Aspirin inhibits inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and tumour necrosis factor-alpha release by cultured smooth muscle cells

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory related cardiovascular disease, i.e. cardiac allograft rejection, myocarditis, septic shock, are accompanied by cytokine production, which stimulates the expression of inducible nitric oxide (iNOS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aim of the present study was to examine whether anti-inflammatory doses of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) could regulate iNOS protein expression in bovine vascular smooth muscle cells (BVSMCs) in culture. RESULTS: Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta, 0.03 U mL-1) induced nitric oxide release by BVSMCs. Aspirin inhibited nitric oxide release from IL-1 beta-stimulated BVSMCs in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, aspirin significantly inhibited iNOS protein expression in BVSMCs and reduced the translocation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B). Furthermore, aspirin and the blockade of NO generation by BVSMCs reduced the production of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) by these cells. CONCLUSION: High doses of aspirin inhibited iNOS protein expression in BVSMCs and decreased NF-kappa B mobilization. The inhibition of iNOS expression by aspirin was further associated with a reduced ability of BVSMCs to produce TNF-alpha. This study could provide new mechanisms of action for aspirin in the treatment of the inflammation-related cardiovascular diseases.