[Effect of extract from Tripterygium hypoglaucum on proliferation and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells].
OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of THW-4, an extract from Trypterygium hypoglaucum on proliferation and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC).


METHODS
VSMC derived from rabbit aorta were cultured in vitro and different concentrations of THW-4 were added in experimental groups. Cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT and apoptosis by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), TUNEL assay and Annexin V-FITC/PI double labelled assay.


RESULTS
The inhibitory effects of THW-4 on proliferation of VSMC displayed dose-time dependently, with the IC50 value of 15.6 microg/L at 48 hrs. Incubated with THW-4 (10-100 microg/L) for 56 hrs, VSMC mainly appeared early stage apoptosis and the percentage of apoptosis was found to raise along with the increase of the THW-4 concentration. Typical images of apoptosis could be observed under TEM and TUNEL assay showed increase of DNA segments with karyorrhexis and pyknosis after THW-4 treatment for 72 hrs. Analysis of cell cycle indicated the THW-4 mainly lead to the blockage of VSMC in G2/M stage.


CONCLUSIONS
THW-4 could inhibit the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of VSMC in vitro, suggesting that THW-4 is a potential agent for prevention of restenosis following angioplasty.
Yu
Zhuo
Z
Department of Cardiology, the First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing (100034). yuzhuo0718@vip.sina.com
Meng
Lei
L
Guo
Yan-hong
YH
Wu
Dagang
D
Gao
Wei
W
D000818:Animals; D001011:Aorta / Q000166:cytology; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D023903:Coronary Restenosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000166:cytology*; D011817:Rabbits; D029757:Tripterygium / Q000737:chemistry*
D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal