title: [Epimedin C induced mesenchymal stem cells C3H/10T1/2 to differentiate into endothelioid cells in vitro: an experimental study].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study the endothelioid differentiation effect of Epimedin C on murine embryonic mesenchymal stem cells (C3H/10T1/2).
  
  
  METHODS
  C3H/10T1/2 cells were cultivated in vitro. The cytotoxicity of Epimedin C at different concentrations was determined by MTT assay and crystal violet assay. Morphological changes were observed under microscope after treated with Epimendin C. The effect of Epimendin C on the cell cycle distribution was determined by flow cytometry. mRNA expression levels of endothelial markers, such as CD31, CD34, vascular endothelial zinc finger 1 (Vezf1), angiopoietin 1 (Ang1), and angiopoietin 2 (Ang2) were detected by semi-quantitative PCR. Protein expression levels of platelet endothelial adhesive molecule 1 (CD31), ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73), endothelial cell specific molecule-1 (ESM-1), and integrin β5 were determined by immunocytochemical (IHC) staining.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Epimedin C could not affect the survival rate of C3H/10T1/2 cells at 1-30 μmol/L. Its cell cycle distribution was not significantly changed after treated by 30 μmol/L Epimedin C for 24 h. C3H/10T1/2 cells were differentiated to vascular endothelial cells by Epimedin C treatment, with significant morphological changes (whirlpool-like structure). PCR results indicated that mRNA levels of classic endothelial mark- ers, namely CD34, Vezf1, Ang1, and Ang2 were significantly increased in C3H/10T1/2 cells after treated with Epimedin C for 5 days (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Protein expression levels of CD31, CD73, and ESM-1 were also positively expressed after treated with Epimedin C for 5 days, showing statistical difference when compared with those of the control group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Epimendin C could induce C3H/10T1/2 cells to differentiate into endothelioid cells.
authors.forename: Yan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Jian-Li
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Gao
authors.forename: Su-Hong
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Gui-Yuan
authors.initials: GY
authors.lastname: Lu
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects*; D002460:Cell Line; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005419:Flavonoids / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D012333:RNA, Messenger
chemical_list: D005419:Flavonoids; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C106054:epimedin C