Houttuynia cordata Thunb inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines through inhibition of the NFκB signaling pathway in HMC-1 human mast cells

Abstract

Houttuynia cordata Thunb (HCT) is widely used in oriental medicine as a remedy for inflammation. However, at present there is no explanation for the mechanism by which HCT affects the production of inflammatory cytokines. The current study aimed to determine the effect of an essence extracted from HCT on mast cell-mediated inflammatory responses. Inflammatory cytokine production induced by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) plus a calcium ionophore, A23187, was measured in the human mast cell line, HMC-1, incubated with various concentrations of HCT. TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 secreted protein levels were measured using an ELISA assay. TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA levels were measured using RT-PCR analysis. Nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins were examined by western blot analysis. The NF-κB promoter activity was examined by luciferase assay. It was observed that HCT inhibited PMA plus A23187-induced TNF-α and IL-6 secretion and reduced the mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8. It was also noted that HCT suppressed the induction of NF-κB activity, inhibited nuclear translocation of NF-κB and blocked the phosphorylation of IκBα in stimulated HMC-1 cells. It was concluded that HCT is an inhibitor of NF-κB and cytokines blocking mast cell-mediated inflammatory responses. These results indicate that HCT may be used for the treatment of mast cell-derived allergic inflammatory diseases.

Houttuynia cordata Thunb. polysaccharides ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice

“…HC is used as a folk therapy against influenza, asthma, allergy, cancer (Yang and Jiang, 2009), and also had the anti-inflammatory activity (Lee et al, 2013). In China, the traditional medicines are mostly prepared in a form of apozem.…”

Inhibitory effect of sodium houttuyfonate on synovial proliferation in vitro in cells from a patient with rheumatoid arthritis

“…The proliferation of synovial fibroblasts leads to the development of RA and initiates joint destruction in the long term (3)(4)(5). Previous studies have demonstrated that TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 are important proinflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of RA (21)(22)(23)(24), and that the inhibition of TNF-α and IL-6 is effective in the treatment of patients with RA (25)(26)(27). Notably, several studies have indicated that HCT was able to efficiently inhibit IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α (24,28).…”

“…Previous studies have demonstrated that TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 are important proinflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of RA (21)(22)(23)(24), and that the inhibition of TNF-α and IL-6 is effective in the treatment of patients with RA (25)(26)(27). Notably, several studies have indicated that HCT was able to efficiently inhibit IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α (24,28). In addition, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been demonstrated to be efficacious in the treatment of RA by binding to cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes and therefore inhibiting the production of prostaglandins.…”

Anti-inflammatory functions of Houttuynia cordata Thunb. and its compounds: A perspective on its potential role in rheumatoid arthritis

“…Thus, it may be useful for reducing the symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), without the marked gastrointestinal side-effects of NSAIDs. Studies have also indicated that HCT is able to efficiently inhibit IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α production (27,28).…”