Effect of homocysteine on expression of interleukin-8 in THP-1 macrophages

Objective:To investigate the effect of homocysteine (Hcy) on secretion of interleukin-8 (IL-8) in THP-1-derived macrophages (THP-1 macrophages). Method:Cultured THP-1 monocytes were induced to macrophages by treated with 0.1 μmol/L PMA for 72 hours, then the differentiated THP-1 macrophages were incubated with homocysteine(0.01~0.2 mmol/L) for 24 hours, or with 0.1 mmol/L Hcy for various time up to 48 hours. IL-8 protein in THP-1 supernatants was measured by ELISA. Result:Compared with control, Hcy significantly increased the expression of IL-8 protein in a concentration-dependent and time-dependent manner. Hcy at the concentration of 0.05 mmol/L,0.1 mmol/L and 0.2 mmol/L increased production to 1.28 fold,1.32 fold and 1.55 fold, respectively(P0.01).And IL-8 production were elevated significantly after 3 h when treated with 0.1 mmol/L,and still higher than those of control after 48 hours. Conclusion:Hcy may contribute to atherogenesis by induction of IL-8 secretion in THP-1 macrophage.