ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: 2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol (2M4VP) is a natural anti-inflammatory compound derived from red wine, but its underlying mechanism remains unclear. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an anti-inflammatory enzyme, inhibits NO gene expression, while nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor involved in HO-1 production, binds to the antioxidant response element (ARE) in the nucleus and promotes HO-1 transcription. Based on the hypothesis that the inhibitory effect of 2M4VP on NO production is mediated by HO-1, we examined the possible mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity of 2M4VP in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anti-inflammatory activity of 2M4VP was analyzed by Griess method, ELISA, qPCR, and Western blotting using LPS-treated macrophage lineage RAW264.7 cells. The impact of 2M4VP on the Nrf2/ARE pathway was also analyzed using immunocytochemistry and an ARE luciferase reporter using HEK293 cells. RESULTS: The results showed that 2M4VP reduced the production of LPS-induced NO and inducible nitric oxidase synthase (iNOS). In addition, 2M4VP increased the expression of HO-1, while pretreatment with the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 downregulated HO-1 expression. 2M4VP induced Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) degradation. Furthermore, it promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation and increased luciferase activity by binding to the ARE. CONCLUSIONS: 2M4VP induces Keap1 degradation and promotes Nrf2 nuclear translocation. Activation of Nrf2/ARE pathway enhances HO-1 expression and leads to iNOS inhibition for anti-inflammatory function.
