4.

Crocetin inhibits inflammation induced by pressure overload. (A, B) Real-time PCR and Western blot analysis of TNF-α, IL-1β and MCP-1 mRNA and protein expression in the myocardium obtained from the indicated groups (n = 6). (C) The DNA-binding activity of NF-κB in the left ventricle of the indicated groups (n = 5). (D) Western blot analysis of IκBα degradation and IκBα phosphorylation of the myocardium was obtained from the indicated animals at 8 weeks after AB (n= 4). (E) IKKβ activity was shown in the indicated group (n = 4). Each assay was performed in triplicate. *P < 0.01 for difference from vehicle/sham values. (F) 10 mM NAC treatment blocked Ang II-induced NF-κB activity. Luciferase assay were performed as described in Methods and materials. *P < 0.01 for difference from control group.