FR167653 Ameliorates Expression of Proinflammatory Mediators in Human Umbilical Venous Endothelial Cells and Human Monocytes

Abstract p38MAP kinase plays a crucial role in intracellular signal transduction of inflammation. The inhibitor of p38 MAP kinase, FR167653, has been proven to be effective to suppress proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β in various animal models. The aim of our study was to investigate p38MAP kinase inhibition by FR167653 on the inflammatory profile of cells involved in vascular injury. HUVEC incubated with FR167653 in concentrations of 0.1 to 20 μmol for 24 hours were stimulated with TNF-α (20 ng/mL). Human monocytes were incubated with equal concentrations of FR167653 and stimulated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS; 10 μg/mL). In monocytes, p38 MAP kinase could be inhibited by FR167653 (Western blot). The cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 were dose dependently downregulated by FR167653 (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) [ELISA]. These results were confirmed at a transcriptional level by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Gene expression of IL-6 and IL-8 was dose dependently downregulated. The expression pattern of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 was not altered by FR167653 (ELISA). In HUVEC, the cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 were dose dependently downregulated by FR167653 (ELISA). These results were confirmed on a transcriptional level by real-time PCR. Gene expression of IL-6 and IL-8 were also dose dependently suppressed by FR167653. In addition FR167653 downregulated the expression of the adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 (ELISA). FR167653 suppressed the development of a proinflamatory profile of HUVEC and human monocytes after stimulation with TNF-α or LPS, respectively. These results indicated anti-inflammatory properties of FR167653 on endothelial and inflammatory cells, which may be therapeutically useful to ameliorate vascular injury.