phyllanthin and Inflammation

Phyllanthin, a lignan from Phyllanthus species, has been reported to possess potent immunosuppressive properties on immune cells and on adaptive and innate immune responses in animal models. Herein, we investigated the inhibitory effects of phyllanthin isolated from Phyllanthus amarus on nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and PI3K-Akt signal transducing pathways in LPS-activated U937 cells. The lipopolysaccharide-stimulated excess production of prostaglandin was significantly suppressed by phyllanthin via the mechanisms linked to the modulatory effects of cyclooxygenase 2 protein and gene expression. Phyllanthin also significantly inhibited the release and mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha). Phyllanthin also significantly downregulated the phosphorylation of IκBα, NF-κB (p65), and IKKα/β and suppressed the activation of JNK, ERK, p38MAPK, and Akt in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, phyllanthin downregulated the expression of upstream signaling molecules including MyD88 and toll-like receptor 4 that are essential for the activation of NF-κB, MAPKs, and PI3K-Akt signal transducing pathways. Based on these observations, phyllanthin may exert their suppressive effects on inflammatory process by mediating the release of inflammatory signaling molecules via the NF-κB, MAPKs, and PI3K-Akt signal transducing pathways. Thus, phyllanthin holds a great promise as a potential anti-inflammatory agent to treat various inflammatory diseases.

Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Down-Regulation; Humans; Inflammation; Lignans; Lipopolysaccharides; Macrophages; MAP Kinase Signaling System; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; NF-kappa B; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Phyllanthus; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Signal Transduction; U937 Cells

Phyllanthin found in many Phyllanthus species has various biochemical and pharmacological properties especially on its hepatoprotective effects. However, its effect on the immune system has not been well documented.. In the present study, phyllanthin isolated from Phyllanthus amarus was investigated for its immunosuppressive effects on various cellular and humoral immune responses in Balb/C mice.. Male mice were treated daily at 20, 40 and 100mg/kg of phyllanthin for 14 days by oral gavage. The effects of phyllanthin on cellular immune responses in treated /non treated mice were determined by measuring CD 11b/CD 18 integrin expression, phagocytosis, nitric oxide (NO) production, myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), T and B cells proliferation, lymphocyte phenotyping, serum cytokines production by activated T-cells and delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH). Its effects on humoral immune responses were evaluated by determining the serum levels of lysozyme and ceruloplasmin, and immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM).. The strong inhibitory effects of phyllanthin on the cellular and humoral immune responses suggest that phyllanthin may be a good candidate for development into an effective immunosuppressive agent.

Topics: Animals; CD4-CD8 Ratio; Cytokines; Down-Regulation; Erythrocytes; Escherichia coli; Hypersensitivity, Delayed; Immunity, Cellular; Immunity, Humoral; Immunoglobulins; Inflammation; Lignans; Lymphocyte Activation; Male; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Phyllanthus; Plant Extracts; Sheep

The current study was aimed at evaluating the antihyperalgesic effects of lignans (phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin) and tannin (corilagin) rich three standardized extracts of Phyllanthus amarus in a model of chronic musculoskeletal inflammatory pain. Three percent carrageenan injected in the gastrocnemius muscle produced hyperalgesia to mechanical and heat stimuli ipsilaterally, which spreads to the contralateral side within 7 to 9 days. To investigate the effects on chronic thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity, three extracts of P. amarus in three doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) were administered to animals intraperitoneally from 14th day to 22nd day after intramuscular injection of carrageenan. It was observed that intraperitoneal administrations of Phyllanthus extracts showed antihyperalgesic activity, as they elevated thermal and mechanical threshold, which was supported by histopathological observations along with reduction in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentration. In conclusion, we strongly suggest that the observed antihyperalgesic and antiinflammatory effects of P. amarus in current pain model are mediated via spinal or supraspinal neuronal mechanisms, mainly by inhibition of PGE2. Modulation of chronic muscular inflammation may be due to presence of phytoconstituents like phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, and corilagin, which offers a promising means for treatment of chronic muscle pain.

Topics: Animals; Carrageenan; Dinoprostone; Disease Models, Animal; Glucosides; Hydrolyzable Tannins; Hyperalgesia; Inflammation; Lignans; Male; Muscle, Skeletal; Musculoskeletal Pain; Pain; Phyllanthus; Rats, Wistar