title: DHA and EPA Down-regulate COX-2 Expression through Suppression of NF-kappaB Activity in LPS-treated Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells.
abstract: Inflammatory processes of vascular endothelial cells play a key role in the development ofatherosclerosis. We determined the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on LPS-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to evaluate their cardioprotective potential. Cells were pretreated with DHA, EPA, or troglitazone prior to activation with LPS. Expression of COX-2, prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) and IL-6 production, and NF-kappaB activity were measured by Western blot, ELISA, and luciferase activity, respectively. Results showed that EPA, DHA, or troglitazone significantly reduced COX-2 expression, NF-kappaB luciferase activity, and PGE(2) and IL-6 production in a dose-dependent fashion. Interestingly, low doses (10 microM) of DHA and EPA, but not troglitozone, significantly increased the activity of NF-kappaB in resting HUVECs. Our study suggests that while DHA, EPA, and troglitazone may be protective on HUVECs under inflammatory conditions in a dose-dependent manner. However there may be some negative effects when the concentrations are abnormally low, even in normal endothelium.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-702, Korea.
authors.forename: Soon Ae
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Hye Jung
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Ki Churl
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Jong Chul
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Baek
authors.forename: Ji Kwon
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Jeong Kyu
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.forename: Won Jun
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Jong Hak
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Won Young
authors.initials: WY
authors.lastname: Paik