Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Agarum cribrosum Extract and Its Fractions in LPS-Induced RAW 264.7 Macrophages

Abstract

Excessive oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammation diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Busan-grown Agarum cribrosum ethanol extract (ACE) and its organic solvent five fractions are exhibited in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. ACE and its five fractions from ACE evaluated the total antioxidant activity and the effect of pro-inflammatory cytokines and antioxidant genes expression in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. ACE and its ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction showed a high total phenolic content and total antioxidant capacity by decreasing free radicals scavenging activity. ACE and its EtOAc fraction significantly repressed LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin-1β gene expression. Additionally, ACE and its EtOAc fraction significantly diminished the LPS-stimulated gene expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase 2 genes with a concomitant decrease in their protein levels in the macrophages. The gene expression of NADPH oxidase 2 was significantly abolished by ACE and its EtOAc fraction in LPS-induced macrophages, while other antioxidant genes showed minimal effects. The results suggest that ACE and its EtOAc fraction exert inhibitory effects on LPS-stimulated inflammation and oxidative stress in macrophages accompanied by total antioxidant activity.