Submit to Molecules Review for Molecules Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Role of Natural Compounds in Inflammation and Inflammatory-Related Diseases

Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural Products Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2019) | Viewed by 69773

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special issue Role of Natural Compounds in Inflammation and Inflammatory-Related Diseases book cover image

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Francesco Maione

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

ImmunoPharmaLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy
Interests: inflammation; immuno-pharmacology; pharmacology of natural compounds and nutraceuticals
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Inflammation is a complex biological response to injury as a result of different stimuli such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. Inflammatory injuries induce the release of a variety of systemic mediators, cytokines and chemokines that orchestrate the cellular infiltration that consequentially bring about the resolution of inflammatory responses and the restoration of tissue integrity. However, persistent inflammatory stimuli or the disregulation of mechanisms of the resolution phase can lead to chronic inflammation and inflammatory-based diseases.

Nowadays, commercially approved anti-inflammatory drugs are represented by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), glucocorticoids (SAID), and in some cases immunosuppressant and/or biological drugs. These agents are effective for the relief of the main inflammatory symptoms. However, they induce severe side effects, and most of them are inadequate for chronic use.

Starting from these premises, the demand for new effective and safe anti-inflammatory drugs has furthered research into new therapeutic approaches. The recent and emerging scientific community slant is oriented towards natural products/compounds that could represent a treasure for the discovery of new active molecules and for the development of new drugs and potentially useful therapeutic agents in different inflammatory-related diseases.

We hope that this Special Issue will stimulate the interest of the scientific community involved in studying the effects of natural products/compounds on different fields of interests such as acute and chronic inflammation, inflammatory pain, inflammatory-related diseases (such as autoimmune disease) and other.

The papers published here will contribute to proposing new insights into the mechanisms of several conditions, as well as suggesting new diagnostic alternatives and therapeutic targets in widespread pathologies. The discovery of the new is, as always, anchored in recourse to the old.

Prof. Francesco Maione
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Inflammation
Inflammatory-based diseases
Natural compounds
Natural products
Nutraceuticals

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (12 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

16 pages, 2130 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nardochinoid B Inhibited the Activation of RAW264.7 Macrophages Stimulated by Lipopolysaccharide through Activating the Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway

by Yun-Da Yao, Xiu-Yu Shen, Jorge Machado, Jin-Fang Luo, Yi Dai, Chon-Kit Lio, Yang Yu, Ying Xie, Pei Luo, Jian-Xin Liu, Xin-Sheng Yao, Zhong-Qiu Liu and Hua Zhou

Molecules 2019, 24(13), 2482; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24132482 - 6 Jul 2019

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 6907

Abstract

Nardochinoid B (NAB) is a new compound isolated from Nardostachys chinensis. Although our previous study reported that the NAB suppressed the production of nitric oxide (NO) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW264.7 cells, the specific mechanisms of anti-inflammatory action of NAB remains unknown. Thus, we examined the effects of NAB against LPS-induced inflammation. In this study, we found that NAB suppressed the LPS-induced inflammatory responses by restraining the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) proteins and mRNA instead of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein and mRNA in RAW264.7 cells, implying that NAB may have lower side effects compared with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Besides, NAB upregulated the protein and mRNA expressions of heme oxygenase (HO)-1 when it exerted its anti-inflammatory effects. Also, NAB restrained the production of NO by increasing HO-1 expression in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Thus, it is considered that the anti-inflammatory effect of NAB is associated with an induction of antioxidant protein HO-1, and thus NAB may be a potential HO-1 inducer for treating inflammatory diseases. Moreover, our study found that the inhibitory effect of NAB on NO is similar to that of the positive drug dexamethasone, suggesting that NAB has great potential for developing new drugs in treating inflammatory diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Natural Compounds in Inflammation and Inflammatory-Related Diseases)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

19 pages, 6762 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Lasting Anti-Inflammatory and Antinociceptive Effects of Acute Ammonium Glycyrrhizinate Administration: Pharmacological, Biochemical, and Docking Studies

by Francesco Maione, Paola Minosi, Amalia Di Giannuario, Federica Raucci, Maria Giovanna Chini, Simona De Vita, Giuseppe Bifulco, Nicola Mascolo and Stefano Pieretti

Molecules 2019, 24(13), 2453; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24132453 - 4 Jul 2019

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 4349

Abstract

The object of the study was to estimate the long-lasting effects induced by ammonium glycyrrhizinate (AG) after a single administration in mice using animal models of pain and inflammation together with biochemical and docking studies. A single intraperitoneal injection of AG was able to produce anti-inflammatory effects in zymosan-induced paw edema and peritonitis. Moreover, in several animal models of pain, such as the writhing test, the formalin test, and hyperalgesia induced by zymosan, AG administered 24 h before the tests was able to induce a strong antinociceptive effect. Molecular docking studies revealed that AG possesses higher affinity for microsomal prostaglandin E synthase type-2 compared to type-1, whereas it seems to locate better in the binding pocket of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 compared to COX-1. These results demonstrated that AG induced anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects until 24–48 h after a single administration thanks to its ability to bind the COX/mPGEs pathway. Taken together, all these findings highlight the potential use of AG for clinical treatment of pain and/or inflammatory-related diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Natural Compounds in Inflammation and Inflammatory-Related Diseases)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 3602 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanism Investigation of Tagetes patula L. against Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis by Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology

by Xueying Liu, Xiaoku Ran, Muhammad Riaz, Haixue Kuang, Deqiang Dou and Decheng Cai

Molecules 2019, 24(12), 2266; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24122266 - 18 Jun 2019

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4107

Abstract

The major objective of this study was to investigate the anti-chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (CNP) mechanism of T. patula by metabolomics and network pharmacology. The study demonstrated that the flavonoids and polysaccharides of T. patula could alleviate prostatitis by improving the level of DHT, reducing the secretion of PSA and TNF-α. Besides, both could enhance Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity, decrease the O₂ consumption, CO₂ production, heat production, energy expenditure of rats and promote respiratory exchange ratio of rats. Up to 28 potential biomarkers and 8 key metabolic pathways related to the treatment of CNP were elucidated by the metabolomics analysis, including phenylalanine metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism etc. Network pharmacology prediction also reflected the potential mechanism was associated with tryptophan metabolism and energy pathway. Generally, the potential anti-CNP mechanism of flavonoids and polysaccharides of T. patula might be through reducing the expression of inflammation factors, adjusting the level of hormone and regulating the amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism and glucose and lipid metabolism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Natural Compounds in Inflammation and Inflammatory-Related Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

8 pages, 412 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inhibitory Effects on NO Production and DPPH Radicals and NBT Superoxide Activities of Diarylheptanoid Isolated from Enzymatically Hydrolyzed Ehthanolic Extract of Alnus sibirica

by Hye Soo Wang, Yoon Jeong Hwang, Jun Yin and Min Won Lee

Molecules 2019, 24(10), 1938; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24101938 - 20 May 2019

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2856

Abstract

Alnus sibirica (AS) is geographically distributed in Korea, Japan, Northeast China, and Russia. Various anti-oxidant, anti-inflammation, anti-atopic dermatitis and anti-cancer biological effects of AS have been reported. Enzymatic hydrolysis decomposes the sugar bond attached to glycoside into aglycone which, generally, has a superior biological activity, compared to glycoside. Enzymatic hydrolysis of the extract (EAS) from AS was processed and the isolated compounds were investigated—hirsutanonol (1), hirsutenone (2), rubranol (3), and muricarpon B (4). The structures of these compounds were elucidated, and the biological activities were assessed. The ability of EAS and the compounds (1–4) to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and Nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) superoxide, and to inhibit NO production was evaluated in vitro. EAS showed more potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity than AS. All investigated compounds showed excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Natural Compounds in Inflammation and Inflammatory-Related Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 3391 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polyphenols-Rich Fruit (Euterpe edulis Mart.) Prevents Peripheral Inflammatory Pathway Activation by the Short-Term High-Fat Diet

by Aline Boveto Santamarina, Giovana Jamar, Laís Vales Mennitti, Daniel Araki Ribeiro, Caroline Margonato Cardoso, Veridiana Vera de Rosso, Lila Missae Oyama and Luciana Pellegrini Pisani

Molecules 2019, 24(9), 1655; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24091655 - 27 Apr 2019

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3378

Abstract

Juçara berry is a potential inflammatory modulator, rich in dietary fiber, fatty acids, and anthocyanins. Considering this, we evaluated the high-fat diet (HFD) intake supplemented with different doses of freeze-dried juçara pulp on the TLR4 pathway. Twenty-seven male Wistar rats with ad libitum access to food and water were divided into four experimental groups: control standard chow group (C); high-fat diet control group (HFC); high-fat diet juçara 0.25% group (HFJ0.25%); and high-fat diet juçara 0.5% group (HFJ0.5%). The inflammatory parameters were analyzed by ELISA and Western blotting in liver and retroperitoneal adipose tissue (RET). The HFJ0.25% group had the energy intake, aspartate transaminase (AST) levels, and liver triacylglycerol accumulation reduced; also, the tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) expression in RET were reduced. However, there were no changes in other protein expressions in liver and adipose tissue. Adiposity and pNFκBp50 had a positive correlation in HFC and HFJ0.5%, but not in the C group and HFJ0.25%. The necrosis hepatic score did not change with treatment; however, the serum (AST) levels and the hepatic triacylglycerol were increased in HFC and HFJ0.5%. These results demonstrated that one week of HFD intake triggered pro-inflammatory mechanisms and liver injury. Additionally, 0.25% juçara prevented inflammatory pathway activation, body weight gain, and liver damage Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Natural Compounds in Inflammation and Inflammatory-Related Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 2221 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antineuroinflammatory Activities and Neurotoxicological Assessment of Curcumin Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles on LPS-Stimulated BV-2 Microglia Cell Models

by Palanivel Ganesan, Byungwook Kim, Prakash Ramalingam, Govindarajan Karthivashan, Vishnu Revuri, Shinyoung Park, Joon Soo Kim, Young Tag Ko and Dong-Kug Choi

Molecules 2019, 24(6), 1170; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24061170 - 25 Mar 2019

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 6488

Abstract

Curcumin, which is a potential antineuroinflammatory and neuroprotective compound, exhibits poor bioavailability in brain cells due to its difficulty in crossing the blood–brain barrier and its rapid metabolism during circulation, which decreases its efficacy in treating chronic neuroinflammatory diseases in the central nervous system. The bioavailability and potential of curcumin can be improved by using a nanodelivery system, which includes solid lipid nanoparticles. Curcumin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLCN) were efficiently developed to have a particle size of about 86 nm and do not exhibit any toxicity in the endothelial brain cells. Furthermore, the curcumin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLCN) were studied to assess their efficacy in BV-2 microglial cells against LPS-induced neuroinflammation. The SLCN showed a higher inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production compared to conventional curcumin in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, the mRNA and proinflammatory cytokine levels were also reduced in a dose-dependent manner when compared to those with free curcumin. Thus, SLCN could be a potential delivery system for curcumin to treat microglia-mediated neuroinflammation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Natural Compounds in Inflammation and Inflammatory-Related Diseases)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

13 pages, 2464 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Theaflavins Improve Memory Impairment and Depression-Like Behavior by Regulating Microglial Activation

by Yasuhisa Ano, Rena Ohya, Masahiro Kita, Yoshimasa Taniguchi and Keiji Kondo

Molecules 2019, 24(3), 467; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24030467 - 28 Jan 2019

Cited by 43 | Viewed by 5794

Abstract

Inflammation in the brain is associated with various disorders including Alzheimer’s disease and depression. Thus, inflammation has received increasing attention regarding preventive approaches to such disorders. Epidemiological investigations have reported that drinking tea reduces the risk of dementia and depression. Theaflavins, a polyphenol found in black tea, are known to have anti-oxidative and anti-inflammation effects, but the effects of theaflavins on cognitive decline and depression induced by inflammation have not been investigated. To address this research gap, the present study assessed whether theaflavins could protect synapses and dendrites damaged by inflammation and prevent concomitant memory impairment and depression-like behavior in mice. Intracerebroventricular injection with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces neural inflammation associated with reduced spontaneous alternations in the Y-maze test and increased immobility in the tail suspension test, indicating impaired spatial memory and depression-like behavior, respectively. Oral administration with theaflavins prevented these behavioral changes induced by LPS. Theaflavins also suppressed productions of inflammatory cytokines and prevented dendritic atrophy and spine loss in the brain. Notably, theaflavins have a stronger anti-inflammatory effect than other polyphenols such as catechin, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid. These results suggest that theaflavins can suppress neural inflammation and prevent the symptoms of inflammation-related brain disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Natural Compounds in Inflammation and Inflammatory-Related Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1938 KiB

Open AccessArticle

20-Hydroxy-3-Oxolupan-28-Oic Acid Attenuates Inflammatory Responses by Regulating PI3K–Akt and MAPKs Signaling Pathways in LPS-Stimulated RAW264.7 Macrophages

by Yufeng Cao, Fu Li, Yanyan Luo, Liang Zhang, Shuya Lu, Rui Xing, Bingjun Yan, Hongyin Zhang and Weicheng Hu

Molecules 2019, 24(3), 386; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24030386 - 22 Jan 2019

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3660

Abstract

20-Hydroxy-3-oxolupan-28-oic acid (HOA), a lupane-type triterpene, was obtained from the leaves of Mahonia bealei, which is described in the Chinese Pharmacopeia as a remedy for inflammation and related diseases. The anti-inflammatory mechanisms of HOA, however, have not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the molecular mechanisms of HOA in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. HOA suppressed the release of nitric oxide (NO), pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages without affecting cell viability. Quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis indicated that HOA also suppressed the gene expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), TNF-α, and IL-6. Further analyses demonstrated that HOA inhibited the phosphorylation of upstream signaling molecules, including p85, PDK1, Akt, IκBα, ERK, and JNK, as well as the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65. Interestingly, HOA had no effect on the LPS-induced nuclear translocation of activator protein 1 (AP-1). Taken together, these results suggest that HOA inhibits the production of cytokine by downregulating iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-6 gene expression via the downregulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and the inhibition of NF-κB activation. Our findings indicate that HOA could potentially be used as an anti-inflammatory agent for medical use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Natural Compounds in Inflammation and Inflammatory-Related Diseases)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 1854 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidant Activity of Portulaca oleracea Extract on LPS-Induced Rat Lung Injury

by Vafa Baradaran Rahimi, Hassan Rakhshandeh, Federica Raucci, Benedetta Buono, Reza Shirazinia, Alireza Samzadeh Kermani, Francesco Maione, Nicola Mascolo and Vahid Reza Askari

Molecules 2019, 24(1), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24010139 - 1 Jan 2019

Cited by 102 | Viewed by 9171

Abstract

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are classified as two lung complications arising from various conditions such as sepsis, trauma, and lung inflammation. Previous studies have shown that the extract of the leaves of Portulaca oleracea (PO) possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities. In the present study, the effects of PO (50–200 mg/kg) and dexamethasone (Dexa; 1.5 mg/kg) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI were investigated. Subsequentially, the lung wet/dry ratio; white blood cells (WBC); levels of nitric oxide (NO); myeloperoxidase (MPO); malondialdehyde (MDA); thiol groups formation; super oxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities; and levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6, IL-10, prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂), and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in the broncho alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were evaluated in order to demonstrate the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of PO. Our results show that PO suppresses lung inflammation by the reduction of IL-β, IL-6, TNF-α, PGE₂, and TGF-β, as well as by the increase of IL-10 levels. We also found that PO improves the level of WBC, MPO, and MDA, as well as thiol group formation and SOD and CAT activities, compared with the LPS group. The results of our investigation also show that PO significantly decreased the lung wet/dry ratio as an index of interstitial edema. Taken together, our findings reveal that PO extract dose-dependently displays anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity against LPS-induced rat ALI, paving the way for rational use of PO as a protective agent against lung-related inflammatory disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Natural Compounds in Inflammation and Inflammatory-Related Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 2057 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Iso-α-Acids, the Bitter Components of Beer, Suppress Microglial Inflammation in rTg4510 Tauopathy

by Yasuhisa Ano, Yuta Takaichi, Kazuyuki Uchida, Keiji Kondo, Hiroyuki Nakayama and Akihiko Takashima

Molecules 2018, 23(12), 3133; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23123133 - 29 Nov 2018

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3879

Abstract

Due to the growth in aging populations, prevention for cognitive decline and dementia are in great demand. We previously demonstrated that the consumption of iso-α-acids (IAA), the hop-derived bitter compounds in beer, prevents inflammation and Alzheimer’s disease pathology in model mice. However, the effects of iso-α-acids on inflammation induced by other agents aside from amyloid β have not been investigated. In this study, we demonstrated that the consumption of iso-α-acids suppressed microglial inflammation in the frontal cortex of rTg4510 tauopathy mice. In addition, the levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including IL-1β and MIP-1β, in the frontal cortex of rTg4510 mice were greater than those of wild-type mice, and were reduced in rTg4510 mice fed with iso-α-acids. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that the expression of cells producing CD86, CD68, TSPO, MIP-1α, TNF-α, and IL-1β in microglia was increased in rTg4510 mice compared with wild-type mice. Furthermore, the expression of CD86- and MIP-1α-producing cells was reduced in rTg4510 mice administered with iso-α-acids. Moreover, the consumption of iso-α-acids reduced the levels of phosphorylated tau in the frontal cortex. Collectively, these results suggest that the consumption of iso-α-acids prevents the inflammation induced in tauopathy mice. Thus, iso-α-acids may help in preventing inflammation-related brain disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Natural Compounds in Inflammation and Inflammatory-Related Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 2360 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nuciferine Inhibits Proinflammatory Cytokines via the PPARs in LPS-Induced RAW264.7 Cells

by Chao Zhang, Jianjun Deng, Dan Liu, Xingxia Tuo, Yan Yu, Haixia Yang and Nanping Wang

Molecules 2018, 23(10), 2723; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23102723 - 22 Oct 2018

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 6156

Abstract

Inflammation is important and has been found to be an underlying cause in many acute and chronic human diseases. Nuciferine, a natural alkaloid containing an aromatic ring, is found in the nelumbo nucifera leaves. It has been shown to have potential anti-inflammatory activities, but the molecular mechanism has remained unclear. In this study, we found that nuciferine (10 μM) significantly inhibited the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and TNF-α production in RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, the luciferase reporter assay results of different subtypes of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) showed that nuciferine dose-dependently activated all the PPAR activities. Specific inhibitors of PPARα and PPARγ significantly abolished the production of inflammatory cytokines as well as IκBα degradation. However, PPARδ inhibitor did not show this effect. Our results suggested a potential molecular mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effects of nuciferine in LPS-induced inflammation, at least in part, by activating PPARα and PPARγ in RAW 264.7 cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Natural Compounds in Inflammation and Inflammatory-Related Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

21 pages, 1093 KiB

Open AccessReview

Therapeutic Approaches of Resveratrol on Endometriosis via Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Angiogenic Pathways

by Ana-Maria Dull, Marius Alexandru Moga, Oana Gabriela Dimienescu, Gabriela Sechel, Victoria Burtea and Costin Vlad Anastasiu

Molecules 2019, 24(4), 667; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24040667 - 13 Feb 2019

Cited by 105 | Viewed by 11994

Abstract

Endometriosis represents a severe gynecological pathology, defined by implantation of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity. This pathology affects almost 15% of women during reproductive age and has a wide range of consequences. In affected women, infertility has a 30% rate of prevalence and endometriosis implants increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Despite long periods of studies and investigations, the etiology and pathogenesis of this disease still remain not fully understood. Initially, endometriosis was related to retrograde menstruation, but new theories have been launched, suggesting that chronic inflammation can influence the development of endometriosis because inflammatory mediators have been identified elevated in patients with endometriosis, specifically in the peritoneal fluid. The importance of dietary phytochemicals and their effect on different inflammatory diseases have been highlighted, and nowadays more and more studies are focused on the analysis of nutraceuticals. Resveratrol is a phytoestrogen, a natural polyphenolic compound with antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory actions, found in many dietary sources such as grapes, wine, peanuts, soy, berries, and stilbenes. Resveratrol possesses a significant anti-inflammatory effect via inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis and it has been proved that resveratrol can exhibit apoptosis-inducing activities. From the studies reviewed in this paper, it is clear that the anti-inflammatory effect of this natural compound can contribute to the prevention of endometriosis, this phenolic compound now being considered a new innovative drug in the prevention and treatment of this disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Natural Compounds in Inflammation and Inflammatory-Related Diseases)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Role of Natural Compounds in Inflammation and Inflammatory-Related Diseases

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (12 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI