Chin-Sheng Lin1, Pang-Yen Liu1, Chen-Hao Lian2, Ching-Heng Lin3, Jenn-Haung Lai4, Ling-Jun Ho5, Shih-Ping Yang1, Shu-Meng Cheng1. 1. Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan; 2. Division of General Laboratory, Ministry of Health and Welfare, KinMen Hospital, Kinmen; 3. Best Health Chinese Medicine Clinic, Taipei; 4. Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao-Yuan; 5. Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institute, Zhunan, Taiwan.
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.
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: Na Li; James E McLaren; Daryn R Michael; Mathew Clement; Ceri A Fielding; Dipak P Ramji Journal: J Immunol Date: 2010-07-30 Impact factor: 5.422
Authors: Marit Westerterp; Andrea E Bochem; Laurent Yvan-Charvet; Andrew J Murphy; Nan Wang; Alan R Tall Journal: Circ Res Date: 2014-01-03 Impact factor: 17.367
Authors: James E McLaren; Daryn R Michael; Rebecca C Salter; Tim G Ashlin; Claudia J Calder; Ashley M Miller; Foo Y Liew; Dipak P Ramji Journal: J Immunol Date: 2010-06-11 Impact factor: 5.422