Inhibitory effects of resveratrol on MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-8 production in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells.

Resveratrol, a representative polyphenol compound, is known to have antiatherogenic effects through its various actions including an anti-inflammatory action. The processes of initiation and progression of atherosclerosis are mediated by proinflammatory cytokines. The aim of this study was to determine whether resveratrol affects cytokine production in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMCs). Each cytokine concentration in the culture medium of HCASMCs was measured by flow cytometry using the cytometric bead array system, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity was evaluated by Western blotting. Basal levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 were significantly decreased in the presence of resveratrol at 1-50 μM in a concentration-dependent manner and were significantly decreased in the presence of U0126, an ERK inhibitor. Resveratrol significantly decreased both basal and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) (200 ng/ml)-stimulated levels of MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-8 and significantly attenuated both basal and IFN-γ-stimulated activity of ERK. TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10, and IL-12p70 were detected only as trace levels in the culture medium with or without IFN-γ. Therefore, resveratrol is thought to inhibit production of MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-8 in HCASMCs through attenuating ERK activity. Inhibition of cytokine production in coronary artery smooth muscle cells may in part explain antiatherogenic action of resveratrol.