Modulation of endotoxin stimulated interleukin-6 production in monocytes and Kupffer cells by S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)

Cytokine. 2004 Dec 21;28(6):214-23. doi: 10.1016/j.cyto.2004.08.004.

Abstract

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine having primarily anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects. Recent reports have documented that IL-6 plays a key role in liver regeneration. Intracellular deficiency of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a hallmark of toxin-induced liver injury. Although the administration of exogenous SAMe attenuates liver injury, its mechanisms of action are not fully understood. Here we investigated the effects of exogenous SAMe on IL-6 production in monocytes and Kupffer cells. RAW 264.7 cells, a murine monocyte cell line, and isolated rat Kupffer cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the absence or presence of exogenous SAMe. IL-6 production was assayed by ELISA and intracellular SAMe concentrations were measured by HPLC. We have found that exogenous SAMe administration enhanced both IL-6 protein production and gene expression in LPS-stimulated monocytes and Kupffer cells. Cycloleucine (CL), an inhibitor for extrahepatic methionine adenosyltransferases (MAT), inhibited LPS-stimulated IL-6 production. The enhancement of LPS-stimulated IL-6 production by SAMe was inhibited by ZM241385, a specific antagonist of adenosine (A2) receptor. Our results demonstrate that SAMe administration may exert its anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects, at least in part, by enhancing LPS-stimulated IL-6 production.

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcysteine / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Cycloleucine / metabolism
  • Down-Regulation
  • Glutathione / metabolism
  • Interleukin-6 / metabolism*
  • Kupffer Cells / metabolism*
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • Mice
  • Monocytes / metabolism*
  • S-Adenosylmethionine / metabolism*

Substances

  • Interleukin-6
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • Cycloleucine
  • S-Adenosylmethionine
  • Glutathione
  • Acetylcysteine