Protective effects of heat shock protein 70 induced by geranylgeranylacetone on oxidative injury in rat intestinal epithelial cells

Abstract

Objective. Geranylgeranylacetone (GGA), an anti-ulcer agent, has recently been demonstrated to protect a variety of cells and tissues via induction of heat shock protein (HSP)70 against numerous stresses. We investigated whether GGA induces HSP70 and protects against an oxidative stressor, monocrolamine (NH₂Cl), in a rat intestinal epithelial cell line (IEC-18). Material and methods. IEC-18 cells pretreated with GGA (0.1–10 µM) were subjected to injury induced by NH₂Cl. Cell viability was assessed, and endogenous HSP70 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in IEC-18 cells. Results. Treatment with GGA (0.1–10 µM) was found rapidly to elevate HSP70 levels and to protect against NH₂Cl-induced injury in IEC-18 cells. Furthermore, quercetin, an inhibitor of HSP70 synthesis, diminished the protective effects of GGA in IEC-18 cells upon NH₂Cl-caused injury. Conclusions. The results of this study suggest that GGA plays an important role in defense mechanisms against oxidative injury in the intestine, primarily via induction of HSP70.

• Geranylgeranylacetone
• heat shock protein
• intestinal epithelial cells
• oxidative injury