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Influence of triterpenoids present in apple peel on inflammatory gene expression associated with inflammatory bowel
Dolores Mueller1, Sven Triebel, Olga Rudakovski
1Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Molecular Nutrition, University of Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany.
Abstract:
Various ursanic, oleanic and lupanic pentacyclic triterpenoids found in apple peel were studied for anti-inflammatory effects in vitro using T84 colon carcinoma cells. After pretreatment with single triterpenoids, cells were stimulated with pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, INF-γ, IL-1β). Regulation of mRNA expression was analysed for three specific inflammation-associated marker genes (TNF-α, IL-8, IP-10) using qRT-PCR. Furthermore, the effects of ursolic acid (UA) and oleanolic acid (OA) on the synthesis of certain pro-inflammatory proteins were examined. IP-10 expression was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by all the tested compounds at concentrations ≥25 μM. The mRNA expression of TNF-α was slightly affected and the IL-8 level was increased. At the protein level, UA and OA (25 μM) reduced the synthesis of IP-10; sICAM-1, IL-23 and GROα were slightly repressed. The TNF-α level was not modulated, whereas induction of IL-8 was increased. UA also enhanced the synthesis of IL-1ra, while OA suppressed the level of I-TAC. The present study confirms that triterpenoids present in apple peel and β-damascone may be implicated in the anti-inflammatory properties of apple constituents, suggesting that these substances might be helpful in the treatment of IBD as nutrient supplements.
Insights
Apple peel triterpenoids show anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting key inflammatory markers like IP-10. These compounds may offer benefits for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as dietary supplements.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products Chemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Pentacyclic triterpenoids are abundant in apple peel.
- Inflammation plays a crucial role in various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Identifying natural compounds with anti-inflammatory properties is essential for therapeutic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro anti-inflammatory effects of ursanic, oleanic, and lupanic pentacyclic triterpenoids from apple peel.
- To analyze the impact of these triterpenoids on the expression of inflammation-associated genes and proteins.
- To explore the potential of apple peel constituents as a therapeutic strategy for IBD.
Main Methods:
- In vitro study using T84 colon carcinoma cells stimulated with pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, INF-γ, IL-1β).
- Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) to analyze mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-8, and IP-10.
- Western blot or ELISA to examine the protein synthesis of inflammatory markers.
Main Results:
- Triterpenoids from apple peel inhibited IP-10 mRNA and protein expression in a dose-dependent manner.
- Ursolic acid (UA) and oleanolic acid (OA) reduced IP-10 synthesis and modulated other inflammatory proteins like sICAM-1, IL-23, and GROα.
- While TNF-α mRNA was slightly affected and protein levels unchanged, IL-8 mRNA and protein levels were increased by some compounds.
Conclusions:
- Triterpenoids in apple peel possess significant anti-inflammatory properties, particularly through IP-10 inhibition.
- These findings suggest that apple peel-derived triterpenoids, including UA and OA, could be beneficial for managing IBD.
- Further research into these natural compounds may lead to novel nutrient supplements for inflammatory conditions.
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