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Updated: Apr 17, 2026
Isolation, Characterization, and Purification of Macrophages from Tissues Affected by Obesity-related Inflammation
Published on: April 3, 2017
Oregonin reduces lipid accumulation and proinflammatory responses in primary human macrophages
Annika Lundqvist1, Lisa U Magnusson1, Christina Ullström1
1Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, S-41345 Gothenburg, Sweden.
Abstract:
Inflammation in the vascular wall is important for the development of atherosclerosis. We have previously shown that inflammatory macrophages are more abundant in human atherosclerotic lesions than in healthy arteries. Activated macrophages produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that promote local inflammation in atherosclerotic lesions. Here, we investigated the role of oregonin, a diarylheptanoid, on proinflammatory responses in primary human macrophages and found that oregonin decreased cellular lipid accumulation and proinflammatory cytokine secretion. We also found that oregonin decreased ROS production in macrophages. Additionally, we observed that treatment of lipopolysaccharide-exposed macrophages with oregonin significantly induced the expression of antioxidant-related genes, including Heme oxygenase-1 and NADPH dehydrogenase quinone 1. In summary, we have shown that oregonin reduces lipid accumulation, inflammation and ROS production in primary human macrophages, indicating that oregonin has anti-inflammatory bioactivities.
Insights
Oregonin, a natural compound, reduces inflammation and lipid buildup in human macrophages. This suggests oregonin possesses anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for atherosclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Vascular biology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Vascular wall inflammation is key to atherosclerosis development.
- Macrophages are more prevalent in atherosclerotic lesions and produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), exacerbating inflammation.
- Oregonin is a diarylheptanoid with potential therapeutic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of oregonin on primary human macrophages.
- To determine oregonin's impact on lipid accumulation, cytokine secretion, and ROS production.
- To explore oregonin's influence on antioxidant gene expression.
Main Methods:
- Primary human macrophages were treated with oregonin.
- Lipid accumulation, proinflammatory cytokine secretion, and ROS production were measured.
- The expression of antioxidant-related genes (Heme oxygenase-1, NADPH dehydrogenase quinone 1) was analyzed.
Main Results:
- Oregonin significantly decreased cellular lipid accumulation in macrophages.
- Oregonin reduced the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines.
- Oregonin suppressed ROS production and induced antioxidant gene expression.
Conclusions:
- Oregonin exhibits anti-inflammatory bioactivities by reducing lipid accumulation, inflammation, and ROS production in macrophages.
- Oregonin demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for atherosclerosis.
- Oregonin modulates antioxidant pathways, contributing to its anti-inflammatory effects.
