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Abstract
BackgroundAllicin, a primary ingredient of garlic, has been proposed to possess cardioprotective properties, which are commonly mediated by improved endothelial function.MethodsTo investigate the effect and mechanism of allicin on the apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), we used Propidium iodide (PI) staining and Annexin V/ PI staining assays to establish a model of oxidative stress apoptosis induced by H2O2. MTT, RT-PCR and western-blot assays were used to detect the effects and mechanism of allicin on the model.ResultsPI staining, Annexin V/ PI staining assays and morphological assessment suggest that the cell death induced by 0.5 mM H2O2 is primarily apoptotic. Conversely, allicin reverses the effect of H2O2 on cell death, suggesting a role in protecting HUVECs from apoptosis. We demonstrated that H2O2 activates PARP cleavage, reduces pro-Caspase-3 levels and activates Bax expression; however, allicin inhibits each of these apoptotic signaling indicators. Allicin also reduces the levels of malondialdehyde and increases the levels of superoxide dismutase, nitric oxide release and endothelial nitric oxide synthase mRNA, but has no significant effect on inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA levels.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that allicin has powerful effects in protecting HUVECs from apoptosis and suggest that protection occurs via a mechanism involving the protection from H2O2-mediated oxidative stress.
Highlights
Allicin, a primary ingredient of garlic, has been proposed to possess cardioprotective properties, which are commonly mediated by improved endothelial function
H2O2 promotes apoptotic cell death of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) To characterize the effects of H2O2 in inducing cell death of HUVECs, we assessed morphological changes 12 h after exposure to a range of doses of H2O2 (0.1 mM, 0.5 mM and 1.0 mM)
H2O2 promoted clear morphological changes to the cells, including cell shrinkage, karyopyknosis, and irregular nuclei. These results suggest that H2O2 induces programmed cell death in HUVECs
Summary
A primary ingredient of garlic, has been proposed to possess cardioprotective properties, which are commonly mediated by improved endothelial function. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a category of chronic noncommunicable diseases causing high global mortality and have been a heavy social burden in many countries [1,2]. Atherosclerosis - a progressive disease characterized by the accumulation of lipids and fibrous elements in the large arteries - constitutes the single most important contributor to this growing burden of cardiovascular disease [3]. In addition to managing anabolism and exchange of blood and tissue fluids, endothelial cells act as an Natural antioxidants are important for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. Garlic has been studied extensively for its cardioprotective properties with very promising results [8]. The characterization of a new antioxidant drug may be beneficial as a novel strategy for the treatment of atherosclerosis
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