V. Ivanov, S. Ivanova, M.W. Roomi, T. Kalinovsky, A. Niedzwiecki, M. Rath
Research Communications in Molecular Pathology and Pharmacology 2004
Introduction:
Recognition of the involvement of inflammatory processes in atherosclerotic lesion initiation and development of pathological consequences initiated a search for an effective inhibitor. Naturally occurring compounds demonstrate a wider spectrum of biological activity and fewer side effects than synthetic drugs. Mixtures of natural compounds often produce synergistically enhanced therapeutic action.
Objective:
This prompted us to investigate whether a unique nutrient mixture (NS), containing ascorbic acid, lysine, proline, arginine, N-acetyl cysteine and tea phenolics, could reduce an autocrine response of human aortic smooth muscle cell (SMC) to inflammatory stimuli. Cultured SMC were challenged with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF_) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the presence or absence of NS. Expression of leading mediators of inflammatory reaction was assayed with ELISA (R&D Systems).
Results:
2.5-fold induction of interleukin-1alpha (IL-1_) content in cellular media was completely reversed in the presence of 20 _g/ml NS (containing 20 _M ascorbic acid). Secretion of pro-interleukin–1 beta (pro-IL-1_) and of its activator, caspase-1, was inhibited by 46% and 67%, respectively. This resulted in significant reduction of IL-1_ formation. Secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) was also dramatically reduced. Moreover, addition of NS significantly inhibited expression of cell adhesion molecules: sP-selectin and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (42% and 65% inhibition, respectively). Anti-inflammatory effects of NS exceeded the sum of actions of its individual components.
Conclusion:
From these data we conclude that the mixture of ascorbic acid, tea phenolics, and selected amino acids tested has a strong potential against involvement of vascular cells into inflammatory response to pathogens.
Key Words:
atherosclerosis, cytokines, interleukin, inflammatory mediators, inflammation, nutrient synergy, human aortic SMC
Full Study:
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