Tanshinone IIA inhibits TNF-α-mediated induction of VCAM-1 but not ICAM-1 through the regulation of GATA-6 and IRF-1

► VCAM-1 plays a major role in the initiation of atherosclerosis and tumor progression. ► Tanshinone IIA inhibited TNF-α-induced VCAM-1 but not ICAM-1 expressions. ► Tanshinone IIA markedly suppressed phosphorylations of STAT-3, PKC and Akt by TNF-α. ► Tanshinone IIA inhibited TNF-α-increased nuclear level of IRF-1 and GATA-6.