title: Modulation of iNOS expression by a nitric oxide-releasing derivative of the natural antioxidant ferulic acid in activated RAW 264.7 macrophages.
abstract: We have previously reported that NCX 2057, a new chemical entity bearing a nitric oxide (NO)-releasing moiety linked to the natural antioxidant ferulic acid, shows marked anti-inflammatory properties in a model of chronic brain inflammation. We have now studied the effects of NCX 2057 and its metabolic products, ferulic acid and NCX 2059, on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and function in lipopolysaccharide/interferon-gamma (LPS/IFNgamma)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. NCX 2057 inhibited iNOS mRNA and protein expression (IC(50)=6.2+/-1.0 microM) without altering iNOS protein degradation rate. NCX 2057 also decreased the levels of LPS/IFNgamma-induced nitrite accumulation (IC(50)=4.3+/-0.7 microM) in RAW 264.7 cells. Conversely, NCX 2059, which does not possess NO-donating properties, was only weakly effective (IC(50) >100 microM) and ferulic acid was inactive. To understand further the mechanisms underlying anti-inflammatory properties we studied the effects of NCX 2057 on selected transcription factors. Unlike ferulic acid, NCX 2057 inhibited LPS-induced translocation/activation of the nuclear factor, NF-kappaB, while other transcription factors, such as, Sp1, NF-IL2A and STAT-1 were not affected. The present data support the concept that NO adds important anti-inflammatory properties to ferulic acid. Thus, NCX 2057 represents a new prototype drug for the treatment of disorders associated with chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.
authors.affiliation: Nicox Research Institute, Via Ariosto 21, 20091 Bresso, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ronchetti
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Impagnatiello
authors.forename: Massimiliano
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guzzetta
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gasparini
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Borgatti
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gambari
authors.forename: Ennio
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ongini
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002073:Butanes / Q000494:pharmacology; D002460:Cell Line; D003373:Coumaric Acids / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004952:Esters / Q000494:pharmacology; D015971:Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic / Q000187:drug effects; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000494:pharmacology; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000494:pharmacology; D008262:Macrophage Activation; D008264:Macrophages / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D016328:NF-kappa B / Q000378:metabolism; D052247:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D009573:Nitrites / Q000378:metabolism; D009574:Nitro Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: C484212:3-((4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-propenoic acid 4-nitrooxy)butyl ester; D000975:Antioxidants; D002073:Butanes; D003373:Coumaric Acids; D004952:Esters; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; C510588:NCX 2059; D016328:NF-kappa B; D009573:Nitrites; D009574:Nitro Compounds; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D007371:Interferon-gamma; C004999:ferulic acid; D052247:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II