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‘Induction of inflammatory gene expression by THP-1 macrophages cultured in normocholesterolaemic hypertensive sera and modulatory effects of green tea polyphenols’

Journal of Human Hypertension volume 22, pages 141–143 (2008)Cite this article

Hypertension is a disorder controlled by multiple genes and inflammation and vascular remodelling of arteries have been implicated in pathogenesis of this disease. Green tea polyphenols (GrTPs) are rich in antioxidants and are known to inhibit inflammatory responses. A significant time-dependent increase in mRNA expression of both IL-6 and MMP-9 were observed in THP-1 macrophages when cultured in normocholesterolaemic hypertensive sera ( P <0.05). Treatment with GrTPs, significantly abolished the induced expression of IL-6 and MMP-9 in a time-dependent manner (P<0.05). Our studies show presence of some humoral factors in hypertensive sera, which may be responsible for changing the phenotype of THP-1 macrophages to express genes with atherosclerotic potential.

Inflammation and vascular remodelling are implicated in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension and may contribute to the development and complications of hypertension.1 In uninjured arteries and veins, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), are constitutively expressed, and are responsible for degradation of extracellular matrix scaffold. GrTPs, rich in antioxidants, have been shown to inhibit inflammatory response and, therefore, may be useful in preventing cardiovascular disorders.2

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Acknowledgements

We acknowledge ICMR, New Delhi for providing funding for our research work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Experimental Medicine & Biotechnology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India

    N Mahajan, V Dhawan, G Sharma & D Kaul

  2. Department of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India

    S Jain

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  1. N Mahajan
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  2. V Dhawan
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  3. G Sharma
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  4. S Jain
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  5. D Kaul
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Correspondence to V Dhawan.

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Mahajan, N., Dhawan, V., Sharma, G. et al. ‘Induction of inflammatory gene expression by THP-1 macrophages cultured in normocholesterolaemic hypertensive sera and modulatory effects of green tea polyphenols’. J Hum Hypertens 22, 141–143 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jhh.1002277

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