The aim of this study was to determine whether ethanol extracts of Etlingera pavieana rhizomes (EPE) can inhibit the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in TNF-α-stimulated human vascular endothelial cells. EPE significantly reduced ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression in a concentration-dependent manner. EPE also suppressed phospho-IκB level and nuclear translocation of NF-κB. EPE significantly inhibited phosphorylation of JNK and c-Jun, a major component of AP-1, but had no effects on ERK and p38 MAPK pathways. Akt phosphorylation was increased in the presence of EPE, and wortmannin and SP600125 reversed the inhibitory effects of EPE on ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression. Furthermore, the active EPE constituents 4-methoxycinnamyl p-coumarate and trans-4-methoxycinnamaldehyde attenuated TNF-α-induced expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. Taken together, our data indicate that EPE protects against vascular inflammation in endothelial cells, in part via NF-κB and Akt/JNK signalings. In future studies, E. pavieana may be developed as a therapeutic agent or dietary supplement for treating and preventing inflammatory diseases.
Keywords: Cell adhesion molecules; Endothelial cell; Etlingera pavieana; Inflammation.