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Planta Med 2019; 85(06): 473-482
DOI: 10.1055/a-0837-0975
Biological and Pharmacological Activity
Original Papers

Icariin Attenuates High Glucose-Induced Apoptosis, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Human Umbilical Venous Endothelial Cells

Si Sun
1   Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
,
Le Liu
2   Department of Pathology & Pathophysiology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
,
Xiaojun Tian
3   Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Second Peopleʼs Hospital of Jingzhou City, Jingzhou, China
,
Yanghongyun Guo
2   Department of Pathology & Pathophysiology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
,
Yingkang Cao
2   Department of Pathology & Pathophysiology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
,
Yunqing Mei
4   Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
5   Xiangyang No. 1 Peopleʼs Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, China
6   Karamay Central Hospital, Karamay, China
,
Changhua Wang
2   Department of Pathology & Pathophysiology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
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Note of Concern: Icariin Attenuates High Glucose-Induced Apoptosis, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Human Umbilical Venous Endothelial CellsPlanta Med 2019; 85(06): e5-e5
DOI: 10.1055/a-1995-8160

Abstract

Endothelial dysfunction is closely associated with diabetic complications. Icariin, a flavonoid glycoside isolated from the Epimedium plant species, exhibits antidiabetic properties. However, its impact on endothelial function remains poorly understood, particularly under hyperglycemia. In this study, we investigated the potential protective effect of icariin on high glucose-induced detrimental effects on vascular endothelial cells. Human umbilical venous endothelial cells were incubated in media containing 5.5 mM glucose (normal glucose) or 25 mM glucose (high glucose) in the presence or absence of 50 µM icariin for 72 h. We found that high glucose markedly induced cell apoptosis, enhanced reactive oxygen species generation, and elevated expression levels of inflammatory factors and cell adhesion molecules, which were greatly subdued by icariin supplementation. In conclusion, icariin exerted a beneficial effect on high glucose-induced endothelial dysfunction. This new finding provides a promising strategy for future treatment of diabetic vascular complications.

Key words

icariin - antidiabetic - inflammation - apoptosis - Epimedium sp. - Berberidaceae - endothelial cell


Publication History

Received: 25 July 2018

Accepted: 13 January 2019

Publication Date:
31 January 2019 (online)

© 2019. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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