Abstract
Atherosclerosis (AS) is characterized by the significant accumulation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol in macrophages that reside in the vessel wall and the resultant inflammatory response. Therefore, inhibition of LDL-induced inflammation is a promising interference for AS. Many traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions have been developed for AS treatment. Geniposide (GEN) is an iridoid glycoside mainly found in Gardenia jasminoides fruit. Although GEN has previously been shown to possess anti-atherosclerotic activities, its effects on the formation of macrophage-derived foam cells remain poorly characterized. In our current study, we demonstrated that GEN could significantly inhibit oxidized light-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) induced macrophage foam cell formation and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, treatment of GEN in bone-marrow derived macrophages repressed iNOS expression and NO expression. GEN could also alleviate ox-LDL-dependent up-regulation of CD36 expression by blocking the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, ERK, JNK and NF-kB p65. The results of our current study demonstrate that GEN exhibits significant therapeutic effects against ox-LDA-induced foam cell formation and inflammation. Therefore, GEN is promising agent for treating AS.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.