Inhibition of NF-kappa B activation by dimethyl sulfoxide correlates with suppression of TNF-alpha formation, reduced ICAM-1 gene transcription, and protection against endotoxin-induced liver injury.

The effect of the free radical scavenger dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on activation of the nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) was investigated in an experimental model of endotoxin-induced liver failure. In galactosamine-sensitized C3Heb/FeJ mice, DMSO (10 mL/kg) effectively inhibited endotoxin-induced hepatic NF-kappa B activation, suppressed TNF-alpha levels in plasma by 86%, attenuated intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) mRNA formation, blocked hepatic neutrophil accumulation by 79%, and reduced liver injury by 80%. In galactosamine-sensitized mice treated with 20 micrograms/kg murine TNF-alpha, DMSO moderately reduced hepatic NF-kappa B and decreased ICAM-1 mRNA formation and liver injury by 83%, but had no significant effect on hepatic neutrophil accumulation. Thus, DMSO was able to inhibit, at least in part, two critical NF-kappa B-dependent steps in the pathophysiology, i.e., TNF-alpha formation and ICAM-1 gene transcription. Our data suggest the involvement of redox-sensitive events in the signal transduction pathway of NF-kappa B activation in the liver. Inhibition of NF-kappa B activation correlates with the reduced activation of proinflammatory genes in vivo and the subsequent attenuation of inflammatory liver injury. Thus, antioxidants that are NF-kappa B inhibitors may have therapeutic potential in endotoxin shock and sepsis.