Xinkeshu tablets promote angiogenesis in zebrafish embryos and human umbilical vein endothelial cells through multiple signaling pathways

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAngiogenesis is particularly important in ischemic cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease (CHD). Xinkeshu tablets (XKS) are a commonly used Chinese patent medicine for CHD with a defined clinical effect. However, the proangiogenic effect of XKS remains unknown.Aim of the study: We attempted to investigate the chemical composition and proangiogenic effect of XKS, as well as its underlying mechanisms. Materials and methodsThe chemical composition of a XKS methanol extract was analyzed using a UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS system. The compound's proangiogenic effects were evaluated in zebrafish embryos and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms were investigated using transcriptome assays and real-time quantitative PCR validation. ResultsWe identified 116 chemical constituents of XKS. XKS significantly stimulated subintestinal vessel plexus (SIVs) growth and rescued tyrosine kinase inhibitor (PTK787)-induced intersegmental vessels (ISVs) injury in zebrafish in a concentration-dependent manner. XKS significantly rescued the proliferation, migration capacity and tube formation of Recombinant VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor II (VRI)-injured HUVECs. XKS promoted angiogenesis through multiple signaling pathways, including metabolic pathways, the PPAR signaling pathway, the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, the VEGF signaling pathway, and the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. ConclusionHerein, we identified 116 chemical constituents of XKS for the first time and demonstrated that XKS may regulate angiogenesis through multiple signaling pathways to treat CHD.