Activation by Acanthopanax Senticosus of Vascular Endothelium-Specific Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Tie2 in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs)

摘要

Acanthopanax senticosus is a traditional Chinese medicine that is used to treat a number of diseases, including hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and hepatitis. The present study investigated the effects of A. senticosus root extract (ASRE) on vascular endothelium-specific receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (Tie2) activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The exposure of HUVECs to ASRE concentrations (10 ng/mL - 0.1 mg/mL) increased cell proliferation. Furthermore, ASRE (1.0 and 10 mug/mL) significantly activated Tie2 in HUVECs. Angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) (500 ng/mL) also significantly activated Tie2 in HUVECs. The extent of activation by ASRE was similar to that by Angl. The exposure of cells to Angl and ASRE did not increase the tube length of HUVECs. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated for the first time that ASRE has the potential to activate Tie2 in HUVECs, while ASRE concentrations in this study promote cell proliferation. These results suggest that the intake of ASRE promotes the stabilization and maturation of blood and lymphatic vasculatures, thereby improving poor circulation.