Vestitol drives LPS-activated macrophages into M2 phenotype through modulation of NF-κB pathway

Previously, we demonstrated the anti-inflammatory properties of vestitol in a neutrophil model. Here, we show the effects of vestitol on macrophage activation and function. Vestitol was obtained from Brazilian red propolis after bioguided fractionation and tested at different concentrations in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages for nitric oxide (NO) production and cell viability. The levels of TNF-α, IL1-β, TGF-β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, GM-CSF, IFN-ɣ and gene expression related to cytokines, NO, PI3K-AKT and signal transduction pathways were assayed by ELISA and RT-qPCR, respectively. Differences were determined by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey-Kramer. Vestitol inhibited NO production by 83% at 0.55 μM without affecting cell viability when compared to the vehicle control (P < 0.05). Treatment with vestitol reduced GM-CSF, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-4 and TGF-β levels and increased IL-10 release (P < 0.05). Vestitol affected the expression of genes related to NF-κB pathway, NO synthase, and inhibition of leukocyte transmigration, namely: Ccs, Ccng1, Calm1, Tnfsf15, Il11, Gata3, Gadd45b, Cdkn1b, Csf1, Ccl5, Birc3 (negatively regulated), and Igf1 (positively regulated). Vestitol diminished the activation of NF-κB and Erk 1/2 pathways and induced macrophages into M2-like polarization. The modulatory effects of vestitol are due to inhibition of NF-κB and Erk 1/2 signaling pathways, which are associated with the production of pro-inflammatory factors.