Thiram modulates pro-inflammatory mediators in RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells

AbstractThiram (TMTD) is a widely used dithiocarbamate pesticide and fungicide and is one of potent contact allergens. In the light of known properties, thiram is also considered to be used as an inhibitor of inflammation. To investigate whether known pro-oxidative properties of thiram might be involved in immunogenic mechanisms, we carried out an in vitro study aimed at analysis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, activation of NF-κB, expression of iNOS and COX-2, production of NO, PGE2 and IL-1β in murine macrophage cells (RAW 264.7). The cells were treated by thiram alone (0.5 µg/mL; 2 μM and 2 µg/mL; 8 μM) or concomitantly with bacterial endotoxin (LPS; 1 μg/mL). LPS was used as an endotoxin that triggers changes characteristic for inflammatory state of the cell. TMTD increased ROS production, level of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and activated NF-κB. The consequence of NF-κB activation was the increase of IL-1β and NO production characteristic for inflammation. However, we did not observe cha...