Effects of Garlic Extract (allicin) on Proliferation of Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPC) in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease

Abstract

The reduced number and function of Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPC) in stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) patients aggravate endothelial dysfunction and inhibit neovascularization, thus leading to atherosclerosis. Garlic is currently believed to increase the number and function of EPCs. Therefore, this in vitro study was conducted to analyse the effect of garlic extract (Allicin) on the proliferation of EPCs in patients with SCAD. Mononuclear cells were isolated from peripheral blood of eight SCAD patients and cultured on CFU-Hill media for three days. Samples were divided into 2 groups: a group treated with Allicin and a control group. The treatment group was then divided into 3 subgroups which received 10, 50, and 100 mg/ml of doses and incubated for 48 hours. EPC proliferation was assessed using MTT Cell Proliferation Assay. Immunohistochemical method of CD34+ were performed for EPC identification. Data was analysed using an independent T test and ANOVA. MTT Assay showed significant increase in EPC proliferation in Allicin group compared to control group (0.2811±0.008 vs 0.194±0.151, p<0.05) and significant improvements were observed in each dose increment. CFU-Hill quantification shows the addition of EPC colony in high-dose Allicin. Immunohistochemical method shows positive CD34+ expression. Allicin increases EPC proliferation dose-dependently from peripheral blood of SCAD patients.