Quercetin suppresses proinflammatory cytokines production through MAP kinases and NF-[kappa]B pathway in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophage

• Published in: Molecular and cellular biochemistry 2003-01, Vol.243 (1-2), p.153-160
• Main Authors: Cho, Sung-yeon, Park, Sang-joon, Kwon, Myung-ja, Jeong, Tae-sook, Bok, Song-hae, Choi, Woo-young, Jeong, Won-il, Ryu, Si-yun, Do, Sun-hee, Lee, Cha-soo, Song, Jae-chan, Jeong, Kyu-shik
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anti-inflammatory agents; Antiinflammatory agents; Cells; Oxidizing agents; Proteins
• ISSN: 0300-8177; 1573-4919
• DOI: 10.1023/A:1021624520740

Quercetin is a flavonoid molecule ubiquitous in nature and functions as an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent with little toxicity in vivo and in vitro. Dose- and time-dependent effect of quercetin has been investigated on proinflammatory cytokine expression and NO production, focusing on its effects on the MAP kinases and the NF-κB signal transduction pathways in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells by using RT-PCR and immunoblotting. Quercetin strongly reduced activation of phosphorylated ERK kinase and p38 MAP kinase but not JNK MAP kinase by LPS treatment. In addition, quercetin treatment inhibited NF-κB activation through stabilization of the NF-κB/IκB complex and IκB degradation and proinflammatory cytokines and NO/iNOS expression. Quercetin may exert its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties in the effect molecules such as proinflammatory cytokines and NO/iNOS by suppressing the activation of ERK and p38 MAP kinase, and NF-κB/IκB signal transduction pathways.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]