Abstract
We have previously reported that the mRNA of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) gene in the liver was increased transiently by an X-ray irradiation of the rat. HO-1 is a stress-responsive gene with a cytoprotective function. In the present work we have examined the effectiveness of several natural compounds with redox activities upon the activation of HO-1 gene in a mouse macrophage-like cell line, RAW 264.7. Cells were cultured in a 35-mm dish. DMEM medium with FCS was changed to DMEM without FCS which was supplimented with various natural compounds. 4 hrs. later, total RNA preparations were obtained. The level of HO-1 mRNA was measured with an RT-PCR system. In the cells treated with caffeic acid phenethylester for 4 hrs. the level of mRNA of HO-1 was enhanced remarkably as much as the extent of stimulation by diethylmaleate, a typical inducer of HO-1 gene. However, no or little stimulation were detected with EGCG, resveratrol or ellagic acid. [J Radiat Res 44:424 (2003)]
