Polypeptide from Moschus Suppresses Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation by Inhibiting NF-κ B-ROS/NLRP3 Pathway

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Immunology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Inflammation is a complex biological response implicated in numerous diseases.
• Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a potent inducer of inflammation.
• Novel therapeutic agents targeting inflammatory pathways are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of polypeptide from Moschus (PPM).
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of PPM's action in LPS-induced inflammation.
• To evaluate PPM's efficacy in both in vitro and in vivo models.

Main Methods:

• Polypeptide extraction and characterization using chromatography and electrophoresis.
• In vitro studies using LPS-induced THP-1 macrophages to assess cell viability, cytokine production, ROS levels, and pathway activation (NF-κB, TXNIP/NLRP3).
• In vivo studies using LPS-induced BALB/c mice to measure serum and lung cytokines and analyze lung histology.

Main Results:

• PPM (10-26 kD) significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-18, TNF-α, IL-6) and ROS in LPS-stimulated macrophages.
• PPM inhibited the NF-κB and TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome pathways by decreasing key protein and mRNA expressions.
• In vivo, PPM alleviated lung inflammation and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in LPS-treated mice.

Conclusions:

• PPM demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory properties by suppressing the NF-κB-ROS/NLRP3 signaling cascade.
• PPM effectively attenuates LPS-induced inflammation in both cellular and animal models.
• PPM represents a promising candidate for the development of novel anti-inflammatory therapeutics.