronic inflammatory liver diseases. Here, we have identified a naturally occurring compound with anti-HCV activity and have elucidated its mode of antiviral action.Experimental Approach: Luciferase reporter and real-time RT-PCR assays were used to measure HCV replication. Western blot, fluorescence-labelled HCV replicons and infectious clones were employed to quantitate expression levels of viral proteins. Resistant HCV mutant mapping, in vitro NS3 protease, helicase, NS5B polymerase and drug affinity responsive target stability assays were also used to study the antiviral mechanism.Key Results: A resveratrol tetramer, vitisin B from grapevine root extract showed high potency against HCV replication (EC50 = 6 nM) with relatively low cytotoxicity (EC50 >10 μM). Combined treatment of vitisin B with an NS5B polymerase inhibitor (sofosbuvir) exhibited a synergistic or at least additive antiviral activity. Analysis of a number of vitisin B-resistant HCV variants suggested an NS3 helicase as its potential target. We confirmed a direct binding between vitisin B and a purified NS3 helicase in vitro. Vitisin B was a potent inhibitor of a HCV NS3 helicase (IC50 = 3 nM). In vivo, Finally, we observed a preferred tissue distribution of vitisin B in the liver after i.p. injection in rats, at clinically attainable concentrations. Conclusion and Implications Vitisin B is one of the most potent HCV helicase inhibitors identified so far. Vitisin B is thus a prime candidate to be developed as the first HCV drug derived from natural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging is associated with upregulation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and increased vascular inflammation. TNF is a major proinflammatory cytokine that contributes to both vascular inflammation and vascular leak syndrome (VLS). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the aging affects TNF-induced VLS. Vascular leak, histology, and cytokine assays were performed in young and aged groups of wild-type and TNF overexpressing transgenic (Tg) mice. An aged group of TNF Tg mice showed substantially amplified VLS compared with young Tg mice. Age-related amplification of TNF-induced VLS appears to be related to local vascular fibrosis and the systemic upregulation of TNF and MCP-1 levels in older TNF Tg mice. Our finding suggests that chronic high-grade TNF exposure could mediate the severe vascular pathogenicity of VLS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood monocytes are recruited to injured tissue sites and differentiate into macrophages, which protect against pathogens and repair damaged tissues. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are known to be an important contributor to monocytes’ differentiation and macrophages’ function. NF-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2), a transcription factor regulating cellular redox homeostasis, is known to be a critical modulator of inflammatory responses. We herein investigated the role of NRF2 in macrophage differentiation using the human monocytic U937 cell line and phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA). In U937 cells with NRF2 silencing, PMA-stimulated cell adherence was significantly facilitated when compared to control U937 cells. Both transcript and protein levels for pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukine-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) were highly elevated in PMA-stimulated NRF2-silenced U937 compared to the control. In addition, PMA-inducible secretion of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) was significantly high in NRF2-silenced U937. As an underlying mechanism, we showed that NRF2-knockdown U937 retained high levels of cellular ROS and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers expression; and subsequently, PMA-stimulated levels of Ca2+ and PKCα were greater in NRF2-knockdown U937 cells, which caused enhanced nuclear accumulation of nuclear factor-ҡB (NFҡB) p50 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-1/2 phosphorylation. Whereas the treatment of NRF2-silenced U937 cells with pharmacological inhibitors of NFҡB or ERK1/2 largely blocked PMA-induced IL-1β and IL-6 expression, indicating that these pathways are associated with cell differentiation. Taken together, our results suggest that the NRF2 system functions to suppress PMA-stimulated U937 cell differentiation into pro-inflammatory macrophages and provide evidence that the ROS-PKCα-ERK-NFҡB axis is involved in PMA-facilitated differentiation of NRF2-silenced U937 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IL-6 is a major causative factor of inflammatory disease. Although IL-6 and its signaling pathways are promising targets, orally available small-molecule drugs specific for IL-6 have not been developed. To discover IL-6 antagonists, we screened our in-house chemical library and identified LMT-28, a novel synthetic compound, as a candidate IL-6 blocker. The activity, mechanism of action, and direct molecular target of LMT-28 were investigated. A reporter gene assay showed that LMT-28 suppressed activation of STAT3 induced by IL-6, but not activation induced by leukemia inhibitory factor. In addition, LMT-28 downregulated IL-6-stimulated phosphorylation of STAT3, gp130, and JAK2 protein and substantially inhibited IL-6-dependent TF-1 cell proliferation. LMT-28 antagonized IL-6-induced TNF-α production in vivo. In pathologic models, oral administration of LMT-28 alleviated collagen-induced arthritis and acute pancreatitis in mice. Based on the observation of upstream IL-6 signal inhibition by LMT-28, we hypothesized IL-6, IL-6Rα, or gp130 to be putative molecular targets. We subsequently demonstrated direct interaction of LMT-28 with gp130 and specific reduction of IL-6/IL-6Rα complex binding to gp130 in the presence of LMT-28, which was measured by surface plasmon resonance analysis. Taken together, our data suggest that LMT-28 is a novel synthetic IL-6 inhibitor that functions through direct binding to gp130. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new, rapid, and sensitive liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the determination of vitisin B and validated in rat plasma and urine using carbamazepine as an internal standard. The plasma (0.05 mL) or urine (0.2 mL) samples were extracted by liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate and separated on an Eclipse Plus C18 column (100 × 4.6 mm, 3.5 μm) with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid water (60:40, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.7 mL/min. Detection and quantification were performed by mass spectrometry in selected reaction-monitoring mode with positive electrospray ionization. The calibration curves were recovered over the concentration ranges of 10−5000 ng/mL (correlation coefficients, r≥0.9833) in plasma and 5−2500 ng/mL ( r≥0.9977) in urine, respectively. All validation data, including the specificity, precision, accuracy, recovery, and stability, conformed to the acceptance requirements. No matrix effects were observed. The developed method was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic studies of vitisin B following intravenous administration of 0.5 and 1 mg/kg and intraperitoneal injection of 5, 10, and 25 mg/kg to rats. This is the first report on the pharmacokinetic properties of vitisin B. The results provide a meaningful basis to evaluate preclinical or clinical applications of vitisin B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although TNF-α possesses promising anticancer activity, clinical application is limited partly due to cardiovascular toxicities. TNF-α effects on vessels are likely related to vascular toxicity, but much remains poorly understood. Similarly, IL-2 is an attractive treatment option for cancers but its clinical use is limited by the side effect of vascular leak syndrome (VLS). We report here that TNF-α alone can trigger VLS. Administration of recombinant TNF-α induced VLS in normal mice and TNF-α transgenic mice exhibited VLS. Perivascular infiltrates in the lungs and specific cytokines in serum were observed in VLS-induced mice. This study shed a new light on the critical role of the TNF-α in IL-2-induced or non IL-2-induced VLS and provides important points to TNF-α therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection is the primary cause of cervical cancer. Despite the development of the HPV vaccine to prevent infections, cervical cancer is still a fatal malignant tumor and metastatic disease, and it is often difficult to treat, so a new treatment strategy is needed. The FDA-approved drug Bazedoxifene is a novel inhibitor of protein–protein interactions between IL-6 and GP130. Multiple ligand simultaneous docking and drug repositioning approaches have demonstrated that an IL-6/GP130 inhibitor can act as a selective estrogen modulator. However, the molecular basis for GP130 activation in cervical cancer remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the anticancer properties of Bazedoxifene in HPV-positive cervical cancer cells. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that Bazedoxifene inhibited cell invasion, migration, colony formation, and tumor growth in cervical cancer cells. We also confirmed that Bazedoxifene inhibits the GP130/STAT3 pathway and suppresses the EMT (Epithelial-mesenchymal transition) sub-signal. Thus, these data not only suggest a molecular mechanism by which the GP130/STAT3 pathway may promote cancer, but also may provide a basis for cervical cancer replacement therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: LncRNA is a promising biomarker that predicts the prognosis of a variety of cancers, but the important role of E2F4antisense lncRNA in cancer remains unclear. Therefore, we decided to explore the role of E2F4as lncRNA in the blood of an ovarian cancer patient. We found that E2F4as was highly expressed in ovarian cancer patients, and that the higher the expression of E2F4as, the worse the patient's prognosis. In addition, we observed that downregulation of E2F4as in ovarian cancer cells reduced cell proliferation, invasion and migration, decreased expression of EMT-related genes, and increased apoptosis. These findings suggest that E2F4as may be a predictive biomarker in the blood of ovarian cancer patients, and have shown the potential to promote tumor aggression through EMT-related mechanisms. (1) Background: LncRNAs could be a promising biomarker to predict the prognosis of various cancers. The significance of E2F4antisense lncRNA remains unclear in cancer. In this study, we examined the expression level of E2F4as in the serum of ovarian cancer patients and the functional role of E2F4as. (2) Methods: Serum samples were obtained from 108 OC patients and 32 normal patients to measure the expression of E2F4as in the serum. Ovarian cancer cells were used to investigate the role of E2F4as in cell proliferation, invasion, migration and apoptosis, and the expression of E2F4as was knocked down using RNA interference. In addition, E2F4as knockdown cell lines were used in in vivo experiments. (3) Results: The expression of E2F4as was significantly higher in the serum of OC patients than in that of control patients (p < 0.05). The knockdown of E2F4as in ovarian cancer cells led to a decrease in cell proliferation, invasion and migration and an increase in apoptosis. E2F4as knockdown also reduced the expression of epithelium–mesenchymal metastasis (EMT) genes. (4) Conclusion: These findings highlight the clinical significance of E2F4as in predicting the prognosis of OC patients and suggest its potential in promoting tumour aggressiveness by the regulation of EMT-related mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oligostilbenoid compounds, a group of resveratrol multimers, display several anti-microbial activities through the neutralization of cytotoxic oxidants, and by inhibiting essential host and viral enzymes. In our previous study, we identified a series of oligostilbenoid compounds as potent hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication inhibitors. In particular, vitisin B, a resveratrol tetramer, exhibited the most dramatic anti-HCV activity (EC50 = 6 nM and CC50 > 10 μM) via the disruption of the viral helicase NS3 (IC50 = 3 nM). However, its further development as an HCV drug candidate was halted due to its intrinsic drawbacks, such as poor stability, low water solubility, and restricted in vivo absorption. In order to overcome these limitations, we focused on (+)-ε-viniferin, a resveratrol dimer, as an alternative. We prepared three different versions of (+)-ε-viniferin, including one which was extracted from the grapevine root (EVF) and two which were chemically synthesized with either penta-acetylation (SVF-5Ac) or no acetylation (SVF) using a newly established synthesis method. We confirmed their anti-HCV replication activities and minimal cytotoxicity by using genotype 1b and 2a HCV replicon cells. Their anti-HCV replication action also translated into a significant reduction of viral protein expression. Anti-HCV NS3 helicase activity by EVF was also verified in vitro. Finally, we demonstrated that SVF has improved pharmacokinetic properties over vitisin B. Overall, the favorable antiviral and pharmacokinetic properties of these three versions of viniferin warrant their further study as members of a promising new class of anti-HCV therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]