Proinflammatory cytokine-induced NF-kappaB activation in human mesangial cells is mediated through intracellular calcium but not ROS: effects of silymarin.

Background: It is not fully understood whether intracellular calcium and/or reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation by proinflammatory cytokines. Silymarin exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects but the effect of silymarin in human mesangial cells is largely unknown.

Method: NF-kappaB binding activity was measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assay.