Recent development in chronic inflammation research and mangroves as potential source of anti-inflammatory agents

Abstract

The chronic inflammatory processes are considered as important factors in the development and progression of micro- as well as macro-vascular complications in type 2 diabetic condition. Even after several years of diagnosis of diabetes, 20-40% of patients still develop incipient diabetic nephropathy along with clinical symptoms of both micro- and macro-albuminuria. Conventional risk factors including uncontrolled glycaemic condition, hypertension and proteinuria may elevate decline of glomerular filtration rate and if untreated may lead to renal disease and renal damage. Recent evidences have indicated the association of endothelial dysfunction for development of low-grade inflammation in diabetic nephropathy. Two most sensitive markers of subclinical inflammation in diabetic patients are an acute-phase protein, C-reactive protein (CRP) produced by liver cells. Variations in the genes of pro-inflammatory cytokines were also involved in the development of low-grade inflammation in diabetes. Polymorphism in interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin1 receptor antagonist (IL1RA) genes were also reported for development of insulin resistance in diabetic condition and development of diabetic nephropathy. To curb such complexities, identifying and isolation of anti-inflammatory agents from natural sources is essential. Amongst many medicinal plants, mangroves plants may be seen as a potential source of various biological agents of medical importance. Recent studies on mangrove plants have shown that these plants possess tremendous therapeutic potency attributed to their unique ecology leading to increased attention of researchers over the years across the globe. The present review aimed at compiling the information related to anti-inflammatory activities in mangrove plants.