Palmitic acid inhibits inflammatory responses in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages

Abstract

Palmitic acid (PA) is one of free fatty acids, which is found from Gaultheria itoana Hayata and Sarcopyramis nepalensis. Although PA has a variety of pharmacological effects including mediates hypothalamic insulin resistance, induces IP-10 expression, and promote apoptotic activities, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of PA in mouse peritoneal macrophages remains unclear. In this study, we showed that PA exerted an anti-inflammatory action through suppression the production of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, cyclooxygenases-2 and nitric oxide in lipopolysaccaride-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages. Our study suggests an important molecular mechanism of PA, which might explain its beneficial effect in the regulation of inflammatory reactions.