Anti-inflammatory effects of Danggui Liuhuang Decoction () in RAW 264.7 cells

• Published in: Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2012-12
• Main Authors: Kim, Sung-Bae, Kang, Ok-Hwa, Keum, Joon-Ho, Mun, Su-Hyun, Seo, Yun-Soo, Choi, Jang-Gi, Kim, Ma-Ryong, Rho, Jung-Rae, Shin, Dong-Won, Kil, Ki-Jung, Kwon, Dong-Yeul
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1672-0415; 1993-0402
• DOI: 10.1007/s11655-012-1237-1

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of Danggui Liuhuang Decoction () or Dangkwiyughwang-tang (DGLHT) water extract. METHODS: Effect of DGLHT on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of several pro-inflammatory mediators, including nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were examined by using enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. To determine the underlying mechanism of the inhibitory effects of DGLHT, the expression levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein, as well as iNOS, COX-2, and IL-6 mRNA levels were examined by Western blot and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells were also examined by Western blot. RESULTS: DGLHT inhibited LPS-induced production of NO, PGE(2), and IL-6 productions and the expressions of iNOS and COX-2. Furthermore, DGLHT suppressed LPS-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). CONCLUSIONS: DGLHT has inhibitory effects on the LPSinduced production of PGE(2), NO, and IL-6 and on the expressions of iNOS and COX-2 in murine macrophages. These anti-inflammatory effects occur through inhibition of MAPK phosphorylation.