Emodin-6-O-β-D-glucoside down-regulates endothelial protein C receptor shedding

Role of emodin in atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases: Pharmacological effects, mechanisms, and potential therapeutic target as a phytochemical

The morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are increasing in recent years, and atherosclerosis (AS), a major CVD, becomes a disorder that afflicts human beings severely, especially the elders. AS is recognized as the primary cause and pathological basis of some other CVDs. The active constituents of Chinese herbal medicines have garnered increasing interest in recent researches owing to their influence on AS and other CVDs. Emodin (1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methylanthraquinone) is a naturally occurring anthraquinone derivative found in some Chinese herbal medicines such as Rhei radix et rhizome, Polygoni cuspidati rhizoma et radix and Polygoni multiflori root. In this paper, we first review the latest researches about emodin's pharmacology, metabolism and toxicity. Meanwhile, it has been shown to be effective in treating CVDs caused by AS in dozens of previous studies. Therefore, we systematically reviewed the mechanisms by which emodin treats AS. In summary, these mechanisms include anti-inflammatory activity, lipid metabolism regulation, anti-oxidative stress, anti-apoptosis and vascular protection. The mechanisms of emodin in other CVDs are also discussed, such as vasodilation, inhibition of myocardial fibrosis, inhibition of cardiac valve calcification and antiviral properties. We have further summarized the potential clinical applications of emodin. Through this review, we hope to provide guidance for clinical and preclinical drug development.

Meprin and ADAM proteases as triggers of systemic inflammation in sepsis

Systemic inflammatory disorders (SIDs) comprise a broad range of diseases characterized by dysregulated excessive innate immune responses. Severe forms of SIDs can lead to organ failure and death, and their increasing incidence represents a major issue for the healthcare system. Protease-mediated ectodomain shedding of cytokines and their receptors represents a central mechanism in the regulation of inflammatory responses. The metalloprotease A disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) 17 is the best-characterized ectodomain sheddase capable of releasing TNF-α and soluble IL-6 receptor, which are decisive factors of systemic inflammation. Recently, meprin metalloproteases were also identified as IL-6 receptor sheddases and activators of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. In different mouse models of SID, particularly those mimicking a sepsis-like phenotype, ADAM17 and meprins have been found to promote disease progression. In this review, we summarize the role of ADAM10, ADAM17, and meprins in the onset and progression of sepsis and discuss their potential as therapeutic targets.

Genome-wide analyses reveals a glucosyltransferase involved in rutin and emodin glucoside biosynthesis in tartary buckwheat

With people's increasing needs for health concern, rutin and emodin in tartary buckwheat have attracted much attention for their antioxidant, anti-diabetic and reducing weight function. However, the biosynthesis of rutin and emodin in tartary buckwheat is still unclear; especially their later glycosylation contributing to make them more stable and soluble is uncovered. Based on tartary buckwheat' genome, the gene structures of 106 UGTs were analyzed; 21 candidate FtUGTs were selected to enzymatic test by comparing their transcript patterns. Among them, FtUGT73BE5 and other 4 FtUGTs were identified to glucosylate flavonol or emodin in vitro; especially rFtUGT73BE5 could catalyze the glucosylation of all tested flavonoids and emodin. Furthermore, the identical in vivo functions of FtUGT73BE5 were demonstrated in tartary buckwheat hairy roots. The transcript profile of FtUGT73BE5 was consistent with the accumulation trend of rutin in plant; this gene may relate to anti-adversity for its transcripts were up-regulated by MeJA, and repressed by ABA.

Zingerone Suppresses the Shedding of Endothelial Protein C Receptor

Zingerone (ZGR), a phenolic alkanone found in Zingiber officinale, has been reported to have various pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities. The endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR) plays an important role in the cytoprotective pathway and activation of protein C EPCR can be shed from the cell surface, which is mediated by tumor necrosis factor-α converting enzyme (TACE). However, little is known about the effects of ZGR on EPCR shedding. We investigated this by monitoring the effects of ZGR on phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a, and interleukin (IL)-1p-induced EPCR shedding in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-mediated EPCR shedding in mice, as well as by analyzing the underlying mechanisms. Here, ZGR triggered potent inhibition of PMA-, TNF-α-, IL-1β-and CLP-induced EPCR shedding through the inhibition of phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) such as p38, janus kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2. ZGR also inhibited PMA-induced TACE expression and activity in HUVECs, suggesting that p38, ERK1/2, and JNK could be molecular targets of ZGR. These results demonstrate the potential of ZGR as an agent against PMA- and CLP-mediated EPCR shedding.

α-Cyperone Inhibits PMA-Induced EPCR Shedding through PKC Pathway

α-Cyperone, a sesquiterpene compound represents 25.23% of the total oil and is the most abundant compound in Cyperus rotundus oil. Endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR) is a main member in protein C (PC) anti-coagulation system. EPCR could be shed from cell surface, and is mediated by tumor necrosis factor-α converting enzyme (TACE). Nothing that EPCR is a marker of vascular barrier integrity in vascular inflammatory disease and takes part in systemic inflammatory disease. In this study, we investigated whether α-cyperone could inhibit EPCR shedding. To observe the effect, we investigated this issue by detection the effect of α-cyperone on phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced EPCR shedding in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The cells were pretreated with α-cyperone for 12 h, and then stimulated by PMA for 1 h. The solute EPCR (sEPCR) and expression of membrane EPCR (mEPCR) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot. The mRNA, protein level and activity of TACE were tested by quantitative (q)RT-PCR, Western blot and InnoZyme TACE activity assay kit. Furthermore, we measured the protein level of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling and protein kinase C (PKC) pathway under this condition by Western blot. The results showed that α-cyperone could suppress PMA-induced EPCR shedding through inhibiting the expression and activity of TACE. In addition, α-cyperone could inhibit PKC translocation, but not have an effect on phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 and extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) 1/2. Given these results, α-cyperone inhibits PMA-induced EPCR shedding through PKC pathway, which will provide an experimental basis for further research on α-cyperone.

Emodin alleviates jejunum injury in rats with sepsis by inhibiting inflammation response

Emodin is an anthraquinone derived from Chinese herb that exerts anti-inflammation effects. This study aimed to investigate whether emodin provides the protection for jejunum injury by inhibiting inflammation. We established a model of sepsis caused by cecal ligation and puncture. Forty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n=12). Jejunum injury was assessed by pathological examination. The activity of pJAK1/pSTAT3 and protein levels of Bcl-2 and Bax were detected by Western blot analysis. Inflammatory factors IL-6, TNF-α and procalcitonin were detected by ELISA. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL. We found that emodin alleviated jejunum damage and apoptosis induced by sepsis and decreased the levels of IL-6, TNF-α and procalcitonin in septic rats. Furthermore, we observed that emodin increased the levels of pJAK1 and of pSTAT3, which were decreased in rats with sepsis. In addition, emodin enhanced the expression of Bcl-2 which was downregulated by sepsis and decreased the expression of Bax which was upregulated by sepsis. In conclusion, these results indicate that emodin suppresses inflammatory response induced by sepsis. Emodin activates JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway and regulates Bcl-2 and Bax expression to protect the jejunum in rats with sepsis.

Ameliorative Effect of Vicenin-2 and Scolymoside on TGFBIp-Induced Septic Responses

Transforming growth factor β-induced protein (TGFBIp) is an extracellular matrix protein whose expression in several cell types is greatly increased by TGF-β. TGFBIp is released by the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and functions as a mediator of experimental sepsis. Cyclopia subternata is a medicinal plant commonly used in traditional medicine to relieve pain in biological processes. In this study, we investigated the antiseptic effects and underlying mechanisms of vicenin-2 and scolymoside, two active compounds in C. subternata against TGFBIp-mediated septic responses in HUVECs and mice. The anti-inflammatory activities of vicenin-2 or scolymoside were determined by measuring permeability, human neutrophils adhesion and migration, and activation of pro-inflammatory proteins in TGFBIp-activated HUVECs and mice. According to the results, vicenin-2 or scolymoside effectively inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced release of TGFBIp and suppressed TGFBIp-mediated septic responses, such as hyperpermeability, adhesion and migration of leukocytes, and expression of cell adhesion molecules. In addition, vicenin-2 or scolymoside suppressed the production of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin 6 and activation of nuclear factor-κB and extracellular regulated kinases 1/2 by TGFBIp. Vicenin-2 or scolymoside reduced cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced septic mortality and pulmonary injury. Collectively, these results indicate that vicenin-2 and scolymoside could be a potential therapeutic agent for treatment of various severe vascular inflammatory diseases via inhibition of the TGFBIp signaling pathway.

Inhibitory effects of lysozyme on endothelial protein C receptor shedding in vitro and in vivo

Lysozyme protects us from the ever-present danger of bacterial infection and binds to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with high affinity. Beyond its role in the activation of protein C, the endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR) plays an important role in the cytoprotective pathway. EPCR can be shed from the cell surface, which is mediated by tumor necrosis factor-α converting enzyme (TACE). However, little is known about the effects of lysozyme on EPCR shedding. We investigated this issue by monitoring the effects of lysozyme on phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-, interleukin (IL)-1βand cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-mediated EPCR shedding and underlying mechanism. Data demonstrate that lysozyme induced potent inhibition of PMA-, TNF-α-, IL-1β-, and CLP-induced EPCR shedding. Lysozyme also inhibited the expression and activity of PMA-induced TACE in endothelial cells. These results demonstrate the potential of lysozyme as an anti-EPCR shedding reagent against PMA-mediated and CLP-mediated EPCR shedding. [BMB Reports 2015; 48(11): 624-629]

Suppressive Effects of Pelargonidin on Endothelial Protein C Receptor Shedding via the Inhibition of TACE Activity and MAP Kinases

Beyond its role in the activation of protein C, the endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR) plays an important role in the cytoprotective pathway. EPCR can be shed from the cell surface, which is mediated by tumor necrosis factor-[Formula: see text] converting enzyme (TACE). Pelargonidin is a well-known red pigment found in plants, and has been reported to have important biological activities that are potentially beneficial to human health. However, little is known about the effects of pelargonidin on EPCR shedding. We investigated this issue by monitoring the effects of pelargonidin on phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-[Formula: see text]-, interleukin (IL)-1β-, and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-mediated EPCR shedding and by investigating the underlying mechanism of pelargonidin action. Data demonstrate that pelargonidin induced potent inhibition of PMA-, TNF-[Formula: see text]-, IL-1β-, and CLP-induced EPCR shedding by inhibiting the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) such as p38, janus kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2. Pelargonidin also inhibited the expression and activity of PMA-induced TACE in endothelial cells. These results demonstrate the potential of pelargonidin as an anti-EPCR shedding reagent against PMA- and CLP-mediated EPCR shedding.

Inhibitory effects of three diketopiperazines from marine-derived bacteria on endothelial protein C receptor shedding in human endothelial cells and mice

Diketopiperazine is a natural products found from bacteria, fungi, marine sponges, gorgonian and red algae. They are cyclic dipeptides possessing relatively simple and rigid structures with chiral nature and various side chains. The compounds in this structure class have been known to possess diverse bioactivities including antibiotic activity, anti-cancer activity, neuroprotective activity, and anti-inflammatory activity. The endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR) plays an important role in the cytoprotective pathway and in the activation of protein C. Endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR) can be shed from the cell surface, which is mediated by tumor necrosis factor-α converting enzyme (TACE). However, little is known about the effects of diketopiperazine on EPCR shedding. We investigated this issue by monitoring the effects of diketopiperazine on phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-1β-induced EPCR shedding in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-mediated EPCR shedding in mice and underlying mechanism. Here, three (1-3) of diketopiperazines were isolated from two strains of marine-derived bacteria and 1-3 induced potent inhibition of PMA-, TNF-α-, IL-1β (in HUVECs), and CLP-induced EPCR shedding (in mice) via inhibition of phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) such as p38, janus kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2. 1-3 also inhibited the expression and activity of PMA-induced TACE in HUVECs suggesting that p38, ERK1/2, and JNK could be molecular targets of 1-3. These results demonstrate the potential of 1-3 as an anti-EPCR shedding reagent against PMA-mediated and CLP-mediated EPCR shedding.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Baicalin, Baicalein, and Wogonin in vitro and in vivo

Here, three structurally related polyphenols found in the Chinese herb Huang Qui, namely baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin, were examined for its effects on inflammatory responses by monitoring the effects of baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated vascular inflammatory responses. We found that each compound inhibited LPS-induced barrier disruption, expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), and adhesion/transendothelial migration of monocytes to human endothelial cells. Each compound induced potent inhibition of phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate and LPS-induced endothelial cell protein C receptor shedding. It also suppressed LPS-induced hyperpermeability and leukocytes migration in vivo. Furthermore, each compound suppressed the production of tumor necrosis factor-α or interleukin-6 and the activation of nuclear factor-κB or extracellular regulated kinases 1/2 by LPS. Moreover, treatment with each compound resulted in reduced LPS-induced lethal endotoxemia. These results suggest that baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin posses anti-inflammatory functions by inhibiting hyperpermeability, expression of CAMs, and adhesion and migration of leukocytes, thereby endorsing its usefulness as a therapy for vascular inflammatory diseases.

Suppressive effects of polyozellin on endothelial protein C receptor shedding via inhibiting TACE activity and MAP kinases

Beyond its role in the activation of protein C, the endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR) plays an important role in the cytoprotective pathway. EPCR can be shed from the cell surface, which is mediated by tumor necrosis factor-α converting enzyme (TACE). Polyozellin, a major constituent of a Korea edible mushroom Polyozellus multiplex, has been known to exhibit the biological activities such as anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. However, little is known about the effects of polyozellin on EPCR shedding. We investigated this issue by monitoring the effects of polyozellin on phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-, interleukin (IL)-1β-induced EPCR shedding in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-mediated EPCR shedding in mice and underlying mechanism. Data demonstrate that polyozellin induced potent inhibition of PMA-, TNF-α-, IL-1β- (in HUVECs), and CLP-induced EPCR shedding (in mice) via inhibition of phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) such as p38, janus kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2. Polyozellin also inhibited the expression and activity of PMA-induced TACE in HUVECs suggesting that p38, ERK1/2, and JNK could be the molecular targets of POZ. These results demonstrate the potential of polyozellin as an anti-EPCR shedding reagent against PMA-mediated and CLP-mediated EPCR shedding.

In-depth proteomics approach of secretome to identify novel biomarker for sepsis in LPS-stimulated endothelial cells

Sepsis and septic shock, which are conditions triggered by infection, occur with high incidence in emergency departments and are among the most common causes of death in hospitalized patients worldwide. Therefore, the identification of sepsis biomarkers for the rapid diagnosis is a major goal for researchers in the field of critical care. Endothelial cells play a pivotal role in orchestrating the inflammatory response triggered by sepsis. In this study, we used proteomics to investigate the secretome of EA.hy926 endothelial cells following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation with 1 μg/mL LPS for 12 or 24 h. SILAC in cell cultures and an online 2D-LC-MS/MS system were used to analyze the secretome dynamics in response to LPS. We found that 22 of the 77 secreted proteins identified in both the presence and absence of LPS and that 19 of the secreted proteins were quantified more strongly after LPS treatment for 24 h than after treatment for 12 h. By Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analyses, we found that proteins related to the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton showed the highest secretion response to LPS stimulation. Out of the 19 candidate proteins, we focused on moesin, which is involved in the function of endothelial cells, and confirmed its amount in cellular lysates and media taken from primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells treated with LPS. To our knowledge, this study provides the first in-depth analysis of the LPS-induced secretome in human endothelial cells, and we propose 19 new biomarker candidates for sepsis, including moesin.

Methylthiouracil, a new treatment option for sepsis

The screening of bioactive compound libraries can be an effective approach for repositioning FDA-approved drugs or discovering new treatments for human diseases. Inhibition of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and restoration of endothelial integrity are emerging as an attractive therapeutic strategies in the management of severe sepsis or septic shock. Here, we examined the effects of methylthiouracil (MTU), used as antithyroid drug, by monitoring the effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- or cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-mediated release of HMGB1, and on the modulation of HMGB1-mediated inflammatory responses. The anti-inflammatory activities of MTU were determined by measuring permeability, leukocyte adhesion and migration, and the activation of pro-inflammatory proteins in HMGB1-activated HUVECs and mice. MTU inhibited the release of HMGB1 and downregulated HMGB1-dependent inflammatory responses in human endothelial cells. MTU also inhibited HMGB1-mediated hyperpermeability and leukocyte migration in mice. In addition, treatment with MTU reduced CLP-induced release of HMGB1 and sepsis-related mortality and pulmonary injury. Our results indicate that MTUs could be candidate therapeutic agents for various severe vascular inflammatory diseases via the inhibition of the HMGB1 signaling pathway.

Inhibitory effects of polyozellin from Polyozellus multiplex on HMGB1-mediated septic responses

AIM AND OBJECTIVE

The ubiquitous nuclear protein, high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), is released by activated macrophages and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and functions as a late mediator of experimental sepsis. Polyozellin, which has been reported to have a variety of biological activities including antioxidant and anticancer activity, is the major active compound found in edible mushroom (Polyozellus multiplex). In this study, we investigated the antiseptic effects and underlying mechanisms of polyozellin against HMGB1-mediated septic responses in HUVECs and mice.

METHODS

The anti-inflammatory activities of polyozellin were determined by measuring permeability, human neutrophil adhesion and migration, and activation of proinflammatory proteins in HMGB1-activated HUVECs and mice.

RESULTS

According to the results, polyozellin effectively inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced release of HMGB1, and suppressed HMGB1-mediated septic responses, such as hyperpermeability, adhesion and migration of leukocytes, and expression of cell adhesion molecules. In addition, polyozellin suppressed the production of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin (IL)-6, and the activation of nuclear factor-κB and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 by HMGB1.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, these results indicate that P. multiplex containing polyozellin could be commercialized as functional food for preventing and treatment of various severe vascular inflammatory diseases via inhibition of the HMGB1 signaling pathway.

Anti-septic effects of fisetin in vitro and in vivo

Sepsis is a state of disrupted inflammatory homeostasis that is initiated by infection. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein acting as a late mediator of severe vascular inflammatory conditions, such as sepsis and endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR), is involved in vascular inflammation. Fisetin, an active compound from the family Fabaceae, was reported to have antiviral, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory activities. Here, we determined the anti-septic effects of fisetin on HMGB1-mediated inflammatory responses and on the shedding of EPCR in vitro and in vivo, for the first time. First, we monitored the effects of post-treatment fisetin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-mediated release of HMGB1 and HMGB1-mediated regulation of pro-inflammatory responses in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and septic mice. Post-treatment fisetin was found to suppress LPS-mediated release of HMGB1 and HMGB1-mediated cytoskeletal rearrangements. Fisetin also inhibited HMGB1-mediated hyperpermeability and leukocyte migration in septic mice. Fisetin induced potent inhibition of phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and CLP-induced EPCR. Fisetin also inhibited the expression and activity of tumor necrosis factor-α converting enzyme, induced by PMA in endothelial cells. In addition, fisetin inhibited the production of tumor necrosis factor-α and the activation of AKT, nuclear factor-κB, and extracellular regulated kinases 1/2 by HMGB1 in HUVECs. Fisetin also down-regulated CLP-induced release of HMGB1, production of interleukin 1β, and reduced septic mortality. Collectively, these results suggest that fisetin may be a candidate therapeutic agent for the treatment of vascular inflammatory diseases via inhibition of the HMGB1 signaling pathway.

Fisetin inhibits high-glucose-induced vascular inflammation in vitro and in vivo

AIM AND OBJECTIVE

Fisetin, an active compound isolated from flowering plants in the family Fabaceae, was reported to have antiviral, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects. Vascular inflammatory processes have been suggested to play key roles in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis, a major complication of diabetes mellitus. Thus, we determined the ability of fisetin to suppress vascular inflammatory processes induced by high glucose (HG) in primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and mice.

METHODS

The effects of fisetin on HG-induced vascular inflammation were determined by measuring vascular permeability, leukocyte adhesion and migration, cell adhesion molecule (CAM) expression levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, and nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation.

RESULTS

HG markedly increased vascular permeability, monocyte adhesion, expressions of CAMs, formation of ROS, and activation of NF-κB. Remarkably, all of the observed vascular inflammatory effects induced by HG were inhibited by pretreatment with fisetin.

CONCLUSION

Vascular inflammatory responses induced by HG are critical events underlying the development of diabetic complications; therefore, our results suggest that fisetin possesses significant therapeutic effects against diabetic complications and atherosclerosis.

Withaferin A is an inhibitor of endothelial protein C receptor shedding in vitro and in vivo

Withaferin A (WFA), an active compound from Withania somnifera, has been widely researched for its anti-inflammatory and cardioactive properties and effects on the central nervous system. The endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR) plays important roles in blood coagulation and inflammation. EPCR activity is markedly changed by ectodomain cleavage and release as the soluble EPCR. EPCR is shed from the cell surface, mediated by tumor necrosis factor-α converting enzyme (TACE). In this study, we investigated the effects of WFA on the EPCR shedding in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and in mice and the associated signaling pathways. WFA was found to induce inhibition of phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and on cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced EPCR shedding and WFA suppressed the expression and activity of TACE. In addition, treatment with WFA resulted in reduced PMA-stimulated phosphorylation of p38, extracellular regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). These results demonstrate a therapeutic potentiality of WFA as an anti-sEPCR shedding reagent against PMA and CLP-mediated EPCR shedding.