Inhibition of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Secretion by Polyphenol-Rich Extracts in Macrophages via NF-κB Pathway

ABSTRACT

Macrophages play important roles in acute and chronic inflammation. Upon their activation, they secrete a variety of mediators, including cytokines, which are involved in the inflammatory response. Polyphenols are a wide group of compounds with many health-promoting properties. They are characterized by antioxidant, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activity. Numerous studies conducted on single phenols shed light on plant extracts rich in these compounds. The aim of this descriptive review is to demonstrate the anti-inflammatory role of phenol-rich natural extracts by modulating the NF-κB signaling pathway in macrophage cells. Additionally, this article focuses on the influence of phenolic extracts on the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α. The cited studies prove that plant extracts possess anti-inflammatory activity, and due to the wide role of inflammation in various diseases, from cardiovascular diseases to cancer, they can be used as therapeutic agents. What’s more, increasing awareness in the area of proper nutrition and consumption of food rich in polyphenols may have a protective effect on human health.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Phenolic-Rich extracts
• inflammation
• macrophages
• NF-κB
• cytokines

Acknowledgements

The study was supported by grants from the Medical University of Lodz (No. 502-03/1-156-04/502-14-362-18 and No. 503/1-156-04/503-11-001).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).