Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Measurement of Heme Synthesis Levels in Mammalian Cells
Published on: July 9, 2015
Hemin modulates cytokine expressions in macrophage-derived foam cells via heme oxygenase-1 induction
Jian-Li Ma1, Peng-Yuan Yang, Yao-Cheng Rui
1Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
Abstract:
Lipid-laden foam cells were considered to be targets for therapeutic intervention in atherosclerosis. Several studies proposed new approaches to alter both lipid accumulation and inflammatory responses in macrophages. Finding anti-inflammatory signals during foam cell formation would provide new valid targets for anti-atherosclerotic treatment. The aim of the present study was to see whether oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) can active heme oxygenase (HO)-1 expression level in a human monocyte line, U937 cells, associated with the increase of cytokine secretion. We used hemin (HO-1 activator) and zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP IX, HO-1 inhibitor) to determine the effect of HO-1 on the regulation of cytokine expressions. The results showed that hemin can significantly decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1beta and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha levels, while enhancing IL-10 production in a dose-dependent manner in U937 foam cells. ZnPP IX did not significantly affect cytokine levels in foam cells. Our present results suggested that HO-1 is an important anti-inflammatory therapeutic target through inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhancing anti-inflammatory cytokines for the management of atherogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Role of Hematopoietic Growth Factors
Thrombopoietin (TPO), mainly released by the liver,...
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
Differentiation of Common Myeloid Progenitor Cells
Multipotency of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Production of Formed Elements
Most HSCs commit to...

