Kinase-dependent, retinoic acid receptor-independent up-regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 by all-trans retinoic acid in human mesangial cells.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Preliminary results in human mesangial cells (MC) suggested that all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) increased the expression of COX-2 and the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a PG with anti-inflammatory effects in MC. The aim of this work is to confirm that ATRA increases the expression of COX-2 in MC and to examine the mechanisms involved.

Experimental approach

Cultured MC were treated with ATRA. COX expression and kinase activity were analyzed by Western blot. Transcriptional mechanisms were analyzed by Northern blot, RT-PCR and promoter assays.

Key results

COX-2 and COX-1 expression and PGE2 production were increased by ATRA. COX-2 played a role in PGE2 production as production was only partially inhibited by COX-1 inhibitor SC-560. COX-2 u

SUBMITTER: Alique M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2013793 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature