Immunomodulatory Effects of Asiaticoside Against Shigella flexneri-Infected Macrophages

Abstract

Macrophages provide the first line of defense against Shigella flexneri infection in the gastrointestinal tract by inducing a variety of inflammatory and antimicrobial responses. Secondary metabolites of plants are used as drugs against infections that are resistant to common antibiotics. In this study, the innate effects of asiaticoside on the proinflammatory activity of mouse macrophages infected with S. flexneri were investigated. The viability of the infected mouse macrophages were examined using viability assay, while the pro-inflammatory cytokines productions were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for determination of IL-1β, IL-12 p40 and TNF-α levels. The production of nitric oxide (NO) and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein were determined using the Griess assay and western blot, respectively. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 20. The data obtained from independent experiments (n = 3) were presented as the mean ± standard error of mean (SEM). The results showed that, asiaticoside stimulated the infected macrophages by stimulating increased production of TNF-α, IL-12 p40 and NO as well as increased expression of iNOS in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast the viability of the cells and the production of IL-1β and were reduced also in a dose-dependent manner when compared to untreated cells. These results indicate that asiaticoside has immunomodulatory effects on the innate immune function of infected macrophages, showing the potential use of this compound to reduce the clinical symptoms of the infections.

Asiaticoside A for the modulation of 1-TbAd- a potential target and ligand for extensive drug resistance Mycobacterium tuberculosis

“…The earlier reports have established ASA as a neuroprotective agent that can cross the blood–brain barrier (Hanapi et al 2021 ). Further, Michael et al ( 2021 ) have shown the immunomodulatory activity of macrophages infected with S. flexneri , and have also noted the improvement in the killing action of macrophages. In our findings, the ASA is a potent antibacterial compound that gave 90% growth inhibition ( Table 2 ) on extensively drug-resistant tubercle bacilli and 100% on reference strain E. coli .…”

Effects of Dietary Inclusion of Asiaticoside on Growth Performance, Lipid Metabolism, and Gut Microbiota in Yellow-Feathered Chickens

“…Consequently, Chinese herbs and their extracts have emerged as a potential alternative [ 10 ]. Asiaticoside (Asi), the main glycosidic compound extracted from Centella asiatica (L.) Urban , is well known for its cosmetic effects, anti-inflammatory properties, and promoting wound healing [ 11 , 12 , 13 ]. Moreover, Asi has been shown to have an anti-diabetic effect in a high-fructose-fat-fed rat model [ 14 ].…”