DHA and EPA Down-regulate COX-2 Expression through Suppression of NF-κB Activity in LPS-treated Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

• Published in: The Korean journal of physiology & pharmacology Vol. 13; no. 4; pp. 301 - 307
• Main Authors: Lee, Soon Ae, Kim, Hye Jung, Chang, Ki Churl, Baek, Jong Chul, Park, Ji Kwon, Shin, Jeong Kyu, Choi, Won Jun, Lee, Jong Hak, Paik, Won Young
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: The Korean Physiological Society and The Korean Society of Pharmacology 01.08.2009; 대한약리학회
• Subjects: Original; 약리학
• ISSN: 1226-4512; 2093-3827
• DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2009.13.4.301

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-κB activity were measured by Western blot, ELISA, and luciferase activity, respectively. Results showed that EPA, DHA, or troglitazone significantly reduced COX-2 expression, NF-κB luciferase activity, and PGE 2 and IL-6 production in a dose-dependent fashion. Interestingly, low doses (10 µM) of DHA and EPA, but not troglitozone, significantly increased the activity of NF-κB 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.