Effect of arazyme on the lipopolysaccharide‑induced inflammatory response in human endothelial cells

Arazyme is a novel extracellular metalloprotease secreted by Aranicola proteolyticus. Endothelial cells are involved in the pathogenesis of a number of inflammatory diseases, induce uncontrolled cell viability and express various inflammatory mediators, including cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules and reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the current study, human umbilical vein endothelilal cells (HUVECs) were used to investigate the anti‑inflammatory effects of arazyme following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Apoptosis of HUVECs due to LPS was inhibited by arazyme. In various inflammatory responses induced by LPS, arazyme inhibited the secretion of the monocyte chemoattractant protein‑1 and interleukin‑6, and the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule‑1 and intercellular adhesion molecule‑1. Arazyme also suppressed ROS production in HUVECs. The action of arazyme was not associated with NF‑κB activity in HUVECs. These results indicate that arazyme has anti‑inflammatory properties in inflamed endothelial cells and may be useful as a therapeutic agent for inflammatory diseases associated with endothelial cells.