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Neuroinflammation, where inflammatory cytokines are produced in excess, contributes to the pathogenesis of delirium. Microglial cells play a central role in neuroinflammation by producing and releasing inflammatory cytokines in response to infection, tissue damage and neurodegeneration. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a sedative, which reduces the incidence of delirium. Thus, we hypothesized that DEX may alleviate delirium by exhibiting anti-inflammatory action on microglia. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory action of DEX on human microglial HMC3 cells. The results indicated that DEX partially suppressed the IL-6 and IL-8 production by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated HMC3 cells as well as the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and IκB and the translocation of NF-κB. Furthermore, DEX substantially suppressed IL-6 and IL-8 production by unstimulated HMC3 cells as wells as the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and IκB and the translocation of NF-κB. These observations suggest that DEX exhibits anti-inflammatory action on not only LPS-stimulated but also unstimulated microglial cells via the suppression of inflammatory signaling and cytokine production.

Sesquiterpene lactones (SL), characterized by their high prevalence in the Asteraceae family, are one of the major groups of secondary metabolites found in plants. Researchers from distinct research fields, including pharmacology, medicine, and agriculture, are interested in their biological potential. With new SL discovered in the last years, new biological activities have been tested, different action mechanisms (synergistic and/or antagonistic effects), as well as molecular structure–activity relationships described. The review identifies the main sesquiterpene lactones with interconnections between immune responses and anti-inflammatory actions, within different cellular models as well in in vivo studies. Bioaccessibility and bioavailability, as well as molecular structure–activity relationships are addressed. Additionally, plant metabolic engineering, and the impact of sesquiterpene lactone extraction methodologies are presented, with the perspective of biological activity enhancement. Sesquiterpene lactones derivatives are also addressed. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the therapeutic potential of sesquiterpene lactones within immune and inflammatory activities, highlighting trends and opportunities for their pharmaceutical/clinical use.

Curcumin is the primary polyphenol in turmeric’s curcuminoid class. It has a wide range of therapeutic applications, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, and anticancer effects against various cancers, but has poor solubility and low bioavailability. Objective: To improve curcumin’s bioavailability, plasma concentration, and cellular permeability processes. The nanocurcumin approach over curcumin has been proven appropriate for encapsulating or loading curcumin (nanocurcumin) to increase its therapeutic potential. Conclusion: Though incorporating curcumin into nanocurcumin form may be a viable method for overcoming its intrinsic limitations, and there are reasonable concerns regarding its toxicological safety once it enters biological pathways. This review article mainly highlights the therapeutic benefits of nanocurcumin over curcumin.

Targeted therapies have come into prominence in the ongoing battle against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) because of the shortcomings of traditional chemotherapy. In this context, indole-based small molecules, which were synthesized efficiently, were subjected to an in vitro colorimetric assay to evaluate their cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitory profiles. Compounds 3b and 4a were found to be the most selective COX-1 inhibitors in this series with IC50 values of 8.90 µM and 10.00 µM, respectively. In vitro and in vivo assays were performed to evaluate their anti-NSCLC and anti-inflammatory action, respectively. 2-(1H-Indol-3-yl)-N′-(4-morpholinobenzylidene)acetohydrazide (3b) showed selective cytotoxic activity against A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells through apoptosis induction and Akt inhibition. The in vivo experimental data revealed that compound 3b decreased the serum myeloperoxidase and nitric oxide levels, pointing out its anti-inflammatory action. Moreover, compound 3b diminished the serum aminotransferase (particularly aspartate aminotransferase) levels. Based on the in vitro and in vivo experimental data, compound 3b stands out as a lead anti-NSCLC agent endowed with in vivo anti-inflammatory action, acting as a dual COX-1 and Akt inhibitor.

Green tea and its bioactive components, especially polyphenols, possess many health-promoting and disease-preventing benefits, especially anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and metabolic modulation effects with multi-target modes of action. However, the effect of tea polyphenols on immune function has not been well studied. Moreover, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms mediating immunoregulation are not well understood. This review summarizes the recent studies on the immune-potentiating effects and corresponding mechanisms of tea polyphenols, especially the main components of (–)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and (–)-epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG). In addition, the benefits towards immune-related diseases, such as autoimmune diseases, cutaneous-related immune diseases, and obesity-related immune diseases, have been discussed.

Unbalanced blood glucose levels may cause inflammation within the central nervous system (CNS). This effect can be reversed by the action of a natural neuroprotective compound, resveratrol (RSV). The study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of RSV on astrocyte cytokine profiles within an in vitro model of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) under varying glucose concentrations (2.2, 5.0, and 25.0 mmol/L), corresponding to hypo-, normo-, and hyperglycemia. The model included co-cultures of astrocytes (brain compartment, BC) and endothelial cells (microvascular compartment, MC), separated by 0.4 µm wide pores. Subsequent exposure to 0.2 μM LPS in the brain compartment (BC) and 50 μM RSV in the microvascular compartment (MC) of each well was carried out. Cytokine levels (IL-1 α, IL-1 β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8) in the BC were assessed using a Multi-Analyte ELISArray Kit before and after the addition of LPS and RSV. Statistical analysis was performed to determine significance levels. The results demonstrated that RSV reduced the concentration of all studied cytokines in the BC, regardless of glucose levels, with the most substantial decrease observed under normoglycemic conditions. Additionally, the concentration of RSV in the BC was highest under normoglycemic conditions compared to hypo- and hyperglycemia. These findings confirm that administration of RSV in the MC exerts anti-inflammatory effects within the BC, particularly under normoglycemia-simulating conditions. Further in vivo studies, including animal and human research, are warranted to elucidate the bioavailability of RSV within the central nervous system (CNS).

Civilization diseases are a growing and global health problem in modern societies. Neurological disorders, cancer, and inflammatory diseases affect a large group of patients around the world. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to search for novel drugs, lifestyle tips, and foods that can help restore balance in the living organism, promote the efficiency of the immune system, and provide satisfactory prophylactic measures. Astragaloside IV (ASIV)—a triterpenoid saponin from Astragalus species, one of the world’s most widely used herbs—has been shown to have a variety of biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, and neuroprotective effects. In recent years, the number of in vivo studies on this active ingredient in the scientific literature has increased considerably. The aim of this review was therefore to compile the existing knowledge on the use of this compound in the treatment of selected diseases of civilization—cancer, neurological disorders, and inflammatory diseases—in vivo.

Neurodegenerative and mood disorders represent growing medical and social problems, many of which are produced by oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, disruption in the metabolism of various neurotransmitters, and some disturbances in lipid/carbohydrate homeostasis. Biologically active plant compounds, including flavonoids, have been shown to exert a positive impact on central nervous system function. This review assesses the studies of naturally occurring flavonoids belonging to various polyphenol subclasses and their mechanisms of neuroprotective action, especially against neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Most of the studied phytochemicals possess anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. These phytochemicals have been considered as compounds that reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases and can be used in the treatment of neurological diseases. The neuroprotective actions of some flavonoids may entail mechanisms that regulate reactive oxygen species generation and modify inflammatory pathways, and they should be considered as therapeutic agents.

The methods to obtain chitooligosaccharides are tightly related to the physicochemical properties of the end products. Knowledge of these physicochemical characteristics is crucial to describing the biological functions of chitooligosaccharides. Chitooligosaccharides were prepared either in a single-step enzymatic hydrolysis using chitosanase, or in a two-step chemical-enzymatic hydrolysis. The hydrolyzed products obtained in the single-step preparation were composed mainly of 42% fully deacetylated oligomers plus 54% monoacetylated oligomers, and they attenuated the inflammation in lipopolysaccharide-induced mice and in RAW264.7 macrophages. However, chitooligosaccharides from the two-step preparation were composed of 50% fully deacetylated oligomers plus 27% monoacetylated oligomers and, conversely, they promoted the inflammatory response in both in vivo and in vitro models. Similar proportions of monoacetylated and deacetylated oligomers is necessary for the mixtures of chitooligosaccharides to achieve anti-inflammatory effects, and it directly depends on the preparation method to which chitosan was submitted.

New therapeutic agents for amoebic keratitis are needed considering that drugs currently marketed are toxic and not effective against protozoan cystic forms. The antimicrobial action of essential oils (EOs) is already reported in the literature, which has motivated investigations of their anti- Acanthamoeba potential. Unlike synthetic drugs, plant materials have been often identified as less cytotoxic. In this review, the anti- Acanthamoeba potential of EOs was demonstrated not only based on the anti-protozoan activity as anti-inflammatory activity. Finally, in vitro cytotoxicity studies of EOs active were analyzed. EOs were able to prevent the conversion of the protozoan trophozoite to cystic form. In a study performed with Trachyspermum ammi EO, 100% of Acanthamoeba cysts were eliminated. Thymus capitatus and Limonium oleifolium EOs showed to be more active against Acanthamoeba , presenting IC 50 values close to chlorhexidine and lower than amphotericin B. For these two OEs, low in vitro cytotoxicity was also found, which result in a high selectivity index (SI > 10). Therefore, safer and more effective therapies could be achieved with OEs, and in vivo assays should be urgently performed to confirm these benefits. Graphical abstract