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Ambroxol inhibits platelet-derived growth factor production in human monocytic cells

Mitsuyoshi Utsugi1, Kunio Dobashi, Yasuhiko Koga

  • 1First Department of Internal Medicine, Gunma University Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, 3-39-15 Showa-machi, Gunma, 371-8511, Maebashi, Japan.

Insights

Ambroxol effectively reduces lipopolysaccharide-induced platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) production in human cells. This inhibition occurs by suppressing the p44/42 extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, a key factor in airway remodeling.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) plays a role in lung and airway remodeling.
  • Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is known to induce PDGF production.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of ambroxol on LPS-induced PDGF production in human monocytic cells (THP-1).
  • To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism, specifically the involvement of the p44/42 extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway.

Main Methods:

  • Human monocytic cells (THP-1) were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and ambroxol.
  • Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-AB production and PDGF-A mRNA expression were measured.
  • Activation of p44/42 extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) was assessed.
  • The effect of a MEK-1 inhibitor (PD 98059) on LPS-induced PDGF production and ERK activation was evaluated.

Main Results:

  • Ambroxol significantly inhibited LPS-induced PDGF-AB production by suppressing PDGF-A mRNA expression.
  • LPS treatment activated p44/42 ERK, an effect attenuated by ambroxol.
  • The MEK-1 inhibitor PD 98059 blocked both LPS-induced p44/42 ERK activation and PDGF production.

Conclusions:

  • Ambroxol inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced PDGF production in human monocytic cells.
  • This inhibitory effect is mediated through the suppression of p44/42 ERK pathway activation.
  • Ambroxol may represent a therapeutic agent for conditions involving PDGF-mediated airway remodeling.

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