| First Author | Zhu Y | Year | 2019 |
| Journal | Atherosclerosis | Volume | 284 |
| Pages | 110-120 | PubMed ID | 30897380 |
| Mgi Jnum | J:290394 | Mgi Id | MGI:6442804 |
| Doi | 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2019.02.010 | Citation | Zhu Y, et al. (2019) Z-Ligustilide protects vascular endothelial cells from oxidative stress and rescues high fat diet-induced atherosclerosis by activating multiple NRF2 downstream genes. Atherosclerosis 284:110-120 |
| abstractText | BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Oxidative stress-induced endothelial dysfunction is considered to exert a vital role in the development of atherosclerotic coronary heart disease (CHD). NRF2 is a key transcriptional factor against oxidative stress through activation of multiple ARE-mediated genes. Z-Lig is derived from the Ligusticum species with antitumor, anti-inflammation and neuroprotection activities. However, the antioxidant potentials of Z-Lig on endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis have not been well elucidated. Therefore, in the present work, we appraise the cytoprotective property and anti-atherosclerosis effect of Z-Lig. METHODS: Potential NRF2 activators were screened and verified by luciferase reporter gene assay. The protein and mRNA levels of NRF2 and ARE-mediated genes, and GSH/GSSG level in EA.hy926cells treated with Z-Lig were detected. The cytoprotective property of Z-Lig was assessed in the tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-evoked oxidative stress model. Cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in EA.hy926cells were determined. An atherosclerosis model induced by HFD was used to determine the anti-atherosclerosis effect of Z-Lig in HFD-fed Ldlr-deficient mice. RESULTS: In vitro, 100muM Z-Lig upregulated expressions of NRF2 and ARE-driven genes, promoted accumulation of nuclear NRF2 and unbound NRF2- KEAP1 complex in EA.hy926cells. Furthermore, Z-Lig alleviated oxidative stress and cell injury caused by t-BHP via stimulation of the NRF2/ARE pathway. In vivo, intervention with 20mg/kg Z-Lig markedly restrained atherosclerosis progression, including attenuation of HFD-induced atherosclerotic plaque formation, alleviation of lipid peroxidation and increase in antioxidant enzyme activity in aortas of HFD-fed Ldlr(-/-) mice. The chemopreventive effects of Z-Lig might be associated with the activation of NRF2 and ARE-driven genes. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggested that Z-Lig is an effective NRF2 activator, which can protect vascular endothelial cells from oxidative stress and rescue HFD-induced atherosclerosis. |
