Anti-inflammatory effects of maslinic acid, a natural triterpene, in cultured cortical astrocytes via suppression of nuclear factor-kappa B

Biologically Active Triterpenoids and Their Cardioprotective and Anti- Inflammatory Effects

“…MA also reduced intracellular ROS level and prevented H2O2-induced oxidative injury in cultured cortical astrocytes [72]. Results showed that maslinic acid also dose-dependently normalized the caspase expression/ activation while increasing the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, to modulate apoptosis associated with progression of diseases [73][74][75][76][77]. The oxidation of the peroxidase enzymes in a study by Marquez-Martin et al (2006) also indicated that pre-treatment with MA reduced hydrogen peroxide generation from stimulated macrophages in a dose-dependent manner in human mononuclear cells [58].…”

“…There was a significant suppression of the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) at protein and mRNA levels [75]. Moreover, analysis through Western blot technique found that MA attenuated LPS-induced translocation of NF-κB p65 subunit to the nucleus.…”

“…In other studies, the potent anti-inflammatory effect of MA treatment was found to be exerted through the inhibition of the oxygenglucose deprivation-induced production of Nitric Oxide (NO) and TNF-α [75]. There was a significant suppression of the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) at protein and mRNA levels [75].…”

“…Moreover, analysis through Western blot technique found that MA attenuated LPS-induced translocation of NF-κB p65 subunit to the nucleus. NFκB is an important transcription factor expressed in all mammalian cell types [75]. In arteries, NFκB is believed to promote CVD through its pro-inflammatory, pro-adhesion and pro-oxidant gene transcription [75].…”

“…NFκB is an important transcription factor expressed in all mammalian cell types [75]. In arteries, NFκB is believed to promote CVD through its pro-inflammatory, pro-adhesion and pro-oxidant gene transcription [75]. Even in patients already suffering from symptoms of CVD, systemic administration of MA may be beneficial in the alleviation of inflicted pain caused by the disease, as it has been previously found that topical administration of MA reduced acetic acid-induced writhing, as well as the inflammatory phase of formalin-induced pain and capsaicin-induced mechanical allodynia [76].…”