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Baicalein Inhibits Interleukin-1β-Induced Proliferation of Human Rheumatoid Arthritis Fibroblast-like Synoviocytes

Abstract

Baicalein shows anti-inflammatory effects in human rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RAFLS). Considering its anti-proliferatory effects on various cancer cells, we investigated the effects of baicalein on interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)-induced proliferation of human RAFLS. Cell proliferation was examined by 3H-thymidine incorporation assay. Western blot analysis was performed to assess the phosphorylation of extracellular regulating kinase (ERK), p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) subunit p65. Notably, baicalein significantly suppressed IL-1β-mediated RAFLS proliferation (P < 0.05), along with reduced ERK1/2 and p38 phosphorylation. The IL-1β-induced p65 nuclear translocation and NF-κB DNA binding activity was significantly decreased by baicalein. Additionally, the inhibitory effects of baicalein on IL-1β-induced proliferation of RAFLS were dose-dependently reversed by the addition of recombinant macrophage migration inhibitory factory (MIF). Our results indicate that baicalein inhibits IL-1β-induced RAFLS proliferation, which involves suppression of NF-κB transcriptional activity and MIF-mediated signaling.

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Correspondence to Hongbin Liu.

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Chen, S., Yang, Y., Feng, H. et al. Baicalein Inhibits Interleukin-1β-Induced Proliferation of Human Rheumatoid Arthritis Fibroblast-like Synoviocytes. Inflammation 37, 163–169 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10753-013-9725-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10753-013-9725-9

KEY WORDS

  • Interleukin-1 Beta (IL-1β)
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes (RAFLS)
  • Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factory (MIF)
  • Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB)
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK)