Work

Anti-inflammatory activity of α-tomatine via inhibition of the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathway in vitro and ex vivo

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: α-Tomatine is a steroidal glycoalkaloid found in immature tomatoes that has been shown to have multiple beneficial effects on health.However, its anti-inflammatory properties have been little investigated thus far.The aim of this study was to evaluate its potential anti-inflammatory properties and underlying molecular mechanisms in rat splenocytes in vitro and ex vivo.We measured the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated secretion of inflammatory molecules by splenocytes to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of α-tomatine.The underlying mechanism was investigated via western blotting.Next, we verified the anti-inflammatory potential of α-tomatine in rat splenocytes ex vivo.Rats were subcutaneously injected with one of two dosages of α-tomatine for seven days.We then collected their splenocytes and used them to further investigate anti-inflammatory responses ex vivo.α-Tomatine reduced LPS-evoked TNF-α, IL-1β, and NO secretion in a dose-dependent manner in the splenocytes.It also suppressed the expression of phosphorylated p38, ERK, and NF-κB in vitro.Notably, in the ex vivo experimental model, α-tomatine strongly inhibited parts of the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways, resulting in reduced secretion of inflammatory molecules.These results revealed that α-tomatine exerted strong anti-inflammatory activities both in vitro and ex vivo.Further, its underlying mechanisms may be related to suppressing parts of the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways.We thus expect α-tomatine to be developed as a novel therapeutic candidate for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases.

Source: International Journal of Medical Sciences

DOI: 10.7150/ijms.118250