Erxian Decoction, a Traditional Chinese Herbal Formula, Inhibits Angiogenesis in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Abstract

Our previous study demonstrated that Erxian Decoction (EXD), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, inhibited angiogenesis in zebrafish embryos. To further investigate the anti-angiogenic activity and mechanism of EXD, we evaluated its inhibitory effect on angiogenesis in mammalian endothelial cells in vitro. Cell based assays included proliferation, apoptosis, migration, tube formation and cell cycle analysis. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blotting were carried out to evaluate the molecular targets and signaling pathways of EXD in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). EXD inhibited proliferation, migration and tube formation in HUVECs. EXD also caused HUVEC apoptosis and cell increase in G0/G1 phase in cell cycle analysis. Furthermore, it decreased the mRNA expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 in HUVECs. It also inhibited extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and Akt activation, suggesting the involvement of these signaling pathways in the anti-angiogenic action of EXD in HUVECs. The anti-angiogenic activity of EXD provides new insights to its clinical application and may lead to potential drug development for treating various cancers, especially in menopausal period in the future.