| abstract |
The present invention relates to a novel a-iso-cubebene compound which is extracted from Schisandra chinensis. As a result of using a TNF-a-stimulated HUVEC model, the extracted novel a-iso-cubebene compound has been proven to effectively suppress the generation of ROS, the expression of VCAM-1 and E-selectin, the activation of NF-B transcription factor and monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. Especially, while the a-iso-cubebene suppresses TNF-a-induced expression of VCAM-1 and E-selectin which perform a pivotal role in in-vitro model of early atherogenesis, it does not change the expression of ICAM-1. In addition, during early atherogenesis, a cytokine such as TNF-a activates membrane-bound NADPH oxidase and stimulates intracellular ROS generation. Then, the cytokine activates an oxidation/reduction-sensitive transcription pathway such as NF-B and induces the expression of endothelial adhesion molecules. Since the a-iso-cubebene reduces the generation of ROS and suppresses the activation of oxidation/reduction-sensitive transcription factor NF-B, it suppresses TNF-a-stimulated VCAM-1 expression and monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. Therefore, the a-iso-cubebene provides a composition for preventing and treating inflammation. |