Author(s): Ren W, Zhou H, Xian-Ju H and Gao Y
Objective: Bullatine A (BLA), a diterpenoid alkaloid of the genus Aconitum, possesses anti-rheumatic, antiinflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects. The mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory effect was further examined using murine RAW264.7 macrophage cell lines in vitro.
Methods: The effects of BLA on cell apoptosis/death and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in RAW264.7 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were examined. The effects of BLA on pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) as well as nitric oxide (NO), intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca2+ in RAW264.7 cells induced by LPS were examined.
Results: The results showed that BLA protected RAW 264.7 cells against apoptotic death induced by LPS via attenuated the production of pro-inflammatory factor interleukin-6 (IL-6), nitric oxide (NO), intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca2+ in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells.
Conclusion: The results demonstrated a significant anti-inflammatory and ER stress inhibitory properties of BLA. It also indicated that it may have beneficial therapeutic effects in the treatment of conditions associated with an overproduction of inflammatory cytokines, including pain, inflammation, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases.
