Phenethyl isothiocyanate decreases thymic stromal lymphopoietin-induced inflammatory reactions in mast cells

Abstract

Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) has been reported to have anti‐inflammatory and anti‐carcinogenic properties. However, the anti‐inflammatory effects of PEITC on thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP)‐induced inflammatory responses are uncertain. This study evaluates pharmacological activities of PEITC on inflammatory reactions in TSLP‐stimulated mast cells. Human mast cell line HMC‐1 was treated with PEITC (0.04, 0.4, and 4 µM) and subjected to inflammation by TSLP. Our results showed that PEITC significantly attenuated IL‐13 and TNF‐α levels increased by TSLP in HMC‐1. PEITC significantly decreased TSLP‐promoted HMC‐1 proliferation and Ki67 mRNA expression. Protein levels of MDM2 and pSTAT6 increased by TSLP were significantly suppressed by PEITC in HMC‐1. In addition, PEITC significantly enhanced protein levels of cleaved poly ADP‐ribose polymerase and p53 decreased by TSLP. Based on the effects of PEITC on inflammation and proliferation in this study, it is possible that PEITC is a potential candidate to treat mast cells‐mediated inflammatory disorders. Practical applications This report provides strong evidence that Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) which is a dietary constituent derived from cruciferous vegetables, may be considered an alternative agent for treatment of mast cells‐mediated inflammatory disorders.