Effect of Scutellariae radix extract on the high glucose-induced apoptosis in cultured vascular endothelial cells.
Endothelial cell apoptosis has been postulated as the initial trigger of the progression of microvascular disease in patients with diabetes mellitus. To investigate the role of Scutellariae radix extract, we examined its effect on the endothelial cell proliferation using the [3H]-thymidine incorporation method. Scutellariae radix extract significantly stimulated endothelial cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. We focused on the protective action of Scutellariae radix extract on the endothelial cell apoptosis induced by high glucose concentrations. Determination of endothelial cell apoptosis was performed using DNA gel electrophoresis, terminal deoxynuclotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay, and an ELISA kit. Exposure of vascular endothelial cell to high glucose (16.7 mM) for 72 h resulted in a significant increase in apoptosis, compared with the normal glucose concentrations (5.5 mM). Scutellariae radix extract inhibited high glucose-induced endothelial cell apoptosis. This result suggests that Scutellariae radix extract may contribute to antiapoptotic action against vascular endothelial cells, resulting in a beneficial effect in preventing diabetes-associated microvascular complications.
Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Research Institute of Endocrinology, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Hoigi-dong, Seoul, Korea.
Kwang Sik
KS
Suh
Yeon Ho
YH
Nam
Young Min
YM
Ahn
Nam Jae
NJ
Kim
Cheol Young
CY
Park
Gwanpyo
G
Koh
Seungjoon
S
Oh
Jeong Taek
JT
Woo
Sung Woon
SW
Kim
Jin Woo
JW
Kim
Young Seol
YS
Kim
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D002417:Cattle; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D005947:Glucose / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology; D018517:Plant Roots; D031363:Scutellaria
D010936:Plant Extracts; D005947:Glucose