Influence of glucocorticoid, aspirin, and gamma globulin on interleukin-6 production in the hepatoma cell line.

The current study was designed to observe the effects of drugs used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases (glucocorticoid, aspirin, and gamma globulin) on interleukin 6 (IL-6) production in the liver which may be involved in acute phase protein stimulation. The HUH-7 hepatoma cell line was used in which the IL-6 gene is expressed and produces IL-6 in vitro. The cells were cultured in RPMI 1640 supplemented with 1% fetal calf serum for 12 h prior to addition of these drugs. We collected the cells and supernatants at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after addition of glucocorticoid, aspirin, and gamma globulin. IL-6 mRNA in the cells was measured by Northern blot hybridization, while the IL-6 activity in culture supernatants was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. At 48 h after addition of glucocorticoid and aspirin, there was a suppression of IL-6 activity in the culture supernatants, which was associated with a decrease of mRNA level in the cells. However, suppression by gamma globulin was not observed. These data demonstrate that glucocorticoid and aspirin are potent regulators of IL-6 synthesis in the hepatoma cell. These components may decrease acute phase protein production via the suppression of IL-6 production in the liver during inflammation.