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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

On-Chip Endothelial Inflammatory Phenotyping
Published on: July 22, 2012
Celecoxib decreases endothelial tissue factor expression through inhibition of c-Jun terminal NH2 kinase
Jan Steffel1, Matthias Hermann, Helen Greutert
1Cardiovascular Research, Physiology Institute, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
Background:
Despite potential antiinflammatory properties, the use of selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (coxibs) in patients with cardiovascular diseases has been questioned because of a possibly increased thrombotic risk. Tissue factor (TF), a key protein for initiation of coagulation, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Hence, we examined the effect of different coxibs on TF expression.
Methods And Results:
Celecoxib (10(-5) mol/L), but not rofecoxib (10(-7) to 10(-5) mol/L) or the experimental coxib NS-398 (10(-7) to 10(-5) mol/L), decreased tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced TF expression and activity in human aortic endothelial cells. Celecoxib (10(-5) mol/L) reduced activation of c-jun terminal NH2 kinase (JNK), whereas it did not affect p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase or p44/42 MAP kinase; in contrast, JNK activation was not affected by rofecoxib (10(-5) mol/L) or NS-398 (10(-5) mol/L). TF expression was reduced in a concentration-dependent manner by pretreatment with SP600125 (10(-7) to 10(-6) mol/L), a specific inhibitor of JNK, which confirms that JNK regulates tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced TF expression.
Conclusions:
Celecoxib reduced TF expression and activity in human aortic endothelial cells. Because neither rofecoxib nor the experimental coxib NS-398 affected TF expression, this effect occurs independently of COX-2 inhibition; it is rather mediated through inhibition of JNK phosphorylation. These data indicate a distinct heterogeneity within this class of drugs, which may be clinically relevant, especially for patients with atherosclerotic vascular diseases.
Insights
Celecoxib, unlike other coxibs, reduces tissue factor (TF) expression in human aortic cells by inhibiting JNK. This suggests distinct drug effects relevant for cardiovascular disease patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
- Thrombosis Research
Background:
- Selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (coxibs) may increase thrombotic risk in cardiovascular patients.
- Tissue factor (TF) is implicated in atherosclerosis and thrombosis pathogenesis.
- Investigating coxibs' effects on TF expression is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the differential effects of various coxibs on tissue factor (TF) expression.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying coxib-mediated changes in TF expression.
- To assess the clinical relevance of these findings for patients with atherosclerotic vascular diseases.
Main Methods:
- Human aortic endothelial cells were treated with different coxibs (celecoxib, rofecoxib, NS-398).
- Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was used to induce TF expression and activity.
- Western blotting and specific inhibitors (SP600125) were employed to analyze signaling pathways, including JNK, p38 MAPK, and p44/42 MAPK.
Main Results:
- Celecoxib significantly decreased TNF-α-induced TF expression and activity.
- Rofecoxib and NS-398 did not affect TF expression or activity.
- Celecoxib inhibited JNK phosphorylation, a mechanism confirmed by SP600125, while other coxibs did not.
- Celecoxib's effect on TF was independent of COX-2 inhibition.
Conclusions:
- Celecoxib exhibits a unique ability to reduce TF expression and activity in endothelial cells.
- This effect is mediated by the inhibition of JNK phosphorylation, not COX-2 inhibition.
- Significant heterogeneity exists among coxibs regarding their impact on TF, with potential clinical implications for cardiovascular and atherosclerotic diseases.
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