This study is to investigate the potential role of asiaticoside (AS) in Aβ1-42-induced apoptosis on the human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC). HUVEC cells were divided into Aβ1-42 group (treated with 50 μM Aβ1-42), AS groups (treated with 50 μM Aβ1-42 and 10 mM, 1 mM, 0.1 mM or 0.01 mM AS), and negative control group (without treatments). Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay. Apoptosis was analyzed by Hochest33342 staining and flow cytometry. Western Blot was carried out to detect the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax protein. Aβ1-42 treatment inhibited cell proliferation and increased cell apoptosis of HUVEC cells. Interestingly, AS at concentrations of 10 mM, 1 mM, 0.1 mM and 0.01 mM reversed the effects of Aβ1-42 by increasing cell survival rate and reducing apoptosis of HUVEC cells. Furthermore, the expression of Bcl-2 protein was increased whereas the expression of Bax protein was decreased in AS groups. Compared with Aβ1-42 group, the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax was significantly increased in AS groups (P < 0.05). These results suggested that AS may be effective in protecting cells from damage caused by aggregated Aβ1-42. And this effect may be attributed to the increase of Bcl-2 and decrease of Bax under AS treatment.
Keywords: Asiaticoside; Beta amyloid peptide 1-42; apoptosis; human umbilical vein endothelial cells.