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The Role of Bioactives in Inflammation, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Current Issues in Molecular Biology (ISSN 1467-3045). This special issue belongs to the section "Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2025 | Viewed by 2816

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

An inflammatory response is a complex physiological defense mechanism of the body against harmful stimuli. However, a prolonged, excessive inflammatory response may damage the body in the long term and lead to chronic diseases. Recent studies suggest that natural bioactives play a crucial role in inflammation and disease, helping reduce the risks associated with inflammatory diseases, improving the state of wellbeing, and even improving the quality of life. Furthermore, different research models and methodologies can demonstrate the effectiveness and explain the biological mechanisms of such bioactives for inflammatory diseases. In this Special Issue, we welcome articles highlighting the current status of anti-inflammatory compounds, natural products, synthesized compounds, novel mechanisms, and targets of anti-inflammation.

Dr. Chan-Yen Kuo
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • anti-inflammation
  • bioactives
  • drug research and development
  • inflammatory diseases
  • natural products
  • signaling
  • synthesized compounds

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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9 pages, 1762 KB  
Article
Peucedanum japonicum-Derived Exosome-like Nanovesicles Alleviate Contact Dermatitis
by Yusuke Yamazumi, Tomoatsu Hayashi, Takuya Kojima, Takeaki Oda, Yasunari Kageyama, Tsutomu Nakamura, Yuki Kamoshida and Tetsu Akiyama
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(11), 909; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47110909 - 1 Nov 2025
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Abstract
Contact dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin disorder triggered by exposure to allergens or irritants and characterized by erythema, swelling, and immune cell infiltration. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of exosome-like nanovesicles derived from Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. (PjELNs) using a [...] Read more.
Contact dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin disorder triggered by exposure to allergens or irritants and characterized by erythema, swelling, and immune cell infiltration. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of exosome-like nanovesicles derived from Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. (PjELNs) using a 2,4,6-trinitrochlorobenzene (TNCB)-induced mouse model of contact dermatitis. Intraperitoneal administration of PjELNs markedly reduced ear swelling and histopathological damage and decreased infiltration of inflammatory immune cells, particularly neutrophils. Moreover, PjELNs downregulated the expression of key pro-inflammatory cytokines, including CXCL2 and IL-1β, in the affected tissue. These findings indicate that PjELNs alleviate contact dermatitis-associated inflammation and suggest their potential as a novel plant-derived therapeutic modality for inflammatory skin diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactives in Inflammation, 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 27038 KB  
Article
HCX3 Mitigates LPS-Induced Inflammatory Responses in Macrophages by Suppressing the Activation of the NF-κB Signaling Pathway
by Qianyi Wu, Jiyuan Shi, Luojin Wu, Lingxi Li, Yong Ling, Liming Mao and Jie Zhang
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(10), 809; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47100809 - 1 Oct 2025
Viewed by 550
Abstract
Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe pulmonary disorder characterized by the disruption of the alveolar–capillary barrier, leading to impaired oxygenation and pulmonary edema. Current pharmacological interventions primarily involve the use of steroid drugs, oxygen radical scavengers, and bronchodilators. However, the therapeutic efficacy [...] Read more.
Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe pulmonary disorder characterized by the disruption of the alveolar–capillary barrier, leading to impaired oxygenation and pulmonary edema. Current pharmacological interventions primarily involve the use of steroid drugs, oxygen radical scavengers, and bronchodilators. However, the therapeutic efficacy of these interventions remains inconsistent. Canthin-6-ones, a class of tryptophan-derived alkaloids, exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. In this study, we synthesized a novel Canthin-6-one derivative, namely HCX3, and evaluated its potential beneficial effects and underlying mechanisms on ALI. Prior to the experimental study, network pharmacology analysis revealed that HCX3 may exert anti-inflammatory effects in the context of ALI through the regulation of multiple signaling pathways, including the NF-κB pathways. To validate these findings, Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was employed to stimulate RAW 264.7 macrophages and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) to construct cellular models of inflammatory response associated with ALI. Our data demonstrated that exposure to HCX3 significantly inhibited the transcription and the secretion of multiple pro-inflammatory mediators, including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, HCX3 reduced LPS-induced phosphorylation levels of p65 and IκB-α in macrophages, indicating an inhibitory effect of the compound on the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway. Collectively, our data suggest that HCX3 exhibits significant anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting NF-κB-related signaling pathways, providing new insights for ALI treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactives in Inflammation, 2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 4537 KB  
Article
Colostrum-Derived Exosomal Lactoferrin Promotes Skin Fibroblast Regeneration by Suppressing Inflammatory Responses
by Chu-Hsun Cheng, Wei-Jer Hong, Chien-Nien Li, Yung-Hsueh Huang, Jeng-Haw Tsai, Chih-Yuan Huang, Jen-Chin Wu, Chan-Yen Kuo and Wen-Chun Kuo
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(7), 549; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47070549 - 15 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1713
Abstract
Lactoferrin (LF), a multifunctional glycoprotein found abundantly in bovine colostrum, is known for its regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we investigated the wound healing and immunomodulatory effects of colostrum-derived exosome-encapsulated lactoferrin (EV-exoLF) on dermal fibroblasts. EV-exoLF was isolated and characterized via [...] Read more.
Lactoferrin (LF), a multifunctional glycoprotein found abundantly in bovine colostrum, is known for its regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we investigated the wound healing and immunomodulatory effects of colostrum-derived exosome-encapsulated lactoferrin (EV-exoLF) on dermal fibroblasts. EV-exoLF was isolated and characterized via nanoparticle tracking analysis and flow cytometry. Functional assays demonstrated that EV-exoLF significantly promoted fibroblast viability and migration in both mouse NIH/3T3 and human HS-68 cell lines. Furthermore, EV-exoLF reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 and IL-6) and phosphorylated JNK in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated fibroblasts. These findings suggest that EV-exoLF not only enhances fibroblast-mediated wound closure but also mitigates inflammation, highlighting its therapeutic potential in skin regeneration. Colostrum-derived exosomal lactoferrin may serve as a promising natural, cell-free strategy for managing inflammatory skin conditions and improving wound healing outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactives in Inflammation, 2nd Edition)
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Review

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20 pages, 918 KB  
Review
Lights and Shadows of Essential Oil-Derived Compounds: Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Eugenol, Thymol, Cinnamaldehyde, and Carvacrol
by Rocco Latorre, Maria Chiara Valerii, Marco Benati, Russell Edward Lewis, Renato Spigarelli, Alberto Bernacchi, Giuseppe Lippi, Enzo Spisni and Paolo Gaibani
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(11), 915; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47110915 - 4 Nov 2025
Viewed by 187
Abstract
Essential oil-derived compounds such as eugenol, thymol, cinnamaldehyde, and carvacrol exhibit potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making them promising candidates for therapeutic and industrial applications. This review examines the current evidence regarding the mechanisms of action, efficacy, and ability to disrupt quorum sensing [...] Read more.
Essential oil-derived compounds such as eugenol, thymol, cinnamaldehyde, and carvacrol exhibit potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making them promising candidates for therapeutic and industrial applications. This review examines the current evidence regarding the mechanisms of action, efficacy, and ability to disrupt quorum sensing and biofilm formation of essential oil-derived compounds against a broad spectrum of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. The anti-inflammatory activity of these compounds is also highlighted, with emphasis on their modulation of key signaling pathways such as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and their ability to downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, challenges persist, including cytotoxicity at high concentrations, chemical instability, poor water solubility, and variable pharmacokinetics. Advanced delivery systems such as nano encapsulation and synergistic formulations offer potential strategies to overcome these limitations. This review highlights both the therapeutic potential and the current limitations of these natural compounds, emphasizing the need for continued research to translate preclinical findings into clinical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactives in Inflammation, 2nd Edition)
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