Ligustilide attenuates vascular inflammation and activates Nrf2/HO-1 induction and, NO synthesis in HUVECs

Ligustilide is a bioactive phthalide derivative isolated from Cnidii Rhizoma (Cnidium officinale, rhizome) and Angelicae Gigantis Radix (Angelica gigas Nakai, root) which are both medicinal herbs used to treat circulatory disorders. Vascular endothelium is a central spot in developing cardiovascular diseases and chronic vascular inflammation might result in atherosclerosis development.

We previously found out that a traditional herbal formula, Samul-Tang (Si-Wu-Tang, containing Cnidii Rhizoma and Angelicae Gigantis Radix), attenuated vascular inflammation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). However, which compound was responsible for vascular protective action remained unclear. Here, we investigated vascular protective potential of an isolated single compound, (Z)-ligustilide.

MTT assay, western blotting, immunofluorescence, electrophoretic mobility shift assay was performed. BCECF-AM, CM-H₂DCFDA, DAF-FM diacetate were used as a fluorescent indicator.

Ligustilide suppressed HL-60 monocyte adhesion and CAMs (ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-selectin) expression in HUVECs. Ligustilide significantly inhibited TNF-α-increased production of ROS and activated NF-κB signaling pathway. Also, ligustilide treated HUVECs exhibited significant HO-1 induction via Nrf2 nuclear translocation and endothelial NO synthesis.

Present study demonstrates that ligustilde attenuates vascular inflammation and activate defense system of endothelial cell. Ligustilide is a bioactive compound which might prevent cardiovascular complications such as thrombosis or atherosclerosis.