Endothelia-Targeting Protection by Escin in Decompression Sickness Rats

Kun Zhang,Xuhua Yu,Xiaowei Ning,Zhongxin Jiang,Weigang Xu,Jiajun Xu,Peter Buzzacott

doi:10.1038/srep41288

Abstract

Endothelial dysfunction is involved in the pathogenesis of decompression sickness (DCS) and contributes substantively to subsequent inflammatory responses. Escin, the main active compound in horse chestnut seed extract, is well known for its endothelial protection and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate the potential protection of escin against DCS in rats. Escin was administered orally to adult male rats for 7 d (1.8 mg/kg/day) before a simulated air dive. After decompression, signs of DCS were monitored, and blood and pulmonary tissue were sampled for the detection of endothelia related indices. The incidence and mortality of DCS were postponed and decreased significantly in rats treated with escin compared with those treated with saline (P < 0.05). Escin significantly ameliorated endothelial dysfunction (increased serum E-selectin and ICAM-1 and lung Wet/Dry ratio, decreased serum NO), and oxidative and inflammatory responses (increased serum MDA, MPO, IL-6 and TNF-α) (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The results suggest escin has beneficial effects on DCS related to its endothelia-protective properties and might be a drug candidate for DCS prevention and treatment.

Highlights

Escin, or aescin, a natural mixture of triterpene saponins, is the major active compound in extracts from the seeds of Aesculus hippocastanum, a widely used medicinal plant since ancient times[9,10]
Vascular endothelial cells are vulnerable to dive decompression, and mechanical damage is most likely one of the main triggers of the inflammatory cascade in decompression sickness (DCS) etiology[2,3]
Much recent attention focuses on its anti-cancer properties, escin is well known for its remarkable efficacy in treating chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), hemorrhoids and post-operative edema[11]

Summary

Introduction

Aescin, a natural mixture of triterpene saponins, is the major active compound in extracts from the seeds of Aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut tree), a widely used medicinal plant since ancient times[9,10]. Escin has been traditionally used as a carminative, stomachic, and endothelia-protective agent in treating peripheral vascular disorders, in particular varicosis[11]. It is recognized as having vasoconstrictor activity by increasing sensitivity to molecular ions, resulting in increased venous tension[11,12]. The incidence and mortality of DCS, and endothelia related indices, were determined

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