Compositions that suppress the nuclear translocation of NFATc1 and NFATc2

Abstract

The object of the present invention is to provide a novel composition for inhibiting the nuclear translocation of NFATc1 and NFATc2 for anti-allergic purposes. [Solution] The NFATc1 and NFATc2 nuclear translocation inhibitory composition according to the present invention contains an aqueous extract of Terminalia bellirica fruit as an active ingredient. The term "composition" as used herein includes preparations such as liquid foods, supplements and food additives, food and beverages (excluding plants and animals themselves), food and beverage compositions (including processed food and beverages), pharmaceutical compositions, and other substances that can be ingested by animals (including humans).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition for suppressing the nuclear translocation of NFATc1 and NFATc2.

Background Art

[0002] Allergic diseases such as bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis have increased rapidly in recent decades, and currently, it is considered that at least about 1 / 2 of the population suffers from some allergic disease. Many of the current allergy medications are symptomatic, and there is a need for a more effective treatment method in terms of the increasing number of affected patients and the side effects associated with long-term use.

[0003] In response to such demands, various anti-allergy agents and anti-allergy compositions have been proposed in the past (see, for example, JP-A-2021-080197, JP-A-2021-28344, JP-A-2019-202955, etc.).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a novel composition for suppressing the nuclear translocation of NFATc1 and NFATc2 for anti-allergy.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the inventors diligently conducted research and found that when an aqueous extract of Terminalia bellirica fruit was administered to a target, the nuclear translocation of NFATc1 and NFATc2 in that target was significantly suppressed, thus completing the present invention.

[0007] In other words, the present invention is as follows: (1) A composition for inhibiting the nuclear translocation of NFATc1 and NFATc2, comprising an aqueous extract of Terminalia bellirica fruit as an active ingredient. The term "composition" as used herein includes preparations such as liquid foods, supplements and food additives, food and beverages (excluding plants and animals themselves), food and beverage compositions (including processed food and beverages), pharmaceutical compositions, and other substances that can be ingested by animals (including humans).

[0008] Furthermore, the above-mentioned invention can also be expressed as follows. (2) Use of aqueous extract of Terminalia bellirica fruit for the production of compositions that inhibit the nuclear translocation of NFATc1 and NFATc2.

[0009] (3) Aqueous extract of Terminalia bellirica fruit for use in the production of compositions that inhibit the nuclear translocation of NFATc1 and NFATc2.

[0010] (4) A method for using an aqueous extract of Terminalia bellirica fruit as an inhibitor of nuclear translocation of NFATC1 and NFATC2.

[0011] (5) Aqueous extract of Terminalia bellirica fruit for use as an inhibitor of nuclear translocation of NFATC1 and NFATC2. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] To the best of the inventors' knowledge, no previously existing composition inhibits the nuclear translocation of NFATc1 and NFATc2 using Terminalia bellirica fruit extract as an active ingredient. Therefore, the inventors provide a novel composition inhibiting the nuclear translocation of NFATc1 and NFATc2. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This graph shows the IL-9 gene expression suppression effect of Terminalia bellirica extract confirmed in Example 1. [Figure 2] This figure shows the inhibitory effect of Terminalia bellirica extract on nuclear translocation induced by ionomycin stimulation, as confirmed in Example 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The present invention relates to a composition that inhibits the nuclear translocation of NFATc1 and NFATc2, comprising an aqueous extract of Terminalia bellirica fruit as an active ingredient. While the NFATc1 and NFATc2 nuclear translocation inhibitory composition according to the present invention is particularly desirable for administration to patients whose allergic symptoms do not improve with antihistamines, it is also possible to use the above composition in combination with an antihistamine, anticipating that there may be patients whose allergic symptoms do not improve with antihistamines. In such cases, it is desirable to provide the above composition and the antihistamine as an anti-allergic combination drug set to the patient.

[0015] The Terminalia extract described above is obtained by immersing crushed Terminalia or similar material in an extraction solvent for a certain period of time. Terminalia fruits may be used as is, or they may be dried before extraction. Examples of extraction solvents include water, ethanol, organic solvents, and mixtures thereof, but water is particularly preferred among these extraction solvents. Furthermore, the extraction solvent may be heated during the extraction process to increase extraction efficiency or to extract desirable components. The extract may be used as is, or it may be concentrated, dried, powdered, etc.

[0016] For example, Terminalia bellirica is preferred as the terminalia. Terminalia bellirica is a broad-leaved tree belonging to the genus Terminalia in the family Combretaceae. In the present invention, any part of Terminalia bellirica, such as the leaves, bark, roots, flowers, wood, fruit, or seeds, may be used, but it is preferable to use the part of the fruit excluding the fruit or the seeds (the pericarp or pulp).

[0017] When formulating the above-described composition according to the present invention as a beverage, it is desirable to use Terminalia extract, water, and a pH adjuster as raw materials. In such a case, the Terminalia extract is preferably 0.001% by weight or more and 1% by weight or less, more preferably 0.001% by weight or more and 0.6% by weight or less, still more preferably 0.002% by weight or more and 0.3% by weight or less, even more preferably 0.003% by weight or more and 0.05% by weight or less, and particularly preferably contained within the range of 0.005% by weight or more and 0.020% by weight or less. Further, the pH adjuster is preferably contained within the range of 0.1% by weight or more and 0.15% by weight or less. Also, in such a case, the pH of the beverage is preferably within the range of 2 or more and 10 or less, more preferably within the range of 3 or more and 9 or less, still more preferably within the range of 4 or more and 7 or less, and particularly preferably within the range of 4 or more and 6 or less.

[0018] By forming the above-described composition according to the present invention into a single-packaged form in an amount appropriate for one-time ingestion, the composition according to the present invention can be ingested appropriately and easily, which is preferable from the viewpoint of usability. The amount appropriate for one-time ingestion, although there are individual differences and variations depending on factors such as the degree of allergic reaction, is preferably an amount such that the intake amount of Terminalia extract per day is within the range of 0.5 mg or more and 1 g or less, more preferably within the range of 1 mg or more and 500 mg or less, still more preferably within the range of 2 mg or more and 100 mg or less, even more preferably within the range of 3 mg or more and 70 mg or less, particularly preferably within the range of 5 mg or more and 50 mg, and particularly preferably within the range of 10 mg or more and 30 mg.

[0019] The "single-pack form" encompasses all forms, such as common packaging forms like containers with lids, bottles with caps, individual bags, pouches, tubes, etc. It is possible to clarify the use of the above-mentioned composition according to the present invention by describing on each single-pack or the packaging containing multiple single-packs the uses, efficacy, intake methods, etc. of the composition, and / or enclosing items (accompanying documents) with such descriptions, and / or posting separately items with such descriptions, such as brochures.

[0020] Incidentally, it is preferable to display descriptions of the uses, efficacy, functions, types of active ingredients, usage methods, etc. of the above-mentioned composition according to the present invention. The "display" mentioned here includes all displays for informing consumers of the above-mentioned effects. This display may be any display as long as it can evoke or analogize the above-mentioned display content, and may include all displays regardless of the purpose of the display, the content of the display, the object / media for display, etc. For example, displaying the above-mentioned description on the packaging / container of the product, displaying and presenting or distributing the above-mentioned description in advertisements / price lists or transaction documents related to the product, or providing information containing these by electromagnetic (such as the Internet) methods.

[0021] When the composition according to the present invention is made into a product as a composition for suppressing the nuclear translocation of NFATc1 and NFATc2, it is preferable that the product formed by packaging the composition for suppressing the nuclear translocation of NFATc1 and NFATc2 is labeled, for example, with "suppression of nuclear translocation of NFATc1 and NFATc2".

[0022] Note that the language used for the above-mentioned display is not limited to the above examples, and it may be a language synonymous with such meaning. As such language, for example, various languages such as "suppressing the nuclear translocation of NFATc1 and NFATc2" and "restricting the nuclear translocation of NFATc1 and NFATc2" may be acceptable to consumers.

[0023] Furthermore, the above-mentioned composition according to the present invention can also be in the form of special-use foods, complete nutritional foods, nutritional supplements, foods for specified health uses, foods with functional claims, processed foods, etc. In addition, the composition can be incorporated into all kinds of food and beverages, such as drinks, liquid foods, dairy products (fermented milk), and confectionery. [Examples]

[0024] The present invention will be described in more detail below based on examples. These examples are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0025] 1. Terminalia bellirica extract (1) Terminalia bellirica extract sample For the Terminalia bellirica fruit extract (water extract) sample, we used Terminalia bellirica (manufactured by Toyo Shinyaku Co., Ltd.). This extract is obtained by water extraction from Terminalia bellirica fruit that has been harvested when ripe and dried. It is a relatively water-soluble powder (water-soluble) that exhibits a yellowish-brown to reddish-brown color.

[0026] (2) Preparation of Terminalia bellirica extract solution Water (Milli-Q water) was added to the above powdered extract sample to prepare Terminalia bellirica extract solutions of different concentrations: 25 mg / mL, 50 mg / mL, 100 mg / mL, and 200 mg / mL.

[0027] 2. Verification of the anti-allergic effect of Terminalia bellirica extract (1)Cell culture RBL-2H3 cells were cultured in MEM medium supplemented with 10% FBS and an antibiotic (antibiotic-antimycotic, manufactured by Nacalai Tesque Co., Ltd.). The cell culture was performed at approximately 80% confluence.

[0028] (2) Treatment with Terminalia bellirica extract solution RBL-2H3 cells seeded in 6-well plates were treated for 24 hours with each of the Terminalia bellirica extract solutions described above (added to final concentrations of Terminalia bellirica extract at 25 μg / mL, 50 μg / mL, 100 μg / mL, and 200 μg / mL) and with a blank. After treatment, the RBL-2H3 cells were stimulated with 1 μM ionomycin for 2 hours. After stimulation, the RBL-2H3 cells were scraped off, and the IL-9 mRNA in the RBL-2H3 cells was quantified using real-time RT-PCR. Specifically, the results are as follows.

[0029] (2-1) Real-time RT-PCR (2-1-1) Extraction of total RNA from cells RBL-2H3 cells, Ca 2+ Mg 2+The RBL-2H3 cells were washed twice with phosphate buffer (hereinafter referred to as "PBS(-)"), and 700 μL of RNAiso Plus (manufactured by Takara Bio Inc.) was added to the washed RBL-2H3 cells, after which the RBL-2H3 cells were scraped off. The scraped RBL-2H3 cells were allowed to stand for 5 minutes, and then 140 μL of chloroform was added to the RBL-2H3 cells. Next, the chloroform containing the RBL-2H3 cells was shaken vigorously for 30 seconds to separate it into two phases, and then allowed to stand at room temperature for 5 minutes. Subsequently, the two-phase separated chloroform containing the RBL-2H3 cells was centrifuged at 15,000 rpm for 15 minutes at a temperature of 4°C. Then, the upper phase (aqueous phase) containing RNA was collected, the same amount of isopropanol was added to the upper phase, and the upper phase was shaken vigorously for 30 seconds, and then allowed to stand at room temperature for 10 minutes. Subsequently, the upper phase was centrifuged at 15,000 rpm for 15 minutes at a temperature of 4°C to obtain a pellet of RNA. To wash this pellet of RNA, 0.3 mL of 75% ethanol cooled to -30°C was added. The RNA-containing ethanol was then centrifuged at 15,000 rpm for 15 minutes at a temperature of 4°C to remove the ethanol. Diethyl pyrocarbonate-treated water (hereinafter referred to as "DEPC water") was added to the obtained pellet of RNA to prepare the RNA solution. The absorbance of the RNA solution at wavelengths of 260 nm and 280 nm was measured using a spectrophotometer (Thermo Fisher Scientific Nanodrop ND-1000). The total RNA concentration and purity in each RNA solution were calculated by hypothesis testing of the absorbance at 260 nm and the ratio of the two wavelengths.

[0030] (2-1-2) cDNA synthesis RNA solution and DEPC water were added to a sample tube to make an RNA solution equivalent to 1.0 μg of total RNA, bringing the total volume to 5 μL. A PrimeScript® RT reagent Kit was added to this to prepare a sample (see Table 1 for composition), and a reverse transcription reaction was performed on this sample using a thermal cycler (Biometra T3000 thermocycler) according to the program shown in Table 2 below.

[0031] [Table 1]

[0032] [Table 2]

[0033] (2-1-3) Real-time PCR The above-mentioned samples were mixed with reagents having the compositions shown in Table 3 to prepare 18 μL of reagent per well of a CFX Qualification Plate (BioRad). A PCR reaction was performed on the reagent using a Sequence Detector (BioRad CFX96 Touch Sequence Detection System), and the amplification curve of the PCR product was detected in real time. The detection results were analyzed using Sequence Detection software to quantify the mRNA in each RNA solution.

[0034] [Table 3]

[0035] The base sequences of the primers shown in Table 3 were as follows. IL-9 forward primer: 5'-GACGACCCATCATCAAAATGC-3' IL-9 reverse primer: 5'-CTGTGACATTCCCTCCTGGAA-3' IL-9 probe: FAM-TTGTGCCTCCCCATCCCATCTGAT-TAMRA

[0036] Furthermore, the PCR reaction was performed using the program shown in Table 4 below.

[0037] [Table 4]

[0038] Furthermore, GAPDH (Glycelaldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) mRNA was used as an internal control gene to correct for differences in RNA purity and reverse transcription efficiency, which are major factors in the variability of quantitative RT-PCR. GAPDH mRNA was quantified using TaqMan rodent GAPDH Control Reagents (Thermo Fisher Scientific).

[0039] (2-1-4) Statistical analysis and discussion of results The experimental data were presented as mean value ± SEM, and statistical analysis was performed using Dunnett's multiple comparison test, with significance defined as P<0.05. The experimental data were plotted as a bar graph in Figure 1 (note that "control" in Figure 1 refers to RBL-2H3 cells that were not stimulated with 1 μM ionomycin). As is clear from Figure 1, Terminalia bellirica extract significantly suppressed IL-9 mRNA expression induced by ionomycin (also written as io or IO). Furthermore, it was found that this effect increased with increasing amounts of Terminalia bellirica extract added.

[0040] (3) Effects of Terminalia bellirica extract on the localization of NFATC1 and NFATC2 (3-1) Cell culture BHK21 cells constitutively expressing NFATc1-GFP fusion protein and NFATc2-GFP fusion protein were provided by Professor Osamu Kaminuma of Hiroshima University. These BHK21 cells were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium, high glucose (DMEM, high glucose) containing 10% FBS, antibiotics (antibiotic-antimycotic), and puromycin (5 μg / mL, Nacalai Tesque Co., Ltd.) to maintain the expression of the cells.

[0041] (3-2) Observation of intracellular localization BHK21 cells were cultured in a 35 mm glass petri dish (IWAKI), and then treated with a 100 μg / mL Terminalia bellirica extract solution for 24 hours. After treatment, the BHK21 cells were stimulated with 1 μM ionomycin for 30 minutes. After stimulation, the BHK21 cells were washed twice with PBS(-), and the glass petri dish was filled with 4% paraformaldehyde (Nacalai Tesque Co., Ltd.) and fixed at 4°C for 15 minutes. Subsequently, the BHK21 cells were washed with PBS(-) for 5 minutes, and then the glass petri dish was filled with a solution of propidium iodide (PI) diluted with 1% BSA and 0.1% Tween 20 PBS(-) (final concentration 2.5 μg / mL), and allowed to stand for 10 minutes before nuclear staining of the BHK21 cells. After nuclear staining, BHK21 cells were washed with 0.1% Tween20 PBS(-) solution, then washed twice more with PBS(-) for 10 minutes each. Fluoromount (Diagnostic BioSystems) was then added to the washed BHK21 cells, and the cells were mounted on coverslips. After mounting, the BHK21 cells were observed using a confocal laser scanning microscope, yielding the image shown in Figure 2. In Figure 2, NFAT is shown in green, and the nuclei were stained orange. This indicates that Terminalia bellirica extract inhibited the nuclear translocation of both NFATs in response to ionomycin stimulation. Therefore, it was revealed that Terminalia bellirica extract exerts anti-allergic effects by inhibiting the calcineurin / NFAT signaling pathway and thereby suppressing the upregulation of IL-9 gene expression. [Industrial applicability]

[0042] The NFATc1 and NFATc2 nuclear translocation inhibitory composition according to the present invention is presumed to exert an anti-allergic effect by inhibiting the calcineurin / NFAT signaling pathway and thereby suppressing the nuclear translocation of NFATc1 and NFATc2, and is useful for patients whose allergic symptoms do not improve with antihistamines.

Claims

[Claim 1] A composition for inhibiting the nuclear translocation of NFATc1 and NFATc2, comprising an aqueous extract of Terminalia bellirica fruit as an active ingredient.

Images