Biomedical Research

Aims: The present study aims to assess the effect of Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction (XFZYD) in promoting the proliferation, migration and adhesion of endothelial cells, and to investigate the preliminary mechanisms.

Methods: Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) were incubated with Blank Serum (B-S) and XFZYD-Containing Serum (XFZYD-CS) at final concentrations of 1.25%, 2.5% and 5% for 48 h. The proliferation, migration and adhesion of HUVECs were assessed by Methyl Thiazolyl Tetrazolium (MTT) assay, Boyden chamber assay and gelatin adhesion assay, respectively. Secretion of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) was evaluated by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Synthesis of intracellular VEGF and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 (VEGFR2) was studied by immunohistochemistry. VEGF and VEGFR2 mRNA expression was evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

Results: The data showed that 1.25% XFZYD-CS had no effect on HUVECs activity; 2.5% XFZYD-CS promoted the proliferation, migration and adhesion of HUVECs; 5% XFZYD-CS enhanced the migration, adhesion and intracellular VEGF expression in HUVECs.

Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that XFZYD induces the proliferation, migration and adhesion of HUVECs through VEGF-VEGFR2 pathway, suggesting that the mechanism by which XFZYD stimulates angiogenesis in vivo may be these actions.

Author(s): Jiawei Yang, Wenjun Guan, Pei Hu
Abstract | Full-Text | PDF

Share this