title: Lignans from the bark of Eucommia ulmoides inhibited Ang II-stimulated extracellular matrix biosynthesis in mesangial cells.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Tree bark of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., (commonly well-known as "Du-zhong" in China), has been used to treat hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia, hepatic fibrosis and renal injury. This study aims to investigate the effects of lignans extracted from the bark of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. on Ang II-induced proliferation and extracellular matrix biosynthesis in rat mesangial cells.
  
  
  METHODS
  Rat mesangial cells (RMCs) were cultured in vitro and divided into six groups (control, Ang II, losartan, and low, middle and high concentration lignans groups). RMC proliferation was measured by MTT assay. RT-qPCR and western blotting were used to detect mRNA and protein expression of collagen type I (Col I), collagen type III (Col III), collagen type IV (Col IV), fibronectin and aldose reductase (AR).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Cellular proliferation induced by Ang II was significantly suppressed by Eucommia lignans of different concentrations (P = 0.034, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001). Treatment of cells with Ang II increased Col I, Col III, Col IV, and fibronectin mRNA expression, which was observed at the protein level (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.004, and P = 0.004, respectively). The increased mRNA expression and protein levels of Col I, Col III, Col IV, and fibronectin were diminished remarkably with by treatment Eucommia lignans, and elevated AR expression stimulated by Ang II was significantly inhibited by Eucommia lignans.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Eucommia lignans (Du-zhong) inhibited Ang II-stimulated extracellular matrix biosynthesis in mesangial cells.
authors: Zhen-Yu
authors: ZY
authors: Li
authors: Xiao-Lan
authors: XL
authors: Deng
authors: Wei-Hua
authors: WH
authors: Huang
authors: Ling
authors: L
authors: Li
authors: Hui
authors: H
authors: Li
authors: Xian
authors: X
authors: Jing
authors: Ying-Ying
authors: YY
authors: Tian
authors: Pei-Yu
authors: PY
authors: Lv
authors: Tian-Lun
authors: TL
authors: Yang
authors: Hong-Hao
authors: HH
authors: Zhou
authors: Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Central South University, 110 Xiang-Ya Street, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China. ouyangyj@163.com.
authors: Dong-Sheng
authors: DS
authors: Ouyang