Aqueous extract of Gracilaria tenuistipitata suppresses LPS-induced NF-κB and MAPK activation in RAW 264.7 and rat peritoneal macrophages and exerts hepatoprotective effects on carbon tetrachloride-treated rat.
In addition to the previous investigations of bioactivity of aqueous extract of the edible Gracilaria tenuistipitata (AEGT) against H2O2-induced DNA damage and hepatitis C virus replication, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential therapeutic properties of AEGT against inflammation and hepatotoxicity using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse RAW 264.7 cells, primary rat peritoneal macrophages and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced acute hepatitis model in rats. AEGT concentration-dependently inhibited the elevated RNA and protein levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2, thereby reducing nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 levels, respectively. Moreover, AEGT significantly suppressed the production of LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α. These inhibitory effects were associated with the suppression of nuclear factor-kappa B activation and mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation by AEGT in LPS-stimulated cells. In addition, we highlighted the hepatoprotective and curative effects of AEGT in a rat model of CCl4-intoxicated acute liver injury, which was evident from reduction in the elevated serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels as well as amelioration of histological damage by pre-treatment or post-treatment of AEGT. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that AEGT may serve as a potential supplement in the prevention or amelioration of inflammatory diseases.
Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan ; Center of Infectious Disease and Signaling Research, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
Chin-Kai
CK
Tseng
Doctoral Degree Program in Marine Biotechnology, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Chun-Kuang
CK
Lin
Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Cancer Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Hsueh-Wei
HW
Chang
Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Yu-Hsuan
YH
Wu
Department of Fragrance and Cosmetic Science, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Feng-Lin
FL
Yen
Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Fang-Rong
FR
Chang
Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Wei-Chun
WC
Chen
Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Chi-Chen
CC
Yeh
Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan ; Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Jin-Ching
JC
Lee
D000818:Animals; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002251:Carbon Tetrachloride / Q000009:adverse effects; D002460:Cell Line; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004789:Enzyme Activation / Q000187:drug effects*; D044724:Gracilaria / Q000737:chemistry*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000378:metabolism; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D051379:Mice; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D016328:NF-kappa B / Q000378:metabolism*; D009841:Oligonucleotides / Q000235:genetics; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D051381:Rats
D016328:NF-kappa B; D009841:Oligonucleotides; D010936:Plant Extracts; D002251:Carbon Tetrachloride; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases