Chondroitin Sulfate Extracted from Ascidian Tunic Inhibits Phorbol Ester-Induced Expression of Inflammatory Factors VCAM-1 and COX-2 by Blocking NF-kappa B Activation in Mouse Skin

Abstract

Inflammatory factors are known to play a key role in promoting tumorigenesis; therefore, it is a promising strategy to inhibit the inflammation for cancer prevention. The current study was performed to investigate the potential effects of chondroitin sulfate (CS) extracted from ascidian tunic on the expression of inflammatory factors induced by treatment with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism of CS action in mouse skin inflammation. TPA was topically applied to the shaven backs of ICR mice with or without CS (1 or 2 mg) for 4 h. The results demonstrated that CS suppressed TPA-induced edema and reduced the expression of cyclooxygenase-2, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and Akt signaling in mouse skin. These studies suggest that CS from ascidian tunic may be developed as an effective natural anti-inflammatory agent.