Rhizoma coptidis Inhibits LPS-Induced MCP-1CCL2 Production in Murine Macrophages via an AP-1 and NFκB-Dependent Pathway

Abstract EN

Introduction.

The Chinese extract Rhizoma coptidis is well known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiviral, and antimicrobial activity.

The exact mechanisms of action are not fully understood.

Methods.

We examined the effect of the extract and its main compound, berberine, on LPS-induced inflammatory activity in a murine macrophage cell line.

RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated with LPS and incubated with either Rhizoma coptidis extract or berberine.

Activation of AP-1 and NFκB was analyzed in nuclear extracts, secretion of MCP-1/CCL2 was measured in supernatants.

Results.

Incubation with Rhizoma coptidis and berberine strongly inhibited LPS-induced monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 production in RAW cells.

Activation of the transcription factors AP-1 and NFκB was inhibited by Rhizoma coptidis in a dose- and time-dependent fashion.

Conclusions.

Rhizoma coptidis extract inhibits LPS-induced MCP-1/CCL2 production in vitro via an AP-1 and NFκB-dependent pathway.

Anti-inflammatory action of the extract is mediated mainly by its alkaloid compound berberine.