Hematein inhibits atherosclerosis by inhibition of reactive oxygen generation and NF-kappaB-dependent inflammatory mediators in hyperlipidemic mice.

Jae-Hoon Choi, Tae-Sook Jeong, Dae-Yong Kim, Young-Myeong Kim, Hee-Jun Na, Ki-Hwan Nam, Sae-Bom Lee, Hyoung-Chin Kim, Sei Ryang Oh, Yang-Kyu Choi, Song-Hae Bok, Goo Taeg Oh

Index: J. Cardiovasc. Pharmacol. 42(2) , 287-95, (2003)

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Abstract

Hematein, a natural compound, is a known anti-inflammatory and antiatherogenic agent in the rabbit model. The authors investigated the effects of this compound on atherogenesis and possible mechanisms of the actions in the hyperlipidemic mice. Low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient (Ldlr-/-) mice fed a high-cholesterol diet alone for 8 weeks developed the fatty streak lesion in the aortic sinus, whereas this lesion was significantly reduced by hematein treatment without a change in plasma lipid levels compared with control mice. Hematein treatment reduced plasma levels of lipid peroxide and superoxide generation in LPS-stimulated peritoneal macrophage. Hematein treatment inhibited NF-kappaB-DNA binding activity in peritoneal macrophages from Ldlr-/- mice and the activation of NF-kappaB in RAW264.7 macrophages. This compound suppressed plasma nitrite/nitrate levels in Ldlr-/- mice and NO production and iNOS expression in LPS+IFNgamma-stimulated peritoneal macrophages. Hematein treatment also suppressed the activity of iNOS promoters in RAW264.7 macrophages, and reduced the plasma levels of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta and the production of these cytokines in LPS+IFNgamma-stimulated peritoneal macrophages. These results suggest that hematein inhibits atherosclerotic lesion formation, possibly by reducing proinflammatory mediators through a decrease in reactive oxygen species generation and NF-kappaB activation.