Novel peptides as potential treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by a loss of immunologic tolerance, production of auto-antibodies, and inflammatory damage in multiple organs. We have tested the effect of anti-inflammatory peptide, a H2A histone fragment, termed IIIM1, on MRL/lpr mice, animal model of SLE. Oral administration of IIIM1 at early stage of disease caused reduction in proteinuria and serum anti-dsDNA antibodies.

Anti-inflammatory effects of peptide fragments of H2A histone and Oryza Sativa Japonica protein.

Anti-inflammatory drugs are often of limited use due to low efficacy and toxic effects. The present study describes the anti-inflammatory effects of a novel nonapeptide termed IIIM1, using the mouse hind paw edema as an experimental model of inflammation. Multiple prophylactic injections of IIIM1 resulted in a significant reduction in carrageenan-induced foot pad swelling, both in mice and rats.

Peaceful use of disastrous neurotoxicants.

The increasing exposure to environmental neurotoxicants in the last decades caused serious health problems in the world population. Some of the neurotoxic agents are being used in agriculture and household such as insecticides and rodenticides and others are of natural origin like snake and scorpion venoms. Additional group of harmful substances is the chemical warfare agents including nerve and blistering agents that are known for their disastrous effects on neuronal tissues.

Amelioration of experimental autoimmune encephalitis by novel peptides: involvement of T regulatory cells.

The purpose of the present study was to develop a peptide for treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). We have tested the effect of a novel anti-inflammatory peptide (KGHYAERVG, termed IIIM1) on experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE), an animal model of MS. Our findings demonstrate significant reduction in neurological score following oral administration of IIIM1.

From topical antidote against skin irritants to a novel counter-irritating and anti-inflammatory peptide.

The primary purpose of the present study was to investigate the mechanism of the counter-irritating activity of topical iodine against skin lesions induced by chemical and thermal stimuli. The hypothesis that iodine exerts its activity by inducing an endogenous anti-inflammatory factor was confirmed by exposing guinea pig skin to heat stimulus followed by topical iodine treatment and skin extraction. Injection of the extract into naïve guinea pigs reduced heat-induced irritation by 69%.

Involvement of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in sulfur mustard-induced skin lesion; effect of topical iodine.

Sulfur mustard (SM), also termed mustard gas, is a potent vesicant that elicits an inflammatory response upon exposure of the skin. Evaluation of mouse ear 3 h after SM exposure revealed acute inflammatory-cell aggregates in the vascular beds accompanied by strongly TNF-alpha-positive neutrophils. Eight hours after SM exposure, this phenomenon became intensified and associated with infiltration into the adjacent dermis.