Esomeprazole inhibits liver inflammation and carcinogenesis by suppressing farnesoid X receptors and NF-κB signaling.

Background: The activity of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) hinders the function of proton pumps that generate stomach acid. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is a transcriptional factor engaged in inflammation, immunity and the formation of cancer. The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a nuclear receptor that governs the metabolism of bile acids and the metabolic functioning of the liver. The impact of PPIs on the signaling of FXRs and NF-κB is not well understood.

Objectives: We aimed to study the effects of esomeprazole on FXRs and NF-κB signaling in liver cells.

Material And Methods: For the liver cell model, we used the human liver cell line HepaG2. Cells were treated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and esomeprazole, and then we assessed the effects of esomeprazole on inflammatory and carcinogenic markers, NF-κB and FXR. We applied the techniques of western blotting, reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), confocal microscopic imaging, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA).

Results: Lipopolysaccharides-induced FXRs and NF-κB signaling upregulated the NF-κB-associated cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Esomeprazole inhibited the upregulation of all these cytokines. Additionally, esomeprazole inhibited LPS-induced FXR expression and NF-κB signaling in HepaG2 cells. The net effect on FXRs and NF-κB signaling was the lower levels of the associated inflammatory and carcinogenic cytokines.

Conclusions: Our study provides insight into the potential therapeutic effects of esomeprazole on hepatic inflammation and carcinogenesis by inhibiting LPS-induced NF-κB and FXR expression in HepG2 cells.