Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells by which Total Saponin Extracted from Tribulus Terrestris Protects Against Artherosclerosis

Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry

关键词: Proliferation;    Mechanisms;    Tribulus terrestris;    Saponin;    Atherosclerosis;    Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells;   

DOI  :  10.1159/000354528

学科分类：分子生物学，细胞生物学和基因

来源: S Karger AG

【 摘 要 】

Background/Aims Total saponin extracted from Tribulus terrestris (TSETT) has been reported to protect against atherosclerosis. We here investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of TSETT underlying protection against atherosclerosis. Methods Cell proliferation was measured with Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT); Intracellular H₂O₂ was measured with DCFH-DA, a fluorescent dye; Intracellular free Ca²⁺ was measured with a confocal laser scanning microscopy; Genes expression was measured with gene array and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR); Phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (phospho-ERK1/2) was measured with cell-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blotting. Results TSETT significantly suppressed the increase in cells proliferation induced by angiotensin II, significantly suppressed the increase in the intracellular production of H₂O₂ induced by angiotensin II, significantly inhibited the increase in intracellular free Ca²⁺ induced by H₂O₂, significantly inhibited the increase in phospho-ERK1/2 induced by angiotensin II; significantly inhibited the increase in mRNA expression of c-fos, c-jun and pkc-α induced by angiotensin II. Conclusion These findings provide a new insight into the antiatherosclerotic properties of TSETT and provide a pharmacological basis for the clinical application of TSETT in anti-atherosclerosis.

【 授权许可】

CC BY-NC-ND