Anti-inflammatory effects of Danshen on human vascular endothelial cells in culture

Stumpf C, Fan Q, Hintermann C, Raaz-Schrauder D, Kurfuerst I, Losert S, Pflederer W, Achenbach S, Daniel W, Garlichs C (2013)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2013

Journal

Book Volume: 41

Pages Range: 1065-1077

Journal Issue: 5

DOI: 10.1142/S0192415X13500729

Abstract

Inflammation plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Besides cytokines, chemokines and cell adhesion molecules, CD40 and P-selectin play important roles as key regulators of the inflammatory process in atherosclerosis. Danshen (DS) is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for therapy of cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effects of DS with respect to possible anti-inflammatory effects. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells as well as platelets were incubated with an extract of DS or one of its major ingredients salvianolic acid B (Sal B), tanshinone IIA (Tansh) and protocatechuic acid (Protoc) under tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α or ADP stimulation. Expression of CD40 and cellular adhesion molecules (VCAM-1/ICAM-1) were assessed via flow cytometry. Levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, monocyte-chemoattractant-protein (MCP)-1 as well as soluble VCAM1 and ICAM-1 in the supernatants were examined via luminex based analysis. Treatment with DS attenuated TNF-α induced expression of CD40. Furthermore, the expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 as well as the release of soluble VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 were downregulated. In the cell supernatants we also observed a significant reduction of IL-6, IL8 and MCP-1. DS and its major ingredients, Sal B and Protoc, significantly inhibited TNF-induced expression and release of adhesion molecules, cytokines and chemokines as well as ADP-induced expression of platelet P-selectin. Because of the key roles of inflammatory mediators in the etiology of atherosclerosis, this work provides useful insight in understanding the pharmacological efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine. © 2013 World Scientific Publishing Company Institute for Advanced Research in Asian Science and Medicine.

Authors with CRIS profile

Involved external institutions

iTCM-Klinik Illertal Germany (DE) Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine China (CN) Medical Park Am Kirschbaumhügel Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Stumpf, C., Fan, Q., Hintermann, C., Raaz-Schrauder, D., Kurfuerst, I., Losert, S.,... Garlichs, C. (2013). Anti-inflammatory effects of Danshen on human vascular endothelial cells in culture. American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 41(5), 1065-1077. https://doi.org/10.1142/S0192415X13500729

MLA:

Stumpf, Christian, et al. "Anti-inflammatory effects of Danshen on human vascular endothelial cells in culture." American Journal of Chinese Medicine 41.5 (2013): 1065-1077.

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