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PD-1/PD-L1 play a crucial role in modulating immune response and promoting self-tolerance through activating apoptosis of antigen-specific T cells and suppressing apoptosis of regulatory T cells. Although immunotherapy to block this may provide a greater survival benefit for some patients, the therapeutic effect shown in clinical trials is limited by shortage of pre-existing CD8+ T cells infiltrating the tumor. AST-301 is a pDNA-based therapeutic cancer vaccine encoding HER2 ICD sequence. It was effective in eliciting HER2-specific T cells and antibody immunity in the majority of breast and ovarian cancer patients who completed the vaccine regimen and has proven safety as well as long-term immunological memory efficacy of T-cell immune by the phase 1 study (PN 109, NCT00436254). Our previous study has shown that AST-301 has anti-tumor effects by mediating NK cells in human HER2+ gastric cancer cell (NCI-N87) xenograft athymic mice. Here, we aimed to determine whether combined administration of AST-301 can enhance the anti-tumor effect of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) using NCI-N87 xenograft humanized mouse. To confirm the tumor suppressive effect of pembrolizumab (anti-PD-1) treatment combined with AST-301 in the hu-CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell-engrafted NSG mice that formed tumors with NCI-N87, AST-301 (100 μg) and pembrolizumab (5 mg/kg) were administered into mice once a week for a total of 3 times and one booster doses of AST-301 was injected at week 4. Pembrolizumab low dose (5 mg/kg) test group administered with AST-301 had a relatively higher tumor growth inhibition (TGI) effect than the same concentration of Pembrolizumab alone group. TGI effect (%) of G2 (a combination of AST-301 and Pembrolizumab 5 mg/kg), G3 (Pembrolizumab 5 mg/kg), and G4 (Pembrolizumab 10 mg/kg) were 54%, 47%, and 78%, respectively. To evaluate the mechanism underlying the enhanced anti-tumor effect due to the combined administration of AST-301 and pembrolizumab, we measured the ratio of immune cells isolated from spleen and tumor in mice. in G2, the ratio of helper T cells and cytotoxic T cells in splenocytes higher than the vehicle-treated control group (G1), and the ratio of cytotoxic T cells infiltrated the tumor was also detected high in some subjects compared to those in all the other three groups. These results suggest that AST-301 can improve HER2+ gastric cancer treatment outcomes of immune checkpoint blockade therapy by inducing a robust cytotoxic CD8+ T cell response to tumor cells. Currently, we are ongoing study to prove the anti-tumor synergistic effects of the combination of AST-301 and various FDA-approved Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs). This effort is focused on narrowing the administration doses to low levels to resolve the safety issue of ADC or ICI, and it will strongly support the diverse applicability of the cancer therapeutic vaccine. Citation Format: Hyo-Hyun Park, Hye-Ran Kim, Jin Kyeong Choi, Jee Hyun Choi, JinHo Kang, Jinback Lim, Hyo Jung Lim, Jong Yeong Lee, Eunkyo Joung, Hun Jung. AST-301, a pDNA-based therapeutic cancer vaccine encoding HER2 ICD, improves the efficacy of checkpoint blockade therapy in CD34+ humanized gastric cancer mouse model [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 709.

BackgroundThe HER-2/neu, potent oncogenic protein, has several characteristics that make it a good antigen to serve as the model for developing pDNA-based tumor vaccine strategies.1–3 The observation that immunity co-exists with antigen-positive cancer cells indicates that HER-2 is immunogenic. AST-301 (pNGVL3-hICD) is a plasmid DNA-based therapeutic cancer vaccine encoding HER2 ICD sequence. The clinical efficacy and safety of AST-301 were already proven in HER2-positive breast cancer population, and long-term immunogenicity and survival were demonstrated well via phase 1 study (PN 109, NCT00436254) In this in-vivo study, AST-301 was investigated to evaluate the efficacy in HER2/neu-expressed gastric cancer xenograft model.MethodsA HER2-expressed gastric cancer xenograft model was established with NCI-N87 cell line inoculation in athymic-nude mice. Treatment groups were assigned as AST-301 alone (AST-301, 0.1 mg/head, i.d.), Trastuzumab (TZM, 20 mg/kg, i.p.) or AST-301 combining with Trastuzumab (AST-301+TZM) respectively. To evaluate tumor protective effect of drugs, mice were immunized 3 times in every week. Immunization of AST-301 or AST-301+TZM was completed, followed by tumor cell line inoculation. In another study to verify the anti-tumor effect of them, the administration of drugs was started when the tumor volumes reached approximately 150 mm3. AST-301 was immunized 3 times in every week to post-implantation 32nd day and TZM was injected 5 times per week. The tumor volumes were estimated and the percentage of tumor growth inhibition was calculated.ResultsIn our two in vivo efficacy studies, there was no significant specific safety issue in all groups. Tumor protective effect was observed in AST-301 group (1506.7±1603.0 mm3) compared with control group (GM-CSF, 1266.3±862.5 mm3) as an immune adjuvant (figure 1). However, AST-301+TZM group (1533.0±1186.3 mm3) did not show the tumor protective effect. The groups of AST-301 and AST-301+TZM were significantly higher to the anti-tumor activity than control group, and AST-301 was more effective than AST-301+TZM or TZM alone. On day 33 (32 days after starting treatment), tumor growth inhibition rate were 38.3 % (2503.4±1034.6 mm3), 10.9 % (1545.0±599.9 mm3) and 23.6 % (1912.9±97.1 mm3) in groups of AST-301, TZM and AST-301+TZM compared with control group, respectively.ConclusionsTumor protective and tumor therapeutic effect of AST-301 were demonstrated well in various doses and regimens on HER2/neu positive gastric cancer xenograft model. These data would be supporting a proof of concept (PoC) clinical study of HER-2/neu ICD therapeutic cancer vaccine in certain type of HER2/neu-expressed gastric cancer patient.ReferencesDisis ML. Enhancing cancer vaccine efficacy via modulation of the tumor microenvironment. Clin Cancer Res 2009;15:6476–6478.Disis ML, Wallace DR, Gooley TA, et al. Concurrent trastuzumab and HER2/neu-specific vaccination vaccination in patients with metastatic breast cancer. J Clin Oncol 2009;27:4685–4692.Disis ML, Schiffman K, Guthrie K, et al. Effect of dose on immune response in patients vaccinated with an her-2/neu intracellular domain protein–based vaccine. J Clin Oncol 2004;22:1916–1925.Ethics ApprovalThis experiment was conducted ethically with the approval of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (KBIO-IACUC-2021-038) in the Osong Medical Innovation Foundation Experimental Animal Center.ConsentN/AAbstract 776 Figure 1Tumor protective and tumor therapeutic effect of AST-301 on HER2/neu positive gastric cancer xenograft model

Nepetin derived from the flowers of Inula japonica, Inulae flos, has been reported to exert several biological activities, including anti-inflammatory responses. In this study, we evaluated the anti-allergic property of nepetin with its molecular mechanisms in bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) and mice. In this in vitro study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of nepetin on degranulation and generation of leukotriene C4 (LTC4) and prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) in IgE/antigen (Ag)-stimulated BMMC. The effect of nepetin on passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction was also studied in mice. Nepetin reduced degranulation and LTC4 generation in BMMC. The IgE/Ag-mediated signaling pathway demonstrated that nepetin suppressed intracellular Ca2+ level and activation of PLCγ1 and cPLA2. However, MAPKs were not affected by nepetin in BMMC. In addition, nepetin treatment reduced PGD2 production and suppressed cyclooxygenase-2 protein expression via the inhibition of the Akt and nuclear factor-κB signaling pathways. With respect to the local allergic response in vivo, oral administration of nepetin suppressed mast cell-dependent PCA reaction in a dose-dependent manner. The results of this study suggest that nepetin might have an anti-allergic potential related to mast cell-mediated inflammatory diseases.

Imperatorin has been known to exert many biological functions including anti-inflammatory activity. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of imperatorin on the production of inflammatory mediators in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC). Imperatorin inhibited degranulation and the generation of eicosanoids (leukotriene C4 (LTC4) and prostaglandin D2 (PGD2)) in IgE/antigen (Ag)-stimulated BMMC. To elucidate the molecular mechanism involved in this process, we investigated the effect of imperatorin on intracellular signaling in BMMC. Biochemical analyses of the IgE/Ag-mediated signaling pathway demonstrated that imperatorin dramatically attenuated degranulation and the production of 5-lipoxygenase-dependent LTC4 and cyclooxygenase-2-dependent PGD2 through the inhibition of intracellular calcium influx/phospholipase Cγ1, cytosolic phospholipase A2/mitogen-activated protein kinases and/or nuclear factor-κB pathways in BMMC. These results suggest that the effects of imperatorin on inhibition of degranulation and eicosanoid generation through the suppression of multiple steps of IgE/Ag-mediated signaling pathways would be beneficial for the prevention of allergic inflammation.

With the recent increase in the power of major retailers through consolidations, the world of brands has divided in two categories: national brands belonging to manufacturers and private brands belonging to retailers. While national brands are well studied in the literature, there is a dearth of studies on private brand phenomenon particularly from a manufacturer's point of view as opposed to that of retailers and consumers. To address this gap, we explore the antecedents and consequences of a manufacturer's private brand retailer dependence with a focus on the manufacturer's relationship with retailers. Drawing on the Resource Dependence Theory and Transaction Cost Economics, we examine various products and market characteristics as potential antecedents of a manufacturer's private brand retailer dependence while adopting private brand sales growth and returns from private brand production as outcomes using a sample of 153 South Korean manufacturers currently involved in private brand production. The results show that the private brand retailer dependence of a manufacturer leads to private brand sales growth directly and returns from private brand production indirectly through private brand sales growth, and has a negative effect on return from private brand production directly. Furthermore, product characteristics, such as product innovativeness through collaboration with retailers and search goods, and market characteristics, such as high retailer power and knowledge specificity of a retailer, increase a manufacturer's private brand retailer dependence and, therefore, private brand sales growth. The theoretical and managerial implications of the findings are discussed at the end.

Wound healing is a complex process orchestrated by the regeneration of the epithelium and the remodeling of the extracellular matrix through processes like collagen deposition. Galla Rhois has been widely used in traditional Korean medicine for its various pharmacological effects, including an anticoccidial effect, however, little is known about its healing activity. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of Galla Rhois ethanol extract (GRE) on wound healing activities, including H2O2-induced oxidative stress, cell migration, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays using human keratinocyte (HaCaT) and dermal fibroblasts (CCD-986SK). In addition, total soluble collagen deposition and collagen gene expression for Type I and III collagen were evaluated in CCD-986SK. Total tannin and flavonoid contents for GRE were measured. GRE induced a significant increase in the number and migration of cells, along with a decrease in cell death and LDH release. In addition, it also induced the over-expression of collagen Type I and III mRNA and caused increased synthesis of total soluble collagen. The contents of total tannin and flavonoid for GRE were 55.7% ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mg/g) and 62.9% ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mg/g), respectively. The results suggest that GRE can cause accelerated wound healing by increasing cell survival, proliferation, migration, and collagen synthesis along with a potential anti-oxidant property. This evidence provides novel insight into natural therapy for tissue injury.

We previously demonstrated the alleviation of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced airway inflammation by Inulae flos. In the present study, the effects of britanin, a sesquiterpene compound isolated from Inulae flos, were evaluated in an in vivo animal model for anti-asthma activity through observation of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), eosinophil recruitment, Th2 cytokine and IgE levels, and lung histopathology. Britanin administration effectively reduced AHR induced by aerosolized methacholine, airway eosinophilia, Th2 cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids and the supernatant of cultured splenocytes compared with OVA-induced mice. Histological studies showed that increased inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus secretion were reduced by britanin administration. Thus, britanin may have therapeutic potential for treating allergic asthma.

Background: A Korean herbal medicine, KOTMIN13, composed of Inula japonica Thunberg, Trichosanthes kirilowii Maximowicz var. japonica kitamura, Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn, and Allium macrostemon Bge, has been used for anti-allergic and anti-asthmatic treatment in oriental clinics, but its activity has not been investigated. Materials and Methods: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of KOTMIN13 for in vitro study, LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells were used to induce the production and expression of inflammatory mediators and its mechanisms. 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorobol-13 aceate (TPA)-induced ear edema and carrageenan-induced paw edema models were also used to evaluate the effect of KOTMIN13 on acute inflammation in vivo. Results: KOTMIN13 reduced the release of inflammatory mediators [nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6] and the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Mechanism studies showed the attenuation of LPS-induced NF-κB activation by KOTMIN13 via IκBα degradation abrogation and a subsequent decrease in nuclear p65 levels. Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (ERK, JNK, and p38) was also suppressed. Furthermore, KOTMIN13 ameliorated the development of TPA-induced ear edema and carrageenan-induced paw edema in acute inflammatory edema mouse models. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that KOTMIN13 inhibits inflammatory mediators through the inhibitions of NF-κB and MAPK activities in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells, as well as acute inflammation in edema models, indicating that KOTMIN13 is an effective suppressor for anti-inflammatory activities. SUMMARY KOTMIN13 decrease the production of No, PGE2, and proinflammatory cytokine (TNF-∝, IL-1β,IL-6).KOTMIN13 Suppressed the degradation of NF-kβ and IKβα and the phosorylation of MAP Kinases.Topical application of KOTMIN13 reduced mouse ear edema.Oral administration of KOTMIN13 decreased carrageenan-induced paw edema. Abbreviations used: NO: nitric oxide; PGE2: prostaglandin E2; iNOS: inducible NO synthase; COX-2: cyclooxygenase-2; TNF-α: tumor necrosis factor-α; IL: interleukin; NF-κB: nuclear factor kappaB; MAPK: mitogen-activated protein kinases; ERK: extracellular signal regulated kinase; JNK: c-jun N terminal kinase; TPA: 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate

BackgroundMacrolides are known to have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and tissue reparative effects. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of macrolides (erythromycin [EM] and roxithromycin [RXM]) on the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts and extracellular matrix accumulation in transforming growth factor (TGF) beta1–induced nasal polyp–derived fibroblasts (NPDFs) and to determine if NADPH oxidase (Nox) 4 and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in the aforementioned processes.MethodsNasal polyps of six patients (three women and three men; 32.3 ± 5.2 years of age) were acquired during surgery and NPDFs were isolated from surgical tissues. NPDFs were pretreated with macrolides for 2 hours before differentiation induction by TGF-beta1. The mRNA expressions of alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA), collagen types I and III, and Nox4 were determined by reverse-transcription–polymerase chain reaction, and the expression of alpha-SMA protein was determined by immunocytochemical staining. The amount of total collagen production was analyzed by SirCol collagen dye-binding assay. ROS activity was measured by nitroblue tetrazolium reduction assay and was visualized by fluorescent microscopy.ResultsIn TGF-beta1–induced NPDFs, EM, and RXM significantly inhibited expressions of alpha-SMA and collagen types I and III mRNA and reduced alpha-SMA and collagen protein levels at concentrations of 5 and 10 μg/mL. EM and RXM also inhibited TGF-β1–induced ROS production and Nox4 mRNA expression at the same concentrations.ConclusionThese results suggest the possibility that EM and RXM may play an important role in inhibiting the development of nasal polyps through their antioxidant effect.

Background and Objective: High-intensity exercise has been linked to immunity; however, the relationship between low-intensity exercise and the immune system is unclear. In this study, the effects of exercise on cytokine production in T helper 1 (interleukin-2 [IL-2] and interferon-gamma [INF-g]) and T helper 2 cells (interleukin-4 [IL-4]) in spleens were investigated. Material and Methods: Sprague–Dawley male rats were divided into a control group (CON, n = 10) and a low-intensity exercise group (EX, n = 10). EX rats were trained on a treadmill (8 m/min, 50 min/day, 5 times over 12 weeks). Spleen tissues were analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and real-time PCR to quantify IL-4, INF-g, and IL-2 expression. Results: IL-4 expression was significantly higher in the EX group than in the CON group (p < 0.05). However, IL-2 and INF-g expression did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that exercise in rats enhances immune function by regulating cytokine production in T helper type 2 (IL-4) cells, but not in T helper type 1 (IL-2 and IFN-g) cells of the activated spleen.

Mast cells participate in allergy and inflammation by secreting inflammatory mediators such as histamine and proinflammatory cytokines. Flavonoids are naturally occurring molecules with antioxidant, cytoprotective, and antiinflammatory actions. However, effect of flavonoids on the release of histamine and proinflammatory mediator, and their comparative mechanism of action in mast cells were not well defined. Here, we compared the effect of six flavonoids (astragalin, fisetin, kaempferol, myricetin, quercetin, and rutin) on the mast cell-mediated allergic inflammation. Fisetin, kaempferol, myricetin, quercetin, and rutin inhibited IgE or phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate and calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI)-mediated histamine release in RBL-2H3 cells. These five flavonoids also inhibited elevation of intracellular calcium. Gene expressions and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, and IL-8 were assessed in PMACI-stimulated human mast cells (HMC-1). Fisetin, quercetin, and rutin decreased gene expression and production of all the proinflammatory cytokines after PMACI stimulation. Myricetin attenuated TNF-alpha and IL-6 but not IL-1beta and IL-8. Fisetin, myricetin, and rutin suppressed activation of NF-kappaB indicated by inhibition of nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB, NF-kappaB/DNA binding, and NF-kappaB-dependent gene reporter assay. The pharmacological actions of these flavonoids suggest their potential activity for treatment of allergic inflammatory diseases through the down-regulation of mast cell activation.

Mercury (Hg) is a harmful heavy metal and non-essential element. Also Hg has bioaccumulating characteristics and is rated as one of the most hazardous heavy metals. It seems very toxic at only trace amount. But Hg is found at various foods and cosmetics as part of an ingredient by chance. Unintended contamination of Hg may be introduced in the products from raw materials and in the process of production and it may be trace level. This study compared the determination method for mercury by instruments (Hydra-IIC and ICP-MS). One method for mercury determination was by the Hydra-IIC direct mercury analyzer (Teledyne Leeman Labs, Hudson, NH, USA). The Hydra-IIC have fully automated operation and pre-treatment is unnecessary. The other was by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in the CCT mode after microwave digestion in closed pressurized vessel. Each method was validated for limit of detection, linearity, accuracy and precision before comparison. The linearity of analyzing mercury obtained by two methods were very satisfied, with a coefficient of determination (r2) higher than 0.99. The limit of detections was 0.2 ng/g sample for Hydra-IIC and 2.0 ng/g for ICP-MS. The accuracies for both methods were 80% ˜ 120% and precisions were lower than 20% relative standard deviation. The concentrations of mercury in samples detected by two methods were comparable.

Juncus effusus L. var. decipiens BUCHEN. f. leschenaultii GAY has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia.The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of ethanol extract from the pith of Juncus effusus (JEE) on anti-inflammatory activities in RAW 264.7 cells.The production of inflammatory mediators and the underlying mechanisms using 3.1, 6.3, and 12.5 μg/mL concentrations of JEE were investigated. In addition, the topical anti-inflammatory effects of JEE (0.5, 1, and 2 mg/mL) on 12-O-tetradecanoylphorobol-13 acetate (TPA)-induced ear edema and oral administration of JEE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) on carrageenan-induced paw-edema were studied in mice.JEE reduced the release of nitric oxide (NO, IC50 value = 1.98 μg/mL), prostaglandin E2 (IC50 value = 5.5 μg/mL), and pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β (IC50 value = 4.74 μg/mL) and IL-6 (IC50 value = 20.48 μg/mL). JEE also suppressed the protein expression of inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Mechanism studies showed attenuation of LPS-induced activation of NF-κB by JEE via abrogation of IκBα degradation and a subsequent decrease in nuclear p65 level. Phosphorylation of all three MAP kinases (ERK, JNK, and p38) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells was also suppressed in a dose-dependent manner. In acute inflammation models of mice, topical application (1 and 2 mg) and oral administration (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) of JEE ameliorated TPA-induced ear edema and carrageenan-induced paw edema, respectively, in dose-dependent manners.These results indicate that JEE exhibited anti-inflammatory activities by suppressing the production of inflammatory mediators in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and by attenuating edema in mice.

Mast cell-mediated allergic inflammation is involved in many diseases such as asthma, sinusitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Mast cells induce synthesis and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta and IL-6 with immune regulatory properties. The formulated ethanol extract of Artemisia asiatica Nakai (DA-9601) has been reported to have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. In this report, we investigated the effect of DA-9601 on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines by the activated human mast cell line HMC-1 and studied its possible mechanisms of action. DA-9601 dose-dependently decreased the gene expression and production of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 on phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)- and calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated HMC-1 cells. In addition, DA-9601 attenuated PMA- and A23187-induced activation of NF-kappaB as indicated by inhibition of degradation of IkappaBalpha, nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB, NF-kappaB/DNA binding, and NF-kappaB-dependent gene reporter assay. Our in vitro studies provide evidence that DA-9601 might contribute to the treatment of mast cell-derived allergic inflammatory diseases.

The immediate-type allergic reaction is involved in many allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis. The discovery of drugs for the treatment of immediate-type allergic disease is a very important subject in human health. The formulated ethanol extract of Artemisia asiatica Nakai (DA-9601) has been reported to have anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. In this report, we investigated the effect of DA-9601 on the immediate-type allergic reaction and studied its possible mechanisms of action, focusing on the mast cell-mediated allergic reaction. DA-9601 inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylactic reactions and serum histamine release in mice. DA-9601 decreased the IgE-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis, the model of local allergic reaction in vivo. DA-9601 dose-dependently reduced histamine release from mast cells activated by compound 48/80 or IgE. Furthermore, DA-9601 decreased the gene expression and production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus A23187-stimulated mast cells. These findings provide evidence that DA-9601 could be a candidate as an anti-allergic agent.

The immediate-type allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) is involved in many allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. We investigated the effect of the gall of Rhus javanica (GRJ) on the model of the immediate-type allergic reaction, and studied its possible mechanisms. GRJ inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic reactions in mice. GRJ attenuated immunoglobulin (Ig) E-mediated local allergic reactions. In addition, GRJ dose dependently decreased histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells activated by compound 48/80 or IgE. The decreasing effect of GRJ on the histamine release was mediated by the modulation of cAMP and [Ca 2+ ]i in mast cells. Furthermore, GRJ decreased the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated TNF-α and IL-6 secretion in human mast cells. The inhibitory effect of GRJ on the pro-inflammatory cytokine was c- Jun N-terminal kinase and nuclear factor-κB dependent. Our findings provide evidence that GRJ inhibits mast cell-derived immediate-type allergic reactions, and suggest the possible mechanisms of action.

Mast cells are central players in immediate-type hypersensitvity and inflammatory responses. In the present study, the effects of britanin on the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction in mice and on the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI)-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in human mast cell line (HMC-1) were evaluated. The oral administration of britanin (10–20 mg/kg) decreased the mast cell-mediated PCA reaction in IgE-sensitized mice. In the activity and mechanism of britanin in vitro assay, britanin suppressed the gene expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a dose-dependent manner in HMC-1. In addition, britanin attenuated PMACI-induced activation of NF-κB as indicated by the inhibition of the degradation of IκBα, nuclear translocation of NF-κB, NF-κB/DNA binding activity assay, and blocked the phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase, in a dose-dependent manner. We conclude that britanin may have potential as a treatment for allergic-inflammatory diseases.

In this study, tomentosin, a sesquiterpene lactone was isolated from Inulae flos and its biological activities were investigated. The effects of tomentosin on the production of inflammatory mediators as well as on nuclear factor (NF)-κB and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activation were evaluated in RAW264.7 cells. Tomentosin decreased the production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by suppressing the protein expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, respectively. Additionally, tomentosin reduced the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Tomentosin not only attenuated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NF-κB activation via the abrogation of inhibitory (I)κBα degradation and caused a subsequent decrease in nuclear p65 level, but it also suppressed the phosphorylation of MAP kinases (p38 and c-Jun N terminal kinase (JNK)). These results indicate that tomentosin exerts anti-inflammatory activities through the inhibition of inflammatory mediators (NO, iNOS, PGE2, COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-6) by regulating NF-κB activation and phosphorylation of p38/JNK kinases in macrophages, thus suggesting that tomentosin could be a potential agent for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Background Biyeom-Tang, a medicine prescribed by oriental clinics, has been used for the treatment of the allergic rhinitis (AR). In the present study, an ethanol extract of Biyeom-Tang (EBT) was investigated for anti-allergic properties on bone-marrow derived mast cells (BMMC) and in vivo models. Methods The anti-allergic properties of EBT were evaluated by measuring β-Hex release and the production of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) and leukotriene C4 (LTC4) on BMMC in vitro and PCA and OVA-induced AR models in vivo. Results EBT strongly inhibited a degranulation reaction in a dose dependent manner with an IC50 value of 35.6 μg/ml. In addition, the generation of PGD2 and LTC4 was inhibited in BMMC in a concentration-dependent manner with IC50 values of 7.0 μg/ml and 10.9 μg/ml, respectively. When administrated orally, EBT ameliorated the mast cell-mediated PCA reaction. In the OVA-induced AR model, the increased levels of IgE were reduced by EBT. The levels of cytokines, such as IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13 decreased in the splenocytes of EBT-treated mice. The histological analysis shows that the infiltration of inflammatory cells increased by OVA-sensitization was also reduced. Conclusions Taken together, these results suggested that EBT has anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo models.

Little is known about the biological properties of britanin, which is isolated from the flowers of Inula japonica (Inulae Flos). Based on our previous studies that Inulae Flos had anti-inflammation and anti-asthmatic activities, we tried to find the bioactive compounds from it. In this study, the anti-inflammatory effects of britanin on the inflammatory mediators as well as on nuclear factor (NF)-кB and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activation were evaluated in RAW 264.7 cells. Britanin inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) along with the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. In addition, britanin reduced the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Furthermore, the phosphorylations of MAP kinases (p38 and JNK) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells were suppressed by britanin. Moreover, britanin inhibited the NF-κB activation induced by LPS, which was associated with the abrogation of IκBα degradation and subsequent decreases in nuclear p65 levels. This study suggests that the anti-inflammatory activities of britanin might be attributed to the inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 and cytokine expression at least in part, through the attenuation of the phosphorylations of MAP kinases and NF-κB activation via IκBα degradation in macrophages. We conclude that britanin may have potential for the treatment of inflammatory diseases through the down-regulation of MAP kinases and NF-κB mediated activation of macrophages.

Ethnopharmacological relevance The flowers of Inula japonica (Inulae Flos) have long been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of bronchitis, digestive disorders, and inflammation. However, the mechanisms underlying its anti-inflammatory effects remain yet to be elucidated. The objectives of this study were 1) to assess the anti-allergic activity of the ethanol extract of flowers of Inula japonica extract (IFE) in vivo , 2) to investigate the mechanism of its action on mast cells in vitro , and 3) to identify its major phytochemical compositions. Materials and methods The anti-allergic activity of IFE was evaluated using mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) in vitro and a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) animal model in vivo . The effects of IFE on mast cell activation were evaluated in terms of degranulation, eicosanoid generation, Ca 2+ influx, and immunoblotting of various signaling molecules. Results IFE inhibited degranulation and the generation of eicosanoids (PGD 2 and LTC 4 ) in stem cell factor (SCF)-stimulated BMMCs. Biochemical analysis of the SCF-mediated signaling pathways demonstrated that IFE inhibited the activation of multiple downstream signaling processes including mobilization of intracellular Ca 2+ and phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), PLCγ1, and cPLA 2 pathways. When administered orally, IFE attenuated the mast cell-mediated PCA reaction in IgE-sensitized mice. Its major phytochemical composition included three sesquiterpenes, 1-O-acetylbritannilactone, britanin and tomentosin. Conclusions This study suggests that IFE modulates eicosanoids generation and degranulation through the suppression of SCF-mediated signaling pathways that would be beneficial for the prevention of allergic inflammatory diseases. Anti-allergic activity of IFE may be in part attributed particularly to the presence of britanin and tomentosin as major components evidenced by a HPLC analysis.

Gallotannins are plant-derived, water-soluble polyphenols with wide-ranging biological activities. Mast cell-mediated allergic inflammation is known to cause many diseases such as asthma, sinusitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Mast cells induce synthesis and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, and IL-6 with immune regulatory properties. Expression of inflammatory cytokines is mainly regulated by a transcription factor, nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB. In the present study, the effect of eight gallotannins on the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and NF-kappaB activation was investigated in human mast cell line (HMC-1). HMC-1 cells were sensitized by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and calcium ionophore (A23187). Among the eight gallotannins from EUPHORBIA species, three gallotannins such as 1,2,3,4,6-penta- O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose, 1,2,6-tri-O-galloyl-beta-D-allopyanose, and 1,2,3,6-tetra-O-galloyl-beta-D-allopyranose suppressed the gene expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, these three gallotannins blocked the activation of NF-kappaB as indicated by an NF-kappaB-dependent gene reporter assay. We conclude that these gallotannins may have potential for the treatment of inflammatory diseases through the down-regulation of NF-kappaB-mediated activation of mast cells.

Mast cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases through the release of inflammatory mediators such as histamine, cysteinyl leukotrienes, cytokines, and chemokines. Flavonoids, like fisetin are naturally occurring molecules with antioxidant, cytoprotective, and anti-inflammatory actions. The aim of our study was to examine whether fisetin modulates inflammatory reaction in stimulated human mast cells (HMC-1). Fisetin decreased phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI)-stimulated gene expression and production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-8 in HMC-1 cells. Fisetin inhibited PMACI-induced phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, extracellular-regulated kinase, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. In addition, fisetin suppressed nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB activation induced by PMACI, leading to expression of IkappaB-alpha phosphorylation and degradation. Fisetin suppressed powerful induction of NF-kappaB promoter-mediated luciferase activity. These pharmacological actions of fisetin produce new suggestion that fisetin is a potential medicine for treatment of inflammatory diseases through the down-regulation of mast cell activation.

Objectives: To investigate the expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) of the gene for pigment epithelium– derived factor (PEDF) (OMIM*172860) and PEDF protein and to localize the PEDF protein in the nasal mucosa of patients with allergic rhinitis and of control subjects. Design: Investigation of PEDF mRNA and PEDF protein expression in the nasal mucosa using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining. Participants: We used inferior turbinate mucosal samples from 10 patients with allergic rhinitis and 10 matched healthy control subjects. Interventions: We extractedPEDF mRNA from the inferior turbinate mucosa samples and performed reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis. We used Western blotting to analyze differences in expression levels of PEDF protein between patients with allergic rhinitis and healthy controls, and the PEDF protein was localized immunohistochemically. Results: The expression levels ofPEDF mRNA and PEDF protein in the nasal mucosa were significantly increased in patients with allergic rhinitis compared with those in nonallergic controls. The PEDF protein was expressed in the epithelium and submucosal glands. Conclusions: We found that PEDF protein is expressed in the human nasal mucosa, and its expression is increased in allergic rhinitis. These results suggest a possible contribution of PEDF to the chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa in allergic rhinitis. ArchOtolaryngolHeadNeckSurg.2008;134(10):1094-1098