DHA and EPA Down-regulate COX-2 Expression through Suppression of NF-kappaB Activity in LPS-treated Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells.
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.
Lee
Soon Ae
SA
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-702, Korea.
Kim
Hye Jung
HJ
Chang
Ki Churl
KC
Baek
Jong Chul
JC
Park
Ji Kwon
JK
Shin
Jeong Kyu
JK
Choi
Won Jun
WJ
Lee
Jong Hak
JH
Paik
Won Young
WY