Numerous studies have indicated that the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) contributes to the atherosclerotic plaque hemorrhage and rupture. Aspirin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammation drug, has been known for its anti-platelet effect in the prevention of the vascular complications of atherosclerosis. The present study aimed to investigate the pharmacological effects of aspirin on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced MMP-9 expression and the underlying molecular mechanisms in murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells. Western blot analysis indicated that the protein level of MMP-9 was reduced by aspirin in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, downregulation of MMP-9 mRNA and activity were detected in aspirin-treated cells using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and a gelatin zymography assay separately. It was also observed that aspirin has a suppressive effect on the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB and inhibits the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2, p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. Furthermore, subsequent to inhibition of the MAPK pathway by specific inhibitors (PD98059, SB203580 and SP600125), the expression of MMP-9 was reduced, indicating that the inhibitory effect of aspirin on MMP-9 in TNF-α-treated RAW264.7 cells may be, at least in part, through suppression of NF-κB activation and the MAPK pathway. These findings support the notion that aspirin has therapeutic potential application in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis disease.
Keywords: RAW264.7; aspirin; atherosclerosis; matrix metalloproteinase-9; mitogen-activated protein kinase.