DBZ Blocks LPS-induced Monocyte Activation and Foam Cell Formation via Inhibiting Nuclear Factor-κB

Background/Aims: It has been widely accepted that chronic inflammation plays important roles in the atherogenesis. Danshensu Bingpian Zhi (DBZ) is a novel synthetic compound derived from the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula Fu Fang Dan Shen (FFDS), which is effective on atherosclerosis clinically. We hypothesized that DBZ possessed the anti-atherosclerosis potentials. Here, we examined the inhibitory effects of DBZ on LPS-induced monocyte activation and foam cell formation. Methods: The effects of DBZ were assessed on LPS-induced inflammatory factors expression in monocyte/macrophage. Activation of NF-kappa B and AP-1 was analyzed by luciferase reporter assay and signaling pathway of NF-kappa B was investigated to elucidate mechanisms underlying DBZ mediated anti-inflammatory activity. Effects of DBZ on macrophage lipid accumulation were evaluated in native LDL and LPS co-incubated macrophages. Results: DBZ inhibited LPS-induced inflammatory factors expression dose dependently in monocytes. DBZ inhibited NF-kappa B activation strongly and AP-1 slightly. DBZ suppressed the LPS-induced degradation of I kappa B alpha, thereby decreasing the translocation of p65 to nucleus. Furthermore, DBZ suppressed LPS-activated macrophages lipid accumulation, partly due to inhibiting the expression of LPS-induced aP2 and ADRP in macrophges. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that DBZ has potentials on anti-atherosclerosis by suppressing monocyte activation and foam cell formation. Copyright (C) 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel