Panax NotoginsengSaponins Promote Endothelial Progenitor Cell Mobilization and Attenuate Atherosclerotic Lesions in Apolipoprotein E Knockout Mice

Abstract

Background: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) derived from the bone marrow (BM) play a key role in the homeostasis of vascular repair by enhanced reendothelialization. Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS), a highly valued traditional Chinese medicine, has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality from coronary artery disease. The present research was designed to explore the contribution of progenitor cells to the progression of atherosclerotic plaques and the possible modulatory role of PNS in this process. Methods: PNS (60 or 120 mg/kg via intraperitoneal injection) was administered over 8 weeks in apolipoprotein E knockout mice on an atherogenic diet. The sizes and histochemical alteration of atherosclerotic lesions and numbers of EPCs in BM and peripheral blood were analyzed. The expression of chemokine stromal cell-derived factor 1α (SDF-1α) and its receptor, CXCR4, was monitored as well. Results: PNS significantly reduced the lesion area and intima-to-media ratio compared to vehicle treatment. PNS also augmented endothelialization and reduced the smooth muscle cell (SMCs) content of the lesions. The number of c-kit and sca-1 double-positive progenitor cells and flk-1 and sca-1 double-positive progenitor cells were significantly increased in the BM and the peripheral blood of the PNS-treated groups. PNS treatment increased the plasma levels of SDF-1α and SCF as well as the BM levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Moreover, the mRNA levels of SDF-1α and protein levels of CXCR4 were both increased in the BM of mice treated with PNS, while SDF-1α expression decreased. Conclusion: PNS reduce the size of atherosclerotic plaques, and this effect appears to involve progenitor cell mobilization. SDF-1α-CXCR4 interactions and the possible modulatory role of PNS in this process may contribute to the increased progenitor cell mobilization.

Tripterine Treatment Improves Endothelial Progenitor Cell Function via Integrin-Linked Kinase

“…The results of western blot analysis showed that knockdown of [22], and reduced levels of circulating EPCs are predictive of atherosclerotic disease progression and cardiovascular events [23,24]. EPC transplantation has been investigated for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.…”

Effects of panax notoginseng saponins on the osteogenic differentiation of rabbit bone mesenchymal stem cells through TGF-β1 signaling pathway

“…Previous studies has been reported that PNS could stimulate alkaline phosphatase activities and increase the number of osteoblasts in vitro, promote the proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells [8], and is effective in promoting blood circulation to remove stasis [9]. Recent studies suggest that PNS may be a potential therapeutic methods for treating bone nonunion, osteoporosis and osteonecrosis [10].…”

Panax notoginseng saponins ameliorate impaired arterial vasodilation in SHRSP.Z‐Leprfa/lzmDmcr rats with metabolic syndrome

“…A higher PNS dose (100 mg/kg) than that used in the current study, administered once through the caudal vein, was reported to decrease blood pressure in SHR after 20 min . Numerous prior studies have indicated that 30–120 mg/kg of PNS is optimal for protection against cerebral ischaemia in animal models . In the present study, the lowest dose was therefore selected, 30 mg/kg of PNS, which is six times the clinical dose (5 mg/kg).…”

“…5 Numerous prior studies have indicated that 30-120 mg/kg of PNS is optimal for protection against cerebral ischaemia in animal models. 6,29,30 In the present study, the lowest dose was therefore selected, 30 mg/ kg of PNS, which is six times the clinical dose (5 mg/kg). As expected, long-term administration of PNS to SHRSP.ZF rats reduced blood pressure by 15%.…”