Quercetin inhibits expression of inflammatory cytokines through attenuation of NF-κB and p38 MAPK in HMC-1 human mast cell line

Objective and design: Mast cell-mediated allergic inflammation is involved in many diseases such as asthma, sinusitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Mast cells induce production of pro-inflammatory cytokines with immune regulatory properties. We investigated the effect of quercetin on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in human mast cell line, HMC-1. Methods: HMC-1 cells were stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI). Results: Quercetin decreased the gene expression and production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 in PMACI-stimulated HMC-1 cells. Quercetin attenuated PMACI-induced activation of NF-κB and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. Conclusion: Our study provides evidence that quercetin may suitable for the treatment of mast cell-derived allergic inflammatory diseases.