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Updated: May 8, 2026
Isolation of Primary Patient-specific Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells and Semiquantitative Real-time Contraction Measurements In Vitro
Published on: February 15, 2022
Persimmon peel extract attenuates PDGF-BB-induced human aortic smooth muscle cell migration and invasion through
Joe Eun Son1, Mun Kyung Hwang, Eunjung Lee
1WCU Biomodulation Major, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-921, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
The unregulated migration and invasion of human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) into the intima is a crucial step in the development of atherosclerosis. Recently, the oriental persimmon extract (Diospyros kaki Thunb. cv. Fuyu) has been investigated for its anti-atherogenic properties, but the molecular mechanisms involved remain unclear. We investigated the inhibitory effects of persimmon peel and flesh extract on the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) BB-induced MMP-1 expression using Western blot, and abnormal migration and invasion of HASMCs using a modified Boyden chamber assay and a wound healing assay. We also evaluated the inhibitory effects of persimmon peel extract on aortic vessel thickening using a rat aortic sprouting assay. Persimmon peel (PPE), but not flesh extract (PFE), inhibited PDGF-BB-induced MMP-1 expression, cell migration and invasion in HASMCs, while suppressing the rat aortic sprouting. Western blot and in vitro kinase assay data demonstrated that PPE inhibited Src kinase activity and subsequently attenuated PDGF-BB-induced phosphorylation of MAPK and Akt signalling pathways. Taken together, our results indicate that persimmon peel might possess a potential anti-atherogenic effect through attenuation of ASMCs migration and invasion and aortic sprouting by direct inhibition of the c-Src kinase activity.
Insights
Persimmon peel extract inhibits human aortic smooth muscle cell migration and invasion, key factors in atherosclerosis development. This effect is linked to the inhibition of Src kinase activity, suggesting a potential anti-atherogenic benefit.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis development involves unregulated migration and invasion of human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) into the intima.
- Oriental persimmon extract (Diospyros kaki Thunb. cv. Fuyu) shows potential anti-atherogenic properties, but underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the inhibitory effects of persimmon peel and flesh extracts on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-induced MMP-1 expression and HASMC migration/invasion.
- To evaluate the effect of persimmon peel extract on aortic vessel thickening.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms, including Src kinase activity and downstream signaling pathways, involved in persimmon's anti-atherogenic effects.
Main Methods:
- Western blot analysis to assess MMP-1 expression and protein phosphorylation.
- Modified Boyden chamber and wound healing assays to evaluate HASMC migration and invasion.
- Rat aortic sprouting assay to assess aortic vessel thickening.
- In vitro kinase assays to determine Src kinase activity.
Main Results:
- Persimmon peel extract (PPE), but not flesh extract (PFE), significantly inhibited PDGF-BB-induced MMP-1 expression, HASMC migration, and invasion.
- PPE suppressed aortic vessel thickening in the rat aortic sprouting assay.
- Data indicated that PPE directly inhibited Src kinase activity, leading to attenuated PDGF-BB-induced phosphorylation of MAPK and Akt signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
- Persimmon peel extract demonstrates potential anti-atherogenic effects by inhibiting HASMC migration and invasion.
- The mechanism involves the direct inhibition of c-Src kinase activity, which subsequently affects key signaling pathways.
- These findings suggest persimmon peel as a potential therapeutic agent for preventing atherosclerosis.
