Effect of Serenoa repens, lycopene, and selenium on proinflammatory phenotype activation: an in vitro and in vivo
Giulio Bonvissuto1, Letteria Minutoli, Giuseppe Morgia
1Department of Urology, Policlinic Hospital, University of Catania, Italy.
Objectives:
To investigate the antiinflammatory activity of Serenoa repens (SeR), LY, and) on proinflammatory phenotype in rat peritoneal macrophages (Ms) stimulated with Salmonella enteritidis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and in the prostate of rats with partial bladder outlet obstruction. SeR, combined with other compounds, such as LY and Se is used to relieve symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Inflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of BPH and represents a target for anti-BPH drugs.
Methods:
After stimulation with 1 μg/mL of LPS, peritoneal rat MΦs were coincubated with LY (2 μg/mL), Se (0.03 μg/mL), and SeR (10 μg/mL), alone or in association (LY-Se-SeR) and with RPMI. Inducible cyclooxygenase (COX-2), 5-lypoxygenase (5-LOX), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and inhibitor κBα (IκB-α) protein were evaluated by Western blot. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) binding activity was measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) gene expression was investigated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. We also evaluated malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrite levels.
Results:
LPS stimulation produced a proinflammatory phenotype in rat peritoneal MΦs. LY, Se, and SeR inhibited the inflammatory cascade, but the Ly-Se-SeR association caused a greater inhibitory effect on the expression of COX-2, 5-LOX, and iNOS. The Ly-Se-SeR association showed a higher efficacy in reducing the loss of IκB-α, the increased NF-κB binding activity, the enhanced mRNA levels of TNF-α, the elevated MDA, and nitrite content. The LY-Se-SeR association in vivo caused a greater inhibitory effect on prostate inflammation induced in rats by partial bladder outlet obstruction.
Conclusions:
The LY-Se-SeR association might be useful in the treatment of BPH.
Insights
The combination of LY, Selenium (Se), and Serenoa repens (SeR) effectively reduced inflammation in rat models. This anti-inflammatory effect suggests potential benefits for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
Background:
- Inflammation is a key factor in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) pathogenesis.
- Serenoa repens (SeR), LY, and Selenium (Se) are used to alleviate BPH symptoms.
- Targeting inflammation is a promising strategy for BPH treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of SeR, LY, and Se on macrophages and in a rat model of BPH.
- To determine the efficacy of the combined LY-Se-SeR formulation in modulating inflammatory pathways.
Main Methods:
- Rat peritoneal macrophages were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and treated with LY, Se, SeR, or the LY-Se-SeR combination.
- Protein expression of COX-2, 5-LOX, iNOS, and IκB-α was assessed via Western blot.
- NF-κB activity, TNF-α gene expression, MDA, and nitrite levels were measured.
- In vivo studies involved inducing BPH in rats via partial bladder outlet obstruction.
Main Results:
- LPS induced a proinflammatory phenotype in macrophages.
- The LY-Se-SeR combination demonstrated superior inhibition of COX-2, 5-LOX, and iNOS compared to individual components.
- LY-Se-SeR effectively reduced IκB-α degradation, NF-κB activation, TNF-α expression, MDA, and nitrite levels.
- In vivo, LY-Se-SeR significantly reduced prostate inflammation in rats with partial bladder outlet obstruction.
Conclusions:
- The combined LY-Se-SeR formulation exhibits significant anti-inflammatory properties.
- This combination may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).