Scand J Rheumatol 2001;30(6):346-52
Ho LJ, Chang DM, Shiau HY, Chen
CH, Hsieh TY, Hsu YL, Wong CS, Lai JH.
Rheumatology/Immunology and Allergy,
Department of Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense
Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
OBJECTIVE:
In the development of autoimmune diseases, dendritic cells (DC) play critical roles. Here, we examined the effect of aspirin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced DC activation.
METHODS:
The monocyte-derived DC were established. The cytokine production was measured by ELISA, reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction, or intracellular staining analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of cell surface molecules was determined by flow cytometry.
RESULTS:
Aspirin inhibited LPS-induced DC maturation and costimulatory molecules expression. Aspirin, at therapeutic concentrations, also decreased LPS-induced IL-12 and IL-10 production. In contrast, the LPS-induced TNF-alpha production was enhanced by aspirin. The differential effects of aspirin on IL-12 and TNF-alpha production may not be due to down-regulation of cyclooxygenase activities.
CONCLUSION:
The various effects of aspirin on LPS-stimulated DC may influence the understanding of the diverse immunomodulatory mechanisms of this anti-inflammatory drug.