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INHIBITORY EFFECT OF EMODIN ON RAW 264.7 ACTIVATED WITH DOUBLE STRANDED RNA ANALOGUE POLY I:C
Young-Jin Kim1, Ji Young Lee1, Hyun-Ju Kim1
1Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Gachon University, Seong-nam, 13120, Republic of Korea.
Background:
Emodin (3-methyl-1, 6, 8-trihydroxyanthraquinone) is a compound which can be found in Polygoni Multiflori Radix (PMR). PMR is the root of Polygonum multiflorum. PMR is used to treat dizziness, spermatorrhea, sores, and scrofula as well as chronic malaria traditionally in China and Korea. The anti-tumor property of emodin was already reported. However, anti-viral activity of emodin on macrophages are not fully reported.
Materials And Methods:
Effects of emodin on RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages induced by polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), a synthetic analog of double-stranded RNA, were evaluated.
Results:
Emodin restored the cell viability in poly I: C-induced RAW 264.7 at concentrations of up to 50 μM. Emodin significantly inhibited the production of nitric oxide, IL-1α, IL-Ιβ, IL-6, GM-CSF, G-CSF, M-CSF, MCP-1, MIP-1a, MIP-Ιβ, MIP-2, RANTES, and IP-10 as well as calcium release and mRNA expression of signal transducer and activated transcription 1 (STAT1) in poly I:C-induced RAW 264.7 (P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
This study shows the inhibitory effect of emodin on poly I: C-induced RAW 264.7 via calcium-STAT pathway.
Insights
Emodin, a compound from Polygoni Multiflori Radix, inhibits viral activity in macrophages. This study reveals emodin
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Emodin (3-methyl-1, 6, 8-trihydroxyanthraquinone) is a compound found in Polygoni Multiflori Radix (PMR).
- PMR is traditionally used in China and Korea for various ailments.
- Emodin's anti-tumor properties are known, but its anti-viral effects on macrophages are less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-viral activity of emodin on macrophages.
- To evaluate the effects of emodin on RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages stimulated with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C).
Main Methods:
- RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages were treated with emodin after induction with poly I:C.
- Cell viability, nitric oxide production, cytokine levels, calcium release, and STAT1 mRNA expression were measured.
Main Results:
- Emodin restored cell viability in poly I:C-induced macrophages.
- Emodin significantly inhibited nitric oxide, multiple cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, GM-CSF, G-CSF, M-CSF, MCP-1, MIP-1a, MIP-1β, MIP-2, RANTES, IP-10), calcium release, and STAT1 mRNA expression.
- Inhibitory effects were observed at concentrations up to 50 μM with statistical significance (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Emodin exhibits significant anti-viral effects on macrophages stimulated with poly I:C.
- The mechanism involves the inhibition of the calcium-STAT pathway.
- This study highlights emodin's potential as an anti-viral agent in macrophages.
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