S‐Allylcysteine,a Garlic Compound,Increases ABCA1 Expression in Human THP‐1 Macrophages

ATP‐binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) is a key mediator of cholesterol efflux to apoA‐I in lipid‐loaded macrophages, which is the first step of reverse cholesterol transport in vivo and a critical step in preventing atherosclerosis. Enhanced ABCA1 expression may inhibit foam cell formation and consequently reduce atherogenic risk. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of S‐allylcysteine (SAC), the most abundant organosulfur compound in aged garlic extract, on the expression of ATP‐binding cassette transporter A1 in human THP‐1 macrophages. The human monocyte THP‐1 cells were differentiated to macrophage cells in the presence of phorbol 12‐myristate13‐acetate (PMA). Macrophage cells were then treated with different concentrations (10, 20 and 40 mM) of SAC for 24 h. Total RNA of treated macrophages was extracted and analyzed with real‐time RT‐PCR. ABCA1 protein expression was also analyzed with western blotting. Results showed that SAC increased the ABCA1 mRNA (1.82‐, 2.07‐ and 2.23‐fold) and protein (1.37‐, 1.55‐ and 2.08‐fold) expression in macrophage THP‐1 cells compared with control (untreated cells). Results suggested that SAC can increase ABCA1 expression in macrophages and may be beneficial in promoting reverse cholesterol efflux. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The anti‐inflammatory effect of baicalin on hypoxia/reoxygenation and TNF‐α induced injury in cultural rat cardiomyocytes

The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of baicalin on hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury in cardiomyocytes and the mechanisms involved, particularly in relation to cytokines. The cardiomyocytes for the H/R groups were placed into a hypoxic chamber for 12 h and then underwent reoxygenation for 1 h. The cells in the TNF‐α groups were administered 100 ng/mL rrTNF‐α and incubated for 13 h under normal conditions. The cells in the baicalin pretreatment groups were administered 10 μM baicalin 30 min prior to exposure to H/R or TNF‐α. It was observed that pretreatment with baicalin (10 μM) significantly reduced the cell damage and death induced by H/R or TNF‐α. In the culture medium of the H/R cells, the SOD activity increased, while TNF‐α was decreased by baicalin. The levels of IL‐6 in culture medium for H/R or TNF‐α treated cells were suppressed by baicalin pretreatment. In contrast, the levels of IL‐10 in culture medium for H/R or TNF‐α treated cells were significantly elevated by baicalin. Moreover, baicalin inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB induced by H/R or TNF‐α. In conclusion, baicalin may protect cardiomyocytes from H/R injury through an anti‐inflammatory mechanism. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sour Cherry Seed Kernel Extract Increases Heme Oxygenase‐1 Expression and Decreases Representation of CD3+ TNF‐α + and CD3 + IL‐8+ Subpopulations in Peripheral Blood Leukocyte Cultures from Type 2 Diabetes Patients

The present study evaluates a hypothesis that sour cherry (Prunus cerasus) seed extracts (SCE) modulate CD3+ T lymphocyte activity in ways predictive of potential for uses of SCE in management of inflammatory diseases. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 12 type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients and eight healthy control subjects were cultured 24 h with 100 ng/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to increase inflammatory signaling and co‐incubated with 0.5–100 µg/ml SCE. Cultures were evaluated by two‐color flow cytometry for percent representation of CD3+ IL8+ and CD3 + TNF‐α + cells which express interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), and tumor necrosis factor‐α, (TNF‐α+) respectively, and by enzyme‐linked immunoassay for lymphocyte‐associated heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1, known to be induced by SCE). SCE dosage ranges of 0.5–100 µg/ml in cell cultures significantly suppressed LPS‐increased CD3 + TNF‐α + and CD3 + IL8+ representation from all participants (p < 0.05), with greater pharmacological effect noted in suppression of CD3 + TNF‐α + noted in cells from T2DM patients versus healthy control subjects. These effects correlated with increased HO‐1 expression in SCE‐treated PBMC from all subjects (p < 0.05). Since TNF‐α and IL‐8 are diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers for many inflammatory syndromes, the capacity of SCE to down‐regulate representation of cells that express them suggests potential for therapeutic use of SCE in T2DM and other diseases. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Anti‐TNF‐α Activity of Brazilian Medicinal Plants and Compounds from Ouratea semiserrata

Several plant species are used in Brazil to treat inflammatory diseases and associated conditions. TNF‐α plays a pivotal role on inflammation, and several plant extracts have been assayed against this target, both in vitro and in vivo. The effect of 11 Brazilian medicinal plants on TNF‐α release by LPS‐activated THP‐1 cells was evaluated. The plant materials were percolated with different solvents to afford 15 crude extracts, whose effect on TNF‐α release was determined by ELISA. Among the evaluated extracts, only Jacaranda caroba (Bignoniaceae) presented strong toxicity to THP‐1 cells. Considering the 14 non‐toxic extracts, TNF‐α release was significantly reduced by seven of them (inhibition > 80%), originating from six plants, namely Cuphea carthagenensis (Lythraceae), Echinodorus grandiflorus (Alismataceae), Mansoa hirsuta (Bignoniaceae), Ouratea semiserrata (Ochnaceae), Ouratea spectabilis and Remijia ferruginea (Rubiaceae). The ethanol extract from O. semiserrata leaves was fractionated over Sephadex LH‐20 and RP‐HPLC to give three compounds previously reported for the species, along with agathisflavone and epicatechin, here described for the first time in the plant. Epicatechin and lanceoloside A elicited significant inhibition of TNF‐α release, indicating that they may account for the effect produced by O. semiserrata crude extract. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Asiaticoside Inhibits TNF‐α‐Induced Endothelial Hyperpermeability of Human Aortic Endothelial Cells

The increase in endothelial permeability often promotes edema formation in various pathological conditions. Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), a pro‐atherogenic cytokine, impairs endothelial barrier function and causes endothelial dysfunction in early stage of atherosclerosis. Asiaticoside, one of the triterpenoids derived from Centella asiatica, is known to possess antiinflammatory activity. In order to examine the role of asiaticoside in preserving the endothelial barrier, we assessed its effects on endothelial hyperpermeability and disruption of actin filaments evoked by TNF‐α in human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC). TNF‐α caused an increase in endothelial permeability to fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐dextran. Asiaticoside pretreatment significantly suppressed TNF‐α‐induced increased permeability. Asiaticoside also prevented TNF‐α‐induced actin redistribution by suppressing stress fiber formation. However, the increased F to G actin ratio stimulated by TNF‐α was not changed by asiaticoside. Cytochalasin D, an actin depolymerizing agent, was used to correlate the anti‐hyperpermeability effect of asiaticoside with actin cytoskeleton. Surprisingly, asiaticoside failed to prevent cytochalasin D‐induced increased permeability. These results suggest that asiaticoside protects against the disruption of endothelial barrier and actin rearrangement triggered by TNF‐α without a significant change in total actin pool. However, asiaticoside seems to work by other mechanisms to maintain the integrity of endothelial barrier rather than stabilizing the F‐actin organization. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Praeruptorin a inhibits lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammatory response in murine macrophages through inhibition of NF‐κB pathway activation

Praeruptorin A (PA) is a pyranocoumarin compound isolated from the dried root of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn (Umbelliferae). However, the antiinflammatory effect of PA has not been reported. The present study investigated the antiinflammatory effect of PA in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. PA significantly inhibited the LPS‐induced production of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). The mRNA and protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), IL‐1β and TNF‐α were also suppressed by this compound. Further study showed that PA decreased the cytoplasmic loss of inhibitor κB‐α (IκB‐α) protein and inhibited the translocation of NF‐κB from cytoplasm to nucleus. Taken together, the results suggest that PA may exert antiinflammatory effects in vitro in LPS‐stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages through inhibition of NF‐κB signal pathway activation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Inhibition of TNF‐α‐Induced MUC5AC Mucin Gene Expression and Production by Wogonin Through the Inactivation of NF‐κB Signaling in Airway Epithelial Cells

In this study, we investigated whether wogonin significantly affects MUC5AC mucin gene expression and production in human airway epithelial cells. Confluent NCI‐H292 cells were pretreated with wogonin for 30 min and then stimulated with tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) for 24 h or the indicated periods. The MUC5AC mucin gene expression and mucin protein production were measured by RT‐PCR and ELISA, respectively. We found that incubation of NCI‐H292 cells with wogonin significantly inhibited mucin production and down‐regulated MUC5AC gene expression induced by TNF‐α in a dose‐dependent fashion. To elucidate the action mechanism of wogonin, effect of wogonin on TNF‐α‐induced NF‐κB signaling pathway was investigated by western blot analysis. Wogonin inhibited NF‐κB activation induced by TNF‐α. Inhibition of IKK by wogonin led to the suppression of IκB phosphorylation and degradation, p65 nuclear translocation and NF‐κB‐regulated gene expression. This, in turn, led to the down‐regulation of MUC5AC protein production in NCI‐H292 cells. Wogonin also inhibited the gene products involved in cell survival (Bcl‐2) and proliferation (cyclooxygenase‐2). These results suggest that wogonin inhibits the NF‐κB signaling pathway, which may explain its role in the inhibition of MUC5AC mucin gene expression and production. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Inhibition of LPS‐Induced TNF‐α and NO Production in Mouse Macrophage and Inflammatory Response in Rat Animal Models by a Novel Ayurvedic Formulation,BV‐9238

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic crippling disease, where protein‐based tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) inhibitors show significant relief, but with potentially fatal side effects. A need for a safe, oral, cost‐effective small molecule or phyto‐pharmaceutical is warranted. BV‐9238 is an Ayurvedic poly‐herbal formulation containing specialized standardized extracts of Withania somnifera, Boswellia serrata, Zingiber officinale and Curcuma longa. The anti‐inflammatory and anti‐arthritic effects of BV‐9238 were evaluated for inhibition of TNF‐α and nitric oxide (NO) production, in lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated, RAW 264.7, mouse macrophage cell line. BV‐9238 reduced TNF‐α and NO production, without any cytotoxic effects. Subsequently, the formulation was tested in adjuvant‐induced arthritis (AIA) and carrageenan‐induced paw edema (CPE) rat animal models. AIA was induced in rats by injecting Freund's complete adjuvant intra‐dermally in the paw, and BV‐9238 and controls were administered orally for 21 days. Arthritic scores in AIA study and inflamed paw volume in CPE study were significantly reduced upon treatment with BV‐9238. These results suggest that the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐arthritic effects of BV‐9238 are due to its inhibition of TNF‐α, and NO, and this formulation shows promise as an alternate therapy for inflammatory disorders where TNF‐α and NO play important roles. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Retracted: Bilobalide alleviates tumor necrosis factor‐alpha‐induced pancreatic beta‐cell MIN6 apoptosis and dysfunction through upregulation of miR‐153

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a systemic disease and one classical type of total DM. Bilobalide (BB) is constituted of EGb 761. Our purpose was identifying the role of BB in TIDM in the current study. MIN6 cells were treated by TNF‐α; then, viability, apoptosis, and insulin secretion were assessed by performing Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay, flow cytometry, glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion assay, and western blot. The effects of BB were assessed to identify its function. Further, the above mentioned parameters were reassessed when silencing miR‐153. TNF‐α declined viability and insulin secretion as well as raised apoptosis and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in MIN6 cells. BB alleviated the apoptosis and dysfunction induced by TNF‐α. MiR‐153 expression was elevated by BB when induced by TNF‐α. Increase of viability and insulin secretion as well as decline of apoptosis and iNOS induced by BB treatment was alleviated by silencing miR‐153. The rates of p/t‐p70S6K, p/t‐mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and p/t‐adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) were raised by BB and suppressed by silencing miR‐153 under TNF‐α induced condition. BB raised viability and insulin secretion, declined apoptosis and iNOS expression by up‐regulating miR‐153. Furthermore, BB activated AMPK/mTOR pathway by up‐regulating miR‐153.     

Hydroxy‐Safflower Yellow A inhibits the TNFR1‐Mediated Classical NF‐κB Pathway by Inducing Shedding of TNFR1

Hydroxy‐safflower yellow A (HSYA) is the major active component of safflower, a traditional Asia herbal medicine well known for its cardiovascular protective activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of HSYA on TNF‐α‐induced inflammatory responses in arterial endothelial cells (AECs) and to explore the mechanisms involved. The results showed that HSYA suppressed the up‐regulation of ICAM‐1 expression in TNF‐α‐stimulated AECs in a dose‐dependent manner. High concentration (120 μM) HSYA significantly inhibited the TNF‐α‐induced adhesion of RAW264.7 cells to AECs. HSYA blocked the TNFR1‐mediated phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα and also prevented the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB p65. Moreover, HSYA reduced the cell surface level of TNFR1 and increased the content of sTNFR1 in the culture media. TNF‐α processing inhibitor‐0 (TAPI‐0) prevented the HSYA inhibition of TNFR1‐induced IκBα degradation, implying the occurrence of TNFR1 shedding. Furthermore, HSYA induced phosphorylation of TNF‐α converting enzyme (TACE) at threonine 735, which is thought to be required for its activation. Conclusively, HSYA suppressed TNF‐α‐induced inflammatory responses in AECs, at least in part by inhibiting the TNFR1‐mediated classical NF‐κB pathway. TACE‐mediated TNFR1 shedding can be involved in this effect. Our study provides new evidence for the antiinflammatory and anti‐atherosclerotic effects of HSYA. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hesperidin ameliorates insulin resistance by regulating the IRS1‐GLUT2 pathway via TLR4 in HepG2 cells

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect and mechanism of hesperidin (HES) on insulin resistance (IR) in the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2 cells). HepG2 cells were induced with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as a model of IR and treated with HES at three dosages. Next, the levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), the glucose content, and glucose uptake were evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, glucose oxidase‐peroxidase method (GOD‐POD), or (2‐(N‐(7‐nitrobenz‐2‐oxa‐1, 3‐diazol‐4‐yl)amino)‐2‐deoxyglucose) (2‐NBDG). Moreover, the protein expression of toll‐like receptors 4 (TLR4), insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1), nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB), and glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) in HepG2 cells treated with HES were assessed via western blotting analysis. In addition, GLUT2 protein expression exposed to HES was detected following treatment with TLR4 inhibitor (HTA125). Our results demonstrated that HES decreased the levels of TNF‐α and IL‐6, attenuated the glucose content in culture medium and increased glucose uptake in insulin‐resistant HepG2 cells in vitro. Moreover, HES upregulated the expression of IRS1 and GLUT2 protein and downregulated the protein expression of TLR4 and NF‐κB in insulin‐resistant HepG2 cells. The expression of GLUT2 protein had no significant changes when treated with HES after blockade of TLR4. HES attenuated IR in LPS‐inducedinsulin‐resistant HepG2 cells. Therefore, regulating the IRS1‐GLUT2 pathway via TLR4 represents a potential mechanism of HES on IR in HepG2 cells.     

Houttuynia cordata Thunb. Volatile Oil Exhibited Anti‐inflammatory Effects In Vivo and Inhibited Nitric Oxide and Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α Production in LPS‐stimulated Mouse Peritoneal Macrophages In Vitro

Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (HC) is a medicinal herb that generally used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating allergic inflammation. The present study investigated the inhibitory effect of the volatile oil from HC Thunb. on animal models of inflammation and the production of inflammatory mediators in vivo and in vitro. In vivo, xylene‐induced mouse ear edema, formaldehyde‐induced paw edema and carrageenan‐induced mice paw edema were significantly decreased by HC volatile oil. HC volatile oil showed pronounced inhibition of prostaglandin (PG) E₂ and malondialdehyde production in the edematous exudates. In vitro exposure of mouse resident peritoneal macrophages to 1, 10, 100 and 1000 µg/mL of HC volatile oil significantly suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated production of NO and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in a dose‐dependent manner. Exposure to HC volatile oil had no effect on cell viability and systemic toxicity. Furthermore, HC volatile oil inhibited the production of NO and TNF‐α by down‐regulating LPS‐stimulated iNOS and TNF‐α mRNA expression. Western blot analysis showed that HC volatile oil attenuated LPS‐stimulated synthesis of iNOS and TNF‐α protein in the macrophages, in parallel. These findings add a novel aspect to the biological profile of HC and clarify its anti‐inflammatory mechanism. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A New Phenolic Component from Triticum aestivum Sprouts and its Effects on LPS‐Stimulated Production of Nitric oxide and TNF‐α in RAW 264.7 Cells

An unusual new phenolic component, triticumoside (1), and eight known compounds, isoorientin (2), isoscoparin (3), (2R)‐2‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyloxy‐4,7‐dimethoxy‐2H‐1,4‐benzoxazin‐3(4H)‐one (4), adenosine (5), β‐sitosterol (6), daucosterol (7), 6′‐O‐linolenoyl daucosterol (8), α‐tocopherol (9), were isolated from Triticum aestivum sprouts. The hybrid structure of 1, which is a hybrid between a flavone and a polyoxygenated benzene, is rarely found in natural sources. In addition, the effects of these compounds on LPS‐induced NO and TNF‐α production in RAW 264.7 cells were evaluated. At a concentration of 2.0 μM, compounds 2–4 significantly inhibited the production of both NO and TNF‐α. Compound 1 exhibited inhibitory activity on the secretion of TNF‐α at concentrations as low as 2.0 μM, but it did not reduce NO levels at any of the tested concentrations. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

黄连解毒汤含药血清对泡沫细胞ABCA1表达与胆固醇含量的影响

目的:观察黄连解毒汤含药血清对泡沫细胞中三磷酸腺苷结合盒转运体A1(ABCA1)表达及胆固醇含量的影响,探讨黄连解毒汤抗动脉粥样硬化的可能作用机制。方法:SD大鼠给予大、中、小剂量黄连解毒汤灌胃后制备含药血清。用氧化低密度脂蛋白(ox-LDL)诱导RAW264.7巨噬细胞分化为泡沫细胞,将细胞分为空白组、模型组、黄连解毒汤含药血清大剂量组、中剂量组、小剂量组,每组1.5×10^6个细胞,分别加入无血清培养液和不同浓度含药血清干预24 h,总胆固醇及游离胆固醇试剂盒检测细胞中胆固醇含量,实时荧光定量PCR检测细胞ABCA1 mRNA的表达。结果:与模型组比较,黄连解毒汤含药血清各剂量组泡沫细胞内总胆固醇(TC)含量明显降低(P<0.05或P<0.01),大剂量组游离胆固醇(FC)含量显著下降(P<0.01);含药血清各剂量组ABCA1 mRNA表达均明显升高(P<0.05)。结论:黄连解毒汤上调泡沫细胞ABCA1的转录与表达,促进胆固醇流出,可能是其抗动脉粥样硬化的机制之一。     

Myrislignan Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide‐induced Inflammation Reaction in Murine Macrophage Cells Through Inhibition of NF‐κB Signalling Pathway Activation

Myrislignan is a new kind of lignan isolated from Myristica fragrans Houtt. Its antiinflammatory effects have not yet been reported. In the present study, the antiinflammatory effects and the underlying mechanisms of myrislignan in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammation in murine RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were investigated. Myrislignan significantly inhibited LPS‐induced production of nitric oxide (NO) in a dose‐dependent manner. It inhibited mRNA expression and release of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). This compound significantly inhibited mRNA and protein expressions of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) dose‐dependently in LPS‐stimulated macrophage cells. Further study showed that myrislignan decreased the cytoplasmic loss of inhibitor κB‐α (IκB‐α) protein and the translocation of NF‐κB from cytoplasm to the nucleus. Our results suggest that myrislignan may exert its antiinflammatory effects in LPS‐stimulated macrophages cells by inhibiting the NF‐κB signalling pathway activation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Nobiletin exhibits potent inhibition on tumor necrosis factor alpha‐induced calcification of human aortic valve interstitial cells via targeting ABCG2 and AKR1B1

Inflammation is considered to be one of the initial critical factors in the occurrence of calcific heart valve disease. This study was to prove Nobiletin (NBT) inhibits inflammation‐caused calcification of human valve interstitial cells (hVICs) and to elucidate the involved molecular mechanisms. Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α)‐induced hVICs were treated with or without NBT. Cell growth and calcification of hVICs were assessed. RNA sequencing was utilized to investigate the gene expression changes. Molecular target prediction and docking assay were further performed. NBT interfered with hVIC growth under TNF‐α condition in a dose‐dependent manner also presented a gradual decrease of positive Alizarin Red S staining, down‐regulation of BMP2, and RUNX2 gene expression. Based on the global gene expression cluster, control and TNF‐α plus NBT group showed a high similarity versus TNF‐α only group. After Venn interaction of differential expression genes (DEGs), 2,236 common DEGs were identified to display different biological functions and signaling pathways. ABCG2 and AKR1B1 were further selected as prediction targets of NBT involved in RELA, TNF, BMP2, RUNX2, etc. interactions in mediating hVIC calcification. The results show that NBT is a natural product to prevent the occurrence of heart valve calcification.     

Diosmetin exhibits anti‐proliferative and anti‐inflammatory effects on TNF‐α‐stimulated human rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast‐like synoviocytes through regulating the Akt and NF‐κB signaling pathways

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by inflammation and proliferation of synovial tissues. Diosmetin is a bioflavonoid possessing an anti‐inflammatory property. Herein, we aimed to study the effects of diosmetin on the inflammation and proliferation of RA fibroblast‐like synoviocytes MH7A cells. MH7A cell proliferation was measured using cell counting kit‐8 assay. Cell apoptosis was examined using flow cytometry. The production of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, and matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1) was measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results showed that diosmetin inhibited tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α)‐induced proliferation increase in MH7A cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Diosmetin treatment resulted in an increase in apoptotic rates and a reduction in TNF‐α‐induced production of IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, and MMP‐1 in MH7A cells. Furthermore, diosmetin inhibited TNF‐α‐induced activation of protein kinase B (Akt) and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) pathways in MH7A cells. Suppression of Akt or NF‐κB promoted apoptosis and inhibited TNF‐α‐induced proliferation increase and production of IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, and MMP‐1 in MH7A cells, and diosmetin treatment enhanced these effects. Taken together, these findings suggested that diosmetin exhibited anti‐proliferative and anti‐inflammatory effects via inhibiting the Akt and NF‐κB pathways in MH7A cells.