DPPC regulates COX-2 expression in monocytes via phosphorylation of CREB

R. H.K. Morris*, A. J. Tonks, K. P. Jones, M. K. Ahluwalia, A. W. Thomas, A. Tonks, S. K. Jackson

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The major phospholipid in pulmonary surfactant dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) has been shown to modulate inflammatory responses. Using human monocytes, this study demonstrates that DPPC significantly increased PGE2 (P < 0.05) production by 2.5-fold when compared to untreated monocyte controls. Mechanistically, this effect was concomitant with an increase in COX-2 expression which was abrogated in the presence of a COX-2 inhibitor. The regulation of COX-2 expression was independent of NF-κB activity. Further, DPPC increased the phosphorylation of the cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB; an important nuclear transcription factor important in regulating COX-2 expression). In addition, we also show that changing the fatty acid groups of PC (e.g. using l-α-phosphatidylcholine β-arachidonoyl-γ-palmitoyl (PAPC)) has a profound effect on the regulation of COX-2 expression and CREB activation. This study provides new evidence for the anti-inflammatory activity of DPPC and that this activity is at least in part mediated via CREB activation of COX-2.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)174-178
Number of pages5
JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
Volume370
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 18 Mar 2008

Keywords

  • COX-2
  • CREB
  • DPPC
  • Inflammation
  • Pulmonary surfactant

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