Yuko Takaoka, Satoko Matsuura, Keiko Boda and Hiroichi Nagai
Department of Pharmacology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Mitahorahigashi,
Gifu 502-8585, Japan
Abstract: This study was conducted to investigate a mechanism
of the anti-inflammatory action of mesoporphyrin, especially the effect
on the production of cytokines by some cultured inflammatory cells. Mesoporphyrin
had no effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha
production by RAW 264.7 cells (murine macrophage-like cells). Mesoporphyrin
inhibited interferon-gamma production by 1E10.H2 cells (murine T helper-1
cells), but not interleukin-4 production by D10.G4.1 cells (murine T helper-2
cells). Mesoporphyrin inhibited interleukin-6 production by human osteoblast-like
MG-63 cells. This inhibition of interleukin-6 production is closely related
to the suppression of prostaglandin E2 generation by interfering
cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 enzyme activities. These data suggest that the inhibition
of cytokine production is one of the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of mesoporphyrin.
Keywords: Mesoporphyrin, Interferon-gamma, Cyclooxygenase activity