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BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

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Open Access 01-12-2023 | Research

Panax quinquefolius saponin inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell calcification via activation of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2

Authors: Xiaoting Lu, Xue Liu, Ershun Liang, Ruixue Yang, Yan Liu, Xiaoqiong Liu, Fangfang Yan, Yifan Xing

Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies | Issue 1/2023

Abstract

Background

Panax quinquefolius saponin (PQS) is the main active component of Panax quinquefolius. Emerging evidence suggests that PQS exerts beneficial effects against cardiovascular diseases. However, the role and mechanism of PQS in vascular calcification are not unclear. The present study investigated the effects of PQS on the calcification of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMCs).

Methods

The present study used calcification medium containing 3 mM inorganic phosphate (Pi) to induce rat VSMCs calcification. We investigated the effects of PQS on VSMCs calcification using alizarin red staining and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assays. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and the transcriptional activity of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) were determined. The mRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf2, the antioxidant gene heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), osteogenic markers, including runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) were also measured.

Results

Treatment with Pi significantly increased intracellular calcium deposition and ALP activity, which were suppressed by PQS in a concentration-dependent manner. During VSMCs calcification, PQS inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of Runx2 and BMP2. PQS treatment reduced intracellular ROS production and significantly upregulated Nrf2 transcriptional activity and the expression of Nrf2 and its target antioxidant gene HO-1. PQS suppressed the Pi-induced protein expression of Keap1, which is an endogenous inhibitor of Nrf2. Keap1 siRNA treatment induced Nrf2 expression and downregulated Runx2 expression in the presence of Pi and PQS.

Conclusion

Taken together, these findings suggest that PQS could effectively inhibit VSMCs calcification by ameliorating oxidative stress and regulating osteogenic genes via the promotion of Nrf2 expression.

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Title: Panax quinquefolius saponin inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell calcification via activation of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2
Authors: Xiaoting Lu
Xue Liu
Ershun Liang
Ruixue Yang
Yan Liu
Xiaoqiong Liu
Fangfang Yan
Yifan Xing
Publication date: 01-12-2023
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 2662-7671
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-023-03961-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Panax quinquefolius saponin inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell calcification via activation of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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