Zanthoxylum nitidum extract attenuates BMP-2-induced inflammation and hyperpermeability.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Pharmacology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) is widely used in spinal fusion surgery.
• BMP-2 can cause adverse effects, including vascular hyper-permeability and inflammation.
• There is a need for effective countermeasures against BMP-2-induced side effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective effects of Zanthoxylum nitidum (ZN) against BMP-2-induced inflammation and hyper-permeability.
• To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of ZN's protective action.
• To assess ZN as a potential therapeutic agent for BMP-2-related complications.

Main Methods:

• Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with BMP-2 and ZN.
• Pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-1α, IL-1β, TNF-α) were measured.
• NF-κB signaling pathway activation (p65, IκB phosphorylation, nuclear translocation) was assessed.
• Expression of tight junction proteins (VE-cadherin, Occludin) was analyzed.
• Vascular hyper-permeability was evaluated using dextran-fluorescein intensity.

Main Results:

• BMP-2 significantly increased pro-inflammatory cytokine production in HUVECs.
• ZN suppressed BMP-2-induced increases in IL-1α, IL-1β, and TNF-α.
• ZN inhibited BMP-2-induced NF-κB pathway activation and p65 nuclear translocation.
• ZN restored BMP-2-impaired expression of VE-cadherin and Occludin.
• ZN reversed BMP-2-induced HUVEC hyper-permeability.

Conclusions:

• Zanthoxylum nitidum (ZN) effectively antagonizes BMP-2-induced inflammation and vascular hyper-permeability.
• ZN acts by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway and preserving endothelial barrier integrity.
• ZN demonstrates potential as a therapeutic candidate to manage BMP-2-related adverse effects in spinal fusion.