Pub Date : 2026-01-20DOI: 10.1007/s10787-025-02106-0
Jian Shen, Tao Hong, Xue Li
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disorder marked by chondrocyte metabolic dysfunction and mitochondrial impairment. This study elucidates the role of circHIPK2, a circular RNA downregulated in OA chondrocytes, in regulating glucose metabolism and mitochondrial homeostasis through the miR-206-SIRT3 axis. Clinical samples revealed significant circHIPK2 reduction and miR-206 upregulation in OA chondrocytes, correlating inversely with SIRT3 expression. In vitro LPS-induced injury models demonstrated that circHIPK2 overexpression mitigated chondrocyte apoptosis and metabolic stress, while miR-206 inhibition reversed LPS-driven glycolytic activation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Mechanistically, circHIPK2 directly bound miR-206 via Ago2-dependent interactions, as confirmed by RNA pull-down and luciferase assays, thereby alleviating miR-206-mediated suppression of SIRT3, a key mitochondrial deacetylase. Rescue experiments in chondrocytes showed that SIRT3 restoration rescued miR-206-induced metabolic defects, including impaired oxidative phosphorylation and ATP depletion. In vivo, intra-articular delivery of circHIPK2 in a monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA rat model attenuated mechanical allodynia, cartilage degradation, and aberrant miR-206/SIRT3 expression, while improving weight-bearing symmetry; furthermore, similar therapeutic benefits-including pain relief, functional recovery, and cartilage protection-were confirmed in a chronic, post-traumatic destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) model, with efficacy demonstrated against appropriate AAV control groups. These findings identify the circHIPK2-miR-206-SIRT3 axis as a critical regulator of chondrocyte bioenergetics and OA progression, offering novel therapeutic targets for modulating non-coding RNA networks in joint degeneration.
{"title":"CircRNA HIPK2-mediated metabolic reprogramming restores mitochondrial homeostasis in chondrocytes through the miR-206/Sirt3 signaling axis attenuating osteoarthritis-induced nociception.","authors":"Jian Shen, Tao Hong, Xue Li","doi":"10.1007/s10787-025-02106-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-025-02106-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disorder marked by chondrocyte metabolic dysfunction and mitochondrial impairment. This study elucidates the role of circHIPK2, a circular RNA downregulated in OA chondrocytes, in regulating glucose metabolism and mitochondrial homeostasis through the miR-206-SIRT3 axis. Clinical samples revealed significant circHIPK2 reduction and miR-206 upregulation in OA chondrocytes, correlating inversely with SIRT3 expression. In vitro LPS-induced injury models demonstrated that circHIPK2 overexpression mitigated chondrocyte apoptosis and metabolic stress, while miR-206 inhibition reversed LPS-driven glycolytic activation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Mechanistically, circHIPK2 directly bound miR-206 via Ago2-dependent interactions, as confirmed by RNA pull-down and luciferase assays, thereby alleviating miR-206-mediated suppression of SIRT3, a key mitochondrial deacetylase. Rescue experiments in chondrocytes showed that SIRT3 restoration rescued miR-206-induced metabolic defects, including impaired oxidative phosphorylation and ATP depletion. In vivo, intra-articular delivery of circHIPK2 in a monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA rat model attenuated mechanical allodynia, cartilage degradation, and aberrant miR-206/SIRT3 expression, while improving weight-bearing symmetry; furthermore, similar therapeutic benefits-including pain relief, functional recovery, and cartilage protection-were confirmed in a chronic, post-traumatic destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) model, with efficacy demonstrated against appropriate AAV control groups. These findings identify the circHIPK2-miR-206-SIRT3 axis as a critical regulator of chondrocyte bioenergetics and OA progression, offering novel therapeutic targets for modulating non-coding RNA networks in joint degeneration.</p>","PeriodicalId":13551,"journal":{"name":"Inflammopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146003381","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A wide variety of acute and chronic respiratory diseases pose a significant disability and mortality worldwide. To date, very few classes of safe and effective therapy are available to effectively manage disease conditions. In recent years, phytochemicals derived from food plants are getting high attention due to their diverse beneficial effects with minimal toxicity. Tannic acid (TA), a water-soluble gallotannin, is present in many plant-based food products. Accumulating experimental evidences indicate that TA possesses numerous health benefits. However, there is no comprehensive review that addresses the beneficial effects of TA on various respiratory diseases. This review provides an overview of the chemical structure, natural sources, bioavailability, toxicity, and beneficial effects of TA against a wide range of respiratory diseases. We have also discussed the mechanistic pathways through which TA offers its beneficial effects. In cancerous cells, it has been reported that TA can help to overcome multidrug resistance by increasing the sensitivity to anti-cancer drugs. Researchers have found that TA-based nanoparticles showed promising results in cancer treatment. Further, as a novel drug nanocarrier, TA has significant potential for the effective delivery of pharmaceutical drugs to lung cancer cells. Yet, clinical applications of TA against respiratory diseases have not been performed. Currently, pharmacokinetic studies of TA are very limited, which may be the reason for the lack of clinical usage. Nevertheless, further studies aimed at implementing appropriate risk and benefit assessment would accelerate the clinical usage of TA for treating common respiratory diseases.
{"title":"Therapeutic potential of plant-derived tannic acid on pulmonary disorders in experimental models.","authors":"Yokeshwaran Punniyasekaran, Bhagyashree Meena, Harsha Akshaylal Pal, Pushpendra Kumar Namdeo, Sudhakar Gandhi Paramasivam, Subbiah Rajasekaran","doi":"10.1007/s10787-025-02032-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-025-02032-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A wide variety of acute and chronic respiratory diseases pose a significant disability and mortality worldwide. To date, very few classes of safe and effective therapy are available to effectively manage disease conditions. In recent years, phytochemicals derived from food plants are getting high attention due to their diverse beneficial effects with minimal toxicity. Tannic acid (TA), a water-soluble gallotannin, is present in many plant-based food products. Accumulating experimental evidences indicate that TA possesses numerous health benefits. However, there is no comprehensive review that addresses the beneficial effects of TA on various respiratory diseases. This review provides an overview of the chemical structure, natural sources, bioavailability, toxicity, and beneficial effects of TA against a wide range of respiratory diseases. We have also discussed the mechanistic pathways through which TA offers its beneficial effects. In cancerous cells, it has been reported that TA can help to overcome multidrug resistance by increasing the sensitivity to anti-cancer drugs. Researchers have found that TA-based nanoparticles showed promising results in cancer treatment. Further, as a novel drug nanocarrier, TA has significant potential for the effective delivery of pharmaceutical drugs to lung cancer cells. Yet, clinical applications of TA against respiratory diseases have not been performed. Currently, pharmacokinetic studies of TA are very limited, which may be the reason for the lack of clinical usage. Nevertheless, further studies aimed at implementing appropriate risk and benefit assessment would accelerate the clinical usage of TA for treating common respiratory diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":13551,"journal":{"name":"Inflammopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146003443","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-19DOI: 10.1007/s10787-025-02102-4
Rudresh Adarkar, Vijishna Lekshmi Viswambharan, Akanksha Dessai, Richard Lobo, Vamshi Krishna Tippavajhala, Vasudev Pai, Chandrashekar Kodangala Subraya, H N Aswatha Ram
The review has comprehensively examined the therapeutic potential of phytoconstituents in the treatment of arthritis with specific emphasis being given to diosgenin as a promising natural molecule. Arthritis is a significant health concern in the world, with its two most common types; Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, becoming the causes of disability, and expensive to manage in the long run. Even though disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and biologics have helped to better the patient outcomes, their side effects, high treatment cost, and inaccessibility demonstrate the necessity of safer and cheaper alternatives. The pharmacological significance of the root steroidal sapogenin, diosgenin, as a derivative of the species Dioscorea, that exhibits strong anti-inflammatory effects with clearly defined, molecular-based, mechanisms, is highlighted in this manuscript. Diosgenin suppresses cartilage destruction because of matrix metalloproteinases, the NF-kB signaling pathway as well as the major pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-a, IL-1b, and IL-6. It also has chondroprotective action to maintain the integrity of the extracellular matrix, increase levels of type II collagen and aggrecan, and decrease the expression of MMP-3 and MMP-13 by about 65-85% in the presence of inflammation. The challenges to clinical translation associated with formulation which are discussed in the review include the very low aqueous solubility of diosgenin (0.95 ug/mL) and oral bioavailability (< 7%). It addresses the use of the advanced delivery systems, including lipid nanoparticles, vesicular carriers and amorphous solid dispersions, which have demonstrated a 2.55-fold increase in bioavailability and also have the potential to improve therapeutic efficacy. Crucially, this review uniquely integrates these bioavailability enhancement strategies with diosgenin's underlying molecular mechanisms, illustrating how optimised delivery systems are essential to fully unlock its therapeutic potential. Despite robust preclinical evidence supporting its anti-arthritic and chondroprotective actions, clinical investigations remain scarce, with only a few small studies and none directly evaluating diosgenin for arthritis outcomes. Overall, this review emphasises the need for well-designed clinical trials to validate the therapeutic promise of diosgenin and related phytoconstituents, paving the way for safer, accessible, and multi-targeted natural interventions for arthritis management.
{"title":"Diosgenin-mediated NF-κB and MAPK pathway modulation for osteoarthritis treatment: molecular mechanisms, bioavailability enhancement, and therapeutic applications.","authors":"Rudresh Adarkar, Vijishna Lekshmi Viswambharan, Akanksha Dessai, Richard Lobo, Vamshi Krishna Tippavajhala, Vasudev Pai, Chandrashekar Kodangala Subraya, H N Aswatha Ram","doi":"10.1007/s10787-025-02102-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-025-02102-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The review has comprehensively examined the therapeutic potential of phytoconstituents in the treatment of arthritis with specific emphasis being given to diosgenin as a promising natural molecule. Arthritis is a significant health concern in the world, with its two most common types; Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, becoming the causes of disability, and expensive to manage in the long run. Even though disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and biologics have helped to better the patient outcomes, their side effects, high treatment cost, and inaccessibility demonstrate the necessity of safer and cheaper alternatives. The pharmacological significance of the root steroidal sapogenin, diosgenin, as a derivative of the species Dioscorea, that exhibits strong anti-inflammatory effects with clearly defined, molecular-based, mechanisms, is highlighted in this manuscript. Diosgenin suppresses cartilage destruction because of matrix metalloproteinases, the NF-kB signaling pathway as well as the major pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-a, IL-1b, and IL-6. It also has chondroprotective action to maintain the integrity of the extracellular matrix, increase levels of type II collagen and aggrecan, and decrease the expression of MMP-3 and MMP-13 by about 65-85% in the presence of inflammation. The challenges to clinical translation associated with formulation which are discussed in the review include the very low aqueous solubility of diosgenin (0.95 ug/mL) and oral bioavailability (< 7%). It addresses the use of the advanced delivery systems, including lipid nanoparticles, vesicular carriers and amorphous solid dispersions, which have demonstrated a 2.55-fold increase in bioavailability and also have the potential to improve therapeutic efficacy. Crucially, this review uniquely integrates these bioavailability enhancement strategies with diosgenin's underlying molecular mechanisms, illustrating how optimised delivery systems are essential to fully unlock its therapeutic potential. Despite robust preclinical evidence supporting its anti-arthritic and chondroprotective actions, clinical investigations remain scarce, with only a few small studies and none directly evaluating diosgenin for arthritis outcomes. Overall, this review emphasises the need for well-designed clinical trials to validate the therapeutic promise of diosgenin and related phytoconstituents, paving the way for safer, accessible, and multi-targeted natural interventions for arthritis management.</p>","PeriodicalId":13551,"journal":{"name":"Inflammopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145998134","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-16DOI: 10.1007/s10787-025-02105-1
Mohammed Abdul Muttalib Abdul Bari
Background: Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated disease with an overabundance of cytokines and aberrant keratinocyte proliferation.
Objective: To assess the therapeutic activity of topical application of 10% sulfasalazine in an imiquimod-induced murine model and to compare its therapeutic activity with that of clobetasol.
Methodology: Thirty-two male mice were randomly assigned into four groups, with each group consisting of eight individuals: normal control group, IMQ + vehicle group, IMQ + clobetasol group, and IMQ + 10% sulfasalazine group. IMQ was administered for 7 days, and then daily topical application was conducted for 14 days. Lesion severity was determined by PASI scores, and histological scores and concentrations of TNF-α and IL-6.
Results: Both sulfasalazine and clobetasol led to significant reduction in PASI scores, compared to IMQ + vehicle (p < 0.05). The regimen of sulfasalazine improved epidermal structure, acanthosis, and inflammation, as well as.
Conclusion: Topical sulfasalazine was found to possess significant anti-inflammatory activity, both clinical and histological, against IMQ-induced inflammation resembling psoriasis.
{"title":"Topical 10% sulfasalazine ointment attenuates imiquimod-induced psoriasiform inflammation in mice compared with clobetasol.","authors":"Mohammed Abdul Muttalib Abdul Bari","doi":"10.1007/s10787-025-02105-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-025-02105-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated disease with an overabundance of cytokines and aberrant keratinocyte proliferation.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess the therapeutic activity of topical application of 10% sulfasalazine in an imiquimod-induced murine model and to compare its therapeutic activity with that of clobetasol.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>Thirty-two male mice were randomly assigned into four groups, with each group consisting of eight individuals: normal control group, IMQ + vehicle group, IMQ + clobetasol group, and IMQ + 10% sulfasalazine group. IMQ was administered for 7 days, and then daily topical application was conducted for 14 days. Lesion severity was determined by PASI scores, and histological scores and concentrations of TNF-α and IL-6.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both sulfasalazine and clobetasol led to significant reduction in PASI scores, compared to IMQ + vehicle (p < 0.05). The regimen of sulfasalazine improved epidermal structure, acanthosis, and inflammation, as well as.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Topical sulfasalazine was found to possess significant anti-inflammatory activity, both clinical and histological, against IMQ-induced inflammation resembling psoriasis.</p>","PeriodicalId":13551,"journal":{"name":"Inflammopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145989145","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-13DOI: 10.1007/s10787-025-02103-3
Muhammad Muzammil Nazir, Azhar Rafique, Salma Sultana, Asma Ashraf
Helicteres isora L. is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, and inflammatory conditions, yet its anti-arthritic potential has not been systematically explored. Given the limitations of conventional rheumatoid arthritis (RA) therapies, evaluation of this plant may provide scientific validation for its ethnomedicinal use against inflammatory diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-arthritic efficacy and underlying mechanisms of ethanolic extract of Helicteres isora L. (EEHI) in a Complete Freund Adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritis model in rats and to relate these findings to its traditional application in inflammation management. EEHI was prepared and phytochemically profiled using GCMS. Anti-arthritic activity was assessed through in vitro protein denaturation assay and in vivo in CFA induced arthritic rats administered EEHI at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg for 28 days. Clinical parameters (paw diameter, arthritic score, body weight, and organ weights), hematological and biochemical markers (RF, CRP), oxidative stress indices (SOD, CAT, GSH, MDA), pro-inflammatory gene expression (NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2), and histopathological changes were evaluated. Diclofenac sodium served as the standard drug. EEHI treatment resulted in significant, dose dependent improvements across all evaluated parameters. The 400 mg/kg dose markedly reduced paw swelling and arthritic scores, improved hematological indices, and restored antioxidant enzyme levels. Serum CRP and RF were significantly decreased. Gene expression analysis confirmed downregulation of NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and COX-2, while histopathology showed substantial protection of joint architecture. GCMS identified several bioactive compounds, including dodecanoic acid, 11-octadecenoic acid, and 8, 11-octadecadienoic acid, which may contribute to the observed pharmacological effects. The findings provide scientific evidence supporting the ethnomedicinal use of Helicteres isora L. in inflammatory conditions. EEHI demonstrated potent anti-arthritic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities through modulation of cytokines and oxidative stress. This work validates traditional knowledge and highlights Helicteres isora L. as a promising natural therapeutic candidate for rheumatoid arthritis, warranting further pharmacological and clinical studies.
{"title":"Anti-arthritic effect of Helicteres isora L. ethanolic extract via modulation of cytokines and oxidative stress in CFA-induced arthritic rats.","authors":"Muhammad Muzammil Nazir, Azhar Rafique, Salma Sultana, Asma Ashraf","doi":"10.1007/s10787-025-02103-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-025-02103-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Helicteres isora L. is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, and inflammatory conditions, yet its anti-arthritic potential has not been systematically explored. Given the limitations of conventional rheumatoid arthritis (RA) therapies, evaluation of this plant may provide scientific validation for its ethnomedicinal use against inflammatory diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-arthritic efficacy and underlying mechanisms of ethanolic extract of Helicteres isora L. (EEHI) in a Complete Freund Adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritis model in rats and to relate these findings to its traditional application in inflammation management. EEHI was prepared and phytochemically profiled using GCMS. Anti-arthritic activity was assessed through in vitro protein denaturation assay and in vivo in CFA induced arthritic rats administered EEHI at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg for 28 days. Clinical parameters (paw diameter, arthritic score, body weight, and organ weights), hematological and biochemical markers (RF, CRP), oxidative stress indices (SOD, CAT, GSH, MDA), pro-inflammatory gene expression (NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2), and histopathological changes were evaluated. Diclofenac sodium served as the standard drug. EEHI treatment resulted in significant, dose dependent improvements across all evaluated parameters. The 400 mg/kg dose markedly reduced paw swelling and arthritic scores, improved hematological indices, and restored antioxidant enzyme levels. Serum CRP and RF were significantly decreased. Gene expression analysis confirmed downregulation of NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and COX-2, while histopathology showed substantial protection of joint architecture. GCMS identified several bioactive compounds, including dodecanoic acid, 11-octadecenoic acid, and 8, 11-octadecadienoic acid, which may contribute to the observed pharmacological effects. The findings provide scientific evidence supporting the ethnomedicinal use of Helicteres isora L. in inflammatory conditions. EEHI demonstrated potent anti-arthritic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities through modulation of cytokines and oxidative stress. This work validates traditional knowledge and highlights Helicteres isora L. as a promising natural therapeutic candidate for rheumatoid arthritis, warranting further pharmacological and clinical studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":13551,"journal":{"name":"Inflammopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145959124","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-10DOI: 10.1007/s10787-025-02104-2
Yarava Dhanush, Vakkalagadda Siva Ganesh
{"title":"Narrative review on the development of multi-target pharmacological agents for the management of rheumatoid arthritis.","authors":"Yarava Dhanush, Vakkalagadda Siva Ganesh","doi":"10.1007/s10787-025-02104-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-025-02104-2","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":13551,"journal":{"name":"Inflammopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145943461","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-09DOI: 10.1007/s10787-025-02090-5
Heba R Ghaiad, Riham A El-Shiekh, Ahmed M Atwa, Aya M Mustafa, Ali M Elgindy, Mahmoud Abdelrahman Alkabbani, Weam A Elkady, Kawther Magdy Ibrahim
Astaxanthin, a xanthophyll carotenoid derived primarily from Hematococcus lacustris, has been proposed as a potent bioactive compound demonstrating wide therapeutic applicability. In addition to its distinct molecular structure, astaxanthin has exceptional antioxidant property, surpassing that of other carotenoids and conventional antioxidants, while also exerting robust anti-inflammatory effects. The present review focuses on the current evidence of the complex multifaceted therapeutic actions of astaxanthin, including cardiovascular protection, neuroprotection, hepatoprotection, renal support, dermatological health, immune modulation, and emerging roles in metabolic disorders, reproductive health, and cancer prevention. Mechanistic insights highlight its potential to control key molecular mechanisms, including the NF-κB, Nrf2, MAPK, and TGF-β/Smad pathways, alongside the enhancement of endogenous antioxidant defenses. Preclinical and clinical findings have demonstrated benefits in conditions such as atherosclerosis, myocardial ischemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, hypertension, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and inflammatory skin diseases. By integrating evidence drawn from molecular, experimental, and clinical studies, this review underscores astaxanthin's potential as a complementary therapeutic agent and functional nutraceutical. The breadth of its bioactivity positions astaxanthin as a promising natural compound for targeted disease prevention and health promotion.
{"title":"From nutrition to therapeutics: the diverse inflammopharmacological and biomedical roles of astaxanthin.","authors":"Heba R Ghaiad, Riham A El-Shiekh, Ahmed M Atwa, Aya M Mustafa, Ali M Elgindy, Mahmoud Abdelrahman Alkabbani, Weam A Elkady, Kawther Magdy Ibrahim","doi":"10.1007/s10787-025-02090-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-025-02090-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Astaxanthin, a xanthophyll carotenoid derived primarily from Hematococcus lacustris, has been proposed as a potent bioactive compound demonstrating wide therapeutic applicability. In addition to its distinct molecular structure, astaxanthin has exceptional antioxidant property, surpassing that of other carotenoids and conventional antioxidants, while also exerting robust anti-inflammatory effects. The present review focuses on the current evidence of the complex multifaceted therapeutic actions of astaxanthin, including cardiovascular protection, neuroprotection, hepatoprotection, renal support, dermatological health, immune modulation, and emerging roles in metabolic disorders, reproductive health, and cancer prevention. Mechanistic insights highlight its potential to control key molecular mechanisms, including the NF-κB, Nrf2, MAPK, and TGF-β/Smad pathways, alongside the enhancement of endogenous antioxidant defenses. Preclinical and clinical findings have demonstrated benefits in conditions such as atherosclerosis, myocardial ischemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, hypertension, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and inflammatory skin diseases. By integrating evidence drawn from molecular, experimental, and clinical studies, this review underscores astaxanthin's potential as a complementary therapeutic agent and functional nutraceutical. The breadth of its bioactivity positions astaxanthin as a promising natural compound for targeted disease prevention and health promotion.</p>","PeriodicalId":13551,"journal":{"name":"Inflammopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145933034","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-08DOI: 10.1007/s10787-025-02099-w
Maiara Piva, Kelly M Yaekashi, Thais G O Pereira, Mariana M Bertozzi, Felipe A Pinho-Ribeiro, Cássia Calixto-Campos, Doumit Camilios-Neto, Sergio M Borghi, Ana C Zarpelon-Schutz, Victor Fattori, Rubia Casagrande, Waldiceu A Verri
Objective: Trans-Chalcone (TC) is an anti-inflammatory flavonoid that reduces hyperalgesia by targeting nuclear factor κB and inflammasome in gout arthritis model. However, a direct modulation of nociceptors by TC has never been investigated, which was the aim of the present study.
Methods: Experimental models of overt pain-like behaviors were applied as the stimuli-induced behavior depends, at least in part, on nociceptive neuron activation by the stimuli themselves making them suitable to investigate if a drug candidate can inhibit nociceptive neuron activation. The selected models involve transient receptor potential (TRP) vanilloid 1 (V1)+ and TRP ankyrin 1 (A1)+ nociceptive neuron activation.
Results: TC (10 mg/kg, per oral, 30 min pretreatment) inhibited abdominal contortions induced by acetic acid (58.8%) and phenyl-p-benzoquinone (PBQ-54.6%), and paw flinching (44 and 48%) and licking (38 and 46%) triggered by formalin and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA-46 and 43%), indicating TC inhibits varied overt pain-like behaviors. Considering TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels are activated in those models, TC activity was also tested in experimental conditions in which capsaicin (a TRPV1 agonist)- and allyl isothiocyanate (AITC, a TRPA1 agonist)-triggered nociceptive behavior. TC inhibited capsaicin (44 and 37.5%) and AITC (35.1 and 52%) paw flinching and licking behavior. TC (3 μM) also reduced the calcium influx caused by capsaicin (30%) and AITC (37.6%) stimulation of primary dorsal root ganglia neurons. Additionally, TC inhibited CFA-induced hyperalgesia, paw inflammation without toxic effects.
Conclusions: TC reduces overt pain-like behavior, at least in part, by inhibiting nociceptive neuron TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels activation.
{"title":"Trans-Chalcone alleviates overt pain-like behavior by targeting the activation of nociceptive neuron TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels.","authors":"Maiara Piva, Kelly M Yaekashi, Thais G O Pereira, Mariana M Bertozzi, Felipe A Pinho-Ribeiro, Cássia Calixto-Campos, Doumit Camilios-Neto, Sergio M Borghi, Ana C Zarpelon-Schutz, Victor Fattori, Rubia Casagrande, Waldiceu A Verri","doi":"10.1007/s10787-025-02099-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-025-02099-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Trans-Chalcone (TC) is an anti-inflammatory flavonoid that reduces hyperalgesia by targeting nuclear factor κB and inflammasome in gout arthritis model. However, a direct modulation of nociceptors by TC has never been investigated, which was the aim of the present study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Experimental models of overt pain-like behaviors were applied as the stimuli-induced behavior depends, at least in part, on nociceptive neuron activation by the stimuli themselves making them suitable to investigate if a drug candidate can inhibit nociceptive neuron activation. The selected models involve transient receptor potential (TRP) vanilloid 1 (V1)<sup>+</sup> and TRP ankyrin 1 (A1)<sup>+</sup> nociceptive neuron activation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>TC (10 mg/kg, per oral, 30 min pretreatment) inhibited abdominal contortions induced by acetic acid (58.8%) and phenyl-p-benzoquinone (PBQ-54.6%), and paw flinching (44 and 48%) and licking (38 and 46%) triggered by formalin and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA-46 and 43%), indicating TC inhibits varied overt pain-like behaviors. Considering TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels are activated in those models, TC activity was also tested in experimental conditions in which capsaicin (a TRPV1 agonist)- and allyl isothiocyanate (AITC, a TRPA1 agonist)-triggered nociceptive behavior. TC inhibited capsaicin (44 and 37.5%) and AITC (35.1 and 52%) paw flinching and licking behavior. TC (3 μM) also reduced the calcium influx caused by capsaicin (30%) and AITC (37.6%) stimulation of primary dorsal root ganglia neurons. Additionally, TC inhibited CFA-induced hyperalgesia, paw inflammation without toxic effects.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>TC reduces overt pain-like behavior, at least in part, by inhibiting nociceptive neuron TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels activation.</p>","PeriodicalId":13551,"journal":{"name":"Inflammopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145917502","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-05DOI: 10.1007/s10787-025-02091-4
Baris Afsar, Rengin Elsurer Afsar, Katherine Tuttle, Krista L Lentine
Sepsis is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome characterized by dysregulated host response to infection. The pathophysiology of sepsis is very complex and it is now considered that sepsis has a variety of subtypes. During sepsis, apart from immune dysfunction, simultaneous activation of the complement and coagulation systems occur. These alterations damage the endothelium, cause microcirculatory dysfunction and decreased perfusion to tissues resulting in hypoxic damage causing vicious cycle in sepsis.Sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors (SGLTi) are a class of medications initially developed as glucose-lowering agents that have since been proven to have profound effects for kidney and heart protection in broad populations with or without diabetes. Especially SGLT2i, but also the combination of SGLT1/2i, have cardiovascular and renal benefits, independent of their glucose lowering effects. Interestingly, recent experimental studies have shown that SGLT2i have favorable effects during sepsis by modulation of immune system, improving tissue perfusion and hemodynamics. Clinical studies have shown that SGLT2i decreased sepsis severity and hospitalizations during sepsis. Apart from above mentioned effects, SGLT2i potentially modify gut microbiota, energetics and mitochondrial function which are involved in the pathogenesis of sepsis. In this review, we have summarized the experimental and clinical studies regarding the use of SGLT2i in sepsis and described potential mechanisms underlying these beneficial effects.
{"title":"Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and sepsis: a story with two tails or with one tail?","authors":"Baris Afsar, Rengin Elsurer Afsar, Katherine Tuttle, Krista L Lentine","doi":"10.1007/s10787-025-02091-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-025-02091-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sepsis is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome characterized by dysregulated host response to infection. The pathophysiology of sepsis is very complex and it is now considered that sepsis has a variety of subtypes. During sepsis, apart from immune dysfunction, simultaneous activation of the complement and coagulation systems occur. These alterations damage the endothelium, cause microcirculatory dysfunction and decreased perfusion to tissues resulting in hypoxic damage causing vicious cycle in sepsis.Sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors (SGLTi) are a class of medications initially developed as glucose-lowering agents that have since been proven to have profound effects for kidney and heart protection in broad populations with or without diabetes. Especially SGLT2i, but also the combination of SGLT1/2i, have cardiovascular and renal benefits, independent of their glucose lowering effects. Interestingly, recent experimental studies have shown that SGLT2i have favorable effects during sepsis by modulation of immune system, improving tissue perfusion and hemodynamics. Clinical studies have shown that SGLT2i decreased sepsis severity and hospitalizations during sepsis. Apart from above mentioned effects, SGLT2i potentially modify gut microbiota, energetics and mitochondrial function which are involved in the pathogenesis of sepsis. In this review, we have summarized the experimental and clinical studies regarding the use of SGLT2i in sepsis and described potential mechanisms underlying these beneficial effects.</p>","PeriodicalId":13551,"journal":{"name":"Inflammopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145900491","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}