Puerarin inhibits vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation induced by fine particulate matter via suppressing of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway

摘要

BackgroundFine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a major risk factor for the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Proliferation and infiltration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from the blood vessel media into the intima is a crucial step in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Puerarin, a natural extract from Radix Puerariae, possesses significant anti-atherosclerosis properties. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for the effect of puerarin on the VSMCs proliferation induced by PM2.5 remain unclear. The present study was designed to examine the effect of puerarin on PM2.5-induced VSMCs proliferation, and to explore the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signal mechanism involved.