The Decursin Analog, CYJ-27, Suppresses Inflammation Via the Downregulation of NF-B and STAT-1.

CYJ-27, a synthetic analog of decursin, prevents the generation of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. In this study, the effects of CYJ-27 on the regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), heme oxygenase (HO)-1, and cyclooxygenase (COX-)2 were characterized in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In addition, the effects of CYJ-27 on the production of iNOS and representative proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- and interleukin (IL)-1 were tested in the lung tissues of LPS-treated mice. CYJ-27 promoted the expression of HO-1, suppressed NF-B-luciferase activity, and reduced COX-2/PGE2 and iNOS/NO, resulting in a diminution in phosphorylated-STAT-1. Furthermore, CYJ-27 promoted the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, enhanced the combination of Nrf2 to antioxidant response elements, and diminished IL-1 production in LPS-activated HUVECs. CYJ-27-downregulated iNOS/NO expression was rescued after the RNAi suppression of HO-1. In LPS-treated mice, CYJ-27 significantly diminished iNOS production in the lung tissues and TNF- expression in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. These findings indicate that CYJ-27 exerts anti-inflammatory activities by regulating iNOS through downregulation of both NF-B activation and phosphorylated-STAT-1. Hence, it can act as a template for the development of novel substances to treat inflammatory diseases.