Danhong Inhibits Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein&ndash;Induced Immune Maturation of Dentritic Cells via a Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor <I>&gamma;</I>&ndash;Mediated Pathway

Abstract

Abstract. Danhong injection (DHI), a Chinese Materia Medica standardized product extracted from Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae and Flos Carthami tinctorii, is effective in the treatment of atherosclerosis (AS)-related diseases. It is widely recognized that AS is a complex inflammatory disease of the arterial wall and the dendritic cells (DCs) is a major player in the pathogenesis of AS via mediating atherosclerotic antigen presenting and T lymphocytes. Here, we determined the effect and possible mechanism of DHI on oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced maturation and immune function of DCs. Human monocyte-derived DCs were incubated with DHI or ciglitazone and were subsequently stimulated with ox-LDL to induce maturation. Similar to ciglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) γ agonist, DHI, could significantly reduce ox-LDL-induced expressions of mature markers, enhance the endocytotic function, and inhibit secretions of cytokine on DCs. These effects of DHI could be partly reversed by silencing the PPARγ. In conclusion, DHI could inhibit ox-LDL-induced maturation of DCs partly through activating a PPARγ-mediated signaling pathway.

DanHong injection dose-dependently varies amino acid metabolites and metabolic pathways in the treatment of rats with cerebral ischemia

“…Previous studies have shown that DHI exhibited diverse pharmacological effects, including protection against vascular endothelium injury [2,3] , improvements in atherosclerosis and microcirculation [4] , and neuroprotective effects [5] . It has also been suggested that DHI might have a dose-dependent protective effect on promoting angiogenesis and mesenteric microcirculation in acute hypoxia [6,7] . In addition, an experimental study indicated that DHI had a concentration-response relationship in promoting angiogenesis potentially via the increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) [8] .…”

Danhong injection reduces vascular remodeling and up-regulates the Kallikrein-kinin system in spontaneously hypertensive rats

“…Formulated based on the TCM theory of “activating and promoting blood circulations to dissipate blood stasis and dredge collaterals” 34 , DHI has been widely used in Chinese hospitals and clinics with proven efficacy and safety 31 for treatment and prophylaxis of various cardio-cerebrovascular incidents, such as treatment of ischemia-reperfusion injury, atherosclerosis, acute coronary syndrome, hepatic veno-occlusive disease 32, 33, 43, 44 . Following our previous published work 38 showing that DHI and one of its component Danshensu serve as a direct vasodilator in normal rats, the primary finding of this study is that DHI significantly lowered BP (diastolic, systolic and mean blood pressure) in SHR compared with that of control group (Fig.…”

Danhong injection in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases: Pharmacological actions, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic potential

“…In addition, dendritic cells are important cellular elements in mediating antigen presentation and the pathogenesis of T lymphocytes in atherosclerosis. DHI can attenuate oxLDL-stimulated DC maturation by activating peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPAR)γ [124]. DHI increases the expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter 1 (ABCA1) levels in U937 cells stimulated by oxLDL.…”