11-Oxoaerothionin isolated from the marine sponge Aplysina fistularis shows anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-stimulated macrophages

Abstract

Marine sponges of the order Verongida are a rich source of biologically active bromotyrosine-derived secondary metabolites. However, none of these compounds are known to display anti-inflammatory activity. In the present investigation, we report the anti-inflammatory effects of 11-oxoaerothionin isolated from the Verongida sponge Aplysina fistularis. When RAW264.7 cells and primary macrophages were preincubated with 11-oxoaerothionin and stimulated with LPS (lipopolysaccharide), a concentration-dependent inhibition of iNOS(inducible nitric oxide synthase) protein and NO_-2 (Nitrite) production were observed. The same effect was observed when proinflammatory cytokines and PGE₂ (Prostaglandin E2) production was evaluated. In summary, we demonstrated that in the presence of LPS, 11-oxoaerothionin suppresses NO₂ and iNOS expression as well as inflammatory cytokines and PGE₂.

Keywords::

• Prostaglandin E2
• macrophages
• inflammatory cytokines
• nitric oxide
• NF-κB and lipopolysaccharide