title: Gentiana scabra Reduces SR-A Expression and Oxidized-LDL Uptake in Human Macrophages.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Macrophages can imbibe low-density lipoprotein (LDL) through scavenger receptors to become foam cells, which is critical in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Mounting evidence suggests that the anti-inflammatory nature of Chinese herbs have the capacity to halt the complex mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis. This study examined the effects of Chinese herbs on foam cell formation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Chinese herbs were obtained from the Sun Ten pharmaceutic company. Using oxidized LDL (OxLDL) uptake and a cell toxicity assay, we screened more than 30 types of Chinese herbs. Western blotting was used to determine expressions of scavenger receptors (SRs) and extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activities.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found that Gentiana scabra reduced oxidized LDL uptake effectively in THP-1 macrophages (p < 0.05 vs. OxLDL treated control). Moreover, treatment with Gentiana scabra in THP-1 macrophages resulted in decreased expression of scavenger receptor- A (SR-A) (p < 0.05 vs. control). Molecular investigation revealed that Gentiana scabra inhibited SR-A protein expression, possibly by regulating ERK signaling pathways (p < 0.05 vs. control).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  By regulating SR-A expression, Gentiana scabra reduced oxidized LDL uptake in human macrophages. These results support the potential use of Gentiana scabra in treating atherosclerosis.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan;
authors.forename: Chin-Sheng
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan;
authors.forename: Pang-Yen
authors.initials: PY
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Division of General Laboratory, Ministry of Health and Welfare, KinMen Hospital, Kinmen;
authors.forename: Chen-Hao
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Lian
authors.affiliation: Best Health Chinese Medicine Clinic, Taipei;
authors.forename: Ching-Heng
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.affiliation: Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao-Yuan;
authors.forename: Jenn-Haung
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Lai
authors.affiliation: Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institute, Zhunan, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Ling-Jun
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Ho
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan;
authors.forename: Shih-Ping
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan;
authors.forename: Shu-Meng
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Cheng
keywords: Atherosclerosis; Foam cells; Gentiana scabra; Macrophage; Oxidized LDL