Affiliations 

  • 1 Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Malaysia
MyJurnal

Abstract

Introduction: Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is an important immune regulator that controls inflammation via inhibition of its protein kinase activities. Persistent inflammatory responses through the activation of
immune cells and excessive production of immune mediators may cause tissue destruction and implicated in the
development of chronic inflammatory diseases. The objective of this study was to examine the role of Tideglusib,
a GSK-3 inhibitor, in inflammatory responses elicited through macrophage activation by investigating the
expression of cell surface biomarkers and inflammatory molecule levels. Method: The effects of GSK-3 inhibition by Tideglusib on the expression of CD11b and CD40 and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the
lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophage-derived RAW 264.7 cells were determined by flow cytometry, while
the presence of nitric oxide (NO) was determined by Griess assay. Results: Stimulation of RAW 264.7 cells with LPS
increased substantial levels of CD11b and CD40 expressions, and secretion of NO, TNF-α, and MCP-1. However,
the expression of these molecules was suppressed through inhibition of GSK-3. Conclusion: These findings suggest
the significant role of Tideglusib to limit the upregulation of immune responses in activated macrophages, and as a
potential anti-inflammatory drug for the intervention and treatment of inflammatory diseases.