Kaempferol attenuates stress injury induced by oxLDL in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Abstract

Endothelial dysfunction caused by oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL) plays a pivotal role in atherosclerosis. Kaempferol is a flavonoid present in various natural sources including apples, onions, leeks, citrus fruits, grapes, red wines, ginkgo biloba etc. Here we investigated the protective effects of kaempferol against oxLDL‐induced damage in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The MTT assay showed that 2 hours pre‐incubation with kaempferol markedly restored the oxLDL‐induced viability loss in HUVECs in a concentration‐dependent manner. This effect was accompanied by a significant decrease in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Moreover, kaempferol imposed preventive effects on suppressing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and restoring the activities of antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD). Pre‐incubation of kaempferol with HUVECs led to the reduction of apoptosis. Finally, kaempferol can efficiently prevent the disturbance of Bcl‐2 family protein, and triggered subsequent cytochrome c release into cytosol and activation of caspase‐3. Taken together, findings from our study suggest that kaempferol can effectively protect HUVECs against oxidative stress induced by oxLDL, which may be important for preventing atherosclerotic vascular disease.