Epigallocatechin-3-gallate Inhibits LPS-Induced NF-κB and MAPK Signaling Pathways in Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages

Background/Aims: Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the primary catechin in green tea, has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. The aim of the current study was to characterize the impact of EGCG on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced innate signaling in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) isolated from ICR mice. Methods: The effect of EGCG on LPS-induced pro-inflammatory gene expression and nuclear factor-kappa B (NE-kappa B) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling was examined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and the electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Results: EGCG inhibited accumulation of LPS-induced IL-12p40, IL-6, MCP-1, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 mRNA in BMMs. EGCG blocked LPS-induced I kappa B alpha degradation and RelA nuclear translocation. EGCG blocked the DNA-binding activity of NE-kappa B. LPS-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 was inhibited by EGCG. U0126 (an inhibitor of MEK-1/2) suppressed the LPS-induced IL-12p40, IL-6, MCP-1, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 mRNA accumulation in BMMs. Conclusions: These results indicate that EGCG may prevent LPS-induced pro-inflammatory gene expression through blocking NF-kappa B and MAPK signaling pathways in BMMs. (Gut Liver 2012;6:188-196)