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Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Natural Bioactive Compounds

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A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Bioactives and Nutraceuticals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 May 2024) | Viewed by 12743

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Dr. Jianqiang Xu

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School of Chemical Enginnering, Ocean Technology and Life Science (CEOTLS), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China
Interests: thioredoxin reductase; selenoprotein; inflammation; tumor drug resistance; small molecule inhibitor; ferroptosis; oxidative stress; disulfide stress
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Dear Colleagues,

Oxidative stress and inflammation are companied and responsible for many chronic diseases. As is known, inflammation is a defensive response of organisms to harmful stimuli such as trauma and infection. When the immune system is out of balance, the body's response to inflammatory factors either decreases or increases, leading to various diseases such as immunodeficiency diseases, allergic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cancers and so on. The lack of effective immunoregulation of current drugs without side effects stimulates the search for new active substances. In cellular circumstances, redox balance and rebalance are essential for maintaining cellular physiological function and pathogenic adaptation against oxidative stress. Noteworthily, natural components and herb extracts are important structure libraries or drug portfolios, used to find active structures and improve synergic combinations. Plant-derived compounds provide new potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant molecules with diverse structures and activities, a wide range of targets and less toxic side effects. This Special Issue welcomes research into the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanism of natural active compounds and their applications in human diseases. Studies on the effects of natural bioactive compounds in chemotherapy and immunotherapy and cell fate regulation are very welcome.

Dr. Jianqiang Xu
Guest Editor

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Keywords

anti-inflammation
antioxidant
bioactive materials
immunoregulation
oxidative stress
natural herb extracts
small molecule inhibitor
cell fate modulation
redox regulation
anti-infection

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 3888 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ulva pertusa Modulated Colonic Oxidative Stress Markers and Clinical Parameters: A Potential Adjuvant Therapy to Manage Side Effects During 5-FU Regimen

by Alberto Repici, Anna Paola Capra, Ahmed Hasan, Rossella Basilotta, Sarah Adriana Scuderi, Michela Campolo, Irene Paterniti, Emanuela Esposito and Alessio Ardizzone

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(23), 12988; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252312988 - 3 Dec 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 974

Abstract

One of the most used chemotherapy agents in clinical practice is 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), a fluorinated pyrimidine in the category of antimetabolite agents. 5-FU is used to treat a variety of cancers, including colon, breast, pancreatic, and stomach cancers, and its efficacy lies in its direct impact on the patient’s DNA and RNA. Specifically, its mechanism blocks the enzymes thymidylate synthetase and uracil phosphatase, inhibiting the synthesis of uracil, which cannot be incorporated into nuclear and cytoplasmic RNA. Despite being one of the most used drugs in oncology, it is associated with several significant side effects, including inflammation of the mouth, loss of appetite, and reduction in blood cells. In our study, we examined the reduction of side effects in a 5-FU regimen administered at doses of 15 mg/kg and 6 mg/kg for 14 days in 6-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats. On the 14th day, the rats were treated orally for 2 weeks with 100 mg/kg of Ulva pertusa, a well-known seaweed from the Ulvaceae family, which has demonstrated powerful biological properties. The administration of this green alga alleviated the side effects of 5-FU, improving several parameters including body weight, food intake, and diarrhea index. It also helped reduce side effects in the blood, kidneys, and liver. Histological and molecular analyses were conducted on serum and colon tissues from the rats, examining changes in colon structure and the release of oxidative stress markers such as iNOS, COX-2, and nitrotyrosine. Several biochemical indicators, including SOD, CAT, GSH, MDA, and ascorbic acid, were also evaluated. Overall, our data indicated Ulva pertusa to be a promising therapeutic against 5-FU’s adverse effects, therefore, it could be worthwhile to investigate the possibility of using this alga in safer cancer treatment formulations. Certainly, future preclinical and clinical studies could assess the alga’s efficacy in diverse cancer treatment regimens, exploring its role as an adjuvant therapy that may reduce chemotherapy-related toxicity without compromising therapeutic outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Natural Bioactive Compounds)

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11 pages, 1352 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Melanogenic Effects of a Polysaccharide Isolated from Undaria pinnatifida Sporophyll Extracts

by Jae-Hoon Kim, Jeong-Heon Kim, Jae-Hoon Lee, Su-Jin Eom, Nam-Hyouck Lee, Saerom Lee, Tae-Gyu Lim, Kyung-Mo Song and Min-Cheol Kang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(19), 10624; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms251910624 - 2 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1359

Abstract

Undaria pinnatifida is a temperate brown alga known to exert free radical-scavenging and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we investigated the skin-whitening effects of U. pinnatifida sporophyll extracts (UPEs) in α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-stimulated B16F10 melanoma cells. The crude polysaccharide fraction (UPF) was obtained via ethanol precipitation. Four polysaccharide fractions (UPF1–4) were isolated and purified using ion-exchange column chromatography, and their anti-melanogenic activity was evaluated. UPF3 exhibited the highest anti-melanogenic activity, showing the highest sulfate (39.79%), fucose (143 μg/mg), and galactose (208 μg/mg) contents. UPF3 significantly inhibited intracellular tyrosinase activity in B16F10 cells. We also evaluated the melanogenic signaling pathway to determine the mechanism of action of UPF3 in melanongenesis. UPF3 reduced the expression of tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1), tyrosinase-related protein-2 (TRP-2), and tyrosinase, which play important roles in melanin production. Therefore, UPF3 has high potential for use in skin-whitening functional pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Natural Bioactive Compounds)

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20 pages, 5656 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potential of Coffee Cherry Pulp Extract against Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Air Pollution Induced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress for Topical Applications

by Weeraya Preedalikit, Chuda Chittasupho, Pimporn Leelapornpisid, Natthachai Duangnin and Kanokwan Kiattisin

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(17), 9416; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25179416 - 30 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1621

Abstract

Airborne particulate matter (PM) contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as primary toxic components, causing oxidative damage and being associated with various inflammatory skin pathologies such as premature aging, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis. Coffee cherry pulp (CCS) extract, rich in chlorogenic acid, caffeine, and theophylline, has demonstrated strong antioxidant properties. However, its specific anti-inflammatory effects and ability to protect macrophages against PAH-induced inflammation remain unexplored. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties of CCS extract on RAW 264.7 macrophage cells exposed to atmospheric PAHs, compared to chlorogenic acid (CGA), caffeine (CAF), and theophylline (THP) standards. The CCS extract was assessed for its impact on the production of nitric oxide (NO) and expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Results showed that CCS extract exhibited significant antioxidant activities and effectively inhibited protease and lipoxygenase (LOX) activities. The PAH induced the increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species, NO, TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS, and COX-2, which were markedly suppressed by CCS extract in a dose-dependent manner, comparable to the effects of chlorogenic acid, caffeine, and theophylline. In conclusion, CCS extract inhibits PAH-induced inflammation by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in RAW 264.7 cells. This effect is likely due to the synergistic effects of its bioactive compounds. Chlorogenic acid showed strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, while caffeine and theophylline enhanced anti-inflammatory activity. CCS extract did not irritate the hen’s egg chorioallantoic membrane. Therefore, CCS extract shows its potential as a promising cosmeceutical ingredient for safely alleviating inflammatory skin diseases caused by air pollution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Natural Bioactive Compounds)

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18 pages, 3181 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Toward Enhanced Antioxidant and Protective Potential: Conjugation of Corn Cob Xylan with Gallic Acid as a Novel Approach

by Isabelle Luna Oliveira Dantas-Berto, Rony Lucas Silva Viana, Mayara Jane Campos de Medeiros, Leonardo Thiago Duarte Barreto Nobre, Ana Carolina Luchiari, Valquíria Pereira Medeiros, Weslley Souza Paiva, Raniere Fagundes Melo-Silveira and Hugo Alexandre Oliveira Rocha

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(5), 2855; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25052855 - 1 Mar 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1576

Abstract

Maize ranks as the second most widely produced crop globally, yielding approximately 1.2 billion tons, with corn cob being its primary byproduct, constituting 18 kg per 100 kg of corn. Agricultural corn production generates bioactive polysaccharide-rich byproducts, including xylan (Xyl). In this study, we used the redox method to modify corn cob xylan with gallic acid, aiming to enhance its antioxidant and protective capacity against oxidative stress. The conjugation process resulted in a new molecule termed conjugated xylan–gallic acid (Xyl-GA), exhibiting notable improvements in various antioxidant parameters, including total antioxidant capacity (1.4-fold increase), reducing power (1.2-fold increase), hydroxyl radical scavenging (1.6-fold increase), and cupric chelation (27.5-fold increase) when compared with unmodified Xyl. At a concentration of 1 mg/mL, Xyl-GA demonstrated no cytotoxicity, significantly increased fibroblast cell viability (approximately 80%), and effectively mitigated intracellular ROS levels (reduced by 100%) following oxidative damage induced by H₂O₂. Furthermore, Xyl-GA exhibited non-toxicity toward zebrafish embryos, offered protection against H₂O₂-induced stress, and reduced the rate of cells undergoing apoptosis resulting from H₂O₂ exposure. In conclusion, our findings suggest that Xyl-GA possesses potential therapeutic value in addressing oxidative stress-related disturbances. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the molecular structure of this novel compound and establish correlations with its pharmacological activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Natural Bioactive Compounds)

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16 pages, 4683 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Compositions of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. (Huangqin) Extracts and Their Effects on ACE2 Binding of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein, ACE2 Activity, and Free Radicals

by Boyan Gao, Hanshu Zhu, Zhihao Liu, Xiaohua He, Jianghao Sun, Yanfang Li, Xianli Wu, Pamela Pehrsson, Yaqiong Zhang and Liangli Yu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(4), 2045; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25042045 - 7 Feb 2024

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1854

Abstract

The water and ethanol extracts of huangqin, the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. with potential antiviral properties and antioxidant activities, were investigated for their chemical profiles and their abilities to interfere with the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and ACE2, inhibiting ACE2 activity and scavenging free radicals. A total of 76 compounds were tentatively identified from the extracts. The water extract showed a greater inhibition on the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and ACE2, but less inhibition on ACE2 activity than that of the ethanol extract on a per botanical weight concentration basis. The total phenolic content was 65.27 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry botanical and the scavenging capacities against HO^●, DPPH^●, and ABTS^●+ were 1369.39, 334.37, and 533.66 µmol trolox equivalent (TE)/g dry botanical for the water extract, respectively. These values were greater than those of the ethanol extract, with a TPC of 20.34 mg GAE/g, and 217.17, 10.93, and 50.21 µmol TE/g against HO^●, DPPH^●, and ABTS^●+, respectively. The results suggested the potential use of huangqin as a functional food ingredient in preventing COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Natural Bioactive Compounds)

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12 pages, 2268 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Loliolide in Sargassum horneri Alleviates Ultrafine Urban Particulate Matter (PM 0.1)-Induced Inflammation in Human RPE Cells

by Eun Jeoung Lee, Sol Lee, Hyun-Jae Jang and Wonbeak Yoo

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(1), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25010162 - 21 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1585

Abstract

Owing to increasing air pollution due to industrial development, fine dust has been associated with threatening public health. In particular, ultrafine urban particulate matter (uf-UP, PM 0.1) can easily enter our bodies, causing inflammation-related diseases. Therefore, in the present study, we evaluated the effects of hydrothermal extracts of Sargassum horneri and its bioactive compound, loliolide, on uf-UP-induced inflammation as a potential treatment strategy for retinal disorders. Human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19) stimulated with TNF-α or uf-UPs were treated with S. horneri extract and loliolide. S. horneri extracts exhibited anti-inflammatory effects on uf-UP-induced inflammation without cell toxicity through downregulating the mRNA expression of MCP-1, IL-8, IL-6, and TNF-α. UPLC-QTOF/MS analysis confirmed that the hydrothermal extract of S. horneri contained loliolide, which has anti-inflammatory effects. Loliolide effectively reduced the mRNA expression and production of proinflammatory chemokines (IL-8) and cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6) by downregulating the MAPK/NF-ĸB signaling pathway on TNF-α-stimulated inflammatory ARPE-19 cells. These effects were further confirmed in inflammatory ARPE-19 cells after stimulation with uf-UPs. Collectively, these results suggested the application of S. horneri as a functional ingredient for treating ocular disorders caused by particular matters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Natural Bioactive Compounds)

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Review

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35 pages, 4345 KiB

Open AccessReview

Can Compounds of Natural Origin Be Important in Chemoprevention? Anticancer Properties of Quercetin, Resveratrol, and Curcumin—A Comprehensive Review

by Elżbieta Cecerska-Heryć, Zofia Wiśniewska, Natalia Serwin, Aleksandra Polikowska, Małgorzata Goszka, Weronika Engwert, Jaśmina Michałów, Maja Pękała, Marta Budkowska, Anna Michalczyk and Barbara Dołęgowska

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(8), 4505; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25084505 - 19 Apr 2024

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2762

Abstract

Malignant tumors are the second most common cause of death worldwide. More attention is being paid to the link between the body’s impaired oxidoreductive balance and cancer incidence. Much attention is being paid to polyphenols derived from plants, as one of their properties is an antioxidant character: the ability to eliminate reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, chelate specific metal ions, modulate signaling pathways affecting inflammation, and raise the level and activity of antioxidant enzymes while lowering those with oxidative effects. The following three compounds, resveratrol, quercetin, and curcumin, are polyphenols modulating multiple molecular targets, or increasing pro-apoptotic protein expression levels and decreasing anti-apoptotic protein expression levels. Experiments conducted in vitro and in vivo on animals and humans suggest using them as chemopreventive agents based on antioxidant properties. The advantage of these natural polyphenols is low toxicity and weak adverse effects at higher doses. However, the compounds discussed are characterized by low bioavailability and solubility, which may make achieving the blood concentrations needed for the desired effect challenging. The solution may lie in derivatives of naturally occurring polyphenols subjected to structural modifications that enhance their beneficial effects or work on implementing new ways of delivering antioxidants that improve their solubility and bioavailability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Natural Bioactive Compounds)

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