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The anti-inflammatory potential of neuropeptide FF in vitro and in vivo
Yu-Long Sun1, Xiao-Yuan Zhang, Tao Sun
1Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Physiology & Psychology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 222 Tian Shui South Road, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China.
Abstract:
Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) has many functions in regulating various biological processes. However, little attention has been focused on the anti-inflammatory effect of this peptide. In the present study, the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of NPFF in both primary peritoneal macrophages and RAW 264.7 macrophages was investigated. Our data showed that NPFF suppressed the nitric oxide (NO) production of macrophages in the inflammation process. RF9, a reported antagonist of NPFF receptors, completely blocked the NPFF-induced NO suppression, suggesting a NPFF receptors-mediated pathway is mainly involved. Down-regulation of the nitric oxide synthases significantly inhibited the NPFF-induced NO reduction, indicating the involvement of nitric oxide synthases. However, the nitric oxide synthases were not the only route by which NPFF modulated the NO levels of macrophages. Pharmacological antagonists of the NF-κB signal pathway also completely suppressed the NPFF-induced NO decline. Moreover, we also observed that NPFF is capable of blocking the LPS-induced nuclear translocation of p65 in macrophages, implying the involvement of the NF-κB signal pathway. Finally, we observed that NPFF markedly attenuated the carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema, indicating that NPFF is capable of exerting anti-inflammatory potency in vivo. Collectively, our findings reveal the potential role of NPFF in the anti-inflammatory field both in vitro and in vivo, which will be helpful for the further exploitation of NPFF utility therapeutically.
Insights
Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing nitric oxide production in macrophages. This peptide shows therapeutic potential for inflammatory conditions, acting through NPFF receptors and the NF-κB pathway.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) is known for regulating various biological processes.
- The anti-inflammatory effects of NPFF have not been extensively studied.
- Understanding NPFF's role in inflammation could reveal new therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of Neuropeptide FF (NPFF).
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying NPFF's anti-inflammatory action in macrophages.
- To assess NPFF's potential for therapeutic applications in inflammatory diseases.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies using primary peritoneal macrophages and RAW 264.7 macrophages.
- Assessment of nitric oxide (NO) production and its regulation.
- Investigation of NPFF receptor involvement using antagonist RF9.
- Analysis of nitric oxide synthases and NF-κB signaling pathway.
- In vivo study using carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema model.
Main Results:
- NPFF significantly suppressed nitric oxide (NO) production in macrophages.
- NPFF-induced NO suppression was mediated by NPFF receptors and involved nitric oxide synthases.
- The NF-κB signaling pathway was implicated, as antagonists blocked NPFF's effect on NO levels.
- NPFF inhibited LPS-induced nuclear translocation of p65 in macrophages.
- NPFF markedly reduced carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema, demonstrating in vivo anti-inflammatory effects.
Conclusions:
- Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) possesses significant in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory properties.
- NPFF exerts its anti-inflammatory effects via NPFF receptors, nitric oxide synthases, and the NF-κB pathway.
- NPFF represents a promising therapeutic agent for inflammatory conditions.
