[Effect of yiqi jianpi drugs on apoptosis and relevant gene expression in cultured vascular smooth muscle cell].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the effect of Yiqi Jianpi (YQJP, supplementing Qi and invigorating Spleen) recipe on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) apoptosis and it's mechanisms.


METHODS
VSMC apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nicked labeling (TUNEL) analysis, transmission electron microscope (TEM), flow cytometry and DNA agarose electrophoresis. The expression activity of bcl-2, c-myc and p53 genes were determined using Northern blotting.


RESULTS
The typical characteristics of apoptotic VSMC was observed following treatment by the YQJP drug serum. The DNA extracted from VSMC revealed a ladder pattern in electrophoresis. Flow cytometric analysis revealed G0/G1 stage cell blocking phenomena, the hypodiploid apoptotic cell increased, displayed typical peak of apoptosis, the rate of cell apoptosis and YQJP serum concentration were in a dose-dependent manner. The result of hybridization showed that 30% of YQJP serum could inhibit apoptotic gene bcl-2 expression, upregulated the level of apoptogenous gene c-myc and p53 mRNA.


CONCLUSIONS
VSMC apoptosis could be induced by YQJP recipe and its mechanism might be through affecting the apoptosis related gene expression activity.
Chai
X Q
XQ
Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017.
Wen
J K
JK
Han
M
M
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D016271:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics
D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; D016271:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53