Anti-inflammatory action of sulfated glucosamine on cytokine regulation in LPS-activated PMA-differentiated THP-1 macrophages

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sulfated glucosamine (SGlc) on the regulation of inflammatory cytokines and profiles involved in immunological activities. Changes in the inflammatory profiles of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-differentiated THP-1 macrophage models were investigated following SGlc treatment. Methods Human THP-1 macrophages were used to evaluate anti-inflammatory profiles. The cytokine secretion levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Effects of SGlc on the regulation of mRNA and protein levels were determined using RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. The effect of SGlc on the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and NF-kappa B protein was also determined by Western blot analysis. Results Treatment of THP-1 cells with SGlc inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin (IL)-1 beta and IL-6. In addition, SGlc suppressed the mRNA and protein expression levels of inflammatory mediators such as inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6, 5-lipoxygenase and cytoplasmic phospholipase A(2) in LPS-activated THP-1 macrophages. Furthermore, we confirmed that the LPS-activated transcriptions of MAPKs and NF-kappa B were inhibited by SGlc treatment in PMA-differentiated THP-1 macrophages. Conclusion These results suggest that SGlc can be considered as a potential anti-inflammatory supplement.