The development of various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are associated with 
chronic inflammation. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) is a pro-inflammatory 
cytokine that activates the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, leading 
to increased inflammatory cytokine expression, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6). 
Interventions to reduce each of these factors have been demonstrated to reduce 
the development of CVD. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring 
compound that demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects in humans and various 
animal and cell culture models. The effects of MSM include decreased NF-κB 
activation, decreased expression of TNF-α, and IL-6. However, the effects of MSM 
within the heart have not yet been examined. Therefore, the purpose of this 
investigation was to determine whether MSM protects cardiac cells from 
inflammation that occurs in response to pro-inflammatory stimuli. A novel 
immortalized human ventricular cardiomyocyte cell line, designated Ac16, 
developed and characterized in the laboratory of Dr. Mercy Davidson, Columbia 
Invention Report No. 823, U.S. patent No. 7,223,599 were utilized. Cells were 
treated with TNF-α, alone or in combination with MSM. To confirm an appropriate 
dosage of MSM, the effect of various concentrations on cell viability, and IL-6 
production were examined. The effect of MSM on transcript expression of 
pro-inflammatory markers and activation of NF-κB were examined with the 
established dose by real-time quantitative PCR and western blot, respectively. 
MSM treatment combined with TNF-α significantly decreased IL-6 production and 
transcript expression compared to TNF-α alone. These findings indicate that MSM 
may protect against inflammation in the heart, and thereby protect against 
inflammation-linked CVDs. Further study is warranted to determine the effect of 
MSM on cardiovascular health outcomes.