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[Protective effects of Astragalus membranaceus on free fatty acid-induced vascular endothelial cell dysfunction]
1Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Objective:
To investigate whether Astragalus membranaceus (AM) can protect endothelium-dependent vasodilatation (EDV) function of aorta from the damage induced by high level of free fatty acid (FFA).
Methods:
Ten male SD rats, 8 weeks old and 250-300 g in weight, were sacrificed and thoracic aorta were harvested. Aorta rings incubated in organ baths were divided into three groups, Control group, FFA group and FFA+ AM group. The control group was incubated in 20 mL Krebs-Henseleit solution; the FFA group was incubated in 20 mL KH solution mixed with FFA(800 micromol/L) the FFA + AM group was incubated in 20 mL KH solution mixed with FFA (800 micromol/L) and AM (4 g/L). The relaxation levels of aorta rings response to acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside were measured, the expression of NF-kappaB and the level of NOx in the organ bath were analyzed by immunohistochemistry.
Results:
Severe endothelial dysfunction were induced in FFA group (maximal vasorelaxation in response to Ach: 61.1% +/- l6.9% vs. 93.1% +/- 2.7% in control, P < 0.05), while EDV in FFA+AM group was significantly improved by the incubation with AM (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group (104.1 +/- 14.2) micromol/g, NOx levels of FFA group was (83.1 +/- 8.4) micromol/g (P < 0.05), and the treatment of AM increased the levels of NOx (98.8 +/- 10.7) micromol/g (P < 0.05). The control vascular ring had a little NF-kappaB expression in endothelial nucleus, FFA increased the activation of NF-kappaB, while the treatment of AM lower the elevated NF-kappaB level.
Conclusion:
FFA can directly injure EDV, while AM may ameliorate it, with the possible mechanism related to the signal pathway of NF-kappaB and NO.
Insights
Astragalus membranaceus (AM) protects aorta endothelial function from high free fatty acid (FFA) damage. AM improves endothelium-dependent vasodilatation (EDV) by regulating NF-kappaB and nitric oxide (NO) pathways.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Endothelial Function Research
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Efficacy
Background:
- High levels of free fatty acids (FFA) are linked to endothelial dysfunction.
- Endothelium-dependent vasodilatation (EDV) is a critical indicator of vascular health.
- Astragalus membranaceus (AM) is a traditional herb with potential therapeutic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if Astragalus membranaceus (AM) can prevent damage to aorta endothelium-dependent vasodilatation (EDV) caused by high free fatty acid (FFA) levels.
- To explore the underlying mechanisms of AM's protective effects.
Main Methods:
- Thoracic aorta rings from male Sprague-Dawley rats were used.
- Rings were divided into control, FFA-induced dysfunction, and FFA + AM treatment groups.
- Vascular relaxation responses, NF-kappaB expression, and NOx levels were analyzed.
Main Results:
- High FFA levels significantly impaired EDV, reducing vasorelaxation.
- AM treatment notably improved EDV in FFA-exposed aorta rings.
- AM modulated NF-kappaB activation and increased nitric oxide (NOx) levels.
Conclusions:
- Free fatty acids directly injure EDV.
- Astragalus membranaceus (AM) demonstrates a protective effect against FFA-induced endothelial damage.
- The mechanism may involve the NF-kappaB signaling pathway and nitric oxide regulation.
