Pinocembrin protects endothelial cells from oxidized LDL-induced injury.

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis and often causes injury to vascular endothelial cells. We found that pinocembrin, a natural antioxidant found in honey and certain herbs, protects human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) from ox-LDL-induced injury. Pinocembrin suppresses the expression of pro-inflammatory vascular adhesion molecules (VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and E-selectin) and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8), as well as ROS production induced by ox-LDL. Pinocembrin potently inhibits the attachment of monocytes to HAEC cells. Mechanistically, pinocembrin suppresses activation of the MAPK kinase p38 and NF-κB pathways in the context of ox-LDL. Our data indicate that pinocembrin is a promising versatile natural compound that can protect endothelial cells from injury.