Carnosic acid attenuates the expression of adhesion molecules by IL‐1β in HUVECs

Abstract

Expression of cell adhesion molecules by the endothelium and the attachment of monocytes to endothelium may play a major role in the early atherogenic process. Carnosic acid, an antioxidant polyphenolderived from Sage (Salvia officinalis) and Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), is a lipophilicantioxidant that scavenges singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radicals, and lipid peroxyl radicals, thus prevents lipid peroxidationand the disruption of biological membranes. In this study, we investigated the effects of carnosic acid on the adhesion of U937 cells to IL‐1 β‐treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the expression of adhesion molecules. In addition, we observed the effect of carnosic acid on NF‐κB p50, p65 and the formation of intracellular ROS induced by IL‐1 β in HUVECs. Our data showed that carnosic acid inhibited the adhesion of U937 cells, abolished the expression of ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1 and E‐selectin, attenuated or block nuclear translocation of NF‐κB p50, p65 and decreased the production of ROS in IL‐1 β treated HUVECs. In conclusion, carnosic acid inhibits IL‐1 β‐induced nuclear translocation of p65 and p50, thereby suppressing the expression of ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1 and E‐selectin, resulting in decreased monocyte adhesion. Thus, carnosic have anti‐inflammatory properties and may play an important role in the prevention of atherosclerosis.