Synergistic efficacy of concurrent treatment with cilostazol and probucol on the suppression of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory markers in cultured human coronary artery endothelial cells.

In the present study, we aimed to identify the synergistic effects of concurrent treatment of low concentrations of cilostazol and probucol to inhibit the oxidative stress with suppression of inflammatory markers in the cultured human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs). Combination of cilostazol (0.3~3 microM) with probucol (0.03~0.3 microM) significantly suppressed TNF-alpha-stimulated NAD(P)H-dependent superoxide, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and TNF-alpha release in comparison with probucol or cilostazol alone. The combination of cilostazol (0.3~3 microM) with probucol (0.1~0.3 microM) inhibited the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) more significantly than did the monotherapy with either probucol or cilostazol. In line with these results, combination therapy significantly suppressed monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. Taken together, it is suggested that the synergistic effectiveness of the combination therapy with cilostazol and probucol may provide a beneficial therapeutic window in preventing atherosclerosis and protecting from cerebral ischemic injury.