Haihua Feng

Jilin University, Jilin, Jilin Sheng, China

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Publications (28)75.27 Total impact

  • Article: Prime-O-glucosylcimifugin attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice.
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    ABSTRACT: Prime-O-glucosylcimifugin is an active chromone isolated from Saposhnikovia root which has been reported to have various activities, such as anti-convulsant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of prime-O-glucosylcimifugin on acute lung injury (ALI) induced by lipopolysaccharide in mice. BALB/c mice received intraperitoneal injection of Prime-O-glucosylcimifugin 1h before intranasal instillation (i.n.) of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and interleukin (IL)-6 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Pulmonary histological changes were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in the lung tissue and lung wet/dry weight ratios were observed. Furthermore, the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathway activation and the phosphorylation of IκBα protein were determined by Western blot analysis. Prime-O-glucosylcimifugin showed promising anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the activation of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathway.
    International immunopharmacology 04/2013; · 2.21 Impact Factor
  • Article: Erratum to: p-Cymene Modulates In Vitro and In Vivo Cytokine Production by Inhibiting MAPK and NF-κB Activation.
    Inflammation 03/2013; · 1.75 Impact Factor
  • Article: Paeonol suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory cytokines in macrophage cells and protects mice from lethal endotoxin shock.
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    ABSTRACT: Paeonol (2'-hydroxy-4'-methoxyacetophenone) is the main phenolic compound of the radix of Paeonia suffruticosa which has been used as traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, we primarily investigated the anti-inflammatory effects and the underlying mechanisms of paeonol in RAW macrophage cells; and based on these effects, we assessed the protective effects of paeonol on lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxemia in mice. The in vitro study showed that paeonol regulated the production of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 via inactivation of IκBα, ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 MAPK. In mouse model of lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxemia, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines are significantly regulated, and thus the survival rates of lipolysaccharide-challenged mice are improved by paeonol (150, 200, or 250 mg/kg). Therefore, paeonol has a beneficial activity against lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 cell and mouse models.
    Fundamental and Clinical Pharmacology 02/2013; · 1.80 Impact Factor
  • Article: Suppression of LPS-induced inflammatory responses by gossypol in RAW 264.7 cells and mouse models.
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    ABSTRACT: Gossypol, a yellowish polyphenolic compound originally from cotton plant, has been known to exert a potential for anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and other important therapeutic activities. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the protection of gossypol on inflammation in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and LPS induced in vivo lung injury model. The effects of gossypol on pro-inflammatory cytokines and signaling pathways were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot. The results showed that gossypol significantly inhibited the production of LPS-induced TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β both in vitro and vivo. Furthermore, gossypol blocked the phosphorylation of IκBα protein, p65, p38, c-Junterminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. From the in vivo study, it was observed that gossypol attenuated lung histopathologic changes in mouse models. The present data suggest that gossypol suppresses the inflammation in vitro and vivo, and may be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of inflammatory disorders.
    International immunopharmacology 01/2013; · 2.21 Impact Factor
  • Article: Anti-inflammatory effects of linalool in RAW 264.7 macrophages and lipopolysaccharide-induced lung injury model.
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    ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Inflammation, characterized by redness, swelling, pain and a sensation of heat, is one of the body's self-defense systems. Although the inflammation response has an important role in host survival, it also leads to chronic inflammatory diseases. Linalool is a natural compound of the essential oils in several aromatic plants species. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and other bioactive properties. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of linalool on inflammation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and an LPS-induced in vivo lung injury model. METHODS: We evaluated the effects of linalool on LPS-induced production of inflammatory mediators in Raw 264.7 murine macrophages by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot. To confirm the anti-inflammatory activity of linalool in vivo, we induced an acute lung injury in an LPS-induced mouse model. RESULTS: Linalool attenuated the production of LPS-induced tumor necrosis-α and interleukin-6 both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, phosphorylation of IκBα protein, p38, c-Jun terminal kinase, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells was blocked by linalool. Our in vivo study also found that linalool attenuated lung histopathologic changes in mouse models. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that linalool inhibits inflammation both in vitro and in vivo, and may be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
    Journal of Surgical Research 12/2012; · 2.25 Impact Factor
  • Article: p-Cymene Modulates In Vitro and In Vivo Cytokine Production by Inhibiting MAPK and NF-κB Activation.
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    ABSTRACT: The present study was designed to investigate the effects of p-cymene on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory cytokine production both in vitro and in vivo. The production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and C57BL/6 mice was evaluated by sandwich ELISA. Meanwhile, the mRNA levels of cytokine genes were examined in vitro by semiquantitative RT-PCR. In a further study, we analyzed the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways by western blotting. We found that p-cymene significantly regulated TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, the levels of relative mRNAs were also found to be downregulated. In in vivo trail, p-cymene markedly suppressed the production of TNF-α and IL-1β and increased IL-10 secretion. We also found that p-cymene inhibited LPS-induced activation of extracellular signal receptor-activated kinase 1/2, p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and IκBα. These results suggest that p-cymene may have a potential anti-inflammatory action on cytokine production by blocking NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.
    Inflammation 12/2012; · 1.75 Impact Factor
  • Article: Imperatorin Attenuates LPS-Induced Inflammation by Suppressing NF-κB and MAPKs Activation in RAW 264.7 Macrophages.
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    ABSTRACT: Imperatorin is a type of coumarin compound with antibacterial and antiviral activities. In the present study, we examined the anti-inflammatory effects of imperatorin in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages by investigating its impact on the production and expression of cytokines and the major signal-transduction pathways. We found that imperatorin downregulated LPS-induced levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in RAW 264.7 macrophages in a concentration-dependent manner, and it significantly inhibited expression of TNF-α and IL-6 (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) p65 protein were analyzed by western blotting. In RAW 264.7 macrophages treated with 1 mg/L of LPS, imperatorin significantly inhibited p38 and Jun N-terminal kinase phosphorylation protein expression. However, there was no significant change in p-ERK. Furthermore, imperatorin also inhibited NF-κB translocation into the nucleus through blockage of IκBα phosphorylation and degradation.
    Inflammation 08/2012; · 1.75 Impact Factor
  • Article: In vitro and in vivo protection provided by pinocembrin against lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses.
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    ABSTRACT: Pinocembrin or 5, 7-dihydroxyflavanone is a flavanone, a type of flavonoid. In the present study, we first assessed the anti-inflammatory effects of pinocembrin in RAW macrophage cells; and based on these effects, we investigated the therapeutic effects of pinocembrin in murine model of endotoxin-induced acute lung injury. We found that in vitro pretreatment with pinocembrin remarkably regulated the production of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 via inhibiting the phosphorylation of IκBα, ERK1/2, JNK and p38MAPK. In the mouse model of LPS-induced acute lung injury, pinocembrin (20 or 50 mg/kg, i.p.) attenuated the development of pulmonary edema, histological severities, as well as neutrophil, lymphocyte and macrophage infiltration, which were increased by LPS administration. Additionally, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 concentrations decreased significantly while the concentration of IL-10 was significantly increased after pinocembrin pretreatment. Our results also showed that pinocembrin attenuated LPS-induced lung injury through suppression of IκBα, JNK and p38MAPK activation. These findings suggest that pinocembrin may represent a novel candidate for the modulation of inflammatory responses.
    International immunopharmacology 06/2012; 14(1):66-74. · 2.21 Impact Factor
  • Article: Baicalin protects mice from Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia via inhibition of the cytolytic activity of α-hemolysin.
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    ABSTRACT: α-Hemolysin (Hla) is a self-assembling, channel-forming toxin that is secreted by Staphylococcus aureus and is central to the pathogenesis of pulmonary, intraperitoneal, intramammary, and corneal infections in animal models. In this study, we report that baicalin (BAI), a natural compound that lacks anti-S. aureus activity, could inhibit the hemolytic activity of Hla. Using molecular dynamics simulations and mutagenesis assays, we further demonstrate that BAI binds to the binding sites of Y148, P151, and F153 in the Hla. This binding interaction inhibits heptamer formation. Furthermore, when added to S. aureus cultures, BAI prevents Hla-mediated human alveolar epithelial (A549) cell injury. In vivo studies further demonstrated that BAI protects mice from S. aureus pneumonia. These findings indicate that BAI hinders the cell lysis activity of Hla through a novel mechanism of interrupting the formation of heptamer, which may lead to the development of novel therapeutics that aim against S. aureus Hla.
    The Journal of Infectious Diseases 05/2012; 206(2):292-301. · 6.41 Impact Factor
  • Article: Licochalcone a inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response in vitro and in vivo.
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    ABSTRACT: Licochalcone A (Lico A), a flavonoid found in licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), is known for its antimicrobial activity and its reported ability to inhibit cancer cell proliferation. In the present study, we found that Lico A exerted potent anti-inflammatory effects in in vitro and in vivo models induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The concentrations of TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β in the culture supernatants of RAW 264.7 cells were determined at different time points following LPS administration. LPS (0.5 mg/kg) was instilled intranasally (i.n.) in phosphate-buffered saline to induce acute lung injury, and 24 h after LPS was given, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was obtained to measure pro-inflammatory mediator and total cell counts. The phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 protein was analyzed by Western blotting. Our results showed that Lico A significantly reduced the amount of inflammatory cells, the lung wet-to-dry weight (W/D) ratio, protein leakage, and myeloperoxidase activity and enhances oxidase dimutase activity in mice with LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results indicated that Lico A can significantly down-regulate TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels in vitro and in vivo, and treatment with Lico A significantly attenuated alveolar wall thickening, alveolar hemorrhage, interstitial edema, and inflammatory cells infiltration in mice with ALI. In addition, we further demonstrated that Lico A exerts an anti-inflammation effect in an in vivo model of acute lung injury through suppression of NF-κB activation and p38/ERK MAPK signaling in a dose-dependent manner.
    Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 03/2012; 60(15):3947-54. · 2.82 Impact Factor
  • Article: Astragalin attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses by down-regulating NF-κB signaling pathway.
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    ABSTRACT: Astragalin (AG), a flavonoid from many traditional herbs and medicinal plants, has been described to exhibit in vitro anti-inflammatory activity. The present study aimed to determine the protective effects and the underlying mechanisms of astragalin on lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxemia and lung injury in mice. Mice were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (dose range: 5-40 mg/kg). We observed mice on mortality for 7 days twice a day and recorded survival rates. In drug testing, we examined the therapeutic effects of astragalin (25, 50 or 75 mg/kg) on LPS- induced endotoxemia by dosing orally astragalin 1 hour before LPS challenge. Using an experimental model of LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI), we examined the effect of astragalin in resolving lung injury. The investigations revealed that pretreatment with astragalin can improve survival during lethal endotoxemia and attenuate inflammatory responses in a murine model of lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury. The mechanisms by which Astragalin exerts its anti-inflammatory effect are correlated with inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production via inactivation of NF-κB.
    Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 02/2012; 419(2):256-61. · 2.48 Impact Factor
  • Article: Characterization of a hypertriglyceridemic transgenic miniature pig model expressing human apolipoprotein CIII.
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    ABSTRACT: Hypertriglyceridemia has recently been considered to be an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease, in which apolipoprotein (Apo)CIII is one of the major contributory factors, as it is strongly correlated with plasma triglyceride levels. Although ApoCIII transgenic mice have been generated as an animal model for the study of hypertriglyceridemia, the features of lipoprotein metabolism in mice differ greatly from those in humans. Because of the great similarity between pigs and humans with respect to lipid metabolism and cardiovascular physiology, we generated transgenic miniature pigs expressing human ApoCIII by the transfection of somatic cells combined with nuclear transfer. The expression of human ApoCIII was detected in the liver and intestine of the transgenic pigs. As compared with nontransgenic controls, transgenic pigs showed significantly increased plasma triglyceride levels (83 ± 36 versus 38 ± 4 mg·dL(-1), P < 0.01) when fed a chow diet. Plasma lipoprotein profiling by FPLC in transgenic animals showed a higher peak in large-particle fractions corresponding to very low-density lipoprotein/chylomicrons when triglyceride content in the fractions was assayed. There was not much difference in cholesterol content in FPLC fractions, although a large low-density lipoprotein peak was identified in both nontransgenic and transgenic animals, resembling that found in humans. Further analysis revealed markedly delayed clearance of plasma triglyceride, accompanied by significantly reduced lipoprotein lipase activity in post-heparin plasma, in transgenic pigs as compared with nontransgenic controls. In summary, we have successfully generated a novel hypertriglyceridemic ApoCIII transgenic miniature pig model that could be of great value for studies on hyperlipidemia in relation to atherosclerotic disorders.
    FEBS Journal 01/2012; 279(1):91-9. · 3.79 Impact Factor
  • Article: p-Cymene protects mice against lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting inflammatory cell activation.
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    ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that p-cymene can attenuate acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vivo. In the mouse model of LPS-induced acute lung injury, intraperitoneal preconditioning with p-cymene resulted in a significant reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6), lung water gain, inflammatory cell infiltration, lung tissue myeloperoxidase activity. In addition, p-cymene blocked the phosphorylation of IκBα protein and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathway activation. Histopathologic examination of lung tissue indicated that p-cymene treatment markedly decreased focal thickening, congestion, pulmonary edema, and inflammatory cells infiltration. The results showed that p-cymene had a protective effect on LPS-induced ALI in mice.
    Molecules 01/2012; 17(7):8159-73. · 2.39 Impact Factor
  • Article: Traditional medicine alpinetin inhibits the inflammatory response in Raw 264.7 cells and mouse models.
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    ABSTRACT: Alpinetin, one of the main constituents of the seeds of Alpinia katsumadai Hayata, belonging to flavonoids, has been known to exhibit antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and other important therapeutic activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protection of alpinetin on inflammation in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated Raw 264.7 cells and LPS induced vivo lung injury model. The effects of alpinetin on pro-inflammatory cytokines and signaling pathways were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot. The results showed that alpinetin markedly inhibited the LPS- induced TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β production both in vitro and vivo. Furthermore, alpinetin blocked the phosphorylation of IκBα protein, p65, p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. From in vivo study, it was also observed that alpinetin attenuated lung histopathologic changes in mouse models. These results suggest that alpinetin potentially decreases the inflammation in vitro and vivo, and might be a therapeutic agent against inflammatory diseases.
    International Immunopharmacology 12/2011; 12(1):241-8. · 2.38 Impact Factor
  • Article: Effects of copper on proliferation and autocrine secretion of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) in chondrocytes from newborn pigs in vitro.
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    ABSTRACT: Chondrocytes from the lateral trochlear ridge of the distal femur taken from 1-day-old piglets were cultured in medium supplemented with 0, 7.8, 15.6, 31.2, and 62.5 μmol/L copper. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and IGF-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) levels in culture medium were determined by radioimmunoassay. DNA synthesis in chondrocytes was measured by tritiated thymidine ((3)H-TdR) incorporation. Proliferation-promoting activity and incorporation of (3)H-TdR in chondrocytes were increased in all culture media supplemented with copper and 15% fetal calf serum (FCS). The contents of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were also enhanced significantly in culture media containing 15% FCS and supplemented with copper at 15.6, 31.2, and 62.5 μmol/L. The optimal copper concentration for promoting chondrocyte proliferation and autocrine secretion of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 was 31.2 μmol/L.
    Biological trace element research 12/2011; 144(1-3):588-96. · 1.92 Impact Factor
  • Article: Salidroside attenuates LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine responses and improves survival in murine endotoxemia.
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    ABSTRACT: Salidroside is a major component isolated from the Rhodiola rosea. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of salidroside on cytokine production by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages in vitro, and the results showed that salidroside reduced tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) secretions. This inspired us to further study the effects of salidroside in vivo. Salidroside significantly attenuated TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 productions in serum from mice challenged with LPS, and consistent with the results in vitro. In the murine model of endotoxemia, mice were treated with salidroside prior to or after LPS challenge. The results showed that salidroside significantly increased mouse survival. Further studies revealed that salidroside could downregulate LPS-induced nuclear transcription factor-қB (NF-қB) DNA-binding activation and ERK/MAPKs signal transduction pathways production in RAW 264.7 macrophages. These observations indicated that salidroside modulated early cytokine responses by blocking NF-қB and ERK/MAPKs activation, and thus, increased mouse survival. These effects of salidroside may be of potential usefulness in the treatment of inflammation-mediated endotoxemia.
    International immunopharmacology 12/2011; 11(12):2194-9. · 2.21 Impact Factor
  • Article: Menthol diminishes Staphylococcus aureus virulence-associated extracellular proteins expression.
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    ABSTRACT: Staphylococcus aureus is a significant human pathogen that is the major cause of a broad spectrum of illnesses, ranging from minor skin infections to life-threatening deep tissue infections and toxinosis. The ability of the organism to cause such a broad range of infections is, to a great extent, attributed to the secretion of a myriad of virulence-related extracellular proteins. Therefore, virulence as a target for antimicrobial chemotherapy has gained great interest. Menthol is a monocyclic terpene alcohol that occurs naturally in plants of the Mentha species lacking anti-S. aureus activity. In this paper, we demonstrate via hemolytic activity assays, tumor necrosis factor release assays, Western blot assays, and real-time reverse transcription-PCR assays that low concentrations of menthol can markedly inhibit the expression of α-hemolysin, enterotoxins A and B, and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 in S. aureus. Our results indicate that menthol may be useful in managing S. aureus infections when used in combination with β-lactam antibiotics, which can often increase S. aureus toxin secretion when used at subinhibitory concentrations. In addition, the menthol basic structure has potential applications in the development of new anti-virulence drugs.
    Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 02/2011; 90(2):705-12. · 3.42 Impact Factor
  • Article: Effect of copper on the expression of TGF-β in incubated chondrocytes of newborn pigs.
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    ABSTRACT: This experiment was conducted to measure the effect of copper supplementation on TGF-β gene expression in chondrocytes of newborn pigs. Chondrocytes were cultured in media containing 15% fetal calf serum supplemented with 0, 15.6, 31.2, and 62.5 μmol/L copper in 90-mm culture plate. Total RNA was isolated from chondrocytes, and TGF-β cDNA was synthesized, amplified, and sequenced. The expression level of TGF-β was examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that the sequence of the cloned TGF-β gene was 99.4% identical to that in GenBank. The expression of TGF-β increased in culture media added with final concentration of 15.6, 31.2, and 62.5 μmol/L copper. In this study, the optimal copper concentration and optimal culture time for the highest level of TGF-β expression were 31.2 μmol/L and 48 h, respectively.
    Biological trace element research 01/2011; 143(3):1461-9. · 1.92 Impact Factor
  • Article: Transcriptional and functional analysis shows sodium houttuyfonate-mediated inhibition of autolysis in Staphylococcus aureus.
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    ABSTRACT: Sodium houttuyfonate (SH), an addition compound of sodium bisulfite and houttuynin, showed in vitro antibacterial activity against 21 Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) strains grown in planktonic cultures. Microarray results showed decreased levels of autolysin atl, sle1, cidA and lytN transcripts in the SH-treated strain as compared to the control strain, consistent with the induction of the autolytic repressors lrgAB and sarA and with the downregulation of the positive regulators agrA and RNAIII. Triton X-100-induced autolysis was significantly decreased by SH in S. aureus ATCC 25923, and quantitative bacteriolytic assays and zymographic analysis demonstrated SH-mediated reduction of extracellular murein hydrolase activity in these cells. Anti-biofilm assay showed that SH is poorly active against S. aureus grown in biofilm cultures, whereas SH diminished the amounts of extracellular DNA (eDNA) of S. aureus in a dose-dependent manner, which suggested that SH may impede biofilm formation by reducing the expression of cidA to inhibit autolysis and eDNA release in the early phase. Some of the microarray results were confirmed by real-time RT-PCR.
    Molecules 01/2011; 16(10):8848-65. · 2.39 Impact Factor
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    Article: Subinhibitory concentrations of perilla oil affect the expression of secreted virulence factor genes in Staphylococcus aureus.
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    ABSTRACT: The pathogenicity of staphylococcus aureus is dependent largely upon its ability to secrete a number of virulence factors, therefore, anti-virulence strategy to combat S. aureus-mediated infections is now gaining great interest. It is widely recognized that some plant essential oils could affect the production of staphylococcal exotoxins when used at subinhibitory concentrations. Perilla [Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton], a natural medicine found in eastern Asia, is primarily used as both a medicinal and culinary herb. Its essential oil (perilla oil) has been previously demonstrated to be active against S. aureus. However, there are no data on the influence of perilla oil on the production of S. aureus exotoxins. A broth microdilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of perilla oil against S. aureus strains. Hemolysis, tumour necrosis factor (TNF) release, Western blot, and real-time RT-PCR assays were performed to evaluate the effects of subinhibitory concentrations of perilla oil on exotoxins production in S. aureus. The data presented here show that perilla oil dose-dependently decreased the production of α-toxin, enterotoxins A and B (the major staphylococcal enterotoxins), and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1) in both methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). The production of α-toxin, SEA, SEB, and TSST-1 in S. aureus was decreased by perilla oil. These data suggest that perilla oil may be useful for the treatment of S. aureus infections when used in combination with β-lactam antibiotics, which can increase exotoxins production by S. aureus at subinhibitory concentrations. Furthermore, perilla oil could be rationally applied in food systems as a novel food preservative both to inhibit the growth of S. aureus and to repress the production of exotoxins, particularly staphylococcal enterotoxins.
    PLoS ONE 01/2011; 6(1):e16160. · 4.09 Impact Factor