Sargaquinoic Acid Inhibits TNF-α-Induced NF-κB Signaling, Thereby Contributing to Decreased Monocyte Adhesion to Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs)

Sargaquinoic acid (SQA) has been known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study investigated the effects of SQA isolated from Sargassum serratifolium on the inhibition of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-induced monocyte adhesion to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). SQA decreased the expression of cell adhesion molecules such as intracellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 as well as chemotactic cytokines such as interleukin-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in TNF-alpha-treated HUVECs. As a result, SQA prevented monocyte adhesion to TNF-alpha-induced adhesion. SQA also inhibited TNF-alpha-induced nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) translocation into the nucleus by preventing proteolytic degradation of inhibitor kappa B-alpha. Overall, SQA protects against TNF-alpha-induced vascular inflammation through inhibition of the NF-kappa B pathway in HUVECs. These data suggest that SQA may be used as a therapeutic agent for vascular inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis.