Anti-Allergic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Neferine on RBL-2H3 Cells

Abstract

Mast cells play a very important role in skin allergy and inflammation, including atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. In the past, it was found that neferine has anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects on the skin, but its effect on mast cells has not yet been studied in detail. In this study, we used mast cells (RBL-2H3 cells) and mouse models to study the anti-allergic and inflammatory effects of neferine. First, we found that neferine inhibits the degranulation of mast cells and the expression of cytokines. In addition, we observed that when mast cells were stimulated by A23187/phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), the elevation of intracellular calcium was inhibited by neferine. The phosphorylation of the MAPK/NF-κB pathway is also reduced by pretreatment of neferine. The results of in vivo studies show that neferine can improve the appearance of dermatitis and mast cell infiltration caused by dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). Moreover, the expressions of barrier proteins in the skin are also restored. Finally, it was found that neferine can reduce the scratching behavior caused by compound 48/80. Taken together, our results indicate that neferine is a very good anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory natural product. Its effect on mast cells contributes to its pharmacological mechanism.

Inhibitory Effects of Grewia tomentosa Juss. on IgE-Mediated Allergic Reaction and DNCB-Induced Atopic Dermatitis

“…Because of the RBL-2H3 cell line, an analogue of mast cells is suitable for studying the mechanisms of mast cell–mediated allergic reactions, and we used it to investigate the anti-allergy efficacy of Gt-EE [ 29 ]. First, the cytotoxicity of Gt-EE to RBL-2H3 cells was evaluated by a cell viability assay.…”

“…To research drugs with potential anti-allergic effects, the in vivo passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) model has been organized using anti-DNP IgE antibodies and antigens [ 29 ]. We induced topical and immediate hypersensitivity reactions in the ears of BALB/c mice and then monitored the quantity of Evans blue dye taken out from those ear tissues.…”

Evaluation of the Anti-Atopic Dermatitis Effects of α-Boswellic Acid on Tnf-α/Ifn-γ-Stimulated HaCat Cells and DNCB-Induced BALB/c Mice

“…In the past, we have researched and analyzed plant components with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Indeed, we found that they have very good anti-atopic dermatitis effects, such as neferine and cycloheterophyllin [ 29 , 30 , 31 ]. These research results can become the chemical structure basis for the development of effective drugs for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in the future.…”

“…First, the effect of α-boswellic acid on AD was assessed on DNBC-induced mice. DNBC-induced AD was developed according to a previously reported method [ 29 ]. The dorsal hairs of the mice were briefly shaved and then 100 μL and 20 μL of 1% DNCB in ethanol were applied to sensitive dorsal and ear skin for 7 days.…”

Research Progress on Natural Products’ Therapeutic Effects on Atrial Fibrillation by Regulating Ion Channels

“…Extracted from the seeds of lotus of Nymphaeaceae, neferine has antiarrhythmia, antihypertensive [ 133 ], antitumor [ 134 ], antiapoptotic, antioxidative, [ 135 ], anti-ischemic [ 136 ], antiallergic, and anti-inflammatory effects [ 137 ]. In terms of arrhythmia, by reducing the Na+, Ca2+ ion influx, and K+ outflow, nephrine can effectively prolong the Q-T interphase and slow down heart rate [ 138 ].…”