Oxysophocarpine protects airway epithelial cells against inflammation and apoptosis by inhibiting miR-155 expression.

Oxysophocarpine (OSC) has been documented for anti-inflammatory activity. However, the mechanisms of OSC in anti-inflammation are unclear. To investigate the protective effects of OSC on inflammation and apoptosis induced by lipopolysaccharide in NCI-H292 and human primary airway epithelial cells. MTT and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining were used to detect cells viability. Inflammatory responses were determined by ELISA. The quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot were used to detect mRNA/miRNA and protein expressions respectively. Co-immunoprecipitation was investigated for protein interactions. miR-155 mimics significantly induced cell apoptosis, inflammatory responses and MAPK and NF-κB pathways. was identified as the target of miR-155. OSC protected cells against apoptosis and inflammatory responses and compromised miR-155 activity by attenuating MAPK and NF-κB pathways.