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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Columbia, Missouri » Plant Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #364102
Research Project: Gene Discovery and Designing Soybeans for Food, Feed, and Industrial Applications

Location: Plant Genetics Research

Title: BG-4 from bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) differentially affects inflammation in vitro and in vivo

Author
item NIETO-VELOZA, ANDREA - University Of Tennessee
item WANG, ZHIHONG - University Of Tennessee
item ZHONG, QIXIN - University Of Tennessee
item Krishnan, Hari
item DIA, VERMONT - University Of Tennessee

Submitted to: Antioxidants
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/11/2019
Publication Date: 6/14/2019
Publication URL: http://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/6472493
Citation: Nieto-Veloza, A., Wang, Z., Zhong, Q., Krishnan, H.B., Dia, V.P. 2019. BG-4 from bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) differentially affects inflammation in vitro and in vivo. Antioxidants. 8(6):175. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8060175.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8060175

Interpretive Summary: Inflammatory bowel disease is a life-long condition of chronic and relapsing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The increasing incidence of inflammatory bowel disease has raised a global concern considering the detrimental consequences in terms of quality of life, economic loss associated with lower productivity and increased medical expenses. Hence, looking for alternative ways to manage inflammation is needed; and plant origin compounds may prevent, ameliorate and alleviate chronic inflammation. Momordica charantia, commonly known as bitter gourd is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family. Previously, we have purified BG-4, a protease inhibitor from the seeds of bitter gourd and demonstrated its anti-inflammatory properties. However, the potential bioactive properties of BG-4 in animal models remain unexplored. In this study, we have demonstrated that BG-4 differentially affected inflammation in vitro and in vivo systems. Information from this study will enable scientists to exploit protease inhibitors from plant sources such as soybean and bitter gourd for the management of disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease.

Technical Abstract: Scope: BG-4 isolated from bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) has reported biological activities. The objective was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties of BG-4 in vitro and in vivo. Methods and Results: Comparative study of the anti-inflammatory properties of BG-4 in vitro and in vivo was conducted by measuring the effect of BG-4 on pro-inflammatory markers in mouse-derived lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-activated macrophages, and on dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)-induced colitis in mice. BG-4 reduced production of pro-inflammatory markers in LPS-activated macrophages. On the other hand, intraperitoneal administration of BG-4 in DSS-induced colitis led to colon shortening, elevated neutrophils infiltration and myeloperoxidase activity, presence of blood in stool and loss of body weight, with differential systemic and local effects on pro-inflammatory cytokines in vivo. Conclusions: The results demonstrated that BG-4 differentially affected inflammation in vitro and in vivo. Further study is needed, for instance mode of administration, to realize the potential of BG-4 for management of inflammatory-related diseases.