氢化可的松抑制人中性粒细胞与滑膜细胞粘附机理研究

目的研究氢化可的松对正常人中性粒细胞(PMN)与滑膜细胞(HSC)粘附的作用及其机理.方法MTT比色法检测PMN与HSC的粘附,Cell-ELISA和RT-PCR法检测HSC粘附分子的表达,EMSA研究核转录因子NF-κB的活化.结果氢化可的松可显著抑制50U·mL^-1rhTNF-α与IL-1β刺激的HSC与PMN的粘附;显著抑制HSC表面VCAM-1的表达及VCAM-1mRNA表达,但对ICAM-1mRNA的表达无显著影响;同时对TNF-α诱导的NF-κB活化有显著抑制作用.结论氢化可的松显著抑制PMN与HSC的粘附,其作用机理可能是通过抑制NF-κB的活化,进而抑制滑膜细胞中VCAM-1mRNA及蛋白表达而实现的.     

美洛昔康抑制正常人中性粒细胞与滑膜细胞粘附的作用机理研究

目的研究美洛昔康对正常人中性粒细胞(polymorphonuclear leukocyte,PMN)与滑膜细胞(human synovial cell,HSC)粘附的抑制作用及其作用机理。方法用MTT比色法检测PMN与HSC的粘附,分别用Cell-ELISA和RT-PCR法检测粘附分子ICAM-1和VCAM-1的蛋白及基因表达,用EMSA法检测NF-κB的活性。结果美洛昔康可显著的并以剂量依赖的方式抑制TNF-α(50 u·mL^-1)和IL-1β(50 u·mL^-1)作用12 h诱导的PMN与HSC粘附,其IC₅₀分别为3.38×10^-7和3.56×10^-6 mol·L^-1。进一步研究发现美洛昔康在1×10^-6～1×10^-5 mol·L^-1时还可在蛋白水平及mRNA水平抑制TNF-α(50 u·mL^-1)诱导的HSC细胞ICAM-1的表达,但对VCAM-1蛋白及mRNA表达均未见显著影响;同时美洛昔康还可显著抑制50 u·mL^-1 TNF-α诱导的NF-κB的活化。结论美洛昔康抑制NF-κB的活化,进而抑制ICAM-1的表达可能是其抑制PMN与HSC粘附的机制之一。     

丹参酮ⅡA对TNF-α诱导的ECV304细胞NF-κB、IκB-α表达及粘附分子ICAM-1、VCAM-1mRNA表达的影响

目的探讨丹参酮ⅡA对血管内皮细胞株ECV304NF-κB、IκB-α及粘附分子ICAM-1、VCAM-1mRNA表达的影响,以阐明其抗动脉粥样硬化作用及机制。方法通过建立TNF-α诱导的ECV-304细胞损伤模型,以抗氧化剂吡咯烷二硫代氨基甲酸盐(PDTC)做为对照,间接细胞ELISA方法定量检测NF-κB、IκB-α的表达,RT-PCR方法检测各组细胞ICAM-1、VCAM-1mRNA的表达。结果TNF-α可增加ECV304细胞转录因子NF-κB的表达,同时降低其抑制因子IκB-α的表达,低浓度的丹参酮ⅡA对TNF-α引起的ECV304细胞NF-κB的表达升高无明显抑制作用,但可增加其IκB-α的表达;高浓度的丹参酮ⅡA可明显抑制NF-κB的表达,同时增加其抑制因子IκB-α的表达。同时丹参酮ⅡA抑制TNF-α诱导的ECV304细胞ICAM-1、VCAM-1mRNA表达。结论丹参酮ⅡA可通过抑制转录因子NF-κB的激活及其相关粘附分子ICAM-1、VCAM-1mRNA表达,这有利于抑制动脉粥样硬化过程中的炎症从而发挥抗动脉粥样硬化作用。     

活化蛋白C通过NF-κB抑制TNF-α介导的炎症反应

目的观察活化蛋白C(APC)是否能够通过核因子-κB(NF-κB)途径抑制TNF-α介导的炎症反应。方法分离培养正常组、TNF-ɑ组、TNF-ɑ+rhAPC组的人脐静脉内皮细胞细胞(HUVECs)。用ELISA法,检测细胞上清液中的细胞内粘附分子-1(ICAM-1)、血管细胞粘附分子-1(VCAM-1)及选择素浓度。用逆转录聚合酶链反应、Western bloting技术检测HUVECs NF-κBmRNA、NF-κB蛋白的表达。结果细胞上清液中ICAM-1、VCAM-1及E选择素浓度,TNF-ɑ组较正常组显著升高(均P<0.05);而TNF-ɑ+rhAPC组较TNF-ɑ组显著降低(均P<0.05)。HUVECs NF-κB mRNA、蛋白表达水平,TNF-ɑ组较正常组均显著升高(均P<0.05);而TNF-ɑ+rhAPC组较TNF-ɑ组均显著降低(均P<0.05)。结论 APC通过抑制黏附分子的产生来调节TNF-α介导的炎症反应,其可能是通过NF-κB途径来实现。     

地塞米松及N-乙酰半胱氨酸抑制A549细胞IL-8及ICAM-1表达的机制研究

目的探讨DXM及N-乙酰半胱氨酸(NAC)抑制A549细胞IL-8、ICAM-1表达的机制。方法 ELISA及流式细胞术分别检测IL-8及ICAM-1表达;蛋白印迹法检测GR、HDAC、AP-1、NF-κB表达,分光光度法检测HDAC活性。结果 DXM、NAC均能抑制TNF-α诱导的IL-8、ICAM-1表达增高。DXM能抑制TNF-α、LPS诱导的AP-1及NF-κB转录活化、HDAC表达及活性降低;NAC只抑制NF-κB转录活化,对AP-1转录活化、HDAC表达及活性降低无影响。结论 DXM、NAC均具有抗炎作用。DXM通过增加HDAC蛋白表达及活性,抑制AP-1、NF-κB转录活化发挥抗炎作用,而NAC对HDAC蛋白表达及活性无影响,提示NAC可能不是通过乙酰化信号机制发挥抗炎作用。     

奥拉帕尼通过PARP-1通路调控脂多糖诱导的A549细胞炎症反应

目的探讨奥拉帕尼对脂多糖(LPS)诱导的肺泡上皮细胞炎症损伤的保护作用。方法体外培养的肺泡上皮细胞(A549)同时加入LPS 10mg·L~(-1)+奥拉帕尼10和25μmol·L~(-1)孵育24 h。酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)测定白细胞介素6(IL-6),IL-8和IL~(-1)0释放;实时PCR技术检测肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、IL~(-1)β、IL-6、IL-8和细胞间黏附分子1(ICAM-1)mRNA的表达水平;流式细胞术检测细胞活性氧(ROS)水平;Western印迹法检测细胞聚腺苷二磷酸核糖聚合酶1(PARP-1)蛋白表达水平和NF-κB通路相关蛋白磷酸化水平。结果与LPS 10 mg·L~(-1)损伤组相比,奥拉帕尼10和25μmol·L~(-1)显著降低LPS诱导的A549细胞IL-6,IL-8的释放(P<0.01)和ROS水平(P<0.01),升高IL~(-1)0水平(P<0.01),抑制了LPS诱导的TNF-α,IL~(-1)β,IL-6,IL-8和ICAM-1 mRNA表达水平(P<0.01),抑制LPS诱导的PARP-1蛋白表达和NF-κB通路磷酸化激活(P<0.01)。结论奥拉帕尼可有效缓解LPS诱导的肺泡上皮细胞炎症损伤和氧化应激,其作用机制可能为奥拉帕尼通过下调PARP-1的表达,继而影响NF-κB通路的活化,最终抑制了相关炎症因子的表达和释放。     

Ghrelin通过核因子-κB抑制肿瘤坏死因子-α诱导的HepG2细胞PAI-1 mRNA表达

目的探讨Ghrelin对肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)诱导的HepG2细胞纤溶酶原激活物抑制剂-1(PAI-1)mRNA表达的影响及核因子-κB(NF-κB)在其中的作用.方法HepG2细胞培养,加入不同浓度TNF-α,采用逆转录-聚合酶链反应测定(RT-PCR)检测PAI-1 mRNA的水平;免疫印迹法检测胞浆胞核NF-κBp65和胞浆κB抑制蛋白(IκB)的表达.给予Ghrelin预处理1 h后,加入TNF-α检测NF-κKBp65和IκB表达的变化.结果TNF-α(0.1,1,10μg·L-1)浓度依赖地增高HepG2细胞PAI-1 mRNA的表达;Ghrelin组的PAI-1 mRNA表达减少.TNF-α组胞核NF-κBp65表达增加,胞浆IκBα的表达减少;Ghrelin组较TNF-α组胞核NF-κBp65减少,胞浆IκBα的表达增加.结论TNF-α通过NF-κB介导HepG2 PAl-1mRNA的表达;Ghrelin通过抑制NF-κB而抑制TNF-α诱导PAI-1mRNA的表达.     

鹅去氧胆酸抗脂多糖诱导的BV2小胶质细胞炎症反应作用及机制

目的研究鹅去氧胆酸(CDCA)抗脂多糖(LPS)诱导的BV2小胶质细胞炎症反应的作用及其机制。方法 BV2细胞与CDCA 25～100μmol·L~(-1)预孵育2 h,加LPS 200 mg·L~(-1)继续培养22 h,采用Griess试剂法检测一氧化氮(NO)含量;Western印迹法检测细胞内环氧合酶2(COX-2)和诱导型一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)蛋白表达水平;RT-PCR法检测细胞肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素6(IL-6)、IL~(-1)β和G蛋白偶联受体5(TGR5)mRNA表达水平。BV2细胞与CDCA 25～100μmol·L~(-1)预孵育2 h,加入LPS 200 mg·L~(-1)继续培养1 h,Western印迹法检测NF-κB、NF-κB抑制蛋白α(IκBα)和丝氨酸/苏氨酸蛋白激酶(Akt)磷酸化水平;细胞免疫荧光法观察NF-κB入核情况。结果与正常对照组相比,模型组培养基中NO含量显著增加(P<0.01);COX-2和iNOS蛋白表达水平升高(P<0.05,P<0.01);TNF-α,IL-6和IL~(-1)βmRNA表达显著上调(P<0.01);TGR5 mRNA表达显著下调(P<0.01);并且NF-κB,IκBα和AKT磷酸化水平显著增加(P<0.05,P<0.01),NF-κB入核增多。与模型组相比,CDCA显著减少培养基中NO含量(P<0.01),降低COX-2和iNOS蛋白表达水平(P<0.05,P<0.01);显著下调TNF-α,IL-6和IL~(-1)βmRNA表达(P<0.01);显著上调TGR5 mRNA表达(P<0.01)。与模型组相比,CDCA显著降低NF-κB,IκBα和AKT磷酸化水平(P<0.05,P<0.01),并观察到NF-κB核转位减少现象。结论 CDCA可显著抑制LPS诱导BV2细胞炎症反应,其作用机制可能与激活TGR5、抑制Akt/NF-κB信号通路相关。     

FK228对HepG2细胞NF-κB活化及炎症因子转录的影响

目的:研究FK228对TNF-α诱导的人肝癌细胞HepG2核转录因子κB(nuclear factor-κB,NF-κB)活化及炎症因子IL-6、IL-8转录的影响。方法:培养的HepG2细胞分为对照组、TNF-α刺激组和FK228干预组。分别用TNF-α刺激和FK228+TNF-α共同作用,免疫印迹(Western blot)法分析细胞核中NF-κBp65及其细胞浆中抑制因子IκBα的表达;RT-PCR对炎症因子IL-6、IL-8 mRNA作半定量分析。结果:FK228(4～32μg·L~(-1))干预组与TNF-α刺激组比较,细胞核内NF-κB显著减少(P<0.01);FK228(8～32μg·L~(-1))减少胞浆中IκBα的降解且各组之间差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);FK228降低TNF-α诱导的IL-6、IL-8 mRNA表达,FK228干预组与TNF-α刺激组相比,差异具统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论:FK228减少胞浆中IκBα降解、阻碍NF-κB的过度活化可能是降低炎症因子释放、发挥抗炎作用的重要机制。     

白杨素对TNF-α诱导慢性暴露TGF-β卵巢癌OVCAR-3细胞系球形成的影响

目的研究白杨素对肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)诱导慢性暴露转化生长因子-β(TGF-β)卵巢癌OVCAR-3细胞系球形成的影响,并探讨其作用机制是否涉及下调NF-κB(p65)蛋白表达。方法 TNF-α(10μg·L~(-1))处理TGF-β(5μg·L~(-1))预暴露12 d的卵巢癌OVCAR-3细胞24 h,球形成率测定法检测不同浓度(5.0、10.0、20.0μmol·L~(-1))白杨素对球形成率的影响;Western blot检测NF-κB(p65)蛋白表达;NF-κB(p65)siRNA转染探讨作用机制。结果 TNF-α(10μg·L~(-1))联合慢性暴露TGF-β(5μg·L~(-1))处理增高OVCAR-3细胞系球形成率。白杨素能有效地拮抗致炎因子诱导卵巢癌细胞自我更新作用,呈剂量依赖性(P<0.05),并伴随着NF-κB(p65)蛋白表达下调。与对照siRNA相比,NF-κB(p65)siRNA转染OVCAR-3细胞NF-κB(p65)蛋白表达下调,并明显增强白杨素抑制球形成作用。结论下调NF-κB(p65)蛋白表达参与白杨素抑制TNF-α(10μg·L~(-1))联合慢性暴露TGF-β(5μg·L~(-1))处理诱导卵巢癌OVCAR-3细胞系球形成作用。     

3,4-oxo-isopropylidene-shikimic acid inhibits adhesion of polymorphonuclear leukocyte to TNF-α-induced endothelial cells in vitro

AIM：To examine the effect of 3,4-oxo-isopropylidene-shikimic acid (ISA) on human polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) adhesion to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and explore its mechanism. METHODS:Adhesion of PMN to HUVEC was measured by rose bengal staining assay. Cell-EL1SA and RT-PCR methods were used to examine the expression of adhesion molecules ICAM-1. Cell viability was detected with MTT assay.RESULTS: ISA (1-100μmol/L) effectively reduced PMN adhesion to TNF-α-induced HUVEC with the inhibitory rate from 17.2% to 53.5%, and exerted no effect on PMN adhesion to normal HUVEC. Adhesion molecule ICAM-1 surface protein and mRNA expression induced by TNF-α (400kU/L) were significantly inhibited by ISA. In addition, the cell viability of HUVEC was unchanged 48h after treatment with ISA. CONCLUSION: ISA inhibited TNF-α-stimulated PMN-HUVEC adhesion and expression of ICAM-1.     

Hesperidin, hesperidin methyl chalone and phellopterin from Poncirus trifoliata (Rutaceae) differentially regulate the expression of adhesion molecules in tumor necrosis factor-alpha-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells

The fruits of Poncirus trifoliata (L.) are widely used in Oriental medicine to treat allergic inflammation. Recently, several active compounds including hesperidin, hesperidin methyl chalone and phellopterin from P. trifoliata (Rutaceae) were isolated and characterized. The goal of this study was to investigate the differential effect of hesperidin, hesperidin methyl chalone and phellopterin derived from P. trifoliata (Rutaceae) on the induction of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) by TNF-alpha and the possible molecular mechanisms by which they differentially regulate ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expressions. Stimulation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with TNF-alpha resulted in the increase of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expressions, while pretreatment with the three components completely inhibited VCAM-1 expression in a dose-dependent manner but had no effect on ICAM-1 expression. All three compounds failed to block TNF-alpha-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, which is involved in regulating ICAM-1 production by TNF-alpha. Furthermore, they efficiently inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt and PKC, suggesting that Akt or PKC pathways are an important target by which these compounds regulate TNF-alpha-induced VCAM-1 but not ICAM-1. Additionally, treatment with these chemicals also inhibited U937 monocyte adhesion to HUVECs stimulated with TNF-alpha. Interestingly, the inhibitory effect of hesperidin, hesperidin methyl chalone and phellopterin on monocyte adhesion to HUVECs was recapitulated by transfecting cells with VCAM-1 siRNA. Taken together, hesperidin, hesperidin methyl chalone and phellopterin reduce TNF-alpha-induced VCAM-1 expression through regulation of the Akt and PKC pathway, which contributes to inhibit the adhesion of monocytes to endothelium.     

Effects of protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors on cytokine-induced adhesion molecule expression by human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

1. Endothelial cells can be stimulated by the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1 alpha and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alpha to express the leukocyte adhesion molecules E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 but the intracellular signalling mechanisms leading to this expression are incompletely understood. We have investigated the role of protein tyrosine kinases (PTK) in adhesion molecule expression by cytokine-activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) using the PTK inhibitors genistein and herbimycin A, and the protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) inhibitor sodium orthovanadate. 2. Maximal E-selectin expression induced by incubation of HUVEC for 4 h with IL-1 alpha (100 u ml-1) and TNF alpha (100 u ml-1) was dose-dependently inhibited by genistein and herbimycin A. Although similar effects were seen on phorbol 12-myristate, 13-acetate (PMA)-induced expression, this was not due to inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) activity as the selective inhibitors of PKC, bisindolylmaleimide (BIM), Ro31-7549 or Ro31-8220 did not affect IL-1 alpha- or TNF alpha-induced E-selectin expression at concentrations which maximally inhibited PMA-induced expression. 3. Genistein inhibited VCAM-1 expression induced by incubation of HUVEC for 24 h with TNF alpha or IL-1 alpha whereas it did not affect ICAM-1 expression induced by 24 h incubation with either of these cytokines. Herbimycin A inhibited both VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 expression induced by TNF alpha. 4. Basal expression of E-selectin, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 was dose-dependently enhanced by sodium orthovanadate. In contrast, vanadate differentially affected TNF alpha-induced expression of these molecules with maximal E-selectin and ICAM-1 expression being slightly enhanced and VCAM-1 expression dose-dependently reduced. 5. We also studied the effects of PTK and PTP inhibitors on adhesion of the human pre-myeloid cell line U937 to TNF alpha-stimulated HUVEC. Adhesion of U937 cells to HUVEC pretreated for 4 or 24 h with TNF alpha was dose-dependently inhibited by genistein and herbimycin A but unaffected by daidzein. Adhesion of U937 cells after 4 h was partially inhibited by blocking antibodies against both E-selectin and VCAM-1 but after 24 h was only inhibited by anti-VCAM-1. 6. Sodium orthovanadate had no effect on TNF alpha-induced U937 adhesion but dose-dependently enhanced adhesion to unstimulated HUVEC. Vanadate-induced adhesion was inhibited by an antibody against VCAM-1. 7. These results demonstrate that PTK-mediated phosphorylation events are important for the regulation of adhesion molecule expression by human endothelial cells, and additionally show that PTK inhibitors differentially affect upregulation of different adhesion molecules, implicating divergent regulatory pathways for cytokine-induced adhesion molecule expression.     

Manassantin a and b isolated fromSaururus chinensis inhibit TNF-α-induced Cell adhesion molecule expression of human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Leukocyte adhesion to the vascular endothelium is a critical initiating step in inflammation and atherosclerosis. We have herein studied the effect of manassantin A (1) and B (2), dineolignans, on interaction of THP-1 monocytic cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin in HUVEC. When HUVEC were pretreated with 1 and 2 followed by stimulation with TNF-alpha, adhesion of THP-1 cells to HUVEC decreased in dose-dependent manner with IC50 values of 5 ng/mL and 7 ng/mL, respectively, without cytotoxicity. Also, 1 and 2 inhibited TNF-alpha-induced up-regulation of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-selectin. The present findings suggest that 1 and 2 prevent monocyte adhesion to HUVEC through the inhibition of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-selectin expression stimulated by TNF-alpha, and may imply their usefulness for the prevention of atherosclerosis relevant to endothelial activation.     

Vitamin C blocks TNF-α-induced NF-<Emphasis Type="Italic">k</Emphasis>B activation and ICAM-1 expression in human neuroblastoma cells

Interactions of the cell adhesion molecules are known to play important roles in mediating inflammation. The proinflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), activates the NF-kappaB signaling pathway, which induces the expression of various genes, such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). In this study, the effect of vitamin C on the ICAM-1 expression induced by TNF-alpha in a human neuroblastoma cell line, SK-N-SH was investigated. Treatment with vitamin C resulted in the downregulation of the TNF-alpha-induced surface expression and ICAM-1 mRNA levels in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, a gel shift analysis indicated that vitamin C dose-dependently inhibited the NF-kappaB activation and IkappaBalpha degradation induced by TNF-alpha. Taken together, these results suggest that vitamin C downregulates TNF-alpha-induced ICAM-1 expression via the inhibition of NF-kappaB activation.     

Celecoxib modulates adhesion of HT29 colon cancer cells to vascular endothelial cells by inhibiting ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is highly expressed during inflammation and can promote the progression of colorectal cancer. Interactions between cancer cells and vascular endothelial cells are key events in this process. Recently, the selective COX-2 inhibitor, celecoxib, was shown to inhibit expression of the adhesion molecules, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, in the human colon cancer cell line HT29 and to inhibit adhesion of HT29 cells to FCS-coated plastic wells. Here, we evaluated the effects of celecoxib on adhesion of HT29 cells to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), mediated by ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, to assess further the potential protective effects of celecoxib on cancer development. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Celecoxib was incubated for 4 h with HT29 cells and HUVEC and adhesion was quantified by a computerized micro-imaging system. Expression analysis of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 cell adhesion molecules was performed by western blot. KEY RESULTS: Celecoxib (1 nM-10 microM) inhibited, with the same potency, adhesion of HT29 cells to resting HUVEC or to HUVEC stimulated by tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), mimicking inflammatory conditions. Analysis of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression showed that celecoxib inhibited expression of both molecules in TNF-alpha-stimulated HUVEC, but not in resting HUVEC; inhibition was concentration-dependent and maximal (about 50%) at 10 microM celecoxib. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: In conclusion, our data show that celecoxib inhibits HT29 cell adhesion to HUVEC and expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, in stimulated endothelial cells. These effects may contribute to the chemopreventive activity of celecoxib in the development of colorectal cancer.     

Ginsenoside Rg3 inhibits tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced expression of cell adhesion molecules in human endothelial cells

Ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3), one of the most effective ginseng saponins, has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. This study examined the effects of Rg3 on cytokine-induced expression of adhesion molecules, which is a key early event in atherogenesis. Rg3 treatment inhibited tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced protein and mRNA expression of two cell adhesion molecules, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in ECV 304 human endothelial cells. In addition, expression of two pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-alpha and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), was suppressed by Rg3. Reporter gene analyses revealed that minimal reporter activities of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) were blocked by Rg3 in a concentration-dependent manner. Taken together, these results indicate that Rg3 may have anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic activities in the vasculature, which is mediated partly by down-regulation of the expression of cell adhesion molecules and proinflammatory cytokines in endothelial cells.