Docosahexaenoic Acid Enhances Cyclooxygenase-2 Induction by Facilitating p44/42, but Not p38, Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Activation in Rat Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

• Main Authors: Takuji Machida (Author), Miho Hiramatsu (Author), Naoya Hamaue (Author), Masaru Minami (Author), Masahiko Hirafuji (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Elsevier, 2005-01-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

The effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on cyclooxygenase expression induced by interleukin (IL)-1β and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) was investigated in order to clarify the cellular mechanism of cardiovascular protective effects. DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid slightly enhanced IL-1β-induced cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, but not COX-1, expression, whereas arachidonic acid had no effect. DHA also slightly enhanced PMA-induced COX-2 expression. DHA stimulated both rapid and prolonged activation of p44/42, but not p38, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) induced by IL-1β and PMA. These results suggest that DHA enhances the COX-2 expression by selectively facilitating p44/42 MAPK activation in VSMCs. Keywords:: docosahexaenoic acid, cyclooxygenase-2, vascular smooth muscle cell

Item Description

1347-8613
10.1254/jphs.sc0050099