Securiniga suffruticosa is known as a drug that has the effect of improving the blood circulation and relaxing muscles and tendons, thereby protects and strengthen kidney and spleen. Therefore, in this study, treatment of Securiniga suffruticosa showed protective effect of inhibiting the vascular inflammation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by inducing nitric oxide (NO) production and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) coupling pathway. In this study, Securiniga suffruticosa suppressed TNF-α (Tumor necrosis factor-α) induced protein and mRNA levels of cell adhesion molecules such as intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6). Pretreatment of HUVEC with Securiniga suffruticosa decreased the adhesion of HL-60 cells to Ox-LDL (Oxidized Low-Density-Lipoprotein)-induced HUVEC. Moreover, Securiniga suffruticosa inhibited TNF-α induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Securiniga suffruticosa also inhibited phosphorylation of IκB-α in cytoplasm and translocation of NF-κB (Nuclear factor-kappa B) p65 to the nucleus. Securiniga suffruticosa increased NO production, as well increased the phosphorylation of eNOS and Akt (protein kinase B) which are related with NO production. In addition, Securiniga suffruticosa increased the protein expression of GTPCH (Guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase Ⅰ) and the production of BH4 in HUVEC which are related with eNOS coupling pathway. In conclusion, Securiniga suffruticosa has a protective effect against vascular inflammation and can be a potential therapeutic agent for early atherosclerosis.
Keywords: HUVECs; NO; Securiniga suffruticosa; TNF-α; adhesion molecules; vascular inflammation.