The angiogenic effect of dracorhodin perchlorate on human umbilical vein endothelial cells and its potential mechanism of action.

Abstract

Hyperglycemia is the key clinical feature of diabetes, and may induce refractory wound lesions and impaired angiogenesis. Dracorhodin perchlorate (Dra) is the major ingredient of dragon's blood and it has been used as a medicine to treat chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot, since ancient times in many cultures. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of Dra on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) under high‑glucose (HG) stimulation and its potential mechanism. Dra was observed to increase the multiplication capacity of HUVECs both under low glucose (LG) and HG concentrations. Additionally, migration and tube formation in HUVECs was facilitated by Dra. The expression levels of Ras, mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK) and vascular endothelial growth factor, which are key components of the Ras/MAPK pathway, were upregulated following Dra treatment. The present study is the first report, to the best of our knowledge, of the effects of Dra on wound healing, and the association with the Ras/MAPK signaling pathway.