ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the protection of total flavones of Hippophae Rhamnoides (TFH) on vascular endothelial cells (VECs).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Human umbilical VECs (ECV304) were used. The vascular endothelial injured cell model was prepared using hydrogen dioxide (H2O2). The cell apoptosis rate and changes of mean fluorescence intensity were detected using flow cytometry (FCM). The Caspase-3 activity in VECs was detected by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>VEC apoptosis was induced by 200 micromol/L H2O2. TFH in different concentrations (400, 200, and 100 microg/mL) could significantly lower the cell apoptosis rate induced by H2O2 respectively (all P < 0.05), and obviously inhibit Caspase-3 activities (all P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>TFH could fight against H2O2 injured VECs apoptosis. Lowering the Caspase-3 expression was one of its mechanisms in protecting VECs.</p>